Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox GPL has become a disgrace to the Guyanese people DEAR EDITOR, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,” etc. (John 3:16). It does not say, “God so loved those who are in receipt of free electricity from GPL …” The Senior Management at GPL is a disgrace not only to the people but to all families that are struggling to meet their monthly light bill payments. On top of an oppressive electricity rate averaging approximately US$0.33 per kWh (compared to Suriname at US$0.06 per kWh), the tariff payers are faced with massive financial persecution if by chance their electricity is d i s c o n n e c t e d . Disconnection by itself is punitive and thus, a reconnection fee of G$3,200 (even G$5,000) is fair plus the settlement of all outstanding past bills. But to impose the condition that to benefit from reconnected services, one has to pay a security deposit valued at six (6) months of average electricity usage is nothing but criminal. I am sure if challenged in law, it might be found to be illegal. In an environment with one of the highest amount of line and commercial losses in the Western Hemisphere, the Senior Management of GPL has the audacity to demand that the poor people at the back of Lusignan fund their incompetence and inefficiencies? Are they nuts? But what is mindboggling is that the political directorate in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has done very little to address this situation, instead, they choose a hands-off approach while the people suffer. Is this the good life?
In the APNU+AFC manifesto, it promised that it shall govern in an environment that attacks the “ravages of poverty and discrimination....”. Well, this decision by GPL is a clear act of discrimination against the poor and the working class. GPL has taken bread out of poor people’s mouth and will continue to do so if this draconian act continues. This situation points to a political disaster in March 2016 for those who are hiding in their air-conditioned offices burning free electricity. What is coming out is that the Minister is protecting the acting CEO of GPL and I wonder why? In an environment where so many dark clouds are hanging over the acting CEO’s head, he was left in position while an investigation was being conducted into his alleged tampering with a multi-million dollar procurement process. Is PPP financial skullduggery alive and well today and being given political coverage by certain Ministers in the APNU+AFC Government? Unfortunately, the “struggle for good governance movement” seems to have lost one of its most ardent columnists Mr. Christopher Ram who in the old days would have been all
over this perceived financial skullduggery, calling out the wrong doers. Unfortunate indeed, but we must welcome young minds like Gordon Moseley who broke this story. I supported a change in government in May 2015 and I still do believe it was the right thing to do in order to stop the plundering of the Treasury by the PPP cabal. But then I am always guided by Martin Niemoller wisdom. Therefore irrespective of who conducted the acts of wrong doing, they must be called out. What did Niemoller say – “In Germany they first came for the Communists and I didn’t speak up. Because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews but I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the Trade Unionists but I was no Unionist so I didn’t speak up. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me and by that time no was left to speak for me.” I still believe President Granger is a good man but he has some dead wood on his team who continues to hurt his legacy. Agriculture science taught me that there is only one thing you do with dead wood. The word is prune! Sase Singh
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Airport and internet blues DEAR EDITOR, I was awaiting the new year before penning a letter, but after seeing our President appealing to our young people studying abroad to return home upon completing their studies to work here, I’ve decided to pen this letter. On Tuesday 29th December I journeyed to the airport to collect my mother-in-law and incidentally the flight got postponed until 12md so we’ve decided since we’re already there we could wait the few hours because we had our own transportation. In quick succession other flights started to come in and the airport quickly got busy with people bustling around. Whilst we were waiting in the vehicle, we started to observe men (mostly young) that were poorly dressed following the passengers and
the Red Caps (airport’s porter/bag handlers). We became suspicious and started watching them secretly to see what they are about. To our amazement, these men would quickly swoop in and start putting the people’s suitcase in the vehicles that the visitors/emigrants/ immigrants travelling in. When finished they requests payment. I am aware that there’s a job shortage in Guyana and have no issues when one does something legally to earn money instead of turning to crime but looking at these men operated I feel disgust. When they offered one thousand dollars for their assistance (which was not solicited) they vehemently rejected that and request more, citing how many of
them assisted (some time 5-6 of them helping to put 2-3 suitcases in a vehicle) and started expressing themselves in a menacingly manner to the people. This causes them to show fear and ended up paying three thousand dollars and above. They would ask what one thousand dollars could do. Bottom line is that this is barefaced exploitation for someone to fork out four thousand dollars and above to pay just for pushing three suitcases from inside the airport to their vehicle. I’ve also noticed a line of yellow cars with drivers neatly dressed with their cream shirt-jacks at the airport by why do they have to approach passengers and to enquiry if the person needs a Continued on page 6
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Airport and internet blues Forbes Burnham will always loom large Kaieteur M@ilbox
From page 5 taxi? System should be in place that if someone needs a taxi, they could request from such from the airport personnel and he/she notify the driver at the first in line. Why can’t they work in a turn system instead of pestering people as soon as they exit the airport and even when that person reply in negative, other drivers still continues to ask? Some even pushing their face/head close to the person which is highly annoying and distracting, especially if the person looking for their family/friends. Is this what the government wants visitors/immigrants/ entrepreneurs to experience in Guyana? Editor, over the years, numerous complaints have been made against our internet providers nothing have been done and with this change in government I am still waiting to see some results. As it stands presently, we are paying over twenty two hundred dollars per month for internet service on our mobile phones and amazingly when you expect unlimited access, users/ subscribers in Guyana cannot enjoy that freedom because if you exceed certain megabytes, you are disconnected. A simple breakdown is, if you upload/download certain amount of videos you will not be able to use the internet because chances are you’ve exceeded you allocated usage, even if you just activate your monthly plan. Over the years, GT&T would majestically introduce some new promotion with regards of their internet service and in some cases, request an increase for the better service they’re introducing.
Many people would immediately jump at the opportunity only to be greatly disappointed a few days after when they cannot find an increase in the service they are getting. There are many newly established villages that have access to phone lines and many like Zeelugt is without even though Zeelugt is one of the most highly populated area’s in Guyana. Over the years, the residents have gotten all sort of excuses, the last being with one PPP/C Councilor going around asking the residents to sign some form and the PPP/C would ensure they get landlines/telephone lines if they are elected back into office so the residents must vote for them. Because of the lack of telephone lines, many people who have relatives and families dependent on internet opted to get the service of the various wireless provider and they have to pay an astounding five to six or seven to nine thousand dollars for the monthly service. Because I know about computers, many of these subscribers would ask me to check to see if anything’s wrong with their computer (especially Alantic Wireless Network and Globspan) and knowing the results, I would tell them only to hear them started venting their anger. I have tried many time to speak to the manager via phone and in person and always get an excuse. I reach the point where I am contemplating of getting a list of the users in various villages and taking it to the PUC and also seeking legal actions against these companies but I might ended up going into a lost battle because amazingly, these same providers are extending their greedy tentacles in other regions It’s hell to when trying to open yahoo mail and Stabroek News online edition. Is this the kind of service our President is asking people to come back and live under?
Finally Editor, it’s with greatly disappointing to hear the new rule what GPL is forcing on commuters and for a long time now, those already with post paid meters are asking for a change over to the pre-paid only to be told that they don’t have stock. If one is to use a pre-paid meter these new rules could not be enforced on them, but then again, amidst all their promises that this Government made whilst campaigning and failing tremendously to fulfill the still sees it fitting to instill more hardship on Guyanese although they reward themselves a huge salary increase. This is surely a good life for all! Happy New Years as we brace ourselves to see what more we have to endure! Sahadeo Bates
DEAR EDITOR, In the interest of balance, one picture is missing in the anniversary of the PPP; there is attempt to “whitewash” history. In the PPP’s Anniversary campaign no mention is made of one of the founding leaders of the PPP. This founding leader of the PPP being Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. There would be no PPP without him! The PPP was founded on 1 January 1950 as a merger of the British Guiana Labour Party led by Forbes Burnham and the Political Affairs Committee led by Cheddi Jagan, and was the first mass
party in the country. It was initially a multiethnic party supported by workers and intellectuals. Know your history! Some argue, that because Burnham left the PPP 5 years after its founding, he should not be acknowledged for its creation and and point to the PPP’s survival 61 years beyond his departure. The substance you cannot refute is this; you can never destroy the foundation of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham’s decision to merge with PAC to form the PPP and his role as a founding member. It cannot be denied. Therefore one must acknowledge his role in
formation of the PPP regardless of its continuation after he left. No anniversary of the PPP should attempt to remove Burnham’s role in the formation of the PPP. In other words, you cannot change your birth father because your mother divorced him 61 years ago. If for pure political mileage, current members of the PPP seek to “photoshop” history in attempts to bury Burnham, then historians and those with knowledge must come forward and lay it bare. Burnham will always pop up in the anniversary of the PPP. Louis Nestor
From page 4 chaplain and criminologist. I have written and published several articles and research papers on this subject matter. My lectures are thought within the Department of Corrections in the State of Indiana and I have personally created a peer to peer lecture series which is a staple course in the largest prison in that State. I have personally written to all two of the last Presidents and to the current one, expressing my desire to work at assisting to reduce crime in my country. For those who expressed skepticism in my claims, I asked them to Google my name and that of my organization - Practical Christianity Ministries. And still for others I even shared with them references and testimonials for their perusal. With all of that, except for
an occasional acknowledgement of my proposals or letters, I am yet to have a meaningful conversation with someone who can make a decision to move forward with this most needed initiative. I am yet to speak to someone who is willing to tap into my expertise of working with this problematic clientele. I am saying all of this in context and in light of President Granger’s most recent overture to those living and studying overseas. If I who am here, with all my professional expertise, find it so difficult breaking into the inner circle of the bureaucracy which obtains in this politically close-knit society, how much more the newly returning Guyanese? And it is not just me. I know several other professional Guyanese who have been living here for a
while, enthusiastically desiring to use their training and experiences to assist their country but they cannot get past the political gridlock. Some have packed up and returned from whence they came. Others are planning to. Every department or ministry you call refers you to another. Every Minister you speak with says that the decision to hire you is the call of another Minister. Each meeting ends with the remigrant being pointed higher up the pecking order. Getting to the “right” Minister is like pulling teeth. And again, this is true with both the current and the previous administrations. I would want to conclude by saying that this administration will have to prove that they are indeed willing to aid the return of those from the diaspora by doing more than engaging in rhetorical over-
tures. Maybe a department needs to be set up where folks from the diaspora could register. Some place where those of us who have beneficial skillsets can take our certificates, diplomas, articles, credentials, curriculum vitae, etc., and have them vetted for authenticity. Then some kind of a data base needs to be created for the systematic dissemination of the verified information. So that the Guyanese who is returning knows that his or her information is actively being assessed and reviewed, with the main aim of finding employment for them. Such a data base needs to begin with those of us who are already here. For indeed, many of us feel like we have been forsaken and lied to, twice. Pastor W. P. Jeffrey Practical Christianity Ministries
Does Guyana need its remigrants?
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Housing Minister McDonald denies wrongdoing Trinidad Guardian Housing Minister Marlene McDonald has firmly denied allegations made Thursday by Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Allocations Manager Lauren Legall that she requested a file for HDC customer Michael Carew. Carew is reportedly McDonald’s romantic partner. On Thursday, Legall wrote a letter to the HDC and copied it to the Integrity Commission and the Commissioner of Police detailing claims that McDonald had made direct inquiries regarding the deed for a Fidelis Heights property which Carew purchased in 2008. The letter was in response to a request by the HDC’s human resource department for Legall to return Mr Carew’s file which she had taken in November. In her letter, Legall said she did not have the file but felt it was appropriate t o i n f o r m t h e Integrity Commission of McDonald’s inquiries as she was not accustomed to a minister taking personal interest in a particular client. Legall’s move follows Opposition Senator Wayne Sturge’s referral of McDonald to the Integrity Commission earlier this week. Sturge’s documents which included a copy of a cheque paid to the HDC by Carew as well as Carew’s bank statement, also contained correspondence from Odette Alexander, who was advisor to the then Housing Minister Emily Dick-Forde, requesting an allocation of a house for Carew, allegedly on McDonald’s behalf. Legall was one of several HDC senior managers who were sent on administrative leave in December after the board ordered an independent audit into the
Marlene McDonald state agency. In a telephone interview on Thursday night, McDonald described Legall as “disingenuous.” “I never, ever requested any file of Lauren Legall. Never did. She’s most disingenuous. I never did,” McDonald said. “There seems to be a momentum to go on and on and on. I have no further comments to give after tonight because I just find this whole thing is just a wild goose chase.” McDonald went on to say that some people believed that the HDC was their private fiefdom. “Those days are over. We have a lot to do in this country as a Government. “The PM spoke on Tuesday night I was on vacation. I took time out of my vacation to sit and listen to the Prime Minister to see the magnitude of work that I have to do in the HDC.” McDonald said the HDC belonged to the people of T&T, not to any particular individual. “I am going to carry out the mandate of my Government fearlessly and I would say not only fearlessly but in a transparent manner. “I am not going to be sidetracked and I am not going
to leave my focus. This is 2016. The people have voted us in and too bad for those who are annoyed about it.” THE ACT STATES: Sturge’s letter to the commission on Monday requested an investigation into whether McDonald had breached specific sections of the Integrity in Public Life Act. Those sections are as follows. Section 24 of the Act statesA person to whom this Part applies shall ensure that he performs his functions and administers the public resources for which he is responsible in an effective and efficient manner and shall(a) be fair and impartial in exercising his public duty (b) afford no undue preferential treatment to any group or individual (c) arrange his private interests whether pecuniary or otherwise in such a manner as to maintain public confidence and trust in his integrity. Section 24 (2) A person to whom this Part applies shall not(a) use his office for the improper advancement of his own or his family’s personal or financial interests or the interests of any person (b) engage in any transaction, acquire any position or have any commercial or other interest that is incompatible with his office, function and duty or the discharge thereof (d) directly or indirectly use his office for personal gain. Section 26 of the Act provides “A person to whom this Part applies shall not use his office to seek to influence a decision made by another person or public body to further his own private interests.”
Brazil’s Rousseff signs budget law, vetoes congressional amendments
SAO PAULO/RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has overruled more than 50 amendments made by lawmakers in the nation’s budget guidelines law for this year, including reductions to her flagship social program and a ban on state foreign financing for some projects. According to the government’s official gazette, Rousseff signed the so-called LDO law on Thursday. Congress passed the LDO last month, following months of bickering over Rousseff’s failure to meet deficitreduction targets that almost
Dilma Rousseff
led to a government shutdown. According to the gazette,
Rousseff reversed a congressional ban on the approval, disbursement and refinancing of existing or new loans by state development bank BNDES to help Brazilian companies fund investments outside the country. Rousseff overruled that decision, saying the ban could weigh down the ability of local corporations to compete globally. Rousseff also overruled congressional restrictions on the way the Bolsa Familia program, which gives lowincome families a monthly stipend under certain conditions, could be financed.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 03, 2016
Incoming Caricom chairman outlines vision GEORGETOWN, Guyana - CMC — Incoming chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow, has promised to improve the quest of the regional organisation to improve the standard of living and to provide a “safe, viable and prosperous Caribbean Community”. Barrow, who assumed chairmanship on January 1, taking over from Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart of Barbados, said the grouping will commit to building on past successes and to become more efficient in the face of the “sternest economic test that member states have had to face in recent memory.” In his message to start the new year, Barrow said he looks forward to increasing the pace both of the reform process and the implementation of the Community Strategic Plan 2015-2019. “The plan, which is designed to build Caricom’s economic, environmental, social and technological resilience, has the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) as an important vehicle in that drive for greater resilience,” he said. Barrow also said
Dean Barrow
governance arrangements in the region will be more flexible and dynamic. “We will be continuing efforts in the coming year to revise those arrangements for our integration movement to become more effective and relevant to the needs of our people.” Concerning the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), he has resolved to encourage more member states to join Belize, Barbados, Dominica, and Guyana in making the Caribbean Court of Justice their final court. “In my view, another relevant factor in the lives of our people is the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The creation of our own jurisprudence will help define
us as a people, and the excellent, well-reasoned judgments which have been the hallmark of the CCJ are ample proof of the intellectual quality of the legal minds of this Community. During my stewardship of the Community, I look forward to more member states joining the four of us in the Appellate Jurisdiction of the CCJ.” He emphasised the strength in unity in achieving Caricom’s plans, exemplifying the manner in which it rallied to attain the objectives of the three major international conferences in the past year, most recently at COP21 in Paris. “The binding decisions taken on Financing for Development, the 2030 Development Goals and Climate Change have great potential to boost our growth and development and bolster our resilience. It is therefore in our interest to use our coordinated foreign policy to advocate at every opportunity for urgent implementation of those decisions. In so doing we will be seeking the support of our International Development Partners as well as other Small Island and Lowlying Coastal Developing States,” the incoming chairman stated.
Venezuela cuts gas export to neighboring Colombia BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Venezuela’s state oil company is temporarily halting gas exports across the border to Colombia, citing climate factors and the need to generate electricity, the Colombian Mining Ministry reported Friday. The ministry said that PDVSA notified it that supplies would be suspended as of Friday because of “the behavior of electrical energy generation due to climatic
variability.”) A drought has been affecting the region, though it did not specifically mention that. An agreement between the two countries calls for Venezuela to send 39 million cubic feet of gas per day to Colombia, about 3 percent of Colombia’s supply. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says that while Venezuela has enormous natural gas reserves, second only to
those of the United States in the Americas, it’s been consuming more than it produces in recent years and has been trying to upgrade its infrastructure. The EIA said part of the gas is used to generate power and 35 percent is used by the petroleum industry, much of it to help production from mature fields. Colombia in recent years has been a key supplier of gas to Venezuela.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Gang knocks down Cane Grove man then beats him to death Pastor Ganesh Nauth (left) of the CFCN offers a word of prayer for the dead man’s grieving wife Sherry (right) and their two-year-old son.
Dem boys seh...
Smile wid dem boys today because you might cuss dem tomorrow Yesterday was de first working day of de new year. Knowing what this column stands for and how it mek people grin, some does cry, some does laugh while others smile when dem boys skin dem up, by now all Guyana know that your business is our business and dem boys job is to continue pokin fun where and how dem see it and feel. Dem boys mission also is to ridicule dem bullies/ thieves who obstruct our progress. De mission is also to promote intelligence through skin ups. That‘s
who we are and if you stop buying us in this 2016, we will still love you de same way we love you throughout 2015. Yesterday, de first working day of 2016, dem boys tek a conscious decision not to offend nor torment, not even a cat but to give all Guyana a decent 2016 wish. Every New Year is de time fuh start a fresh life, suh smile & hug a friend with whom you had a fight lately, but don’t use a knife. Give a big hug to your parents and promise that you will never hurt them anymore. Give a sincere self hug to yourself and promise you
would remain truthful forever, like dem boys. Hug poor kids and tell them that they are not alone in dis world. Mek a promise to help the Needy and abolish the greedy from your life. You know some of dem. Finally, just forget all your grudges and send these New Year wishes to your loved ones. Because life is all about inspiration, live it, share it and expose it like dem boys. Talk half and dem boys hope to give you some wallering exposure throughout 2016.
Police on the East Coast of Demerara are in the process of rounding up members of a gang that beat a 22-year-old Cane Grove, Mahaica labourer, so bad and left him lying on the road that he succumbed hours later at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Deokumar Basdeo’s sister and his stepmother watched helplessly as the men first struck him down with a pickup truck and then battered him with pieces of wood as he was making his way home on Friday night, three days after he had celebrated his 22nd birthday. The incident has left the entire Cane Grove community in a state of mourning, since Basdeo has left behind a young wife and a two-yearold son. Family members have no clue about the motive of the attack but they are convinced that the main perpetrator is a man from Mon Repos, another East Coast Demerara village located several miles away. Police in a statement yesterday said that about 21:30 hours on Friday, Basdeo called Kevin was reportedly involved in an altercation with a group of men in a motor vehicle along the roadway at Cane Grove.
DEAD: Deokumar Basdeo aka Kevin “He was subsequently found on the roadway with injuries and admitted to the GPHC where he later succumbed. No arrest has been made as yet,” the statement said. Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman told this newspaper that his detectives are currently looking for the man from Mon Repos who they believe could provide them with vital information on Basdeo’s death. He said that they are questioning three persons of interest who have not yet
been deemed as suspects. The police are optimistic that they will crack the case since they have information from eyewitnesses. Yesterday, relatives and friends of the dead man were gathered at his parents’ home consoling them and his wife, while preparing for the wake. His sister, Amrita Doodnauth, recounted the minutes before his death. She said that she was sitting on the steps of her house while her brother who was visiting, was outside the yard. She said that she and her stepmother went to him and urged him to go home since he already had a few “drinks”. The woman said that her brother began walking home and all of a sudden he began running. She saw a red pickup truck speeding behind him and there was the sound of a heavy impact. “Me tell me stepmother run go see if ‘Buddy’ get knock down or if anybody lash he, because me pregnant and me nah able run.” Doodnauth said that when her stepmother reached the spot, she saw some men beating Basdeo and she raised an alarm. Doodnauth told this newspaper that she Continued on page 13
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Kaieteur News
HIV/AIDS to be treated as a priority in 2016 Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton has said that plans are afoot to implement systems to seriously tackle, the HIV/ AIDS virus this year. In 2005, Guyana had one of the highest prevalence rates of sexually transmitted HIV infection in Latin America and the Caribbean, second only to Haiti; an estimated 2.5 % of the population was living with the disease. According to the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, the number of reported HIV/AIDS cases in Guyana reduced to one per cent of the total population in 2009–2010. The reduction rate of HIV prevalence among women in Guyana has remained at one p0er cent while those high risk persons such as homosexuals and sex workers have decreased. However according to Dr. Norton, while there has been some progress as it relates to HIV/AIDS the issue of stigma/discrimination is still an issue on the front burner for persons infected with the virus. He noted that a recent study conducted in Guyana revealed that such persons live in fear of violence, discrimination and abandonment. Additionally, HIV infected people usually have difficulty
- Health Minister
Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton finding and keeping a jobs due to fear of marginalization —hence poverty is also an issue. Because people feel discriminated or stigmatised, they do not come for treatment and they can get preventative measures, and so there must be efforts to see how best stigma and discrimination can be eliminated. The Health Minister posited that unless health care providers, policy makers and other stakeholders are willing to tackle the issue of discrimination, the nation will not achieve its objective in the matters of HIV/AIDS. Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary General Special Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean, Dr. Edward Greene, in a recent interview with the local media, described Guyana’s achievement in the battle against HIV/AIDS compared with some countries in the Caribbean has been
described as remarkable. According to statistics provided in 2001, only seven to eight percent of the HIV/ AIDS population was having access to treatment; the 2012 statistics now show that access to treatment has been improved to more than 50 percent. The UN envoy further stated that “although we need to increase that number, the remarkable progress is what I want to point out.” Guyana was also lauded for the reduction in deaths from HIV/AIDS over the past 15 years; this calculates to a 70 percent reduction. “I think that you have something to celebrate, because Guyana is one of those countries that were successful in eliminating the mother to child transmission,” Dr. Greene had informed. In recent years, statistics have shown signs of a beginning to the halt the spread of HIV/AIDS. It is also projected to meet the target of achieving universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for all those who need it, under the criteria outlined in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In addition, Guyana also has a National HIV/AIDS workplace policy which aims at ensuring equal access to persons who have HIV, in ensuring that they are not discriminated against, have access to employment, training and all other services and opportunities provided and offered by the State. Emphasis will be placed on the implementation of such policies in the coming year.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Mon Repos man fatally stabs cousin By Suraj Narine An East Coast Demerara community was rocked by news of a murder on New Year’s Day. Dead is 34-year-old Ganesh Ramlakhan, a carpenter of 127 First Street, Mon Repos Pasture. The incident occurred sometime around 2pm on Friday. According to Ameena Hakh, a relative of the deceased, who resides next door, she and Ramlakhan were “gaffing” when they were approached by Ramlakhan’s cousin, a man she identified as “Vicky”, an 18-year-old. Vicky, according to Hakh, seemed to have been heavily under the influence of alcohol. He tugged at Ramlakhan and whispered something in his ear. Ramlakhan, quickly dismissed him by asking, “What the f**k wrong with you eh?” “I didn’t hear what he told him in his ear but Vicky like he get mad and slapped Ganesh (Ramlakhan) behind his head and he (Vicky) run inside my house and open the draws (in the kitchen) that I does have my knives and he run out to stab him (Ramlakhan), but I block the door...” Hakh stated. Ramlakhan who was now preparing to head home was unaware that his knifewielding cousin, who had broken free from Hakh’s grasps, was about to attack him. Vicky failed to stab Ramlakhan, who hurled him to the ground. The knife fell a few metres away and the duo began wrestling for the possession of the weapon. Eventually it was Vicky who managed to get possession of the weapon.
