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AIETEUR
Fuel racket…
Multi-agency investigation urged against Atlantic fuel Inc.
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Sunday Edition January 13, 2019
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Nearly a dozen Customs officers sent packing Annandale hit-and- run…
Parents struggle to cope with son crippled after accident
Charrandass' departure sparks diplomatic row Venezuela's remapping will be under close watch – Foreign Affairs Minister
Drunken woman, 27, gets three years for killing friend in accident
Irfaan Ali accused of academic fraud
Govt. seeking int'l help Charrandass talked on oil spill preparedness to me about starting …he was about to be and crisis management a party charged - Ryan Crawford
Kaieteur News
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Hundreds turn up to demand answers on oil and gas A section of the youths at the gathering
T
he Energy Department within the Ministry of the Presidency was caught off guard as hundreds of youths turned up to an event the department hosted. The forum was geared to educate young people about the oil and gas sector. Yesterday, the Umana Yana overflowed with youths who came aiming to have their questions answered and to take home something of interest to them. Among the members of the panel were the Director of Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe and the
Environmental Policy and Education Coordinator within the Department of Energy, Alvin Doris. The organizers of the event sought to empower youths to seek solutions for the oil and gas sector through hands on projects. It further sought to inform the nation's youths about the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) and skill-sets for the youth labour force. According to the Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael, who gave the welcome address at the event, “Today, you, the youths have the opportunity to hold the members of this panel accountable to whatever they have to share with you. You have the opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences so that they can add in their decision making.” Persons took up the offer as they stood and laid out their thoughts on the oil and gas sector. They even struck the panel with some questions that were beyond their capabilities of answering. Moreover, in some cases a section of the youths believed that the panel did not directly answer their questions or tried to fully grasp their attention. Some of the major questions were about oil refinery, jobs, proper management of the sector and accumulating wealth for the nation. Persons also shared their uneasiness about Exxon Mobil's presence in Guyana. A youth stated, “Look at Africa and other countries that lost most of their oil wealth. The same thing they had in common was Exxon Mobil.” One person stated, “When the question was asked if there is any possibility when we apply for positions, if they will ask
for experience although there is none currently available, he didn't directly answer that. “He just talked about going for other jobs to reach the position. That is not what I wanted to hear.” Another stated, “I think they need to do more to get us to understand this sector. I felt as though they didn't do enough to fully teach us. It sort of made the event boring or not worth looking forward to another time. We need to fully know how we can benefit or what we can do to bring our ideas to the sector. ” Because of the huge turnout the Department of Energy may be hosting a similar event to be able to have every youth present learn more about the oil and gas sector and give voice to their ideas and recommendations.
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Sunday January 13, 2019
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Nearly a dozen Customs officers sent packing A
lmost a dozen C u s t o m s officers were sacked this past week for alleged corruption. According to reports, a few, who were sent home, would have served in excess of 20 years at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). While CommissionerGeneral Godfrey Statia could not immediately be reached, yesterday, wellplaced sources confirmed that the termination was long in the making. There were investigations being conducted since last year w i t h r e p o r t s recommending termination of the staffers who were mainly working at various city wharves. A number of the staff members received letters on Thursday and more are
expected to be sent home. Kaieteur News understands that among other things, investigators found deliberate breaches of shipments of goods at city wharves, including attempts to release containers without the paperwork being completed. Th e r e w e r e o t h e r instances of collusion. GRA has been taking a harsh stance on corruption. The Coalition Government, on entering o ff i c e i n e a r l y 2 0 1 5 , recruited back Godfrey Statia as CommissionerGeneral. Under his tenure, more than 100 staffers have been sent home for absenteeism, corruption and other breaches of GRA's code of conduct. Prior to that, that
Several staffers of the Guyana Revenue Authority have been sacked for alleged corruption. government's primary tax collection entity had built up a notoriety of corruption by officers, with businesses complaining of being forced to pay for everything and even facing discrimination for not passing a “raise”. GRA has also been targeting tardy businesses to pay their taxes and finding numerous cases of tax
Food for thought What lies on the other side of life?
A
sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.” Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don't know.” “You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?” The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the
door, a dog sprang into the room with his tail wagging and an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside… He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing. I know my Master is there and that is enough.” [Author Unknown]
evasion. The authority has also brought the hammer down on duty free vehicles, a
major leak in revenues. Recently, the attention has turned to the fuel import business, where tens of
millions of dollars in taxes are lost because of smuggling and corrupt activities.
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Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
It’s about the primacy of power Political leaders and political parties have tried different things over the years. They keep trying different combinations and concoctions; all to no avail because of limited utility, less acceptability, and still less longevity. There has to be a reengineering of thinking and related visions. The same political leaders and parties have analyzed, evaluated, and calculated. Endlessly. Cleverly. They come up short, with the final governance product unsatisfactory, temporary, and laden with controversy. There is insistence on using the side door, the back door, and any other door imagined and with which they declare themselves pleased and proud. None have worked. All have suffered, with the most recent toppling on December 21, last. Why not the obvious? What about the front door? Wide. Accommodating. Clear-eyed, clear-cut, and clearly promising. At least, it offers the most promise. Look closely and critically, and it is inarguable that all prior approaches and strategies embody crude political gimmickry, exercises in denial, and exercises in repeated futility. And as the latest exercise on that red letter evening reminded so recently, these things aggregate negativity. Take a look: PNC-UF; PPP/Civic; and APNU-AFC. It has been warped partnerships of convenience; fitful alliances of expediency. Such political arrangements have faltered at the altar of enduring relationships; as in shotgun marriages involving the yoking of two hapless citizens. If such forced-feeding does not work and last in the real world of just two, it beggars the imagination and intellect, and capsizes commonsense and native wisdom that they will endure in an aroused nation; a hostile, troubled, and distrustful one. This is more tragic to behold and comprehend when the obvious, the more practical, the poignantly untried waits and withers. The more hardcore will scoff. The extremist and triumphalist will resist. They scoff and resist because they are fearful of relinquishing their periodic monopoly on power. This justifies personal existence and place, and which renders those leading any charge ill-equipped, illprepared, and ill at ease with any other approach including the sensible, the realistic, and the promising. It has never been about the priority of the peoples; only the primacy of the power trust. Everything else have been attempted. All were doomed from the start. Why not this? Why not shared governance? Why not some strain (still undefined, still to be decided) of a panoramic national front governance apparatus that leads to somewhere else? Indeed, they have a history in other environments of lacking traction for continuity. The local one would start with some considerable substance; it provides space to work and craft: constitution, governance structures, political responsibility, inclusivity, oversight mechanisms through robust checks and balances, and the type of citizen empowered to serve. There is much thinking and regrouping ahead, but these must be of a holistic kind: the playing field has to be level, the corpus of the oil wealth respected and preserved; the rights of all Guyanese enshrined and honored. Because the oil score is right now, there has to be unprecedented sensitivity and cerebral expenditure to exploiting fully and constructively this national treasure. Strengths and threats must be recognized and distinguished; opportunities seized and amplified. All of this, and so much more left unmentioned, cannot be executed (must not be) by any single political group, one racial segment, one social stratum. No matter how well-conceived, how well-intentioned, the deep pervasive distrusts that infest and energize this land will find such endeavors lacking, treacherous, and sinister. The ancient local political curse has caused this society to lose its soul; it is hoped that the current oil blessing does not result in the loss of its head.
Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
The political wolves and scavengers are circling DEAR EDITOR, The Charrandass ‘Yes Yes Yes’ vote on December 21, 2018 shook Guyana and reverberated around the world in a similar manner to the ‘crime of the century’ committed by the Reverend Jim Jones on November 18, 1978. In the days following December 21, 2018, all major international networks carried the news; Associated Press and all its affiliates, Reuters and all its affiliates in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East; BBC, CNN, MSN, CBS News, Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, all Caricom media houses, as well as prestigious publications such as the New
York Times, Washington Post and The Economist. International journalists did not have to descend on Guyana as they did in 1978 to witness first-hand the aftermath of the Jonestown massacre. Instead, the news, images and sounds of the Guyanese Parliament went instantly viral. There was no need for a paparazzi invasion. Charrandass did not kill anyone with a poison brew as Jim Jones did, but very much like Jones, Charrandass injected a politically toxic substance with his evil act, into the political landscape of the nation. Prominent Businessman Terrence Campbell who recently resigned from ANUG, put it succinctly, “The no-
confidence vote has poisoned our soil” (SN, Jan 17,1019). Judging from his fulminations while in self-imposed exile in Canada, something seems pellucid about the character of the man. The one thing which distinguishes the human being from the animal kingdom is the human mind which has the ability to reason. A delineation of the mind of Charrandass would reveal the following characteristics: resistor of the truth, despiser of those who are good as well as things that are good, possesses the ability to instantly transform from Advocate to Arch-enemy. In an instant, the Advocate Charandass transformed into Charanjudas in a road to
Damascus moment. In retrospect, it was literally a road to Canada moment! The APNU+AFC Government must be commended for standing up and protecting democracy for the Guyanese people in response to the unprecedented challenge to its authority. Much to the chagrin of those who do not wish the coalition well or who are FED-UP, the government stands tall as it applies the right legal, diplomatic and political antidotes to counteract the political toxicity which has infected the nation. The no-confidence vote presents both challenges and opportunities for the governing coalition. Thankfully, the (Continued on page 6)
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Guyanese have to spread the word
A DEADLY SERPENT
DEAR EDITOR, I have been following the political manoeuvrings in Guyana and am very disturbed about the future of the country of my birth. It seems to me that although oil wealth is in the horizon severe hardship lies ahead because of the attitude and maneuverings of politicians from both the PPP and PNC. The latest fiasco is the no confidence motion passed in the National Assembly — a 33-32 vote triggered because a member of the governing party, Charrandass Persaud, formerly of the small coalition party, AFC jumped ship and supported a PPP no confidence motion against the administration. The government after accepting the Motion at the time is now crying foul on two fronts: (a) that Persaud is a Canadian citizen and therefore his no confidence motion cannot be valid and (b) 33 votes not enough— 34 required. In my view there is little or no merit in the arguments, but the issues are now before the Courts for determination. There was a meeting between the President and the Opposition along with their advisors but although the confab was cordial the main issues are unresolved and the parties have to wait on the courts which will take several months (maybe a year) be-
cause of the importance of the issue it will go to the highest court of the land the Caribbean Court of Justice. First the High Court then the Appellate Court before it reaches the CCJ. Unlike the United Kingdom and most Commonwealth Jurisdictions, Guyana’s issues cannot be leap-frogged. However, if the parties agree the Courts can be approached to expedite the hearings. (This is not likely) Another worrying issue is the Venezuela claim to 2/3 of Guyana’s territory which has been intensified and it seems as if Russia will support Caracas. Their claim includes the portion where the oil has been discovered. It is not certain if the US will intervene in light of the present political climate in Washington. Back home the PPP is now in the process of electing a Presidential candidate, and it is rumoured that the General Secretary of the party, Bharrat Jagdeo is backing Irfaan Ali whose track record is not so good, instead of someone who can make a better President and who can command the respect of world leaders. This is an important issue for the future of the country. We will have to wait and see the outcome of the vote from the 35 member Central Executive Committee. Frank An-
thony is not a bad choice. His biggest plus is his honesty, but it is said that he is a bit too soft to fight the PNC army stalwarts. My choice is Anil Nandlall. He is extremely bright and articulate. He is a no nonsense man and can stand up to Nagamootoo, Harmon and company. He has already put his successor Basil Williams in a corner. I want to assist my country in the best way possible. I can do very little since I live in Florida. I do not even have a vote. I can only try to propagate but not have the avenue to do so since the newspapers in Guyana do not publish most of my letters. The next best thing to do is to set up a website where persons can ventilate their issues and share their thoughts with others. I crave your indulgence... Your thoughts please Oscar Ramjeet
DEAR EDITIOR A deadly serpent wants to squeeze the life out of anything that stands against corruption, drug trafficking, and lawlessness I was appalled by an article in the Guyana Chronicle writen by one Zena Henry, referring to Charrandass dramatic exiting of Guyana with the help of a Canadian diplomatic envoy ,which included Peter Ramsaroop, Sean Hinds and Jason Abulla. If the information given is true ,then this combination has definitely caused many questions to be running all over my mind , about the recent events in Guyana , dubbed a no confidence motion. First I asked, was the event that took place in the Guyana parliament rightly named ? Charrandass said yes, but I am now finding it hard
to trust the words of this seeming double tongued Lawyer. The fact that he was able to put together such a security team in such a short time has set many bells ringing in my head. Secondly I boldly question the role of Peter Ramsaroop in the PPPC. Is this gentleman the replacement for Ronald Gajraj? I will certainly like to hear from the pen of my dear cousin and representative of the workers Mr. Lincoln Lewis , and Mr. Christopher Ram on this one . I am sure
that I am not the only Guyanese with eyes to see that this development smells like rotten fish. There appears to be a deadly serpent still running lose in Guyana ,and it appears to be out to squeeze the life out of anything that stands against corruption, drug trafficking, and lawlessness in Guyana. The government of Guyana must protect its people at all cost , and cut the head of this serpent off . Apostle Adrian Wade
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MEDIA VOICES AND SLOGANS TO TRICK, MISLEAD AND INTIMIDATE
Should we give our parliament a legacy of a secondary institution?
DEAR EDITOR, Rational observation and thinking have compelled me to re-examine what is done in the media. There is an imposition by some writers that is intended to trick, mislead, and intimidate you and I, while exciting their own intended constituency with ‘loud’ lies and fabrications. My long time colleague Freddie Kissoon seems malleable, the instrument of some political puppeteer that time and time again reshapes him, against what he would know better off. He is, of course a political scientist. Yet in his article on Saturday 5, January 2019 the mass head [referred as the slogan] for it is a slogan to persons who only read the ‘headline’ and not the article. “Exactly 50 years ago the government was illegal; it is now,” this is a baffling statement coming from Freddie Kissoon, why? Because the reference is made to the 1968 elections, this of all elections needed not be rigged, four years before; from 1961 to 1964 the PPP had waged a bloody racial civil war for power against the constituencies of both the United Force and the PNC. How was
anyone from among those populations to vote PPP four years later? Nineteen sixty-eight has become stock propaganda of the PPP and it needs to be exposed. The PPP are experts of crying victim whenever it suits the need, like the appeal of ‘rape, rape!’ that appeals to the bottom-house warning about ‘villainous other;’ outdated propaganda but still alive in the minds of those parliamentarians. Then the Charrandass Persaud conspiracy, and to that, what makes the APNU-AFC government illegal? How can a vote that violates so many aspects of the constitution [Dual Citizenship – 34 valid count – stipulations on notice of intention] be valid, and make a government illegal? Freddie should attempt to clarify history and understand complex situations before pronouncing on them, in the national interest. Is it pure ignorance, or is the intention to tell a lie repeatedly or loudest as ‘legion’ and hope that it will disable all intellect and force the lie into ‘being’? Psychic propaganda is also psychological warfare. The public must build a file of the fiction and illogical writers on this matter. That they erred, does not remove the fact that they were confident in their media submissions; the Bar Association’s misrepresentation took a page and quarter. Christopher Ram
came in, Ralph Ramkarran S.C was continuously banging us with false legal mantras, and he wants to form a new party - wow! Even the former Auditor General Annand Goolsarran bravely added his dose of misguidance; leave out Jagdeo, he will say that’s his job. This leaves only Nigel Hughes, Maxwell Edwards, Bryn Pollard S.C and the immortal Rex McKay S.C as the formidable knowledge bearers in the Nation’s interest. I want to contradict letter writer Clyde Pestano from Canada , Jagdeo’s last gasp ‘scheme’ for power exposed’ Chronicle Dec. 28,2018. And collectively, let us implore GECOM to sanitize its voters list and staff, and we must pay attention to the political contentions revolving around external voter tampering in the USA. We are no longer going to be a low income third world nation, in keeping with our coming status we must pay attention to possibilities we once thought belonged to other places and not us and vote for our future. APNU-AFC must modernise the laws for SARA in respect to the law commanding explanations for unexplained wealth. The Copyright Law must be modernised and in place, the procurement laws adjusted, and as Senior Counsel Bryn Pollard said ‘Fix Parliament’. Happy 2019. Yours Respectfully, Barrington Braithwaite
DEAR EDITOR, Some 2600 years ago in the Babylonian Empire, Daniel was thrown in the Lion’s den because of a plot to get rid of him by the King’s scribes. As much as he had wanted to! The king could not change that outcome because whatever was written by the lawmakers in the empire had to be carried out according to the laws of the Medes and Persians. Roll forward to 2019 AD, Civilization at its pinnacle. We are faced with a crises an ancient Civilization would have never entertained. It is beneath contempt that our parliament, being the supreme law making body of the land, having passed a motion of No confidence on a government on the Dec 21, 2018, attested to by the speaker of the House and the Clerk of the house as passed, that the speaker of the house should allow an institution of lesser standing than parliament, to decide on the faith of what he had accepted and professed
on as passed, to appease the shenanigans of the Governing politicians. The spirit of the Babylonians would be laughing at our parliament! The Spartans would regret the sacrifice of their lives to offer democracy to the world , if ours is the sum total of what democracy is today! Dr. Scotland’s statement, “I must tell you Honourable members that the issues, which we now face call us to look outside of the Parliament to find answers… a full, final and complete settlement of these issues by a Court of competent jurisdiction will place beyond doubt any questions which may exist and serve to give guidance to the Speaker and the National Assembly.” Dr. Scotland seeking guidance on a motion he had already passed reeks of collusion. What is passed in the house should remain passed as a matter of principle. Any guidance sought should be for future action. Do we want to leave a legacy of our parliament as a
secondary institution that dances to anyone with a perceived grievance? I think not. Did the clerk of the national assembly continue to take the vote of the remaining MP’s after Charrandass vote? If it happened it wasn’t shown by the media. If it didn’t happen, it echoes the sentiment that everyone present knew that 33 yeses constitute a majority, hence the passing of the motion by the speaker. Every MP represents a segment of the population based on a mathematical calculation. In this r e g a r d Charrandass vote is in no way inferior to the vote of the remaining 64 MP’s. Where is the logic to try to negate his vote on the grounds of dual citizenship when it is alleged that one thirds of the MP’s have dual citizenship. Dual citizenship of MP;s should be a can of worms for the future, not going back to affect the constancy of the assembly. Rudolph Singh
The political wolves and scavengers ... From page 4 challenges are being confronted with boldness and alacrity as the government and opposition meet to chart the way forward. In the coming phase, APNU+AFC will be confronted with a PR battle. The coalition must immediately embark on a sustained Public Relations cam-
paign to fiercely promote its achievements over the past three years. The achievements have been stellar! The government should not allow anyone to take credit for its hard work to transform and modernize Guyana. It is not too difficult for political deception to take place to confuse voters. Already there is a subtle similarity between the names APNU and ANUG. ANUG is using three of APNU’s letters and they were quite boldfaced to say that they will be using APNU’s manifesto and its model for Constitutional reform. Marsha Canham in her book, “The Blood of Roses,” describes two things that are precious to man; his country and the person he loves; “The
wolves are circling, wary of the might and presence of the kingly beasts who dared to challenge possession of the crown so far, the lions had proved to be invincible. But should they drop their guard for an instant, or should the scavengers discover the virtue of their armor, all the honor, pride and passion in the world would not save them.” It is fortuitous that the coalition is being led by a man of faith. The people of Guyana need David and Moses now, more than ever. The political wolves and scavengers are circling. APNU+AFC must put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:11-18 Yours sincerely, Standhope Williams
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Cabinet must resign; government should stay in place until election
PNC’s fuzzy math on no confidence vote similar to days of PNC rigging
DEAR EDITOR, This issue of whether or not the government should resign troubled me deeply because it is absolutely critical that we as a nation have clarity on it. Given the wording of the Constitution of Guyana, we hear one side saying that there must be a resignation and the other side saying that they will not resign and that uncertainty is compounded by the obvious logic for the unquestionable need for a government to be in place at all times. So after receiving good advice and doing my own deep thinking on the issue allow me a few minutes to proffer an explanation that will provide that much needed clarity. Art 106(6) of the Constitution says the Cabinet including the President must resign following a vote of no confidence. Then 106(7) says that notwithstanding, the government remains in office and resigns upon the taking of the oath of office a new president following an election held within three months unless further extended by a vote of not less than 2/3 in the National Assembly. So let’s dissect this a bit further. The most important point to start with and the mistake most people are making is thinking that the Cabinet is the Government. It is not. The Cabinet is created by Art. 106(1) and is merely a subset of the Government of Guyana which has many more subsets. The other subsets of the Government of Guyana created by the Constitution are: the President (Art. 89), Prime Minister (Art. 100), Vice President(s) (Art. 100), Minister(s) (Art. 100), Cabinet (Art. 106(1)), Attorney General (Art. 112(1)), and Leader of the Opposition (Art. 110). Here is what the Government of Guyana looks like in diagrammatic form according to our Constitution: Who comprises this Cabinet: the President, the Prime Minister, the Vice President(s), and any other Minister appointed to be a member of the Cabinet (see
Art. 106(1). It is important to note at this point that not all Ministers are members of the Cabinet unless specifically appointed to become a member of this body. It is important to note that the Constitution does not allow for the Attorney General to be a member of the Cabinet but he may be invited to participate fully in proceedings as if he were a member (see Art. 106(5). Here is what the Cabinet looks like in a diagrammatic form according to our Constitution: So what is the consequence of Art. 106 (6) and the Cabinet including the President resigning? To determine this question we need to understand the purpose and function of the Cabinet. Cabinet’s purpose and function are explained in Art. 50 and 106(2) of the Constitution . Art. 50 states that it is one of three “supreme organs of democratic power” along with the President and the Parliament. And Art. 106(2) states that (i) the Cabinet shall aid and advise the President in the general direction and control of the Government of Guyana, and; (ii) the Cabinet shall be collectively responsible therefor (i.e. the general direction and control of the Government of Guyana) to Parliament. So as one of the three bodies of supreme democratic power which shall be responsible to Parliament for the President’s general direction or control of Government it means that there can be no Cabinet meetings held, no Cabinet decisions taken, no bills emanating from the Cabinet to be tabled in Parliament, no change in policy or p r o g r a m m e , n o laws passed, and no Parliamentary sessions held save and except for the sole purpose of extending the time for which an
election is to be held beyond the three month prescribed period. It therefore means all bills/ laws passed since the no confidence motion was passed are unlawful even if a court grants a stay since there is no stay extant at the time of its passing. It also means that the President must resign from Cabinet but only as a member of the Cabinet. The President does not resign as President. The President remains President until there is a new President sworn in after an election is held. In addition, the President and the Leader of the Opposition cannot contract out of the expressed provisions of the Constitution without first changing the specific Articles of the Constitution which can now not occur in this Parliamentary Session. So should the Government of Guyana resign immediately following the vote of no confidence? No. The Government must remain in place until the next President takes oath following an election held. The Cabinet, on the other hand, as a body within the Government of Guyana must resign immediately which includes the President as a member of that Cabinet body but he does not resign as President of Guyana as Head of Government and Head of State until a new President takes the oath following an election. Charles Ramson
DEAR EDITOR, The PNC’s fuzzy mathematics after the new National Hero Charrandas Persaud’s deciding vote of no confidence against the government, confirms the PNC’s historic practices as a rigging party. Founder Rigger Forbes Burnham, Granger’s hero, taught his party well that they have to use any means necessary to stay in power. The PNC’s motto is once in power, stay in power. It was the PNC’s fuzzy math that led to the PNC securing (fabricating) a majority in parliament in 1968, an eventual two-thirds majority at one election, and holding majorities until its defeat when free elections were brokered by US President Carter in 1992. In the referendum of 1978, the PNC’s fuzzy, magical math even produced a 95% win. Rigging is in the PNC’s DNA. You can’t get it out.In the dark days of PNC Part 1, they were the “wrong and strong” party. They beat up PPP and other opposition people and stole the ballot boxes and took them to military headquarters. Votes were not counted at the place of poll. Only the PNC knew how to count votes; other people’s counts were not needed. Once the ballot boxes were in military custody and PNC people were the counters, and
in charge of the elections machinery, the PNC always “won.”By 1992 when the PNC was booted from office, Guyanese were using the Chronicle newspaper as toilet paper, law enforcement routinely seized and trampled on bread in the streets, and Guyanese were denied flour, peas, oil, milk, and other accustomed foods. Now, the PNC is back to its rigging ways again by saying 33 is not greater than 32. A party that used 33-32 to get into power and win every vote in the National Assembly since 2015, now tells us that 33-32 cannot work for the no-confidence vote. All the shenanigans they are carrying on with now, is another form of PNC rigging the votes to suit their purposes. It only makes these losers look like really sorry losers, as the no confidence vote brings an end to their good life. The PNC is confirming a widely-held view that once the PNC got back into power, it will not give up power easily, that they will resort to their bullying, rigging ways to stay in power. The placement of military people in some key positions, and the painting of government buildings, buses, boats and bicycles in PNC green and AFC yellow, were all part of a new paramountcy
of the party, sealed with the party leader’s speech that she has only PNC friends and will give jobs only to PNC people. In three and a half years, the PNC managed to reinstitutionalize its old dictatorship ways of “Paramountcy of the Party.” The PNC is proving that they cannot be trusted with power by themselves or as part of a coalition. It has come full circle in destroying coalition politics. While the PPP cut short its term gracefully under President Janet Jagan and President Donald Ramotar, the PNC shamelessly clings on to power, using ridiculous time-buying gimmicks. And the PPP remains patient and peaceful. But as Walter Rodney said, “This act in itself will not delay their day of judgment.” Mr. Jagdeo’s party has battered the PNC at the 2016 LGE, walloped them in 2018, and the no confidence vote has the PNC disoriented. Those independents who were willing to go with the PNC and give it a chance against the PPP are now disappointed and will abandon the PNC for its current antics on the no-confidence vote. The PNC surely makes the PPP look like the lesser evil. Sincerely, Jerry Singh
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Kaieteur News
Venezuela, Guyana must come to peaceful resolution of territorial issue - Argentina Govt The Government of Argentina has called on Venezuela and Guyana to favour dialogue and a peaceful resolution, in conformity with International Law, regarding their territorial controversy over the region of Essequibo. The Foreign Ministry release which was recently released, also underlines the significance of territorial integrity, and that neither side adopts measures that endanger peace and security in the region. The missive said, “The Argentine government underlines the fundamental importance with respect to the principle of territorial integrity and, at the same time, the importance that any of both sides avoids adopting measures that endanger the peace and security of the region, urging on them to persevere in the search of a peaceful resolution of the controversy in conformity with Articles 2.3 and 33 of the United Nations Charter.”The territorial dispute, dating back to the 1830s, has heated up in recent months, after ExxonMobil which is licensed to work in the Stabroek Block, announced in 2015 that it had discovered large reserves of
oil. And up to a few weeks ago, local authorities were alerted to the intrusion on ExxonMobil contracted vessels by the Venezuelan military. Speaking to the National Assembly on the matter, Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge said that it was on December 22, last, the Ministry received a report from Esso Exploration and Production, Guyana Limited (Exxon Mobil) that vessels under contract by the company and its partners CNOOC of China and NEX of the USA, performing exploratory seismic work within the Stabroek block, were intercepted at 10.30 hours that same day by the Venezuelan Navy. Greenidge said that a reckless attempt was made by the Venezuelans to land a helicopter on the deck of one of the Exxon contracted vessels, the Ramform Tethys. The Minister said that the vessel was flagged by the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and had a total of seventy crew members on board including the Captain. He said that it was intercepted in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and conti-
nental shelf of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at an approximate distance of 140 kilometres from the nearest point to the provisional equidistant line with Venezuela and some 250 kilometres from Punta Playa, the westernmost point on the land border of Guyana. More than two weeks prior to this interception,
Greenidge said that the world and its mariners, including Venezuela, had been alerted to the intended commencement of seismic work in Guyana’s EEZ. He said that this alert was by way of an advisory from Guyana. The Foreign Affairs Minister said, “Rather than speak to us, Venezuelan authorities waited, tried to seize the vessel, and then sent us a Note Verbale dated December 20, last. It apparently had taken until December 22, last, to move the document electronically or physically from their Foreign Affairs Ministry in Caracas to our Embassy in Caracas. Of course, there is a Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown…” Greenidge added, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent that same day, a formal protest to the Government of Venezuela conveying the complete rejection by the Government of Guyana of this hostile and unlawful act. “It stated that Venezuela’s threat and use of force to im-
pede Guyana’s exercise of sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone, is a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations and general international law. “Concerned for the security of the crew of the vessel, and in keeping with its international obligations, Guyana also informed several Governments of the seventy crew members whose safety had been endangered.”Further to this, Greenidge said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana informed the Secretary General of the United Nations of the incident and requested that the matter be placed on the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. Additionally, Greenidge said that in response to Venezuela’s recent aggressive actions in the maritime areas under Guyana’s jurisdiction, the Government has sought and successfully obtained, the support of the international community, especially from CARICOM, the United
States and the United Kingdom, all of which have issued statements condemning Venezuela’s unlawful conduct. The Foreign Affairs Minister said, “No State which seeks to impose by force its own unilaterally decreed ‘rules’ on a militarily weaker state can expect to have that smaller State willingly accept to engage in dialogue under conditions of coercion. “Guyana is not averse to dialogue, provided that it has no effect on the proceedings before the International Court of Justice. Indeed, it is committed to the peaceful resolution of all international disputes, and considers good faith dialogue to be the most direct means to that end.” He added, “For these reasons, Guyana calls on its sister republic to: immediately withdraw its unilateral decree, cease all uses and threats of military force against unarmed civilian vessels duly licensed by Guyana to engage in offshore exploratory activities, present its case before the ICJ and, in due course, commit to accepting the Court’s Judgment on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the location of the land boundary.” Greenidge said that the Government of Guyana has informed Venezuela that it will not be intimidated by the heightened hostility by that country as it continues to pursue its economic development agenda. He said that Government has since reminded Venezuela that the Stabroek Block is an area over which Guyana maintains sovereign rights, located in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Guyana. He said, too, that companies with concessions licenced by the Government of Guyana in this area will continue to implement their scheduled programmes of activity.
Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Govt. seeking int’l help on oil spill preparedness, crisis management By Kiana Wilburg
T
he APNU+AFC Government is in the process of seeking international help on various issues, two of which include crisis management in the petroleum sector and boosting Guyana’s preparedness for oil spills. Specifically piloting efforts in this regard is the Natural Resources Ministry. On its website, the Ministry noted that it is inviting proposals for Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment consultancy in compliance with the requirements of the Guyana Oil and Gas Capacity Building Project #166730, funded by the World Bank. The Ministry explained that the Government will hire a consultancy firm to prepare a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) for Guyana’s new oil and gas sector to help meet long-term country development outcomes by integrating environmental, social (including labour), health, safety and security considerations in oil and gas policies, laws and sector growth. Considering the ongoing and proposed development and capacity building activities for the oil and gas sectors, the SESA is expected to provide a comprehensive sector-wide examination of potential impacts, both positive and negative, and identify gaps in regu-
lations, institutional capacity, and public consultation mechanisms. Additionally, the SESA aims as being a strategic framework for strengthening environmental and social sustainability of the oil and gas sector in Guyana, strengthening the country’s ability to address health and safety issues in this sector, and to inform the preparation of an Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF). In the process, the Ministry said that the SESA will contribute to a more transparent understanding of environmental and social regulations, creating a more level playing field for private investors. As part of the SESA, the consultant is expected to do several things, one of which includes the identification of Health, Safety, Environmental and Social (HSES) Issues and Risks. In this phase, the Consultant will identify the existing government agencies in Guyana with responsibility (defined mandates, roles and responsibilities), and existing built in capacity (or lack of) for contingency planning and responding to petroleum sector events such as oil spills. (SEE LINK FOR MORE DETAILS : h t t p s : / / m o t p . g o v. g y / index.php/notices/terms-ofreference/3317-guyana-oilgas-capacity-building-
EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams project-p166730-terms-of-reference-tor-strategic-environmental-social-assessment) PREPARING THE NATIONAL PLAN The National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, one of the most critical documents supposed to be in place for any emerging petroleum producer like Guyana, is expected to be in place by March. This was noted by head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams.. Dr. Adams noted that the EPA had a chance to review the draft plan and several comments were returned to the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) for consideration.
Dem boys seh ...
Dem got one ‘E’ in Granger, one in Jagdeo but none in Ramotar or Hinds In this world of E-mails, E-ticket, E-paper, E-recharge, E-transfer and the latest EGovernance... never forget “CrEator” who makes Everything E-asy for E-veryone, E-veryday. “E” is the most Eminent letter of the English alphabet. Men or Women don’t exist without “E”. House or Home can’t be made without “E”. Bread or Butter can’t be found without “E”. “E” is the beginning of “existence” and the end of “trouble.”
It’s not at all in ‘war’ but twice in ‘peace’. It is once in ‘hell’ but twice in ‘heaven’. “E” represented in ‘Emotions’ Hence, all Emotional relations like Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, wife & friends have ‘E’ in them. “E” also represents ‘Effort’ & ‘Energy’ Hence to be ‘Better’ from good both “Es” are added. Without “E”, we would have no love, no life, no wife, no friends and of course, no hope.
We ‘see’, we ‘hear’, we ‘smell’, we feel or we ‘taste’ with our ‘eye’, ‘ear’, ‘nose’, sense of touch ‘, & our ‘tongue’. All are incomplete without “E”. Finally there is no ‘Life’ or ‘Death’ without “E”. Hence GO with “E” but without E-GO. President has an E but some of dem who become presidents had none and it showed in their leadership. Talk half and remember ‘E’ is in de upcoming Elections.
Dr. Adams described the Oil Spill Contingency Plan as “a work in progress” while noting that it needs a lot of details. The Environmental Engineer is also of the opinion that a proper risk assessment will be needed for the plan. He said that the risk assessment will identify the areas that are most vulnerable to an oil spill and the far reaching effects of such an eventuality. The EPA Head said that the CDC may wish to hire someone to do the assessment since it is a technical area and the document will be a most
important one for Guyana’s oil sector. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is just one of the many voices which called for there to be a national oil spill contingency plan in place before oil production commences in 2020. In its special report, the IDB noted that Guyana’s CARICOM sister, Trinidad a n d To b a g o w h i c h h a s been in the petroleum industry has taken the wise move to safeguard its sector with a national oil spill plan. That plan was updated and passed by TT’s Cabinet in January 2013. The IDB said that with TT’s new plan, “deep-water drilling operators will now be required to demonstrate accessibility to a containment lap system to arrest a subsea blow out event…” With this in mind, the IDB believes that Guyana can take a page from Trinidad’s book and get its own plan in place soon. It has been almost eight months since the first round of consultations was held on the draft national oil spill plan. Leading the work on the oil spill plan is the Civil Defence Commission. Specifically, Captain John R. Flores, Director of Maritime Safety had organized a small team of locals to draft the document.
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Along with considering the inherent risks of drilling for oil, Flores said that Guyana is a member to several organizations, which mandates that a contingency oil spill plan has to be in place. He said that these organizations include the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The official also noted that Guyana is a signatory to the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Director of Maritime Safety said that several documents were used as a reference point for the creation of the framework for the oil spill plan. He said that these included the IMO’s manual on guidelines to be followed in the creation of an oil spill plan, draft procedures that Guyana’s authorities had from years ago, and oil spill plans by other nations such as Trinidad and Tobago.
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
“Charrandass talked to me about starting a party”— Ryan Crawford
…he was about to be charged By Malisa Playter Harry
E
xpelled member of the Alliance for Change (AFC) and Attorney-at-law Charrandass Persaud had signalled his intention to form a new party shortly after his historic December 21, 2018 vote in the National Assembly. He voted ‘yes’ in support of the opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic Noconfidence motion. Speaking with a member from the recently established Federal United Party (FED UP), Ryan Crawford, after their party launch on Friday, revealed that he had a conversation with Persaud on birthing a new political party. According to Crawford, who is also a close friend of Persaud, “I spoke with
Charrandass because I am helping him with some court matters and he was talking to me about starting a party.” He added that at the time when Persaud made the proposal to him, FED UP Party was already in the making. This, he said, was indicated to Persaud. “I told him that I would love to but I have already made commitments to Mr. Sohan”. Despite him turning down Persaud’s offer, the FED UP lawyer stated that Persaud is free to join and participate just like anyone else could. What is being done is not a means of “controlling whoever joins” but rather to have something different. “He is free to join”, Crawford said. Charrandass Persaud, minutes after voting ‘yes’ in favour of the opposition’s
No-Confidence motion, spoke with reporters outside of parliament. He told reporters that it was the end of his political career and that he would not be joining any party. “I will not join any political party from here on in or be a candidate. You will see that my word is just not hot air. I will not be a candidate for any party”. Crawford also related that Persaud was supposed to be charged on the day his video of the “cuss out” surfaced. He explained that Persaud was being investigated and had received a summons to appear in court on that very day. ”A lot of people don’t know this but the car was Mr. Charrandass’s own. He was investigated. Mr. Charrandass
received a summons to go to court that day. He was supposed to be charged then but because he was a Member of Parliament he was not,” Crawford divulged. While he declined to expound more on the issue, he did express his opinion that Persaud will be charged if he returns to Guyana. The reason he said, is “arrogance”, arrogance on the government’s part. This he noted, was one of the main reason’s Persaud voted against the government. He said, “They knew that he was going to defect and they did nothing about it. There was the arrogance that he would not dare do something like that and when he did, now they are going after him to punish him.” Crawford further went on to explain that the issue with Persaud’s senario was due to the fact that he was not a representative for the people. “He was selected from AFC to go to parliament. If he was elected to go to parliament he would speak for the people, so he was accountable to the p e o p l e . ” According to Crawford, who
Former MP, Charrandass Persaud and Ryan Crawford once supported the AFC publicly, “Charrandass had no constituency, he had a loyalty to party and that is why they (government) are upset. He is seen as a betrayal to a party”.
Crawford’s party was launched on Friday with other members Attorney Chandra Sohan and Horatio Edmonson at the Central Corentyne Chambers building.
Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Documents indicate Irfaan Ali obtained Master’s three years before his first degree …watchers accuse him of academic fraud By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell
T
he academic achievements of one of the frontrunners in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) race for presidential candidacy, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, are under question. Recently, Ali has been featured in the media over the 19 charges with which he was slapped by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force. Now, Ali is making more rounds in the media as documents suggest he may have used a fraudulent transcript to pursue a master’s degree programme at an Indian University. A dossier containing, among other things, nine of Ali’s academic certificates has been handed to this newspaper. Information suggests that Ali secured his masters on the basis of a first degree from a University that did not even exist. This was in 2002 after he received a scholarship from
the Indian Technical Economic Corporation Programme. Among the certificates in the dossier was one from the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University of India. That certificate indicated that “Mohamed Irfaan Ali successful completed a one year Masters degree in Human Resource Planning Development in the examinations held in January 2003. Usually, pursuance of a Master’s degree is predicated on the security of a first degree. However, the documents provided to this newspaper suggest that Ali defied the odds. Another certificate indicates that Ali secured his first degree some three years after his Master’s. Academics who have been noting the developments have taken to social media accusing Ali of academic fraud. The Certificate from the University of Sunderland said that “Mohammed Ali was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts, second class honors having followed an ap-
proved honors programme in Business Management.” This was in September 2006. Of note is the fact that the name on the two certificates differs. Ali’s first name “Mohamed” is spelt with two “m”s on the first degree certificate. While in India at the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Ali presented, among other things, a transcript from the Chamber Business School. That school was supposed to be located on West Demerara. One Joshua Shafeek was the President of the West Demerara Chamber and Commerce at the time and the transcript was signed by him. However, no school of the sort existed then or now. Ali was once enrolled at the University of Guyana. He registered in 1996 to pursue a diploma in Accounting but never graduated. All certificates secured by Ali were from abroad. He secured a certificate of participation for the Human Resource Planning and Management Programme from the (Continued on page 60 )
Certificate of Ali’s first degree
Certificate of Ali’s Master’s degree
Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 13, 2019
Corentyne man appeals life sentence for raping girl, 13
Sentenced to life rape accused Mohamed Khan
Mohamed HIfizullah Khan, who was recently sentenced to life in jail after being found guilty of raping a 13-year-old has appealed his conviction. Khan, 50, of No 77 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, who was sentenced by Justice Priya Sewnarine Beharry in the Berbice High Court will have to serve 35 years before he is eligible for parole. He was accused of engaging in sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16 years. The act was committing on September 29, 2014 in a village in the Upper Corentyne. The child reportedly
knew Khan for about three years before the incident. He sold movie discs in front of his home. On the day in question she was sent on an errand by her mother. As she was passing the accused home he called out to her and offered her a pair of shoes which he said he was giving away. She refused, but asked him if he had a movie disc to sell. He answered in the affirmative and told her she had to enter the house. She stood by the door and Khan pulled her by her hair into the house, locked the door pulled down her pants, took a knife and cut
off her underwear. He then pulled off her top, cut off her brassiere. He held a knife to her neck covered her mouth and raped her. He committed the act twice. The girl reported to her mother and the police were informed. She was examined by a doctor and Khan was arrested and charged. Khan, through attorney at law Mursalene Bacchus, is appealing on a number of grounds including that -
The verdict was un-reasonable and cannot be supported having regard to the evidence, he argued. That Inadmissible evidence prejudicial to a fair trial was wrongly admitted. The Defence of the Appellant was not properly put to the jury. The summing up was un-balanced in favour of the prosecution and that the Sentence was unduly severe among other grounds, Bacchus argued.
Drunken woman gets three years for killing friend in accident Dead Debra Pompey
The drunken woman who was charged with killing her friend in an accident on July 4, 2017, on the Liliendaal Bridge, Greater Georgetown, was last Thursday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for the offence. Tecona Welcome, 27, of 391 Austin Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, was on trial before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that on June 24, 2017, at Liliendaal Bridge, Greater Georgetown, she drove motor car PSS 7195 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Debra Pompey, of Lot 473 Belle West Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara. Welcome was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. She pleaded guilty to this offence on her first court appearance and was fined $20,000. On Thursday when the matter was called, Magistrate George told the court that she was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Welcome on the day in question drove in a manner dangerous to the public, and caused the death of her friend. The Magistrate went on to tell the court that she also believed the witnesses that were called on behalf of the prosecution, hence she sentenced Welcome to three years imprisonment. Throughout the trial Wel-
Jailed Tecona Welcome come was out on $500,000 bail pending the determination of the case. According to information, on the day in question, an intoxicated Welcome was the driver of vehicle PSS 7195 which had her five friends. They were returning from a celebration at the Giftland Mall after attending a bridal shower. It was reported that the car, PSS 7195, was reportedly proceeding west along the Railway Embankment at a fast rate when the driver lost control and slammed into the southern rail of the bridge. Those injured in the accident were identified as 20year-old Rodlyn Grace of Lot 24 Blygezight Gardens, Georgetown; Shameica Martin, 18, of Lot 84 Sideline Dam, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara; 26-year-old Teneisha Hubbard of Lot 473 Belle West, West Bank Demerara; and Saskiya Boyer, 30, of Lot 228 Lodge, Georgetown.
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Charrandass’s departure sparks diplomatic row The fallout of the no-confidence vote of December 21, 2018 is continuing with the Canadian High Commission now drawn in. Government, reportedly, is insisting that there were some diplomatic lapses to accepted arrangements that are in place. It wants the Canadian High Commission to explain these breaches. According to Government officials, yesterday, while it can be accepted that the High Commission was approached by former Parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, the fact that the Government of Guyana was not informed that a certain situation has developed involving a citizen of this country was a breach to diplomatic norms. In this particular case, it was explained, the Vienna Convention, which dictates how missions operate in foreign territory, would have triggered certain actions by the Canadian High Commission. This includes the Commission informing Government via the normal channels. In the last few days, the Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee, met two times with the Ministry. In a statement Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is confirming that it has
Former MP, Charrandass Persaud formally approached the Canadian High Commission in Georgetown seeking explanation regarding certain breaches of protocol. “In keeping with normal diplomatic procedures a Note Verbale was dispatched on Monday 7 January to the High Commission and meetings were subsequently held on Wednesday 9 January and today (Friday) with the High Commissioner.” The Ministry insisted that it is “duty bound” to seek clarification on reports of breaches of diplomatic protocol by a foreign mission. This process is ongoing and the Ministry is working with the Canadian High Commission
Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge to ensure that the matter reaches a satisfactory conclusion.” Yesterday, the state newspaper, Guyana Chronicle, quoted a Ministry official as indicating that Guyana is seeking the recall of Canadian diplomat, Richard Beliveau, who allegedly accompanied Persaud to the Ogle Airport on the morning of December 22. At the airport, the diplomat received a protocol pass for him while Peter Ramsaroop, an advisor for the People’s Progress Party received one. Both remained with Persaud before he boarded the plane for Barbados, and took a connecting
flight to Canada. Police have reportedly been investigating the former Parliamentarian for “national security” matters. There were allegations that Persaud purchased or attempted to purchase a large quantity of gold shortly before the December 21 vote. Screenshots of a Whatsapp conversation purportedly indicated that Persaud wanted to buy cassareep (gold) has been published. On December 21, the National Assembly debated a no-confidence vote against the Government. The motion was widely dismissed at first, but shortly
Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee after 21:00hrs, Persaud, a parliamentarian for the Alliance For Change, the smaller faction of the Coalition Government, voted yes with the Opposition. He said the AFC had become a “yes” party and had betrayed its supporters by abandoning campaign promises. Persaud refused police protection and instead left with Ramsaroop. It was later revealed he called the High Commissioner and requested protection as a citizen of Canada. He was asked to visit the High Commission and later given protection and taken in a diplomatic vehicle to the air-
port. The flight had been booked, the former MP later told Kaieteur News. The icy relations with Canada at the moment would be highly unusual for Guyana which over the years has had not much to quarrel about. However, the fall of the government because of that vote by Persaud has changed the dynamics. There is much at stakes. The vote has mandated Government to call fresh elections within three months. However, Parliament is continuing to meet until the elections are called or when the court case challenging the vote is over.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 13, 2019
Grove man nabbed with unlicensed gun in Cuyuni A 30-year-old gold miner of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was busted by police with an unlicensed gun and ammo shortly after 08:30hrs on Friday. Police said they were on patrol duties in the Arau Mountain Top, located in Cuyuni River, Region Seven. A search was conducted on the gold miner, whose name was given as Robert Richardson. He was reportedly observed acting in a suspicious manner. The police unearthed an unlicenced firearm with a magazine and a live round.The suspect is currently being processed to answer to the charges in the courts.
The seized gun and ammo.
Suspect: Robert Richardson
MARAD issues strict operating time for water taxis The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is notifying all water taxis, except those plying the Georgetown/Vreeden-Hoop route that they will now be allowed to operate from 6:00hrs to 18:00hrs, effective from today. This will affect water taxis with and without sheds that are engaged in ferrying passengers. Water taxis that ferry passengers between Georgetown and Vreed-en-hoop will have
an extended time to traverse the Demerara River. They will be allowed to operate from 6:00hrs to 20:00hrs, daily. The notice, which was issued today, warns that failure to comply can lead to immediate revocation of operating licenses. It also states that the operating time will remain in effect until otherwise amended by the Maritime Administration Department.
Oil, Environmental Education curricula to be developed for school-aged children The government is currently working on updating the primary and secondary school curricula to ensure that school aged children are equipped to cope with the implications of the developing oil sector. Oil is expected to become the primary driver of Guyana’s economic growth. There are implications for Guyana’s ascension to the Rio Conventions on Biodiversity. Officials from both the Departments of Energy and Environment were at the Umana Yana yesterday, for the Department of Youth sponsored youth participation in the oil sector. According to Director of the Department of Energy, Mark Bynoe, they are currently in talks with the relevant departments for the purpose of educating children on the newly developing oil sector. “We are meeting with
NCERD (National Centre for Education Resource Development) and the Ministry of Education because we believe [education about the oil sector] has to start at the very grassroots. “In that vein, the department has just moved to recruit a communication expert, who can help us design our programmes to get that message out. But it requires a much broader programmatic approach.” “It needs to start from nursery, primary, and continue right through the school system, which is what we’re working toward, right now.” On environmental education, Alvin Doris, Enviromental Policy and Education Coordinator at the Department of Environment, said, “I hope that we can influence, in the very near future, curriculum reform that reflects sound environmental education.
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Multi-agency investigation urged against Atlantic Fuel Inc
Fuel racket…
M
ore than one week after shocking disclosures that a company, closely associated to Dr. Richard Van West Charles, tendered fake Customs documents which caused Government to lose millions in taxes, there has been deafening silence. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), a few days ago, had called in the official, who is chief of the state-owned Guyana Water Inc. However, there has not been any official statement from GRA on the matter. The fuel tax is one of the biggest revenue earner for the state. On the other hand, the authority has been tough on other taxpayers, including office workers and selfemployed. Calls to CommissionerGeneral Godfrey Statia were not immediately returned. On Monday, Van West Charles was reportedly summoned to the GRA headquarters on Camp Street. Sources had indicated that while charges by GRA are not likely at this stage, the authority clearly has options. “If it is found that shipments are under-valued then we go back to past shipments and re-assess them with the correct taxes. In other words, the taxpayer will have to pay the adjusted tax. That is in essence what it is in layman's terms.” Outspoken accountant and lawyer, Christopher Ram, was harsh about the issue. “These are extremely serious and disturbing allegations and I would refrain from offering any comment other than to say that it requires an urgent and impartial investigation. The importation of fuel is the single largest Balance of Payment item with implication for tax revenues.” According to Ram, it is never a healthy sign when a high party official with a full time job gets involved in a business activity which has for years been associated with corruption, tax evasion and other illegalities. “It is for this reason that a multi-agency investigation should be commenced immediately.” Additional, Customs records released last week
in the hinterlands and to the coastlands. The operators would pay taxes there. It appears that Atlantic Fuels, like a number of other operators, have been capitalizing on the fuel there which on average cost just US$0.50 per liter, a tad cheaper than Trinidad and other places. However, according to Customs documents, Atlantic Fuel presented GRA Altantic Fuel's director, Dr. Richard Van West Charles
Atlantic Fuel's other director, Lear Goring
Attorney-at-law/ Accountant, Chris Ram revealed that Atlantic Fuel Inc., the company on which Van West Charles is a director, indicated that one shipment purchased in the free trade border area at Morawhanna, North West District, Region One, was under-invoiced. Morawhanna is the gateway to Region One, with persons coming from Ve n e z u e l a b y w a t e r , expected to check in at the immigration operations there. Also there is a team of Guyana Revenue Authority officers. For a number of years, fuel has been brought to that area and local operators would make purchases, taking it to mining locations
with a Commercial Invoice dated September 25, 2018, which used a CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) price of US$0.25, half of the normal price. The amount of fuel was about 270,000 liters (71,326 US gallons). Atlantic Fuel declared that the cost was US$67,500 which caused GRA to collect only $14M in taxes. On the Customs documents, the address was
listed in Meadowbrook, the same address as Van West Charles. The correct taxes should have been double that amount- which is almost $28M in taxes. This latest disclosure comes on the heels of another shipment in September/October last year by the same company which was brought on a fuel ship, named “Century”. The shipment of 639,000
liters (170,000 US gallons) was supposed to cost US$379,100. However, Atlantic Fuel's director, Lear Goring, filed documents which pegged it at US$159,750. The state reported losses of $32M in taxes because of that. In Customs terms, the deliberate declaration of prices below what was actually the value or what was paid is known as under(continued on page 18)
Kaieteur News
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Venezuela's remapping will be under close watch
J
ust a few days ago, Ve n e z u e l a announced to the world, plans to remap its Caribbean oil and gas prospects. But concerns have since been raised that this move could further stoke a century-long border dispute the Spanish speaking nation has with Guyana. Speaking with Kaieteur News recently on this matter, Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, said that
- says Foreign Affairs Minister Venezuela's remapping efforts will be under close watch to ensure that confusing or misleading information is not disseminated. Greenidge said, “Today it is possible to do almost anything from where you sit. We know that Venezuela had announced in the past that it
was mapping the land territory and as long as they don't trespass on our territory they can do it. “As long as they don't then take the information and publish it in a manner that will confuse the public and be dangerous so that our territory appears to be in Venezuela, they can do it.
But as I said, it depends on what they do.” He added, “It is safe to say that we will be monitoring it to ensure that it does not cause confusion and it is not misleading.” On Wednesday, it was Bloomberg which had originally reported that Venezuela's seismic survey
Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge for the remapping is planned for the coming months and will include an eastern area of Venezuela that borders Guyana. Officials at stateowned Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or PDVSA, declined to comment to Bloomberg on the matter. The international news site also recalled that Venezuela reignited the old border dispute last month after intercepting two ships conducting seismic studies for Exxon as the oil major prepares to develop giant deep-water reserves off the coast of Guyana. Venezuela has mapped its offshore territory for oil deposits in the past, but some areas remain uncharted. The new survey will also include areas bordering Caribbean islands such as Grenada and Saint Vincent. “More surveys are pending to identify commercially viable options for gas,” said Antero Alvarado, a managing partner at consulting firm Gas Energy Latin America to Bloomberg. “Past PDVSA studies ignored identifying gas deposits because the focus was always on oil.'' Following an encounter
last month with the Venezuelan navy, one of the two ships hired by Exxon will conduct seismic surveys in Guyanese waters away from the border, while the other will no longer be used, the Irving, Texas-based company said Monday. Guyana, which has U.S. backing for its ownership claim over the waters, said Ve n e z u e l a b r o k e i n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w. Ve n e z u e l a n P r e s i d e n t Nicolas Maduro has said the territory belongs to his country and vowed to defend it “at any cost.” Maduro issued a decree a week after the interception s t a t i n g Ve n e z u e l a ' s continental shelf is open for oil exploration, although no investment plans have been announced for the area yet. PDVSA's offshore division produces mainly gas from the western coast in a partnership with Italy's ENI SpA. It also has several inactive oil and gas projects in the east, near Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Three of them are in partnerships with Norway's Equinor ASA, Chevron Corp. and France's Total SA.
Multi-agency investigation urged against Atlantic... From page 17 invoicing. GRA uses the cost to assess taxes. Atlantic Fuel was granted a licence in late 2015, months after the Coalition Government took office. Van West Charles, the son-in-law of former President, Forbes Burnham, received the licence for Atlantic Fuel in just over a month from the Guyana Energy Agency. Normally, licences take several months to be issued, because of stringent requirements, including environmental permits and time it takes to ready storage and other facilities. Several persons have complained of the difficulties in the application
process. Fuel trade is a highly lucrative business. It is one of the biggest earners for government, in terms of the taxes it rakes in. However, bribery and collusion, even involving GEA staffers, have been proving a problem. There have been complaints that while GRA has been squeezing small taxpayers, it seems to be not moving fast enough to tackle the tax evaders involved in the fuel trade.
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Country's first-ever Cutter Suction Dredge improving drainage in West Berbice
T
he state-of-theart Cutter Suction Dredge (CSD), recently acquired by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for making coastal drainage channels more effective, has made a successful debut in R e g i o n F i v e ; Mahaica/Berbice. The dredge, the first of its kind in Guyana, was bought from the Netherlands by the government, on the recommendation of a Dutch Risk Reduction team which came to Guyana in late 2015 to provide advice on flood risk management on the northern coastline of Guyana. The Cutter Suction Head, the Drive Unit and Spud legs were installed on a pontoon constructed by the Guyana National Industrial Company Inc., at a cost of $329M during the early months of 2018 and then handed over to the NDIA at the end of last year.
GNIC Shipyard Manager, J. Ramjag, and NDIA Project Engineer, K. Suerattan, were present in the Netherlands for the Procurement and Testing of the equipment. A representative from WATERKING Company subsequently came to Guyana and trained locals in the use of the CSD. NDIA Engineer, with responsibility for Mahaica/Berbice, Seeraj Bhagwandas, said rcently that the equipment had made its debut on the Atlantic foreshore off Trafalgar West Coast Berbice where a massive mud bank was preventing the flow of water to the drainage sluices for discharge into the Atlantic. The CSD, deployed to Trafalgar late December 2018, has successfully managed to increase the depth of the outfall channel and hence, the capacity of the sluice to discharge water from the tertiary, secondary
and drainage channels in the villages. Bhagwandas said the efficiency of the CSD made it possible for this task to be done in far less time than was previously possible. “The sluices, which were blocked, are now discharging water from the primary drainage channel very quickly thereby reducing the possibility of a backing up of water from the secondary and tertiary [community drainage] systems which have caused flooding of farmlands and residential areas in the past,” Bhagwandas explained. One resident said: “We haven't had any heavy rainfall to really test the efficiency of the drainage system as it is now. But, with the rainfall that has occurred, we are seeing very good drainage; better than before. These villages may soon remain free of flood water even after the heaviest rains. That would be a very very
Ongoing residential drainage improvements at Union II good thing for all the residents here.” He added, “It would be good for us because we can feel encouraged to get back into crops and livestock farming,
Excavated outfall at Trafalgar
CSD at Trafalgar II
without fear of losing everything to flooding.” Meanwhile, Region Five Executive Officer, Ovid Morrison, has said that even while the dredge was working on the ocean side of the drainage system, the administration was working on desilting the channels on the land side and the combination of the two would mean a very effective drainage system for these villages and surrounding
areas as compared to what prevailed in the past. The Regional Administration, for the past three weeks, has focused on cleaning the secondary and community drainage channels in the flood-prone areas. Seeraj noted too that the Agency had recently activated a number of colonial sluices which had been long abandoned along the coast of the WCB.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Montrose granny, Rubis accountant alleged killers, among others listed for trial
MURDERED: Danrasie Ganesh
T
he January session of the D e m e r a r a Criminal assizes opened last Tuesday at the High Court in Georgetown. During the session which will run for about three months, several murder accused will go on trial. The Judges rostered to preside over this session are Navindra Singh, Jo Ann Barlow and James BovellDrakes.
