Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The shortcomings of the social services Toward the end of last year, the Ministry of Social Protection reported to the nation that the cases of child abuse had passed the 3,000 mark. It is as though the people in this country had reached a new low. Indeed, many of the older people had grown up in a society where floggings were the norm. Teachers flogged children in school; parents whipped their children and the courts thought nothing about sentencing criminals to a session of flogging and whipping. Somewhere along the way the people were taught that beating was cruel and that it scarred children for life; that it made children grow into abusers and continue a cycle of abuse. The educationists in our midst attempted to follow trends in the United States where the sociologists claimed that they had done their research and that flogging was barbaric. As an aside, some of the states in the United States have reintroduced flogging to counter the growing indiscipline. But flogging is the least of the child abuse problem in Guyana. There were more than six hundred cases of child sex abuse. That is perhaps the most distressing situation in the country. A man gets a prolonged jail sentence for inserting his finger into a little child’s vagina. This is just one case of child sex abuse that ended up in court. There were others; men who opted to have sex with little girls because such acts boosted their ego; allowed them to feel superior to another human being. Then there were those men who preyed on family members. Unfortunately, because of the sloth in the judicial system, many of the victims grow into young adults and would decline to lead further evidence in the matter. The perpetrator therefore walks. That is all well and good except that the society does not see the scars on the minds of the young victim. We have had cause to criticize those parents who literally pimp their children. Some uncaring adult opts to make a child his sex toy; the parent gets wind and reports to the police. The man may have the option of compensation and he makes an offer. The parent leaps at it unaware, that while money may temporarily offer some solace, it does nothing for the child. But there is another aspect to the problems of the child. Many of those neglected seek love away from the home. These are the children, who, in the absence of role models, gravitate to the first prominent adult they meet. The result is that these days there are no shortages of criminal recruits. Just recently two 21-year-olds were shot and killed by the police. These had been members of the criminal enterprise long before they had attained the age of majority. There are many more. Scarcely a day passes without a member of the Social Protection agency ends up sitting in court on behalf of a child who is either a perpetrator or a victim. The Chief Probation Officer recently said that the department has come to recognise that placing a child into an institution, is not the best thing unless that institution is a school or some other place of learning. In the same way that the country has a shortage of people capable of dealing with mental health issues, in the same way there is a shortage of people capable of rehabilitating children and young adults. The courts have not been helpful in penalizing those parents who neglect their children. And in a few cases it has penalized those parents who abuse their children yet the extent of the penalty is far from enough. A woman brutalizes her six-year-old son to the extent that his body looks like a chequers board and she gets a few months in prison. But the child is having a torrid time living with anyone. He has had to change two foster parents. Only time will tell if he would be a normal adult. Such is the case of our social problems and they are far from over given that there are more than a dozen reports of child abuse each day.

Thursday January 07, 2016

Letters... Where your views make the news

I insist, GECOM treated my party unfairly DEAR EDITOR, This is in reference to “Gecom says Guyana can look forward for fair LGE” (KN Jan 4) penned under the name of its deputy CEO Vishnu Persaud. GECOM says URP should be grateful that it went “out of its way” to help URP qualify to be on the ballot. So that means URP should not complain about a fraudulent election? If Gecom went out of its way to qualify URP and other minor parties, when they had not met the minimum requirements, then Gecom did not do its job and therefore the entire management should resign. . The United Republican Party repeats the following charges relating to Gecom: 1.The party requested from Gecom and was promised a list of polling places and names of polling officials prior to the May general election; it never received the list. 2. The party requested and was promised official accreditation of polling agents in critical stations where electoral malpractices were rampant; in spite of repeated efforts, URP polling agents were not accredited and were denied observer status as well as access to oversee the voting process to guarantee its integrity. Gecom states the “URP provided no evidence to support its claim that there were fake statements of poll”. That comment alone undermines the entire response of Gecom to URP’s claims. It

also undermines the credibility of the body to hold a free and fair election. The URP did not make a charge of fake statements of poll. It was the CEO of Gecom, Mr. Lowenfield, who revealed in a press conference and as reported in the press that he uncovered hundreds of fake statements. Lowenfield stated there were about 400 fake SOPs (PPP claims there were many more). This means at a minimum, some 25% of the SOPs were fraudulent. How could an election result be declared with such a high percentage of fake statements? How did Gecom arrive at its number and could that really reflect the will of voters? Could fraud (fake SOPs) be the reason why URP received zero votes in places where voters swore they voted for the party? Is it credible that the URP candidates and the hundreds who signed the nominations and campaigned for the party did not vote for it? If Gecom feels the election was free and fair, then why was it opposed to a recount (after committing to one) and why was (is) it opposed to a forensic audit of the balloting? Why is it opposed to an expedited judicial hearing to the election petition? How is it possible that there were more voters that the actual number of registered voters? Is this not suggestive of fraud? The record would reveal (as reported in the media) that Surujbally

agreed to a recount of ballots and then suddenly changed his mind saying he would not order a recount. Why this change in mind? It is noted that in one region, APNU-AFC won by one vote. Why was there not a recount when there were so many spoilt ballots? Was there a move to steal that regional seat? Just asking! Given that here were fake statements of polls (and hundreds of them), should there not have been an automatic recount of the ballots in all the polling places to erase doubts about the fairness of the count? Surujablly promised an impartial investigation into the fake SOPs. A few months ago, he said he will not carry out an investigation. Any impartial election officer worth his salt in any part of the globe would make it his responsibility to get to the bottom of how fake SOPs made their way into Gecom’s office or at polling places. It is reported in the media that presiding officers at some of the polling stations said they were given fake SOPs by officials of Gecom and APNU-AFC. Should that not have been investigated? Many voters reported that the ink used to stain their fingers easily washed off in some areas. Should that not have been investigated? Vishnu Bandhu Political Leader, URP

Rice and sugar; comparing their histories DEAR EDITOR, The report emanating from the GuySuCo Commission of Inquiry (COI), and which was recently tabled in parliament clearly suggests that privatisation is the way to go. Many will know that several attempts at privatization have been tried before, using different approaches. Still, some may want to ask why then did we ever nationalize sugar, if we are now forced to reverse that decision in order to save the industry from ultimately collapsing. I recall an agricultural economists stating that during the 1970s, Guyana had made two calamitous decisions that were to be regretted shortly after, and these were the scrapping of the railway system and the nationalization of sugar production. The negative impact on agriculture The rice and sugar

industries in Guyana can be considered as having been taken on two completely different development pathways. The production of rice is a privatesector driven industry with a minimum of state intervention, whereas the sugar industry is largely state-owned, and with a very minor role for actors in the private sector. One can say that the rice industry has mastered the production side of the equation, but has faltered on the marketing side. Conversely, the sugar industry has consistently been unable to achieve production targets (with the exception of 2015 which was helped by favourable weather) and market quotas, and has not made a profit for the past decade, even though it enjoyed a lengthy period of preferential prices in the past and heavy subsidization by the government which

owns it. Over the past thirty years, the rice industry has evolved to become modernised, very productive, efficient and responsive to opportunities. In that time, it has more than tripled the annual output of the mid-1980s. In 1984, Guyana produced 180,000 tonnes of rice, and in 2014 production reached an all-time high of 633,000 tonnes. The roles of government agencies involved in the rice industry are restricted to the provision of technical services, some amount of marketing support and overseeing the efficient and effective use of state-owned arable lands. During that 30-year period, rice farmers were encouraged to be innovative, and they took that seriously. For example, in the past 20 years alone, we have moved from a state of bagging paddy in jute bags at the field site and (Continued on page 23)

Come to our meeting and help crime fight DEAR EDITOR, The newly formed ‘Christians Affected By Crime’ (CABC) group will be organizing its first session on Monday 11 January, 2016 from 17:00 – 19:00 hours at the National Library Conference Room on Church Street. The objectives of the group will be: To mobilize a community of individuals to visit crime scenes and pray for the persons who commit crimes, the victims and for the reduction of crimes; to pray for the salvation of persons who have committed crimes against us and others; and to provide spiritual support for the mothers and family members of persons who are praying for their sons and love

ones to stop being involved in criminal activities. We will be applying a strategy that will directly or indirectly bring us into contact with persons who commit crimes. The programme for this session will include the identification of ten persons to form a coordinating team for the group; prayer for persons who are involved in criminal activities, prayers for the families of persons who commit crimes, prayers for victims of crimes.; someone will stand in the gap and ask forgiveness on behalf of persons who commit crimes; prayers for our children (sons and daughters) that they would not become involved in criminal

activities and prayer for those persons who will become involved in the fight against crimes. Our theme for the session is; ‘one will put a thousand to flight and two would put ten thousand to flight’…and ‘for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but they are mighty through God to the pulling down of the strongholds of the enemy’. We are therefore extending this invitation to all Christians, Pastors, Leaders of churches, intercessors and other persons who are interested in joining in agreement with us in our fight to reduce crime in our beloved country. Audreyanna Thomas

Thursday January 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news Letters... Where your views make the news

Social mess in Guyana will scare The great role of the away the Guyanese diaspora coop society in Region 3

DEAR EDITOR, With the recent murders within the very first few days of 2016, the most heinous and monstrous being the terrorizing and murder of the mother at Plantation Hope, West Coast at the hands of bandits being the worst for just about anywhere on planet earth, and yet diaspora Guyanese are asked to regain faith in their country and return with their wealth and experience to help develop it. When violence and murders are heard of this monstrous nature they send the biggest shockwave and chill down their spine and I have said it for years and will say it again - Diaspora Guyanese

WILL NOT return under those conditions. And while they may be obliged to endure other difficulties like government bureaucracy, long lines, some corruption (all familiar to them at the time of their departure), they will not return to a land and place their lives and that of their children in jeopardy…they absolutely will not. So our officials can beg and cajole until the cows come home but at the end of the day this is the most important and defining issue affecting Diaspora Guyanese from returning home. What we are reaping is the result of years of essential democratic systems gone awry and allowed to fester

The PPP regime treated us as rubbish DEAR EDITOR, In an article in Kaieteur News (Jan. 6), Sase Singh has given some ill-informed opinions of the present scenario with regards to Hope Estate. As a third generation descendant of the estate’s original inhabitants, I am convinced that this columnist has taken half-truths, distorted and adorned them to make them appear as truth. Where was he when the past administration treated us, the inhabitants of the estate as rubbish while their families, relatives and friends amassed riches? Although we are all PPP supporters, President Burnham moved us out of the logies and treated us with dignity and respect. However, the past administration made us slaves to their rich families and friends and we are left with empty bowls. Except for money paid by NDIA for cleaning the canals, we have no jobs, no lands to cultivate and just survive from day to day. Firstly, we were informed at a meeting with residents that the Chairman, Dr Iamei Aowmathi has been mandated by the Board of Directors to manage the estate, bring it to normalcy and solvency, recoup outstanding rents, deal with the issue of farmers who have breached their tenancy agreements by planting permanent crops instead of cash crops, resolve the matter of waiver of rents for big farmers among other things. Further, in our meeting with the Board of Directors at the farmers’ meeting on the 11th October, 2015 we requested that action be taken against farmers who sublet lands allocated to them for exorbitant fees and to ensure that the poor residents of the estate be given priority for land instead of the big farmers who have no connection

to the estate, many of whom live in other areas and abroad in USA and Canada. We, the poor people who are cash crop farmers, are not against the yearly rent which amounts to $1,250. per acre each month. The big farmers who have now become millionaires after farming the lands of the estate are the ones crying out. You are invited to send your reporters and cameramen to gain hands-on information and to view the Sase Singh’s ‘poor small farmers’ using their canters, minibuses, trucks and fancy cars, etc to transport produce from their farms while the ‘rich bonafide residents’ cannot ride even a donkey or horse. As regards the Administrative Manager appointed to the estate, his family and another long time farming family are fighting for years over rice lands at the estate. Is the Government out of its mind to have such people manage the estate? Hence, please have your reporters visit the estate rather than have Sase Singh decorate the big farmers as poor people who cannot pay the increased rent. Ed Singh

and rot to the state they are now, where neglect and corruption became the norm, where mediocrity and nepotism became the de-facto order of the day and where the blind led the blind. The recent murders should raise a plethora of questions that members of the public should demand answers and while a new Government can hardly be blamed for the current out-of–control state of crime and violence, they must understand the urgency and importance of their obligation to the Guyanese people to fix this mess. We simply cannot continue at this rate. It is not sustainable and Guyana will fall into a deeper abyss. More innocent lives lost if systems are not put in place quickly to curb this current situation. Tough questions need to be asked such as-should we consider a return to capital punishment as in the Presidents Burnham’s and Hoyte’s era when crime was at record lows despite the reservations of ABC countries. Should we raise minimum drinking agelimits to 21? Should tougher enforcement on pubs and rum shops be considered to dissuade underage persons from imbibing alcohol? Additionally as the Government announced plans to revamp the Guyana Police Force with the help of ABC countries (overdue for many decades), Guyanese must be curious to know where are we in terms of instituting a fully functional 911 system across the country which will be a tremendous crime fighting asset and will work in conjunction with a revamped police force. Will Diaspora respond to the Presidents challenge? That question remains more difficult to answer if the current trends continue and the present regime is obligated to reassure Guyanese that they are not merely words but serious effort is being expended to resolve this crisis. A. Persaud

