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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 A. A. Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210

Editorial GIVE OFFENDERS A SECOND CHANCE IN 2018. Over the years, many have watched in frustration and are disturbed at the ever growing number of young men in handcuffs being escorted to the country’s prisons. It should not be surprising to any one that the main prisons in the country are overfilled. The Camp Street Prison was built almost 200 years ago to house 150 inmates, but prior to its burning down last July, it had a population of about 950 inmates, the vast majority being relatively young males. This is troubling. In our small society here in Guyana, we are often quick to write off ex-convicts. We have easily accepted that once a convict, always a convict, even though that need not be the case. Therefore, the very suggestion that a criminal offender should be given a second chance could quickly spark controversy, not only among the population, but also among our politicians. Prison statistics has revealed that Guyana has a high recidivism rate of between 60 and 65 percent, which means that our prisons are really a revolving door for most. There should be a compulsion for us to, at the very least, have a rational discourse on the issue, if only for the simple fact to help offenders who will return to the very communities from whence they came when they are released. We should give them a chance to find employment. This should be our priority in 2018. Prisons were never intended to be an incubator for criminals, but rather a facility where offenders while serving out their time for their wrongdoing, can be rehabilitated and hopefully turn over a new leaf by the time they are released back into society. Based on the telling prison statistics, it seems that we have much work to do to help ex-convicts become meaningful and productive citizens in society. However, a vast majority of employers, including some government officials, have insisted that they would not employ someone with a criminal record unless that person has a Police Certificate as a prerequisite for employment. Understandably, hiring an ex-convict can be risky and companies have a right to protect their interests. But is such hiring a practical solution to our societal problems where crime is concerned? If former prison inmates cannot find a job, their only alternative is commit robbery, which in some cases can be deadly. The critical issue for us to consider is do we want a safe society or not? After all, an offender who has paid his/her dues only to be rejected by society serves no one any good. Refusing to accept him/her in their community means alienation, which can lead to anger and lawlessness. In circumstances such as these, a second chance can make the world of difference between turning over a new page and wreaking further havoc on society. It may even be seen by the offenders as an opportunity for them to redeem themselves in the eyes of society. Yet there are exceptions. President David Granger pardoned some young offenders. It wasn’t long before they were back in prison having gone back to a life of crime. One graduated from snatching a phone to killing. However, we should not lose sight of the bigger picture and allow those who are bent on wrongdoing to prevent us from helping those who genuinely want a fresh start. While we must sympathize with criminals, it does not mean that they must not be punished. But we have to be fair and forgiving; we have to change our mindset if we are serious about changing the penal system and society.

Sunday January 21, 2018

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

Oil and Bad Politics: Part 1 DEAR EDITOR, During the days leading up to the end of 2017, the APNU-AFC Coalition Government revealed the long asked for Petroleum Agreement between oil giant, ExxonMobil and Guyana. While it is undoubtedly a great win for transparency, we should be careful not to hail them as heroes for something that should have been revealed to the Guyanese public a long time ago. It was journalists, Civil Societies and individuals- all demanding the release of the contract that saw it being made public. This should serve as a good lesson in the civic responsibility of the people in demanding better from their leaders. When it comes to powerful oil companies and their interest in countries with poor governance and high poverty rates, blind idealism with regards to their interests will do us no good. We only have to take a look at the examples of how other countries such as Chad, Nigeria and Papa New Guinea, have fared with re-

gards to economic instability, social conflict and human rights violations following the discovery of oil. One of the many things these countries have in common is their predator-prey relationship with ExxonMobil. Kaieteur News had in June 2017 began a series of articles titled, “What Guyana needs to know about ExxonMobil.” The series explored ExxonMobil’s blatant disregard for the countries in which they have oil interests. With a long thread of litigation suits aimed towards Exxon for their disregard of environmental protection, deceiving of shareholders and the underpayment of royalties, one can see a clear pattern of abuse by the oil giant. ExxonMobil is currently being probed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the way in which they valued oil and gas “in the backdrop of low oil prices and possible curbs on carbon emissions.”Over the years, they have engaged in the active funding of climate

change denials despite being aware of the connection between “the burning of fossil fuels and climate change”. Aside from funding climate change denials, Exxon, also had a lawsuit brought against them of committing human rights violations in Indonesia where they have oil operations. They have had several major oil spills, caused by ruptured pipelines, and those have caused lasting effects on the ecosystems. Exxon was also responsible for one of the largest oil spills in the United States of America. After a ship’s hull was torn, 11 million gallons of oil was released into the environment. Up to this day, oil still remains in the areas where it was spilt; and plant, land and marine life are still being affected. That reality, matched with the fact that Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency currently does not have the capacity to enforce environmental regulations in the oil and gas sector nor monitor compliance with environmental regula-

tions of the state, spells disaster for the future of our “green state.” Oil and bad politics too often tend to go hand in hand. Given that taxation meant to create fiscal revenues is not necessarily needed in oil rich countries, leaders can choose whether or not the concepts of transparency and accountability are ones they abide by. In the interest of ensuring oil wealth is managed properly, many oil rich countries have created Sovereign Wealth Funds. Too often however, these crumble due to human failings in the form of corruption, malfeasance and bad investments. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan was reported in the media as stating that Cabinet approval has been given for the fund to be used “for three specific purposes.” These are: intergenerational savings, stabilisation of the fund and infrastructural development. We’ll see how that goes. While extractive industries such as oil, gas and (Continued on page 5)

Sunday January 21, 2018

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We must be careful that in condemning Trump, we don’t let ourselves look as foolish as him

I applaud the reintroduction of the National Cadet Corp

DEAR EDITOR, “We, the undersigned representatives of the sovereign people of the Caribbean hereby declare that President Donald Trump of the United States of America is “Persona Non Grata” in our Caribbean region. We further declare that as a “Persona Non Grata” President Donald Trump is NOT welcomed in any territory of the Caribbean, and we hereby affirm that we - the Caribbean people - will vehemently protest against and take whatever measures are necessary to prevent President Donald Trump’s entry into any portion of the sovereign territory of our Caribbean region.” The above quote is taken from a Declaration issued Saturday, January 13, 2018 by an organisation called the ‘Pan African and Socialist Forces of the Caribbean Nation of Barbados’. Is this organisation serious? Does a Pan African and Socialist organisation speak on behalf of our indigenous people, Indians, Portuguese, Chinese and mixed race people of the Caribbean? Does it even speak for all Caribbean people of African descent? Does it speak for persons born and bred in the Caribbean who do not support socialism but instead endorse free enterprise, peoples’ capitalism (my ideology) and other non socialist ideologies?

While this organisation enjoys the right to pass declarations and issue statements these should be done in the name of its members. I have vehemently condemned Trump time and again including his most recent reported comments about Haiti and Africa inter alia. But we must be careful that in our condemnations of Trump we don’t make ourselves look as foolish as him. This organisation is in order to say Trump is not welcome in the Caribbean. But it can’t say so in the name of the people of the Caribbean, it has to say so in the name of its members and no one else. Further, as much as Trump is himself what he has described some countries to be, he is the President of the United States with which the Caribbean has enjoyed long standing mutually beneficial relations based on traditionally shared values, especially with the American people. America is home to millions of Caribbean nationals. It is our largest trading partner. If Trump has an interest in visiting the region, or if there is any regional meeting to which the President of the US is normally invited, the usual protocols should remain in place...he should be welcome to visit. As he goes low, the Governments and People of the Caribbean region, including its Diaspora must go high. Sincerely Wesley Kirton

Oil and Bad Politics: Part 1 From page 4 mining help in the economic growth of a country, significant thought must always be given to the vast number of negatives associated with them. It is interesting to note that the Norwegians had late last year disclosed that they were considering divestment from holdings in fossil fuel companies. With $5 trillion in assets, the Norway Sovereign Fund is one of the largest holdings so far to consider divestment. Despite the remarkable economic success gained from the oil industry, this suggests that they do not have a lot of faith in oil’s future and are seeking alternatives. Norway’s own oil giant, Statoil has through the building of large offshore wind-energy projects, begun to diversify its holdings. Guyana’s leaders should take a page out of Norway’s book and begin securing our future in things other than extractive industries. Dr. Justin Ram of the Caribbean Develop-

ment Bank had in 2011 advised that Guyana should not rely on its natural resources based products. “…Concentration of the extractive industries such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining and quarrying focus on low value added, natural resource based products for export and leave the country vulnerable to “Dutch disease,” he had said. The Dutch Disease refers to the negative effects of anything that provides a sharp rise in foreign currency. Guyana, like many resource rich countries do not put as much efforts into the area of sustainable growth strategies. Money earned from extractive industries should be reinvested so as to ensure the economy remains stable and not wholly reliant upon them. Extractive resources are limited and prone to frequent fluctuation. As such, we need to be sure that we have other options when they eventually fail us. Akola Thompson

DEAR EDITOR, It is with much pleasure that I applaud the re-launch of the National Cadet Corp (NCC). I was a Cadet in the NCC for about four or five years while in secondary school and it was one of the best experiences I have had. I enjoyed the drills, spending periods during school vacations at Tumatumari, Konawaruk; I also visited Kimbia. These were all Guyana National Service (GNS) Centres. I recall doing survival skills training. Once we spent a night in the jungle in the Konawaruk area and I ate Cerex with creek water, and some of my colleagues managed to start a fire after digging a hole, since the jungle was wet. I used to enjoy the ‘People’s Parade’, in which my Cadet Corp would participate. When I was about 14 or 15 years, the NCC selected me to read the National Pledge at the Flag Raising for the Republic Anniversary that year; my school, Brickdam Secondary was so proud that they made me a Prefect after that, and sent me to represent the school at, I think it was a NonAlign Movement Conference at the National Cultural Centre. I was happy to represent my school. I remember while we were at Konawaruk, Major General Retired, Joe Singh was the Director General for the Guyana National Service (GNS) at that time, and he came to Konawaruk and took us in a helicopter to see the Kaieteur Falls. I remember driving in a truck through the trails from one GNS location to another. We went to Teperu and Itabu. We walked nine miles from Tumatumari to Konawaruk;

hiked from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) location at Garden of Eden to Georgetown. I remember, getting dressed in my GNS uniform for inspection parades, being taught personal development skills. At school, I behaved because I did not want Staff Sergeant Carter to hear anything else; she was a disciplinarian, as well as the other Officers. We learnt how to slowmarch, march in formations, I use to like that. I enjoy doing the march-past at the People’s Parade (Eye’s right…up, two, three, four, down) smile. Today people ask me, how is it that I am so patriotic. I tell them that I owe it to the four or five years that I spent as a Cadet in the NCC in the Guyana National Service. A few years ago, I wrote a ‘Manual on Civic Education for Youth in Guyana – Maximising the Development Value of Youth in Guyana’ for the then Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. What I discovered in that research was that there are three periods when a Civic Education programme is needed in a country – after a country had a civil war; after it had gained independence from another country, this was when I understood how strategic the Former President Forbes Burnham was in the 60’s, 70’s, etc. with our Civic Education Programme (National Policy, etc.); at that time, the country and its people were required to develop their own identity. The third reason for a Civic Education programme, and

this is my addition, is as a way to address the impact of globalisation. Even though the boundaries of countries are disappearing with globalisation, countries still need to maintain their individuality, in order to be a strong contributor, both in the Regional and Global context. If countries are weak individually, this will impact on its level of contribution Regional and internationally. I also learnt from doing the research on Civic Education, that citizenship is not inherent, people are not born with knowledge of how to behave like or become a good citizen; therefore, citizenship has to be taught. Hence, the revival of the National Cadet Corp is a much needed intervention to reorient and orient our citizens as it relates to their roles and responsibilities; as individual citizens, members of a family unit, members of a local community, members of an organisation/institution, members of the society and as members of a democracy (Country). Aristotle said that ‘one is a good citizen to the extent to which one upholds and honours the constitution. ... Perfect virtue, however, is the only standard for being a good man’. It is my belief that the human quest should be both a good person and a good citizen’. One last point, I would like to make on behalf of some of my fellow citizens, some are disappointed that both this government and previous (Continued on page 6)

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Sunday January 21, 2018

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Need to regain loss of trust and confidence in our society

An interesting admission from this PPP official

DEAR EDITOR, Today’s (Saturday, 20/01/18) media report of the previous day’s meeting between Government and the Unions operating in the sugar industry is a most welcome sign. I am sure all Guyana feel a collective sense of relief that while such meetings ought to have been held as pre-requisite before the Government initiated the decisions that led to the closure of factories and displacement of thousands of sugar workers (virtually putting the cart before the horse!), some reparation might be forthcoming. I wish the Government and Unions the best of luck and pray for divine guidance in their future talks. In this regard I wish to commend the following to both sides: A recent publication of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) featured an analysis of the loss of trust and confidence in society and the need to build trust and a common purpose. The publication, in my view, resonated so much with our Guyanese situation that I feel obliged to publicly share the gist of it, with the hope that our decision makers might be moved accordingly: Thematically, the article highlights that “economic and political upheavals reflect a misalignment between business and economics on one side and accepted societal outcomes on the other; we therefore need to reexamine some long held assumptions”. The article claims that too many people feel that they are being left behind by a system unfairly stacked against them and identifies a number of factors in this regard, includ-

ing: • Lack of confidence in how the economy operates and in trust in institutions such as Government, Media and Business as well as partisan politics. • Financialisation; i.e. the narrow view of value being based on financial metrics. Regular readers of our own Dr Ian McDonald’s “Ian on Sunday” articles will recall how consistently he has also been identifying the myopia inherent in “the GDP” being used as a primary indicator of national success and shareholder value as a primary indicator of corporate success. We now also see the fallacies of the above in Government’s approach, so far at least, to our sugar industry which has obviously created quite a tragedy with the powers that be apparently unmindful of the effects of the closure of several estates on the thousands of sugar workers and their communities. Finally, the authors advise against losing sight of the fact that “well managed market economies have consistently delivered economic growth and social progress more successfully than the alternatives and can continue to do so. They also noted that “change entails managing a set of dualities instead of seeking answers in the choice among apparent opposites like ‘financialisation’ or ‘technology’ or ‘people’. They conclude that both financial and societal targets should be explicitly framed. Nowrang Persaud

DEAR EDITOR, At the Statutory Meeting of the RDC that was held on Thursday, December 21st, 2017, it was shocking to hear that the Regional Chairman accepts that he did not do any investigation towards matters that were raised at the April 2017 RDC meeting which he committed himself in doing. At the April 2017 RDC meeting, I brought to the attention of the Chairman and Councillors that a long boom NDIA excavator was used to do private work in the Bath area. After the denial of such an act by the Chairman, I offered to show photographs that will prove to him that this was true. The Clerk of Council Mr. Ovid Morrison, who is also the REO of the region, backed up my statements and told the Chairman that he was taken to the site and witnessed same being done. The Chairman then told the council that he would have to do an investigation so that the council can

know the truth of the matter at the next RDC sitting. This was recorded and is in the minutes of the RDC. At that point, I have indicated to the Chairman that we will not proceed at the next meeting unless the investigations are before the council. He accepted and said it will be done by then. Since May 2017, the Chairman fails to conduct an investigation into the matter knowingly that he is the one who is responsible to conduct the said investigation. But in December 2017, the Chairman all of a sudden woke up and decided to repent. He said that he did not conduct an investigation into the matter to date and therefore is asking that we start on a new page in 2018. This man could have said this long before December so that the RDC meetings could have happened. He had the face to tell this nation and residents of Region 5 that we on the APNU+AFC side are the ones that are causing the problems and do not want the RDC to function. They will use their sup-

porters in every way that they can in ensuring that they believe lies and deception. They are trying to frustrate the residents of the region especially their supporters in thinking that nothing is being done in Region 5. The Chairman’s admission speaks volumes because they are the ones who do not want the region to progress. We on the APNU+AFC side would like the residents to know that we are strongly representing them no matter what and which political party they backed. The government side of the RDC is working towards ensuring that we h a ve a better region and works being done in all villages. We on the APNU+AFC side will be participating in all RDC matters come to the next RDC meeting in January 2018. Stand strong with us people of Region 5 and together we will have a better region through unity and at the same time, we will work together towards “Creating A Better Life For All”. Abel Seetaram Regional Councillor RDC Region 5.

I applaud the ... From page 5 governments, seem to have taken for granted those who stayed in the country and kept it together and going, in whatever form, they stayed and worked hard; but yet for too many of them, their quality of life is unsatisfactory; while they watch their fellow citizens who left and returned and are treated as kings and queens and princes and princesses. Our governments must show these young people that if they are honest, and respect the law, their fellow citizens and country and work hard, that they too will and

can be treated as kings and queens and princes and princesses and that their quality of life can be improved right here in their beautiful country. Please don’t get me wrong, we are happy to have our fellow citizens back, but those who stayed must also be treated with respect! Many persons are now telling their children to go away and study and work and then come back so that they can be treated with respect. I sincerely hope that those who have ears to hear; will hear. Audreyanna Thomas

Sunday January 21, 2018

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Haiti is a s-hole and Guyana is a madhouse

We dream today for a better tomorrow

DEAR EDITOR, Recently there was much outrage over Trump’s statement on how Haiti is a s-hole country. What was even more amusing is the amount of people who were outraged by this statement. Right away, I realised a lot of mad people are living out of Guyana (probably they are some Guyanese ancestry in them). Trump is very much correct in saying that Haiti is a s-hole country. People are having a hard time understanding what is a s-hole country, they think they are living in a paradise. Here are a few things to consider before deciding whether your country is s-hole or not: When people leave high school, university etc there are no jobs. When you have to open an egg ball stall after completing your degree, you are living in a s-hole. When the government is corrupted, you are living in a s-hole country. When the Police Force is not able to control the crime situation in your country then your country is s-hole. When over 80% of the population is living below the poverty line, then you are living in a s-hole.

When your country has the highest number of orphans in the world, you are living in a s-hole. When cock fighting is one of the most common sports (which is extremely cruel to animals), you are living in a s-hole country. When 40% of your children are suffering from starvation, you are living in a s-hole. When less than half the population has access to toilets and clean running water, you are living in a s-hole. When your country is known for its high AIDS infected population, you are living in a s-hole. When many persons are migrating illegally, then you are living in a s-hole. When over 200,000 children in your country are living as slaves, you are living in a s-hole. There are many more things that make Haiti a s-hole country, if you use google you will see. Haiti is not a paradise and we must be bold enough to speak the truth. Haiti is a shole and Guyana is a madhouse. If anybody says that, then that person should be honoured for speaking the truth. John Cooper

Roads in the MMA/ADA Housing compound in deplorable state DEAR EDITOR, This is an open letter to Minister of Communities and Minister of Public Infrastructure. For ten years now, the access roads and cross streets at the front Compound Housing Scheme at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice have been neglected. Although residents have been paying their rates and taxes, nothing is being done to ensure they can walk and drive in comfort and in ease in their ingress and egress. The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of this Region seems to be heartless and unconcerned about the people (public servants, teachers, nurses, police officers, welfare officers and Doctors) who live in this Onverwagt Front Compound. Access roads and cross streets in other villages from Cotton Tree to Tempie Village have been rehabilitated over a period of years excluding Onverwagt. The Neighbourhood Democratic Council of Union/Naarstigheid keep telling some resi-

dents from since 2015 that the roads will be rehabilitated the next year 2016, then 2017, but up to the end of last year, nothing has been done. Therefore Hon. Minister of Communities and also Minister of Public Infrastructure, could you please, through your official and kind intervention, take and make note of this report, because apart from the residents, there are also Government businesses such as GWI, the Ministry of Agriculture, NAREI, the GLDA Regional Office and the GPL located in situ and sometimes cannot be readily accessible especially during the heavy rainy season. The entrance road to these buildings, which is also the entrance road for the Front Compound Housing Scheme at Onverwagt is flooded and hazardous to customers. Thanks in anticipation, Long suffering residents Grace Pollydore and others.

