Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210

Guest Editorial

HAPPY NEW YEAR! As the nation bids farewell to 2016, Guyanese both at home and abroad will waltz to the famous ballad “Auld Lang Syne” hoping that 2017 would be a prosperous and peaceful year for Guyana. The New Year should bring a number of positive changes to the country, which in turn should act as a catharsis for the nation. It is time for all to reflect on the past year and to empathize with the families and friends who have lost loves ones, those who are bed-ridden, who are jobless and homeless, the elderly and those who cannot make ends meet and who are the victims of crime. It is also a time to lift the spirits of those battling depression, alcohol and substance abuse. The New Year should bring renewed hope to all, and provide adequate care for the elderly and the most vulnerable in society and to those without jobs. It should be the beginning of a new era, the rebuilding and unifying of the nation and respect for the rights of the people, especially women. No longer shall children be sexually molested, women abused and the rights of the people violated. The New Year should be of tremendous significance for the country and people of Guyana. For many, 2016 was not such a good year, but it was great for others. It had its “ups”and “downs.” It was the first anniversary of the APNU+AFC government and the 50th independence anniversary of Guyana which is the heart of the nation’s consciousness, heritage, identity and destiny. Today, Guyana is beset by a series of crisis. Most of the goals that were set for its development in those momentous years since independence have not been achieved. Its economy is teetering and its national institutions are dysfunctional. The government is faced with the arduous task of solving many of the problems inherited from the last administration. However, there were some positive developments in 2016. The people’s confidence and hope have been restored and the government has embarked on the process to unite the races. It has converted Georgetown from the garbage city to the Garden City it once used to be. Merriman Mall has been restored, D’Urban Park has been transformed and Le Repentir cemetery has been rehabilitated. On the international scene, there are also some highs and lows. InSeptember Hurricane Matthew, the most powerful storm to hit the Caribbean damaged the Bahamas, Jamaica and Cuba. It wreaked havoc in the North Eastern states in the US and Haiti which is still feeling the effects of the 2010 earthquake. Today, there is an outbreak of cholera in Haiti. In Syria, the civil war has led many Syrians to flee to neighboring countries as refugees. In Brazil, Michel Temer became president after President Dilma Rousseff was impeached and removed from office in August. In March, President Obama visited Cuba, which signaled the establishment of normal relations between the US and Cuba. In November, Republican candidate Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the US after a very divisive political campaign between himself and Hillary Clinton. The year also saw the deaths of Cuba’s former President Fidel Castro, former world heavyweight boxing champion, Mohammed Ali, Guyanese born novelist E R Braithwaite, famous for‘To Sir with Love’ singers Prince, David Bowie and George Michael, and actresses Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie Reynolds, among others. The New Year should be the beginning of a new period for Guyana. It should be a year for introspection, the eradication of crime and poverty, the rebuilding of the economy, and improving the lives of the poor. The nation must strive for unity and accelerate progress towards the realization of the goal of a better life for all. Happy New Year to all.

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Beware of Paul Tennassee and his hidden agenda Dear Editor; I refer to a think-tank formed by Mr. Paul Tennassee set up to mobilize and involve ordinary Guyanese and organised civil society in crafting policies. Mr. Tennassee says; “We believe there is wisdom in the grassroots on how to solve many of the problems and we believe a lot of the bottlenecks and a lot of the real issues that affect our peoples is within the communities that they live and unless they could be educated, reoriented, empowered and be facilitated to act to resolve these issues, we cannot do it,” One media house in reference observed; “ Mr. Tennassee, a former leader of the now defunct Democratic Labour Movement (DLM) political party which had been part of the Patriotic Coalition of Democracy (PCD) in Guyana’s struggle for free and fair elections.” My question to Tennassee is; “have you and your organization, what you call yourself ‘Think tank’, The Roraima

Institute’s (TRI),checked out the following: · The Local Democratic Organs’ (or whatever they were called then) performance in the various communities under the last government for all the years? · The reason why Local Government Elections were not called for so many years. · Who were getting the contracts and which communities were getting money for development and which were not because of race and party affiliations. · Which schools, where they were located and benefitted more than others under the last government? How and why President College was neglected to fall into disrepair? · Which areas got health centers, sport facilities, better roads, banks etc. · The problems of the grassroots in the affected and neglected areas Neglected for all those years for obvious, selfish and other reasons you

are very well aware of. The list goes on. Please be informed - the Coalition which inherited the great burden of mismanagement and corruption May 2015, is trying under dire circumstances to correct the suffering inflicted on the people, the grassroots. For a start, since May 2015, THE COALITION GOVERNMENT HAD TO SPEND BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO SHORE UP THE FAILING SUGAR INDUSTRY TO KEEP THE WORKERS THERE EMPLOYED. You talk about crime, the Minister of Security mentioned a while ago, that some of that money could have been used to fight crime and be inputted into other initiatives, if the sugar industry was not left in the terrible state the Coalition Government inherited. There is a Guyanese saying ‘Yall deh pun a bundle of stupidness’. TRI officials - Tennassee and Melanie Smith - found “there is a great (Continued on page 5)

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur M@ilbox DEAR EDITOR; It is becoming clearer that Tacuma Ogunseye seems to carry much guilt and is unprepared to level with the people on how many gold coins he collected around the period when the late Walter Rodney was murdered. Did he undermine Walter? Did he sell out Walter? But today he seems to be doing the same with Mr. Granger and the government by doing very little but getting paid plenty, over G$8 million a year in a FAT CAT remuneration package for little results to show. He is one of Guyana’s biggest square pegs in a round hole. Not only has he privately criticized the Chairman of SARU Dr. Clive Thomas for being too old for the job, but he also criticized the Granger administration for

Kaieteur M@ilbox

APNU+AFC should not trust Tacuma Ogunseye not making him the CEO of SARU. His devious disposition tells the whole story of a double agent who cannot be trusted. The latest information on this two-faced hypocrite was that he approached some former members in the leadership of the past government and secretly asked for millions for ACDA. The PPP was wise to ignore him since he is not even worth two apples, much less what he asked for. Plus there is the trust factor and how he sold out the PCD movement in the 1990s. The point here is that if Tacuma could do such a thing, working both sides on the big hustle, the Granger adminis-

tration should keep him on the fringes. So while a good man like Aubrey Retymeyer may be pursuing leads, his work is being undermined by people right in SARU. Both Mr. Retmeyer and Dr. Thomas should be warned that since this mean spirited man did not get the position he sought at SARU, he will make sure that they would not succeed. Conspiracies are already in the making, just watch Tacuma. The public should know that Tacuma Ogunseye is a desperate man who is willing to sell out the government for gold coins. In the 2011 campaign, he criticized Raphael Trotman by calling him a stooge and called Moses

Beware of Paul Tennassee and... From page 4 cry” across the coast to address the huge gap between incomes and expenditures, resulting in many persons “hustling” several jobs to earn sufficient money. “Guyanese in the grassroots are alive and kicking, they are hustling. They are trying their best. They want to make it but somehow those who govern have to reach out to them and be in constant communication with them,” Yes, people have to hustle, more so because the Drug Economy has taken a hit, due to the antidrug policies and plans put in place by the present government. Drug money and spin–off activities and employment are not circulating as before. With time, things will get better as other employment opportunities by the government, private enterprise and self-employment kick in. It is not easy. Why only harp on the tax on water and electricity in the budget, what about the other items in the budget which are very beneficial to the people. I do

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not know the cost/benefit to the people from the water/ electricity tax, but what is obvious is these commodities would not be wasted as before. Mr. Tennassee went on; “Despite calls for farmers to diversify and produce more, the TRI official said farmers were crying out for government to find markets in the Caribbean. The markets of Guyana cannot provide a living for the farmers of Guyana. It should be declared a State of Emergency to find markets for these products. “We need markets and we need markets urgently. A policy recommendation for diversification without real assistance for markets is hallucination and what is going on in the grassroots today is hallucination,” I say to Mr. Tennassee - why don’t your 70 academic and professional representatives come up with a workable proposal with input from Guyana to alleviate the overseas farmers’ market problem you are so concerned about? That would be an operation in a positive direction instead of

generally getting involved with the Government development program and/or private resource inputs to assist in the communities involved, when possible. Here is more of this man, Tennassee; “We intend to lobby both government and the political opposition to have consensus on fundamental major life changing policy issues. It’s going to be tough but I believe that both government and the opposition are patriots, I believe they are nationalists, I believe they are democrats and I believe they are all antiracists.” Is Mr. Tennassee for real? Are these guys in the so-called think tank for real? Have they been following the racial politics being perpetuated at home and abroad by certain political individuals to shore up support in 2020? The government should BE AWARE AND BEWARE OF these kinds of ‘foreign’ movements among the grassroots. One never knows whether the motives are devious or not. Thomas Saunders

Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan opportunists. He claimed that their intention was for the AFC to take votes away from APNU so that the PPP could win the election. This is how much this infantile politician knows about the political landscape in Guyana. Did the people listen to Ogunseye then? No, because 33,335 persons rejected his preposterous claims and solidly supported the AFC in 2011 that led to a minority PPP regime. To shed some more light on Tacuma; in 2011, this mediocre politician went to the Buxton Line top and preached messages of racial hate against East Indians and provided justification for violence against East Indian families? The evidence will illustrate that Tacuma is a hater. But we are a good people and collectively we as a nation have to move on from those dark days, and reject racist people like Tacuma. We have a bigger task at hand healing the nation and deliver on the ambitions of the founding fathers. But that

healing process will never occur once bigoted and racist minds continue to influence the Government of Guyana. There is a saying “karma drives outcomes”. The devilish action from those line top days will dictate that “who God curse, and who no man save from the wrath of the people.” Tacuma’s only interest was gold coins and he will do anything, legal or illegal or be involved in covert operations to get as much gold coins for himself as possible. Let Tacuma and his political acolytes know, I do not fall for gold coins, I serve the poor and the working class and if I have to stand for the poor of Buxton, I will and I will do likewise for the poor of Albion or the poor of Paramokatoi because my vision only allows me to see one people – the Guyanese people, unlike Tacuma. So to the poor and the working class, do not lose hope because of the intellectually bankrupt actions of people in power like Tacuma.

The children of the Rasta man are coming home and will join the good struggle. That is a promise and we will use our energies to finally transform Guyana economically from a backward banana republic where Tacuma and his geriatric friends continue to manipulate the Treasury. We must unleash the dreams of the founding fathers where Guyana will finally become the Singapore of the Western Hemisphere. The founding father Burnham said, he wants “the small man to be the real man and we must buy-local to reinvigorate the local economy” and so it was said and so it shall be done. The founding father Jagan said as leaders we must run the affairs of the state in a “lean, mean, clean and transparent manner” and not live a “Cadillac lifestyle on taxpayer funds in a donkey kart economy” and so it was said and so it shall be done. I say, we must transform the donkey kart economy into the Singapore of the Western Hemisphere. So it has been said and so it shall be done; no excuses, period! Sasenarine Singh

Former President, Donald Ramotar warns the nation DEAR EDITOR; The vicious attack on the Cheddi Jagan Research Institute housed at Red House has brought the PNC led APNU+AFC regime to a new low. It reveals the vindictiveness, narrow mindedness and pettiness of those that occupy the seat of government today. Cheddi Jagan was not just a national figure who stood at the centre of political economic and social struggles in the colonial British Guiana and stood like a bulwark in opposition to dictatorship and for democracy. He was

also an important figure in International Affairs. Red House was his home from 1961 to 1964. That this regime has decided to attack his legacy in such a callous way is an indication of the direction they want to take our country. At the same time they talk about social cohesion. Indeed they have set up a ministry in that name. This latest action is further confirmation that the term “social cohesion” is being used as a mere smokescreen to hide their policy of racial and political discrimination.

All decent minded, freedom loving and democratically inclined persons must raise their voices against this outrage. Let us stop this regime from taking our country down the path of oppression and dictatorship. Let your voices be heard now. Donald Ramotar Former President

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Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

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THE CHEDDI JAGAN RESEARCH CENTRE ISSUE IS NOT ABOUT RACE DEAR EDITOR; The revocation of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI) lease is already being touted as a racial issue and has the potential, in the absence of urgent clarity of the issues, to deepen the entrenched racial divide between our Afro and Indo brothers and sisters. I urge every Guyanese of every racial and political extraction to think critically about these issues and not let our politicians interpret these issues for us. If we leave these delicate matters to the politicians only, then the outcome is certain; we the masses of Guyanese will widen the ocean the politicians have carved between our Afro and Indo brothers and sisters. For the Red House to be validly leased to the CJRCI certain things must be done. The Red House sits on government lands, and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission is the custodian of all government lands. This will explain why the government must be a party to the lease contract. While the land remains vested in the government, the building having been declared a National Monument is vested in the National Trust; and for this reason the National Trust must be a party to the lease. One very important thing we have to take note of is that by virtue of the Lands Department Act of Guyana, government lands can only be leased or sold with the sanction of the president at the material time. It wasn’t until 2012 (12 years after the establishment of the CJRCI) that what appears to be a lease for the occupation of the Red House was entered into. What appears to be missing from this lease is any evidence that it was sanctioned by President Ramotar who was the president at the time, and who was also one of the incorporators of the CJRCI. This would mean that there was no lease of the lands occupied by the Red House to the CJRCI. What I find curious though (unless I misunderstood this) is that the Coalition Government has referenced section 3 of the National Trust Act in support of its argument against the existence of a valid lease in

favour of CJRCI. The material part of this section states that the National Trust cannot lease any ‘land’ without the approval of the relevant Minister. This would suggest that the National Trust owns part of the land upon which the Red House rests as well as the Red House. I am not sure if this is in fact the case (given that the National Monument may include land comprising or adjacent to the monument). Suffice it to say that there seems to be no approval by the relevant minister. Another limitation of the purported lease is that for it to be valid it must comply with certain publication and registration requirements by law; it is a 99 year lease and all long leases must comply with these requirements. It appears that the lease has neither been published nor registered in accordance with the Deeds Registry Act. From all indications the lease is invalid. It is really a void lease and there is nothing to revoke. Both the Jagdeo and the Ramotar administrations failed to regularise this situation during their respective tenure. Now let us examine this irregular occupation of the Red House by the CJRCI. The CJRCI has at a minimum irregularly occupied the Red House for the past 16 years; and if I were to use strict legal language the occupation is an illegal one. And since the Red House is a National Monument its maintenance is and has been the responsibility of the National Trust. So even if a nominal fee were paid for its occupation, I take it for granted that maintaining it out of the public purse for the number of years since it has been declared a National Monument and for the period it has been maintained during CJRCI’s occupation has cost a generous penny. The Coalition Government claims that it has been in negotiation with the PPP for perhaps a year to enlarge

the legacies preserved at the Centre to accommodate those of all former and future presidents. And its failure in this regard and its inability to reach a more peaceable outcome to the matter of the void lease has prompted its ‘revocation’ of the lease. I condemn this proposal for a number of reasons. I’ll offer two. Firstly, the Red House has culturally become synonymous with Jagan. To enlarge the legacies housed and celebrated there simply would not, and not unreasonably so, be palatable to the PPP. This resistance would only be compounded by the structural (and inevitable name) change which would be required to facilitate

such venture. Secondly, the potential disregarding of an illegality should not be used as a bargaining chip by the Coalition Government. This in my humble estimation is a tacit sanction of this illegality. The Coalition Government continues to fail on the public relations front. And for this reason the CJRCI matter is easily being spun as a racial issue to deepen entrenched racial divisions in our country. It is imperative that I deconstruct and rebut Jagdeo’s racial pandering. Jagdeo told the media at the ‘vigil’ that ‘if you look at the justice of the issue, Cheddi Jagan was a critical iconic figure….The building is dedi-

cated to learning about Cheddi…. I gave Burnham family prime land…free of cost’. The rhetoric here is clear. You are all intelligent enough to comprehend it. The thing is my people, the ‘justice of the issue’ demands that the rule of law must prevail. No democratic society must flout the rule of law in preservation of the legacy of anyone, regardless of who that person is. And I strongly doubt that any leader committed to justice and democracy would want his or her legacy preserved by offending against the very principles he or she fought to safeguard. This is not an issue of Jagan versus Burnham, or Indians versus

Blacks. It is a rule of law issue and should be presented as such…by the Coalition Government, by the PPP, and by the media. I am an admirer of Jagan. And I would personally advocate for the preservation of his legacy once I resolve it is being trifled with. And I too have come to associate the Red House with Jagan. I say without reservation that the Coalition Government’s removal of the CJRCI in view of the invalid lease should have been done in a more sensitive manner. Adequate time should have been given to facilitate removal of the contents of the Red House. Ronald J. Daniels

Ruel Johnson on the RED HOUSE controversy DEAR EDITOR; In the wake of the recent controversy over the eviction of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre from the heritage property that is Red House, I am professionally and personally obligated to provide some clarity on the issues. Firstly, it needs to be made clear that Red House, known otherwise as Kamana Court, had a full history before Dr. Cheddi Jagan resided there as premier in the early to mid-sixties. While no date is given as to its original construction, the architecture suggest late 19th century and as the scant information provided by the National Trust website informs us, “The Colony of British Guiana acquired the Red House in 1925. Sir Eustace Woolford, a Speaker of the Legislature, was one of the early owners of the house. Between 1925 to1953, numerous Colonial Secretaries resided there. Dr. Cheddi Jagan also lived there from 1961 to 1964 while he served as Premier of British Guiana. Subsequently from 1965 to the early 1990’s the Red House was used as government offices e.g. the Public Service Ministry.” Its historicity and heritage value were therefore not,

as the PPP would have us believe, primarily established by Cheddi Jagan’s short time there but preceded and followed it due to the building’s longevity, its distinctive architecture, and its function as government offices up until the time of the PPP’s coming into office in the early nineties, when it was abandoned as a functional space. In 2000, a decade after that abandonment, the PPP then comes in to ‘rescue’ the heritage building standing on three lots of prime real estate by repurposing it as a shrine to Jagan’s memory run by a thinly disguised management committee standing in for the PPP, with the staff and utilities paid for by the state. As is typical of the party, the century-old history of Red House is erased and reduced merely to Jagan’s four years’ residence there (196164) and the shoddy establishment of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (2000-2016). By comparison and to offer some perspective, LFS Burnham spent twenty years (19651985) residing in Castellani House, the building that now houses the National Art Collection, a property built in the late 1800s by Cesar Castellani. Were the PNC to appropriate

this heritage site and lease it to a thinly disguised front company for 99 years at $12,000 a year and turn it into a shrine for Burnham, the staff costs and bills of which were paid for by taxpayers, it would be offensive to our citizenry as a whole and the PPP would have been up in arms, even had said lease been properly effected. That established, we can now go on to the legitimacy of the ‘lease’. At the time of the founding of the CJRC, Red House was already qualified and listed as a national heritage site and therefore subject at all material times, from 1999 onwards, to the management of the National Trust and the provisions of its establishing Act, Cap 20:03, Laws of Guyana, specifically Section 3 (Establishment and Constitution of the National Trust), which begins “ ”There is hereby established a body to be known as the National Trust which shall be a body corporate with power to do all things necessary for the purposes of this act except that the National Trust shall not transfer, mortgage, lease, charge or dispose of any land without the approval of the Minister.” The Attorney-General has rightfully addressed the ‘lease’ as executed under the Lands Department Act, Cap. 59:01 simply because this was the instrument under which control of Red House was supposedly ceded to Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, Inc.

However, in dealing with this issue, the specific provision of Cap 20:03, Sec. 3, and the spirit of the rest of the National Trust Act are what matter since they override any normal course of business with regard to land transfers by it offering specific protection to properties designated as heritage sites. In brief, Red House and its adjacent lands, being collectively designated a heritage site, could not then and cannot be now leased without express permission from the President or a designated Minister authorizing the National Trust to do so, and any agreement would have to be between the lessee and the Trust as guardian of said property. I suspect the recognition of this quandary by the principals of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre is what stymied the formal transfer of ‘ownership’ of the property until 2011, after which the myth of the invincibility of the PPP was laid bare by their only gaining a minority executive. It should be noted that while Donald Ramotar as CJRC principal would have made application for permission for a lease to Jagdeo (who refused to grant it) in 2006 under Cap. 20:03 Sec 3, he did not himself as President grant that permission to the company CJRC Inc in 2012. Ruel Johnson Cultural Policy Advisor Government of Guyana

Sunday January 01, 2017

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Sherod Duncan enumerates his constituency’s accomplishments

Unprofessional behaviour of the Springlands Police Station

DEAR EDITOR; 2016 was a consequential year for Constituency 14: South Ruimveldt / Industrial Estate. Please permit me to highlight nine important things we have done in the last nine months, and then give a synopsis of where are heading in 2017 under the stewardship of yours truly and Noelle Chow-Chee as the Constituency Councillors. Constituency 14 runs from the back of South Ruimveldt (Canal Place) and goes all the way to the Demerara River passing Industrial Site. It is everything south of Aubrey Barker Road and Mandela Avenue bordered by Caneview Avenue and Meadow Bank, hence it’s a huge piece of real estate to bring services to, compounded by budget deficits at City Hall. In 2017 we are starting with a 807M shortfall. That being said, we are extremely thankful, as Councillors with the partnership of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) and others that we were able to (1) repair the road between “Last Entrance” Christiani Street and Rosa Drive; David Rose Street and a section of Aubrey Barker close to Critchlow Avenue toward Trench Road, inclusive of repairs to a culvert in Trench Road, Roxanne Burnham Gardens; (2) through the SRG Phase 1 Community & Policing Group we have restored most of the signage in South Ruimveldt Park/Gardens and (3) installed a number of bus

sheds, (4) rehabilitated the playing fields in Orealla Avenue and Tukeit Drive. Other areas are earmarked; currently we’re working with the Rotaract of Stabroek on a plan to restore a playing field in Shirley Field Ridley Square; (5) we mapped the drains in South Ruimveldt with the Dutch Risk Reduction Team aimed at mitigating the flooding issues shortly, (6) we recently launched the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme in South, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, aimed at reducing crime and violence among our youth through skills training etc, (7) we have been cleaning a number of drains, with some contracts going to neighborhood leaders, through MPI and M&CC (8) we have held two public meetings in the Constituency aimed at getting from residents the heart of the issues which influenced M&CC Budget for 2017; the last such meeting was held at South Ruimveldt Park Primary School, (9) also we have added two new policing groups to the Constituency. These and other activities are part of the progress in the Constituency over the last nine months. One of the important things which came out of community meeting last September hosted by M&CC Public Relations Department is documentation of the feltneeds of which, “55% men-

tioned related to the work of the City Engineer’s Office, and 36% of the matters raised related to the work of the Public Health Department and 9% related to the City Constabulary.” For 2017, based on our estimated expenditure of $3.8Bn, $1.7Bn is expected to be spent on core services from which Constituency 14 will benefit. We are aiming at improved solid waste management; at 90% maintenance of the collection schedule. We will continue the work with our drains regarding maintenance, rehabilitating and desilting etc. In the area of Public Health we look to improved management of our vector control program to reduce the spread of disease and sickness from breeding mosquito and other pests. I envisage 2017 as a year of partnerships as the M&CC cannot do this work alone. We could not do this noble work without the help of our Constituency Manager Brenda Williams and our other selfless volunteers, especially Tricia Cox and Julie Grimes. We look forward to the continued support of residents and businesses in the Cons t i t u e n c y, e n c o u r a g i n g them to pay their Rates & Taxes. I take this opportunity, also, to wish the Mayor and City Councillors all the best in the New Year as together we make Georgetown a better place in 2017. Sherod Avery Duncan, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Georgetown

Why did GPL have to repair the submarine cable? DEAR EDITOR; Your Christmas day article on the GPL tender leaves many loose ends hanging. Can you please give us more information on the CEMCO report on the initial CMC GPL Contract? Why are we award-

ing contracts to Chinese companies, despite their prices being higher than local companies and their quality of their work inferior? Why did GPL have to pay for the repair of the submarine cable, if its installation was faulty in

the first place? What other inferior work did the CEMCO report highlight? Does someone have a godfather in the Government? Will we get value from this set of IDB and EU funds? Ronald Dass

DEAR EDITOR; For the past week, officers at the Springlands Police Station have been receiving a plethora of criticisms for their tardy response to complaints and lackadaisical attitude towards criminal reports. I am also compelled to add more criticisms based on facts and personal experience with them. Earlier this month, two elderly relatives of mine were beaten and robbed by three unmasked bandits. Read Kaieteur News archives for further details on December 10, 2016 captioned “Bandits beat elderly couple, cart off cash and jewellery”. After the robbery, the police were informed about it via telephone. The rank that was at the other end of the phone asked one of my relative if it is possible for them to send a vehicle to pick up an officer. This is the most ludicrous response I have ever heard from the police. Is there a shortage of vehicles at the Springlands Police Station? Certainly not! It should be noted that one of the perpetrators who carried out the robbery was identified and was in custody. We are still awaiting an update on

the status of that matter. Very often, I see police vehicles patrolling the road in the Skeldon area umpteen times per day aimlessly. How is it that they don’t have a vehicle to respond to criminal reports? More interestingly, many nights I have seen traffic ranks, from Springlands Police Station at around 21:00 hrs stopping motorists as a routine process and harassing them unnecessarily. I say with much certitude, should someone in authority investigate these officers and interrogate motorists they will receive a colossal number of complaints against these officers. It is well known to these officers that random stops are no longer in force. How long will this continue? This routine process seems to be perpetual and never ending. As one columnist of this newspaper rightly said in one of his daily columns and I quote,” It is an alleged secret that the juniors raise money from these schemes and senior officers get a percentage”. The continuity of the routine process could very well support that. Now here is the part

where readers will be completely mystified. A few days back, I called up the Springlands Police Station informing them about an incident whereby someone was in front the home of my relatives at Line Path, Corentyne, using a series of threatening language. I identified myself to the rank and she assured me that they will immediately look into it. They never showed up. What if the man went berserk and caused my family harm? During the time of that episode I called back the number on numerous occasions and never got on to it. My call log is enough of an evidence to support that. Mr. Editor, I called the police with much expectations soliciting their help but my expectations became unrealistic. Can we ever rely on the police for help? When will these police officers rebuild the nation’s trust? I wish the authorities can look into the circumstances surrounding the behaviour of ranks stationed at the Springlands Police Station and have them to better serve and protect the people in that location. Ashan Bacchus

Music carts are a violation of our right these music carts. In- illegal activities. to have peace from And to make it much deed the operators seem to DEAR EDITOR; I AM requesting the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown to take urgent steps to curb the noise menace that is now being posed by the music push carts commonly seen around Georgetown, particularly in the downtown area. These music cart operators, who sell pirated music and movies, usually push their carts through the streets both in commercial and residential areas blasting music, with the carts congesting the roadways and delaying traffic. Daily, citizens are bombarded both at work and at home by the loud playing of what passes now for music

have no regard for the peace and tranquility of residents of neighbourhoods, since at all hours of the night lewd music can be heard blaring from these carts. Often these carts would remain in a fixed location for lengthy periods. Clearly this is a public nuisance as it occurs in open spaces and constitutes a detriment, danger and hazard to the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Georgetown. Given the ungodly hours that these music carts are on the road, it causes one to wonder whether it is really music CD’s that are really being sold or if it is really a cover for other

worse, the lyrics of most the so-called songs are so depraved and odious, filled with so much filthy sexual insinuations that are so downright degrading to women, it is no wonder we saw recently a pastor getting involved in such immoral behavior. It is time for City Hall to address this situation before it becomes even more uncontrollable. The City Constabulary should disallow music carts on the streets of Georgetown and if not then regulate the volume and type of music being played. The rights of everyone ought to be respected. Amber Valentine

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One year later… It is officially over a year since investigations started into the Pradoville Two case and a strong case is yet to be crafted. This was confirmed by officials attached to the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU). SARU’s Chief Executive Officer, Aubrey HeathRetemyer, said that his Unit is taking the lead in investigations into the criminal aspect of the case while SOCU is providing whatever support is needed along the way. The SARU official said, “Work is ongoing in this matter. This case has a criminal aspect and a civil one. We are looking at the latter. With regard to the criminal aspect, it was known by now that investigators had to get the valuations for the lands at Sparendaam. “These were sold to officials with strong ties to the former regime. But even after this was secured, SOCU is still without a strong case.” Retemyer said that plaguing the criminal side of the case for SARU is securing statements from persons within the various agencies

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Investigators yet to build strong case on Pradoville Two matter that would have been involved in the Pradoville Two scheme. He said, “We were able to get the valuations of the lands but SOCU was subsequently advised that there were still other requirements. They are still to get corresponding statements from government agencies that are implicated in the entire scandal.” The anticorruption advocate continued, “These agencies include the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Lands and Survey Commission and the Deeds Registry. I believe SOCU has about 60 persons that it has taken statements from. We are still putting together a strong case for the civil and criminal aspect.” SPECIAL PROSECUTION TEAM It was in October that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, disclosed that the APNU+AFC Government agreed for there to be a special team which would be established to ensure the prosecution of criminal offences arising from the sale of land at the ‘Pradoville 2’

scheme. Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, was tasked with putting together the special prosecution team and was supposed to submit the names to Cabinet during the first week in November. Williams, yesterday, refused to confirm the existence of the team much less to provide a name of one of the investigators which he was tasked with putting together. He asked that the questions be forwarded to Minister Harmon. “Let Harmon tell you if they got a team. I am not going to confirm that.” Even though the Minister of State was unreachable yesterday, Kaieteur News was able to confirm with several Cabinet ministers that Williams did submit a list of names but it has not been confirmed in its entirety. This newspaper was also informed that the team has taken some form but is yet to begin advising SOCU or much less take it over in full. THE PRADOVILLE CASE In early October 2015, SARU completed a report which stated that in 2010, the

SARU’s CEO, Aubrey Heath-Retemyer

Attorney General, Basil Williams

SOCU Head, Sydney James

Bharrat Jagdeo Cabinet made a decision authorizing the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to privatize State lands. NICIL is the body tasked with overseeing the privatization of State assets. It reportedly spent more than $200M to develop the sea front community without the knowledge and blessings of the National Assembly and other relevant bodies. The said lands were then secretly sold to the former Ministers and known

friends and associates of the previous regime. At the time of the sale, the report said, the lands were grossly undervalued and sold at a price substantially below the market value, thereby depriving the state of its full benefits. SARU said, “There is a direct link between the misconduct and the abuse of powers and duties of their position. The former Cabinet members knew they were doing a wrong in transferring State lands to their names and that of their acquaintances for undervalued market prices for the land. The lands were sold

for $114 per square foot at the time.” The Department of the Ministry of the Presidency said that Public officers ought to carry out their duties, not for the benefit of themselves, but for the benefit of the public as a whole. “If they neglect or misconduct themselves by their actions in the course of their duties, this may lead to a breach or abuse of the public’s trust. The act of the Cabinet members for their benefit is serious enough to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust.”

Sunday January 01, 2017

Fisheries sector records 11% growth in 2016 - Tuna Processing expected to come on stream in 2017

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, has disclosed that for 2016, Guyana’s fisheries sector grew by 11 percent. This, he said, can be attributed to the increased focus on aquaculture – which he touted, will become necessary as a substitute for seafood as the marine resources become challenged. Minister Holder said that there was more detailed planning in 2016 by the Fisheries Department which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture, especially as it relates to aquaculture and small scale fisheries which has seen over 20 new aquaculture farms come on stream. The Guyana Fisheries Department is responsible for managing, regulating and

promoting the sustainable development of the nation’s fishery resources for the benefit of the participants in the sector and the national economy. The Fisheries sector is made up of three primary components: Marine Fishery, Aquaculture and Inland Fishery. Minister Holder boasted, also, that for the first time, deep sea fishing is occurring in Guyana. This initiative, he said, will be further encouraged as this is an area of the Exclusive Economic Zone that is not exploited. “Thus far, Pritipaul Singh Investments Inc. (PSI) with its Atlantic Tuna Plant has pursued deep sea fishing, and given the positive outlook, the company has signalled an investment of about US$15 million to

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Kaieteur News

process tuna. “We hope to have more companies invest in this type of fishing. Additionally, thus far in 2016, the marine subsector raised revenue by 10 per cent and recorded exports of 17,930MT (metric tonnes) or G$12.7 billion.” The Minister said that the government’s commitment to the sustainable management and advancement of the local fisheries sector is ‘unwavering’. He highlighted some of the initiatives to maintain a viable fisheries sector. He spoke about the Ministry acceding to the Port

State Measures Agreement to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing whilst stressing that IUU can lead to the collapse of the fishery industry or can seriously impair efforts to rebuild stocks that have already been depleted. In 2017, the Fisheries Department will conduct more enforcement activities on fishing vessels, he added. “We will persist with our quest to attain the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for the seabob sector. The MSC is a wellrecognized eco-label that Continued on page 14

Dem boys seh...

