Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Page 5
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Miners and commuters Our Governments have been destructive complain of oligarchic tyranny DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Pastor WP Jeffrey’s letter:” It is difficult for overseas Guyanese offering skills to break into the inner circle of bureaucracy”. Like Pastor Jeffery, I too have had a similar experience but with the previous administration. I am a skilled professional and so when I heard that there were shortages of my skill sets, I immediately offered to volunteer at a certain Ministry. The response I received was one of total dysfunction by senior Government officials. This was unfortunate considering those needing help were ignored. My experience made me realize that our Governments are responsible for wrecking our country and driving us into turmoil. There is no question in my mind that this dynamic undoubtedly fuels the abnormally high suicide rate. Pastor Jeffery is absolutely right that the APNU/ AFC government is riding on the same dysfunctional trajectory as the previous administration. Also, it should not be ignored that the PNC (APNU) initially mapped out this trajectory and travelled it. The APNU/AFC Government campaigned on a mantra of change and so where is the change? It is no secret that our country desperately needs all kinds of skills to move it forward and to mitigate the pains of the poor. Sadly, however, our Governments have been indifferent about engaging skilled professionals. So what is driving its indifference? Well, job opportunities are scarce and so our Governments are hoarding them for their comrades (supporters, friends and family of Govern-
ment) as political paybacks and incentives (political spoils). Often times than not their comrades lack the requisite credentials which leads to high levels of inefficiencies and undoubtedly ravage our country. Editor, our entire nation is brimming with inefficiencies. Government’s actions are deliberate. Government does not care. Government chastised the PPP/C for similar wrongdoings and is a case of “the pot calling the kettle black”. In spite of the fact that Government is heartlessly firing us and shutting us out of development, it is bald-faced enough to call for our return from abroad. Such calls are empty and nothing less than prevarication to bolster its image and to camouflage its shady actions. Who would want to return to a country where citizens with requisite credentials are unable to penetrate the work force? Who would want to return to a country where Government is hoarding jobs for comrades? Who would want to return to a country where comrades lack knowledge and any prospects moving the country forward would wind up in a stalemate? Who would want to return to a country to idle and twiddle our thumbs? This will
only drive us into alcoholism or suicide or both? Who would want to return to a country where corruption nullifies our hard work? Youths here at home are unable to find jobs then how will Government find jobs for those returning from abroad? Who would want to return to a country where our lives are not safe? Government needs to be genuine. Government holds the trump card and if it plays it fair, it will unleash development. However, Government is playing the game in its favor and this will only anchor us deeper into poverty. Let us be frank, our Governments are more than happy to keep us at bay so that they have the entire pie to themselves. Like it or not, we need to buckle up for an extended ride by the APNU/AFC Government. Heartbreakingly, the poor are too fragile to endure this. We should not be oblivious to the fact that a rouge Government is in power. It has bullied us on several fronts already by putting its needs above that of our country and its people. This Government not only rejects our skills but it also has the gall to bully a mega salary increase and skew an already lopsided work force in its (Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR, Please be informed about issues that affect miners and other road user that traverse the terrain....from Buck Hall to over 100 (One Hundred Miles in the Back dam). On Wednesday 2015-1202, Barama Company Limited instructed the security guards at 4 km and 70 km (43 miles apart) to “close” the roads, because of the rain etc. Bush trucks, cruisers, mini buses, and cars, and other vehicles lined the roads and hoping that the “sun” would come out so they can move on with their business. Please note;”THE ROAD WAS CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES.” Many trucks and cruiser had fuel and groceries for their employees and operations with perishables, etc. Sir, to our amazement the most unthinkable happened on 2015-12-02 at 9:35 hrs. The General Manage Mr. Neil Chand, the camp manager Mr. Roberto and Mr. Holex, who were in two vehicles, ordered the security guard to open the toll gate. They drove past the toll
gate in full view of the public into the backdam from 4km. Sir, the miners and other road users had to wait for over 7 (seven) hours. The sun finally came out, the road was dried, and the miners were allowed to proceed the next day. Barama vehicles went in and out of the backdam, while we had to wait helplessly. We pay $ 29,000 for a bush truck pass. We pay over $ 800,000 for our machinery, excavator, bulldozers etc. to Barama Company Limited. Sir, they did not gave us a “Customer Copy” and no “Revenue Stamp” are affixed to same, and so we have no proof of purchase etc.. Sir, whenever it rains we will comply, but Barama Company Limited vehicles traverse the road with heavier vehicles than ours. During which time we have to watch them helplessly. Their laws are applied to us, the miners,
but not applicable to them (Please Help Us) Whenever we are detained at the various toll gates for long periods and we approach them (Barama Company Limited) for food and water, we are denied same. Miners are denied medical attention. Sir, Barama Company Limited instructs their security guards to search our vehicles and our persons. They also demand that all drivers declare their licenses, fitness, etc. Sir, none of Barama Company Limited vehicles and drivers in Buck 1-1311 are certified. The police should execute that mandatenot Barama Company Limited. Residents of “OMRAU” and “CARIA CARIA” have to pay toll fees before they can access the supermarket etc. (a 2 mile radius). Suffering miners and commuters
Page 6
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Notes on governance structures in general DEAR EDITOR, It has always been a matter of interest how organisations, private and public, invest so much in negotiating the worth of employees on the one hand and customers on other hand, at the year–end holiday season. It is equally noteworthy that the various announcements, pronouncements, and acknowledgements are intricated with the sales promotions. It therefore leaves the more curious to wonder whether or not in fact the employer is perhaps confusing the productive component of the organisation with its products. Fortunately most employees, long programmed into an environment of conformity to power, hardly notice whether the ritualistic songs, dances and costumes are true indicators of their respective values to the organisation. Of course, they would have earned the annual increase, after an equally ritualistic performance approval exercise. And since their own managers have been weaned over time to expect and perform this institutionalised process, they would all come to accept this sterile reward,
thus starting a new year of repetitive experiences. At what stage then did they have value added to the quality of their personal lives? How are they motivated to improve as human beings, even while in a practical sense they may strive to be more productive employees, or even managers and supervisors? What then have the blandishments of the celebrated season of charity done for the human spirit that so desperately cries within to be elevated? Is there in fact enough comfort to be taken in knowing that the substantive measurement of one’s worth is in relation to the organisation only? How does such a realisation reconcile with the selfhood which sees earning a living as translating into parenthood, brotherhood and sisterhood, and other familial relationships? Is the work place to which one devotes his/her physical, mental and, at times, even spiritual energies, one that reciprocates in a manner that sustains the humanity by consistently advising of the value of the contribution made? If not, what then is the significance of the colourful seasonal ritual, except to camou-
DEAR SIR, I refer to KN’s article on the 25th December, 2015 where it was reported that the Court of Appeal had placed businessman, Kevin Jordan on bail pending appeal. Mr. Jordan was represented by among others, Rex McKay S.C widely regarded as the leading lawyer in Guyana. The DPP was represented by Judith Mursalin, a very promising but relatively new
prosecutor. Shalimar All Hack, the DPP did not appear. This was a case which called for Mrs. Ali Hack to appear. It attracted national interest as it involved the sodomy of a minor child. Mrs. All Hack failed to step up and carry out her constitutional responsibility. If Mrs. All Hack wishes to avoid these kind of cases, she ought to explain why. Andrew Singh
flage the sterility that informs the next performance year. The above is merely to point to the irrelevance of the current anachronistic governance structures (private and public) which compress selfvalue, and limits productivity in the process. So embedded is the insensitivity of socalled leaders of enterprise and government agencies, that they fail to recognise the negative model they set for investors from cultures (developed as they are claimed to be) which place much less store on human capital than on financial returns. The upshot is that too late some Government agency, ignoring its own frailties, invades and discovers the faultlines in those organisations structured only to exploit, but certainly not to develop – whether human and/or natural resources. The fact is that acrossthe-board, our structures continue to subsist in the contradiction called democracy, in which people matter only in the way power dictates – whether as CEO or Minister. For the former ‘youth empowerment’, for example, is translated into sports that gratuitously promote food, drink and entertainment products. In the case of the latter, ‘youth empowerment’ is definitively disaggregated from an education which, everyone agrees, has consistently defaulted on desired delivery. Somehow, in either case, few have questioned the efficacy of the respective governance structures and systems. Even when one hears talk of consultation, there is a clear message that it is on a playing field shaped by the powers that be, as if the admixture of the selected players would not have prior independent views, and would not have felt empowered to invite consultations in their
DEAR EDITOR, A well established business enterprise trading under the name of certain name in Region # 2 is operating without a qualified pharmacist which is in violation of the law. It is a compulsory requirement for the certificate of the pharmacist and a photograph of the person serving in this capacity to be placed in a conspicuous place on the premises for the purpose of dealing with prescriptions issued by a doctor. Just a few days ago, I personally took a prescription from a Suddie Hospital doctor
and requested to have a word with the pharmacist on an issue of interest to me. Much to my surprise, a young man who is the son of the proprietor informed me that for some ten years now this place has been functioning without a pharmacist. My enquiries as to how prescriptions from a doctor were being dealt with revealed that the staff was competent to do so but here is a situation where patients are being placed at a dangerous risk from the possibility of being provided with wrong drugs. The relevant authority
makes regular spot checks and for this malpractice to be recurring for almost a decade is most unacceptable when better needs to be done. While the proprietor is saving a lot of money by not having to pay for the services of a pharmacist he is doing an injustice to the society by endangering their health which is so ever important and needs to be protected at all times. This presumptuous anomaly needs to be exterminated once and for all with the enforcement of the law. With thanks. Lennox Jacobis
The DPP should have appeared
Ten years without a pharmacist is dangerous
turn. What all the posturings cumulate to is not just persistent under-productivity but, more disconcertingly, negative productivity. No one benefits from the stalemate which power-plays engender – certainly not in an environment which has no explicitly structured procedures for identifying talent and, moreso, potential for growth. The fundamental issue is about performance and output. This witness has been more than a little concerned about some of the views expressed, and the manner of their pronouncement, by the Minister of Public Health (a title which implies a distinct indifference to the private health sector). The Minister, amongst his several spontaneous evaluations of the public health services, with particular reference to individual under-performance and unit dysfunctionalities, persistently proclaims his dissatisfaction with the ‘Nurses’. In the process he bemuses himself, and the public (victims of the sometimes fatal procedural errors) that the personnel involved are actually trained ‘Nurses’, in the substantive sense of the job title. Those who know better find it difficult to understand the implied lack of appreciation between (trained) ‘Nurses’ per se and ‘Nursing Assistants’, ‘Nurses Aides’, and ‘Patient Care Attendants’, who together sub-
stantially outnumber their trained counterparts in the related medical facilities – a significant distinction which the uninformed patients cannot possibly make or, even more, complain about. What is relevant here is the egotistic approach to any resolution of a fundamental human resources developmental problem, immediately reflective of mal-structured organisational relationships. Nowhere in the repetitions heard, has any mention been made of executive accountability: of the efficacy or otherwise of the role of the Chief Executive Officer; or the functionality of a statutory Board. Where, one must ask, is the consultative process that should include the equally authoritative views of this grouping? What then would be their purpose in an organisation where, to some appearances, authority and decision-making is funnelled up unto a single ego? To any attentive observer it is clear that the G.P.H.C in particular is in dire need of the creation of a performance-enabling environment – more structured to serving the objective of restoring health. It is not only about technical training, but, perhaps more critically, the re-creation of a culture that makes the very healers feel healthy in their own hearts and minds, wherein they can be counseled to appreciate their limi-
tations, and be helped to rise to a level of consciousness that by adding and/or restoring life to others, they are at the same time increasing their own value as human beings – a quality that is bound to be recognised at least by those who surround them. Hopefully the case would have been made for the urgent need in our society to rebalance the inequitabilities in organisational relationships in order to generate the levels of productivity so much desired in all areas of work – through more committed conversations which must recognise the wisdom of all the parties – willing to own their accountabilities. In the final analysis, however, what is most urgently needed is one or more carefully selected specialist consultancies to investigate, analyse, recommend and, where appropriate, implement the strategic interventions necessary to address the identified resources gaps in our medical services. Indeed, as a registered Corporation, G.P.H.C can legitimately move outside the box in which other Government agencies are contained and, with guidance, explore the creation of an organisational structure that will energise its employees to put more of their hearts and souls in saving the lives of their patients and companions (albeit for the time being). E.B. John
DEAR EDITOR, Please publish this letter with the use of my name. The work load is too much for me to endure as the lone porter presently employed at the Suddie Hospital mortuary and the Regional Administration needs to take positive action to bring about relief to my predicament. I can’t do better because of the difficult situation to secure permanent employment in the region.
Advantage is being taken on me to work round the clock for 24 hours per day while receiving payment for just an eight hour period. With much dedication and by living nearby contact is being made with me at any time to provide a service which includes the cleaning of the parlour, stitching after postmortem examination, pick up dead, be it day or night to put in the freezer and to
From page 5 favor. Government is unremorsefully trampling our human rights, throttling development and destroying our country. This must end. We the people have the ultimate power to muzzle Government. To this end I will level a lawsuit against Government if it means that I have to eat just rice to foot the bill. I can assure Government that it will see a lawsuit if it does not change. The world is way too civilized to tolerate
Government’s unethical actions. A victory will be monumental for social cohesion and for the development of our country. Our country desperately needs to move forward. Government needs its power stripped and momentum is building in this regard. Make no mistake; Guyana desperately needs a radically different Government in terms of it philosophy and ideology for us to realize meaningful change. Dr. Cecil Dilipkumar
remove the bodies at the request of families. Even at times, I would be called upon to bathe and dress the dead with the money paid for doing so going to the parlour. Only the other day, a dead fell out of my hands while under strain to remove the body from one point to the another. This is a clear indication that I alone cannot do the job with more hands being needed and urgently too for the dead to be properly taken care of at all times. Bad management coupled with deplorable working conditions are responsible for a lot of employees quitting employment there but though willing to stay on, improvements would be necessary and not to burden me for me to suffer so much and for so long. To add insult to injury, the supervisor who drives the hearse is in the habit of going from an abuse of privilege to abuse and curse me for no justifiable reason. Lincoln K. Rambarran
I am an underpaid attendant of the dead
Our Governments...
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Bahamas national security minister visits FBI HQ for crime talks Bernard Nottage
NASSAU, Bahamas — Minister of national security, Dr Bernard Nottage, met with US officials at FBI headquarters in Washington, DC, last week to discuss concerns surrounding the crime problem in The Bahamas, Prime Minister Perry Christie said. Christie also said that he (Christie) met with Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade earlier last week to finalize plans to implement the government’s new crimefighting strategies. Christie told the media that Nottage and US officials reviewed matters that could impact what the Bahamian government does in the crime fight, particularly with gangs. He was responding to questions surrounding crime and a US Embassy advisory, which revealed that five US citizens have allegedly been sexually assaulted by jet ski operators in the last year and a half. “Dr Nottage and the chargé d’affaires [met] Friday and yesterday at the FBI headquarters in Washington where they are reviewing certain matters that will be impor-
tant to what we do here in The Bahamas,” Christie said. In an advisory on Tuesday, the US Embassy in Nassau warned American citizens not to patronize the water sports industry in The Bahamas after a jet ski operator allegedly raped an American tourist over the weekend. In response, minister of transport and aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin said the man charged with the crime does not have a licence to operate a jet ski. When asked for more details on the government’s crime plan and when it will take effect, the prime minister responded, “I have indicated that I am not going to pretend to be the commissioner of police. “The commissioner of police has had very strong meetings with me in the last 48 hours. “I expect the commissioner of police in his annual report to speak to what is going to happen. “I have already said to the people of The Bahamas what to expect.” When contacted on
Wednesday, Greenslade said he will report to the Bahamian people “very soon”. In 2010, there were 94 murders recorded in The Bahamas, a record at the time. The next year there were 127 murders and in 2012 there were 111. There were 120 murders in 2013, 123 in 2014 and a record 149 last year. Last month, Christie said the government will provide more police officers, modern equipment and expanded CCTV. His pledge followed an earlier commitment in October that the police force would roll out new crime-fighting strategies, which may impose on people’s freedom of movement. He said the government will soon have “good news” on the fight against crime. Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis has said the government needs to declare a “war on guns” and seek out the assistance of US law enforcement agencies to address the importation of illegal weapons. (Caribbean News)
be written off because the truth is MBS was created to fund health care and not to incur debt or receivables from the government of Antigua & Barbuda. “All I know it will be written off and we don’t see the need to transfer any asset there,” Browne declared. However, Lovell said Browne cannot legally write off the debt. “The Act is very clear. It says the Board is to collect the revenues that are paid and the primary use is for the payment of benefits. The beneficiaries are the ones who are intended to benefit from any
funds that are paid in. “It is not open for the prime minister to say he will put himself above the Act of Parliament and the Constitution. These funds are trust funds and can’t be written off by the desire of the prime minister,” Lovell said.
$125M MBS DEBT WRITE-OFF Daily Observer - “The prime minister does not have that power. He is acting unlawfully,” is how Political Leader of United Progressive Party, Harold Lovell is describing Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s announcement that government’s debt to Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) will be written off. On Thursday, Browne told OBSERVER media that the money government owes the statutory corporation for unpaid salary deductions would not be honoured. Sources said government owes MBS in excess of $125 million. “The debt should just
Page 7
Page 8
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 9
Dem boys seh... Bar Association calls for COI into deaths of GDF Sgt, wife, truck driver WAKE UP DE The Guyana Bar Association has called for a Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Guyana Defensce Force (GDF) Sgt. Robert Pyle, his wife Stacy, and Canter truck driver, Linden Eastman. They died in an accident on December 30. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) had stated that Pyle, driving motor car PRR 9118, was in pursuit of another vehicle during a “Special Operation” on behalf of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into an oncoming Canter truck on Carifesta Avenue. According to reports, Pyle was part of a team that was carrying out the operation in the vicinity of the residence of embattled head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, (NICIL), Winston Brassington. However, the Association made it clear yesterday that the deaths of the parties brought to the fore, questions about the legal underpinning, staffing and reporting protocol of SOCU, regard for the privacy and private lives of individuals and wrongful death, criminal liability, immunity and appropriate redress. The GDF had also stated that “it is normal for the Guyana Defence Force to support the Law Enforcement and Regulatory Agencies of Guyana in operational activities, especially at this time, as part of Operation
HANG MAN
President of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan
Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud
Dragnet.” Operation Dragnet is a Joint Services collaboration, between the Police Force and the GDF. It was announced by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on December 2, 2015 to deal with the spiraling crime. It is expected to be in place until June 1, 2016, following the celebrations of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary. The association stated that operational control of the GDF rests solely in the Chief of Staff, but is subject to the general or specific directions of the President, as Commander in Chief. It went on to note that the GDF is charged with “the defense of and maintenance of order in Guyana and with such other duties defined by the Defence Board.” “The President is the Commander-in-Chief and Chairman of the Defence Board which includes the
Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs, now Public Security.” “So far as the use of the Guyana Defence Force in civilian activities is concerned, where there is a situation involving violent crime beyond the capacity of the police,” the association stated. “The Commissioner may request the Commander in Chief to deploy the Military in support for specific missions and within specific Police Divisions.” “The Chief of Staff, as Chairman of the Joint Services Coordinating Committee makes his own assessment to the Commander in Chief (President David Granger), to justify the deployment,” the association said. “It is against this background that the association considers it necessary to call upon the government to mount an inquiry into the series of events.”
The association added that while the Chief of Staff has announced that the events on December 30th resulted from a “legitimate operation”, there has been no word from the Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, who it noted was the statutory authority to initiate a call for assistance from the GDF. Similarly, the association stated that since Operation Dragnet was announced as a response to concerns about public security, then it was important that the Minister of Public Security (Khemraj Ramjattan) address the nation on the tragedy. “At the very least, the law requires a Coroner’s Inquest into the deaths of the three citizens, while the issues identified above are so serious and fundamental to the normal functioning of a democratic state that they require a proper, independent Continued on page 10
De year just start and already ten people get murder, some of dem in dem own home. Yesterday, dem had de most brutal murder. Some young people go in a businessman house and chop him up because he couldn’t give dem money fast enough. This man was 80. People call de police and dem had sense fuh run. De police ketch one of dem washing off de blood from he clothes. Dem boys imagine wha de rest of dem do. De last time this thing happen Desmond Hoyte hang dem high. Dem boys seh that in quick time de stupidness stop. De BCE countries putting pressure pun Guyana to stop hanging. Papa Cheddi hang some criminals and when Jagdeo come in two get hang but dem boys seh that is de two wha Cheddi seh was to get hang. Jagdeo never hang nobody. Dem boys hear he go to hang one but when he hear that he might get hang too, he decide to call it off. When people ask him wha happen he seh how is de British, de Canadian and de European who tell him that he putting ee neck in a noose. Dem boys seh that de same British, Canadian and European don’t have to put up wid wha Guyanese putting up wid. When a Guyanese behave bad in dem country— he only got to pee at de road corner and dem deporting him. But dem telling people not to hang criminals. Dem boys seh Soulja Bai willing to send all de criminals to dem countries. In de meantime, dem boys want Soulja Bai to know that he better start hanging before dem boys hang he. Enough is enough. De country can’t tek no more. And even if Soulja Bai got to hang Jagdeo fuh no reason at all, hang him too. Talk half and wake up de hang man
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.
Page 10
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Leaky tax system distorted - GRA’s Chairman -- depressed Linden collects as much taxes as vibrant Corriverton
GRA’s Chairman, Rawle Lucas By Leonard Gildarie The country’s tax system is distorted and is in urgent need of refinement. A recent review uncovered a number of serious concerns. The disclosures were made Friday by Chairman of the governing Board of Directors of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Rawle Lucas, at the entity’s Camp Street headquarters. During the press conference, the official noted that it is an understatement to say that GRA does not enjoy a good reputation among the public. The new board, headed by Lucas, was appointed mere weeks after the David
Granger administration took office in May last year following the coalition’s victory at early general elections. GRA had been under the microscope for a number of years over its revenue collections, corruption, investigations of possible fraud into duty free concessions and the leaking of confidential tax information. In December, the GRA board sent CommissionerGeneral Khurshid Sattaur on administrative leave pending a forensic audit on the organization that is to be carried out by a foreign firm. Lucas noted that there is an urgent need to improve
relations between taxpayers and GRA since an atmosphere of animosity is not good for tax collection. Hinting that GRA staffers will have to go beyond mere courtesy and timely service, the official said that more training to ensure efficiency and capacity is coming. GRA, the country’s tax collection authority, is planning, this year, to introduce its e-service capacity allowing taxpayers to go online to check transactions and other information. GRA is working on another service to allow employers to file income tax payments online also. However, Lucas warned that the while Guyana remains ambitious, there is a need for Guyana to be realistic of the huge problem surrounding the issue of noncompliance by taxpayers. As a matter of fact, he said that since being appointed, GRA’s board has commissioned a review of number of areas in the country, looking at economic data between 2006-2014. They utilized figures from GRA, from the Bank of Guyana, on imports as well as spending. There were immediately questions raised, based on the figures, how the country managed to spend so much with such little money. The exercise was conducted for areas including Corriverton, New Amsterdam, Ogle, Linden, Bartica, Parika, Lethem and Anna Region. According to Lucas, it helped confirme that the country’s tax base is illdefined and distorted, and in need of urgent refinement. It appeared that revenue leaked through all of GRA’s tax structures, with huge concerns over the losses in income tax, property tax, and Value-Added Tax. There was a huge red flag over registered taxpayers as
GRA Headquarters, Camp Street.
against who were payingThose paying were far fewer. The Chairman noted that in an economy where the annual growth is projected at over four percent, the percentage of taxpayers is actually declining. It is the intention of GRA to urgently study this phenomenon to understand and to reverse it. GRA decided to disaggregate its revenue base with some attention to the economic centres. Lucas said that one would have thought that areas like Corriverton, in Region Six, with its multi- cultural economy, would have been making a larger contribution than the $1.3B. A depressed area like Linden, Region ten, managed to rake in $1.1B in revenues on a much narrower economic base, the Chairman disclosed. The worrying thing of those economic centers is the fact that the places only contributed an estimated two percent of the country’s revenues. “This is as much a surprise to me as to others,” a grim Lucas said. He said that one is surprised, too, that areas like Anna Regina and Bartica
cannot do as well or even better than the New Amsterdam. It is under circumstances like these where observed levels of economics activities to revenues (do not match) that GRA must use its enforcement authority. Lucas said that the public and taxpayers should not view GRA officers as villains-
they are humans too. GRA is also warning that a tougher stance is coming on corruption with equal stance being taken against its officials as well as any taxpayers caught paying a bribe. At the press conference with Lucas on Friday were Commissioner-General (Ag), Ingrid Griffith, and other senior officials.