Vicky (left) and Ganesh Ramlakhan “Vicky braced Ramlakhan to the window (on the bottom flat) and stabbed him like around his heart area and two more times on his arm ...” Hakh recalled. Ganesh’s father, Motielall Ramlakhan, who tried to intervene, received several lashes about his body also. “Ganesh father run out and ask Vicky why he was beating his son and he (Vicky) run to him and go to stab him but he (Ramlakhan Snr.) hold the knife blade and he get a lil cut on his hand. He (Vicky) picked up a piece of wood and started to lash him... He get like two lashes,” Hakh stated. Hakh explained that Vicky, after leaving the elder Ramlakhan grimacing in pain on the ground, then turned back his attention to the already injured Ganesh Ramlakhan who was bleeding profusely in the yard. “Vicky go to Ganesh and give him one more stab to the abdomen and one to his back...Ganesh make a big
blow (gasp) and he died...” the teary-eyed Hakh said. Vicky subsequently packed his bags and fled the scene. The duo’s aunt, Ambika Gowkarran, described the men as more than cousins. She stated that they would often do everything together and were very close. She also stated that Vicky was a regular “troublemaker” who would often “terrorise the family”. “He use to beat his mother in dem house. He even burn down one of his cousin house one time,” Gowkarran said. Ramlakhan and his wife separated a few years ago and he was living by himself. He is survived by his two children, aged eight and 10. According to a police statement, Ramlakhan was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the suspect had not been apprehended as investigations are currently ongoing.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Tuschen resident stabbed to death By Romila Boodram Just a couple hours into the New Year, the celebration and enjoyment were shattered for a Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) family when a member of their household was brutally killed. Dewaun Anthony Baksh, 22, of Lot 55 Tuschen Housing Scheme, EBE, was stabbed to death around 22:00 hrs on New Year’s Day at a bar in Greenwich Park, about 15 minutes drive from where he lived. The young man was at the time “liming” at the hotspot with his younger brother, Rafeek and two friends when he was attacked by a group of three men who had an “old vibe” with his kid brother. The police in a release said that Baksh was involved in an altercation with a group of men during which he was stabbed to the neck, shoulder, head and under the right arm. He was pronounced dead at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. As of late yesterday, no one was arrested for the murder. At Baksh’s home yesterday, his relatives were
Dead: Dewaun Anthony Baksh in tears. His twin brother, Dewane, said that he and his two brothers (Dewaun and Rafeek) and two friends were hanging out in Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) at a friend’s home. “We leave to come home but we were in separate vehicles. I reached home first and I went straight to my bed and they stopped out at the shop. A little while later I get a call that my brother was involved in an accident and he was taken to the hospital,” the sibling said. He further explained that when he reached the hospital,
The shop where Baksh was stabbed
he learnt that his brother was not involved in a road accident but he was in fact, stabbed to death. Dewane Baksh said that he was informed that shortly after his brothers and friends arrived at the bar, a fight ensued and his twin brother was killed. “I heard when my small brother was walking to the bar, he saw some boys who he had a problem with last year. He (Rafeek) said that the
Corentyne man killed A Corentyne resident was questionably the country’s first reported murder victim. He was killed just ten minutes into the New Year. The celebrations were just beginning to soak in when it was reported that one man was stabbed to death following an altercation with one of his drinking partners. Dead is Asif Hafeez, 24, a labourer of Lot 72 Grant 1780, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. The situation started from a misunderstanding between the couple who lived in the upper flat of a two-storey apartment. The alleged killer, a relative of the dead man’s wife, lived in the lower flat. According to
information, Hafeez and his wife had just returned from an Old Year’s Night party next door when an argument erupted between them. It is alleged that the woman’s relative downstairs got involved and Hafeez reportedly promptly told him to “mind his own business”. This infuriated the situation and the two men became involved in an argument. Hafeez reportedly went downstairs and an altercation began during which he was stabbed in the neck by the other man who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. The injured man was picked up and taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Asif Hafeez After committing the act the perpetrator walked out of the yard and has not been seen since. Investigations are ongoing.
boys were looking at him so he asked them what happened,” the sibling explained. This newspaper was further told that an argument started among the men and the 22-year-old intervened. “My small brother said that when the argument started, he walked away and he thought that Dewaun would have followed but when he turned back, one of the boys hit him in his head and two of them started to
attack him,” the sibling said in tears. He added that while the two men were attacking his younger brother, there was another individual kicking and stabbing the 22-year-old. “By then, the two friends who were with my brothers see and run in and started to part. One of them jumped on Dewaun to protect him and he got stabbed to his hand,” Baksh said. He added that the men then escaped and his brother
was taken to the hospital. “The boys said that he died right there.” At the shop yesterday, the operators said that they were inside celebrating with relatives and had no idea what was happening outside. They claimed that they only learnt that someone was killed when the police visited. Kaieteur News was told that the 22-year-old only recently returned to Guyana having lived in Barbados for the past seven years.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 03, 2016
Sowing for 2016 first crop below projections
GRDB General Manager, Nizam Hassan
GRPA General Secretary, Dharamkumar Seeraj
By Jarryl Bryan The year 2015 has been one of much speculation in rice cultivation, recordbreaking production and protesting farmers, who demanded that Government take steps to help them reduce their production costs. Concerns have also been raised about the number of farmers who will return to the industry. Many have indicated that, with their cost of production far above what they are earning from their paddy sale, they cannot replant for the first crop of
2016. According to General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj, the rate of replanting at the end of last year, is significantly below what it should have been at that particular time of year. Seeraj, who was at one time the Vice-Chairman of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), revealed that some rice growing areas such as Cane Grove and Mahaica, have sowed about 80 and 90 percent of their rice fields.
However, he stated that countrywide replanting has been down to approximately 35 percent. He described this as a worrying situation, and stated that many farmers who rented land in preceding crops, for cultivation, have already given up their land. Seeraj stated that from his data, Region three had a rice replanting rate of 50 percent, while Region Four stood at 80 percent. He went on to note that Region Five’s rate was approximately 35 percent, while Region Six stood at 30 percent. Former Chief Executive Officer of Alesie group, Dr. Turhane Doerga, also expressed concern at the way in which the industry was being managed. He declined to comment further. GRDB General Manager, Nizam Hassan, had revealed that as of December 31, last, the official figure of rice fields replanted stood at 133,865 acres. He stated that this was 55.1 percent of the target for the overall acreage replanting. According to Hassan, the number of acres that the Ministry had projected would be replanted for the first crop of 2016 was 224,000 acres. However, he said that the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary/
- Rice industry experts
Sowing below projections
Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) has released irrigation water, so it is expected that there will be an acceleration of sowing. Hassan had also stated, during the Ministry of Agriculture’s end of year press conference, that in 2016 the possibility exists there would be a small reduction in the amount of rice cultivated per acre. Hassan, however, had put this development down to the weather. “Once we get good weather in the first crop, we have projected that the
growth that this industry has been experiencing over the past few years will continue,” Hassan had pronounced. According to the Ministry’s figures, during 2015, the rice industry continued to perform favourably despite market challenges. As at December 16, paddy production was 1,051,563 tonnes, equivalent to 683,516 tonnes of rice. This figure was 48,278 tonnes or 7.60 per cent higher than the production of paddy and rice for the entire 2014. In that year, 977, 289 tonnes of
paddy equivalent to 635,238 tonnes of rice were produced. For the period January December 16, 2015, exports stood at 510,807 tonnes compared with 501,208 tonnes for 2014. Despite the increase in the volume of exports for this period, the value was 15 per cent lower than the 2014 value. For the period January up to December 16, 2015, the value of the exports was US$211,834,746 compared to US$249,504,955 for 2014. Hassan had also touched Continued on page 61
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Gang knocks down Cane Grove man then beats him... From page 9 responded to her stepmother’s call but only ventured a safe distance from where her brother was being beaten. “But me ah see everybody who ah beat me buddy. Me see how dem tek wood and ah lash am and kick am. Dem pull out he shirt, if you see wha dem ah do with me brother,” Doodnauth told Kaieteur News. She said that at first she thought that her brother was being robbed. “He ah holler and say, ‘Alyuh nah rob me, alyuh nah rob me, alyuh nah kill me.’ One ah dem say, ‘Yes, awe go kill you right hey,” the woman added. She said that they could do nothing to save her brother, “Because is plenty ah dem and only we two women.” Strangely, no other neighbour ventured out of their home to render assistance during the beating. By this time, it began to rain and given her condition, she hurriedly left the scene and sought shelter. When the rain stopped Doodnauth and her stepmother returned to the scene only to see Basdeo lying motionless on the roadway. His attackers had already fled. They decided to contact Basdeo’s father Gopaul Seeram who had just returned home. “When me father run go, he shout out, ‘Ow! me son gon dead, if you see blood’,” Doodnauth recalled. Seeram said when he got home, his wife and daughter told him that some men in two vehicles had just attacked his son. He said when he went where the attack occurred, he saw Basdeo lying on the road with his head badly battered. He said he rushed to the nearby Cane Grove Police Station but only one rank was there and he offered no tangible assistance. Seeram said he subsequently contacted the Corporal in charge of the station and she informed him that she was coming. He then put his badly injured son in a car and went back to the station where he uplifted a “medical” which he was advised to take to the hospital. “Me son was still alive but he wasn’t talking.” It was while receiving treatment that Basdeo succumbed. Basdeo’s wife, Rangita Baig, called Sherry, was spending some time with her parents in Berbice when she got the dreadful news that someone had beaten him. She and her mother immediately left home and headed straight to the
hospital. While on their way though, they got a message that he was already dead. She was comforted by Pastor Ganesh Nauth, who is attached to the Cops and
Faith Community Network (CFCN) and who took time to pray with the grieving family. Pastor Nauth lamented the wanton display of bitterness which he
attributed to the increasing amount of domestic type murders. He urged that the aggrieved family members let God take control of their situation and not to
be led into any form of retaliation. No one could say what the problem was between Basdeo and the gang of men. “If he been wrong to them or he do them
anything, dey could’a lash he and bruk he hand and foot. He get a wife and p i c k n e y, w h o a h g o support them now he dead and gone?” his sister Amrita Doodnauth said.
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Kaieteur News
Local Govt. Elections…
Tuesday is deadline for party symbols - Nomination Day set for Jan. 26 The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has stated that Tuesday, is the deadline for the submission of applications for approval of symbols for contestants of Local Government Elections (LGE). The January 5 date is 21 days before Nomination Day for candidates of the LGE, which are expected to be held on March 18, next. By law, all political parties, voluntary groups and individual candidates desirous of contesting LGE must submit their applications for approval of symbols to GECOM. “Applications for approval of symbols, which must include printed versions (and electronic versions as far as is practicable) of the respective symbols, must be submitted to GECOM no later than Tuesday, January 5, 2016,” the Commission stressed. ”Applications can be submitted through the Office of the Chief Election Officer, or via the Returning Officers for the Respective
Municipalities and NDCs.” “Any List of Candidates submitted by any Political Party, Voluntary Group or Individual Candidate on Nomination Day, without the required pre-approved symbol, will be deemed defective and the defaulting Political Party, Voluntary Group, or Individual Candidate will be deemed to be defective and the relevant Political Party, Voluntary Group or Individual Candidate would consequently be ineligible to contest the Local Government Election.” Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has since submitted for approval its application for symbols to contest LGE. According to the party yesterday, the application was made after it received notification from GECOM to apply for symbols. “In the circumstances the Party’s title will be the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, the Party’s abbreviation
will be PPP/C and the Party’s symbol will be CUP,” the party said. “(In addition, the party) submitted the application for symbols to contest the local government elections in each of the seventy-one (71) Local Authority Areas.” The elections were last held in 1994, even though the constitution clearly stipulated that that they should be held every three years. The extensive delay was caused by reforms agreed to by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government and the People’s National Congress. The last bits of legislation were passed this year. Over the years, there were many calls and protest actions for the then PPP government to hold the elections. The PPP had even vowed that once it was re-elected in the 2011 General and Regional Elections, the elections would be held within a year. However, after the victory, there were no further talks on the side of the government for the holding of the polls. The elections will be held in nine towns and 65 Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).
Sunday January 03, 2016
First imported case of the H1N1 virus detected in Guyana The first imported case of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) has been detected in Guyana after a Guyanese travelling from China returned home, Chief Medical Officer Shamdeo Persaud disclosed yesterday. Persaud said that the man travelled from China, the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago before returning home to Guyana. Fortunately, he stated, the man displayed no symptoms of the virus on the flight and therefore placed no one at risk. “...which is good because it would mean that the patient would have been unable to transmit the virus since it is transmitted through a symptomatic person,” he told reporters at a press briefing. The virus is transmitted whenever an infected person coughs or sneezes and releases tiny drops of the virus into the air. Persons who have it can spread it one day before they have any symptoms and as many as seven days after they become ill. Despite its name, the virus is not transmitted by eating bacon, ham or any pork product. The symptoms include coughing, fever, sore throat, body aches and headaches. It was first known as swine flu because in the past, persons who contracted it
When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take threeminute “vacations”. Relax and re-energise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.
.... patient seeking medical attention overseas
had to have had direct contact with pigs. But, this changed several years ago when a new strain of the virus emerged and spread among people who had no contact with pigs. Persaud stated that the patient’s test result returned positive from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago while the man is currently seeking treatment overseas. He stated that the Ministry is currently monitoring some of the man’s close relatives and health care workers who had attended to him at a private hospital. “We will ensure that the full 21 days of observation is adhered,” he stated. He also said that the Ministry has tightened its surveillance security system at the main Ports of Entry in Guyana, especially at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Ogle International Airport. The Ministry is implementing precautionary measures from the “Keep Ebola and other Infectious Disease out of Guyana Strategy”. The strategy is divided into six crucial areas of coordination and control;
rapid detection, isolation and risk reduction; points of entry; clinical management; laboratory diagnosis and information, education and communication. Recently, Trinidad and Tobago reported four H1N1 related deaths. On Wednesday, researchers revealed that there was a new strain of the virus with the potential to “transmit efficiently in humans” and cause a pandemic discovered in China. One hundred and thirty nine H1N1 swine flu viruses in pigs in China were isolated by scientists and it was discovered that they formed two groups distinct from the current human H1N1 virus. “Our study shows the potential of EAH1N1 SIVs to transmit efficiently in humans and suggests that immediate action is needed to prevent the efficient transmission of EAH1N1 SIVs to humans,” the scientists said. “We found that the EAH1N1 swine flu has got the highest risk score among six different subtypes of viruses, suggesting that the EAH1N1 SIVs may pose the highest pandemic threat among the influenza viruses currently circulating in animals”.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Addressing labour issues in the mining industry is challenging - Chief Labour Officer Like recurring decimals, many young men, some older ones, too, but very few women, have ventured into the mining areas of Guyana with promises of very attractive remuneration from some employers who have been purportedly reaping the benefits of sporadic booms in the mining industry. The trickle down effects however do not always materialise as promised. Moreover, many complaints have reached this publication from different levels of workers who were mostly recruited and verbally promised specified remuneration. Some claimed that even the working conditions were nothing that was promised but they persevered with comforting thoughts that the pay would be worth the discomfort. But with no inked contract to force their employers to pay what was promised many of these workers have ended up at this publication pouring their hearts out about being robbed by uncaring employers. The conversations usually end with the workers being asked to visit the Ministry of Labour and later the Ministry of Social Protection to make a complaint and have the matter resolved at that level. But according to Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, addressing such issues is in fact not an easy task for his Department. In fact at the Ministry’s end of year press conference last week, Ogle said, “We have to work on that; it is a serious challenge.” He continued, “We are having serious challenges in the mining area because they have ad hoc arrangements; they don’t follow any plan; there are no planned arrangements in terms of having a contract, it is more or less job work for services.” Compounding the state of affairs, according to Ogle, is that employers and employees alike are always on the move. “We can hardly
Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle put a track on them. We try to collaborate with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and hopefully this year we could see and ease that,” said Ogle. “When we turn up to the different addresses provided sometimes they are not there. The landlord says they just keep moving. Even though we are filing charges and we want to prosecute we are not able to locate them to serve summons,” Ogle said. He nevertheless related, without offering numbers, that the Labour Department has for the past year, been able to take before the court, several cases. “We have several of them in court,” said Ogle who however noted that sometimes the work of the Department is constrained by the complaining workers themselves. According to him, one employee who had filed a complaint since in 2013 only turned up at the Ministry recently to find out about the status of the matter. “This is one of the areas we have to look at in terms of bringing some sort of relief to the workers but they also have to help us,” said the Chief Labour Officer. For this New Year, he noted that keen focus will be made to collaborate more closely with the GGMC since GGMC officers are usually always on site in the mining industry and could provide useful information to the Labour Department.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 03, 2016
Demerara Criminal Assizes review...
Judges dispose of 41 criminal matters in October session A total of 41 matters received attention in the October 2015 Demerara Criminal Assizes. Five judges, Justice JoAnn Barlow, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Justice Navindra Singh, Justice Roxane George and Justice Dawn Gregory presided over matters in that session. Of these 41 matters, 30 were presented in the Georgetown High Court. Ten of them were completed by Justice Barlow, eight matters were heard before by Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, six were completed by Justice Singh, five matters completed by Justice George and one matter was completed by Justice Dawn Gregory. Eleven matters were nolle prosequi by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) based on statements given by the virtual complainants. One matter was presented and nolle prosequi in open court by the Judge. Justice Barlow presided over 10 matters for the offence of Rape of a Child under 16 years; Attempt to Commit Murder; Felonious Wounding; Rape and Carnal Knowledge of Girl between 15 and 16 years; Carnal Knowledge of Girl under 15 years; Manslaughter; Murder; Rape; Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm; Forgery; Larceny in Dwelling House and Fraudulent Conversion. In three matters for the offences of Rape of a Child
under 16 years, Attempt to Commit Murder and Felonious Wounding, Rape and Carnal Knowledge of Girl between 15 and 16 years, the complainants went into the witness box and indicated that they no longer wished to give evidence or to proceed with their matters. As such, Justice Barlow directed the Jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty for the accused. An accused was acquitted for the offence of Carnal Knowledge after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty. In three separate matters for the offences of Manslaughter, Forgery and Larceny in Dwelling House and Fraudulent Conversion, the trial judge upheld no case submissions and directed the respective Jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty. An accused charged with Murder changed his plea to guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. In another murder case, the accused was sentenced to 25years imprisonment after the jury returned a majority verdict in proportion 10 guilty to two not guilty. In one matter for the offence of Rape and Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm, the accused was sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment after the jury returned a majority verdict of 11 guilty to one not guilty. Justice SewnarineBeharry presided over eight matters. Three were for the
offence of Carnal Knowledge of Girl under 15 years, two for the offence of Sexual Activity with A Child Family Member, one for the offence of Attempt to Commit Murder and Wounding with Intent, one matter for the offence of Incest and Carnal Knowledge of Girl under 15 years and one matter for the offence of Murder. In the offence of Carnal Knowledge of Girl under 15 years, the complainant gave evidence from the witness box that she did not wish to proceed with the matter. The trial judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. In another trial for the same offence the accused was sentenced to 20 years jail after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. The accused in the third matter was acquitted after the trial Judge upheld a no case submission and directed the Jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. In one of the two cases for the offence of Sexual Activity with A Child Family Member, the complainant offered no evidence and the Judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. In the other matter the accused was found guilty and will be sentenced later this month. Judge Sewnarine-Beharry directed the Jury to return a formal not guilty verdict for the offence of attempt to commit murder and wounding with intent after the complainant offered no evidence. For the offence of Incest and Carnal Knowledge of Girl under 15 years, the accused was acquitted after the Jury returned a majority verdict of
Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry
Justice Navindra Singh
Justice Dawn Gregory
11 not guilty to one guilty. For the offence of Murder, the Jury failed to reach a verdict and the accused was remanded back to prison to await a new trial. Of the six matters presented before Justice Navindra Singh, five were for the offence of Murder and one for Attempt to Commit Murder with an alternative count of Wounding with Intent. Of the five matters for the offence of Murder, there were four guilty verdicts and one acquittal after the Jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty. In a murder case, the accused was sentenced to 57 years’ imprisonment by Justice Singh after he was found guilty by the jury. In another Murder trial, the jury found that the accused was not guilty of Murder but guilty of the lesser offence of Manslaughter. The accused was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Justice Singh imposed an 81-year jail sentence on each of four accused of murder
after the Jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts. In another trial for the same offence, the accused was jailed for 80 years after the jury returned with a unanimous guilty verdict. In the only matter for the offence of Attempt to Commit Murder with an alternative count of Wounding with Intent, the accused was remanded to prison after he pleaded guilty to three indictments, two of which he was before the Court to answer. However, during the proceedings, the accused told the trial Judge a story and based on that story Justice Singh did not accept his guilty plea and remanded him to prison. Justice Roxane George completed five matters. Two were for the offence of Murder, one for the offence of Rape of a Child under 16 Years, one for the offence of Sexual Activity with A Child Family Member. There was also one for the offence of Attempt to Commit Murder with an alternative count of Wounding with
Intent to Cause Grievous Bodily Harm. In four separate trials, two for the offence of Murder, one for the offence of Rape of a Child under 16 years and one other matter for the offence of Sexual Activity with A Child Family Member, the accused were acquitted after the respective Jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty. Meanwhile, the complainant in the one matter for the offence of Attempt to Commit Murder with an alternative count of Wounding with Intent to Cause Actual Bodily Harm, the witness did not give evidence and the state entered a nolle prosequi in open court. Justice Dawn Gregory had continued sitting from the June Assizes and completed one matter for the offence of Buggery. The accused in this matter was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty. The January 2016 Criminal Assizes for Demerara will open on January 12.