EVERYBODY GOT AN ADDICTION Today is de first day of de year and dem boys have couple New Year messages. De first one dem want to share is “Be careful who you got you eye pun. A lot of people ain’t looking fuh love, these days. Dem looking fuh help.” De New Year is a time when people does mek resolutions. Some people don’t keep de resolution but dem boys mek plenty. Last year dem had plenty friends. Some was people who genuine and some was people who believe that if dem keep sweet wid dem boys then dem was safe from any comment. De thing about de year that gone is that it mek us realize that we can’t go back and fix what we did wrong in de past. But it does allow for us to live each day of this New Year better than we did 2016. Dem boys want to remind de politicians one of de most beautiful things dem can do is to help one another because kindness doesn’t cost a thing. Old Year’s night Jagdeo walk into Palm Court and shouted his order to de barman, “Give me a steak bite wid plantain chips and give everybody else one wid a drink because when I eating I want everybody eat.” De barman give he and everybody de meal. There and then everybody seh Jagdeo is de best. When dem finish enjoying de meal he shouted, “Give me a bottle of Champagne and give everybody else a bottle of Johnny Walker because when I drink I want everybody to drink.” De whole bar sing praises, “Jagdeo is de man. We gun vote fuh him next elections.” When Jagdeo finish ee drink he shouted again, “Give me my bill and give everybody dem own bill because when I pay I want everybody to pay.” Jagdeo deh in hospital. But life is more than beating Jagdeo fuh he scampishness. Dem boys like everybody got an addiction. Ours just happen to be you, de politicians. Happy New Year.

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Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Ex-cop accuses police of releasing prime - says women passengers car-jacking suspects lured victim to accomplices An ex-cop who was relieved of his car at gunpoint is accusing police of releasing two suspects on station bail, even though they were using his cell phone, which was also stolen during the robbery. Clifton Wallace, the former policeman, said that he was relieved of his silver-grey

Toyota Allion, PVV 1089, on December 9, last by two gunmen. He said two female passengers lured him to Princes Street, Lodge. Wallace said that around 21.00 hrs, he was in the vicinity of the Pizza Hut located between Regent and Camp Streets, when the two women asked him to take them to

Princes Street. Wallace said that as he neared his destination, he saw a man standing on the roadside, near Chapel Street. He recalled that the man appeared to be relieving himself at the roadside. The ex-policeman said as he stopped, one of the women

exited the car. At the same time, the man who was on the roadside came up to the vehicle and told the woman to “get back in the f—g car.” “I looked and saw a gunman to my side,” Wallace said. “He put a gun to my head and ordered me out of the car.”

Although the investigation into a fire at Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) which resulted in the death of Bianca Sancho, a three-year-old toddler, is still ongoing, firefighters have indicated that the cause of the blaze is clearly electrical. Sources at the Guyana Fire Service said that from all indications, the blaze is as a result of an illegal connection. The wiring was not properly done. Reports are that the heavy rain and breeze made matters worse. The investigation will be

completed this week. Around 05:00hrs on Friday, when the dead child’s father left home for work, her mother, Shavane Sancho, plaited her hair and sent her back to sleep. The 24-year-old woman herself went back to sleep with her infant lying next to her. Shortly after, the threebedroom house was engulfed in flames, supposedly as a result of an illegal connection. The older Sancho could have only saved three of her children. Villagers rushed to render assistance but were unable to

enter the building. A relative managed to get into the house but the flames were too much so he had to get out as parts of the property had already begun collapsing. Fire-fighters did not get to the location in time which resulted in the child’s siblings, mother and relatives along with villagers being forced to listen to the little girl as she cried out for help. Adwoa Robertson, Sancho’s sister, said that she was at her home washing when she saw thick smoke coming from her sibling’s home. “When I run out, I

called for neighbours. My sister was in the yard crying that she child in the house and that the fire started in the front room. Shavane said that when she opened her eyes on the bed, fire was over she so she grabbed the baby and run out the room to get the other kids.” The woman added that her sibling told her that she went into the back room and got her sons but it was too late to save the little girl because the fire had already engulfed the entire house. Investigations are ongoing.

Fire service confirms Vigilance fire was electrical in origin

According to Wallace, the gunman also ordered him to stand in a nearby trench. The man said that he complied, and the two men and his two female passengers drove off with his car. They also took his phone. He said that a resident took him by motorcycle to the East La Penitence Police Station. There, he spoke to a detective constable, who took a statement from him and accompanied him to the scene of the robbery. He returned the following day to the station, and after no detective was present, he went to CID Headquarters, Eve Leary. He then accompanied a detective to the area where he had picked up the women. Wallace said that he had expected the rank to request CCTV footage from the officials at Pizza Hut. Instead, the rank took him back to the scene of the robbery. He also gave another statement at the East La Penitence Police Station. He returned to Eve Leary a few days later and spoke to

a senior rank. He was then sent to the Brickdam Police Station. Later, he accompanied two ranks to Pizza Hut for the CCTV footage. Meanwhile, Wallace reportedly conducted his own investigations and discovered that two individuals were using his stolen phone. One had inserted a SIM (subscriber identity module) card in his phone on December 12. The other had inserted a SIM card in the stolen phone on December 16. The ex-policeman said that he even identified a vehicle that one of the suspects drove. One of the men was detained after he provided this information to the police. Another arrested man allegedly took police to an individual who had bought the stolen phone. But Wallace said that police released the men on station bail last Friday. Police are reportedly still in possession of the phone, as they continue investigations.

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Foreign Affairs Ministry records ‘reasonable successes’

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge In its efforts to connect foreign investors with Guyana, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and VicePresident Carl Greenidge said that his Ministry has recorded reasonable successes during 2016. According to the Foreign Minister during his end of year press conference, his Ministry’s success can be measured by the number of new ambassadors who have been deployed to new locations which are

approaching the government of Guyana. He said that added to this, there has been greater cooperation between the sector Ministries and some of the foreign investors. “We have been approaching investors and distributing information provided to us by the sector agencies and of our own volition in a number of new jurisdictions that we have not been especially active in the recent past and these would include Eastern and Central Europe.” Greenidge said that during his official visit to Russia, one of the first in recent times, he had discussions with the Foreign Minister of Russia who he said had shown not only an extensive knowledge of Guyana but an interest here. He said that a number of businesses in Russia apart from the ones who are already here, including Rusal, have

shown interest in technological areas. “They’re interested in providing equipment in the IT sector, in undertaking collaboration with our other mining areas as well as in areas such as mid-sized Hydro.” Greenidge said that his Ministry’s first task is to make the outreach to the country and the second step would be to put those who are interested in touch with the sector. He said a lot of investors are at the second stage. “We’ve had discussions with other Eastern and Central European states; also which show a capacity and an interest in technological areas and in renewable energy. These are the areas some of them have identified and we have put them in touch with the relevant agency.” As it relates to finding markets for locally produced products, Greenidge said that

his Ministry’s primary focus is to interface with bilateral and multilateral agencies to look at the framework for trade that they have. He added that none of the government’s foreign officers are more knowledgeable or skilled than men and women in sectors such as rice; therefore it isn’t the Ministry’s place to go and sell these products on behalf of producers. “It is our job to look at the framework; in relation to Jamaica, whether the existing regulations as applied discriminate against Guyanese getting into the market. “It is also the case that we have an Ambassador in the region, that ambassador is aware that there is an interest in Jamaica in buying rice, he is to try to provide information to potential buyers and to alert potential sellers in Guyana.” He said that this is ongoing and similar work is going on in Cuba. Greenidge said that in the more nontraditional markets in the near and far East the government has held discussions with representatives from Finland, Pakistan and Bangladesh. According to Greenidge, distance and transport cost have been flagged as two of the determining factors to finalising agreements.

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Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Former security head, Trini equipment supplier blacklisted…

IDB gets tough on corrupt procurement practices A former coordinator of a security programme and a Trinidadian firm that has been supplying medical equipment, have both been blacklisted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for fraudulent and collusive practices. The Coordinator of the Citizen’s Security Programme, Abel Khemraj Rai, was for banned eight years from August 23, 2016 to August 22, 2024. Four other companies and individuals that seem to have connections with Rai-- including Sidrai Radiator Works, Sidrai Enterprises, Siddaharta Rai and Ron Jaisari were also sanctioned and banned for four to eight years. They were found guilty of fraudulent and collusive practices.

Edwin Mackoon, Western Scientific president (3rd left) during a signing of a contract with Government of Guyana back in 2012.

Banned: Khemraj Rai Western Scientific Company Limited from Trinidad which did business with

Guyana was handed a fouryear ban from March 31, 2016 to October 15, 2020. One related company and two individuals - SCIMED,

Mario Ricard Dell and Edwin Mackoon -were also sanctioned for fraudulent practices and cannot bid for another four years.

According to the IDB website, the firms and individuals sanctioned by its Group’s Sanctions Committee were found to have engaged

in fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion, or obstruction in violation of the IDB Group’s anti-corruption (Continued on page 67)

Sunday January 01, 2017

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Kaieteur News

No clear way forward as sugar talks begin

Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Errol Hanoman

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

President of GAWU, Komal Chand

General Secretary of NAACIE, Kenneth Joseph

Following talks between the Government; the Parliamentary Opposition; the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and Trade Unions; there is still no clear way forward as it relates to the ailing sugar industry. Over the past few months, the David Granger-led administration would have proposed several plans that have attracted both praise and criticism. They have also sparked much public discourse especially on the large chunks of money being plugged into GuySuCo to keep the Sugar Industry afloat. There have also been talks by the Government about diversification alongside a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that was done on the Industry. That CoI recommended that the sector be privatised. Diversification work has already started at the Wales Estate which ended sugar production a few days ago. “Workers from Wales Estate would be offered jobs at that location” as part of a rice paddy production project which has already commenced, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder told media operatives at his Ministry last Thursday. He revealed also that should GuySuCo continue as structured, $18B would be required in 2017 and a further $21B in 2018. “It doesn’t get any better going forward so something has to be done,” he said. The meeting yesterday was one which saw stakeholders receiving documents containing some of the options being considered by the government and GuySuCo. This was according to a representative of one of the Trade Unions that represent Sugar Workers – the Guyana Agricultural a n d G e n e r a l Wo r k e r s Union (GAWU). Included in the delegation that met with the government and GuySuCo officials at the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday were members of the Opposition including, Irfaan Ali, Juan Edghill, and Clement Rohee. Representatives of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) were also present. The question asked by GAWU was whether (the meeting) was based on a fait accompli; whether they were there for the optics of it, or if it was a meeting to provide their suggestions and to share their views. “The Government representatives said that while they have some

- Opposition, Unions meet with Govt., GuySuCo

Stakeholders meeting yesterday in the Boardroom of the Ministry of Agriculture.

ideas, they have made no decisions. The meeting was to share their ideas,”

the GAWU representative said. The spokesperson said

that the contents of the documents are still being ‘digested’ and feedback in

terms of the Union’s position, will be provided as soon as the documents are perused.

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Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Man collapses and dies while boarding minibus

The man’s body being taken away to the mortuary.

The body of an unidentified man was on Saturday afternoon removed from the New Amsterdam/ Rosignol minibus park after he reportedly collapsed while attempting to board a bus at the park. Eye witnesses say that the man whose age is between 65 and 70 was seen in the vicinity of the bus park. At the time he was seen fixing an umbrella he had with him. He reportedly walked up to the bus that was being

boarded and rested his bag he had with him on the seat. He was about to step onto the bus when he fell backwards into the arms of the bus driver who was standing next to the passenger’s door. The driver of the bus subsequently rested the man on the ground in an effort to revive him but he seemed already “out of it”. Several calls to the New Amsterdam Hospital went unanswered, eyewitnesses said. After more than 20

minutes the police were contacted and arrived promptly. In the bag was found a piece of paper issued by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to Ulric Harold Bedsford. Drivers who were at the bus park at the time could not say where the man came from but suggested that he was attempting to get to Rosignol. His body was taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital Mortuary.

Fisheries sector records 11% growth... From page 9 proves that a country has adopted sustainable fishing practices. “It is a difficult and arduous process but we will continue our collaboration with the Trawler Association to acquire this certification. To increase the department’s monitoring capability, we will implement an observer programme.” FORMULATION OF THE FISHERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE (FAC) The Minister said that with the formulation of the Fisheries Advisory Committee (FAC) will result in more meaningful consultations with relevant stakeholders on issues affecting the sector. This, he said, will see increased coordination with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Marine Branch and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) for the enforcement of fisheries regulations which is expected to result in increased revenue through the licensing of more

artisanal vessels. “2017 will also see increased contact between the Fisheries Department and Fishermen’s Cooperatives which will result in improved management of the facilities to better provide for the needs of the fisher folk,” Holder said. In 2017, the promotion and development of a sustainable aquaculture and inland fisheries sector will be achieved through the maintenance of the indigenous stocks and the research and promotion of new marketable species at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station (SSAS), the Minister said. “The formation of the National Aquaculture Association will serve as a catalyst for the promotion and development of the subsector. Furthermore, progress with hinterland fishing will be propelled with the assignment of staff to the North Rupununi area to assist with the Arapaima Management Plan and to encourage and facilitate aquaculture activities.”

Sunday January 01, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Police excel at crime solving in 2016

It was just around three o’clock on the afternoon of Sunday, May 22, 2016, that Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum and detectives from the Major Crimes Unit stepped out of a yard at Lot 51, Seaforth Street. Shortly after, two shackled men, with heads bowed, emerged from the same property. Blanhum then made a chilling announcement: His team had found the remains of 28-year-old Babita Sarjou, who had seemingly vanished off the face of the earth six years ago. The detectives had also detained two suspects in her murder. They were, Sarjou’s 38year-old estranged reputed husband, Sharadananda Narine, called “Anand”, and Darel Pronton. The two men were subsequently charged with murder, and DNA tests confirmed that the victim was indeed Babira Sarjou. The solving of the Babita Sarjou case was the pinnacle of an amazing run of crime solving by the Guyana Police Force in 2016, in particular its Major Crimes Unit, the standout organization for 2016. Working without a forensic laboratory and local access to DNA testing, without dogs trained to locate

bodies, and with a shortage of manpower, the Force’s detectives solved some 70 percent of murder cases last year. And for the first time in recent memory, the police have closed cases that, in some instances, had remained unsolved for years. At least eight of these cases were solved this year. On December 21, 2014, a huge fire consumed a threestorey wooden structure at Robb and King Streets. Theresa Rozario, 15, and her 12-year-old sister, Feresa Rozario, were in the top flat. They were burnt alive. Their father, 63-year-old Hilrod Thomas, managed to jump through a window, but succumbed from burns a few days later. Last February, some two years later, detectives detained and jointly charged Ganga Kishna, 72, a businessman of Lot 11 North Road, Bourda, and his employee, Avishkar Kissoon, 24, for the murders of Thomas and his two daughters, in the course or furtherance of arson at a dwelling house. On September 21, 2012, 41-year-old businesswoman Jennifer Persaud and her sons, Afridi Bacchus, aged six and 18-month-old Jadon

Persaud, were butchered in their Anna Catherina, East Coast Demerara home. For close to four years, the identity of the killer of the Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara family remained unknown. That changed eight months ago, when detectives detained 31-year-old Abishai Caesar, a former neighbour. Caesar, a barber, of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, was charged with three counts of murder. Around 01.00 hrs on April 17, 2012, 31-year-old truck driver Jadesh Dass was found dead on the Mahaica New

Road, near Unity. He had been shot twice at close range. Police almost immediately ruled out robbery, but it would take another four years for detectives to receive a solid tip that led to the alleged killers. Last July, businessman Amarnauth Bhopaul and alleged hit-man, Nanda Kumar Ganesh, were remanded for Dass’s murder. One of the challenging cases, with many twists and turns, was the murder of 46year-old businesswoman, Sirmattie Ramnaress, also known as ‘Pavita.’ The businesswoman was

found dead in the garage of her 21st Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme residence on Saturday, August 31, 2013. A bond at the back of her property was also torched. A postmortem revealed that the 46-year-old businesswoman was struck repeatedly to the head and body, and attempts had been made to strangle her. It took the police close to two years to make a breakthrough. In November, 2015, detectives arrested and charged the slain woman’s neighbour, 32-year-old Colin Grant, with her murder. The case took another

turn last February, when police arrested Ramnaress’s estranged reputed husband, ex-Sergeant Colin Bailey. He was charged with murder a few days later. On February, 2008, popular businessman Habiboodeen, 76, was brutally beaten in his Ruby, East Bank Essequibo home. He succumbed shortly after. Police subsequently charged the businessman’s daughter, Bibi Nazeela Habiboodeen, and an employer for Habiboodeen’s murder. The matter was subsequently discharged due to insufficient evidence. That changed last May, when detectives re-arrested Bibi Nazeela Habiboodeen and Linden Lewis, 29, of Vergenoegen East Bank Essequibo, in connection with the case. Police alleged that Lewis was hired to kill the elderly businessman. They were both charged for Mr. Habiboodeen’s murder. Lewis’s uncle, Michael London, was later charged for the same crime. It took four years, and a persistent mother, before police finally brought charges in a murder that occurred at a hotel. That murder happened (continued on page 16)

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Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Police excel at crime solving ... From page 15 between Sunday November 18, 2012 and Monday November 19, 2012. The victim, 20-year-old mechanic, Sadeek Juman, was found dead in the pool of the Double Day Hotel, located at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. He had reportedly visited the premises in the company of friends. It was alleged that an altercation occurred between him and a group of men. A post mortem showed that his death was due to drowning, compounded by blunt trauma to the head. The 29-year-old hotel manager, a hotel driver, also 29, and 25-year-old Johnson were taken into custody last week. Last November, detectives from the Major Crimes Unit detained the manager of the Double Day Hotel, Bhojnauth Bhola, and Leyland Johnson, an employee. They were subsequently charged jointly for the 2012 murder. Fareeda Juman, the slain mechanic’s mother, had relentlessly pressed the police to find her son’s killers. The police also managed to solve a murder that had happened 17 years ago. The victim was David Ramcharran, of Seven Miles, Potaro. He was stabbed to death in 1999, allegedly during a quarrel over two cartons of cigarettes. Last July, police arrested 38-year-old gold miner, Philbert Edwards after he wounded his brother. It was when the accused was in court that the magistrate learned that he was also a suspect in Ramcharran’s murder. Police also solved several gruesome murders, many of which were allegedly committed by teens.

Eighteen-year-old British national Dominic Bernard came to Guyana on October 14, 2015, and promptly disappeared. His decomposed body was found on January 9, 2016 at Nurney, Corentyne. A post mortem showed that he had been clubbed at the back of the head until his skull fractured.

Jadesh Dass

Sadeek Juman

Police eventually arrested and charged the slain teen’s god-brother, Aaron Hing, Staymon George, 24, Krystal Thomas, 20, Sinfine Henry, 39, and 18-year-old Jahmeil Sinclair for the heinous crime. It was also in early January that detectives brought a halt to a killing spree that was allegedly committed by a gang of drugaddicted youths. The first victims were Anita Baichan, 49, and her son, Moshim Khan, who were awakened by masked intruders in their Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice house. They were beaten, bound with duct-tape and their home set alight while they were still inside. The son managed to escape, while his mother was burnt alive. A few days later, bandits hacked 81-year-old grocer Doodnauth Rajkumar and his 49-year-old wife, Dianne Chammanlall, to death at their Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice. Mr. Rajkumar, with throat slashed from ear to ear, and with one arm partially severed, was found dead in the hallway. Police reportedly found his wife, Dianne Chammanlall, badly injured and lying in the verandah of the two-storey home. She succumbed at the Fort Wellington Hospital. Police allegedly linked a gang of young men to the three murders. Rooplall Abrahim, 24, and 18-year-old Gocoul Madanpaul and Nazamadeen Raffick, 19, were eventually charged.

On the night of April 17, 2016, bandits broke into the Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo home of business couple Mohamed Munir, 75, and his wife Bibi Jamila Munir, 69. After the couple awoke and refused to give the intruders access to their bedroom, the robbers set the house alight. Mohamed and Bibi Munir were burnt alive in the heavily grilled premises. It took police almost seven months to make a breakthrough, and once again, ranks from the Major Crimes Unit were at the forefront of the investigation. In late December, detectives arrested and charged Jason Howard,21, called ‘Smelly’; Joel Blair; Sanjay George, called ‘Coolie Boy’ and Shahabudeen Mohamed, called ‘Milo’ for the murder of the elderly couple. A deportee known as ‘Pepsi’ is still to be located. It was also last May that police cracked a case that became known as the ‘maid of honour murder.’ On April 16, two days before she was to have been the maid of honour at her sister’s wedding, 25-year-old Simone Hackett left her ‘C’ Field, Sophia home and never returned. Three days later, her body, with throat slit, was found in a trench at Fourth Field, Cummings Lodge. Police subsequently arrested and charged Hackett’s reputed husband, Cleavaughn Hamilton,alsoknownas‘Quarters’ for Hackett’s murder. Also charged with Hackett’s murder was Ranachal Singh, 31, a taxi driver of Lot 7 Good Hope, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. Police also cracked the sensational murder of 75-yearold retired professor, Pairadeau Mars, who was slain by a group of teens at his Lot 395 Bissessar Street, Prashad Nagar home. Also solved was the “Berbice triple murder” in which the bullet-riddled bodies of boy and two adults were found in the Cookrite Backdam at Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, and the sensational murder of Berbice carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt, allegedly on the orders of U.S-based Marcus Brian Bisram.

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 01, 2017

JANUARY MOTHER BURNT TO DEATH AFTER BANDITS SET HOUSE ALIGHT – son makes daring escape

PAGE 25

A number of goings-on, including some that focused on individuals and events, were among the highlights of 2016. Moreover, this segment of our New Year’s Day 2017 edition is aimed at rehashing some that stole the spotlight.

Police were called upon early in the year to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of 49-year-old Anita Baichan of Hope, West Coast Berbice, who perished in a fire at her home about 02:30hrs on Sunday January 3. 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

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.” BRITISH TEEN FOUND IN SHALLOW GRAVE - GOD-BROTHER ARRESTED; FRIEND WANTED The search for missing British teen, Dominic Bernard, came to a grisly end on January 8, following the discovery of his decomposed body in a shallow grave at Nurney,

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 the night that Dominic Bernard had been slain and his body buried in the area. GROCER, 81, WIFE, 49, BUTCHERED BY DRUG-CRAZED YOUTHS -TEEN CONFESSES TO BRUTAL KILLING, CAUGHT TRYING TO WASH OFF BLOOD

The burnt out house where Baichan and her son resided.

of the building but subsequent efforts, with assistance from neighbouring residents, failed to save his mother. ECONOMY FAILS TO MEET 3.4 % GROWTH RATE FOR 2015 – FINANCE MINISTER The projected growth rate of 3.4 percent for 2015 was not achieved. This was disclosed by 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. ”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,

Corentyne, Berbice. The victim was fully clothed and his body appeared to have been mutilated. Police sources said that Aaron Wilfred Hing, the victim’s godbrother and a prime suspect, was captured 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. A second man was also taken into 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. A similar bulletin was issued for Staymon George, also 23. His last known addresses were given as Lot

In one of the most shocking confessions in recent times, an 18year-old man on January 9, related to police how he and two others tortured, robbed and finally hacked an 81-year-old

Murdered: Doodnauth Rajkumar

Murdered British teen Dominic Bernard grocer and his 49-year-old wife to death at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice. The victims, Doodnauth Rajkumar and Dianne Chammanlall, who owned a grocery and beer garden, were terrorized and repeatedly chopped, after the young robbers, all drugcrazed youths, broke into their Lot 93 ‘A’ Bush Lot, Middle Dam, West Coast Berbice property. Mr. Rajkumar, with throat slashed from ear to ear, and with one arm partially severed, was found dead in the hallway. Police reportedly found his wife, Dianne Chamanlall, badly injured and lying in the verandah of the two-storey home. She succumbed while receiving medical attention at the Fort Wellington Hospital. The teen, who police identified as Neeman Rafeek, called ‘Shazam’, of Bush Lot New Scheme, Berbice, was captured at his home shortly after fleeing the scene. At the time, he was washing off the blood of the victims. Detectives also found bloodstained clothing

soaked in a bucket. COPS HALT KILLING SPREE…GANG WHO BUTCHERED COUPLE ADMITS TO BURNING WOMAN IN HOUSE Just when it seemed that the deeds of the youths that butchered Arthur Rajkumar and Diane Chamanlall couldn’t get more twisted, one of the s us pects confes s ed that the gang als o tied, tortured and burned 49year-old A nita Baichan in her P lantation H ope, Wes t Coas t Berbice home a w eek earlier. Police broke the case wide open when they arrested 18-year-old Gokun Madanpaul, a fisherman, at a West Berbice barber shop. Madanpaul, under interrogation, reportedly admitted that he and two others had not only killed Arthur Rajkumar and Diane Chamanlall, but Anita Baichan as well. Already in custody was his 18year-old accomplice, Neeman Rafeek, called ‘Shazam’, of Bush (Continued on page 26)

Murdered: Dianne Chamanlall

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The home in which the couple was savagely brutalised From page 25 Lot New Scheme, Berbice. He was captured at his home, shortly after fleeing with two others from the murdered couple’s home. MURDER OF BRITISH TEEN…KILLERS’ ACCOMPLICE LEADS COPS TO VICTIM’S BURIED BELONGINGS An accomplice of the men who bludgeoned British national, Dominic Bernard led police to an area at Nurney, Corentyne, where he had buried the slain teen’s belongings. Police recovered the victim’s camera, a monitor, a tripod, and other components. Kaieteur News understands that on the day that police found Bernard’s body, his Godbrother, Aaron Wilfred Hing, contacted the accomplice, who lives at Nurney, and instructed him to dig up the items from the area where the gang had buried them, and stashed them at another spot. The accomplice was among five suspects taken into custody. Two women were among those detained. FINANCE MINISTER UNVEILS $230B BUDGET A $230 billion budget for 2016 was presented to the National Assembly on January 29 by Finance Minister Winston Jordan. The budget which was 20 percent larger than 2015 was intended to provide the building blocks for transforming Guyana’s economy to one that’s strong and adaptable, the Finance Minister explained. Jordan noted that for 2015, Guyana achieved a three percent growth rate as opposed to its target of 3.4 percent. He said that while the economy suffered in 2015, with Government’s cautious management, it is on the rebound. The Finance Minister noted that the total revenue collected was $161.7 billion, 11 percent more than in 2014. Notwithstanding the increased revenue, in 2015, Jordan said that the Guyana Revenue Authority remitted an estimated $47.1 billion. While this figure was substantially lower than the $55.6 billion remitted in 2014, he said that strenuous efforts would be exerted in 2016 to monitor concessions that are granted. In keeping with the direction in which Government is seeking to steer the economy, Jordan said that he chose the theme for the 2016 budget to be, “Stimulating Growth, Restoring Confidence: The Good Life Beckons.”

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 01, 2017

Confessed killers:Neeman Rafeek and Gokun Madanpaul

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 01, 2017

FEBRUARY JAGDEO DELIBERATELY MISLEADING ON FOREST GIVEAWAY -RECORDS INDICATE PRODUCTIVE CONCESSIONS ALL GONE During the National Budget debate in the National Assembly, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, made some shocking pronouncements. He said that upon taking up office in May last year, the David Granger administration met an alarming situation where it was discovered that 100 percent or all of the country’s productive forest was allocated by the past Government, mainly to foreign investors. However, Bharrat Jagdeo disputed the statements of Minister Trotman, when he addressed the National Assembly. Jagdeo, who served as President from 1999 to 2011, said that it was approximately 55 percent of state forest cover that was in fact allocated by his party. ”The fact is that about fifty-five per cent of the state forest has been given out so far in our history. It’s about seven million hectares out of 12.5 million hectares.” So what was the truth? According to historical documents, including reports that Kaieteur News managed to acquire, Minister Trotman was on point with his

De Professor

report that all of the lands set aside for productive forest use have been given out. Some of the resource materials used to investigate this matter were two books Vivian S. Vieira’s “Logging in Guyana and Considerations for Improvements” and “Profit Without Plunder”. MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY ACCOUNTS FOR $839M IN SALARIES, ALLOWANCES IN 2016 After being the source of a heated debate, Minister of State Joseph Harmon brought a list of contracted employees to the National Assembly as promised. It showed that for the year 2016, the Ministry of the Presidency would cost some $838,919,894 in wages, allowances including duty free, vacation allowances and gratuity expenses and National Insurance Scheme (NIS), with some $48.2M in basic monthly salaries. The total number of contracted staffers in the Ministry stood at 289 employees. For the budding Public Service Staff College, there were 11 employees listed. In the documents provided, there were two Executive Directors earning at least $1.3M in gratuity. The Director of the College would be earning a gratuity of $1.1M. Under the sub-heading Administration, there were 67 contracted staffers, while in

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maintenance there were five. The documents also showed that in the Cabinet there were 12 contracted employees, 18 working either as confidential secretaries, assistants, advisors, drivers and cooks in the confidential secretariat. In the Minister of State Secretariat, there were a total of 20 contracted workers, while there was just three in the eGovernance unit. ‘DE PROFESSOR’ IS NEW CALYPSO MONARCH Seasoned Calypsonian Lester ‘De Professor ’ Charles was fittingly placed at the head of the class, emerging as the new ‘Monarch’, when the 2016 Adult Calypso Competition Finals concluded in the wee hours of February 20 at Banks DIH compound, Thirst Park. The witty political commentator in his winning rendition entitled “We nah put yuh back deh” focused on what he described as the rampant corruption and merciless exploitation of Guyana’s wealth, which occurred under the watch of former President, Bharrat Jagdeo. Pointing to a life-sized image of

Tempest’, focused on domestic violence. Her song was called, “Raise your voice against abuse.” It earned her third place in the competition while her colleague, ‘The Mighty Believer’ Kenroy Fraser secured the runner-up spot with his rendition of “De Coalition”. Coming in fourth was Roger ‘Young Bill Rogers’ Hinds with his song, “This is what ah dream.” BODY IN DIAMOND HOUSE…POLICE SERGEANT HIRED ME TO KILL WIFE – KILLER TELLS INVESTIGATOR

Axed: Colin Welch a rat dressed in a suit and tie, he sang, “Look how yuh come running like a glutton swine since ya hear ‘bout de oil find/Yuh nah go back deh, we nah put ya back deh/Guyanese got to be going insane to put a rat like you as deh leader again.” It was unanimously agreed that ‘De Professor’ deserved the title – in the process dethroning Manoel ‘King Perai’ Pereira – but his win was not without some spirited attempts to win the coveted title by his competitors. Camille Goliah-Basdeo, popularly known as ‘Lady

– IMPLICATED BY ALLEGED KILLER In a case with as many twists and turns as a mystery novel, police believed that they finally found the individual who plotted and paid to have businesswoman Sirmattie Ramnaress clubbed to death in her home just over two years ago. The trail led them back to an individual they had questioned but had apparently exonerated: Sergeant Colin Bailey, the victim’s estranged reputed husband. A senior police official disclosed that a man who was implicated in the slaying told investigators that Bailey had hired him to kill Ramnaress. After consulting with legal advisors, police were advised to institute murder charges against the former cop. Bailey was arrested and taken to CID Headquarters, Eve Leary. Police started to crack Sirmattie Ramnaress’ murder in November 2015, after arresting and charging the slain woman’s neighbour, 32year-old Colin Grant, with the businesswoman’s murder. Paul Bascom, who was among two bandits slain by police in December 2013, in Grove, East Bank Demerara, was also said to have participated in the murder. Police had recovered a computer and a diamond ring, which were identified as items that the killers took from Ramnaress’ home. GPL’S BOARD SACKS WELCH, SEARCH ON FOR NEW CEO – BADAL Chairman of the Board of Directors for Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Robert Badal, confirmed the sacking of Colin Welch, the Chief Executive Officer (acting). Welch was appointed to act as the company’s head six months prior, but his tenure was rocky, with several clashes with Management. There were questions also about his qualifications. Following the appointment of a new Board of Directors for GPL in January, Minister of Public (Continued on page 28)

Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 01, 2017

Kwame McCoy Frederick Kissoon MURDER ACCUSED: Colin Grant (From page 27) Infrastructure, David Patterson, who is charged with responsibilities for the electricity sector, made it clear that issues and questions of Welch would be dealt with. Responding to queries, Badal, in confirming that GPL had decided to end its relations with Welch, said that applications for the CEO’s position would be entertained, and the aim was to attract a competent and dynamic replacement to lead the GPL team. KWAME MCCOY TWO OTHERS CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING FREDDIE

MURDER ACCUSED: Colin Bailey KISSOON…PLACED ON $100, 000 BAIL EACH …EACH RELEASED ON $100,000 BAIL Scores of persons flocked the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and the Avenue of the Republic thoroughfare on the morning of February 22, in anticipation of the arrival of Former Liaison Officer under the PPP government, Kwame McCoy. The wait was not in vain; heralded by load roars McCoy and his alleged accomplices, who were accused of throwing feces on newspaper columnist and social activist Frederick Kissoon, arrived

MURDERED: Sirmattie Ramnaress at the courthouse around 10:00hrs. McCoy and his co-accused Sean Hinds and Opposition Executive, Jason Abdulla, were seated handcuffed and shackled in the tray of a police vehicle. McCoy, 40, of Section A Diamond, East Bank Demerara; Hinds, 51, of Albouystown, Georgetown, and Abdulla, 34, of Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown were kept in the prisoners holding area for a while before they were taken before a Magistrate. In a packed courtroom, the accused were not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on May 24, 2010 they assaulted Kissoon. When asked by Magistrate Judy Latchman what his position on bail for the accused was, Kissoon told the court that at a philosophical level he would not want to deny people their liberty. He made it clear that he was in fear for his life. The three men were granted bail to the tune of $100,000 each. POLICE SERGEANT CHARGED WITH REPUTED WIFE’S MURDER Police Sergeant Colin Bailey was on February 24 remanded to prison for the 2013 murder of his reputed wife, Sirmattie Ramnaress, after an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ C o u r t s . It was alleged that Bailey, 52, of Lot 63 South Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara killed

Sean Hinds the woman between August 30 and August 31, 2013 at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank D e m e r a r a . According to reports, the body of 36 year-old Ramnaress was found lying face down in the garage of her home on August 31, 2013. It was a blaze coming from the woman’s home that led firefighters to a bond, when they stumbled upon her body. Her body reportedly bore two stab wounds - one to the neck and another to the hip. The police, in a statement had said that Ramnaress’ house was ransacked and drenched with a flammable liquid, and a storage bond at the rear of the building was destroyed by fire. Bailey was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison. The dead woman’s neighbour, Colin Grant, of Lot 1161 Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD was charged with her murder. Bailey was arrested following the arrest of Grant. The suspect had reportedly told police that he was hired and paid by Bailey to kill the woman. CAMERAMAN GETS 25 YEARS FOR RAPING TEEN RELATIVE Television cameraman and former reporter, Andre Hetsberger, was jailed for 25 years by Justice Navendra Singh, on a charge of

Jason Abdulla having sex with a minor female relative – a 13-year-old who he and his wife had cared for. The offence was committed in 2014 and came to light after the girl had alleged that Hetsberger had sexually molested h e r . When the matter first surfaced, people close to the 39-year-old Hetsberger and even his friends doubted his guilt. In fact, after he managed to secure bail, his employers re-employed him. He continued to work until he was s e n t e n c e d . The matter was heard in-camera after the jury was empanelled. Sentencing was imposed in open court. Immediately there was commotion in the courtroom. Hetsberger burst into tears. Those members of the judiciary who were in the court left immediately. The prosecution said that it relied on serious circumstantial evidence. The victim insisted that she was molested and penetrated one day in 2014. Because she was under the age of consent the charge was statutory rape. The victim testified that she was molested repeatedly and convinced the jury that Hetsberger was the perpetrator. He was represented by attorneys Lawrence Harris and Hewley Griffith. The prosecutors were Siand Dhurjon, Michael Shahoud, and Narissa Leander.