Bar Association calls... From page 9 Commission of Inquiry.” “The President is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and Chairman of the Defence Board,” the association stated. “He would wish to avoid any perception of any conflict of interest, undue influence or political interference in the operations of the Disciplined Services, or of an operation that went horribly wrong.” This newspaper had reported that GDF soldier, Sergeant Robert Pyle, was engaged in a surveillance operation targeted at civilians and further, that he was engaged in a high-speed deadly car chase through the streets of Georgetown, chasing a vehicle which he believed contained the teenage daughter of Winston Brassington. It was reported that minutes after the crash, the son of a popular city businessman had told police that he was chased by two cars, the occupants of which had earlier identified themselves as Intelligence Officers from the SOCU and who had attempted to block his vehicle while he and his sister were leaving a Cowan Street, Kingston residence. The businessman’s son reported that while on Carifesta Avenue, one of the cars that were chasing him spun out of control and slammed into an oncoming Canter truck. Sergeant Pyle, his wife Stacy and Eastman, called ‘Smallie’, all perished in the crash.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 11
GRA must tighten up on monitoring of concessions – FINANCE MINISTER
Given the millions of dollars lost through tax evasion, Finance Minster, Winston Jordan, says that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will have to tighten up on that front as well as the monitoring of concessions. Jordan said that according to established protocols, GRA would make the recommendation to the Ministry of Finance for companies and investors to be granted certain concessions for their respective sectors, provided they qualify for it. He noted that the onus would then rest on GRA to ensure that it monitors how these concessions are used and that the companies or investors comply with the reporting requirements attached to the granting of these tax breaks. He noted, however, that there have been complaints
over the years that many do not adhere to the terms and conditions for which concessions are granted. The Finance Minister said that concessions are granted with certain conditions such as the creation of a number of jobs within a particular timeframe, for example. He added that tax breaks for vehicles and equipment for example would be granted for them to be used for a particular project. Jordan said, “If there is a breach of the agreement upon which the concessions are granted then they are supposed to be revoked. Investors, both foreign and local, need to ensure that when they are granted concessions for vehicles for example, that they stick to the agreement and not misuse their concessions. Admittedly, we have heard of a number of instances where
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan this takes place and it means that GRA would have to tighten up on the monitoring of concessions and take the necessary action when it finds defaulters.” Jordan then referred to a reported incident last year
involving Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. This company was using its concessionary vehicles to truck sand to the US$150M expansion project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri. Based on complaints by local truck operators, reporters from Kaieteur News had confirmed that scores of trucks from BaiShanLin were working on the runway expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. In a compound managed by the CJIA contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), several of BaiShanLin’s trucks and equipment were seen. There was evidence that crude attempts had been made to cover up the logo of BaiShanLin on a number of trucks. Some of the logos were painted over while
No signs of H1N1 virus in health workers who treated positive patient – Health Minister With the recent death of a Guyanese who contracted the H1N1 virus, Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton has said that the Ministry immediately started dealing with the health care workers who were attending to this patient, as well as their relatives. “Thus far, no one has come down with the signs or symptoms of that particular viral infection,” he said. This statement was made by the Minister in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA). In terms of preparedness Dr. Norton noted, “There is a tablet that we use and we have it available. There’s also a vaccine,” he said. A point to note is that currently Trinidad and Tobago has a shortage of this tablet and they’re seeking help from Guyana with this
Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton first line of attack. Having sufficient, the Public Health Ministry has agreed to assist Trinidad by supplying the tablets. With respect to the vaccine, it is not an antigen
that is given routinely, the Health Minister explained. “This influenza-like vaccine is done occasionally in times of crises, and we have not reached that stage where we would go and give the vaccination to everyone. “However, not so long ago, Guyana has on record vaccinated 120,000 Guyanese, using that same vaccine; so if it becomes necessary we will do so, but so far we don’t have- there’s no need for that,” he added. Further, Port Health Officers are fully aware of these preventative and treatment measures and are fully prepared to deal with any unpleasant situation. “They are there present at the Timehri International Airport and the Ogle International Airport, along with the Moleson Creek crossing, the Lethem Bridge
as well as Charity. But of course … we’ve got the porous border. “The water is low in the Takutu River in the Ireng River and people are literally walking across those rivers. In all the different parts of the Rupununi, Achiwib for instance, and places like that, also in Region Eight, in the Kanapang, Itaback areas, you have persons who cross that river just walking across,” he explained. Symptoms of the H1N1 virus include coughing, fever, sore throat, body aches and headaches. It can only be transmitted if an infected person coughs or sneezes and thus releasing the virus infected particles into the air. Citizens are urged to abstain from travelling to countries where the H1N1 virus is present unless it’s necessary.
others were covered by white plastic. However, the registrations were still in BaiShanLin’s company name. It is unclear whether CHEC’s contract allowed it to hire BaiShanLin without going to tender. As a matter of fact, the contract signed between the Government of Guyana and CHEC, and dated November 2011, placed the provision of sand as a responsibility of the Government of Guyana. From the aforementioned indicators, the Finance Minister said that this is a matter which should have been picked up by GRA as it constitutes misuse of concessions. This particular company is in deep trouble with Government for failing to construct a wood processing facility in Region 10. The establishment has been here almost a decade and was granted hundreds of millions of dollars in tax and duty free concessions. Last year, log exports were halted for BaiShanLin pending an assessment by Government regulators of the company’s operations.
The company says that it is awaiting financing from the China Development Bank for the processing facility and wants a two-year extension. The duty free concessions were for trucks, skidders, excavators and other equipment to be used specifically for BaiShanLin’s activities in their logging concessions. Local experts say that it would be a breach of the company’s investment agreement to use it elsewhere, in another sector, or in this case, for hire to another company. The exact number of trucks and equipment BaiShanLin shipped in has never been disclosed, but insiders believe that the company has at least 200 trucks. Tax exemptions and concessions granted last year amounted to an astounding $55B (US$275M) but the new Government has vowed to fix the broken system. During his maiden National Budget last year, Jordan made it clear that the situation at GRA was totally Continued on page 61
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Gastro outbreak in Baramita climbs to 65 A recent outbreak of gastroenteritis in Baramita, Region One has climbed to 65 and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, has cited the cause of the outbreak to be contaminated water in reservoirs. The outbreak, so far, has left one infant dead while 64 other persons are receiving treatment at the community health centre. The pandemic falls on the heels of another outbreak in the North West District area in 2013, where some 529 villagers were infected, the majority being children. Three persons had died. However, there is some controversy surrounding the number of children that actually died. In an interview with the Kaieteur News yesterday, Dr. Persaud disclosed that the contamination was caused by the presence of a coliform germ in the water. He said that stool samples from the infected persons were taken and sent to the Caribbean Public Health Organization (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago for testing. Gastroenteritis is a digestive system condition where the stomach and the intestines become inflamed. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection found in water, food and animals. The major symptoms
...contaminated reservoirs found to be the source include diarrhoea and vomiting, along with minor abdominal cramps, dehydration and headaches. There is no specific treatment for the infection but it is important for the infected person to be hydrated; usually an oral rehydration solution is administered. Dr. Persaud said that information coming out of the Region from health workers have revealed that 36 men and 59 women were infected. Five of the victims were children under the age of five. The village has not reported any new cases within the last two days, he said, adding that a “house to house” education awareness programme was helping to reduce and control the situation. “It is having tremendous impact there and that is what we need. We need to reduce the numbers,” he said, noting that medical supplies were dispatched to the village and included rehydration salt and bleach to purify the water. When probed about the possible reason for indigenous communities being affected by the condition, Dr. Persaud
explained that poor sanitation and lack of purified water are two of major reasons. He said further that many of these villagers use creek water or water from reservoirs for drinking and so are easily exposed to contamination. He said many of these areas do not have proper toilet facilities, causing stool to be washed into the soil and water supplies. “The conditions they are living under makes them vulnerable to such conditions therefore it is important that we sensitize them on sanitising their surroundings,” he said, but added that this might pose a bit of a problem since there is a cultural barrier. “We must be cognizant of this,” he said. Baramita, which has a population of about 3,000, and 20 satellite villages, has one Health Centre, which is manned by a Community Health Worker, a Medic and a Doctor. Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton had previously stated that the situation in the village was under control, however there are some challenges getting into satellite villages as they are accessible only by All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). He had also stated that the community was uncooperative and had refused to use the bleach in the water. He said further that they were not adhering to the number of days they were supposed to use the medication. “So we’re running into some difficulties there. But the situation has improved from what it was at the beginning,” he stated. Occurrences of gastroenteritis are seasonal, with the highest rate occurring between December and March.
Sunday January 10, 2016
President refuses to sacrifice justice for the sake of unity with PPP By Abena Rockcliffe It seems as if the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) will get nowhere with its ransom call. President David Granger has made it clear that he will not sacrifice justice for the sake of a union with the PPP. He is not willing to go down that road. The President is adamant that he will not stand in the way of Justice. Granger, during an interview, spoke extensively on National Unity and his administration’s determination to make significant strides on this front during 2016. During its eight months in government, the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+ AFC) administration has already made modest attempts to reach out to the PPP opposition on initiatives of social cohesion and national unity. However, the PPP has maintained a position to the effect that the environment characterized by audits and investigations is not conducive for unity. The PPP also objected to some of its members being labeled criminals and has thus refused to participate in unity talks. While President Granger wants to move ahead in unity, he said that the audits and investigations must continue. “As far as the tempo is concerned, I do not interfere with the course of justice,” said Granger. The President said, “If people commit offences it is up to the police or the DPP (Director of Public Prosecution) and other authorities to take action against the person who commits that offence. If someone from the previous administration murders somebody, I am not going to say let’s get on with it, that we have more important things. The law
President David Granger
PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee
must take its course.” The President said that he has never interfered with the course of justice “and I never will. If people have committed offences then it is up to the persons who have been offended to initiate action against them.” He stressed whether it is a matter of theft or murder, he just cannot and would not attempt to interfere with or obstruct justice. “If offences have been committed, the people must be prepared to be punished if they are discovered.” Granger dispelled PPP allegations that his administration is involved in a witch hunt. “I am not waging a vendetta or some form of witch hunt but I am not going to stand in the way of justice.” The PPP/C opposition had rejected the invitation for national unity talks with the government and had even called for the scrapping of the Social Cohesion Ministry, which was established under the current administration. PPP had said that with the ongoing “witch-hunt” it is not in the mood nor supportive at this time, to engage in national unity talks with APNU/AFC. PPP General Secretary,
Clement Rohee, had said, “In rejecting these overtures the Party wishes to make it clear that while it has always been open to talks with all stakeholders on the question of national unity, the current political atmosphere obtaining in Guyana at this time, is not conducive to engaging the APNU+AFC on such a highly politically sensitive matter. He said that the responsibility rests with government to end its campaign of vilification, stigmatizing and labeling of PPP leaders as “thieves”, and as “corrupt”; since only then will the Party participate in national unity talks. “The coalition administration must end its campaign of witch-hunting and racial, economic and political discrimination against the PPP and its supporters. ...After all, why would a “clean and lily white” APNU+AFC want to engage with a “corrupt and thieving PPP/ C” unless the objective is self-serving and meaningless!” he declared. Rohee had also told the media that the Social Cohesion workshop held by the government was “clearly another talk shop.”
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 21
an NGO with a commitment to helping health care delivery Youth Challenge Guyana -
By Sharmain Grainger The notion that ‘a nation’s health is a nation’s wealth’ is one that has resonated around the globe for many centuries. This is indeed understandable as without good health, not even the best educated among us would be able to aid the ever imperative developmental strides. In embracing the notion that health is important to nation development, right here in our homeland Governments, both past and present, would usually plug a sizeable chunk of the national budget into the delivery of health care. But while the work of the public health sector is viewed as very important, as is that offered by the private health sector, there are times that other support is required. Such support is often realised through the technical and financial aid from donor agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and even the business sector and private individuals who have a keen focus on helping to address prevailing health issues. There are many such agencies in Guyana, particularly NGOs that have been unwavering in throwing their support behind things related to health. But today we will share with you a bit of the work of a local NGO which emphasizes the point that the public health sector needs help to reach some of our citizens, particularly some in the far flung areas of Guyana. We moreover bring into the spotlight the work of Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG). The organization was established in 1989. Currently headquartered at Lot G Enachu Street, Section ‘K’ Campbellsville, Georgetown, the NGO has as its executive director the exuberant Mr. Dmitri Nicholson. Nicholson
YCG Executive Director, Dmitri Nicholson has been at the helm of the organization for a number of years. While YCG has immense focus on education, entrepreneurship and life skills, it has always been particularly focused on health. In fact during the past year the organization in its determined quest to lend its support to the health sector was able to successfully implement a strategic health programme in Region Eight. Nicholson, during an interview, related that while YCG sees the delivery of quality health care as important, he has observed that first aid care could also play a crucial role in helping to arrest the progression of some health issues. It was against this background, he disclosed that YCG decided to spearhead a first aid training programme. But implementing the programme was not a simple undertaking, given the target location, and limited funding was definitely a major challenge. This, however, did not put a damper on the plans to get the programme underway. In
fact it motivated YCG to participate in the Arthur Guinness Fund competition. The Arthur Guinness Fund is a competition held by the Guinness company Diageo. Diageo’s products are sold in 180 countries and it owns spirits brands like Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Smirnoff, Red Stripe and Guinness. By completing and submitting a well crafted proposal for its project through Banks DIH, the local liaison company, YCG was able to triumph at the competition and cash in on a US $15,000 grant. The first aid training was well on its way. This saw the NGO reaching out to Amerindians and miners during the past year to improve their first aid skills. And the project indeed proved to be an immense success. According to Nicholson, “one of the things that we encountered is that many people in indigenous communities and mining districts do not have adequate first aid skills to treat minor illnesses to stabilise lifethreatening conditions before they reach health services.”
THE BACCOO SPEAKS The fear has always been the inconsiderate nature of people. I did speak of murders and robberies in the eastern part of the country. This is because the people there operate with support from the criminal minded in other parts of the country. There will be another horrendous situation caused by a disgruntled family member. Again the cost to the family would be astronomical.
** So far, so good as far as the roads are concerned, but all good things will come to
an end. Apathy would be the cause of the next road fatality to occur in Guyana. A car on the roadway would careen into a parked vehicle because the driver took his eyes off the road. ** Anger leads to many things. In this case it would cause a horrible domestic incident because an adult male would sexually assault a young girl. There is no end to horrible happenings.
But YCG’s health work is certainly not limited to the first aid training which, according to reports, was well received. In fact its work during the past year saw the implementation of HIV work that reached sex workers and men who have sex with men in Regions One, Three, Five and Eight. With support from likeminded organizations including: Advancing Partners and Communities, Guyana Trans United and the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities, YCG was able to centre its work mainly on HIV testing and counseling. “We were able to ensure that we create awareness among the target populations on how to use condoms, and how to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections as well as how to negotiate condom use and even how to reduce violence among their populations,” Nicholson shared. Another key role of YCG has been to produce and distribute posters and other materials with messages that further helped to raise HIV awareness among the target groups. And the YCG Executive Director noted that “What we have noticed from our work in HIV is that there are many needs in the areas that we work. In the interior there are many people who have unprotected sex, but there are very limited resources to be able to reach them with prevention information on condoms.” This is compounded by the evident fact that some of
First aid training in session
these areas may not always have ready access to resources coming from the Government or even other donors. For this reason, Nicholson said that YCG has been deliberate in its efforts to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Public Health through the respective regional health departments. “We have found that sometimes the health services may not have the resources to reach into the communities the way we can...so we work
along with them because we know they can’t do it alone,” added Nicholson. And it is no surprise that YCG understands its role in helping the health delivery cause, particularly in the area of HIV. Its efforts have long been recognised by the health sector in this regard. YCG has had on many occasions seen its health-related work endorsed by the Ministry of Health, USAID/ GHARP and the UNFPA, among others.
Page 22
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Disappearing without a trace: The Barbita Sarjou mystery By Michael Jordan If there’s one lesson you learn in this profession, it’s to never take anything for granted; never assume that things are exactly the way they seem. So that’s why I’m keeping an open mind about what has happened to Barbita Sarjou. I’m not assuming that the 28-year-old who has been missing since November 4, 2009, has run off with a lover, or that she’s left the country, or even that she’s dead. But I’m asking myself this: Why would a pretty young woman disappear without a trace, while leaving her salary, passport, wedding rings, and the little son she loves behind? I learned this lesson about not taking things for granted after a woman disappeared just like Barbita some 20 years ago. Around 1995, a Guyana Defence Force lieutenant placed an advertisement in the Stabroek News in an effort to locate his wife, Wendy Saigo-Brown. The woman, a City Council employee, had reportedly gone to visit her husband at his Camp Stephenson, Timehri base. After the visit, the husband reportedly accompanied his spouse to the public road, where he watched her enter a
Barbita Sarjou
Georgetown-bound minibus. She was reportedly the only woman in that bus. I was at the Chronicle back then, and a colleague,
Michelle Nurse (Michelle Griffith then) casually said to me: “I hear that the husband thinks it’s a rape/murder…” I said never assume, but right then I somehow knew that Wendy Saigo-Brown was indeed dead. The next day I visited her parents and learned that they, too, harboured the same suspicion. I told a retired detective, whom I had befriended, about my suspicions. We began to meet almost daily to discuss the matter. The former detective suggested that police investigators allow the husband to take
part in the search. But by then, the lieutenant had been placed under close arrest. Meanwhile, Wendy SaigoBrown’s relatives mounted a daily search for the missing woman. I was at home one afternoon when a source called me: “They just find her purse,” he said. About five minutes later the source called again. “They just find the body.” Wendy Saigo-Brown’s decomposing remains had been found in a bushy area near Camp Stephenson. The husband was charged with her murder; a jury found him not guilty. And so I come to the case of Barbita Sarjou, whose disappearance is even more puzzling. Barbita Sarjou’s mother, Champa Seonarine, said that her daughter left the mother’s Timehri home on November 4, 2009, after telling relatives that she was going to watch the Diwali motorcade after leaving work. The B.K. International employee reportedly left work in the company of friends, whom she allegedly told that she was going to her husband’s home in Kitty. There, she would pick up the couple’s four-year-old son and go to the motorcade with her husband. The couple had been living separately for some time and the husband was said to have custody of the son. Ms. Seonarine said that Sarjou had planned to return home by 21:00 hrs, but never did. Family members attempted to contact her on her two mobile phones but they appeared to have been turned off. Ms. Seonarine claims that the following day, a female relative received a text mes-
sage from a man who is closely associated with Sarjou, and who her family suspects abducted her. The message reportedly said “Happy Diwali.” The same man reportedly sent another text message enquiring whether Sarjou had turned up. The message reportedly stated: “Any news? Call me back.” Mrs. Seonarine said she first informed ranks at the Timehri Police Station about her daughter’s disappearance then made a similar report at the Kitty Police Station. That led to police detaining and questioning Sarjou’s husband and searching his home and septic tank. They also searched two other homes, but found no trace of the missing woman. Checks with Immigration officials showed no records of her leaving Guyana. Then, almost a year later, a man reportedly began contacting one of Sarjou’s sisters on her mobile phone. According to the sister, the caller appeared to believe that she was Sarjou’s mother. He reportedly identified himself as ‘Ricky’, and said that he owns two minibuses which operate on the East Bank of Demerara. She alleged that the caller claimed to know of Sarjou’s whereabouts, but would make excuses whenever she asked to speak with Barbita. The sister claimed that the man suggested that she meet him near the Diamond New Scheme Access Road, so that he could take her to the house where Barbita Sarjou was
staying. But he never showed up. She informed police officials at the Brickdam Police Station about the calls and provided them with the caller’s mobile number. Investigators arrested two brothers who operated minibuses in Diamond. She alleged that the brothers first told the detectives that ‘Ricky’ was out of the country, but later denied knowing anyone by that name. They were subsequently released. She said that the mystery caller subsequently contacted her on December 11, 2010, on a different mobile phone. Kaieteur News was provided with the numbers, but no one answered them. The sister expressed fear that her sibling is the victim of foul play and the persons responsible for her fate were taunting the family. Champa Seonarine, meanwhile, is adamant that her daughter did not disappear willingly, particularly since the young woman’s passport, wedding and engagement rings and salary were left in her bedroom. If you have any further information on the whereabouts of Barbita Sarjou, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office or by telephone. We can be reached on telephone numbers 2258452, 22-58458, 22-58465, or 22-58491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address: mjdragon@ hotmail.com.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 23
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
The police and Lisa Smith on North Road I am convinced that the upper tiers of the police force have no intention of respecting the citizens of Guyana and that people’s confidence in this country will never rise once they see the police force as a renegade organization. I have intervened several times (out of which a number of columns were composed) when traffic cops stop drivers at random. Each time I would show the ranks the guide statement by the Commissioner of Police in which it instructs ranks only to intervene when they observe the commission of a violation. On Thursday afternoon, I saw five traffic personnel intercepting dozens of vehicle at random on North Road directly between the Georgetown Football Club and the Georgetown Cricket Club. I inquired if they were aware of the Commissioner’s guide. I showed all of them the guide of the Commissioner of Police. Of the five, only Mr. Cunje (number tag21198) agreed to engage me. He asked if I know when the Commissioner issued his caution. I told him March 2015. His reaction was that was then. Then he pointed out that as far as he knows, routine stops are part of traffic patrols. The officer in charge of the operation was Mr. Reynolds (number tag 15687). Only one other officer, Mr. Narine, had a name tag. The other two didn’t. I asked Mr. Reynolds if he was aware that routine halts
are not part of police procedures. Interestingly, he refused to answer, only to repeat several times that he is conducting traffic patrols. He uttered that several times and each time I said, “Sir, I know that, but are you doing routine stops?” He just would not answer. Mr. Cunje was there to hear his boss contradict him. So who is right - Cunje or the Commissioner of Police? As my discussions with the police ranks continued, I asked a young lady in a Black SUV if she was randomly stopped. She confirmed that she was. She agreed for her name to be published. Lisa Smith of Lamaha Springs. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get Ms. Smith to ask the police if they do routine stops. I wanted to hear what the answer would be, but Ms. Smith would not ask it. She looked afraid and indicated to me that she had summoned someone to come to her rescue. That person was Attorney-at-law, Patrice Henry. Mr. Henry agreed that he doesn’t think routine commands are part of the traffic operations, but the police have grown accustomed to such a practice. Here is the interesting part. While Reynolds refused to answer if he and his four men were giving random instructions, they were all doing so in front of me, Patrice Henry and Lisa Smith. I told them I would publish what I was seeing, but they just
couldn’t be bothered. The media and a lawyer were there, but those five ranks were totally oblivious to our presence. This is what is so frightening about policing in Guyana. The police just do their thing, irrespective of who is watching them, and when those who are watching them tell them they are acting improperly, the police ignore those pleas. For me, the interesting angle of that incident was the temperament of Lisa Smith. She was a portrait of resignation. She couldn’t find the
courage to ask the police if they saw her committing an offence or if she was stopped at random. Ms. Smith’s quiet disposition was so instructive. Here was a lady that accepted what was happening to her, even though the press was there to protect her. She was prepared to let her rights be violated because she was frightened by the police presence. This is how the Guyanese people have lost their freedom. Ordinary people lose their rights because imposing authority intimidates them. A few months ago I saw a situa-
tion in the landlord and tenant court that was a deep sociological awakening for me. Gordon April used to be the security detail for Raphael Trotman. He provided security for me during the 2015 election campaign. Mr. April was ordered to vacate his rented house by the magistrate. He asked for my help. In open court, I addressed the magistrate and requested a six months stay. I told the magistrate I had asked Minister Trotman to intercede with the Housing Ministry for a house lot for April, and Minister Trotman agreed to help.