Commissioners divided over shutting down sugar estates - report The report coming out of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) set up to examine the sugar industry has indicated that the views of the Commissioners differ as it relates to the continued existence of certain estates. The report, presented last Wednesday to the National Assembly, says that the possibility of closure of some estates received much discussion and even debate. The deliberations were based on the comparative low levels of production and consistent loss positions of
certain estates. In the final analysis, two Commissioners supported closure, while the remaining eight opposed such a recommendation. According to the report, Commissioners took into consideration that the closure of estates, especially in Demerara, had been recommended and considered in previous studies, but thought it not prudent to make such a recomme n d a t i o n a t t h i s time. Commissioners also
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
t o o k i n t o a c c o u n t the current state of the economy which lacks vibrancy, with awareness of the problems in the rice industry, the low market price of gold and the level of unemployment. The report indicated that cane farmers from Wales Estate and the No.Two Canal areas explained to the Commissioners that they had invested millions of dollars in the acquisition of agricultural machinery and also invested millions of dollars in the growing of sugar cane on the encouragement by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). The expectation of those farmers is the harvesting of their crop over at least a threeyear period after planting and
having access to sugar factories for the sale of their product. Based on these considerations, it seemed inappropriate to advocate the closure at this time of any sugar estate. “That subject is likely to surface in the future, but it will necessitate forward planning and discussing with farmers such a plan with adequate notice to phase out their operations.” The Commissioners have found that despite the losses, the effect of closing any estate without planning and adequate notice to cane farmers has serious consequences not only for the employees and private farmers but for the communities as well.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Tackling mental health – an ongoing Ministry of Public Health initiative (Part 2) By Sharmain Grainger There is no denying that we have entered the New Year with many problems that require all hands on deck to be fixed. Suicide is one of those problems and, as I promised last week, we will continue to examine this issue today. This problem has been described by some within the health fraternity as an epidemic and we have seen enough cases in our homeland to readily accept this notion. The figures for last year are indeed alarming; suicides were recorded practically every month. Suicide, a mental health challenge, has been known to be the solution embraced by too many people as the answer to depression, anxiety disorders and acute stress, alcohol and drug psychosis-induced schizophrenia and other psychosis, as we outlined last week. While it is recognized as a health issue and therefore falls under the purview of the Ministry of Public Health, there are many organizations, including the Ministry of Social Protection, and individuals, who have pledged their support to help reduce its prevalence. Some have simply been raising awareness about its prevalence and offering counseling services. But according to Chief Psychiatrist within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Bhiro Harry, even though such support is welcomed, it certainly cannot be effective without close collaboration with the Public Health Ministry. There are in fact
The more things change the more they remain the same, is a popular saying that means just that. The people of Guyana changed the year but many things still persist. The murders have reached alarming proportions after just one day. There will be two more before the year is one month old. All will be alcoholinduced. ********** The pace will quicken as the government goes after people fingered in corruption. Suddenly there will be a mad transfer of assets. But what will be surprising is the pace of the court proceedings. This will cause the society to
some people who require more than just counselling to be healed. Dr. Harry is attached to the premier public health institution - the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). He has been in the system for many years, and is the longest serving Psychiatrist in the public health sector. There are currently only four others in the public health sector who are qualified psychiatrists, so the onus is often on Dr. Harry to recognise and help address mental health issues countrywide. There are currently a few trained psychologists in the system too. But just for the sake of enlightening the public, I must interject here, and note that there are plans apace to soon introduce a Master’s in Psychiatry programme that will help to boost the capacity within the public health sector. Already eight doctors have been identified for that programme, which will be conducted through the University of Guyana, in collaboration with the GPHC. Dr. Harry will understandably be one of the key players in this ambitious venture. He understands the mental health situation in Guyana all too well, and sometimes spends hours away from his office just to have a one-on-one conversation with someone who is plagued by mental health disorder(s). Backed by his years of experience, Dr. Harry was in a position to disclose recently that the input of community groups to help tackle the challenge of suicide cannot be understated. He however pointed to the Ministry of
conclude that the government did waste time and money. *********** A prominent businessman is going to find himself in a prickly situation. He owed money and there are some people who do not take kindly to being owed. So early in the New Year the society will wake up to gunfire, the kind that is reserved for battlefields.
Public Health’s finding that the existing informal mental health services, such as the Phoenix Foundation and the Salvation Army, are limited to substance abuse ambulatory support and counseling services for male individuals with substance abuse problems. But he is convinced that advocacy-type groups can play a valuable role in the prevention and rehabilitation efforts within the mental health care system. Information out of the Public Health Ministry suggests too that many non-health professional and nonprofessional groups in Guyana, including teachers, community leaders, traditional spiritual healers, herbalists, religious leaders, law enforcement (police), ambulance attendants, Non Governmental Organisations and the media, could potentially play a major role in the promotion of mental health in their communities, under the direction of the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry. Perhaps one of the biggest introductions to help boost mental health services in Guyana, will be the construction of a Mental Health Institute (MHI) to house the aforementioned Unit. Minister of Public
Health, Dr. George Norton, had last year disclosed that his Ministry is already eyeing a location at Quamina Street, Georgetown for this facility. It is expected that the Institute, which will accommodate the head of the Mental Health Unit and other requisite personnel, will be the nerve centre where all mental health-related activities will be developed, ranging from administration to training. Conducting research that can help to better understand the mental health situation and ways to tackle same will be priorities of the Unit. This will be done even as moves are made to improve the Public Health Ministry’s lone mental health rehabilitation centre - the National Psychiatric Hospital in Berbice. Efforts by the Ministry to counter mental health problems during the past year included the launching of an Action Plan that will guide the way forward until 2020. Also launched last year, and slated to span the same period, was a National Suicide Prevention Strategy that has mental health and suicide prevention as priority areas for development of needful health services. Moreover, this year will see sustained efforts being
Chief Psychiatrist, Dr. Bhiro Harry focused on continuing the implementation of these strategic actions for the integration of mental health into primary health care, and the completion of the implementation of the Mental Health Action Plan and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. This is according to Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Jorge Estevez, who is also attached to the GPHC. He disclosed that approval will be sought this year for a National Plan of
Action for Control and Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. And, according to him too, simultaneously, strategic efforts will be made to enhance the mental health services to other communities such as Enmore, Diamond, Mahaicony, Leonora and other areas that already have well established health facilities. This will be done, according to Dr. Estevez, even as mental health services are extended nationwide. With the many improvement plans apace, it is expected that accessing mental services will be as simple as visiting your neighbourhood health facility, or at least one in your Region, to get mental health care. This, however, does not mean that you cannot venture into another community to get similar service. The important thing is to know that keen moves are being made to ensure that help is readily available and you, or your family members and friends, do not have to suffer in silence; get help today.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 03, 2016
PSC says it is not controlled by outside interference A row has now started between the Guyana Police Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC) over this year’s police promotion. On Old Year’s Day, the PSC said that it is a Constitutional Agency constituted under Section 210 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and is not influenced or controlled by any outside interference. This was in response to remarks made by Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud the previous day at his end-ofyear press conference. The Commissioner said that the PSC had written to him informing that the anticipated annual police promotions would be announced on or before February 23 this year and not January 1 as is traditional. He said that the PSC had played right into the hands of former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee who had suggested that the promotions be put on hold pending the completion of disciplinary matters against some officers who were identified to be promoted. But in a strongly
PSC Chairman Omesh Saytanand worded response, the PSC strongly advised the Commissioner of Police to desist from making derogatory, irresponsible, loose and malicious statements regarding the promotion of Inspectors and Officers and the functioning of the Police Service Commission. In its explanation, the PSC said that recognizing that
there was no promotion list submitted at the end of November 2015, it took a decision at its statutory meeting to write the Commissioner of Police inquiring whether there will be Promotions for 2015. The Commissioner subsequently forwarded the Recommendations for Promotion on December 11, 2015. The PSC explained that it subsequently convened a Special Meeting on December 21, after Members of the Commission observed a number of inconsistencies on the list provided by the Commissioner of Police. “The Promotion List provided to the Police Service Commission were found to be flawed with the following discrepancies: - A Rank recommended for promotion is on Retirement Leave; Several Ranks recommended for promotion did not pass the Appropriate Qualifying Examinations (AQE) in keeping with Chapter 16.01 of the Police Act; A few Ranks recommended for promotion were interdicted from official duty and ranks recommended for promotion are not on the Se-
niority List,” the PSC said. It was also observed that there were over two hundred and fifty (250) supersessions on the provided List After careful deliberations by the Members, the Commission took a decision to seek more time to scrutinize all Personal Files for Sergeants, Inspectors and Officers of the Guyana Police Force and to cross-examine them with the spreadsheets that were prepared during the interviews. The PSC said it is only fair to the Members of the Commission to be given ample time to ensure that an acceptable Promotion List is approved. The PSC also said that over the last two months it interviewed 235 Inspectors and Officers of the Guyana Police Force. The rationale for these interviews was to have an assessment prepared on these Inspectors and Officers with emphasis being placed on the following areas: - Policing Experience; Training (Internally and Externally) and appropriate educational qualifications; General Staff Management and Appraisal, and Overview on disciplinary matters. Article 212 (1) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana clearly states that “Subject to the provisions of article 211(1), the power to make appointments to any officer in the Police Force of or the above the rank of Inspector, the power to exercise disciplin-
Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud
ary control over persons holding or acting in such offices and the power to remove such persons from office shall vest in the Police Service Commission.” In light of this, the PSC looked at all eligible ranks of the Guyana Police Force who were recommended or not recommended for promotion. DISCIPLINARY MATTERS ‘Regarding pending disciplinary matters, it must be noted that disciplinary matters are recommended by Force Administration and it is the responsibility of Force Administration and not the Police Service Commission to institute the charges and preparing the Charge Sheets for Ranks of the Guyana Police Force. “It must be noted that the Police Service Commission in a letter dated April 22, 2015 informed the Commissioner of Police on the decision taken to appoint Mr. Cecil Sullivan, Retired Magistrate, to expedite the hearing of pending disciplinary matters for Inspectors and Officers in the Guyana Police Force. “The Commissioner of Police welcomed this initiative by Police Service Commission and appointed a Senior Officer to function as the Presenting Officer for these trials.” The PSC said it has taken note about comments made by the Commissioner of Police at his recently held Police Press Conference at the Commissioner’s Boardroom about “Police Promotion 2015 put on hold”. This, it said, is far from the truth. The Police Service Commission reiterated that
the moral standing of employees in an organization depends on the leadership of that organization. The Police Service Commission categorically stated that promotions for members of the Guyana Police Force are done based on the vacancies existing and to maintain established strength of the Force and not traditionally during the Christmas Season. But the Guyana Police Force has not taken the PSC’s position lying down. In a statement sent out on New Year’s Day, the police clarified that the PSC wrote to the Commissioner of Police asking for the personal files of Officers, Inspectors and Sergeants, since during October 2015 and had also requested that identified ranks report to the Service Commission since then, and this was complied with immediately. The police said that the PSC never requested the recommendations for promotion from the Commissioner of Police until during December 2015 and this was acted upon. The force explained that during January 2015, the Commissioner of Police had written the Chairman of the PSC for information on the criteria used by the Service Commission in making promotions in the Police Force, in order to guide the Force Administration in making recommendations, but has not received any response to date. It said that it is for that very reason, and taking into consideration the fact that the Service Commission had sent for the personal files and interviewed a number of ranks, the Force Administration did not volunteer a list of recommendations for promotion until it was requested. “The Guyana Police Force is also asking the Police Service Commission to clarify to the public which section of the Police Act states that promotion is dependent on a rank passing the Appropriate Qualifying Examination,” the police statement said.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
The Glass Menagerie in 2015 I believe once a student does philosophy if you ask him/her who is likely to be their favourite playwright, Tennessee Williams will challenge William Shakespeare. It depends on who you are. I find Williams is more focused on the determinism of illusions in people’s lives and he does not search for solutions to the relentless confinement of the mind that reality imposes on humans. Williams is not interested in happy endings, because he feels that those too are illusions. He replaces hope with escapism. Shakespeare on the other hand accepts that human nature is redemptive and the denouement will inevitable be rewarding Williams has long been my preferred playwright, maybe because in the evolution of my life I could more identify with his themes. “The Glass Menagerie” is my number one selection among his
work. It is the story of three persons who refuse to accept reality and will go on spending their lives in illusions, replacing reality with escapism. Looking back in 2015, if any country fits the theme of The Glass Menagerie, it is Guyana. This is a country where people are happy to live in the self-imposed deception that the country moves forward in the direction of a free horizon Did Guyana move in 2015? How and where did it move? “Oh yes,” would be the immediate response. The reaction would be that we changed an “unchanging” government. That graphic fact is pregnant with hope, but hope is another form of illusion, in the Guyanese context, that is. We have been hoping since the election of local politicians to power at the beginning of the fifties, that would be about sixty-five years ago. Hope gave us the
cancellation of such a government in 1953. Hope gave us Forbes Burnham in 1966. Hope gave us the PPP in 1992. What will hope give us after May 2015? I would not hold my breath. This is where the theme of The Glass Menagerie comes in. Illusions replace hope and reality is substituted for the endless drift into escapism. What giant stride did we take in 2015? No modern laws were enacted in the entire 2015 that took us away from the long, dead past that controlled and control our lives. We inherited some nasty libel laws from the English that the English themselves have long done away with. People sue for libel in this country that would make even Trinidadian and Jamaican judges laugh at us. But then again they laugh at us anyway. In the sixties, about half a century ago, the PPP lost a
libel when its newspaper, “The Mirror” frontpaged a story about a cow electrocuted on the fence at the home of Prime Minister Burnham. The PPP paid substantial damages. Incidentally, that article was written by a young journalist named Moses Nagamootoo. About fifty years after that article, Nagamootoo is now the Prime Minister. Will he move to change the libel laws? Prime Minister Burnham sued again. This time the defendant was the Mayor of Georgetown, Archie Codrington. Sympathetic people had to raise money to stop the levy on Codrington’s home. Vice-President Desmond Hoyte sued the Catholic Standard on specious grounds and won substantial libel. Today, our libel laws are have not changed even in one sentence as when they were first written more than a hun-
dred years ago and handed down to us when we became a British colony. Nothing changes in this country, but like the three characters in The Glass Menagerie, we pretend the reality is different from what it is Perhaps the most dangerous form of self-deception is the Cuban-trained Guyanese doctors. They are simply not competently trained. UG’s medical programme has been decertified, yet UG-trained doctors are millions of miles ahead of what Cuba gives us. This is the stark reality we refuse to face. These students are mass-produced as a political favour to Guyana by Cuba. It is more politics than science. Brazil and Jamaica have rejected the scholarships, but we turn them out by the hundreds each year and their incompetence kills people, but it is to our mental satisfaction to fool ourselves to say we have a well-staffed
Frederick Kissoon medical system. But sometimes things do change in Guyana. But shockingly for the worse. A major high school rejected the CXC syllabus and its students have to do the British GCE. Miss Israel, Miss Japan, Miss France were all nonwhite contestants on the world stage. Here in unchanging Guyana, even the most inconsequential advertisement features the White faces of Caucasian models. How does one explain this contradiction in a country that loves Bob Marley’s philosophical songs? Marley must be turning in his grave.
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Sunday January 03, 2016
2016 WILL BE GREEN AND GOLDEN A Happy New Year to every Guyanese boy and girl, man and woman. The Alliance for Change takes this opportunity to express our overriding confidence that 2016 is going to mark a significant step towards our ultimate goal to restore Guyana for the benefit of every citizen. The year just over has been a challenging one, but we all faced those challenges head-on and the AFC is proud that our Guyanese people showed in very definitive ways their determination to make things right. We faced down quite a few daunting circumstances and there will be many more as the political opposition does its level best to distract you from the goals you have set yourselves. Do not allow their hate-mongering to prevent you from enjoying the
fruits of your labour. We are all preparing to showing the multitude of visitors who will descend on these shores that this land is overflowing with hope, with prospects for development that were previously only dreamed of, and with certainty that good will prevail. As 2015 dawned, we knew that the May 11 Regional and General Elections would mark a significant turning point in our lives. The tabling of our No Confidence Motion in the fourth quarter of 2014 against the incumbent PPP/C Government that led to the unwise prorogation of the Parliament had set in motion a train of events irrevocably headed for Change. On Valentine’s Day February 14, we signed the Cummingsburg Accord with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). This significant event was like a tolling bell
sounding a clarion call for the eradication of ethnic, traditional and other useless divisions within our society. That bell morphed into a speeding train with the new catch phrase “National Unity” emblazoned on its sides. Thousands of Guyanese got on board the train and went to work to restore to this nation that we were once so proud of. We are a people so proud yet so humble that Guyana used to be known before the 1990’s as the hospitality capital of the Western hemisphere. It was not because we were home to any opulent hotel chains from the developed countries. We weren’t, because the then administration failed to recognize the value of Tourism. It was simply because every Guyanese was socialized from childhood to accommodate strangers from anywhere with humility and grace. No matter where they came from, no matter their nationality, no matter the shape or hue, we gave shelter and we shared our food if it was cooked on a fireside, on a kerosene burner or on a gas or electric stove. Interestingly, this is how people around the world who knew us or had visited this land referred to Guyana, i.e., as the place with the most hospitable people they ever did meet. We lost that accolade in 2002 when crime and brutality became an industry. The tone and mores of this nation went into a downward spiral. In May 2015 you gave this government an unambiguous directive to right the wrongs. You told us in no uncertain terms that every type of division should be eradicated since these divisions in ev-
ery sector of business and society, were retarding your development and costing you money, time and opportunities to upgrade your standard of living. We heard you loud and clear. So in comes 2016 ushering in the next stage of what President David Granger describes as our “Renaissance for a unified, peaceful and prosperous Guyana”. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo declared that “Better must come!” Guyana has been given a grand opportunity to change the trajectory of this nation, to transform the physical landscape to a place of beauty and cleanliness; to establish learning centres for out-of-school youths; to encourage the business and production sectors to expand and diversify which will throw open the job market in Guyana; and to provide a superlative education for all our children. These processes have begun and there is no shortage of stimulation or encouragement. Our students have been performing well at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations. This high level of performance of a few must be spread out to a much larger number of students to prepare more Guyanese youths for excellence at higher education. Our overriding hope is that the youths who get the opportunity to study abroad would be encouraged by our infrastructural development and improved professional and social conditions and amenities all around them that will ensure their growth and personal development. These are but a few of the incentives that will be offered to graduates to return to
Guyana and lend their skills to national development. The majority of our hinterland airstrips and runways that were left untended for too many years became pitted and overgrown with years’ worth of bushes. This is already being remedied. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has started an intensive work plan to clear, resurface and generally upgrade and lengthen these airstrips. A few will be able to accommodate larger aircraft that require more than 4,500 feet of runway. Three new towns were recently gazetted - Lethem, Mabaruma and Bartica, the latter to serve as a model ‘Green Town’ that will be replicated in parts of Guyana. In fact, Guyana’s green revolution has been set in motion. We’re assessing a number of interior sites that have potential for hydro-power stations, even while we explore the ways and means to provide renewable solar and wind energy to certain areas. This is where we can really count our blessings. Our natural resources for renewable energy are being tied into that other natural resource – oil and gas – that was discovered in 2015. In just a few years when international companies begin to extract petroleum from the Stabroek and other Blocks, Guyana would likely be counted among the world’s oil-producing nations. The financial gains will no doubt bolster the government’s ability to provide the “Good Life” for every Guyanese. We have taken heed of the warnings, especially about “irrational exuberance” and the possible migration of skills from agricultural, manu-
facturing and other production sectors. We have crafted the required legislation that will protect the environments in and around oil-producing installations. We have begun the very involved process of integrating Petroleum Engineering and related disciplines into our education system, and we continue to receive guidance from partnering countries. We want every Guyanese to know that every developmental initiative is being tailored for town, country and the hinterland. Our citizens living and mining, farming and fishing, planting and reaping from the forests are also benefitting from social, health, educational and infrastructural developmental. Late last year we launched the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Project at Paramakatoi, Region 8 under the theme: ”Our Youth, Our Future!” It will be replicated in other communities. 2016 holds much promise for Guyanese. ‘Project Restore Guyana’ has as its main pillars: . Drainage . sustainable urban, rural, and hinterland physical rehabilitation . solid waste management . welfare management for the indigent, addicted and mentally unstable . restoration of ethical and social responsibility . public and stakeholder consultations Fellow Guyanese, may this year of our Golden Jubilee be a bright beacon that provides golden opportunities for our young, peaceful years for our elderly, profitable business for the private sector, and golden performances from our sports men and women. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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My column
A new year, old issues The simple things are what add spice to life. The year just past was heading to a close; there was a huge crowd buildup across from the 1763 Monument. I have seen crowds at that venue for political meetings but never have I seen such a crowd. Driving in that vicinity was a nightmare; only the presence of the police helped some to get out of the jam. And it was a jam. Young people, especially, who could not afford the exorbitant prices to party in the sophisticated night clubs, partied in the streets at no cost. This was akin to New Yorkers gathering in Times Square to watch the ball drop on the stroke of midnight. Simple, but enjoyable. At the other end of the city another crowd had gathered outside Camp Ayanganna. They too had simple but enjoyable fun, because many at the end of the display ended on the seawalls. The enterprising had set up food and drink stalls. So it was that the New Year dawned for many who could not be bothered with the clubs. I headed to the home of a relative on the East Coast. Plaisance was no different. There was a huge crowd of young people on the ‘line top’. Mr Bumbury was one happy man, and so too were his neighbours who would have not been there had Robeson Benn had his way some time back. But there was no such joy in other locations. The sun had just come up when news came that the police were hunting a man who killed somebody. I immediately told myself that the year might have changed, but people remained just as ruthless and uncompromising. The year was barely two days old when there were three murders. I remembered Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud saying that people had lost
skills at conflict resolution. My mind slipped back to some other columns I had written. I tend to be pessimistic at the start of the year, because I worry about those who will not live to see the end of it. Already there are three who wouldn’t. But on the bright side there are going to be many people who had not seen Guyana in years. This year Guyana will be fifty years old and there are grand plans for the occasion. I was a teenager when the nation was born. I remember that trains still ran and people filled them to head to what was then Queen Elizabeth Park to see the Golden Arrowhead hoisted and the Union Jack lowered for the last time. Steel bands were numerous back then and people tramped through the streets. I borrowed a bicycle from one of my uncles, put it on the train, and headed to the city from Beterverwagting. I parked that bicycle under a house at the corner of Albert and Lamaha Streets, got in behind a steel band and tramped till daylight. When I got back to where I had left my bike it was there. Those had to be great days. There were hardly any home invasions; guns were scarce and police stations were places for people who made complaints and for petty thieves. Over the years something happened to people to make some of them the monsters they are. Respect was the order of the day; children respected adults and paid attention to what they were taught in school. Forbes Burnham had every reason to believe that Guyana was destined for great things. His party is back in power, with the support of some smaller political parties. And as Burnham did, his successor would be participating in the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead when May 26 dawns. Like Burnham, he must
deal with serious issues, one of which is the crime situation. I must admit that the New Year dawned with a drastic reduction in criminal activity (murders not included). Of course there are the political issues. Dr Cheddi Jagan was not there when the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted and I fear that fifty years later the head of the People’s Progressive Party will not be there. The party will be busy trying to downplay the evidence that points to serious corruption involving those of its
members who served as Ministers and as senior Government functionaries. This past week the hammer fell on the activities conducted by Winston Brassington. What should have been done a long time ago began when Brassington flew the coop. But on the pleasant side, the nation should see better trained public servants, more young people getting jobs, and an increased police force that should help curb criminal excesses. There will also be greater traffic controls.