DEAR EDITOR, It is time we understand and accept that the world is changing and when we look at our country, it is not. Guyana has always been about 20 years behind some of our Caribbean neighbours and about 30 years behind countries in Europe and America in terms of development. Our political system is tribal and regressive; it lacks vision and a leadership structure that fosters growth and progressive thought. It is clamped under a steel web rooted in a revengeful and hardened mentality of race politics, corruption, greed, ego and a lack of empathy for the poor and the middle class. They are not able to see or cultivate wealth for the people by empowering us to flourish; instead the politicians cultivate wealth for themselves while selling our future to foreign interests. Our bureaucracy is archaic, slow, burdensome and costly. There is no concept of innovation and the use of technology to create efficiency. No one is putting forward the idea that speed and competency equals wealth. Instead we have become accustomed to public officials making money from the broken system by taking bribes for favors. They are not seeing that our public systems are moving us deeper into

poverty for the many while it enriches the few. Our business leaders are Machiavellian, either because of their environment or simply because they are unable to change the cycle of things. Therefore, businesses are not taking the initiative to develop its human resources but rather to remain one eyed kings in a blinded country. However, it would be fair to say that the political system came before a private sector and therefore, they’re in some ways, victims of a toxic system. The people have become frustrated and given up hope that our political system will change for the best and have accepted the current climate as a way of life and therefore, they simply do their best to survive and get by. They have also found refuge in the racial divide because at least it gives them a voice for something, even if it is at the expense of their owncountrymenandwomen. After half a century of so called independence, we have progressed so little that we can only get a meagre one percent for our natural resources, while other countries like the U A E , Singapore, Malaysia and Brazil have gotten better

deals. Companies are not interested in our wellbeing, their interest is making a profit and only gives lip service to social causes and even less so for foreign countries, since they have no social or historical bond but those countries they exploit.. Let 2018 be a start of a new way of thinking, we must see our future without backward thinking politicians, we must see ourselves becoming more resourceful without the help of Government, and we must liberate ourselves from racial divide and see your Guyanese brothers and sisters as one. We must demand that our leaders put the country first and not their political interests. We must learn to accept criticism and learn from it and not hate someone because they disagree with you. Conflict is good if we are able to transform it into purposeful and productive solutions. This we must expect as a minimum from our leaders. We must start asking why is it we can’t see more areas of agreement among the opposition and government instead of only conflict. Let’s start by changing the way we think and the rest will fall into place. Malcolm Watkins

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Sunday January 21, 2018

Shooting of 15-year-old in mouth…

Accused Cadet Officer still to call final witness Cadet Officer Franz Paul who is accused of shooting a 15-year-old boy in the mouth is still to call his final witness in his defence. It is alleged that on April 30, 2014 at Georgetown, Franz Paul discharged a loaded firearm at Alex Griffith, who was 15-year-old at the time, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm. It is also alleged that on the same day, Franz Paul inflicted grievous bodily harm on, and assaulted the teenager. The accused, who was charged since in 2014, has been released on High Court bail with respect to both matters. Paul who is being represented by Attorney-atlaw, Roger Yearwood is currently leading a defence in the matter. Last year August, the lawyer had told the court that a doctor would be the final witness to testify on behalf of his client. That witness Dr. Yogeshwar Singh who is attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, testified on October 18, 2017. However, the lawyer has since indicated that he would be calling one more witness to testify on behalf of his client. But that witness is not in the jurisdiction.

When the matter came up earlier this month, Yearwood told the court that the witness was not in the jurisdiction. According to the lawyer, he informed the witness that his absence has been stalling the case. After acknowledging that the court has been very lenient in granting several adjournments, Yearwood begged for another adjournment, promising that the witness will be there to testify. Magistrate Azore granted the lawyer’s request insisting that February 2, will be the final adjournment date. According to reports, Franz Paul’s sister, Nadia Paul, was robbed on April 30, 2014. Thereafter, the Cadet Officer reportedly took her to the police station to make a formal report of the incident. Based on information received, Griffith was later arrested by a party of policemen headed by Franz Paul. It was during the process that the Cadet Officer allegedly discharged a loaded firearm in the teen’s mouth. During an identification parade held at the Brickdam Police Station, Griffith positively identified his alleged shooter as Franz Paul.

Sunday January 21, 2018

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GRA TEAMS UP WITH IMF…

Officers to go overseas to learn tricks of oil and gas companies By Kiana Wilburg The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be taking a proactive approach when it comes to learning all that comes with taxation and the oil and gas industry. This is according to GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. Kaieteur News understands that training is set for March with teams for the Oil and Gas Unit set to be sent overseas to learn all they can with regard to taxation and how other countries deal with their oil and gas sector. Statia said he wants to ensure that the Oil and Gas Unit is more than capable and ready for anything that comes its way when production begins March 2020. The Chartered Accountant said that nothing is being left to chance. He said, “So the training is set for March. We have already commenced some training with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We have teamed up with them and I believe that it is a good partnership. In fact, the IMF already has a team here. They are training our officers in various areas of taxation.” “We have also got some aid from the British for training in the same area and help from the Office of Tax Analysis in the USA. What we have to do is look at all the types of taxation and we are looking to get training from all of the countries which have experience in this area so we know exactly, the kinds of things to look for and expect.” Statia added, “So essentially, we are pulling experience from the USA, UK etc and this mix of experience will

no doubt be of great benefit to us. Also, we are currently negotiating to send a team to Trinidad. They have years of experience in this industry. So we are not leaving anything to chance. We have bilateral arrangements with counterparts too…” RESOURCE CURSE As Guyana prepares for oil production, the Government insists that it is doing all that is necessary to protect the nation from the resource curse. In his Budget 2018 speech, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, said that while the Government continues to build capacity for effectively managing and regulating the oil and gas sector, it will ensure that systems and regulations are in place to properly and transparently account for, and manage oil revenues. In this regard, he said that an oil and gas unit will also be established within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The economist said that the Unit will benefit from extensive training in revenue administration within the context of Production Sharing Agreements. The Finance Minister stated that the prudent management of these revenues, in addition to a well-thought out development plan, will help to guard against the resource curse. Although oil remains the main focus of this emerging sector, Minister Jordan stated that the Government is carefully exploring the feasibility of utilising natural gas as a temporary alternative for power generation. In the coming year, he said that further

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia steps will be taken to identify the preferred option for transporting gas onshore, including the most suitable location. Additionally, to prepare the private sector for rapid growth in this sector, the Finance Minister said that the Government will be hosting an Oil and Gas Exposition and Business Summit in the first quarter of 2018, to bring together various segments of the private sector towards creating partnerships and facilitating information sharing for business opportunities. But it appears however that the main concern for the private sector bodes is the need for legislation which would compel oil companies to use local products and services. President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar, recently articulated that Guyana has a short space of time in which to get itself together for the booming oil and gas industry. He said that the failure to address certain critical issues cor-

Dem boys seh... See-all coming back wid blood in ee eyes De Top Cop chair got glue. Once you sit down inside you does do everything fuh keep out anybody from sitting down. All dem Top Cop wicked. Dem boys remember way back, when Laurie Lewis was Commissioner. He did meet retirement age and refuse to go home. Since then, all dem rest of Commissioners adopt dat attitude. See-all was suppose to be sitting there now but because of dat same attitude Soulja Bai got him like a yo-yo. Up and down, side by side and in and out. Dem boys not certain if he going in Monday or if he going back at all. Wha dem boys certain about is dat he refuse to carry out requests from he bass dem. He did believe, dem couldn’t treat him like a li’l boy much less send him home. He get a rude awakening because dem boys hear he was asking around how fuh get he retirement package. Dem boys seh careful wid he, when he go back. He gun be vicious because some of his boys get fling like yo-yo, here, there and everywhere. Already Chicken and Chap de Man get by-pass by Pall to act as Commissioner. Some of dem who get fling don’t even

got wuk to do because other officers replace dem. Suh dem boys was told. Dem is de officers who got to be careful. But if anything happen dem can always call pun dem boys, fuh wake him up. Dem boys gun know if he change dat attitude and do de wuk de way it suppose to do without malice and wickedness. He was in de chair when people throw de grenade at de Waterfalls paper. He was there when de Chat-3 threaten to kill de people at de Waterfalls paper and when dem boys talk, he send police fuh lock dem up instead. Although he get instructions he never return de firearm dat Jagdeo tek way from de Waterfalls paper. At one stage, dem boys believe he was Jagdeo himself. He sit down and tun he face from many things. He shut he mouth when dem boys talk bout de $69 million renovation of de NIS building. Dem boys want to know if he gun refuse de order to arrest Jagdeo fuh dat same NIS building wha done start falling apart. It only renovate de odda day. Talk half and wait fuh Soulja Bai next move.

rectly will leave Guyanese businesses out in the cold. He provided details on the observations he and members of the Chamber made during a recent visit to Canada. Indar said, “We went there to look at the oil and gas industry not only from a trade perspective but we wanted to understand the local content system that they have there. We wanted to learn how they were able to develop their industry when they found oil in 1966…” The GCCI President con-

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan tinued, “Because oil production kicks in by 2020, we have a short time span. We want to learn from Canada, how our companies can become part of the supply chain when ExxonMobil gets into full swing. Joint ventures between locals and foreigners will be the fastest way to get there and this mission is to help in that regard.” “While in Canada, we looked at their legal structure, training facilities, and response facilities in case anything happens and what

would be their response time…We met with a whole host of people just to understand the structure they have and how we can replicate their strengths here.” Indar said that he and the delegation from Guyana were able to see firsthand, how Canada’s private sector is able to successfully play a role in the oil and gas sector. For that to happen here, Indar insists that legislation is needed. “We need legislation which says you need to come to us first before you go to the Caribbean and further afield for products and services. If you need water, see if anyone here can supply it first.” The GCCI President said that if this is not done then Guyana’s businesses will lose out. “What you need is local content legislation which brings enforcement. Operators may not like it but for development to take place, our local businesses need production. Give us the opportunity to see if we can supply.”

GIVE OFFENDERS A SECOND CHANCE IN 2018 Over the years, many have watched in frustration and are disturbed at the ever growing number of young men in handcuffs being escorted to the country’s prisons. It should not be surprising to any one that the main prisons in the country are overfilled. The Camp Street Prison was built almost 200 years ago to house 150 inmates, but prior to its burning down last July, it had a population of about 950 inmates, the vast majority being relatively young males. This is troubling. In our small society here in Guyana, we are often quick to write off ex-convicts. We have easily accepted that once a convict, always a convict, even though that need not be the case. Therefore, the very suggestion that a criminal offender should be given a second chance could quickly spark controversy, not only among the population, but also among our politicians. Prison statistics has revealed that Guyana has a high recidivism rate of between 60 and 65 percent, which means that our prisons are really a revolving door for most. There should be a compulsion for us to, at the very least, have a rational discourse on the issue, if only for the simple fact to help offenders who will return to the very communities from whence they came when they are released. We should give them a chance to find employment.

This should be our priority in 2018. Prisons were never intended to be an incubator for criminals, but rather a facility where offenders while serving out their time for their wrongdoing, can be rehabilitated and hopefully turn over a new leaf by the time they are released back into society. Based on the telling prison statistics, it seems that we have much work to do to help ex-convicts become meaningful and productive citizens in society. However, a vast majority of employers, including some government officials, have insisted that they would not employ someone with a criminal record unless that person has a Police Certificate as a prerequisite for employment. Understandably, hiring an ex-convict can be risky and companies have a right to protect their interests. But is such hiring a practical solution to our societal problems where crime is concerned? If former prison inmates cannot find a job, their only alternative is commit robbery, which in some cases can be deadly. The critical issue for us to consider is do we want a safe society or not? After all, an offender who has paid

his/her dues only to be rejected by society serves no one any good. Refusing to accept him/her in their community means alienation, which can lead to anger and lawlessness. In circumstances such as these, a second chance can make the world of difference between turning over a new page and wreaking further havoc on society. It may even be seen by the offenders as an opportunity for them to redeem themselves in the eyes of society. Yet there are exceptions. President David Granger pardoned some young offenders. It wasn’t long before they were back in prison having gone back to a life of crime. One graduated from snatching a phone to killing. However, we should not lose sight of the bigger picture and allow those who are bent on wrongdoing to prevent us from helping those who genuinely want a fresh start. While we must sympathize with criminals, it does not mean that they must not be punished. But we have to be fair and forgiving; we have to change our mindset if we are serious about changing the penal system and society.

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Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

PPP, councillors blasted for boycotting launch of regional consultations body The People Progressive Party (PPP) councillors were a no-show at Friday’s inaugural meeting of the National Regional Development Consultative Committee (NRDCC). Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, told the media that last evening that ‘identical letters’ were presented by the PPP/C councillors informing him that they would not participate in the two-day meeting of regional councillors and heads of municipalities. The Minister said that the fact that the letters were identical suggests that there was central involvement in those council’s actions, and this does not bode well for regional and local empowerment. The Minister also noted that the actions are inconsistent with the statement expressed by the Leader of the Opposition at their recently concluded party congress, where among other things he would have committed his party towards pursuing decentralisation. “These actions speak to a certain degree of control and do not help our re-

gional leaders to bring about the strong level of leadership that they are expected to provide to bring about development in their regions,” Minister Bulkan pointed out. Minister Bulkan said that the current administration will not be deterred or distracted by the “unhelpful actions.” He said that the government will seek to reach out and to bring on board those elected regional and local officials who have a duty and responsibility to represent the interest of their citizens. He pointed out that this is why the ministry would have chosen to go ahead with the day’s activity despite the absence of the majority of the officials from the regions. “Our agenda will not be dictated by the opposition. We will continue to reach out to them, but as I have said, the reasons advanced by the chairpersons and the mayors, they are specious, they are baseless and I believe they are provocative,” the minister said Minister Bulkan reminded those delegates who have spurned the in-

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, addressing the launch of the National Regional Development Consultative Committee at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown on Friday. vitation of the Central Government and in particular the Ministry of Communities, to participate in the day’s important event that, “they are public officers and they have a duty under the laws and under the legislation to conform to

national policies.” In the letters to the minister the regional officials expressed their concerns that the National Regional Development Consultative Committee poses a danger of impinging on the authority of Regional Democratic

Councils and Municipalities. The regional and local officials also expressed fear that their participation would be seen as endorsing the initiative. Minister Bulkan, however, said that the initiative is a consultative committee designed

to bring together all the regions and municipalities, with a view of strengthening regional administration and strengthening the role of the Regional Democratic Councils in both the management and development of their respective regions.

Top cop set to return tomorrow Amidst uncertainty about his future, Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, will return to office tomorrow after being off the job since July last year and after serving 56 additional days of leave. When contacted yesterday, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, confirmed Seelall’s return. In a letter from Ramjattan, Persaud was ordered to proceed on ‘special leave’, effective November 24, 2017, in the ‘public interest’ and ‘until further notice’. The move sparked the notion that Government was initiating a complete overhaul in the top brass of the Guyana Police Force. Ramjattan later clarified with

this publication that ‘until further notice’ meant that Persaud will be on pre-retirement leave for 56 days to mainly facilitate the smooth execution of the force’s Christmas security plans. There was great uncertainty about Persaud’s return. On January 10, Ramjattan stated that he was unaware of Persaud’s future and directed all questions to President David Granger. Persaud is scheduled to retire in late April from the force. Since Persaud’s leave started, Assistant Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine has been performing the duties of Commissioner. Persaud had been on accumulated leave since July 10. He should have resumed

official duty on November 24, last, and proceed on preretirement leave this year. Last week, Ramnarine left the jurisdiction on official duty. During his absence, Assistant Commissioner and Crime Chief, Paul Williams served as Acting Commissioner of Police, a decision that was questioned, since it disrupted the hierarchy. In the midst of it all, Assistant Commissioner, Maxine Graham performed the duties of Administration, the post that Ramnarine held before he became Acting Commissioner. In appointing Williams, the most senior officer, Assistant Commissioner and head of operations, Clifton Hicken was by-

passed. Under the structure of the Force, Hicken, although senior to Graham was obligated to report to her. Assistant Commissioner, Marlon Chapman, who is the Commander of ‘A’ Division, is also senior to Williams. THELETTER The letter from Ramjattan indicated that he was advised to inform Persaud of the decision to have him proceed on leave. It stated that the decision is to allow for continuing initiatives and innovations being pursued by the force’s temporary administration to be completed before Persaud’s resumption of duty. Leading up to the letter, Persaud, Guyana’s 31st Commissioner of Police, faced a scathing report from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged assassination plot against President Granger. The CoI, headed by retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe, recommended that Persaud should be made to resign his position as Commissioner under such terms and conditions that the President considers appropriate. Failing which, the Commission had recommended that proceedings be initiated in accordance with Article 225 on the Constitution to have him removed from office for

m i s b e h a v i o u r . Persaud was accused of inserting himself into the police investigation of the assassination plot while he was on leave. The report found that the top cop should have recused himself from the matter. Persaud was accused of bypassing the chain of command when he instructed that Nizam Khan, who was a suspect in the alleged assassination plot, be sent on bail. Persaud faced turbulent times at the head of the force which was highlighted by a public rift with Ramnarine. The rift had reached the level of Cabinet and was pointed out in the CoI report. Aside from Persaud and Ramnarine, the report identified Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken and Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum as “the main protagonists,” who “lack the professionalism to lead the Force in this touted period of reform and transition.” The Commission had recommended that serious consideration must be given to having all the main protagonists reassigned, even if it means placement outside the force. GOVT.WARNED Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, had warned that Constitutional independent of-

fice holders like the Commissioner of Police can’t be forced to take leave. He said that it amounts to suspension or constructive dismissal which circumvents the regime of security of tenure which the constitution accords to the Commissioner of Police. Nandlall had stated that in relation to suspension or dismissal, Article 225 of the Constitution which applies to the Commissioner of Police provides that the holder of that office shall not be removed or suspended from the exercise of the functions, thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the Article. The Article lists only two grounds upon which the Commissioner of Police can be removed from Office, and it relates to the Commissioner’s inability to perform the functions of his Office, whether arising from infirmity of body and mind. The second ground for removal is for misbehaviour. Nandlall noted that the Article provides that if the question of removal arises on the aforementioned grounds then the President must establish a tribunal, consisting of a Chairman and two other persons, who are judges or former judges or persons qualified to be judges, who shall investigate the question of the Commissioner’s removal from Office.

Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Sunday January 21, 2018

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Albion to Tain water supply interrupted after well fails Residents from areas between Albion and Tain Village, Corentyne, will experience some water interruptions after it was revealed that one of the two main wells that supply the Port Mourant plant of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) has failed. Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako, disclosed that the pump station supplies the Port Mourant water treatment plant between Albion and Tain. He stated that over the past few days, there were some major setbacks in one of the wells that supply the plant. “The plant has failed; we are not having water but rather mud. We suspect that the entire casing of the well has collapsed”. Shako explained that some preliminary investigations were conducted. These revealed that the casing of the well may have ruptured. ”We are not able to sustain the plant. Areas such as Rose Hall Town, Belvedere,

Tain, Albion (some parts), Nigg and Portuguese Quarter (Port Mourant) will be affected,” Shako divulged. The problem will affect the regular supply of water. The supply will be reduced to three to four hours a day for approximately two weeks to facilitate repairs. According to the Operations Director, GWI is trying to provide the life-saving substance from other sources. Tain, Corentyne will receive from Letter Kenny while some sections of Nigg Village will get a supply from Albion. Rose Hall Town and Belvedere are the areas that will mostly feel the brunt of the problem since the water company are unable to provide water to those areas from the Albion and Letter Kenny wells. In addition to the collapsed plant, it was also highlighted that there has been a power issue resulting in the fluctuation of the pump operation. He stated that the Guyana Power and Light is

currently experiencing network issues which have compounded the problems at GWI. He is appealing to residents to exercise patience as the technicians at the Guyana Water Incorporated remedy the issue in an efficient manner. ”We are working to activate another well to interconnect into the system where we are able to give water to Rose Hall, Nigg and Portuguese Quarter. With the well in activation, they will not receive water at first flow level just at the standpipe level but a constant supply,” Shako assured. Over the past few days, residents of several areas along the Corentyne have complained of water problems. The pressure of the water has dropped, some said, while others complained that they receive only a few hours of supply. GWI has apologised for the inconvenience caused as they work to rectify the problem.

GWI workers at the well area.

Not likely Guyana’s obligations to CARICOM will increase after oil

CARICOM is not likely to demand that Guyana increases its financial obligations after the production of oil starts. As the regional bloc continues to face some financial challenges, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, said that Guyana has been honouring its financial obligations. On Wednesday, Minister Greenidge responding to reporters’ queries about the financial challenges faced by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said: “The financial challenges faced by CARICOM are not the result of failure by Guyana to make its contributions.” The Minister did, however, explain that CARICOM has been facing these financial challenges since the 2008 economic recession which shattered the economies of several of its Member States.

While some have managed to rebound from the impact of the crisis, others have generally been unable to meet their financial obligations. The pipeline of funds for various projects, according to the Minister, has become more restricted and that poses a difficulty for CARICOM, especially as the international community embraces a variety of new challenges (e.g. environment, global warming). Moreover, new institutions are established which sometimes require additional technicians and more funding, making it increasingly burdensome for most countries. When asked whether Guyana may be asked to pay a larger financial contribution

to CARICOM, due to the recent large oil find, Minister Greenidge stated: “No, but I wouldn’t expect responsible CARICOM governments to be demanding that you pay now in anticipation of revenues to appear in 2020 or beyond. We have always contributed to CARICOM development in accordance with our own capacity.” CARICOM is one of the oldest integration schemes in the Western Hemisphere, the largest in terms of membership with fifteen nations. The main objective is to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members; the bloc of nations is financed through annual contributions by Member States.