Frederick Kissoon The magistrate in the most gentle of tones inquired of Mrs. April how much time she needed. Mrs. April just froze. She couldn’t speak. She was scared. That is how people end up losing their rights.
Page 24
By Marlon Williams AFC Member “Wait, that is a concrete drain! Really, it is concrete!” This was the astounded expression of a 35-year-old Attorney, as we walked down South Road in the Lacytown Ward. He has been home and practicing law for just over 10 years, traversing that very route almost daily.
Kaieteur News
This man just did not know that there is a strong concrete structure lying below all the mud, waste and refuse that he had become accustomed to in that drain. In truth, he had been one of the nay-sayers who did not support the idea of the AFC merging with the APNU coalition in February 2015. Now he’s happy. He’s seeing the results, benefiting from the
change we promised. Our conversation moved along and we strolled past the Chambers of the former Attorney General. It shifted to Anil Nandlall and we began to speculate about what he meant when he said that this government should justify and account for the $300 Million which Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, indicated
Sunday January 10, 2016
has been expended on the current “Clean up my Country” initiative. We couldn’t find the answer, but more questions. Was he finding more ways (as is the perpetually nauseating habit of the PPP) to deflect the public’s attention from their benefits? We had one more for him: since the PPP under his legal stewardship had spent over a billion dollars on a so-called one-off cleanup in 2014, why did our citizens’ yards, houses and businesses places keep right on flooding after five minutes of heavy rainfall? A few weeks ago, in December 2015, the rain poured for hours, and lo and behold there was no flood water accumulated in my yard or thankfully my house. The concrete drain beside my parapet didn’t even flow over. A one-time PPP supporter put it like this: “It’s like me giving my clerk $5,000 to buy stationery and she comes back with a few sheets of paper. I go myself the next day with a similar amount of money and return with a ream of photocopying paper, a pack of file folders, a box of envelopes and a nice pen.” That was funny, but how could I laugh when the parable reminded me so vividly of the hurt this nation felt every time the PPP and their cohorts squandered our money? When you chronicle the events of the last two years at least, you become convinced that destiny’s designer had it all worked out. It’s a lot like the biblical story of little David who defeated Goliath the giant. A relatively small, innovative, nationalistic, morallydriven agent of change, the AFC, filed a No Confidence motion (the slingshot) that led to national elections (the stone), which led to the end of the PPP’s dread lock on this country (the fall of a giant).
Our story has a slight variance though: it was a David who filed that motion and another David who has become Leader. What’s more, this happened just as our beloved country was being positioned to benefit from its inheritance - a large find of a basin filled with oil and gas, Black Gold. A quote from the renowned Albert Einstein comes to mind: “Everything is determined, the beginning as well as the end, by forces over which we have no control. It is determined for the insect, as well as for the star. Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible piper.” In our hands now is our destiny, and though it is an uphill task to bring our country back from an economic precipice, we are prepared, this coalition of six parties led by David and Moses. The passion that we share for ‘a-we Guyana’ is not blind though. It drives us to see things objectively, like the Specialty Hospital. We knew that it was an excellent investment, but we had objections while in opposition to the proposal in its then format that did not address the national needs in a holistic manner. The proposal was deficient and as it was constituted, it would not have delivered the requisite services. Guyana needs a specialty hospital, but it must be part of the broad initiative to improve the delivery of effective healthcare, which includes rehabilitation and modernization of hospitals nationwide; and equipping the healthcare network with trained, efficient human capital and modern equipment. More importantly, we have to ensure that the Specialty Hospital does not become
another Skeldon Estate fiasco. Remember that Indian firm Surendra Engineering? They have literally disappeared with over four billion of our taxpayer dollars. Every effort to retrieve our money that the PPP handed to Surendra (supposedly) for almost nothing, even through the government of India, has failed so far. For now we are thankful that Vice President and Home Affairs Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, intervened to end Surendra’s thieving. He vows to get back as much of those funds as possible while we proceed with the construction of the facility, utilizing mostly Guyanese labour. One last thing…this nation is indeed resource-rich. We are in the process of developing these resources and moving our economy from raw material-based to one that manufactures shelf-ready value-added products. Development of our small to medium scale enterprises (SME’s) becomes key. The Ministry of Business has re-energized the Small Business Bureau to work directly with start-up micro ventures and small business owners who wish to expand and diversify. Imagine me walking the supermarket aisles in the US and seeing them surrendering their organic foods sections to excellently packaged produce from Guyana. This same school of thought has driven Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, to discuss with ExxonMobil the value of trapping escaping gases during the petroleum extraction processes. Those gases are enough to power some industries. In addition, with an unprejudiced microscope, he is on the way to stemming the illegal smuggling of our precious gold and diamonds out of the country and the resultant loss of royalties due to the national coffers. Our word will remain our bond on national policies and the promises we made will be kept. The national conversation on constitutional reform has begun and our Chairman Mr. Nigel Hughes, as head of the Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform, presented its interim report to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Old Year’s Day - a prodigious start to a year of greater accomplishments. This is the premise that the Alliance for Change was built on - moving Guyana onward and upward.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 25
My column
The death penalty is condemned, but things suggest otherwise When Crime Chief Seelall Persaud hosted his press conference toward the end of last year, he made the observation that conflict resolution skills appear to have disappeared from the psyche of people. His comments were prompted by the spate of disorderly murders that were occurring in the hinterland. Then, very early in the new year, there was another spare of murders. The first two days of the year saw four murders. Since then there have been four more. It is as though humankind has lost reason. One murder occurred in plain view of everyone. Reportedly, a young man threw a hard object at a vehicle, causing all the occupants to go after him. The driver of the vehicle ran him over then the occupants climbed out and proceeded to beat him to death. In another case, a man who had been imbibing, proceeded to kill his cousin in the most unthinkable way. It was as though the cousin’s life meant nothing. Then there was the case of men entering a home and after beating a woman and her son, setting the home afire. The woman burnt to death in that fire. It is now suspected that the cause of the violence was greed, rooted in an insurance police that the victim had. Yesterday saw the worst of the killings. An 80-year-old man and his wife were set upon and hacked to death. The scene was unimaginable. What could such a man do to deserve that fate? If indeed it was a robbery then the monsters gave no regard to human life. These things make me an-
gry when the sanctimonious among us rush to seek the abolition of the death penalty. I remember when people invaded homes and killed people. That rash of crimes was dubbed ‘kick-down-thedoor’. The then President, Desmond Hoyte, put an end to that when he hanged the perpetrators. It has been sixteen years since the last hanging. Instead, the perpetrators of heinous crimes are given long prison sentences. The judge, when asked about these sentences, said that the state is not hanging people, so he has to protect the society by putting away the killers for a long time. Of course there were those who felt that the sentences were unduly harsh but as the saying goes, people only react one way when they are not the victims. These are the people who protest at the drop of a hat about the rights of the crimi-
nal, with no consideration for the rights of the victims. But for all that, the most talked about issue involves an 18-year-old boy who came to Guyana for the first time to be with his god-brother. A few things bothered me. For one, the nation was not made aware of this visit until some three months after the boy should have arrived. That was when his father made a plea for his son’s return to England. I could not understand a parent not trying to make contact with his child who was going to a strange country for the first time. And to crown it, the child, who had travelled to some states in the United States, would call as soon as he arrived in that part of the world. Queries about the boy’s whereabouts only began when the father said that his son failed to return on November 6. I could imagine a father now beginning to
panic. He named the person who was supposed to pick up his son at the airport, but when the police checked they got the word that this man did not pick up the young British citizen. It is here that I recognize how far the Guyana Police Force has come. Not only did the ranks get on the case and unveil some facts, they also found the mutilated body of the young man. I shuddered to think that the person whom he came to visit actually killed him. The police worked; they got tips which they should have got a long time. Someone directed them to the backlands and when they were about to give up a search, this person called them to let them know that they were close. The end result is that they found this young man in a shallow
grave. Soon after crows were seen circling. As for the man whom this man was visiting, the police held him in a hotel near to the former Russian Embassy. Again, this was excellent police work. Kudos to the police. But there are still some unanswered questions. Why the murder? Was it for the few pounds that the young man was carrying? Did he see something that he should not have? The brutality is astounding and coming from a young man who is 23, it speaks volumes about the people in the society. Just when we were beginning to think that we had seen the worse, we are confronted with a new breed of animals. Should we reintroduce the death penalty with a view to halting this bestiality? I expect to get some criticisms. And while I am on this
Adam Harris topic I cannot help but notice the pace with which people respond to reported incidents. The Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority was paid a visit by the GRA, who wanted to repossess some articles that belonged to the authority. People hastened to say that Mr Khurshid Sattaur was unfairly treated. The chairman of the Board of Directors set the record straight. I wonder whether those who criticized the GRA would now issue statements to the effect that they were wrong to pass judgement.
Page 26
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
SUNDAY SPECIAL DELAYED ACTION ON FORENSIC AUDIT REPORTS IS WORRYING – DR. DAVID HINDS The government’s sloth or indecisiveness over the forensic audits is becoming worrying to the nation, expressed University Professor, Dr. David Hinds in a recent interview with this publication. Dr. Hinds also noted that the failure of the administration to act expeditiously on the release of the reports as well as act on the recommendations to have defaulters before the court for crimes committed, is going to be an issue during the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE). It was last May that the Granger administration began expending some $133M of taxpayers’ dollars on a series of forensic audits to ascertain how the assets of the State were sold, disposed of or transferred during the previous administration. Now, some seven months later, most of the completed reports on several agencies are yet to be read and handed over to Cabinet. The only report to date that has been discussed by Cabinet and has seen action being taken recently, related to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). But in the face of mounting criticisms, several members of the Government have called on the nation to exercise “patience”. Dr. Hinds commented, “President David Granger’s recent plea for patience and suggestion that they have not yet accumulated the evidence needed for prosecution makes some sense. But, politically it puts a damper on the expectations of Government supporters.” The University lecturer said, however, that the government has found itself between a rock and a hard place. He said, “Government has not found a way yet to balance its campaign promise on this matter with the pressures I am sure it is getting from powerful elements in the society to do otherwise. As such it is being very cautious partly because it is mindful of the effect of the PPP’s propaganda that it is engaged in witchhunting and ethnic cleansing. “I also think that some of the more powerful interest groups are lobbying the government to go easy on the matter. This is one of the difficulties of governing in countries such as Guyana.” Dr Hinds said that the private sector is very powerful as they often have resources that the parties in government may have benefitted from when in opposition and so they have leverage. He said, “Many in the private sector, for example, are very nervous when it comes to fundamental change. Many of them would have become accustomed to the status quo and may have benefitted from the corruption. Then there is the question of the coalition itself.”
made to the East Coast Demerara premises late Thursday evening (December 31, 2015). When contacted, the Commissioner General said he did not want any trouble and had “volunteered” to give up his gun to the GRA officials. He also said that his computer was taken away by the officials. GRA officials, speaking on conditions of anonymity, said an iPad was also taken from the Commissioner-General. Sattaur insisted that he was not political and had served faithfully for over 30 years between Inland Revenue and GRA. Sattaur believed that Kaieteur News played a critical role in his removal, carrying stories about him even while he was representing GRA on overseas trips. He said that two of his children, who held positions with GRA, resigned over the past months amidst growing pressure, following General Elections in May which saw a new government being sworn in after the two-de-
Khurshid Sattaur cade rule by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). ”I am happy in this New Year to be away (from GRA).” He said while in Opposition, Members of Parliament Joseph Harmon and Moses Nagamootoo had said that he, Sattaur, would not “survive” if the coalition won the elections. Harmon is now the Minister of State, in charge of the Ministry of the Presidency while Nagamootoo is the Prime Minister.
GRA SWOOPS DOWN ON SATTAUR’S HOME, TAKES AWAY GUN, PC AND IPAD
MONDAYEDITION
Officials late last week descended on the Pradoville One, Goedverwagting home of Head of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur, taking away his firearm and other property belonging to the state entity. The visit by GRA officials, on December 31(Old Year’s Day), would come almost two weeks after Sattaur was sent on vacation leave by the entity’s Governing Board of Directors to facilitate an upcoming comprehensive forensic audit by an international firm. GRA sources confirmed that a visit was
MOTHER BURNTTO DEATHAFTER BANDITS SET HOUSE ALIGHT – SON MAKES DARING ESCAPE Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Anita Baichan, 49 years, of Hope, West Coast Berbice, who perished in a fire at her home about 02:30hrs on Sunday. Initial investigations indicate that two men armed with cutlasses entered the home and held up Anita Baichan and her son Moshim Khan, 28 years, and demanded cash and jewellery.
The perpetrators were given $30,000 but kept demanding more valuables. Having not received anything further from the victims, the men duct taped the hands, feet and mouths of the victims and set the house on fire before escaping. Moshim Khan managed to roll out of the building but subsequent efforts, with assistance from neighbouring residents, failed to save his mother Anita Baichan. Khan, who was struck about his body with a cutlass during the incident, was hospitalized at the Fort Wellington Hospital. The injured Khan gave reporters a horrifying account of what transpired. He said he was asleep when the two masked men entered the two-storey house by removing a part of the grill work at one of the windows in the bottom flat. One of the men carried a cutlass and the other two knives. After waking Khan and his mother they demanded money and jewellry and were given cash and about $80,000 worth in silver jewellry. The intruders then tied both Khan and his mother with duct tape which they found in the house. ECONOMY FAILS TO MEET 3.4 % GROWTH RATE FOR 2015 – FINANCE MINISTER …FORESTRY SECTOR TAKES HARDEST BLOW IN RECENT YEARS …CONSTRUCTION AND BAUXITE GROWTH TARGETS FELL THROUGH The projected growth rate of 3.4 percent for 2015 was not achieved. This is according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who stated that a modest estimate of two to three percent was realized. A number of reasons were blamed for this. Jordan said that apart from three sectors, which generally performed poorly, getting the economy into acceleration mode after the May 2015 elections proved to be a major challenge. He said, “The economy after the elections was slow and this impacted the growth. The 3.4 percent growth rate was not met. We banked a lot on the Public Sector Investment Programme, which we hoped would have picked up rapidly but many of them are still in the preliminary stages. We were faced with a number of implementation problems and as a result of this, work got underway later than projected, so the construction sector really fell down badly.” With regard to the plans for the construction sector, a number of projects were outlined. Jordan in his maiden budget speech had an-
nounced that Government intends to ensure the construction of new road links, particularly a road linking the two international airports that provides an alternative option to the East Bank Highway; and the linking of the city and coastland to the new townships of Bartica, Mahdia and Lethem. He said, too, that Government would be seeking to develop a more creative and cost-effective investment model to construct a new fixed bridge across the Demerara River. In 2015, the sum of $13 billion was allocated for enhancing the roads and bridges network throughout Guyana. In an effort to ease congestion and reduce travel time, the Government proposed urgent expansion of the East Coast Demerara Highway. Additionally, over $1.6 billion was budgeted for the upgrade of the Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue Road, in order to make it a modern thoroughfare for Georgetown. Further, a total of $1.2 billion was budgeted for the completion of the East Bank Demerara Highway, which provides improved transit from Providence to Great Diamond. The Finance Minister had also disclosed Government’s plans to link the Sheriff Street/ Mandela Avenue urban development to periurban communities. He said that Government would be investing $387 million to upgrade the Sophia “Ring Road”. TUESDAYEDITION CHINESE-OWNED BULK FUEL OPERATIONS HALTED A multi-million-dollar bulk fuel importation operation on the East Bank of Demerara is on hold, with Government asking the Chinese owners to dismantle an unauthorized wharf construction. According to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, the operation called “Falls” and located at Coverden, reportedly built a larger-than-authorized wharf. Officials from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) reportedly unearthed the unauthorized works during inspections. The matter was reported to the Ministry with the Chinese company ordered to do corrective works. The fuel operation is reportedly associated with Rong-An Inc., which came into the spotlight more than two years ago after applying for fishing licences. The application had come under fire from local fishing companies who feared that the fishing industry, already facing problems from (Continued on page 31)
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 27
(From page 30) over-fishing, will be further threatened. NEW US$36M VREED-EN-HOOP POWER PLANT…GPL PAYING $10M MONTHLY TO TRUCK FUELACROSS DEM. RIVER It appears that Guyana’s largest power plant may finally get the use of its multi-million-dollar wharf facilities. The delay in the operationalising of the wharf, at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara, had seen the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) forking out more than $120M over the past year to private truckers to transport fuel across the Demerara Harbour Bridge. According to David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure, GPL paid up to $10M monthly for trucks to fetch the fuel from the Kingston plant to the new US$36M facility. The new 26-megawatt plant became operational in December 2014. WEDNESDAYEDITION GDF CONFIRMS LATE SERGEANT WAS ON LEGITIMATE (SOCU) OPERATION The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has confirmed that the late Sergeant Robert Pyle, a member of its Intelligence Unit, was deployed on a legitimate operation in support of the Special Organized Crime Unit, (SOCU) on Wednesday December 30, 2015. The confirmation came hours after the Private Sector Commission joined the opposition People’s Progressive Party in calling on the government for explanations into involvement of a Guyana Defence Force soldier in the alleged surveillance of the home of a civilian, as well as the circumstances that led to the highspeed chase that resulted in his death and that of the two other persons. The PSC in a brief statement issued Tuesday, stated that while it is saddened by the death of the three persons in the New Year’s Eve accident on Carifesta Avenue, it is alarmed by the media reports with regards to the circumstances leading up to the accident. This newspaper had reported that GDF soldier, Sergeant Robert Pyle was engaged in a surveillance operation targeted at civilians and further, that he was engaged in a high-speed deadly car chase through the streets of Georgetown, chasing a vehicle which he believed contained the teenage daughter of Winston Brassington. It was reported that minutes after the crash, the son of a popular city businessman had told police that he was chased by two cars, the occupants of which had earlier identified themselves as Intelligence Officers from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and who had attempted to block his vehicle while he and his sister were leaving a Cowan Street, Kingston residence. The businessman’s son reported that while on Carifesta Avenue, one of the cars that was chasing him spun out of control and slammed into an oncoming Canter truck. Sergeant Pyle, his wife Stacy and the driver of the Canter truck Linden Eastman called ‘Smallie’ all perished in the crash.
The US$36M Vreed-en-Hoop power plant will soon get the use of its wharf, thus cutting the need to truck fuel across the Demerara Bridge. the US premier investigative law enforcement agency, and the Department of Homeland Security, visited Guyana and briefed authorities here on their findings. The information reportedly fingered a number of big players in the industry. The interest of the FBI could spell serious problems for local miners and others involved in gold smuggling. Already, reportedly, the US has yanked the visas of a number of miners and other players who were believed to have been involved in gold smuggling and possible money laundering. The issue came to light shortly after the administration took office last May. The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has been investigating with a special gold antismuggling task force appointed by Government established to handle the problem. On Wednesday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, disclosed that based on reports, it is estimated that approximately 15,000 ounces of gold is slipping across the borders every month. Trotman tentatively put the smuggled figures between 50 and 60 percent of total production.
The smuggling problem would indeed be significant if one is to take into account, that gold declarations were more than 451,000 ounces last year, earning in excess of US$500M. Guyana’s royalties and taxes from this alone worked out to some US$40M. The smuggled gold meant that Guyana lost out at least US$40M, not an insignificant amount by any means. Trotman disclosed that the gold was being smuggled to Brazil, and through Suriname to Europe, It has been landing in Miami, Florida and the JFK Airport, New York as well.
prime suspect in the brutal killing of a Corentyne businessman, who was shot and hacked to death in his home at around 23.30 hrs on Wednesday. Police say Patrick Mohabir, 42, of Lot 9 Belvedere Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, was attacked in his home by two men who were armed with a gun and a cutlass. According to a police statement, the men also held up his wife Shabina Ahmad, 39. “During the incident Patrick Mohabir put up a resistance and was shot and chopped by the perpetrators who escaped with two cell phones and a pair of shoes. Mohabir succumbed at the Anamyah Memorial Hospital.
FRIDAYEDITION
RICE EXPORTS DOWN US$29M, AS PRICE PLUNGES ALMOST 50%
C’TYNE BUSINESSMAN SHOT, CHOPPED TO DEATH IN HOME –COPS SEEK PRISON ESCAPEE, ALLEGEDACCOMPLICE On the run since breaking out of prison while on a murder charge, fugitive Neshan Jagmohan is now the
Local rice production last year exceeded the level set in 2014 with paddy production as at December 31 at 1,058,129 tonnes – equivalent to 687,784 tonnes of rice, according to General Manager (ag) of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan. This (Continued on page 32)
THURSDAYEDITION FBI SHARES INFO ON GOLD SMUGGLERS – MORE THAN HALF OF PRODUCTION LEAVING ILLEGALLY It appears that gold smuggling in Guyana has attracted some serious attention from the US Government. Late last year, amidst deep worry by the new administration over billions of dollars in lost taxes and royalties, a team from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
Dead: Patrick Mohabir
Neshan Jagmohan (right) and his brother Ramnarine during one of their court appearances
Page 28
(From page 31) was 80,840 tonnes or 8.27 % higher than the production of paddy for 2014. In that year, 977,289 tonnes of paddy equivalent to 635,238 tonnes of rice were produced. In terms of exports, Hassan indicated that for the period January – December, 2015, the export figure was 537,334 tonnes compared to 501,208 tonnes for 2014. This figure, he said, was 7.21% more than the overall export figure for 2014. Hassan noted that despite the increase in volume of exports, the value was 11.48% lower than the value for 2014. For the period January-December 2015, the value of exports was US$ 220.85M compared to US$ 249.5M for 2015. The official explained that the price being paid was the major contributing factor for the lower value of the exports. When Guyana exported to Venezuela, the price received from that country was US$760 per tonne of rice. However, after the loss of that market, Guyana had to settle for between US$340 to US$400 per tonne. SATURDAY EDITION BRITISH TEEN FOUND IN SHALLOW GRAVE -GOD-BROTHERARRESTED; FRIEND WANTED The search for missing British teen, Dominic Bernard, came to a grisly end at around 13.30 hrs on Friday, following the discovery of his decomposed body in a shallow grave at Nurney, Corentyne, Berbice.