Most impressive will be the city cameras programme. For some time Guyana has been trying to enhance its security by way of the socalled Big Brother programme. Big Brother was a character created by the writer George Orwell in his book 1984. There was the phrase ‘Big Brother is watching’ in reference to a series of cameras that watched over the city exposing people’s every move. There would be infrastructure development that the nation had not seen in de-
Adam Harris cades. This would also see greater employment. But these things will mean nothing once people continue to be unforgiving.
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SUNDAY SPECIAL $7B plus unearthed from audits transferred to Treasury – Finance Minister The phased transfer of billions of dollars discovered during Government’s forensic audits has begun as scheduled. The first set of monies transferred to the Treasury totalled over $7B.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Former murder accused, Keron Herbert, who was shot Saturday night while closing his stall at the Vendors’ Arcade, has succumbed to his injuries. The 29-year-old father of four died in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) around 16:00 hrs Sunday, less than a day after he was shot four times by a lone gunman. Herbert, of Lot 31 Morocut Square, East La Penitence had sustained injuries to the throat, buttocks, stomach and one of his thighs. He had also suffered severe damage to his spine and one of his kidneys and doctors had informed his relatives that if had had survived, he would not have been able to walk again. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum last night declined to comment on a possible motive for the execution, other than saying that detectives “were exploring every possibility.”
out to be a relatively peaceful holiday weekend. The slain man, 29-year-old Trevor April of High Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, was shot in the head by another passenger, during an argument over the closing of one of the windows. The incident occurred on the eastern end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The wounded man collapsed in the bus, and was later pronounced dead on arrival at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital. A second bullet grazed Special Constable Randolph Williams, 27, who was sitting two seats in front of the gunman. He was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The killer, described as being about five feet eight inches in height, and sporting dreadlocks and carrying a blue haversack, calmly left the scene. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum last night confirmed that the incident took place around 18:00 hours. At the time, the vehicle was heading from the West Coast of Demerara to Georgetown.
CYCLE OF CORRUPTION WILL CONTINUE IF WHITE COLLAR CRIMINALS ESCAPE PROSECUTION – DR. HINDS
MONDAYEDITION MAN SLAIN BY NEIGHBOURACCUSED OF BURGLARIZING HOME
Finance Minister Winston Jordan
The money includes $1B from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), with the rest from the Lotto Funds, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and other agencies. Kaieteur News confirmed that several dormant accounts which were holding millions of dollars were also closed in 2015. The second transfer of monies will be done early in 2016. It was in May 2015 that the Granger-led administration expended some $133M of taxpayers’ dollars on a series of forensic audits to ascertain how the assets of the state were sold, disposed of or transferred under the previous administration. Several audits were also launched in July, while others started in later weeks. While the report on NICIL has been completed for over a month, those on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) have been completed for even longer. The forensic audit into NICIL recently revealed $26B was kept out of the Treasury. The entire sum will however be transferred to the Consolidated Fund in a phased manner as well. As for the forensic audit launched into the Environmental Protection Agency, Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma who is in charge of the audits, revealed that this has been completed since August. He had said that the audit uncovered that the entity has been holding some 15 accounts with millions of dollars. A reliable source revealed that the monies total over $400M. Kaieteur News understands that recommendations were made for the monies to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund. PASSENGER SHOT DEAD OVER BUS WINDOW ROW What is being described as a “stupid row”, that led to a mini bus passenger being shot dead and another narrowly escaping serious injury, on Boxing Day marred what was turning
The Christmas festivities quickly turned into tragedy for a Bare Roots, Bachelor’s Adventure family when a member was stabbed to death by a young villager who they had been accusing of burglarizing their property. Kevon George, 28, a construction worker, was killed around 07:30 hours shortly after confronting the suspected burglar in the village.
Lorenzo James
A jealous young man took his life on Boxing Day, hours after terrorizing his teenage girlfriend and escaping from the Grove Police Station. Lorenzo James, 21, who resided at Duncan Street and at Lot 218, Grove, East Bank Demerara, reportedly succumbed in a house in South Ruimveldt after ingesting a poisonous substance. Earlier in the night, James, who had shared an on and off relationship with his girlfriend who is 16 years old, had gone to her home while her mother was at work. There, he had reportedly held his girlfriend at knifepoint and subjected her to a brutal beating. “He knocked at the door and asked to use the toilet so I let he in and then he lock the door and started to beat me after he pull out a knife and made me repeat that I must not disrespect Lorenzo and he family anymore while on my knees,” the girlfriend, with a swollen jaw and blood shot left eye recounted Sunday. SHOT FORMER MURDERACCUSED SUCCUMBS – DETECTIVES BELIEVE SHOOTING WAS A HIT
Killed: Kevon George
He sustained a stab wound to his neck and was left lying on a parapet with blood gushing from the wound until his lifeless body was picked up by the police more than an hour later. Police in a press statement said that the suspect has been arrested. Kaieteur News understands that George’s murder stemmed from a recent issue his family has with the suspect who lives two houses away. MAN KILLS SELFAFTER TORTURING TEEN LOVER “TELL YUH MUDDA, YUH LOVE SHE FOR THE LAST TIME, I GOING TO KILL YOU TODAY…”
Keron Herbert
If the new government does not secure justice for a nation which was plagued by white collar crimes over the last decade, the cycle will never stop. This is the dire warning that Political commentator and Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, has sent to the coalition government which his party forms part of. In his most recent piece published on www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. , Dr. Hinds said that when others see obvious misdeeds go unpunished, it gives them the go ahead to do the same. The commentator believes that the new government has made several mistakes already but contended that none was overly tragic. “The issue on which it has been most vulnerable is prosecution of misdeeds by the previous government.” He added that the PPP pre-empted possible prosecution of its Ministers. It was quick in leveling charges of witch-hunting and ethnic cleansing. TUESDAYEDITION INT’L SPECIALISTS ‘APPROVE’ SARU DRAFT LEGISLATION Head of the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), Dr. Clive Thomas, is elated that the draft legislation for his department is finally completed. More importantly, he said that it has been given the blessings of international asset recovery and fraud specialists. The economist hopes that the legislation will be taken to Parliament in a timely manner, at least by the earliest sitting of the National Assembly next year. He said, “I am happy that this is finally finished. The experts made some extremely useful inputs to the draft legislation in terms of how we are to strengthen our security and how prosecution should be handled. The draft Bill also sees SARU getting the sort of legal backing that it needs when it comes to certain fraud cases.” “More importantly, I must say that the work of the department under the Ministry of the Presidency is moving along effectively but there are those who feel we are a toothless poodle and all sorts of things. These comments come particularly from the opposition.” “I am not surprised that they are opposed to us. But let me make it clear, the international community and this coalition government understand the importance of this department Continued on page 31
Sunday January 03, 2016
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From page 30 and they continue to encourage us with our work. SARU has an important responsibility, being the protector against the misuse of state assets. “This agency is not going to let anyone who was involved in that ring get away. The full extent of the law shall be there to hold them. And it is for this reason that the Opposition makes certain comments about us and has a hateful disposition towards us. It is nothing but fear. They fear such an agency being strengthened because they know that we are not going to tolerate the corruption that they got away with,” said Dr. Thomas. Dr. Thomas also expressed sincere appreciation for the help being extended by Mr. Brian Horne, a specialist from the United Kingdom. GOVT, BRIDGE COY SIGN $31M SUBSIDYAGREEMENT The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) and the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI), signed the agreement for the provision of a subsidy to the bridge company. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson represented the government. Chairman of BBCI, Mr. Egbert Carter, and BBCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Omadot Samaroo, represented the bridge company. Also present at the signing ceremony were Minister Patterson’s Advisor, Mr. Kenneth Jordan, and MPI’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Balraj Balram. The signing covered the provision of a $31M subsidy to the bridge company. This subsidy will cover a toll reduction for passenger cars and minibuses, from $2,200 to $1,900 and for all other types of vehicles by 10 percent, excluding vessels. The agreement will take effect from January 1, while the subsidy will be disbursed before the end of 2015. Both Minister Patterson and Minister Ferguson are pleased that the agreement has finally been reached. The Ministers also said that the agreement is just an indication of the Government of Guyana’s commitment to providing a better life for the Guyanese public. WEDNESDAYEDITION WANTED FOR BUSINESSWOMAN’S MURDER…ESCAPEE’S BODY FOUND IN DEMERARARIVER The body of Robin Maxwell Thomas, who broke out of the Mackenzie Police Station on
Robin Maxwell Thomas
Thick smoke emanates from the blaze at the Haags Bosch landfill site at Eccles, E.B.D
December 8 with alleged accomplice Stafrei Alexander, has been found in the Demerara River. Officials said that Thomas’ badly decomposed corpse was found in the vicinity of West Watooka, near the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge, about a week ago. But he was only positively identified about a day ago after detectives matched the victim’s thumbprint to prints of Thomas they have on record. Kaieteur News was told that police were unable to ascertain the cause of death due to the badly decomposed state of the corpse. Thomas was said to have provided police with information about the murder for which he and three others were charged. The victim’s mother, Cheryl Hilliman, told Kaieteur News that a policeman visited her West Ruimveldt home at around 21.00 hrs on Monday. She said that the rank informed her that her son had drowned, and gave her two phone numbers for the Commander of ‘E’ Division. She said that Tuesday, she contacted her brother who called the ‘E’ Division Commander. “He called the Commander and he (the Commander) say it is my son (who was dead), and they said that they know it is him from his thumb print.” Relatives were told to visit the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary today to see the body. Thomas’ mother said that he has a scar under the right eye and a birthmark on his left buttock. Robin Maxwell Thomas, 22, of West Ruimveldt, and Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander, 30, of Lot 129, Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, broke out of the Mackenzie Police Station on December 8. The men reportedly escaped by smashing a hole through a cell wall. Thomas and Alexander along with Aiden Bowen, of Blueberry Hill, Wismar, and Anthony Primo, 29, of 153 Laing Avenue, were charged for the April 4, 2015 murder of businesswoman Shevon Gordon, who was shot near her One Mile, Linden premises. Assistant Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, who was acting as Crime Chief at the time, had told Kaieteur News that “not
enough vigilance was exercised” by the onduty personnel.
NURSE SUSPECTED OFAIDING CRIMINALSARRESTED
FIRE AT HAAGS BOSCH LANDFILL SITE…CONTRACTORS DID NOT ADHERE TO REQUIREMENTS – TEMPORARY HOLDING AREA TO BE OPERATIONAL SOON – COMMUNITIES MINISTRY
A nurse suspected of providing medical services to criminals was arrested Wednesday at her place of work, the Georgetown Public Hospital. This publication confirmed from medical professionals that just before 16:00 hrs police swooped down on the hospital’s Accident and
The Ministry of Communities is blaming Solid Waste Contractors, BK International Inc and Puran Brothers Disposal Services, for the uncontained blaze at the Haags Bosch landfill site, Eccles East Bank Demerara. The spontaneous combustion last Sunday afternoon led to several sections of the site being shutdown and residents of the neighbouring communities dealing with the adverse effects of the heavy grey smoke that is currently polluting the atmosphere as a result of the smoldering refuse. Garbage trucks were almost immediately redirected to the Lusignan dumpsite, East Coast Demerara. While temporary relief has been granted in the situation, officials of the Ministry are laying the blame for the blaze, which has rendered the site inoperable, squarely on the shoulders of the firms contracted to manage the solid waste firm. The Ministry, in a press statement Tuesday noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the contractors did not adhere to the Operations Management Requirements as stipulated under Section 15.6 of the signed agreement regarding fire prevention and firefighting. The contract for the construction and management of the landfill site was awarded to BK International and Puran Brothers Disposal Services in 2010. According to the information, the unhealthy situation does not surprise the Ministry, since there is “evidence of poor management techniques and inadequate security measures”, among others employed by the contractors. THURSDAYEDITION
Nurse Amani Critchlow
Emergency Unit and arrested Nurse Amani Critchlow while she as on the job. Police working on what they deem to be credible intelligence were able to positively identify her as a nurse who has been rendering medical assistance to known wanted gunmen who were injured during a robbery in November. A break in the investigation that led to her Continued on page 32
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 03, 2016
From page 31 arrest followed the recent incarceration of one of five men who were involved in a robbery committed on the owner of Yog Yog Frozen Parlour, Nicholas Coates. The robbery victim was Gail Russell’s son, Nicholas and it occurred on November 23. He was shot after five bandits invaded his home in Bel Air Park. Coates, 30, of Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, was shot to his knee when the bandits barged into his house and started shooting at him. He was taken to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he underwent surgery. One of the bandits was shot in the ordeal while the men made their escape in a yellow car. They managed to steal a cell phone. Russell told Kaieteur News that her son, a young entrepreneur, was home alone in his apartment when the incident occurred. He was having tea in his verandah when five men rushed through his open door. Coates immediately threw his cup of tea on the bandits and ran into his bedroom to get his gun and in the process was shot. While the bandits were trying to pry their way into the room, Russell said her son grabbed his gun and returned fire. “We called 911, 913 and whatever and it all ring out. The police came 45 minutes later,” she noted. Since then police have been investigating the matter. THREE KILLED IN CARIFESTA AVENUE SMASH-UP A horrific collision between a Toyota Premio motor car and a Canter truck on Carifesta Avenue claimed the lives of three people Wednesday night. Dead are the driver of the Canter truck, Linden Eastman, 62 called ‘Smallie’; Robert Pyle, a Guyana Defence Force Sergeant, who was driving the car, and his wife Stacy Pyle, 29, a nurse attached to the Woodlands Hospital. The Pyles are from the village of Paradise, East Coast Demerara. Although the victims appeared to have died on the spot, they were officially pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital minutes after they were pulled from the two wrecks. Eyewitnesses said that the car, PRR 9118, in which the Pyles were travelling, was heading east. It was overtaking another vehicle when it ended up into the path of the oncoming Canter truck. To avoid a head on collision, the driver of the car swerved, taking the impact on the left side of his car. Since Stacy Pyle was sitting in the front passenger seat, she took the brunt of the impact, and it took the efforts of firefighters to free her from the wreck. Firefighters also had to use special equipment to free Eastman from the Canter truck.
FRIDAYEDITION WORLD BANK, UN JOIN GUYANA’S ANTI-CORRUPTION FIGHT …ASSESSMENT TEAMS DUE THIS MONTH The State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) has made a significant step in garnering the support of the United Nations and World Bank in the fight against corruption in Guyana. According to SARU’s head, Dr. Clive Thomas, efforts were being made to get both entities on board through their joint programme called the State Asset Recovery Initiative. He said that after a few discussions, the two bodies have decided to come on board based on their own concerns regarding the state of corruption in Guyana. “They are coming in the third week of January to assess our needs. We had a number of meetings with them so far and they are coming to provide technical assistance for us. This is the biggest step for us in terms of international partners, and it signals that the international community wants to see us get our act together. With their presence here in Guyana, there is no way that certain PPP
wrongdoers could think they will get off the hook,” the economist said. Additionally, Thomas recalled that the draft legislation for his department is finally completed. More importantly, he said that it has been given the blessings of international asset recovery and fraud specialists. CONSOLIDATED FUND $4.5B… ASHNI SINGH WILLFACE THE MUSIC FOR MONEY ILLEGALLY SPENT Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan insists that no matter how long it takes, justice will be served when it comes to the illegal spending of $4.5B from the Consolidated Fund by former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh. When he served in the political opposition, Ramjattan had filed a complaint with the Guyana Police Force against Dr. Singh, over the unlawful spending of the $4.5B from the nation’s coffers. But the matter was one which was plagued by delays on the part of the Police Force – some two months after, and nothing on the case was done. Ramjattan was later asked to prepare an extensive report showing how the Finance Minister could be charged. From the standpoint of criminal proceedings, the matter
died a natural death. It was then taken up by the former Opposition Leader, David Granger. He was represented in the High Court by Basil Williams who now serves as Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General. The former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang ruled that the $4.5B spending by Dr. Singh was unconstitutional. Chang had told Kaieteur News that while he was criticized for not declaring sanctions, it should be noted that it is not his business to deliver disciplinary measures against the defaulters. He said that is the responsibility of the National Assembly. He had said, too, that the only option would be for the APNU+AFC to take the case up in a criminal proceeding. Ramjattan says that he intends to go that route. “Nothing came out of the case when I first carried it, but I have all intentions to check on the status of it and have it reopened and followed up on. The $4.5B spending remains, in my view, a case of illegal spending, and that is my legal opinion. The financial laws of this land were not meant to be broken.” “I promise you, this will not become some other cold case. If the powers that be give good reason why he should not be charged, well then that is another case, but in my opinion he should be charged. Listen, if we don’t set an example, then this nonsense will continue. This financial lawlessness has to change. We saw under the PPP, the lawless spending of taxpayers’ monies in defiance of the laws. It just cannot go down as though it is okay or else we would be saying too that this is the norm, and our own will think they can do the same and everything will be as cool as cucumbers.” The Public Security Minister said that the coalition Government intends to set standards so that others can know how necessary it is to abide by the laws. Minister Ramjattan stated emphatically, “Ashni Singh will face the music for illegal spending. For those who benefited and think they will get away, listen to me carefully when I say that the long arm of the law will catch you!”
Sunday January 03, 2016
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Local Government: Why You Should Be Involved WHAT IS LOCAL GOVERNMENT? Local government is the system for managing and developing your community under the leadership of persons you choose from within your community. The leaders chosen by you to manage your community are called councillors. The body of councillors is called a council. There are presently seventy-one (71) such councils. HOWARE COUNCILLORS CHOSEN? Councillors are elected in a local government election – being seventy-one (71) separate elections held on the same day. The next local government election will be held on March 18, 2016. Persons who wish to become councillors must be nominated by January 26, 2016. WHAT IS AN IMPORTANT FACTABOUT LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS? In general elections only political parties can present candidates. On the other hand, in local government elections, civic groups such as volunteer-groups, community groups, faith-based organisations and any other group can also field candidates. In fact, even an individual can contest as an independent candidate to become a councillor. WHO CAN BE A CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS? Any Guyanese who is eligible to vote and lives in a particular constituency can be a candidate in his or her constituency, except the following categories of persons: Members of the National Assembly, Members of the armed forces, Local Government Officers, the Ombudsman, Director of Public Prosecutions, Election Officer, or Registration Officer. WHAT IS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM? Local government organs are composed of towns commonly known as municipalities and neighbourhood democratic councils (NDCs). There are currently sixty-two NDCs and nine townships or municipalities. Each municipality or NDC is subdivided into a given number of constituencies which are specifically demarcated and defined parts of towns or villages. There are, in total, five hundred and eighty (580) such constituencies. WHY IS LOCAL GOVERNMENT IMPORTANT? Local government allows citizens to participate in the decision-making process at the community level. Coun-
cils can identify the needs of citizens and deliver services in a more efficient way. Local government is about handing power to the people to manage their community’s affairs in a transparent and accountable manner. In the absence of local government some other body of persons will manage the affairs of your community and those persons will not have the same interest or knowledge in your community-affairs as you do, because you live there and they do not. WHAT WORKS WOULD THE COUNCIL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DOING? Local government is responsible for identifying and implementing needed projects such as building and maintaining roads, bridges, playgrounds, parks, sanitary landfills and other public property. WHAT OTHER
SERVICES CAN COUNCILS PROVIDE? Local government is also responsible for garbage collection, cleaning of drains and parapets, protection of property, policing and provision of security for private citizens, provision of healthcare services, education, improving the environment, pest control, regulating noise nuisances, promoting tourism and sports, encouraging persons to become involved in community projects among many other services which will improve the quality of life in the community. In other words, all the services necessary for members of the community to go about their daily lives. HOW IS LOCAL GOVERNMENT DIFFERENT FROM CENTRAL GOVERNMENT? National matters such as protecting our country’s bor-
ders, overseeing national security and formulating foreign policy are the responsibility of central government. On the other hand, local government, being located within the community, is better able to know exactly what is needed by the neighbourhood, and empowered to effectively fulfill those needs. WHO CAN VOTE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS ON MARCH 18, 2016? Any registered voter who is eighteen (18) years old on February 29th 2016, and is either a citizen of Guyana, or a Commonwealth citizen resident in Guyana for at least one year, can vote. WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS? Because, by voting or being a candidate you will have the opportunity to choose who will make decisions that
directly affect you. If you do not participate, other people will choose your community representatives and you will have no voice in the decisionmaking process. It is therefore important for you to take part. Your vote is your voice. FROM WHERE DOESA LOCAL DEMOCRATIC ORGAN DERIVE ITS AUTHORITY? The authority of local government is enshrined in the Constitution. Sections 12,
13, 74 and 75, specify and define the role of local government. The Constitution says, “Local government by freely elected representatives of the people is an integral part of the democratic organization of the State.” Other laws specify what local government organs are supposed to do; the Municipal and District Councils Act and the Local Government Act govern the actions of town councils and NDCs, respectively.
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Sunday January 03, 2016
My 2016 Wish: Support for us to deliver better Emergency Medical Care for all By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Its 3:45 in the morning and I can’t sleep. My staff in the overcrowded emergency room are overworked and tired and have just informed me of an influx of many pa-
tients who are seriously injured from accidents and other early morning lapses. Everyone is frustrated and wants immediate care. As tired as they are, most of my staff skip their breaks and motor on doing what they do best; fighting to save the lives of those that need it the most.