DEAR EDITOR, Many people and co-op societies support the Hon. Minister Simona Broomes call for country wide inquiry of Co-op Societies, published in the Kaieteur News on December 18th, 2015. Based on the information in this news article, it appears that the Co-op Department Administration is in disarray and malfunctioning, because of square peg in round hole at the head office. After reading this news article, many people feel that the enquiry must start at the Co-op Department head office, and the CCDO & Deputy CCDO and probably the Coop Department internal auditor must be sent on leave and or suspend, during this enquiry. Then appoint an IMC to manage the Co-op Department & office, launch an audit and investigation into the managing of the Co-op Department Affairs, etc…. To also help the Co-op movement to develop and grow in Guyana, the functioning coop societies members feel that the people appointed to the current Co-op Union Committee, must be removed as soon as possible, and let the functioning co-op societies nominate and or elect representative (s) from each Region to the National Co-op Union Committee. Region 3 has capable people like H. Rahman, G. Gulliver, Yubert, S. Rogers and others. Who is the Regional # 3 Co-op Officer (s)? Where and which office building is the Officer operating from? For over 5 years the building that was used for the Regional # 3 Co-op office and other Government operation, was burn down, weeds are growing on the burnt building. It is an eye sore, because this site is within the compound of the Education Department office and is along the West Bank Demerara main public road. And every day Regional Officers, Government Minister(s) and MPs

pass by on this very road and behave as if they do not see it and do not care for the Coop sector development. Which level of Government is paying the salary for the Regional Co-op officer? After the destruction of the co-op office building, we were informed that the Region 3 Administration and Chairman offer the Regional Co-op officer, a space and a desk, within the engineering department to work, situated at the Regional Administration Building, New Road, Vreeden Hoop. It was reported, that this Co-op Officer never occupied and worked from this Region 3, Administration Building. On many occasion myself and members of Belle Vue Coop went to see the CCDO, and the former Minister of Labour, to enquire about the Regional 3 Co-Op officer. We were always, told this officer is out in the field working. Then later we were told, that he have a desk and is working from the head office in Georgetown. We were informed that the Regional 3 Administration is paying this co-op officer salary, but the Regional 3 Adminstration, do not monitor or check the time sheet or work schedule for this officer, to verify if he is working and how many co-op society, Friendly society this co-op officer visit, within a month, etc…. If this is true, then the Ministry for Social Protection will have to address the issue as soon as possible. During the 70’s & 80’s

This Region 3 Co-op Department were staff, with some very dedicated Co-op officers, for example Mr. Baichan, Mr. Howard, Ms. Croal, and others, and they were always willing to help and give advice to all Co-op society. This Region had two Coop officers and about two office staff supporting these Coop officers. And I am very glad that I have known and work along with these dedicated Co-op officers, helping to organise co-op society, assisting to organise seminar, etc…. I am associated with and worked with one of the oldest or the oldest Co-op Society in Guyana, ‘The Belle Vue Cane farmers’ Marketing Coop Society, Reg. 967 and for approximately 60 years, this 55 members, co-op has been selling sugar cane to Wales Estate. Also there are about 7other operating and functioning Cane Farmers’ Marketing Co-op Society selling their sugar cane to Wales Estate, on the West Bank of Demerara. The current APNU-AFC government should and must revive and build the Co-op Sector and the Co-op Bank in Guyana, because Co-op Society and Co-op Bank can and will help to alleviate rural poverty and help build a better life for all in rural area. All for Social Justice, Law & Order and a nationally prudent Government. Balram Balkarran Former Committee member for the Guyana Cane farm

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 07, 2016

Proposed ganja legislation is not a decriminalization issue By Jeanna Pearson

The new Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2015, which proposes lighter sentencing for possession of ganja, is not an issue of the decriminalization of the narcotic but a sentencing matter, says Attorney Nigel Hughes. Hughes is one of the lawyers who drafted the legislation following the sentencing and imprisonment of national football coach, Vibert Butts, for possession of marijuana. Butts was sentenced to three years imprisonment for possession of 46 grams of ganja, which he claimed was for private use. The Bill, which has come under much scrutiny in the past two months, could have its first reading in the National Assembly today when APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington, moves a motion for its introduction and reading in the House. “I am disappointed that there is confusion on what is

clearly a sentencing issue and not decriminalization matter…There is nothing in the proposed amendment that addresses the issue of the decriminalization of cannabis,” Hughes argued. He added that he was despaired that the National Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, had “totally misconceived” the difference between the law and sentencing guidelines. Ramjattan had stated that while he was in support of the amendment, he believed that it was more of a sentencing matter than a need to revise the Act. Therefore, he proposed for the Bill to be further evaluated at the Cabinet level before there is widespread approval. Ramjattan said the absence of a comprehensive sentencing policy is an issue that needs to be addressed by the judicial system and that clearer sentencing guidelines ought to be worked out for the ruling of first offenders. Hughes, on the other hand, said that he was disappointed that the

…Nigel Hughes says Ramjattan misconceived the difference between the law and sentencing guidelines Minister was inviting the chancellor to give guidelines which were clearly not consistent with the law. He said that sentencing guidelines follows the law, not the other way around. He explained that the Act indicates that once a person is found in excess of 15 grams of cannabis, it is mandated that he/she should be sentenced to a minimum of three years’ imprisonment. “So the imprisonment is a matter of the law not sentencing guidelines,” he said, suggesting that it was therefore “illegal” for the minister to ask something like that of the chancellor. “This is not a matter of policy, it is the law,” he said. The proposed legislation is listed under the private members’ business on the Order Paper; it is expected to remove provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

Control Act 1988, which requires Magistrates to imprison anyone who pleads guilty to or has been found guilty of possession of marijuana. Presently, the narcotic Act specifies that anyone found in possession of marijuana is liable to a fine of $10,000 or three times the monetary value of the drug. Ramjattan stated that while the amendment was commendable, increasing the amount of cannabis considered to be a trafficking offence would be unwise since it would spur school children to smoke. He said small amounts of marijuana are usually trafficked to students and the vulnerable in society. “I support the amendment but I do not support the increase from 15 grams…The amount is not too strict but the penalty is. Fifteen grams could be used for trafficking so how would we know when it is being trafficked or when it is being used for personal use? These small amounts of marijuana are trafficked to school children and people who are vulnerable…so why

should we sanction that?” he charged, insisting that the issue should be pursued cautiously. Hughes, however, rebuffed Ramjattan’s assertion, citing that it was a very unfortunate interpretation. He stated that section (6) of the Act indicates that any person who traffics narcotics to a child was illegal, and if that child dies as a result of the drug, the trafficker would be sentenced to death. “Therefore the Act already covers that…there is nothing within the amendment that seeks to appeal that,” he added, noting that he was perplexed that is much talk that the bill would require a Cabinet deliberation. He stated that he was surprised that “in this day and age” people were still of the belief that only Cabinet is capable of proposing appropriate legislation for the country. “This is a private members bill and therefore they are put forward to the consideration of the entire House to see if the proposed amendments to the law are

suitable and necessary for the good governance of the country,” Hughes explained. “I thought Cabinet has more important things to do…but whether or not it is approved, it is not a prerequisite for the consideration of the National Assembly,” he stated, adding: “it’s a new day and age and we must find different ways of confronting our old problems.” He said further, that this debate can have the benefit of scientific data on the number of persons incarcerated and the percentage of persons involved in other criminal activities after they would have been released from prison on a narcotic sentence. Therefore, he stated that it is expected that there should be a rational debate rather than an “emotional outburst” that is not based on scientific evidences. “We have the obligation to start making sure that we don’t create unnecessary criminals in our society as a result of oppressive laws,” Hughes insisted. Almost daily, many (continued on page 9)

No Politician gives operational directives to Army or Police President Granger is resolute that no politician gives operational directives to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) or the Guyana Police Force (GPF). This comment came yesterday even as there are expressed public concerns that there may be political interference in the work of the two agencies. Questions have arisen following the death of GDF Sergeant Robert Pyle, his wife and another civilian, all of whom died in an accident after a high-speed chase that ended in a fatal accident. From all accounts officer, Sergeant Pyle was in the process of conducting a reconnaissance mission on two persons whom he believed to be the children of NICIL Head Winston Brassington. The opposition People’s Progressive Party had accused the government of misusing the security regime for political purposes, but yesterday President Granger was adamant that this was

- President Granger not the case. The President said that the Police Force and Army have a history of conducting joint operations and that the mission should not come as a surprise. “As far as I know the SOCU (Special Organised Crime Unit) is conducting some investigations…the request may have come from the police force to the defence force… No politician gets involved in giving operational directives to the police force or Chief of Staff,” President Granger said. The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces also responded in the negative, when asked if a probe will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the botched operation. “The Chief of Staff has examined the information. I don’t think it requires a full probe.” Former Home Affairs

Minister Gail Teixeira has stated that the Chief of Staff of the GDF Mark Phillips and the Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, have to answer for the death of Sergeant Pyle as well as the two other persons who were killed. Teixeira had also said that they have a responsibility to say who gave the orders for the reconnaissance mission. “The GDF and Commissioner of Police have to say if they were tracking Brassington’s daughter, then who gave the orders…what was the interest of a person’s daughter – if you have an interest in a person there are mechanisms to do it, and not chase them down the road.” She said that while the government has a right to conduct investigations, there are procedures to be followed and in this case, these procedures were apparently flouted.

Thursday January 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Venezuela opposition launches fight to oust government

Henry Ramos Allup

Caracas (AFP) Venezuela’s opposition will launch an offensive yesterday against President Nicolas Maduro at its first full session in control of the legislature, having vowed to oust him within six months. Opposition lawmakers in the crisis-hit oil producer were sworn in during a rowdy session on Tuesday as Maduro vowed to resist them with an “iron hand.” The feared street clashes did not erupt as supporters of both sides rallied peacefully near the congress, kept at a distance by lines of police. But inside the chamber the political struggle gripping Venezuela intensified. Lawmakers shouted and scuffled and the pro-government group walked out accusing the opposition of breaking debating rules. The new opposition speaker of the assembly, Henry Ramos Allup, said his side would within six months propose a way “to change the government by constitutional means” — without giving

details. “Here and now, things will change,” he said. “We are looking at a change in outlook, a change in the system, at changing what is bad, very bad — and soon will get worse.” Maduro responded later in comments broadcast on television: “I will be there to defend democracy with an iron hand. They will not make me give ground or waver.” But he admitted he planned soon to announce a reshuffle of ministers in his government. The opposition MUD coalition holds a majority in the National Assembly legislature for the first time in nearly 17 years after winning elections on December 6. The National Assembly swore in deputies to 163 of the 167 seats, with four lawmakers — three opposition and one pro-government — suspended pending a lawsuit over alleged electoral fraud. The Supreme Court suspended them on Maduro’s request, curbing for the time being the opposition’s power

to try to drive him from office before his term ends in 2019. The suspensions deprive the opposition of the twothirds “supermajority” it needs to draft a new constitution — one of the ways to oust Maduro. With their remaining threefifths majority they can still remove ministers from their posts. That way they could hope to grind away at Maduro’s government hard enough to force him out. The first regular sessions of the new assembly were scheduled to start on Wednesday afternoon at 1930 GMT. One of the first measures the opposition wants to pass is an amnesty for some 75 political prisoners, but Maduro has vowed to block that move. The US State Department backed the call for political prisoners to be released. It expressed concern over the case of the suspended deputies. Its spokesman John Kirby called on Tuesday for a “transparent” resolution of the dispute.

Remittance Earnings From J’ca Farm Workers In Canada Top $1 Billion During 2015 The Gleaner - Labour minister Dr Fenton Ferguson has disclosed that preliminary figures show that remittance earnings from the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme with Canada totalled more than $1.7 billion in 2015. That was an increase of 20 per cent over the $1.3 billion earned in 2014. Dr Ferguson says the programme is an important contributor to the local economy and must be seen as a critical part of the growth agenda. He was speaking at a send-off ceremony Tuesday for the first of more than 8,000 Jamaicans expected to benefit this year from employment opportunities in Canada under the programme. The 310 farm workers leave Jamaica yes-

terday to be engaged in various agricultural industries, including greenhouse crop production, food processing and vegetable and plant nurseries. They will be working in Leamington, Simcoe, Owen Sound, West Lorne, Goderich, Stratford and Woodstock, in the province of Ontario. Director of the Overseas Employment Service, Delroy Palmer, reportedly told JIS News that the crop and the duration of the crop will determine how long they stay. He explains that workers will stay for between six weeks and three months, with some staying up to eight months. The workers will be sent weekly, ending in September. The season officially ends on December 15.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 07, 2016

FBI shares info on gold smugglers - more than half of production leaving illegally Minister Raphael Trotman

It appears that gold smuggling in Guyana has attracted some serious attention from the US Government. Late last year, amidst deep worry by the new administration over billions of dollars in lost taxes and royalties, a team from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US premier investigative law enforcement agency, and the Department of Homeland Security, visited Guyana and briefed authorities here on their findings. The information reportedly fingered a number of big players in the industry. The interest of the FBI could spell serious problems for local miners and others involved in gold smuggling. Already, reportedly, the US has yanked the visas of a number of miners and other players who were believed to have been involved in gold smuggling and possible money laundering. The issue came to light shortly after the administration took office last May. The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has been investigating with a special gold anti-smuggling task force appointed by Government established to handle the problem. Yesterday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, disclosed that based on reports, it is estimated that approximately 15,000 ounces of gold is slipping across the borders every month. Trotman tentatively put the smuggled figures between 50 and 60 percent of total production. The smuggling problem would indeed be significant if one is to take into account, that gold declarations were more than 451,000 ounces last year, earning in excess of

US$500M. Guyana’s royalties and taxes from this alone worked out to some US$40M. The smuggled gold meant that Guyana lost out at least US$40M, not an insignificant amount by any means. Trotman disclosed that the gold was being smuggled to Brazil, and through Suriname to Europe, It has been landing in Miami, Florida and the JFK Airport, New York as well. With Guyana charging seven percent in royalties and taxes, smugglers have been making a killing smuggling it out and selling it for more money in Suriname where the taxes are lower. The FBI report to local authorities here would have spoken also of the money trail, and how the smugglers attempted to hide the money from the Guyana government to avoid taxes. During meetings here, the FBI and Homeland Security officials would have met with Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, Trotman, SOCU and the regulators. Minister Trotman admitted that the FBI would have spoken about the persons of interest in the country that were in their radar. Trotman said from indications, it appears that smugglers may be gathering gold from Venezuela and Colombia as part of their shipments. The official made it clear that Government will not divulge the names of the persons of interest at this time. However, a number of big dealers and traders have been fingered in the smuggling racket. There are other ways that gold may be tampered, the Minister revealed. Before the Guyana Gold Board started its clampdown last year, there were (Continued on page 25)

Thursday January 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Swine Flu claims its Guyana is now in first Guyanese victim the twilight zone ...Guyanese man travelled from China to the U.S. and then to Trinidad before returning to Guyana. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, yesterday confirmed the death of the male patient who was treated at local private hospital for the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) before he was flown overseas for further medical attention. The man who is believed to be in his early fifties, died at a hospital overseas, while his close relatives remain under surveillance in Guyana. According to information from the Public Health Ministry, the man had travelled from China, where incidence of the virus is prevalent, to the U.S. and then to neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago before returning home. Still, he displayed no symptoms while travelling so no one else on the plane was at risk. He began showing symptoms after his arrival into the country. Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton, told Kaieteur News that there is no need for panic since the situation was under control. He explained that the relatives and the medical team who treated him at the local hospital were all under observation for 21 days. “We don’t have to be scared. The virus is contracted only if the person is showing symptoms,” he insisted. The Ministry was unable to confirm when the man died. However, a source indicated that it might have been on Monday. The virus is transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal influenza. It can be passed to other people by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing. According to the

World Health Organization (WHO) this new virus has led to patterns of death and illness not normally seen in influenza infections. Pregnant women, younger children, and persons with chronic lung or other medical illnesses appear to be at higher risk of more complicated or severe illness. The WHO stated that many of the severe cases have been due to viral pneumonias, which is harder to treat than bacterial pneumonias usually associated with seasonal flu. 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. Symptoms include: coughing, fever, sore throat, body aches and headaches. It was first known as swine flu in the past because persons who contracted it 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. The H1N1 virus was declared a pandemic in June 2009 after it was identified in 74 countries. Recently, Trinidad and Tobago has reported four H1N1 related deaths. Last Wednesday, researchers revealed that there was a new strain of the virus with the potential to “transmit efficiently in humans” and cause another pandemic. Shadow Public Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, has cried out against the

Public Health Ministry’s means in conveying information on the H1N1 virus. He stated that there is no detailed strategy outlined to tackle the virus should an outbreak occur. “This is a very serious issue because it is affecting couple countries in the Caribbean and people are dying from it,” Anthony said, noting that the virus was very contagious. Anthony stated that while the population is conscious that there are measures in place to tackle the issue if it increases, there is no transparency about the measures. “We hear that there are strategies but we don’t know what it is,” he charged. Unless there are adequate measures in place, he said Guyana would continue to see more cases of swine flu. He stated that the Ministry needs to educate the public more on what the virus is and how it is transmitted. Persaud had 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, he said, 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.