MURDER ACCUSED: Collin Allen Among them is Colin Alleyne, called Collis Williams and Bonus, who is charged with the August 1, 2015 killing of 77-year-old Danrasie Ganesh. The battered body of 77-year-old Ganesh, also known as Carmen, was found in her Montrose, East Coast Demerara home, on August 1, 2015, by relatives who went to check on her after she failed to answer
MURDER ACCUSED: Orpheus Johnson
Jason Cort
Clifton Gibson
Linton Eastman
Stancey Rodney
MURDERED: Travis Rudder
neighbours' calls. The gruesome murder was captured on surveillance camera. It was reported that Ganesh's killer, believed to be Alleyne of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, clubbed her on the head with a tyre wrench and dragged her into a c o r n e r, w h e r e s h e collapsed. It was then that the killer allegedly wrapped a hand-towel around her Leyon Lindo neck, kicked and stomped the old woman until she lay motionless. Alleyne was captured at Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, some three weeks after the murder. He reportedly told detectives that a male relative of Ganesh paid him $700,000 to kill her and steal
documents pertaining to her property. And facing a joint murder charge are Clifton Gibson, Linton Eastman, and Stancey Rodney. To g e t h e r, t h e y a r e accused of murdering 27year-old Jason Cort, an accounts executive at Rubis, on June 7, 2015 at Meadow Brook, Gardens
Georgetown. Cort was gunned down in front of his home by gun toting bandits, shortly after he arrived home with his fiancĂŠe. He was shot to the chest and died subsequently at a private hospital. After Professor Pairadeau Mars was found dead in his Lot 395 Bissessar (continued on page 62)
Kaieteur News
Ambika Ramraj
Sunday January 13, 2019
Ambika Ramraj is one of Guyana’s national athletes (badminton). She is an Environmental Science student at the University of Guyana, and a Psychology enthusiast. This stunning belle is passionate about helping individuals affected by mental health issues, more specifically, those caused by Childhood Trauma. One of her favourite quotes is, “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”
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Kaieteur News
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Embracing sports as a 'labour of love'…
Dr. Karen Pilgrim A.A. By Sharmain Grainger
T
hrough the lens of the sports fraternity you are likely to see both the best and the worst of people. This is due to the fact that there are some who enter this field with less than noble intentions and therefore could undermine the potential of it being used to give a nation laudable recognition. But among those who have served the local sports fraternity with unadulterated enthusiasm, only aimed at advancing its reach, has been Dr. Karen Pilgrim. Indeed, for her outstanding service and sterling contribution in this regard, in 2017 she was aptly conferred with a national award – the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.). Although she has had both positive and negative experiences in the world of sports, she related during a recent interview that “the positives far outweigh the negatives.” This in spite of her recognition years ago that “you don't get anything from sports in Guyana; it has to be a labour of love. It is usually the athletes and their parents who end up investing their time and money into
is a 'Special Person' sports, and they don't necessarily benefit directly from it.” But times have been gradually changing, so much so that a few athletes have been able to benefit from overseas scholarships. However, Karen is convinced that even more should be done for local athletes, aside from lending
having been there [Jamaica] many years ago, I can say sports in school is their foundation,” Karen related. She added, “I am sure we have athletes equal to, or better than anywhere else in the world, but we will never even know who some of them are, because we don't have any way of identifying them. Once you are in school
“You don't get anything from sports in Guyana; it has to be a labour of love. It is usually the athletes and their parents who end up investing their time and money into sports, and they don't necessarily benefit directly from it.” support to farther the skills they often hone independently. For this reason, she is of the view that there is dire need for more high level focus on sports, even as she considered that territories such as Jamaica have consistently made sports a priority, starting from the level of the school system. “Many times people ask how they do so well, but
in Jamaica…you are in a system where you have trained PE teachers and that is their only job. They have different sports in different terms and teachers are able to keep a record of children's performances and that continues in high school.” Although reports suggest that Guyana had embraced such a stance back in the day, Karen observed “it just doesn't happen anymore. So
a child may be the next Usain Bolt, but who would know if they just don't feel like running; who would know if we have the next Michael Phelps if their parents don't find the time to take them to be part of a swimming Club, which is not easy…it takes a lot of dedication to keep going in sports.” Moreover, Karen is of the view that Guyana needs to make mandatory, the inclusion of physical education and sports in the school system, complete with proper and continuous documentation of students' performances at all levels. But sports wasn't always her passion. In fact, she knew precious little of sports and never imagined a day would come when her life would be completely consumed by it. FORMATIVE YEARS Born Karen Alisa P i l g r i m o n F r i d a y, November 4, 1960, at the Georgetown Public Hospital, she was the only child of career diplomat Cecil Pilgrim and his wife J o y, a u n i v e r s i t y a d m i n i s t r a t o r. S h e remembers being raised in Kitty, Georgetown, and attending Stella Maris
Dr. Karen Pilgrim Nursery School and then Sacred Heart Primary. By the time she was in primary school, Karen recalled her family having to move to Jamaica because of her father's work obligations. She was just about nine years old at the time, and therefore continued her primary schooling in the Reggae Is land w here s he got placement at the Queen's Prep School. It was there she wrote the Common Entrance examination and then moved on to the institution's secondary level. At the school in Jamaica, Karen recalled sports being an integral part of the curriculum. “I enjoyed school [and] I was lucky to
With Team-Guyana at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas, at the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017.
make some good friends really early, who are still my friends, thanks to Facebook,” Karen remarked amidst a chuckle. But she wasn't allowed to forget the land of her birth. Karen recalled that just about all of her August holiday breaks from school, were spent in Kitty at the home of her maternal grandmother, Margarita Harewood, whose death she mourned just last year. “She had a long life…she was 96,” said Karen of her g r a n d m o t h e r, a s s h e pondered over the evident longevity several family members on both her mother and father's sides. CAREER PATH With the possibility of time on her side, Karen knew she only wanted to delve into a career path that she was passionate about. Even as a young girl, she'd already envisaged a career path in Veterinary Medicine, but didn't believe her parents had the wherewithal to help her finance such a forte. She, h o w e v e r, c o u l d h a v e pursued other academic opportunities being offered free of cost at the University of the West Indies' Mona Campus, by virtue of her mother's employment there. But there was yet hope for Karen to realise her academic dream. As fate would have it, on a visit back home during one holiday break, Karen attended the wedding reception of a relative and became engaged in a discussion about her academic aspirations with one of the guests. Having relayed her true passion, the guest was able to enlighten Karen of the possibility of her taking advantage of a Guyana scholarship to study overseas. With the information in (continued on page 51)
Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Guyana is on the road to becoming a constitutional pariah
T
he joint statement of the high-level meeting between the government and the opposition has dampened the public enthusiasm which followed the initial comments by the President and the Leader of the Opposition at the conclusion of the engagement. The joint statement, belatedly issued, confirms that not much common ground was found between the two leaders. In fact, the joint statement reads more like the minutes of the engagement rather than what one expects of a joint statement. It merely confirms that very little agreement was had between the two sides, except for them to approach GECOM on its readiness for elections. Nothing was said about both sides engaging in enhanced political cooperation and how they would both participate in running the country over the next three months. The meeting essentially showed both sides digging in their heels and holding firm to their previously expressed positions. As far as the government is concerned, it does not see a diminution of its powers. Neither did it indicate that it would abide by the Constitution, which calls for the Cabinet to resign and for elections in 90 days. The government's position is that the government remains in office with full powers, since public services have to be provided and public order maintained. In fact, the President made it clear that the Constitution does not state anything which limits the government's powers. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition, asserted that the government remains in office only with limited powers. The government is clearly ignoring the implications of a noconfidence motion. The passage of the motion
demonstrates that the National Assembly has lost confidence in the government and therefore the government is obligated to resign and call elections. By refusing to resign, the President and the Cabinet are frustrating the implications of the Constitution and of constitutional conventions. The Cabinet should have resigned and should have called elections. Notwithstanding this, there has to be a government in place to provide public service and maintain public order, and therefore the government has to remain in place until a new one is elected. This may seem as an anomalous situation, but it is not. It is no different from a Prime Minister resigning after the passage of a noconfidence motion, but his government remaining in place to prepare for elections, as was the case in Britain in 1979 when the James Callaghan government fell because of a one-vote majority. The issue is not whether the government remains in place. The Opposition is not denying this. What it is denying is what it should be allowed to do in the circumstances. If the provisions of Article 106 (6) are complied with, it means that elections must be called and all that follows should ensue: that parliament is prorogued, which means no new legislation can be passed. Constitutional conventions then kick in, in terms of how the government is limited. The government should not sign any major agreements during their period. The Cabinet's refusal to accept that it has to resign makes a mockery of the Constitution and allows it to operate in a manner that makes the no-confidence motion redundant. The major agreement which emerged out of the meeting is that both sides agreed to jointly approach
the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to determine its readiness for the holding of elections. Both sides had nominated commissioners to GECOM and therefore ought to be fully aware of the state of readiness of the elections body. GECOM also held elections just two months ago. There were no major hitches in those elections, and particularly, no problem
with the electoral roll. Monies are available for the holding of elections. Why then should GECOM not be ready for elections within 90 days? The writing is on the wall as to what is going to happen? The government will continue to operate as usual. Elections are not going to be held within 90 days and the court case will drag on for months until a new registration process
takes place which will run to the end of the original life of the government, which is 2020. For all intents and purposes, the intended effect of the no-confidence motion would be nullified. Guyana will once again be a seen as constitutional pariah in the Caribbean. Already, one former Prime Minister has expressed reservations as to the precedent which is likely to be set should the crisis in
Guyana not be resolved in accordance with democratic traditions. It is bitterly ironic that the Guyana government recently voted in the Organization of American States to not recognize the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government at a time when its own legitimacy is being questioned.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday January 13, 2019
National good over narrow interests in Guyana By Sir Ronald Sanders
T
he President of Guyana, David Granger, and the Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, showed political maturity when they met on January 9 to try to resolve a constitutional crisis that could have led to civil strife and the destabilisation of Guyana. They should be
applauded for the good sense they have showed so far, and they should be encouraged to continue to place the national good of Guyana before narrow party-political interests. The two political leaders met after a motion of no confidence against the government was passed on December 21 in the House of Assembly by one vote. A member of the government
side, Charrandass Persaud, voted in support of the opposition which had submitted the motion to the House. The government is a coalition between APNU (mainly the Peoples National Congress) and the Alliance for Change (AFC). The coalition won general elections in May 2015 by a razor-thin majority of one seat in the 65-seat
legislature. Guyana's electoral system provides that the leaders of the electorallysuccessful political parties name a slate of representatives to the National Assembly based on the number of seats won by the parties. Charrandass Persaud was named by the leader of the AFC, the smaller party in the coalition government. Early reports of the meeting between Granger and Jagdeo indicate that agreement was reached on three critical matters, without which Guyana would most certainly have been plunged into chaos. The three matters are: the Constitution of Guyana will be respected, meaning that general elections will be held within 90 days of the December 21 no-confidence vote or such longer time as the Assembly agrees; appeals to the Court by various parties concerning the validity of the noconfidence vote will proceed and the political parties will make representation to the Court for an expedited decision with which they would abide; and the political parties will meet the Electoral Commission to determine its readiness to hold general elections and to agree measures to advance the process. Had the leaders not demonstrated this politically mature stance, the alternative would have been street protests and marches by the opposition Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), the heightening of political tensions and the potential for violence that would have harmed Guyana's prospects just as oil production, by Exxon Mobil and other oil companies, looks set to make it the richest country in the Caribbean. Of course, advantage would have been taken of any turmoil and political instability in Guyana by its adversaries, such as Venezuela which claims two-thirds of the country, to advance their cause even by military means. The unity of the Guyanese people is crucial to resisting territorial claims and maintaining Guyana's sovereignty. But, one issue remains outstanding. Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo a former President of Guyana, argues that, until elections are held, the government
remains in office only as a 'care taker'. President Granger says the Constitution makes no such stipulation. This argument could become problematic, unless the Court acts expeditiously to deliver a ruling on the case brought by the Government, challenging the validity of the no confidence vote. If the Court delays hearing the case and delivering a ruling, the political atmosphere will heat-up and could still lead to civil strife. The need for urgency by the Court in delivering a ruling in an elections matter would not be new or unique to Guyana. For instance, the 2012 Law Commission Report in the UK on “Challenging Elections in the UK”, favoured the guidance of European Union's Vienna Commission which stated: “Election law must guarantee the resolution of disputes within a period of time suited to the electoral process. It is crucial here to ensure that the outcome of elections is not delayed. This implies that the period between the filing of a complaint and when it is dealt with is very short”. The guidance goes on to say that, “all complaint and appeals should be determined once and for all within a maximum of two months”. In the broad interest of every sector of the Guyana economy and every person in the country, reasoned, but swift, action is therefore required by the Court. Meanwhile, all parties should work to ensure that general elections can be held smoothly in an orderly and peaceful atmosphere. To satisfy all sectors and groups within Guyana and outside of it, the main political parties should also agree to external observation of the entire elections process, not only of the elections period. And, that external observation should begin now. There are many organisations that could be approached to undertake this activity, including the (Jimmy) Carter Center, the OAS, and the European Union. It would be in Guyana's interest to seek external observation of the entire electoral process, since it would allay fears of rigging, eliminate credible
Sir Ronald Sanders accusations of manipulation, ease tensions between political parties and their supporters, and create the atmosphere for peaceful elections in which the voters of Guyana decide the next government. If the political parties are convinced of the national appeal of their programmes and of their popularity, they should have no fear in leaving the judgement to the people. Mixed-up in the validity of the no confidence vote is a claim that Charrandass Persaud was a dual national and, in that circumstance, was disqualified from being a member of the National Assembly, let alone to vote. It turns out that there may be many other members from all the political parties in the Assembly who are also dual nationals and have voted on many motions and legislation. Whether an action of the National Assembly, once done, can be undone, throws up issues over the validity of all the actions the Assembly has taken while dual nationals have voted. Of greater importance now is what happens going forward. At the present time, the Guyana Constitution prohibits a dual national from serving in the National Assembly. Therefore, no dual national should be put on the slate of any political party contesting the next general election, unless they publicly and evidently rescind their nationality in any other country. Further, those who are dual nationals in parliament now should own up to their situation and rescind their other nationalities immediately. Members of the Assembly are law makers. Law makers cannot be law breakers, particularly not knowingly. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States and the OAS. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own)
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
Do we have what it takes to truly embrace a National Government?
T
he much-awaited meeting between the two maximum leaders has come and gone, but nothing has qualitatively changed. The country is still unsure about the immediate future. The joint statement which followed the meeting was anything but joint—it was really two separate statements under one heading. So, we are back to where we were a week ago, with one side insisting that the current government must close shop and the other side insisting on its right to remain in place. The solution to the impasse was first kicked to the Speaker of the House, who politely declined to reverse his ruling. It was then kicked to the courts, which by nature is not a place of haste. Now, the leaders have agreed to kick the matter to GECOM, which at the best of times is not a bipartisan institution. The message is clear— neither side is giving an inch. Not a blade of grass. In the meantime, some Civil Society organizations and the new political party, ANUG, are calling for a National Government. Such an idea was not even low down on the agenda suggested by the president. In an interview I did w i t h N e w s r o o m ’s N e i l Marks on December 31, I suggested that the best gift the two leaders could give Guyana is to agree to a National Government for the remainder of the current term. Not unexpectedly, that part of the interview was not carried by Newsroom—they didn’t see it as newsworthy. Who can blame them? When it became clear that elections could not be held as scheduled in 1990 following the agreement between the major parties of the day that was brokered by President Jimmy Carter, the
WPA suggested that a National Government be set up to govern the country until elections. The PPP promptly said no, and the PNC unexpectedly said yes. So, there was no National Government. Again in 1997-98, in the wake of the Herdmanston Accord that reduced the PPP’s term by two years, the WPA floated the idea of a National Government to govern for those two years. Neither party agreed and the rest is history. As an advocate of Power Sharing, I welcome a National Government any day. But I have concluded that we simply don’t have what it takes to make that leap. The culture of dominance grounded in one-party control is too entrenched in our collective political psyche. We accept the idea in principle and are willing to agree to the form, but never the essence. The PPP and the PNC added CIVIC and REFORM respectively to their names, and convinced themselves that that was power sharing. The PNC, faced with the reality that it could not win on its own, even with a plurality of the votes, went a step further—it entered into partnerships with other parties. But although it won as a partnership, it sought to govern as PNC—a tactic that contributed greatly to the loss of government on December 21, 2018. I am convinced that had the Coalition governed as a mini-National Government, it would have had much more to show in its short tenure, and it would have demonstrated to the country that partnership government is superior to one-party government. It would have brought more people to the side of a genuine National Government and in the process, put pressure on the PPP to accept the inevitable. The question is why four
generations of leaders have found it so difficult to move beyond the narrow confines of one-party governance. I think part of it has to do with the fact that that form of governance is all we know— socialization is a powerful phenomenon. I have found it amazing that some very intelligent people find it almost impossible to conceive of government outside of the government-opposition construct—it’s all they know. The other factor at play, I think, is political selfishness, both at the level of the individual and at the level of the party—in many respects the two are interconnected. For most of our politicians, politics are about personal gratification—material and otherwise. So, for many of them, power sharing in a National Government amounts to less cabinet and parliamentary seats to share to the party faithful and less perks and positions with which to entice loyalty. To really and truly embrace the idea and practice of a National Government, we must have leaders whose commitment to country goes beyond flag, anthem and other related symbols. The leaders must care deeply about our ethnic divide— ethnicity must be seen as much more than votes and routes to power. Commitment to a National government must be both philosophical and practical. Leaders must be practical about the limitations of an ethnically divided country, while simultaneously dream and imagine something superior to what is. Guyana is a work in progress as far as a joint Guyanese nationalism is concerned, but we must have leaders with the courage to lead the way and hold themselves up as examples of what that nationalism could be. I think Mr. Granger lost a
The Baccoo Speaks A man wanted by the police in another country would be arrested in Guyana. His arrest would be due to his own carelessness. He had grown too confident and was led to believe that the search for him was no longer on.He is wanted for a murder that occurred in a foreign country. ** A family would be hospitalized after what is suspected to be a dose of poisoning. In fact, they would be exposed to liquefied co-
caine that had been packaged for export. The package would be left behind by a relative who was
asked to transport the stuff. The relative had adopted to take nothing with him that he himself had not packed. ** It would be a case of child abuse except for the fact that the child was not aware that he was being abused . It would take a relative to inform the police. But the damage has been done. The child is mentally affected. His situation would expose the weakness in the child protection programme.
great opportunity to lead that charge. Not since the nationalist leadership of the 1950s has a leader had such an opportunity to make a difference in that regard. As president, I think he understood the task at hand and made some attempts to address the issue, but he was unable to move beyond forms of cohesion and embrace the essence of cohesion. What a governor has in his or her hand is the power of government—how do you use that power to expand the scope for shared and joint governance? What economic, political and cultural policies were advanced to achieve this desired end? What are you prepared to give up in order include others? Last week I tried to explain to the PNC faithful and to African Guyanese that Guyana does not belong to them alone. The mantra of “the bad PPP days” is not enough—it is a dangerous refrain. What about those mostly Indian Guyanese who support the PPP—aren’t they entitled to share in the governance of Guyana too? If all we want to do is keep out the PPP, doesn’t that amount to keeping out Indian Guyanese? Let us think hard about that construct. If the Coalition alienates Indian Guyanese
and simultaneously tries to keep the PPP out, what message are we sending to Indian Guyanese. As one of my young mentors would say in her Saturday column—Think on That. I supported the idea of the Coalition because of its promise to broaden the scope for a more genuinely inclusive governance. I felt and still feel that that is our route to national jointness. I am disappointed at the Coalition, because I think it achieved the opposite—it has contracted the space for inclusive governance. If the PNC and AFC Governmental leaders couldn’t co-exist with the PNC and WPA and AFC and Charrandass Persaud and Lincoln Lewis and Freddie Kissoon and David Hinds, then they have defeated their purpose for being, and in the process give credence to the PPP’s self-serving mantra that lack of trust prevents them from going into a national government with the PNC. In seeking a second term, the Coalition has to overcome that debilitation. I end on a personal note. A young PNC leader took to social media last week to denounce me as a “mercenary with a pen.” He accused me of working for Glenn Lall, which when translated into
Dr David Hinds Guyanese politics means that I am working for Indian Guyanese and the PPP. He sought to lynch me because the PPP quotes my writings. I pity the young man and I have refrained from responding to him. But he should know that there are some political people in our midst for whom material benefits in exchange for political advocacy is not an option, and as an aspiring politician, he would be better off following their example. For what it’s worth, let me reveal this: since my column moved to the Kaieteur News ten months ago, I have not received a single cent from the publishers of that paper. Glenn Lall never offered to pay me and I never asked for payment. More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his w e b s i t e www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
A perf ect time to kill perfect
By Michael Jordan When I was seven, there was a boy in my class who constantly talked about how his mother had died, and how his grief-stricken father killed himself after burying her. Call me naïve, but back then, I viewed this as a beautiful but tragic story about a man who preferred to join his wife in death, rather than endure separation. It took me quite a few years to realise that this was in fact a murder story, and that my classmate’s dad was a killer. It’s like how we got misled by some of the things that happened during that bloody period we called the ‘crime wave.’ Now that the dust has settled, you may realize that there were people who were taking advantage of that time of banditry and bloodshed to settle a few scores of their own.What better time than a ‘crime wave’ to rid oneself of an enemy, a rival, a spouse, a neighbour…a girlfriend? Then you could blame it on marauding ‘gunmen.’ It was literally the perfect time to kill. And why am I bringing this up? It’s because of a tip someone dropped me about a killing that happened around that same time. Basdeo Narine, known as ‘Uncle Patrick’, and his wife, Koshmantie Singh, also known as ‘Shanta’, operated Pato’s General Supplies Wholesale and Retail Store at
For all their efforts, the killers reportedly fled with $7,500. A few days later, Narine announced that he was closing his business and migrating, since he feared for his safety. The store was closed and Narine has stuck to his promise and migrated, though he returns occasionally. But who killed Koshmantie Singh? There are a few individuals who believe that there is more to this attack then appears on the surface. Apparently working on this theory, detectives back then had questioned a man
Closed: Pato’s General Store James and Hill Streets, under the pretext of wanting came out of hiding to check to buy ice cream. Two other on his wife. He said he found Albouystown. In the 35 years of its exist- gunmen reportedly kept her lying face-down on the stairway. She had been shot ence, the store owners had guard outside. Narine reportedly said had no trouble with robbers. We were told that at around that as the bandits were forcseven-thirty on the night of ing their way further into the Wednesday, March 12, 2003, shop, his employee fled to Mr. Narine was tending to a another section of the precustomer, but then left the mises. The businessman said counter area to make some change. At the time, Narine’s that he ran to the upper flat, wife, her two-year-old son, where his wife was tending Hrithik Singh, a nephew, and their baby son. But Narine reportedly said at least one customer were that one of the gunmen had also in the store. Narine said that as he was apparently cornered his wife returning to the counter with on the stairway. The gunman, the change, he saw two men the proprietor said, began with guns trying to force their demanding money and way behind the counter by jewellery.Narine said he heard smashing through a glass his wife saying she did not Flashback: Basdeo Narine and his son case. There are reports that know where her husband kept Hrithik Singh shortly after the attack the men had entered the store the valuables, since she did not live on the premises. He reportedly also heard her twice in each breast and once who was known to the vicpleading with the gunmen to in the chest. She was pro- tim. They apparently found nounced dead at the nothing to tie him to the murspare her son’s life. e r . Narine heard several gun- Georgetown Public Hospital. d A customer was also shot in But there are allegations that shots, then silence. Mrs. Singh was the target of Fearing the worst, Narine the leg.
an individual with whom she had a financial dispute. To set up this killing, and ensure it was committed in a way that suggested that the killers were robbers, the mastermind allegedly contacted an individual from the community. That individual reportedly contacted another man to do the job. The hired gun was allegedly promised $150,000. But after the deed was done, the ‘recruiter’ allegedly failed to hold up his end of the deal. He refused to pay the gunman. Three months later, the alleged ‘recruiter’ was standing on his back step, when someone shot him. He managed to flee into his house where he collapsed. He succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital. “They got people who know what went down,” an individual told me. It is the source’s opinion that the alleged mastermind is now enduring a brand of punishment at the hands of a higher power. It’s called karma. If you have any information about this unusual case, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street office or by t e l e p h o n e . We can be reached on telephone numbers 22-58465, 22-58491, or 22-58458. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s kamarangnight@gmail.com
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
My vote for Granger depends on his action on UG
I
didn’t plan to vote for the PNC or the PPP in the forthcoming election. I don’t think I can vote for Ralph Ramkarran. More on that later. The pledge I made to myself was to vote for the Amerindian party. But David Granger is a politically attractive prospect. What Granger did in his meeting with Jagdeo over the no-confidence motion was an act of political transformative dynamism. I do not support the sociological and economic directions Desmond Hoyte went into. But in the context of post-colonial political savagery, Desmond Hoyte became a political transformer. Hoyte departed from the power psychosis of the postcolonial world by agreeing to the opening-up of political space in which he himself could be displaced. At the existential level, he could have followed post-colonial patterns and chosen not to administer free and fair elections. With the exception of David Granger, this column is openly saying in pellucid language, I trust no one in the APNU constituents, including the WPA, to accept defeat with the no-confidence motion and in the next general election. I see the AFC in identical fashion. Put another way, I believe with the exception of David Granger, the rest of the leadership in power will not concede defeat in the next general poll. Without Granger, there may be a rigged national election with the input of the power-drunk cabal we presently have. This is a dangerous situation facing Guyana and we would need all the courage of Granger to save Guyana. Mr. Granger should be the presidential candidate for APNU. I may be inclined to vote for him. But I have a strong condition attached. UG has deteriorated terribly and is in more troubled times than when the PPP ruled. What is taking place at UG is beyond belief. I could for-
ward Mr. Granger with emails that describe the descent into financial insanity and administrative incestuous behaviour that no previous government - under Burnham, Hoyte, Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Jagdeo or Ramotar would ever, I repeat, ever have tolerated. These emails are from people that Mr. Granger and his PNC colleagues know very well, some of whom supported Mr. Granger at the 2015 poll. I was told by some UG academics that there’s a lecturer who is an unofficial advisor to the President. Some of the emails come from him. He should write as often on UG as he does on oil and the no-confidence motion. At a time when the Finance Minister asserted there was no fiscal space to give public servants a bonus, when teachers are being denied their requested pay hike, when money is not there to clean up Georgetown, when the Georgetown Hospital is without many necessities, hundreds of millions of dollars at UG are being wasted on self-aggrandizement, extraordinary spending on personalized trips and frequent entertainment as if UG is one of the world’s richest Ivy league schools. High officials are paying themselves salary hikes as if UG is overflowing with funds. I taught at UG for 26 years and no one could get professorship, absolutely no one, without a long list of publications which must include two books. Professorships are being shared out at UG. In my time at UG, all academic appointments had to come through the Appointments Committee. The situation exists at the moment where there are perverted breaches of these regulations that are reducing UG to a tenth rate high school. I cannot believe the people who are describing these depravities to me could have become so weak and sheepish in just three years. These are people I fought with. These are people who
fought for me when the PPP government victimized me. These are people who struggled to keep UG afloat. Now they are treated like footnotes, while an artificial aristocracy wastes UG’s scarce funds in the most lascivious manner. I am not asking the President to believe the contents of this column. Just for him
to read the emails and see who authored them, and then select a small national committee to investigate what is going on at UG. Mr. Granger owes this to his alma mater, UG and the country. I cannot see how I can vote for David Granger if he cannot at least make an honest attempt to understand the nihilism that is overtaking UG.
This committee needs to examine expenditure items and take a meticulous look at how much money has been spent on what items. I will not vote for Granger if my request here is ignored, because I feel it is a patriotic request. Should another party come to power, then UG administration needs to be overhauled.
Frederick Kissoon
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
There is a lot at stake for us
O
ur Government has been working to stabilize our economy. We have been able to restore peace and public order, and incrementally, we have been able to re-shape Guyana’s international image.
It had to be done. Before 2015, Guyana was known as a working drug transshipment point with a highly corrupt Government that was willing to sell the nation’s mineral wealth and abundance of land for a pittance, never mind what the land was being used
for – illegal airstrips, and gold mining on Amerindian-owned lands. Many foreign investors refused, or were not allowed by their own governments, to do business with Guyana, because it is illegal to invest in corrupt countries that are
involved in the narcotics racket. But this Coalition Government changed all that. We are cleaning up our investment and governance systems, a job that is nowhere near finished. Once the Courts allows
us, we will keep on cleaning and modernizing until this nation is able to stand tall among the oil-producing countries in the world. We believe that the people of Guyana should stay on top of the issues and get a good understanding of what Government has done to begin to better their lives. They have to decide whether they want growth to continue, or be fooled by people who are using them to get their hands on oil revenue. We hope that our citizens could see the benefits that will come to them through the mechanisms that this government has already put in place. We hope that Opposition forces will not succeed in convincing poor, ordinary people that the Guyana economy is failing, and that they are facing doom and gloom if APNU stays in office. In reality, there is so much development in progress, and so much more for citizens and communities to look forward to, with Guyana on its way to becoming a mature country. With respect to the various differences in opinion on oil, a political commentator described the situation happening here today as “the degradation of division into a hard, unyielding cultural norm”. In his piece on unity and disunity, he quoted from a December article found on the Bloomberg news site headlined ‘Venezuela unites for once around Guyana territorial dispute’. That article stated, “The socialist government of Venezuela and its political opponents at home who have been starkly divided over the past two decades have suddenly united around a common theme: the century-old dispute with Guyana. The neighboring countries are clashing over offshore oil development in the disputed area as Exxon Mobil
Corp ramps up activity and after the Venezuelan Navy interrupted the path of a vessel for seismic surveying on Dec. 22”. The local political commentator opined that “Guyanese are so disfigured mentally, racially, and politically that for most, disunity is a form of unity, is a paradigm for unity. This is the height of the local intellect, hence the ongoing squabbling. Unsurprisingly, the disputations take precedence over simple commonsense...” He went on, “My greater distaste is reserved for those who bicker about percentages. Surely, we cannot be this blind, this irrational! Surely, there can be only misplaced pride in the petty monetary arguments, while others (Venezuelans) ‘unify’ to separate from stock and barrel. We continue to insist on being ferociously occupied with counting the small change while others plot to take away the bank!” A wakeup call if ever there was one. Several Government Ministers were equally vocal, condemning the disturbing racial slurs suffusing social media about who could and can’t run a government. Minister Hughes pleaded, “Guyana, we are bigger than that … racial intolerance will only lead to destruction”. As Guyanese we have to stand up and refuse to walk down the path being laid out by the destroyers. We have too much to offer ourselves, our children and their children, the Caribbean and the rest of the world. Did you miss the plea made recently by certain member states of CARICOM? They have said that Guyana’s future success is the Caribbean region’s future, and they are pleading with every one of us Guyanese to get it right. There is a lot at stake for us and for them.
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
My column
Seeking to halt trials before the final decision
I
n recent times there has been a sudden increase in the number of people approaching the courts. This has nothing to do with private matters. Rather, it is about people seeking to stall criminal trials in the magistrates’ courts. Indeed, the courts are there to ensure that justice is served. Everyone is entitled to his idea of a fair trial. The first approach came from former Attorney General Anil Nandlall. He was charged with the unlawful possession of some law books. The matter went through the preliminary stages, then the magistrate called on Nandlall to lead a defence because she felt that a case had been made out. The second matter involved Irfaan Ali, the former Minister of Housing. He was slapped with nineteen charges stemming from actions he took while a Minister. The state found that his actions were contrary to the norms. Ali has gone to the court to stop the magistrate from continuing with the trial. Of interest is that both Nandlall and Ali are being touted as presidential hopefuls. The law stipulates that once convicted, a person could be barred from being a Member of Parliament. By extension, the challenges are intended to ensure that both Nandlall and Ali do not become tainted by any conviction. It cannot escape notice that many are moving to the courts for a reversal of decisions. There were people found guilty of murder who challenged the harsh sentence. Some challenged the summing up by the trial judge. There must have been something in those challenges, because some have been overturned and a retrial ordered. Some of the convictions secured a reduced sentence. I now notice that a man convicted of rape is appealing his sentence. Commenting on the challenge by Nandlall and Ali, one man on the road said that he could see people being charged for one offence or the other and asking the court to either stop the trial or defer it until a later date.
The no-confidence motion has also attracted the attention of the court. There is the view that the coalition government is stalling because it does not want to go to the polls. Things have reached the stage where people are now directing the courts. For the record, the courts are independent; no one can tell the court how to operate, but this convention is not being observed. People have actually filed an action asking the court to hear the matters speedily. Even Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is asking the court to do so. There was a time when the Guyana Court of Appeal was the final court. That changed when Guyana signed on to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Since then, there have been some rulings that overturned the decisions by the Guyana Court of Appeal. One such ruling that stands out involved the Opposition Leader. The constitution, by way of an amendment, limited any president to no more than two consecutive terms. That having been settled, a man named Richardson moved to the courts to have this amendment overturned. The High Court, through a ruling by Chief Justice Ian Chang, found that the amendment was unconstitutional. The state appealed. The matter ended up at the Guyana Court of Appeal where there was a majority decision that supported the Chief Justice. The matter went to the Caribbean Court of Justice where both the decisions by the High Court and the Guyana Court of Appeal were overturned. The dissenting vote on the Guyana Court of Appeal came from the current Chancellor, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards. It turned out to be the decision that was in sync with the Caribbean Court of Justice. Of course, there was a dissenting vote there also. The matter was heard by the full court of the Caribbean Court of Justice. Seven judges sat and seven judges deliberated. In the end, by a vote of six to one, the CCJ overturned both the High Court and the
Guyana Court of Appeal decisions. There were some interesting comments on the vote. One lawyer for the state said that no one can take consolation from the dissenting vote. One judge said to me that lawyers learn that what could be seen as a victory at one time following an interpretation of the arguments, could find that others see the matter differently. For example, in the case of former Minister Jennifer Westford, the magistrate ruled that she was not a public officer and so the charge
of larceny by a public officer could not stand. The state has appealed that decision. The matter is still to be heard by the Guyana Court of Appeal. If the decision does not find favour with either party, then there will be an approach to the Caribbean Court of Appeal. There is an interesting thing about some of these approaches to the court. If the opposition should prevail at the impending elections, then the president can simply discontinue prosecution. Such is the nature of politics.