Kaieteur News
The victim was fully clothed and his body appeared to have been mutilated. The body was left overnight under guard at the scene. Police sources said that Aaron Wilfred Hing, the victim’s god-brother and a prime suspect, was captured Friday night in a city hotel. He had booked into the hotel at around 17.00 hrs and was asking a staffer to borrow a cell phone when two police ranks, who had received information about his whereabouts, informed the staff that they were looking for a murder suspect. A source said that Hing attempted to slip away from the scene, but one of the policemen recognized him. He was then arrested and was still being questioned at press time at CID Headquarters,
Eve Leary. A second man is also in custody. Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Hing, 23, who is a British citizen, and who had lived with Dominic Bernard’s family before coming to live in Guyana. The bulletin had given Hing’s last known address as Lot 19, Kildonan Village, Corentyne. A similar bulletin was also issued for Staymon George, who is also 23. His last known addresses were given as Lot 19 Charles Street, Charlestown and Kildonan Village, Corentyne. Police sources said that Dominic Bernard’s corpse was found after detectives, responding to an anonymous call, conducted a four-hour search of a desolate and bushy area some five miles off the main road at Kildonan, Corentyne. The ranks were reportedly tipped off some time on Thursday night that Dominic Bernard had been slain and his body buried in the area. SATTAUR FORCED CONFRONTATION WITH GRA OVER ASSETS REMOVAL – HAD SIX GRA VEHICLES AT
Sunday January 10, 2016
PRADOVILLE ONE HOME The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) defended last week’s visit to the home of tax chief, Khurshid Sattaur, on Friday saying that it was done to retrieve sensitive data and other properties belonging to that state-owned tax collection entity. Sattaur was sent on leave by the governing Board of Directors on December 17 as GRA prepares for a forensic audit that will be conducted by an international company. GRA officially reportedly went on December 31, and collected a laptop, iPad and even a gun belonging to the official. The visit, reported by Kaieteur News over the last weekend, was criticized in many quarters with some of the critics contending that Sattaur is still the Commissioner-General. However, during a press conference on Friday at GRA’s Headquarters on Camp Street, Chairman of the Board, Rawle Lucas, made it clear that GRA regulations are clear when it comes to protecting taxpayers’ confidential information. Lucas insisted that Sattaur was not cooperative with the GRA officials when he was notified that the GRA needed to recover some property from his Pradoville One home, at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara. It was disclosed that Sattaur had possession of six vehicles belonging to GRA, including a golf cart. Acting Commissioner-General, Ingrid Griffith, said that her office decided to leave one vehicle then on second thoughts opted to leave the golf cart also for the use of the Commissioner-General. The Chairman explained that based on a directive of the Board, Sattaur proceeded on leave. It was agreed that he would return certain properties pertaining to taxpayers. The Board, Lucas revealed, also asked Sattaur to help identify persons in possession of GRA property.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 29
Most people who commit suicide don’t want to die…. The time has come for there to be a national conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. For far too long we have given lip-service to what is now a public health crisis in Guyana. Suicide is defined as the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Suicide is often completed as a result of despair, the cause of which is frequently attributed to a mental disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, alcoholism, or drug abuse, as well as stress factors such as financial difficulties, troubles with interpersonal relationships and bullying. In Guyana there were over eighty completed suicides last year, and already two persons have died this year. It is time for this epidemic to be given the attention that it deserves. The first step in addressing this problem is to fully understand and be able to identify the likely triggers that would force someone to take their own life. This is not an easy task, because there is no known underlying pathophysiology for either suicide or depression. It is however believed to result from an interplay of behavioral, socio-environmental and psychiatric fac-
tors. There will therefore be need for a national campaign educating the populace and especially public health and mental health professionals on the etiology of suicide and how to identify the warning signs. Most suicidal individuals give warning signs or signals of their intentions. The best way to prevent suicide is to recognize these warning signs and know how to respond if you spot them. If you believe that a friend or family member is suicidal, you can play a role in suicide prevention by pointing out the alternatives, showing that you care, and getting a competent medical professional or social worker involved. Major warning signs for suicide include talking about killing or harming oneself, talking or writing a lot about death or dying, and seeking out things that could be used in a suicide attempt, such as pesticides, weapons and drugs. These signals are even more dangerous if the person has a mood disorder such as
depression or bipolar disorder, suffers from alcohol dependence, has previously attempted suicide, or has a family history of suicide. A more subtle but equally dangerous warning sign of suicide is hopelessness. Studies have found that hopelessness is a strong predictor of suicide. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness, and isolation, a suicidal person can’t see any way of finding relief except through death. But despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative to committing suicide, but they just can’t see one. In Guyana there is an acute need for trained mental health professionals and the infrastructure to support the delivery of psychiatric care. Without a strong cadre of psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychologists, mental health councillors, nurses and mental health aides, we will continue to be ill-equipped to deal with this scourge.
In our school system, guidance councillors must be recruited and trained to identify at-risk students and be equipped to offer help and support. There is also a dire need for designated areas in our current public health system for the treatment of mental-health patients suffering from psychiatric disorders. It will also be necessary for mass education, starting at the primary levels, to reverse the negative stigma attached to mental disorders and psychiatric illness. Suicide hotlines and safe houses play an integral role in suicide prevention. However they will only be effective unless they are manned
by highly trained individuals who can empathize with their client’s desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. We may need to examine our current legislation to see if adjustments might be required. In some jurisdictions, persons can be voluntarily held in a crisis stabilization unit, which is an emergency room for psychiatry; frequently dealing with suicidal, violent, or otherwise critical individuals. These persons are held and monitored for seventy-two hours if the authorities fear that they will harm themselves or harm others. A toll–free poison control help line connects you to
a local poison control centre that can help in a poisoning emergency. These lines must be manned by a trained nurse, doctor or pharmacists who can act as a first responder in a chemical crisis. Many suicidal persons may not ask for help, but that doesn’t mean that help isn’t wanted. Most people who commit suicide don’t want to die-they just want to stop hurting. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. We have a suicide epidemic in Guyana. It is a national public health problem that will require a holistic national approach.
Page 30
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Dr. Norton during his visit at the Leonora Hospital on Friday
In just a matter of months, an abandoned maternity unit at the Leonora Cottage Hospital will benefit from a “complete makeover” as part of Government’s continued plan to reduce the maternal mortality rate. Having recorded 17 maternal deaths last year, the country was unable to meet its related Millennium Development Goal, which was to decrease maternal deaths by three-quarters between the years 1990 and 2015. Although Guyana missed its target, Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton said that his ministry will continue to do its utmost to tackle this key issue and bring it down to the lowest in the Caribbean at any cost. With that being said, Dr. Norton announced that the first move towards the ministry’s fight to “reducing deaths of our mothers” would be to upgrade the Leonora Cottage Hospital’s maternity unit. This, he said, will facilitate mothers all the way from Parika, East Bank Essequibo, to West Coast Demerara. Presently, mothers are being taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where some of them are later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The maternity unit at Leonora is equipped with all the basic equipment, but has not been functioning for awhile because of inadequate staff and for other minor reasons. On Friday, the minister and a team which consisted of engineers, toured the maternity unit, and a plan was sketched as to what has to be done to have the ward up and running. This newspaper was told that the hospital will benefit from an operating theatre in the maternity unit to deal with any complication developed during delivery. While speaking with the
media, the minister explained that President David Granger visited the hospital on Christmas Day and he was very disappointed with the condition of the maternity ward. Kaieteur News was told that the President then called for an emergency meeting to discuss the way forward. “As a result of that meeting, we came here and we see an abandoned ward where we have a birthing room and birthing beds in good condition, but it is not functioning. This we can put in a functioning mode without much cost attached to it,” Dr, Norton stressed. He said that the plan is now to get the hospital to a stage where mothers can visit to have their babies be cared for and later sent home in good strength. “It is the halfway area between Bartica and West Demerara Regional Hospital, and we hope to make full use of this health facility. We want to also have qualified o b s t e t r i c i a n s , anesthesiologists and a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit),” the Minister noted. He also related that once the Leonora Maternity Hospital is up and running, it will reduce the overcrowding at the GPHC’s maternity ward, where two mothers are sometimes being forced to sleep on one bed. Additionally, three other hospitals will benefit from major upgrades. These include the West Demerara Regional, the Bartica and the Suddie hospitals.
Page 31
Leonora Hospital’s maternity unit to benefit from ‘complete makeover’
Page 32
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Constipation in Children: A dilemma for parents, discomfort for the child By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Constipation in children is a common problem. It is often characterized by infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools and causes discomfort for both the child and parents. Various factors can lead to constipation in children. Common causes include early toilet training and changes in diet. Fortunately, most cases of constipation in children are temporary. Understanding how to manage your child constipation can prevent unnecessary visits to the doctor. HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD HAVEABOWEL MOVEMENT? It depends on how old he or she is: · In the first week of life, most babies have four or more bowel movements each day.
They are soft or liquid. · In the first three months, some babies have two or more bowel movements each day. Others have just one each week. · By age two, most kids have at least one bowel movement each day. They are soft but solid. · Every child is different. Some have bowel movements after each meal. Others have bowel movements every other day. HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS CONSTIPATED? Your child might: · Have fewer bowel movements than normal · Have bowel movements that are hard or bigger than normal · Feel pain when having a bowel movement · Arch his or her back and cry (if still a baby) · Avoid going to the bathroom, do a “dance,” or
hide when he or she feels a bowel movement coming. This often happens when potty training and when starting school. · Leak small amounts of bowel movement into the underwear (if he or she is toilet trained) WHAT CAN CAUSE MY CHILD’S CONSTIPATION? Many factors can contribute to constipation in children, including: · Withholding. Your child may ignore the urge to have a bowel movement because he or she is afraid of the toilet or doesn’t want to take a break from play. Some children withhold when they’re away from home because they’re uncomfortable using public toilets. Painful bowel movements caused by large, hard stools also may lead to withholding. If it hurts to poop, your child may try to avoid a repeat of
the distressing experience. · Early toilet training. If you begin toilet training too soon, your child may rebel and hold in stool. If toilet training becomes a battle of wills, a voluntary decision to ignore the urge to poop can quickly become an involuntary habit that’s tough to change. · Changes in diet. Not enough fibre-rich fruits and vegetables or fluid in your child’s diet may cause constipation. One of the more common times for children to become constipated is when they’re switching from an allliquid diet to one that includes solid foods. · Medications. Certain antidepressants and various other drugs can contribute to constipation. · Cow’s milk allergy. An allergy to cow’s milk or consuming too many dairy products (cheese and c o w ’s m i l k ) s o m e t i m e s
leads to constipation. · Family history. Children who have family members that have experienced constipation are more likely to develop constipation. This may be due to shared genetic or environmental factors. · Medical conditions. Rarely, constipation in children indicates an anatomic malformation, a metabolic or digestive system problem, or another underlying condition WHAT CAN I DO IF MY CHILD GETS CONSTIPATED? In most children with mild or brief constipation, the problem usually gets better with some simple changes. Have your child: · Eat more fruit, vegetables, cereal, and other foods with fibre · Drink some prune juice, apple juice, or pear juice · Drink at least 32 ounces of water and drinks that aren’t
Dr. Zulfikar Bux milk each day (for children older than two years) · Avoid milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream · Sit on the toilet for five or 10 minutes after meals, if he or she is toilet trained. Offer rewards just for sitting there. · Stop potty training for a while, if you are working on it · Be supportive. Reward your child’s efforts, not results. Give children small rewards for trying to move their bowels · Avoid giving newborns and babies water or any other substitutes in the first four months of their life. Breast feeding or formula feeding will provide them with their nutrients during this period. WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO THE DOCTOR? You should have your child seen if: · He or she is younger than four months old · He or she gets constipated often · You have been trying the steps listed above for 24 hours, but your child has still not had a bowel movement · There is blood in the bowel movement or on the diaper or underwear · Your child is in serious pain · Your child develops a fever · Starts to vomit · Is having weight loss Following these simple steps and understanding your child will surely help the situation. Constipation should not be a regular dilemma for you or cause constant discomfort for your child.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 41
Page 42
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Flagging primary health care system is reason for high maternal mortality rate - Dr Frank Anthony The flagging primary health care referral system is the source behind Guyana’s high maternal death rate, says
Shadow Public Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony. Anthony stated that Guyana will continue to
struggle with maternal mortality if the Public Health Ministry does not address the issue of its faltering referral
system, especially health centres across the country. There are many incidences, he said, when women would be experiencing a highrisk pregnancy and health centres would drag their feet to refer patients to a tertiary medical institution. He stated that if there is early detection of high-risk pregnancy a lot of lives would be saved. “The referral system is the reason for us having this problem of maternal mortality,” Anthony said, insisting that he has not seen any improvement in the health care system over the past few months. “There is an urgent need for health centres to detect early cases of high risk pregnancies,” he added. As of December 30, 2015, Guyana had recorded 17 cases of maternal deaths, which is one case short of the 2014 figure. This has caused the country to miss its goal to reduce maternal deaths by threequarters between the years 1990 and 2015. In 2000, 189 world leaders met at the United Nations (UN) Millennium Summit and accepted the Millennium Declaration. It was there they agreed to the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), intended to overcome poverty and other related targets. One of those goals was to improve maternal health and reduce it by three-quarters between 1990 and 2015. So far, the maternal mortality ratio has decreased from
270% in 1990 to 86% in 2012. Therefore, in order to achieve its target Guyana would have had to reduce its maternal mortality rate to 67.5 percent by the end of 2015. “If the health centres would detect a- risk pregnancies early we would be in a better position to treat the patient,” Anthony reiterated. Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud said the Public Health Ministry is looking to establish high-risk clinics for pregnant women. He said it was very important for these mothers to be under close observation along with the medical institutions having adequate supplies of blood for emergency situation. He said further that the ministry was working assiduously to reduce teenage pregnancy since it is one of the causes for high risk pregnancy. The CMO also insisted that an acute shortage of Obstetricians was another reason for the high mortality rate. He stated that they were looking to increase the number of Obstetricians through training programmes. “We are also advising pregnant mothers to register early at clinics so that we will better able to evaluate their situation. They also need to attend their clinics regularly...we recommend the minimum of four visits in the first eight months of their pregnancy,” he implored, adding that the mothers need to work along with the medical facilities.
Public Health Minister George Norton, however, stated that there is a need for a multi-sectoral approach when undertaking the issue. He also expressed his disapproval with the response of the health care practitioners, especially doctors and nurses, when treating pregnant women. “I want the doctors to be more involved. They are negligent and I will not hide that fact. I’m hearing talks that I’m micro-managing everything but if that’s what it will take to stop mothers from dying and dropping the maternal mortality rate so be it,” Norton said. Recently, a United Nations (UN) report revealed that Guyana was among five countries in the region with the highest Maternal Mortality Rate, and among six nations where the incidence had amplified notably between 1990 and 2013. According to Global Causes of Maternal Death: A WHO Systematic Analysis, more than one in four maternal deaths are caused by preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV, malaria and obesity, whose health impacts can all be aggravated by pregnancy. “We made a commitment in our campaign trail to have maternity mortality rates reduced and we uphold that,” Dr Norton said, adding that the majority of maternal death cases were pointing directly to the negligence of health care professionals.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 43
Platform laid for improving quality of Guyana’s representation internationally (A GINA feature) The year 2015 proved to be a challenging one for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Guyana was however, able to formulate its foreign policy position in a manner consistent with its interest. THEVENEZUELATHREAT During the year, Venezuela’s challenge to Guyana’s territorial sovereignty heightened. This saw a concerted diplomatic effort to counter the neighbouring country’s unjust moves of deliberately refusing to honour an international treaty, to which it is a party, and a decision which they accepted. In pursuit of garnering support internationally, extensive work was done with bilateral and multilateral partners during 2015. Additionally, the United Nations Secretary General was called upon to assist in resolving the border controversy. As a result, a number of high - level meetings were held with representatives, both from Guyana and Venezuela which resulted on the embarking of a process which will see the Secretary General identifying an amicable means of going forward. These are preliminary measures as Guyana has stated its explicit position, that is, to resort to the International Court of Justice as a means of definitively bringing to an end the border controversy which has plagued Guyana for far too long. STRENGTHENING THE MINISTRY The year 2015 also saw efforts being made to strengthen the administrative arrangements within the Ministry. A number of persons who were qualified, and employed within the Ministry and who were not posted, such a situation was rectified This was done to ensure that each diplomat not only has the academic requirements, but also the professional experience needed to properly represent the ministry and by extension Guyana. CHANGING OF HEADS OF MISSIONS Another aspect of strengthening the ministry’s administrative arrangements saw the process to change the Heads of Mission including the Consuls Generals being initiated. The process firstly seeks the identification of possible appointees and Cabinet’s clearance on the candidates whilst simultaneously notifying the host country of the likely candidates and seeking clearance for them. This process can take up to three months just
to vet, assuming that they are no added questions on the likely candidates. The Consul General has community obligations to attend and participate in a number of events involving Guyana and interfacing with opinion forming elements within the community such as Universities, Research Institutes, as well as Guyanese and Caribbean Associations of various sorts. BOOSTING SKILLS Additionally, efforts were made to supplement the existing skills within the ministry having a team of former
pertaining to the World Trade Organisation and the trade obligations of Guyana. This saw Guyanese diplomats answering questions raised by trading partners as to the way forward regarding issues on trade cooperation. Work in the context of the European Union (EU) and the African Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP) of States with whom Guyana collaborates and pursues a number of issues, which includes the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) arrangements, also continued during 2015.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge ambassadors who would have worked in some of the key areas, to provide a litmus test for some of the policies that come out of the ministry. This will work in tandem with the restructuring of the ministry along with the revisiting of the number of areas assigned. Further, the Foreign Services Institute was reactivated to deliver professional expertise to diplomats, as it will draw upon the available skills of former seasoned ambassadors. INTERNATIONALPOLICY Attention was also placed on the furtherance of the international policy which saw representation at the Caribbean Community, Commonwealth and other Heads of Government meetings which focus on international cooperation. Guyanese diplomats also participated and contributed in a prominent way by either chairing or organising international meetings such as the Post - 2015 Economic Agenda where Ambassador George Talbot played a significant role. The ministry worked towards resolving issues in MERCUSOR which is a regional integration movement outside of CARICOM, and
The end of 2015 saw major international events which proved most important on the international sphere, the first being the WTO round which was an attempt to conclude the DOHA round by trying to put in place a framework that will see the removal of trade barriers. This framework would be removed in a way that will give priority to the requirements as outlined by developing countries. December 2015 also saw the conference on the environment (COP 21) which was an area in which Secretary General Ban Ki-moon played a critical role, and in which Guyana has a very important interest. This saw Guyana contributing to the preparation and negotiations in Paris with other Ministries that have sectoral responsibility for the environment. ACHIEVEMENTS As significant efforts were made in the multilateral setting, bilateral inputs were made into fashioning regional and international positions also. The bilateral exercises take the form of cooperation agreements of various types, such as that which had existed with Norway. Work was done
with the Norwegians to salvage the agreement between
both countries to ensure that Guyana could be in a position
to fully access the funds (Continued on page 44)
Page 44
Kaieteur News
Platform laid for improving... From page 43 which Norway had committed to, and to ensure that such funds go to projects relevant to a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The EU had committed to Guyana a significant amount of financial resources, however those resources were blocked for political reasons because Guyana had failed to implement a number of things that it had committed itself to at a general political level and also at the level of the industry (sugar in particular). Therefore diplomatic work would have been done by the incumbent Coalition Government to resolve this issue. The fruit borne from such work saw Guyana meeting all the commitments that were agreed upon, which pertain to reviewing the status and performance of the sugar industry, as well as defining the next phase, and obligations to enact legislations in the areas of anti-money laundering and protection from terrorism and also in relation to procurement, all of which were put in place, save and except that which pertains to procurement. It must be mentioned that the ministry worked quite assiduously with a number of the individual bilateral partners ranging from the United
States- which has provided support in the area of strengthening of the Public Security Sector and the Justice System. Assistance has also been forthcoming from the United Kingdom as considerable discussions ensued in relation to the Security Sector project which was suspended under the EU framework under the previous administration. In this regard a number of decisions were taken in relation to matters which were suspended. Bilateral relations with Japan improved as a proposal has been tabled from that country with regards addressing the flooding of Georgetown, thereby providing additional resources to Guyana to once and for all address the issue. As part of this mechanism, the coalition government will pull together all existing programmes which will see other bilateral partners contributing to address this matter. This means that the Ministry of Agriculture, its National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, the municipality, and central Georgetown along with other key stakeholders will be brought within one framework, and from that coherent state address the situation. Programmes such as these are evidence that the admin-
istration merely did not have meetings or exchanges with its international partners, but rather concrete proposals for enhancing the situation of the country. Another example includes the case of Cuba where a project was agreed upon to train those working with persons that are physically challenged in a number of key areas. Additionally, coming out of COP 21, a team from Norway will shortly visit Guyana with the intention of first, trying to pull together the different threads of cooperation that did not work in 2015 as regards matters of the environment. In the case of the EU, and the assistance for addressing security issues, during the first quarter of 2016, works will be done under the project. Meanwhile in the case of the project for drainage of Georgetown- funded by Japan, the physical work is the last stage, as currently, a plan has to be devised, and integrated into the existing ones before construction commences. Japanese input into this project is in the vicinity of US$15M; however it forms part of a wider project to transform the country’s infrastructure. Taken into account all that was done and accomplished for 2015, it indicates that a platform has well been laid for the improvement of the quality of representation Guyana receives internationally, as ranks who serve the varying missions will be better equipped to adequately address challenges they face. This year will therefore see increased participation in conferences and diplomatic missions being built on the foundation that was laid during 2015.