2015 was mostly sleepless nights for me and I wish for better sleep in 2016. For my wish to come true we need to further develop the emergency medical response system, so I don’t have to worry about tired and overworked staff, and of course, the sick patients awaiting emergency
care. I will share with you some cost effective interventions which are achievable in 2016 and can advance emergency medical care for us all. HAVING MORE TRAINED EMERGENCYMEDICAL PROFESSIONALS The staff that work in emergency rooms have to make multiple, fast-paced and safe decisions with little to no room for error. Their decisions can literally make or break one’s life. The evidence has shown that the more specialized the staff training, the more effective the medical care delivered. We have a robust training programme for doctors, which is beginning to deliver specialist emergency doctors who are delivering the expected level of care for patients who urgently require it. In 2016 we need to move one step further and train emergency nurses and technicians. This will create a full team of emergency medical professionals that will deliver more efficient and effective medical care. HAVINGANATIONAL AMBULANCE SERVICE This is such a vital need for patients involved in accidents or those that are critically ill and in need of urgent and safe transport to a hospital. For the past few years we have trialed a mini pilot am-
bulance unit, and many mothers, babies, accident victims etc. were saved. We need to expand this service to all Guyanese and coordinate it through a central dispatch unit. Once this is fully instituted, patients that are in accidents and those that are very sick will be safely and efficiently transported to a Hospital and more lives will be saved. UPGRADING OF EMERGENCY ROOMS We cannot train specialist staff and not have the appropriate environment for them to work in. Emergency rooms countrywide should be upgraded so that staffers have the appropriate equipment and space to effectively carry out their vital work. It should be started centrally at the GPHC,where there is the highest patient load, and then dispersed to other emergency rooms. This can be coordinated through a central office designated as the National Emergency Medical Service. Such an office will ensure standards for emergency patient care are initiated and upheld at all medical care points in Guyana. IMPROVED LIFESTYLES The reckless driving, eating and alcohol/drug use by Guyanese are contributing to a substantial proportion of patients that present to emergency rooms for care. We
Dr. Zulfikar Bux need to reflect on ourselves as individuals and as a society. Instead of complaining, we need to comply and contribute to the solution. Living reckless is not good for you, not good for the other patients that have to await care because of your transgression, not good for the medical staff who are given additional work, and not good for your country which is losing out on a valued contributor towards its development. It’s also not good for my sleep. It’s now 4:50 am and I still can’t sleep. My staff is still going at it and getting more tired. The fresh staff that will be coming in will be greeted with an overcrowded emergency room. We are all tired, but we keep doing it because we are a bunch of adrenalinedriven cohorts who chose a field that suited our personality. But its 2016 and I wish to sleep better. If you are reading this article, I ask that you contribute to the solution of making me sleep better this year.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Sunday January 03, 2016
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New Year’s resolutions to smile about By Dr. NerominiFagu Did you know that the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions started with the Babylonians 4000 years ago? Since the Babylonian New Year coincided with the planting of new crops, their most common resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment. That’s probably not one of your resolutions, but there is something about the start of a new year that makes it a logical time for a fresh start. Making New Year ’s resolutions is a common practice, and while they can be a challenge to maintain, those who stick with the resolutions can discover renewed energy and health. Resolutions are much like any other goal in life – if you really want it bad enough, you will do whatever it takes to achieve it. We all have different goals, but some New Year’s resolutions are more popular than others. Some notable favourites include losing weight, exercising more, reducing stress, spending less, saving more and
travelling. However, I would also like you to consider your dental health as part of your goals for 2016. Here are some healthy New Year’s resolutions that would benefit your dental and overall health and which you should consider keeping this year. Quit Smoking or Using Other Tobacco Products We all know that smoking is not good for us and can lead to many health problems including lung cancer. However, smoking and using other tobacco products can also cause problems in your mouth. They can increase your risk for cavities, gum recession, gum disease and oral cancer. They can also cause your teeth to become stained and discoloured. If you are a smoker, you are about twice as likely to lose your teeth as compared to non-smokers. If you think you can avoid the consequences of smoking by using smokeless tobacco, you are in for a surprise. These products are just as harmful to your health. Eating Healthy A well balanced diet is
important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect your immune system and increase your risk for dental diseases including gum disease. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will work wonders for your body. Also, eating crisp fruits and raw vegetables help to clean the plaque on teeth and freshen your breath. Limit YourAlcohol Intake You may already know that excessive alcohol intake can have an effect on your overall health, but did you know that it may also affect your dental health? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol also have increased gum recession. Their studies also show that smokers who regularly drink alcohol are less likely to brush their teeth on a regular basis and are less concerned about their basic health than nonsmokers. Brush at Least Twice a Day and Floss at Least Once a Day Brushing and flossing are important for maintaining good dental health. Flossing is very important as it is the
Man confesses to killing Brazilian, raiding camp A 26-year-old Lindener has reportedly confessed to shooting a Brazilian miner dead before stealing a small quantity of gold and a boat and engine from a mining camp. The killing happened on October 30, 2015 at Puruni, Mazaruni, and the suspect, identified as O’Neil Griffith, was captured at Itaballi. Yesterday, he reportedly gave police a detailed statement about the murder. It is alleged that around 22.00hrs on December 30, 2015, a Brazilian miner, only identified as ‘Brian’, was working at Puruni Backdam when the suspect held him and another Brazilian at gunpoint. A scuffle ensued during which the suspect shot the Brazilian known as ‘Brian’ in the neck. After killing the miner, the suspect allegedly took the other Brazilian to a mining camp. He then held up the workers and relieved them of about five pennyweights of gold. Kaieteur News understands the miners had already taken most of their gold out of camp when the attack occurred.
- as ‘F’ Division cops solve three murders Afterwards, the bandit took a boat and engine from the camp and headed to Itaballi, while also disposing of the firearm. But police officials who were alerted about the murder set up checkpoints and the suspect was nabbed by security personnel from a mining company. The stolen vessel and some of the gold were recovered. Police said that a victim of the robbery also identified the attacker, who is likely to be charged on Monday. ‘F’ Division ranks were kept busy with two other murders over the holiday period. At around 01.30 hrs on December 30, Peter James, 55, was in drinking in a shop at Hell Hill, Matthews Ridge, North West District, when another man, armed with two knives stabbed him in the chest and abdomen. The suspect reportedly told police that he killed James because the victim had struck him with a piece of wood two months prior to the murder. While drinking on
December 30, the suspect reportedly remembered what James had done to him. This allegedly caused the suspect to arm himself with two knives and proceed to the shop, where he killed James. One of the knives was recovered. Also facing a murder charge is a 28-year-old a miner known as ‘Blondie’, who allegedly confessed to killing Ryan Simon, because Simon was “talking his name.” That murder happened on December 26 in the Pakaraimas. Angry that Simon was “talking his name,” the suspect collected a cutlass from his home and fatally chopped Simon on the head and hand. Afterwards, he reportedly returned home and told his wife that he was going away. He reportedly walked several miles before being arrested. Police had reportedly received word that the killer was planning on fleeing to Venezuela.
only way to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gum-line which is where decay and gum disease often begin.Because diseases of the mouth can affect the rest of your body, it is especially important to maintain good dental oral health. Control Your Sweet Tooth Sugary snacks and soft drinks are your teeth’s worst enemy. When sugars are broken down in your mouth, they produce acids that wear away your enamel and cause tooth decay. Make it a goal this year to limit your intake of sweets, for your health and your teeth! Change Your Toothbrush The ADA recommends that you replace your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. You use your toothbrush at least twice per day and the bristles lose shape over time. Changing it often will ensure it is doing
the job it’s supposed to. Smile More Often It might seem simple, but we don’t smile enough. Maybe you don’t smile because you’re shy or because you are selfconscious about your teeth. Maybe, like most of us, you don’t really remember to do it until it’s too late. It has been scientifically proven that a simple smile can boost our moods, relieve stress and even strengthen our immune systems. Smiling can have a positive impact on you and those around you. It can also improve productivity, energy and social interactions. So, turn that frown upside down and smile, and look after your teeth so you’ll be proud to smile. This New Year, resolve to treat your mouth right: improve your diet, watch your alcohol intake, quit smoking and improve your oral hygiene habits – your teeth
Dr. Neromini Fagu and your body will thank you for it. Studies show that it can take thirty days before a new habit becomes routine so don’t give up. Share your goals. If you talk about your goals with friends or family members, you’re more likely to achieve them. Get your whole family on board with your resolution to improve oral care, and encourage each other to keep good dental health. 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.
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Modernised Psychiatric Hospital on the cards Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton has signalled his intention for the reconstruction of the National Psychiatric Hospital (NPH) in Berbice as the Public Health Ministry begins implementation of the National Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020. Dr. Norton stated that the hospital should be rebuilt given its current state. However, the Ministry was prepared to renovate it in the meantime. He said that there were buildings in the hospital compound that were not functioning and the Ministry was working to reopen them. Nevertheless, he stated that he will be lobbying for a modernized hospital soon. “I want to see a modern psychiatric hospital where persons go and leave cured,” he said, adding that guidelines for the admission, discharge, aftercare and ECT protocol were already finalized and implemented at the hospital. Over the years, many non-
governmental organizations and health organizations have condemned the state of mental health in Guyana. There were reports of overcrowding and deplorable conditions patients under which patients are forced to dwell in at the psychiatric hospital. Many of the residents treated there have being living in the facility for a number of years; only a few of them leave within six months. This is seen as a major contributor to the overcrowding. There were also reports of shortage of mental health workers, social workers and psychologists at the hospital. He noted further that the Mental Health Unit (MHU) visited New Amsterdam for the implementation of MHAP 2015-2020 and the transformation process of the NPH. The unit also conducted visits to Baramita and Bartica for the integration of mental health care into the primary level. Norton explained that
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
mutual relationships between the MHU and the Ministry’s departments and programs, Regional Health Authorities, existing mental health care services and community based organizations (including NGOs) were established to further advance the mental health action plan. He added that the Ministry has established an alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre at the hospital and has also improved the psychology service. Psychologist Service was also enhanced at the Georgetown Public Hospital along with the establishment of an alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility. “The Plan of action for control and prevention of alcohol and substance abuse in public health was finalized... approval and printing are pending for early implementation” He stated that primary health care workers and mental health professionals were trained by a team from McMaster University, Ontario, Canada between September and October, 2015 in mental health work.
Sunday January 03, 2016
City Hall outlines six -point plan for 2016… Elite Constable Squad to be established, to support National Police Town Clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) Royston King, has outlined a six-point strategic plan for the Municipality, for 2016. During a meeting with senior officers of the Council, last week, the Town Clerk lauded the senior officers for their cooperation and hard work in 2015. He encouraged them to continue delivering service of excellence. As part of the six-point plan, King said that a special elite squad will be established in the City Constabulary Department to lend support to the Guyana Police Force. This necessitates that the City Constabulary officers be exposed to local and overseas training. It further demands that the requisite tools, equipment and vehicles be made available so that the operation of the elite unit is effective. King also noted that special emphasis would be placed on securing the integrity of the environment through continuous cleaning of our drains and canals. Also, King said that more green spaces would be
created in communities for the children and elderly to have recreational time. In addition, the Investigative Unit of the City Treasurer’s Department is expected to play a major role in engaging citizens on taxes and other financial issues. King further spoke of having the City Engineer’s Department restructured in a manner that officials could lend more technical support to citizens desirous of building homes. He said that a new International Relations Department would be established with the aim of enhancing sister city relationships and building close alliances with other Municipalities in the Caribbean and further afield. Speaking specifically about his Department, the Town Clerk said that it will be restructured to ensure it is more open to the public and services are more readily available to look into complaints by citizens. Overall, King said the focus of the Municipality is to improve its services to the citizens of Georgetown.
Meanwhile City Mayor, Hamilton Green, in his New Year’s message, reassured that the Council will continue the various restoration projects in every facet of Municipal affairs to provide a more efficient service in critical areas. “Many of you would have observed a radical change in the City’s aesthetics. This is a result of meaningful cooperation, synergies of resources and effective public private partnerships. I am cognizant that change is not easily embraced by all, especially when persons have to alter or change old habits and activities that they have inculcated and which has become a way of life,” Green said. The Mayor said that the Council is on a mission, which must and will be accomplished. “A mission to make Georgetown the cleanest greenest City in the Caribbean…Therefore, we must continue the work we have started to ensure Georgetown is restored to its former Glory,” Green added.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Energy efficient stoves among TIP Ministerial Taskforce revamps programme projects for 2016 - GEA
Head of the GEA, Mahender Sharma By Jarryl Bryan The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has announced several ambitious projections for this year. They include developing a hydro power development action plan and to introduce energy efficient stoves. This is according to Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Mahender Sharma, during his address at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s end of year press conference. According to Sharma, the authority was in the process of getting technical assistance from Germany to update and revise its energy policy, for 2016. Sharma revealed that there would also be a resident hydropower expert with the agency for the next two years, to design this policy. Nor were these all of the agency’s plans, as Sharma revealed further initiatives aimed at encouraging renewable energy. One of these was a pilot project of energy efficient stoves, which would be for cooking purposes. Sharma noted that for 2015, ten were installed and he signaled that another 20 would be installed for 2016. He said that this would have particular value for remote schools with dorms. “This will reduce their
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.
wood consumption by 80 percent,” he said. “So the numbers are huge and the (effects) are quite significant, (regarding) smoke reduction.” “(For) the green (economy) initiative, part of that is us examining solar power light and energy efficiency. So we are looking at (installing) 12 solar power lights and 65 energy efficient lights.” Sharma noted that ten of these lights were installed along the Soesdyke/Linden highway, though he also revealed that two of the panels and batteries were recently stolen. He urged that further theft not occur, as the lights cost $197,000 each and were there for the community at large. “Provided that we get everything we asked for, we
should be able to install 130 kilowatts of new solar power. This is solar power feeding directly into the grid, without battery support. And we want to utilize existing land space, for example the rooftops of schools and (other) buildings.” Meanwhile, Sharma also spoke of getting all local hotels to commit to using only solar powered water heaters. They should provide the requisite education for the hoteliers. He said that this as an area that the agency wanted to focus on in 2016. Sharma listed this as a surmountable challenge. These items, Sharma noted, were subject to budgetary approval. Sharma also signaled the agency’s intention to move towards electric cars versus hybrid cars, due to their improved renewable energy capabilities. “It has the greatest value for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. We will have about 18 kilowatts installed in our building at Quamina Street. So the net effect of electric vehicles will be offset by renewable energy.” A hybrid vehicle uses two or more distinct types of power, such as internal combustion engine, in addition to electric motor. This vehicle has been projected to dominate new car sales internationally over the next ten to 20 years. An electric car is propelled by one or more electric motors. It uses electrical energy stored in rechargeable batteries and users have reported that these cars have a strong and smooth acceleration, in addition to increased efficiency than cars propelled by gasoline.
The Ministry of Public Security in its ongoing efforts to improve the efficacy of the Security Sector in Guyana, and to avoid duplication of strategies among stakeholder Agencies, will reconvene meetings of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons in 2016. Provision for the establishment and operation of this Task Force is provided for in the Laws of Guyana, namely the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act No. 2 of 2005. The Government is duty bound to ensure that this obligation is fulfilled. The functions of the Task Force will be carried out in accordance with Section 30 of the said Act. The Task Force will be chaired by Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who according to Sections 31 and 32 of the aforementioned Act holds responsibility for the collection and dissemination of information on efforts to combat trafficking in persons and the training of law enforcement and immigration, inter alia. He will be joined by fellow Ministers from the Ministry of Social Protection, Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, along with the Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Task Force will also include technical representatives from various Ministries, other Government Agencies and NonGovernmental Organizations who will work together to carry out activities in the National Action Plan and Report to the Task Force’s Ministerial representatives. The crime of trafficking in persons is an international
phenomenon which has been said to be the second largest criminal industry in the world. Minister Ramjattan pledges to invest in initiatives geared at reducing the incidence of trafficking in persons in Guyana, with the aim of totally eradicating the scourge. One such major initiative will be the formulation of an Action Plan for the period 2016-2017. The Ministry of Public Security encourages individuals to continue to report suspected cases of Trafficking in persons to the Hotline of the Ministry of Social Protection at 227-4083. NATIONALDRUG STRATEGY MASTER PLAN (NDSMP) 2016-2020 The National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) 2016-2020 will soon be released. This Plan resulted from a review and modification of the NDSMP 2014-2018, triggered by the need to bring it in line with the most recent national and international dynamics of the drug problem. The government is committed to ensuring the sustained safety and security of its citizens well into the future, against the drug problem. In advancing this position, a strategic approach was adopted to remedy the problem. This Master Plan therefore utilizes a long term balanced approach between
public health and public security. It addresses Demand Reduction, Supply Reduction, Control Measures, Institutional Strengthening and Policy Coordination as well as International Cooperation. It draws on the views of several Ministries and NGOS, as well as the results of outreach consultations conducted throughout the hinterland of Guyana when the 2014-2018 NDSMP was being prepared. In essence, the NDSMP will guide the operational plans of all government departments and other bodies involved in the reduction of demand, supply control, and all other aspects of the national fight against drug abuse and its associated ills. The strategies expressed are based on the existing national situation but also take into account several international treaties and agreements, including those proposed by regional, hemispheric, and global agencies. Durable collaborative efforts will be a prerequisite at all levels to effectively fight the world drug problem. The National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2016-2020 is a manifestation of that intent, as it involves the combined efforts of all stakeholders in proceeding continuously towards fulfilling a common responsibility.
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Sunday January 03, 2016
Ramjattan is harassing Ashni Singh – says Ramotar Recent comments by Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, to the effect that justice will be served when it comes to the illegal spending of $4.5B from the Consolidated Fund by the former Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, are not sitting well with former President Donald Ramotar. In fact, Ramotar is of the firm impression that Ramjattan is basically harassing Dr. Singh. Ramotar said, “Singh did nothing wrong and acted legally. The spending of the monies was based on a written decision by the former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang.” The former President continued, “It was also done on a written legal opinion by the then Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, and by decisions of the Cabinet. Moreover, I wish to point out that the monies were used to promote the economic development of Guyana and to enhance the welfare of our people.” Ramotar said that the behaviour of the regime is a clear demonstration of its intentions to witch-hunt individuals of the former PPP/ Civic Administration. He said, “It should be noted that when Mr. Ramjattan was part of the then opposition he reported this matter to the police; it was investigated and sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice. The DPP found that no laws were violated. Now in government, he is using his position to pursue ends that were already dealt with and
found to be without merit.” “It is pure harassment of Dr. Ashni Singh and his family. It is a crude tactic to try to embarrass a gentleman who made an outstanding contribution to our country’s development.” The former President said that the Granger administration is misusing the State apparatus to serve its narrow political ends, to harass political opponents, in this case, Dr. Ashni Singh. He said, “This is a dangerous path that the regime has taken. This is only the beginning. Eventually every public servant and every citizen will be subjected to the same harassment and victimization.” Ramotar then called on the democratic and peace loving forces to make their voices heard and to stop this abuse of our institutions for narrow political objective. “We have seen where such policies took us under the Burnham/Hoyte PNC Regime.” The Public Security Minister had filed a complaint with the Guyana Police Force against Dr. Singh, over the unlawful spending of the $4.5B from the nation’s coffers. But the matter was one which was plagued by delays on the part of the Police Force – some two months after, nothing on the case was done. Ramjattan was later asked to prepare an extensive report showing how the Finance Minister could be charged. From the standpoint of criminal proceedings, the matter died a natural death. It was then taken up by
Former President, Donald Ramotar
Former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh
Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan
the former Opposition Leader, David Granger. He was represented in the High Court by Basil Williams who now serves as Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General. The former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang ruled that the $4.5B spending by Dr. Singh was unconstitutional. Chang had told Kaieteur News that while he was criticized for not declaring sanctions, it should be noted that it is not his business to deliver disciplinary measures against the defaulters. He said that is the responsibility of the National Assembly. He had said, too, that the only option would be for the APNU+AFC to take the case up in a criminal proceeding. Ramjattan said, recently, that he intends to go that route. “Nothing came out of the case when I first carried it, but I have all intentions to check on the status of it and have it reopened and followed up on.
The $4.5B spending remains, in my view, a case of illegal spending, and that is my legal opinion. The financial laws of this land were not meant to be broken.” “I promise you, this will not become some other cold case. If the powers that be give good reason why he should not be charged, well then that is another case, but in my opinion he should be charged. Listen, if we don’t set an example, then this nonsense will continue. This financial lawlessness has to change. We saw under the PPP, the lawless spending of taxpayers’ monies in defiance of the laws. It just cannot go down as though it is okay or else we would be saying too that this is the norm, and our own will think they can do the same and everything will be as cool as cucumbers.” The Public Security Minister had said that the Coalition government intends to set standards so that others can know how
necessary it is to abide by the laws. He continued, “Ashni Singh had no right to do it, and no minster has the right to do so. I have also spoken with the police, including the Commissioner, and I told them that any APNU or AFC official found in any skullduggery then they should carry out their duties without fear or favour. “The reason for this being done is because I was told that the PPP had a heavy influence in the police system, especially when it came to charging ministers. But that will not happen under my watch.” Ramjattan said that he will not sit back and “allow these PPP culprits to get away”. In the same breath, he stressed that the citizenry should understand that such cases take time to build. He vowed once again that while he pleads for the nation’s patience, “not a single matter of financial
corruption will become a cold case”. The Public Security Minister had also expressed confidence in the competence of his officers in investigating the financial cases. He said that even if assistance is needed, he is more than willing to seek various forms of help through Guyana’s CARICOM partners. As for the abuse of the Contingencies Fund, this is another matter which has been highlighted every year in the reports of the nation’s Auditor General, Deodat Sharma. In his 2010 report, Sharma had pointed to the abuse of amounts totaling over $550M drawn from the Contingencies Fund and utilized to meet expenditures that did not meet the eligibility criteria as defined in the laws. In his 2012 report, Sharma said that $95.661M in advances was illegally drawn from the Fund. For 2013, he reported that $510M was withdrawn from the Contingencies Fund which did not meet the specified criteria. The 2014 report once again flagged the inappropriate use of the Fund under the previous administration, as $962M was withdrawn without meeting the specified criteria. Minister Ramjattan promised that this is another matter that will be investigated. He stated emphatically, “Ashni Singh will face the music for illegal spending. For those who benefited and think they will get away, listen to me carefully when I say that the long arm of the law will catch you!”
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Cameron pledges to address causes of extremism in 2016 Reuters - Prime Minister David Cameron pledged on Friday to address the root causes of extremism in Britain this year as part of a wider plan of social reform to be built on the country’s recovering economic foundations. Among the problems fostering extremism, he said, were failure to integrate, the dangers of deprivation and the treatment of women in some communities. “This is one of the biggest issues facing our country,” he said in a New Year’s message. “Of course, we need to tackle the hate preachers and take down the online material
that radicalises so many. But we also need to address the issues that for too long have been swept under the carpet.” A government review later in the year would be setting out the issues in detail and Cameron pledged: “we will respond with vigour.” British security services have foiled seven terrorism plots over the past year and the country is on its secondhighest security alert level of “severe”, meaning an attack is considered highly likely, mainly because of the threat posed by Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq. Britain’s worst Islamist
attack was in July 2005, when 52 people were killed by suicide bombs on underground trains and a bus. Among other social reforms in focus for 2016 would be to increase home ownership and social mobility while reducing poverty and the gender pay gap, Cameron said. “It is not just an economic outrage, but a moral one that hard-working young people are priced out of the housing market,” he said, warning local councils that if they didn’t build the homes their areas needed, the government would intervene.