Needless to say, if the state discontinues the charges, then that is the end of the matter. Some believe that Nandlall’s approach to the court and the approach by Ali could be a ruse to buy time. The opposition expects elections ninety days after the December 21, 2018 passage of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly. One can therefore understand the move by both Ali and Nandlall to the courts. Even if the High Court refuses to halt the trials in the magis-
Adam Harris trates’ courts, a new government formed by the opposition can still halt what remains of the trials. Interesting times are ahead.
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
This is a time for action In an address to the National Assembly on 10th June 2015, President David Granger iterated the ideal of making Guyana-‘One Nation’. The President said: “Your Government recognises today that our fore-parents came from four continents. We, their heirs and successors, resolve to work together to pursue the ideal of making Guyana ‘One Nation.’ We must, in so doing, combine our efforts, concentrate our energy and
endeavour to defeat the real enemies of our people – crime, disease, ignorance and poverty. Your Government acknowledges the democratically-expressed will of the people of this great country as expressed in the results of the recent general and regional elections. We are guided by a ‘One Nation’ policy that will bring enormous benefits to Guyana. We envisage the elimination of
one-party domination of the government; the enhancement of local, municipal and parliamentary democracy; the elimination of ethnic insecurity; the expansion of economic enterprise; the enrichment of cultural life and the deepening of national consciousness.” Recent events in the National Assembly demand that we reflect on the President’s message. We have entered an election season and A Part-
nership for National Unity – APNU - must muster the resolve to continue to fight for the people of this country. It is evident, that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wants to take us back to the dark days of one-party rule, poor governance, corruption and nepotism. However, the advent of coalition politics has shown the people of Guyana that shared governance is the way of the future. Evidence has shown that
the race-based politics and policies of the past was a roadblock to social cohesion and making Guyana ‘One Nation.’ Guyana, with all of its resources, would not reach its true potential and embrace modernity if the old ways of doing business was allowed to continue. This partnership (APNU) and the 2015 general and regional elections gave the nation a chance to hit the reset button, and the leaders a new pallet on which to promote policies and programs designed to advance the interest of all the people of Guyana. The PPP ruled Guyana for more than two decades and during that time they proved that they were incapable of governing in the interest of all the people. During its 23 years in office, the PPP Government established an unenviable record of criminality, corruption, human rights abuse, abuse of power, obstruction of justice and incompetence. Thankfully, most Guyanese are committed to working towards a unified Guyana. Thankfully, the APNU+AFC coalition has been making every effort and is committed to working towards a unified Guyana. The Coalition, over the past three years, has worked assiduously to ensure that Guyanese have a better understanding and appreciation of each other, so as to forge consensus and ultimately, a united and developed Guyana. In 2015, we made several promises to the nation and we have kept and continue to keep those promises. The list of accomplishments of this administration will take several columns to document. What is worthy of note, however, is that we continue - despite the disinformation, fake news and the doom and gloom messages from the sidelines - to serve all the people of Guyana. We must now fan-out in our communities, roll up our sleeves and get to work. This is no time for hand-wringing and what-ifs, this is a time for action. The APNU+AFC coalition is the best organised
and largest mass -based political formation in Guyana. We must use our reach and mobilize our resources. The people of Guyana are with us. They have seen what we have accomplished in just three short years, we must not let the PPP distort the narrative of a good life, with empty platitudes and their offering of gloom and doom. In 2015, the Guyanese people at general and regional elections expressed a vote of no-confidence in the PPP. Since that time the PPP has engaged in a strategy of noncooperation and outright sabotage of the APNU+AFC government. The reason for this course of action by the PPP, led by its Maximum Leader and sole spokesperson - Bharrat Jagdeo, is simple. The PPP is trapped in the politics of the past. The PPP still believes in ‘oneparty’ government, even though over four decades of that style of governance show that it is the wrong model for Guyana. The PPP still believes in the ‘winner-takes-all’ political culture, even though the evidence shows that culture is dangerously dysfunctional and harmful to our national development. Also, the PPP wants to get control of the emerging oil and gas sector. We cannot allow that to happen. In his address to the 19th Biennial Congress of his Party (the PNC); President Granger said that the mission… was to enable all Guyanese to enjoy ‘a good life’ which they deserve as citizens of an independent state. He said, “The PNCR and its coalition partners in government…. face several challenges. Thankfully we are better together than asunder”. He said that the PNCR together with its partners will lead by example. “Our parties won the support of the majority of the population. We have a duty to fulfil our mandate to preserve Guyana as the land of beautiful people and bountiful resources.” It is now a time for action; a time to hold the line of battle comrades.
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Persistent coughing: How can you know if it is serious? By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
H
ave you ever had that persistent cough that just wouldn’t go away? I’m sure you were worried if it was something serious or it would just pass. Coughs that are chronic can be a symptom of something mild or may indicate something significant. It is usually considered chronic when it lasts for 8 weeks or more. Today we will discuss chronic coughs so that you can better know if it may indicate something more serious. WHATARE SYMPTOMS OFA CHRONIC COUGH? Coughing is a symptom of an underlying health condition. An occasional cough is common. However, see your doctor if your cough won’t go away and includes any of the following: · Coughing up phlegm (thick mucus). · Wheezing · A temperature (fever) higher than 101°F. · Losing weight without trying. · Night sweats · Coughing up blood.
· Swollen face and hives on the skin · Difficulty breathing. · Chest pain. These may indicate a more serious cause of your cough that can cause serious complications of left undiagnosed and untreated. WHAT CAUSES CHRONIC COUGH? Several lifestyle and health conditions can cause chronic cough, including: · Smoking. · Common allergies (hay fever, mold, pets). · Postnasal drip. This is when cold from your nose and sinus drips to the back of your throat causing you to cough. · Certain medicines. Some blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors are known to cause a persistent cough. · Exposure to air pollution. · Asthma. · Acid reflux. This is when acid from your stomach backs up into your throat. · Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. · Infections of the lungs or throat such as pneumonia, tuberculosis or tonsillitis. Some of these infections can kill you if left untreated.
·Lung cancer. CAN CHRONIC COUGH BE PREVENTED OR AVOIDED? You can prevent or avoid a chronic cough if the underlying cause of your cough is treatable. For example, if your cough is due to allergies, your doctor can prescribe a medicine to treat your allergies. If it is due to smoking, you can quit smoking. If your cough is triggered by food, avoid those foods. If your doctor believes your chronic cough is due to other health conditions or medicines you take, he or she can evaluate alternative options. You should always avoid being near others who have chronic coughs, as you may contract it if it is caused by an infection. HOW IS CHRONIC COUGH TREATED? Treatment depends on the cause of your chronic cough. · Smoking: Stop smoking. See your doctor for suggestions if you have difficulty stopping.
· Allergies: If you have postnasal drip from allergies, avoid the things that bother your nose and throat. That might be dust, smoke, the outdoors, pets, cleaning products and deodorizers, and chemical fumes. Some over-the-counter medicines can help your allergy symptoms. If that doesn’t help, ask your doctor for prescription medicine. · Acid reflux: If you have acid reflux, try raising the head of your bed about 4 inches. It might also help to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before you lie down . Ask your doctor about
over-the-counter or prescription medicines that can help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux by reducing the acid in your stomach. · Medicine: If you are taking a medicine that causes you to cough, your doctor might be able to prescribe another medicine for you. Don’t stop taking the medicine unless your doctor gives you permission. · Asthma: If you have asthma, your doctor will help you decide on the right treatment for your symptoms. Living with a chronic cough can be uncomfortable. A constant cough can leave you feeling exhausted. Also,
Dr Zulfikar Bux it causes chest pain, headache, broken ribs or can lead to death if it’s caused by a serious disease. However, it’s possible to live without a cough or reduce it significantly by treating the underlying reason. See your doctor instead of suffering unnecessarily.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 13, 2019
Appointments for Judicial Service Commission this month-end - Pres. Granger President David Granger said on Thursday that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) could be up and running by the end of this month. Speaking to Journalists on the sidelines of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) annual officers’ conference at State House, President Granger said he has already consulted with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., on the matter. Appointments, he said, will be made at the end of January. The life of the previous JSC came to an end in 2017. Members of that commission included Chief Justice Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Patrick Yarde, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards Justice Prem Persaud and Justice Lennox Perry. Guyana’s constitution provides for the establishment of a JSC, which holds the authority to make appointments and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices. Previously, President Granger said of the JSC: “The ‘Commission’ is the guardian of judicial autonomy. It is the defender of its independence. It is the protector of its integrity and impartiality… The JSC upholds the independence of the judiciary. It ensures by its dili-
President David Granger gence that judicial appointees possess the attributes and embody the personal values, which make them capable and willing to resist being influenced by improper partisan and personal interests.” He said the JSC is intended to insulate judicial appointments from political partisanship and personal and other biases while ensuring that its recommendations for the appointment of judicial officers flow from a dispassionate and objective process. “The JSC is the custodian of the values and standards of ethical and legal probity by judges and judicial officials. The JSC must zealously ensure that the personal conduct of judges does not bring the judicature into disrepute. It must preserve and protect the system’s integrity,” the President said. (DPI)
Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Sunday January 13, 2019
COUNTRYMAN
- Stories about life in m and out of Guyana, fro ve a Guyanese perspecti
Election agitation, and the sway of words By Dennis Nichols
I
am not a gambling man but as a working teenager in the early seventies, I punted, betting on horse races being staged in England. We knew little about the horses, jockeys, and track conditions, other than what we read in the racing forms, and from the local announcer's pre-race commentary relayed from the U.K. Punters put great faith in such information, some as if their lives depended on it,
which I think they did. We read the forms, listened, and placed our bets. We won little and lost much, but we kept on playing, waiting for the big win that never came. There are elements analogous to a horse race in a country's governance and national elections, even to the long shot hopefuls. And yes, there are all-toofrequent upsets, and our lives as 'politic' citizens do, to some extent, depend on who we elect to run the affairs of our nation. Guyana's topsy-turvy
political world grew topsyturvier three weeks ago when government MP Charrandass Persaud upended the no-confidence vote against his government, leaving many of his sure-bet comrades in a state of agitation, scratching their heads and readjusting their sagged jaws. Then came the words – a profusion and confusion of statements, opinions, and rhetoric by the government, the opposition, the media, and the populace, that we are trying to make sense of.
A number of 'C' words now hang uncertainly in the air – complacency versus confidence; conscience and conspiracy; the latter being peddled by non-opposition elements, and to which are now added collusion and connivance claims by the opposition leader opposing the Attorney General's contention that the noconfidence vote is invalid, and therefore of no consequence, even as civil society groups suggest compromise. And with all this, we are expected to view
such considerations objectively, and make informed decisions at the poll. Many of us must have long wondered and pondered how in God's name 'good' educated, so-called honourable politicians, lawyers, and law-makers in our nation can produce such muddled and conflicting views on so many fronts, and how easily people can be thus swayed one way or another. I am reminded of Brutus' and Mark Antony's speeches in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar; how just a few minutes after Brutus' delivery justifying the murder of Caesar, Antony was able by skillful and subtle rhetoric, to spin the heads and hearts of the Roman crowd, and agitate it in the direction of vengeance for Caesar's death. We have our own Brutus and Antony characters (wannabes) in this country, but for the most part they appear to have more sophistry than sophistication in their arguments. They represent sides, and each perpetually wants to have one up over the other. I think it was sociologist, Professor Ken Danns, who declared that Guyanese have cultivated a 'rip-off mentality' which although not the same as oneupmanship, may help explain the latter, and why our political leaders and their followers seem so greedily polarized when it comes to matters of governance and national development. You see it in their actions which are preceded and followed by words, except when they scheme quietly, before they pounce. These are confusing times, and when people are confused, their decisionmaking apparatus can become easily skewed, leading to rash thoughts and actions with sometimes frightening consequences. Even as a child I was aware of how words can unsettle minds and trigger violence, like the propaganda and palaver prior to, and during, the 1962 – 1964 period of unrest and violence. I was aware that some persons felt marginalized and alienated, and did terrible things because of the 'them and us' perception. A man told me
Dennis Nichols nearly 40 years later that he had sliced a woman's breast with a cutlass because she was laughing at him. She was of a different ethnicity, and therefore one of 'them'. Surely that kind of thing can't happen again. I mean both the action and the reason behind it. But we humans are such fearful and erratic creatures, and it takes such a little spark to start a conflagration. Many of us at this time don't like what we are hearing and reading about, especially from our political leaders and their minions. Unbelievably, the race card is once more subtly emerging from the pack, and some Guyanese are once again fearing that our country is being viewed as an object of ridicule and scorn by foreign eyes. Political leaders may provoke their followers, and foes, to commit horrible acts, but when expedient, can assuage the angst of both. They do so using words that appeal to our supposedly higher instincts of caring, preserving social order, and safeguarding our collective patrimony. But even then it can be a ploy to allay suspicion. With oil on the horizon for example, it is they, along with a clique of savvy professionals and business people, who will likely and eventually reap its biggest harvest, of course after Exxon et al. They know their power, and wield it like a conductor's baton to produce symphony or disharmony, and to buy time until they get what they want. Right now, following the government-opposition dialogue on Wednesday, President Granger and Mr. Jagdeo seem to have bought a tenuous sliver of time, for themselves, their parties, and the country. Again, it was words, some of reason and compromise, that helped (continued on page 55)
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Witches, wizards and witch-hunters
I
t is being reiterated, with no fear of contradiction, some of the Coalition's supporters will be to its undoing, because they are more dangerous than some they consider opponent or enemy. In observing their conduct, one can only surmise that they are doing the Opposition's work and all their challengers have to do is sit tight and watch APNU and the AFC implode. In a social media post by a well-known coalition supporter, titled “Social Coup D'état and the Attempted Gaslighting of a Nation” (9th January 2019), the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is being accused of “urg[ing] Guyanese to prepare for early elections” as part of some members of civil society, Stabroek News, the PPP, founders of a new political party and some foreign actors in, “the effort of gaslighting the nation.” The post continued to
accuse, that in response to increasing calls for the government to resign, “[e]ven the GTUC, whose General Secretary claimed that they called for article 106(7) to be respected, was strangely quiet.” It further said, “[w]as the GTUC gaslighted or are they counted among the 'gaslighters?'” The public mischief and clear attempt to malign the GTUC, and yours truly as its General Secretary, create the environment to instigate attacks against us and possible violence, while the society is going through a challenging and tense period. The membership of the GTUC cross political parties, and are from every divide in society, but some want this organisation to follow in the footsteps of those who chose partisanship. The GTUC is an independent organisation, and will remain so, having permanent interests as it
relates to the workers' wellbeing. These attacks have no basis in fact, and continue, which suggests they may be organised to get at those in society who are more rational. It was only a few d a y s p r i o r , Te r r e n c e Campbell, popular businessman and declared supporter of the Coalition, was visited with similar attacks for daring to seek to exercise his democratic right of association in the formation of a new political party. The radicals hit social media and called for his business to be boycotted, which is exactly what the GTUC was concerned about when it issued its press statements (21st and 29th December) calling for political maturity, toning down of the rhetoric and letting this issue not further divide us. The confidence vote was passed the evening of 21st December 2018. Leader of
the Government Business in the House, Prime Minister (PM) Moses Nagamootoo, on the said evening accepted the vote. In his column, “My Turn,” in Sunday Chronicle, 23rdDecember titled, “HISTORIC NOCONFIDENCE VOTE,' he reminded readers that just after the vote he noted, “Guyanese must understand that the democratic process is sometimes unpredictable. You may have results that are not planned for and, like cricket, democracy could be a game of great uncertainty. But the outcome has to be accepted. It may be a surprise to some, it may be a shock to others; it may be welcomed by some, and others may rejoice over the results. But that is how democracy works.” Said evening after Parliament's acceptance of the vote, the GTUC in a press release titled, 'The decision of Parliament must not further divide our nation' said, “Parliament has
concluded, and the NoConfidence motion brought against the APNU+AFC Government by the Opposition PPP/C was passed. In the 65-seat National Assembly the motion was passed by 32 PPP/C Parliamentarians and o n e C o a l i t i o n Parliamentarian. Our democracy is at work and while the decision would not be favourable to all it is lawful and binding.” The next morning, 22nd December, President David Granger reportedly accepted the vote. A Department of Public Information release of the same date, titled 'Gov't will abide by constitutional requirement following no confidence motion President Granger,' noted that, “President David Granger, this morning, said the Government of Guyana, following the passing of the no-confidence motion last night in the National Assembly, will abide by the stipulations which have been
imposed on it.” Calls for the resignation of government began on 22nd December, a charge led by the Leader of the Opposition, followed by others, based on their interpretation of Article 106(6) and (7) in the Guyana Constitution. On 29th December, the GTUC in a press statement titled, 'GTUC calls for national leaders to tone down the rhetoric - put Guyana first,' shared its interpretation of the extant Article. That statement, among other things, said“Article 106 (6) and (7) though allowing for a confidence motion against a sitting government does not dictate for society to function without a government in the interim. To demand otherwise is to court anarchy and to operate not in our best national interest. Both Government and Opposition have a responsibility to maintain (continued on page 55)
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Black Psychopathology K O
BO
Book: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing Author: Dr. Joy DeGruy Critic: Dr. Glenville Ashby
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lavery yielded stressors that were both disturbing and traumatic, exacting a wound upon the African American psyche which continues to fester. (P.112) D u r i n g m y psychoanalytical training, I contested, to the frustration of my supervisor, that Sigmund Freud was irrelevant to understanding the black child. More than any other book since Dr. Frances Cress Welsing's ''Isis Papers', 'The Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome' holds this argument to be true. According to author Joy DeGruy, the black construct cannot be divorced from the social, psychological and spiritual injuries sustained over slavery's centuries-long existence. Race and colour make up a child's identity from its most nascent stage of development. At the outset, DeGruy
- Healing Traumas of the Past
dismantles the position that slavery is forgivable, because it was an accepted institutional practice, part of a zeitgeist experienced throughout history. “Perhaps this is just another effort to trivialize or justify America's crime. Perhaps it's another way people try to r e s o l v e t h eir internal conflicts. Whatever the motivation, the lengths people will go not to confront their own history has never ceased to amaze me,” she writes. DeGruy methodically maps out troubling attitudinal patterns that are traceable to plantation life. Her diagnosis is credibly insightful. She states, “In the face of injuries, those traumatized adapted their attitudes and behaviors to simply survive, and these adaptations continue to manifest today.” Her example is poignant: “Through the historical lens of slavery and its aftermath, one may better understand the hesitancy of African American mothers to acknowledge the fine qualities of their children. When we roll the scene back a few hundred years we see a slave master walking through the fields coming upon a slave woman. The slave
master approaches her and her children and remarks, 'Well now, that Mary of yours is really coming along.' Terrified that the slave master may see qualities in her daughter that could merit her being raped or sold, says, 'Naw Sir, she ain't worth nothin...' Slave mothers and fathers has been belittling their children in an effort to protect them for hundreds of years. Yet, what originally began as an appropriate adaptation to an oppressive and danger-filled environment has been subsequently transmitted down through generations.” DeGruy examines the pseudoscientific theories used to justify racism, such as, Limneaus' taxonomy, phrenology and Jeffersonian reasoning, while emphasizing the gulf that still exists between white and black America. “The problems engendered by race are seemingly intractable,” she argues. “The distrust many blacks have for whites is often palpable. The indifference of most whites to the black experience is contemptible...We also need to 'notice' because so little understanding exists between black and white America. To me, noticing difference (...) is the first step in arresting the national hemorrhaging of African Americans.”
Central to Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome are riveting snapshots of racial violence against blacks long after emancipation. From lynchings to unlawful medical experiments and pogroms, the American psyche is infected by its own self-induced pathology. Even attempts at leveling the playing field through education have been challenged in the nation's highest court. DeGruy posits, “While Affirmative Action comes increasingly under attack, children of advantaged white families continue to get preferential treatment (given to children of alumni, donors and employees at elite private and public universities); in some of these schools, many times the number of students are admitted each year through such preferences as are admitted through Affirmative Action”. More behaviorally clinical than psychoanalytic, DeGruy replaces classical psychosexual theories with symbolism and archetypal paradigms. Her Jungian viewpoint explains her emphasis on culture and its endemic impact on the collective unconscious. Undoubtedly, the African American carries particular cultural imprints from Africa. Hence, learning and behavioral patterns sometimes compete with Western values.
Further, adaptability has been complicated by lingering prejudice. Of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, DeGruy pens, “Up until recently, American historians have been unwilling to confront the realities of this 'great suffering' by the usual absence of these events from our public school curricula and textbooks.” Outside of academia, the Black Holocaust or Maafa is far removed from American consciousness. DeGruy contends that the self-effacing scars of slavery are so profound that they have become generational constructs that unconsciously perpetuate destructive behaviors. Failure to understand these impulses has prolonged ailments in black society. Violence, anger, the 'crab in the barrel' mentality, selfdeprecation, and more, are symptomatic of deep-rooted psycho-emotional scarring. DeGruy avers, “Multigenerational trauma together with continued oppression and absence of opportunity to access the benefits available in society leads to Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome.” The author recognizes the Herculean task of effectively addressing these social and psychological stressors. Interesting, though, is her identification of disrespect as one trigger that leads to aggression and even violence. “The antecedent most likely to produce anger and violence in African American male youths is disrespect,” she notes. In response, she advocates for positive racial socialization that, when
done correctly, [provides] “young people with the coping mechanisms and skills necessary to thrive in [adverse] environments.” Positive racial socialization engenders awareness of the African American experience and teaches children how to lean on faith and family and education. Of the several approaches to healing, storytelling demands particular attention, if only for its redemptive quality. “Black families,” DeGruy articulates, “have a wealthy store of memories about struggle, perseverance and victory. She explains that “antagonists and villains along with the heroes and heroines provide colorful depictions of our family tapestry [that] will build continuity across generations, and with greater continuity will come a growing understanding of, and confidence in, our power to survive, overcome and flourish.” Undoubtedly, DeGruy has added substantively to the discourse on racial identity and healing. Moreover, her seamless ability to inject irrepressible historical currents into a pervasively black construct places 'Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome' on the exclusive list of essential reads. F e e d b a c k : glenvilleashby@gmail.co m or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby Post Traumatic Slave S y n d ro m e : A m e r i c a ' s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing Published by Joy DeGruy Publications Inc. ISBN: 978-0-98521720-4
Sunday January 13, 2019
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THE
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Sunday January 13, 2019
STORY WITHIN THE
Dual Citizenship: A problem that has to be fixed By Leonard Gildarie
T
he no-confidence vote by former Government parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, on December 21st, has raised several legal and procedural issues for our people. As we discussed last week, within the last few years our Constitution - the law of the land - was continuously being tested to the limits. We can recall too well the challenge to the requirements for choosing a new chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. The words “fit and proper” assumed new meaning for some. Definition, intent and interpretation seemed to have been words that I learnt overnight. Among other things, Government is contesting the eligibility of Persaud's vote, citing the fact that he holds citizenship for both Guyana and Canada. According to the Constitution…under the section “Elections” Article 59: “Subject to the Provisions of Article 159, every person may vote at an election if he or she is of the age eighteen years or upwards and is either a citizen of Guyana or a Commonwealth citizen domiciled and resident in Guyana.” That paragraph is just for informational purposes. However, Article 155 (1) is more pertinent. In fact, it says: “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who- (a) is, by virtue of his or own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience and adherence to a foreign power of state.” This is a vexing paragraph I would like us to pay some attention to today. The argument remains whether Persaud's vote was valid. Never mind the case is before the court. We are not discussing that. There are a few irrefutable facts on the table. On the evening of December 21st, Persaud as a Guyanese citizen voted yes to the no-confidence motion
as tabled by the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. In the precincts of the same Parliament Buildings, he reportedly invoked his rights as a Canadian citizen and asked the High Commission here for protection. He refused the protection of the Guyana Police Force. He was escorted, as a Canadian citizen, in a diplomatic vehicle to the Ogle airport hours after, and accompanied by a diplomat who ensured that he boarded the plane, out of Guyana. On Friday, the Government of Guyana said that it has lodged a protest with the Canadian government with respect to violations of the diplomatic and other agreements. Today, it has emerged that several MPs have dual citizenship. H o w e v e r, t h e l a w conflicts with this. You cannot swear loyalty to another country, collect their passport, and then come back here and serve in the National Assembly---the Constitution says so. You may ask what happens if you are born overseas? Well, the very law seems to have allowed you to serve, as once you are born, you are not bound to swear allegiance and as such the law appears not applicable. A lawyer may argue that the law never intended this. Swearing allegiance is only for naturalized immigrants who want to become citizens. According to Kaieteur News on January 12, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs is reported as saying that his office holds no responsibility of ensuring that MPs are within the confines of this law. H o w e v e r, o f f i c i a l s attached to GECOM, reportedly explained that members of each political party/group must sign a statutory declaration form in which they declare certain information, including whether they have allegiance to any other country. The article said: “The Representation of the People Act makes the provision that each list of candidates shall be accompanied by a statutory declaration, in Form 3, by each person
Leonard Gildarie named therein as a candidate. Each candidate must declare in the form, his qualifications and consent, before a justice of the peace, commissioner of oaths, notary public or other person authorised by law to administer an oath in the place where the declaration is made.” The article further said that as such, candidates who fail to declare dual citizenship are in breach of the Statutory Declarations Act Cap 5:09 which stipulates in section 4, that it is an offence punishable by imprisonment for a period of one year to make in a statutory declaration a statement false in fact. The story said that over the years, parliamentarians have been shrugging off the gravity of this declaration. However, the matter has, once again, gained prominence, with the contention that Persaud's dual citizenship status invalidated his vote in support of the Noconfidence Motion that brought the APNU-AFC Government down. Now, this is a dual citizenship issue and its clashing with the Constitution is a major issue. We have several MPs about 20 of them I am told who have dual citizenship. GECOM never really paid attention and seems never to have enforced this section. The reality is that Guyana, since in the early 90s, has actively been encouraging the diaspora to return home, to lend their expertise and bring back investments. Nobody in their right mind would give up his/her passport, because of the obvious benefits, including pension and medical benefits of another country. Having dual citizenship is not against the law, but having it and sitting in the National Assembly is. It is just that we have turned a blind eye and it has come back to haunt us. We can ill afford to turn away our bright minds who (continued on page 52)
Sunday January 13, 2019
SUNDAY Natural Resource Fund Bill riddled with loopholes for risky investment In the absence of the political opposition on January3rd, the Government passed several Bills. One of them was the highly criticized Natural Resource Fund Bill. Finance Minister, Winston Jordan noted that it had minor amendments. Nonetheless, international and local transparency advocates had highlighted several flaws contained in the Bill allowing for risky investments. But no changes in these regard were made. The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), for example, had advised that Guyana should be clear in law, how the oil money will be used to invest in certain assets. NRGI said that while the draft legislation states what assets are eligible for the government to invest in, “it is not explicit about which assets the Fund may not (be used to) purchase.” NRGI said that from an oversight and governance perspective, the decision of which assets are eligible and prohibited requires careful consideration of whether the Fund has the systems in place to adopt complex or risky investment practices. In a comprehensive report, economists Andrew Bauer, David Mihalyi and Fernando Patzy said that if risky investment practices are “well understood” and monitored, then careful instruments and strategies, such as hedging, can help mitigate risks and enhance returns. They noted that very often, when governments push ahead with risky investments, they often introduce significant operational and default
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Finance Minister, Winston Jordan risk, incur high management fees and become tools for excessive speculation. Specifically, Bauer had expressed the firm belief that the Government must be made via the law, to disclose all the assets that were financed by the NRF. But this loophole was not closed in the Bill. Bauer said, “One of the things I am hoping the Ministry of Finance does is put into legislation that every single asset it invests in, be made public. Meaning, everything that the government owns, every share it buys into, must be disclosed. Charrandass requested, received Canadian govt. protection to airport Details are emerging now of how Charrandass Persaud, a parliamentarian who rocked Guyana’s politics after voting ‘yes’ in a no-confidence motion that toppled his government, made it to the Ogle Airport on the morning of December 22, last. Hours after that vote, an
officer of the Canadian High Commission accompanied him to the airport, stayed with him through Immigration and ensured that he entered the plane. The plane later left for Barbados where the former Member of Parliament (MP) took a connecting flight to Canada. Persaud, who has dual Guyana and Canada citizenship, reportedly reached out to the Canadian High Commission shortly after the vote, asking for protection. He was told to go to the consulate at High and Young Streets. He left via the back gate of the Parliament Building, with his security and advisor to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Peter Ramsaroop, and went straight there. From there, around 3am, he was taken in the High Commission vehicle, in the company of a diplomat to the Ogle Airport. He was followed by another vehicle that included his security personnel. At the airport, the diplomat accompanied him to the
Former MP, Charrandass Persaud (r) being escorted by PPP advisor Peter Ramsaroop via the back entrance on the evening of December 21st. (Keno George photo)
Immigration, and even ensured that he boarded the plane. The former MP had earlier refused police protection offered by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, saying later he could not trust anyone. He had claimed that after the first vote, he was “threatened” by Government MP, Jennifer Wade, who allegedly told him he was going to die. During the second vote, a defiant Persaud said ‘yes’ three times, leaving no doubt about what he intended to do with his vote. The former MP, who was expelled by the Alliance For Change (AFC) following that vote, was contacted Saturday to comment on his request for protection from the High Commission. He would only disclose that on the night of the vote, shortly after he came out of the Chambers, he made contract with the High Commission for protection. Government has gone to court challenging the validity of the no-confidence vote given Charrandass Persaud’s dual citizenship.. Government is contesting he could not have legally voted as the Constitution bars locals who pledge allegiance to a foreign power from being MPs. The police are said to be investigating matters of “national security” involving Persaud, a lawyer from Berbice. MONDAY Carjacker’s skeletal remains and body of tortured man found The skeletal remains of alleged carjacking mastermind Trevon Chung were found Sunday in the Kuru Kururu backlands, while the body of another man, with burns and other signs of torture, was found in a bush shed in the same Soesdyke-Linden community. Relatives said that they found Chung’s remains at around 11.30 hrs Sunday, a day after they received word that he had been murdered. A relative, who said they were accompanied by police ranks, stated that they identified the remains by a toque and other items at the scene. Kaieteur News understands that a pair grey threequarter pants, a pair of slippers and a cell phone battery were also near the remains. Because of the state of the body, police were unable to ascertain how the 48-year-old resident of Sandville, Kuru Kuru met his demise. However, there are reports of residents hearing gunshots in the area prior to the discovery. Relatives said that some individuals said that he had