Dem boys seh ...

De Scamps planning reunion in China Is only a matter of time fuh dem sport man run out of steam. Dem use to celebrate Old Year’s Day to the fullest. Dem use to tell dem friends that dem thief whole year and dem ain’t get ketch. Now dem Scamps got to get used to looking over dem shoulders. Brazzy too fat to look over he shoulder. He have to walk around wid two mirrors like wha people does get pon bicycles and motocycles just to see wha deh behind he. O f c o u rse he got a problem seeing he toes but how much mirror he can walk around wid?

Since Guyana out of bounds dem Scamps plan a BIG reunion in China fuh celebrate the Chinese New Year (the year of the Monkey) coming up on February 8 because dem feel that nobody ain’t gon watch dem over there. Dem boys seh that dem Scamps bettah get used to being monkey in keeping wid de Year of de Monkey. Rum Jattan plan that even if he got to swing from branch to branch he got to put on handcuff pun de Shaat Scamp and de Fat Crook. As to the rest of dem, dem boys begging dem to do the

honorable ting and confess to wha scampishness dem do. We begging the King Scamp to save dis nation the time and effort by telling he kavakamites that dem muss own up to dem deeds suh we don’t have to spend money to find dem guilty. Some of dem can beg for forgiveness but that is only about three of dem. But de rest of dem Soulja Bai and Moses plan to tek back all wha dem thief. And that serious judge got laang, laang sentence waiting. Talk half and watch out fuh de monkey business in de Year of de Monkey.

The Working People’s Alliance is well aware of the ease with which the military and the police can be used as a political tool of repression against enemies of PNC government. It should therefore not come as any surprise to the WPA that state agents, including members of the military intelligence, are implicated in the alleged surveillance of civilians. I use the words “alleged surveillance” because I for one have great difficulty in accepting that cockamamie explanation offered by the Guyana Defence Force as to what one of its officers was doing outside of the home of Winston Brassington, and was engaged in a car chase which ended in the loss of his life, that of his wife and another driver. Those who wish to believe that version can do so, but at this stage, I find that explanation difficult to swallow for many reasons which I will expound on later after the solider and his wife are buried. I do not wish to disrespect the dead until the dead is interred. But the truth has to be known and it is incumbent on the government which promised transparency to establish a commission of inquiry into this scandal. For the time being, I will only say that it is bizarre for

Proposed ganja ... From page 6 persons are tried and sentenced for possession of small amounts of marijuana; most of them are first-time offenders and youths. Several Rastafarian organisations and social activists have cried out against the severe penalty and have called for it to be relaxed. Many critics have come out to state that possession of small amounts of marijuana should not attract custodial sentences. This Bill is founded on the experiences of several citizens—primarily youths who have been incarcerated for small quantities of cannabis or cannabis resin, and who as a result of their incarceration have been unnecessarily economically and socially disadvantaged. The legislation is divided into three sections: Amendment of Section 4 of the Principal Act; the Amendment of Section 5 of the Principal Act; and the Amendment of Section 12 of the Principal Act.

surveillance to be undertaken on someone and his family when that person and the members of his family are out of the country and this is known to the authorities. Winston Brassington was not the target of that operation that took place recently and which ended in a car chase and the death of three persons. But more about that later! Guyana has now entered the twilight zone. The repressive arm of the State is now being put into action. Agents of the state are being let loose on citizens. APNU, of which the WPA is a part, has brought us full circle. The majority of Guyanese may not be aware of what took place in this country during the mid-seventies when activists of the Working People’s Alliance were hounded and harassed, when they were beaten, brutalized and killed. The WPA knows what it was like to live in a police state in Guyana and the constant surveillance that was placed on persons from their leadership right down to casual friends of friends of their leaders’ wives. A young girl was once introduced by a friend to the wife of Walter Rodney. For this simple introduction, this young lady found herself being followed by agents of the state. One night she discovered this fact and soon after decided that she had enough and left Guyana. The spies were all around. The intelligence forces were spying on behalf of the ruling

party. The Ministry of National Mobilization then located in the compound that also housed Congress Place had spies planted all over. Even school children were being spied upon because it was felt that the WPA had support in certain schools among the young people. This was the extent of the paranoia that gripped the Burnham state. Even an innocent introduction could see you being placed under the radar of the intelligence forces. A former senior member of Guyana’s Foreign Service went to school with Rupert Roopnaraine of the Working People’s Alliance. One day this diplomat was coming out from work when he ran into his old school friend, Rupert, and they had a friendly chat. The next day he was summoned to a meeting to explain why he was having a conversation with a leader of the WPA. This is the level of intimidation to which Guyanese were subject. It was the twilight era. Fear once again stalks the land. Agents of the state are on the prowl. Guyana is now reentering the twilight zone.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 07, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Contextualizing Ram/ Hinds letters Since Mr. Christopher Ram and Mr. Nigel Hinds have written letters in support of what they believe is inappropriate treatment of Khurshid Sattaur and Winston Brassington by the State, a few persons have cited the accountancy fraternity as the reason for the men writing. That is difficult to both accept and reject. We can anticipate both Ram and Hinds arguing that the State’s behaviour toward the two men is of moral importance to them and as professionals, they have to speak out. On the other hand, there are persons who say that the accountancy fraternity was at work but that the letter-writers would not want to say that publicly.

At the end of the day, one has to analyze the contents of the letters rather than looking for subliminal motives on the part of the writers. The two letters are curious in that both refer to different and unrelated events. But there is a strong invisible connection between both dramas. I would polemicize on both letters by saying the contextual dimensions of both incidents, when examined, could prove a case for the State’s action even though both Ram and Hinds are very thoughtful in what they wrote. Context is everything in life. Sigmund Feud argued, beautifully, that it is when motive and action have no context then behaviour

becomes incomprehensible. Let’s start with Ram. He rejects the action directed against Sattaur and he goes in a bold direction to say that Sattaur over the two decades his firm had a working relation with him, “tried to maximize government (sic) revenues.” I am not sure this was relevant to Ram’s rejection of the treatment of Sattaur. Denying a person his rights and mistreatment of that person are not reasons to argue for their competence. The two are unrelated. While I can understand Mr. Ram’s revulsion of how the State acted toward Sattaur (doesn’t mean I agree; the State may have reason which I will come to in another column) I cannot

fathom Ram’s point of Sattaur’s effort to maximize tax collection. I am not a tax expert but I have voluminous information on dangerously lax tax collection over the past ten years under Sattaur. I am not alone on this wavelength. The Stabroek News did two editorials on poor tax collection under Sattaur when David DeCaires was alive. Clive Thomas has also written on manifest tax evasion. Mr. Ram’s own friend, Ramon Gaskin, disagreed with him on Sattaur’s professionalism on their joint television programme. I would suggest, Mr. Ram look back at the tape. A week before Ram wrote his defence of Sattaur, the Chairman of the GRA Board published some information that is quite unflattering of Sattaur. Rawle Lucas used the adverb “virtually” to refer to the virtual non-contribution

of property tax to revenue collection. Before 2014, all citizens whose individual assets were $7 million had to pay property tax. Just look at the buildings, vehicles and business places and general assets of the rich in Guyana. It meant that if people with assets of over $7 million paid property tax then the State over a twenty-year period should have collected hundreds of billions of dollars. Mr. Sattaur demanded that I pay property taxes and he sent seven forms that went back to seven years. I thank Mr. Ram for his generosity in his service in this regard to me which was pro bono. I do appreciate that fine gesture from Mr. Ram and will always remember it. I did not know that people with my low level of income had to pay such a tax. But they had to prior to 2014. I rang Mr. Sattaur to enquire why he chose people with my type of earnings. He was arrogant and brief. He said property tax has to be paid by all citizens. If Mr. Sattaur knew that property tax was a requirement and was pursuing people to pay it, then how do you account for

Frederick Kissoon Lucas’ adverb? I believe most definitely Mr. Sattaur’s career cannot survive a forensic audit of the GRA. As to the actual events that took place in Mr. Sattaur’s home, context could be used to justify it. First, the police and GRA officials did not out of the blues pick on Mr. Sattaur. He has been one of Guyana’s most controversial financial officers with a track record of overt political involvement. (I will offer more description of this in a follow up column where I will look at the Hinds letter). Against this background, a new government sensing the loss of documents may move to the court for a search warrant. Secondly, is the State out of order if it suspects corruption investigations may be hampered and it moved to seize documents? To be continued.

Thursday January 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 07, 2016

Lessons from Khurshid Sattaur's embarrassment…

Misuse of power could have humiliating consequences - Dr. David Hinds By: Kiana Wilburg Recently, many have expressed sympathy and disagreement over the “embarrassing” treatment meted out to Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur, in light of an upcoming forensic audit of the entity. On December 31, last, officials descended on the Pradoville One, Goedverwagting home of the GRA boss, and seized his firearm and other property belonging to the revenue collection body. While some are of the view that Sattaur should not have been subjected to such an

exercise by his subordinates, University Professor, Dr. David Hinds does not believe that Sattaur’s rights were violated. “He was perhaps humiliated. But he used his office to humiliate many of his fellow citizens and in some respects violated their rights,” expressed Dr. Hinds. He posited that the moral of Sattaur’s case is that the misuse of power could have humiliating consequences. Dr. Hinds continued, “Mr Sattaur had under the previous regime, engaged in humiliation of other citizens who were opposed to the government of the day. He is said to have violated confidentiality by sharing

people’s tax information with the government.” “I remember for example, the manner in which he went after Kaieteur News writer, Freddie Kissoon, in relation to his earnings. In effect, he contributed to the state tyranny during that period.” The political activist said that the manner, in which the GRA boss was reportedly treated recently, is a kind of poetic justice. “That’s the way poor people and those who stand up to wrongdoing are treated every day.” Dr. Hinds continued, “I have to confess that I do not weep for Mr Sattaur. I am very sure that many citizens of this country share my sentiments. Yet, I am very conscious that

governments usually start by justifiably subjecting former overlords to some of their own medicine only to later unjustifiably do, or condone the same, to other innocent citizens who dare to oppose them.” Dr. Hinds said that one can only hope that the treatment recently meted out to Sattaur does not become the settled model of the day. He said that the larger issue here is that public officers must know that they are in positions of trust and should not use those offices to summarily punish those deemed to be defenseless, or to be opposed to the political bosses. He said, “If the mild humiliation of Sattaur sends a message, it must be that raw power cannot be sustained indefinitely, and that the misuse of power could have humiliating consequences when the end comes.” He added, “I do not, as a rule, support public humiliation of any citizen. But in some instances, it is unavoidable. I think this is one of those rare occasions.” This publication had initially reported that the Commissioner General had said that he did not want any trouble and had “volunteered” to give up his

University Professor, Dr. David Hinds GRA Commissioner, Khurshid Sattaur gun to the GRA officials. He had also said that his computer was taken away by the officials. GRA officials, speaking on conditions of anonymity, said an I-pad was also taken from the Commissioner-General. Sattaur had insisted that he was not political and had served faithfully for over 30 years between Inland Revenue and GRA. Sattaur believed that Kaieteur News played a critical role in his removal, carrying stories about him even while he was representing GRA on overseas trips. He said that two of his

children, who held positions with GRA, resigned over the past months amidst growing pressure, following General Elections in May which saw a new government being sworn in after the two-decade rule by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C). “I am happy in this New Year to be away (from GRA).” He said that while in Opposition, Members of Parliament Joseph Harmon and Moses Nagamootoo had said that he, Sattaur, would not “survive” if the coalition won the elections. Harmon is now the Minister of State, in charge of the Ministry of the Presidency, while Nagamootoo is the Prime Minister. “I am thanking Kaieteur News and Glenn Lall (the Publisher) for allowing me a rest.” Sattaur reportedly served for 12 years as CommissionerGeneral of GRA. The new Board of Directors, to facilitate the impending audit, sent him on 200 days leave. Sattaur, contacted on December 17, the day he was sent on leave, had said that his name was very much tarnished in the run up to elections. “…Though the current Government when in opposition had issues with me, yet I had faith that things would be different from this administration. I guess I was wrong.” Sattaur added that he has sacrificed and turned down “many overseas postings and offers to serve my country but if you have people who don’t believe I deserve the job there is nothing that I can do. If this is how Guyanese believe I should be treated, so be it.” He had said that during his 30-plus years, he served under leaders like Arthur Chung, Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar, and now President David Granger- all with distinction. “Now if the Board believes that I need a rest, then I think I need a rest too.”