Sunday January 21, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Inflated $69M NIS office in Corriverton already falling apart

Workers replacing sections of the roof on Friday

Its construction was overshadowed by allegations of wrongdoings. In May 2016, a key audit report found that the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) building at Corriverton, in Corentyne, Berbice, that was built for $69M was really worth $38M. Now, a mere six years later, it appeared that in addition to be overpriced, poor work was also done. On Friday, workers were seen on top of the building, replacing roofing sheets. Workers would only say that there were some problems. It would signal that faulty works were done and signed off on by the supervisor of works with the contractor being paid. The construction of the office, a key project by NIS in Berbice, under the previous administration of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), was geared to help modernise the scheme’s satellite offices. The construction of that branch was one of several instances that highlighted how things were handled under the previous NIS Board of Directors, the entity that is charged with administering social insurance for thousands of Guyanese. A forensic audit report released in May 2016 by the Ministry of Finance on NIS, covering the period December 2011 to May 31, 2015, red-flagged several instances of direct interference by the Office of the President, into the affairs of the entity. Many times, it seems, the decisions by Cabinet were handed down and the board accepted them without question. Chairing the NIS Board of Directors for years until his party, the PPP/C, lost the early general elections in May last year, was Dr. Roger Luncheon. That official was also the Cabinet Secretary. The Corriverton branch had made the news in a very bad way for the previous administration after documents relating to the construction revealed what appeared to be high costs for the building. It was an embarrassment

Dr. Roger Luncheon for NIS which is also facing tough financial times as its expenses are outstripping income. According to the report, prepared by auditor HLB R. Seebarran & Co., the branch was reconstructed in 2010/ 2011 and commissioned in 2011 at a whopping cost of $69.9M. The report said that NIS Board appointed a subcommittee called the Tender Evaluation Committee headed by a Director and including three independent partiesamong them Samuel Goolsarran from the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries. A Consulting Engineer who was appointed provided an estimate of $50.6M to construct the building. Two years after being built for $69M, this NIS branch at Corriverton, East Berbice was valued at $38M. Auditors found that an advertisement was published in the press in April 2010. It is here that things got strange. The NIS Board decided to take it upon itself not to have the contract handled by the National Board for Procurement and Tender Administration. Rather, the bids were handled by the Tender Evaluation Committee. The reasons given were delays in the procurement at the National Tender Board. However, only two bids came in – Fyffe Building & Contracting Works $52.5M 3.7% above estimate and one from G. Bovell Construction

Service for $112.8M or 222.6% above the estimate. The report said that Fyffe Building & Contracting Works was awarded the contract. The project was overseen by the Consulting Engineer and Building Maintenance Officer of NIS who played an integral part throughout the construction. This was evident by the many reports he had submitted. At a sub-committee meeting held on November 22, 2010, the then Chairman of the Board, Dr. Luncheon, was informed that a variation of $8.1M was required for electrical works and a generator which took the total cost to $60.6M. According to the report, there were several issues

during the construction as the contractor had difficulties meeting the deadline. At a sub-committee meeting held on March 18, 2011, the Assistant General Manager informed the Board that a financial arrangement was worked out to have the scheme procure various items on behalf of the contractor. Things did not improve and on May 20, 2011, the Chairman took several decisions including terminating the contractor’s services. However, it appeared that the NIS Board then made an about turn, reversing that termination 10 days later. It was explained that the Office of the President decided to keep the contractor as the project was in a

desperate situation and was at its final stage. It was also decided that an additional expenditure of $10M would be incurred and that the procurement of goods will be done by NIS. The project was commissioned in 2011. According to the forensic audit report, in 2013, a valuation of the property pegged the value of the Corriverton property at $37.9M compared to the cost of $69.9M, an impairment of $32M. According to the forensic audit report, there was evidence that suggest unhappiness by the Board over the valuation of the Corriverton branch. As a matter of fact, records included that NIS

Finance Controller stopped External Auditors from working on the 2012 Audited Financial Statements. However, the Board was later assured that the value of the property was accurate. The Board then decided to leave the embarrassing valuation report from audited financial statements for 2012 and 2013. The forensic auditor made it clear, in his conclusions, that the construction of this office was fraught with problems from the beginning. The auditor also highlighted the Board’s questionable decision to terminate the contractor’s services but subsequently changed their minds because of interference by the Office of the President.

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Sunday January 21, 2018

Youth Violence and the Education System By Olato Sam The increase in violence among our youth is cause for great concern. The headlines are replete with accounts of the incidents and the statistics speaks to troubling trends in relation to youth involvement in crime. This is a broader societal problem but given the fact that our schools are a microcosm of the society; we now have another major issue that the education system needs to address head on. This is a challenge that the education system alone is ill-equipped to fully address and one that truly requires a multi-sectoral, broad-based approach at finding solutions. Schools have been hardpressed to find workable solutions to the various manifestations of the problem

which for some time have emerged as major detractions from the traditional business of schooling. There have been numerous accounts of the level of deviant behaviour occurring in schools. Teachers have long voiced their concerns in relation to their sense of powerlessness in the face of the increasing number and severity of the incidents which are occurring. More troubling are the accounts of these issues occurring at increasingly younger ages. Teachers have noted that our children at astonishingly low levels in the system are demonstrating unprecedented levels of anger and aggression. In consultations aimed at finding possible solutions, many teachers have attributed the new rules limiting the use of corporal pun-

ishment in schools as a major contributory factor. Others have cited the absence of the male presence in schools as another significant element. There has been widespread recognition that our schools lack the requisite human and material resources to adequately take on this new challenge. Schools need access to a wide range of social services to begin making inroads in treating with the issues emerging. The guidance counsellors, school welfare officers and social workers who serve the system are in short supply. As a result, the bulk of the responsibility for dealing with this new challenge falls back on the teachers themselves— a source of great resentment on the part of teachers. Teachers have maintained that the nucleus of the issue

is not within the school system and have openly declared that they should not therefore be saddled with the responsibility of addressing same. In addition, they highlight the fact that they lack the training and specialised skills required to adequately deal with the emerging challenges. The CARICOM Forum on Youth Crime and Violence noted, with great concern, the increase in violence among pre-adolescents and the trend of increasing violence in schools. One of the more troubling revelations emerging from research done was that our children overwhelmingly cited personal safety issues as one of their main concerns. This has significant implications for society in general but for schools in particular. Schools have traditionally

been and are expected to be safe, nurturing environments. Theoretically, it is even argued that our schools have a responsibility to compensate for the failings of the communities they serve. Our students’ declaration that they do not feel safe even in schools must be cause for alarm and distress. The perceived threats have led to the need for protection resulting in alarming finds of ‘weapons’ in the possession of students in campaigns conducted by the Ministry’s Schools Welfare Unit. At the secondary level, overwhelmingly large numbers of male students have been found with real and makeshift weapons which they consider necessary for their safety. This perceived need to protect themselves clearly feeds into the cycle of violence noted among our school-aged population. It highlights the need for structured interventions to make our schools and communities safer environments for all but especially our children. Within sister Caribbean states, this issue has mushroomed onto the national stage due to its pervasiveness and severity. There are schools within the region that have been outfitted with metal detectors and heightened forms of security measures to begin to address the scourge. The state of affairs in the education system in Guyana is far from there and affords us the opportunity, given the emerging signs and trends, to avoid reaching there. As mentioned above however, this cannot be addressed effectively if it is regarded as solely a school or education system problem. As the CARICOM Forum cited above declared inter alia, this must be treated as a developmental issue requiring the input of a wide range of relevant agencies and sectors. This requires an acceptance of the importance and significance of the problem and the willingness to share relevant information in arriving at potential solutions. Given their central, strate-

gic position in the lives of our children, schools have a crucial role to play in any approaches devised. This would require broad-based consultation with relevant stakeholders, an openness to innovative ideas and initiative and the willingness and commitment on the part of policymakers to see the entire process through. There is no quick-fix in relation to this issue and both short and long-term sustainable interventions will be needed, integrating a number of different social, governmental and private sector agencies. As a World Bank, UNODC report cited on the issue states, “policy makers in the short run should borrow from the toolkit of evidence-based programs from other regions, such as early childhood development and mentoring programs, interventions to increase retention of high-risk youth in secondary schools, and opening schools afterhours and on weekends to offer youth attractive activities to occupy their free time”. Projecting forward, the Faculties of Education and Social Sciences at the University of Guyana should consult with the Ministry of Education and related entities such as UNICEF to develop programmes to prepare a cadre of individuals to provide the range of social services needed within schools and communities across the country. Plans will have to be devised to seamlessly integrate these programmes into the structures of the education system. Mechanisms must be put in place to monitor and evaluate the various interventions, identify best practices and share information. This issue requires a comprehensive, collective effort that will facilitate the development of balanced, well-adjusted youths with positive outlooks on life. Ultimately, the quality of life we experience going forward will depend significantly on the steps we take to address the challenges facing our children today.

Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

Education Minister adopts title of ‘Doctor’, but is yet to be conferred with PhD Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, has accepted the title of ‘Doctor’, although she is yet to complete her PhD, which is being funded by taxpayers’ dollars. The Ministry of the Presidency website has listed the Cabinet post of Education Minister as ‘Dr. Nicolette Henry’. In the academic world, such practice is frowned upon and is seen as a dishonest representation of one’s qualifications. “My current status is that I am a doctor of scholar and that has been the case for a few years now. When that changes you will be duly notified,” Henry told Kaieteur News. The Minister explained that everyone knows that she is a doctoral scholar

registered at a Laureate University in the United States. Asked why the Ministry of the President would list her as Dr. Henry, she replied, ‘It wouldn’t be wrong or right to use it’. It is the Minister’s view that in academics, once someone is a doctoral scholar, it is accepted that they are referred to as a doctor. Henry was among a list of Ministers and Government affiliates who were receiving scholarship funds directly from Government. In late 2016, it was disclosed that the Minister’s studies had racked up $3.3M for a doctorate in public health. The Minister was told that it is not acceptable to use the title before being conferred. She said, “I would want

The Ministry of the Presidency website profile of Nicolette Henry, Minister of Education

to wait after I would have been so conferred to use it appropriately.” It appears that there was some indication that Henry had already obtained her PhD because in mid-2016 while she served as a Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sports, official press releases referred to her as Dr. Henry. Several professionals advised Kaieteur News that some persons tend to use the title PhD candidate to indicate that they are awaiting conferral, which means that one is either a PhD candidate or conferred with PhD, a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities. Henry has made a number of gaffes since becoming a Minister of Government when the Coalition came to power in 2015. In December last, the Minister told the House of Assembly that she is not a Kshatriya (Guyanese say Chatree) and so may not know when there is Diwali or Phagwah. Earlier in 2017, Henry repeatedly confused the Hindu holidays, Diwali with Phagwah. Many found her Kshatriya reference offensive. She never apologised for using the term.

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Sunday January 21, 2018

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Team Benschop distances self Pensioner struck after church service praying for recovery from M&CC representative Social Activist Mark Benschop has distanced himself from Councillor Jameel Rasul. Rasul was selected to represent Team Benschop at the level of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC). Team Benschop was awarded a seat on the Council following the last local government elections. However, the social activist told Kaieteur News that Rasul continues to represent the team even after his tenure expired more than a month ago. “He officially seized being a councillor since November last year, when his six months rotation expired. He (recently) voted on his own regarding the parking meter contract. It is not in keeping with Team Benschop

Everette Beckles in GPHC Mark Benschop

Jameel Rasul

position, and neither my personal view on the contract. Team Benschop position hasn’t changed,” the leader explained.

Further, Benschop has accused Rasul of representing his own interests at the Council. “He took it upon his own (continued on page 71)

A pensioner who was struck down last Sunday, just as she came out of Church is praying with each day passing for her recovery, so that she can take care of her ailing husband. Everette Beckles, 64, of 23 Public Road, La Grange, West Bank Demerara recalled that she had just come out of fellowship, last Sunday at the ‘Agape Assemblies’, also in La Grange, when she crossed

WANTED COOK

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the public road to speak to a friend. It is when she had crossed back and was standing in the corner, she said, that a speeding car, driven by a female swerved into her. The woman said she does not recall the details of the car, or the woman driving. She was rushed to the Best Hospital, West Bank Demerara, by her church members. Members of the Guyana Police Force subsequently turned up at the scene and took the driver into custody. The grandmother, of five and mother of seven, was taken to the Woodlands

Hospital by her children for an X-Ray. She became a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on Monday last, where she is still being treated for a fractured knee and ankle, as well as a dislocated back. Mrs. Beckles said she is anxious to get out of the hospital because she takes care of her 70-year old husband, Dennis Beckles, who suffered a stroke. The almost tearful woman told Kaieteur News that the female who has her in this state never even visited her at the hospital. She did however admit that the woman’s family came to visit her.

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Kaieteur News

Recognizing Guyanese youth for their contributions to society (Continued from last week)

This week Kaieteur News concludes the feature on Guyanese youth who were recently recognized by ASPIRE Guyana Network for their contributions to society. These youth have gone above and beyond in helping to shape society through community services. They have been advocates for sexual and reproductive health, community and cultural development, women’s rights, and have excelled in the field of visual arts.

charitable organization that provides meals and clothing for the homeless, medical outreaches and job placement. According to Hutson, “2017 was amazing for me as an advocate and volunteer. With Potluck I have become part of a group of vibrant smart young people that put their energy towards good and helping. We have provided well over 3000 meals for those who are in need. Medical outreach has served over 200 persons. We have also provided clothing to many.” Potluck feeds the homeless every Sunday, and performs medical outreach, monthly. If you’d like to support their endeavours, feel free to follow and message their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/potluckgy/

awareness of having men actively involved in the family planning process. Dr. Pat mentioned, “2017 has been the breakthrough year in terms of my advocacy work. SRHR Adventures was officially launched on the 1st of January, 2017 and from then to now we have had a series of opportunities to spread our message. In addition, I have connected with a wonderful bunch of young ladies and one young man aka the SRHR Adventurers who are the backbone of the group.”

is focused on community and cultural development. They would have also started a community dance group as part of the capacity development faction. In his capacity at the Guyana Congregational Young People’s Union; they were able to provide subscribed youths with theoretical and practical practices for mission/volunteerism. The Ebenezer Youth Group has given Grandison the platform to facilitate and teach CSEC English Language and NGSA classes weekly. According to Grandison, “In 2017, I was able to expand my network, as I was a member of the planning committee for the Council for World Mission’s Global Youth Forum. This saw young people from over 30 countries coming together to address issues which affect them. I was also able to form a Caribbean Alumni for young people who are trained in Mission and I continue to motivate and encourage new volunteers.”

PATRICEE DOUGLAS DELON GRANDISON Douglas also known as Dr. Pat is also a Medical Doctor. This 26-year-old women’s and girls’ health and rights advocate is a lover of volunteerism. She is also very passionate STEFAN HUTSON about youth empowerment. She has This 27-year-old Medical Doctor and volunteered with Women Across Differences Lecturer of Physiology at the University of (WAD) in the area of sexual and reproductive Guyana was raised in a single-parent home, health and rights (SRHR) counsellor. She is a by a mother who gave nothing but love and Shaper at the Global Shapers Georgetown hub support to him and his brother. With that and has worked at the Ministry of Public support, Hutson pursued his studies and has Health: Adolescent Health Program – Peer become an educator who loves reading, sports Educator. She volunteered at the same and helping people. It was because of his love ministry as a Community Volunteer Worker. of giving, that he co-founded Potluck - a She’s also a Project Ambassador (PA) at One World Youth Project (OWYP). Most of her voluntary work has been centred on the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights Money always attracts (SRHR). For instance, at WAD criminals. The decision by she was tasked with doing the government to pay the sessions on family planning retrenched sugar workers with the adolescent mothers. will see a shift in criminal While her grass root activities to the eastern part organization’s main aim is to of the country. promote SRHR in Guyana. It is not that the criminals They hold sessions on are leaving another part of family planning, adolescent the country to visit eastern pregnancy, abortion and other Guyana. SRHR topics at health centres, Rather, some churches, youth groups and enterprising criminals with wherever invited. He would later say that support from their visiting To date, they have counterparts will attack three he was unaware of his sensitized parents on the homes.Their level of success actions. importance of getting their ** will hampered by an angry daughters vaccinated against A raid on a house will HPV; increased cervical cancer community. uncover a quantity of drugs screening awareness - through ** A drinking session would and weapons. This home the Guyana Responsible turn violent when one of the had long been under Parenthood Association; home men in the company would surveillance. Family Planning Counselling; The homeowner is a increased awareness of the become very angry and use a bottle on one of his known character who made importance of family planning/ no secret of his activities. companions. contraception and raised

The Baccoo Speaks

Grandison considers himself to be a country boy. This 24-year-old was born and raised in Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara. He describes himself as confident but humble and carries the belief that life is the most precious gift one can have; because there is only one life to live. He added, “I believe that it should be lived to the fullest”. It is for those reasons that he focuses his energies on the development of youth. Currently, he serves the Guyana Congregational Young People’s Union as President; the Den Amstel Dynamic Network as Vice President (Founding member) and sits on the Board of Directors for the Council for World Mission, as Youth Director (Representing young people in over 40 countries). In August, through the Den Amstel Dynamic Network, Grandison and others were able to revamp and restructure the Miss Den Amstel Emancipation pageant. This activity

ROBERTO TEEKAH Teekah has always been an introverted and reserved person, and he says that art served as a vessel through which he expresses his opinions and channel his emotions. Teekah, 19, was lucky to have been able to gain both practical and theoretical knowledge of the Visual Arts, at The Bishops’ High School. This truly helped him blossom into the artist that he is today. Art has somewhat become a part of his mere existence, and he gets to show that in all of his creations. He noted, “Inspiration for my art comes from a multitude of sources - things like nature, folklore and mythology, avant-garde fashion, (continued on page 45)

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Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

Khemdat Sukhul’s strange abduction

What kind of kidnappers would turn down $30M? By Michael Jordan

Maybe it was because he wasn’t well known. Maybe it was because it happened on the same day that the cambio dealer with the glamourous wife wound up dead in his Bel Air home. You could even blame it on his family’s silence at the time about the whole affair. Whatever the reason, we didn’t take the disappearance of Khemdat Michael Sukhul seriously until the day that… But I’m getting ahead of myself. Khemdat Sukhul was a 50year-old resident of Leonora, West Coast Demerara, who owned a very profitable logging concession in Essequibo. According to a relative, he exported mainly greenheart lumber and also sold logs to another concession. Sukhul had a sister who lived overseas and owned a property at New Providence, East Bank Demerara. The businessman used the location as an office.

And now for the family’s version of what happened to Khemdat Michael Sukhul. On the evening of Monday, May 7, 2007, Sukhul, his secretary, and two male employees were at the office when three masked men barged into the building. The victims were unable to tell the men’s ancestry. All they knew was that one was dark in complexion, another brownskinned, and the third was light-complexioned. The gunmen reportedly went straight to the businessman and asked whether he was Michael Sukhul. The businessman insisted that he wasn’t Sukhul. The intruders responded that they knew that he was Sukhul, since they had seen him several times. In fact, they had come looking for him the previous day, but he had already left for home. The gunmen then proceeded to bind and gag the businessman’s employees. However, they left a knife within the secretary’s reach, and instructed her not

to cut her bonds until half an hour had passed. The gunmen then forced Sukhul into a waiting vehicle and left. After approximately 30 minutes had elapsed, Sukhul’s secretary freed herself and the two workers. She then contacted a male relative and informed him about the abduction. He contacted the police, who arrived and took the victims to the Providence Station. From the station, the secretary contacted Sukhul’s mother. That very night, the phone at Sukhul’s home rang and his mother, Ruby Sukhul, answered. The caller identified himself as one of the kidnappers and said that he wanted $30M in exchange for her son’s release. He gave the family a one-week deadline to hand over the cash. Sukhul’s relatives were warned not to contact the police. However, the relatives informed the police about the call. The Anti-Kidnapping ranks visited the New Providence

premises from which Sukhul had been snatched. They also searched a few homes, but failed to find any trace of the missing man. On Tuesday, May 8, 2007, the persons claiming to be the kidnappers contacted the family again. Between then and Wednesday, May 9, 2007, the kidnappers contacted the family about eight more times. On some occasions, they phoned Sukhul’s relatives who lived overseas. When the relatives pleaded for time to withdraw the cash from a bank, the kidnappers, apparently believing that the family was stalling, began telling them that Sukhul had the cash stashed in a safe in his house. And indeed, there was a safe in one of the bedrooms, but that safe, when opened, only contained documents. When the kidnappers called on Thursday, May 10, 2007, the family members disclosed that they only had a part of the ransom, and pleaded for one more day to raise the rest. The kidnappers agreed, and informed the relatives that they would call at 09:00 hrs the following day. They even allowed Sukhul to speak to his family. Sukhul reportedly informed them that he was alright and was being taken care of. That Friday, as promised, the kidnappers called again. This time, they allowed Khemdat Sukhul to speak to his mother. She was celebrating her birthday that very day and Khemdat wished her well. He informed her that he had been blindfolded by his abductors and taken to a house, but had no idea where the building was located. Sukhul also reassured his mother that he would be home soon. The family then informed the callers that they finally had the complete ransom. They asked for instructions

about dropping the money off. The answer shocked them. The caller informed the family that they no longer wanted the ransom. Money or no money, Khemdat Sukhul had to die. He had seen too much. The family received no more calls. At around 01:30 hrs on Saturday, May 12, 2007, some residents of Unity, Mahaica, saw a green-coloured minibus turn into Cremation Road. After a few minutes, the occupants in the vehicle switched off the lights and drove away. Shortly after, residents living nearby heard cries of “help…help…” Those who dared to venture to the scene were shocked to see a man lying in a clump of bushes on the roadside. The victim was barefoot. He had a gaping wound behind the head, another to one of his shoulders, and the tendons at the back of one of his ankles had been severed. The badly injured man managed to tell the villagers his name. He was Khemdat Michael Sukhul. He told the villagers that he was being killed for his land and money. The residents contacted the police, who transported him to the Georgetown Public Hospital. At around 05:00 hrs, Khemdat Sukhul passed away. The police would later reveal that although Sukhul was “fully conscious” when rescued, the ranks were unable to get any useful information from him about the identity of his kidnappers. At the time Sukhul had been found, he was wearing two shirts and a jersey along with dark pants. He had not been wearing the two shirts at the time of his abduction. The police said that five persons had been arrested after investigators had traced

one of the calls the kidnappers had made. A hire-car driver suspected of transporting the kidnappers was among those detained. They got nowhere with that lead and the driver was eventually released. The person to whom the phone was registered was also detained. During interrogation, the individual claimed that he had bought the phone for someone else. When contacted, the owner of the phone claimed that he had misplaced the device. Investigators were convinced that he had nothing to do with the kidnapping. Eventually, all the suspects were released. So, who kidnapped Khemdat Sukhul? Why did the abductors refuse to collect the ransom? Why did they release the badlywounded businessman, instead of killing him? The relative who spoke with me, suspects that a woman who was a close friend of Sukhul’s played a key role in his abduction. One of the things that puzzled the relative was that the callers could describe the inside of the family’s house, which the woman often visited. And why was Sukhul targeted? The relative suggested that perhaps someone wanted to get their hands on the businessman’s logging concession, which the family lost after he died. A pontoon of logs that Sukhul had planned to sell mysteriously vanished after he was murdered. But investigators may still have one vital clue. An overseas-based relative that the killers contacted is said to have recorded the voice of one of the kidnappers. A copy of the recording was reportedly given to local investigators. “I am still hoping for justice,” the relative who spoke to me said. “He (Sukhul) never interfered with anyone. He was a religious person.” If you have any information about this or any other unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown offices. Our numbers are 22-58452, 2258458, 22-58465, 22-58473 and 22-58491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s mjdragon@hotmail.com.