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 01, 2017

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MARCH 17 DEAD…AFTER INMATES SET PRISON BLOCK ON FIRE In the worst prison riot in memory, on March 3rd, 17 inmates were killed and at least eight others injured after being trapped in a raging fire in the notorious Capital A Block of the Camp Street Prison. Those who perished were Jermaine Otto, called ‘Fungus’; Rayon Paddy, Sherwin Trotman called ‘Bad Boy’, Anthony Primo called ‘Cruel,’ Shaka Mckenzie, Kirk Clarke, Latchman Partap, Chaitram Dharamdat, Aaron Eastman, Andrew Philander, Randolph Marks, Rohan Teekaran, Hilary Amos, Ashraf Ali, Delroy Williams, Clifton Joseph and Richard Hubbard. Sixteen of the dead were piled into a truck and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s mortuary in the afternoon, while Jermaine Otto’s body arrived several hours earlier, with the injured. The injured included Oswald Yaw, Randolph Marks, Collis Collison, Samuel Beaton, Ignatius France, Andel Forde and Marcellus Verbeke. Forde and France were admitted to the Burns Care Unit, while Verbeke was admitted to the Male Surgical Unit. Other inmates were reportedly treated for minor injuries and discharged. Most of those killed were on remand for high-profile killings. The fire is believed to have been started by prisoners who were venting their frustration at what they felt was the inordinate length of time they were on remand while awaiting trial. MASSIVE CORRUPTION UNEARTHED…GOVT. FOOTING BILL TO BRING IN ILLEGAL FUEL As questions continue to increase over the mismanagement of the country’s fuel import business, more details have emerged. Government’s oil supplies from Trinidad and Tobago are also far from transparent. According to documents, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has been bringing in shipments of petroleum products, including diesel, weekly. Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) pays for the charter of two oil ships to bring oil from Trinidad. An estimated $4M is being paid daily for the two ships. However, only half of the shipments have been coming for GuyOil. The other half, shockingly is coming, free of shipment costs, to

private importers. Guyana had turned to the Twin Island Republic after supplies from Venezuela, under the PetroCaribe arrangement, were halted last year. Under the arrangements, GuyOil would sell the fuel and remit the proceeds to GEA. According to Government officials and ex-GEA employees who are privy to the scheme, the entire Trinidad purchase stinks to high heavens, and involves hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenues to Guyana and Trinidad. TEARS FLOW AS ASST. COMMISSIONER BALRAM PERSAUD LAID TO REST Tears flowed as friends, family and colleagues paid tribute to the late Assistant Police Commissioner, Balram Persaud, at his funeral service. Among the anecdotes, it was highlighted how warm hearted and willing the fallen police officer was to give a helping hand to friends, family and his subject Minister. In the almost two-hour-long service at the Police Sports Club ground, Persaud was described as a ‘24 hour a day, 365 days a year police officer’. HISTORIC RULING! APPEAL COURT ORDERS RETRIAL FOR FREED LUSIGNAN MASSACRE ACCUSED

Some three years after they were freed by a jury, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and ordered a retrial of two Buxton residents for their alleged role in the massacre of 11 persons at Lusignan. The two men, James Anthony Hyles, known as ‘Sally’ and Mark Royden Williams, called ‘Smallie’, were freed in August 2013, five years after they were charged for the gruesome killings that sent shockwaves throughout Guyana. The High Court trial was heard before Justice Navindra Singh. Immediately after their acquittal, the DPP, through Prosecutor Judith GildharieMursalin, served a notice of appeal, using the avenue provided by the Court of Appeal Amendment Act 2008, which gives the DPP the right to appeal High Court decisions. At the appeal, the state was represented by DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, while Nigel Hughes represented number two accused James Anthony Hyles and Roger Yearwood appeared for Mark Royden Williams. The Court of Appeal comprising Acting Chancellor Justice Carl Singh, Acting Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justice BS Roy found that there were several irregularities at the trial and

the cumulative effect rendered the not guilty verdict unsafe and unsatisfactory. The court gave seven reasons for its decision. NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CLERK ACQUIRES 54,000 ACRES OF MINING LANDS – SAYS NO LAWS BROKEN Over a three-year period, starting in 2012, long-serving Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, managed to acquire over 45 concessions of mining lands. However, the official on March 12 said that nothing in the law bars him from conducting mining operations. The lands are in excess of 54,000 acres. There have been concerns in recent years, especially by small

miners, over the availability of mining lands. The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), as regulator for mining, has been under constant fire for its handling of mining lands. Isaacs’ name was among a number of others on a list released to Kaieteur News, with question marks raised. With his position as Clerk of the National Assembly, Isaacs as a Constitutional Office holder has a critical public administrative role as well as being a specialist in the rules of parliamentary procedures and practices. When contacted, the official explained that the concessions were applied for and legally granted for the conduct of mining operations. “No illegal or unlawful act was committed. Article 158(5) (c) of the Constitution is clear. It does not prevent me, as Clerk of the National Assembly, from being in business,” he said. The Constitution, Isaacs insisted, does not say that he cannot be a farmer or miner and cannot hold concessions for agricultural or mining purposes. REMIGRANT FOUND DEAD WITH HANDS AND FEET BOUND IN SOESDYKE HOUSE

Murdered: Anthony Breedy

When residents of Hill Foot, Soesdyke, did not see Anthony (Continued on page 30)

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Kaieteur News

(From page 29) Breedy one morning, alarm bells began ringing. They checked his house and made a shocking discovery. The 60-year-old agriculturist’s body was found in the lower flat of his two-storey house, with multiple injuries to his head. His hands and feet were bound. Police were convinced that Breedy was the victim of a robbery, since parts of his home were ransacked. His sister Yvette Breedy said when they arrived at the house they were shocked by what they saw. “Somebody went to see him and saw the house open. When they called they got no response. When they pushed the door and went in, they saw him lying on the floor tied up,” Yvette Breedy told this newspaper. The woman said she was unaware that her brother had any problems with anyone. According to family members, Anthony Breedy was an agriculturist who returned to Guyana a year ago from Montserrat. He was reportedly farming on the plot of land he acquired in the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. US$50M INDIAN SECURED FOR EAST BANK/EAST COAST ROAD PROJECT Guyana will now be able to benefit from a US$50M line of credit for the East Coast/East Bank Road Linkage Project. This was made possible through an

Sunday January 01, 2017

agreement that was signed between Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and the Exim Bank of India. Present at the meeting which was held at the Boardroom of the Ministry of Finance was Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and other officials of his Ministry. Also present was Indian High C o m m i s s i o n e r, Ve n k a t a c h a l a m Mahalingam, who said that the agreement represents just one phase of the project. He said that he is anxiously awaiting the award of the contract. INT’L OBSERVERS LAUD LOCAL GOVT. ELECTIONS PROCESS The International Observers of the Local Government Elections (LGE) declared that those elections were free, fair and credible. The U.S. Embassy, British High Commission and Canadian High Commission congratulated the Guyanese populace on “the democratic process that is the LGEs”, which was conducted on March 18. “We wish to reiterate our strong and considered opinion that the voting and counting processes in the Guyanese local government elections were free, fair, and credible.” The entities stated that their diplomatic observer teams, consisting of some 90 observers, which spread throughout nine regions, found nothing to question

the integrity or credibility of the voting process. The International Observers continued that “once again” the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has done a “credible job” in ensuring that “this critical election day phase of the process was free and fair.” “We would like to congratulate Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, and the Commissioners and staff of the Guyana Elections Commission for their successful organization of these polls.” The election was held in 71 Local Authority Areas, which included 62 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and nine municipalities – an overall total of 508 Constituencies. Of those constituencies, 149 of these were a “no contest” since only one party would have expressed interest in contesting in the election. A whopping 507,663 voters were captured on the Official Voters’ List and 1,562 Polling Stations were open to facilitate voting. FORENSIC AUDIT REPORT ON GINA REVEALS…$20M RECKLESSLY WASTED ON ‘THE GUYANESE’ It would appear as though the Government Information Agency (GINA) basically handed $20.1M to Neeaz Subhan and Kwame McCoy. Some of this money went to print and distribute a newspaper called “The Guyanese” which was circulated in and around the New York area. What is worse is that GINA did not even record an income despite the newspaper attracting paid advertisements. This was revealed in a special audit report conducted on the state agency. The report found that GINA also paid $8,373,355 for television and radio programmes in New Y o r k . T h e s e programmes started in September 2014. It was revealed that no revenue was received by GINA for advertisements during these programmes.

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 01, 2017

Simone Hackett APRIL RICE FARMING COUPLE BURNT TO DEATH IN HOME -COPS PROBE POSSIBLE MURDER Police questioned several people in connection with the death of an elderly rice farming couple, who were burned alive in a fire that appeared to have been deliberately set by intruders in their Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo home. The charred remains of Mohamed Munir, 75, and his wife Bibi Jamila Munir, 69, were retrieved from the debris of the two-storey property after the fire was finally extinguished. Reports indicate that the victims were trapped in their heavily-grilled home. The blaze reportedly started in the upper flat.

Cleavaughn Hamilton also known as ‘Quarters’

Caption: Mahendra Persaud Eyewitnesses said that the entire flat was engulfed within minutes. Residents, and a passing family who were among the first on the scene, could only stand by helplessly, listening to the elderly couple’s screams, which eventually ceased as they were overcome by the flames. While some residents said that they had heard gunshots, post mortem examinations performed on the victims showed that they had died from severe burns. Investigators from the Force’s Major Crimes Unit, along with ranks from the Leonora Police Station took statements from a close family friend who alleged that the wife, Bibi Munir, had telephoned him to say that bandits were trying to get into the house. Neighbours also claimed to have heard the elderly couple’s frantic

screams of “Bandits”, before the property was engulfed in flames. At least one resident also said that she saw two people on the verandah, even as the couple shouted to neighbours for assistance. MISSING BRIDESMAID’S BODY DISCOVERED IN TRENCH WITH THROAT SLIT Mere days after leaving home to collect a package coming from her son’s father in Mahdia, 23-year-old Simone Hackett’s partially decomposed body was discovered in a trench parallel to the University of Guyana Road, at Fourth Field, Cummings Lodge. The discovery was a grim confirmation of her relatives’ worst fears, after the woman went missing. Hackett’s body was found by two schoolboys who were passing by the area and were overwhelmed by a putrid stench. Curiosity got the better of them and upon checking the corner of the trench they made the gruesome discovery. Her body bore marks of violence, indicating a clear case of foul play. According to reports, Hackett’s throat was slit and there were what appeared to be two stab wounds to the back and neck. She was clad in the same outfit she had left home

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Burnt to death: Mohamed Munir and his wife Bibi Jamila Munir

with and her jewellery was intact, leading relatives to speculate even more that robbery was not the motive, but that it was coldblooded murder. Hackett had left her ‘C’ Field, Sophia home several days before to collect a package sent from Mahdia by her “child-father”. According to the woman’s mother, she had received a phone call from her “child-father” instructing her to meet with one “Dexter”, an individual who was supposedly bringing the package from Mahdia. STORE OWNER GUNNED DOWN BY BANDITS -BODY RUN OVER BY CAR A young store owner from the island of Wakenaam on the Essequibo River lost his life after he was shot during a daring daylight robbery and then run over by a passing motorcar at Robb and Alexander Streets, Georgetown. Twenty six-year-old Mahendra Persaud, of Lot 22 Good Success, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital, minutes after he was picked up from the roadway. The police in a statement said that Persaud was with his driver in a vehicle when he was attacked by a man armed with a firearm. The man demanded a bag with money that Persaud had in his possession. According to the police, Persaud put up resistance and a struggle ensued during which he was shot to the neck. He subsequently fell on the roadway and in the process, was run over by motor vehicle, PVV 3157. This newspaper was told by eyewitnesses that a licenced firearm holder who was in proximity, exchanged gunshots with the gunman, who

subsequently managed to escape on a waiting Honda CG motorcycle ridden by an accomplice. It is believed that the bandit was shot in the process and fled leaving the bag with cash behind. Investigators are convinced that Persaud was trailed by the bandit and his accomplice, who waited for the right opportunity to strike. A police source, informed this publication that Persaud had previously visited two stores and was about to visit a third when he was confronted by the bandit. He had in his possession of approximately $700,000, the source revealed. ‘CHILD FATHER’ REMANDED FOR ‘MAID OF HONOUR’ KILLING A goldminer was charged with the murder of Simone Hackett whose body was found in a canal with her throat slit. Cleavaughn Hamilton also known as ‘Quarters’ appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where he was charged with the murder of 25-year-old Simone Hackett of ‘C’ Field Sophia. He allegedly killed the woman at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara between April 16 and April 19, 2016. The 30-year-old father of two o f M a h a i c o n y, E a s t C o a s t Demerara, was not required to plead to the capital offence when it was read to him by Magistrate Zamina Ally. According to police reports, Hamilton confessed to the crime. But Attorney-at-law Patrice Henry, who represented Hamilton, told the court that his client’s confession was an allegation, since the police had prohibited his (Continued on page 32)

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(From page 31) client’s right to seek legal counsel. TAXI DRIVER REMANDED FOR ‘MAID OF HONOUR’ MURDER The taxi driver who transported Simone Hackett’s alleged killer to Mahdia was remanded to prison, after he was charged with the woman’s murder when he appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Ranachal Singh, 31, of Lot 7 Good Hope, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara is alleged to have killed Hackett between April 16 and April 19 at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. Hackett’s ‘child father’ Cleavaughn Hamilton also known as ‘Quarters’ was charged and remanded to prison for her murder. At the hearing, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Hattie Anthony, told the court that Singh and the other accused allegedly picked up Hackett at UG Access Road on the evening of April 16. She added that the woman was taken further down the said road where she was killed. The prosecutor stated that after the killing, Singh transported the other accused to Mahdia although he knew that the man had killed Hackett. FIVE SHOT AS GUNMEN STORM CASINO AT RAMADA PRINCESS HOTEL - ONE CAPTURED, COPS HUNT THREE OTHERS A policeman and four casino staffers were shot after masked gunmen stormed the Ramada Princess Hotel casino at Providence, East Bank Demerara at around 03.30 hours on April 29. Three of the bandits escaped with an undisclosed sum of local and foreign currency they took from the casino as well as money and valuables they took from patrons during the half-hour ordeal. But police captured a fourth bandit as he was trying to escape through a back door when the ranks arrived. They also impounded a car that the attackers left behind. Police retrieved a shotgun that the gunmen had taken from a security guard and another firearm that one of the bandits had disposed of before escaping. Among those wounded were Police Lance Corporal Andrew Richardson of Impact Base, who was shot to his abdomen; Eon Garraway was shot in his left hand: James Gregory sustained a gunshot wound to his left foot; Orlando Knights was shot in the left hand and Udairan Sookraj sustained injuries to his right hand. Melissa Ferguson, Jermaine Mason and Roshel Fraser were assaulted during the ordeal. There are indications that Lance Corporal Richardson and staffer, James Gregory, may have accidentally shot each other.

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 01, 2017

MAY

2008 RUBY BUSINESSMAN’S MURDER

MAY DAY RALLY 2016…MONEY SET ASIDE FOR INCREASED WAGES AND BENEFITS FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS – PM TELLS WORKERS Just 10 days shy of the one year anniversary of the historic General and Regional Elections that ushered the coalition government into power, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo shared a podium once again with Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) as part of the May 1 Labour day rally. It was a different atmosphere at the National Park, however, as Lewis took the Government to task over workers’ rights. For his part, Nagamootoo repeated several initiatives that government is embarking on to benefit public sector workers including $50.4B set aside for wages and salaries in the budget. ”In this 2016 budget, government has set aside $43.8B for wages and salaries,” Nagamootoo said, to thunderous cheers. “And $6.6B for benefits and allowances. The allocation is in the budget. The question is, whether you will allow the due process to take its course.” Reminding the crowd of the problems which the government inherited, Nagamootoo pointed to measures like the threshold increases as evidence of Government’s commitment to Public Servants. DAUGHTER AND ALLEGED HIT MAN REMANDED FOR

A daughter and the hitman she allegedly hired to kill her elderly father in 2008 appeared at the Leonora’s Magistrates’ Court on May 3, charged with murder. Bibi Nazeela Habiboodeen, 50, of 111 Ruby, East Bank Essequibo, and Linden Lewis, 29, of Vergenoegen East Bank Essequibo, were arraigned for the murder of 76-year-old businessman Habiboodeen who was brutally attacked and beaten at his Ruby, East Bank Essequibo home on February 15, 2008. Bibi Habiboodeen stood side by side in the prisoners’ dock with Lewis as the indictable charge was read to them by Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool. According to reports, the dead man’s daughter confessed, along with Lewis, that they sat down in the man’s house with five individuals and plotted his death. BEATEN REPUTED WIFE LEADS COPS TO SPOUSE WHO BUTCHERED MOM AND SONS – NEIGHBOUR SLAUGHTERED FAMILY AFTER THEY WOKE WHILE HE WAS PICKING UP LOOT Jennifer Persaud woke in late September 21, 2012, to find a robber in her bedroom. When she grabbed the intruder, he slashed her throat, before slaughtering her six and one year-old sons. For close to four years, the identity of the killer of the Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara family remained unknown. But all

Bibi Nazeela Habiboodeen (left) and alleged hitman Linden Lewis

that changed when the reputed wife of a Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo barber complained to police that he had assaulted her. Then she dropped the bombshell: She claimed that her spouse had also slaughtered the Persaud household back in September 2012, while he was their neighbour. The suspect, identified as Abishai Caesar, 31, of Tuschen Squatting Area, was arrested shortly after the woman made the complaint to the police. He reportedly told investigators that he had merely intended to rob the family, but killed them when they awoke, since they knew him. TAXI DRIVER CHARGED FOR MURDER OF WAKENAAM BUSINESSMAN The taxi driver who is alleged to have run over the body of Wakenaam businessman Mahendra Persaud, after he was fatally shot by bandits, was charged with murder and remanded to prison. Rawle Vieira appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that on April 19, at Georgetown, Vieira murdered Persaud during the course of a robbery. According to reports, the businessman who hailed from Good Success, Wakenaam, was shot by a gunman as he exited his canter on Alexander Street, Georgetown. Persaud fell and was subsequently run over by a car allegedly driven by the accused. It was reported that the police after reviewing CCTV footage from the area saw motor vehicle

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Retired professor Pairadeau ‘Perry’ Mars PVV 3157 trailing Persaud’s truck, shortly before a pillion rider on a CG motorcycle shot the businessman. The accused reportedly transported Persaud to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The charge against Vieira came following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. TWO YEARS AFTER 2011 COMMISSIONING… AUDIT FINDS $69.9M NIS CORRIVERTON BRANCH WORTH $37.9M -TENDER BOARD BYPASSED WHEN CONTRACT AWARDED It was commissioned at a staggering cost of $69.9M in 2011. But two years later, a 2013 report valued the newly finished branch of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) at Corriverton, Berbice property at $37.9M—a shocking $32M less. The construction of that branch was one of several instances that highlighted how things were handled under the previous NIS Board of Directors, the entity that is charged with administering social insurance for thousands of Guyanese. A forensic audit report by the Ministry of Finance on NIS, covering the period December 2011 to May 31, 2015, red-flagged several instances of direct interference by the Office of the President, into the affairs of the entity. Many times, it seems, the decisions by Cabinet were handed down and the board accepted them without question. Chairing the NIS Board of Directors for years until his party, the PPP/C, lost the early general elections in May last year, was Dr. Roger Luncheon. That official was also the Cabinet Secretary. The Corriverton branch had made the news in a very bad way for the previous administration after documents relating to the

construction revealed what appeared to be high costs for the building. I t w a s a n embarrassment for NIS which is also facing tough financial times as it expenses are outstripping income. According to the report, prepared by auditor HLB R. Seebarran & Co., the branch was reconstructed in 2010/2011 and commissioned in 2011 at a whopping cost of $69.9M. The report said that NIS board appointed a subcommittee called the Te n d e r E v a l u a t i o n Committee headed by a director and including three independent parties - among them Samuel Goolsarran from the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries. A Consulting Engineer who was appointed provided an estimate of $50.6M to construct the building. Auditors found that an advertisement was then published in the press in April 2010. It is here that things got strange. The NIS board decided to take it upon itself not to have the contract handled by the National Board for P r o c u r e m e n t a n d Te n d e r Administration. Rather, the bids were handled b y t h e Te n d e r E v a l u a t i o n Committee. The reasons given were because of delays in the procurement at the national tender board. According to the forensic audit report, in 2013, a valuation of the property pegged the value of the Corriverton property at $37.9M compared to the cost of $69.9M, an impairment of $32M. RETIRED PROFESSOR BOUND, STRANGLED IN HOME – KILLERS CAME IN CAR, SEEN LEAVING WITH SUITCASES Police were trying to track down a gang of youths, including two females, who they believe bound and strangled a retired college professor in his Prashad Nagar home. On May 12, the body of 75year-old Pairadeau Mars, called ‘Perry’, was found at around 19.00 hrs in his study, after his wife arrived at the couple’s Lot 395 Bissessar Street, Prashad Nagar home. His hands were bound with duct-tape, and duct-tape was also wrapped around his mouth and neck. Police reportedly found a hammer and cutlass nearby. The victim’s home was (Continued on page 34)

Kaieteur News

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(From page 33) ransacked, and there was evidence that the killers had feasted in the home, since bottles and wrappers were strewn on the floor. There was also evidence that the killers lit the stove. From information police have received, the killers are individuals who were known to Mr. Mars, a remigrant and Professor, who had lectured in ethnic studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, USA. One key player in the callous killing was believed to be a young woman, who had lived a few houses away from the victim. Sources said that she was still regularly seen in the area, and would reportedly visit Mr. Mars’ home and beg for money. Residents reportedly saw the suspects arrive in a car, and later saw them leaving the home with suitcases. TEENS REMANDED FOR MURDER OF RETIRED PROFESSOR Drama unfolded at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts following a court hearing for five

teenagers charged with the murder of retired professor Pairadeau Mars. Relatives of the accused behaved in a disorderly manner and started wailing loudly when they were informed that the teenagers were remanded to prison. There were heated exchange of words and scuffles between relatives which resulted in police officers ordering them to exit the court compound. The teenagers, who ranged from ages 14 to 18 years, were jointly charged. The accused hid their faces with clothing to conceal their identities while entering and leaving the compound. They were not required to enter pleas after the allegation was read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Court proceedings for this matter were held in- camera due to the fact that juveniles were indicted. AGRICOLA 50TH INDEPENDENCE ARCH UNVEILED As President David Granger

entered the tent at the unveiling of the 50th Independence Arch, cheers rose from the small gathering of bystanders. The official unveiling of the Independence Arch at the Agricola/Eccles boundary, was commenced with the National Anthem played by the National Steel Pan Orchestra; this was followed by a prayer and the National Pledge. Banks DIH donated the arch to Guyana. Chairman of Banks DIH Ltd, Clifford Reis, stated that since Guyana’s Independence in 1966, Banks DIH has held the role of big brother to the citizens. He noted that to the younger citizens, the 50th Independence Arch should show that the door of opportunity is always open to them. He extended his thanks and appreciation on behalf of Banks DIH, to the President and the government for the opportunity of being part o f G u y a n a ’s 5 0 t h Independence celebrations, he also thanked the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for the assistance in the design and putting together of the Independence Arch. He officially presented the Arch to Guyana in honour of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

Police try to reassemble the skeleton believed to be that of Babita Sarjou that was dug up from a shallow grave.

SIX YEARS AFTER DISAPPEARANCE OF BABITA SARJOU…HUSBAND LEADS COPS TO SHALLOW GRAVE

Sunday January 01, 2017

IN BACKYARD For close to six years, Sharadananda Narine ate and slept in his Lot 51 Seaforth Street residence, seemingly undisturbed by the fact that his reputed wife, Babita Sarjou, lay buried in a shallow grave in his backyard. But that gruesome secret came to light, when detectives unearthed Sarjou’s skeletal remains on the same property on May 22. Digging for some five hours in a water-logged area, detectives, aided by several recruits, first located the murdered woman’s rib-cage, in a three-foot-deep grave that the 38-year-old Narine, called ‘Anand’, and his alleged accomplice, Darel Pronton, called ‘Yankee,’ had led them to after hours of interrogation. They then dug up a skull, several bones, a pair of high-heeled shoes, a brassiere, and bits of clothing from the same spot. Hours later, detectives brought a shackled Narine, with head bowed, and his alleged hit-man, Dorel Pronton, out of the yard, to separate police vehicles. The discovery, played out before several shocked neighbours, brought an end to years of agony for Babita Sarjou’s family, who had been wondering about her fate since she vanished without trace on November 4, 2010. At the scene, a clearly elated Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum commended his investigators for cracking the case. “After hours and days of painstaking investigation, they were able to solicit crucial information which would have led to this breakthrough. This is no longer a missing person (case), it is a homicide that we are investigating. VENEZUELAN MILITARY FIRES SHOTS AT GGMC OFFICIALS

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, on May 30 expressed concern for the safety and security of officers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) following an incident involving Venezuelan military personnel in the Cuyuni River . The GGMC officials were on a regular inspection exercise in Arau area and were returning to Eteringbang on the Cuyuni River when shots were fired across the bow of the boat they were travelling in. The incident occurred near a Venezuelan military checkpoint in the river, which is shared by Guyana and the neighbouring Bolivarian Republic. Reports reaching this newspaper stated that boats passing through that area in the river are normally stopped and checked by the Venezuelan authorities. Around 16:00 hours on the day in question the GGMC officials were traversing the Cuyuni River when they heard gunshots. Police Divisional C o m m a n d e r, R a v i n d r a d a t Budhram told this newspaper that based on the reports he received, the officials were forced to stop and after identifying themselves to the Venezuelan military personnel, they were allowed to continue on their journey. Fortunately no one was injured. ”My main concern is for the safety and security of the GGMC officers. They were on a regular inspection exercise in the area and returning on the Cuyuni River when shots were fired across the bow of the boat they were travelling in. I would expect that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and GDF would conduct investigations and lodge the necessary protests,” Minister Trotman told this newspaper.

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

JUNE

Andrews risked his life for what he loved—journalism. The wee hours of the morning and the comfort of his bed were no deterrents for this journalist whenever duty called. Dale was a true role model for young ones who started off their career in journalism at Kaieteur News. In addition to reporting he served as an Assistant Editor. A visibly shaken Publisher Glenn Lall told the rest of the staff of plans he had for Dale. Dale had a strong background in radio broadcasting and Lall wanted to use that to his advantage whenever Kaieteur Radio became a reality. Lall said that he had already told Dale that he would have been placed in charge of Kaieteur’s radio department, but those plans can be no more. Lall described Andrews as a professional who loved what he was doing. “There are a few like him in Guyana.”

KAIETEUR NEWS’ ‘CRIME CHIEF’ DALE ANDREWS DIES One of the country’s most experienced journalists, Dale Andrews, passed away suddenly on the morning of Saturday, June 4, following a brief illness that was due to prolonged heart-related complications throwing the media fraternity in deep shock. Andrews, 47, a former Queen’s College student, was a Senior Reporter/Editor of Kaieteur News, with a wealth of experience covering the police beat. A father of five, Andrews who was nicknamed “Crime Chief” made his name during the crime wave of 2002 when he worked through the nights and was even forced to move from his home at Bare Root because of the fearless work. He was largely instrumental in helping to cement Kaieteur News as the leading newspaper in Guyana. His endless advice and passion for journalism benefitted many young reporters.