Thursday January 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

GWI implements enhanced health and safety programme - Sanitation employees to be immunized against infectious diseases

Health and Safety Officer Christopher Cathro (left) presents the new protective gear to a GWI electrician. Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has implemented an improved Health and Safety Programme under the guidance of Chief Executive, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles. The enhancements to the programme include the purchase of state-of-the-art safety gear, equipment and protective clothing for

specific employees engaged in electrical/mechanical work and sanitation. According to Health and Safety Officer, GWI, Christopher Cathro, ‘safety gear will now be purchased for specific categories of employees in order to provide for their particular needs and job requirements. The new (continued on page 24)

Public Service COI likely to conclude today The Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Public Service sector is scheduled to come to a close today. Secretary of the COI, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, disclosed that Solicitor General, Sita Ramlall, Permanent Secretary of Attorney General’s Chambers, Melissa Tucker; former Minister of Education Henry Jeffrey, and Chairman of the African Cultural and Development Association, Eric Phillips, will be among the final witnesses to testify before the Commission. According to ChandanEdmond, the witnesses will likely make recommendations and presentations to the Commission on the terms of reference outlined by the committee set up to inquire into the affairs of the Public Service. The presentations will be heard by Commissioners Harold Lutchman, Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsarran at the Secretariat Building of the Public Service Ministry on Waterloo Street, Georgetown. The Commission was established to inquire into, report on and make recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration,

conditions and other matters pertaining to the personnel employed in the Guyana Public Service. Following his appointment to office, President David Granger had stressed the need for a more efficient and satisfactory public service. According to President Granger, public servants must possess expert knowledge and high standard academic education. He expressed intention to introduce a Public Service Staff College, in which persons entering the administrative branches of the Guyana Public Service are required to undergo training. The President had promised, too, that this would ensure that persons serving the nation would be more equipped, with the basics of public service delivery and a better understanding of how the public service is meant to operate. As such, the COI is also expected to determine measures to improve the efficiency of the public service, to review the methodology used in the classification and recruitment of civil workers. The inquiry is also slated to conduct a detailed (continued on page 24)

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Kaieteur News

WANTED OFFICE CLERK WITH EXPERIENCED, CXC, C O M P U T E R S KNOWLEDGE AND GENERAL OFFICE WORK, POLICE CLEARANCE. RUIMVELDT. TEL: 2318529 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & 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 Building construction, house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 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 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)6788683; 687-9709 Building or renovating for quality construction services from foundation to fine finished. Call Carlos: 592-6829935; 592-223-2695

WANTED Damage batteries in any quantity, best price offeredCall: 696-5728, 656-2783, 6225941, 648-9395, 223-1111 Contract cars, dispatchers and hire cars (paid salary)Call:219-4086; 219-4087 Attractive waitress-Call: 6702323 1 Experienced male to look after layer birds in the Interior. Call: 678-0565 1 Experienced cook for a family in the Interior. Call:6780565 One domestic to work at Lusignan, 2 to 3 half days a week –Call: 220-0302 One graphics artiste & junior technician- Call: 223-4555; 695-2199 One live in maid-Call: 6683985; 264-2563 Landscape maintenance team seeks hardworking, reliable workers, ages 17-35; on the job training. Call: 219-0468 One tailor or seamstress- Call: 673-0373 One nail technician: apply in person with written application to Zytech Building Regent Street. Call: 225-0563 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 Live in domestic, must know to cook Indian dishes & also baking. Salary $80,000 monthly-Call: 610-3974 Maid and receptionist at Hilton Crest, Lot 12 Henry Street. Call: 225-9211

TAXI SERVICES

Bar attendant at Cotton Club, Lot 44 Public Road Kitty. Call: 231-1908; 231-1912

GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

One housekeeper, one babysitter, age 30-45 years. Call: 621-4999 1 Female cleaner apply Technical Services, Lot 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

EXPERIENCED WRITERS, FREELANCERS OR GHOST WRITERS FOR SHORT FICTION EBOOK- GOOD PAY! TEXT ONLY: 603-0758

BOND WORKERS FOR WAREHOUSE, STRONG, FASTANDALERT. POLICE CLEARANCE A MUST. RUIMVELDT. TEL: 2318529 Wanted land to buy at Parfaite, Tuschen, Providence, Diamond, Eccles, Uitvlugt, best price pay-call: 604-6724 Computer literate person, CXC passes in Mathematics & English, apply with written application @ Trophy Stall (Bourda Market). Live in waitress to work in a bar- Call: 604-6606 Urgently needed on Tibetan Terrier, Male 6/12wks old, light brown – Call: 626-5445 Wanted to rent one lumber yard anywhere on the E.C.D, E.B.D and W.C.D-Call Cris: 663-7692 Live in couple: husbanddriving & mechanical skill & wife: domestic. Excellent rates. Call: 227-1830 Experienced salesgirls @ Christine’s Variety Store, Lombard Street. Call: 6268003; 227-8529 Experienced general domestic maid @ DiamondCall: 626-8003; 227-8529 Security to work in the Interior, must have past military/police experienced, ages 40-50. Call: 226-9768; 615-6172 1 Personal assistant to work, must be 25 years & older with prior experienced. email detailed CV: humresdes@gmail.com One receptionist ages 25yrs and older with working experienced. Contact us for more information: 223-0090 Female & male factory workers ages 19yrs & older with working experienced. Contact: 223-0090

Thursday January 07, 2016

SALON -Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline. -Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257

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 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: 6702343 Crazy Deals: Dell/HP desktop & laptop computers from -$49,000, free games & educational programs @ FutureTech: 231-2206 33.6 Acres farm land @ Kuru Kuru Linden Soesdyke H/ way, 1 garden tiller. Call: 2257794; 679-1151 One used ATV 4 wheel motor bike, colour: yellow, 450 model, at Parfaite Harmonie, asking price -$1.5M. Call:6623350 1290 MF tractor in good work order. Call: 614-9262 ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 6004212 One Toyota Corolla 192 Gold-Call: 694-3113

VACANCY Night Security- send application to: P.O. Box 10109, Georgetown, by 8th January, 2016.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Driver and porter for water truck-Call: 680-3863. One Cook/cleaner and one Cashier –Call: 624-0033.

Two house & land for sale, excellent condition, one located at Tuschen & one at Goed-Fortuin. Call: 668-3985; 660-3235

Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Brand new 2 storey concrete Immediate vacancies exist for building in 5th Avenue, at least 12 workers to work @ Diamond, E.B.D, all modern Ice Factory, Meadowbank- amenities –Call: 662-9335; Call: 231-1408/ 642-9191 612-3244

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. Caterpillar and Perkins mechanic, Excavator Operators. Contact 2235273 Gardener / handyman contact 223-5273-4 Welder/Fabricator, senior machinist, mechanic & cleaners- apply in person: Technical Services, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site.

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

1 Experienced barman & chief cook –Contact Sheik on: 6219759 or Donald: 673-4628

1-3 Bedrooms concrete bottom flat (new) and “grilled secure” at Lot 1560 Block XDiamond- Contact: 686-6379

Experienced cook, waitress, bartenders & bouncers needed @ Eden’s Bar, East Bank-Call for appointment: 652-0074

D’Aguiar’s Park: original house in gated community, unfurnished -$120,000 negotiable. Call: 600-2031

Experienced Bar/Shop worker for Ekeruku Bottom (Interior), ages 17-30yrs. Call: 231-0363

1-3 Bedrooms upper flat @ Section ‘A’ Diamond, H/ Scheme E.B.D, fully grilled & concrete fence with parking space- Call: 662-9335; 6123244

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

1- Barber Station to rent at Bourda Post Office upstairsCall: 686-6379

One manager to work at a Hotel/Club on the Essequibo Coast, must have experienced in said field –Call:225-6610; 615-6172 LAND FOR SALE Land for sale with structure at 407 Great Diamond, 8th Street front half. Call: 6533381; 609-3692

Experienced security officers, age 30yrs to 45yrs, kindly call: 225-8066 Wash bay workers –Contact: 697-9540

Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! –Call: 690-6079

Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, 2 Bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi, $80,000-$90,000 negotiable. Call:227-5194

Live In farm worker- Call:6395577 3 Storey building for rent on Two sales clerk at People’s Durban & Smyth Street, Choice Café- Call: 679-9449; Werk-en-Rust- Call: 697-9540 223-1645

Porters age 16 to 24 years, kindly call: 225-8066

MASSAGE

Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 6247341

ACCOMMODATION

DRESSMAKING

Harmony Inn Apartments: accommodation, internet, hot & cold water, 24hrs tea/ coffee, $5,000-$10,000 –Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817

Turn your flair for fashion into an exciting career or hobby. Clas s e s s t a r t i n g January –Call: 626-2629; 6766312

Parfaite Harmonie -$ 1.6M, 1.8M, $1.5M, 1.3M, Tuschen 11 street -$3M with foundation, Phase 2 – $1.4M, Uitvlugt -$3M, Terms available – Call: 6046724 Continued on page 23

Thursday January 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Letters... Where your views make the news

Politicians must avoid all references to race DEAR EDITOR, Racial conflagration is completely unjustified, if it is in retaliation for prosecution of PPP Officials for alleged corruption offenses against the state of Guyana. Ironically PPP Presidents have called for prosecutions, without introducing race. The letter, and threats therein by General Secretary, Clement Rohee ( KN,30/12/2015 ), exposes a disturbing intolerance by public officials to criticism, freedom of expression and the right of Guyanese citizens to seek justice. Editor, restrictions on space forces us to truncate quotations and to select only some of the many possible observations to the flavour of the letter. First, the letter exposes the author to the risk of being accused of exactly what he accused others of, that is, an agent provocateur stirring the race pot. Look at the words; (i) “…what they could not achieve in the past, by threats of armed rebellion and as “freedom fighters” against the PPP/C Indian “coolie” government, (ii) an urban based, black-dominated upper middle-class elite in power (iii) the use of threats and intimidation seeks to force the Granger administration to resort to vengeful and race-based instruments to achieve their objectives…” There is dark venom race

baiting in all three elements. Inclusion of the term ‘coolie government’ leaves unfinished the task of identifying the user(s) of this term. Reference to “threats and intimidation” has the ring of projection. One is curious as to what are “race -based instruments”. The words and their combination result in virulent strains of racial expressions. The ‘herrings’ in the letter are not only red but Indian and Black, plus a ton of red meat as well. Second, are Dr. Hinds, Mr. Ogunseye and others aggressive advocates, yes? However, one can find extremely aggressive advocates among all political forces in Guyana, including the PPP. Do they intend that due process and the law should take its course? One assumed so. There is much room to dispute what “extremist positions” are in the circumstances. However, Guyanese cannot be told, however cute, to shut up, back off and live with whatever the PPP officials are alleged to have done or else, ‘fire under the race cauldron’ could follow. Citizens have a right to advocate for justice. What we really wish readers to focus on, however, is this: it is the accused who foresees ‘fire under the racial cauldron’, not the seekers of justice, since those named have only asserted, in es-

sence, (however aggressively) that evidence exist; therefore action should be taken . Third, the PPP itself confronted the issue of corruption, and its Presidents appear riveted on the principle that action should be taken against corrupt persons, if evidence exists. Ralph Ramkarran recalled that ‘…after the 2001 general elections, President Janet Jagan established an Anti-Corruption Committee, and supervised the first case, where a PPP official investigated was declared guilty of corruption. However, Mr. Ramotar, the PPP’s General Secretary refused to take action…’. President Jagdeo said in August 2008 that: “…any government officers found guilty of corruption involving public funds should be jailed…Where we have corrupt people they should face the full brunt of the law… They should be charged and taken to court...”.As Leader of the Opposition in October 2015, he said, “Find the people, and lock them up. What is the problem…?” President, Ramotar said in 2012: “We will work to root out corruption in our society”, and in 2013 he uttered these words: “I will fire any cabinet minister guilty of corruption”. In addition, the 30th PPP Congress in August 2013 declared that, ‘…Further-

more, we support… the party in firmly addressing such cases of corruption wheresoever they are found in a timely manner’. So how does race fit in? Fourth, the Constitution and the Procurement Act apply to Guyanese without regard to race. PPP administrations enacted laws which provide for action against persons in breach, such as the Integrity Commission Act. One is reminded that it is understood that corruption allegations are against specific individuals, some of whom happen to be IndoGuyanese and PPP, not IndoGuyanese. Ironically, two accused persons now before the Court are both Afro-Guyanese; so where does race fit in? Finally, one expects feisty rebuttals from Mr. Rohee. However, some things in the letter may be unnecessary. Whatever his motives, his words may indeed bring about what he foresees; ‘a fire under the racial cauldron’. We hope he knows how to put out such a fire, and to put the race genie back into its bottle once it escapes. Good luck Mr. Rohee. All we can say at this stage is that there may be better ways to settle differences with critics. First win the debate without race baiting. Fire under the ‘racial caldron’ looks bad. Ivor Carryl

From page 4 storing at home until a miller is willing to accept, to a situation where grain carts are loaded alongside the harvester and delivered to the mill in the same day. In that transformation alone, there was a tremendous amount of cost savings. I only mentioned this one aspect of innovation as an indication of the power of free enterprise and healthy competition. On the other-hand, the sugar industry is essentially a monopoly that is operated by the state, with a minimal (though expanding) role for private farmers. Unfortunately, the local sugar industry has been unable to enjoy any of the advantages associated with monopolies elsewhere. When comparing the divergent paths taken by the rice and sugar industries, their fortunes (and misfortunes), and where they are likely poised to go, one has to question whether the sugar industry would have fared better than it has, had genuine attempts at divestment been made earlier. Or if nationalization was not done at all! We are now at the cross-

roads of deciding where we want to take the sugar industry. In the outset of the GuySuCo COI, persons were encouraged to drop emotional ties to the industry, and to take a hard look at what has to be done to keep the industry alive, and without making it a burden on the rest of the country. Quick privatization has been recommended by the COI, but what exactly do we mean by ‘privatization’? I return to the concept of limited divestment, and to my comparison of rice and sugar.