Sunday January 21, 2018

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Kaieteur News

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

A startling question at the GSPCA that floored me I keep writing and saying ad infinitum that you find negative things here that are not in existence elsewhere. A few days before Christmas, I saw another such situation. For years now, my wife and I stopped giving each other birthday and Christmas gifts. We take our respective money that should go into the purchase of the gifts, pool it, and at Christmas we give it to the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) on Robb Street, Bourda. Last year, something unusual happened. I entered the building, stated what my business was. I was stunned by a question I would never have anticipated anywhere in the world. One of the attendants asked me as I produced the envelope with the funds; “Do you want a receipt?” I thought that was standard practice anywhere in the world. When you make financial donations, to the organizations of any kind, a receipt should be issued. I went home, told my wife what happened, and she too found the question strange. I have been hearing reports the last two years that

Frederick Kissoon the GSPCA is falling below the standards it had decades ago with regards to its willingness to respond urgently when animals are in physical pain. My dog got knocked down on UG Road and the GSPCA was unable to help. This new situation is ironic because the past ten years, Guyana has experienced quite a number of university-trained vets, and there cannot be a shortage. I think only a few of them donate their service to the GSPCA. But is that any surprise? Hey! This is Guyana maan! A letter by Ms Atika Stephens in the newspapers recently needs to be

highlighted. I am reproducing the letter because the contents we should reflect on. Ms. Stephens wrote; “I heard the loud cries of a cat coming from the roadside, I stepped outside to see what the problem was. I saw a cat (presumably a stray) with both back legs broken and in pain. I immediately picked him up rested him on a dry blanket and waited for the GSPCA to start working. At about 830am I called the GSPCA to ask for assistance but was told by the young lady that answered the phone that the vehicle was down and I have up until 5 to transport the animal. The kind lady told me that it was better to put him to sleep (euthanasia) Throughout the day I monitored the poor Tom, and even fed him a few ounces of milk with a syringe. At about 4 in the afternoon I packed the cat in a basket and asked a colleague of mine to drop him by. This is when the trouble started. As we drove up to the entrance of the shelter the gate was padlocked and my colleague with the cat in his hand moved towards it, no

one sitting outside even made an attempt to open the gate, but as he rested the basket on the ground they screamed at him not to put the cat down (I don’t know if they thought he was going to abandon the tom there ) As he stepped in, and before he could have said anything, he was told that the vet was not in and they could not take the cat but gave directions to some other place in Cummings Street. Again he tried to explain and was interjected and told that they can’t keep the cat, I

subsequently called the phone and told the nurse that that cat is the feline I called and reported this morning. She immediately raised her voice and said that my colleague did not explain... (How can he explain if he is not given a chance) I could have heard the commotion in the background, and I said maam, please do not raise your voice, to which she responded that that’s her tone and she can go higher if I like. I told her I will pen this letter.

I know GSPCA responds promptly to letters published. And I patiently await their side of the story. But in the meantime my word of advice to those in the organization would be: 1 Do not take the job because there is a vacancy; take it because you genuinely love it. 2. We are all humans, sometimes it’s okay to listen before we respond 3. We appreciate your service to the voiceless, but sometimes it’s okay to extend the same courtesy to those with voices also.”

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Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

The chickens have come home to roost in the sugar industry The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has always been the trade union or labour arm of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). It has also always been a key player and the main labour union in sugar over the decades. But as the governing Coalition remains steadfastly on course to rationalize the problem-plagued, money-

losing and debt-ridden sector, the destructive role of the union over the years cannot escape scrutiny. In the 1970s, it was not uncommon for GuySuCo to proudly report annual sugar production figures above 300,000 metric tonnes. This allowed Guyana to easily make sugar export targets to important international markets, far and wide. But as the PPP stepped up the fight to weaken and remove the PNC from office in the late ‘80s, GAWU lost all pretence of being a genuine labour union, fighting for the betterment of the thousands of sugar workers that it represented. For example, no one could forget the numerous times

when GAWU called out its members on strike to build pressure on the PNC, ignoring the harm it brought on the economy and GuySuCo in particular. GAWU’s leaders never stopped for one moment to consider the fact that one day workers would become so used to walking off the job and striking that it would become the subculture that it now is. So hark back to the 198990 period. This period is very politically significant in that general elections were due in 1990, five years after the last were held in 1985. PPP leaders were patrolling the world telling everyone who would listen that Guyana had no democracy, and that only free

and fair elections in 1990 would restore such. But as we all know, the elections were postponed until October 1992. The PPP won and the rest as they say is history. GAWU used its power and influence in sugar in 1989 and 1990 to such devastating effects that sugar production was so low that GuySuCo fell short of its lifeline and crucial export target to the European Union by 35,000 tonnes in 1989 and by 13,000 tonnes in 1990, the year when general elections were originally to be held. In fact, in 1989, GuySuCo made 129,000 tonnes, compared to last year’s figure which was less than 140,000. GAWU also had let it be known publicly that any target the then PNC administration had set for sugar, that it (GAWU) was able to ensure that such target was not met. The efforts at reaching the target were sabotaged by the union. That very low figure of 129,000 tonnes in an era famous for figures of about 270-280,000 was an embarrassment to the administration and GuySuCo. Had enough of us been paying keen attention, it would have occurred to us that GAWU is and was a

union that was not that willing to fight for workers’ rights as it was willing to do whatever it could politically to bring the industry to a near halt to support the PPP and its political endeavours. Today, a union that collects millions in union dues alone every month, is making the loudest noises, demanding that Government finds the money by hook or crook to pay its members full severance, despite the fact that the union has worked over the decades to ensure that GuySuCo never had a chance to function properly and efficiently. Thousands of man hours and days were lost to strikes, industrial sit-ins and other forms of protests for the flimsiest of reasons. GuySuCo lost millions in missed production, workers missed out millions in earned wages and salaries, and export targets suffered. The year 1989 will always be remembered as a watershed year. GAWU and the PPP called a seven-week pay strike early in the year that nearly crippled first crop production. A year earlier in 1988, workers were told to down tools for four consecutive weeks as GAWU and the PPP piled on the pressure on the

PNC, oblivious to and uncaring of the negative effects these had on the economy and on production. A prolonged drought in 1988 and crop disease also worked against production. The ‘90s saw such an exponential increase in strikes and sick days that the media hardly reported these, as they had become stale news, runof-the-mill activities. Today, the industry is being kept alive only because authorities are wise and fearless enough to take the tough decision to close estates which need to stop producing because of inefficiencies and high production costs. Neighbouring Caribbean governments like Trinidad and St. Kitts and Nevis opted out of sugar in the past 12 years because, like Guyana, production costs were sometimes five times higher than those of the world and other markets. Guyana has remained and now the coalition is being pilloried from all sides to meet severance payment and even reverse itself on estate closures. Many forget that after the three of the six remaining estates are closed, GuySuCo will still have about 10,000 workers on payroll.

Sunday January 21, 2018

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Kaieteur News

My column

Social media is the new eye of the world Social media is responsible for many things coming to light, some of the incidents so disturbing that there are people who simply cannot watch the gruesome nature of the scenes contained in some of the videos. Through social media I saw some of the activities of the group called ISIS—the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. One video showed some men kneeling and a hooded ISIS member standing nearby with a sword. Had it been a movie the scene would have been no less gruesome, but people would have walked away with the idea that it is only a movie. In this case it was real. The hooded ISIS member simply walked up to the men and beheaded them one by one. I watched those men die. It was the same when someone posted the video of ISIS placing a captured Syrian airman in a cage and setting him afire. Again I watched him die. One would say that after a while people would grow accustomed to these things but one never gets accustomed to barbarity in real life. So it was that one of my colleagues received a video of this young boy being killed by a group suspected to be Venezuelans. That killing was no less barbaric than those conducted by ISIS. I could not watch it. However, some watched it in awe. The question asked was, “What could the young man have done to die in that manner?” Somebody said that from the video he heard what

sounded like drugs and that the killer group wanted to send a message. The message was sent, but I am certain that the

Adam Harris authorities in Guyana have no way of getting to the perpetrators. They could seek help from Venezuela but again, that neighbouring country has troubles of its own to worry about one Guyanese who strayed across the border. The reality is that people post anything on social media. The videos range from sex to bestiality to robberies to murder. In many cases these videos would lead to arrests. I read constantly how there are people who would perform criminal acts and post them on social media only to attract the attention of the police. But social media is not all bad. Increasingly politicians are taking to social media to get their messages across. United States President Donald Trump seems to live

on social media. His every thought is posted and they impact the world. Today, there is not a day going by without President Trump tweeting some edict or the other. People follow them and comment extensively on them to the point that lawyers and social commentators find material to last them a lifetime. When history is recorded, President Trump’s tweets would feature prominently. There are chat groups that comment on issues round the clock. And these groups keep expanding as people rush to make their views known. One issue involved a calf that was impounded in a police station compound. The commentators never let up until the police released the calf from custody. In Guyana, social media is slowly taking over mainstream media. They are first with news about some happening in the country. For example, there was a shooting in Leopold Street the other day. I was made aware of it through social media. Reporters raced to the scene. Some had to wait hours to get their story out, albeit in more detail, but social media had already provided the story as it happened. I saw a young man get a beating within an inch of his life on social media. He had attempted to rob a woman in the company of his friend. He got caught. His tormentors were merciless. I concluded that this young man would never steal again but there is a school of thought that I would be wrong. If I am wrong, then it must be that this young man has a mental problem, as is the case with many in the prisons. Society judges people by its own standards.

Anyone who is operating outside the norm is an aberration. How else can one explain a man coming out of jail and heading back there before the sun sets? How does one explain the inability of people to understand simple things like right from wrong? This inability is what fuels some of the videos one sees on social media. People have seen some barbaric things happen to people on social media because they ran afoul of the drug lords or some drug dealer. Yet there are many others who gravitate to this situation. It is as though each person believes that he will be different; that he will not be caught. Facebook is perhaps the

most popular of the lot. At last count there were some two billion people, one third of the global population, on Facebook. People chat almost incessantly on this social media. Many make friends. In one case with which I am familiar, a United States-based Guyanese met a young woman from Bartica on Facebook. He travelled to Guyana and the first time he saw her was when he deplaned at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. He married her before he returned to the United States. Today she is living with him. In fact, they have a child together. But Facebook, like WhatsApp, is more than chatting. It offers video conferencing and telephone

conversations. People talk with their relatives in all corners of the world for free. The result is that people are closer than they ever were. Even prisoners are not exempt. Many of them have phones and they keep abreast of happenings in the outside world. Some of them actually stream newscasts into their cells. They also read newspapers. I know that the previous administration barred Kaieteur News from the prisons, but that did not stop the prisoners from reading the newspaper, which is posted online. The very prisoners see the atrocities committed in other corners of the world once these are posted, and only heaven knows what goes through their minds.

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(H.E. David Granger’s remarks at the Signing Ceremony of the Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management Project on 18th January, 2018) Guyana is a beautiful and bountiful country. It is endowed with an equable climate and diverse ecosystems – including coastland beaches and mudflats, grasslands, highlands, islands, wetlands, lakes, rainforests, rivers and waterfalls – each of which is the habitat of some of the world’s most unique biodiversity. Guyana, daily, is developing into a ‘green state.’ Our national anthem sings of a “…land of rivers and plains, made rich by the sunshine and lush by the rains, set gem-like and fair between mountains and seas…” Guyana, also, is part of the Guiana Shield, one of the world’s last remaining blocks of pristine rainforest. The ‘Shield’ is the source of 15 per cent of the earth’s freshwater reserves. Its biodiversity provides ecosystem services

Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

Protecting our patrimony such as food, freshwater and medicinal products. These services are going to become even more valuable for humanity in the face of increasing population growth, rising global scarcity and intensified biodiversity losses. Guyana’s biodiversity – our flora fauna – is a precious, world-class resource which must be protected. Guyana’s land-based natural capital must be managed sustainably if present and future generations are to enjoy the ‘good life.’ Sustainable land development is essential to protecting our natural patrimony and ensuring economic development. Guyana is crafting a Framework Document of the Green State Development Strategy in order to ensure sustainable development. Land use planning and natural resource management are among the core strategic areas. The ‘Strategy’ will place emphasis on the effective management and

protection of our land and marine resources, our ecosystems and the rich biodiversity of these systems, inter alia. Land resources could be degraded, depleted and devalued by both natural and man-made actions. Rising sea levels, caused by global warming, have eroded our natural sea defence structures. The porousness of some of our drainage systems has allowed for intrusion of salt water into farmlands. Excessive rainfall could lead to the swelling of rivers; affect soil productivity and exact crop losses. The increased demand for lands for farming, logging and mining has increased the threats to our natural capital. Logging and mining are the main causes of deforestation. Small-scale mining alone accounted for 89 per cent of deforestation over the past three years. River mining is polluting our waterways on which many hinterland residents still depend for

bathing, drinking, fishing and washing. Reckless use and management of land can impact adversely on the environment and citizens’ quality of life. Land degradation has the potential to affect food security, sustainable livelihoods, poverty reduction and social stability. Guyana therefore recognizes the importance of protecting its land assets. It knows that the land degradation will result in natural resource depletion which, if not controlled, will lead to underdevelopment. Guyana has committed itself to preserve its land assets. It has agreed to place an additional two million hectares of our territory under conservation and convert the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development into a worldclass biodiversity research facility. We shall also promote more efficient mining and logging practices, including post-extractive land reclamation; push sustainable forestry practices including reduced-impact logging and improved forest monitoring and pursue mineral mapping so to identify areas of

marginal, or less than viable, mineral deposits. These are the steps at the international level, to which Guyana has agreed in order to protect its patrimony and provide environmental services for the rest of the world. Guyana’s green development agenda demands the fulfilment of these environmental obligations. It demands the adoption of practices to better manage our land resources and the augmentation of institutional capacity to improve monitoring and verification of land use. It demands the modernisation of archaic land development and management systems. It demands integrated land development and management practices to resolve the problems of land degradation. Land governance is central to the green development agenda. The Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management Project aims at improving land governance by: - promoting good environmental stewardship, sustainable land use and management practices; - planning, monitoring

President: David Granger and evaluating capacities of state institutions concerned with land management; and, - preventing land conflicts; increasing land reclamation of degraded public lands and reducing degraded areas. The Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management Project will allow Guyana to protect its natural capital by reducing land degradation. It promotes responsible farming, logging, mining and other land uses. I welcome the launch of this Project. I am confident that it will allow Guyana to build capacity, strengthen its land governance and move more quickly to the goal of becoming a ‘green state.’

Sunday January 21, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Knee replacement: Taking away the pains By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine For years persons with severe arthritis to their knees had to withstand the severe pains and try pain medications that had serious side effects. Advancement in medicine now means that one can get a new knee and ease all their pains from the arthritis. Knee replacement surgery has also taken off in Guyana. We have very capable bone specialists that are doing this surgery locally. Unfortunately, quite a percentage of our population suffers from arthritis of their knee. A good proportion of them require knee replacement surgery. While some are very eager for the surgery to rid their pains, others are often skeptical because they do not know what they are getting into. Today I will shed some light on knee replacement surgery so that those affected by severe arthritis of their knee, will be able to have a more constructive discussion with their bone specialist. WHAT IS KNEE REPLACEMENT? Knee replacement is a type of surgery in which a doctor replaces parts of a person’s knee joint with manmade parts.

The knee joint is made up of the lower part of the thigh bone (called the femur), the knee cap (called the patella), and the top part of the shinbone (called the tibia). When people have problems with their knee joint, the knee can be painful, swollen, stiff, or have trouble moving normally. Different conditions can cause problems with the knee joint. One of the most common causes is osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that often comes with age. Knee replacement is a treatment that can reduce knee pain and improve the way the knee works. WHENARE KNEE PROBLEMS TREATED WITH KNEE REPLACEMENT? Knee problems might or might not be treated with knee replacement right away. Doctors often suggest trying other treatments first. These can include weight loss, medicines, knee braces, or physical therapy. If these treatments do not help enough, doctors then suggest knee replacement. One reason doctors suggest trying other treatments first, especially for younger people, is that a replacement knee joint can wear out over time. Knee replacements usually last at least 10 to 15 years, and some last longer. The number of years a

replacement joint lasts depends on different things, such as how active the person is. WHAT HAPPENS DURING KNEEREPLACEMENT SURGERY? Knee replacement takes place in an operating room in a hospital. A doctor will give you medicines to make you sleep and to numb your body. Then your doctor will make a cut down the centre on the front of the knee. He or she will replace parts of your knee joint with man-made parts made out of metal, ceramic, or plastic. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURGERY? After surgery, most people stay in the hospital for 2 days to a week. While you are in the hospital, you will get: * Medicines to treat your pain * Antibiotic medicines to prevent infections * Medicines to prevent blood clots in the legs * Special boots or stockings to prevent blood clots in the legs WHAT PROBLEMS CAN PEOPLE HAVE FROM KNEE REPLACEMENT? People can have different problems right after knee replacement surgery, but serious problems are uncommon. Problems from knee

replacement can include: * Blood clots in the legs – This can cause leg pain and swelling. * Infections – Symptoms of an infection can include fever, chills, pain in the knee that gets worse and worse, or knee swelling. If you have any of these symptoms, let your doctor or nurse know. People who have a knee replaced sometimes find that the new knee is stiff and does not bend as well as their own knee used to. This can make it hard to climb stairs or get up from a low chair.

WHERE DO I GO AFTER I LEAVE THE HOSPITAL? Many people go home. But some people stay in a nursing home or rehabilitation centre for a short time in order to get stronger before going home. Wherever you go, you will need to do your exercises and have physical therapy. WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO DO MY USUAL ACTIVITIESAGAIN? Most people can do their usual activities again within 4 to 6 weeks of knee replacement. Your doctor will tell you if

Dr. Zulfikar Bux the r e a r e a n y a c t i v i t i e s that you should avoid. The end result is being able to live without the debilitating knee pains.

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SUNDAY SPECIAL Indonesia changes law to avoid Cost Recovery abuse …Govt.’s audit in two years uncovers US$221.5 million in ineligible expenses When countries such as Guyana, are on the brink of becoming an oil producer, a host of problems emerge. One of them involves verifying the claims for expenses made by oil operators. Determining whether these claims are accurate is no easy task. It is an area that has posed many difficulties for countries; even those with some of the most foolproof systems in place. The Indonesian government for example has long believed that oil companies were inflating cost recovery expense claims in order to maximize revenue. The Government was particularly concerned in the years prior to 2010, when oil production was declining yet cost recovery claims were increasing significantly. As a result of repeated and significant disputes following the auditing of expenses, Indonesia decided to put an end to the abuse by implementing new laws. The government put in place the “Government Regulation concerning Cost Recovery and Provisions on Income Tax in Oil and Gas Activities” (Government Regulation No. 79/2010). The regulation specifically states how costs are to be treated and what can be deemed recoverable. There

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are also several auditing tests which it must go through. According to the regulation, the cost recovery claims by Government must be related to oil and gas operations within the contract area; they must be based on the arm’s length principle between affiliated companies, and they must be approved in advance by government authorities in the work program and budget. More interestingly, the regulation explicitly excludes 22 categories of expenses that are neither cost recoverable nor tax deductible. Examples of expenses that are now explicitly labeled ineligible include Expenses for personal interests of executives, expatriate employees and families; Incentives, pension and insurance for executives, expatriate employees and families; Expenses incurred before the signing of the contract; Excessive material surpluses due to mistakes in planning and/or purchases; Tax and legal consultant fees unless directly related to oil operations; Contractors oil and gas marketing fees; Expenses for the technical training of expatriates; Expenses for mergers, acquisitions, or transfers in participating interests; Procurement of goods and services exceeding approved value by 10%. While it was successful in removing some uncertainty around the eligibility of cost recovery claims, major disputes still continue in Indonesia.