Kaieteur News’ Dale Andrews passed away on June 4 Andrews was no stranger to ranks and officers of the Guyana Police Force. He was no stranger to Ministers, past and present, of Public Security—formerly Home Affairs. He was definitely no stranger to the media fraternity. He and Michael Jordan were the leading crime reporters during the famous crime wave. Dale

GRENADE THROWN AT KN PUBLISHER’S VEHICLE Police were summoned to the Kaieteur News Saffon Street Charlestown offices after unidentified individuals hurled a

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grenade next to a vehicle belonging to owner and publisher Glenn Lall. The incident occurred shortly after 22.00 hrs on June 4, and Mr. Lall’s vehicle, a Lexus, was parked on the western side of Saffon Street. Mr. Lall and other staffers were outside the Kaieteur News building participating in a wake for Assistant Editor Dale Andrews, when a security staffer heard an unusual sound near Mr. Lall’s vehicle. Thinking at first that someone had shattered one of the windows, the staffer checked the vehicle, but observed no damage. However, on checking the front of the Lexus, the staffer spotted the grenade lying near one of the front wheels. The police were immediately notified. PIRATES THROW GUYANESE FISHERMEN OVERBOARD -ONE FOUND DEAD, THREE MISSING, CAPTAIN SURVIVES The body of a Corentyne fisherman was pulled up in a seine while his three colleagues were still

missing, following a brutal piracy attack on night. The body of Hemchand Sukdeo, 44 of No. 55 village Corentyne, Berbice, was brought ashore in another fishing vessel, hours after the attack which occurred around 23:00 hours in Lower Shell area, Nickerie, Suriname. The captain of the ill-fated vessel survived the attack although he was thrown into the Atlantic Ocean by the pirates and was able to provide police with a description of the pirates’ vessel. Police detained at least five suspects and the boat believed to be the one used by the armed hijackers to carry out the attack was impounded. ‘CRIME CHIEF’ DALE ANDREWS LAID TO REST It was a fitting send-off for a man who lived as a larger than life character in the eyes of the many who interacted with him. On June 14, a veteran in the local journalistic field, Assistant Editor Dale ‘Crime Chief’ Andrews was laid to rest while crowds gathered (Continued on page 36)

Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 01, 2017

by the Agency”.

The grenade near to one of the front wheels of Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall’s vehicle

(From page 35) to say farewell. Among those paying tribute during the service at the Trinity Methodist Church on High and D’Urban Streets were Vice President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall, as well as Veteran broadcaster and Andrews’ former colleague Francis Quamina Farrier. Describing him as fearless and passionate in the work he did, Nagamootoo lauded Dale for persevering in a profession that is at times extremely dangerous. ”Adam said that Dale had presented him with his last story that he ran,” Nagamootoo said. “But that was not his final story. Today is the last story. Dale Andrews interrupted a session of the Cabinet and he took away the chairperson to be here to say a few words.” ”I knew Dale Andrews. He became a reporter when I became a Minister in 1992. He developed into an investigator with a particular flair and appearance that linked him to crime fighting. But I know he has been a dedicated journalist.” In an emotional tribute, Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall made it clear that with the loss of Dale Andrews, the country had lost someone who went out of his way to help others and play a role in developing an entire nation. The Publisher, whose vehicle was targeted in a botched grenade attack on the night of the first wake held for Andrews, exuded fortitude as he called for Guyana to look for “more Dale Andrews”. He queried whether anyone was ready to take up the mantle of what Andrews

stood for. ”The guy never stayed home. On his day off, he would walk into the office and sit down there. That was the passion, the loyalty, the dedication that Dale had for Journalism.” A man who frequently clashed with Andrews in the Kaieteur News newsroom, Editor in Chief Adam Harris eulogized his fallen colleague. He spoke of Andrews’ dogged determination to always see a story through and also revealed the final hours of Andrews’ life, when he delivered a story almost with his dying breath. Andrews was later interred at Le Repentir Cemetery. FROM 1994 TO MAY 2015…OVER 17,500 UG STUDENTS DEFAULTED ON LOANS – AUDIT REVEALS A forensic audit into the University of Guyana’s Student Loan Agency (SLA) has revealed that from the year 1994 to May 2015, some 17,567 or 69.4% of 25,335 student loans were deemed delinquent because students were not honouring their indebtedness. The report stated that during that period, the Government approved $9,489,453,973 through the National Budget or US$45.5M using the current rate of exchange of G$210 to US$1. During the period – April 2011 to December 2014, $1,800,000,000 (US$8,571,429) was received through a process whereby the Agency Head is informed by the Budget Department that funds have been approved to be released to the Agency. Loans issued during the audit

period (academic years 2011-2012 to 2014-2015) amounted to $1,581,422,277 of which $1,432,669,005 was issued to students at Turkeyen Campus and $148,753,272 was issued to students at the Tain Campus. The total number of students who would have obtained loans up to December 31, 2014 was 25,335 and the total value of the loans was $9,159,644,463. Of the total number of students who have received loans (25,335) 4,713 or 18.6% are recent graduates or are still students, 1,776 or 7% were able to repay their loans totalling $679,918,794 including principal and interest. Five students had their loans written off while 1,278 or 5 percent have been paying. However, they have not been up-to-date, the report showed. It was stated that this is a clear indication that the then Ministry of Finance and by extension, the Agency, did not pursue the defaulters with a view to recover their indebtedness. The Head of the Agency at the time when the report was conducted, Rawle Sue-Ho, advised the auditors that he was never instructed to operate the Student Loan Fund as a “revolving one.” Sue-Ho further explained to the auditors that “Several attempts to have the Ministry of Finance/Government of Guyana address the high level of delinquency did not result in action. In addition, the Agency was/is not suitably staffed to pursue defaulting students. On the other hand, in excess of $12M is repaid monthly through deduction orders, the vast majority of which were implemented after action was taken

FIVE CHARGED WITH HIGH SEAS MURDER Five men who are accused of high seas piracy have been charged with murder. The men are accused of murdering Hemchand Sukdeo, 46, a father of five of No. 55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, during an act of piracy. The accused who are all fishermen are Ramchan Latchman, 23, married and a father of two of No. 65 Village; Ganesh Naidoo, 41, of No71 Village; Ramesh Singh, 53, of Liverpool Village, a father of two, Stephen Leon Leacock 19 of 366, No. 77 Village and Leon Sammy, 29, married and father of one of Lot 1 No. 75 Village, all of Corentyne, Berbice. They are accused of between May 27, and May 28, in the Corentyne River, murdered Sukdeo in the cause of piracy. While all the men said that they were never charged for any offence before, the police indicated that Sammy was previously before the court. NDIA HANDLED $12B IN FOUR YEARS; BUT HAD ONLY ONE INTERNAL AUDITOR The state-run National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) reportedly spent over $12B in capital and revenue expenditures over the past four years but its Internal Audit Unit had only one person to monitor how monies were spent. The report flagged the erroneous reporting of the Internal Auditor to the CEO who “showed little or no interest in the internal controls, generally. This was evidenced by the multiple breaches identified in this report.” The forensic audit was one of several ordered last year into the operations of state agencies, after the David Granger government took office in May 2015. Auditors found that NDIA never prepared its own accounts since it was incorporated by the Act of Parliament in the mid-2000s. THREE REMANDED FOR KAIETEUR NEWS GRENADE ATTACK Three men were remanded to prison when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer a charge in relation to a grenade attack on Kaieteur News which occurred on June 4. Alfie Garraway, 36, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown; Joneil Howard, 20, of Lot 322 Section ‘C’ Turkeyen, East

Coast Demerara; and Leroy Williams, 25, of Lot 11 Durban Backlands, Georgetown were not required to plead to the indictable charge. It is alleged that on June 4, last, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, they unlawfully and maliciously conspired together with other persons to cause explosion by way of grenade likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property. The men had no legal representation. Howard surrendered to police shortly after a wanted bulletin was posted for him. CH&PA CHIEF QUITS AMIDST GROWING QUESTIONS It appears that growing questions about the operations at Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) spurred Myrna Pitt, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)’s decision to leave the entity. Chairman Hamilton Green disclosed that Pitt submitted a letter to signal her intentions not to seek a renewal of her contract which expired in May. Pitt served as CEO of the critical government agency for over a decade. PARKING METER FIASCO…CITY MAYOR, TOWN CLERK REMAIN DEFIANT ON DEAL As top city officials remained in Mexico on a controversial trip, Government said that it was seeking a briefing on the plans to implement parking meters in Georgetown. City Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen, Town Clerk Royston King; and Councillors, Oscar Clarke and Junior Garrett at the time were in Mexico to learn about parking meters and other “innovations” to improve traffic management in the city. However, the parking meter plans were shrouded in controversy as the Mayor and City Councillors remained divided on the issue. There were no details on who funded the Mexico trip, among other things. The Town Clerk, since late 2015, reportedly signed an agreement with Smart City Solutions which is partnering with National Parking Systems (NPS) to introduce the meters. According to details, M&CC will be receiving a 20 percent cut in the parking fees which could see vehicles being charged up to $500 per hour.

Kaieteur News

Sunday January 01, 2017

JULY ‘DRUG ADDICT’ SLAUGHTERS WIFE, BABY …HACKS OFF MOTHER’S ARM A Best Squatting Area man ran amok on the morning of July 1, butchering his wife and two-yearold son, and hacking off his own mother’s arm at the family’s West Coast Demerara home. Suresh Ganesh attacked his wife, Vanessa Sookram, 34, almost severing her neck and reportedly chopping off some of her fingers. He also turned his cutlass on his two-year-old son, Joel Ganesh. The child died from wounds to the stomach and hands. Suresh Ganesh did not spare his own mother. He chopped one of her arms off and inflicted another wound on her back. The woman, 49-year-old Jennifer Monplaisir, managed to escape, but her arm was so badly damaged that doctors were forced to amputate it. The killer, still carrying the murder weapon, fled from the Lot 57 Best Squatting Area residence to Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. There, he attacked a resident, but was then shot while attempting to chop a policeman. He was treated at the West Demerara Hospital before being placed in custody. Reports are that the 27-year-old Ganesh was high on drugs when he went on his rampage. According to police sources, Ganesh went berserk shortly after being told that his reputed wife was having an affair with a man who reportedly sold marijuana. He reportedly told police that he was stressed out because he wasn’t working and no one was giving him anything. He then heard about the ‘affair’.

MAJOR SHAKEUP AT GRA… TWO SENIOR OFFICIALS AXED, HEMA KHAN NAMED DEPUTY HEAD Citing the unsatisfactory performance of divisions within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Chairman Rawle Lucas, disclosed that there has been a major shakeup in management. While some officials have been promoted or reassigned, heads have rolled. Lucas revealed the officials who were axed to be Archana Joshi, at the time head of the Human Resource and Management Division and Jameel Baksh, who was head of Customs and Excise Operations. He put the decision down to poor performance and a need to get individuals more suited to the changes being made. “We were not satisfied with the extent to which our revenue was being collected,” Lucas explained to members of the media at a press conference . ”So we thought it was in the best interest of the organization to make some changes. ”It was felt that we needed to have someone who we could rely on and understood the (transition) concept very well and could assist us in implementing the (transition) programme.” With the fall of some, others have risen. Former Deputy Commissioner for Tax Operations, Ms. Hema Khan, assumed her full responsibilities as Deputy Commissioner General of GRA while International Trade Lawyer, Lancelot Wills, took over the Customs portfolio from Baksh. That is not all. Lucas revealed that Acting Commissioner General of GRA, Ingrid Griffith, “opted” to proceed on leave. He stated that when she returned her new position

would be as head of Corporate Services. Lucas confirmed that Karen Chapman, who headed GRA’s Law Enforcement and Investigative division, was reassigned to oversee GRA’s transition programme. Head of Projects, Fitzroy Corlette, took over this division. OVER $10B FOUND IN BANK ACCOUNTS… PERMANENT SECRETARY ARRESTED IN MONEY LAUNDERING, TAX EVASION PROBE A senior official of the Ministry of the Presidency was sent on leave and questioned in connection with allegations related to one of the largest money laundering and tax evasion schemes this country has seen. Permanent Secretary (PS) Omar Shariff was reportedly questioned by officials from the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) and Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Government officials said that from initial reports, Shariff allegedly had billions of dollars in a number of accounts at local banks. It is believed that the monies were deposited during a five-year period. Kaieteur News was told that the total may be more than $10B. A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said that Shariff was sent on his annual leave effective July 1st, by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, to facilitate a major probe into money laundering. Officials said that investigators met Shariff at his office at the Ministry of the Presidency where searches were carried out. Kaieteur News was unable to confirm that searches were carried out at his home as well. In its statement, the Ministry said that Minister Harmon, in a letter to the Permanent Secretary, reminded him that he is now the subject of an investigation by SOCU of the Guyana Police Force. The Minister informed Shariff that he should proceed on his annual leave from July 1, 2016, to enable him to fully cooperate with the investigation.

The building after the fatal blaze

EXXONMOBIL’S SECOND WELL OFFSHORE GUYANA CONFIRMS “WORLD-CLASS”

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OIL DISCOVERY Exxon Mobil Corporation has said that drilling results from the Liza-2, the second exploration well in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana, confirm a world-class discovery with a recoverable resource of between 800 million and 1.4 billion oil-equivalent barrels. “We are excited by the results of a production test of the Liza-2 well, which confirms the presence of high-quality oil from the same high-porosity sandstone reservoirs that we saw in the Liza-1 well completed in 2015,” said Steve Greenlee, President of Exxon Mobil Exploration Company. “We, along with our coventurers, look forward to continuing a strong partnership with the government of Guyana to further evaluate the commercial potential for this exciting prospect.” The Liza wells are located in the Stabroek block approximately 120 miles (193 kilometres) offshore Guyana. Data from the successful Liza-2 well test is being assessed. The Liza-2 well was drilled by E x x o n M o b i l a ff i l i a t e E s s o Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd., approximately two miles (3.3 km) from the Liza-1 well. The Liza-2 well encountered more than 190 feet (58 metres) of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in Upper Cretaceous formations. The well was drilled to 17,963 feet (5,475 metres) in 5,551 feet (1,692 metres) of water. “This exploration success demonstrates the strength of our long-term investment approach, as well as our technology leadership in ultra, deepwater environments,” said Greenlee. The Stabroek block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest. VICTORIA DOUBLEMURDER… ‘PICTURE BOY’ SENTENCED TO DEATH BY HANGING On July 5, two trials and hung jury verdicts after his initial appearance, Cyon Collier called ‘Picture Boy’ was sentenced to

Omar Shariff death by hanging for the crime he committed in 2006. Collier was convicted for the murder of brothers Ray Walcott called ‘Suga’, and Carl Andrews, called ‘Alo’. The incident took place at Victoria, East Coast D e m e r a r a . According to reports, Collier rode up on a motorcycle and began chatting with a group of domino players in Victoria before pulling out a gun and shooting at them. Walcott and Andrews sustained gunshot wounds, and succumbed as a result of the injuries. During the previous trial, the jury failed to reach the verdict of a unanimous decision in relation to the crime. However after two hours and fifteen minutes, the mixed jury panel returned to the courtroom of Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and announced that they had found Collier guilty on both counts of murder. Collier had pleaded his innocence from the inception of the trial. However, after he was found guilty, the former accused sought forgiveness from relatives of the deceased, some of whom were present at the hearing. Still, the convict noted his disbelief at the outcome. Shortly after he responded to the verdict, Justice SewnarineBeharry handed down the sentence. Collier was subsequently taken away in the company of several police officers. BOY, 4, RUNS INTO FIRE TO SAVE BROTHER, 6 …BOTH BURN TO DEATH Two brothers aged six and four, were burnt to death in the wee hours of July 8 after a fire, believed to be electrical in origin, destroyed the Children’s Drop-in-Centre on Hadfield Street, where they were temporarily placed. The remains of six-year-old Joshua George and Antonio George, four, were found among (Continued on page 46)

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Sunday January 01, 2016

around 09:00 hrs. All appeared to be shot at close range. Police detained a farmer on whose land the victims were reportedly fishing when they were slain. BOUND BODY OF HERSTELLING MAN FOUND IN WARDROBE

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall (From page 45) the debris shortly after fire fighters extinguished the blaze which started around 12:05 hrs. Kaieteur News was told that the two brothers along with three other siblings were taken into the Drop-in Centre around 05:30 hrs on July 6, after Social Workers responded to a call of neglect and maltreatment. Medical examinations done at the Diamond Hospital confirmed that the five siblings were indeed victims of neglect and maltreatment. They were temporarily placed at the Home until further investigations could have been done. At the time of the fire, two Social Services Assistants, Rupert Hinds and Sharon Jones were on duty, monitoring 34 children. Hinds was overlooking the boys, who were housed in the lower flat while Jones was supervising the females, housed in the upper flat. The two brothers were placed in the upper flat of the building. When the fire started, the children at the centre were asleep. It is believed that while being brought out, four-year-old Antonio

Shot: Dawan Chandrade

Dr. Walter Ramsahoye George loosed Jones’ hands and went back to look for his older brother. PROMINENT GOV’T ENGINEER, WALTER WILLIS DIES Veteran Government Engineer Walter Willis, the technical mind involved in works like the Providence National Stadium and the now renamed Arthur Chung Convention Centre, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital on July 11. He was 66. Willis, who suffered a brief bout of illness, was rushed to the hospital, complaining of stomach pains. He was subsequently placed on life support, where he died surrounded by family. TELECOMS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2016 PASSED AFTER TUMULTUOUS DEBATE After tumultuous efforts and m o t i o n s b y t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party (PPP) to get the Telecoms (amendment) Bill sent to a special select committee, the Bill was passed on the evening of July

Shot: Naresh Rooplall

18 with all of its clauses intact in the National Assembly. This came after years of the Bill being subject to deliberations, consultations and delays. The Bill is expected to create a competitive playing field in the telecommunications sector, by providing for an open and liberalised sector. This, it is opined, will serve to attract investors and new entrants to the market. 3 BULLET-RIDDLED BODIES FOUND IN BERBICE BACKDAM Fear gripped the small Black Bush Polder Village of Mibicuri, Berbice, on July 22, after the bodies of three men, with gaping bullet wounds, were found in the Kokrit Savannah backdams. Those dead were identified as 37-year-old Pawan Chandradeo, called ‘Suresh’ of Lot 163 Mibicuri, BBP; 33-year-old Naresh Rooplall called ‘Ticka Bai’ of No. 77 Village, Corentyne and 15-year-old Jaikarran Chandradeo called ‘Kevin’ of Mibicuri North. Their bodies were discovered

The nude and bound body of a 53year-old Herstelling man was found in a wardrobe in his Herstelling, East Bank Demerara home. The body of Terry L a k h a n w a s discovered by his downstairs neighbour at his Back Street, Herstelling apartment. His legs were tied and he also appeared to have been strangled. The neighbour said that she was relaxing at home when she heard strange noises coming from Lakhan’s upstairs apartment. She then heard someone opening the gate and on looking outside, saw a strange man leaving the yard with a bag. She immediately became suspicious and on checking Lakhan’s apartment, observed that all the lights were off. She subsequently tried the front door and found it open. Upon checking the apartment, she noticed that several items were missing. As she continued her search she found Lakhan’s nude body in his wardrobe. This publication understands that pictures and pills were strewn around Lakhan’s body.

Shot: Jaikarran Chandradeo

KAIETEUR NEWS WINS LANDMARK LIBEL CASE - CCJ REJECTS WALTER RAMSAHOYE’S APPEAL FOR HIGHER AWARD The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Friday, July 29, upheld the appeal by Glenn Lall and National Media and Publishing Company Limited (Kaieteur News) against the majority decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal to award Dr. Walter Ramsahoye the sum of $15 million as damages for libel. Lall and Kaieteur News (the Appellants) through their lawyers Sanjeev Datadin and Stephen Singh won a landmark decision in libel claims in the Caribbean. In Guyana the High Court presided over by Justice Rishi Persaud had

Walter Willis awarded $4.5 M in damages to Dr. Ramsahoye for libel published in Kaieteur News some two decades ago. The publications were in response to Dr. Ramsahoye’s arrogance as Head of the Guyana Medical Council. In the wake of the award, Dr. Ramsahoye expressed his dissatisfaction. In fact, even before Justice Rishi Persaud’s award, Ramsahoye had proclaimed that he would not be satisfied unless he was awarded $100M. That prompted his move to the Guyana Court of Appeal. He boasted of the ties he shared with some of the Judges in the Caribbean Court of Justice and was satisfied that he would be granted his desires. In the lower court he was represented by Attorney Peters. In the Guyana Court of Appeal he was represented by Senior Counsel Rex McKay. Ramsahoye was represented by a battery of seven lawyers lead by former Trinidad Attorney General Anand Ramlogan SC at the Caribbean Court of Justice. Ramsahoye had complained of certain publications in Kaieteur Newspapers between January 21, 2000 and February 10, 2000 that referred to him in disparaging terms. The publications resulted in Ramsahoye bringing legal proceedings against Lall and his newspaper company. Dr. Ramsahoye complained that the articles referred to him as being, among other things, a dictator at the Guyana Medical Council, had an elevated sense of importance and that he held himself out as being qualified outside his professional expertise. The complaints resulted in lengthy legal proceedings. However, by the time the dispute reached the CCJ there was no dispute as to the legal liability but both sides vigorously disputed the quantum of damages.

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2016

AUGUST Berbice triple-murder… Father and son among three remanded A father and son were among three men remanded to prison, after being charged in connection with the Berbice triple-murder in which the bullet-riddled bodies of Pawan Chandradeo, Naresh Rooplall and Jaikarran Chandradeo were found in the Cookrite Backdam at Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne. The accused, Carlton Chetram, 38; his son Jairam Chetram, 18; along with Tameshwar Jagmohan, 26, all farmers of Mahaicony, were remanded to prison for the indictable offence of murder when they appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman. $1B Kato School riddled with defects To say that the state did not get value for money from some $1B spent to construct the Kato Secondary School complex in Region Eight is a gross understatement. During a guided tour of the facilities, members of the media were given a chance to view structural defects. The tour, which was facilitated by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, featured experts from Rodrigues Architects Limited, the company which conducted a technical review of the structure built by Kares Engineering. And from independent observations, the school was riddled with cracks in base structures for stairs and railings, sinking ceilings, uneven stairs, mould build-up and termite

infestations. In addition, the experts, Managing Director Albert Rodrigues and Architect Navindra Doodnauth, highlighted cases of inferior concrete or even aggregate substitutes being used to build the base of the school, one of the most important features in any construction project. The firm conducted tests, including one where the experts used a claw hammer to get an idea of how strong and thick the second floor corridor was. According to Doodnauth, the claw hammer broke right through. Subsequent measurements indicated a corridor floor just three inches thick. Noting how under-reinforced the concrete corridor flooring was, the experts opined that it was a disaster waiting to happen since children are prone to running - unless remedial work could be done. Ministry of Health certifies unfinished drug storage bond – Avoids tender process for rental – Secretly advances $25 million In a stunning case of the coalition government betraying its ideals of transparency and accountability, Minister of Health Dr. George Norton , dodged questions about a multiyear agreement which has been handed to a firearms company to store pharmaceutical drugs. In fact, the government was forced to admit that it entered into the multi-year agreement by sole-sourcing the contract, arguing that it was an emergency and that it could not go to tender

because the rental space was badly needed. But more than that, the government has doled out millions of dollars for a building still under construction. T h e c o m p a n y, L i n d e n Holdings Inc, is yet to complete the storage bond, but it has already been paid $25 million as a security deposit. The owner of the company is one Larry Singh, who runs a firearms and ammunition store located above a restaurant and bar on Middle Street, Georgetown. When the Parliament Committee of Supply was convened to consider Financial Paper No.1/2016 to clear spending from the Contingency Fund, Minister Norton faced unrelenting questions from the Opposition PPP about the rental. Opposition Parliamentarian Juan Edghill first asked the Minister to name the company and its principals. It was at this point that Minister began to stutter and to dodge the questions. Minister Norton could not state the name of the owners of the rental company, nor could he provide an address of the storage bond to the Committee. In a confusing twist of events, , in Parliament, Minister Norton said that while the company is named Linden Holding Inc, its address was in fact not anywhere in Linden, but 176 Middle Street, Georgetown. But the storage bond is actually not at that location. The storage bond is located at 29 Sussex Street, Charlestown, the Minister said. Kaieteur News observed that the inside of the proposed storage

The controversial drug storage bond

Inside the bond

bond is still being designed to accommodate the pharmaceutical drugs. Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill, asked if the bond was a specialized facility to store the drugs. The Minister responded in the affirmative, going as far as saying that it was according to standards set out by the United Nations health arm – PAHO/WHO. Questioned by Opposition Parliamentarian, Dr. Frank Anthony, about whether there was a certificate from PAHO/WHO, Minister Norton quipped that PAHO/WHO is not a certifying agency. Mr Anthony then wanted to know who was the certifying body. Minister Norton then acknowledged that it was his own Ministry, and not an external agency, that was the certifying body. US$5.7M settlement with BK… Govt. settled because of fear of losing appeal – Bulkan Sparks flew in the National Assembly as former Attorney General Anil Nandlall took his successor Basil Williams to task for a settlement that government made with the joint venture group – BK International and Puran Brothers Disposal. This was in r e l a t i o n t o t h e g r o u p ’s management of the Haags Bosch Landfill site. The out-of-court settlement was made by government with BK International. BK’s contract

to manage the dumpsite was terminated last year, resulting in the contractor’s move to the court. A total of $1.1B will be paid in three parts. Government sought supplementary money from the National Assembly for the second tranche of payment for BK which will cost some $501M. Nandlall, who was the Attorney General at the time the contract was cancelled, q u e s t i o n e d G o v e r n m e n t ’s decision to “just give up” and in the process agree to a billiondollar payout. He pointed out that after filing an appeal, the government then agreed to “compensate” BK with some $1.1B (US$5.7M) from the state’s coffers, without even waiting for the verdict of the appeal. In view of this, he also queried whether Williams was the defender of the state or the defender of Brian Tiwarie, owner of BK International. However, Williams defended himself against the onslaught, pointing to “the mess” left by the PPP. He stated that because of the coalition’s experience with the Rudisa Beverage Company, a decision was taken to settle with BK. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan also rose to defend the decision to settle. Describing it as a fresh approach to allow for better waste management initiatives, Bulkan stated that ending the contract (Continued on page 48)

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2016

From page 47 and having a responsible operator for the site were the main considerations in settling. “It was felt that had we gone the latter (to hear the appeal), the sum to be paid would have been greater. Secondly, it was to free the site of the encumbrance that was there, which is the contract that was in place.” St. Rose’s girl is nation’s top CSEC performer The country’s top Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination performer for 2016 was a product of St. Rose’s High School. Sixteen-year-old Fatima Karim of Tucville, Georgetown, led a list of candidates, many of whom hailed from traditional top performing schools such as Queen’s College (QC) and more recently the Sarawati Vidya Niketan (SVN) Hindu School. Presenting the 2016 CSEC results was Ms. Ingrid Trotman, Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) (Nursery). Based on a preliminary report on the examination made available by the Ministry , there was an increase in the number of candidates who wrote CSEC this year. According to Trotman, there were a total of 12,809 candidate entries, which was translated to 8,269 from public institutions and 4,540 from private. There were 73,303 subject entries which saw the participation of 8,132 females and 4,677 males. QC produces outstanding performances at CAPE With 6 grade ones and 1 grade twos, Deenuath Mohabeer of Queen’s College (QC) claimed a top

St. Rose’s High School’s Fatima Karim performing spot at the 2016 sitting of the Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination (CAPE). He secured grade one passes in Caribbean Studies (Unit 1), Computer Science (Unit 1), Pure Mathematics (Unit 1), Computer Science (Unit 2), Management of Business (Unit 2), Digital Media (Unit 2) and a grade 2 pass in Information Technology (Unit 2). The ambitious 18-year-old hopes to someday study and eventually be an artificial intelligence designer. Also commanding a top performing place at CAPE this year was Larissa Wiltshire, also of QC, who secured grade one passes in six subject areas: Communication Studies (Unit 1), Applied Mathematics (Unit 2), Biology (Unit 2), Chemistry (Unit 2), Environmental Science (Unit 2), and Pure Mathematics (Unit 2). ”I am very happy about my results,” related the 18-year-old who credits her success to her parents,

teachers and friends who were very supportive. She already has plans on stream to complete studies in the area of Dentistry at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Other QC students securing grade one passes in six subject areas were Joash Gobin, Ashley Anthony and Shannon Woodroffe. C o n v i c t e d d r u g trafficker/deportee hired as Manager of GWI’s Debt Recovery Unit Details emerged in August that a close friend and business partner of the Chief Executive of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), was hired in 2015 as Manager in the allsensitive Debt Recovery Unit. That unit handles tens of millions each year collected from delinquent customers. However, it seemed that GWI failed to conduct proper background checks of the Manager, Lear Goring. They missed the very pertinent fact that Goring was convicted by US authorities in the 1990s before being deported twice - the last time in the early 2000s. According to US court files, Goring was convicted twice of drug trafficking in 1990s. In the first instance, after a conviction, he was deported in 1993 to Guyana. Not to be daunted, he used a forged passport to travel back in 1995 – again with drugs. Again he was caught. In 1996, he changed his not guilty plea after an agreement with prosecutors and the New York court sentenced him to 63 months in the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix, New Jersey. It is unclear if he was deported before his sentence of actual jail time, which amounted to 48 months, ended. What is known is that between January and June, 2002, he was

deported yet again from the US. Norton $12.5M drug bond fiasco…Possibility of fire, traffic congestion underscore need for Sussex St. bond – PM Nagamootoo, Trotman, Harmon Even though an international report categorically states that the state-owned Diamond warehouse can store all of the nation’s drugs and supplies and even more, a Cabinet subcommittee still insisted that the rental of a storage bond in Sussex Street is necessary. The three-man committee comprised Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. Given the controversy surrounding the drug bond which is owned by Lawrence Singh of Linden Holdings Inc., the team was expected to objectively investigate the matter and provide a report on its findings and recommendations. Even though it acknowledges that the Diamond facility can indeed store drugs for the entire nation, the subcommittee said that there are other factors that needed to be considered. The sub-committee said it is not safe to have all of the nation’s drugs and medical supplies in one facility, in case of a fire or some natural disaster that can have calamitous consequences to the national health care system. The sub-committee stated too that the location of the Diamond warehouse can affect distribution of medical supplies, given traffic congestion issues that are associated with the East Bank thoroughfare. Man gunned down… Suspect

Dead: Colin Perreira

DEADLY DRIVEWAY! The bridge on which Colin Perreira was shot in his car.

No background checks? – Lear Goring thought men wanting to kill him were in car The man who opened fire on night when a car turned on his bridge in front of his Tucville, Georgetown home—killing a father of one and wounding a 22-year-old woman -— has reportedly told the cops that he thought that persons intent on killing him were in the vehicle. The alleged shooter, who has been identified as a contractor, gave police a statement, claiming that he had an argument earlier in the day with a group of men, who threatened to return and kill him. The suspect alleged that when he noticed a heavily-tinted car on his bridge around 21:20 hrs on August 24, he thought that the men had returned to make good their threat, so he decided to open fire first in an effort to save himself. However, the occupants of the car were not Benn’s would-be attackers. They were 24-year-old Colin Perreira of Barr Street, Kitty and 22-year-old Gail Ann Chacon. The police in a release said that they are investigating an alleged murder committed on Colin Perreira and attempted murder of Gail Ann Chacon by a licensed firearm holder. According to the police, investigations revealed that Perreira, who was driving a heavily tinted motor car, with the other victim seated in the front passenger seat, attempted to turn around the vehicle, in front of the suspect’s residence. In the process, the suspect, who was in his yard, drew his licenced handgun and discharged several rounds at the vehicle, hitting the victims about their bodies. Perreira was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) while the 22-year-old woman was said to be in a stable condition. Kaieteur News was told that Perreira and Chacon worked for the same person and at the time of the shooting, the father of one was dropping his co-worker home. The 22-year-old woman lives a few houses away from the shooter.