From page 12 on the Mexican rice deal. Though not the first time Mexico has taken Guyana’s rice, the re-initiation of the trade agreement between the two countries was touted by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. According to Hassan, all the requisite information required by the Mexican parties has been provided and was being reviewed. He expressed optimism that by the first quarter of 2016, all issues relating to sanitary protocols can be finalized and export can begin. Many in the rice industry had projected even worse
numbers of farmers moving away from the industry, as they continue to struggle with high production costs and little money to show for it. Meanwhile, Seeraj also expressed disappointment that the recommendations forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture have not been acted on. He pointed to one item high on the list, i.e. removal of fuel taxes. He noted that with farmers paying some $960 per gallon, if concessions were applied the price could come down to $300 per gallon. This, he said, would be a boost to farmers. Meanwhile, in the areas of research capacity, both the
GRDB’s 14 variety and the aromatic variety of rice were released, along with its production package for commercial cultivation by farmers in spring of 2015. Nineteen advanced breeding lines are currently being tested in advanced yield trials in four locations across the country. These candidate varieties will be tested in farmers’ fields, and if found suitable, will be released. Sixty five advanced breeding lines are currently being tested at the Research Station at Burma. Each season, more than 4,000 breeding lines are studied by the team at the Rice Research Station.
Sowing for 2016 first crop below projections
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Computer technician accused of forging visa appointment letter A Computer Technician from Creative Concepts was released on bail after he made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for forging an appointment letter from the United States (US) Embassy. Ganraj Ragobeer,27, a computer technician, who hails from 26 Owen Street, Kitty, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on October 25, at Georgetown, with intend to defraud, he forged a US Embassy appointment letter. The accused also denied the allegation which stated that on the same day, he issued the same forged letter from the US Embassy to Vanessa Gomes knowing same to be false.
- released on $50,000 bail
Ganraj Ragobeer The Magistrate placed him on $50,000 bail yesterday and ordered him to return to court on January 20. Ragobeer was
represented by Attorney, Paul Braam. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones made no objections to bail. He told the Court that Gomes paid the accused a sum of money for the visa application to be completed and he issued her with a letter of appointment for an interview at the Embassy. On the same day in question, she arrived at the Embassy, she was informed that her name was not in the system and that an application was never issued on her behalf. She reported the matter to the Police and Ragobeer was arrested then charged.
Sunday January 03, 2016
East Ruimveldt resident flushes ganja down toilet An East Ruimveldt resident was remanded to prison, on Thursday, after he made an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for possession of marijuana. Milroy Abrams, 50, a vendor, who resides at Lot 14 East Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on December 30, he allegedly had in his possession 18 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking. The Magistrate denied his Attorney’s application for bail and remanded him until January 18, when he will appear before Magistrate Judy Latchman. The defendant was represented by Attorney-atlaw, Ronald Daniels, who made a bail application on behalf of his client citing special reasons. The Attorney told the court that
- court hears the defendant is a father of six and the sole breadwinner for the family. Daniels stated that his client does not have a criminal background. However, Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that Police went to Abrams’s house to conduct a search. According to Jones, when the ranks arrived at his residence, he was reluctant to open his door and the lawmen had to force to gain entry into the premises. The Prosecutor said that upon entering they noticed Abrams flushing a quantity of something down his toilet. The item was retrieved by the police, who suspected that it was marijuana. Eleven grams of the illegal substance was found in Abrams bedroom in a
Milroy Abrams calabash under his bed. He was subsequently arrested and told of the offence committed. Prosecutor Jones objected to bail on the ground that no special reasons were provided to the court by the defendant’s Attorney to satisfy the court. His objections were upheld by the Magistrate and the defendant was ordered remanded.
Bartician remanded for allegedly severing man’s hand On Wednesday, a resident from Bartica was remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for severing another man’s arm during a brawl. Christopher Lee, 57, of Hurikabra, Bartica was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge which read that on Sunday, December 27, last, at
Hurikabra Gold Field, Bartica, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Devon Evans with the intent to maim, disfigure or to cause him grievous bodily harm. The Magistrate remanded the accused to prison and transferred the matter to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for January 15, 2016. According to Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, Evans was reportedly walking in the area stated in the charge when the accused armed himself with a cutlass and attacked him. The Prosecutor also revealed that Evans is currently hospitalized
awaiting surgery as his arm was severed during the scuffle. The Prosecutor objected to bail due to the seriousness of the crime. However, the accused told the Court that the particulars of the charge are incorrect. He claimed that on the day in question, he was attacked by eight men, one of whom was Evans. Lee added that he is unsure which of the men dealt him a chop to his foot with a cutlass. He claimed that when the man “fired another chop” at him he ducked and Evans suffered the blow instead.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
VEHICLE FOR SALE Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Bluebird, 212, IST, Fielder, Spacio- Call: 6523820/ 665-4529
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@ y a h o o . c o m . Call: 2256496, 662-6045 REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES – CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar
WANTED Damage batteries in any quantity, best price offeredCall: 696-5728, 656-2783, 6225941, 648-9395, 223-1111 EXPERIENCED WRITER FOR A SHORT E-BOOK 50 TO 60 PAGES- GOOD PAY. TEXT ME ONLY: 603-0758 Jet & Marack men to work in the Interior, 1 male cook $120,000 monthly- Call: 6942310 One live in domestic maid – Call: 675-5256/ 666-4153/ 6563241
Spacious 2 bedrooms apartment in Festival CityAsking $80,000- Call: 619-2141 Two bedrooms house “A” Field Sophia, fully grilled off Road Parking, CCTV, $50,000 monthly with 2 months security-Call: 693-2237; 2190211 One exclusive three bedrooms apartment @ Lot 92 Diamond E.B.D & one – two bedrooms apartment@ Llot 128 Middle Rd. La Penitence. Call: 225-5533
New model RAV 4 4X4 $2.5M, Mazda Axela -$1.5M, good for bank purchase (both excellent condition) –Call: 220-6380; 639-2490 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154
One domestic to work at Lusignan, 2 to 3 half days a week –Call: 220-0302
2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glasstop, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136
Two experienced waitressesCall: 627-5607 One Carburetor for Toyota Crown, 6 cylinders 2200 cc 2M engine- Call: 218-1806; 619-0757 One experienced domestic cook to work on E.C.D-Call: 621-8478
One live in Domestic- Must know to cook, $55,000 monthly-Call: 661-8673; 6615992 One nail technician: apply in person with written application to Zytech Building Regent Street. Call: 225-0563
Tractor Massey Ferguson from Canada : MF165 -$1.7M, MF -$135M -$1.1M, MF265$2.2M, Tundra -$1.9M, Tacoma 2005-$2.3M- Call: 682-5230, 628-9596
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 3 Storey business property on South Road, near the High Court. Call: 691-8420serious buyers One 400 Cubic Ft. 10Ft. long freezer- Call: 218-1806; 6190757 Stalls 64-72: 47 feet long & 7 feet wide, section 1 LaPenitence Market, Albouystown-Call: 663-1597; 218-4837 Diving Suits-Call: 265-3449/ 613-5158 2 Mining Claims, Omai Ouratz Hill, 1 Aurora Along the 6KM Road, 1 IBM bottomside. Contact A. Thompson, telephone: 600-6057 Wholesale & Retail quantity of all types of belts –Call: 670-2343 Crazy Deals: Dell/HP desktop & laptop computers from -$49,000, free games & educational programs @ FutureTech: 231-2206 One I-phone 4s, Unlocked to any network and country, charger included, price$35,000 –Contact: 664-5746 Dachshund puppies mix with Pekingese for sale-Call: 592677-2476
1 New model Raum, PPP series, 1 Toyota Spacio, PPP Series –Call: 649-2354 Selling Cheap: 2003 white Fielder, fully loaded, pioneer deck, AC, alarm, VVTI engine, PRR -$1.3M –Call: 672-0470 2-Unregistered new model Toyota Tacoma: step, alarm, crash bar, bed covering, dark & light blue colour. Call: 6956461; 639-7758
TO LET Newly constructed 2 bedrooms apartment in a healthy and safe environment –Call: 698-6496; 677-6638 Two bedroom apartment $47,000 monthly @ Middle Road, La- Penitence-Call: 6669534; 226-6374
1- Handyman to work half day per week- Call: 226-3736
Rooms in Albertown and apartment in Eccles–Call: 2253234
Looking for shop to rent for grocery in a busy font spot in Georgetown -$35,000$50,000- Call: 683-3161
EDUCATIONAL International Language Institute Classes for adults & Children, Spanish, English as Second Language, Portuguese, Dutch –Call: 2233556
EDUCATIONAL RISING STAR DAYCARE, KINDERGARTEN & AFTERSCHOOL CARE. Lessons for Grades 1-11: Phonics, reading, Nursery – Call: 690-9378 Private customs brokerage, training certificate course from 2nd Feb 2016, register now & save –Call: 694-8322; 223-1506 Lessons Classes: Phonics, Reading, Composition & Mathematics- ages 4-12 years old @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens –Call: 218-2076; 6194355
VACANCY Night Security- send application to: P.O. Box 10109, Georgetown, by 8th January, 2016. Immediate vacancies exist for at least 12 workers to work @ Ice Factory, MeadowbankCall: 231-1408/ 642-9191 Salesman with his own transportation-Call: 610-1111 Mature live in housekeeper, serious enquiries only –Call: 697-8797 One computer technicianemail application to roytechgt@gmail.com Accounts /Bond Clerk, apply at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Carpenters to work in Coverden, E.B.D apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling.
-Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline. -Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Two house & land for sale, excellent condition, one located at Tuschen & one at Goed-Fortuin. Call: 668-3985; 660-3235 2 Storey house @ Tuschen New Scheme, with kitchen bathroom & toilet, (2) 3 bedrooms apartment near Public Road & Call CentreCall: 650-2982 Lot 67 First Street Garden of Eden E.B.D – 7 (seven) acres of land with two buildings. Call: 639-8376 Lot 236 Buzz –A-Bee Dam Craig Village E.B.D, Size 6X120 rods with house and chicken pens. Call: 639-8376
Gardener / handyman contact 223-5273-4
CAR RENTAL
Welder/Fabricator, senior machinist, mechanic & cleaners- apply in person: Technical Services, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site.
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
1 Experienced barman & chief cook –Contact Sheik on: 6219759 or Donald: 673-4628
Experienced Bar/Shop worker for Ekeruku Bottom (Interior), ages 17-30yrs. Call: 231-0363
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
Able bodied male to work in a Hardware store-Call: 2194533; 231-2029; 616-5954 Male security, male desk staff, 25-45 years- Lot 233 South Road LacytownCall: 225-0198
SERVICES Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822
LAND FOR SALE
SALON
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244
Caterpillar and Perkins mechanic, Excavator Operators. Contact 2235273
Experienced cook, waitress, bartenders & bouncers needed @ Eden’s Bar, East Bank-Call for appointment: 652-0074
1 Experienced diesel/ gasoline mechanic to work in the Interior- must also know to drive & weld –Call:6802702/661-4265
Female housekeeper/cook, must be between 40-55, valid police clearance/ reference –Call: 656-3429
DRESSMAKING Turn your flair for fashion into an exciting career or hobby. Classes starting January – Call: 626-2629; 676-6312
Noah & Voxy in ‘G’ series, fully loaded, never registered -$1.7M –Call: 617-2891 Toyota Fortuner 2012 yearCall: 624-6702
1 Female 18-25yrs living in / around G/Town to work in Snackette 3pm-9pm @ 193 Charlotte St. G/Town-Call: 226-2320
One live in maid-Call: 6683985; 264-2563 FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
One Axela Mazda -$1.550 negotiable, one Nissan Titan, one Audi A4; all vehicles in excellent condition-Call: 665-3038; 226-4356
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Transported land with fruit trees, fenced, fill high -$4.3M @ Richmond Essequibo Coast, next to School–Call: 682-5230; 628-9696 Residential house lot at Kuru Kururu (First Hill on Highway from Junction) 100X100-Call: 680-6136
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 03, 2016
6,000 hinterland households benefitted from solar power The Hinterland Electrification Programme that is under the purview of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has achieved much success in supplying electricity across the hinterland. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Horace Williams, during his presentation, on Thursday, at the Ministry’s year-end press conference, said that over 6,000 households benefitted from solar power in the hinterland. The press conference venue was the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. The provision of the solar panels was just one of a
number of projects that was set out by the Hinterland Electrification Co. Inc. and accomplished. Another project that was successful was the provision of two MVA power transformers benefitting the Mahdia Power and Light Inc. and Port Kaituma Power and Light Inc. In addition, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) funded a grant of US$5M for the Sustainable Energy Programme. The programme is aimed at promoting awareness of the importance of renewable energy, hiring of consultants to provide advice, installation of wind data collection
equipment, installation of community based, isolated solar PV systems and installation of grid-tie solar PV systems on seven public buildings in Georgetown. Unfortunately, Williams reported that a number of the projects listed were not completed due to delays on the part of the consultants hired. As a result, only $6M was utilised out of the $40M that was in the 2015 Budget. Williams further noted that electricity companies in the hinterland areas received Government subsidies for the period September to December 2015. The companies are:
The Lethem Power Company Inc. also received monies to carry out capital works. These works included the construction of the new power station, the extension of electricity to Culvert City and for the purchase of a vehicle and two motor cycles. A total of $35.5M was budgeted for the works but only $14,408,060 was utilised; $7,850,000 was used for the purchase of a minibus and two motor cycles while $6,558,060 was advance payment on a $32M contract for the supply of line hardware. The CEO noted that for t h i s y e a r, t h e c o m p a n y hopes to accomplish those projects that faltered during 2015 along with the aim of intensifying the performance of the programme. The 2016 vision includes completion of the public awareness campaign strategy
CEO, Horace Williams and implementation of a public awareness campaign to inform the public of the benefits of using RETs: - installation of four wind data collection equipment, and the commencement of wind data collection at four sites on the coast;
procurement and installation of solar PV community systems in at least 20 hinterland communities to support livelihood activities and provide energy for the enhancement of social services - procurement and installation of the solar gridtie systems on the seven public buildings to demonstrate the benefits of utilising such systems. - upgrade of the generation systems at Port Kaituma and Mahdia to improve system reliability - extension of the electricity systems at St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Siparuta, Orealla and Moraikobai to add more than a total of 100 households on the grids. procurement of a generator and power transformer for Matthews Ridge to improve system reliability -construction of office buildings for Port Kaituma & Mahdia power utilities.
Delayed action on forensic audit... From page 56 not something you rush. Sometimes you have statements that are made which need to be followed up and this is my experience in looking at these things, because the auditors may come to certain conclusions without the benefit of all of the information.” Most of the forensic audits have unearthed several hidden accounts with billions of dollars poised to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund in a phased manner. This has already started. More importantly, the forensic audits in some cases have not only uncovered fraud and various forms of corruption, but investigators have also made several critical recommendations for the way forward on several agencies and sectors, all of which Cabinet is yet to see. The forensic audit into the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) has unearthed some of the “most appalling acts of corruption”, said Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, in a previous interview with Kaieteur News. Commenting on the findings of the report, Sharma had said, “There was just no proper management at this unit. There were instances where you could see that they just lost out on millions of dollars worth in fees that they should have ensured they collected. There were
some defaulters as well, and the agency just took no action against them.” “(NFMU) could have collected a lot more revenue. Instead (the entity) allowed a lot of favouritism to take place and as such they lost, I would say, millions of dollars in revenue. “They allowed their big PPP boys to slip under the radar while others were called upon to pay their dues. In fact, they weren't collecting from two of their PPP big boys for some time. It was a lot of unfairness that was going on at that agency.” Sharma had said, “The level of corruption which was taking place at the agency points to the incompetency of those who are managing it.” The Junior Finance Minister had told this newspaper that the revelations of some of the forensic audits thus far vindicate the concerns the APNU+AFC had regarding the lack of accountability under the previous administration as well as the stench of corruption in some agencies. As for the forensic audit launched into the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Sharma who is in charge of the audits, revealed that this has been completed since August. He had said that the audit uncovered that the entity has been holding some 15 accounts with millions of dollars. A reliable source revealed
Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it
that the monies total over $400M. Kaieteur News understands that recommendations were made for the monies to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund. The Forensic audit revealed that the agency was apparently receiving monies from various sources and opening a new account every time it received large sums. Sharma explained that the agency should not have done that. He said that it should have held one account and categorized its expenses. The Environmental Protection Agency was established on World Environment Day, June 5, 1996. It was on this date that the then Acting President of Guyana, Samuel Hinds, assented to Environmental Protection Act (No 11, 1996). The Act mandates the Agency to oversee the effective management, conservation, protection and improvement of the environment. It also requires that the Agency takes the necessary measures to ensure the prevention and control of pollution, assessment of the impact of economic development on the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources. The Agency's work enables Guyana to contribute to global and national environmental protection and conservation. As part of its work the EPA implements education, regulation and enforcement programmes and uses partnership and collaborative approaches to strengthen the impact of its interventions.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Sunday January 03, 2016
Putin names United States among threats in new Russian security strategy Reuters - A new appraisal names the United States as one of the threats to Russia’s national security for the first time, a sign of how relations with the west have deteriorated in recent years. The document, “About the Strategy of National Security of Russian Federation”, was signed by President Vladimir Putin on New Year’s Eve. It replaces a 2009 version, endorsed by then- President Dmitry Medvedev, the current prime minister, which mentioned neither the United States not NATO. It says Russia has managed to heighten its role in solving global problems and international conflicts. That heightened role has caused a reaction by the West, it says. “The strengthening of Russia happens against the background of new threats to the national security, which has complex and interrelated nature,” the document says. Conducting an independent policy, “both international and domestic” has caused “counteraction from the USA and its allies, which are striving to retain
Vladimir Putin
their dominance in global affairs.” That in turn is likely to lead to “political, economical, military and informational pressure” on Russia, the document says.” Relations between Russia and the West reached a low after Russian forces annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in March 2014, after protests in Ukraine forced its pro-Moscow president to flee to Russia. Since then, the West has accused Russia of aiding
insurgents in eastern Ukraine. Moscow denies actively assisting the rebels. The United States and the European Union have since imposed wide-ranging sanctions against Russian individuals and companies. Moscow has reacted by restricting food and other goods from the EU. The document says that the United States and the EU have supported an “anticonstitutional coup d’etat in Ukraine”, which led to a deep divide in Ukrainian society and a military conflict. It also names the expansion of NATO as a threat to Russia’s national security and said that the United States has expanded its network of military-biological laboratories in neighbouring to Russia countries. The document, which serves as a basis for planning strategy related to national security by different state bodies, does not mention Syria. On Sept. 30, Russia began air strikes against antigovernment rebels opposed to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a Russian ally.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Defiant Iran pledges to ramp up missile Shi’ite cleric among 47 executed in program, in challenge for Obama Saudi Arabia, stirring anger in region
Barack Obama
Hossein Dehqan
Reuters - A series of Iranian officials vowed on Friday to expand Tehran’s missile capabilities, a challenge to the United States which has threatened to impose new sanctions even as the vast bulk of its measures against Iran are due to be lifted under a nuclear deal. “As long as the United States supports Israel we will expand our missile capabilities,” the Revolutionary Guards’ second-in-command, Brigadier General Hossein Salami, was quoted as saying by the Fars news agency. “We don’t have enough space to store our missiles. All our depots and underground facilities are full,” he said in Friday Prayers in Tehran. Defence Minister Hossein Dehqan said Iran would boost its missile program and had never agreed to restrictions on it. “Iran’s missile capabilities
have never been the subject of negotiations with the Americans and will never be,” he was quoted as saying by Press TV, an Iranian state channel. The defiant comments are a challenge for the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama as the United States and European Union plan to dismantle nearly all international sanctions against Iran under the breakthrough nuclear agreement reached in July. Iran has abided by the main terms of the nuclear deal, which require it to give up material that world powers feared could be used to make an atomic weapon and accept other restrictions on its nuclear program. But Tehran also test-fired a missile in October, which the United States says would be capable of carrying a nuclear payload and therefore violates a 2010 U.N. Security Council resolution which is still in place.
Iran does not accept that the U.N. resolution bars it from testing missiles, as long as it has no nuclear weapons to place on them. The standoff has turned into a diplomatic and political test for both Washington and Tehran, even as the lifting of sanctions under the nuclear deal draws closer. Early in the new year, the United States and European Union are expected to unfreeze billions of dollars of Iranian assets, allow Iranian firms access to the international financial system and end bans that have crippled Iran’s oil exports. The deal was a risky diplomatic achievement for both Obama and Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, leaders of countries that have been enemies for nearly 40 years. Both men are under pressure from hardliners at home to demonstrate that they have not compromised on wider issues. U.S. officials have said they are permitted to respond to the missile test by imposing fresh sanctions against a list of Iranian individuals and businesses linked to the missile program. Any such sanctions would be far narrower than the broad measures scheduled to be lifted under the nuclear deal. But Iran says any new sanctions could torpedo the wider accord. Republican lawmakers who control both houses of the U.S. Congress see the plans for new sanctions as a test of the Obama administration’s resolve.l
Reuters - A former prime minister of Central African Republic held a slim lead in a presidential election many voters hope will end years of violence between Muslims and Christians, initial results showed yesterday. With all votes from the capital counted, the National Election Authority said Faustin Archange Touadera, prime minister from 2008 to 2013, had 30,999 votes followed by another former prime minister, Anicet Georges Dologuele, with 28,162. Mainly Muslim rebels from a group called the Seleka seized power in the majority Christian nation in early 2013, forcing President Francois Bozize to flee and provoking reprisals from Christian antibalaka militias. Leaders have since fuelled a cycle of religious and intercommunal violence that has killed thousands and forced a
fifth of the country’s five million people to flee their homes. Authorities repeatedly delayed Wednesday’s election, not least due to violence in the capital Bangui in September, and the new president will face the challenge of disarming militias and convincing their leaders to cede territory. The Seleka withdrew from Bangui after their leader Michel Djotodia stepped down from the presidency in 2014 and the group’s factions have entrenched themselves in the northeast, leaving the country effectively partitioned. Thirty candidates are competing in the presidential election, which is seen as key for a transition to democracy. All the seats in the National Assembly seats are also being contested. Bilal Nzanga-Kolingba,
son of a former president, was third with 25,055 votes while Jean Serge Bokassa, son of former dictator Jean-Bedel Bokassa had 10,672. A third former prime minister Martin Ziguele was fifth with 9,946 votes, the electoral authority’s spokesman Julius Ngouade Baba told a news conference, adding that the national turnout was 72.2 percent. Interim President Catherine Samba-Panza, who has held office since May 2014, is barred from standing. It was unclear whether B a n g u i ’s results represented national sentiment. A second round will be held on Jan. 31 if needed. The country’s economy is struggling, with uranium deposits undeveloped, the cotton sector in trouble and gold and diamond mines under the control of militias.