Natural Resource Minister, Raphael Trotman ‘Cash jet’ pilot attracts money laundering probe in Guyana Guyanese-born embattled pilot, Khamraj Lall, who is facing jail and forfeiture of properties in the US for drug smuggling, is out on bail but his troubles are far from over. He managed to secure a US$1M bail last month, pledging two New Jersey properties. According to court documents, Lall was appointed a third party custodian, subjected to home incarceration with electronic monitoring, the surrender of all passports and restricted to travel in the state of New Jersey. He was also ordered to

Charted Accountant, Anand Goolsarran

surrender his pilot’s license and signed over a US$150,000 home equity line of credit to help secure his bail. In 2016, Puerto Rico, a jurisdiction of the US, forfeited one plane and US$620,000 in cash that he had stashed in his plane. In Guyana, the police Special Organised Crime Unit reportedly is looking at Lall’s interest in Guyana. He is reportedly the owner of Kaylees Gas Station, East Bank Demerara and had operated a limo service. There have been questions about a number of heavy duty equipment which was contracted to two large scale gold mines. These are parked at the gas station. However, the operator had insisted he was only renting the property and had no relations with Lall. SOCU would be trying to determine whether Lall laundered his monies in Guyana, in properties. He is believed to have

laundered US$7.5M in Guyana, according to US court documents. Prior to his high profile arrest in 2014, the pilot also got permission under the previous government to build a hangar at the Timehri airport for his two jets. He reportedly even flew former President Bharrat Jagdeo. The Government of Guyana has since taken the hangar, saying the pilot breached his lease. After his arrest for the cash smuggling, Lall was later detained again and refused bail until last month. He was accused of smuggling several kilos of cocaine into New Jersey and New York, then laundering more than US$7.5M (G$1.5B) in proceeds back to Guyana. MONDAY India considers abo lishing Cost Recovery by oil companies

Khamraj Lall

When oil operators have to recover their expenses, controversy often arises between those entities and the Governments of host countries. Many oil producing countries like Indonesia and India have experienced such difficulties. Due to oil operators inflating their costs, Indonesia was forced to implement new laws to protect its profits, while India is considering abandoning the entire process. In short, the abuse by the oil operators when it comes to cost recovery is simply too devastating. This has been documented at length by the Centre for Public Integrity, an American nonprofit investigative journalism organization. Its stated mission is “to reveal abuses of power, corruption and dereliction of duty by powerful public and private institutions in order to cause them to operate with honesty, integrity, accountability and to put the public interest first.” In the case of India, CPI said that through the end of 2012, India had allowed more than two dozen oil companies to recover more than $24.5 billion in expenses. Concerns over the scale of these expenses led to the nation’s Auditor General (CAG) conducting a detailed audit of the claims of three companies: Reliance, Cairn and BG, in order to assess whether the “revenue interests of the Government (including royalty and share of profit) were properly protected.” The audit demonstrated how difficult it can be to conduct effective oversight on extractive sector companies. The request for company documents by State auditors were at first refused on the grounds that they were not relevant for the review of “accounting procedures” and would be needed only for a review of “performance” which was not provided for in the contract. Documents for most, but not all, of the companies were finally provided more than a year after the initial request only after a direct order from the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Finally, on completion of the audit, one company claimed that confidentiality provisions in the contracts prohibited the government from sharing the audit even with the Parliamentary Committee responsible for overseeing the petroleum sector. Mentally ill escaped prisoner shot dead outside Constabulary Outpost – City Constable, Lance Corporal detained Just a day after he was (Continued on page 33)

Sunday January 21, 2018

From page 32 taken into custody, mentally ill Tiger Bay resident Marlon Fredericks was shot dead in front of his mother and several bystanders, after he ran out of the Bourda City Constabulary Outpost, where he was being detained. Fredericks, 34, died at around 13.00 hrs Sunday, after he was shot in the back, allegedly by a Lance Corporal from the City Hall Constabulary. The Lance Corporal and a City Hall constable have been detained. Fredericks had been in custody since Saturday in connection with several assault and simple larceny charges, and for assaulting a peace officer. It is alleged that Fredericks and two others were in custody at City Constabulary Outpost at Regent Street and Bourda, Georgetown, when he forced his way out of the lockup when ranks opened a door to allow another prisoner to use the toilet. A rank at the City Constabulary office tried to restrain Fredericks, who wrestled free from the rank and others. The Lance Corporal then shot Fredericks in his lower back with a service pistol. The matter has been turned over to the Guyana Police Force for investigation and the rank is in custody assisting with investigations. However, statements were taken from the other prisoners and ranks on the scene at the time of the incident. The dead man’s mother, Claudette Fredericks told Kaieteur News that she was on her way to see her son at the Constabulary Outpost since she received a called from the Lance Corporal, who said her son requested to speak with her. Mrs. Fredericks confirmed that her son had suffered from

mental illness for over 10 years. Court blocks M&CC attempt to lease Bel Air Park playfield to housing developer Justice Gino Persaud, last week handed down a decision which essentially blocked Mayor and City Council (M&CC) intention to sell or lease reserved community lands to a private developer. The land at the centre of the contention is located along Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park Georgetown. According to court documents seen by this newspaper, the application was filed last year by Attorney-at-Law, Devindra Kissoon, who is also a resident of Bel Air Park. Kissoon, a founding partner of London House Chambers (Law Firm), sued the M&CC and Central Housing and Planning seeking to prohibit the development of a community reserve property in Bel Air Park for the purpose of housing. Kaieteur News understands that the Council was in negotiations with local housing developer, Terrence Taljit to transfer to him prime community lands to him despite a restriction on the transport of the property for use as community purposes only. The plot of land is earmarked as the Bel Air Park playground. Court documents revealed that the property historically existed as an open space, first as an air field then as a horse race course and thereafter was maintained by the M&CC and Housing Department from the 1960s through the 1990’s as a park, used by residents as a playground and cricket field. However, the land has since been taken over by weeds and overgrown. The Council at a meeting expressed that it was desirous of using the recreational land for building a “town house for

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

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the Mayor, town clerk, city engineer and medical officer of health.” In the action, Kissoon through his Attorneys Kamal Ramkraran and Nicholas Caryll highlighted the fact that a letter was sent to City Hall notifying the Council that not only does the community reserve form part of the mandatory open space requirements established by the Town and County Planning Act, the Public Health Ordinance, and the Housing Act, necessary for Bel Air Park to remain a residential community, but there exists a specific prohibition on the use of the Property in favour of all residents of Bel Air Park for purposes other than recreational purposes.

as we are very concerned,” said Trotman. “I can say to you without any fear of contradiction, that in Cabinet, we have made some very strong recommendations and supported the proposals that have come, the most recent being that we must find money to pay severance.” Trotman said that the AFC continues to push to ensure that sugar workers are treated humanely and are treated in accordance with the contract and collective bargaining agreement in place. Trotman reflected that it is unfortunate that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has been run down over the years. WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY 2018 Local Govt. Elections… AFC ponders going it alone The Alliance For Change (AFC) is contemplating whether to enter the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) as an independent party or with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). The press was told of this Monday by the party’s leader, Raphael Trotman. Trotman said that the party’s focus this year is on LGE and constitutional reform. He said that there are ongoing consultations with members of the alliance, as well as non-members, on whether it would be more practical to enter the elections alone or with its partner in government—APNU. Trotman said that views of the party’s leaders are mixed – some for a coalition approach to the polls and others against. He did not say which direction the majority of leaders are leaning towards. Trotman asserted that the only reason presented by those who are against, is that there is a need for the party to maintain its identity. Even if the party decides to go to the polls with APNU, the AFC has already made it clear that there will need to be a review of the Cummingsburg Accord that allowed for the parties’ approach to the polls for national election. Trotman noted that the Cummingsburg Accord does not provide for the teaming up of the parties at the local government level. He was keen to note that while his party, for that reason and a few others, sees the need for a review of the accord, the AFC remains a strong member of the coalition and continues to support its agenda in government. Trotman said that the AFC will look to, as soon as possible; make a decision on how

TIGI President, Dr. Troy Thomas it will approach the local government polls. This, the party leader said, will be decided after further consultation is done. After over two decades of dormancy, the administration was able to resume Local Government Elections in 2016, after being held in 1994. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has already been allocated some $2.9B for the holding of LGE between the beginning of November and early December this year. Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan has said that the multibillion-dollar allocation from central government demonstrates its unequivocal commitment and determination towards democratic governance. Pomeroon double-execution… Motive unclear as cops hunt ‘known’ suspect As the probe into the execution-style murders of two coconut farmers at Grant Road, Pomeroon on Sunday afternoon continues, investigators were able to confirm that one of the suspected killers was once a close acquaintance of the victims, Ambrose Baharally and Martin Godette. This information was confirmed Monday afternoon when ranks took statements from eyewitnesses. While some are speculating that the killing may be linked to a recent multimilliondollar drug bust in the Pomeroon, investigators are yet to determine the actual motive. Up to late last night, they were hunting for one of the killers. “We know one of the persons who killed the victims and we think the second person might be a stranger hired to do the job,” a source said. Kaieteur News understands Godette was in

Ambrose’s yard drinking high wine when the incident occurred. The two men were imbibing at a dam when the two suspects pulled up to the dam in a boat and spoke with their victims briefly. An eyewitness told the police that shortly after, he heard two gunshots, after which the suspects were seen leaving the scene in their boat. The victims were discovered lying motionless and were pronounced dead on arrival at the Charity Hospital. Investigators retrieved a 9mm shell and a live round at the scene. The probe is ongoing. We are grappling with the end result of bad management of a national asset – AFC on sugar plight Despite all that critics are saying, the government plans to stay on course with its reforms to the sugar sector, and the Alliance For Change (AFC) is in full support of that move. Monday, the AFC held its first press conference for the year. Both the Leader of the AFC, Raphael Trotman and the party’s point man on sugar, Noel Holder, were present. The party was asked to give its independent view of the way government is dealing with the sugar industry. Responses were given from Trotman and Holder. Trotman reminded the media that the AFC had issued a “very strong” statement last December calling for monies to be set aside for the workers. He noted that the Prime Minister and AFC Executive Member, Moses Nagamootoo, in particular, has been making frequent visits and engaging the sugar belt. He noted that other AFC ministers have been playing supporting roles. “All ministers have been looking at it,

Signing bonus belongs in consolidated fund… TIGI experiences “temporary setback” with litigation against govt. Litigation that Transparency Initiative Guyana Inc. (TIGI) brought against the government of Guyana was on Monday deemed procedurally flawed by Chief Justice Roxanne George. TIGI took the government to court over the US$18M signing bonus that Government collected from ExxonMobil in 2016. The matter was supposed to have been heard on Monday but this newspaper understands that the requisite court documents were not served on the named respondents -Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and Attorney General, Basil Williams. The Chief Justice advised TIGI’s lawyer, Christopher Ram, to withdraw the case or risk her striking it out. Ram chose to withdraw. Tuesday, TIGI President Dr. Troy Thomas said that the spirit of the watchdog body has not been daunted and that its lawyer is preparing to re-file the case. Dr. Thomas said that the government should not be allowed to blatantly ignore the rule of law. ”The law says that money coming to the government must go to the consolidated fund and there is good reason for that. Once the money goes to the consolidated fund, there will be parliamentary oversight,” said Dr. Thomas. He added that if the government wanted to set up a special account, this should have been guided by an act of parliament “so at least we know that the money is there and it would not be just members of the APNU or AFC parties deciding whatever they want to do with it.” Dr. Thomas continued, (Continued on page 34)

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From page 33 “The next thing is that the Coalition promised specifically to use the consolidated fund appropriately. It was one of the key things that they criticised the PPP/C government about. Now, to see them go back on their promise is simply worrying. “I feel like we are losing whatever ground we gained by voting the way the nation did. We will definitely lose that ground if we allow the very people who promise to use the fund appropriately to violate the laws governing the fund and get away with it.” Dr. Thomas said that there was much talk about the way Government handled the signing bonus in the press. He noted that the government came under severe criticism for keeping the bonus a secret, for lying to the public and for not depositing the money into the consolidated fund. Exports projected to rise in 2018 – Finance Minister Guyana is projected to see a rise in exports for 2018. This is according to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. The economist noted that growth in the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector will be driven by the expected expansion in the various subsectors, except sugar. Building on the solid performance in 2017, Jordan said that the rice industry is expected to expand to 617,353 tonnes, an increase of 2.5 percent. He said that the other crops subsector is anticipated to grow by 2.3 percent, as diversification efforts continue and productivity gains are made. The Finance Minister noted that the livestock and fishing subsectors are pro-

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jected to grow by two percent and 2.3 percent, respectively, driven by consumer demand. On the other hand, sugar production is expected to contract by 24 percent to 115,447 tonnes. Overall, Jordan said that the agriculture and fishing sector is anticipated to contract in 2018 by 0.7 percent, largely due to the challenges facing the sugar industry. With respect to the forestry subsector, the Finance Minister said that this area is expected to grow by eight percent to 320,760 cubic metres, as the reallocation of concessions continue, new concessionaires establish operations, and stimulus measures are put in place in 2018. The mining and quarrying sector is projected to rebound in 2018, expanding by five percent. Jordan said that this growth will be driven by the bauxite, gold, and quarrying. He stated that the bauxite industry is projected to produce 1,897,205 tonnes, resulting in an increase of 23.3 percent. As for gold declaration, the economist said that this is budgeted at 736,000 ounces, an improvement of 3.3 percent, as a result of favourable prices, as well as measures by regulatory bodies to improve recovery rates and ensure compliance. Jordan continued, “Exports are projected to rise in 2018, as both production and commodity prices are expected to rise, with gold receipts projected to continue to strengthen. Gold, timber, and other exports, which account for nearly 78 percent of all exports, will see an increase in export earnings. Pomeroon doubleexecution…Eyewitness tells cops coconut farmer killed drinking ‘buddy’

Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin

The guns and ammunitions which were discovered Baharally’s wife was held for providing the police with conflicting statements. During interrogation, she led ranks to a location where her spouse reportedly hid a bag containing dried cannabis, arms and ammunitions. One 9mm Beretta pistol with a magazine, one .38 revolver, 16 live cartridges, 21 live .38 rounds, 19 live 9mm rounds, six .32 rounds, two 9mm spent shells and 51.5 grams of cannabis were found. The woman could not say why her husband had the weapons or from where he had gotten them. The second suspect is the individual, who the victim’s wife claimed she saw shooting her husband and Martin Godette before escaping in a boat with another individual. The woman had informed the cops that the two men in

boat stopped and chatted a bit with her husband and Godette. She then alleged that shortly after, she heard gunshots ring. She then saw the two men escaping in a boat. But her statement was contradicted by the second eyewitness. Detectives have since swabbed the hands of the two suspects and the two dead men for gunpowder residue. THURSDAY Guyanese miner reportedly beheaded in Venezuela -graphic video shows killers cutting off victim’s ears before chopping off head A young Guyanese miner has reportedly been beheaded in Venezuela by members of the ruthless ‘Sindicato’ that imposes its own brutal brand of justice in

some mineral-rich areas. The victim is said to be from Hosororo, located in Region One (Barima/Waini). His surname has been given as Romascindo, and the killing is believed to have occurred at least a week ago. A graphic video, posted online Wednesday, begins with shots of the victim, who is gagged and bound, lying on the ground. A man, with a huge knife then grabs the young miner and saws off his ears. One of the killers, holding a machete, then repeatedly hacks at the young miner’s head, as he writhes on the ground. One report suggests that the ‘Sindicato’ members may have been incensed after the Guyanese miner demanded payment for his labour. Police sources in ‘F’ Division said that they were not

informed about the killing, which occurred in Venezuelan territory. Kaieteur News understands that relatives held a wake at Hosororo, but it is unclear whether the gang has handed over the body to the slain man’s family. Members of the ‘‘Sindicato’ were also blamed for the execution-style killing of Guyanese Davinda Saywack in October 2017. Saywack, a 25-year-old dredge owner, was shot dead in his camp in an area called Mondo, which is reportedly so lawless that even the Venezuelan military steers clear of it. The only ‘law’ is imposed by the ‘Sindicato’ (syndicate) which regulates the number and calibre of firearms that dredge owners should have, collects a ‘tax’ from them, and punishes individuals who refuse to pay or who are troublemakers. THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR… We don’t intend to make the mistakes of other countries – Business Minister The lack of oversight by Governments, along with the blatant misuse of resources, has left many oil-rich countries either unable to show a significant improvement in GDP growth or, worse off than they were before the discovery of oil. Business Minister Dominic Gaskin assured the media Wednesday that the Government has paid attention to such lessons around the world. He emphasized that the Government would ensure that Guyana walks a different path; one paved with transparency and accountability. The politician made these and other remarks during his brief presentation at the Marriott Hotel. There, he (Continued on page 35)

Sunday January 21, 2018

From page 34 According to Datadin, NBS has not paid over the $59M to date. “They are now going to the Full Court…I don’t understand why they’re doing this. They are deliberately dragging this man through the process. Totally an abuse. We are waiting for the Court of Appeal now for a date.” The lawyer said that the matter should not take long, as all the documents are in the system already. FRIDAY More anti-corruption measures… House passes legislation to protect whistleblowers The National Assembly Thursday passed the Protected Disclosures Bill designed to combat corruption and other wrongdoings by encouraging and facilitating disclosures of improper conduct in the public and private sectors. This is known worldwide as protection for ‘whistleblowers’. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, who piloted the Bill, stated that it offers protection for persons making disclosures from detrimental action. Among the menu of measures included in the Bill to protect whistleblowers, is the establishment of the Protected Disclosures Commission to receive, investigate or otherwise deal with disclosures of improper conduct and to provide for other related matters. “We trust that corruption in all its forms and state assets of whatever nature would be safe and secured henceforth,” Williams stated. The Protected Disclosures Bill first read on November 11, 2017, was today read for a second time by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams S.C., who noted that the government is on an irreversible path to countering corruption is all forms. Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Adrian Anamayah, pointed out that the Guyana version of the Bill mirrors that of Trinidad and Tobago, but noted that the Bill should be sent to the Special Select Committee for consideration. While he supported the Bill, he questioned why the Attorney General was the subject Minister for the Bill while the Trinidad version, the National Security Minister is responsible for the administration of the Bill. Another opposition MP, Jillian Burton-Persaud, raised questions about the compo-

sition of the Commission, especially as it relates to the inclusion of the Guyana Trades Union Congress being the union to recommend a nominee. After failed attempts…Foundation laid for security sector reform The long-awaited final report of the security sector reform project was Thursday handed over by British security expert, Lt. Col (Ret’d) Russell Combe to President David Granger at State House. President Granger in accepting the report, outlined nearly two decades of failed attempts at security sector reform by the previous administration, including engagements with a Peruvian advisor and Bernard Kerik, the former New York Commissioner of Police who was jailed for four years. The President committed the Coalition Government’s determination to address the root causes of crime and correcting the errors of over two decades of mismanagement of the security sector. He reminded that the US$4.7B programme was initially scrapped in 2009 by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration after the British Government had requested to have oversight of the programme, to ensure that there was ‘value for money’. He noted that a number of Bills were passed in the National Assembly, various reports were submitted, but they were generally ignored. ”We have passed through nearly 20 years of would have, could have and should have without any attempt to seriously deal with the security problems in this country and like a disease, you cannot pretend to treat it; you cannot threaten to treat it; you cannot say you’re going to treat it without actually getting down to the root causes. ”We are now trying to correct the errors of over two decades of mismanagement of the security sector,” President Granger stated. In the case of the Peruvian advisor, President Granger stated that he was employed on July 24, 2006 and he was unemployed the following year. Pomeroon fatal shooting…Dead man’s wife disposes of murder weapon – Police As the investigation into the Pomeroon fatal shooting continues to take surprising twists, the wife of one of the deceased led detectives to an area where she allegedly tossed the murder weapon after discovering the victims’ bloodied bodies.