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PAGE 49

are still ongoing in the matter. She also indicated that Chacon is still hospitalized. GWI TERMINATES SERVICES OF TWICECONVICTED MANAGER …SAYS “HE IS UNQUALIFIED FOR THE POSITION’

The mangled bus

SEPTEMBER ONE KILLED, SEVERAL INJURED, AFTER SPEEDING COP CRASHES BUS A speeding mini-bus driven by a police constable slammed into a post before overturning on Regent Street, resulting in the death of one passenger and injury to several others. Dillon Linton, 21, of Stone Avenue, Campbellville, sustained multiple injuries and died some hours later at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Linton was reportedly sitting in the back seat of the bus when it crashed. Among the injured were 14year-old Isaac Caesar of Kitty, Romel Maxwell, Manfro Jeffrey, and Delon Lanferman. Caesar reportedly suffered several fractured ribs while the others all sustained lacerations and

cuts. The driver, Police Constable Timothy Horatio, 26, was detained. BUSINESSMAN REMANDED FOR FATAL TUCVILLE DRIVEWAY SHOOTING – ALSO CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER Attorney Ronald Burch-Smith is contending that his client, Robert Benn did not intend or premeditate to kill 24-year-old Colin Perreira, who had turned a car on his bridge in front of his Perry Street, Tucville, Georgetown home, on August 23. Benn, who is a businessman and licenced firearm holder was remanded to prison after he was arraigned before Magistrate Leron Daly, accused of murdering Perreira called ‘Malcolm’ of 213 Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown. He was also accused of discharging a loaded firearm at Gail Ann Chacon, 22, with intent to murder her.

Benn was not required to plead to the indictable offences when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. During his address to the court, Burch-Smith questioned Police Prosecutor Shevon Jupiter as to why his client was being charged with the capital offence of murder instead of manslaughter. The lawyer pointed out that the killing was not deliberate or premeditated. Burch-Smith argued that Benn was living in fear, since several threats had been made on his life. According to the A t t o r n e y, p e r s o n s h a d threatened to attack, kill and rob his client. In addition, the court was told by the Attorney that Benn felt afraid when he saw the car turning on his bridge because he believed that the occupants of the vehicle were bandits. Police Prosecutor Shevon Jupiter related that investigations

drug trafficking convictions. In both cases, he was deported to Guyana. Critics and sympathizers were heavily divided whether he should be given a second chance. He apparently submitted a clean police record when he got the job last year.

A week after sending him on administrative leave, the Board of Directors of the state-owned, KEY WITNESS IN FREDDIE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), KISSOON ASSAULT CASE announced that it has decided to KILLED IN ROAD terminate the services of a senior ACCIDENT manager. In a statement, the entity Osmond Griffith, the key disclosed that the Board of witness in the Freddie Kissoon Directors, following a specially assault case was killed in an convened meeting yesterday, accident on the East Coast decided to terminate the services D e m e r a r a ( E C D ) P u b l i c of Lear Goring, the Debt R o a d , i n t h e v i c i n i t y o f Recovery Manager. Industry. “Mr. Goring was sent on The accident occurred just as administrative leave pending Griffith and a few friends were investigations into reports that he was not qualified for the position of Debt Recovery Manager,” GWI explained. “The decision comes following a review of Mr. Goring’s credentials, which do not satisfy the requirements outlined for the position. It should also be noted that the decision taken was based solely on a review of his qualification for the job. The Chairman, Board of Directors and Management of GWI wish Mr. Goring all the best in his future Dead: Osmond Griffith endeavours,” the statement said. Goring’s presence at GWI had sparked debate retur n i n g h o m e f r o m a after it became known recently “ h a n g ” a t t h e P l a i s a n c e l i n e that in the 1990s, he served top. Reports are that the car in which time twice for two separate the D’Urban Backlands resident was a passenger, had pulled over and stopped at the side of the public road for some of the occupants to urinate when the 41-year-old man was killed. Griffith was standing next to the car and was in the process of zipping up his pants when a speeding car, heading towards the city, crashed into him, flinging him into the air and onto the roadway—some 20 feet from the point of impact. The father of 15 was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The driver of the car which struck and killed Griffith drives a Toyota Caldina Wagon bearing registration number HC 4399. The police were able to confirm that the driver of the car was under (Continued on page 50)

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(From page 49) the influence of alcohol. ARMY FINDS ILLEGAL AIRCRAFT AT YUPUKARI The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) found an illegal aircraft in the Region Nine area. According to the GDF, it received information of an illegal aircraft at the Yupukari Airstrip, Region Nine, Upper Demerara/Upper Takutu area. A joint GDF and a police patrol was conducted in the area and a twin engine Cessna Aircraft was discovered. Investigators from the army, police and Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), went to the area to conduct investigations. ‘GREY BOY’ FREED OF CRUM-EWING’S MURDER A teary-eyed Regan Rodrigues slowly walked out the courtroom

uttering “I didn’t do it. I didn’t kill your son,” to the mother of Courtney Crum-Ewing, the slain political activist. The preliminary inquiry into a murder charge was discharged against him, by Magistrate Judy Latchman. Rodrigues, 32, also known as ‘ G r e y B o y ’ o f R i v e r v i e w, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was discharged on the murder of CrumEwing which occurred on March 10, 2015 at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. The decision was handed down in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, after Attorney Nigel Hughes made his closing submissions, on behalf of the prosecution. Despite Rodrigues being told that he was free to go, he remains imprisoned. Nevertheless, before leaving the courtroom, he expressed gratitude towards the Magistrate for her decision. Earlier this year, the father of three, was jailed for three years by Magistrate Fabayo Azore for

Sunday January 01, 2017

escaping from police custody. On July 13, 2015 at Riverview, Ruimveldt, the police were at Rodrigues’ home conducting a search. It was alleged that a gun was found under a chair in his home. Rodrigues was arrested by the lawmen and while being escorted to the police station, he pushed aside the arresting officer and made good his escape. However, he was arrested the following day in the vicinity of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) H e a d q u a r t e r s , E v e L e a r y, Georgetown. Rodrigues was also charged for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. These charges were dismissed against him by Magistrate Azore, after she found that the elements of the offences were not proven beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution. Crum-Ewing’s mother and step-father were present at the hearing.

Regan Rodrigues aka ‘Grey Boy’

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2016

OCTOBER GECOM spends $23M on Duracell batteries….Paid $1,185 apiece for a $300 battery -strange order made after May 11 elections High frequency radios; Toners for printers and photocopiers; Pliers and nippers. They all had one thing in common last year – Hundreds of millions of dollars were paid for them under very questionable circumstances by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The purchases, for the May 11, 2015, are now the subject of a major investigation by state auditors. There are two other transactions that will also come under investigations- the purchase of Duracell batteries. The batteries are supposed to be used in lamps on Elections Days, in the case of power outages or in far-flung polling stations that are without electricity. Each lamp reportedly uses four batteries. A c c o r d i n g t o G E C O M ’s polling days staffers, as part of its kit for elections day, each station is given two lamps. According to official figures of contracts awarded last year, there were two payments for Duracell batteries by GECOM. One contract was awarded on April 23, 2015, about three weeks before the elections for $14,529,000. There was another contract awarded for $9,180,518 on May 21, 2015, making it a total of $23,709,518 paid for Duracell batteries. The dates and the total number ordered in Duracell batteries would be of huge significance for a number of reasons. With regards to the contract date of May 21, the big question according to GECOM officials is why would the entity want to enter into a contract after the elections for the batteries. GECOM was left with several boxes of the Duracell batteries Guyana/Venezuela controversy…Decision in November—UN chief Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, declared “I have to make an assessment by November” on the way forward with regard to the Venezuela border controversy with Guyana. The Secretary-General made these comments during a meeting with President David Granger at the United Nations’ Headquarters in New York. President David Granger accepted this timetable and committed to providing any

additional information, which Ban may need in order to complete his assessment. The Guyanese leader thanked Secretary-General Ban for his efforts. Granger said, “We have been very impressed with the seriousness with which you have approached the problem and your own sincerity… We have been personally convinced that you want to bring closure to this matter.” Subsequent to the meeting, President Granger said, “We support the process. We are confident that this process will lead to a conclusion that is satisfactory.” Also attending the meeting on behalf of Guyana were Minister of F o r e i g n A ff a i r s , M r. C a r l Greenidge; Sir Shridath Ramphal, who was present at the signing of the Geneva Agreement in 1966 between the United Kingdom, on behalf of the then British Guiana and Venezuela and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell. Barry Dataram convicted for cocaine trafficking – Reputed wife and friends freed After months of trial, Barry Dataram was found guilty and fined for trafficking in cocaine. Dataram was charged with his reputed wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, and their friends Trevor Gouveia and Komal Charran, for having 129.23kg of cocaine in their possession on April 16, 2015 for the purpose of trafficking. However, only Gouveia and Chandan showed up to hear the ruling by Magistrate Judy Latchman. Neither Dataram nor his wife was present at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. In her ruling Magistrate Latchman noted that a prima facie case had not been made out against Boodnarine, Gouveia and Charran. She said that given the circumstance of insufficient evidence, the three latter accused were not guilty of the crime. Magistrate Latchman, however fined Dataram $164,268,000 and sentenced him to 60 months’ imprisonment for being in possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Following the hearing, Gouveia and Charran walked briskly out of the courtroom. The men were obviously relieved at the outcome. Dataram, a Guyana-born American, had successfully fought off efforts to extradite him to the United States of America to face drug smuggling charges. Dataram was said to have fled Guyana to neighbouring

Outgoing Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips (left) and President David Granger adorning the new Chief of Staff, Brigadier George Lewis with his new badge of rank Suriname. Law enforcement authorities had confirmed that the man had travelled out of Guyana on false documents. Guyana Defence Force gets ninth Chief-of-Staff A promotion ceremony for Colonel George Lewis was held in the Executive Room of the Officers Club, Base Camp Ay a n g a n n a w h e r e h e w a s promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. He was also sworn in as the ninth Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The President of Guyana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Brigadier David Granger, after the badging ceremony, said that the Guyana Defence Board (GDB) is confident that Brigadier Lewis is the most senior and best qualified officer to perform the function as Chief-of-Staff. The promotion and swearing in were done in accordance with the succession policy of the GDF. The President stated that the Chief-of-Staff of the GDF has an ambiguous mandate which requires him – within the law – to apply his military education, his military expertise and his military experience to protect the citizens and defend the territorial integrity of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in accordance with the Defence Act under the authority of the GDB and in accordance with the directive of the Minister. The President congratulated Brigadier Lewis on behalf of the Guyana Defence Board on his promotion and on his appointment to the position of Chief-of-Staff. Brigadier Lewis was enlisted in the force as a cadet on September 01, 1981. The new Chief-of Staff during an interview, said that obtaining (Continued on page 52)

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Sunday January 01, 2017

YEAR IN REVIEW 2016

From page 51 the position was one that he was working towards since he enlisted, and now it has been achieved. PetroCaribe arrangement…Guyana owes Venezuela over $24B Despite the fact that there was only $1.9B in the PetroCaribe fund to show for all the money the PPP/C government collected over the years, Guyana still has a whopping $24B outstanding for Venezuela. The management of the lucrative rice-for-oil deal with neighbouring Venezuela has been under fire by the new administration which said it found little in the bank accounts when it took office in May. The fund was established almost a decade ago when Venezuela introduced an oil sale arrangement where Guyana and a number of CARICOM and Latin America countries take oil at concessionary rates, pay a percentage in advance and the balance over a 20-year period. The PetroCaribe Fund was supposed to hold millions of US dollars. Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, noted in his recent report t h a t l a s t y e a r, t h e r e w e r e cancellations in relation to the 2013 and 2014 shipments totaling US$88.6M. This reduced the balance of money Guyana owes Venezuela to $24.9B as at December 31, 2015 compared to a balance of $37.990 billion as at December 31, 2014. Sharma also noted that $1.9B was transferred from the PetroCaribe Bank Account to the Consolidated Fund in 2015 as well. Sharma also highlighted the $5.7B that had to be taken from the Consolidated Fund by the Ministry of Finance to be given to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) for rice shipment to Venezuela. This was because there was not enough money in the PetroCaribe fund to make the payment. But because $1.9B was transferred from the PetroCaribe fund to the Consolidated Fund, this was deducted from the $5.7B, only $3.807 was actually charged. Ramroop meets GWI over $200M owed for Sanata well The Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) on October 13 met with representatives of the Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. (QAII), to discuss the ownership of a water well in Ruimveldt. The well is in the compound of QAII, but the state-owned water company has been involved in a battle over ownership. Head of QAII, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, met with GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West Charles, to discuss the

Investigators at the home of Bibi Nesha Shairoon (inset).

payment of $200M-plus in arrears. Ramroop reportedly went alone. GWI was sticking to its contention that it owns the well. The well serves over 9,000 customers in the Ruimveldt, Meadow Bank and Alexander Village area. The nation heard that the well was transferred to QAII when the Bharrat Jagdeo administration leased and then sold the Sanata complex in a privatisation deal that was described as a sweetheart one. The news shocked the nation. According to documents seen by Kaieteur News, in 2002, former Minister of Housing and Water, Shaik Baksh, signed an order under the Water and Sewerage Act vesting several properties into GWI. GWI’s Schedule of Fixed Assets lists the Sanata well as belonging to the state entity. There is other evidence too that suggests that the well is GWI’s. For example, in the records of the Privatisation Unit/National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the state entity that handled the deal, there are several references to the well. In one case, it speaks of a Memorandum of Understanding between G&C Sanata, the Georgetown Sewerage and Water Commissioners (GS&WC) and NICIL. GS&WC is the predecessor of GWI. According to the NICIL documents, GS&WC took possession of the well in 1996, starting to manage its operations from then. The water from the well

was for public consumption. There was no evidence of the well being privatised to Sanata. GWI said that it had been spending $3M monthly on electricity bills for the well. However, GWI technicians had to access the well through QAII’s compound. Female shop owner murdered in Mahaicony – Bound body found in bedroom – 14-year-old helper arrested The bound body of a 56-yearold woman was found in her Lot 4 Novar Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara home on October 17, almost two days after she had been killed, during what police say was a robbery. The victim has been identified as Bibi Nesha Shairoon, a mother of three. She had been living at the property for more than 25 years. Up until her death, she was operating a grocery at the two-storey building where she lived alone. A teenager, who was sent to the property to check up on Shairoon after neighbours informed her relatives that they had not seen her, found the woman’s swollen body in a pool of blood on her bedroom floor with her hands and feet tied. Investigators suspected that she was struck to the head with an object after she put up a fight. A hammer which was found at the scene was sent to the crime lab for testing to determine whether it was used in the murder. While it is not clear how many persons committed the act, the cops

believe that it might have been two suspects, who gained entry into the building by ripping a few boards from the lower section of the shop, which is attached to the front of the house. Kaieteur News understands that a number of valuables were missing from the shop, some of which include cellular phones, music sets, phone cards, and money among other items. The entire house was ransacked. A 14-year-old boy, who assisted the woman in her yard and shop, was taken into police custody after the discovery was made, since he was the only one who was familiar with her home and her movements. Apart from that, this newspaper was told that someone broke into the woman’s home about four months ago and stole a quantity of phone cards from her microwave—for that robbery, the woman had suspected that it was her teenage helper, since he knew where she hid the cards. Pritipaul Singh takes plunge with Guyana’s first ever tuna plant –to plug another US$50M over next five years Over the last decade and a half, the East Bank Demerara has become home to one company that has aggressively fished its way to the top of the industry. Today with over 1,500 workers and more than US$100M in investments between Providence and McDoom complexes, Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc. (PSI Inc.) has become the biggest regional

player in the fishing sector. On October 15, the company launched a tuna plant and announced plans to plug another US$50M in investments within the next five years. The plant would be the first of its kind in the region. Tuna is a delicacy in hot demand across the globe. Present at the event were Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, former Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, several Government officials and US Ambassador Perry Holloway, among others. According to PSI’s Chief Executive Officer, Pritipaul Singh, the commissioning of the tuna plant in October, which was designated Agriculture Month, would be a high point in his company’s climb, and one that has been filled with challenges. The businessman said that the business world has evolved into a world of “daunting challenges, competitiveness and hostile environment” but the company remains confident of its future. Over the years, the company has been able to receive its international certification of food safety, which has allowed it to access its overseas market with ease. ”Today’s fulfillment has been yet another phase of the continuing journey as a businessman. It has never been an easy journey. I think so, too, with life as a whole, but with courage, imagination, bold initiative and scientific decision making, I do consider this business journey with all its challenges as a rewarding one.”

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allegedly belonging to Narinedatt was also discovered on the p a r a p e t n e a r b y. However, one of the businessman’s bodyguards is claiming that the shirt belongs to him, but relatives of the dead man are denying it is, as they indicated that it was the said shirt Narinedatt left his home with. The body of the father of two was found on the public road, located a street away from where the alleged beating took place.

Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt (inset) and the clothes reportedly worn by the carpenter NOVEMBER CARPENTER FOUND DEAD ON BERBICE PUBLIC ROAD – RELATIVES SUSPECT FOUL PLAY A 26-year-old carpenter was found dead on November 1 on the No 70 Public Road. Faiyaz Narinedatt, of 36 No. 70 Village, Berbice, reportedly left his home early that morning. According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, the victim’s lifeless body was found at approximately 15:45 hrs, with what appeared to be marks of violence about the body and head. Kaieteur News during a visit to the dead man’s home, spoke to his grieving mother, Bibi Shakera Aziz, who told this publication that her son left home at approximately 11:35 hrs, and she saw him later in the day at a shop nearby. The woman stated, “meh son get up and ask meh wha wrang and me seh nothing na wrang ,and he go away, but me see am later at the shop opposite me hay, and after that me nah see he back”. She stated that she received a call stating that her son ‘met with an accident’ and was dead. Meanwhile, Chandra Datt, an uncle of the now dead man, told Kaieteur News that his nephew’s death was not caused by an accident as they were told previously by police. According to Datt, his nephew was at a party in the village where a fight broke out, he disclosed that his nephew was allegedly beaten with pickets and thrown in a nearby drain located one lot away from where the party

was being held. He stated that his nephew was allegedly beaten and then dumped on the public road. When this publication visited the area where Narinedatt was allegedly beaten, some neighbours were tight-lipped on the situation, while expressing fear if anything was said. One neighbour stated that “they beat the man and dash he pon the road”. He stated that he heard arguing outside the house where the party was being held, but didn’t think much of it. As the investigation continues, there are rumours that persons who were at the party, hosted by an overseas-based businessman, could be responsible for the death of the young man. During further investigation by this publication, broken pickets were seen thrown nearby a drain located not far from the businessman’s home. A shirt

Michael ‘Capone’ Caesar pleads guilty to 12 counts of manslaughter

SHOCKING TWIST IN BARTICA MASSACRE TRIAL… ‘FINE MAN’ GANG MEMBER PLEADS GUILTY TO 12 COUNTS OF MANSLAUGHTER More than eight years after two separate massacres - at Bartica and Lusignan - stunned the nation to the core, one of the gunmen in Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins gang threw in the towel Pleading guilty on October 31 2016 to the February 17, 2008 murders at Bartica was Michael Preston Caesar, who also goes by the aliases of “Capone” and “Deon Cort”. He had been committed to High Court for trial before Justice Roxanne George but before the jury could be empanelled, Caesar appeared to gamble for leniency and even possibly turning the star witness. He pleaded guilty yesterday to 12 counts of manslaughter. He had been charged with killing 30-year-old Zaheer Zakir, Shane Fredericks, 35, Ron Osborne, Dexter Adrian, 37, Irving Ferreira, 72, Abdool Yassin Jr., Deonarine Singh, 54, Errol Thomas, Ronald Gomes, Irwin Gilkes, 42, Ashraf Ally Khan, 45, and Baldeo Singh, 54. Caesar was captured in earlier 2009, in Suriname, one year after being on the run. For the Bartica massacre, Caesar was jointly charged with Mark Royden, called Durant or Smallie; Clebert Reece, called Chi Chi; Dennis Williams, called Anaconda, and Roger Anthony Simon, called Goat Man. Months after that Bartica massacre, security officials, in the face of the shocking murders, hunted down the notorious ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins and killed him and another high-profile wanted man, Jermaine ‘Skinny’ Charles, at

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Timehri. Another man, identified as Sean Grant, called ‘Troyee’ was also shot dead in the gunfight at Timehri. In March 2009, Caesar had also been charged with 11 murders for his role in the January 2008 Lusignan massacre. 2008 BARTICA MASSACRE TRIAL… ANOTHER ACCUSED PLEADS GUILTY TO 12 COUNTS OF MANSLAUGHTER The 2008 Bartica Massacre trial continued to spring its surprises. Yet another accused, Clebert Reece, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of manslaughter before Justice Roxanne George. Co-accused Michael ‘Capone’ Caesar, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of manslaughter before the same judge. With their guilty pleas, the state is now left to prosecute Mark Royden Williams called Durant and Smallie; Dennis Williams called Anaconda and Roger Anthony Simon called Goat Man.

Clebert Reece also pleaded guilty to 12 counts of manslaughter The guilty pleas by Caesar and Reece resulted from bargains they struck with the state. The authorities must have got wind of a threat to Clebert Reece, as they separated him from the other accused. En route to the prison this morning he was made to travel in a separate vehicle. The word was that Reece proposes to testify against the others. He had attempted to enter this guilty plea two weeks prior, but a constitutional move to the court to have the matter tried outside the Essequibo jurisdiction stalled the start. He said that about 18 months after he was arrested in 2008, he was prepared to enter a guilty plea.

He began cooperating with the law enforcement officers, but it was only last November that he could enter the guilty plea. MAN CLAIMED “MASTER” SENT HIM TO KILL NEIGHBOUR -PLACED BLOODY WEAPON ON MANDIR’S ALTAR AFTER DEED In what seemed to be a scene out of a horror movie, 53-year-old Bhumatie Deolall lost her life senselessly after she was gruesomely murdered by her neighbour, Jainarine Balgobin, aka (‘Payo’) a Guysuco labourer at the Albion Estate. The killer’s relatives later claimed that he is “mentally unstable”. Sources close to the investigation told this publication that the labourer seemed far from a “mentally unstable” man as he was fully aware of the act he committed. According to sources, during the interrogation, Balgobin told investigators that “master send meh fuh kill she”. It was revealed that the man stated that he took the machete from the Mandir located in the next lot from his home and went over to the woman’s house on the other side of the street. He called her out of her house and fired the chops, instantly killing her and severing her head. It was also disclosed that after he had finished what he was “sent to do” he walked back over to the Mandir and placed the machete back where he found it, on the altar, with blood dripping from its blade. He was also seen by a neighbour holding a “murti” at the altar after placing the machete down. From reports gathered after putting the machete back where he found it, he went home still in his “rage” where his brother-in-law held on to him until police had arrived. He was arrested and taken to the Albion Police Station where he remained in custody. He was subsequently taken to the Reliance Police Station. One investigator told this publication that “the man look evil, evil” and didn’t seem remorseful for his actions. US$200M SKELDON FACTORY FALLING TO PIECES – GUYSUCO The US$200M Skeldon Sugar Factory is falling to pieces and it isn’t worth the effort to put it b a c k t o g e t h e r. T h i s i s according to officials at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Continued on page 54)

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(From page 53) (GuySuCo). Their conclusion is based on a damning audit conducted on the factory and its operating plants by an international firm. The report on the findings shows how the factory is deteriorating in various areas. The report also provides numerous telling images of the bagasse fired power plant within the factory. This was a main area of concern and focus for the international firm that conducted the technical assessment of the factory. The auditors found that the entire insulation was missing for the plant’s diffuser thus resulting in major heat losses. The auditors were also left with no choice but to flag the plant’s boiler fuel feeders

noting that they posed serious safety issues. The auditors said, “Frequency converters for bagasse feeder motors were missing and not working due to lack of spares. Further, the conveyer feeder junction box and connection boxes were in a bad condition.” Discovered as well, was the fact that exhaust gas leakages in the boilers occurred due to wrong furnace pressure. Boiler platforms were also deemed dangerous due to the severe extent of corrosion. The auditors in their investigation of the $200M entity found that oil burners for the boilers were demolished and considered it to be a fire hazard. The auditors are of the firm view that the dreadful condition of the

insulators for the boilers was also a health risk for employees there. During their audit, it was found that furnace wall tubes needed replacement and superheat tubes were damaged. The auditors were also alarmed by the fact that the mere lack of spare parts prevented crucial repairs of certain aspects of the factory. POOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT LEADS TO KN STAFFER’S DEATH Just five months after Kaieteur News lost one of its most valued staff members, Dale Andrews, it is now forced to suffer the loss of another beloved colleague, 27year-old Harry Brijmohan. Brijmohan met with a tragic accident around 06:40 hrs on November 18 at Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Brijmohan, of New Providence Housing Scheme, EBD, was heading south on the East Bank Public Road on his motorcycle, when he collided head-on with a car that was heading in the opposite direction on the eastern carriageway, which during the morning rush hour is converted from a two-way thoroughfare into a single lane. Persons familiar with this arrangement have lamented about the haphazard traffic management that exists during rush hour would eventually lead to something disastrous. The Kaieteur News s t a ff e r ’s d e a t h w a s unfortunately the result of the madness that unfolds during the 90-minute period when the third lane is made available to city-bound traffic. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a press release said that due to the heavy congestion in the morning, vehicles are allowed to proceed north on the western side of the eastern carriageway of the EBD Public Road. Brijmohan was allegedly heading south on his motor cycle, bearing registration number CG 5075 between the two lanes of vehicles that were proceeding north and south respectively, when he swerved into the oncoming traffic and collided with the right front of a motorcar, PPP 7887.

Sunday January 01, 2017

As a result of the impact, the cyclist fell on the roadway. He was picked up in an unconscious condition and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he later succumbed after sustaining severe head injuries and broken bones. BERBICE CARPENTER MURDER…ALLEGED MASTERMIND’S MOTHER REMANDED FOR OFFERING $4M BRIBE TO COPS Three weeks after it was suspected that he was the victim of a hit-and-run accident, detectives were able to prove that Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, was murdered. It took the intervention of ranks from the Major Crimes Investigation Unit to crack this case and four men were charged for the murder. Radesh Motie, 39, an excavator operator, of Lot 124 Number 78 Village Corentyne, Berbice; Diadath Datt, 18, of Lot 98 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice; Harripaul Parsram, 49, of Lot 164 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and Niran Yacoob, 37, of Lot 65 Number 67 Village, Corentyne Berbice were remanded to prison when they appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan. They were arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that Narinedatt’s killing was allegedly ordered by Marcus Bisram, who is an overseas-based Guyanese. He is still on the run. It is alleged that Narinedatt was murdered between October 31 and November 1 at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. And the investigation into Narinedatt’s murder took a shocking twist, after the mother of Bisram and a relative of one of the accused reportedly turned up at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Eve Leary, Georgetown,offering $4M to a detective to suppress evidence in the case. Shermella Inderjali, 45, a mother of two, of Lot 121 Section B Number 71 Village, Corentyne Berbice, has been identified as Bisram’s mother. She and Maryanne Lionel, 25, a bank teller attached to Republic Bank, also of Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice were arrested during a sting operation. They too, appeared before the Chief Magistrate charged for willfully attempting to pervert the course of justice. It is alleged that on November 19, at Eve Leary, Georgetown, they contacted a Detective Corporal and

US-based Guyanese Marcus Brian Bisram offered him $4M in cash to forgo charges against the four murder accused, who were at the time in custody pending investigation into the matter. The two women pleaded not guilty to the charge and were remanded to jail. WANTED BULLETIN ISSUED FOR US-BASED GUYANESE OVER CARPENTER’S MURDER As the killing of Berbice carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt continued to rivet the nation, police issued a wanted bulletin for a wellknown, US-based Guyanese who has been heavily involved in charity work here. Police in a statement said that Marcus Brian Bisram, 27, is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the murder of Narinedatt which occurred on November 1, 2016, at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Bisram’s address in Guyana is listed as Lot 115 Section ‘A’ Number 70 Village Corentyne, Berbice and also the US. The police said that they were going to seek overseas help to arrest Bisram. Following the intervention of ranks from the Major Crimes Investigation Unit who travelled to Berbice, four men were charged for murder. Radesh Motie, 39, an excavator operator, of Lot 124 Number 78 Village Corentyne, Berbice; Diadath Datt, 18, of Lot 98 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice; Harripaul Parsram, 49, of Lot 164 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and N iran Yacoob, 37, of Lot 65 N umber 67 Village, Corentyne Berbice were remanded to prison w hen they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann M cLennan. Police are reportedly working on the theory that Bisram ordered Narinedatt’s killing.

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2016

DECEMBER 7,000 Guyanese living with HIV -less than 200 die annually from related complications Statistics reveal that there are 7,000 Guyanese living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Of the infected, 5,300 have been linked to a care and treatment facility with approximately 85 percent receiving Antiretroviral Treatment. This is according to information recorded by the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, the HIV/AIDS fighting arm of the Ministry of Public Health. NAPS has been able to deduce, too, that it is estimated that less than 200 persons die annually from AIDS-related illnesses. Guyana has been realizing some major gains in its fight against the once dreaded disease. Among these is the fact that the Mother to Child Transmission rate of HIV currently stands at two percent and the prevalence of the infection in pregnant mothers remains at 1.9 percent. NAPS has revealed too that the trends suggest that there has been a gradual decline in the number of new AIDS cases over the past five years. Further, it has been found that the gender most affected here in Guyana is male, while persons between the ages of 25 and 49 years continue to account for most of the new HIV infections. However, it has been found that in the epidemiological context of Guyana, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of youth between the age of 15 and 24 affected. But Guyana, like the rest of the world, has committed to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Interpol issues wanted bulletin for head of US-based charity The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has issued a wanted bulletin for USbased Guyanese, Marcus Brian Bisram, who has been implicated in the murder of a carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt. Interpol is the world’s largest police organization with over 190 member countries. Their role is to enable police around the world to work together to make the world a safer place. Bisram returned to the United States of America, shortly after the murder of the carpenter on November 1, last. Bisram, is said to be the mastermind behind the killing. A wanted bulletin was subsequently issued for him here in Guyana. Shortly after, the Interpol issued a wanted bulletin for the suspect. Bisram is 27 years old and his

address in Guyana is listed as Lot 115 Section ‘A’ Number 70 Village Corentyne, Berbice; also the US based Bisram is the sixth person to be charged with murder. $250 Budget unveiled for 2017 Within the timeframe of 3 hours and 15 minutes, Finance Minister Winston Jordan informed the National Assembly, and sections of the nation via live broadcast, of how his Government intends to spend some $250B for the year 2017, so as to achieve “the good life” for all Guyanese. The budget, which is presented on an annual basis, is one of the most important economic instruments of the government. It seeks to ensure that the state has the resources it needs to execute the works planned for the fiscal year, create conditions which stimulate economic growth and clearly indicate the priorities of the government. It was the third budget of the Coalition Government in just over a year and half in office. The Finance Minister noted that the theme for the 2017 budget is; “Building a Diversified, Green Economy: Delivering the Good Life to All Guyanese.” Jordan said that Budget 2017 is designed to consolidate the gains the Government made since its accession to office, improve economic performance, and define a sustainable pathway to the happiness and prosperity of Guyana. C’bean Airlines aircraft strikes off tail section of Fly Jamaica plane -flights grounded Authorities have launched a probe into an incident that occurred in which part of the tail cone of a Fly Jamaica aircraft was struck off by a plane belonging to Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL). The two planes were grounded at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and it is expected that flights to North America – the US and Canada – will in some way be affected during the Christmas peak season. The Fly Jamaica flight had reportedly landed about an hour earlier than the Caribbean Airlines flight. Caribbean Airlines, also in short statement, said that one of its planes, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating as BW 527, from JFK International, New York to CJIA, Guyana, was involved in an incident on the ramp. The Trinidadian-owned airline said that all passengers and crew were safely disembarked.”The aircraft has since been temporarily withdrawn from service and all appropriate inspections and procedures, along with an

investigation are in progress.” Caribbean Airlines insisted that it is committed to the safety of its “valued customers and crew”. Fly Jamaica Airways’ B767300 aircraft has been withdrawn from service, and the airline awaits the findings of the investigation currently being conducted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The Directors and staff of Fly Jamaica Airways wish to reassure their customers that they are working assiduously to lessen the inconvenience caused by this incident, and to ensure that all of their passengers are accommodated in the most efficient and convenient manner. Fly Jamaica Airways remains committed to offering the safest service between all of their destinations, in the air and on the ground, and the continued safety of their passengers, flight crews and ground staff. Shakeup in Police ‘B’ Division Following a visit to Berbice by National Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, and threats of stern action against the police, there was a shakeup in the hierarchy of the police in the Ancient County. Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, who was on leave, took over command of ‘B’ Division (Berbice). Acting Commander Senior Superintendent Kevin Adonis, who had been the Commander of the Police ‘G’ Division for a number of years, was relegated to Deputy Commander. Acting Deputy Commander Superintendent Kurleigh Simon was sent as OC, in charge of Subdivision No.3 (Corentyne), while officer in charge of Subdivision No. 3 Deputy Superintendent Guy Nurse was transferred to Police Headquarters. The shake-up came on the heels of the murder of Faiyaz Narinedatt carpenter of No.70 Village Corentyne Berbice. Narinedatt a father of two was murdered between October 31 and November 1, last, at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. His body was found on November 1, on the public road in the area. Several persons were charged and a wanted bulletin was issued for overseasbased Guyanese Marcus Brian Bisram. 2012 hotel pool death…Manager, employee charged with murder The Manager of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, Bhojnauth Bhola, and another individual suspected to be his employee, Leyland Johnson, were charged jointly for the 2012 murder of a 20-year-old Mechanic, Sadeek Juman. The charge was read to the duo

by Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court in the presence of Juman’s parents and relatives of the two accused. The men were not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that between November 18, 2012 and November 19, 2012, they allegedly murdered Juman at the establishment. Attorney-at-law Ganesh Hira, who is representing Bhola, made an application for the disclosure of statements. His application was granted. The murder charge came days after the duo, along with another individual, was arrested in connection with the matter. According to media reports, Juman who resided at B l a n k e n b u r g , We s t C o a s t Demerara, was found dead in a pool at the hotel. Reports further stated that Juman had visited the premises the

previous day, in the company of friends where it was alleged that an altercation occurred between him and a group of men. A post mortem showed that his death was due to drowning, compounded by blunt trauma to the head. Prince Harry begins state visit to Guyana …visits President, lays wreaths Prince Harry of Wales arrived at the Eugene F. Correia airport, on December 2 to a red carpet welcome. His first engagement in the country saw him paying a courtesy call on President David Granger. Later, he laid a wreath at the National Independence Monument at Brickdam more commonly known as the Independence Arch. The Independence (Continued on page 56)

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2016

concurrently. These two prison terms will also run concurrently. He would be eligible for parole after serving 40 calendar years.