It is my humble belief that if private farmers, including growers’ cooperatives are given the chance – and supported - to incrementally take over the cultivation of sugarcane, this form of privatization will be welcomed by all stakeholders. If the performance of the rice industry in private hands is anything to go by, why then can we not trust the private sector to do the same with sugar? How insurmountable are the challenges affecting a transition to privatized sugarcane farming?

For one thing, this process of privatizing sugarcane production was started a while ago, in small pockets of the West Demerara and East Corentyne districts, and to date is actually bearing some indisputably good results. If we should choose this option of allowing our farmers to take the lead, the overarching role of the entity, GuySuCo, then becomes one as a facilitator of that process of domestic, limited privatization, a so far undeniably viable way to go. Khemraj Tulsie

From page 22

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7,000 Food Handlers’ Man steals shampoo, lotion from Certificates issued in 2015 Bounty Supermarket - court hears City Magistrate Alex Moore released a man on $25,000 bail after he was accused of stealing a bottle of shampoo from Bounty Supermarket on Water Street, Georgetown. It is alleged that on January 5, Jewan Persaud stole two bottles of body lotion and one bottle of shampoo from the supermarket-all totaling $5,741. Based on his explanation Magistrate Moore recorded a not guilty plea for the defendant. He was released on $25,000 bail and will return to court on January 28. Persaud claimed that he bought the items from a man selling on the pavement in the vicinity of the supermarket. He said that on the day in question, he went into Bounty to buy a pack of chowmein to cook. The defendant alleged that as he was

- Training compulsory for those seeking certification

Public Service COI likely to ...

Food vending is a popular feature in Guyana In 2015, approximately 7,000 food handlers’ certificates were issued by Meat and Food Hygiene Section of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) to restaurateurs, cooks, chefs and other persons, who work in food service industry. The food handlers’ course and certificate programme is relevant to those employed in the food service industry as a means of providing them with knowledge of safe foodhandling practices to prevent food-borne illness. The certificates are usually issued to food handlers after a medical examination and an inspection is conducted by officials Meat and Food Hygiene Section of the M&CC. Previously, the medical examination was done twice yearly and food handlers’ certificates were also issued twice annually; from 2016 and onward this would be done on a yearly basis. City Hall‘s Public Relations Officer, Debra

Lewis explained that persons employed in the food service industry would be required to undergo compulsory training which is geared to equip them with requisite information on food safety and preparation, personal hygiene and food policy. Additionally, food handlers are required to pay $2,000 to facilitate the process. Lewis noted that Food Handler’s Certificates will not be issued to persons who have not attended the training sessions. Meanwhile, Chief Meat and Food Hygiene Inspector Deonarine Arjune said that the department reviewed its current operation based on complaints by food service providers and decided to make the necessary changes. He stressed that the examination and educational parts of the programme are important, and further stated that he hopes that the information shared with food service providers would be applied to their day to day

operations. Meanwhile, the Meat and Food Hygiene Section of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown will commence medical examinations for the issuance of Food Handlers’ Certificates from January 19th to 22nd at the Medical Complex, South Road, Bourda.

From page 21 examination of how the salaries and wages of public servants are determined and allocated; review the age of public servant retirement and make recommendations in this regard. The public hearings commenced last September, with more than twenty persons from the Public Service Sector and other stakeholder agencies making recommendations towards the improvement of the sector. Additionally, more than 30 statements came from stakeholders in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Jewan Persaud about to enter the place, he was stopped by a security guard who searched his bag and found the items. He stated that the security told him that the lotion and the shampoo belonged to the supermarket and arrested him. The prosecutor had no objections to bail and informed the court that the stolen items were recovered. Three witnesses are slated to testify when a trial commences. In another case, Magistrate Moore granted a man bail in the sum of $10,000 after he pleaded not guilty to a charge of simple larceny, when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Akeem Stanley, of Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt is accused of stealing $10,000 from Raphael on December 25, at Commerce Street, Georgetown. He was ordered to return to court on February 12, for trial.

GWI implements enhanced health and ... From page 21 system allows for the Health and Safety Unit to cater specifically for employees exposed to high voltage or potential electrical shocks’. ‘Employees within the Sanitation Department are now better equipped to guard against disease and potential infections while conducting maintenance and other activities,’ stated Cathro, ‘we have upgraded the protective wear utilized by sanitation employees to be more effective in providing a shield against harmful bacteria

associated with the sewerage system’. In addition, GWI will offer all employees involved in the care and maintenance of the sewerage system, immunization against infectious diseases. ‘It is imperative that we protect our sanitation employees from potential infections associated with the type of work they are required to conduct,’ stated Chief Executive, Dr. Van WestCharles, ‘we have made it possible for all sanitation employees to receive free

vaccinations against potential infections or harmful diseases. The health of all our employees remains a priority’. The Chief Executive further stated, that no expense will be spared to ensure that all GWI employees involved in potentially hazardous tasks associated with their official duties are fully equipped with safety gear, equipment and protective wear. ‘Our employees are indeed our greatest asset,’ stated Dr. Van West-Charles, ‘our aim is to transform GWI

into one of the safest working environments in the country’. Meanwhile, GWI is reporting that a damaged 10inch Transmission Main located along Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown which occurred as a result of another agency conducting civil works in the vicinity has resulted in reduced levels of service to customers of Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt and nearby communities. GWI teams were up to yesterday working to restore normal service.

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Former deputy chief renews call for Bahamas police leadership change NASSAU, Bahamas — Former deputy commissioner of police Quinn McCartney has renewed his call for a change in leadership in the crime fight following the setting of a new murder record in The Bahamas in 2015, and several serious crimes already recorded for 2016, including two murders and multiple shootings. While McCartney did not identify anyone in his remarks, his comments are widely viewed as a critique of Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade, the Nassau Guardian reported. Meanwhile, a new crime warning was issued on Tuesday by the US Embassy in The Bahamas, singling out operators of personal watercraft or jet skis following the sexual assault of a US citizen. The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) said a 26-yearold man was taken into custody as a suspect in the January 2 attack. The embassy noted that there have been five sexual assaults of US citizens by jetski operators in Nassau since July. The embassy has banned its staff from using jet-ski rental companies because of insufficient regulation and it also recommends US citizens not use them either. The embassy expressed similar concerns last year about jet-ski operators as well as rising crime in general in the Bahamas. On Sunday, McCartney wrote on his Facebook page: “I promised not to say too much this year, but looks like 2016 is starting off much like 2015 ended, and therefore I feel compelled to say something brief right now. Obviously what we are doing right now is not working. There is, in my humble opinion, a need for drastic changes to be made.” After six successive years of unprecedented crime records, McCartney sug-

gested that the police force needed a change of leadership. His call for new leadership comes exactly six years after Greenslade assumed command of the RBPF and one year after McCartney retired as deputy after more than 30 years of service. In 2010, there were 94 murders recorded in the country, a record at the time. The next year there were

127 murders and in 2012 there were 111. There were 120 murders in 2013, 123 in 2014 and a record 149 last year. This is not first time McCartney has been critical of the leadership in the crime fight. Last November, he said if those charged with addressing the problem are failing to do their jobs, they should be removed. (Caribbean News)

Trinidad Guardian - Fixin T&T is expressing concern over allegations of misconduct in public office against Housing Minister Marlene McDonald and Udecott chairman Noel Garcia. “Fixin T&T is deeply concerned by the allegations levelled against Mc Donald and Garcia,” its head Kirk Waithe said in an interview. “We note Sturge (attorney Wayne Sturge) has sent the information he received to the relevant authorities and look forward to a thorough, efficient and expeditious investigation. We expect the minister and chairman will fully co-operate to facilitate same.” Waithe made the comment following a concern raised by Sturge on Monday and in other sectors of the public that the pressure group and others like Transparency International had seemed to have gone somewhat quiet over the last three months with the new Government in power. But Waithe said allegations of that nature cross party lines and have been too many for too long. “We reiterate our position that the top priority for all of our legislators must be to finally put measures in place to protect our patrimony. “To this end, the effective implementation of meaningful

legislation to govern procurement, campaign financing, party financing and whistle blowing must be realised in the shortest possible time,” he said. Sturge recently disclosed information of alleged misbehaviour in public office on Mc Donald, People’s National Movement deputy political leader, and Garcia, a party heavyweight, within days of each other. He referred Mc Donald to the Integrity Commission over allegations that she used her office when she was a minister in a former PNM administration to secure a Housing Development Corporation house for Michael Carew, her partner. Earlier this week, Sturge showed what he claimed was documentary evidence of over US$20,000 being wired to Garcia’s son, Christian, by contractor Junior Joseph, owner of Pace Construction Services Ltd between 2002 and 2005. Garcia was head of the HDC around that time and Joseph’s company was the recipient of housing contracts. Sturge alleged that one contract, originally valued at $165 million, was jacked up to $286 million. He has also referred Garcia to the Integrity Commission. Several calls to TTTI chairman Deryck Murray went unanswered yesterday. Contacted for comment on the allegations yesterday, Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie said he would not be commenting because “there is nothing to comment on.” Yesterday, political analyst Maukesh Basdeo said the Prime Minister would be held accountable by concerned citizens over the allegations. Basdeo said on the general election campaign trail prior to September 7, Rowley said he would not tolerate wrongdoing in his Government and all office holders would be held accountable for their actions.

Fixin T&T backs integrity probes

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Probe into money laundering accusations by SARU…

No evidence of wrongdoing by Republic Bank - says Central Bank Governor By Kiana Wilburg Central Bank has come out in defence of Republic Bank (Guyana Limited) which is currently under investigation by the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU). The probe is based on documents which seem to implicate Republic Bank in a money laundering activity. Yesterday, Kaieteur News headlined a story ‘SARU probes local bank accused of money laundering.’ The Bank of Guyana, in a statement to the media yesterday, made it clear that one of its functions is to supervise and regulate financial institutions in Guyana. The Central Bank said that it is against this supervisory and regulatory background that it has chosen to respond to the newspaper publication. The Bank admitted that it had received a letter of complaint and request for prosecution of the financial institution. It revealed that it had conducted an examination of the relevant records of the financial institution, Republic Bank. Based on the documents and records examined by the Bank of Guyana, it said that no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Republic Bank (Guyana Limited) was found. It said that the examination revealed that the financial institution had taken steps to ensure compliance with the relevant Prudential Supervision Guidelines issued by the Bank of Guyana under the Financial Institutions Act No 1 of 1995. However, when approached to investigate and prosecute Republic Bank on July 25, 2014, Dr Gobind Ganga, Governor of the Central bank wrote by way of letter dated September 23, 2014, “We wish to advise that since this matter is engaging the attention of the Court, the Bank of Guyana will be guided by the Court’s decision.” In that letter, the Central Bank Governor did not inform the complainant that an examination would be carried out. In its press release, yesterday, it did not say when it carried out such an examination and whether the complainant was subsequently informed about this. Kaieteur News understands that the complainant was never aware of this development. The Central Bank said that in light of the recent article, which has

Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga

SARU Head, Dr. Clive Thomas

the potential to destabilize the financial sector, the Bank of Guyana has found it necessary to issue such a statement for the guidance of all parties. Kaieteur News understands that documents reaching SARU show that a huge deposit of $82,068,617 was effected to the bank account of a sitting Government Minister on June 16, 2011. It is being alleged that the transaction was done without the knowledge of the account holder, who was the complainant. Documents show that the complainant inquired about this strange development in 2011, but was told by one of the Bank managers that the deposit was an “internal transaction that went through” and that he “should not have been told about it.” On June 20, 2014 the Bank’s external auditor was written to by the account holder, informing him that he was in possession of information that $82,068,617 was deposited by someone else into his account. The Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga was on four occasions written to about the case. A request was also made to Dr. Ganga for the said bank to be prosecuted under Section 60 of the Financial Institutions Act, but to no avail. Asked to comment on the matter, SARU Head, Dr. Clive Thomas had said that indeed the matter has engaged the attention of his department and it is “worrying.” He preferred not to divulge a detailed opinion on the matter, especially at the preliminary stage of the investigation. The matter is expected to be brought to the attention of certain international bodies which have recently partnered with SARU in the fight against corruption in Guyana. With assistance being

rendered by the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK), Dr. Thomas insists that justice regarding money laundering in Guyana will be served. He said that he is also appalled at “how deep money laundering connections ran under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).” Dr. Thomas had said that the UK and the USA have pledged their support to ensure that the fight against corruption under the Grangerled administration goes beyond mere talk. Thomas noted that both the US and the UK have told him on various occasions that they are indeed concerned about the level of corruption in Guyana hence “their readiness to assist wherever and whenever they can.” Dr. Thomas said, “There are intense investigations going on right now and believe me, we here at SARU intend to see that justice is served. I wish to repeat President David Granger’s statement that those who did the crime will definitely do the time. We are building some irrefutable cases. “We have some evidence on certain officials within the PPP who have been involved in serious money laundering activities and these will be revealed in due time. We are receiving the help of the USA and the UK on these matters and their support to us has been tremendously helpful. “They see the importance of Guyana having an anticorruption unit and they are also working along with us to provide legal support as well. They are worried about the level of corruption that has occurred over the years. Both countries have presented us with damning evidence that showed that the resources of this country were leaving left, right and centre under the PPP…”

No mention is made of the alleged investigation of the Finance Institution by Central Bank to the complainant

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Govt. agencies owe PetroCaribe Development Fund $58.3b Jamaica Observer - The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) may be saving its option to borrow one per cent money from the PetroCaribe Development Fund (PDF) for the new fiscal year, as at November 30, it had not renewed its drawdown from the inexpensive source of loans. Meanwhile, the PDF has disclosed that receipts from Petrojam — the state oil refinery which pays for imports of crude from Venezuela, and which, under the PetroCaribe agreement, remits about half to the PDF for loans to the government sector — have been declining steadily during the last three years. Inflows from Petrojam in 2015 amounted to a total of US$ 326,051,101.74. That was 39 per cent down from 2013 when US$540,819,190.63 was received, and 31 per cent down from 2014 when US$474,044,835.30 was received. The Jamaica Observer estimates that the decline is connected to reduced oil receipts with the significant fall-off in the price of oil over the period. Oil was priced on the West Texas intermediate benchmark at US$36.36 per barrel on December 28, 2015, compared to US$60.70 at year end December 31 2014 and US$105.48 per barrel at December 1, 2013. Over the three-year period, the price per barrel has declined by 65.27 per cent. It may also be connected to the formula for remittances, which sees Venezuela being paid a higher cash balance the lower the price of oil gets — with a smaller percentage being remitted to the PDF. The GOJ cleared its slate with the PDF midyear, paying US$1.5 billion after a historic visit to the capital markets in July where it netted

US$2 billion. Dr Wesley Hughes, chief executive officer of the PDF told the Business Observer that, of the approximately $58.3 billion currently owed to the fund, up to November none was borrowed by the Ministry of Finance and Planning (MOFP) which has historically used the fund for budget support. Instead the debtors are the Port Authority of Jamaica with US$129.2 million owed; Airports Authority of Jamaica owing US$25.8 million; Sugar Company of Jamaica Holdings owing US$11.2 million; Development Bank of Jamaica owing US$39.8 million and $877.98 million; the Urban Development Corporation owing US$8.3 million; the Jamaica Urban Transit Corporation owing US$6.5 million and the National Road Operating & Construction Company owing US$73.2 million. Other borrowers include the Students’ Loan Bureau which owes US$12.1 million; the National Export Import Bank of Jamaica with US$28.3 million and $600.95 million outstanding; Wigton Windfarms Limited with US$64.9 million owing and a Petrojam short-term revolving working capital facility under which US$74.6 million is owed. The Government of Jamaica no longer guarantees loans taken by its sub-agencies, thereby reducing its debt balance under the current International Monetary Fund programme. Hughes said that, in principle, loan tenors are informed by an assessment of the loan purpose/type, expected source of repayment, cash flows, etc... “Based upon the source of the PDF funding, loan tenors to our borrowers – including the MOFP – do not exceed 25 years.”