been shot. Earlier in the day, police were summoned to another section of Kuru Kururu, after residents found the battered body of an unidentified man in a bus shed. Police sources said that the victim, who is of African ancestry and about six feet four inches in height, was clad in a pair of blue jeans, while his head was tied with a red bandana. A brown jersey was found near the victim, who was topless. Kaieteur News understands that the victim appeared to have been beaten and stabbed. There were burns and other signs of torture on the corpse. A brother of Trevon Chung, the other slain man, said that on Friday (Jan 4), a woman informed their mother that Chung was dead. Worried relatives then attempted to contact Chung by mobile phone, but received a voice message which indicated that the instrument had been turned off. Their concerns mounted when they visited the missing man’s home and found it empty and a pot of food “filled with worms” in his kitchen. Family members then contacted the police and scoured area in Kuru Kururu without locating Chung. They continued the search Sunday and eventually located his remains. TUESDAY No-confidence motion… Govt. files court action challenging vote count Yet another court case has been filed to challenge the noconfidence motion, which was passed in the National Assembly on December 21, last. The action filed by the Government represents the second litigation against the motion following last week’s refusal to reverse the ruling, by Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland. The first case was filed by Compton Reid, a private citizen, against the Speaker of the National Assembly; Charrandass Persaud and the Attorney General’s Chambers. Reid requested that the no-confidence motion against the Government be quashed on the ground that expelled Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian Charrandass Persaud, who voted with the Opposition, has Canadian citizenship The litigant is asking the Court to nullify the motion, since it is his contention that Persaud acted in contravention of Article 155 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana which basically forbids Members of Parliament, from hold-
ing allegiance, obedience and adherence to a foreign powers. However, in this latest action, the Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams is challenging the Speaker of National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. According to court documents seen by this newspaper, AG Williams is seeking the Court’s determination of a number of questions, which arose as result of the motion. Among the issues listed for clarification, is whether the Speaker’s ruling that the motion of no-confidence debated in the National Assembly on the December, 21 2018 was carried by a vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly. AG Williams has asked the Court to determine whether the motion of noconfidence upon a division vote of 33:32 members of the National Assembly was validly passed as the requisite majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly pursuant to article 106 (6) of the Constitution; or whether the requisite majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly ought properly to be 34 votes. “. WEDNESDAY MPs can be jailed for ignoring constitution on dual citizenship While the debate over Members of Parliament (MPs) holding dual citizenship is not a new one, it has been gaining momentum since the noconfidence motion, which was passed in the National Assembly, last December. Article 155 of Guyana’s Constitution states that “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who- (a) is by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state…” Yet, from all appearances, Parliamentarians have been ignoring this constitutional provision to the point that at least a third of sitting members on both sides of the House are said to be holders of foreign passports. With a court case filed against expelled MP Charrandass Persaud, on the basis of dual citizenship, questions have been raised over the culpability and penalties attached to those found in breach. Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, has so far said that the Parliament holds no responsibility of ensuring that MP s are operating within the confines of the law. (Continued on page 42)
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From page 41 Isaacs explained that Parliamentarians are selected from lists provided to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by the main political parties. ”The names are taken from that list and supplied to the National Assembly. Whenever there is a vacancy, Parliament works with whatever names provided to us. We don’t have to verify who holds dual citizenship,” said Isaacs. Officials attached to GECOM, on the other hand, explained that members of each political party/group must sign a statutory declaration form in which they declare certain information, including whether they have allegiance to any other country. The Representation of the People Act makes the provision that each list of candidates shall be accompanied by a statutory declaration, in Form 3, by each person named therein as a candidate. Each candidate must declare in the form, his qualifications and consent, before a justice of the peace, commissioner of oaths, notary public or other person authorised by law to administer an oath in the place where the declaration is made. As such, candidates who fail to declare dual citizenship are in breach of the Statutory Declarations Act Cap 5:09 which stipulates in section 4, that it is an offence punishable by imprisonment for a period of one year to make in a statutory declaration a statement false in fact. Chris Ram petitions High Court to declare no-confidence motion properly passed -says matter should be heard urgently to avoid Constitutional crisis One day after the Government filed a court action challenging the vote count on the no-confidence motion, Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram, by way of constitutional proceedings, is asking the court for a declaration that the noconfidence motion was properly, validly and lawfully passed by the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. In the proceedings which were filed Tuesday, Attorney General Basil Williams and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo have been listed as the Respondents. In the Fixed Date Application (FDA), Ram is seeking relief under the Constitution of Guyana for the court to grant several declarations. The FDA was filed by Attorney-at-Law Kamal Ramkarran on behalf of Ram. Ram is asking for a declaration that the passage of the
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 13, 2019
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo no confidence motion requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President with all convenient speed. Ram wants the court to declare that the government comprising 33 elected members of the National Assembly coming from the coalition between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) elected at elections in 2015, excluding the Cabinet including the President who shall resign with all convenient speed, shall remain in office until after the President takes the oath of office after elections to be held within 90 days from December 21, 2018 or within such extended period as the National Assembly shall determine by resolution support by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all elected members. At the same time, Ram also wants a declaration that the passage of the motion requires that national and re-
gional elections be held no later than Thursday, March 21, 2019, that date being the ninetieth day from December 21, 2018. The applicant further seeks an order that at all times prescribed by the Civil Procedure Rules of 2016 be abridged as necessary in order that these proceedings be dealt with an determines on the shortest possible time as being of the most urgent nature. Ram said he has several grounds for the application which includes that on December 21, 2018, on a vote of all elected members of the National Assembly, the government was defeated on a vote of confidence brought on a motion by the Leader of the Opposition, which was passed with 33 votes in favour and 32 against. No meeting as ailing GECOM chairman told to take more rest A planned meeting of the Guyana Elections Commis-
sion (GECOM) did not come off Tuesday, further delaying key decisions of the body, ahead of looming general elections. The reason is because the chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson, has been ordered to take more rest. After falling ill and being hospitalized last month, Patterson set January 8, 2019 for the next meeting. However, GECOM Tuesday announced that his medical leave has been extended following a visit to his doctor on January 7, 2019. ”The Chairman had earlier indicated that that he would resume duty on 8th January, 2019 and to reconvene a statutory meeting after being absent since early December due to illness. While, the Chairman has been recovering well, he was advised by
his doctor to have some additional rest to ensure that he fully recovers to effectively resume duty,” GECOM said in a statement. The commission said that Patterson will provide further updates on his resumption. The 85-year-old official, who was appointed after President David Granger said he was paying attention to the “Fit and Proper” criteria, missed a statutory meeting of commissioners last month because of illness. He was then transferred from the Davis Memorial Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, D’Urban Backlands, to Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital where tests and procedures were performed. The Chairman was said to have been in the Intensive Care Unit. Prior to missing the De-
cember 4, 2018 meeting because he was ill, the Opposition commissioners had walked out the week before. The commission would have been just coming out of Local Government Elections held on November 12, 2018. Reports of the elections as well as other critical issues were set to be discussed. GECOM has six commissioners, excluding the Chairman. Three commissioners are nominated by the Government and three from the Opposition. In October 2017, Patterson was sworn in by President David Granger to one of the most critical positions. GECOM is an independent entity tasked with overseeing General Elections and LGE. (Continued on page 43)
Sunday January 13, 2019
From page 42 The positions are jealously guarded by political parties with the chairman post being something of a hot-seat. GECOM would take centre stage at this time as a noconfidence vote against the Government coalition occurred last month with elections likely in a few months, unless the administration has its own way and has a stay granted by the courts. THURSDAY Govt., Opposition meet on no-confidence vote… Parliament, executive branch to continue functioning – Court decisions will be upheld – GECOM to be engaged over elections Almost three weeks after a shock no-confidence vote by Government parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, saw the related motion carried, sparking a constitutional crisis, a key meeting was held Wednesday in an effort to chart the way forward. According to President David Granger afterwards, broad agreements have been met that will set the conditions on how the Government and Parliament will continue to function. In the meantime, Government will continue to pursue action in the courts, challenging the validity of the vote, and whether the fact that Persaud’s dual citizenship with Canada could have also affected the legality of it. Since the no-confidence vote on the evening of December 21st, both the Government and Opposition have been drawing battle lines, with the latter calling for elections to be announced and for the government to resign. However, there are indications, based on the meeting and statements coming out after, that early elections may not be so early after all. Granger tells Jagdeo… Constitution makes no mention of caretaker Govt. After waiting for 18 days, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo was finally able to meet with President, David Granger on Wednesday to discuss several matters, one of which included the Government being in caretaker mode. During a press conference at his Church Street Office, Jagdeo said that Granger told him in no uncertain terms that the concept of a caretaker government is nowhere in the Constitution. Jagdeo said he reminded the President that Articles 106 and 107 of the Constitution speak about the resignation of the Government after the passage of the No-Confidence Motion. With this in mind, the Opposition is of the view that the Government is now reduced to a caretaker
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Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram position. The Opposition Leader said, too, that he reminded the President that the same argument was made by the APNU+AFC coalition when it brought the same motion in 2014 against the PPP. But the President did not budge. Nevertheless, Jagdeo said that the Opposition maintains its position on this matter. Dual citizenship debate Political parties and GECOM share responsibility for ensuring MPs’ eligibility The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the political parties should share the responsibility of ensuring eligibility of Mem-
bers of Parliament (MPs) on the basis of their citizenship. This view was expressed by those who have chimed in on the debate over MPs holding dual citizenship following an act of swearing allegiance to a foreign nation. While it is public knowledge that each MP is culpable for his/her declaration, the question of who has responsibility of verifying that Parliamentarians make honest declarations about their citizenship arises. Attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram is adamant that GECOM, as the elections regulator, must be tasked with verification of the sworn information. ”GECOM, as the regulator
GECOM’s Chairman, Retired Justice, James Patterson of the Elections, must accept that responsibility. My position has not changed. The Elections Body must vet the list provided to them by these political parties. I strongly hold the view that they should be able to verify the information provided to them with the understanding that the list consists of names of potential parliamentarians.” ”It is grossly reckless of GECOM to shelve the burden… I wrote to GECOM and brought it to their attention, but it is not like the Commission doesn’t understand the gravity.” Former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang also expressed his views on the matter. Chang noted that while GECOM has
the elections mandate of regulations, it‘s the political parties that compose the list. ”They (the parties) must know who they’re putting on their list. They should ask the questions in view of the constitutional provisions. So it is the Party, which has primary responsibility and then GECOM should bear some of the burden as the elections body.” However, an official at GECOM, who weighed in on the discussion said that the Elections Commission is not mandated by law to do any follow-ups on the sworn declarations provided by the list of the candidates. The official noted that GECOM is equipped with the
Let’s talk: The parties during the meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency
capacity to police the list. FRIDAY Joint statement on meeting… Govt. and Opposition divided on parliament Almost three weeks after a no-confidence vote that rocked the country, a joint statement from the Government and Opposition has shown a sharp division on how parliament would function. The statement on Thursday would come after President David Granger led a team to a meeting with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday. Along with the President were Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Vice President, Carl Greenidge; Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General, Basil Williams; Minister of State; Joseph Harmon; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally. For the Opposition team, Jagdeo was accompanied by Gail Teixeira; Anil Nandlall; Irfaan Ali; Juan Edghill; Dr. Frank Anthony; Pauline Sukhai and Odinga Lumumba. On Wednesday, following the meeting, there were separate statements from both sides. There was a promise of a joint statement. Thursday, the joint statement made it clear that while Government and the Opposition were unified on the territorial integrity of the country, there were differences. (Continued on page 44)
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From page 43 ”The parties met in an atmosphere of cordiality and iterated their emphatic commitment to work on all and any matters relating to the preservation and protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana; irrespective of any domestic political issues.” The parties agreed to discuss an agenda proposed by the President. It included Constitutional and Legal situation; Functioning of the National Assembly; Functioning of the Government; Public Services; Public Order and the Dissolution of Parliament. Also up for discussion were General and Regional Elections, the Role of the National Assembly; Operational readiness of GECOM; national registration and Public Information. According to the Government and Opposition, “The parties recognized the high importance of continuous engagements between the Government and Opposition, the importance they hold for the national interest and the elevated public expectation.” During the talks, Jagdeo insisted that the “no confidence motion” was validly passed and therefore there must be compliance with Articles 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution. He further stated that the timeframes prescribed by the two provisions of the Constitution must be rigidly observed, notwithstanding the pendency of the legal proceedings filed; and that Parliament must be dissolved unless otherwise agreed upon in accordance with Article 106 (7) of the Constitution. Senior police officers will be held accountable for their actions -President Granger tells ranks at opening of Police Officers Conference Noting that a corrupt police force cannot guarantee the security of its citizens, Presi-
Kaieteur News
dent David Granger on Thursday told the Force’s senior ranks that they will be held accountable if they are found to be untrustworthy. ”Officers, the days of concealing security sector mistakes and misdeeds are over. The Force’s officers will be held accountable for the consequences of their actions and the instructions that they issue to their subordinates.” Granger issued the warning while addressing participants at the opening of Police Force’s Annual Officers’ Conference. The event was held at State House for the first time and the Head of State, undergoing chemotherapy while facing the prospect of early elections, quipped that the ranks will see him again in the next year. The theme for the threeday conference was “Security Sector Reform Implementation – Enhancing Capacity Through Training, Infrastructure and Human Resource Management.” Describing 2019 as “a special year for the Guyana Police Force, which is celebrating its 180th year in existence, Granger said that the safety of citizens and the security of the state, and stability of the economy are of paramount concern to the Government. ”Security and stability can be guaranteed best by a strong police force. Guyana looks to the police force to ensure that its citizens are protected from crime and criminality…” “The Police Force, if it is to maintain public security, must ensure it enjoys public trust…” Emphasizing his commitment to security sector reform, the Head of State noted that Government resuscitated the Police Service Commission and the Police Complaints Authority last year. ”Security sector reform must be accelerated to strengthen this vital institution (the Police Service Commission) in 2019. Reform will revive the Force’s institutional framework…
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge
Former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang ”Security sector reform is being pursued, it is expected that the reforms will be carried out with the aim of restoring public trust in the Force, reinforcing the Force’s capability to fight crime and promoting men and women only of the highest integrity to become officers,” Granger said. Suspected Syndicato gang member killed in mining camp attack A member of Venezuela’s notorious Syndicato gang was reportedly killed after members of a local security service came under attack Wednesday night. According to reports, the attack happened at around 22:00 hrs on Wednesday at a mining camp located in the Cuyuni Black Water Area, in Region Seven. It was reported that six men surrounded the camp and began to open fire. However, quick response by the camp security, which is attached to the Sherriff Security Services, kept the attackers at bay. One of the attackers was shot during the crossfire but none of the miners in the camp were injured. The body was still there Thursday afternoon. Three handguns were recovered from the scene with matching bullets, along with one magazine of AK 47 rounds. Commander of the ‘F’ Division, Senior Superintendent, Kevin Adonis, confirmed that the police are investigating the matter. SATURDAY Three years later… NICIL transactional audit still incomplete Three years ago, the coalition administration called on the Audit Office to conduct a transactional audit into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). But during a recent interview with this newspa-
per, Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma confirmed that the report is far from complete. The transactional audit by the AG’s office was as a result of the damning findings stemming from a forensic audit into NICIL by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran. During the forensic audit, Goolsarran discovered that in relation to the expenditure on the 2007 Cricket World Cup, NICIL had transferred amounts totaling $650 million to the Local Organizing Committee, but failed in its responsibility of ensuring that there was proper accountability for the amounts transferred. As regards the construction of the controversial 44 High Street property, formerly home to the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation, the forensic auditor found that the contract was awarded in 2007, but at the time of reporting, the building remained substantially incomplete. Goolsarran stated in his report that the building was abandoned, and the structure was expected to be torn down because the floors were not constructed to the required specifications. As the “Project Executing Unit,” he said that NICIL’s role was to ensure that the works were executed according to the agreed specifications, and the entity had again failed to discharge its responsibility for this project, resulting in some $350 million of taxpayers’ funds being wasted. Goolsarran, in his report, also stated that despite the size and complexity of its operations, NICIL does not have its own procurement rules, which is a key requirement of the Procurement Act. In the circumstances, he said that it would have been more appropriate for NICIL to involve the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board
Sunday January 13, 2019
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma (NPTAB) in the assessment of tenders received for the award of contracts. Instead, the assessment of bids was done internally and would have lacked the level of independence, especially for large projects such as the Marriott Hotel. Given the aforementioned findings among others, Goolsarran recommended that Government commission a further independent audit to examine in detail transactions over the last six years under NICIL. He also recommended that the relevant authorities institute criminal/disciplinary actions against all those responsible for other violations, including the failure to properly account for State resources under their control. Natural Resources Ministry did very little to prepare Guyana for Oil … almost every decision favoured oil companies - Ex Petroleum Advisor to Govt. Time is one of the strongest negotiating tools a country could have against an oil company. But, according to former Petroleum Advisor to the coalition administration, Dr. Jan Mangal, Guyana forfeited that lever by being in a rush to first oil before General and Regional Elections originally scheduled for 2020. What also made matters worse in Dr. Mangal’s view is the fact that the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), which initially had full responsibility for preparing Guyana for the oil sector, seemed intent on making decisions which only favoured the oil companies. The Oil and Gas Consultant made this pellucid as he sought to provide some perspective on the role the Ministry played in Guyana now being unprepared for the oil sector. “Firstly, Guyana lost negotiating leverage against
Exxon, because Guyana was in a rush to get first oil before the originally scheduled elections in 2020. Secondly, by Guyana rushing, Guyana also forfeited the opportunity to develop its institutional capacity for oil and gas. By rushing, Guyana was setting itself up to fail in its preparations for oil and gas,” Dr. Mangal asserted. In this regard, the consultant highlighted the fact that for three years, the MNR did not hire a single oil and gas professional with appropriate experience in deepwater developments and production. “This is quite amazing, as the MNR and other ministries should have hired dozens of highly experienced oil and gas professionals. But none were hired. This is a blatant sign that some Government officials were favouring the interests of the oil companies, knowingly or unknowingly, over the interests of Guyanese, since the oil companies benefit when the country knows nothing about oil and gas,” Mangal emphasised. Greenidge rubbishes Venezuela’s maritime claims Following the interception of an ExxonMobil-contracted exploration vessel in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by officers of the Venezuelan Military, Second Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge on Friday rubbished Venezuela’s claim of the vessel being in its territory. While speaking at a symposium which focused on the continuous Venezuelan incursion into Guyana’s territory, Minister Greenidge said that the nature of the claim is “absurd”. The Foreign Affairs Minister referenced the recent reports in the Venezuelan (Continued on page 45)
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
First Bauxite Corporation is currently mining and processing at its facilities at the banasika Bauxite Project, Sand Hills, Region Three
From page 44 media and noted there are no disputes of the coordinates of where the seismic vessels were. “In the Venezuelan press, they are publicizing the exchange between the two captains. You will hear the Venezuelan asking the Norwegian their location, we don’t have any disputes about the coordinates. They are exactly where the Venezuelans said they are, but it is in the middle of Guyana’s EEZ.” The vessel, Ramform Tethys, was intercepted in the EEZ and Continental Shelf of Guyana at an “approximate distance of 140 kilometres from the nearest point to the provisional equidistant line with Venezuela and some 250 kilometres from Punta Playa, the westernmost point on the land border of Guyana.” Greenidge explained that the international body has moved from a point where everything, beyond the territorial sea, was international waters to a situation where each country is given an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He noted that Guyana has the sovereignty to issue licences for the 200 miles in that area. On December 22, 2018, the Venezuelan navy attempted to land a helicopter on board the
Norwegian-flagged vessel which was performing exploratory seismic operations in the Stabroek Block on behalf of ExxonMobil. First Bauxite Corp. to inject US$387.3M into economy over 15-year period First Bauxite Corporation (FBX) has commenced mining and processing at its facilities at the Bonasika Bauxite Project, Sand Hills, Region Three, and is expected to inject over US$387.3M into the local economy over a 15-year period. This is according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. In November 2017, FBX received approval from the Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission for export shipment of up to 40,000 metric tonnes of bulk bauxite material for testing and product development. Yesterday, the Natural Resources Ministry said that FBX commenced actual mine production in the first quarter of 2018. FBX now mines the high quality, industrial minerals grade Bonasika bauxite deposit in the area. This high-grade deposit is unlike any other found anywhere else in the world. The Ministry indicated that Bonasika Bauxite Project has a current mine life of 15 years at an annual production rate of 300,000 Metric Tonnes
(MT), and is set to inject over US$387.35M into the local economy during these years. The Ministry said that it is particularly pleased that over the past three years, it has worked with the principals of the company to the point of the formal announcement of the commencement of the project in 2018. “ To d a t e , G u y a n e s e have benefited from the job creation driven by the project’s execution and continuing expansion. FBX currently provides jobs for approximately 238 Guyanese functioning as contracted, permanent, casual, expat and management staff, with over 25 originating from the Sand Hills community,” the Ministry said. Further, the Ministry commended FBX for commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as it has committed a total of US$1.259 million towards the development of the Sand Hills community. The Ministry said that the sum will aid in the completion of 2019 community projects relating to the construction of a new school building, electricity reticulation to community houses, potable water supply, contribution to the new church building fund, along with secondary and univer-
sity student scholarship assistance. “FBX also initiated a community investment programme in 2016 covering playground development, the installation of solar panels, library work, and placement water tanks and other infra-
structure for the local school. Notwithstanding the fulfilment of their CSR, the company’s projected payments to the Government of Guyana (GoG) will reach well above US$49.77 million over the 15 years. This also bodes well with our country since
Guyana Manganese Inc.’s US$10.63 million Manganese project at Matthews Ridge is set to commence production in the first half of this year which will see that company paying a total of US$10.8 million per year in taxes to the GoG,” the Ministry said.
Kaieteur News
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The Prince and the Snake
T
his Short Story The Prince and the Snake is quite interesting to all the people. Enjoy reading this story. The kingdom of Vijaygarh had a wise and kind King. People were happy. But the King himself was sad and worried. A devilish snake had entered his s o n ' s b o d y. N e i t h e r medicine nor magic worked to cure his son. When the Prince grew up, he thought, “It is because of me that my father worried." And one day, he left the palace. Wandering, he came to another kingdom. He found a desolate temple and started living there. He begged for food. The King of that kingdom was cruel. But he had a kind and beautiful daughter. The King was unhappy with his
daughter. That girl was always ridiculing her father's hard work. The King thought, “She is always talking to me low of my hard work. I must marry her to a beggar. Then she will know what hard work is." So, when the beggar Prince came to beg for food in the Palace, the cruel King forced him to marry his daughter. The Prince and his new bride started for the desolate temple. On their way, they stopped to take rest. The Princess went around in search of food, while her husband went to sleep. When the Princess came back, she was shocked to see a snake sitting on her husband's mouth. On a mount nearby sat another snake. They were talking among themselves. “Why do not you leave the body of the Prince? He is so
kind and gentle," said the snake sitting on the mound. “You too are evil! You attack passers-by. You should not be telling me what to do," replied the snake sitting on the mouth of the Prince. The Princess killed both the snakes with all her courage. When her husband woke up, she told him about the two snakes. The Prince was happy. Then he told her who he really was. They set off to the Prince's palace. The King was delighted to see his son. When the King learned that the devilish snake was killed, his joy knew no bounds. The Prince and the Princess lived happily for a long time. After few years, the Kingdom celebrated the day on which the Royal couple gave birth to twins of one boy and one girl.
Sunday January 13, 2019
Junior page
Patch Keychains (www.marthastewart.com)
MATERIALS ·Patches ·Leather ·Super-fast glue ·Split key ring with ·Scissors ·Paper clips
chain
STEPS 1. Match your patches to complementary leather scraps. Apply a generous amount of glue to the back of your patch and adhere it to the right side of the leather, leaving excess fabric around the border of the patch including 2 inches at the top where you will attach a key ring and chain. 2. Trim excess leather using scissors. Leave a long strip from the aforementioned 2 inches of excess to attach the keychain ring. 3. Insert the key ring towards the opening and glue the end to the back of the leather.. 4. Apply pressure to the glued area by using a paper clip. Let dry according to the glue instructions. 5. Attach to key ring and chain. Embellish on a backpack, tote bag, or other handbag of choice.
Envy Defeated
Can you solve these visual word puzzles? Let your mind explore and you are sure to find the answers.It's easier than you think...Good luck!
FUN WITH POETRY
I love to go to school
There was a time I was not so sure If school was the place for me, But now I know, apart from home, There is nowhere I'd rather be. The many friends I meet each day, All help to make me happy; We talk and play and have so much fun, On leaving each day I feel sorry. Our teachers are so kind and keen, As they help to make me learn; I know I have to work some more To do my best in turn. I feel so good about going to school, I know I will pass the test; When the time comes when I have to leave, It will help me to become my best.
by Uncle Roy
Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Develop Self Esteem to facilitate your Personal Development
W
e mentioned last week the qualities which a young person must strive for so as to attain the self-esteem necessary for one to move forward towards achieving his/her goals. On the other hand, you should be aware of some characteristics which are displayed by those who lack selfesteem. It would be wise to try to identify some of these in our own behaviour, as we are all affected by some form of low selfesteem. The ones we feel are most effective in preventing you from making the most of your life are:Rebelling, resisting, defying or retaliating against authority; Lying, cheating, copying, blaming others for one's own errors; Failing to take responsibility for one's actions; Bullying or threatening others;
TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY Uncle Roy is again reminding all young adults that he welcomes any request for help, and will respond promptly, so please write to him through his email uncleroy1992@yahoo.com
Withdrawing, daydreaming or giving up in the face of adversity; Denying one has a problem, and refusing help with same when offered; Engaging in types o f b e h a v i o u r, which are deemed escapist, when not sure how to o v e r c o m e p e r s o n a l problems, like truancy when faced with problems at school, or drugs or alcohol when encountering disagreements at home or socially, The types of b e h a v i o u r mentioned above make it difficult for those who have to deal with persons who are affected, as more often than not they will refuse to listen to advice or accept any help offered. They will most often hide their true feelings by appearing bored, or may even take on a superior attitude that they can help themselves and need no one in this. Try to recognise any of these negative forms of behaviour in you and your friends and see how you can help one another to overcome these. You can also make the effort to get help from teachers, religious leaders, or people trained in counselling.
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Never Give In Sometimes in life the road becomes slippery and you tumble and fall. But don't lose heart; just get up and again stand tall; When you think you've had enough and can't take anymore, Don't think like that; thoughts like that should be ignored. If you're dangling off the edge of a cliff, hold that rope, Call for help because someone will pull you back up, there's always hope; When you've lost your way in the darkness of night, Just keep walking because the sun will rise and guide you with its light. You go every which way in a dark cave, and it seems like an impossible puzzle; Keep going and you'll find the way out, for there's always a light at the end of a tunnel; Nothing can shatter your dreams if you learn from the past, This is the reason by which your journey will last. When you try to achieve your dreams, you will have to suffer and strive; But do everything it takes to get there and you will survive; The reward you earn will pay off for the efforts you have sacrificed; You will feel the joy and glory rush into you and that will feel real nice! Never give up, never back down; If you prevail, you will eventually wear the crown; Don't let anything negative get in your way. It's all about how you do it and your style of play. So never give up on your dreams. No matter how hard they may seem.
Do not be afraid to seek help when unsure of the way forward. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Solutions to last week’s Secret Multiplication Word Puzzle Back To School
LOOKING GOOD KID
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1. Do you have a date for Valentine's Day? Yes, it is February 14th. 2. Why should you never break up with a goalie? Because he is a keeper. 3. What did one boat say to the other boat? Are you interested in a little row-mance? 4. What did the patient with the broken leg say to their doctor? Hey doc, I have a crutch on you. 5. Knock, knock. Who's there? Olive. Olive, who? Olive you, and I don't care who knows it. 6. My name is Microsoft. Can I crash at your place tonight? 7. I love everyone. Some people I love to be around, while some of them are people who I would rather avoid. And then there are some who I would love to punch in the face. 8. I love you with all my butt. I would say my heart, but it is just not as big. 9. You are like my asthma. You just take my breath away. 10. You are like dandruff because I just cannot get you out of my head no matter how hard I try. 11. You are like my dentures. I cannot smile without you. 12. You are just like my car because you drive me crazy. 13. Why do men like to fall in love at first sight? Because doing so saves them a lot of money. 14. The funniest joke of all time is my love life. 15. Falling in love is like going deep into a river. It is much easier to get in it than it is to get out of it. 16. Can I borrow a kiss from you? I promise you that I will give it back. 17. Never laugh at your significant other's choices because you happen to be one of them. 18. I don't know your name yet, but it must be Wi-Fi because I am feeling such a strong connection here. 19. There were two antennas who met on a roof and they fell in love and decided to get married. The ceremony was nothing fancy, but you could tell that they had a very strong connection. 20. Love is getting mad at someone, telling that person to go to hell, and hoping that they get there safely. 21. Are you familiar with that tingly feeling that you get in your body when you start to develop feelings for someone? That feeling is actually all of your common sense leaving your body. 22. You can fall from the sky and you can fall from a tree, but the best way for you to fall is to fall in love with me. 23. We must both be subatomic particles because I feel this strong force between the two of us. 24. If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put the letters U and I together. 25. What happened to the two vampires who went on their first date? It was love at first bite! 26. Have you ever been fishing before? I only ask because I really think that we should hook up. 27. Knock, knock. Who's there? Owl. Owl, who? Owl always love you! 28. I love you today more than I did yesterday. And that is because you really ticked me off yesterday. 29. Knock, knock. Who's there? Pauline. Pauline, who? I think I'm Pauline in love with you. 30. Knock, knock. Who's there? Honeydew. Honeydew, who? Honeydew you know how much I love you? 31. Knock, knock. Who's there? Candice. Candice, who? Candice be love that I am feeling right now? 32. Knock, knock. Who's there? Juno. Juno, who. Juno that you're the love of my life? 33. Knock, knock. Who's there? Frank. Frank, who? Frank you for loving me. 34. Knock, knock. Who's there? Eyesore. Eyesore, who? Eyesore do love you a lot. 35. Knock, knock. Who's there? Halibut. Halibut, who? Halibut a kiss for me? 36. Knock, knock. Who's there? I love. I love, who? I love you too! 37. Knock, knock. Who's there? Iguana. Iguana, who? Iguana love you forever and always. 38. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Olive. Olive, who?