From page 55 Arch, one of the nation’s most important national symbols was presented to Guyana, by the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) as an Independence gift, in 1966 to symbolise the end of the colonial era, while ushering in a new phase of Guyana’s history. Prince Harry also visited Camp Ayanganna, the headquarters of the Guyana Defence Force, where he met with officer cadets, serving officers and veterans. He was also taken on a tour of the Base. Then it was on to the Commonwealth War Graves, Georgetown, where he laid a wreath, in honour of those who lost their lives during the two World Wars and the pre-Independence period. The Prince later attended a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner. During his visit, His Royal Highness visited several tourist sites including the majestic Kaieteur Falls, the Iwokrama International Conservation Centre and the Surama Lodge. Skeletal remains positively ID’d as Babita Sarjou’s - DNA tests back from overseas lab Champa Seonarine can now give her daughter a decent burial. That’s because Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum received DNA results that confirmed that the skeletal remains that his ranks dug up from a Seaforth Street, Campbellville backyard seven months ago, are those of Babita Sarjou. Blanhum declined to identify the laboratory that had conducted the tests. He had initially told the media that the samples would have been sent to a Trinidad forensic laboratory. Babita Sarjou vanished on the Diwali Night of November 4, 2010, after leaving her mother’s home at Timehri, East Bank Demerara. On May 22, six years later, investigators dug up the skeletal remains of a female, believed to be Babita Sarjou, a mother of one, in a three-foot-deep grave. Detectives first unearthed a skull, then several bones, a pair of high-heeled shoes, a brassiere, and bits of clothing from the same spot. Sarjou’s estranged partner, 38year-old Sharadananda Narine, called “Anand”, and his accomplice, Darel Pronton, are currently before the court for the murder. Central Bank halts buying of TT, B’dos dollars – evidence suggests some applications for US$$ not legit Central Bank has temporarily halted its buying of foreign currencies from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago as a measure to ensure local supplies are not

threatened. The disclosures were made by Governor of the bank, Dr. Gobind Ganga, who also dismissed worry that the foreign currency demand is anywhere near a chronic situation. During a press conference at Bank of Guyana, Avenue of the Republic, the official said that the current situation is being sensationalized, with intermittent shortages in supplies a normal thing in the business. The press conference would come after a number of local businesses and citizens claimed to have had difficulties in acquiring foreign currencies and remitting US at the commercial banks. Other analysts have pointed to crisis situation in coming months after a number of key sectors underperformed despite the continued shine of gold production. This was made worse by a clamping down on the illegal drug trade and the severing of relations by a number of large overseas corresponding banks with Guyana and the region. Both the Governor, who oversees the operations of commercial banks in Guyana, and Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, assured that there is enough foreign currency in the system to satisfy demands and there is no immediate evidence of a shortage. Lusignan, Bartica massacres…Judge sends gang

member to jail for 1080 years “I would like to show the deceased family mercy. I would like to change my life around and be a better person.” Those were the words of Michael Caesar shortly before Justice Roxanne George sentenced him to jail on 20 counts of manslaughter. Innocent lives were lost when gunmen attacked Lusignan, East Coast Demerara; and Bartica, Essequibo, in January and February 2008 respectively. Justice George sentenced Michael Caesar, 34, who also goes by the aliases of ‘Capone’ and ‘Deon Cort’ to a total of 1080 years in jail, after he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter in relation to the Lusignan and Bartica Massacres. Caesar stood motionless in the prisoners’ dock after he was informed that he was sentenced to 45 years’ jail each on eight counts of manslaughter for the Lusignan massacre—a total of 360 years. More was to come. He was jailed for 60 years’ jail each on 12 counts of manslaughter for the Bartica Massacre—a total of 720 years. The combined sentence given for the Lusignan killings was 360 years and 720 for the Bartica killings. The jail terms handed down on each count of manslaughter in relation to both matters are to run

$21M in cash, jewellery taken as…Heavily-armed 15man gang storms cambio dealer’s home… No police response despite 40-minute ordeal – Ex-cop among seven detained A former policeman and six others were taken into custody as detectives attempted to track down a gang of 15 heavily-armed individuals who escaped with some $21M in cash and jewellery, after launching a military-style, pre-dawn attack at the home of a Number 79 Village, Corentyne cambio dealer. The bandits, who were armed with assault rifles, shotguns and cutlasses, used sledgehammers to smash their way into the Lot 93 Albert Street home of businessman Devendra Churaman, also called “Katak”. Churaman said that the masked men escaped with some $1M in jewellery, but could not say exactly how much money was taken. However, police said the gang made off with $20M in local and foreign currency. Churaman said that he was told that the gang fled through a nearby track which could take them to canefields in the area. Confirming the extent of the g a n g ’s f i r e p o w e r, D e p u t y Superintendent Gary McAllister said that 21 live 7.62 x 39 rounds (used in the AK-47 rifle), about eight 7.62 x 39 shells; two twelve-gauge shotgun cartridges, and a warhead were retrieved from the scene. Churaman and several neighbours said that the gunmen took some 20 minutes to enter the residence, and spent another 20 minutes inside. “Take it or leave it.” That is what Finance Minister Winston Jordan is telling contractors who worked on the D’Urban Jubilee Park but are yet to be paid for the services rendered seven months after the project was completed. Jordan hosted the Ministry of Finance’s end of year press conference. He addressed a number of issues at that forum. Speaking about the monies owed for works done on the D’Urban Jubilee Park, Jordan made no qualms to say that contractors will have to take what is being offered and suffer the losses. Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had told the National Assembly in the Committee of Supply that Homestretch Development Inc (HDI) – the company that was originally responsible for the project

– met with the Finance Ministry days before the 2017 budget. He said that it was agreed that $500M will be transferred directly to the company to pay off its debts. However, Minister Jordan indicated that approximately $798M is owed to contractors. He said that this is according to the list submitted to Ministry of Finance. Jordan said that the government can only afford $500M “as a full and final settlement. It means is that HDI would have to make some apportionment relative to the debts owed.” Jordan said that it is a take it or leave it situation. “So if you were owed $2M by HDI, it works out that because of the situation you can only get $1.2M then you can accept it as a full and final payment.” The Minister offered a grand solution to those who may feel aggrieved and may not want to accept less that they worked for. He said, “You can sue HDI.” President orders revocation of Red House lease to PPP officials - site to house The National Trust of Guyana President David Granger on December 29 ordered that the lease for the building known as The Red House to the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI) be revoked and that the occupants vacate the property by December 31, 2016. The Head of State handed down these instructions in a letter to Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, more than one year after the Coalition Government had engaged the CJRCI on the matter of the lease. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, this engagement included negotiations for The Red House to provide a national service by housing information on all of the Presidents of Guyana. Those negotiations proved futile and in an invited comment, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams said that after discussions broke down, he sought to determine the legality of the lease agreement. “Having carefully considered the advice of the Minister of Legal Affairs, President Granger has concluded that it would be in the public’s interest for the lease issued to the CJRCI to be revoked and has also directed the Minister of State that the building be assigned to house “The National Trust of Guyana, its staff, stores and equipment”, currently housed in the Valerie Rodway Building on Carmichael Street, with effect from January 1, 2017, where it would be better able to fulfil its mandate to preserve Guyana’s national patrimony and to promote an appreciation for the nation’s heritage,” the ministry said.

Sunday January 01, 2017

Linden children feted for the New Year The season of goodwill continued for overseasbased Guyanese Karen Jackman-McCurdy and her husband O’Reilly McCurdy who left their home at McDoom, East Bank Demerara on Friday morning whilst it was still raining to travel all the way up to Linden to bring joy and happiness to the children. Every year the McCurdys would distribute gifts, among other delights for children, to a number of places around Georgetown and Guyana. Despite, the pouring rain nothing stopped the children from coming out in their numbers with their umbrellas to receive their gifts. Notwithstanding the rainy weather children from Wismar Linden had their day brightened when the McCurdys arrived to distribute gifts and goodie bags to them. The children had gathered at “Saltfish Shop”, where the owner, Curtis Williams, was more than happy to aid the McCurdys by using his shop to distribute gifts to the children. The McCurdys then went on to Silvertown, Linden and again children flocked to

collect gifts. On their way back to Georgetown they also stopped at Kairuni, on the highway and yet again brought some brightness to the children’s dull rainy day. Jackman-McCurdy said that it is always great to see the “joy on the children’s faces”, when they receive a gift. She said that herself, husband and others had started this tradition from since their daughter was very young and definitely plan on continuing for years to come. J a c k m a n - M c C u r d y ’s nephew, Jermain Betterway, who aided in contributing to the gifts for the children said, “I am thankful for this opportunity to bring a day of joy to our Guyanese youths.” Betterway added that he loves them all and will be seeing them come Christmas 2017. Jackman-McCurdy said that special thanks should be extended to Gary Silver, Sueann Lashley, Jennifer George, Kevon Clark, Miss Theresa, Melinda Giddings and many others, for without their contributions this annual distribution of gifts and bringing of bliss to the children would not have been possible.

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NEW YEAR’S DAY MESSAGES GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA As we reflect on 2016, Guyana’s Golden Jubilee year, we are pleased with the accomplishme n t s o f o u r nation. We are inspired that 2016 was both a celebratory and foundational year for our nation. It was a year in which we reconnected with tens of thousands of our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora who visited Guyana, many after being away for decades, as we joined hands and hearts in celebrating our historic 50th Independence Anniversary with fervour. The majestic rising of the Golden Arrowhead at D’Urban Park on May 26thlaid patriotic emotions bare and renewed the nation with hope and a spirit of enthusiasm for Guyana’s future. It evoked the lyrics of Dave Martin’s song – “Clear the way, Guyana comin’ back.” Despite some

challenges and hiccups, 2016 was a year in which two national budgets were presented and the groundwork for achieving the good life for all Guyanese commenced in earnest. Structural changes, institutional reorganization and refocusing were necessary. The Coalition Government looks forward to intensifying this work in 2017 in expanding the horizon of all Guyanese. It is planned that 2017 will be the year in which we both complete the foundational work for future development and commence the transformational work in pole vaulting Guyana towards the good life. This process will be neither automatic or without hurdles. It will require the talents, intellect, skills, commitment and contribution of all patriotic Guyanese. In the new year

constitutional reform will take centre stage, as will major infrastructural projects such as the bridging of Essequibo river, a new bridge across the Demerara river, building of the Parika to Goshen road, paving of the Linden/Mabura phase of the Linden/Lethem road and waterfront developments in the city and at Vreed-enHoop. Our social services, health care, education, public security, utility services, foreign service, telecommunications, business, housing, hinterland development, public service and other s e c t o r s will undergo transformation and modernization. The Coalition Government sincerely expresses best wishes for a safe, productive, inclusive, progressive and successful 2017 to Guyanese, at home and overseas, as we work together in fulfilling the mandate of a good life for all.

As we usher-in this New Year, we at Kaieteur News extend best wishes to all Guyanese for a successful and bright year. We pray that each day of the year will bring you closer to achieving all of your aspirations for 2017. Below are some messages from individuals and organisations.

HEAD OF STATE, PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER Guyanese, We welcome the New Year – 2017 – with supreme confidence and with the strong conviction that we have chosen the correct course to advance our country. National pride was evident at home and in the Diaspora as we celebrated our Jubilee year in 2016. We shall be even prouder as we apply our assets and abilities in this New Year to move faster and further along the path of economic growth. Public trust was enhanced when, for the first time since 1994, our communities were reempowered to elect councillors in local government elections. Residents were happy that we established three new towns in the hinterland – at Bartica, Lethem and Mabaruma – to stimulate development away from the coastland. Freely elected councils and local democracy will strengthen communities which are the bases for richer regions and a prosperous country. Public safety will improve. We have seen the clearest sign, also, that the unlawful and unreasonable claims to

our country’s territory will be set on a definite course for settlement at the end of this New Year. Our vigilance to protect our people and our patrimony against all threats to our territory will not be diminished. We look forward to a happy year as we continue to move purposefully along the path towards the establishment of a ‘green state’. This New Year will witness the acceleration of the transition towards improvements in our citizens’ quality of life. The ‘green state’ will promote the protection of our natural environment by the conservation of our fauna and flora. Every region will be required to provide for protected areas, conservation parks, reserves and sanctuaries to protect our wildlife. We will identify an additional 2 million hectares of our territory for conservation. The ‘green state’, this year, will become an engine of economic diversification. Our flora and fauna and luxuriant natural vegetation – the coastal lowlands; the highlands; the grasslands;

the wetlands; the sand belt; the lakes, rivers, rapids and magnificent waterfalls and the evergreen, mountains and rain forests – will further catalyse our eco-tourism and eco-education sectors by emphasising our biodiversity. Diversification will support industrial enterprises and sustain livelihoods by suppressing the impact of exogenous shocks and by opening new investment and employment opportunities. The establishment of a ‘green’ state will reduce the impact of the economic and environmental shocks which have retarded our development. The ‘green’ state will reduce our country’s carbon footprint. The ‘green state will diversify our economic base and promote increased valueadded production. We belong to a beautiful, blissful, bountiful country that possesses abundant natural resources. We must care these resources. We must conserve their use for the benefit of present and future generations. The people of our great country can look forward to the New Year with hope. Happy New Year. May God bless you!

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Dental Apps to Help You Care for Your Teeth By Dr. Neromini Fagu I thought I would start out the New Year with some suggestions on fun ways to help you look after your oral health. Regular dental visits are important but what you do at home plays a critical role in maintaining good oral health. As the saying goes, in today’s world of technology, “there’s an app for that”. The following are some fun apps to help with your oral care. DENTALEXPERT Dental Expert is a patient’s guide to understanding dentistry procedures, including some tips on how to help keep your teeth for a lifetime. This app includes tips on several dental topics including a description and comparison of all types of dental restorations, what to do in a dental emergency, and the importance of diet and

nutrition in dentistry. Dental Expert is free on iTunes. BRUSH DJ Brush DJ is a toothbrush timer app that helps you to brush your teeth for the full two minutes to a randomly selected song from your playlist. The app entertains you with music to make brushing fun and exciting rather than boring. It also allows you to set reminders to brush twice daily, to floss, and when next to see your dentist. Brush DJ is free and is available at iTunes. DENTAL PHOBIA Dental Phobia provides users with the information that is needed to deal with dental fears and phobias. The creative app includes coping strategies and options to help relax your body and mind before and during your dental visit. Dental Phobia is available on iTunes for a fee. KIDS DENTAL KidsDental uses beautiful

animation to help you teach your children about their dental health and how to care for their teeth in an entertaining and exciting way. The app also covers dental issues such as cavities, tooth loss, and gingivitis. KidsDental is available on iTunes for a fee. DICTIONARY OF DENTAL TERMINOLOGY Ever had trouble understanding some of the terms your dentist uses? The

Dictionary of Dental Terminology provides patients with a list of dental terms explained in a way that is simple and easy to understand. There is a cost for this app on iTunes. MYSMILE My Smile allows you to compare your tooth’s colour shade on a 15 shade palate. Using this app, you can monitor the shade of your teeth over time, and compare the results. My Smile is

IDB gets tough on corrupt procurement... From page 12 policies. These findings were made through an administrative process that permitted the accused firms and/or individuals to respond to the allegations pursuant to the Sanctions Procedures. “Sanctions are meant to prevent and deter fraud and corruption in IDB Groupfinanced activities. The Sanctions Committee may impose any sanction that it deems to be appropriate under the circumstances, including but not limited to reprimand, conditions on future contracting and debarment. Debarred firms are declared ineligible to be awarded and participate in any IDB-financed contract for the periods indicated. Ineligibility may extend to any firm or individual who directly or indirectly controls the debarred firm or any firm which the debarred firm directly or indirectly controls. In the case of a debarred individual, ineligibility may extend to any firm which the debarred individual directly or indirectly controls,” IDB said. INVESTIGATION In 2013, it was reported that the Police Fraud Squad was reportedly investigating allegations that Coordinator of the Citizen’s Security Programme, Khemraj Rai, had forged several contracts. It was alleged then that IDB was probing indications that Rai used his position to grant contracts to himself using someone else’s name. The IDB was funding the US$19.8 million programme. A contractor had blown the whistle to IDB of the scheme. Part of the Citizen Security Programme involved the rehabilitation of community centres. Reports are that Rai bid for some of those contracts using the name of contractor, Viddiadat Jaisari. The contractor told IDB investigators that Rai had approached him so that the two of them could set up a company and bid for “outside jobs” that Rai would arrange. However, the contractor later said that Rai abandoned the idea saying that

it would represent a conflict of interest. The contractor was employed for several years with Rai when he managed the Basic Needs Trust Fund and the Low Income Settlement Programme. The latter programme was also funded by the IDB. Reports indicate that things became sour when Rai allegedly asked the contractor to fix the roof of his horse stable. The roof was damaged by a squall. However, the involvement of one of Rai’s relatives led to a misunderstanding and the contractor was fired. Shortly thereafter, the contractor decided to tender for projects on his own. When he went to the Bank to collect bank statements, he was asked if he wanted statements for both accounts. He was surprised, because he thought that the joint account with Rai was dormant, since Rai had said that they would no longer proceed with bidding for “outside jobs.” Those bank statements revealed that Rai received and withdrew over $7 million, without the contractor’s knowledge. The Citizen Security Programme was approved by the IDB about 10 years ago. Part of the project was to promote social development in disadvantaged communities in Regions Four and Five. TRINIDAD FIRM BANNED Western Scientific had reportedly won a number of contracts including the supply of equipment for the state-ofthe-art Police Forensic Laboratory. This project fell, under the Citizen Security Programme (CSP) that was initiated between Government and the IDB and included three components - institutional modernisation of the Home Affairs Ministry, Community Action Component (CAC) and modernisation of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) which includes the strengthening of forensic capability. The news of the blacklisting came as IDB’s Office of Institutional Integrity (OII), started a probe of a major contract for the installation of over 25,000 smart meters and new transmission lines

across the coastlands. The project, part of a bigger one to improve the technical efficiency of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), has been generating attention locally not only because of the billions of dollars involved, but with questions raised over the procedures to evaluate the bidders. The tenders of the rehabilitation project had been opened since February, and were only reportedly granted Cabinet’s no-objection a few weeks ago – more than nine months later. There has been no official signing of the contract with CMC, the Chinese company that was reportedly awarded the project, as is normal with a state project of this magnitude. It is unclear whether CMC has received any monies as yet. Two Mondays ago, a bidder, Colombian-owned Enrique Lourido, which has partnered with local contractor, Fix It Depot, filed an official protest with OII citing corruption in the evaluation process and raising questions over the fact that CMC was awarded a project that was $1B over the engineer’s estimate. The bidder was the lowest. The Parliamentary Opposition has already slammed the delay of the award, noting that it was taking too long and that it appears that something was wrong. Both IDB and the European Union (EU) are funding the US$64M power projects. The bidder, Enrique Lourido/Fix It Depot is questioning the decision by Government to pay China National Machinery Import and Export/Sino Hydro Corporation (China), almost a $1B over the engineer’s estimate using the excuse that it was “unforeseen risks”. A key report by CEMCO, the local engineering company that supervised that project, had criticized the quality of work of CMC, including the laying of the submarine cable in the Demerara River.

available for purchase on iTunes. MONSTER MOUTH DDS Monster Mouth DDS is a fun app that allows you to be a dentist for monsters. It offers various scenarios where you have to solve the monsters’ dental problems before their mouth slams shut. The app is for all ages and is kid-friendly. Examples of problems that you might have to solve would include examining tooth X-rays to find hidden cracks, or dealing with creepy cavities. Monster Mouth DDS is available for free on iTunes. TOOTH FAIRY The Tooth Fairy is an app to help you and your family build regular brushing routines. The app also provides tips on healthy oral care habits, the fun game “Funky Smiles” where you can add crazy, funky smiles to a photo of yourself, and “Teeth Battle” where you can fight bugs before they damage your teeth. This app is free and is available on Google Play. IBRACES HELP iBraces Help is an informative app for patients

Dr. Neromini Fagu wearing braces or those who are interested in getting orthodontic work done. The app includes resources on how to care for your braces and what to do if you have any problems with your braces. Braces Help is free and is available on iTunes. TEETHWHITENER Teeth Whitener is a fun app that allows you to see how you would look with a brighter smile. Using a photograph from your library, you can compare before and after pictures of yourself of what you would look like with a whiter smile. Teeth Whitener is available for a small fee on iTunes. 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.

CONSUMER CONCERNS

Are New Year resolutions achievable? BY PAT DIAL Today the New Year 2017 will begin its march towards 2018. The New Year is often symbolized by a new-born baby who, every day grows bigger and bigger, moving forward all the time, until he is full-grown and ready to quietly retire off the scene making way for his successor. We are now within the progression of the New Year for the next 365 days and each one of those holds out a challenge to us to make our lives happy and useful to ourselves, our family and friends and our Society. Non-Western cultures which use lunar calendars, have their New Years falling on dates different from January 1. But despite the New Year being celebrated on different dates, people of all cultures share the same characteristic of regarding this date as marking a new beginning and as the rest of the New Year progresses, people gird themselves to successfully meet its challenges. At the beginning of the New Year it is customary everywhere, therefore, for “New Year Resolutions” to be made. These “Resolutions” are in effect broad plans for the goals which one hopes to achieve during the New Year. The detailed plans under these broad areas of planning could only take shape as the year progresses and one is faced with the realities of existence. The realities of existence which confront us are numerous and every person is faced with his or her own specifics. A few examples of these realities are one’s housing and the amenities of a home; relations with one’s family and other persons; education of children and development of one’s personal skills, enough food and clothing; dealing with matters of Law and the Courts; earning enough money to cover one’s expenses which is a worry not only for wageearners and the unemployed but also for the self-employed; having to protect one’s social and economic rights which is equivalent to protecting one’s rights as a consumer; then there are the afflictions to one’s health, whether it is a mild ‘flu or a more serious illness. We will take one or two of these realities and ruminate on them as challenges to be faced: For several weeks now the Continued on page 69

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SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257 EARN A CERTIFICATE IN CERTIFICATE IN COSMETOLOGY AT ARTEE’S BEAUTY SALON (W.C.D) - $75,000 & WATCH REPAIRING SERVICES .CALL: 2750267/ 680-0156

Toyota Vigo pick-up and Nissan Pathfinder, cheap. Call: 609-7766 Nissan Duke in immaculate condition, lady driven, PTT series, low mileage, price negotiable. Call: 653-0018/6667748 (serious inquiries only) Toyota T100 4X4 single cab, 5FWD pickup, GVV series, winch, lift kit -$4.7M negotiable. Call: 649-5209 One Toyota Rav 4 – Call: 6771310

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Organic Potting soil -$900, lawn grass -$1400, Ficus, Exora, Crotons, Foxtail palm, Supari palm, Ashok trees. Call: 626-1044 Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954 Dredge mining operation: excavator, dredge, camp, truck, ATV bike, welding set with gas bottle. Call: 676-7943 Communication towers, Guy towers, self supporting. Call: 602-6706 Milking cow with calves and breeding bull for sale. Call Faizad: 265-4333/ 654-0507 German Shepherd pups for sale -$100,000 7 weeks old, fully vaccinated with clinic card. Call: 699-6006

WANTED Live in waitress. Call: 6439007 Live in waitress to work in a bar- Call: 604-6606;692-4646 FULL TIME WAITRESS/ WAITER TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTURANT, SHERIFF STREET. CALL: 219-0158/ 219-0161 1 Skilled Fitter/Machinist, live in couple: husbandhandyman & wife domestic. Call: 227-1830 One skilled arc/acetylene welder, experienced in fabrication. Call: 227-1830 Driver with minibus license for contract job. Living in G/ town. Call: 664-0802 Need dry cow mold average 400bags –call: 643-7193 1 Live in nanny/domestic to take care of children & home, must know to cook various dishes, 38-48yrs. Call: 6001898

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One 3 bedrooms, downstairs house, fully fenced, parking @ Lot 28 Church Street Stanleytown, W.B.D. Call: 662-9633/630-9556 Three bedrooms bottom flat @ Lamaha Gardens. Call: 2258084/ 689-6001 Lodge apartments (Vlisssengen/Durban): unfurnished $40,000-$80,000 monthly, furnished (for visitors) USD$600USD$1,000 monthlyCall:668-7687/ 677-9638/6976421 Lodge (Vlissengen/ Durban):650Sq.Ft Professional/Office/Business (no food retailing) space. Call: 668-7687/ 677-9638/697-6421 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993

VACANCY

LAND FOR SALE

Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 610-9182/ 695-9880

Land at Eccles and Diamond, Cheap. Call:609-7766

Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231

50X198 located in Friendship E.B.D –price $4.5M (negotiable). Call: 645-6498

PALMS: Any variety, all sizes, we deliver and plant anywhere. Call: 643-7193

Self contained room- working single couple @ Aubrey Barker Road, S/Ruimveldt Georgetown - $30,000 monthly + $30,000. Call: 6230076

80X160 located in Bank’s Park, looking for 20% down payment, asking price $33M negotiable. Call: 645-6498

Adult Rottweiler dogs, 1 male, 1 female, German Shepherd pups. Call: 2202277/629-1471/220-8904

1 Two bedrooms bottom flat apartment for rent at 8 Field Cummings Lodge, E.C.D. Call: 619-0673

Gold & Diamond mining block in Puruni, Ekereku, Siparuni area. Call: 668-3100

One complete sawmill situated at Yarrowkabra Industrial Site Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. Call: 6441190/ 609-8041

Articulated hauler/dump truck operator for interior location, applicants must be experienced with verifiable references. Call: 618-2020 Cook/Baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced, for details call: 618-2020 Domestic help/babysitting in Kitty, Georgetown, police clearance, ID & proof of address. Call: 652-3593/6523587 Office Assistant/Customer Representative. Contact Pacific Development Inc, Lot 3 Church Street, G/Town. 1 Male janitor to clean and take care of dogs. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling.

C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & 1 Nanny to look after a one Sons Driving School @ Maraj year old boy, must be able to Building- Call: 644-5166; 622- feed, teach & care for a baby. 2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 Call: 641-8144 (affordable packages). Female Accounts clerk, 4 years experience, apply in person with written application @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling

EDUCATIONAL Private Custom Brokerage, certificate training course in Jan 2017, Register & get 50% discount for Christmas. Call: 694-8322/671-9603

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Chef to cook for a family (food handlers certificate)$25,000 Weekly. Contact: 2227334 – 63 Giftland Mall: External Security, Internal Security, $447 per Hour. Contact: 2227334 – 63

Land for sale: 46 house lots on 70 acres of land, situated at Parika E.B.E. Call Raiz: 6226971/ 661-2289 One transported house lot in Tuschen, WCD. Call: 6934667/ 277-3743 TO LET Rooms in Alberttown, 2 bedrooms apartment in Eccles. Call: 225-3234 Three bedrooms concrete top flat in South Ruimveldt Gardens -$85,000 per month. Call: 218-1949

Mixed Pitbull with German Shepherd puppies, 5 weeks old $30,000 each Call: 2690711/666-7895

FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 2 Family concrete house located in Section ‘K’ Campbellville, asking price $55M. Call: 645-6498 One two storey building and business, third Street Montrose E.C.D – Call: 6771310

KITTY APARTMENTS: FURNISHED, GRILLED, 2BR, NEW, GRANITE, SECURE $120,000 MONTH, NO AGENTS CALL: 6724532 KITTY APARTMENTS: UNFURNISHED, GRILLED, 2-BR, NEW, GRANITE, SECURE $70,000 MONTH, NO AGENTS CALL: 6724532 Apartment to rent at Lot 8 Mon Repos E.C.D. Call: 2207330/602-4105

HEALTH For Health & Beauty from inside out! Natural choice chai (tea) & Moringa Powder. Call Patricia Ramphal: 6836877 Natural choice chai (tea) & Moringa Powder. Ask for it at your local supermarket everywhere. Call Patricia Ramphal: 683-6877

PEN PAL East Indian Male, age 51, needs a friend. Call: 683-2547

One bachelor’s apartment for rent in Industry, E.C.D. Call: 638-5330 One three bedroom. Lower flat at South Ruimveldt Park Call:628-7496 / 617-0560

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

ONCE UPON A PASTIME

I suppose I should begin this with “Once upon a time…” but if that opening phrase preferred by story-tellers like Aesop and Hans Christian Anderson were mandatory, almost every political speech or news release would begin with the same words, “Once upon a time.” As we come to the end of the year 2016 and move into 2017, as we look back in time and forward in hope, as one year merges into the next, we realise that we never step into the same river twice or currents of time more than once. Once upon a time, many years ago, a very wise king who had started as a page to a fearsome knight, Sir Most Dread, reputedly more dread than Mordred, and who had worked his way up until his marriage to the Royal Princess led to his taking over as King, was fed up with having to make speeches. By and large, round and about, far and wide, long and short, he was a good and sagacious king. When a witch conjured up a giant set of yellow fingers which terrorised the kingdom, shutting it off from the neighbouring territories, the king came up with a plan. The brave but foolhardy knights, all seeking glory and the king’s favour, were crushed by the dreaded yellow fingers before they were halfway over the drawbridge and then flung into the monster-infested moat. So he sent two brave young pages to slay the witch, cautioning them to sneak quietly out of the castle without drawing any attention to themselves. They left upon a midnight clear and were able to cross the drawbridge and slay the witch. The King boasted, quite justifiably, “It is what I have always said. Let your pages do the walking through the yellow fingers.” Unlike today’s politicians, this royal personage, call him King Obsolete of the family Anachron, absolutely hated formal events where he had to “say a few words”. He complained to his wife, “Darling one more after-dinner speech and I will throw up.” This remark by King Obsolete actually presaged a famous Groucho Marx joke. Groucho was the feature speaker at a prestigious formal dinner and the Master of Ceremonies, in welcoming Groucho to the podium, tried his own brand of humour by

saying, “Ladies and Gentlemen, our guest is an old hand at this business. Just pop a dinner into his mouth and out comes a speech.” When it was Groucho’s turn he duly thanked the man for his kind introduction then added, “He is just the opposite of me. Pop a speech into his mouth and out comes your dinner.” King Obsolete also hated having to dictate various forms of correspondence to his many scribes such as notices for increased taxation, “beware of dragon” scrolls, announcements about tourneys and jousts, summonses to court (“One more hear ye!,” he said, “and I’ll vomit.”), and correspondence with neighbouring sovereigns and monarchs trying to pick a fight so they could have an excuse to invade his kingdom. (“Dear King Benedict”, he wrote, “I am a King and a King is a sovereign, so why do you want to bet me that a king is worth less than a sovereign?”). Being a king, and having set his mind to it, he figured there must be something that could be done about all the writing and the speaking. Again, what made him Obsolete was not just his stubbornness but his great resolve. He was a man of action. His mind made up, King Obstinate summoned all the wise men and women of his kingdom and even sent out notices (“This is the last announcement I shall ever dictate,” he announced grandly) to wise men everywhere offering a huge reward of a thousand golden sovereigns (“Not to be confused with kings,” he added in his notice) to whoever would come up with one message that he could use for every occasion, whether spoken, written, sung, mumbled, jumbled or stuttered. At the beginning there were many suggestions based generally on making whatever he said the last words the king would ever utter. He was advised if he said, “He’s probably just hibernating” or “That witch doctor is an old con artist?” or “So, you’re a cannibal?” he might never have to utter any more words. Other suggestions along the same line were, “The odds of that happening have to be a million to one!” or “These are the good kind of mushrooms” and “I’m sure it is not loaded.”