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The woman and a man called “Wood”, whom she claimed shot and killed her husband, 28-year-old Ambrose Baharally and his friend, Martin Godette, 23, on Sunday afternoon while they were imbibing, remain in police custody up to late Thursday. According to information received, the female suspect claimed that she was at home when she heard the gunshots and ran to the area where her husband, Godette and another friend were imbibing and found the two bloodied bodies. She told the cops that she got scared and picked up the murder weapon and tossed it in some bushes nearby. Initially, she claimed that it was “Wood” who killed her husband since she saw him leaving with another individual in a boat after the shooting. ”Wood”, however, told detectives that he did stop to chat with the now deceased men and another person but left before they were killed. The police have since swabbed the hands of both suspects and the deceased for gun powder residue. Kaieteur News has been informed that the hands of the deceased were swabbed because the cops are looking at a number of theories including infidelity and murder/suicide. Ranks received information from an eyewitness that Baharally had killed the 23year-old coconut farmer. However, the eyewitness did not see how Baharally met his demise since the eyewitness claimed that he ran for his life. Meanwhile, a Post Mortem examination performed on the bodies Thursday showed that the victims died from gunshot injuries to the head. It further revealed that while Godette was shot from a distance, Baharally was shot at close range. $800,000 bail for city cop accused of killing mentally-ill man A City Constabulary Lance Corporal who shot and killed a mentally ill prisoner was Thursday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged with the unlawful killing of a mentally ill prisoner. Fifty-year-old Gregory Bascom, of Lot 340 West Ruimveldt, Housing Scheme, was not required to the plead to the indictable charge which alleged that he on January 14, last, at Regent Road Bourda, Georgetown, he unlawfully killed Marlon Fredericks. Bascom was well supported by some of his colleagues who were seated in the Chief Magistrate courtroom. He was represented by

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams Attorney-at-law Roger Yearwood. The lawyer, to secure bail for his client, told the court that the incident was unfortunate. The lawyer added that at the time of the shooting, his client was operating within the course of his duty and at the time Fredericks attempted to escape from lawful custody. Yearwood went on to tell the court that his client had no intention to kill, maim or disfigure the now dead Fredericks. The court heard that Bascom has been interdicted from the City Constabulary. Police Prosecutor Suemile Evan, had no objection to bail being granted to the Bascom but asked that conditions be attached. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan then granted bail to Bascom in the sum of $800,000. Conditions of the bail are that he lodges his passport at the Court registry. He was also instructed to report every Friday to the

Alberttown Police Station. SATURDAY Unions, Govt. agree to cooperate on finding solutions to sugar woes -46 percent of workers likely to be paid full severance by month-end President David Granger and members of Cabinet on Friday met with the President and members of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) at the Ministry of the Presidency to discuss the future of the sugar industry. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, after more than two hours of discussions, the parties were able to find “common ground” and the unions agreed to fully cooperate with the Government to find a solution, which can benefit all stakeholders. “President Granger, who addressed members of the Union said that this is the

start of talks between the two sides so that an agreement can be reached at the earliest possible time. The Head of State noted that this is the time for all stakeholders to come together, putting aside all prejudices and partisan interests and work for the national good.” He said that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) matter is one that is national. “It is not a partisan one. It involves human beings, households and families. We are conscious of the foresighted nature and we cannot ignore the context of the issue that we face. We cannot continue something that is not competitive. “We are bailing out the industry at $1B per month and that is simply not sustainable. If workers have to go home then we all lose, as it will have an impact on the economic growth of the country. Government will not win, the Unions will not win, and the workers will not win, if the industry is crippled. We will all lose. Nobody is against the sugar industry. The Government and the Unions should engage until the issue is resolved. Let us use this opportunity to show flexibility and ensure that livelihoods are saved,” the President said. The President noted that while there may be a difference of opinion during the discussions, he does not believe in walkouts or refusals to cooperate, and it is up to both the Government and the unions to ensure that they work together to formalise a solution, which will positively impact the lives of the workers. During the meeting, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, said that the Government is currently exploring the (Continued on page 36)

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From page 35 option of paying the full severance for the workers who are owed $500,000 and below by the end of the month. Approximately 46 percent of the workers affected stand to benefit from this arrangement while the remaining 54 percent of workers will be paid 50 percent of their severance by the end of the month and the other 50 percent by the second half of the year. Minister Jordan said that the Government is taking measures to reduce its debt and redouble its efforts to in-

Kaieteur News

crease revenues so that they can source the money to pay the outstanding sums. and other stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, gathered for the launching of the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit (GIPEX). This forum is scheduled to be held early next month. Gaskin said that the Ministry of Business is pleased to be associated with this event. The politician believes that once properly organized and instituted, the summit can be of benefit to a number of

stakeholders, and to the country in general. ”For us, we see this as a major international event; one that can be used to promote Guyana as an emerging oil and gas producer. It is an opportunity for the government and the private sector to work together to showcase this country as a pro-business destination; as a place where things are happening; where investors are welcomed and a place with a bright future.” He continued, “It is an excellent networking opportunity for the private sector.

But we have had some worry in the sector that Guyana’s inexperience in this industry may lead to it getting the short end of the stick. But I would like to say that I don’t think that is going to happen. There are a number of interventions that are being made and measures that are being put in place to ensure that Guyana and Guyanese are the main beneficiaries of all that is taking place offshore.” $59M judgment… Former CEO made to struggle as NBS appeals High Court decision Mortgage lender, New

Sunday January 21, 2018

Building Society (NBS), has signaled its clear intent of taking the fight to its former chief when it comes to paying him his pension and other benefits due. Despite a ruling last month which threw out the entity’s move to stay a judgment, NBS has now moved to the Full Court of the Appeals Court, asking for the matter to be heard. The court papers were filed last Friday, attorney-atlaw Sanjeev Datadin disclosed Wednesday. It would mean that former

Chief Executive Officer, Maurice Arjoon, has now been fighting over a decade to clear his name and receive his pension. A battery of lawyers has come to his defence, but NBS remains steadfast. Explaining Wednesday, Datadin disclosed that NBS last month lost its attempt to stay a $79M judgment made in Arjoon’s favour. However, Appeals Judge Rishi Persaud held back $20M of the original $79M judgment handed down last year by High Court judge, Brassington Reynolds.

Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

Recognizing Guyanese youth for their contributions... From page 25 and most recently from strong figures who aren’t afraid to shake the norms and challenge the ideals of society.” So far, his biggest projects range from creating a prize-winning Mashramani float, painting backdrops that have been used in productions at the National Cultural Centre, and creating Rangoli designs that have been displayed at the National Art Gallery. Last year was a very successful and productive year for his art. He was the first student at his high school to pursue Art and Design at CAPE, gaining a Grade 1 with Distinction. He also had a painting on display at the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition at Castellani House. Additionally, he had the opportunity to create lots of personal work, as well as a large amount of commissioned pieces, including portraits, crafts and other art pieces. According to him, “ I look forward to gaining more exposure and to continuously grow as an artist in the years to come, and I hope to use my art as a voice to inspire others.”

Akola Thomson

AKOLA THOMPSON This 21-year-old is the Manager of Women’s Wednesdays Guyana, a Columnist in the Guyana Chronicle and final-year student at University of Guyana. Thompson is passionate about women’s rights and believes that a society can only be considered to be properly functional when its women are safe and their rights afforded to them. Most of her work is centred on sexual and reproductive health and the safety of women, children and those in the LGBT community. Some of the organizations she is a part of include the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Red Thread and Help & Shelter. Last year, she along with Diana Singh hosted the Guyana leg of the regional Life in Leggings Movement. She has also started a weekly live series on FaceBook called “Women’s Wednesdays.” It is a platform used to share and discuss issues related to women. Along with some other members, she was also instrumental in the creation of a webbased platform in which abuse can be reported. “This is one of the things I am most proud of,” she expressed. Here is the link to the website http:// reportabusegy.com/ Thompson noted, “2017 has been an extremely straining year for me in terms of activism and volunteerism. I’ve upped my responsibilities with regards to volunteer work and as such, it often causes strain on my personal life. But with every added effort I put into my work, the success was phenomenal, and that motivates me to continue doing the little that I do, to the best of my abilities.” She believes that a society can only be considered to be properly functional, when its women are safe and their rights afforded to them. Here’s a link to her Women’s Wednesday page, feel free to tune in! https://www.facebook.com/wwguyana/

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US Navy ‘shadowing’ Russian spy ship in Caribbean WASHINGTON (CMC) – United States Department of Defense officials say Russia has dispatched an intelligence gathering ship to the Caribbean Sea that is being closely monitored by the Pentagon. The spy ship, Viktor Leonov was spotted leaving Port-ofSpain in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday after five days on the island, the Washington Free Beacon newspaper has reported. US Officials familiar with reports of the intelligence gathering ship said the ship’s current destination is unknown. “We’re monitoring (the ship])… it’s an annual thing,” one of the officials told the Beacon, adding “we’ve seen it off Cape Canaveral, [Florida.], Kings Bay, [Georgia.], Norfolk, [Virginia.], and New London, [Connecticut].” Kings Bay is home to the US Navy’s Submarine Group 10 that includes 10 nuclear missile submarines, as well as special operations submarine forces, while Norfolk is the location of the Navy’s major East Coast naval base, and New London is

also a major submarine base near Groton,. One official said theAGI ship, for auxiliary, general intelligence, is being tracked by the US Navy and appears similar to previous Russian operations in this region. “What makes it noteworthy is the increase of Russian naval activity worldwide. It makes us pay close attention, not to the tactics, but to how this fits into overall Russian naval behaviour.” The Leonov deployment also is another example of Russia’s increase maritime competition with the United States. “This time in our backyard. Most assume competition will be seen and felt far from home. This is another reminder that we are an island nation subject to naval competition right off our shores.” Last February, the Leonov was followed after sailing some 30 miles off the coast of Connecticut. The ship then moved to waters off Norfolk, the Beacon said. The officials commented on the Leonov after the activities of the ship were first

Russian spy ship, Viktor Leonov (NY Daily News photo) disclosed by Steffan Watkins, a Canadian security analyst who closely tracks Russian ship movements. Watkins said he used “Somint” – social media intelligence gathering - to trace the Leonov’s

movements beginning with its mid-December sail from northeastern Russia and crossing the English Channel on Christmas Eve. He also discovered Facebook postings by a Russian suspected of being

one of the Leonov’s crew members that showed photos of the crew’s liberty in Port of Spain, according to the Beacon. “Viktor Leonov arrived in Port of Spain and departed the morning of January 15 after

spending five days restocking her stores,” said Watkins, noting past deployments have lasted around six months and included stops at Russianallied states, such as Cuba and Nicaragua.

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Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

8 Small Changes for a Slimmer You in 2018 It’s that time of year again. People are rushing to buy gym memberships and cleaning out kitchen cabinets, swearing that this year will be the year they follow through on their resolution to lose weight. But reaching that goal doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small steps can make a big difference in your body and health. Here are eight ways to get started: · Break it down. No matter how much you have to lose, changing your lifestyle to lose weight can seem overwhelming. So, don’t look at it all at once, advises nutritionist Samantha Heller, from NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. “Look at it one plate at a time, or even one choice at a time, but start right now, and by this time next month, you’ll see good changes,” she said. Instead of thinking about how you need to lose 40 pounds, figure out what 5 percent of your body weight is. For a 180-pound person, it’s 9 pounds. “If you lose 5 percent of your body weight, you can significantly decrease your risk of many diseases, like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease. You lower your blood pressure, cholesterol and A1C [a long-term measurement of blood sugar levels], and it’s so much less overwhelming to think about,” Heller noted. · Strive for a negative calorie balance. For years, you’ve probably heard that to lose a pound, you need to eat 3,500 fewer calories (the number of calories in a pound),

but research has shown that it’s not necessarily that simple. Nutritionist Maudene Nelson, from Columbia University Health in New York City, said, “It works mathematically, but it doesn’t work physiologically. The body defends its weight,” she explained. But you do need a negative calorie balance to lose weight — that means you need to take in fewer calories than you use in activity and exercise to lose weight. Both Nelson and Heller said very low-calorie diets don’t work in the long term because the body goes into starvation mode. “You don’t want to lose weight too quickly, because it scares the body into thinking there’s no food available,” Heller said. · Plate it.Nelson loves the simplicity of the plate method. Half of your plate should be vegetables, one quarter is protein and one quarter is starch. If you finish your plate, and you’re still hungry, she said be sure to refill your plate in the same way. “Don’t just refill on the mac n’ cheese,” she advised. In the morning, you can substitute fruit for the veggies. · Identify trouble times. Nelson asks her clients to think about the time of day they have the most trouble with food. Is it the time just before dinner when the kids are clamoring for food and you’re starving and so tired you don’t feel like cooking, so you stop at the fast-food drive-thru. Or is it at night when the house has quieted down and you can finally sit down, maybe with a glass of wine and late-night snack?

“In these times of day, it’s hard to think about how many calories you’re eating. These are times you don’t want to stop and think about self-denial. So plan for these times. Have healthy snacks ready. Make sure you have ingredients for a quick meal in the fridge so you don’t have to rely on fast-food,” Nelson suggested. · Add protein to every meal. Protein helps keep your blood sugar levels from spiking and then crashing. Without at least a little protein in your meal, you’ll be hungry soon after eating because of a fast rise and fall in your blood sugar. And, Heller said, be sure to have protein at breakfast, too. “Having protein in the morning can really set the stage for a better day — whether it’s eggs or yogurt, nut butter on whole grain toast or apple slices, or even leftovers from the night before,” she explained. · Track it. Both Heller and Nelson said one of the most important things you can do for losing weight is keeping track of the food you eat. “It’s not a sexy or exciting thing to do, but it can be informative and helpful,” Heller said, adding that many people are surprised when they write down every bite they take at how much they actually do eat in a day. A food diary can be done with paper and pencil, or you can put technology to work because there are lots of apps for the phone. Examples include myfitnesspal, fitday and seehowyoueat (an app that lets you use pictures to keep your diary).

Air Pollution Can Be Deadly for Seniors Even levels of air pollution deemed “safe” by U.S. government sta n d a r d s m a y shorten the life spans of seniors, new research suggests. In fact, hundreds of older Americans may die prematurely each year due to the effects of dirty air, the study found. The finding stems from a computer prediction analysis that correlated fine particle and ozone pollution levels between 2000 and 2012 with death rates on roughly 93 percent of all Americans who were covered by Medicare at the time. “This is the most comprehensive study of short-term exposure to pollution and mortality to date,” said senior study author Francesca Do-

minici, co-director of the Harvard Data Science Initiative in Boston. “We found that the mortality rate increases almost linearly as air pollution increases. Any level of air pollution, no matter how low, is harmful to human health,” Dominici said in a Harvard news release. During the study period, 22 million people covered by the investigation died. While the study only found an association, the investigators found that for every tiny incremental increase in either particulate pollution or ozone levels, the daily death rate bumped up between roughly 0.5 and 1 percent. Though the figures may seem small, Dominici and her

colleagues pointed out that it adds up when multiplied across the entire population of American seniors, amounting to more than 7,100 premature deaths over the study period. What’s more, the research team noted th a t s o m e groups of seniors are even more vulnerable to such exposure, with low-income seniors facing a three times higher risk than more welloff seniors. In a similar vein, women were found to face a 25 percent greater premature death risk following pollution and ozone exposure compared with men. The same was true of nonwhite Americans, relative to their white peers. https://medlineplus.gov/ news/fullstory_170680.html.

Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

Ed Sheeran Engaged to Girlfriend Cherry Seaborn Ed Sheeran is engaged! The 26-year-old singer announced on his Instagram page on Saturday that he is engaged to his longtime girlfriend Cherry Seaborn. The proposal took place last month. “Got myself a fiancé just before new year,” Sheeran said in the caption, alongside a photo of him kissing Seaborn. “We are very happy and in love, and our cats are chuffed as well xx.” Sheeran and Seaborn, 24, met in high school in their native U.K. and have been dating for about three years. She attended Duke University in North Carolina, where she also played hockey. She later helped England’s U21 team win a bronze medal at the 2012 European Championships, according to the BBC. Sheeran wrote his 2017 song “Perfect,” a ballad, about her. He released a remix of the song, featuring Beyoncé, in December. Sample lyrics include, “Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know / She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I’ll share her home / I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets / To carry love, to carry children of our own / We are still kids, but we’re so in love / Fighting against all odds I know we’ll be alright this time

/ Darling, just hold my hand / Be my girl, I’ll be your man I see my future in your eyes.” Last October, when asked if Seaborn could be “the one,” Sheeran told Radio.com, “Undoubtedly, undoubtedly,” he said. “But I think if you ever enter into a long-term relationship and you have a doubt,

then you shouldn’t be in the long-term relationship.” “I actually always thought I’d end up dating like an actress or something, someone in the industry,” he added. “But I don’t think I’m that kind of person. I’m a h o m e t o w n boy.”www.eonline.com

Justin Timberlake Shades Las Vegas Residencies

Justin Timberlake says the idea of doing a Las Vegas residency is “scary” to him. The 36-year-old “Supplies” singer sat down for an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1 Radio this week and talked about his new album, Man of the Woods, family life, and his career path. During the interview Lowe asked about possibly doing a residency in Las Vegas, like many stars such as Timberlake’s ex Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey. “I mean I wouldn’t rule

it out if it was something that was different,” Timberlake told Lowe. “I definitely don’t...you know… [laughs]…it feels like…” “...a retirement option?” Lowe asked. Timberlake continued, “...you’re planning your retirement. You know what I mean? So for some reason that feels like scary to me.” He then told Lowe, “The person who did Vegas better than anybody was Prince.”

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UG gets $5M Philanthropic bursary … Rajdai Elizabeth, Seobarran James Outar are sponsors The first major philanthropic gift by an individual private family establishing a perpetual bursary has been received by the University of Guyana. The gift of land and property in Berbice was gifted to The University of Guyana by Mrs. Rajdai Elizabeth Outar, now of Scottsdale Arizona. She was born and raised in Guyana. The gifted property is expected to be developed or liquidated and funds invested within two years of the passing of the property to the University. Thereafter, up to 30 percent of the monies will be used in perpetuity to fund on an annual basis the Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran

James Outar Bursary. The Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar Bursary is aimed at supporting tuition, living expenses and books for outstanding students from Berbice, Port Mourant, and other areas who prove to be unable to afford the cost of their education at the University of Guyana in any discipline. Growing up in Berbice and Port Mourant, Rajdai Elizabeth Outar and her late husband, Seobarran James Outar placed a great value on education, especially for their four children and grandchildren. Following the advice of Mr. Outar’s father, “If there is one thing you could do for

your children, it is to educate them. No one can ever take that away from them,” the Outars left Guyana in the late 1970s for educational opportunities in the United States. They never forgot where they got their start and looked for opportunities to give back to their home. With Mr. Outar’s passing in June 2014, Mrs. Outar decided to gift a parcel of land and other remaining assets in Guyana to The University to establish the Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar Bursary. Speaking from her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, Mrs. Outar said, “Education is the cornerstone of life; and higher education provides an

opportunity to create leaders, advance knowledge and to improve society. “My family and I hope that our gift will not only benefit worthy students but that it also will inspire other expatriate Guyanese to support talent development at a critical time in our nation’s history. We are thankful to Prof. Paloma Mohamed, Deputy Vice Chancellor Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement and others in The University for creating the possibility and process of establishing such a gift.” Vice Chancellor of The University of Guyana, Prof. Ivelaw Griffith, has emphasized the need for private support to

complement Government funding. He expressed the University’s gratitude to Mrs. Outar and family. “Mrs. Outar’s gift provides an opportunity for the most talented students to have access to a world-class education regardless of their ability to pay. We hope that her generosity will serve as an example for others to follow. Gifts like Mrs. Outar’s have an impact not only on the recipient but also their families, their community, and society at large.” Deputy Vice Chancellor (PACE) Prof. Paloma Mohamed also expressed sincere gratitude to Mrs. Outar and her family, and to her son O’Neil Outar, as well

as to former Deputy Vice Chancellor Elizabeth Ramlall, Ms. Christine Chowgrir and University Registrar Dr. Nigel Gravesande who worked for several months with PACE to realise the project. The Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar Bursary is expected to be administered through the U n i v e r s i t y ’s St u d e n t Support Fund mechanism recently set up to support s t u dents with financial challenges. Application materials, awards committee composition and the decision rubric for the award of the Rajdai Elizabeth and Seobarran James Outar Bursary also will be available on the University of Guyana’s website once the funds become available.

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Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

River ambulances, school bus...

Major purchases for Region Ten this year By Enid Joaquin In a press briefing on Thursday hosted by Chairman of Region Ten, Rennis Morian, capital projects and projections for 2018 were highlighted including two major purchases to be made-two river ambulances and a school bus. Other purchases would include furniture and equipment in the area of Health and Education from an allocated $31 million. Maintenance has been

allocated $90 million while $45 million will go towards emergency works and $60 million for weeding and cleaning. Some $4 million has been allocated to the Ituni Guest House for repairs and maintenance. Councillor Gregory Harris said that under Capital Works and expenditure $291.6 million was approved for Infrastructural works, including a new Regional Administrative Office at Spieghtland, the construction of the Bamia Primary and Nursery schools

and the rehabilitation of the Upper Demerara Hospital. Morian said that the Regional Administration found it convenient to commence the building of the two schools at Bamia, which he said will relieve the congestion at Amelia’s Ward Primary. Meanwhile, Councillor Harris said that other projects on the cards are the building of a Health Post in the Mabura area and a Health Centre in Amelia’s Ward to ease the congestion of the current Health Centre.