Sunday January 10, 2016
WINDSOR ESTATES MAKING STRIDES (From page 35) from the US. On this note, I must add here that we have originally promised to utilize all U.S imported building materials, and we never wavered from that promise, despite some of the earlier challenges. Sawh also admitted to quality issues with some of the earlier homes which left a few of the early occupants unhappy. However, he explained that “this was due to some of the earlier growing pains, like trying to find appropriate and experienced workforce to handle such a large volume of construction and also the fact that most of the local workers were not quite familiar with working with all the overseas construction materials. We have since trained our main workforce and have also hired an independent Quality consultant who conducts his own inspections during construction and signs off on all finished homes. This consultant reports directly to myself. Other than minor items, most of the quality issues have been resolved. In terms of managing this project, we have teams in Guyana and our NY offices that oversee all day to day operations.” We asked him about the effect of the economy on his business. He claims “Sales have definitely taken a hit recently, but we do have a constant flow of customer interest based on inquiries both from the overseas and local market. However, since our development is at the stage where buyers can see our vi-
sion materializing, we still get a significant amount of interests in our homes and vacant land both locally and abroad. We are also confident that the quality and value of our product will speak for itself.” After our tour, we asked where he thought the project was in terms of timeline. “Already, roads, water, streetlights, and fibre-optic cables with high speed internet and HDTV capabilities are in place. With North Haven, the first phase (30 acres) almost nearing completion, where we are currently focusing on the finishing touches like interior and exterior landscaping, constructing the main entrance/gate and getting ready to start the recreation park. When completed the recreation park that all residents will have access to will consist of a pool, and a club house with a game room, movie room, kids video game room and roof top bar. As far as infrastructure, several of the roads have been completed up to asphalt and sidewalks, and the majority of the remaining roads are prepped for paving. We’ve held off on placing asphalt on all the some of the roads because our heavy machinery still needs access to certain areas of the development.” Sawh asserted that although Navigant’s homes have been running above normal market prices, costing from $24M and going up to $60M, they are being snapped up by retirees, executives and a number of remigrants who prefer not to be saddled with
the headache of construction and want the peace of mind of living in a secure community. He claimed, however, that for the overall value they give to their buyers, they are still quite competitive. Despite offering a number of amenities and services, and their homes are sold as semifurnished with all US imported (fridge, stove, light/ bathroom fixtures, flooring, etc.) they are still able to remain competitive in their pricing. More than 90 percent of all properties in North Haven have been bought and Sawh’s construction company, Navigant Builders, is already laying the foundations for the second phase - a number of high-end homes for the more wealthy, that will feature a sewer system versus septic tanks, 20-foot roads, covered drains, sidewalks on both sides of the road and possibly underground electric cables. Homes in this area will be on larger ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 sf. and will be placed on larger lots than North Haven or even double lots. Sawh said that Windsor Estates was very deliberate in its decisions. While demands for Navigant homes have been overwhelming for the past they years, they intentionally sold a few vacant lots in a designated area to allow for the owners to do their own construction, to alleviate their workload. “But we insist that they submit a plan to us for approval to ensure it is in keeping with our standards and overall vision.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 45
Page 46
Kaieteur News
Health Benefits Of Coconut Water: Is It All It’s Cracked Up To Be? http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk: A few years ago the only time most of us would drink coconut water was lounging on a beach somewhere exotic. Fast forward to 2014 and it’s everywhere - splashed on billboards, in celebrities’ handbags and even stocked in the local newsagents. It’s certainly become the drink du jour - some even say it’s better for you than water but, in reality, just how healthy is it? We spoke to nutritionists and health experts - nutritionist Karen Poole, British Dietetic Association spokesperson Gemma Critchley and Alice Mackintosh, nutritionist at The Food Doctor - to find out whether coconut water really is all it’s cracked up to be. Coconut water is the liquid in the cavity of the coconut; when you crack the nut open, out it pours. But, nutritionist Karen Poole warns that not all coconut water is created equal. “People are always keen to try something new and en trend,” she says. “But if you are going to indulge make sure you read the label as some brands aren’t as pure as others.” Some brands (Vita Coco, Biona, Chi, Harmless Harvest) use 100% natural coconut water, while Cocoface allows you to drink straight from the nut itself. Coconut water is heralded for its nutritional content - it’s low in calories, low in fat and contains high doses of important vitamins and minerals. Some even go as far as to tout it as an alternative to water on account of its perceived rehydrating properties. But while coconut water is relatively low in calories (around 20kcal per 100ml), most of these come from sugar - the new nutritional bad guy. Although these sugars are naturally-occurring (depending on the brand), sugar is still sugar and consumption should be monitored. Natural coconut water contains 1 tsp per 100ml, which adds up to more than 3 tsp for a 330ml serving, and flavoured coconut water will contain extra calories and sugar. To put this in perspective recently-drafted guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) now recommend adults to cut
sugar consumption to 6 tsp (5% of their daily intake). Coconut water is also famed for its high levels of potassium (190mg to 250mg per 100ml), which is a vital mineral that keeps the brain, nerves, heart and muscles in shape. But, Alice Mackintosh, nutritionist at The Food Doctor, says that we shouldn’t be putting coconut water on the potassium pedestal just yet. “Most big coconut water brands would have you believe that coconut water is the only source of potassium on the planet, when in fact it is one of the most abundant nutrients found in most fruits and veg,” she says. “If you eat good quantities of fruit and veg you likely have enough, and will also benefit from the host of other nutrients they contain, many of which aren’t present in coconut water.” Additionally, coconut water contains some sodium (about 250 milligrams per cup). While this is actually far less than the average sports drink, those following a low-sodium diet, who may have high blood pressure or heart disease, should be sure to check the label. Many believe - in large part due to the potassium and sodium levels - that coconut water is better at rehydrating the body than water. So when should you drink it? For many, coconut water is their go-to drink after a workout or yoga session. And small scale studies have concluded that it is great for rehydration. “It is said to replace essential electrolytes (potassium and sodium) lost during a high energy exercise session and boasts no added
sugar or fat and has a low carbohydrate content, so I guess it makes sense to those looking to improve their fitness levels and achieve efficient weight management,” says Karen. But, that said, Karen won’t be reaching for the coconut water just yet... “I have tried it and found it quite pleasant but my post workout routine is water and a balanced meal with a good mix of vegetables and lean protein to promote muscle repair and replenish energy,” she reveals. “Personally, I am more likely to go for a cheaper and more easily available option with a lower carbon footprint.” Gemma Critchley from the British Dietetic Association spokesperson agrees: “Unless you are an elite athlete or are hitting the gym and training more than 2 hours a day, water will be sufficient.” But Alice says there is one occasion when coconut water may be a better option than water. “If you are malnourished or have been unwell and can’t stomach food, then coconut water may be a better choice given it offers potassium and other nutrients as well as energy. It is particularly good if you have been vomiting or had diarrhoea, as it may help rebalance lost electrolytes quickly,” she says. But Gemma says that more studies need to be done to conclude whether it does help with stomach problems. “Less stomach upset and nausea has also been reported with coconut water in some studies but then others have found increase tummy troubles,” she says In conclusion, coconut water isn’t bad for you but it also isn’t the wonder drink everyone gives it credit for. It’s certainly better than the fizzy drinks or sugary juices people quaff, that’s for sure. But if you’re eating a balanced diet - you’ll be getting all of its health benefits already.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Juice Cleanses: Do They Work? http://www.popsugar.com: Going on a juice cleanse, or drinking nothing but pressed juices extracted from fruits and vegetables for a few days or weeks, has been all the rage over the past few years. The idea sounds like a good one — after all, who wouldn’t want to combat the effects of a wild night out or a life of indulgent eating with a few days or weeks of “detox” to rid your body of lurking toxins? They’re backed by celebrities and celebrity doctors alike, so it’s no wonder that drinking your diet has been steadily gaining popularity. But is following a juice cleanse safe? Get the facts below, and then decide whether to juice or not to juice! What’s the Appeal? Many of juicing’s benefits are more anecdotal than scientifically based; chances are you know an enthusiastic juicing friend or two. Many claim that juicing vegetables and fruits allows you to absorb the nutrients easier than eating them, since less digestive work is needed. Proponents also claim that following a juice-only diet can help your body detox, which may lead to more energy, clearer skin, and fewer digestive and other health issues. With high-profile juicing fans like Nicole Richie, Salma Hayek, and Gwyneth Paltrow and itchanged-my-life testimonials like Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead — a documentary about a man’s 60-day all-juice diet and his subsequent healthy transformation — it’s no wonder the popularity of going on an all-juice diet has only grown. Does It Work? The lack of peer-reviewed studies on the effects of juicing has led to conflicting information about whether it’s a do or a don’t. Most experts, however, agree that going on a juice fast is unnecessary for ridding your body of toxins. Our liver and kidneys are already effective at eliminating any unneeded waste, so following a liquid-based diet won’t help any more than normal, although giving up junk foods and processed ingredients can only help give your digestive system a rest. A juice-based diet can be a good way of getting far more phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables than you could normally eat, and going on a “detox” for a few days can also help jump-start a commitment to a healthier diet. Many experts, like Dr. Frank Lipman, tout the psychological effect of going on a juice fast, like motivating you to be healthier overall or feeling like you can think more clearly. Juice programs also promise you’ll end your cleanse with a clearer, less foggy mind;
more nutrients in your diet; and, possibly, weight loss. Will You Lose Weight? While most big-name juice cleanses won’t promise weight loss at the end of your detox, it’s not unusual for people to go on one hoping to drop a few pounds (which some juice companies call a “side effect” of their programs). But be aware that weight loss doesn’t happen for everyone, since many juice cleanse programs already include an adequate amount of calories, and any weight you lose will most likely come back as soon as you reintroduce solid foods, especially if you fall back into unhealthy eating habits. “When people go into a cleanse thinking that it’s the solution to their weight issue, they’re in for a big surprise,” says trainer Heidi Powell. “They might drop some weight, but as soon as the cleanse is over, most likely their weight is going to come back. It’s important that if you do start your diet with a cleanse that you have a plan for when the cleanse is up.” Another weight-related downfall: going on a cleanse usually means you aren’t fueling your body adequately for a normal workout routine. Taking an intense Tabata class while on a juice cleanse? Not a good mix. Some programs recommend you limit your activity to walks and low-impact exercise while you detox, which means you’re burning far fewer calories than you could be — and missing out on metabolism-boosting, muscle-building workouts as well. While it’s not always a bad idea to give your body a rest, if you’re trying to lose weight and are thinking of going on a juice cleanse to do so, its effect on your workout routine is something to consider. What Are the Risks? Depending on your particular program, detox diets like juice fasts may cause many different problems, like dehydration, nausea, or fatigue. They can also cause you to miss out on other much-needed nutrients like fiber and protein while filling you up on too much sugar, which is why celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak calls juice cleanses “the worst things ever.” “You are essentially starving yourself for a period of time while on the cleanse, and when you’re done, your
body will fight back to gain back what it lost,” he tells us. “There is no protein in juice. There is no fiber in juice. There are no healthy fats in juice. The amount of produce that you would need to create a sizable beverage or juice is a calorie bomb and full of sugar.” Instead, Harley recommends smoothies over juice in order to get those important nutrients from the seeds and skin of your produce. How to Do It Right If you’re convinced that a juice cleanse is right for you, first do your research. “Make sure you know what’s in the juice so it’s all-natural,” says Tracey Mallett, a trainer and founder of The Booty Barre. Most high-profile cleanses like BluePrint and Ritual Cleanse are made from organic, raw ingredients, but be sure you understand exactly what’s going into the bottle before you commit. And don’t forget about calorie counts! Whether or not your chosen cleanse is as restrictive as going on a Master Cleanse, one program may have you ingesting fewer than 500 calories a day, while others allow you to drink as much juice as you want or incorporate eating fresh, whole foods as well. Do your research so you know whether or not you’ll be getting all the nutrients and calories you need, and talk to your doctor before you start a detox program. Once you’ve found a good option, don’t just go straight from greasy foods to green juices. Dr. Oz recommends that you never start a juice fast without first ensuring that you are eating a normal nutrient-rich diet for at least a month. Many juice cleanses involve a precleanse program of eliminating foods like dairy, caffeine, and alcohol before starting the cleanse, so be sure to follow their instructions. An even healthier, fiberfilled option? Skip the fast, and eat the same fruits and vegetables you’d find in a cleanse, supplementing with juice for an extra dose of nutrients (for an easy way to do this, try one of our healthy smoothie recipes). If you’re looking to add a healthy juice or two to your daily diet to boost energy or get more nutrients, try a few of these recipes below: Low-Sugar Green Juice for more energy Green Juice With Apple and Carrot Sweet Greens Juice
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 47
Iggy Azalea Drops Hot Song For Beyonce to join Coldplay New Album — Listen To ‘Azillion’ for Super Bowl halftime http://hollywoodlife.com: Iggy Azalea is back! Like her or not, the controversial ‘Fancy’ rapper has dropped a hot number that can’t be denied. Click through to listen to ‘Azillion,’ the first track off her new album. Iggy Azalea, 25, treated fans to the first full-length track off her upcoming second album, Digital Distortion, dropping the track, “Azillion,” over Twitter on Friday, January 8. “4 MY RATZ ; ),” the rapper tweeted, accompanied by a link to the song on Soundcloud. She heavily implied that a new something (album??) would be coming on January 14. Iggy’s actually been teasing this new track since January 2, and let her fans know that there’s even more to come before Digital Distortion drops. “im gonna play it casual with the buzz tracks and just let you know a few hours before. real singles ill give dates in advance,” Iggy tweeted on January 2. Well, she delivered on that
http://www.wbaltv.com: Representatives for Beyonce and Coldplay did not respond to a request for comment. Beyonce was the featured performer at the halftime show in New Orleans in 2013. After her electrifying performance of such hits as “Single Ladies” and “Crazy in Love” as well as a brief reunion with members of Destiny’s Child, half the lights at the Superdome suddenly went out. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is pals with Beyonce and her husband, rapper Jay Z. He recently joked with latenight talk show host James Corden about what it’s like to work with the superstars. “You get summoned to their castle, then you wait for about a week in a small room, where you’re just fed very minimally,” Martin said. “And
if you survive that ... whoever survives that, you get through to the next stage, where you get to play tennis with Jay. And if you beat him twice, you get sent through to meet the rest of Destiny’s
Child.” “ET” is also reporting that 2014 halftime headliner Bruno Mars will also join the band during a portion of the performance. The Super Bowl will take place on February 7.
Sia UNMASKED: Australian singer seen minus trademark Tech firms join Lady Gaga wig - and she looks fabulous promise. D.R.U.G.S.-produced “Azillion” goes hard, and we’re loving this new beat
f r o m t h e “ F a n c y ” s t a r. She’s ready for her comeback!
to fight online harassment
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) —Major tech and media players are teaming up to fight online harassment.Intel, Vox Media, Re/Code and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation have announced a new initiative called Hack Harassment that will “provide safer, more inclusive online experiences.”“Online harassment is pervasive and can be vicious,” said Intel CEO Brian Krzanich in a statement. “We need to remember that behind every device,
game, sensor or network is a real person with real feelings and real needs for safety.” The four partners said they previously conducted a survey to better understand the tech industry’s relationship with harassment. Eighty-four percent of those surveyed believe there is real-life risk and emotional impact for online harassment victims. They also found that more than 60% of tech professionals don’t believe the tech industry is doing enough to prevent online harassment.
They plan to host a series of hackathons to promote awareness and increase accountability. Online harassment has long been an issue in the tech industry, and has been met with varying attitudes. In October, SXSW canceled a pair of gaming and online harassment panels at its Austin festival, citing threats of violence. But after that decision caused a backlash, SXSW announced plans to host an Online Harassment Summit at SXSW in March.
http://www.mirror.co.uk: Since the singer-songwriter burst on the scene she has kept her face concealed with a variety of oversized wigs but the pop star has been unmasked - and she’s absolutely drop dead gorgeous. The mysterious singersongwriter, who is wellknown for protecting her privacy by obscuring most of her face behind a variety of wigs, decided to bare all on a coffee run in Los Angeles. To be fair, her usual oversize wig would have been a dangerous choice for collecting boiling hot beverages. Australian-born Sia, 40, looked stunning in her all black outfit, accessorised with a simple swipe of daring red lipstick. With her platinum locks swept back into a chic bun, Sia also showed off her flawless complexion. The mysterious singersongwriter, who is wellknown for protecting her privacy by obscuring most of her face behind a variety of wigs, decided to bare all on a coffee run in Los Angeles. To be fair, her usual oversize wig would have been a dangerous choice for collecting boiling hot beverages. Australian-born Sia, 40, looked stunning in her all black outfit, accessorised with a simple swipe of daring red lipstick. With her platinum locks swept back into a chic bun, Sia also showed off her
flawless complexion. Chandelier singer Sia, who is mates with Jennifer Aniston, revealed on Ellen DeGeneres talk show why she opted for her wig disguise. She said: “Well it’s just so that I can go to Target and buy a hose if I want to. Or if I find I’m in need of a restroom,
I can go in the side of the road, no one would be following me with a camera trying to get a shot.” Before Sia released her 2014 album, 1000 Forms of Fear, which produced Elastic Heart, she wrote tunes for Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera and more.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Standards in Focus
GNBS monitors twenty commodities for compliance to standards The monitoring of products in any country for compliance to standards is essential to ensuring that consumers get the level of satisfaction and benefits they need from such products. This can only be achieved if there are established national monitoring mechanisms and systems in place to ensure that goods offered for sale are of acceptable quality. These mechanisms and systems must be grounded legally and guided by the requirements of standards and other technical requirements. It is in this connection that the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) under the Standards Act of 1984 and amendment of 1987 has been monitoring some twenty categories of imported and locally manufactured commodities/products under its Standards Compliance Programme to ensure compliance to the requirements of national standards. These efforts, which will continue in 2016, are aimed at protecting consumers from purchasing sub-standard products. Commodities currently monitored by the GNBS are
Domestic electrical appliances, tyres (new and used), textiles, garments, footwear, PVC pipes, Scales, Weights and measures, Animal feed, Furniture, Garments, Gas stoves, Cigarettes, Safety matches, Safety helmets, Fertilizers, Electricity and water meters, Cellular phones, Christmas Tree and decorative lighting outfits. It is important to note that the Bureau does not monitor commodities such as foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, plants and animals, meats and seafood as is the perception of many. It is only mandated to develop standards pertaining to these commodities. The process of monitoring commodities is straight forward. All importers, manufacturers and dealers of commodities monitored by the Bureau are required to register annually with the Standards Body. Entries (documents) pertaining to commodities in commercial quantities which are monitored by Bureau are referred for inspection by an Inspector stationed at the Guyana Revenue Authority Office. Inspections are conducted at the ports of
Single women abandon their homes As bandits continue to invade the homes of women who live alone on the Essequibo Coast, many of those women are now forced to abandon their homes out of fear of being physically harmed or even killed. One such recent attack targeted a woman who has resided for years at Richmond Village, Essequibo Coast. The victim revealed during a conversation that she still cannot understand why the bandits chose to invade her house and cart off all of her clothing and food stuff, even though she secured the building and had gone away for a while. According to the woman, the night after she left the Coast to spend some time away, her home was invaded and ransacked. The worried woman said that the intruders searched every room, purse, cupboard and wardrobe took away all of her clothing including her underwear. The woman said that the incident has forced her to
never sleep in her house again. A report was lodged and detectives visited the scene and conducted a thorough investigation but to date no one has been arrested. Further reports have indicated that there was no sign of forced entry except footprints in the sand behind the building. (Yannason Duncan)
entry, points of sale, or at warehouses. In the case of commodities which require proper storage prior to and during sale, Inspectors conduct routine checks to ensure that storage requirements are adhered to thus avoiding the deterioration. Once a commodity is found to be in compliance with its relevant national standards, it is released for sale to consumers. However, in instances where commodities fail to comply with the requirements, the appropriate actions are taken by the GNBS. These actions include the seizure of commodities, requests for the importer or manufacturer to relabel the commodity or requests are made for them to submit test certificates. There are also instances where commodities are destroyed by the GNBS or importers are asked to reship non-complying items to the country of origin. The GNBS will continue to monitor the quality of commodities that fall under its purview to ensure compliance to available standards and guidelines, which will ultimately provide consumer protection and satisfaction. To make this possible, importers, manufacturers and dealers all have a significant role to play when selecting, manufacturing and selling commodities. The GNBS wishes all its stakeholders success in 2016 as we work collaboratively to implement standards in Guyana. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
Page 61
GRA must tighten up on... From page 11 unacceptable as he had found that it was politically compromised under the previous administration. Jordan, on assuming, had said that he found a tax system that is also characterized by high rates. This he said, resulted in “innumerable requests for tax exemptionsandconcessions,which totaled$55billion,in2014.” Also unacceptable for Jordan was the level of tax evasion which he said is “clearly unlawful, discriminatory and stifles competition.” Jordan had said that there was widespread discretionary elements, which have been used to favour and reward friends, rather than
encourage development and with little or no compliance. “In short, the system is broken and we must fix it in a comprehensive manner – one that results in a transparent and predictable tax system that rewards effort, promotes investment, improves our national competitiveness, and removes distortions between and across sectors.” “Further, the authority lacked transparency and accountability, as it was politically compromised under the previous administration. Policies and procedures were poorly enforced, and there was limited intelligence-gathering. Further, the cost of conducting transactions was
Mother alleges police... (From page 60) made a report at the Vigilance Police Station and noticed that updates were not being provided in a timely manner. She related that every time she called the police station, she would be told that the driver is sick and has not made an appearance. Most significantly, she said that the Police never marked out the spot of the accident, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in such matters. “I think he has connections. They are pushing us around. All they are doing is calling us now and then and telling us nothing of significance; they keep prolonging the process.” She added that the family has never been compensated for the ordeal they had to endure.
high, which often led to involuntary compliance.” He had said that it is imperative that GRA’s organizational and managerial capacity is strengthened and enhanced in a sustainable manner. “In this regard, we will constantly review the current operational standards and bring them in line with international best practices, train a core staff to manage the authority, and build a new ethos that emphasizes service delivery and efficient revenue collection. The expectation is that when the tax reforms are fully implemented, this capacity strengthening will compensate for the decline in foreign inflows.”