Former Central African Republic PM leads in presidential vote
Protesters holding a banner saying “Death is normal to us and our dignity from God is martyrdom” take part in a protest against the execution of Saudi Shi’ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi authorities, in the village of Sanabis, west of Manama, Bahrain yesterday. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed Reuters - Saudi Arabia executed a prominent Shi’ite Muslim cleric and dozens of al Qaeda members yesterday, signalling that it would not tolerate attacks, whether by Sunni jihadists or minority Shi’ites, and stirring sectarian anger across the region. Hundreds of Shi’ite Muslims marched through Qatif district in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province in protest at the execution of cleric Nimr alNimr, an eyewitness said. They chanted “Down with the Al Saud!”, the name of the ruling Saudi royal family. Nimr, the most vocal critic of the dynasty among the Shi’ite minority, had come to be seen as a leader of the sect’s younger activists, who rejected the quiet approach of older community leaders for failing to achieve equality with Sunnis. Most of the 47 killed in the kingdom’s biggest mass execution for decades were Sunnis convicted of al Qaeda attacks in Saudi Arabia a decade ago. Four, including Nimr, were Shi’ites accused of involvement in shooting policemen. The executions took place in 12 cities, four prisons using firing squads and the others beheading. In December, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula threatened to retaliate against Saudi Arabia for any execution of its members. The move further soured relations between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and its Shi’ite regional rival, Iran, which had hailed Nimr as the champion of a marginalised Shi’ite minority. The website of Iran’s
Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, carried a picture of a Saudi executioner next to notorious Islamic State executioner ‘Jihadi John’, with the caption “Any differences?”, and the powerful Revolutionary Guards said “harsh revenge” would topple “this proterrorist, anti-Islamic regime”. Saudi Arabia summoned the Iranian ambassador in response. In Iraq, prominent religious and political figures demanded that ties be severed, calling into question fence-mending efforts by Riyadh that had been intended to boost a regional alliance against Islamic State militants. However, the executions seemed mostly aimed at discouraging Saudis from jihadism after bombings and shootings by Sunni militants in Saudi Arabia over the past year killed dozens and Islamic State called on followers there to stage attacks. After the executions, Islamic State urged its supporters to attack Saudi soldiers and police in revenge, in a message on Telegram, an encrypted messaging service used by the group’s backers, the SITE monitoring group reported. Saudi Arabia’s ruling Al Saud family has grown increasingly worried in recent years as Middle East turmoil, especially in Syria and Iraq, has empowered Sunni militants seeking to bring it down and given room to Iran to spread its influence. A nuclear deal with Iran backed by Saudi Arabia’s biggest ally, the United States, has done
Nimr al-Nimr little to calm nerves in Riyadh. But Saudi Arabia’s Western allies, many of whom supply it with arms, are growing concerned about its new assertiveness. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Nimr’s execution risked “dangerous consequences” by further inflaming sectarian tensions in the region, and a German Foreign Ministry official said it “strengthens our existing concerns about increasing tensions and deepening rifts in the region”. The simultaneous execution of 47 people - 45 Saudis, one Egyptian and a man from Chad - was the biggest mass execution for security offences in Saudi Arabia since the 1980 killing of 63 jihadist rebels who seized Mecca’s Grand Mosque in 1979. The 43 Sunni jihadists executed yesterday, including several prominent al Qaeda leaders and ideologues, were convicted for attacks on Western compounds, government buildings and diplomatic missions that killed hundreds from 2003-06.
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Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Arsenal beat Newcastle to lead... From page 72 Williams brought a good save out of David de Gea before goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski headed wide from a corner with almost the last touch of the game. Norwich beat 10-man Southhampton 1-0 Alex Tettey’s (76’) second-half goal gave Norwich a hard-fought win over 10-man Southampton at Carrow Road. Saints went a man down when Victor Wanyama was sent off, with Norwich scoring just three minutes later. Canaries’ striker Dieumerci Mbokani had missed good chances from close range before the break, while Steven Davis forced the hosts’ Declan Rudd into a good save in the first half. Norwich move onto 23 points, just one behind Southampton. Ronald Koeman’s side has now lost six of their past eight Premier League outings. The Saints manager dropped attacker Sadio Mane after the Senegalese player missed a team meeting. Sunderland boost survival hopes with win against Aston Villa Sunderland boosted their Premier League
survival hopes as they ended a run of five straight defeats with a win over bottom side Aston Villa. The hosts took the lead against the run of play when Patrick van Aanholt’s (30’) low 20yard shot deflected wickedly off Micah Richards and into the net. A brilliant acrobatic volley from Carles Gil (63’) levelled after the break, before Jermain Defoe’s (72’) low strike. Defoe (90’) added a late third, leaving Villa with no wins in 18 league matches. Evans stoppage-time winner earns three points for West Brom Jonny Evans grabbed a stoppage-time winner for West Brom as Stoke suffered just their third defeat in 13 matches. After a sterile first 60 minutes, Stephane Sessegnon (60’) fired the Baggies into the lead with a powerful shot. Stoke created little in the second half but substitute Jonathan Walters (81’) headed them level from a superb Joselu cross. Almost immediately, the visitors’ Geoff Cameron was sent off for striking Claudio Yacob before Evans (90’) tapped home after a goalmouth scramble.
Sunday January 03, 2016 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You will communicate with ease today. Stomach problems could prevail if you haven't been watching your diet. You're in the mood to party. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Look into alternatives that would better suit both your needs. You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you. GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Watch your weight gain due to water retention. You can accomplish a lot if you deal with other people's money or possessions today. You don't need to pay out in order to have fun. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Your diplomatic nature will help you in straightening out unsavory situations. You will be in the doghouse if you are being. You will learn valuable skills if you sign up for seminars today. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You can pick up information that will give you an edge. You are best to put in some overtime rather than get involved in family gatherings. You will have some wonderful ideas that should bring you extra money. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) You may feel a need to make changes to your legal documents. Joint ventures might prove to be unfavorable. Correspondence may not clear up issues.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Do not let them in on your plans if you want things to run smoothly. Partnerships will be favorable and contracts can be signed. This is a great day to get out and enjoy an entertaining evening with friends or lovers. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Be aware that you might be at fault as well. Don't be too confident that coworkers are on your side. Your emotions are soaring and if you don't get your way, look out world. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Luck is with you, regardless of the financial venture. Discuss your objectives with peers or lovers. Be aggressive and colorful, and you will get your way. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Don't let your lover put demands on you. Concentrate on spending quality time with children. Put your plans into motion by presenting your intentions to those who should be able to give you financial support. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Expect to have more people on your domestic scene. Your lover may cost you financially. Find out if they have other commitments. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Sudden trips will take you by surprise. Your partner may blame you for everything. Do what's best for the people you love most.
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ALBION NAME SUB... From page 74 Aslim Amerally, Josiah Dhanai and Singh West Indies left-arm-spinner Veerasammy Permaul was re-appointed as captain of the Club’s First Division Team with fellow West Indies spinner Davendra Bishoo as his deputy. In the event both Permaul and Bishoo are unavailable, Jonathan Foo will lead the team. National Under-17 batsman Adrian Sukhwa will captain the Club’s Second Division Team with Berbice Under 17 left-arm-spinner Joshua Harricharan as the vice-captain. First Class leftarm-spinner Gudakesh Motie will be the man captaining the club’s Under 21 Team with Sharaz Ramcharran being his
vice-captain. Sukhwa and Haricharran are the captain and vice-captain respectively of the Under-19 team while Kelvin Omroe will captain the Under17 Team First Class left-arm-spinner Gudakesh Motie will be the man captaining the club’s Under 21 Team with Sharaz Ramcharran being his vicecaptain. Sukhwa and Haricharran are the captain and vice-captain respectively of the Under-19 team while Kelvin
Omroe will captain the Under17 Team with Steven Kalimuadeen as the vice-captain. Gouraf Ramesh is the Club’s Under-15 captain with Saif Amoi as the vice-captain. The club’s various teams will be managed by Walter with Singh providing assistance. Baccus and Harricharran are the club’s two representatives on the Albion Community Centre Council. Baccus and Walter will be representing the club at the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) level.
Raptors get win as... From page 71 in the first quarter as the Raptors took a 29-28 lead. There were six lead changes in the quarter and the game was tied five times. There were six more lead changes in the second quarter, in which the score was tied 10 times and was locked 55-55 at the intermission. The Hornets scored the first seven points of the third quarter and held by a ninepoint lead on a pull-up jumper by Kaminsky with 1:03 left in
the third and took an 82-74 lead into the fourth quarter. Toronto, however, scored the first eight points of the fourth to ensure they had the momentum in the final period. “Our defense was solid in the fourth quarter,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. “The first half, I didn’t recognize some of the straight line drives they were making. They were going by us way too easily, but we shortened up down the stretch.”
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“HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016! Expect real sporting fireworks this year!” Colin E. H. Croft “Happy New Year 2016”, the “Year of the Red Fire Monkey” in the Chinese Zodiac! Per author and religious minister, late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, whose words should have inspired many a cricketer, 2016 could also be seriously upwardly mobile, but only if you believe: “Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities. No matter how dark things may seem to be, or actually are, raise your sights and see greater possibilities. Always look for them; see them; for they are always there. Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. With-
out reasonable confidence in your own powers and abilities, you cannot be successful or happy!” Is it not ironic that, amidst revelry starting this searing sporting year, a spectacular conflagration in Dubai occurred at the exact time when excellent fireworks were taking place there? Luckily, no one died, but the “Address Hotel”, like the proverbial Phoenix, will rise again from the ashes! 2016 is already momentous with that authentic “Towering Inferno” which reminds, like the film of that same name, that despite great opulence, anything can still go up, or come down, in flames!
But from scorching embers of sport in 2015, including tremendously incendiary FIFA soccer scandals, with hot halos for its head honchos, sparks will definitely fly for many sporting disciplines in 2016. Like 2012, leap-year 2016 will be filled with sizzling, eye-watering sports! Commencing the Caribbean’s 2016 cricket season, West Indies Cricket Board’s NAGICO Super-50 50-overs competition starts in Trinidad & Tobago and St. Kitts later this week. Players in every regional team should realize that impressive performances in this tournament can seriously assist ambitions for selection to
WI teams for world tournaments in 2016 and beyond. Defending 2015 champions Trinidad & Tobago will find 2016 much more challenging, being without star players, especially Sunil Narine, whose bowling action has been banned, and always exuberant Dwayne Bravo, both helping T&T beat Guyana in last year’s final. With an ICC Americas team also included this year, to gain experiences, it is any team’s tournament to win! But good performances in WICB-NAGICO Super-50 2016 will definitely be used when WICB’s selectors name their team to represent the region in ICC’s World T-20 2016 tournament, scheduled for
Tenelec Inc Under-15 Cricket Competition in Berbice...
JAVED KARIM (83) SEON GLASGOW JNR (8-wicket haul) see Blairmont through to semis Blairmont Community Centre defeated the highly favoured Young Warriors outright to earn their spot in the semi-finals of the Tenelec Inc Under-15 Cricket Competition in Berbice. In the quarter final played at Cumberland, Blairmont chose to take first strike, Berbice Under-15 batsman Javed Karim opening the batting, held the innings together putting on 65 for the 2nd wicket with Saheed Khan (24) before he was eventually caught off legspinner Brandon Pydana for 83 (9 fours) at 135 for 7. Blairmont eventually made 149 all out in their first innings with Pydana picking up 4 for 29 for Young Warriors. That target turned out
Javid Karim to be too much for Young Warriors as they were in turn bowled out for just 112 in reply with Berbice Under-15 offspinner Seon Glasgow Jnr
Seon Glasgow doing the damage with 4 for 21. Topscoring were Trevon Stanislaus with 37 and Junior
Williams 25. Enjoying a first innings lead of 37, Blairmont Community Centre made 129 all out in their second innings with Talim Inshan topscoring with 30, while Chandradat Veerasammy and Azad Ishahack made 28 each. Pydana took 4 for 49 to end with match figure of 8 for 78. Bacchus took 3 for 15. Set a winning target for 167 in their second innings, Young Warriors found the Blairmont spin attack hard to cope with and were bowled out for 120 giving Blairmont victory by 46 runs. Glasgow took 4 for 19 to end with match figures of 8 for 40, while Berbice left arm spinner Nigel Deodat took 3 for 28.
Albion Cricket Club dissatisfied with non-selection of Foo to super50 team Calls on selectors to provide explanation “The Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) wishes to express its extreme disappointment at the nonselection of Jonathan Foo in the Guyana Jaguars’ Team for the upcoming Super 50 Cricket Tournament,” the club stated in a release from Secretary, Vemen Walter. “Without any doubt, the twenty-five year old Foo should have been an automatic choice in the team since he was the leading runs scorer in the recently held Local
Franchise League where the chalked up 359 runs including a century and two halfcenturies, representing the Upper Corentyne Franchise. Additionally, the talented middle-order batsman who also bowls part time off-spin, scored a well composed 67 in a game sense scenario during one of the Guyana Jaguars’ practice session leading up to the selection of the team and un unbeaten 28 in one of the two practice matches. With Royston Crandon
and Romero Shepherd being included in the team primarily as a result of their respective performances in the Local Franchise League, it is quite mindboggling why Foo’s performance was not taken into consideration, more so since he was a member of the team in last year’s tournament,” the release noted. It further informed, “The Albion Community Centre Cricket Club further wishes to remind the selectors and the administration of Guyana’s
cricket that selections must be based purely on merit and performance and Foo has undoubtedly fulfilled such criteria as his performance has been remarkable not only the Local Franchise League but at the first division level for his Club.” “This is unbelievable and as such, the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club is hereby demanding that the Guyana Jaguars’ selectors provide an explanation to the cricketing public as to the reason for Foo’s non-selection.”
India in March and April, where defending champions Sri Lanka will also be without their exceptional stalwarts Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitharan. Later in 2016, when India tour the Caribbean, and for ODI’s already billed for Guyana, St. Kitts and Barbados in June, featuring South Africa, Australia and WI, good performances in this regional ODI series will certainly be taken into full context, probably extending to world 50-overs tournaments like Champions Trophy 2017, and even further, to ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. While international tennis does not always excite West Indians, and international golf has taken a backseat since T&T’s Stephen Ames’ slide down the ranking list, there will still be interest in these great sports for Caribbean people, while cycling does have many fans in the Caribbean. “Grand Slam” tennis tournaments; Australian, French, Wimbledon, United States; and “Majors” in the golfing world; Masters, US Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship; along with that other prestigious golf competition; Ryder Cup featuring USA v Europe; are events to look forward to. Knowing that many former and present WI players are ardent golfers, these tournaments could inspire for 2016. As a massive fan of Formula 1 and road cycle racing, having attended F-1 races in Australia and England, and the start of Tour de France 2007 in London, I hope that, in 2016, I could again have those euphoric experiences of seeing cars achieve airplane speeds in Brazil, Mexico, Hungary, Germany or especially Monaco; seeing big boys drive very fast in expensive toys. Who knows, I could even be at the “Grand Depart”
of Tour de France 2016 next July at Mont-Saint-Michel. Why is it that a similar cycling event, encircling our picturesque region - “Tour of the Caribbean” - from Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba and Jamaica in the north, to Guyana in the south, has not yet been explored so that our excellence there can be properly showcased too, as regularly seen in Guyana, T&T and Barbados? 2016 could see that come into the sporting calendar too! But, speaking of Brazil, the largest country in South America, the biggest and most anticipated sporting event for 2016 must be Rio 2016 Olympics, scheduled for splendiferous, ferocious, dangerous, sprawling Rio de Janeiro, next August. After incandescent exploits at London 2012, with especially Jamaica and T&T providing great successes in disciplines in track, field and aquatics, and with Brazil’s proximity to the Caribbean, the XXXI Olympiad, probably Jamaica’s Usain Bolt’s swansong, should be a “must attend” event for Caribbean people. “Lightening” has scorched the world’s tracks for so long, in so many meetings, that to see him leave in deserved exulted glory would be worth the effort to get to Rio. Yes, 2016 promises to be yet another steaming smorgasbord of sporting activities regionally and worldwide where Caribbean natives could excel. We all wait in feverish anticipation. Enjoy! Email address = c.e.h.croft@gmail.com
Blackwater FC holds meeting today at East Ruimveldt School The Blackwater Football Club will be holding a general meeting this morning from 10:30 hrs at the East Ruimveldt Secondary school and all members are encouraged to attend. Meanwhile, the new executives of the club were recently elected and read:
President: Noel Blackman V/President: M. Welch Second V/President: Joseph Harmon Treasurer: Eve Blackman PRO: Johnny ‘overseas’ Barnwell Secretary: Marcia Charles Manager: Ivor Sandiford Coach: Troy Wright
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Gittens strike earns Federal Winners Connection Topp XX edge three-peat title against Silver Shattas Net Rockers 2-0 In front of a frenzied capacity crowd of adoring football fans the Federal Winners Connection veteran striker Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens once again delivered by scoring the lone goal of the game as his team beat Silver Shattas 1-0 in the final of the third annual Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) GT Beer championship, thus capturing a historic win with their third straight GT Beer championship at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on New Year’s Night. The back-to-back title win did not come easy for the champions to pocket the $800,000 first prize and the winning trophy and replicas,
as their opponents Silver Shattas did make the final a memorable one, but for the fact they were unable to convert chances which went their way, while the composed play of Winners Connection allowed them to come away with yet another sterling performance and are still to be beaten in three years of this year end competition. Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) president Sharma Solomon told the crowd on hand that come this year end the UDFA will be working in partnership with the authorities of the MSC to improve the seating conditions, while Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy
Peters, in front of GT Beer Manager Jeoffrey Clement assured the fans that the beverage giants are committed to continued sponsorship under the GT Beer brand for this tournament. The versatile Winners Connection started with a burst as their front line of veteran Gittens and 20 year old striker Marmalaque Davidson did create some anxious moments for the opposing goalkeeper for Silver Shattas but the relative underdogs Shattas were not kept quiet as their duo on the forward line of Rawlston Fraser and Colwyn Drakes made the defence of Winners Connection work overtime as the two
Butler providing the spark for Bulls in Rose’s absence
sides impressed with their counter attacks. While Winners Connection looked slightly the better of the two sides early in the first half the Shattas announced their intentions before the half time whistle came, but Winners Connection bounced back to steady their flow even though the first half ended scoreless. The second half was a continuation of the Winners Connection trying hard to get the go ahead goal, but their defence held together by the warring captain Marlon Maxius, often had their plate full in dealing with this courageous Shattas side. However, when it looked like an extra period of play would be necessary the wily striker Gittens was there to slam home a diagonal cross from the right side inside the 18 yards box which stunned the helpless Shattas goalkeeper in the 88 th minute of regulation play which virtually sealed the win for a third successive year of
this championship in favour of the champions Winners Connection. In the supporting game, goals from second half substitute Oswald Benjamin and veteran player Collie Hercules were enough to give Topp XX
a 2-0 win over Net Rockers in their third place game earlier. The presentation of the various prizes and individual awards will be done at a date to be announced during the coming week by the organisers.
Raptors get win as Hornets scoring dries up in final minutes
Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) goes to the basket against New York Knicks forward Kyle O’Quinn (9) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the second half at United Center. (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY SPORTS) (Reuters) Jimmy Butler has stood up for the Chicago Bulls this season and has helped the franchise transition out of their dependence on the injury-ravaged Derrick Rose. Butler scored a team-high 23 points on Friday as the Bulls routed the New York Knicks 108-81 despite the absence of Rose, who missed a second straight game due to a right hamstring problem. It is a familiar story for Rose, the 20102011 league MVP, who has seen his career decline due to a rash of major injuries. But as the face of their franchise has faded, Chicago have been propped up by the emergence of a new star. Butler, 26, enjoyed his breakout during the 2014-15 campaign when he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player and earned his first All Star Game appearance.
This season, though, he has left his mark on the team in entirely new ways. Butler, the Bulls’ top scorer and defender, has also become their emboldened vocal leader. Following a loss against the Knicks on Dec. 19, Butler called out Bulls first-year coach Fred Hoiberg saying he needed to coach the team harder and hold them more accountable. Butler was criticized for the statements at the time, though it has clearly lit a spark under the Bulls who have won their last three games. Chicago are squarely in the Eastern Conference mix despite finding a new identity under Hoiberg. Rose continues to try to get back into form and complete his first season free of major injury in five years. But the fate of the Bulls may no longer rest on Rose’s shoulders with Butler now doing the heavy lifting.
(Reuters) Guard DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Charlotte Hornets 104-94 on Friday, courtesy of Charlotte being unable to score in the final 4:45 minutes of the game. Forward Marvin Williams hit a three-pointer to tie the game 94-94 and give him 17 points, but that was the end of the scoring for the Hornets. Point guard Kyle Lowry then made a step-back jumper that put the Raptors into the lead with 3:28 to play and they were on their way to a 104-94 victory. “We finally got into a rhythm, got a couple of stops and that’s all we needed,” DeRozan said. “We had a couple of possessions where we were going back-and-forth and they were scoring. “We just understood if we got some stops and some big buckets we could be right back in the game and we would be able to take the lead.” The Raptors trailed by eight points after three quarters, but dominated the fourth quarter to win their second game in a row. “We did a lot of good things,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. “They are a good team and it’s on the
Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks to play a ball as Charlotte Hornets forward Tyler Hansbrough (50) tries to defend during the third quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. (Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports) road. “We were right there. I mean we should have been up eight, 10, 12 at the end of the third.” Lowry added 18 points and dished out 11 assists for the Raptors while center Jonas Valanciunas grabbed 13 rebounds and scored 10 points. Forwards DeMarre Carroll and Patrick Patterson
chipped in with 14 points each and reserve center Bismack Biyombo nabbed 11 rebounds and scored six points for Toronto. Guard Kemba Walker scored 18 points to lead the injury depleted Hornets. DeRozan scored 12 points (Continued on page 69)
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Sunday January 03, 2016
Barclays Premier League round-up...