Kaieteur News
Sunday January 13, 2019
Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Hacks for Treating Sunburns 1. Fill a spray bottle with an even mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to instantly relieve the pain. The first couple of days after a sunburn when your burn is extra tender, try spraying a bit of watered down apple cider vinegar on your skin for instant relief. Vinegar has antiseptic properties that kill germs, calm inflammation, and alleviate painful, itchy skin. 2. Apply cold yogurt on your burn for 10 minutes to help your sunburned skin heal. Pick up a cold plain yogurt, which contains a lot of probiotics that will help restore your skin's natural barrier, and spread a thin layer over your sunburn. Let the yogurt sit for about 10 minutes, and then gently dab it off with a cold rag. 3. Sprinkle cornstarch on yourself or your sheets to ease the pain while sleeping. When you have a terrible sunburn, even lying down on your sheets at night hurts. Dust a bit of cornstarch on your body or sprinkle it on your sheets before heading to bed to create a barrier between the fabric and your skin and to help minimize the painful friction. 4. Take an oatmeal bath to soothe itchy skin. Grind a cup of old-fashioned oatmeal in the blender or food processor and pour the oatmeal grinds in a bath full of warm water before getting in. The oatmeal will help calm any inflammation and soothe itchy skin. 5. Spread a thin layer of raw honey on the affected area to help reduce infection. Raw honey, a natural antiseptic, can help heal damaged skin. Carefully spread it on the area, cover it with gauze, and let it sit. 6. Lather your skin with a milk-based lotion on your sunburn to keep your skin moisturized. The fats and protein in milk can soothe a sunburn by creating a protective film over the skin, but if you're not into the idea of soaking your body in a bath full of milk, try amilk-based lotion instead. A couple of days after getting sunburned, your skin will start to dry out, which can lead to irritation and cause the skin to peel. It's important to keep your skin hydrated during this period and the use of a milk-based body lotion is a good way to do so. cause the skin to peel. It's important to keep your skin hydrated during this period and the use of a milk-based body lotion is a good way to do so. 7. Wear loose clothing while your skin is healing. Tight clothes can irritate sunburned skin, so if you have to head back to the office after a long weekend in the sun and don't want to exacerbate your itchy issue, wear loose-fitting clothing to let your skin breathe and help it heal faster. 8. Chill your aloe vera gel in the refrigerator or a bucket of ice before applying it to bring down your skin's temperature and help prevent your skin from peeling. One of the best remedies for a sunburn is to lather your skin with aloe vera gel, and a way to make it feel even better is to chill it beforehand to instantly ease some of the painful heat.
SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH
IN- SPIRED
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Here’s Why Iyanla Vanzant Wouldn’t Have R. Kelly on Fix My Life It’s time for Iyanla Vanzant to speak her truth. For six seasons, the life coach, teacher and best-selling author has helped transform the lives of many individuals with her Oprah Winfrey Network series Fix My Life. And while many participants are ordinary people in need of healing, many celebrities and reality stars have also appeared on her program. Before season six kicks off this weekend, Iyanla revealed that R. Kelly reached out to appear on the show long before the Lifetime docu-series Surviving R. Kelly was ever complete. But according to Iyanla, he wouldn’t be ready for the experience. “He didn’t meet one of the criteria that we had for guests,” she explained to ABC News’ Candice Williams. “Are they willing? Are they ready? Do they have the capacity to do the work? He didn’t have it, the emotional capacity, he just didn’t have it.” Iyanla continued, “And I knew, based on what I was looking at—the paces that I would have to take him through—it would have been brutal. He didn’t have the capacity.” In the documentary Surviving R. Kelly, accusers came forward with allegations of sexual, mental and physi-
cal abuse against the singer. R. Kelly and his team have consistently denied any allegations of abuse or misconduct. The singer has also not been convicted of any crimes connected with the allegations. For Iyanla, she’s also been asked why R. Kelly’s accusers haven’t been on her show. She argues some may not be ready to go through the process. “Stop texting me telling me to work with the survivors. What’s the fix?” she explained. “There’s no fix other than them doing their healing where they get to the place where they can recapture their worth, their innocence, their dignity to the point where they can forgive. They ain’t there yet.” As for why so many Americans are intrigued by the case and developing
such strong opinions, Iyanla has her own theory. “We’re all reacting to it from our own personal experience including people who have been sexually violated and never told anybody and never abused anybody,” she shared. “We’re all responding to it from our own broken, wounded place and most of us are angry about it.” Since Surviving R. Kelly premiered, many celebrities have spoken out against the singer including John Legend, Lady Gaga and Keke Palmer. A petition has also been launched to #MuteRKelly. Companies including Pizza Slime have also created merchandise to benefit the movement. Iyanla Fix My Life returns this Saturday night at 9 p.m. only on the Oprah Winfrey Network. (www.eonline.com)
R. Kelly’s Former “Student” Keke Palmer Speaks Out Against Singer Surviving R. Kelly has made an impact on Keke Palmer. In a new post on Instagram, the actress and singer revealed that she just finished watching the Lifetime docu-series and wanted to share her reaction. “I have spent the last hour crying. As a student of R. Kelly’s for the time I was and having been around his light and understanding the obstacles he overcame as a child to actually be birthed into the musical genius he is today... All to put others through the same darkness he was running from is the most disheartening thing to accept,” she wrote to her followers. “Many people experience hardships and do not allow themselves to find freedom through their passion enough to shine a light.” Keke continued, “R. Kelly received that grace from God. God blessed him to vindicate his childhood shortcomings and yet still he has slapped
Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
God in the face by his actions towards these women. I am hurt and saddened because he could have been a blessing to these women but instead he repeatedly took advantage and that I cannot accept.” In addition to finding success on the small screen in roles like Scream Queens and That’s the Gag, Keke has also been able to make a name for herself in the music industry. Previously, Keke expressed gratitude for R. Kelly for encouraging her in the i n d u s t r y. “ W h e n I w a s younger, I always felt like I had to separate [singing and acting],” she told Billboard in 2017. “But I spent a lot of time working with R. Kelly and one thing that he told me, he was like, ‘Keke, you don’t need to shy away from your acting. You bring that to a part of your music. You make that take your music to the next level.’” Today, Keke has chosen
to express support for her “sisters” and has a wish for all her followers. “I will stand by my sisters because that’s simply what’s right and what I hope discontinues this behavior in anyone,” she shared with her Instagram followers. “We have to be good to each other, not all of us accept the light but those of us that do must be responsible!!!! We can not take advantage of each other or accept when someone else does.” Following the conclusion of Lifetime’s docu-series on R. Kelly, an investigation has reportedly been launched into the allegations against the 52year-old singer. In response to the investigation reports, R. Kelly’s rep had no comment for E! News. The singer-songwriter has consistently denied any allegations of abuse or misconduct and has not been convicted of any crimes connected with the allegations. (www.eonline.com)
PLACING THE SPOTLIGHT ON DIABETI EYE DISEASE A vast majority of persons living in Guyana above the age of forty suffer from some form of elevated blood sugar or Diabetes Mellitus. Additionally, a fraction of these have poor control over it, which leads to a number of issues, one being diseases affecting the eye and vision. Diabetic eye disease is actually a group of conditions due to symptoms of diabetes. These can take two major forms: 1. Diabetic retinopathywhich affects blood vessels in the retina (the light sensitive area that lines the back of the eye). It is the premier underlying cause of visual impairment and blindness in adults suffering from diabetes. 2. Diabetic macular edema or DME- this is a consequence of diabetic retinopathy, and is basically swelling in an area of the retina called the macula. Diabetic eye disease also includes cataract and glaucoma. What exactly causes diabetic retinopathy? When blood sugar is chronically high from diabetes mellitus, there is widespread damage to the tiny blood vessels in the body, including the retina, leading to what is known as diabetic retinopathy. The retina works in the capacity to detect light and converting it to nervous impulses that are sent via the optic nerve to the brain. Diabetic retinopathy can further lead to blood vessels in the retina to leak fluid or bleed after blood vessel destruction, thus enhancing the distortion of vision. When in the advanced stages, new abnormal blood vessels grow back and increase in number on the retina’s surface. This leads to scarring and cell loss and thus further vision loss. It goes through four stages: · Mild non-proliferative retinopathy- This occurs when small areas in the blood vessels in the retina begin to swell and may leak fluid into the retina. · Moderate non-proliferative retinopathy. As there is progression, there is also swelling and distortion of the blood vessels that bring nutrients to the cells of the retina. This loss in ability to transport blood causes a characteristic change in the appearance of the retina and can lead to DME. · Severe non-proliferative retinopathy- The progression leads to many more blood vessels being blocked, preventing blood from reaching certain areas of the retina.
These specific areas compensate for this by secreting compounds known as growth factors that stimulate the retina to grow new blood vessels. · Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)- At this stage, the growth factors secreted by the retina triggers the growth and multiplication of new blood vessels, which grow along the inside surface of the retina and into the vitreous gel, which is the fluid that fills the eye and gives it its shape. These new blood vessels are very fragile, and are more likely to break and bleed. Scar tissue that has developed can contract and cause retinal detachment. This leads to permanent vision loss. What is Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)? DME occurs when there is a build-up of fluid in a part of the retina known as the macula. What makes the macula so important is the fact that it is necessary for the sharp, straight-ahead vision that is used for reading, facial recognition and driving. A little known fact is that DME is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetic retinopathy. Also, approximately half of all people with diabetic retinopathy will develop DME. It also occurs at any stage but is more prominent in the latter stages. What are the risk factors? · Diagnosis of either type1 or 2 diabetes. · Diagnosis of diabetes at an earlier age · Females are at a higher risk than men · Age 40 and above · Obesity · Hypertension · Pregnancy What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and D M E ? The early stages of diabetic retinopathy are usually asymptomatic, notwithstanding symptoms of diabetes and some small amount of blurred vision that occurs on and off and is often confused as being normal eye shifts. The illness usually gets worse and is not noticed until vision is constantly affected. Due to bleeding of the retinal vessels, persons may complain of seeing numerous floating spots in their visual fields. These may dissipate but if not treated there is always a recurrence, thus increasing the risk of blindness. If DME simultaneously occurs, it can lead to blurred vision. How are diabetic retinopathy and DME detected? The diagnosis of these
two diseases must actually be done using a comprehensive dilated eye exam that includes each of the following components: 1. Visual acuity testingWe all know this as the eye chart test that measures how well a person sees at different distances. 2. Tonometry- This test is done to measure the pressure inside of the eye. 3. Pupil dilation- When a specific type of drop is placed on the eye’s surface, it causes the pupils to widen, thus allowing a doctor to look at the retina and the optic nerve. 4. Optical coherence tomography (OCT)- As complex as the name sounds, the technique used is very similar to ultrasound but uses light waves instead of sound to capture images of body tissue. OCT helps to provide detailed images of tissues that can be penetrated by light, such as the eye. If there are suspicions of DME or severe diabetic retinopathy, a fluorescein angiogram may be done to ascertain the presence of damaged or leaky blood vessels. How can people with diabetes protect their vision? Prevention is always better than cure, especially when the damages are irreversible as in the case of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy. It is important to detect the disease early so as to treat it early and because the early stages are so asymptomatic, everyone with diabetes should be screened or get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once yearly. Of course, people diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy will need eye exams more frequently. Also, pregnant women with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible. How is DME treated? DME can be treated using several different therapies. These could be used solely or in conjunction with each other. · Anti-VEGF Injection Therapy- These Anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the vitreous gel to block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which can stimulate abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak fluid. Thus by blocking VEGF, the growth of abnormal vessels could be reversed. Some of these include Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea · Focal/grid macular laser surgery- In this form of surgery, just a few to hundreds of small laser burns are made to leaking blood vessels in areas where there is edema near the center of the macula.
Sunday January 13, 2019
Embracing sports as a 'labour of love'…
Dr. Karen Pilgrim A.A. ... From page 22 hand, Karen sought the assistance of grandmother Margarita, who helped her move forward with the application for a government scholarship. After completing her 'A' Level examinations, the blossoming Karen was on her way to the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, United States, to pursue studies in Ve t e r i n a r y M e d i c i n e , compliments of the Guyana government. Understandably, after completing her studies and being outfitted with the title of Veterinary Doctor, she was required to return home to serve her country. It was, however, required of all newly-trained Vets to gain exposure to the local veterinary situation before they were officially assigned. This meant spending one month at the Veterinary Lab at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, gaining practical knowledge, then some additional time at a livestock farm which was situated in the same community. She was mandated to spend some time at the Guyana Zoo, too, in preparation for what she believed would become a lifetime commitment – veterinary medicine. On completion of her rotations, Karen was given a single veterinary medicine assignment which saw her travelling to Rupununi in the North West District, which made her embrace her chosen profession even more. She didn't share details of the assignment, but did intimate that it was her desire to be posted there after that visit. However, this was not to be, much to her dismay. Instead, Karen was placed in charge of the Wildlife Division, under the Ministry of Agriculture, which she recalled, at the time, only existed on paper. “We'd had a Wildlife Export Trade in Guyana at least from the 1950s, if not earlier…Guyana had become a member of the International Wildlife Treaty [CITES] which required specific documentation, so when I came back home in 1985 after studying, there was just one lady, who had to be a miracle worker, because she was handling all the paperwork by hand; no computers yet,” Karen recalled. “She was handling it all
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by hand on massive pieces of lined papers that she stuck together. I don't know how she did it?” Karen reflected, as she recounted being tasked with heading this very obscure division. Although she saw this task as a challenge in the beginning, Karen remained in that position for more than a decade - 13 years to be precise. It was during her appointment there too that she became a mother to her son Damien, who she gave birth to in 1988. What she didn't know is that it would be this addition to her life that would help to create a path that she hadn't remotely envisaged for herself. ANOTHER WORLD When Damien was just about 10 years old, Karen recalled him sharing his desire to learn to swim. She learnt of national swimming coach Stephanie Fraser and Joanne Lowe, who were offering swimming lessons to the public in the Russian Embassy pool. “I took him there and he learnt to swim, and I thought that was that,” Karen related as she reminisced on her own swimming lessons back in the day. She was still at school in Jamaica when she too wanted to learn to swim, which saw her parents enrolling her for classes through the YMCA, during which time she was exposed to the basics of swimming within a six-week period. “I could save myself; I could swim from one end of the pool to the other and I was even able to represent my house at school, but I certainly wasn't heading for the Olympics,” joked Karen. But her son's fascination was beyond any of Karen's basic achievements. In fact she recalled that even after writing Common Entrance and moving on to a secondary level school, her son's passion for swimming remained evident. “All I knew he had some friends who liked swimming and he said he wanted to continue swimming, and so a friend of mine with a son just a little younger, would take her son to swim at the Castellani Pool and, happily for me, I was halfway between Castellani and where she lived, and so she would pick up Damien and take him to the pool too,” Karen recounted. In fact she confessed, “I
knew absolutely nothing about the structure of sports in Guyana, and I had no idea that my son was then in a Club, I thought he was just continuing swimming lessons. I guess I was a really bad parent; I never went, I just gave my friend the monthly fee and she would bring back the receipt when she brought him home and I thought that was that.” However, there came a time that Karen had to become more involved in
recalled being bewildered when asked by an official of the Club if she would accept a position, since elections were about to be held. Karen hadn't tried to find out much about the Club, but was told the elections were set for a Sunday in July 2001 - which she remembers vividly as the Father's Day of that year. “I was made to understand the elections were for this Club which had a structure… a president and vice president and so on, but I said no, I was not interested in having a position,” Karen recalled. After all she had big plans for the day of the elections and was not about to change them, not for a Club she hadn't cared that much for. But to her surprise, by the end of the day she
government position, thereby dedicating more of her energies to the sports fraternity, although it was all on a voluntary basis. “There are very, very few paid sport positions in Guyana at any level,” she said, as she recalled representing both Dorado and GASA at national high-level meetings, even at the level of the Olympic Association.
volunteering time and effort to be included in something that she had little knowledge of. “I really was lost, because I knew nothing about the structure of sports…” Karen reiterated, as she recalled how her involvement saw her eventually being able to embrace sports from a more informed perspective. A l t h o u g h t h e membership of the Association started to dwindle at one point, Karen recalled that its relevance was retained mainly because of the efforts of the coaches, led by Vibert Charles, who would coordinate many swimming competitions. The Association had held no elections for quite a few years, although a move in
ANTI-DOPING FORTE Understandably, by 2008 Karen was voted one of the three Vice Presidents of the national Olympic Association, yet another unpaid position which she nevertheless held with absolute vigour and vitality. It might have been these distinct qualities that saw her, along with Charles
this direction was very much warranted. It was eventually realized after an audit of its finances was conducted. Karen was elected its Secretary. “I really had to learn about swimming…I don't think it is possible to be Secretary in any sports organisation and not learn everything there is to know, because the key roles, in my opinion, are the President and the Secretary. Those two persons need to be in contact almost daily,” Karen said, as she remembered attending many training programmes which helped to further enhance her knowledge of the sport. She remained secretary for about six years and a couple of elections later was elected Vice President [ Te c h n i c a l ] o f t h e Association. As she yearned to learn more about the sport, more opportunities presented themselves, even allowing for local swimmers to participate at international meets. So intrigued was Karen with her newfound passion that she resigned her
C o r b i n , a n o t h e r Vi c e President, being exposed to training as Doping Control Officers, which could easily be deemed her most important role in the sports fraternity to date. Crucial among her roles since being so appointed has been the education of not only athletes and sports officials, but parents as well, about the importance of antidoping in sports. In her Doping Control capacity, she is also tasked with testing local athletes at all levels. In fact, the highly sensitive international training that she was exposed to for this portfolio has made her competent enough to test athletes from just about anywhere in the world. “As Doping Control Officers, our work is very confidential,” Karen underscored, as she reminisced on the path she has trodden over the years to be recognized as one of Guyana's most outstanding sports officials, for which she is today bestowed with the title of our 'Special Person'.
In the company of like-minded officials.
Flanked by two of Guyana's most outstanding athletes, Aliann Pompey and Cleveland Forde. her son's extracurricular activities, owing to the migration of her everdependable friend. “I started to take him to swimming, but even then I wasn't thinking any further than what I was seeing, which was, it was the same Stephanie Fraser who had taught him to swim, continuing swimming lessons,” Karen disclosed. It wasn't until July 2001 that Karen learnt that her son was involved in much more than mere swimming lessons. He was a member of the Dorado Speed Swim Club, which was seeking her involvement too. She
received a call informing her that she was elected the Secretary of the very Club. Baffled that she was elected in absentia, Karen recalled questioning, “How could I be elected Secretary of the Club when I wasn't even there?” In fact she recalled being told that as Secretary of the Club she would be required to attend GASA meetings to which she responded, “What is GASA?” GASA, she learnt, was the acronym for the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association. She decided to take up the challenge, though reluctantly. This meant her
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Asylum Denials and Decisions Jump in 2018 By Attorney Gail S. Seeram
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iscal year (FY) 2018 broke records for the number of decisions (42,224) by immigration judges granting or denying asylum. Denials grew faster than grants, pushing denial rates up as well. The 42,224 decisions represented a 40 percent jump from decisions during FY 2017, and an 89
percent increase over the number of asylum decisions of two years ago. In the past year, 65% of cases received asylum denials. This is the sixth year in a row that denial rates have risen. Six years ago the denial rate was just 42.0 percent. WHAT DO IMMIGRATION COURT ASYLUM GRANT AND DENIAL RATES
REALLY MEAN? Immigration judges' decisions on asylum applications are not necessarily the same as the outcome of each case. A asylum denial does not automatically result in a deportation order. The individual could have qualified for some other form of relief, or was otherwise found by the immigration judge to not be
deportable and was accordingly allowed to remain in the country. Currently the government does not publish or provide public access to data that would allow complete tracking of the final outcome from all asylum cases. This occurs in part because multiple agencies are involved, often with separate tracking systems. Only a partial portrait is
Dual Citizenship: A problem that has... From page 40 want to come back and help develop Guyana. However, there must be defined lines. Charrandass Persaud's vote has exposed weaknesses in our systems. I would hate to think of an MP who has committed a wrong, taking millions in bribes and then suddenly calling up their embassies here for protection to get them out of Guyana, because of perceived fear for life. On the other hand, if what the Government is reported to be upset about is true, then we have a right to
protest the Canadians. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 is an international treaty that defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries. It spells out how embassies and diplomats have to behave. We have issued them recognition when they come here. As such, we do have a legitimate right to expect respect. Did the Canadian High Commission breach protocols by not informing Government that it was
offering protection to MP Persaud, as is required? Did a diplomat breach local security procedures by accompanying Persaud through restricted areas of the Ogle airport? Whatever the answers are, whether through the courts or otherwise, the issue of dual citizenship has to be resolved at the earliest. I believe that a local arrangement outside of courts can be reached, as there are bright MPs in the House who holds two passports. Do we kick them to the curb?
therefore available from Immigration Court data. The situation is particularly confusing for unaccompanied children from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and other countries that do not directly border this country. While the Immigration Court generally has jurisdiction over their cases, their actual applications for asylum are typically submitted directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If asylum officers at USCIS determine they are entitled to asylum, the Immigration Court will use the USCIS decision as a basis for closing the child's case. However, the decision to allow them to remain in the country will not be recorded as a grant of asylum in the court's records. This is because court records only separately track asylum decisions made by immigration judges. The outcome for asylum seekers continued to depend on the identity of the
Gail S. Seeram immigration judge assigned to hear the case. The San Francisco Immigration Court led the country in having the widest disparity among judges serving on the same court. Depending upon the judge, denial rates ranged from 97 percent down to 10 percent. Attorney Gail Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA call | text | whatsApp 407-292-7730 e m a i l : Gail@GailLaw.com l i v e c h a t : www.GailLaw.com Download FREE App: Gail Law Copyright Š Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2019. All Rights Reserved.
Sunday January 13, 2019
Bandits badly beaten after robbery spree at Parika
Photo Credit: Asheana Dookram
T
his man was badly beaten by residents of Parika, East Bank Demerara after he and others allegedly went to steal gas from a resident in the area Friday
evening. Though information is still sketchy, a senior police officer said that a report was received that the men went to steal fuel. One of them was caught and “assaulted.” The injured man was transported to the hospital where he was treated and discharged. He, along with another suspect, who was caught yesterday are in custody assisting with investigations. In a post on social media, an individual described the suspects as “heartless people” adding that they are the ones who break into homes and rob and kill. The individual also alerted residents to be vigilant since there are thieves in the village.
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Annandale hit-and-run…
Parents struggle to cope with son crippled after accident
A
n Annandale, East Coast Demerara family is struggling to care for their teenage son, who was crippled in a hit-and-run accident which occurred last December. Zahida Hussain and her husband, Yacoob Shaw, told Kaieteur News that ever since the accident, their son, Reaz Shaw, has shown small signs of improvement. “He showed a little improvement. He is now moving his hands and foot
and squeezing the (therapy) ball that he get from the hospital but besides that, we have to do everything for him; feed him, bathe him everything,” the lad's mother related. The accident occurred on December 9, 2018. Shaw and his friend, 15-year-old, Karcchan Khemraj were reportedly heading home from a nearby shop on a pedal cycle, when a speeding white Toyota Hiace 'Pitbull' minibus struck them down from behind and continued
The Chinese supermarket reportedly owned by hit and run driver C. Wen
on its journey without stopping. The teens who sustained severe injuries were picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Khemraj died while receiving medical attention. Shaw, on the other hand, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the medical facility. The sixteenyear-old suffered severe brain damage as a result of the injuries sustained by the collision with the minibus.
The damaged minibus was later found covered under a tarpaulin at the back of a bakery owned by a Chinese woman in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. The windscreen was shattered, the number plates were missing, and the left side of the bus was damaged. The hit-and-run bus, which bears Registration number GWW 2140, is reportedly owned by Chinese national, C. Wen, who has a store at Lot 10 Vigilance, East Coast
Dead: Karcchan Khemraj Reaz Shaw before the accident Demerara. The Chinese is said to have fled the jurisdiction, but left counterparts, who have since offered to compensate the parents of the deceased
boy, with $1.9 M and $300,000 for funeral expenses. A sum, the family has so far rejected since they believe it is not acceptable, given their son's horrific death. They have been considering a much higher offer. The Shaw family has, nonetheless, not given much consideration to compensation of any sort. Their main focus, at this time, is ensuring their son's wellbeing. In fact, the family has not spoken to any of the parties involved in the accident on the subject. “At this point we don't think we can accept any amount as compensation because we really don't know what our son's hospital (continued on page 56)
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Witches, wizards Election agitation, and the sway of words and witch-hunters From page 35 order and safeguard our nation's stability and peace. It is not a period of showmanship and 'digging down,' for the political forces still have to meet, talk and work together. The elected Executive is responsible for the day-today administration of the State. Implicit in the extant clauses is that Government and Parliament will continue to operate because both are tasked activities to ensure the smooth functioning of society.” President Granger has never rejected the confidence vote. As a matter of fact, he has committed the Coalition to engage GECOM, with Amna Ally identified as its collaborator on the matter and Gail Teixeira, the Opposition's representative. This commitment was made against the backdrop of government making known its legitimate option to recourse through the court on the confidence vote. According to Guyana Chronicle's breaking story, 9th January 2019, pertaining to information about the Coalition and Opposition meeting, “The President noted too that the two sides agreed that GECOM will continue to be engaged to ensure elections are held when that body is able to undertake same.” If it is to be agreed, based on the evidence - date and timeline - presented here that the GTUC and yours truly is part of the group supporting, aiding (willingly or not) or engaging in a “social coup d'état” through alleged acts of “gaslighting the nation,” then President Granger and PM Nagamootoo are equally culpable. In a synopsis, these men are on record accepting the vote, the process and result the PM summed up as “that is how democracy works,” and the President said his administration “will
abide by the stipulations which have been imposed on it.” The act of looking to scapegoat some to justify any position is reckless, dangerous and divisive. They who are accusing others must first check whether they aren't part of “the effort of gaslighting the nation.” I'm not a man known to easily fear, but I'm beginning to fear some of them. But I fear them not for myself, I fear for my country and the potential of reckless, destructive words, since there is no exercise of control, no limit, no effort. Some prove to be no better than those they condemn and blame for the social, cultural, economic and political problems in society. They demonstrate the same pride in labelling and demonising others they perceive as enemy or not toeing the line they draw. It matters not to them if that line violates human decency, truth and universally acceptable tenets. They are engaging in reckless posting, not for want of higher learning, but driven by an agenda devoid of reason - something sinister. If some of them were to handle the reins of power, you'll have to fear them the same way. Though advised by many, whose views I respect, not to elevate these people by responding to them, remaining silent, thinking some of them will go away with rational engagement or if they are ignored, or demonstrate a higher degree of integrity with time, appears not to be in their line of interest. They have to be publicly called out, for they persist in distorting events, even where evidence to the contrary is readily available. They are operating like witch hunters, seeing witches in every nook and cranny, and enjoying their witch-hunt.
From page 34 shaped the outcome. Nevertheless, sharp disagreements still barb the process, and the higher courts of our land are preparing for landmark hearings, quite probably pulling the Caribbean Court of Justice into the fray. When they do, words will pour voluminously from learned lips, and filter down to us, laymen and women looking on and listening up. They will no doubt be echoed on the streets. They will appease some and roil others. But with the tradition of rumour and the
relatively new phenomenon of fake news, they can do much more than placate or provoke anger. So much is at stake here, including the very purport of our constitution and nationhood. The constitution is a document of words, but those words may also carry a 'spirit' just as they can connote more than literal meanings. Remember 'fit and proper'? Time will tell. My opinion is that general elections will be delayed well past the March 21 date being pursued by the
opposition, which is already dissatisfied with what is seen as the government's business-as-usual tenor. Discontent can swiftly degenerate to dangerous levels of agitation and … you can let history and your imagination complete the thought. I am cautiously optimistic about what will happen in our country over the next 18 months or so. My betting days are over, but if they weren't, I would probably go with one of those 'C' words I mentioned earlier - compromise. It helps tone down the arrogance of
the winner, and diminishes the anguish of the loser. It allows reason and common sense to triumph over selfishness, tribalism, and one-upmanship. It's the word for this season.
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Sunday January 13, 2019
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure should do better
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has the responsibility to build and maintain roads, wharfs, street and other infrastructure throughout Guyana. The Ministry has been doing that throughout the country. However the quality of the work is another matter. This street in 39 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice was recently rebuilt by the Ministry's works team in Berbice at the cost of millions of dollars. However the work as can be seen was badly done. The sides of the street are higher than the middle, so the water has nowhere to go in case of rain fall. This in effect will
undermine the middle of the road. Another problem is that whilst the middle was done with asphalt the corners appear to have been done with tar and brick. Added to that, there are concrete drains on both sides of the street and the sides are higher than the middle. The question is how any water that is caught on the street will be taken off. The Government of Guyana has been saying to residents that they must assist in overseeing the standard of the work being done in their areas. However residents said they had objected repeatedly about the substandard work being done to no avail.
Parents struggle to cope... From page 54 bill will come up to or whether he will need to travel overseas to get further help. We don't know if he will ever be the same as he was before,” the parents said. Before he met his demise, the teenager attended the Annandale All Age School. He was studying to be a mechanic. The Shaws have three other children; Reaz is the youngest of the clan. So far, the family has expended a considerable amount of cash caring for the lad in his partially vegetative state. When this publication visited their home, Shaw's parents related that almost every week, the household spends thousands of dollars on disposable pampers and other materials to care for the ailing boy. “It is not easy caring for him in this condition. I work in agriculture and I does have to leave my work sometimes to help my wife to tend to him, especially like if he needs to go to the hospital for checkups or therapy. So I am not working like I used to before.” “Just last week I took him to the hospital. We got to pay special transportation to take him to Georgetown Hospital.” M r. S h a w t o l d t h i s publication that family and friends have been reaching out a helping hand. “We have not been left unassisted by family and
friends. In whatever little way they can, they have been helping us out with pampers, wipes and any li'l change they can offer.” At this point, the Shaws are unsure whether any form of justice will be meted out for their son and his friend. “We have been checking with the police. We believe that they have been working but they said that they cannot really help us because the suspect has fled the country to somewhere in Suriname. “We really don't know how they will capture him because even the witnesses or people who said they see what happen, stop talking about it now.” Meanwhile, the police have made no arrests in relation to the accident. They have not even issued wanted bulletins for the hit-and-run driver although he has been identified. Traffic Chief, Linden Isles, had however said that police are making diligent efforts to locate him. Recently, Isles was unable to provide any information as it regards to the accident. “I will need to speak to my officer on that before I can provide with any information on it.” P E R S O N S DESIROUROUS OF ASSISTING THE SHAW FAMILY IN ANY REGARD CAN CONTACT THEM ON TELEPHONE NUMBERS 220-9189/664-2056
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Youth will be represented on sovereign wealth fund committee – Energy Dept Head
A
midst contentions that youth are be ing tokenized and sidelined in a polarized political environment, youth groups and advocates would be pleased to know that there will be representation for youth on the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF)’s Public Accountability and Oversight Committee. This is according to Dr. Mark Bynoe, Director for the Department of Energy, who was part of a panel, fielding questions about the role youth could play in Guyana’s emerging oil sector. This interactive session was held at the Umana Yana, yesterday. Bynoe told the young people gathered at the event that Guyana’s situation is unprecedented, as the country is slated to start producing oil in 2020, even though the first discovery was only made in 2015. No other country has started production in such a short span of time. He said that Guyana estimates some US$300M in revenue from the first production year alone.