Page 62
Kaieteur News
WANTED OFFICE CLERK WITH EXPERIENCED, CXC, C O M P U T E R S KNOWLEDGE AND GENERAL OFFICE WORK, POLICE CLEARANCE. RUIMVELDT. TEL: 2318529 WANTED Damage batteries in any quantity, best price offeredCall: 696-5728, 656-2783, 6225941, 648-9395, 223-1111
BOND WORKERS FOR WAREHOUSE, STRONG, FASTANDALERT. POLICE CLEARANCE A MUST. RUIMVELDT. TEL: 2318529
Contract cars, dispatchers and hire cars (paid salary)Graphic Designing: Call:219-4086; 219-4087 Brochures, Funeral Programs, Attractive waitress-Call: 670Printing Ads, Business 2323 Cards, etc. emAgination: 6487606 or email: 1 Experienced male to look anil_naraine@yahoo.com after layer birds in the Interior. Call: 678-0565 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport 1 Experienced cook for a application. Graphics design, family in the Interior. Call:678Advertisement. Tel: 626- 0565 7040; 265-4535. One domestic to work at Permanent & Visitors Visa Lusignan, 2 to 3 half days a Applications, Professional week –Call: 220-0302 Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. One graphics artiste & junior v i s a d o c u m e n t s g y @ technician- Call: 223-4555; y a h o o . c o m . Call: 225- 695-2199 6496, 662-6045 One live in maid-Call: 668Building construction, house 3985; 264-2563 plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & We buy land in Parfaite painting, boat for Santa Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling, Prospect and Farm- Call: 611Mission –Call: 650-4362 7223; 604-2207 Custom Made: Kitchen cabinets, chest of drawers, One tailor or seamstress- Call: beds, wardrobe, TV stand 673-0373 (strictly wood) @ Chung’s Craft Ent. Call: 592-627-3670 One nail technician: apply in with written We repair fridge, freezer, AC, person application to Zytech washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; Building Regent Street. Call: 683-8734. Omar 225-0563 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, 3 Private cars/bus for rental air- conditioners, washing on a long term basis for machines, TVs, microwaves, business place @ E.B.D freezers- Call:629-4946 or $70,000 monthly. Call: 684225-4822 2119 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, Buying non working BMW washing machines, dryers, vehicles, Mercedes etc-Call: TV, microwaves & freezer- 684-2119 Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Live in domestic, must know Building Contractor, to cook Indian dishes & also foundation to root, free baking. Salary $80,000 monthly-Call: 610-3974 estimates. Call: 646-7979
Wanted land to buy at Parfaite, Tuschen, Providence, Diamond, Eccles, Uitvlugt, best price pay-call: 604-6724
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Building or renovating for quality construction services from foundation to fine finished. Call Carlos: 592-6829935; 592-223-2695
1 Female to work in snackette & bar. Must know to cookbetween ages 20-35 -Call: 6477432/ 223-5798
Computer literate person, CXC passes in Mathematics & English, apply with written application @ Trophy Stall (Bourda Market). Live in waitress to work in a bar- Call: 604-6606 Urgently needed on Tibetan Terrier, Male 6/12wks old, light brown – Call: 626-5445 Wanted to rent one lumber yard anywhere on the E.C.D, E.B.D and W.C.D-Call Cris: 663-7692 Live in couple: husbanddriving & mechanical skill & wife: domestic. Excellent rates. Call: 227-1830 Experienced salesgirls @ Christine’s Variety Store, Lombard Street. Call: 6268003; 227-8529 Experienced general domestic maid @ DiamondCall: 626-8003; 227-8529 Security to work in the Interior, must have past military/police experienced, ages 40-50. Call: 226-9768; 615-6172 1 Personal assistant to work, must be 25 years & older with prior experienced. email detailed CV: humresdes@gmail.com One receptionist ages 25yrs and older with working experienced. Contact us for more information: 223-0090 Female & male factory workers ages 19yrs & older with working experienced. Contact: 223-0090
One housekeeper, one babysitter, age 30-45 years. Call: 621-4999
Porters age 16 to 24 years, kindly call: 225-8066
1 Female cleaner apply Technical Services, Lot 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D
Experienced security officers, age 30yrs to 45yrs, kindly call: 225-8066
Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves Urgently: 1 experienced cook – Contact Nick: 683-1312, for canteen, must know to cook dhal puri & poulourie 627-3206 for canteen & 1 cleaner-Call: MASSAGE 648-8079 Happy Touch Day Spa: Come Landscape maintenance team & Experienced heavens seeks hardworking, reliable touch, visit us today! –Call: workers, ages 17-35; on the 690-6079 job training. Call: 219-0468
One live in domestic or couple to work Mahaicony River, well paid-Call: 6446905; 225-6571 LEARN TO DRIVE
Building contractor, drawing of house plan general, home maintenance, free estimateCall: 216-0671; 692-0267; 6928464
Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Sunday January 10, 2016
SALON -Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline. -Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Two house & land for sale, excellent condition, one located at Tuschen & one at Goed-Fortuin. Call: 668-3985; 660-3235 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 6247341 House for sale with 3 bedrooms upper & bottom flat, @ Lot 153 Green Acres, Stadium Road- Call: 681-7366 3068 Amelia’s Ward Linden: 4 bedrooms, 1 selfcontained-Call: 640-4731; 624-6609 Albouystown: front spot, 3 bedroom upstairs, downstairs, parking and suitable for business, $8Million negotiable. Call: 227-0583 2 Storey house @ Tuschen New Scheme, with kitchen bathroom & toilet, (2) 3 bedrooms apartment near Public Road & Call CentreCall: 650-2982 3 Bedrooms flat concrete building located @ 14th Avenue Diamond E.B.D , price $9.5M – Call: 662-2052; 629-6579 8 Bedrooms two storey concrete building located @ First Bridge Diamond, price negotiable-Call: 662-2052; 629-6579 4 Bedrooms two storey concrete building located at 2nd Bridge Diamond, price negotiable-Call: 662-2052; 629-6579 Hutson Ville E.B.D Bungalow- 3 bedrooms (1 self contained) A/C, hot & cold water, secured-$16M negotiable .Call: 622-3736; 697-4131 ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn Apartments: accommodation, internet, hot & cold water, 24hrs tea/coffee, $5,000-$10,000 –Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Dachshund pups mixed with Pekingese for sale –Call: 6772476 Pressure washers 2800 6 inches bench grinders, plate joiners, tools kits, reciprocating saws, router angle grinder- Call: 655-3741 Diving Suits-Call: 265-3449/ 613-5158 AMERICAN BULLY DOGS, REMYLINE & GOTTILINECONTACT HARRY: 6100068/220-7933, WHATSAPP: 667-4845 Wholesale & Retail quantity of all types of belts –Call: 6702343 Crazy Deals: Dell/HP desktop & laptop computers from -$49,000, free games & educational programs @ FutureTech: 231-2206
VACANCY Immediate vacancies exist for at least 12 workers to work @ Ice Factory, MeadowbankCall: 231-1408/ 642-9191 Driver and porter for water truck-Call: 680-3863. One Cook/cleaner and one Cashier –Call: 624-0033. Person to work at body work shop-Call: 649-2569 or 6701637 Admin Manager for furniture manufacture, minimum 5 years experience, send resume to vacancy at starcomm36@yahoo.com Receptionist needed for front desk @ Millenium Mannor Hotel, bring in application to 43 Hadfield Street, near Camp St. Male security, male desk staff, 25-45 years- Lot 233 South Road LacytownCall: 225-0198 One manager to work at a Hotel/Club on the Essequibo Coast, must have experienced in said field – Call:225-6610; 615-6172
33.6 Acres farm land @ Kuru Kuru Linden Soesdyke H/ way, 1 garden tiller. Call: 2257794; 679-1151
Farm workers between age 25 and older, farm house accommodation-Call: 6611585; 617-2032
One used ATV 4 wheel motor bike, colour: yellow, 450 model, at Parfaite Harmonie, asking price -$1.5M. Call:662-3350
Maid, babysitter, salesgirls. Apply in person at R. Sookraj & Sons, Regent Street.
1290 MF tractor in good work order. Call: 614-9262 ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 6004212 AE100 Corolla 7A Engine manual -$600,000 negotiable. Call: 602-6024 One 15 Cu.Ft Frigidaire Chest Freezer, like new, great for home or business –Call: 6222899 One Power mate 3000 watt portable generator, like new $80,000 negotiable- Call: 6222899, 666-6592 1 HP laser jet 100 colour printer, 1 laminating machine, 1 paper trimmer (cutter), 2 Dell Desktop computer, 1 glass showcase –Call: 6168570 Lots @ Blankenburg behind the gas station- $3.9M- Call Us Today: 650-0402 Nintendo Wii console & 1 game $15,000, Dell Precision M60 laptop -$20,000, Toshiba satellite C655 laptop $55,000-Call: 621-9604; 6941748 Chicago Multi- Function tool -$12,000, Chicago 71/4" circle saw -$15,000, e-machine desktop, PC -$40,000 –Call: 621-9604; 694-1748 Computer games for sale, wholesale and retail, largest selection-Call: 675-2239
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS) FOR SALE Riobie & AB dick printing machines, transformer & paper/ cardboard. Call: 233-2725 Continued on page 63
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
From page 62
The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings By Dr. Neromini Fagu I saw something remarkable while I was travelling a few days ago. I was on a plane trip during which a meal was served. After the meal was served, most of us settled back for the rest of the flight to Georgetown. But one gentleman in front of me got up to go to the washroom. Now this might not seem out of the ordinary but what was inspiring to me was what he took with him to the washroom. You see, he had a clear Ziploc bag and in that bag was his toothbrush and toothpaste. Now that was a sight to behold. Imagine, 35,000 feet above ground and here this gentleman is taking the time to go and brush his teeth! For me this was a very profound moment, and it even made me feel guilty for not doing the same. I sat there and wondered what training or teaching had motivated him to follow such good oral hygiene practices. After all, we know how cramped the onboard washrooms are and how uncomfortable they can be, even to brush your teeth. I was so curious that I even contemplated asking him where he had learnt such good practices, but I decided against it. Whatever his reasons for doing it, it was great to see. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of your teeth. Not all of us are blessed with the genes for great teeth so we need to do as much as we can to keep them. Prevention is always better than cure so ensure you do your part. This means practising good oral hygiene habits as well as eating a healthy diet. You also need to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups as you may not be able to detect problems on your own. In addition to regular check-ups you also need to get regular professional dental cleanings. Most people tend to skip getting a cleaning thinking their teeth are okay. Remember you will not be able to see all parts of your teeth, especially the ones in the
back of your mouth. Also, it is difficult to examine the back surfaces of your front teeth and sometimes the tartar buildup and stains can be quite heavy in these areas even though the front surfaces of the teeth may appear okay. Many people tend to forgo getting a cleaning and will only visit their dentist if they are experiencing pain or think something is wrong. This is not prevention. The time and money invested in prevention will benefit you in the long run. Regular teeth cleanings keep your smile brighter – Culprits like coffee, tea, wine, soft drinks and tobacco can stain your teeth. Some of these stains can look like cavities. These embarrassing stains can be removed by your dentist during your cleaning. Regular teeth cleanings can ensure early detection of dental problems – When small dental problems are detected early cleaning prevents them from developing into bigger dental problems later if they are treated in a timely manner. Regular teeth cleanings can prevent gum disease and tooth loss–Twenty-five percent of adults aged sixty and over have lost ALL their teeth and seventy percent of the remaining seventy five percent have gum disease. When you pass your tongue over your teeth, the roughness you feel is the plaque and calculus that has firmly attached itself to your teeth. Gum disease, which starts with built-up plaque, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease worsens, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Luckily, the chance of this happening to you can be greatly reduced through regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene habits. Regular teeth cleanings can improve your overall health – Studies have shown that there is a connection between oral and overall health. Diseases in the mouth
Habits are not the product of one decision — They’re the result of repeated choices that eventually become automatic responses. How can you know your true spiritual condition? By the company you keep and the choices you make. When you’re free to go, where do you choose to go? Whose company do you prefer?
Page 63
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Dr. Neromini Fagu are associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Regular dental cleanings may help lower your risk for some diseases, like heart disease and stroke. Also, many medical conditions, some of them life-threatening, can be detected in their early stages by your dentist during a routine oral exam. Regular teeth cleanings help prevent bad breath – Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent persistent bad breath. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting a cleaning is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and odour-free. Remember, most people who have bad breath don’t even know it. Regular teeth cleaning will save you money– Regular dental cleanings might seem costly to you but in the long run they will save you money while at the same time letting you keep your natural teeth. The cost to fix advanced dental problems can be quite high. The money you invest in preventive measures such as cleanings may prevent you from more expensive treatment costs later. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
1 Unit at Satro Building 17 Croal Street, for variety store, fast food. Call: 6427743 D’Aguiar’s Park: original house in gated community, unfurnished -$120,000 negotiable. Call: 600-2031 1-3 Bedrooms upper flat @ Section ‘A’ Diamond, H/ Scheme E.B.D, fully grilled & concrete fence with parking space- Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, 2 Bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi, $80,000-$90,000 negotiable. Call:227-5194 3 Storey building for rent on Durban & Smyth Street, Werk-en-Rust- Call: 697-9540 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel:6593865; 227-2993 Spacious 2 bedrooms apartment in Festival City. Asking $80,000- Call: 6192141 1-3 Bedrooms top flat, front & back verandah & parking space at Austin Street. Call: 628-7953 Lodge apartments (Vlisssengen/Durban): unfurnished $40,000-$90,000 monthly, furnished (for visitors) USD$600USD$1,000 monthly- Call: 677-9638 Lodge (Vlissengen/ Durban): Professional/Office/Business space, (no food retailing). Call: 677-9638. Office Space at Camp Street –Call Naz: 639-4499 Top Flat in Diamond New Scheme, E.B.D-Call: 615-5833
TO LET One bottom flat 3 bedrooms to rent at Eccles. Call: 6727756 or 694-3421 Apartments in Eccles & rooms in Alberttown. Call: 225-3234 Unfurnished building to rent with 3 bedrooms @ D’Aguiar Park –Call: 660-4481
House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/ downstairs, all modern conveniences - $1600US monthly-Call: 231-7839 during working hours 4 Bedrooms house in Bel-Air Gardens; all modern conveniences; no agents!Call: 231-7839 during working hours Vehicles for rental, cars etc, long term only-Contact Ray’s Motor Spares & Auto Sales on: 231-7839
Light Street: 2 rooms secured & tiled, suitable for office or dwelling -$75,000. Call Diana: 227-2256; 626-9382 Eccles furnished apartment includes cable, internet, A/C, etc –Call: 233-3974 Two bedrooms house at Haslinton E.C.D-Call: 6639816
PEN-PAL Hindu Male is seeking female 25yrs and older. Call: 6517263
EDUCATIONAL Enroll Now: classes starting 1st FebruaryCake decoration, cakes & pastries, floral arrangement. Contact: 223-3303; 612-4193 Practical Electronic Course beginning 26 th January. Register early! Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 LESSONS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: afterschool care, phonics, Reading, Numeracy for Children 3-7 yrs old. Call: 690-9378 Lessons Classes: Phonics, Reading, Composition & Mathematics- ages 4-12 years old @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens –Call: 2182076; 619-4355 RISING STAR DAYCARE, KINDERGARTEN & AFTERSCHOOL CARE. Small class size: Phonics, Reading, Numeracy–Call: 690-9378 International Language Institute Classes for adults & Children, Spanish, English as Second Language, Portuguese, Dutch –Call: 223-3556
LAND FOR SALE Land for sale with structure at 407 Great Diamond, 8th Street front half. Call: 6533381; 609-3692 Parfaite Harmonie -$ 1.6M, 1.8M, $1.5M, 1.3M, Tuschen 11 street -$3M with foundation, Phase 2 – $1.4M, Uitvlugt -$3M, Terms available – Call: 6046724 Land with building foundation @ Second Bridge Diamond/Grove, price $2.9M. Call: 624-2857 Gold & Diamond mining land for rent in the Ekereku, Puruni & Siparuni area- Call: 6683100 or 615-8810 Prime corner lot @ Main Road (85ftX50ft) -$1.3M, Pafarfaite Harmonie - suitable for church-Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 Plot 882 Yarrowkabra Residential layout Soesdyke, Linden Highway100ftX200ft-Call: 645-0489 Transported Corner Lot Garnette & Republic Streets Newtown Kitty 58.4X30.8, ideal for business – Call: 6450616 (no agents)
VEHICLE FOR SALE Noah & Voxy in ‘G’ series, fully loaded, never registered -$1.7M –Call: 617-2891 Toyota Fortuner 2012 yearCall: 624-6702 New model RAV 4 4X4 $2.5M, Mazda Axela -$1.5M, good for bank purchase (both excellent condition) –Call: 220-6380; 639-2490 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 Fantasy Auto Sales: Xtrail 2008, Mitsubishi RVR 2010, Audi A4, pre-ordered vehicles & get $100,000 discount. Call: 611-1833 1 Toyota Hilux Pickup single cabs; GGG $1.3M negotiable, excellent condition, long base- Call: 675-2650 One Toyota Mark 2 Grande for sale. PKK series, excellent condition, price $1.5M negotiable. Call: 601-4163 2-Unregistered new model Toyota Tacoma: step, alarm, crash bar, bed covering, dark & light blue colour. Call: 6956461; 639-7758 1 RZ Mini bus, BJJ seriesCall: 678-5887; 677-3177 Unregistered fielder wagon 2003, roof rack, rear spoiler, dark interior, body kit, fog, TV-Call: 617-5536 1- 212 PNN series, for saleCall: 615-5833 2008 Fielder- fully loaded vehicle, never registered $2.5M- Call: 617-2891 Mercedes Benz C250, 2014 Model , 223-5273/4 Toyota Raum with press start alarm system -$800,000 negotiable-Call: 693-8192 Hilux sector box -$25,000, Tacoma Steering rack & front def -$65,000 & $75,000-Call: 617-7113 DRESSMAKING Turn your flair for fashion into an exciting career or hobby. Classes starting January – Call: 626-2629; 676-6312
Page 64
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Three held for illegal 9mm in car P o l i c e o n t h e We s t Demerara continue to be on the alert to ensure that they minimise criminal activity in their Division. Yesterday, they were successful in taking another illegal weapon off the streets and might have been able to halt the
progress of a gang that was wreaking havoc in La Parfaite Harmonie community. Divisional Commander Stephen Mansell told this newspaper yesterday that his ranks were on patrol duty around 10:20 hours when they intercepted a
car at Schoonard Public Road, which leads into La Parfaite Harmonie. The occupants were ordered out while a search was carried on in their presence. An alert policeman observed a bulge under a mat in the vehicle. A closer examination revealed a 9mm pistol with nine matching rounds of ammunition. The three men were promptly taken into custody. The Commander said that apart from being charged for the illegal possession of the firearm and ammunition, the men will be placed on ID parade to see if they were involved in any of the criminal activities that were perpetrated in the area within the past few months. “We had some hits in the Parfait area late last year and we will be investigating to see if they were involved,� the Commander said.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Britons held in Hungary in breach of anti-terrorism laws, jailed Reuters - Two Britons were jailed on Friday after being arrested in Hungary where they were suspected of heading to Syria, in breach of strict travel constraints because they had convictions for terrorism offences. Trevor Brooks, 40, and Simon Keeler, 44, both well-known Islamists, were detained near Hungary’s Romanian border in November having left Britain without informing the British authorities six days earlier. They were extradited back to Britain and pleaded guilty the following day to breaching notification requirements under counter-terrorism laws. On Friday, they were sentenced for two years in prison at London’s Old Bailey court. “They’re yet to give us any indication as to why they left the UK and were travelling across Hungary, although clearly our concern is that they may have been trying to get to Syria,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Terri Nicholson. “We will continue to investigate and if we find any evidence of further offences, then we will look to prosecute.” Brooks, also known as Abu Izzadeen, is one of Britain’s most high-profile radical Islamist preachers, and rose to prominence in 2006 when he publicly heckled the then Home Secretary (interior minister), John Reid, in front of television cameras. He and Keeler were jailed for more than four years in 2008 for raising funds for terrorism and inciting people to fight British and U.S. forces in Iraq. Their jailing comes in a week when
Trevor Brooks Britain’s border checks have come in for heavy criticism over the case of a Briton, now suspected of being an Islamic State executioner, who slipped out of the country despite being on police bail after having been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. Police sent a letter to Siddharta Dhar, suspected of being a masked militant who appears in the latest murder propaganda video from the Islamic State group, asking him to hand over his passport six weeks after he had left for Syria.
Page 65
Page 66
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Barbados monitors 8 suspected cases of Zika virus BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – The Ministry of Health says it is monitoring eight suspected cases of the Zika virus . At a press conference on Friday, Minister of Health John Boyce said samples will be sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago for confirmatory testing and the results will be shared with the public as soon as the ministry receives word from the agency. In the wake of this, Boyce has warned the public to be on alert and “use simple measures to prevent mosquito breeding around our homes, business places and communities.” “The fact that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the Zika virus, is the same mosquito that spreads dengue fever and chikungunya, we are all very familiar with the prevention and control measures which we need to undertake… Inspect your surroundings to search out and remove mosquito-breeding places on your properties. The Ministry of Health recommends that this should be done once per
John Boyce
week.” To combat Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses, the Environmental Health Department says it will continue to carry out prevention and control activities, such as houseto-house inspections, surveillance at ports of entry and fogging in high-risk areas.In addition, the ministry will continue its epidemiological surveillance to collect and analyse data from various sources, including private and public sector facilities, on
Mexico aims to fulfill U.S. extradition request for ‘Chapo’ Guzman: sources MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico’s government aims to fulfill a request from the United States to extradite the newly-recaptured drug lord Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman to face drug trafficking charges, sources familiar with the situation said yesterday. The Mexican Attorney General´s office will be working as fast as possible to establish the path to extradition, and Chapo could be extra-
dited by mid-year, one of the sources said. However the timing will likely depend on any injunctions filed by Guzman´s lawyers. “The objective is to fulfill the extradition request,” one source said. Extraditing Guzman to the United States would help allay fears the drug lord could use his massive fortune to bribe prison officials and escape from a Mexican maximum security jail yet again.
a weekly basis to gather information for planning a response. Concerning the H1N1 or Swine flu virus, the Ministry of Health says the virus has changed in terms of its threat to Barbados because a vast majority of the population has immunity. Senior Medical Health Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr Arthur Phillips who also addressed the press conference said the virus has essentially become as seasonal flu “as many Barbadians would have been exposed between 2009 and the present… It’s something that occurs every year. So the numbers have become very small and in the vast majority of cases, it is a relatively mild illness.” He stated that the Ministry pays special attention to the virus within certain highrisk groups, as more severe symptoms could develop. However, he added, “In the scheme of things, it is a mild virus”. “The flu season goes from the end of one year to the beginning of the next year, and each year there are outbreaks of the flu… The Ministry of Health has mechanisms through which it monitors and reviews possible influenza cases and analyses this data on a weekly basis,” he affirmed. According to the Senior Medical Officer, since the major global outbreak of H1N1 in 2009, now that the virus is under control, there have been 66 cases of H1N1 in Barbados. Phillips described the general symptoms as being fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle and joint aches, headache, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms. He identified the high-risk groups as being older persons, younger children and individuals with chronic illnesses.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 67
Saudi Arabia may take more Syrian government ready to measures against Iran in attend peace talks in Geneva execution row: foreign minister
A protester holding a picture of Shi’ite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, who was executed in Saudi Arabia, walks past a picture of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMA Reuters - Saudi Arabia may take further measures against Iran after cutting ties with its regional rival last week, the Saudi foreign minister said yesterday, in a major row over the kingdom’s execution of a Shi’ite Muslim cleric. Adel al-Jubeir’s comments came in a press conference after an extraordinary meeting of the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), convened to discuss tensions with Iran after attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions there. “We are looking at additional measures to be taken if it (Iran) continues with its current policies,” Jubeir said, without elaborating on what these measures could be. The crisis between con-
servative Sunni kingdom and Shi’ite power Iran, both major oil exporters, started when Saudi Arabia executed Shi’ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr on Jan. 2, triggering outrage among Shi’ites across the Middle East. In Iran, protesters stormed the Saudi embassy i n Te h r a n , p r o m p t i n g Riyadh to sever relations. Tehran cut all commercial ties with Riyadh, and banned pilgrims from traveling to Mecca. “The escalation is coming from Iran, not from Saudi Arabia or the GCC .... We are evaluating Iran’s moves and taking steps to counter them…things will be clearer in the near future,” Jubeir said. After the meeting the GCC, which comprises Saudi
Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, condemned what they said was Iranian interference in the internal affairs of Saudi Arabia and the region. Jubeir also said his country had asked the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, of which Iran is a member, to convene an extraordinary meeting to discuss the aggression against its embassy. Iran has said the kingdom is to blame for the diplomatic crisis. In a letter to the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon published by Iranian news agencies earlier on Saturday, Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif complained about Saudi Arabia’s “provocations” towards Tehran.