Are New Year resolutions... From page 67 media have been writing about the National Budget which has finally been passed by Parliament. Those who were critical of the Budget complained that its basket of taxes would cause goods and services to become dearer and less affordable. They also claim that there are not many plans and possibilities for wealth generation by industry, agriculture and services and so there would be little expansion of employment and money. As against these forebodings, it is pointed out that workers would pay less income tax and pensioners would enjoy larger old age pensions. Small businesses would be subsidized and training would be accorded those who wish to start new businesses. Such businesses will generate wealth and employment. And there are some infrastructural developments which would help economic development and so employment. One could not know precisely how a Budget will impact until it begins to be operative and it is only then one could know what prognostications were valid or invalid. In any case, one should try to look at the positives and try to find the silver lining behind every dark cloud; by so doing one makes existence more bearable. Another reality early in the New Year is that GTT has applied to the Public Utilities Commission to steeply increase landline telephone rates claiming it is not making enough profits.

The Guyana Consumers Association and members of the public have rejected GTT’s rate increase demands on the basis that the landline is profitable. The Hearing of this matter by the PUC will take place in January 2017 and the invitation to the public would be advertised and consumers are enjoined to attend. In Consumer Concerns on the first or second Sunday of January, we will address this issue and answer questions by telephone or preferably email. Almost all Guyanese believe in God and as such, in one way or another, the Divinity features in New Year Resolutions. Many resolve to pray that God protects them and to face with fortitude the difficulties which may beset them during the New Year. Many people resolve year after year not to be lethargic in doing the world’s work. Yet at the end of the year there are still many important things which have been left undone and there is no time to do them. In this regard we shall share with readers the injunction of the great Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius: “Remember how long thou hast been putting off these things, and how often thou hast received an opportunity from God, and yet thou dost not use it ... that a limit of time is fixed for thee, which if thou dost not use in clearing away the clouds from thy mind, it will go and thou wilt go.”

One that was virtually guaranteed especially if his castle was being besieged by enemies with catapults was, “You said duck but I don’t see any.” These did not quite hit the spot with him and he wished the yellow fingers were still around so he could send some wise men on a witch-hunt. Then one of his best advisors suggested a type of form letter with “Dear Sir/Madam”, “Ladies and Gentlemen”, “My Fellow Monarchs”, “Hear Ye! Hear Ye!” and “My Dear Wife” from which he would select one option and then move on to “I am glad to be here”, “Regarding our previous correspondence”, “It has come to my attention”, “Meet me in the Royal Bedchamber” and “Please note the following”. He declined all the options including “why don’t you stick it up your” which good breeding and manners prevented him from suggesting even to advisor whose bright idea

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it was. Finally, one night in the Royal Bedchamber as he disported with the Queen, she said prophetically, drinking in the scene, “This too shall pass away.” The king almost fainted from pure joy. Had he known Archimedes, or were the queen doused in perfume, he would have shouted “ Eureka !” As it was, he yelled, “That’s it. That’s it.” And so it was. And so it is. 2016 or 2017, Trump or Putin, victory or defeat, oil wealth or poor relatives, hard times and good times, these too shall pass away. * Tony Deyal was last seen thinking of the wise queen who was nostalgic about the early days when she met her future husband. “Once a king always a king,” she said. “But once a knight is enough.”

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INDIAN ARRIVAL COMMITTE 2017 The Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes all Guyanese a Happy and Prosperous New Year. The IAC is fully cognizant that national unity, which is absolutely necessary for the economic development of Guyana, can only be attained by everyone actively pursuing the policy of genuine social cohesion. The IAC, in its vision for a happy and prosperous 2017 wishes to have a safer and secure society; to observe improved relations between the government and the opposition; to see the retraining of and issuing of former sugar lands to retrenched sugar workers; to witness the allocations of commercial space for small vendors; to see the urgent repair of the crumbling Linden Soesdyke Highway; to have more overseas markets for Guyana’s rice production; to view drastic reductions in incidents of spousal abuse, substance abuse, and suicide; to observe increased gold production to offset decline in gold prices in 2017; to notice improved educational standards to counter declining results especially

in Mathematics and English; to have increased youth employment both on the coast and the hinterland; and to see improved living conditions for the less fortunate elderly citizens. The IAC wishes to inform all Guyanese especially those of Indo- Guyanese origin that the organization will continue to pursue vigorously its three foci: cultural, educational and social work. The IAC will be involved in a number of historical events in 2017 including the commemorations of the 1998 Georgetown Atrocities (January 12), 2008 Lusignan Massacre (January 26), the 1913 Rose Hall Sugar Estate Massacre (March 13), the 1917 Abolition of emigration of Indian indentured labourers (March 21), the 1917 arrival of the last Coolie Ship s.s. Ganges (April 18), and 1838 Arrival Day (May 5). A high point will be the observance of the 100th year since the last batch of Indian indentured immigrants was brought to these shores. The IAC encourages all citizens and leaders to make 2017 one in which a climate of unity and tolerance is improved.

NEW YEAR’S DAY MESSAGES PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS REFORM Happy New Year! May Prosperity come to every home, family and community across the far-flung regions of our country. The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) extends greetings for a Happy New Year to all Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora. As the Year 2016 fades into history we welcome in 2017, our Party’s Diamond Jubilee Year. Sixty years ago on the 5thOctober 1957, the People’s National Congress was founded. The PNCR and its coalition partners in government, last year, faced many challenges. Thankfully, we are better together than asunder. This year we will work even more closely together to eliminate armed robberies, contraband smuggling, money-laundering, narcotics trafficking and other crimes; to staunch the dropout rates and unemployment of our youth; and to solve the problems in the sugar industry which we inherited. As the New Year dawns, the

PNCR calls on all Guyanese, regardless of race, ethnicity, political affiliation or religion, to participate in bringing about the transformation of our country so that Guyana’s vast resources may, at last, be made to serve the imperative for development and social advancement of all the people of Guyana. On this, the first day of the New Year, it is our hope that all of us will realize a measure of prosperity in our personal lives and that each of us, wherever we maybe,willendeavourtomakesome contribution, however small, to the development of our country. The PNCR, therefore, looks forward to participating, as it has successfully done in the past, in the continuing drive for the peaceful development of this dear land of ours. The Party wishes all Guyanese a very Happy New Year and looks forward to 2017 with optimism and hope. May God Bless our Nation as we strive to provide a Good life for all Guyanese!

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMISSION As the year 2016 draws to a close, the Private Sector Commission reflects on achievements during the year and looks forward with confidence to the year 2017. The Commission has achieved much in 2016, in its collaboration with Government, Government agencies, labour and civil society. It values the bonds which have been created and strengthened with these.

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

We have worked closely with all Government Ministries in 2016 and particularly the Ministries of Natural Resources, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Business and Finance and Public Infrastructure. Together we were able to establish the pivotal role that the private sector plays in nation building. We would like to express our gratitude to our members for their

support throughout the year. In 2017, we will continue to engage all businesses going forward and we would work steadfastly to ensure their voices are heard. We encourage more investment in Guyana, and we will provide assistance to potential investors, as we feel that business plays an important role in the growth and development of any country. As 2017 approaches, the Private Sector Commission looks

forward to an even closer and more productive collaboration with Government in all areas, and particularly in oil and gas, judicial reform, appointment of judges, examination of the feasibility of the Amaila Falls project and an overall improvement in the investment climate. The Private Sector Commission takes this opportunity to wish all a peaceful and prosperous 2017.

MAYOR OF GEORGETOWN, PATRICIA CHASE-GREENE Fellow Guyanese at home and abroad, greetings and best wishes for a progressive and prosperous 2017! A New Year has dawned. A new year brings with it new hope and possibilities for us, our families, the City and by extension the nation. Each New Year provides an opportunity for reflection on your successes and setbacks. With a new year comes a new season, let us together take a hold of new opportunities this season brings, so that together we can make greater strides for our families, and our City. It is customary that we all have new years’ wishes and resolutions, which oft provide a frame work to achieve set goals and objectives and also serves as road map for the next twelve months. New Years’ resolutions are characterized by many pledges and projections. At the Council the foregone years was filled with challenges and also success stories. I must take this opportunity to thank Almighty God and my fellow Councillors for re-electing me as Mayor of this beautiful City. I would like to thank the citizens who co-operated with the Municipality during the years 2016 and also, special thanks to rate payers who honour their civic obligations to the Council for year 2016. As Mayor, my first wish is to provide and administer efficient economical and effective service in keeping with UN standards to the citizenry, which in enshrined in our mission statement.

My second wish is that there would be a change in Council’s economic status which would only be realized through the implementation of new revenue earning streams. We know and concede that the idea of change is one of the most conspicuous and pervasive feature. It is reality of human’s existence, Moreover, in the corporate world nothing happens without money. We have decideded to regulate parking in the City as a means of garnering revenue. But, this simultaneously would provide other benefits such as reducing carbon foot prints. My third wish is that there would be a return of morals; decline in morals has been eating away at the social fabric of our society. We have seen a rise in crime more so, during 2016, many of our women folks have being killed at the hands of their partners. Therefore, there is urgent need to address the scourge of domestic violence. My fourth wish is that the National Capital Planning Commission would be establishment so that zoning becomes a reality. Zoning protect neighbourhoods and set standards that protect property owners. During a community meeting held in the City several residents complained profusely about the inconvenience they experienced living in residential areas where business operates. Thank you and May God bless you.

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION I join all Guyanese at home and abroad in welcoming the New Year 2017 which I hope will deliver goodwill, higher standards of living, equity and justice as well as massive economic development for our people regardless of their race and ethnicity, religious beliefs and political persuasions. As we reflect on the significant challenges encountered in 2016, we must recommit ourselves to redoubling our efforts to ensure that we overcome those that lie ahead this year. It is my belief that 2017 must be used as the year to achieve national healing and reconciliation, racial harmony, unity and cohesiveness. As a nation we must also strive to work together to achieve our broad objectives of creating an economy that is resilient, diversified, green and capable of withstanding the shocks caused by international financial crises.

We can ill-afford this year to have more political rifts, divisiveness, poor economic management, poor social cohesion initiatives and parliamentary chaos. It is my hope therefore that our National Assembly will rise to a new level where more meaningful consultation, political cooperation and consensus are the order of the day and the new political culture. The People’s Progressive Party Civic which is the main opposition parliamentary party will continue to lobby and fight for the rights of the Guyanese people at every level. We will cease every opportunity to ensure that good governance prevails and higher levels of transparency and accountability are evident in Government’s business and undertakings. I wish all Guyanese a happy and prosperous New Year.

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Oil company warns strike will further cripple T&T economy

Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) President General Ancel Roget, centre, during announcement of the union’s intention to serve strike notice on Petrotrin. PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC — The State-owned oil company, PETROTRIN, says it is cannot afford to meet the wage demands of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) that has warned of industrial action at the start of the new year. “The cost impact of this is projected to increase the salary/wage bill by approximately TT$165 million (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) at the end of the first period, with a payout of over TT$279 million as retroactive payment,” said PETROTRIN President Fitzroy Harewood. OWTU President General Ancel Roget told a news conference last week that the workers must get a “fair share of that pie” after he had earlier indicated that the company had proposed a zero salary increase for the period 20142017.“We have firm conviction, that come Wednesday when we serve that strike notice everybody will take notice,” he said “warning and advising the motoring public to take precautionary measures. “Full up as much as you can. Do as much motoring as you can between now and then because when that time comes we cannot

guarantee you a reliable supply of fuel.” Roget told reporters that the PETROTRIN workers, through their work, provide a variety of fuel including jet fuel, hinting that the coming industrial action could also affect the aviation industry here. Harewood in a statement said “the Industrial Relations Act allows for the maximum duration of a strike to be 90 days. “Given what now seems an inevitable strike action, the company has initiated a number of contingency measures to ensure continuity of supplies to the local market for petroleum refined products as long as reasonably possible. It also goes without saying that the company’s financial losses will be greater due to the loss of revenue expected during the period of a strike.” He said that any possible strike action “given the current scenario is not in our collective best interest. “It could threaten the continuity of our operations. “It is our view that any such action at this time will be ill-advised as it would add to the burden on the na-

tional community and exacerbate the economic conditions in our Company and the country.” Citing the company’s contractual requirement to make TT$1.2 billion in debt payments in 2017 and the fall in oil prices, Harewood explained that PETROTRIN did not have the money to make retroactive payments for the 2011-2014 period. “Such an increase would serve to further exacerbate the situation facing PETROTRIN’s business which has already been severely impacted by the approximately 50 per cent drop in world oil prices between 2014 and the present time. “Any increase in manpower costs will result in increased losses and further exacerbate our cash flow situation, thus exposing PETROTRIN to the risk of funds not being available to meet our operational requirements.” Roget said it was the second period of collective bargaining, which PETROTRIN management had offered 0-0-0 and that the period 2011 to 2014 was now before the industrial court for conciliation. The union is reported to be seeking a 10 per cent wage hike for the workers.

Venezuela frees ex-presidential candidate, five other dissidents Caracas (AFP) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro yesterday released six dissidents, among them former presidential candidate Manuel Rosales, who had been under house arrest for more than two months, opposition leaders said. “I have been freed, along with other political prisoners,” Rosales, 64, wrote on Twitter following his release. Opposition groups said that those freed in addition to Rosales were Skarlyn Duarte, Yeimi Varela, Nixon Leal, Angel Contreras and Gerardo Carrero. They were arrested during 2014 protests calling for the removal of Maduro from power.

Rosales was detained on October 19 after returning to Venezuela following six years of exile. “We will continue to fight for the liberation of everyone,” Rosales wrote on Twitter. A former lawmaker, mayor of the northwestern city of Maracaibo and two-time governor of the state of Zulia, Rosales challenged then-president Hugo Chavez in elections held in 2006. Dissident leaders had demanded his release, and freedom for the other opposition leaders, during negotiations with the government to ease Venezuela’s long-running political and economic crisis.

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Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Antigua Diplomat Finds Himself In Midst of International Bribery Scandal ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Declaring himself innocent of wrongdoing, embattled Antigua and Barbuda ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Casroy James has vowed to return money paid to him by a Brazilian company involved in an international bribery scandal. Antigua and Barbuda was among countries named in court documents filed by the United States Government, which alleged that Odebretch, a global construction conglomerate, and other co-conspirators paid nearly US$8 million in bribes to government officials in about a dozen countries. The documents state that “in or about mid-2015, Odebrecht Employee 4 attended a meeting in Miami, Florida, with a consular official from Antigua and an intermediary to a high-level

Casroy James government official in Antigua in order to conceal Odebrecht’s corrupt activities”. “Odebrecht Employee 4 requested that the high-level official refrain from providing to international authorities various banking documents that would reveal illicit payments made by the Division of Structured Operations on behalf of Odebrecht, and agreed to pay US$4 million to the high-level official to re-

frain from sending the documents,” they added. Prime Minister Gaston Browne took strong action, firing Antigua & Barbuda’s Honorary Consul to Brazil, Luis Franca, while demanding a full explanation from James, warning that he would be fired if he failed to give a “satisfactory explanation if any money has been paid to him” In a statement issued, James admitted he attended the meeting and received an undisclosed sum of money, but was adamant that the funds were payment for his work as an independent consultant when he working on behalf of Global Residency and Advisory Services Limited. According to the Antigua Observer, James said Meinl Bank, which Odebrecht acquired in 2010, made the payment. (Caribbean360)

ODI denies rumours of more than two million ID cards lost PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti CMC – The National Office of Identification (ONI) has denied rumours suggesting that it is unable to account for more than two million identification cards. In a statement, the ODI said that the reports had indicated that the institution had released a report, in which it says it cannot recover an estimated 2.4 million national ID cards that were manufactured between 2011 and 2016. ONI director general Wilson Fievre, said the ONI “wishes to state that it has not published any report or document, which contains statistics or such information,” the statement said, noting that the ODI “stresses that the in-

stitution knows its responsibilities and that it never publishes statistics that do not reflect the reality of the work it carries out”. In addition, the ONI said it is reminding “all citizens that it has nothing to do with the organisation of the elections and shares only with the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the list of citizens registered in its database. Meanwhile, Sandra Honoré, the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations and the other members of the Core Group say they “take note of the decision of the CEP to postpone from 29 December to 3 January 2017 the

publication of the final results of the first round of the Presidential elections and call on all stakeholders to await the official publication of the results, by the CEP, with calm and serenity.” The Core Group includes the Ambassadors of Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, the United States of America, the European Union and the Special Representative of the Organisation of American States (OAS). Last week, the Electoral Court ordered a review of the preliminary results of the elections, handing a lifeline to three political parties that have been challenging the victory of businessman Jovenelle Moise.

Ministerial order stopping cocoa production lifted KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries has lifted a ministerial order, placed in August, which stopped cocoa production across the island, in response to the frosty pod rot disease affecting the plant. Portfolio Minister Karl Samuda said the ministry will instead be using a strategy of field management with a view to control and eventually eradicate the disease over the long term. Speaking at a media briefing at the ministry’s New Kingston offices Friday, he said upon determining that the disease was sufficiently widespread, the ministry decided to embark on a containment programme which will allow unaffected farmers to proceed with production.

“We are going now into control mode, with a view to eventually eradicate the disease over a protracted period, instead of at first challenging the disease by attempting to eradicate it over a short-term period,” Samuda said. Following confirmation of reports of the frosty pod rot disease, the ministry’s National Plant Health Coordinating Committee conducted a delimiting survey which revealed that the disease was primarily present in northern Clarendon, affecting 70 per cent of cocoa produced in that area. Northern Clarendon accounts for 70 per cent of total cocoa production. Small clusters of farms in St Mary, St Catherine, and St Andrew were also found to be affected.

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Code associated with Russia hacking Pope, in year-end message, urges action on youth unemployment found on Vermont utility computer WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A code associated with a broad Russian hacking campaign dubbed Grizzly Steppe by the Obama administration has been detected on a laptop associated with a Vermont electric utility but not connected to the grid, the utility said weekend. “We took immediate action to isolate the laptop and alerted federal officials of this finding,” the Burlington Electric Department said in a statement. “Our team is working with federal officials to trace this malware and prevent any other attempts to infiltrate utility systems. We have briefed state officials and will support the investigation fully.” The Department of Homeland Security alerted utilities on Thursday night about a malware code used in Grizzly Steppe, the Burlington Electric Department said. On Thursday, President Barack Obama ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian suspected spies and imposed sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies over their involvement in hacking U.S. political groups in the 2016 presidential election. The statement came after a Washington Post report that Russian hackers penetrated a Vermont utility. Government and utility industry officials regularly monitor the nation’s electrical

Barack Obama grid because it is highly computerized and any disruptions can have disastrous implications for the functioning of medical and emergency services, the Post said. A senior Obama administration official said the administration had sought in its sanctions announcement on Thursday to alert “all network defenders” in the United States so they could “defend against Russian malicious cyber activity.” The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. “This intrusion by itself was a minor incident that caused no damage,” a U.S. intelligence official familiar with the incident and critical of Russian actions said on Friday night.

“However, we are taking it seriously because it has been tracked to familiar entities involved in a much broader and government-directed campaign in cyberspace and because the electric grid is a vulnerable and interconnected part of the nation’s critical infrastructure,” the official said. Russia is widely considered responsible by U.S. officials and private-sector security experts for a December 2015 hack of Ukraine’s power grid that knocked out the lights for about 250,000 people. That hack prompted National Security Agency chief Mike Rogers to say at a conference in March that it was a “matter of when, not if” a cyber adversary carried out a similar attack against the United States. “We acted quickly to scan all computers in our system for the malware signature. We detected the malware in a single Burlington Electric Department laptop not connected to our organisation’s grid systems,” it said. The matched malware code on the laptop may have resulted from a relatively benign episode, such as visiting a questionable website, a source familiar with the matter said, suggesting Russian hackers may not have been directly involved. It was not clear when the incident occurred.

Merkel says Islamist terrorism is biggest test for Germany Reuters - Islamist terrorism is the biggest test facing Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday in a New Year’s address to the nation, and vowed to introduce laws that improve security after a deadly attack before Christmas in Berlin. Merkel, seeking a fourth term as chancellor in 2017, described 2016 as a year that gave many the impression that the world had “turned upside down”. She urged Germans to shun populism and said Germany should take a leading role in addressing the many challenges facing the European Union. “Many attach to 2016 the feeling that the world had turned upside down or that what for long had been held as an achievement is now being questioned. The European Union for example,” Merkel said. “Or equally parliamentary democracy, which allegedly is not caring for the interests of

the citizens but is only serving the interests of a few. What a distortion,” she said in a veiled reference to claims by the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) that is stealing votes from her conservatives. Ahead of the 2017 election, polls put her conservative bloc well ahead of rivals but a fractured electoral landscape risks complicating the coalition arithmetic. “Election year 2017: For Merkel, nothing is certain any more”, ran a headline in Saturday’s edition of massselling daily Bild. The paper wrote that for an increasing number of voters the chancellor, 62, no longer appeared unassailable. Liberals across the Atlantic have hailed Merkel as an anchor of stability and reason in a year that saw Donald Trump elected as U.S. president, Britain vote to leave the EU and U.S-Russia relations deteriorate to Cold War levels. In her address, Merkel

compared Brexit to a “deep incision” and said that even though the EU was “slow and arduous”, its member states should focus on common interests that transcend national benefits. “And, yes, Europe should focus on what can really be better than the national state,” Merkel said. “But we Germans should never be led to believe that each could have a better future by going it alone.” She was alluding again to the populist AfD, which wants Germany to leave the EU and shut its borders to asylum seekers, more than one million of whom arrived in the country this year and last. The record number of migrants has hurt Merkel’s popularity and fuelled support for the AfD, which says Islam is incompatible with the German constitution. But her conservatives are still expected to win the general election in nine months.

Reuters - Pope Francis in his year-end message urged leaders yesterday to do more to tackle youth unemployment, saying a generation was being lost to desperation, migration and joblessness. At his last public event of 2016, an evening vespers service in St. Peter’s Basilica, the 80-year-old Francis said doors had to be opened for young people “so that they can be capable of dreaming and fighting for their dreams”. “We have condemned our young people to have no place in society, because we have slowly pushed them to the margins of public life, forcing them to migrate or to beg for jobs that no longer exist or fail to promise them a future,” he said in his homily. Youth joblessness in Italy stands at more than 36 percent and tops 18 percent among the 28 European Union states. In Africa, the continent with the world’s youngest population, youth unemployment probably increased in 2016, and was near 30 percent in North Africa, according to the International Labour Organisation. Poverty and lack of op-

Pope Francis leads the First Vespers and Te Deum prayers in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican yesterday. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi portunity in Africa is driving migration, particularly to Europe. Almost 5,000 men, women and children died attempting to reach Europe by boat from North Africa in 2016. Among the more than 181,000 boat migrants mostly African - who reached Italy in 2016, 25,000 were unaccompanied minors, double

the number who came in 2015. At the end of the service, Francis walked across St. Peter’s Square, stopping to shake hands and pose for pictures, as he paid a brief visit to the life-size nativity set up outside. Today, the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics will say a Mass to mark the Church’s World Day of Peace.

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Trump praises Putin for holding back in U.S.-Russia spy dispute Reuters - U.S. Presidentelect Donald Trump weekday praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for refraining from retaliation in a dispute over spying and cyber attacks, in another sign that the Republican plans to patch up badly frayed relations with Moscow. Putin earlier on Friday said he would not hit back for the U.S. expulsion of 35 suspected Russian spies by President Barack Obama, at least until Trump takes office on Jan. 20. “Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!” Trump wrote on Twitter from Florida, where he is on vacation. Obama on Thursday ordered the expulsion of the Russians and imposed sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies over their involvement in hacking political groups in the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election. “We will not expel anyone,” Putin said in a statement, adding that Russia reserved the right to retaliate. “Further steps towards the restoration of RussianAmerican relations will be built on the basis of the policy which the administration of President D. Trump will carry out,” he said.

In a separate development, a code associated with the Russian hacking operation dubbed Grizzly Steppe by the Obama administration has been detected within the system of a Vermont electric utility, the Washington Post reported on Friday, citing unnamed U.S. officials. The Russians did not actively use the code to disrupt operations of the utility, the officials told the Post, but penetration of the nation’s electrical grid is significant because it represents a potentially serious vulnerability. Trump has repeatedly praised Putin and nominated people seen as friendly toward Moscow to senior administration posts, but it is unclear whether he would seek to roll back Obama’s actions, which mark a post-Cold War low in U.S.-Russian ties. Trump has brushed aside allegations from the CIA and other intelligence agencies that Russia was behind the cyber attacks. “It’s time for our country to move on to bigger and better things,” Trump said on Thursday, though he said he would meet with intelligence officials next week. U.S. intelligence agencies say Russia was behind hacks

Donald Trump into Democratic Party organizations and operatives before the presidential election. Moscow denies this. U.S. intelligence officials say the Russian cyber attacks aimed to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. Russian officials have portrayed the sanctions as a last act of a lame-duck president and suggested Trump could reverse them when he takes over from Obama, a Democrat. A senior U.S. official on Thursday said that Trump could reverse Obama’s execu-

tive order, but doing so would be inadvisable. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the Obama administration “a group of embittered and dimwitted for-

eign policy losers.” Should Trump seek to heal the rift with Russia, he might encounter opposition in Congress, including from fellow Republicans. Republican John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on Friday that Russia must face a penalty for the cyber attacks. “When you attack a country, it’s an act of war,” McCain said in an interview with the Ukrainian TV channel “1+1” while on a visit to Kiev. “And so we have to make sure that there is a price to pay, so that we can perhaps persuade the Russians to stop these kind of attacks on our very fundamentals of democracy,” added McCain, who has scheduled a hearing for Thursday on foreign cyber threats. Other senior Republicans, as well as Democrats, have

urged a tough response to Moscow. A total of 96 Russians are expected to leave the United States including expelled diplomats and their families. Trump will find it very difficult to reverse the expulsions and lift the sanctions given that they were based on a unanimous conclusion by U.S. intelligence agencies, said Eugene Rumer, who was the top U.S. intelligence analyst for Russia from 2010 until 2014. But that might not prevent Trump from improving ties to Russia, said Rumer, now director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a policy institute. “If Mr. Trump wants to start the relationship anew, I don’t think he needs to walk these sanctions back. He can just say this was Obama’s decision,” said Rumer.

Russian, Iranian presidents agree to work closely on Syria – Kremlin

UN Security Council welcomes Syria truce, rebels warn they could abandon it Reuters - The United Nations Security Council yesterday welcomed a ceasefire in the Syrian civil war, but rebel groups threatened to abandon the two-day-old truce if violations persisted. A resolution welcoming the ceasefire, the third truce this year seeking to end nearly six years of war, was adopted unanimously by the 15-member Council, meeting in New York. The deal, brokered by Russia and Turkey, which back opposing sides, reduced violence, but firefights, air strikes and shelling went on in some areas. Factions belonging to the Free SyrianArmy (FSA) - a loose alliance of militias excluding more radical Islamist groups - said government forces and Iranianbacked Lebanese Hezbollah fighters had been trying to push rebels back in the Wadi Barada valley, northwest of Damascus. “Continued violations by the regime and bombardment and attempts to attack areas under the control of the revolutionary factions will make the agreement null and void,” said a statement from the rebel groups. The rebels and political opposition said the government side was massing forces to launch a ground attack in the area. There has been no new an-

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (L) talks to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan. REUTERS/Alexander Nemenov/Pool

Rebel fighters stand on a street in al-Rai town, northern Aleppo countryside, Syria. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi nouncement by the military since it launched operations in the area last week. FSA factions said in a separate statement that they would abandon the truce deal if Russia, whose air power has helped President Bashar alAssad to turn the tide of the war, did not use its influence to halt the Wadi Barada attacks by 8 p.m. (1800 GMT). Later, two rebel officials said air raids around Wadi

Barada had stopped just before 8 p.m. and that the ceasefire therefore still held, although clashes in the area were continuing. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group confirmed that there had been fighting in the area, source of most of the capital’s water, and said there had also been government shelling in the southern provinces of Quneitra and Deraa.

Reuters - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani agreed in a telephone conversation yesterday to continue their close coordination in trying to end the Syria crisis, the Kremlin said in a statement. The two men agreed on the importance of

a new ceasefire agreement in Syria brokered by Russia and Turkey and plans for peace talks in the Kazakh capital Astana, the Kremlin said. Russia and Iran are strong supporters of President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian conflict.

Trinidad Energy Chamber Says 2016 Was An Extremely Difficult Year For Sector P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad – CMC - The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago has described 2016 as “an extremely difficult year for the energy sector” saying that while oil prices have recovered from the depths they expe-

rienced in the first-half of the year, they remain at low levels. “The structural changes to oil and gas markets that led to the lowprice environment have not gone away and look set to continue,” the private sector group said in a state-

ment reviewing the energy sector here over the past 12 months. It said that while Trinidad & Tobago has no control over international prices, it does have control over its own levels of production.

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2016 cricket review (Part 1) (From page 77) lost one while the other was washed out. Guyana played their final match against leaders T&T in a must win match but lost by three wickets. Regional U-17: July: In Trinidad, Guyana ended on 20.3 behind T&T’s 20.6 with both suffering two rained out games. Regional three-day U-19: August: Once a powerhouse in this format which began in 1976 with 14 titles including an unprecedented five in a row from 1992, a Guyana team which lacked unity and proper management, finished last this year in St Vincent. Allegations were levied against three senior players and Manager David Black for disruptive behavior and in-

discipline. An investigation was held but the results were not made public. Guyana lost every game as the Leewards were crowed Champions. Regional 50 overs U-19: August: Guyana faced the Windwards in the final in St Vincent and dismissed them for 142 before an unbeaten 41 from Baskar Yadram and 20s from Raymond Perez, Sherfane Rutherford and Kemo Paul saw Guyana to 145-5 in 42 overs. The win gave Guyana their third consecutive title. GCB/MOE National Secondary Schools cricket: This competition lacked quality and proper coaching and was played up to the Zone stage concluding in 2017. It exposed the talent of several players but if it to really serve its developmental

purpose, coaches have to be sent to schools and teach teachers the basics before the Tournament starts, since about 80% of the bowlers are ‘pelting’ and posses poor technique. The East Bank Zone was won by Diamond Secondary. Mavendra Dindyal, who turned 12 in October, was one of the ‘finds’ of the tournament and scored a century and a 98 and took wickets. Dora Secondary won the Highway Zone, West Bank Demerara was won by West Demerara Secondary, West Coast Demerara was won Saraswat Secondary, East Bank Essequibo was won by Parika Salem, Wakenaam was won by Essequibo Islands Secondary, Leguan was won by Leguan Secondary,

Sunday January 01, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You could find yourself having problems with coworkers and employers. Get together with friends for some competitive physical activities. Your financial situation may be draining and it's time to make some serious changes. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You need to be inspired and have your spirits lifted. Make sure all of your travel and driver's documents are in proper order. Go out with close friends who understand your situation and your needs. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Get involved in competitive sports. Friends will appreciate your attention and playful nature. You may find that someone you live with may be irritable; you're best to leave them alone. Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Question your mate if you must. Your need to obtain additional details will lead you into strange topics of conversation. New relationships will surface through work related events. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will encounter those who can help you further your goals if you attend functions that attract prominent people. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You must consider yourself for a change. You are best to

stick to basics. Work on getting ahead by picking up added skills. Don't let your partner start any arguments. Passion should be redirected positively. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Travel will be in your best interest. Get out and about. You may find that someone at work hasn't been trustworthy. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You can make it up to them later. Throw yourself into your work. You may find yourself in a heated dispute with a friend if you try to change your mind. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You will have to watch out for minor health problems related to stress. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Do not allow colleagues to hinder your ambitions. If you can put some work into home improvements, you should. Your creative input will be appreciated by your boss. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) It might be best not to spend your money on luxuries today. Be diplomatic but stem. If you can put some work into home improvements, you should. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may make someone else look bad. Don't volunteer private information about yourself unless you're prepared to be talked about behind your back. You may be emotional if you allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature.