He stated that some benefit streams for Guyanese as a result of the development of this sector include royalties, the withholding of taxes, job creation, increased investor confidence in the local economy, and improved infrastructure. He said that the Sovereign Wealth Fund was established to ensure that the profits made from the oil and gas sector are tailored through the best channels for effective management. Responding to questions about how youth could benefit from and be actively involved in the development of the oil and gas sector, Dr. Bynoe said that youth are important to t h e c o u n t r y ’s d e v e l o p ment, and will be getting representation on the committee to ensure their interests are well catered for. “It’s not a development fund, but it will help to protect where those resources are going. The committee that will manage that fund is a broadbased committee. So [youths] have a stake, therein.” According to the Natural Resource Fund bill, which
From Left Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael-Haynes; Energy Department Director Dr. Mark Bynoe; Environmental Policy and Education coordinator, Alvin Doris; and Matthew Wilkes, Technical Specialist Mentor Energy Department was passed recently, the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee is to be established. It will monitor and evaluate the compliance of the Government and other relevant persons with the provisions of the Act, whether the Fund has been managed
in accordance with the principles of transparency, good governance and international best practices, providing independent assessment of the management of the Fund and utilisation of withdrawals from the Fund; and facilitating public consultations on the management of the Fund
and utilisation of withdrawals from the Fund. The fund also dictates that the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee shall consist of 22 members. Apart of this committee, the Bill states, the committee must have a nominee to represent youth nominated by a con-
sortium of civil-society organisations and community-based organisations which represent youth. Provisions are also made for nominees from other groups, as well, to ensure that oversight of the Bill does not fail to represent all sectors of society.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday January 13, 2019
All suspected cases of measles to be reported within 30 days -as efforts made to ramp-up tactical response – Health Ministry Guyana is not taking the threat of measles lightly. In fact, the Ministry has engaged a tactical response which targets some specific locales which are at greater threat. While Guyana has not recorded any case of measles it has been on alert given an outbreak of measles in neighbouring territory Venezuela which was first reported in 2018. Measles like any other vaccine preventable disease is a national notifiable condition and should be reported to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, within 24 hours of suspicion. According to Acting Maternal and Child Health [MCH] Officer, Dr. Oneka Scott, “The MCH unit is also prepared to give support
wherever needed.” However, all public and private physicians, medex and nurses are on the alert for the symptoms of the disease and have been advised that all suspected cases are to be investigated immediately and followed up for 30 days. Moreover, the Ministry has been proactive to guard against possible imported cases. In its deliberate efforts, the Ministry has been zeroing on five vulnerable areas including Barima/Waini (Region 1); Pomeroon/ Supenaam (Region Two); Cuyuni/Mazaruni Potaro/ Siparuni (Region Eight) and Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo (Region Nine). There are some 2,000 Venezuelan migrants currently living in these
areas. Recognising the possibility of imported cases as a real threat, the Ministry since April 2018 collaborated with its technical partner, the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/WHO], to craft a response plan to safeguard the population. The tactical response include mop-up and catch-up vaccination campaigns to target the vulnerable areas, the vaccination of health staff, armed forces, miners, teachers and tourism industry personnel. Efforts are also being made to educate public health staff across the country on signs and symptoms of measles, procurement of additional vaccines, syringes and cold storage equipment.
Further, the Ministry has engaged national coordination activities with the armed forces, immigration authorities, nongovernmental organisations [NGOs] and other international organisations as it moves to boost its countermeasures. Dr. Scott, said, “This response plan continues to include further preparation of local health facilities for the management of any suspected case of measles presenting with rash and fever and either cough, conjunctivitis or runny nose.” The Ministry is therefore reminding all mothers and parents to ensure that their children get their Measles, Mumps and Rubella [MMR] since the threat of measles is an ongoing one by virtue of
Dr. Oneka Scott, Maternal and Child Health [ag] it still being active in Venezuela. This, according to information out of the Ministry, has placed the health of children and others at great risk. But according to Dr. Scott, adults too must be safeguarded with vaccination. Recently PAHO/WHO’s representative in Jamaica, Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, urged health officials to be on the lookout for travellers afflicted with cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis since these are some symptoms of measles. Other symptoms include high fever, watery eye, and small white spots on the cheek. Ignoring the signs and symptoms can result in infection of middle ears which can lead to hearing loss, pneumonia [infection of lungs], diarrhoea leading to dehydration, inflammation of the brain leading to seizures, mental retardation, blindness and death. While measles is highly contagious, it is nevertheless a preventable disease and can be eliminated by vaccination, a WHO document explained. It said between 2000 and 2015 the global incidence of measles slumped by 75 percent, declining from 146 to 35 per million population. “In 2015 there were an estimated 134,200 measles deaths globally representing a 79 per cent decline since 2000,” the WHO position paper said. Eradication of measles is biologically, technically and operationally feasible by strengthening immunisation services, according to a WHO panel. The World Health Assembly [WHA], an arm of the global health body, has targeted measles elimination in at least five of the six WHO Regions by 2020. Measles occurs predominantly in areas with low vaccination rates, particularly in the developing world. Guyana’s vaccination
rate is some 95 percent which explains why the disease is absent among nationals in all 10 Regions of the country. The WHO Global Vaccine Action Plan for 2012–2020 has established the target of measles and rubella elimination in at least five WHO Regions by 2020 and has in fact established goals to eliminate measles wherever possible even before. The WHO defines elimination as the absence of endemic measles transmission in a defined geographical area, in this case all countries in a WHO Region, for up to 12 months in the presence of a wellperforming surveillance system. To confirm elimination, there are three essential criteria: interruption of endemic measles virus transmission for a period of at least 36 months from the last known endemic case in the presence of a high-quality surveillance system that is sensitive and specific enough to detect imported and import-related cases and genotyping evidence that support interruption. Guyana is geographically located in the Region of the Americas which achieved the elimination of endemic measles transmission in 2002. Like other countries in the Region, Guyana has withstood outbreaks for more than a decade and a half notwithstanding challenges in other parts of the world. The elimination of measles brings additional benefits through strengthening health systems and better delivery of other vaccines including rubella. “Measles will tell us quickly if we are off track, direct our efforts towards elimination and confirm our arrival if we allow its epidemiology to be our teacher,” an online article advises.
Sunday January 13, 2019
Oil, Environmental Education curricula to be developed...
Director of Energy Department, Mark Bynoe From page 16 “That is very important because if we’re going to develop a green state, then every citizens of this country must have an appreciation for things green, things environmental. Fortunately, I was allowed to advance that vision.” “Currently, we are in what I call Environment in Education mainstreaming. We have begun work with NCERD and the Ministry of Education.” This publication understands that curriculum reform has already begun at the Department of the Environment. “ We h a v e a n i n t e ragency working group dedicated to the revision of curriculum guides for grades 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. As a nation, we must ensure that there is environmental education that speaks to principle concepts of environment as enshrined by the multilateral environmental agreements to which Guyana is party. Doris referred to the Rio Conventions on Biodiversity, which includes the UN convention on Biodiversity, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the UN Convention to Combat De-
sertification. “These are principle conventions and we know them as the Rio Convention. There is currently a project called the Rio Mainstreaming Project. So, there is, at the Department of Environment, a project that is focused on the mainstreaming of the Rio Conventions in the education system, through the implementation of an Environmental Information Management and Monitoring System (EIMMS).” Doris said that the department of environment is heavily invested in education. Future developments, he posited, are intended to reach formal and informal settings, as well as persons of all education levels. “Aside from that curriculum reform process, there has commenced a programme that will see the development of a syllabus for post-secondary institutions, like technical institutes in the country, to ensure that there is sharing of the environmental information. The department of Environment, he stated, intends for Guyana’s youth to have a keen understanding of the country’s Green State Development Strategy.
Enviromental Policy and Education Coordinator, Alvin Dorris
Kaieteur News
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STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Use the ISO 50001 standard to manage energy within your organisations An energy management system helps organisations to better manage their energy use, and it has a significant impact on improving productivity. Usually, the establishment of an energy management system involves developing and implementing an energy policy, setting achievable targets for energy use and designing action plans to reach them and measure progress. This may result in the implementation of new and more efficient technologies to reduce energy waste or improve current processes to cut energy costs. The ISO 50001 is an international energy management standard, which gives organisations a recognised framework for developing an effective energy management
system. This standard follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act process of continual improvement.As it relates to benefits, the ISO 50001 is designed to help organisations improve their performance through making better use of energy intensive assets. Improved energy performance can provide rapid benefits for organisations by maximising their use of energy sources and energy related assets; reducing both cost and consumption. Today, the ISO 50001 standard is used by large and small organisations all over the world and can be adopted and implemented as a pillar for energy management by many of our local corporations to reduce their environmental impact, enhance their reputation and to improve competitiveness.
Brazil says it recognizes Venezuelan opposition leader as president SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil’s government yesterday issued a statement saying it recognized Venezuela’s Congressional leader, who opposes President Nicolas Maduro, as the rightful president of Venezuela. Maduro, who started a second term as president this week, has found himself increasingly isolated as countries around the world have called his continued leadership illegitimate. Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela’s opposition-led Congress, said this week he was prepared to assume the country’s presidency on an interim basis and call elections.
Further, certification to this international standard can help to enhance an organisation’s energy management capabilities to its stakeholders and customers. However, to certify or not is a decision to be taken by the organisation, unless imposed by regulations. The recently revised ISO 50001 standard includes a range of crucial aspects such as management responsibility and representation, energy policy, energy planning, implementation and operation of the system, checking and record control. Further, the standard addresses non-conformities, corrective and preventative actions.As we commit towards building a greener economy, every organisation in Guyana can make its contribution by establishing an energy management system, which is in alignment with international best practices. Implementation of the ISO 50001 is one of the ays to start. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as part of its Business Support Services can provide technical guidance and support to any organisation desirous of implementing this standard. For further information, please call the GNBS on 2190066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
Sunday January 13, 2019
Police den y prison deny commissioner dead
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) yesterday described as “false news” reports being circulated on the social media that the Commissioner of Prisons, Gerard Wilson, had been killed. “The TTPS wishes to assure that the Commissioner of Prisons is at this time alive and unharmed. The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service has also stated that there is no truth whatsoever to this rumour,” the police said in a statement. The TTPS would it wanted to take this opportunity to once again caution the public
against using social media to “spread false news and misinformation that may lead to needless panic and anxiety”. Early last week, Wilson met with seven inmates who rushed to the aid of 11 prison officers who came under attack at the Golden Grove Prison, east of here. The prisoners had become irate after learning that their cells were being searched in their absence. The men caused a commotion and challenged the prison officers who were guarding them, and even attacked a few. Wilson thanked the men for aiding his officers, and he
Gerard Wilson said their actions would be noted and presented for consideration when their respective matters conclude.
Documents indicate Irfaan Ali... From page 12 University of West Indies. This was 2001. Ali also has a one year post graduate diploma for the All India Institute of Management Studies which he secured in 2002. The former Minister has another certificate from Himachal Pradesh University and National Institute of Rural Development. There are at least three other certificates. When contacted yesterday, Ali refused to speak specifically to the mix up surrounding the dates of his certificates or whether he presented fake documents to gain access to the Indian University to read for the master’s.
Instead, Ali said that he would not dignify the “smear campaign” with responses. He said, “I have noted a contrived, concerted campaign to discredit and misrepresent my academic credentials. I have never presented any inaccurate academic achievements. “I will not give credence to such organized slander to discredit my wide-ranging academic progress by responding to every single element of the mischievous information being peddled and which objective is to undermine my effort to serve as the PPP Presidential Candidate. “Certificates reflecting my diplomas and degrees are al-
ready in the public domain for scrutiny. Further, I am awaiting additional official transcripts from institutions I have completed studies which I will have no hesitation in making public too. I will not be deterred nor intimidated.” Nevertheless, despite not wanting to speak about the first degree and master’s, Ali spoke about the PhD that he said he is about to secure. He said, “I have submitted my PhD dissertation for examination on the topic: “Design and Development of an Integrated Land Management Model in Guyana” since September 2018.I am currently awaiting the result of the PhD dissertation evaluation.”
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
PAT DIAL NEW YEAR PROSPECTS
The world has just entered the New Year 2019. Consumer advocates have always welcomed the New Year as presenting the opportunity for a better life, not only by correcting the mistakes of the past year but also by being creative in the New Year. At the end of last year, Parliament on the basis of a no-confidence vote, decided in effect, to have national elections earlier by almost two years. These national elections are scheduled to be held in the first quarter of the year. The Guyanese electorate has shown a great deal of maturity; they are not becoming excited or excitable with the approach of national elections as used to be the case even ten years ago. And it seems that all the stakeholders, though concerned and involved, seem to be quite calm as obtains in developed countries in similar circumstances. On the other hand, the no-confidence vote is being challenged by the governmental parties and if the grounds are found to be valid, then the situation would be regarded as having returned to the status quo and there would be no new elections. The populace looks forward to Constitutional Reform which will enable all political parties represented in Parliament to participation in government so as to bring about greater political cohesion resulting in greater national unity. Guyana in 2019 will then be on the road to closer social and political unity and a happier country. The Economy has again begun to grow and the inter-
national financial institutions have predicted growth to a respectable 5.5%. There would be more employment and greater involvement of young people in small industries. Many new opportunities for acquiring new skills by young people have already been presented and it is expected that they would begin to take advantage of these opportunities. The ICT culture has been intensified by giving laptops to school teachers and by the extension of computer teaching in the school system and by the establishment of hubs countrywide. These measures have laid the foundation of an ICT revolution. An ICT revolution would have far- reaching effects on the economic prosperity of Guyana and bringing the country into the modern world. The Health System had shown improvement in 2018. It is expected that the same tempo of progress will be made in 2019. The methods of acquiring drugs for the Health Service have been improved and shortages are rare. New surgical operations were being performed and the complement of doctors is adequate. The Guyana Health Services compare very favourably with those of most developing countries. The Education System will continue to improve in 2019. The intake of the Teachers’ Training College has been growing and there has been curriculum reform so that Guyana’s schools could keep abreast with the best in the Caribbean. School buildings have been kept in good repair
and every effort is made to have all schools fully equipped. One notable reform has been the introduction of the teaching of Amerindian languages in some schools in the predominantly Amerindian districts. A Commission of Inquiry into the Georgetown Municipality had been appointed under the chairmanship of a distinguished retired judge. Over many years now, the City of Georgetown had been declining in every way - in its physical environment, in its drainage, in its administration, in its accountability. It had earned the reputation of being one of the worst managed cities in the world. The Justice Kennard Commission which Government had appointed was meant to provide an agenda for the renewal of the City and it is expected that in 2019 the reforms will commence in earnest. It is hoped the City Council would be able to enlist the talents and advice of able citizens in this movement to renew the City. Resuscitation of the Friends of Georgetown Committee would help in this regard. There have been attempts to produce a national cultural policy and the statements of Ministers of Government and officials have invariably pointed to the need for a plural national cultural policy. It is hoped that in 2019 a comprehensive national cultural policy would be adumbrated. Most progressive countries have moved away from having one over-riding culture in the nation; the current wisdom is that a plural cul-
tural policy results in a richer national culture and greater national unity.The GuyanaVenezuela border controversy had made some progress towards a solution in 2018 when Guyana referred the matter to the International Court of Justice. Venezuela has however
refused to participate in the Court though referral to the ICJ was part of the Good Offices Agreement which had been made shortly after Guyana became Independent. The recent threat by the Venezuelan navy to the Exxoncontracted ship working in Guyana’s territorial waters
evoked the United States affirming Guyana’s sovereignty over its territorial seas and the CARICOM countries reiterating their support for Guyana. It is expected that in 2019 the matter would make further progress towards a solution. The prospects for 2019 are optimistic.
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Sunday January 13, 2019
Kaieteur News
Montrose...
FOR RENT
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158 The #1 Guyanese artist on canvas in history. Don’t believe it? www.paintingsron.com Need a Land surveyor, we do surveys for: Boundaries, Leases, Engineering, Cadastral topo etc. Call: 6622677
FOR SALE 1 Double Steel Wheel Roller, 1-9 Wheel Pneumatic roller, 2 Bitumen Kettle, 1- 3304 Di CAT engine. Tel#275-0367/ 683-7225 1-CAT 215 Excavator, 1 CAT 428 Backhoe, 1 Mack concrete mixer 8 Cu yds, 1 450 Honda Atv. Call: 275-0367/683-7225 Black German Shepherd pups, Riumzeight Gardens WCD. #269-0671/688-1656 1 (250KVA) generator power by NT55 Cummings. Contact #269-0603/609-2350/644-1190 1 male 3 month old German Shepherd, Imported from Brazil #664-4666 Used imported glass showcase L72" x H39" x W24" 40,000 each. Tel#625-1514 One crash Toyota Rush. Call 623-0303 USED PARTS FOR 320/324 CATERPILLAR MACHINE. CONTACT 223-5273/74 Sale on leotards and tights. Unbelievably low prices. Roxie’s Fashion 301 Church & Thomas Streets. 622-4386 LAND FOR SALE
TAXI SERVICE
Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109
GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225- 9 Acres rice land Harmony Hall, Mahaicony. East Coast 7878 (24HRS) Demerara. Contact: Ray’s Realty 627-9685 Schoon Ord $4M Dairy $3.5M & $2.2M Parfaite $1.6M Farm $3.5M & $3M 648-1635, 6511969 (1) Fenced land Parfaite Harmony - $2M. Uitvlugt One 2011 Toyota Prado $2.5M Neg. Zeelugt $1.5M Landcruiser in immaculate Neg. Zeelugt $2.3M Neg. Tel: 697-6311/642-1252 condition. Tel: 656-7554 VEHICLE FOR SALE
Toyota Rav4 white 2.5M. Toyota carina wagon 700 thousand. Telephone 6832721
(1) Bedroom furnished apartment in Charlestown, monthly $70,000. Short & Long term. #225-1418/6011585 3 bedroom house ,2 living rooms, partially furnished, 3 bedroom apartment ECD. Contact #695-6550/656-9313 1 semi furnished room within a house #227-3825 PROPERTY FOR SALE House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc. Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 6878445 Transport property for sale, BB Eccles, EBD. Call: 616-9490 Transported property in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp Street. Tel#655-3332 Opposite Guyoil Gas Station
WANTED
6 bedrooms house on transported double-lot, all amentities, private yard/ parking. Located in Georgetown. Call: 6603415,609-7766 House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657 Comfortable 3 bedroom home, Big yard space, Melanie ECD, just off public road. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685
EDUCATION Private Customs Brokerage Certificate Training Course, starts this month end, Register now. Call: 694-8322/501-6931. Job Opportunity Available
One Building (4) Apartment for sale, First street, Mon Repos ECD. Call # 203-8505235/602-4105
VACANCY
Wanted experienced hire car drivers at Ramada Princess Hotel. Contact #616-5419/2657075
General Domestic with cooking experience for East Bank. #614-4358
One Mechanic to work in the interior must know about Cummins engine. Contact #699-4718
1) Doosan Mechanic must specialize in Doosan Parts 2) Receptionist to work @ Hotel 3) Land surveyor, must know to use GPS. Contact# 2235273/223-5274
Cooks, Apply @ Shanta’s- 225 Camp St Male and Female for the interior $80,000 monthly. Tel#674-1767 General domestic with cooking experience. Ages 3050. East Bank area preferable. Call 616-6988 1 Live in or part time maid. 6955505/611-6364. Between 9:00am to 4:00pm Seamstress to sew school clothes. Sales rep. (Urgently need a land in Parfaite Harmonie) 648-1635, 656-0701 We buy antique bronze picture frames, stamps, and coins. We buy land with foundation. 611-7223, 6560701 Seamstress & sewing machine operators. Apply to Roxie’s Fashion 301 Church & Thomas Streets. One professional tiler for bathroom & floor. One live in couple. Husband driving. Wife domestic. Tel: 227-1830
Large 3 bedrooms classic house in solid condition- all amenties, huge yard, security. Price negotiable, Versailles WBD. Call: 660-3415/609-7766
Property with exceptional yard space, Paradise East Coast Demerara. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685
HEALTH HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Chef, Assistant, Cook and night supervisor. Preferably carnegie trained. Call: 2257933/ visit 173 Sheriff Street Experienced cook, Apply to the Manager, Hermanston Lodge, Peter Rose & Lamaha St Trainee mechanic needed. Call: 623-0318 Seamstress & sewing machine operators. Apply to Roxie’s Fashion. 301 Church & Thomas Streets. Monday to Friday Cashiers - CXC required porters. Survival supermarket 16 Vlissengen Rd. Newtown 1 experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge. 1 General domestic (3 days work) Apply @ Keyfood McDoom with recommendation. Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 600-8457/683-8765 General Cleaner & Bond Clerk, must have police clearance, for more info call: 223-0090 Gardener/Handyman, Apply to the Manager, Hermanston Lodge, Peter Rose & Lamaha St
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Reliable Rentals: Top quality cars, SUV’s at very low rates. Call: 227-2322/601-2622 TO LET NEW HOUSE- unfurnished in Diamond, 4 bedrooms ( 2 selfcontained) 3 1/2 bathrooms. Call: 696-3915,668-9166,6669426
Urgent 1 male with cooking experience to work in multiple areas. Contact X’s Grill & Cuisine # 695-6550/656-9313 Experienced Cashier, Apply at American Variety Store. Guyana 140 Regent & Light Street, Bourda Georgetown 1 Fitter Machinist Contact# 225-2093 Cooks, Handyboys, Roti/Puri makers, Apply at Shanta’s 225 Camp St LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 6445166/691-2561 P. Outar and C. Persaud Driving School at Maraj Building. Call: 622-2872, 6150964, 681-2808
From page 20 Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown home, five teenagers were arrested and charged for his murder which occurred on May 12, 2016. They are Nikita Dover, Carl Chase, Andre Benjamin, Naomi Adams and Orin Anthony.According to reports, Mr. Mars, a remigrant from the United States of America, was found slumped in a chair in the study room of his home. The hands and feet of the 75-yearold man were bound together with duct-tape, while duct-tape was also wrapped around his mouth. Murder accused Orpheus Johnson is also listed to go on trial. Johnson was committed to stand trial for two counts of murder. He is accused of the April 22, 2015 murder ofAgricola, East Bank Demerara resident, Gladston George, who was gunned down while onboard a minibus.Reports indicate that George received two bullets to the head and died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Based on information published by the High Court, it appears as though Johnson will go on trial for the murder of 26-yearold Travis Rudder who was shot to death on June 21, 2015, as well as attempt to commit murder and discharging a loaded firearm with intent.Gunmen firing semi-automatic pistols through a bedroom window pumped 12 bullets into Rudder Sr., and a few more rounds into his wife and baby son, as they slept in the bedroom of their Lot 130 Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara home. By the time the gunmen's clips were empty, Rudder lay sprawled and lifeless on his bed; his 18-month old son, Travis Rudder Jr., badly wounded, with six gunshot wounds to the stomach and back, and Rudder's reputed wife, Mawanza Gill, bleeding from gunshot wounds to both legs.Former police sergeant, Leyon Lindo, is also scheduled to go on trial for the offence conspiracy to commit murder. Lindo, who is out on bail, is alleged to have conspired with Lennox Wayne, also known as 'Two Colours', between July 10 and July 18, 2018, to murder Mohamed Khan. The charge against Lindo stemmed from revelations made by whistleblower Wayne, who is currently on remand, awaiting trial for the 2014 murder of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara Cosmetologist, Ashmini Harriram. It was reported that Wayne provided police with a statement which said that he and the former police rank Lindo conspired to kill Khan.According to reports, Khan's dismembered body was discovered on a dam at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, on September 23, 2014. His skull, which was wrapped in a plastic bag, was located several feet from the body. Khan, 54, had escaped execution in July 2014 at La Grange, West Bank Demerara, when a gunman shot him in his abdomen shortly after he had returned to Guyana.
Sunday January 13, 2019
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Ramkarran’s party Private persons can take up oil refinery appoints steering – Dr. Mark Bynoe committee The Steering Committee of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) comprising Kian Jabour, Henry Jeffrey, Timothy Jonas, Ralph Ramkarran and Beni Sankar, met on Friday, to discuss the general political situation and ANUG’s policies and programmes. A release from the political party stated that the Party confirmed that the time has come for the people of Guyana to be offered another political choice that offers relief from a governance system that perpetuates the drive for ethnic domination, corruption and marginalization. “ANUG is determined to use whatever support that the people of Guyana are persuaded to entrust it with, to determinedly struggle to ensure that Guyana is freed from the obstacles which have obstructed its development as a country free from poverty, discrimination and corruption and where our resources are developed for the benefit of all.” According to the statement, ANUG is aware that the failure of third parties in the past to remain independent of the main political parties, and to be influenced by careerism and political office, has resulted in such third parties losing their identities and being absorbed in Guyana’s ethno-political struggles. That is why ANUG undertakes that unless it secures the majority or plurality and goes into government as a result, it will never join either of the main political parties to be a part of any government. It will instead use its influence and parliamentary representation to create a system of governance that offers the possibility of executive inclusiveness that operates in the interest of all Guyanese. ANUG offers to make this undertaking legally enforceable so that, if violated, it can be taken to court, the statement said. ANUG will have its official launch on Friday at 5.30 pm at Moray House, Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown.
Members of the private sector and the nation’s youths took the opportunity to raise a burning concern about Guyana developing an oil refinery, at an event which was hosted by the Department of Energy. The event which was held yesterday at the Umana Yana under the theme of Youths and the Oil and Gas Sector, saw a great turnout by the young people of the nation. The question was thrown at the panel, whether Guyana will develop an oil refinery. According to one of the private operators, “I am willing to invest in a refinery. Building a refinery can bring down energy cost.” In his answer to the question, Dr Mark Bynoe, Director of the Department of En-
ergy, stated, “At this stage, given the location which is largely in deep—water, no.” He further stated that decisions will not be based on emotions but rather evidence. “If a detailed analysis is done near-shore or even offshore, it may be proven more feasible to do a refinery.” Dr. Bynoe moved to say that, even though they are not going forward with an oil refinery, any private person can still take up the idea. “If a feasibility analysis demonstrates it is more feasible to do that, then we will do it. That however, doesn’t preclude any private persons if they so wish to do it. Persons wishing to open an oil refinery can do so but they will not receive subsidised oil from the department, as they
Dr Mark Bynoe will simply be purchasing oil at market prices.” Furthermore, a technical specialist within the department, Matthew Wilks, said, “There is too much refining capacity in the world. It is cheaper or more cost effective to have oil refined by foreign
companies.” In a study, which was done by the government in 2017, it was found that a refinery was not feasible. The study was done taking the scale, construction cost, timeline and other variables (Conitnued on page 63)
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Kaieteur News
New Amsterdam Municipality reports record collection for 2018 The Municipality of New Amsterdam has reported that it has collected five times as much property tax in 2018 in comparison to 2017. It has also successfully collected 78 per cent of its budgeted taxes for the year. For the first time in its history, the municipality tax collection reached the $50M mark. A sum of $54.3M in property taxes was collected. More significant is the $18M in interest on arrears collected. The arrears were $6M. Town Treasurer, Kerriann Edwards, said that the milestone was achieved as a result of the emphasis placed on visiting homes to get persons to pay outstanding amounts due during last year. She noted that on many occasions, they found that no one was occupying the property, and the lot was taken over with thick vegetation. Many of those prop-
erty owners are currently overseas. The new approach is in keeping with the municipality’s drive to accumulate money to return the town to its former glory. However, the necessary cooperation from some residents leaves much to be desired, the council explained. The council, in its drive to ensure compliance and increase its revenue collection, will be publicising the names of those residents who have significant amounts outstanding. Officer in Charge of the Town Constabulary, Assistant Superintendent Charles Roberts, stated that the council has undertaken a new initiative to visit persons to encourage compliance. Failure to comply may result in photographs of their property being published along with the amount owed to the council. “I implore upon you to visit the Treasurer’s Depart-
ment urgently to avoid the inconvenience as it relates to those persons who would have been delinquent. As it relates to paying their rates and taxes that are owed to the council” he said. The municipality is also set to take strong actions against persons who park their vehicle in streets, blocking the entrance of the residents. The municipality has also declared zero tolerance for illegal vending in the town and has promised to get tough on persons found littering. “Skid bins have been placed in strategic locations for domestic waste only, yet commercial waste is being seen in those bins. We are appealing to those errant business persons to desist and to be warned since a new initiative is in place,” Roberts explained that persons will be placed before the courts if found littering. Persons are being en-
couraged to take pictures or video of persons found littering and submit same to the council. “You can use your phones and take photographs. The perpetrators will be fined, and 50 per cent of that fine will be given to the person bringing the photograph to the council,” Roberts explained. The fine for individuals found guilty of littering is $10,000, while businesses will have to pay $100,000. In the meanwhile, residents have accused the mu-
Officer in Charge of the Town Constabulary, Charles Roberts nicipality of not doing enough since increasing
property tax by 100 per cent as from January 1, 2018.
Two arrested for mason’s death
Narindradat Bhawan called “Altaf” or “Mice” Two persons are now in police custody following the death of a 21-year-old mason of Number 70 Village, Upper Corentyne, Berbice. Narindradat Bhawan, called “Altaf” or “Mice”, was found semi-unconscious on the parapet along the Number 70 Village Public Road on Thursday some time between 13:00 hrs and 14:30 hrs. Police have since arrested two men for questioning in relation to the young man’s death. They were picked up at a house in Fyrish Village, miles away from where they actually live (Number 70 Village). They were reportedly the last persons to have seen Bhawan that afternoon. Meanwhile, a post mortem examination conducted on the body of Bhawan proved to be inconclusive. A female relative, Bebi Shameena Noordean, 42, told this publication that they received a message of Bhawan’s demise from a villager who goes by the name of “Drunkie”. The man told them that he was lying on the road. “So me brother tek he car and he gone and when he go he find he on the road with he face on the ground and he pick him up and put him in the car and took him to the hospital”.
Uncle: Mohamed Noordean
Noordean stated that he reportedly had a swollen left side temple and was frothing from the mouth. The dead man’s uncle, Mohamed Safraz Noordean, said that earlier in the day an individual who goes by the name of “Two Feet” showed up at his house on three occasions on Thursday and kept inquiring about his nephew Bhawant’s whereabouts. On his third visit he told Mohamed that he had given “Altaf” $5000 to purchase “a bottle rum and Altaf tek he money and he na know where Altaf gone with he money. So me tell he that he got to reach Altaf to know what happen and me can’t give you five thousand dollar like that. Then he start quarrel up but before he gone, he seh one word and me na go forget that
word. He seh if we don’t reach (Altaf) first, if he reach (Altaf) before we he go kill him”. It was not long after that they were informed that Bhawan’s body was on the road. Meanwhile, a resident said that Bhawan was reportedly walking along the parapet of the Number 70 Public Road when a car pulled up and one person exited and hit Bhawan once. The unidentifiable individual reportedly reentered the car and it sped off, leaving Bhawan lying on the ground. The police are said to be reviewing CCTV footage that was positioned in the direction where Bhawan’s body was found to provide a clearer perspective on what may have occurred. Investigations are ongoing.