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — The Syrian government announced yesterday it is ready to attend peace talks later this month with the opposition in Geneva as a new airstrike in northern Syria killed and wounded scores of people, including many militants. But Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Damascus also wants to see lists of the opposition groups who will attend and ensure that “terrorist” groups will not be represented. State news agency SANA said al-Moallem made his comments yesterday while meeting in Damascus with U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura. Al-Moallem’s comments came shortly before opposition activists said an airstrike had killed at least 39 and wounded dozens of others. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 39 people were killed, including many fighters from al-Qaida’s affiliate in Syria, the Nusra Front, as well as detainees in the northwestern town of Maaret al-Numan. It said the targeted area included a jail and a courthouse run by Nusra Front. The Nusra Front is one of the country’s most powerful factions and is opposed to peace talks with the government, saying its aim is to step up an Islamic state in Syria. The group is fighting against government forces, the Islamic State group as well as some U.S.-backed rebel factions. Much like its rival, the
Walid al-Moallem Islamic State group, the Nusra Front imposes its own vision of Islamic Shariah law in territories it controls — including Islamic courts and prisons. The Syrian government has been carrying out airstrikes for years, which activists say have killed thousands of people. Russia began its own air campaign on Sept. 30 saying its airstrikes are meant to weaken the Islamic State group and other “terrorists” in Syria. The Local Coordination Committees, another activist group, said the airstrike killed 51. The group posted a photo on its Facebook page showing several bodies covered with blankets and lined on a pavement. Another showed
two dead bearded young men being loaded into an ambulance. Syria-based activist Hadi Abdallah wrote on his Twitter account that the air raid killed 43 and wounded more than 100, claiming it was carried out by Russian aircraft. The “terrifying massacres was carried out by Russian warplanes,” Abdallah wrote, without saying why he believed they were Russian. Conflicting casualty figures are common in the aftermath of airstrikes in Syria. The Observatory said the warplanes fired four missiles that hit the Islamic court, which includes a jail, as well as a nearby road linking the court with a market.
Page 68
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Top US general warns about ISIS fighters in the Caribbean WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) – A top United States general has expressed deep concern that a small number of motivated Islamic State fighters could commit acts of terror in Caribbean nations. General John Kelly, commander of the Miami-based US Southern Command, or SouthCOM, told reporters Friday at the Pentagon that about 150 Islamic extremists left the Caribbean region to join Islamic State fighters in the Middle East last year, about 50 more than in the previous year. However, he said, the biggest threat might not be the extremists who leave to train and fight with the Islamic State, but the ones who stay behind. Kelly, who oversees
General John Kelly
US security in Latin America the Caribbean, said Islamic extremist groups seem to have a new message for would-be jihadists. “And that [message] is, ‘Rather than coming here to Syria, why don’t you just stay
A private institution is selling the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine at $700 per dose Trinidad Express - Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh has, however, said the ministry cannot dictate prices in the private sector. The vaccine, which up until recently was being sold for between $200 and $400 at several private institutions, was being offered for almost double at the Sureway Weight Loss Clinic when the -Express checked yesterday. According to the clinic’s website, Sureway specialises in weight loss and
cosmetic procedures, including liposuction, tummy tucks, breast and butt augmentation and skin lightening. The company, run by Dr Surelia Reid, has announced the availability of the swine flu vaccine in newspaper advertisements, urging the public to protect themselves against the deadly virus. The clinic said the vaccine was “exclusive” to Sureway branches and not available anywhere else.
at home and do San Bernardino or do Boston or do Fort Hood?’” he said, alluding to attacks in the US perpetrated by Muslims sympathetic to extremist groups. As recently as Thursday, a gunman claiming allegiance to the Islamic State ambushed a police officer as he sat in his car in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The US general said these would-be attackers largely come from former British colonies within the Caribbean and along its borders, and at least a few have been killed fighting for the Islamic State group. He estimated that about 150 radicals have attempted to join the Islamic State group as of this year, up from his estimate last year of roughly 100. Last year, Kelly told the United States Congress that those who succeed in reaching Islamic State group territory “get good at killing and pick up some job skills,” such as working with explosives and beheading enemy fighters for propaganda purposes. “If they went over radicalized, one would expect they’d come back at least that radicalized,” he said. The security problem is exacerbated by the limited resources of Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries, such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname, “which don’t have organizations comparable to the America’s military, or its Transportation Safety Administration”, said a report by US News and World Report. “Even just a few of these nuts can cause an awful lot of trouble down in the Caribbean because [those countries] don’t have an FBI, they don’t have law enforcement like we do,” Kelly said. “And many of these countries have very, very small militaries – if they have militaries at all.” Caribbean security experts have warned that extremists could exploit the region’s relatively open borders with the US and Canada.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 69
Grizzles hold off Nuggets 91-84 The Sports Xchange Zach Randolph scored a team-high 24 points off the bench as the Memphis Grizzlies held off the Denver Nuggets 91-84 victory at FedExForum. The Nuggets held the lead with 5:54 remaining when Danilo Gallinari (29 points, eight rebounds) made two free throws to put them up 76-74 but the Grizzlies (2018) closed with a 17-8 run. ”They killed us in the fourth quarter,” said Denver forward Darrell Arthur. Eight different Nuggets had at least five rebounds but none as many as 10. And despite the rebounding advantage, the Grizzlies and Randolph were more physical. ”You know they’ll hold you, punch you, whatever it is, and you gotta respect that about them,” Denver coach Michael Malone said. “Playing against Zach Randolph, that’s a great learning experience — big, strong ... we gotta
and our energy, our effort, our focus to start the third quarter was great,” Malone said. The Nuggets erased a 12-point halftime deficit and led by four late in the third quarter before Memphis closed with a 5-0 spurt to carry a 67-66 lead into the fourth. Denver’s only lead of the fourth quarter lasted just 32 seconds when Randolph’s putback tied the score at 76 with 5:22 to play. The Nuggets hung in there and were down 82-78 Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) goes to the basket between Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) and guard Jameer Nelson (1). Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports get comfortable with being six of their 17 turnovers in the uncomfortable.” second quarter and that The second quarter was flipped a one-point Denver anything but comfortable as lead after the first quarter to a Memphis held Denver to 49-37 Grizzlies lead at halfseven points on three-of-21 time. shooting from the field (14.3 ”I loved the fact that we percent). The Nuggets made were down by 12 at halftime
Sunday January 10, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Look into intellectual and physical games that will test your abilities. You could find yourself having problems with coworkers and employers. Get involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet new friends.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You'll be prone to tears if your mate is harsh with you today. You should channel your efforts into getting rid of bad habits. Your emotions have been pulled out of shape and you need to do a little backtracking.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will communicate easily and should be able to develop new friendships. Romance may be likely if you travel. Dream a little today.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Female members of your family may be difficult to deal with. You will be viewed as a sensitive, compassionate individual and others will ask you for advice. Knowledge can be acquired if you listen.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Empty promises could be likely where work is concerned. Much can be accomplished if you compromise. Someone you work with may be emotional. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You can expect changes at your work place. Pushy people must be kept at arm's length. Try not to be too emotional with those around you.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects. Remain calm and you'll shine. Passion should be your goal. You can help them with difficult projects. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Unpredictable events will disrupt your routine. Someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes, and if you're gullible, it may cost you.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your lover will be annoyed with your participation. You may find that lectures or travel will be highly successful.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your mate may not be too sure about your intentions. Put your energy into moneymaking ventures.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Unique forms of entertainment could capture your attention and bring about a romantic interest. You may become rundown if you take on too much.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Deal with the needs of children. You may find that doing odd jobs around the house will be successful and appreciated by loved ones.
with 2:30 left when Randolph rejected a layup attempt by Jusuf Nurkic. It was Randolph’s third block of the night. ”Got that old grit and grind feeling back,” Randolph said. Also helping the Grizzlies was Jeff Green, who had 16 points and nine rebounds, and Matt Barnes, who finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists. The Grizzlies’ Marc
Gasol had 12 points with five steals and Mario Chalmers played 40 minutes and contributed 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and four turnovers. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Chalmers also mixed things up with 7-foot, 280-pound Nurkic after Randolph’s block and Chalmers and Nurkic each got a technical. ”Mario, he’s not gonna back down,” Randolph said. “He fits in well.”
De Filippis, first woman to race in F1, dies at 89 The first woman driver to race in the Formula One world championship, Italian Maria Teresa De Filippis, has died at the age of 89. ”We lost another pioneering member of the motorsport world today,” Austrian Alex Wurz, a member of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Club that counted De Filippis as its honorary president, said on Twitter yesterday. The official Formula One Twitter feed also mourned the passing of an ‘incredible woman’. Born in Naples on November 11, 1926, De Filippis started three grands prix in 1958 at the wheel of a Maserati and finished 10th and last at Spa in Belgium. She failed to finish in Portugal and her home race at Monza. In Belgium she had qualified 19th and last and was lapped twice. De Filippis also tried to qualify for the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix, with current Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone another who failed to make the cut that day. In 1959 she again failed to qualify in Monaco and then retired after the death that year of her Porsche team leader, French ace Jean Behra, in a sportscar race before the German Grand Prix at Avus. A 2012 book that marked the 50th anniversary of the Drivers’ Club recalled how De Filippis was greeted when she tried to sign up for the 1958 French Grand Prix in Reims. ”The only helmet a beautiful woman should wear is the one at the hairdressers’,” race director Toto Roche said as he prevented her from entering. In her own introduction, De Filippis recalled the ‘difficulties and misunderstandings’ she had to overcome. ”Many journalists, too, did not always want general news but tried to get me to talk about particular situations as the only woman in the field,” she said. She faced that also in later life, with many years
Maria Teresa de Filippis passing before another woman lined up with the men.
Only five women have entered a grand prix since the championship started in 1950 and Italian Lella Lombardi, the next after De Filippis, remains the only one to have had any success with sixth place in Spain in 1975. Lombardi made 12 starts, scoring half a point for her result in Spain after the race was stopped early due to a fatal accident. No woman has started a grand prix since Lombardi, although Britain’s Divina Galica (1976-78), South African Desire Wilson (1980) and Italian Giovanna Amati (1992) all tried to qualify. (Reuters)
Page 70
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
“For 2016 and 2017, West Indies needs two years of rebuilding!” First, an apology, Last week, I suggested that West Indies Cricket BoardNAGICO Super-50 50-overs 2016 competition presently being played could be used as preparations for not only ICC World T-20 in India, in March and April next, but for ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England and ICC World Cup 2019 in that same country. That is incorrect. I had forgotten that WI, surprise winners of Champions Trophy 2004, while making miniscule ODI progress, did not qualify for that next wonderful eightteam tournament, as WI are now ranked a dismal ninth in the ODI world! What a distant, luxurious memory that has become, WI winning that pulsating final at Kennignton Oval, London; third ODI championship after ICC CWC 1975 and 1979; that September evening, courtesy of now WI selector Courtney Browne and left-arm medium pacer Ian Bradshaw. So, world tournaments for WI to look forward to are, ICC
CWC 2019 and ICC World T20 later this year, perhaps hoping for a repeat of that exhilarating success at ICC W-T-20 2012 in Sri Lanka. But much has changed for WI in three years since that fourth international success! This upcoming two-year lull should give WI senior men’s team time to breathe, after putrid returns from most recent tours – South Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia – plus tours of the Caribbean by England and Australia. WI only drew one and won one of nine Tests played in those tours! That is why that fifteenman list suggested by WICB as being retained for 2016, the first of what could be a twoyear rebuilding period, while including some enterprising players, is confusing. Some participants of those tours, at home and away, deserve nothing more than being dropped for non-performances. Several do not deserve continuing contracts just for failure! Is this list for 2016 really
about players performing in WI’s future and especially for the next two years in WI men’s cricket, or is this list just allowing for some gratuities, players’ pensions and a benefit year for several barely surviving veterans on their last legs? What exactly are these fifteen players selected supposed to achieve? Will these fifteen, with a few additions, t a k e We s t I n d i e s i n t o battle when India comes, then for the rest of international cricket in 2016 and 2017. Surely these cannot be the best fifteen cricketers that WI now has! One has to believe that this list was submitted for ratification by WI selectors headed by Clive Lloyd, including Browne, Eldine Baptiste and Courtney Walsh, with recommendations from head-coach Phil Simmons, bowling coach (Sir) Curtly Ambrose and assistant-coach Stuart Williams. With respect, do these men see the same cricket that I, if no-one else, see?
Remember, these selectors incredibly dropped noone for that shambolic tour of Australia after WI had been badly outplayed in Sri Lanka 2-0; by an innings and six runs, and then by a relatively closer seventy-one runs. Did that entire team deserve to go to Australia? Nah! Some WI players; Darren Bravo, Jason Holder and Kraigg Brathwaite especially; came from Australia with credit, but some who deserve further inclusions for their efforts, like the effervescent new all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite of Barbados, and surprise success, Windward Islands’ Jomel Warrican, do not feature. Why not? Indeed, that list does not include any left-arm spinner at all, those who have, recently, proved so lethal whenever they were selected. There is no place for evergreen Sulimann Benn, Warrican or Veerasammy Permaul, all of whom have out-bowled, and out-lasted the always injured and regular passenger, right-arm leg-
spinner Davendra Bishoo. N o n s e n s e ! Warrican, in his 25th year, is already nicely primed, with eleven wickets from his four Tests to date. Surely he must be encouraged on. This guy is a very good prospect. Similarly, Permaul is just in his 27th year, maturing nicely, with eighteen wickets from six Tests, yet he too was excluded. Benn might be a bit long in the tooth, but there is still so much fight left in him. Maybe WI selectors see regular mirages, as no opening pair anywhere in world cricket would be shaking in their boots to face so-called fastmen Jerome Taylor, Shannon Gabriel or Kemar Roach. Taylor has played 46 Tests for 130 wickets at 34.46 runs, a return of less than three wickets per Test. Roach is just better, with 122 wickets from 37 Tests, three wickets per Test, but has taken only four wickets in his last six Tests and none at all in Australia. Gabriel, if he ever gets fit, since he seems, like Bishoo, to always be somewhat injured, averages two wickets per Test. Indeed, all three
should be skating on very thin ice, for while Taylor may have done relatively well early in 2015, by the end of last year, all three had become practically useless as fast bowlers, not even taking the shine off of the ball properly. And what of wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and batsman Marlon Samuels, both somehow still surviving, while Rajendra Chandrika has not been convincing; a wicket waiting to happen. At least Leon Johnson, the best WI batsman not consistently selected in 2015, is, thankfully, back! From this list, WI’s plans for at least the next year look decidedly cloudy! Enjoy!
Spurs edge Knicks to keep Trina Gulliver wins home win streak alive
San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over New York Knicks shooting guard Arron Afflalo (right). Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports The Sports Xchange - San Antonio forward Kawhi Leonard scored 19 points and grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds as the Spurs shaded the New York Knicks 100-99 to win their 22nd straight home game this season. The Spurs (32-6) are just the second Western Conference team to open a season 22-0 at
home. Portland won their first 26 home games in 1977-78. San Antonio led 79-74 after three quarters and opened the fourth with seven straight points to give them some breathing room in a game that featured two ties and eight lead changes. New York made a final run in the last 5 1/2 minutes, cutting
the Spurs’ lead to one point on an alley-oop dunk by Kristaps Porzingis with 32.3 seconds to play. Spurs guard Tony Parker missed a floater with 15.9 seconds left and the Knicks had a shot to win. New York forward Carmelo Anthony drove into the lane but was well defended by Leonard and reserve guard
Manu Ginobili and passed to guard Jose Calderon, whose three-point attempt with .8 of a second to play bounced off the rim as time expired. Calderon is a 41 percent shooter from beyond the arc but said he put a little more on the shot to make sure it would not be blocked. The victory allowed the Spurs to pad their best home start ever and extend their win streak in AT&T Center to 31 games dating back to the final nine home games of 2014-15. San Antonio got 16 points apiece from Ginobili, forward LaMarcus Aldridge and Parker. The Knicks (18-20) were led by Porzingis, the rookie who poured in a gamehigh 28 points with a dizzying mixture of shots from long distance and in the paint and had 11 rebounds. Anthony added 20 points and 12 rebounds for New York, while Robin Lopez scored 12 points, Langston Galloway had 11 and Lance Thomas 10. San Antonio missed three of their first four shots of the third quarter and the Knicks jumped at the chance to retake the lead at 56-54 on Anthony’s deep t h r e e - p o i n t e r . The Spurs responded behind three baskets by Parker and a ringing threepointer from Ginobili to take a 79-74 lead to the fourth quarter.
10th BDO World Championships title
Trina Gulliver won her first world title in 2001 Trina Gulliver won the women’s world title for a 10th time with a 3-2 victory over Deta Hedman in yesterday’s all-English BDO final. The first four sets went against the throw, with number eight seed Gulliver, 46, winning the decider 3-0 to clinch the £12,000 first prize. ”I’m absolutely delighted. It was always going to be a tough game against Deta,” she told BBC Sport. Hedman, 56, has lost in three finals at Lakeside and is yet to win the title. Essex-based Hedman clinched the first set with a
118 finish but Gulliver, who lives in Somerset, hit back with a 133 checkout to level the match. Both players missed two darts to win the third set before number three seed Hedman took it on double 10, but Gulliver broke back to square the contest for a second time. Gulliver, making her 12th appearance in a World Championship final, grabbed a crucial break of throw in the second leg of the deciding set before landing double 18 for the title. (BBCsport)
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 71
Azarenka sounds Australian Djokovic crushes Nadal to Open warning with Brisbane win start New Year with Doha title
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus returns the ball to Angelique Kerber of Germany during the women’s singles final. Reuters/Dave Hunt/AAP Victoria Azarenka displayed the form that could lead her to a hat-trick of Australian Open titles this month by brushing aside German fourth seed Angelique Kerber 6-3 61 in the Brisbane International final yesterday. The former world number one has been plagued by injury over the last two years but, now ranked 22nd, she showed little sign of rust on her way to a second Brisbane crown. The Belarusian dropped 17 games over five
matches during the tournament to claim her first title since the Cincinnati Masters in August 2013. The 26-year-old, who won her maiden Brisbane title in 2009, took control of the match against world number 10 Kerber after an early trade of breaks and peppered the court with her powerful groundstrokes. ”I’m not sure I feel relief,” Azarenka told reporters. “I wanted to win the title, but I didn’t feel, if this doesn’t
happen the world is going to end. “I just feel really excited and happy that I’m doing the right things. I’m excited to keep working hard. “It just gives extra motivation to keep working hard and achieve better things.” Kerber, the highest seed left after the withdrawals of Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep and Garbine Muguruza, had three break points in the opening game of the second set but once Azarenka fended them off, she did not look back. ”I don’t know, but for me it’s always tough to play against her,” Kerber said after her sixth loss against Azarenka. “I hope one day will come where I can beat her. “Vika was the better player today (yesterday), that’s all that I can say.” Azarenka won back-toback Australian Open titles in 2012 and 2013 and has reached the U.S. Open final twice, losing both to world number one Serena Williams. (Reuters)
Novak Djokovic moved ahead for the first time in his long-running rivalry with Rafael Nadal when the world number one thrashed the Spaniard to win the Qatar Open in Doha yesterday. Serbian Djokovic, appearing in his 16th consecutive final, won 6-1 6-2 in little more than an hour and now has 24 career wins over Nadal, compared to 23 for the former world number one. Djokovic dominated the 2015 season, winning three of the year’s four grand slams, and looks in the groove in the build-up to this month’s Australian Open. Nadal has now
Novak Djokovic holds the trophy. Reuters/Naseem Zeitoon lost nine of his last 10 matches against Djokovic in what is the most prolific rivalry in
men’t tennis in the professional era. (Reuters)
Champion Federer sets up Raonic final in Brisbane
Panama seals Copa America Centenario spot
Panama City, Panama – Panama clinched CONCACAF’s sixth and last spot in the 2016 Copa America Centenario with a 4-0 win over visiting Cuba on Friday at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez. Thanks to the victory, the Panamanians join the host United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Haiti – a 1-0 winner over Trinidad & Tobago in the evening — in the 16-team tournament that includes all 10 members of CONMEBOL and will be played June 3-26, 2016. Gabriel Gomez and Luis Tejada netted before 20 minutes had passed, while Armando Cooper and Blas Perez added second half strikes. Despite a
warm and humid evening, the host came out firing on all cylinders. It went ahead in just the fourth minute, when Gomez headed home from three-yards out at the left post off a beautifully lofted pass from Valentin Pimentel. The Canaleros’ lead was doubled in the 18th minute, when Tejada converted from the penalty spot after Perez was taken down in the box by Yosel Piedra. Pimentel nearly got his name on the scoresheet in the 34th minute, but his glancing hit the woodwork and bounced in front of the line. After the break, Panama stayed on the front foot, refusing to let a young Cuban
side climb back into the match. Tejada turned provider in the 52nd minute, rolling a pass from the middle to Cooper on the right. The 28-year-old midfielder took a touch in the box and fired a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Sandy Sanchez from 12-yards out to make it 3-0. With a minute remaining in normal time, Perez punctuated the scoreline. The veteran forward outjumped Sanchez to Cooper’s cross from the right to head in from twoyards out. The Copa America Centenario draw will be held in February with details on procedures expected to be announced in the coming days. (CONCACAF)
Panama players celebrate and acknowledge their fans after defeating visiting Cuba for a place in the Copa America Centenario. (Photo: Mexsport)
Roger Federer returns the ball to Dominic Thiem during their semi-final match. Reuters/Dave Hunt/AAP Defending champion Roger Federer will meet bigserving Canadian Milos Raonic in the final of the Brisbane International after the Swiss top seed dismantled rising Austrian talent Dominic Thiem 6-1 6-4 yesterday. Federer left his opponent and the center court crowd stunned as he charged to a 50 lead at the Pat Rafter Arena before encountering stiffer resistance from his 22-yearold opponent as the match progressed at the Australian Open warm-up. The youngest player in the top 20, Thiem shrugged off the first set horror show to unleash some exquisite backhand winners in the second that had the Swiss master nodding approval.