Arsenal beat Newcastle to lead points table Arsenal moved two points clear of Leicester at the top of the Premier League table with a win over Newcastle. The unconvincing Gunners looked set for a point on a soggy Emirates Stadium pitch until defender Laurent Koscielny came to the rescue with a close-range poked winner in the 72nd minute. The Magpies should have come away with at least a point, having been on the front foot for much of the second half. Georginio Wijnaldum went closest but his shot was saved by Petr Cech. Toure, Aguero brilliance saves Man City Brilliant late goals from Yaya Toure (82’) and Sergio Aguero (84’) rescued Manchester City as they came from behind to beat Watford in an entertaining finale. Watford went ahead after
the break when Aleksandar Kolarov (55’OG) headed Ben Watson’s corner beyond Joe Hart, who had the situation covered, for an own goal. With defeat looming, Yaya Toure side-foot volleyed Kolarov’s corner into the near post to level. And Aguero headed Bacary Sagna’s fine cross home to secure a rare away win. Carroll’s goal helps West Ham leapfrog Liverpool Andy Carroll (55’) scored against his former club as West Ham leapfrogged Liverpool in the table thanks to a first league double over the Reds for 52 years. Michail Antonio (10’) beat Nathaniel Clyne to Enner Valencia’s early cross to net the Premier League’s first goal of 2016. Liverpool midfielder Emre Can was denied by the bar but
Jurgen Klopp’s side were off the pace throughout. Carroll, who cost Liverpool a club record £35m in 2011, sealed the points after meeting Mark Noble’s cross. West Ham’s second straight win lifted them to sixth in the table, Liverpool dropping to eighth. Leicester fall two points behind Arsenal after Mahrez miss penalty Riyad Mahrez saw a second-half penalty saved as Leicester could only draw with Bournemouth to fall two points behind Arsenal at the top of the table. Moments after Bournemouth captain Simon Francis was sent off for denying Jamie Vardy a goalscoring chance, Artur Boruc denied Mahrez with a two-handed save. Vardy had struck a post
when well-placed in an even first half, but the red card left the Cherries hanging on. Boruc again denied Mahrez late on, but the visitors deservedly earned a point. Rooney’s winner earns Man United full points Wayne Rooney’s (77’) brilliant instinctive winner beat Swansea as Manchester United ended a run of eight games without a win. The England striker flicked home Anthony Martial’s cross with 13 minutes to go to settle a close contest. After a dour first half, Martial (47’) had headed United in front, before Gylfi Sigurdsson’s (70’) glancing effort set nerves on edge at Old Trafford. Manchester United move up to fifth, two points behind Tottenham. Swansea’s raids forward were rare, but they twice came close to a second equaliser in injury time. First Ashley (Continued on page 69)
West Ham’s Andy Carroll in action with Liverpool’s Emre Can. (Action Images via Reuters / John SibleyLivepic)
Late Stokes burst gives England the edge Smith yet to confirm consulting
Ben Stokes brought up a valuable half-century, South Africa v England, 2nd Test, Cape Town, 1st day, January 2, 2016 ©Getty Images CAPE TOWN (Reuters) Ben Stokes struck a sparkling unbeaten 74 to help England finish the opening day of the second test against South Africa on a healthy 317 for five at Newlands on Saturday. Stokes top-scored for the touring side with Alex Hales and Joe Root also contributing half-centuries and Jonny Bairstow ending on 39 not out in an unbroken sixthwicket partnership of 94. Stokes took to the tiring South African bowling in the last hour of a hot day, seeing off the threat of the new ball with a cavalier approach that gave the advantage to England who lead the four-test
series 1-0. Hales, in his second test, was out for 60 to a sharp catch from AB de Villiers in the slips after getting an edge to a lifting ball from Morne Morkel. His patient innings off 140 balls should, however, allow him more time to cement a regular role as captain Alastair Cook’s opening partner. “It was a good contest between bat and ball but Stokes’s innings got the bowlers, who were sleeping on the physio’s couches, out to come and watch,” Hales told reporters. “He always provides something spectacular”. Root made 50 before giv-
ing debutant Chris Morris his first test wicket when he nibbled at a ball and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. Nick Compton was five runs short of his 50 when he pulled to midwicket and was caught by Temba Bavuma off the bowing of Kagiso Rabada with the last ball before tea. The 20-year-old Rabada, replacing the injured Dale Steyn, took two wickets in as many balls either side of the interval. James Taylor fell straight after tea playing a big drive to a wide ball to be caught behind for a golden duck. The first England wicket to fall was Cook who fell to a stunning one-handed catch at third slip by Morris for 27 off the bowling of Rabada. Cook, who won the toss, and Hales shared a 55-run partnership, the first 50-run open partnership in the last eight English test innings. South Africa’s bowlers all took a pounding with Rabada’s figures of 3-74 the best. “The margin for errors were small and so it was tough. We’ve just got to go out tomorrow and attack and get some early wickets,” Rabada said. Debutant Morris finished with 1-99 off 20 overs as the absence of Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kyle Abbott was felt by the home team. England won the first test in Durban by a convincing 241 runs. Scores: Close England 317 for 5 (Stokes 74*, Hales 60, Root 50, Rabada 3-74) v South Africa.
role with South Africa team CAPE TOWN (Reuters) Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith said on Saturday an announcement on his rejoining the team in a consulting role to help boost confidence and impart ideas was premature and he was still considering the offer. Smith worked with some of the under-pressure team’s batsmen on the eve of the second test against England at Newlands after their 241-run defeat in the first test in Durban, where he had been critical of their form in his radio and television analysis. “They are low on confidence,” he said of South Africa’s current batsmen, “and I was asked after Durban to come down and work with them. “I’ve since been offered an extended role but it is something I need to consider as I already have commitments. The way it was announced was not right,” he told BBC’s Test Match Special, where the 34-year-old former test opener is serving as a pundit. South Africa’s test side are ranked top in the world but have not won in their last seven tests, hammered in India in November and comprehensively beaten by England in Durban on Wednesday. “I was trying to find a feel good factor as they are low on confidence,” said Smith of his work on Friday. “If you are out of form you can spend too much time over-analysing and working yourself over mentally.” Smith said it was key South Africa’s top six batsmen share the pressure. “You’ve got to almost bat for the guy on the other end,” he advised. South Africa captain Hashim Amla on Friday said Smith would be with the team for the rest of the four-test series, which his former skipper has since denied. “He was a wonderful captain for and he knows more than most guys how to play test cricket and how to deal with tough times,” explained Amla at a media conference at Newlands on Friday. “He had a few crushing
South Africa’s Graeme Smith runs after a ball after he failed to make a catch during the third day of their test cricket match against Australia in Centurion February 14, 2014. (Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko) defeats early in his career so he is well aware how important it is as a team to reassess and get back to form. That type of experience is invaluable and that’s why we’ve tried to draw on it.”
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 73
Stag Super XVI...
Grove Hi Tech outlast Ann’s Grove to $1.5m and bragging rights Victoria Kings outstay Mahaica Determinators for third Defending champions Grove Hi Tech had to once again pull out all the stops to once again take home the top prize of $1.5 million and bragging rights for the next year when they out lasted Ann’s Grove United 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks following a 4-4 tie after the first 5 and a 0-0 score line at the end of regulation and extra time. The result brought an end to the second edition of the Stag Super XVI knock-out football tournament that featured 16 teams from the East Bank, East Demerara and West Demerara Football Association who battled over 8 days of exciting action at venues in the three associations. The third place match which saw Mahaica Determinators taking on Victoria Kings saw the latter prevailing also via penalty kicks 4-
3; regulation and extra time ended 1-1, Mahaica equalizing on the stroke of full time from the spot. It was the perfect climax to a truly intense tournament and it was the second time in a row that Grove Hi Tech have defeated Ann’s Grove in the championship match, the first ending 5-0.
This time around however, Alden Lawrence (right) and Ron Collins (Goalkeeper) of Victoria Kings. Ann’s Grove, which had lost support from the 3000+ spectators upright by Orson Francois. their semifinal match to Mahaica that enjoyed good momentum for However, both teams restored Determinators on penalty kicks 3- most of the match. order by sinking the next two shots 4, were gifted a spot in the final Even the minutes added on in each which meant that at the end of o w i n g t o t h e f a c t t h a t extra time could not separate the the first five neither team held the Determinators played a player who two sides as the fans from both advantage. It was now down to was not duly transferred; thus teams sought to add some energy to sudden death penalty kicks where losing the match and being their players by cheering them on; it the team to miss would be out. relegated to the third place game. was evident that the grind of Both teams sunk the first two Ann’s Grove went about the multiple matches over the past two shots each before Ann’s Grove task of upsetting the defending weeks was taking its toll. missed their third, Antonio Jackson champs in businesslike fashion and Regular penalty kicks too, did buckling under the pressure of the would have put the game away not produce a winner as after the moment. early if they were potent in the first five, the score was locked 4-4. Hi Tech’s Devon Joseph then attacking third as they were all over Ann’s Grove’ third shot taken by put the sealer on the match and the Hi Teach team but just could not Marlon Adams was saved by Grove championship for his team by finish. Hi Tech’s custodian Michael hitting the ball into the back of the Grove Hi Tech had a few good Matthews. nets past Ann’s Grove’s substitute moments one and far as it was the Hi Tech also missed their third goalkeeper, Travis Allen who was home team which enjoyed great fan shot which was sent wide of the left inserted into the match for Narvado Denny in the 110th minute. Joseph’s goal sent Hi Tech fans storming onto the field in wild celebrations as they complimented the players for delivering the goods and easing a very pressurized situation in their favour, whilst the Ann’s Grove team and fans were naturally, very disappointed. The losing side will collect $500,000. Victoria Kings had taken the lead in the third place match against Mahaica Determinators through the third goal of the tournament from Alden Lawrence in the 26th minute. The exchanges were back and forth with both teams exhibiting the desire to go after each other. The second half saw a much more determined Mahaica side but the Kings stood firm in attack. The persistence of Mahaica was rewarded in the final minute of regulation time when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by Kurt Roberts to tie the match and force extra time. Penalty kicks were required after a fruitless extra time period. Kings missed their first shot taken Rudolph Baker by Samuel Blackett but converted the next four through Winston A recent release from Ricky lights preceding the feature event, a Pompey, Sherlock Dowden, Deonarine, Vice President of the T20 contest involving some of the Lawrence and Ruben Morris. GFSCA stated that an entire best players in the Caribbean. The Mahaica converted their 1st, Demerara team could have being winner of the softball Open final will 2nd and 4th shots taken by Terry selected from Wolf Warriors and battle for $500,000 and a trophy. Caesar, Roberts and Ewart Abel but Regal players but some very good Demerara will face off with missed their 3rd and 5th. players would have been left out. Karibee girls from Berbice in a Kings will receive $300,000, As a result, the organizers female game, while Berbice while Mahaica will be rewarded decided that both teams will be Masters will take on Demerara with $200,000. representing Demerara. Masters. (Tickets will go on sale The presentation of prizes will The final will played under from the middle of January. take place during this week.
Veteran softball cricketer Troy Kippins to lead Berbice Masters in Cricket Festival
W
ith the highly anticipated softball and hardball Cricket Festival scheduled for the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday January 30, 2016 fast approaching, Berbice has appointed veteran inter county and current Regal Masters captain Troy Kippins to lead their team against Demerara in a feature inter county game. Even though Berbice have not quite shortlisted their team, it is expected that prolific batsmen Eon Abel, Rudolph Baker and Khemraj Sumair will lead the batting. Other players of caliber that are expected to be part of the squad are Jagga Bhoj, Verapen Moonsammy, Anthony Ameerally, Subramani Mangali, Rampersaud Ramcharitar, Richard Kellowan, Randolph Latcha and Georgetown based Ricky Deonarine and Anil Beharry. Essequibo softball team are also onboard, making the softball competition a truly national event. The day of fun and frolic for the entire family, which includes a fun park for children, is being organised by Legacy and 007 Promotions’, who have collaborated with corporate sponsors, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the
Ricky Deonarine Guyana Foodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA). The event promises to a highintensity one in front an anticipated capacity crowd.( Essequibo confirmed their participation in the Open 10/10 category, which also includes Karibee Boyz from Berbice, Wolf’s Warriors of West Demerara and Regal of Georgetown.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 03, 2016
Riddim Squad brush past Western Tigers to claim GFA/Banks Cup 5th Annual GFA/Banks Cup Knockout tournament
By Michael Benjamin In a game of swaying fortunes, and backed by a vociferous bunch of supporters, Riddim Squad FC (RS) displayed grit and determination to overcome Western Tigers FC (WTFC) 2-1 and waltzed off with the championship trophy and two million dollars when the 5th Annual GFA/Banks Cup Knockout tournament concluded at the National Stadium, Providence last Friday evening. Western Tigers had to be content with the one million dollars incentive for the runner up team. This was one match after underdogs, New Amsterdam United, turned back the challenge of Santos FC with a heart-wrenching 3-2 defeat to take the remaining podium spot and the accompanying half million dollars and trophy. Riddim Squad’s Amos Ramsay stitched in a 50th minute success just before Randolph Wagner 73rd minute contribution for We s t e r n b r o u g h t t h e situation back to equilibrium. Delon John’s 80th minute goal returned the advantage to Riddim Squad which held to the final whistle. Consequently, Riddim Squad carted off the lion’s share of auxiliary p r i z e s a n d Wa g n e r ’s tournament tally of 7 goals was enough to clinch the trophy for this category of special prizes, while his teammate, Ron Liverpool received the trophy for being the best goalkeeper. Sceyon Hope had scored in all of his team’s encounters and he was justly awarded the accolade for the Most Valuable Player.
President of the GFA, Clifton Hicken (right), is just as happy as Riddim Squad’s Captain, Lyliton Ramsay, when he handed over the first place cheque and trophy.
Otis James (left) collects the 3rd place trophy for NA united from Rawlston Adams. Western Tigers started the match at a fast clip and Daron Benjamin tested the opposition’s goalkeeper with a powerful shot which the latter individual did well
to save. Rowley then featured after he had weaved his way past the opposition’s defence cordon but once again, Liverpool endorsed his ‘best goalkeeper ’
ALBION NAME SUB COMMITTEES FOR 2016
T
he newly-elected executives of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, under the presidency of Imtiaz Baccus met recently and have named the Club’s various Sub-Committees, captains and vice-captains of the Club’s respective teams among others for the year 2015. The Club’s Selection Committee will once again be chaired by Vemen Walter and will include Orvin Mangru and Romeo Singh along with the captain of the team in question. Vice-President Singh heads the
Disciplinary Committee with Totaram Haricharran, Dhanraj Budhu, Baccus and Walter being the other members. Walter will also chair the Cricket Development Committee with Sew Misir, Mangru, Doorasammy Thimmaryan, Baccus and the Club’s coach Andre Percival making up the reminder of the committee. Treasurer David Latchaya is the chairman of the fund-raising committee which will also comprise of businessmen Permaul Mangali and Devendra Permaul, (Continued on page 69)
accomplishment when he skillfully punched the ball back into play. Riddim Squad’s initial show of resistance occurred after Amos Ramsay took a free kick ten meters from the box but flouted the opportunity with a wayward strike that the opposition’s custodian, Romell Legall, easily intercepted. Ramsay was to feature again several minutes later when he adroitly steered the ball from the middle of the field into his opponents’ comfort zone and slammed home his team’s first success. Riddim Squad defence cordon also averted sure disaster after Western Tiger’s striker, Dwayne Ali, tested it with a wicked kick that failed to breach the wall. Indeed the competition was
fierce and resulted in RS small 1 nil advantage at the halfway break. The fierce rivalry resumed in the second half when Amos Ramsay thundered down the left flank and unleashed a powerful kick which the opposition’s custodian did well to save. Rudolph Wagner then responded for We s t e r n Ti g e r s a f t e r performing a solo that brought him dangerously close to Riddim Squad’s goal; their custodian, Ron Liverpool, sprang into action and his save truly endorsed t h e s e l e c t i o n p a n e l ’s eventual decision to bequeath him the best goalkeeper of the tournament. As the minutes elapsed the ‘Tigers’ upped the ante
and Delon Fraser performed a solo only to be forced into a premature kick after the opposition’s defenders attacked with venom. Devon Forde may also rue his fortunes after he intercepted a pass just outside the box but sent the ball cannoning down the right of the Riddim Squad’s goal. The minutes were dwindling and Riddim Squad aspired to hold on to their slim 1 nil lead resulting in the ‘keeper’ receiving a yellow card after being cited for delayed tactics. Western were then fed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty after one of their players was fouled in the box. Wagner took the shot and deceived the goalie who plunged to the left while the dapper Western striker kicked to the right. Merely 8 minutes later, Riddim Squad retained the lead when Charles received a pass from the left flank and he swiveled on the balls of his feet and sent in a powerful shot that flew past t h e We s t e r n T i g e r s ’ custodian and came to rest in the nets. Thereafter, a vicious battle ensued with both teams missing out on opportunities to either equalize (in the case of Western Tigers) or extend the lead (in the case of Riddim Squad). The final whistle ten minutes after Charles’ success meant that Riddim Squad had won the championship. They can now enjoy 2 million dollars, a beautiful trophy and a full year of bragging rights. Earlier, in the third place playoff, New Amsterdam United (NAU) defied their underdog status and had Santos FC on the ropes from as early as the 9th minute when George Hinckson’s powerful shot sent the Berbicians ahead. By the end of the first session, NAU had extended its lead to 2-0 following a Travis Williams 28th minute success. Delroy Fernandes netted a double for the Berbicians in the 52nd and 78th minutes, while Santos staged a late revival after Dwayne McLennan was twice fouled in the box and converted those penalties in the 84th and 87th minutes. The prize giving ceremony was performed just after the end of the feature game.
Sunday January 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 75
All Roads lead to Rising Sun Turf Club for Mohammed “Nankoo” Shariff Memorial Meet T
he day has arrived and with this being the last event for the 2015/ 2016 horseracing season all the horses eligible and the major stables are ready for an action packed day of racing. Despite the numerous activities the place to be will be the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park West Coast Berbice. Thousands are expected to swarm the venue for the inaugural “Mohammed “Nankoo” Shariff Memorial one day horserace meet slated for today. The event organised by the RSTC is being held in collaboration with Banks DIH Limited, Inshan Bacchus Trucking Service and The Trophy Stall of Bourda market. Other main sponsors on board are the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Rising Sun cattle Ranch, Habla Meat Centre and the Chester fried Chicken, Bush Lot West Coast Berbice.
Over $5M are up for grabs with over 65 horses down to participate. The top stables and top Jockeys are all well prepared and ready to go and a sizzling and action pack day of racing is anticipated. The feature D and lower Shariff Memorial 1400M classic sponsored by Banks DIH Limited will see a return clash between the inform and fired up Spit Fire of the Shariff Stable and the much Improved Lady Budapest of The Bactowar Stable. However both horses can have their work cut out with the likes of, Just call me Boss, Princess she not, Diplomatic Cat, Good Will Boy, Unsettled, Storm Mark and Strom Bird looking to create a storm for the $700,000 winners money and the Coveted banks DIH Trophy. The recently added event for horses classified D3 maiden and E class winners over 1100M for a winning purse of $400,000 and
Marcia Shanks hands over the champion jockey trophy to Fazil Habibulla jr. trophy has the likes of Precise Gold, Storm Bird,
Red and Lovely, Appealing Harvest Storm Mark and Big
Man Boss among others in the lineup. Most of the horses in the two feature races have also been entered for the E and lower 1400M event for a winning take of $500,000 and trophy. The G class showdown has a winners money of $300,000 and trophy over 1400M with the likes of Campador, Big Man Boss, Settling Star, It’s MY Choice and Royal Empire in the running. They are expected to be some surprises in the H2 and lower race where a large and competitive field has been assembled with Cat Messiah, Mary Ann, She so Special, Honest Penny, Secret Return, Party Time, Cassie, Princess Maya, Quiet Strom Amazing Run and Weekend Surprise looking to take home the $220,000 and a trophy. It is anticipated to be a fiery event with Little looking for another big performance as it comes up
against the likes of Secret Escape, De Gump, Affinity, Massiquita Dr and Red Jet in the J and lower1100M race for a winner’s cheque of $180,000 and trophy over. The final two events are for animals classified K and Lower and L and lower with the distances being 1100M and the winner will take home $150,000 and $100,000 dollars and t r o p h i e s r e s p e c t i v e l y. Horses such as Speed Vision, Blue Lightning, Upfront, Red Region, Mystic, Miss Maya and Golden Kiss have been entered to participate in both events. Outstanding individual performers including top jockey, runner up, trainer and stable will be presented with trophies and other accolades compliments of Ramesh Sunich proprietor of Trophy Stall. The Race will be held under the rules of the Rising Sun Turf Club and Bugle time is 12:30 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Why was Foo not picked for Super50? Asks Sean Devers Albion’s 25-year-old right-hander Jonathan Alexander Foo must have been the most surprised young man in Berbice when he got the news that he was not in the Guyana Jaguars’ 14-man squad to travel St Kitts for their opening NAGICO Super50 game against the Windwards on Thursday. The pugnacious batsman, who now bowls decent off-spin, has worked very hard on his fittest over the last six months and that one of the things which contributed to his success in the local Franchise 50 overs League, which was used to help select the team to play in St Kitts. Playing for Upper Corentyne, Foo scored the most runs and was one of six batsmen with centuries in the League in which he also bowled impressively. A lack of fitness and commitment were reasons the career of the Berbician took a nose dive after he played all of three of his List ‘A’ (50-over) games in 2011. Foo had announced his arrival at the Regional level with a match winning 17-ball unbeaten 42 against Barbados in the WICB t20 final to earn for Guyana a spot in the 2010 champions League in South Africa. The former Guyana youth player failed to fire on the bouncy tracks in South Africa and faded away after playing for the West Indies ‘A’ the following year. Foo tried to make a successful come back last year when he played in New York but again fitness issues continued to be his bug bear. But all of that changed with the
introduction of rigorous training seasons from last August as the Jaguars commenced preparations for their PCL title defence. Foo got fitter, put on muscle and more importantly began batting with a new found maturity and responsibility and after his good knocks the Local 50 overs Franchise League many felt he was an automatic pick for Super50 tournament and his omission was
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
shocking. The eventual 14-man squad included three new comers to Regional One-Day cricket in Essequibian opener Kevin Boodie, Albion left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and Tucber Park’s fast bowler Romario Shepherd. While the inclusion of Motie and Boodie came as no surprise, the selection of Shepherd raised eyebrows since West Indies ‘A’ team pacer Ronsford Beaton, Keon Joseph and Raun Johnson were way ahead of him on the pecking order. It also seems a waste of money to buy Barbadian fast bowling all-rounder Jevon Searles if he is not picked for the First-Class or One-Day teams. Selecting Shiv Chanderpaul, who turns 42 this year and is unlikely to make a return to the West Indies side, for a format in which Assad Fudadin and Vishaul Singh could play the role that he plays, leaves no room in the squad for the attacking Foo and young players like his son Tagenarine and Sherfane Rutherford, who could have also provided lively spells with the ball. With Fudadin and Boodie expected to open and Skipper Leon Johnson, Vishaul Singh and Royston Crandon, being the other specialist batsmen there is no need for Chanderpaul, who did not participate in any of the two practice matches. Anthony Bramble, Raymon Refier, Chris Barnwell and Steven Jacobs are all-rounders while Veerasammy Permaul is also capable of runs at this level. Chanderpaul is keeping out a young
Jonathan Foo batsman, including his son, from gaining experience at this level and could better serve the team by being the batting consultant for the young brigade. Guyana Jaguars squad: Assad Fudadin, Kevin Boodie, Leon Johnson (Captain), Vishaul Singh Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Christopher Barnwell (Vice-captain), Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul, Paul Wintz, Gudakesh Motie, Royston Crandon, Romario Shepherd