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FBI shares info on gold... Rodrigues prepares challenge... From page 35 needs to be a greater transparency of running costs and development funding. All of this he says must come with much greater auditing and compliance procedures. Rodrigues also puts integrity at the heart of his proposal saying that “an independent governance and audit and compliance committee will be in charge of supervising the CONCACAF President and the entire CONCACAF organization to ensure good governance is implemented.” He also proposes the “creation of the CONCACAF Football Council whose role will be to advise the CONCACAF President and the CONCACAF Executive Committee on strategic football matters such as: • Improving the Confederations way of governance • Competition formats • Calendar • Strategies for football developmen • Council will be composed of highly respected members of football and the football business community to ensure credibility Not surprisingly given his history of football development and grassroots experience, he has a separate set of five proposals that he says are iron-clad: 1. Increase Participation of All Ages and Genders in Grassroots Football – via struc-

tured schools projects in conjunction with governments and targeting a 10% increase in registered boys and girls 2. Increase Expertise in Elite and Grassroots Football Development – through knowledge sharing programmes funded by CONCACAF 3. Establish a System Where the Cost of the Technical Director is Supported or Covered by CONCACAF 4. Expand Infrastructures and Distribution of Football Material 5. Developing Women’s Football – he says the women’s game must have it’s own budget. Rodrigues says he has worked at various levels within CONCACAF but has not participated at the top levels of the confederation’s structures where it has been most exposed to the corruption that brought it to its knees earlier this year. He says this is a positive as he is “not beholden to anyone in any way. Therefore I can serve as CONCACAF President exclusively in the interest of football, while representing all 41 Member Associations and their future.” The challenge for Rodrigues will be to convince member association voters that he has the expertise and skills to lead the confederation into a new era. He will need to overcome some high profile opposition in CONCACAF football administrative circles to do that.

Thursday January 07, 2016 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You might have some problems balancing your books. You hard work and dedication will payoff, so stick to your guns and do your job well. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Don't be afraid to pursue unfamiliar grounds. A passionate party for two might be just the remedy. You may have the energy to clear up that mound of paperwork facing you. GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) You have been stagnating for some time now and you need a change of pace. Join groups of a humanitarian nature. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Try to mix business with pleasure while traveling. Your creative ability will surface, giving you good ideas for ways of making money. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You're intuitive today; however, this attribute could get you in trouble if you tactlessly say what you think. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Conflicts over joint finances are likely. Romance will develop if you get involved in social events that deal with children.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) A lot has changed and so have you. Be careful signing important contracts today. Your partner will blow situations out of proportion. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You will not impress others by being foolishly generous. Romance will develop if you get involved in social events that deal with children. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You need to concentrate on the areas where you can make a difference. Your desire for excitement and adventure may be expensive. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You can learn a great deal if you listen to those who are older or more experienced. Overindulgence may be a problem. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Make sure to arrange in advance to spend quality time together. Children may be less than honest with you. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. Get involved in activities that will bring you knowledge about foreign land, philosophies, or cultures. Don't go overboard; start small and work toward building it up slowly.

From page 8 indications of Customs forms and even seals being recycled. Trotman said that it is a fact that attempts will continuously be made to beat the system. Already, Government has completed new guidelines for gold exporting. A new board of directors of the Guyana Gold Board is set to consider new licensing requirements for dealers and traders later this month. He said that the industry, which took a beating in declarations and poor world prices for gold in 2014, is showing positive signs of recovery with small miners making a better showing last year. The industry managed 451,000 ounces at the end of the year, at least 60,000 ounces more than in 2014. It meant small miners alone would have contributed more than 400,000 as the two large-scale producers, Guyana Goldfields Inc. and Troy Resources, managed 40,000 ounces between them. Gold last year took the top spot as the biggest foreign currency earner after falling behind sugar and rice in 2014. The industry has been on an upswing in recent years as world prices rose to US$1900 before falling to US$1,060 per ounce at the end of last year. Meanwhile, Trotman disclosed that following complaints of corruption, his Ministry has decided to change the way duty free concessions are being approved for miners. The Minister said that from now on, every fortnight, eligible miners who have applied for duty free concessions on excavators and mining equipment, will have to meet with him and a team from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for approvals. This decision became necessary after Trotman learnt that persons were charging US$3,000 for every approval he granted.

“I was unaware that this was the fee being charged and so I have arranged to start a series of duty free concessions hearing, where the miners themselves will appear with GGMC officials with myself and other officials

of the Ministry and we speak to them on that.” The idea will be to reduce allegations of impropriety and create a more transparent process for the acquisition of duty free concessions, he said.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 07, 2016

England hold on for draw Volcanoes today in St Kitts as weather has final say NAGICO Super50 Jaguars battle By Sean Devers Last year’s runners-up Guyana Jaguars, who lost in the final to Trinidad and Tobago, open their 2016 NAGICO Super50 campaign today at the St Paul’s ground in St Kitts from 09:00hrs when they face the Windwards Volcanoes in one of four first round games. In the 2015 final the Jaguars crashed to 65 all out as Sunil Narine spun the Trinis to championship honours and this year the South American based Franchise will be hoping to be the bride rather than the bridesmaid to capture their ninth title. The road to fulfilling that hope begins today in the third edition under NAGICO’s sponsorship after Jamaica beat T&T at Providence to lift the inaugural title and T&T won last year in Port-of-Spain. On a track which should offer more bounce than the ones at Providence, the Jaguars will rely on a strong batting line-up to build a big score if they bat first and mount a successful run-chase if they bowl first. The last time these teams met in this competition, the Jaguars roared to an emphatic 142-run win in Trinidad under lights. Rajendra Chandrika stroked a classy 52, while Vishaul Singh offered support with a solid 49 on debut. Anthony Bramble hammered an explosive unbeaten 23-ball 43 and featured in an unfinished 71-run seventh wicket part-

nership with Bajan Raymond Reifer (23*) to lift the Jaguars to 227-6. Man-of-the-match Veerasammy Permaul produced a mesmerizing spell of 10-5-12-4 and got support from Chris Barnwell (2-23) legspinner Devendra Bishoo (211) as the Volcanoes crashed to 85 all out from 33.4 overs. Chandrika and Bishoo are unavailable due to West Indies duties in Australia and the experienced Assad Fudadin and Essequibian Kevin Boodie has the task of building a solid foundation for the Jaguars. The openers are the perfect foil for each other with Fudadin being the stabilizer and Boodie the entertainer. Leon Johnson, who takes over the captaincy from Barnwell, has been consistent in the PCL while Singh will want to transfer his wonderful form from the First-Class tournament to the shorter format. The experienced Shiv Chanderpaul will want to prove that he is still an asset to the team and will be wary of not using up too many dot balls, especially if he and Singh or Fudadin find themselves batting together. Barnwell is capable of playing pugnaciously but if he comes in with not too many overs remaining he might be tempted to slug. Bramble and Reifer are both free scorers in this format but it won’t be a big surprise if the 22-year-old Boodie is asked to ‘Keep’ today to ac-

commodate an extra bowler. Guyana’s bowling could hinge on spin with off-spinner Royston Crandon, who got a hundred on his 50-over debut against the same opposition in Grenada in 2007, opening the bowling with either Reifer or Paul Wintz, depending on how the surface looks this morning. If the track is dry then 20year-old left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who has 34 wickets at the halfway stage of the PCL, could make his 50over debut and operate together with Permaul. Barnwell and Fudadin are medium pace options for the Jaguars. The first of the Windward’s Regional oneday titles was won in Grenada when they beat Guyana in the 1989 final and today they will depend on Devon Smith, who has an ODI hundred and five centuries at this level, along with Johnson Charles, who has two centuries in ODIs and Andre Fletcher, who has two fifties from 18 ODIs. They will expect support from Sunil Ambris, Miles Bascombe, Kavem Hodge and Skipper Liam Sebastian, while pacers Delorn Johnson, Mervin Matthews and Bajan Kyle Mayers along with spinners Shane Shillingford, Keron Cottoy, who made his Regional one-day debut against Guyana six years ago and Sebastien should do the bowling. Joel Wilson and Verdayne Smith are the Umpires today. The other game in St Kitts sees the Leewards facing CCC from 13:30hrs, while in Zone ‘A’ in Trinidad, the defending Champions battle Jamaica from 13:30hrs after Barbados come-up against ICC Americas from 09:00hrs. Guyana Jaguars: Leon Johnson, Chris Barnwell, Kevon Boodie, Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Steven Jacobs, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Vishaul Singh, Paul Wintz Windward Volcanoes: Sunil Ambris, Miles Bascombe, Johnson Charles, Keron Cottoy, Andre Fletcher, Kavem Hodge, Delorn Johnson, Vincent Lewis, Mervin Matthew, Kyle Mayers, Liam Sebastien, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile.

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) Poor weather brought a limp end to a compelling second test as England survived a final day onslaught from South Africa to draw the match and keep up their 1-0 lead in the series. England were 159 for six in their second innings, with Jonny Bairstow (30) and Moeen Ali (10) unbeaten, before drizzle and bad light halted play soon after tea on Wednesday. South Africa’s quick bowlers made inroads in the morning to offer the likelihood of a remarkable come-from-behind victory after England had dominated the opening two days to amass 629 for six declared in their first innings. South Africa clawed back over the next two days, keeping England in the field on hot, energy-sapping days as they slowly regained a foothold and eventually declared just two runs short of the visitors’ total. A four-wicket burst before lunch on Wednesday suddenly offered the tantalising possibility of a result and two more in the second session brought South Africa even closer to scuttling out England before chasing down a modest target. But dogged resistance from Bairstow and Ali, in an unbroken 43-run partnership, and the gloomy weather dashed South Africa’s hopes of pulling off a remarkable victory. England started the day on 16-0 in their second innings, with a lead of 18 runs, but captain Alastair Cook was strangled down the leg side and caught by wicketkeeper Quinton

de Kock off Kagiso Rabada’s bowling with just the eighth ball of the morning. He went for eight with England having added a single to their overnight total. REPRIEVE Alex Hales (5) was then snagged by a brilliant diving one-handed catch from Chris Morris at slip to give Morne Morkel a deserved wicket after some fiery bowling. Joe Root was caught in the slips by AB de Villiers off Morkel on 17 but television replays showed the bowler had stepped over the line. But England’s top-ranked batsman failed to capitalise on the reprieve and scored 12 more runs before being bowled by Morris to leave England on 55-3. Nick Compton (15) fell 10 minutes before lunch after playing straight to Faf du Plessis at short mid-wicket as he became the first of three victims for Dane Piedt. After the interval, the off spinner dismissed Ben Stokes, caught at deep square leg for 26, and James Taylor, who got a nasty bounce up onto his gloves and was caught by Temba Bavuma at short leg for 27. The third test will be at the Wanderers in Johannesburg from Jan. 14-18. England won the first test in Durban by 241 runs. Scores: England 629 for 6 dec (Stokes 258, Bairstow 150*, Hales 60, Root 50) and 159 for 6 (Bairstow 30*, Piedt 3-38) drew with South Africa 627 for 7 dec (Amla 201, Bavuma 102*, de Villiers 88, du Plessis 86, Morris 69).

Better Hope ‘A’ and ‘B’ clash Sunday in East Coast Cricket Board Elizabeth Styles final The entire village of Better Hope will come alive on Sunday 10th as many troop at the Better Hope Community Centre ground as Better Hope ‘A’ and Better Hope ‘B’ clash for supremacy in the final of the East Coast Cricket Board’s / East Coast Demerara Cricket Association’s (ECCB/ ECDCA) premier competition sponsored by ELIZABETH STYLES USA (ES USA). A large crowd is expected since Better Hope Sports Club for the very first time dominated the entire competition. Both teams from Better Hope have qualified for the final. Information reaching the ECCB/ ECDCA revealed that the club will be arranging a huge family day which includes a fully stocked bar. Both teams played excellent cricket throughout the tournament and the contest is expected to a thriller with the ‘B’ team vowing to take the first prize of $350,000 and the ES USA trophy. Other prizes include $50,000 for the second placed and a beautiful trophy for the

Clive Rampersaud (Captain ‘B’ Team)

Suresh Budhu (Captain ‘A’ Team)

player of the match. With the likes of explosive players Suresh Budhu, Ravie Singh, Chris Deonarine among others in the ‘A’ team, it will be a challenging task but the ‘B’ team also comprises of an excellent outfit which include Captain Clive Rampersaud, Daniel Kowlessar, Mulchand Singh, Kevin Rampersaud and Jayadev Mana. The ‘A’ team: Suresh Budhu (Captain), Chris Deonarine, Ricknauth Rooplall, Asad Mohamed, Ravie Singh, Wayne Narine, Nazim Khan, Imran Khan, Rasheed Rohoman, Danesh Mangal, Avinash Mohabir, Raza Mohamed, Sultan

Rooplall and Navin Bishun. The manager / coach - Paul Singh. The B team: Clive Rampersaud (Captain) Kevin Rampersaud, Daniel Kowlessar, Roy Rampersaud, Sachin Singh, Jayadev Mana, Amir Khan, Ryan Premchand, Mulchand Singh, Mustafa Azimulla, Rajendra Dhanraj, Chandra Mohan and Sylvan Kowlessar. The manager is Jagnarine Singh and the coach is Robbie Harriprashad. The umpires are Charles Gibbons and Kenelyn Baker with the match referee being Judister Rampersaud. The action is expected to start promptly at 10.30 am.