- Regional Chairman Under Capital Road Works, roads slated for rehabilitation include Stanley Road, Ball Field Road, Teachers’ Compound Main Access Road, and the access road to Wismar Hill Primary School. These works will cost some $68.5 million, Harris said. Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) received its largest budgetary allocation in 2018–a whopping $3.4B. Some $33.016M of that amount will go towards the construction of the Regional Administration Building at Spieghtland and $33.9 million to purchase two river ambulances to service the Demerara and Berbice Rivers, and a 30-seater school bus to ease the transportation woes of children from Christianburg attending the St Aidan’s Primary School.

These would be the major purchases for the Region in 2018. Parents and pupils of the Christianburg Primary School have complained repeatedly of the long distance to get to this school. The pupils are currently housed at the St Aidan’s Primary as the former was deemed unsafe and consequently closed a few years ago. As a result, pupils and teachers were granted accommodation at the St Aidan’s Primary on Blue Berry Hill. Parents, concerned about their children’s welfare, were up in arms against this decision, as they complained about the long distance and additional cost to get their children to school. Many were in favour of a location closer to their homes. But St Aidan’s was

deemed the most suitable by both Regional and Education officials because it has the space. However, there continues to be calls for the rebuilding of the Christianburg Primary School at its original location. Those calls have been reiterated by several important stakeholders. Both the Christianburg and St Aidan’s Primary Schools originally came under the purview of two local churches, the St Aidan’s Anglican Church and the Christianburg Scots Church. They both hold the distinction of being the oldest schools in Linden-Wismar to be exact, with Christianburg being the first to be established. Quite a few prominent Guyanese would have received their early education at Christianburg Primary. They include overseas-based Engineer and Lindener, Dr Vincent

Adams, and brothers, Robert and Charles Corbin.

Sunday January 21, 2018

Department of Education establishes reading corner for Region Six health centres There is a new initiative to improve reading and make visits to health centres more accommodating and friendly to mothers and other visitors. The Ministry of Education is teaming up with the Ministry of Health to make literacy a part of the health centres. On Monday, the Ministry of Education, through its Region Six Literacy Coordinator, Simone Dainty, established a reading corner at the New Amsterdam Family Health Centre situated at Strand and Charles Place, New Amsterdam. The main aim, according to Dainty, is to promote reading and writing throughout Region Six. Another objective, she said, is to give mothers who visit Health Centres the opportunity to read to their

children at an early age. According to Dainty, the initiative is o n e w h i c h facilitates reading and at the same time promotes literacy. Mothers attending clinics can access story books, puzzles, letter and number cards, colouring books among other amenities that are useful educational pieces for their toddlers and babies. Dainty said that the Ministry will continue to visit the Health Centre and monitor how things are progressing. She said that in the future, books for adults will be added to the collection. The Literacy Coordinator stated that similar projects will be established at other health facilities throughout East Berbice.

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Kaieteur News

Disgruntled ‘half-day cleaners’ protest for their pay increase More than two dozen ‘halfday cleaners’ in Linden on Tuesday expressed their dissatisfaction and disgruntlement over several issues facing them, including poor working conditions and no increase in salaries. Regional Chairman, Rennis Morian, in an invited comment on the issue of the cleaners, said, “The RDC supports eight-hour work and will pursue this at all levels. ..that our cleaners in Upper Demerara/Berbice and primarily Linden, enjoy eight hours of work, as our focus is to have our workers enjoy eight hours pay. The cleaners currently only work four hours per day and were not granted any salary increases in 2017. He added, “What is worse is that because of the kind of agreement that was made under the previous administration, whenever there’s a salary increase, they do not enjoy that increase.” Morian said that the workers also do not receive any gratuity. The Regional Chairman said

that the issue must not be swept under the carpet and that it is very important that the Department of Labour get involved. He promised to address the issue with the Ministry of Communities. About 25 ‘half-day cleaners’ on Tuesday vented their disgruntlement over what they say are promised and as yet undelivered increase in their salaries and improved working conditions. The cleaners from various schools across Linden engaged Maurice Butters, Regional Industrial Relations Officer of the Guyana Public Service Union at a meeting at the Regional Democratic Council Boardroom on Tuesday.

One cleaner lamented, “We salary is at the one rate and when they put on the eight percent last year, we didn’t get any. We ain’t get enough cleaning gear[s]. When we look back at the conditions [that] we are working under, it is not proper. We need better systems to be put in place to be comfortable and to do our work efficiently.” Butters pointed out, “During last year around September, the Minister of State Joseph Harmon, said on national television that the government would regularise the conditions of service of all part-time cleaners and based on our information that we heard, it has already started in the other regions.” However, Butters said that upon enquiring from the

Regional Administration, he was told that they are not aware of this and were not informed. The cleaners said that they are contemplating their next move and one suggestion was that they take to the streets to get their grievances heard. However, Butters said that the Guyana Public Service Union already knows of the situation and wants to be further involved; hence, they are going to meet with the Regional Administration on this matter. He pointed out, “The Georgetown cleaners who are working eight hours are already getting their increase in their salaries, since September. My people will be coming up with the information to present it to the Regional Administration here in Linden.”

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Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

The Plight of the Sweeper Cleaner

The minimum wage within the Government sector has seen an increase in each of the budgets presented so far since the Coalition Government took office; however, there is a group of

people who are paid by the Guyana Government, who continue to be overlooked whenever increases are paid. They provide a necessary service within the Government schools. They

are required to be on the job every day to ensure that pupils and students are presented with clean classrooms, as well as to ensure that sanitary facilities are in reasonable a condition

as well. Those workers are referred to as sweepercleaners, and they are paid $37,000 per month, and have been excluded from all packages paid since the change of Government.

The aggrieved workers who have been calling for improved conditions of work even before the change of Government, have been making every effort to take their case wherever they may

find a sympathetic ear, and surely there is someone within the Region Five Democratic Council, RDC, who is sympathetic to their cause. The issue was raised at the last statutory meeting of the RDC, held on January 18, last, and a report is expected at the next meeting scheduled for February. The workers have in recent times sought to get themselves organised under the umbrella of the Guyana Public Service Union, but are quite frustrated by what they see as lack of action on the part of the union. Further, workers are of the view that sweeper-cleaners do not amount to so great a number and as such has caused the Government undue strain to pay them the minimum wage. There are many workers with over fifteen years of service, who would not have enjoyed NIS benefits, be it sickness or maternity, over the years because they were not contributing to the scheme, something beyond their control. Further down the road, they are not likely to benefit from NIS pension, even though they would have been employed long enough to have made at least the minimum number of contributions in order to qualify for such benefits. According to the workers, it is time that they be recognised for the services that they are providing in the education system, and the least that the administration can do is to pay them at least the minimum wage, and at the same time, that they be able to contribute to NIS so that when the time shall have come, they would be eligible for whatever the benefits may be.

Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

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STANDARDS IN FOCUS

Proposed Energy Efficiency Standard

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is working collaboratively with the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and other CARICOM countries to develop a standard that will address Minimum Energy Performance for Refrigerators, Air Conditioners and Lighting. This energy efficiency standard is expected to ensure that all appliances imported into Guyana and the CARICOM Region are labelled, that is, the labels must contain information regarding the energy consumption of the appliances such as, an energy guide or rating, brand name and country of origin. Energy efficiency labels offer guidance to consumers on the energy consumption of

– A GREEN INITIATIVE FOR CARICOM MEMBER STATES their appliances, which will allow them to make wise decisions and conserve their energy use and spending on electricity. For consumers, understanding energy efficiency is the first step. The International Electro-technical Committee (IEC) defines energy efficiency as the ratio or other quantitative relationship between an output of performance, service goods or energy, and an input of energy. In other words, the amount of performance gained verses the amount of energy inputted.

Energy efficiency can be achieved in many ways, including the use of less energy to achieve the same outcome, using the same amount of energy to achieve a better outcome, and by improving the conversion of primary energy into usable energy, including electricity with more efficient technologies. Energy efficiency is very important and it is the biggest untapped energy source in the world. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency is the largest “fuel” before all fossil and renewable energy sources combined. No doubt, the use of energy efficient appliances reduces energy demand, creates a reduction in Green House Gas Emissions, increases energy security, enhances health and well-being through lower air pollution,

and creates a positive impact on public budgets and disposable incomes. However, despite the benefits of energy efficient practices, there are many barriers including the lack of awareness of the savings potential, inadequate information about performance efficiency, and the tendency to focus on lowest initial cost rather than life cycle cost. Guyana’s adoption of the energy efficiency standard will support Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy thematic area number three ‘Energy – Transition to renewable energy and greater energy independence. For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0062, 219-0065 or 219-0069. Please visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org and like our Facebook page: gnbsgy

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Sunday January 21, 2018

CONSUMER CONCERNS

City Manager System could renew city By PAT DIAL For many years now, the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) has been advocating that the Georgetown City Council be replaced by a City Management System headed by a City Manager. City Managers have been used in the United States with much success. Indeed, Washington D.C. the capital of the United States was not a municipality for most of its existence and was run quite well, in effect,

by a City Manager and paid officials. Since it had been converted into a Municipality with an elected Mayor and Councillors, the quality of administration in that City has fallen. Georgetown once used to be a very well-run City. Taxes were paid and collected and the Town Council did not venture into questionable schemes to raise money. It would sometimes issue bonds which were much in demand. The various services the Council provided

to the City were of a high quality and citizens did not complain as they do today. The streets were clean and the trees of the City were well-tended. The drains and canals were kept flowing and never clogged. The City was known as the “Garden City of the West Indies”. The Town Hall was one of the main attractions of the City and was always kept in an immaculate condition. It used to be the main concert hall of Georgetown and regular concerts of classical music were performed there

on Sunday afternoons. It was also used as the lecture hall where visiting academics and dignitaries would speak. The Town Council itself did the waste disposal from its earliest days in the 19th century by animal-drawn carts succeeded by motorised vehicles. The Stabroek Market was well-kept and orderly. From the time of its construction in the 1880’s until its decline in the 1960’s and 1970s, it was one of the major tourist attractions of the Caribbean. During these halcyon

days of the Council, the men who served as Councillors were prominent businessmen and professionals. Many of them served in the Legislature and even held Ministerial rank such as Mr LFS Burnham. It was an honour and prestige to serve on the Council and it was unthinkable that accusations of theft and corruption could ever be made against them. From the 1970s, prominent businessmen and professional ceased to serve on the Council because Party Politics had taken over the

Council and most of such persons were not politically affiliated. During this time, also, without any proper legal and administrative arrangements, the boundaries of the City were extended along the East Coast and East Bank Demerara. The City’s population and geographical expanse were far greater than the Old City but the same 19th century Statute was applicable to the extended City. With these handicaps and Continued on page 69

Sunday January 21, 2018

FOR RENT

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota premio PSS7517 1.8M 2005 model C light recorder Axio 2.5 Bluebird 2.6 Tida 2.2 #655-3400 R3 Minibus $800k 212 Toyota $750k 192 Toyota $500k. Call: 697-2550, 613-1810 One RZ minibus BRR series, mag rim, cat eyes $1.5 Tel#668-9672, 645-2525 Tractor (foreign used) Massey Ferguson-165 excellent condition Vreeden-hoop $1.6M, MF-135 $1.1M, MF-265-$2.2M, 165loader tractor- $2.4M. Call: 682-5230/615-4414 Pick up truck from Canada, All double cab 2005 Tacoma $2.3 M, Ford F150 sport $1.5M, Ford ranger sport $1.4M. Call: 682-5230, 615-4414. PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public Road, #2 Village, W.C.B. 49ft x 10,314ft $25M Negotiable Contact 648-7109/686-4818 New building with two apartment downstairs for sale.10 minutes from Georgetown .Call:675-1510/ 613-7964 One top and bottom three bedroom house at Block 12 Non-Pariel, ECD. Tel: 6924881, 229-6236 Republic Park - Three bedroom house, master bedroom, heater, A/C, etc. Price $35M Call 617-4261 PEN PAL You deserve a relationship filled with love. Call Harmony: 676-6312

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FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY-$19,000PERPOUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 12ft & 14ft Aluminum boat for sale 222-5671, 641-6162 Freezers. Call: 671-3004 1 Toyota Corolla NZE, 1 Toyota IST, very good price + condition. Contact R.Sookraj & Son 226-4173 or 615-1831 (cell) 1 Mack truck, 1 Mercedes Bendz, 1 Pathfinder. Contact: 665-1154 Three pure breed German Shepherd. Seven weeks old. Tel: 626-0953/650-9998 Litace Noah 3 (S) engine a/c working (G) series can be changed to private $1,250,000. Neg townace parts available also. Call: 622-5986 Two storey concrete building, fully furnished for sale, Anna Catherina W.C.D Contact 6619880 9000 BM Klim dry, rough sand crabwood. $2.15US per BM Tel: 697-7708 Wicker/Rattan furniture lobby sets (Sofa piece, love piece, single seater, coffee table) $220,000. Tel#611-7223 LAND FOR SALE Parafaite Harmonie (Onderneeming) $1M Uivlugt (100ftx50ft) $3.6M with reserve. Tel#656-0701 Parafaite Harmonie (100ftx50ft) High income $2.8M Farm (East Bank) $3.5M Eccles $6M Tel#651-1969 Parafaite Harmonie 2.5M 1.6M Ten year up 3.5M Herstelling 3M Tuschen 5.5M 5M. Call: 666-2326 Parafaite 2M main road 1.6M 3M Herstelling 3M Farm 3.5M Tuschen 5M 1.8M Uitvlugt 3M. Call: 604-6724/686-9608 Lot 46 (Long Dam) Vergenoegen East Bank Essequibo. Land approx 10,000 sq ft Building 656 sq ft. $4.5 neg. Tel: 628-9390 100 acres Agricultural land, right bank, Barima river,NWD, Essequibo. 668-7687/677-9638 HEALTH Get genuine herbal supplements from Hazel’s Herbal Store. Call: Tel# 2269136. Iridology Services offered on Monday 29-01-18

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.- CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Vreed-en-hoop junction. Lessons place, storage bond, office, other. Call 6036400. Business place/Store for rent. Located at Grove EBD. Contact: 684-6331 Fully furnished apartment two & one bedrooms in Providence, East Bank, Tel: 672-1906/216-2299/682-6238 Plaisance ECD 3 Bedroom house, furnished, semi furnished or unfurnished, long term or short term. #2181107/673-4745/603-4466 Business place to rent. 14 Lombard St Georgetown. 2271385, 653-0506 Tower space to rent in Georgetown ideal for Telecommunication and Broadcasting Contact 2235273-4 Apartment- Vreed-en-hoop, two bedroom (Kitchen, bath, grill, security camera, A/C, Granite countertop) family preferable. $25,000 monthly. Tel: 682-5230, 615-4414

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494

EDUCATION First Aid/CPR and Home Nursing. New classes starting shortly at St John. Tel: 225-9082

WANTED Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Salesman, good verbal/ excellent attitude, knowledge in stocktaking, computer literate & team player. Keyfood McDoom.

VACANCY Experienced Security Professionals. Must have 3 yrs. experience, past military/ security. Send resume & picture by email:. bvisecurityandinvestigators@ g m a i l . c o m Cleaner – submit written application to Barton-Sukhraj Accounting Lot 78 Breda & Hadfield Street, Werk-en-rust or e-mail to bs.taxes@yahoo.com

Experienced Handyman, porter all below 40 years. Apply with written application. Keyfood McDoom Village. Private tutor for ACAA, Any two papers among F5-F9. Email interest to odalexa@yahoo.com

Temporary Tax Consultant – Minimum qualification – CXC inclusive of Mathematics, Accounting & English, e-mail application to bs.taxes@yahoo.com

One property to purchase in Georgetown below 30 million. Call: 615-0317 Forty foot (40ft) containers, in good condition. #687-6072

Vacancy exists for 1 experienced pharmacy technician to work part time @ a reputable pharmacy Georgetown- Call: 227-0630

1 welder to work in the interior. Meals & accomodation provided. Must have driver’s license. Contact: 680-2702 Urgently need one land to buy in Eccles. Artist to paint portraits & scenes. Tel#6117223/656-0701 Land to buy- Parafaite Harmonie, Tuschen, Farm, Uitvlugt, Eccles, Herstelling, Zeelugt. We pay cash. Call:666-2326 Seeking property to rent for restaurant in Georgetown, Call: 615-0317 Labourers to work on farm in Demerara river. Accomodation provided. Tel: 684-1098/646-9821 1 honest, reliable domestic & 1 Babysitter to work 7am-3pm & 8am-4pm workplace will be near Sheriff St. Call: 641-1062 (7:30am-5:00pm)

Shipping Assistant, Accounts clerk- must have knowledge of QuickBooks. Tel: 616-5591/ 665-3676/226-0395. Waitress for bar. Age 18-27 #612-2522

Graphic Artist. Call: 222-7603 Heavy duty mechanic to work in interior . Driving & Welding will be an asset. #680-2702 TOLET Furnished 2 bedrooms apartment in Eccles New Scheme. #698-7807 Room for working couple/ single person. Light, water, bed included. $28,000 monthly, $28,000 security @ South Riumveldt. Tel:623-0076 Ground floor of four storey buliding located on Robb Street next to Bourda Market. Tel: 623-7731, 688-7625 Lodge apartments (Vlissengen/Durban): unfurnished $40,000-60,000 p/ m. Furnished (for visitors) $600 US p/m. 668-7687/6779638/697-6421 Lodge (Vlissengen/Durban): Professional/Office/Business space (no food retailing) 6687687/677-9638/697-6421

Cashiers @ Nirva Superstore. please apply in person with written application at 49 Sheriff & Craig St. Tel#2275771 Live-in or part time maid, call 695-5505 or 611-6364 between 9am to 4pm Office clerk Senior/Junior CXC English/Mathematics, Computer knowledge an asset, Call: 223-7500 General maintenance Guy, room attendant ages 25-45 years old. Tel: 225-0198 233 South rd, Lacytown. One Live in domestic. Five days per week. Age 18-55. Call: 669-4436 1 cook, 1 cleaner, 1 waitress. Call Sabrina/Lisa on 231-5857/ 231-5866 One general domestic. Apply in person to Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda. Auto body repairman, part time. 266-4427 SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses: $90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/688-0009 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages). Ultraviolet Driving School is offering a 6 days driving lesson for $7,500. Come and enjoy it! Call 602-2583

City Manager System could.... From page 68 others, it is not surprising that the City began its decline. The causes of the decline have been covered in articles and comments in the media over many years and we will not reiterate them. But mention of a few manifestations of that decline will illustrate the urgency for action: The City Hall, one of the country’s main heritage buildings is rotting and becoming unsafe; the drainage and sewer systems of the City have all but collapsed; Stabroek Market, once the City’s showpiece, is now a chaotic slum; and the remaining trees of the Garden City are struggling to survive. The City Council and City administration are overwhelmed by the enormity of the task facing them and are quite aware of their inability to renew the City. In their attempts to barely keep the City afloat, they have resorted to ad hocism. Some of the gauche schemes to extract money from the citizens fall into this category. City officials keep talking of their insatiable need for money, but citizens are convinced that however much money the Council collects, things will remain the same way. For example, the property tax has been increased by 10% and there have been enormous increases in fees and imposition of new ones. But this large injection of money of tens of millions of dollars has not been publicly accounted for nor has it resulted in any change for the better. Another solution must be found to renew the City. The Committee of the GCA has long felt that a City Manager should be used. The City Manager would run the City strictly along business lines. He should have powers of recruitment and dismissal as well as disciplinary powers. He w o u l d b e t h e C i t y ’s Financial Officer and should be a person of the highest integrity and of course very well paid. His work should be subject to a rigorous annual appraisal and if he fails to meet the standard set, he must demit office. A City Manager System could be used for a minimum of 10 years and when the City would have been renewed, a reformed City Council under new statutes and procedures could be reinstituted.

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Kaieteur News

CCJ says annual moot provides opportunity to build Caribbean justice system PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The President of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, says the International Law Moot Competition provides an opportunity for building a stronger Caribbean justice system. The 10th annual competition will be held here on March 9 and will bring together representatives of the 10 university or professional law schools in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region. The CCJ, which was established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s final court, said that the annual competition serves a dual purpose allowing for law students to be familiar with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the regional integration movement and the workings of the CCJ’s Original Jurisdiction. It said also the event provides budding jurists with a stage to hone and showcase their talents and that the event is usually attended by prominent Caribbean jurists, academicians and government officials. “The Moot provides us with yet another opportunity to build the Caribbean legal system and knowledge of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Each year that I have attended the Moot proceedings, I have been pleased by the quality of the

Sir Dennis Byron submissions, the fierce determination of the mooters and how well they have been guided by their coaches from the law schools,” Sir Dennis said, adding “through this, and other CCJ initiatives, we are building a stronger Caribbean justice system.” Last year’s competition was won by the team representing the Eugene Dupuch Law School of the Bahamas. This year’s moot deals with a CARICOM state’s imposition of a tax on imported sugar sweetened beverages and a ban on advertisement of such beverages on TV and radio between 8am and 8pm. The sponsor of the moot is the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) pursuant to its mandate to reduce

the incidents and consequences of non-communicable diseases. The day after the moot PAHO will be supporting a High Level Meeting in Port of Spain on the use of law to tackle NCDs in the Caribbean. Each team in the competition is expected to provide written skeleton submissions and present its oral arguments before a panel of three CCJ Judges. “Each year, we offer students a unique experience to explore a thorny issue and build their advocacy skills. We also strive to give them an enriching experience, while improving their substantive knowledge of the laws governing CARICOM,” Sir Dennis noted.