Federer’s serve was bulletproof during the clutch moments, however, and the world number three closed out the contest with a booming ace on his second match point. Federer, who will be contesting his third consecutive Brisbane final and is one victory away from an 89th ATP title, hailed his “best match” of the tournament. “I really thought I hit the ball very well,” the evergreen 34-yearold, lathered in sweat from the muggy Brisbane heat, said in a courtside interview. ”I’m very excited to be back in the final again... It’s a great start to the season and I’m very happy.” Raonic earlier won a battle of big servers to down local contender Bernard Tomic 7-6(5) 7-6(5) in
the first semi. Both players held their serve throughout the contest but it was the Canadian who took control in the tiebreaks, jumping out to early leads on each occasion. After Tomic won four straight points to make it 5-5 in the second set tiebreak, Raonic whipped a forehand winner down the line to bring up match point. He closed out the contest in style, lunging for a crosscourt backhand volley to end Tomic’s solid run at the tournament, which included an upset win over world number eight Kei Nishikori. ”It was a great match today, a difficult one against Bernie. He’s been playing so well, I know he’s going to do great things this year,” Raonic said. (Reuters)
Page 72
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Sheikh Salman positions as safe pair of hands in FIFA vote In a FIFA presidential election where all candidates are presenting themselves as reformers, Asian soccer boss Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is making his pitch as the safest option to officials beleaguered by the organization’s crisis. The president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has his own plans for change at world soccer’s governing body, including splitting FIFA into separate ‘business’ and ‘football’ entities, and says reform is an ‘ongoing process’. He also wants to be a very different style of president to the man he supported for many years, the now banned Sepp Blatter. Salman sees the role as non-executive and wants to delegate rather than, what he terms, “micromanage”. But, perhaps conscious of the fact that it is FIFA’s 209 member associations, and not public opinion, that will decide the next FIFA president at a congress on Feb. 26, Salman
also strikes a slightly defiant tone when discussing the corruption crisis that has hit the governing body. ”I don’t believe what is happening in the rest of the world is FIFA’s mistake. We can’t blame FIFA for all that happens in football in the rest of the world,” the Bahraini told Reuters in an interview. In total, 41 individuals and entities have been charged in the United States in a corruption sweep that has rocked soccer worldwide and sent FIFA into an unprecedented crisis. Those officials charged come from the CONCACAF confederation which governs soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean and CONMEBOL which presides over South American football. Salman believes it is unfair that FIFA itself has been tarnished by the behavior of confederation officials. ”If something happens in CONCACAF or South America, people say it is FIFA;
Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa. I don’t think it is so. This is purely a confederation issue. If you look at FIFA with 400plus staff, I don’t think there is a single guy within FIFA (staff) that has been convicted of wrongdoing,” he said. Those are sentiments which will not impress those pushing for radical reform at FIFA but they may well strike a chord with federation offi-
FIFA panel tells Blatter, Platini why they were banned
Platini and Blatter were kicked out of football for conflict of interest and disloyalty to FIFA. FIFA’s ethics panel said yesterday it had formally given outgoing President Sepp Blatter and European soccer head Michel Platini the reasons for their eight-year bans from the game, information both men could use in an appeal. Blatter and Platini were banned last month amid the worst corruption scandal in the history of world soccer’s governing body. ”After receiving the grounds for the decisions, both officials may lodge an appeal with the FIFA Appeal Committee,” the adjudicatory chamber of the ethics committee said in a statement, without giving details on the information it sent. A lawyer for Platini, sus-
pended head of European soccer body UEFA, said he would appeal. Platini withdrew from the race to succeed Blatter this week. ”We will immediately lodge an appeal with the FIFA appeal committee, before going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as soon as possible,” Platini lawyer Thibaud d’Ales told Reuters in Paris. He added that “the FIFA appeal committee being a FIFA body, we do not have high hopes that making an appeal there will change things”. Platini had initially been seen as the favorite to replace Blatter in the Feb. 26 election. D’Ales said FIFA had now completely dropped accusations of corruption and only
talks about “a possible conflict of interest and lack of loyalty”. “We will fight these arguments strongly,” he said. Blatter and Platini were both banned over a payment of 2 million Swiss francs ($2 million) made to the Frenchman by FIFA with Blatter’s approval in 2011 for work done a decade earlier. The committee said the payment, made at a time when Blatter was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented conflicts of interest, though both men denied wrongdoing. The sport faces criminal investigations in Switzerland and the United States, where 41 soccer officials and sports entities have been indicted on corruption charges. (Reuters)
cials who were happy enough with the status quo under Blatter that they re-elected him in May, just days after the FBI’s first wave of arrests at a FIFA hotel in Zurich. Blatter won 133 votes, defeating challenger Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, who picked up 73 votes, and most of those who voted in that election will have a ballot in February. Critics say that even if,
technically, those involved in corruption were conducting confederation business rather than strictly FIFA affairs, the global body has a responsibility for cleaning up the game. Salman says that duty goes well beyond FIFA. ”I think cleaning the game needs the support not just from FIFA. You need other stakeholders to be involved whether it is governments, organizations, media. ”Getting the information is not so easy; you can’t expect FIFA to be the investigator of each country or each national association, to know exactly what they are dealing, what contracts they are signing, etc. It goes beyond that,” he said. The Blatter-voting core in FIFA might also be encouraged to hear Salman talking of reviewing the contracts of U.S. law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and New York-based crisis and communications adviser Teneo who were hired by FIFA after the May arrests.
Salman initially supported Frenchman Michel Platini in the election before he was suspended and then banned by FIFA’s Ethics Committee following an investigation into a 2 million Swiss franc payment from Blatter’s FIFA in 2011. It was only when Platini’s candidature looked doomed that Salman stepped into the race and the language he uses to describe that decision suggests he wants to be a candidate of careful change. Prince Ali is standing again in the February vote along with former FIFA deputy secretary general Jerome Champagne of France; Gianni Infantino, who is Swiss and the current general secretary of the European soccer body UEFA; and South African businessman and politician Tokyo Sexwale. Salman though, who this past week was drumming up support in the Caribbean and Central America, is quietly confident that he has collected enough support to win. (Reuters)
Gayle outshone by Pietersen in first BBL game since he was fined for sparking sexism row Chris Gayle was outshone by ex-England pair Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright in his first Big Bash League game since provoking a sexism row. The West Indies batsman was fined £4,800 by his club the Melbourne Renegades after asking Channel 10 reporter Mel McLaughlin out for a drink during a pitchside interview and responding to her obvious discomfort by adding: ‘Don’t blush, baby.’ Gayle opened the batting after the Renegades were put in by their city rivals the Melbourne Stars at the Docklands Stadium, and hit two sixes in an innings of 21 at a run a ball before holing out to long on. Compatriot Dwayne Bravo hit an unbeaten 59 from 37 balls, with four fours and three sixes, to lift the Renegades to 155 for six in their 20 overs as Stars opening batsman Marcus Stoinis took three for 11 with his medium pace. Stoinis and Wright put on a quick 33 for the first wicket before Pietersen joined his former international colleague in the middle. They put on 29 before Wright hammered a catch to short cover, having made 37 from 26 balls with seven fours. Pietersen continued to flourish in partnership with
Kevin Pietersen was in fine form as he guided Stars to derby victory. Peter Handscomb as the balls and he celebrated by pair’s unbroken stand of 94 hitting the last of his three saw the Stars home with eight sixes, adding five fours as he wickets and t w o o v e r s t o finished 67 not out from 43 s p a r e . P i e t e r s e n ’s h a l f - balls, with Handscomb on 39. (MailOnline) c e n t u r y c a m e u p i n 36
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 73
TNT crowned Joseph free-entry dominoes champs
Members of the victorious TNT team celebrate with Georgetown Dominoes Association Secretary, Barbara Marshall who is second from left. Led by Shawn Morgan and Mark Welch with 17 and 16 games respectively, TNT chalked up 77 games to capture the Faye Joseph freeentry dominoes title on Thursday night at Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt.
FX finished second on 70 while Mix Up placed third with 66. William Sergeant and Samantha Vickery scored 14 apiece for FX while Mark Rodrigues got 16 and Ganesh Sankar 15 for Mix Up. FX marked 70 games to
win the semi final encounter ahead of TNT 67 and Scramblers on 60. Sevens Collymore led with 16 games while Sergeant got 14 for the victors. TNT was spearheaded by Trevor Smith and Ryan Boodhoo who made 16
games each while Basil Bradshaw scored 16 for Scramblers. TNT pocketed $70,000, FX $30,000 and Mix Up $20,000. Meanwhile, Mark Wiltshire’s birth anniversary tournament will commence tomorrow at Dynasty Sports
bar. Action gets underway at 19:00hrs and entrance is $10,000. The winning team will take home a trophy and $150,000, runner up a trophy and $75,000, third place $35,000 and fourth $10,000.
Prizes are subject to change. All corporation teams are asked to be at the venue at least 30 minutes before double six time. For more information teams can contact Wiltshire on 665 5855. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Haiti edges T&T to earn Copa America Centenario berth Panama City, Panama - Second-half substitute Pascal Millien scored in the 86th minute to lift Haiti to a dramatic 1-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago and into 2016 Copa America Centenario in a CONCACAF play-in match Friday at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez. Goalkeeper Steward Ceus produced several key saves to keep the Haitians in the match as he registered a clean sheet and extended T&T’s scoreless streak to 235 minutes at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez. On the winning goal, Millen delivered a right-wing cross into the penalty area intended for Kervens Belfort. The Turkey-based forward missed on an
attempt to get his foot on the ball, which bounced past goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams and rolled just inside the left post. The Soca Warriors had a few opportunities to take a firsthalf lead. Haiti goalkeeper Steward Ceus, however, punched away Khaleem Hyland’s shot from inside the penalty area in the 17th minute and produced a twohanded save three minutes into first-half stoppage. Ceus misjudged a corner kick by Hyland in the 19th minute, but Jovein Jones could only get off a shot that traveled wide right of the goal and was cleared by the defense. The Haitians’ did not threaten the T&T net much. In the 28th minute, Jean-Eudes Maurice
Haiti celebrates after defeating Trinidad & Tobago for a place in the Copa America Centenario. (Photo: Mexsport) produced a low, hard shot that Williams handled easily. In the second half, after some nifty passing around the box,
Hyland fired a 12-yard shot that Ceus stopped on the hour mark. Three minutes later, Haiti’s Soni Mustivar
fired his attempt wide right. Copa America Centenario, which will be held in the United States from June 3-
26, will include 16 teams from South America and C O N C A C A F . (CONCACAF)
Page 74
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 10, 2016
Chanderpaul steers Jaguars to 73-run win over Volcanoes A well compiled 81 from veteran left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul was enough to see the Guyana Jaguars to a 73-run victory over the Leewards Hurricanes last evening at Warner Park in St Kitts on day two action in the NAGICO Super50 cricket t o u r n a m e n t . The 41-year-old Chanderpaul batted for 177 minutes faced 129 balls and reached the boundary five times while clearing it once; Anthony Bramble, who made a run-ball 21, put together 54 for the fifth wicket with Chanderpaul. Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l slammed an explosive 30 from 14 balls with three fours and two sixes and along with Steven Jacobs, who smashed 19 from 12 balls with a six and a four added 43 for the ninth wicket to help the Jaguars to 219-9
when their 50 overs expired in cloudy conditions on a slow track with some b o u n c e . Quinton Boatswain (4-54), Odean Browne (2-39) and Daron Cruickshank (2-26) were the main wicket takers for the Hurricanes who were sent back for 146 off 46 overs in reply despite 26 from Chesney Hughes who w a s r u n o u t . Once Shane Jeffers (2) was caught behind at 5-1 in the fifth over, things got progressively worse when Cruikshank (0) was forced to retire hurt after ‘pulling up’, the Islanders never recovered as left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took his second consecutive three-wicket haul. Earlier, the Jaguars left out Kevin Boodie, Chris Barnwell and Romario Shepherd and lost the left-
McCarthy, Jacobs help Scorpions to win St Augustine, Trinidad, CMC – Andre McCarthy struck his maiden regional one-day hundred and legspinner Damien Jacobs claimed a five-wicket haul as Jamaica Scorpions rebounded from their opening round loss to crush ICC Americas by 184 runs here yesterday. Playing at the Frank Worrell Memorial Ground at the UWI Sport & Physical Education Centre, Scorpions piled up 260 for eight off their 50 overs with the 28-year-old McCarthy hammering 118 from 119 deliveries. The only other frontline batsman to make it past 20, however, was former captain Tamar Lambert with 28 while Sheldon Cottrell chipped in with a cameo 29 batting at n u m b e r s e v e n . Fast bowler Jeremy Gordon was the best bowler with thee for 32 while Muhammad Khan claimed two for 63. In their turn at the crease, the Americas never posed a serious challenged and slumped to 76 all out off 26.4 overs. Nitish Kumar topscored with 42 but was the only batsman to pass 15 and only one of two to reach double figures, as Jacobs destroyed the innings with f i v e f o r 2 2 . Fast bowler Nicholas Gordon
picked up two for 17. The victory was a welcome boost for Scorpions following their disappointing defeat to titleholders Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on Thursday while ICC Americas slid to their second straight defeat, on the heels of their opening round loss to Barbados Pride. The right-handed McCarthy held the Scorpions innings together after it threatened to stall at 61 for three in the 16th over when they lost Captain John Campbell (3), fellow opener Trevon Griffith (15) and Devon Thomas (19) cheaply. He counted 11 fours and four sixes and shared a 105run fourth wicket stand with Lambert whose 28 came from 51 balls and included two fours. McCarthy added a further 49 for the sixth wicket with Aldaine Thomas (15) before he was seventh out via the run out route. In reply, ICC Americas lost captain Ruvindu Gunasekara to the first ball of the innings but climbed back into the contest through a 42-run stand between Kumar and S t e v e n Ta y l o r ( 1 2 ) . Once the stand was broken, however, the last nine Americas wicket tumbled for 34 runs as Jacobs scythed through the innings.
handed Assad Fudadin (5) at 22 when he was dismissed off pacer Gavin Tong in the f i f t h o v e r . Vishaul Singh (20) was removed by Cruickshank at 39-2 after hitting three boundaries before Cruickshank also got rid of Skipper Leon Johnson (8) at 51-3 to leave the rebuilding job to Chanderpaul, who is no stranger to these s i t u a t i o n s . Raymon Reifer joined Chanderpaul and at the halfway stage the Jaguars were 75-3 with Chanderpaul on 25 and Reifer on nine. But after the Bajan Reifer had
added just four more to his score he was LBW to Browne as Guyana slipped t o 8 4 - 4 . Chanderpaul and Anthony Bramble saw the 100 posted in 32.2 overs before the Chanderpaul reached his 21st Regional 50-over fifty from 95 balls and 73 minutes with five fours and a six as he struggled to score quickly but the important thing for Guyana was that he was still at the crease. He eventually fell in last five overs. With the sun playing a cat and mouse game above, a gathering of less than 200 watched Bramble depart off
Browne as the Jaguars slipped to 138-5 in the 38th over. Royston Crandon and Chanderpaul tried to accelerate the scoring before Crandon (9) was sent packing by Boatswain who also removed Chanderpaul i n t h e s a m e o v e r. Chanderpaul fell 19 short of what would have been only his second Regional one-day ton. Permaul launched a brutal attack on Tong and clobbered him for fours boundaries in one over including a six before he was bowled by Boatswain who also bowled Jacobs off the last ball as the Jaguars scored
Gudakesh Motie 52 runs in the last four overs to compensate for the slow run rate in the middle overs. The tournament continues tomorrow when the Red Force face-off with ICC Americas at Shaw Park in Tobago and Barbados Pride battle Jamaica Scorpions in Port-of-Spain. In St Kitts,
Ottley, Hope stun feeble Bajan Pride Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC – Kjorn Ottley and Kyle Hope carved out classy, unbeaten halfcenturies as Trinidad and To b a g o R e d F o r c e capitalised on a feeble batting effort from Barbados Pride, to cruise to a ninewicket victory in their second game of the Regional Super50 here yesterday. Opting to bat first at Queen’s Park Oval, Pride produced an ordinary display to collapse to 161 all out with three balls left in the innings. In-form Roston Chase top-scored with 50 while Justin Greaves, batting at number eight, chipped in with a valuable 31 and Shamarh Brooks, 25. Off-spinner Jon Ross Jagessar, in only his second game at regional level, hurt the innings with three for 24 while left-arm spinner Yannick Ottley (2-31) and seamer Rayad Emrit (2-45) supported with two wickets apiece. In defence of a paltry total, Pride started brightly when they prised out the dangerous Evin Lewis cheaply off the second ball of the innings but Ottley stroked 80 not out and Hope, an unbeaten 70, to see guide Red Force to victory in the 36th over. The left-handed Ottley, brought in after missing Thursday’s opening game against Jamaica Scorpions, faced 113 deliveries and counted 11 fours while Hope, a Barbadian drafted by Red Force this season, hammered six fours and a six off 100 balls. With Red Force having
Kyle Hope strikes down the ground. WICB Media/Ashley Allen just a single run on the board when Lewis was bowled by pacer Greaves without scoring attempting a forcing shot off the back foot, the pair added a superb 162 for the second wicket to erase any hopes Pride had of springing an upset. Ottley was strong through the off-side, driving and cutting with authority, and raised his maiden halfcentury at this level off 76 balls with seven fours. The 2 7 - y e a r- o l d H o p e , a n elegant right-hander, also notched his first halfcentury at this level off 70 balls with five fours and a
six. He brought up victory for Red Force with a streaky boundary to third man off speedster Tino Best. Earlier, Pride s t u m b l e d t o 6 6 for six in the 26th over and never really recovered despite the r i g h t - h a n d e d C h a s e ’s enterprise. Dwayne Smith played on to Emrit for four in the fifth over with the score on ten attempting to pull and opening partner and captain Kevin Stoute followed in the next over also for four, nicking seamer Marlon Richards behind at 14 for
two. Left-handed Jonathan Carter spent 38 balls over a single run before Jagessar ended his misery with a catch at the wicket and Brooks stroked three handsome fours in his 46ball stay, before edging a drive at left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein to slip. Kenroy Williams (0) and wicketkeeper Mario Rampersaud (12) perished in quick succession to leave Pride in dire straits before Chase buckled down in a 60run, seventh wicket stand with Greaves to rescue the innings. Chase faced 85 deliveries and struck three fours but met his demise in the 44th over when he was well caught by Jason Mohammed at cover off Yannick Ottley. Once he fell, the innings tailed away as Prude lost their last four wickets for 35 runs, despite Ashley Nurse’s resistance with a breezy 19ball 21. Meanwhile, the match between Windwards Islands Volcanoes and Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners was called off due o rain with both sides being awarded 2 points. Windwards were struggling at 40-3 in 5.0 overs in reply to the CCC’s 236-6. Captain Chadwick Walton led from the front with 83*, Vikash Mohan 40, Hinds 39 and Christo p h e r P o w e l l 3 6 . Mervin Matthew a n d D e l o r n J ohnson took two wickets apiece for Windwards.
Sunday January 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 75
Mayor Hamilton Green’s 81st birth anniversary
Eight teams battle for lucrative $$$ and trophy today Eight teams will battle for championship honours when the curtains come down on the annual 7-a-side Inter-ward Football tournament in honour of Mayor Hamilton Green’s 81st birth anniversary at the Den Amstel Ground, West Coast of Demerara this afternoon. When activities get underway at 14:00hrs, Kitty will take on Lima Dam just before Uitvlugt battle with Haslington. Victoria will then take on Pouderoyen while Den Amstel will oppose Mahaica in quarter final matches. The teams then advance to the semi-finals stage which will see the winner of the Kitty/Lima Dam
encounter taking on the w i n n e r o f t h e Vi c t o r i a / P o u d e r o y e n shindig while the winners of the Uitvlugt/Haslington match will tackle the winner of the Den Amstel/Mahaica affair. Those two losers will then clash for the 3rd place slot starting at 17:00hrs while the winners will go on to contest for the championship trophy and a lucrative first place prize of $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy while the runners-up collect; $100,000 and Youth and Sports Trophy. The 3rd and 4th place finishers receive $70,000 and the China Trading trophy and $30,000 and the Business School
Trayon Bobb trophy respectively. Meanwhile, tournament organizer, Lennox Arthur said that he is pleased with the quality of play so far in
Eagles soar to GABA U-23 League Finals
Eagles soared to the Under-23 Finals of Georgetown’s Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League Friday night with a compelling 6456 win against Colts at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in a fourth quarter blitz that tied up Colts. Kevin Higgins scored 17 points for Eagles while Travis Belgrave added 15 points, largely owed to a combined 14-point effort, which helped them outscore Colts 24-15 in the final quarter to come away with the win. For Colts, guard Jonathan Mangra scored 18 points with Jafar Gibbons pitching in with 15 points and Daniel Haynes eight points. Colts played quality basketball for three quarters before a fourth quarter meltdown booted them from the championship round. Trailing 40-41 at the end of the third quarter, Higgins finished two lay-ups and a three-point shot while Belgrave finished three layups to seize the advantage for Eagles. The teams traded points, but the Colts were never able to clip the Eagles offensive wings. Eagles held a 13-11 advantage at the end of the first quarter with Higgins and Kavesi Thompson leading the way. Thompson ended up with nine points for Eagles. However, Colts
Kevin Higgins
continued the trod against Eagles’ lead in the second period. They managed to outscore Eagles 17-16 before halftime to enter the break trailing at 28-29 with Mangra leading the assault with nine points in the period inclusive of a threepoint jumper while Gibbons and Amoniki John lent excellent support. Colts also won the third period before the fourth quarter meltdown sent them packing. Eagles set up a final best-of-three showdown against the winner of last night’s Ravens vs. Pacesetters game. The finals are scheduled to begin Wednesday night at the
Sports Hall. Meanwhile, in the other U-23 game Friday night, Plaisance Guardians defeated the University of Guyana (UG) Trojans 64-56 in their final round-robin game. Terrence Daniels had 21 points and Malcolm Powder 13 points for Guardians. For UG Trojans, Alastair Lewis scored a game-high 23 points, while Eli Innis supported with 16 points. Trojans seized control of the game in the second, scoring 20 points to head into the break with a 30-24 lead. Guardians reduced the deficit in the third quarter and fourth quarters to record an impressive come-frombehind victory.
Gordon Grant the tournament. He said that football fans have witnessed some enthralling encounters and from all indications this trend will continue this afternoon. He singled out several players that have been outstanding and predicted that they will once again provide the sparks of the
Marvin Josiah tournament today. Those coming in for kudos from the former national coach are Trayon Bobb (Uitvlugt), Gordon Grant (Agricola) and Marvin Josiah (Pouderoyen). “Fans could expect fireworks and skills when these players take to the field today,” he said. The games
are 30 minute encounters, 15 per half and the no offside rule is in effect in this tournament. Once again the management of AH&L Kissoon Ltd has donated a 3piece suite for the top scorer, while Ricks and Sari has donated 10 hampers to the winning and runner up teams. Several other businesses have contributed to the success of the tournament including Banks DIH Ltd, Massy, Beepat and Sons, CBR Mining, MACORP, Guyana Beverage, home of Busta soft drinks, Aruwai Mining, IPA, Muneshwar’s, E Networks, CIDI, BEV Processors, EC Vieira and Cummings Electrical. Mr. Arthur has extended heartfelt gratitude to his benefactors while reiterating that such assistance is the oxygen towards the success of the tournament.
GCF confirms Greaves tested positive A statement on the Guyana Cycling Federation facebook page has confirmed that leading local cyclist Alanzo Greaves has failed a drugs test that was administered by the Caribbean Regional AntiDoping Organization (RADO). Following is the full text of the GCF’s facebook statement: ”One of Guyana’s top cyclist’s, Alanzo Greaves is facing suspension for a positive Anti-Doping test. I can confirm Mr. Alanzo Greaves has tested positive for a prohibited substance. He was tested on Sunday November 1, 2015 at the tour of Guyana. Mr. Alanzo Greaves was notified by the Regional Anti-Doping Organization ( R A D O ) . Members of the GCF would like to thank Mrs. Karen Pilgrim and the Guyana Olympic Association for conducting these tests. With these random tests that were conducted, not only Alanzo Greaves has tested positive but cyclists from Barbados, Jamaica and Columbia also tested p o s i t i v e . The Guyana Cycling Federation will continue to work closely with the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) to continue to conduct random testing and to bring order to
Alanzo Greaves
the sport that we all love.” Horace Burrowes
P r e s i d e n t Guyana Cyclist Federation
t r o Sp
Chanderpaul steers Jaguars to 73-run win over Volcanoes
-McCarthy, Jacobs help Scorpions to win
-Ottley, Hope stun feeble Bajan Pride Kjorn Ottley drives through the off-side. WICB Media/Ashley Allen
Shivnarine Chanderpaul pulls. WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography
Andre McCarthy. ŠWICB Media
GCF confirms Greaves tested positive
Alanzo Greaves
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210