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GFF Debunks Chronicle Article Romello Crawford takes season opening cycle road race

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) categorically debunks the article entitled “GFF Likely to Terminate Elite League Management’s Contract” written by Mr. Rawle Toney in the January 6 edition of the Guyana Chronicle, the federation said in a release yesterday. The GFF states unequivocally that it does not intend to renege on the contract entered into in good faith with the management team for the STAG Elite League and quash any contract. The genesis of this issue is anchored on the disgruntlement of Mr. Rawle Toney who was dismissed

from the GFF. On Monday January 4 last, the GFF found it necessary to terminate the services of Mr. Toney as the Sponsorship, Marketing and Communications Director due to his poor performance. On being handed his termination letter, Mr. Toney proceeded to behave in a most obstreperous manner that occasioned the involvement of the Guyana Police Force. This article was penned by him following his dismissal. It is patently clear that Mr. Toney has embarked on a vindictive and malicious pathway to malign and besmirch the GFF, and his modus operandi seems to be the use of fabrication and

distortion of sensitive information he would have been privy to. He has clearly used his position as an employee of the Guyana Chronicle to pursue this agenda. To this end the GFF has obtained legal counsel to treat with this situation. The GFF seizes this opportunity to bring to the attention of the media, businesses and sponsors with whom it has a relationship, and the general football fraternity at large that Mr. Toney, having been dismissed from the GFF, is no longer authorized to conduct or transact any business on its behalf, the release concluded.

Rawle Toney responds to GFF statement

Journalist Rawle Toney has responded to the statement issues by the Guyana Football Federation yesterday. Here is the full text of his response. “Dear Colleagues, this email is to address a release issued by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Re: GFF Debunks Chronicle Article. The release issued by General Secretary Diedre Davis, seeks to label me as a ‘disgruntled’ former employee. On January 4, the Executive Committee of the GFF terminated my contract, without notice. In the world of work, these things do happen and people part ways and move on. This clearly isn’t the case with the GFF. I’m employed by the Guyana Chronicle as Senior Sports Journalist. I penned an article based on information I received like any other journalist. I must say that despite me working at the GFF, certain information I will not be privy to. Unfortunately, the article was written by me - a former employee of the GFF - and the Federation felt that I’m being vindictive and would want to get back at them for terminating my contract. Members of the media, colleagues; at NO TIME at all will I bite the hands that fed me. I have NO issues with the GFF and its Executive Committee, with the exception of President Wayne Forde, who I have no respect for, nor will I ever both personally and professionally. Everything that I’ve written and published by the Guyana Chronicle is based on facts and information I received from my sources. At no time at all did I seek to lash out at the GFF or its

executive. My ONLY case/issue with the GFF is their unwillingness to honour my contract. My contract was terminated WITHOUT NOTICE, and according to the document which I signed: Should the Employee or the GFF terminate this Contract without giving the notice required, the terminating party will be required to pay to the other party the equivalent of one month’s base salary. Also, in accordance with Guyana’s labour laws, the GFF is also entitled to pay me from the time spent on the job from my last pay day (December 15, 2015), to the time of termination (January 4, 2016). I went as far as writing to FIFA Development Officer Howard McIntosh, FIFA Head of Member Association Primo Corvaro, CONCACAF, CONCACAF head of Legal Affairs Marco Leal, and other high ranking football officials, seeking their intervention in the matter so that we could all move on peacefully. On the day I was issued with a letter of termination,

the GFF, through President Forde, said that I’m only entitled to six days of pay and despite me pointing him to the contract that I’ve signed under the Normalisation Committee (NC), he refused to listen and said that I could take the necessary action(s). An argument ensued and we had exchange of words. I must reiterate that my ONLY problem with the GFF is their unwillingness to honour the contract that I signed last year and I want to move on. I’m not on a witch hunt, though I’m in procession of sensitive information, it’s not in a position to start being ‘wikileaks’. I signed a contract of confidentiality and unlike the GFF, I must honour that contract. It is my hope that this brings clarity to the issue and we both move on. As a member of the media, I intend cover all football related issue, just like I have for the past 11 years without bias or favour.” Rawle Toney Senior Sports Reporter Guyana Chronicle.

The winners pose with organizers and sponsors for a photo opportunity. The up and coming Romello Crawford of Berbice and riding in the colours of the Trojan Cycle Club continued where he left off in 2015 by winning the first race for 2016. The 40 miles event, which was held to herald in celebrations for Guyana’s 50 Independence Anniversary, was held on Sunday on the Corentyne highway. Crawford rode home in a time one hour, forty minutes, fourteen point five-eight seconds (1:40:14:58). The event, which was organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC), peddled off from outside of the Lewisons’ Auto Parts, Cycle and General Store at Rose Hall Town and preceded Number 51 Police Station before returning to the point of origin. Crawford, who was always among the front riders, was able to out sprint Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams and Alonzo Ambrose for the win. Williams got the better of Ambrose with Juban Crawford, Junior Niles and Andrew Hicks rounding out the top six positions. As the riders were sent on their way by Director of Regional Health Services,

Jevaughn Stephens, a five man pack of Juban and Romello Crawford along with Greaves, Clement Doris and Niles were out early. However they were soon caught by the chasing pack as they continued to battle for the advantage. The first three riders were able to open a lead on the rest of the pack as they hit the turn back point and maintained that lead until the sprint for the finish line. Ambrose took three of the eight sprint point prizes, while Niles and Hicks had two each with Crawford taking one. In the junior category, Romello Crawford was the first to cross the finish line ahead of Andrew Hicks and Denraj Giabaran finishing in

that order. The first rider from the FACC to cross the finish line was Curtis Dey with Clement Doris and Syborne Fernandez following in that order. Zamal Khan rode home first in the U-16 category as he won from Chureshwar Dhamic and Devantie Anthony. Among the sponsors were Mark and Neil Lewis of Lewisons’ Auto Parts, Cycle and General Store of Rose Hall Town, Peter Lewis of Peter Lewis Construction, overseas-based Guyanese Kenrick Taylor of Canada and Sherwin Photo works among others. The organizer was Randolph Roberts. (Samuel Whyte)

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Thursday January 07, 2016

Parika Salem Sports Young Warriors Cricket Club donates water coolers to three religious organisations Club Congratulates Representatives pose with their Kevon Boodie coolers in the presence of West Parika Salem Sports Club of East Bank Essequibo has extended congratulations to wicketkeeper batsman Kevon Boodie on his selection to the Guyana team to contest the 2016 Regional NAGICO Super 50 Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago. Kevon has indeed made us proud, being the first player from Parika Salem Sports Club to be selected on a Senior Guyana Team. Although his achievement of being the first and only player in Guyana to score a double century in a Senior Inter – County 50-over

match last year was played down, Kevon continued to constantly produce good scores which has undoubtedly resulted in his selection. Unlike his aggressive style of batting, Kevon is an extremely cool and quiet individual who we are positive will live up to the expectation of discipline on and off the field. We wish Kevon well and hope that he contributes significantly to Guyana winning the Tournament, a release from the club stated.

DCUSA AGM set for Sunday The Demerara Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (DCUSA) Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday at Lusignan Community Centre at 10:00 hrs. Among the items on the agenda are Declaration of Quorum, Minutes of 2015 AGM, Secretary, Treasurer and sub committees reports, Motions/Resolutions and Election of Office bearers. Members are asked to make a special effort to be on time.

Indies Under-19 captain Shimron Hetmyer and other cricketers.

The Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice has made good on its promise by donating a water cooler each to three religious organisations namely: Cumberland Masjid, Lighthouse Mission of West Canefield, East Canje and No19 Hindu Mandir. Proceeds from the club’s annual fundraiser, Mash Cup 2015, was used to purchase the items. At a simple presentation ceremony held recently, Sahadeo Singh, Manager of the club firstly thanked all those who have contributed to the success of the event which placed the club in a

position to make the donations. He encouraged the recipients to care the coolers. Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Haimkumar Mangal thanked the striving cricket club for the kind gesture and assured the club that care will be taken with the coolers. He added that the coolers will surely make life easier for the three places of worship. He called on private individuals and businesses to continue to support the club which has produced many outstanding cricketers over the years with the most recent being young Shimron Hetmyer who is only 18 and is already a senior national

cricketer and was recently appointed captain of the West Indies Under-19 for the youth World Cup in Bangladesh. The following persons/ businesses provided sponsorship for the tournament and the club looks forward for their continued support for the 2016 edition: Ansa McAl, Attorney at Law Mursalene Bacchus, Prakash Mahadeo of No 19, Ashiek and Son Motor Supplies and Auto Sales, Vickram Jewellery, Terminate Pest Control, Waqar Sahid of A Ally and Sons, The New Building Society Limited, Mortimer George, Jim Bacchus Travel Service, Mar-

tin Singh of Associated Business Services, Magistrate Chandra Sohan, Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd, Memorex Enterprise, Danzie’s Clothing, Footwear and Auto Sales, Lilboy Rice Complex, Extreme Trucking Service, Price is Right, Sharple Furniture Establishment, Kris Jagdeo General Contractor, Ahmad Mundal Satar, A Mahabir and Sons, Massay Distribution, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Sukhpaul Business Enterprise, J’S Printery, Sham Beer, Roshan Satar Supermarket, Anil Deonarine, Rafeek Kassim, Imran Saccoor and Suresh Persaud Auto Sales.

Central Georgetown Youth Group Rainforest Water Five-A-Side Futsal Tournament kicks off on Saturday The Central Georgetown Police Youth Group will be hosting The Commander of ‘A’ Division-Rainforest Water 5-A-Side Futsal tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, beginning at 9 am on Saturday. The tournament will be held during this month on Saturdays (9:00hrs-12:00hrs) and on Sundays (09:00hrs16:00hrs). The tournament will commence with an immediate knockout phase because of the number of teams competing, according to the organisers. Registered teams from Tiger Bay, Mocha, Alberttown/ North Sophia, Albouystown, Grove, Central Georgetown, Yarrowkabra, Golden Grove/ Diamond, Soesdyke/Timehri

and Agricola, under the auspices of The Commander ‘A’ Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken will be competing. Thirty (30) teams have registered so far from the communities in ‘A’ Division, from which youth groups are operational, and the organisers are hoping to get another 20 teams in keeping with the Guyana’s 50th Independent Anniversary celebrations. The tournament will be kept under the theme: “Revive! Rejuvenate! Represent! Feeding the Flames of Progress”. Chairman of the Central Georgetown Youth Group, Colin Haynes noted that the Guyana Police Force and the youth group believe that

Clifton Hicken physical health and sport play a positive role in youth development, including improved academic achievement and higher self-esteem. Hicken, who is also Georgetown Football Asso-

ciation (GFA) President, has endorsed the tournament as the first at this age group (1217yrs), hoping that the participants would move on to the senior levels of participation. According to a release, Hicken noted that it is necessary for them to take the skills associated with the game back to the communities and encourage other young persons to play the game. The release said that Director of Sport, Christopher Jones alluded to the fact that this year 2016, the National Sports Commission (NSC) is looking to focus more on youth initiatives such as this one. The Commission will be sponsoring the prizes for each category of the tournament.