Private persons can... From page 64 into consideration, such as nearby refineries. It was noted that if Guyana is to consume between 13,000 and 14,000 barrels of oil per day, that will be way below the 200,000 barrels of oil a standard size refinery can process. Hypothetically, should a 100,000-barrel per day refinery be constructed just to cater for Guyana’s consumption, it will cost somewhere in the vicinity of US$5B with a negative rate of return on investment at between US$2B and US$3B. This means that the output of the refinery will not compensate for the monies that will be spent to construct and operate the facility nor will the capital return.
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Organisers settle on stable window for Caribbean tournament
Organisers have settled on a stable window for the Caribbean Premier League.
Sunday January 13, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your social life might suddenly be busier than you expected, Aries, perhaps because of the appearance of some interesting new people. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Books and conversations with friends could take up most of your day, Taurus. The intellectual stimulation could have positive and negative effects on your health. GEMINI (May 21–June 2 0 ) If you're currently romantically involved, expect your relationship to reach a new understanding and sense of unity. If you aren't involved, you could meet someone special today, and it might be like love at first sight. CANCER(June21–July22) An old friend you haven't seen in a long time could turn up. This should be a pleasant surprise, Cancer, as you will have a lot of catching up to do. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Some great news could come today that turns your life upside down momentarily. You will find it very exciting. New neighbors could move in and you might spend some time getting acquainted. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) News might bring exciting opportunities for increasing your income, Virgo. Perhaps you will learn of ways to start your own business. Maybe the demand for people with your skills has increased. You might discover the efficiency some new technology for managing your finances.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Discussions could bring some exciting information your way that alters your thinking slightly. You tend to be oriented toward social, political, or humanitarian issues, Libra. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you may take up the study of astrology, numerology, alchemy, or other occult discipline. Your intellectual abilities are particularly sharp. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) New friends, new goals, and new attitudes could all appear on the scene, Sagittarius. Unexpected developments within a group are likely to require reevaluating a course of action. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) If you've been aiming for a specific career goal, Capricorn, it might suddenly manifest with the current planetary energy. You could be catapulted into the public eye in some way. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This should be a stimulating day. The possibility of a journey might arise unexpectedly. This could be exciting as some close friends or a romantic partner might accompany you. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Unexpected economic developments might make a sudden and positive difference in your situation, Pisces. Perhaps your field becomes more competitive, and people with your skills are more in demand.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Caribbean Premier League organisers and Cricket West Indies have settled on a stable window for the popular Twenty20 championship, which will see it continue to be played in August and September for the next five years. Principals of both organisations confirmed that the window for the tournament will run from August 21 to September 27. For the last two years, the CPL has been played during the same months and chief operating officer, Pete Russell, said the new development would ensure fans now associated the time period with the tournament. “We are very pleased to be playing our tournament in August and September for the third successive year and we have now agreed that this will be the time of year that CPL takes place for the next five seasons,” Russell said. “Fans now associate this time of year with Hero CPL and we have already started work
Singh, Danram struck half... From page 73 five wickets. UG were bowled out for 123 in 27 overs, batting first. D. Babb scored 38, S. Hughes 21 and L. Evans 17. D. Paul bagged 5-22 and Amos Sarwan 3-20. UG responded with 124-5. Danram hammered six fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 59 while Ershad Ali made 18 and G. Thakurdin 12.
on bringing the party to life in 2019. Having the best Caribbean cricketers and the world’s best overseas is what our tournament is all about, and this window gives us that.” The tournament ran from August 8 to September 16 last year, mirroring the August 4 to September 9 dates in 2017. However, the 2016 and 2015 tournaments bowled off in June while the 2014 edition and the inaugural competition got going in July. The difficulty for organisers was finding an international window where the best players would be available and CWI chief executive, Johnny Grave, said he was pleased this had been achieved. “The Hero CPL has devel-
oped into one of the best and most exciting T20 competitions in the world and we look forward to hosting another successful tournament later this year,” he said. “We are pleased that we have been able to find a window in our WINDIES International calendar to ensure that all the best Caribbean cricketers can take part, as the tournament plays a crucial role in our preparations and planning for the T20 World Cup in 2020.” This year’s opening round of matches will take place in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, with the playoffs also being staged in both nations. Trinbago Knight Riders, based in Port of Spain, are two-time reigning champions.
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From page 69 Cops endless trouble as they pressed for the equaliser which came in the 51st minute as Francis Denvon placed one in the back of the net to lock the scores at 3-0. As both teams fought hard for the winning goals it was the busy Roach that was able to seal the issue with his second goal in the 60th minute for the 4-3 win. Monedderlust FC opted not to contest the third place play off against Golden Star who took on Rosignol instead and won 20.Police for the win earned $600,000 and the Banks DIH Trophy, while Paradise will collect $300,000. Golden Star will collect $200,000. The organizers thanked their supporters, Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand; Fly Jamaica, Regional Health Services, Foot-Soul, Bobb and Sons, National Sports Commission and Integrated Security among others for their assistance. Tito “Candy Boss” Sancho was the coordinator. LIONEL D’ANDRADE PLACES SECOND IN BIGI BROKI WAKA 10K Guyanese athlete Lionel D’ Andrade continues to add to his collection of prizes when he placed second in Bigi Broki Waka 10k in Paramaribo, Suriname. The race, which attracted some 180 starters, saw D’ Andrade, 38, finishing in 37 minutes 23 seconds behind Ronaldinho
Stanley Lancaster Former GFF Head of Refereeing Department
Pinas of the host nation in 36.15; Jonathan Baktawar of Suriname placed third in 37.50. D’Andrade, who won the event in 2018 and is based in Trinidad and Tobago, told Kaieteur Sport that he wasn’t fully prepared for the event since he was in Guyana on vacation. “I was training on the roads here and this didn’t allow me to train for speed as this type of training is not usually done on the roads and I found the hill a bit difficult,” he added. D’Andrade won the Cross Country 8k which was held in Berbice on December 30 after a four-year absence of competing here. He took part in 44 races in 2018 and won 19. He said that he is de-
lighted to finish second in Suriname and to win the Cross Country here. “Even though I wasn’t fully prepared for the Suriname event, I am happy that I was able to finish second competing among athletes from across South America. There is always room for improvement and as my preparation continues for the 10k in Trinidad and Tobago I will put my best foot forward and keep the Golden Arrow Head flying.” D’Andrade expressed gratitude to his sponsors Builders Lumber Yard of Lombard Street. GVF HOSTS FIRST TOURNEY FOR THE YEAR AS THREE TEAMS SELECTED FOR OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS The Guyana Volleyball
Guyanese Lionel D’ Andrade (right) with winner Ronaldinho Pinas and Jonathan Baktawar on the podium. Federation (GVF) kicked off their 2019 season with a male and female beach volleyball competition at the Guyana Marriot Hotel beach front in Kingston. The tournament which was overseen by the President of the GVF, Levi Nedd, saw 13 rounds of competition where three teams earned
the right to represent Guyana at the Beach Volleyball Olympic Qualifiers this March in Argentina. According to Nedd, funding for this costly trip will be provided by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA). Each team consisted of two players. The team of Juan Velazquez and Vance Harding will be making their first appearance in the tournament, while the other male team in Quacy Marthson and Ian Bagot earned their spot after a player from their semifinal clash got injured; forcing the opposing team to forfeit the match. Candace Mentore and Philana Sampson of Port Mourant Volleyball Club qualified as the lone female team representing Guyana despite not taking to the sand for the day with the other female team providing a walkover.The event saw many players volunteering to make it a success, providing umpiring and scoring duties even between matches.
major attraction this year. Coordinator Junior ‘Jumbo Jet’ Mohammed disclosed that unfortunately only one leg of the scheduled three of the Triple Crown was held last year and would have been a disappointment for fans and the organising committee. However, they are hopeful of better conditions this year so one of the top racehorses locally will get the chance to be crowned Triple Crown champion. He informed that the Triple Crown will be contested between the months of February and April of this year. The dates set for the Triple are February 24th, March 24th and April 21st. Another key date is August 18th when the Guyana Cup event is staged at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast, Berbice. The other meet date set by the committee is November 2nd.
JUMBO JET HORSERACING DATES FOR 2019 RELEASED, TRIPLE CROWN IS THE HIGHLIGHT
Guyana Jaguars celebrates another victory yesterday as they started 2019 where they left off in 2018 with a win over Barbados Pride at the Kensington Oval. (© CWI Media/ Kerrie Eversley of Brooks LaTouche Photography)
Racing fans and turfites are in for a treat this year after the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee has disclosed their racing dates for 2019 and also has indicated that the Triple Crown horseracing championship, which was hampered by the weather last year, is set to be the
Roy Mc Arthur
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We take a look back at the key events that took place and made the news in the local sporting arena over the past week LANCASTER FIRED; MCARTHUR PROVISIONALLY SUSPENDED AFTER SEXUAL HARASSMENT PROBE The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) after studying the recommendations made by the Board of Inquiry (BoI) that was established in March 2018 to investigate allegations of sexual harassment of female referees by match officials / administrators in the football fraternity made its position public. President Wayne Forde at a press conference read a prepared statement on the issue. “First, I want to thank all parties involved for their patience in giving the Board of Inquiry time to properly conduct its investigation into certain allegations, and for affording the Executive Committee the space to consider the findings proffered and to make appropriate decisions. It is vital to respect due process in sensitive matters that may have legal, professional and personal ramifications for all those involved. This is the first time that an investigation of this kind and scale has taken place in Guyana’s football. There has been a significant amount of institutional learning during this difficult process. I can assure our football Fraternity and the general public that the Guyana Football Federation is now better equipped to handle issues of this nature. The Guyana Football Federation wishes to reiterate its unwavering support for all women and girls in the sport, and we remain committed to their empowerment and development. The Federation will
not condone any form of sexual harassment, abuse, inappropriate behaviour or discrimination within the football fraternity, past or present. We know that this problem has plagued football for many years - but, we are taking a formidable stand against it. In recent times, the world has become much more aware of the pervasiveness of sexual harassment against women. The extent to which this has impacted on equal participation of women in everyday life may never be fully accounted for. Let me be very clear to our entire fraternity: Sexual harassment, abuse, inappropriate behaviour and discrimination of any kind have no place in football whatsoever. While football cannot fix society’s problems, under my leadership, the GFF will do everything it can to improve the football environment and protect the integrity of the women and girls in the sport. I would like to thank the members of the Board of Inquiry, led by Dr. Karen Pilgrim, for their professionalism, commitment and hard work in this sensitive matter. The Executive Committee has accepted the findings and recommendations of the Board of Inquiry. GFF Third Vice President, Thandi McAllister, will oversee the implementation of these recommendations. We will take steps necessary to support the healing of those affected, and to do what we can to urgently rebuild trust in our fraternity. In this regard, Head of Referees, Stanley Lancaster, has been dismissed from his position with immediate effect. Referees Assessor, Roy
The six member beach volley team that will be aiming to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Argentina this March. McArthur, has been provisionally suspended, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings by the GFF Disciplinary Committee, under the newly-approved Disciplinary Code. I encourage members of the media and our other stakeholders to continue to play their part by holding us to account for our progress in this area. Going forward, the GFF is committed to investigating all reports of abuse, harassment or discrimination. This GFF leadership is determined to bring the culture of football into the 21st century so that women and girls always feel safe, welcome, respected and equal in
all aspects of the sport - from administration to the field of play…” The five-member Commission which submitted its findings and recommendations was chaired by Dr. Karen Pilgrim - Vice President of the Guyana Olympic Association. Other members were Dr. Melissa Ifill - University of Guyana, Karen Joseph - Human Resources Consultant, Karen De Souza - Red Thread and Joy Nichola Marcus - Red T h r e a d . Meanwhile, the matter involving GFF Executive Member Keith O’Jeer and allegations made against him with regards to ‘inappropriate conduct’ has been forwarded to the federations Disciplinary Committee. JAGUARS REGISTER THIRD SUCCESSIVE VICTORY WITH 6-WKT WIN OVER PRIDE
The second semifinal was played at almost nightfall at the Marriott beach front yesterday.
Te s t p l a y e r s S h a n e Dowrich and Roston Chase featured in 105-run stand but their hard work for the Barbados Pride was in vain as Guyana Jaguars stuttered to a 6-wicket victory which extended their unbeaten streak to 13 matches. Dowrich’s 65 lasted 86 balls and was decorated with 12 fours and he added 105 for the fifth wicket with Chase whose 68 came from 151 balls with nine boundaries but none of the remaining batsmen reached double figures as Pride were bowled out for 232. Veerasammy Permaul took 4-73 to move to 20 wickets
from three matches, while Reifer took 3-53 and Romario Shepherd had 2-35. But their third consecutive win was much harder than they had anticipated and sparked memories of the last time they were beaten by Barbados in 2014 when set 68 to win at Providence, Jaguars were blown away for 66. Set 45 to win from 16 overs, Jaguars lost Tagenarine Chanderpaul (6) who was caught behind off Kemar Roach who bowled Chris Barnwell (6) before Miguel Cummins removed Chanderpaul Hemraj (9) and Sherfane Rutherford (0) as they slumped to 22-4. Skipper Leon Johnson (11) and the reliable Reifer (15) then saw them to 48-4 from 8.4 overs. Earlier, Pride, followingon, needing 188 to make Jaguars bat again, were bowled out for 232. Scores: GUYANA JAGUARS 548 (Chandrapaul Hemraj 144, Anthony Bramble 130 not out, Raymon Reifer 75, Sherfane Rutherford 54, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 37; Ashley Nurse 4-122) and 48 for four (Kemar Roach 2-18, Miguel Cummins 2-24). BARBADOS PRIDE 360 (Shane Dowrich 81, Jonathan Carter 68, Jason Holder 44, Kraigg Brathwaite 43, Shamarh Brooks 34; Veerasammy Permaul 4-124) and 232 (Roston Chase 68, Shane Dowrich 65, Shane Moseley 32, Shamarh Brooks 26; Veerasammy Permaul 4-73, Raymon Reifer 3-53).
POLICE WIN GT BEER/CANDY BOSS, ANTICS PROMOTION 8-A-SIDE FOOTBALL COMPETITION Tournament Defending champions The Guyana Police Force Football Club fought hard to keep out Paradise Invaders FC as they held on to win the second edition of the GT Beer/Candy Boss, Antics Promotion 8-a-side Football Tournament. The game, which was played at the All Saints Scott Church ground on Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice, saw the lawmen prevailing 4-3 in a keenly contested affair. The game was evenly contested with both teams creating opportunities only to be thwarted in the end. Although it seemed that Paradise were having more possession in the first half, it was Police that were on the score sheet first when Deon Rodney scored in the 20th minute. It was soon 2-0 as Rodney scored again two minutes later. Paradise continued to take their chances and were rewarded in the 34th minute when Peter Wilson slotted home. Police showed no respite and scored again in the 38th minute off the boot of Mark Roach. Paradise pulled one back two minutes later off the boot of Jamal Cambridge as the fans were kept on their feet.\ The see saw battle continued and Paradise were finding their range and giving the (Continued on page 68)
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Several outstanding performances as BCB 2019 NY Business Group U-19 Tourney bowls off Early preparation is always the best path for teams who seek success on the cricket field and the Berbice Cricket Board is following this path. The Berbice Cricket Board has started its 2019 New York Business Group Under-19 Tournament as it forges ahead with plans to select its Berbice Under-19 team early for the Guyana Cricket Board Inter-county Championship. The Ancient County in 2018 won both the ThreeDays, 50-Overs Titles and are determined to retain both in 2019. The tournament is being sponsored by a group of businessmen based in New York via the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club. Rose Hall Town Pepsi under the leadership of Kevin Sinclair defeated Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club to win the 2018 version. The 2019 Tournament would be the third edition of the very popular event, which is being contested by seventeen teams.
1. At No. 73: No. 73 Young Warriors defeated Albion Community Centre ‘B’ by 240 runs. No. 73 was 326 all out in 44-Overs. Afseer Hussain 35, Trevon Sukhu 136, Rudy Jamaludin 53 N.O. Vettorie Latchman 30. G. Samaroo 4 for 52, K. Deopersaud 2 for 45. Albion Community Centre ‘B’ 86 all out. N. Veersammy 16. Stephen Norah 3 for 23. Rudy Jamaludin 3 for 18. 2. At Port Mourant: Port Mourant Cricket Club defeated No. 73 Cricket Club by one wicket. No. 73 Cricket Club 144 all out in 41.3 Overs. Nirad Singh 24, V. Kumar 18, Fardeen Khan 3for 32, Salim Khan 2 for 24. Port Mourant Cricket Club 145 for 9 in 40.5 Overs. B. Mangal 36. Extras 49. Jason Budhan 6 for 28. 3. At Edinburgh: Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club defeated Edinburgh Cricket Club by 183 runs. Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club 276 for 6 in 45 Overs. Ravindra Beharry 131 not out, Aviskhar Persaud
27. T. Wharton 2 for 25. Edinburgh Cricket Club 73 all out in 20-Overs. R. Henry 24. Ravindra Beharry 5 for 13, Randy Ramnarine 3 for 15. 4. Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club defeated Kendall’s Union by 170 runs. Rose Hall Canje Cricket club 214 for 6 in 45Overs. Aviskhar Persaud 34, Ravindra Beharry 29. Randy Ramnauth 32. R. Goberdhan 2 for 40. Kendall’s Union 44 in 15Overs. Isaiah Throne 3 for 11. Bhaskar Dhanai 5 for 18. 5. At Mt. Sinai: Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club defeated Mt. Sinai by one wicket. Mt. Sinai 74 all out in 25Overs. R. Budhoo 16, Bhaskar Dhanai 6for 24, Isaiah Thorne 3 for 17. Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club 75 for 9 in 31.2 Overs. Sanjay Algoo 18 not out. S. Giddings 3 for 20, S. Lewis 3 for 16 and L. Henry 2 for 20. 6. At D’Edward: Paradise Cricket Club defeated D’Edward Cricket Club by 127 runs. Paradise 232 all out in
40-Overs. Wendell Fordyce 49, Lakeram Ramkissoon 51, Omprakash Bharrat 54. Anthony France 2 for 10, Hemraj Harrilall 2 for 22. D’Edward Cricket Club 105 all out in 34 Overs. Mahendra Ramchand 32. Trevon Charles 4 for 14. Dishawn Phillips 2 for 21. 7. At D’Edward: Paradise Cricket Club defeated Blairmont Community Centre by 10 runs. Paradise Cricket Club 138 all out in 30-Overs. Omprakash Bharrat 41, Dishawn Phillips 41. Nigel Deodat 4 for 17. Blairmont Community Centre 128 all out in 26 Overs. Marvin Prashad 31. Devanandan Persaud 32. Omprakash Bharrat 4 for 16, Wendell Fordyce 2 for 18, Dishawn Phillips 2 for 8. 8. At Bush Lot: Achievers Cricket Club defeated D’Edward by 126 runs. Achievers Cricket Club 261 all out in 44.3 Overs. Navindra Persaud 72. Shamal Angel 36. Collis Noble 30, Tony Dalane 3 for 39. Tamesh Ramnarine 3 for 11. D’Edward Cricket Club 125 all out in 30 Overs.
Vishwar Adin 22, Andel Mitne 20. Christopher Harry 3 for 12, Shamal Andel 2 for 11. 9. At Mt. Sinai: Tucber Park Cricket Club totally destroyed Mt. Sinai by nine wickets. Mt. Sinai Cricket Club 27 all out in 14 Overs. Gevon Schultz 3 for 8, Leon Swammy 4 for 12, Rubel Latcha 2 for 0. Tucber Park Cricket Club 28 for 1 in 6.2 Overs, W. Roberts 12 not out. 10. At Bush Lot: Blairmont Community Centre crushed Achievers Cricket Club by 134 runs. Blairmont Community Centre 363 for 6 in 50-Overs. Nigel Deodat 134, Deonauth Persaud 51, Marvin Prashad 82, Seon Glasgow 37, Shamal Angel 2 for 34. Achievers Cricket Club 229 all out in 46.1 Overs. Nicholas Shivrattan 48, Navendra Prashad 84. Marvin Prashad 3 for 58, Seon Glasgow 2 for 37, Nigel Deodat 2 for 29. 11. At Bush Lot: Paradise Cricket Club won Achievers Cricket Club by 3 wickets. Achievers Cricket Club 67 all out in 27 Overs. Vikash Singh 17, Jayden Samuels 12 not out. Trevon Charles 4 for 14,
Windell Fordyce 3 for 12. Paradise Cricket Club 68 for 7 in 17.3 Overs. Trevon Chalres 14, Omprakash Bharrat 13. Navendra Prashad 3 for 16, Nicholas Shivrattan 2 for 17. 12. At Port Mourant: Albion Community Centre defeated Port Mourant Cricket Club by 191 runs. Albion Community Centre 290 for 8 in 50-Overs. Jeetendra Outsr 75, Sarwan Chaitnarine 65, Rico Ramsammy 45, Mahendra Naidu 2 for 41. Brandon Mangal 4 for 47. Port Mourant Cricket Club 99 all out in 33.2 Overs. Rampertab Ramnauth25, Beris Downer 21. Kevin Umroa 5 for 16, Nathaniel Raghoo 2 for 22, Rico Ramsammy 2 for 33. 13. Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘A’ defeated Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘B’ by 4 wickets. Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘B’ 66 all out in 24 Overs. Jeremiah Felix 26. Kevin Amazalum 15, Joshua Wilson 3 for 18, Jai Tika 7 for 21. Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘A’ 67 for 6 in 10.3 Overs. Vikash Subramanie 15, Tyrese Sealey 17, Matthew Pottaya 5 for 22.
Holder urges Windies to lift their game against England BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – West Indies captain Jason Holder has labelled the upcoming England Test tour as a “big series” and says he hopes his side can replicate the fight they showed on their fierce rivals’ last tour of the Caribbean four years ago when they drew the threematch series. England touched down here on Friday for the threeTest rubber which bowls off
at Kensington Oval on January 23. Ironically, the last time the two teams met at the venue in the final Test of the 2015 tour, the Windies pulled off a stunning five-wicket victory inside three days to force a 1-1 series stalemate. “An England series is a big series in the context of West Indies cricket,” Holder told reporters here Friday. “The last time they were here it was a pretty well-
fought series. [We] came out with a draw in the end and there were big crowds, massive support both from England and the Caribbean so I expect something similar this year and hopefully we can lift the trophy.” History will be not on the Windies side, however. In their last 12 Tests against England at home, they have won just two, while losing four and drawing six.
Berbice Cricket Board announces appointments The Berbice Cricket Board has announced that their Executives met recently and confirmed several appointments that were made. The appointments made were: Public Relations Officer: Simon Naidu. Appointed Executive Members: Kellon Henry, Lakeram Latchman, Rovin Bahadur, Malcolm Peters, Quacy Henry, Javed Saywack, Neil Rudder. Selectors: Julian Moore (Chairman), Balram Samaroo (Secretary), Leslie Solomon, Surendra Kissoonlall, Winston Smith, Junior Blairm and G. Fordyce (West Berbice). Competitions Committee: Neil Rudder Chairman, Kellon Henry, E. Lykens, O. Outar,
Winston Smith, Ameer Rahaman, Winston Rose, R. Saywack, Gregory Crandon, Balram Samaroo and Cecil Beharry. Finance Committee: Dr. Cecil Beharry, Rovin Bahadur, Qualis Winter, Neil Rudder and Ameer Rahaman. The following appointments were also confirmed: Under-19 Female: Manager - Tremayne Smartt, Coach - Winston Smith. Female Senior: Manager - Slyvie Autar, Coach - Winston Smith. Under-15 Male: Manager - Lakeram Latchman, Coach - Leslie Solomon. Under-17 Male: Manager - Ameer Rahaman, Coach - Delbert Hicks. Under-19 Male: Manager - Neil Rudder, Coach - Andre Percival.
And in the last two decades, West Indies have won just two series against England, leaving the odds in the upcoming series stacked firmly in the visitors’ favour. Despite this, Holder believes the series presented the ideal chance for the Windies to match their talents against the world number two Test side. “It’s obviously a wonderful opportunity to play against one of the top teams in the world,” the all-rounder pointed out. “They’re just coming off a really good series win against Sri Lanka. We obviously played Sri Lanka last home series and we had a pretty good tour there. I’m really looking forward to the challenge. “England is obviously one of the better teams in Test cricket around the world and it would be really good to beat them on our home tour.” West Indies will need a dramatic turnaround in form if they are to upset England. Last year, they won three of nine Tests while losing five. In their last two away tours, their whitewashed 2-0 by India and Bangladesh respectively. Holder pointed out that while there had been some excellent individual performances over the last year, the
West Indies Test skipper Jason Holder speaks to the media on Friday. time had come for the Windies to play consistently as a team unit. “I would just like us to do a lot better collectively. We’ve had a lot of individual success within the last two years so I just think it is a matter of time before we put together the collective effort and hopefully lift this trophy at the end of the series,” he said. “Over the last two years we’ve had some really good times on the field; we’ve had some really hard times on and off the field as well. I think it’s a matter for us just to put it
together more consistently. “We’ve shown we can beat top sides in the world and we have shown we can compete against top sides in the world. It’s a matter for us to be more consistent, especially in our batting. We’ve probably fallen short there a few times and I think if we can put some runs on the board I back our bowling attack to bowl out England.” The tour also comprises five One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals and runs until March 10.
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Timehri Panthers and Dartmouth U-15s clash in friendly today at Anna Regina By Franklin Wilson in Essequibo The respective Under-15 Dr. Frank Watson Pele Alumni champions of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) and Essequibo Pomeroon Football Association (EPFA) will clash today in a friendly match at the Anna Regina Community Center Ground. Timehri Panthers, the EBFA champions and Dartmouth, the EPFA winners will engage each other from 11:00hrs today in a match that will allow both clubs to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the players in a competitive atmosphere. EPFA President Ms. Maxine Stewart and President of Timehri Panthers expressed delight at the players being able to take on each other even ahead of the clash of all Member Association winners in the near future. Stewart said that Dartmouth FC has a group of talented players who are eager to show what they can do against another association champion. ”I think this is a very good opportunity for these youngsters to test their levels against another champion team. We have been hearing a lot about Timehri Panthers
Colin David, Timehri Panthers Coach (right) giving instructions during yesterday’s practice session at the Anna Regina Community Center Ground.
and their exploits in the EBFA so we feel privileged here on the Essequibo to be hosting them for this match and trust that this is the beginning of bigger things to happen between these two associations going forward.” Timehri Panthers President Adrian Gonsalves in-
formed that they have 22 players in Essequibo and could have taken more but there was not enough space on the bus. ”From our perspective, we welcome this collaboration between the EBFA, EPFA and our club. We have been taking these players and other age
Marian Academy to host schools athletics competition month end As part of their Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate’s (C.S.E.C) School based assessment (SBA), Marian Academy’s Fifth form Physical Education (P.E.) students have planned a National Schools Relay/Sprint Championship. This championship is a C.S.E.C class project that was planned and will be executed and documented by the P.E. students preparing for this year’s (May-
June) C.S.E.C examinations. The championship will be run off on Saturday, January 26th, at the Police Progressive Sports Club (PPSC) ground, Eve Leary, commencing at 09:30hrs sharp. The events will be competed in the 100m, 200m and 400m, while the relays will be competed in the 4x100m and 4x400m with the age groups being under-15, u-17 and u-19;
boys and girls. The Relay/Sprint Championship is open to all schools. Schools desirous of participating can contact P.E. Teacher, Keith Smith or any of the C.S.E.C. P.E. students on any of the following numbers: 6755566 or 659-0560. First, second and third place Schools will be awarded trophies, while first to third place finishers in each event will be awarded medals.
Five meets set for KMTC this year The Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) has indicated that there will be a total of five horserace meets this year staged by the clubs with the first slated for Sunday, March 24th. In a correspondence, the Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice based turf club noted that the following meets will be on the following
dates: Sunday, May 19th, Sunday, August 4th (Independence meet), Sunday, 20th October and the Boxing Day meet on December 26th. For more information on these races, horse owners can contact the Honourary President of the KMTC, Rtd. Justice Cecil Kennard on telephone number 623-7609 or 225-4818.
group players around the country to engage other teams because we believe that this is how these players will develop and grow into very good players. It is also good for them to see other areas in Guyana and as a club we will continue to invest in
this area. Interestingly, only two of the 22 players we have here in Essequibo have gone past the Demerara Harbour Bridge. They have all been enjoying the outing so far and are looking forward to the match against Dartmouth.” EPFA also mentioned
that Dartmouth FC would be paying a return visit to the EBFA sometime soon, the parties would be discussing same before the Panthers make their way back home, today. The team and officials travelled to Essequibo, yesterday.
Kashif and Shanghai on board for Mark Wiltshire dominoes
Mark Wiltshire accepts the trophy from Alexis Barrington. The much anticipated Mark Wiltshire birth anniversary dominoes tournament will commence today at Turning Point, Tucville. The tournament has attracted a number of top teams locally including Medi Care, Mix Up, All Season’s Racing Service, Spartans, Gold for Money, Turning Point, C7, C6, Phantom, Beacons, Providence, Saddam, Strikers, Rage, Big Boss Trucking Service, Orange Walk, Good Times, Thunder, Bartica, Essequibo,
Transport SC and Players. Kashif and Shanghai organisation is the latest entity to support the event. The entity’s representative Alexis Barrington yesterday handed over one of the top prizes to Wiltshire who expressed gratitude to the organisation for their input. Wiltshire added that an exciting tournament is anticipated and is urging all teams to be at the venue at least 30 minutes prior to the start of play.
Barrington stated that they are happy to support the tournament and wished the teams well. The winning team will take home a trophy and $175,000, runner-up will pocket a trophy and $75,000, third place a trophy and $35,000 and fourth place a trophy and $20,000. The MVP in the final will take home $10,000, while the best female player in the tournament will pocket $10,000. Action gets underway at 14:00hrs.
t r o Sp Regional First-Class cricket
Paul takes 6-57 as Volcanoes forced to follow-on Needs 78 to avoid innings defeat despite 65 from Devon Smith
Devon Smith goes for a run during his 59th fifty at Providence yesterday.
Kemo Paul captured his 3rd 5-wicket haul yesterday. (Sean Devers photos)
Timehri Panthers and Dartmouth U-15s clash in friendly today at Anna Regina
Coach Nigel Bowen taking the Dartmouth players through the paces yesterday at the Anna Regina Community Center Ground. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.