Essequibo Coast was won by Anna Regina Multilateral, while the Zone winning the Upper Corentyne. The New Amsterdam/ Canje was won by Berbice Educational Institute, West Berbice was won by Number 8 Secondary, East Coast Demerara was won by IBE, North Georgetown by defending National Champions Chase Academy, East G/ Town by Tutorial High, South G/Town by Charlestown Secondary. The finals in the Upper Demerara, U/Corentyne and L/ Corentyne zones have not been played as yet but apart from Dindyal, Chase Academy’s Dwayne Dick, Sachin Singh and Ashmead Nedd stood out. Devon Allen, Godfrey Taylor, Osafo Green, Dewen Skeete and Joel Spooner of Tutorial caught the eye as did Charlestown’s Jamal Michael,

Negus Walters, Qumar Torrington, Anthony Hetsburger, Shakeem Fraser and Raymond Bandu. Alphius Bookie was a one man army for Christ Church, while North Ruimveldt Multi’s Adrian Hinds looks a good prospect with bat, while North Georgetown’s Nkosie Beaton and Daniel Paul showed ability with the ball as did Shaquille Boyce and Jeremiah Scott of Huston. West Indies U-19 World Cup: Guyanese Shemron Hetymer was named Captain of the West Indies team for the ICC U-19 World Cup in India which West Indies won for the first time by beating India by five wickets with three balls to spare. Guyanese Kemo Paul scored an unbeaten 40 after taking two wickets. WicketKeeper Tevin Imlach was the other Guyanese on in the

squad. Paul was one of the tournament’s outstanding allrounders and took the second most wickets for the West Indies (7) and scored the third most runs (166). He became famous for his ‘Mankad’ to run out Richard Ngarava, who backed up too far as Zimbabwe were all out with three runs needed off the final over to get West Indies into quarter-finals. Hetymer scored 158 runs with two half centuries and Imlach scored 150 runs with a half-century. West Indies U-19 Camp: Guyanese Joshua Persaud from GNIC and Everest’s Bhaskar Yadram were among those invited for a West Indies youth Camp to prepare a team to play in the 2017 Regional Super50 which runs from January 24 to February 18.

UDFA/ GT Beer year end... (From bk page) lethal player Omar Brewley who is still to be given his chance to parade his skills. Brewley could be a surprise package tonight. Coach Barrett reminisced that they were knocked out by Milerock last year in the first round and again this year lost to Milerock in the preliminary round but advanced as Milerock failed to progress. Against Milerock Barrett said his team did not play to their game plan and he is bent on ensuring that his team plays to their strengths this time in the final. The Botafago versus Winners Connection game will see the former champions hoping to come out in a position of holding their pride and not being relegated to fourth position after dominating the

tournament for three years. But Botafago is another youthful side coming through and the clash is one between experience and youths wanting to climb to the next level. Before these matches, however, there will be the

closing remarks to be given by some key officials who have been invited to witness the grand finale come tonight and all must hope that the weather would allow for a great brand of football this time around.

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RHTY&SC congratulates Beverly Harper and Troy Cadogan on appointments The Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S would like to offer warmest and heartfelt congratulations to our dear friends and honorary members Ms. Beverly

H a r p e r a n d M r. Tr o y Cadogan on their new appointments at Ansa Mcal Group of Companies. Ms. Harper was appointed as Country Head of Ansa Mcal in Guyana, while Mr. Cadogan was named as the

new Managing Director. The RHTY&SC, M.S is very proud of both of them and we are very confident that under their guidance and leadership, the company would not only continue to excel but would retain its

tradition as one of Guyana’s finest. Ms. Harper served as our Club’s Patron during the period 2011-2015 and under her wise council; the RHTY&SC was able to cement its status as Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation. M r. C a d o g a n w a s inducted as our 34th Honorary Member in 2006 and over the years has been a tower of strength to the RHTY&SC, M.S. With both of their support, Ansa Mcal (Guy) Ltd has been supporting numerous Club programmes including Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence, Annual Awards Ceremony, Annual Youth Review Magazine, Annual Cricket A c a d e m y, Tr i b u t e t o Outstanding Mothers and Fathers, Annual Christmas Village, Christmas Charity Programme, Tribute to Outstanding Head Teachers and Ansa Mcal 5/5 Cricket

Beverly Harper and Troy Cadogan Tournament. Their combined assistance to the Club has also assisted us to produce a long list of outstanding cricketers including Assad Fudadin, Esuan and Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Eon Hooper, Shawn Perriera, Delbert Hicks among others. As the Ansa Mcal

Company extends its operation in Guyana, we are confident of both of our Honorary Members ability to lead by example and wishes to reassure them of our support, love and prayers. On a personal note, my entire family joins me in congratulating both of them on their well-deserved promotion.

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Looks like I’ve fought Tyson, quips Andy Murray, Olympic Dottin following successful surgery athletes and Posh Spice honoBRISBANE, Australia, prominently with bat and CMC – West Indies Women batting star, Deandra Dottin, has quipped that she looks as if she has fought legendary boxer Mike Tyson, after undergoing a successful facial surgery to rectify injuries sustained in an ugly on-field collision during the Women’s Big Bash earlier this week. The 25-year-old suffered multiple fractures to her cheekbones after colliding with Brisbane Heat teammate Laura Harris, as both attempted to field a delivery on the boundary at Allan Border Field last Tuesday. “[The operation was] a great success I have been told. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Wesley Private Hospital in Brisbane,” the Barbadian all-rounder said on her Facebook page. “Face looks like I have gone

Brisbane Heat’s West Indies star, Deandra Dottin. 12 rounds with Mike Tyson, but I feel really good. Thanks to all the well wishes once more.” Dottin underwent surgery here Friday and has been ruled out of action for an undetermined period. She was expected to be a key member of the Heat campaign this season and had already weighed in

ball. The experienced campaigner said she was delighted with the show of support from the franchise. “Another big thank you to all of Queensland cricket for these wonderful flowers and chocolates sent in after my operation today,” she said via Facebook on Friday. “I am humbled and overwhelmed at how everyone has looked after me and treated me since being with the Heat this season. I really cannot want for better people to have around me. Dottin is one of two West Indies players who have been struck down by injury during the Big Bash with marquee all-rounder Dwayne Bravo ruled out with a serious hamstring injury.

YBG thanks stakeholders for support in 2016 Dear Players, Parents and Partners, I wish to thank you for sharing in the vision of Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) and for your support, however it has been expressed in helping to promote positive youth sports development over the course of the last year. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve children and youth through the vehicle of basketball. YBG exist to provide a credible structure for youth basketball and studentathletes development, while fostering the values of Leadership, Scholarship and Prowess. On behalf of the entire YBG team, I take this opportunity to wish you and your love ones a most blessed, healthy and excellent year in 2017. I am proud of our dedicated and creative team for our shared success over the course of a sometimesstrenuous, but exciting year. We are very grateful for the partnership and strength of relationship that was forged with Mr. Nigel Hinds and the National Federation, and look forward to building on those gains in much greater collaboration. We wish to express our

sincere thanks to Digicel Guyana, Edward B. Beharry and Company Ltd., Banks DIH Ltd, Bryden and Fernandes for their continuing financial sponsorship and support, without which we could not be successful in our effort. We wish to thank Mr. Christopher Jones, DoS (Director of Sports), the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Education Allied Arts for the support received in so many ways and look forward to building on these relationships. We also want to thank our friends in the mediaTreiston Joseph, Edison Jefford, Daniel Haynes, D u n c a n S a u l , Tr a v i s Hopkinson and Guyana Basketball.com for their generous coverage and yearround exposure given to our youth players. Most importantly we are very grateful for the trust and support of parents, teachers and our student-athletes themselves for their confidence and continued participation in the YBG programmes. It is a mandate that we take seriously, and will continue to do our utmost to honor and fulfill. We look forward to continuing to serve and collaborate with all of our

partners and friends as best as we can over the course of the next year to further this vision. In looking ahead, we are making every effort to strengthen our operational structure and harness all of our resources to maximize the best outcome to our efforts. To this end, YBG will host a round table for key stakeholders on January 21, 2017, to facilitate this process. YBG is very excited about the year ahead and the many opportunities and possibilities; with our main focus being to: (1) C o n t i n u e t o improve on the i n f r a s t r u c t u re o f t h e National Schools’ Basketball Championship (all divisions). (2) C r e a t e m o r e international exposure for our Elite prospects. (3) Expand on our grass-root development outreach in all three counties. (4) Develop a longterm strategy for adequate and reliable resources and facilities. Pray with us for the successful of all of our plans and activities in 2017. Grace and Peace, Chris Bowman YBG Director.

ured in Queen’s New Year List LONDON (Reuters) Olympic athlete Mo Farah, tennis star Andy Murray, a c t o r M a r k Ry l a n c e , comedian Ken Dodd and Kinks musician Ray Davies have been knighted in Queen Elizabeth’s New Year’s Honours List. Spice Girl and designer Victoria Beckham was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) while other fashion notables included Anna Wintour editor-in-chief of “American Vogue” and accessories designer, Anya Hindmarch. The biannual honours list is released on the Queen’s official birthday in June and at the end of each year. It celebrates those who have made significant contributions to British life as well as providing public recognition for exceptional achievements or service. Many British sporting

stars of the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics were recognised including damehoods for athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill who retired after the games and rower Katherine Grainger, the first female Olympian to win five medals at five games. Sir Roger Bannister, the first man to run a mile in under four minutes in 1954 was made a Companion of Honour, one of the Queen’s highest awards. David Adjaye received a knight bachelor award. His most recent project was the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. while Turner Prize-winning painter Chris Ofili received a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). A host of diplomats and ambassadors were also recognised for their

exceptional services to Britain overseas. Not all the recipients were household names, 74 percent of people were recognised for carrying out outstanding works in their local communities, while just over half the recipients were women. The Queen honoured 1,197 people in total. Entrepreneur Josh Littlejohn, co-founder of “Social Bite” a sandwich shop that supports the homeless and whose customers have included George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio, was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire). One of the oldest recipients was 94-year-old Janet Gillespie who received a British Empire Medal for her charitable service, voluntarily selling commemorative poppies for over 60 years.

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Kaieteur News

Badminton enjoyed success in 2016 But more Government and Corporate support needed - GBA President By Sean Devers According to President of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), Gokarn Ramdhani, 2016 was a year with a lot of success and achievements at both the local and International level but says for the sport to really expand into areas like Berbice, Essequibo and Linden more funding from Government and business is needed. Ramdhani said the GBA plans to decentralize the game but needs assistance to do this. “We have that in mind but once we get the support. As you have noticed the sport moving to these places are government funded projects while we have to do it on our own. Once the support is there we can do it,” Ramdhani explained. When asked if the GBA get enough support from Government and corporate Guyana to achieve all of their objectives for the development of badminton, the Secretary General of the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) said, “Not really. We have to get more support.” Ramdhani disclosed that Guyana winning a silver medal at the Caribbean team Championship was his most pleasing moment in Badminton in 2016. “It’s the first time Guyana had reached so far in the history of our Badminton. Also the fact of getting a player ranked 53 in the world and him gaining a scholarship to train for 2020 Olympics,” said Ramdhani speaking about his son Narayan. Narayan received a fiveyear Scholarship to attend College/University and train in Badminton at the Shuttlesport Badminton Academy in Vancouver, Canada. A few things caused Ramdhani much disappointed in 2016. “The move from the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from five courts to the Gymnasium with only four; We hope that the taped floor markings can be more permanent as we face the difficulties of replacing the tapes after every event that’s being held there. Also with Narayan scholarship, boarding and meals, we have to pay monthly and although we wrote the NSC and GOA. We are still waiting for a

In this file photo, Gokarn Ramdhani (right) and some of his leading players who did Guyana proud. decision to be made,” said Ramdhani. “I was also disappointed that I did not find favour with the voters at the Guyana Olympic Association AGM, where I was aiming for a position as either Assistant Secretary/Treasurer but was unable to get a place on the executives, especially after sitting as a council member since 1989. I knew I had the ability to be of great use on the GOA as proven in the last seven years getting Guyana Badminton at the highest possible place in the International Circuit,” said Ramdhani. Ramdhani feels Badminton is bigger now than 1980s when he played. “It’s more recognized now, our players win more tournaments and we are respected in the PANAM Region. In the 1980’s we only attended CAREBAC0. Now we attend over eight International tournaments in a year. So it’s far bigger than 1980’s,” said Ramdhani. Ramdhani said the problem is with seniors. “Well we have to get the juniors to stay in Badminton and continue in the senior level. Most leave the country or get distracted by their jobs and personal life. In the old days was just under-19 now we have under-11 to under-19, so now we have players in all divisions,” the GBA topman said. With a system more helpful to early development it seems strange that more juniors are not making the transition to the senior level. In the 80s and early 90s players Sean Barnwell, Peter Perone, Grandison Robinson and Ramdhani himself were

competent senior players who graduated from the youth ranks. Korean Thomas was an outstanding female who also came out of the junior system. So what is the difference now even with more opportunity, tournaments and technology? “Well, the love for the sport. You can see all who migrated don’t play anymore and the ones here not interested as they move on with their life, job and family,” Ramdhani lamented. Ramdhani informed that G u y a n a ’s t o p p l a y e r Narayan Ramdhani won the Bronze medalist at the Peru Junior International, three G o l d ’s a t t h e Tr i p l e Champion at the Suriname Under-19 Junior International. He also copped two Silvers and a Bronze at the Caribbean Under-19 I n t e r n a t i o n a l Championships, a Bronze Medalist at the Caribbean Regional Junior Championships, Silver at the U n d e r- 1 9 Te a m Championships at the Pan American Junior Championships and placed fifth at the Vancouver Island Under-23 University Circuit Tournament. “We had our other top junior players like Jonathan Mangra, Priyanna Ramdhani, Ambika Ramraj and Tyreese Richards doing well in 2016 at the international Level,” Ramdhani informed. Mangra won Gold at the Suriname Under-19 Junior International, Bronze at the Peru Junior International, Silver at the Caribbean Under-19 International Championships and Silver at

the Caribbean Under-19 Team Championships, while Richards won Bronze at the Suriname Under-15 Junior International and Ramraj Silver at the Caribbean U n d e r- 1 9 Te a m Championships. Priyanna Ramdhani won two Golds and a Bronze at the Suriname Under-15 & 19 Junior International, a Silver and Bronze at the Caribbean Under-19 International Championships, Silver at the Caribbean Under-19 Team Championships and two Golds and Silver at the Caribbean Regional Under15 & 19 Championships. The GBA held five local tournaments held during the year. The GUMDAC Open Tournament, Trophy Stall Age Group Tournament, Guyana Olympic Association Olympic Day Open Tournament, InterGuiana Games (IGG) and the Woodpecker Products Age Group Christmas Tournament. On the International scene, Guyana team attended the Peru Junior Under-19 International winning (2-Bronze) in Peru, Suriname Junior Under-15 & 19 International (6 Gold/2 Bronze) in Suriname, Pan American Junior Championships reaching two Quarter-Finals in PERU, Caribbean Championships winning 14 medals (2-Golds/9Silvers/3-Bronze) in ARUBA, Pan American Junior Badminton Academy in Peru and the IGG Team Championships in Guyana. “The experienced gained by the players during the year saw much improvement in their game and upward direction in development.

Our Top players continue to show their talent as they performed well in the international circuit standing up to world ranked players,” stated the GBA President. “We still face a lot of difficulties in getting a steady supply of feather shuttlecock which have to be used to train our players for international tournaments. These shuttlecocks are very costly as up to ten or more can be used in Matches. We are working towards getting a supplier but any help that can be given to us will be warmly accepted. The development programme for the junior players is affected by after school lessons and this continues to be an ongoing problem which we will have to try and solve. With this pressure they are still coping with their training,” noted Ramdhani. The GBA thanked the NSC for allowing them to play at the National Gymnasium after they were removed from the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. “We thank The GOA for their continuous effort to help Badminton and sports in general. They have made it possible for our players to attend tournaments which gave our players lots of exposure and experienced and gained higher world ranking points. We will continue to have Badminton at the highest level and thanks goes out to the Media, Sponsors, and all who supported us during the year 2016 and look forward to your continuous support in 2017,” Ramdhani concluded. Some Courses & Events the GBA attended during

the year: April GOA Appreciation & Awards Evening June GOA Olympic Day Fun Run, Jog & Walk July GOA Women in Sports Seminar Aug Caribbean Regional Badminton Federation AGM in Aruba Oct Pan American Coaching Course in Barbados January/February GUMDAC Open Doubles Tournament (Local) February 17-19 NSC Mashramani Invitational Tournament (Local) March 2-5 111 Jamaica International Senior Tournament March 16-19 1 Peru International Senior Future Series March 21-24 IV Peru Junior Under-19 Championships April 12-17 Suriname Easter International Junior Tournament April 25-30 XX1 Pan American Senior Championships (Colombia) May NSC Sport Awards Ceremony-Badminton won the Junior Sportsman. May Badminton World Federation AGM in KUNSHAN China May Trinidad & Tobago Senior Tournament May 19-23 Trophy Stall Independence Tournament (Local) June 9-11 Over-40 D o u b l e s To u r n a m e n t (Local) June 22-29 GOA Olympic Day Tournament (Local) July 11-16 Canadian Open Senior Tournament July 18-23 Yonex US Open Senior Tournament July 21-30 XXVI Pan American Junior Championships (Canada) A u g u s t 1 1 - 1 3 NATIONALS (Local) August 19-26 Caribbean Regional Championships CAREBACO (Trinidad) September 18-25 Schools Tournament (Local) October InterGuiana Games (IGG) November BWF W o r l d J u n i o r Championships (Indonesia) November 2-13 Suriname International Open Tournament (Suriname) December 4-9 Guyana Classic Invitational Tournament Local) December 15-17 Wo o d p e c k e r J u n i o r Christmas Singles (Local)

Sunday January 01, 2017

Bhaskar Yadram

Kaieteur News

Joshua Persaud

2016 cricket review (Part 1) Guyana’s youth inspire hope, but more developmental work needed by GCB By Sean Devers During 2016 an abundance of talent was seen among our youth cricketers but emphasis must be on developing Guyana’s cricket nursery to ensure that the transition from youth to senior cricket is not too hard both technically and mentally for the next generation of cricketers. GCB –50 overs U-15: February: A 42-ball 78 from Sachin Singh powered Demerara to a 33-run win at Bourda against Berbice despite 5-19 by Nikeek Noble to give Demerara the title. Demerara Inter-Association U-19: March: West Demerara won. GCB U-15: April: Demerara beat Berbice at Bourda to take the title GCB U-17: June: Demerara won the tournament GCB U-19 three-day: May: National U-19 Captain Travis Persaud led Demerara to victory with Keshram Seyhodan taking the most wickets and Renaldo Renee scoring the most runs in the tournament. GCB 50-over U-19: June: Demerara beat the National U-17s in the Final at Providence to take the double with Persaud capturing the most wickets and Renaldo Mohamed getting the most runs for Demerara. Essequibo Captain Kemo Paul scored the most runs in the tournament and Persaud was the leading wickettaker. Regional U-15: July: In Grenada, Guyana won three of their five matches. They (Continued on page 72)

Mavendra Dindyal enjoyed good performances for Diamond Secondary and the 12-year-old was the ‘find’ of the competition.

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Sachin Singh

Ashmead Nedd

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Kaieteur News

Sunday January 01, 2017

RHTY&SC, M.S Dedicates award to Club Patron and Cricket Sponsors

RHTY&SC Executive Member Mark Papannah receives the Club of the Year Award from GCB president, Drubahubur.

Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S on Thursday last received the prestigious Guyana Cricket Club of the year 2016 award when the Guyana Cricket Board hosted its annual Awards Ceremony at the Umana Yana. The 2016 award is the fifth occasion that the RHTY&SC, M.S has won the Club of the year, having won it in 2004, 2005,

2009 and 2010. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the award as a well-deserved one as every member of the twenty-six years old organisation worked beyond the call of duty to make sure that the RHTY&SC, M.S fulfilled its mandate. The Club during 2016 successfully completed a r e c o r d 4 5 3 programmes/activities after setting itself a target of 300 and Foster hailed the Club of the Year Award as the icing on top of the cake. On the cricket field the Club produced a total of seventeen national cricketers at the junior and senior levels –Kevin Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Kevlon Anderson, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, E o n H o o p e r, M a r i a n Samaroo, Dian Prahald, Erva Giddings, Shemaine Campbelle, Meliane Henry, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi, Aleema Arokuim, Deborah Va n d e r s t o o p , P l a ff i n a Millington and Roshana Lynch. Fudadin also played for the West Indies ‘A’, while Campbelle and Giddings represented the West Indies Female Team. Additionally, the following RHTY&SC, M.S members played in the GCB three days cricket tournament – Collis Butts, Clinton Pestano, Rajiv Ivan, Jason Sinclair, Shawn Perriera, Fudadin, Crandon, Hooper, Kevlon Anderson and Keon Sinclair. On the cricket field the defending champion of the Te n e l e c 5 0 o v e r s tournament, Tenelec Under 15, New York Business Group Under 19, Berbice River Bridge 50 overs, Busta Champion of Champions 40 overs and reached the finals of the NBS Second Division. The Under 19 team is also awaiting the finals of the Memorex tournament. Off the field, the cricketers of the eight cricket teams were busy with their personal d e v e l o p m e n t programmes and among t h e m a j o r programmes/projects successfully completed the opening of the HD Hoyte Memorial Family Recreational Park, the annual Cricket academy, Annual Youth Review Magazine, hosting the 46th

anniversary of Rose Hall Town, Bakewell Christmas Village 2016, Beharry Say No/Say Yes Campaign directed to 60,000 youths in Berbice, GUYOIL Traffic Education Campaign, Republic Bank Educational Summer Camp, Youth C a r e e r F a i r, G r e g o r y Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Award, Children Mash Parade, Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence and D o l p h i n Aw a r d o f Excellence. The Club would also like to extend congratulation to Shemaine Campbelle on her selection as Female Cricketer of the Year 2016 and Kevin Sinclair as Best Under 17 bowler. Congrats are also extended to Bhaskar Yadram, who represents the RHTY&SC at the junior level in Berbice when he is not playing for his home Club, Enterprise. RHTY&SC junior cricketers Kevin Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall and Kevlon Anderson were also honoured for being members of the victorious junior national team. The long serving Club Secretary/CEO who has supervised over 6000 programmes at the RHTY&SC over the years, noted the 2016 Club of the Year is always available to share its vast experience with other Clubs and to assist them to develop. The Management and members of the RHTY&SC, M.S would like to dedicate the prestigious award to Club Patron, H.E President David Granger, all residents o f G u y a n a ’s s m a l l e s t township and the official sponsors of its cricket section – Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Metro Office Supplies, Gizmos and Gadgets, Pepsi (DDL) and TCL (Guy) who sponsors the annual cricket academy. Special mention must also be made to Mings Products Service, Food for the Poor (Guy) Ltd, Sheik Mohamed Sports Shop, Hand in Hand Insurance, Mike’s Pharmacy, Factory Price, Ansa Mcal, Busta, Scotia Bank, Kings Jewellery World, Goodwood Racing Service and the National Sports Commission for their input into the Club’s Cricket Programme in 2016.

Sunday January 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 83

Ronda Rousey knocked out in 48 seconds at UFC 207

Ronda Rousey reacts after taking a combination of punches from Amanda Nunes. (Getty)

Amanda Nunes finished off Ronda Rousey in just 48 seconds on Friday. (Getty) Yahoo Sports- LAS VEGAS – Ronda Rousey was once again pummeled by a striker and lost her second consecutive bout. The former women’s bantamweight champion

was completely outclassed in the striking game by Amanda Nunes, who stopped Rousey at 48 seconds of the first round to r e t a i n h e r w o m e n ’s b a n t a m w e i g h t

championship in the main event of UFC 207 at TMobile Arena. Nunes landed a big right just seconds into the fight that clearly hurt Rousey, who was fighting for the first

time since a stunning defeat at the hands of Holly Holm on Nov. 14, 2015. Rousey tried to throw punches with Nunes, but she had nothing to offer. Nunes was blistering her with

Broom, Williamson guide New Zealand to series sweep (Reuters) Captain Kane Williamson and Neil Broom both flirted with centuries as New Zealand cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their third one-day international to complete a 3-0 series sweep at Saxton Oval in Nelson yesterday. Williamson (95 not out) combined with Broom in a 179-run partnership that was broken when the recalled Broom was caught for 97, as the hosts cruised to 239 for two in 41.2 overs. The visitors had wasted a century opening stand between Tamim Iqbal (59) and Imrul Kayes (44) to reach a below-par 236 for nine in their 50 overs. Jimmy Neesham was 28 not out with Williamson, who eschewed the chance to score his ninth one-day international century in order to wrap up the victory instead. Broom, who was dropped without scoring in the slips off Mustafizur Rahman, scored 109 not out in the second match at the same venue two days ago,

Kane Williamson and Neil Broom put on a 179-run stand to deflate Bangladesh © Getty Images

having been recalled to the side for the series more than six years after he last played a one-day international for New Zealand. New Zealand were rarely troubled in their run chase, though faced injury concerns with Martin Guptill having to retire hurt after he pulled up while running an easy single. The visitors would rue wasting their good start

when they lost Imrul in the 22nd over and scored just 39 runs in the next nine overs, while losing three wickets, and left too much for their lower-middle order and bowlers to do. Nurul Hasan scored an entertaining 44, which included a four and six on the first two balls of the final over by Matt Henry, who then took a good diving catch to dismiss the

wicketkeeper and only conceded one run on the last three balls. The two sides now head to Napier for the first of their three Twenty20 matches on Jan. 3. Scores: New Zealand 239 for 2 (Broom 97, Wi l l i a m s o n 9 5 * ) b e a t Bangladesh 236 for 9 (Tamim 59, Nurul 44, Santner 2-38) by eight wickets.

combinations, hitting her with virtually everything she threw. “This is amazing,” Nunes said in exultation. Nunes landed 23 of 35 strikes she threw, all of which were powerful shots. She backed Rousey up from the very first seconds of the bout and simply overwhelmed her. “She thinks she’s a boxer,” Nunes said of Rousey. “He [Edmond Tarverdyan] put that in her head and he has her believing that. I don’t know why he did that. She has great judo. She could go further in this division, but he put some crazy thing about boxing [in her head] and t h e n her career started going down. I’m the real striker here.” The loss leaves Rousey’s future in serious question. Her return attracted a standing-room-only crowd of more than 19,000 and pay-per-view sales are expected to exceed 1 million. She was guaranteed $3 million to show, and will make millions more than that. But Rousey, who had a media blackout and didn’t speak much at all in the fight’s buildup, may no longer fight. She had frequently said that she would judge when to quit by the damage she has taken. Her judo made her the sport’s biggest sensation and

one of the top stars, as she was able to win her first 12 fights primarily with a seemingly unstoppable arm bar. Rousey hit hard, but her striking defense was never great and so she had problems when facing elite strikers like Nunes and Holm. If the loss prompts Rousey to retire, as expected, it will be the end of an incredible run. UFC president Dana White had famously said he would never allow women to fight in the UFC, but after seeing Rousey, he changed his mind. She sold out arenas all over the world and sold payper-views at an astonishingly high rate. She won her first six UFC fights and it looked like no one could compete with her. But Holm, a former world boxing champion, showed the blueprint last year at UFC 193. Holm moved smartly and countered Rousey before ending the fight with a kick to the head. On Friday, it wasn’t so subtle. Nunes was eager to trade with Rousey, whose head never moved off the center line as she was getting blasted by hard shots. Nunes was in the middle of a multi-punch combination when referee Herb Dean stepped in to save Rousey from further punishment.

t r o Sp

UDFA/ GT Beer year end football final on tonight at MSC Can Eagles soar past Shattas for $1m?

Colwyn Drakes

Yonnick Hercules Simon

Michael Wilson Silver Shattas must fancy their chances against Eagles United when they clash this evening in the final of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) organized GT Beer 4th annual Christmas championship final after failing in their quest last year when they were beaten by the lone holder of the title over the years Federal Winners Connection. They square off for a first prize of $1M, the huge winners’ trophy and replicas as the losing finalist receives $600,000 following the third position match. Wrapped up in this also will be bragging rights for a year as they go head-to-head at 21:00hrs but that will be preceded by the third placed game between the dethroned Winners Connection and Botafago who battle for third place worth $300,000, as the loser gets

Seon Barrett $200,000 in what could be an interesting affair at 19:00hrs, after the brief remarks by selected officials at 18.30hrs. Minister Responsible for Sport Ms. Nicholette Henry, Minister within the Ministry of C o m m u n i t i e s M s . Va l e r i e Patterson, Regional Chairman Renis Morian of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice), Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, Members of Parliament Mr. Jermaine Figuiera and Audwin Rutherford, President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, President of the UDFA Sharma Solomon and Banks DIH officials, Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, GT Beer Manager Geoff Clement, Communications Manager Troy Peters and their Linden Branch

Botafago tackle Winners for third place

Allan Halley

Deon McAllister Manager Ms. Shondel Easton are among those expected to witness the grand finals after brief remarks are given. Interesting is the fact that Eagles United won their game against Silver Shattas to hand them their lone loss so far in the tournament and must be confident that they can repeat that performance. But this is a championship game and Silver Shattas will be hard to beat as they are the more experienced side. Their coach Felix Inniss feels that their strong area is in the midfield, while he also has great confidence in the defence. However, up front is where the potent scorer and leading goal scorer Colwyn Drakes is stationed in tandem with Damian Williams as they have goals against their

names. Drakes has five goals so far. Inniss acknowledged that they lost 1-0 to Eagles in the preliminary round and certainly will not underestimate them, saying the youths knocked out the reigning champions Winners Connection. But he said he expects his side to prevail in this return clash. Coach Inniss said that there were some surprises in this tournament and the lead up was not an easy one for them even though they came through finally to battle once again for the top prize. He said emphasis is concentrated in their midfield where they have solid players like Michael Wilson, Deon McAllister, Jermaine Samuels and up front are Williams and Drakes, while in the back there are Romel Matthews and Tony Gilbert, while in goal there is Kellon Major. The Eagles United side is one

that is bustling with youths and most of them have played at the junior national levels either for the national under 17 or Inter Guianas teams. The average age of this team, coach Aswatt Barrett said is 18 years and they are confident that they can achieve this title for the first time. Barrett said his team has a compact middle to lead their game plan as he singled out Kevin Deere as one to watch. Up front he noted is the strapping forward Yonnick Hercules Simon who has had a tournament to remember with four goals, while in their defence there are Kedolph Lewis and Seon Barrett who have had exposure at the junior national level. In goal is another bright prospect in 16 years old Shamar Gittens, while on the sidelines so far has been their most (Continued on page 73)

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