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Flurry of activities but are our boxers ready for Olympics excellence? By Michael Benjamin 2015 has been now been relegated to history and though finance and adequate funding seemed to have been a m a j o r b u g b e a r, t h e executives of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) have somehow been able to field teams to various tournaments around the world in their (the executives) bid to improve the lot of their charges nurturing ambitions of winning a medal of some sort at the impending Summer Olympics in Brazil later this year. There has been a flurry of activities that included trips to Mexico in pursuit of a spot at the PanAm Games in Canada, French Guiana, Chile, United Kingdom, Mexico, St Lucia, Barbados and a host of other countries and even though our boxers failed to dominate, they would have accrued valuable experience. The fact is that our boxers have not done so well in the international arena after traveling to the above countries in what has been regarded as preparations to break the Olympic jinx that has beset this country since time immemorial. There were a few shortcomings of the executive of the GBA but exposing the boxers to international competition certainly was not one of them. After engaging in discussions with his counterparts from French Guiana and Suriname, President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle, engaged host, French Guiana, in what should have been a Tri Nation Inter Guiana competition in March but Suriname pulled out at the last moment. The women boxers Taseka Howard (54kgs) and Dwon Thompson (80kgs), both lost but in all fairness to Howard, she fought her heart out and there was a question mark over the eventual decision. The below par performance of our women boxers should have propelled the GBA executive to place a little more emphasis on their development. They erred and paid for such a carefree

attitude in the ‘Back to the Future’ Caribbean Boxing Championships where our lasses were woefully outclassed. Over in French Guiana, the male team also experienced mixed fortunes and with the exception of Dennis Thomas (81kgs) and Eon Bancroft (69kgs), who both won their respective bouts, and Diwani Lampkin, who suffered a questionable loss, the other boxers, Delon Charles (56kgs), Aquincy Harvey, Jason Phillips (64kgs), Glenroy Smith (69kgs) and Trevon King (90kgs), all returned to Guyana empty handed. Two coaches, Cuban, Francisco Hernandez Roldan and Steel Crawford, accompanied the boxers, while Germin Craig and Medford Wilson traveled in the capacity of referee/judge with Gordon Nedd as the manager. Shortly afterwards, a s quad of four b o x ers departed Guyana for Mexico to participate in the Pan American Boxing trials in Tijuana Mexico from June 4th- 9th. Those selected were Dennis Thomas (75kgs), Delon Charles (56kgs), Dewani Lampkin (60kgs) and Jason Phillips (64kgs). Sebert Blake was the coach in charge of the team after Cuban coach, Señor Francisco Hernandez Roldan, was inexplicably omitted. With the exception of Thomas, who won his inaugural bout, all of the other boxers lost which cost them an opportunity to represent Guyana at the Pan American Games in Toronto Ontario Canada in July. Blake enjoyed personal successes after earning a Diploma in Sports when he travelled to Hungary under the auspices of the Guyana Olympic Association. He followed that up in August with a one week Extraordinary APB/WSB Certification Course from August 20-27 in Havana, Cuba where he earned promotion from a level two star coach to a level three star coach, the highest level of the ruling boxing association (AIBA). Maybe, the most definitive achievement in the local (amateur) boxing arena occurred when GBA President, Steve Ninvalle,

created history after he was elected as a member of the AIBA executive committee when that organization held its 2014 Congress in Jeju, Korea. Mr. Ninvalle had been initially nominated by members of the Caribbean Boxing Associations after a meeting in Barbados to contest for the position of Vice President on the executive committee but lost out on that bid. He rebounded by successfully clinching the position on the executive committee. His success is the first in the history of local amateur boxing and even further afield in the Caribbean region. The GBA President had said then that Caribbean countries would have had a representative voice at the top echelons of the sport. The benefits of Mr. Ninvalle’s accomplishment became apparent late last year when he collaborated with other territorial associations and the Guyana Olympics Association to host the ‘Back to the Future’ Development Boxing Tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) late last year. A winner was not announced but what was apparent was that the sport benefitted following such a brilliant resurgence; this after the abandonment of the Caribbean Amateur Boxing Tournament a few years ago. Writer’s note: the year 2015 had been somewhat of a bittersweet year for boxing.

Guyana’s Dennis Thomas (right) lines up St Lucian Arthur Langelier for a thunderous right in their Middleweight bout (Sean Devers photo) It must be noted that the sport has two arms, amateur and professional. Soon I will endeavour to give a comprehensive analysis of the latter fraternity. For now, though, we note that executives of the GBA will now have their eyes set on participation at the summer Olympics scheduled for Brazil in August. One cannot deny that they have gone the extra mile to enhance the boxers’ chances of attaining such lofty goals by their attendance at several overseas tournaments. The administration’s efforts were also supported by governmental input

Steve Ninvalle at the AIBA Congress in South Korea.

where Cuban coach, Francisco Hernandez Roldan, imparted valuable knowledge and techniques to local pugilists after he was brought here on a training stint. I have seen Hernandez at work and to my mind, his departure was premature as he was still to effectively impact on the boxers. He was an asset to the sport and though the boxers were still not up to the required standards, Roldan seem to have been making strides after our boxers shone in St Lucia and Barbados. Roldon should have also travelled to Mexico to aid the boxers in their quest to qualify for the

Pan Am Games. The French Guiana sojourn was a travesty as most of the boxers were victims of a biased system that acted against them and even the Chef de Mission, Gordon Nedd, became exasperated to the point of filing, and then retracting, an appeal after another questionable decision against a Guyanese boxer. The benefits of last year’s activities can only be fully analyzed based on the performance of the boxers at the Brazil Olympiad but even before then, they will be required to prove their worthiness at either of two ‘trial’ in March and/or June.

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Rain washes out Hashim Amla resigns as South second consecutive day Africa captain after second Test

Further heavy rain in Sydney led to the abandonment of the fourth day’s play (CA) ESPNcricinfo – For the first time in more than 25 years, two consecutive Test days were washed out in Australia without a ball being bowled, as heavy rain continued in Sydney on Wednesday. Only 68 balls had been bowled on the second day before days three and four were completely abandoned,

leading Cricket Australia to declare free entry for day five, in addition to refunds for tickets on the second, third and fourth days. The forecast for the fifth day is for a possible shower, although only two millimetres of rain were expected by the Bureau of Meteorology, which would likely mean play was

DCC recognizes outstanding players ahead of key missions

T

he Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) continued their tradition of recognizing members who have performed credibly and have gained selection to the Guyana and West Indies teams with a simple ceremony last weekend in the Fred Wills Pavilion in Queenstown. Kevin Boodie, Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach will be leaving for various cricketing assignments overseas and were recipients of gifts from the cub that has nurtured their talents. Boodie, is on his maiden trip with the Guyana Jaguars team that will take part in the West Indies Cricket Board’s NAGICO Super 50 Tournament; he received a bat from Mr. Brian Gladsford on behalf of Caribbean Clothing, a longstanding sponsor of DCC. Imlach and Keemo Paul had outstanding performances in the Regional Under-19 tournament last year in Jamaica where they helped Guyana retain the Under-19 title, and will be heading off to Bangladesh with the West Indies Under-19 team for the International Cricket Council’s Under-19 World Cup from 22nd January to 14th February. Keemo Paul has played with the West Indies U-19 team previously while Imlach is on his first tour; both received a pair of batting gloves and US$100 each. Among the attendees at the simple ceremony were Guyana’s Honourable Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, Member of Parliament Trevor Williams, President of DCC Alfred Mentore, former test player Travis Dowlin and Christopher Barnwell. Minister Gaskin said it was an honour to be at the “Home of the Legends” with such rich history in Guyana’s and West Indies cricket. Gaskin commended the club in preparing and producing players for the national and international teams and took the opportunity to congratulate the young players. He told them that they must be honoured to represent the respective teams and put their best foot forward. Trevor Williams, Dowlin, Barnwell, Lynden Lyght and Mark Griffith all wished the players well and reminded them not to be complacent while having fun and representing the club, the country and themselves proudly. The players thanked members of the club for their support over the years.

possible if the outfield was in a fit enough state. Australia will lift the Frank Worrell Trophy at the end of day five regardless of what happens on the field, having earned a 2-0 lead from their wins in Hobart and Melbourne. Only 86.2 overs had been bowled in the entire match by the end of day four, with West Indies still 7 for 248 in their first innings. Last time two straight days were washed out in Australia was also in Sydney, against Pakistan in 1989-90. The first two days of that Test were rained out without a ball being bowled, which led to a sixth day being added, though further rain throughout the Test meant a draw was inevitable. Scores: West Indies 7 for 248 (Ramdin 30*, Roach 0*) v Australia.

BBC Sport - Hashim Amla resigned as South Africa captain immediately after his side drew the second Test against England. The 32-year-old had been in poor form but made a double century to inspire his s i d e ’s f i g h t b a c k a f t e r England made 629-6 declared in Cape Town. “I believe I can be of greater value as a fully focused batsman and senior player at this time,” said Amla. AB de Villiers will lead South Africa in the third Test in Johannesburg, which starts on 14 January. After his appointment as successor to Graeme Smith in June 2014, Amla captained the Proteas in 14 Tests. He won four and drew six but oversaw four defeats in five Tests before the draw in Cape Town. Amla, a veteran of 90 Tests and 7,108 runs, had not hit a century in Tests since December 2014 until his marathon effort at Newlands. “I am deeply grateful and privileged to have been the Test captain. It was enjoyable and indeed a great learning experience,” added Amla. De Villiers honoured to take over captaincy De Villiers, who already leads the one-day side, had raised doubts about his future in Test cricket during the first Test because of his busy

Amla batted for 11 hours and 47 minutes during his 201 in South Africa’s first innings. (AFP) workload, and handed over the wicketkeeping duties to Quinton de Kock for the second match. The 31-year-old said: “It is an incredible honour to captain South Africa in any format. The captaincy has obviously come at short notice and is the realisation of a lifelong dream. “At the moment my priority and focus is placed on leading this team to what can be a memorable series win against England. This Test squad is motivated and determined to turn our performances around and I’m looking forward to taking up that challenge as captain.” Cook pays tribute to ‘nice guy’Amla England captain Alastair Cook said he felt sad to learn

about Amla’s resignation. “You’re under pressure as a captain for a lot of the time,” said Cook. “It’s always sad when someone steps down because to captain your country is a huge honour and a real privilege. “He’ll have his reasons and I wish him all the best - he’s a really nice guy.” Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat said Amla “still had a huge role to play in shaping the success of our team”. He added: “He is just that type of a person and we are very fortunate to have him in our stable. “I want to thank AB for readily accepting the challenge of rebuilding our Test team as we seek to remain the best team in the world.”

Gayle denies fresh misconduct allegations ESPNcricinfo – Chris Gayle has denied allegations that he indecently exposed himself to a woman in Sydney during the 2015 World Cup. The Melbourne Renegades’ chief executive Stuart Coventry, whose team Gayle plays for in the BBL, is also the subject of scrutiny by Cricket Victoria for labelling the claims as “opportunistic”. The alleged incident was reported by Fairfax Media, which claimed that the West Indies manager Richie Richardson had subsequently sent a communique to all team members about the need to be more respectful to women at the World Cup. However Gayle’s agent Simon Auteri delivered a blunt denial, along with a threat of legal action. Gayle had until Tuesday been a guest columnist with Fairfax. “Chris denies the allegations published by Fairfax Media earlier today,”

Auteri said in a statement. “It is important that anyone seeking to make false accusations against Chris be aware that Chris and his management will be considering all rights and legal options available. There will be no further comment from Chris or his management at this stage.” When asked for his reactions to the allegations, Coventry said they were “opportunistic”, Fairfax Media reported. “Whatever third parties come out and make comments about incidents that happened in the past have nothing to do with us,” he said. Cricket Australia officials were believed to be privately fuming at C o v e n t r y ’s w o r d s o n Wednesday morning, and Cricket Victoria chief executive Tony Dodemaide released a statement in late afternoon emphasising the

Chris Gayle © Getty Images status of the BBL as a competition designed to be welcoming to women. He went on to say that the comments attributed to Coventry were out of order. “Cricket Victoria and its BBL teams are committed to demonstrating that our sport respects girls and women and we’re working incredibly hard to ensure that is the case,” Dodemaide said. “We certainly don’t condone the reported comments attributed to Stuart this

morning and we’re looking into it further.” The fresh allegations surfaced as a result of Gayle’s controversial televised exchange with the Ten Network BBL broadcaster Mel McLaughlin, for which the Renegades fined him $10,000. McLaughlin stated s h e a c c e p t e d G a y l e ’s apology and wished to move on from the incident. Coventry declined an ESPNcricinfo request for an interview.

Thursday January 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Page 35

Rodrigues prepares challenge

FOR CONCACAF PRESIDENCY InsideWorldFootball Guyanese Mark Rodrigues is the first candidate to declare he will run for the presidency of the North and Central American and the Caribbean confederation in elections expected to take place May 12 in Mexico City. Rodrigues, who has a strong history of administration, football development and coaching, has issued a manifesto in which he says he will usher in a new style of leadership at CONCACAF, “one that leads with honesty and integrity where playing football is at the heart of everything we do and stand for.” His entry into a leadership contest dramatically changes the presidential playing field in a confederation that historically has preferred to have its elections stagemanaged. The CONCACAF executive committee chose not to promote one of its

vice-presidents to the role of interim president following the arrest of the serving interim vice president Alfredo Hawit in Zurich in December while attending FIFA meetings. Without anyone fulfilling the presidential role, this left the executive committee and its consultants in charge of decision making, with the statement that they believe that it is in the best interests of the confederation to wait until new elections in May. This situation has been challenged by Caribbean members who strongly feel that it is a breach of the confederation’s statutes. The arrival of Rodrigues, backed by Guyana but who will need the support of three further member associations before he can officially stand, opens up the challenge for the presidency. It is believed that the North and Central American preferred candidate for the

presidency is Canadian president Victor Montagliani, while from the Caribbean region, Caribbean Football Union president Gordon Derrick also has privately expressed ambition for the position in the past and is expected to step forward. The Caribbean, if they vote as a block can be king makers in the region with their 31 votes out of a total of 41 in the confederation. It is rumoured that there may also be another Caribbean candidate in the running, the popular Luis Hernandez of Cuba who is a member of CONCACAF’s executive committee. If three Caribbean candidates stand (and assuming the Caribbean does not follow through on talk of breaking away from CONCACAF and reforming itself as its own confederation within FIFA’s jurisdiction), then the regional vote could be split

which, ironically, will likely lead to the long term splitting of the Caribbean’s power base and regional voice which the associations are keen to protect. Rodrigues brings an alternative dimension to CONCACAF’s presidential options. Having had a career in business where he handled over $110 million of real estates sales in Canada, as well as being president and COO of several multifranchised fast food stores. He returned to focus on football, building the largest youth soccer club in Florida in five years. In 2009 he started the Guyana Women’s National Te a m p r o g r a m m e , qualifying for the 2010 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Championships, returning in May last year to the women’s set-up and has again qualified the team for the CONCACAF Olympic Championships in Texas, February 2016. He works

Mark Rodrigues this job pro bono. Having worked across multiple CONCACAF member associations he has experienced firsthand the challenges member associations face. This is reflected in his manifesto which proposes to get more of the confederation’s money directly to its member associations. “50% of

CONCACAF’s revenues should be distributed directly to the Member Associations for Solidarity over 4 years - including the $100,000 that was initiated and stopped in 2014.” He also says the confederation needs to establish a sufficient reserve to cover operational needs of CONCACAF and that there (Continued on page 29)

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England hold on for draw as weather has final say

Jaguars battle Volcanoes today in St Kitts

Johnson Charles (cricket country)

Veerasammy Permaul (flickr.com)

England’s Jonny Bairstow plays a shot as South Africa’s Quinton de Kock and Chris Morris (back) look on during the second cricket test match in Cape Town, South Africa, January 6, 2016. (Reuters/Mike Hutchings)

Rodrigues prepares challenge FOR CONCACAF PRESIDENCY

Kevon Boodie

Devon Smith

Romello Crawford takes season opening cycle road race

A relaxed Romello Crawford crosses the finish line well ahead of Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams to the enjoyment of Berbicians. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210