ACP group calls for an apology from US President over remarks BRUSSELS - CMC – The African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States has called on United States President Donald Trump to offer an apology over what it termed his “shocking and hurtful racist remarks” about member countries of the 79member grouping. The international media reported earlier this month that during a meeting with lawmakers, the President said “why are we having all these people from shit hole countries come here,” as he made reference to Haiti, El Salvador and African nations. Trump reportedly queried why Washington does not instead welcome more immigrants from countries such as Norway, which is overwhelmingly White. But while Trump has denied using the vulgar language, the lone Democratic senator at the meeting insisted that he did. In a statement, the ACP,

President Donald Trump said it “expresses unequivocal condemnation of the shocking and hurtful racist remarks attributed to the President of the United States of America regarding a significant part of its membership, as reported in international media.”The ACP Group calls for a retraction and apology on behalf of the US Presi-

dent, and expresses concern at the growing pattern demonstrated by the US Administration in overlooking established principles of equality and respect for fundamental human rights as a basis for international peace, security and global development, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

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Britain able to have bespoke deal with EU – Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Theresa May LONDON (Reuters) French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday Britain would be able to have a bespoke deal with the European Union after Brexit, one of Prime Minister Theresa May’s objectives. But in an interview with the BBC, Macron said London’s financial centre could not enjoy the same level of access to the EU under May’s current Brexit plan, which envisages Britain leaving the EU’s single market and customs union.

Macron has said in the past Britain could have pacts with the EU along the lines of those with Canada or Norway but not its own, special deal. But asked in the interview whether that was fair, given how long Britain had been part of the EU, Macron said: “No, it’s not a question to be fair or unfair. I take that as a reference. But for sure, you will have your own solution.” Asked whether there would be a bespoke, special solution for Britain, he replied: “Sure, but you will ... I take

these two references because this special way should be consistent with the preservation of the single market and our collective interests. “And you should understand that you cannot by definition have the full access to the single market if you don’t tick the box.” Macron insisted Britain would not get full access to the EU’s single market without accepting its basic principles of freedom of movement and willingness to abide by EU jurisdiction.

U.S. government shuts down as Trump feuds with Democrats

Trump implies Democrats want a government shutdown WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The world’s most powerful government shut down yesterday after President Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress failed to reach a deal on funding for federal agencies, highlighting America’s deep political divisions. For the first time since October 2013 - when a similar standoff that lasted 16 days kept only essential agency operations running - federal workers were being told to stay at home or in some cases

to work without pay until new funding is approved. Republican and Democratic leaders were expected to renew negotiations yesterday in the hope of restoring government financing before tomorrow. The shutdown began a year to the day after Trump was sworn in as president. His inability to cut a deal despite having a Republican majority in both houses of Congress marks arguably the most debilitating setback for

his administration. In Twitter posts early yesterday, Trump blamed Democrat lawmakers. Tomorrow, government employees ranging from financial regulators and tax collectors to scientists and civilian staff at the Pentagon will have to stay away from work. Early yesterday, McConnell offered up a new plan. Instead of the Feb. 16 end date for the temporary spending bill, he proposed Feb. 8.

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I salute the media for keeping me on my toes -Trotman While Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, seems perturbed at the media for its reporting on the looming oil industry, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, said that he “salutes” the media for the scrutiny it provides. According to Trotman, that sort of scrutiny brings out the best in him. The Alliance For Change (AFC) recently held its first press conference for the year. At that forum, Trotman, who is also the party leader, said that the AFC plans to engage the media on a regular basis this year, and improvement from last year. This newspaper question Trotman about his party’s view on the role the media has been playing in the shaping of the oil industry. Trotman said that he recognises that the media has a “very strong role to play and how you portray what is coming influences people.” Trotman said, too, “I believe that there is room for improvement. The media is a very important watchdog in democracy and it has to be able to carry the facts. Even though it hurts and I am in the arena and I take the licks, I would not want it any other way because it keeps me on my toes, it keeps me sharp and

it keeps me honest.” The politician continued, “I salute the media for that but at the same time, I ask you to be fair and honest; get the other side.” Trotman said that there is view that “fake news has reached the shores of Guyana.” Also, Trotman noted that the local media seems to be less excited than the rest of the world about Guyana’s good fortunes and often look only at the negatives. “I see a different story and I am going to be fixated on that.” The story he sees is one where all Guyanese will be rich in US dollars in just a few years. Trotman said that the media is using some so called experts on oil and gas who just “went abroad, read up some information, call themselves experts and realise they know it all. I am reminded that the devil has work for idle hands. “All kinds of people have jumped up and seem to have a lot of time on their hands. I am also reminded that the devil seeks to kill, destroy and steal.” Wait until (ExxonMobil) does something, then alert the country. But do not harass them before the production even starts.” That was the advice given to the media par-

ticularly Kaieteur News, by Greenidge. It was almost as if Greenidge was asking for ExxonMobil to be given kidglove treatment. During a press conference, Greenidge made several references to the “cuss out” that the media has been “putting” on ExxonMobil. Asked what it is he saw in the media that constituted the “cuss out” he spoke about, Greenidge said that there are a number of articles “even addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for simply responding to queries from journalists as regards the matter.” Greenidge said that ExxonMobil broke no law as yet in Guyana and as such, should be left alone. The company’s track record has no relevance here. The Minister said that if the press has concerns about the company based on its track record, the press should try to hold the government accountable. “Y’all down the road cussing them out. (Saying that) they are terrible, who they ain’t rob, they put money in somebody’s account and the president spend it. What does that have to do with the company? A company that pays taxes any place has no

Soldier accused of fracturing man’s skull charged A member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who is accused of fracturing a man’s skull, seven months ago was on Friday charged with felonious wounding. Kadeem Andrews appeared in the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert and was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on June 3, last, at Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Linden Hastings called ‘Bilaal’. Andrews was ordered to post $60,000 bail. He was also instructed to make his next court appearance on January 30, for report. According to information, 57-year-old Hastings, of Lot 374 Crane Housing S c h e m e , We s t C o a s t Demerara, went to the Mosque to pray. While at the Mosque, he met the soldier and a young woman sitting in the male section. The victim them asked the young woman to leave the Mosque since she is not a Muslim, and she complied. It was reported that after the soldier and the young

Linden Hastings, the virtual complainant woman went outside he too, decided to go outside. “I left and went outside to perform ‘wudu’ which is a ritual washing performed in preparation for prayers. While Hastings was outside the soldier approached him from behind and started verbally abusing him. Hastings said that the man told him he needed to watch how he was talking to him and his girlfriend. After hearing those words, the victim decided

to turn around and that is when the soldier dealt him several cuffs to his face. “Soon as I turn around he give me one cuff to my left eye. ”When I get the cuff to my eye, I tried to run but he advance towards me and started hitting my head to the wall.” The victim then fell to the ground and the soldier stomped him to his head several times until he passed out. At that time, Hastings’s wife who was in the upper floor of the Mosque, upon hearing the commotion ran downstairs to help her husband. She reached just to see him lying motionless on the ground. The woman said that she had to stop a car and with the assistance of the taxi driver put her husband in the vehicle. They then rushed him to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The woman said that due to her husband’s condition, she was advised by nurses at the hospital to rush him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The woman said that her husband had to undergo several tests, one being a CT scan which showed that he sustained a fractured skull.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman say in how the money is spent. That is the government’s responsibility.” Greenidge saw nothing wrong with the company de-

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge

positing money in a president’s private account. Further, Greenidge jabbed transparency advocates. He said that “many of those who

talk transparency, their activities won’t see the light of day.” Greenidge had even said that ExxonMobil complained to him for Kaieteur News.

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South Africa’s ANC to force Zuma to quit as president – reports JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Leaders of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) met yesterday to outline the party’s programme for the coming year amid reports that its executive planned to force Jacob Zuma to quit as the country’s president. An ANC spokeswoman declined to comment on a report by broadcaster eNCA saying that its newly-elected National Executive Committee (NEC) had resolved to ask Zuma - whose presidency has been hit by corruption allegations - to resign. If Zuma refused, he would be forced to step down by the party’s six-strong leadership group, eNCA said. An anonymous member of the NEC - which met for the first time under new ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday and Friday - was quoted by online news site News24 as saying the decision to force Zuma to resign had been unanimous. The NEC made no mention of Zuma’s possible early exit in a statement after the first two days of a four-day meeting.“We can’t confirm rumours of things that we don’t know. The NEC has issued a statement on the totality of discussions Friday,” an ANC spokeswoman said. Zuma retains the support of one part of the ANC leadership, but many others in the party argue that he has tarnished the image of Africa’s

Jacob Zuma oldest liberation movement. While he has been in office, the economy has also slowed to a near-standstill. Ramaphosa succeeded Zuma as ANC head last month, making him likely to replace Zuma as the country’s next president. The party’s SecretaryGeneral Ace Magashule said on Thursday that Zuma’s early removal as head of state was not on the agenda of the NEC meeting, which runs until today. But in recent days Ramaphosa has gone on the offensive against companies controlled by the Gupta family, businessmen friends of Zuma accused of unduly using political connections to win work with the state. Zuma, whose second term is due to run until 2019, has denied any wrongdoing, as have the Guptas. That has fuelled specula-

tion the new ANC leader and his allies are moving to lobby support for Zuma’s removal. In its statement following the first half of the NEC meeting, the committee said officials led by Ramaphosa “will continue their engagement with President Jacob Zuma to ensure effective coordination between the ANC and government.” The main agenda item for the second part of the meeting is the party’s programme for the coming year. Markets have rallied since Ramaphosa’s election as ANC leader in December, as investors have warmed to his promises to root out corruption and kick-start economic growth. Any sign that Zuma could step down before his second presidential term ends in 2019 has tended to lift South African assets, including the rand currency.

Pence starts Middle East tour in Egypt, pledges ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ support CAIRO (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence kicked off a trip to the Middle East yesterday with a visit to Egypt, where he pledged firm U.S. backing to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the nation’s fight against militants. Pence said ties between the two countries had never been stronger after a period of “drifting apart” and that President Donald Trump sent his gratitude to Sisi for implementing economic reforms. “We stand shoulder to

shoulder with you in Egypt in the fight against terrorism,” Pence said. Sisi said the two men discussed ways to eliminate the “disease and cancer” of terrorism and called Trump a friend. P e n c e ’s q u i c k v i s i t comes at the start of a three-country tour that also includes stops in Jordan and Israel. This is the highestlevel visit from a U.S. official to the region since December, when Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

That decision, which reversed decades of U.S. policy and set in motion the process of moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, upset leaders in the Arab world and prompted Palestinians to reject the United States as a broker for peace. Pence, a conservative Christian who was one of the driving forces behind the move, and Sisi did not discuss the Jerusalem decision during their public remarks in front of reporters.

Sunday January 21, 2018

SACHIA VICKERY MAKES CONTRIBUTION TO GLTA American Born Tennis gem Sachia Vickery who recently announced her desire to represent Guyana at the Olympics, gave back to the youths of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA), last Friday evening during a simple and eventful session at the GBTI tennis courts in Bel Air. Vickery presented the lads with Tennis gear along with words of encouragement, while even engaging in warm ups with some of the players. The former sixth ranked world junior player shared with the players that, “I’m really happy and humbled to be here. It’s exciting to hit with you guys and share my experiences on the tour and you should know that it’s a lot of work and dedication.” Vickery who was born to Guyanese mother Paula Liverpool and Guyanese father Rawle Vickery further encouraged that, “Once you put the work in and keep believing in yourself; you can make it far.”

Although being born in the United States, Vickery, who is currently ranked 102 in the world and is looking to break in the top 100 in 2018, shared that, “Guyana is where my whole family is from and I consider myself mostly Guyanese though I was born in America. I feel like it’s my home.” Head of the GLTA Jamal Goodluck, cheerfully expressed, “It’s a wonderful pleasure to have a world ranked player in Guyana. We usually root for you when we watch your games on television.” Goodluck was cognisant of the impact of the Vickery presence on the local racket wielding youths and just before he handed over a plaque of appreciation to Vickery, he noted that, “I think having a professional player on the court demonstrating and knocking with the youths is a memorable experience for them and this impact can go a long way in helping their development path.”

Sunday January 21, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Sometimes you’re on your own because you run so far ahead of the pack. However, the Suns shift into your 11th House of Community invites you to improve your social standing by organizing events or volunteering for an important cause. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Adjusting to new responsibilities at work and at home could be tough, especially if you insist on doing everything the old tried-and-true way. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may be quite enthusiastic about your future, but it seems to remain just beyond your grasp. Nevertheless, you can improve your chances of success by making sure you have a detailed map, rather than making decisions without the necessary information. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You’re not excited about stepping out on your own today, because working with others increases your sense of emotional security. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your one-to-one relationships are in the spotlight now as you reposition yourself to respond to changing circumstances. However, the Suns shift into futuristic Aquarius and your 7th House of Significant Others can be stressful as you blend your vision with someone elses. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A sudden shift in the energy leads you to seek more freedom by adapting your daily routines to your unconventional patterns.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You’re eager to show up for play today rather than work, and your creativity grows when you try out new ideas and risk looking foolish. However, an unexpected flirtation could catch you by surprise when the Sun moves into quirky Aquarius to join sassy Venus in your 5th House of Spontaneity. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Although its crucial to communicate your feelings clearly, the best way to earn trust now is to match your words and your actions with your purest intentions. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Taking a break from your obligations at home and work could leave you with extra free time on your hands today. Thankfully, you have an opportunity to make new connections and to share your latest ideas with friends. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Financial issues may grow more complicated now, but you’re ready to do whatever it takes in order to put your fiscal life back on track. Your cash flow could be a source of anxiety as you plan your recovery from excessive holiday spending. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) A sudden change of attitude inspires you to take responsibility for your own life and to make longoverdue improvements now. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The patterns you set into motion now will either deepen a current relationship or raise trust issues. Although you hope to cultivate cooperation, you don’t want to let go of your own agenda.

GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 Intra Association League

Ten EBFA teams participate in historical March Past with Forde in attendance It was launched almost one year ago, March 14, 2017 to be exact by President of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, Victor Montagliani who was on a short visit to Guyana. But due to adverse weather conditions which curtailed even the smooth flow of the GFF/NAMILCO Flour Power U17 Intra Association League, it had to be put off. But yesterday at the Grove Playfield, ten (10) of the East Bank Football Association affiliates turned up for the official march past and start of this historic, GFF/ Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 Intra Association League. GFF President Wayne Forde joined EBFA President Franklin Wilson, Secretary Wayne Francois and other executives to usher in the first national competition at this age group level much to the delight of the clubs and fans that attended the occasion. The clubs attending were Agricola Red Triangle, Herstelling Raiders, Diamond United, Diamond Upsetters, Samatta Point/Kaneville, Grove Hi Tech, Friendship All Stars, Kuru Kururu Warriors, Timehri Panthers and Soesdyke Falcons. Absent was Mocha Champs. In welcoming the teams and congratulating the players on being a part of this significant competition, EBFA President Franklin Wilson encouraged the clubs to work hard, play fair and ensure that discipline is the hallmark of their participation. Forde in feature remarks before officially kicking off the league stated that the tournament forms part of the federation’s strategy to implement comprehensive youth football development in the nation. “This tournament would be the ultimate feeder of the academy training center on the East Bank that is operated by the Technical Development Officer and the Youth Development Coaches.” He noted that the top players emerging from this league would have the opportunity to be drafted into the academy training centre. GFF Technical Director Mr. Ian Greenwood was praised for the implementation of a structured youth development programmes in Guyana. “You are playing football at what is considered in my own opinion, the most opportune time in our long

and sometimes difficult history. The most talented players among you guys will train consistently under age specific coaching curriculum over the next couple of years.” The players were reminded that they are involved at a unique time in the history of the sport and made a call for more parents to get involved in supporting the development of their children which is vital to their development as athletes. “So having your mother, father, aunt, sisters and brothers out there cheering you along, there is no other value that can be more special than that.” Talent alone though, Forde opined would be lost if there is no discipline and fair play involved. “We’ve seen many great players in Guyana that have lost out on exceptional opportunities because they simply cannot commit themselves to a consistent display of discipline. You guys have an opportunity here of not only putting Guyana at the forefront of regional football

but world football. But you can only achieve this milestone if you treat your peers and coaches with respect but above all, treat the game of football with the absolute respect it deserves. It is a game that is bigger than each and every one of us.” Forde also offered words of gratitude to the Pele Alumni organization: “I want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to these former stars of Guyana’s football who have reached beyond their remarkable playing careers, to once again, serve the Beautiful game. I want to personally express my appreciation to Labba Barton and Denis Carrington. I am very proud of the work they are doing in supporting their former club and bringing prominence to an institution that has produced much more than exceptional players.” Meanwhile, the first match of the league saw Grove Hi Tech facing off with Kuru Kururu Warriors with the former coming from behind to win 4-1.

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Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

Athanaze ton, Yadram, CWI sends condolences to Windies U19 player Joshua Persaud Royal blow Kenya away

Alick Athanaze pulls one away. (IDI/Getty) ESPNcricinfo - Defending champions West Indies prevailed over Kenya in a onesided contest in Lincoln, registering a 222-run win - their first in three games this tournament - courtesy Alick Athanaze’s unbeaten 116, and a combined nine wickets between Bhaskar Yadram and Jeavor Royal. Despite the two points, West Indies are no longer in contention for a knockout berth as hosts New Zealand and South Africa lead them on the points table.

West Indies got off to a solid start after opting to bat, thanks to a quickfire fifty from Kimani Melius (60 off 45). His opening partner Keagan Simmons’ dismissal in the 15th over, however, led to the side losing their top three for four runs within the space of eight deliveries. Kenya, on their part, failed to capitalise on the quick wickets, allowing Athanaze and Kirstan Kallicharan to hoist West Indies to 150 via a 68-run partnership. While Athanaze motored on, having struck an unbeaten 76 in the previous game, the lower-order duo of Royal and Nyeem Young chipped in with 24 and 57 respectively to help their side finish on 318 for 7. Aveet Desai, the pick of the Kenya bowlers, finished with figures of 3 for 54. Subsequently, it took West Indies all of 24.4 overs to skittle the Kenya line-up with left-arm spinner Royal taking 4 for 25 in his 7.4 overs and Yadram ending with 5 for 18 from his seven overs. Only three of the Kenya batsmen mustered double-digit scores, with opener Aman Gandhi top-scoring with 37. Scores: West Indies 318 for 7 (Athanaze 116*, Melius 60, Desai 3-54) beat Kenya 96 (Gandhi 37, Yadram 5-18, Royal 4-25) by 222 runs.

St John’s, ANTIGUA Cricket West Indies (CWI) would like to express heartfelt condolences to WINDIES U19 player Joshua Persaud on the death of his mother, who died in a car accident in the USA. Persaud has been a part of the WINDIES U19 team currently participating at the

ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. All arrangements were made by CWI to allow him to immediately depart for Guyana to be with family and close ones during this difficult time. Both Persaud and injured player Raymond Perez left New Zealand last night and are on their way

back home to Guyana. Brad Barnes will depart the Caribbean today, en route to New Zealand to replace Perez. No replacement has been requested for Persaud. CWI sends its prayers and thoughts to the Persaud family and with Joshua’s teammates in New Zealand during this time.

Guyana Jaguars two wickets away from... From page 81 Motie removed Amir Jangoo for 16 before Permaul uprooted the stumps of Jeremy Solozano for 16 to leave the score on 43-2. However, Tino Webster and Mohammed steadied the chase fairly with a stand of 84 with positive stroke play. Webster slammed 11 fours and four sixes off 54 balls before he was taken off Permaul for 77. But Mohamed continued to gather his runs on both sides of the pitch and together with Denesh Ramdin put on 177 to further frustrate the home team. The duo batted with confidence and mixed aggression with defence as they rotated the strike nicely on a decent track. With both Mohammed and Ramdin looking solid, Johnson re-introduced Sherfane Rutherford and his decision paid

dividends as the medium pacer had Ramdin caught and bowled for 47. Ramdin’s dismissal triggered a collapse as Motie trapped Cariah lbw without scoring before Rutherford sent back Steven Katwaroo lbw for six leaving Red Force at 246-6. Mohamed kept his composure and played some handsome drives and cuts, but this did not deter Jaguars as Johnson realising the possibility of a victory requested an extra half hour of play which was granted. Paul, working up some decent pace, bowled Imran Khan for 17 with one that came back from outside off stump with the score on 269-7. Permaul then trapped Daniel St. Clair lbw for two in the final over of the day’s play. Rutherford has 2-21, Permaul 2-61, Motie 2-73 and Paul 2-88. Play continues at 90:30 hrs today.

Sunday January 21, 2018

Kaieteur News

GOVERNMENT PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR 2018 BARTICA EASTER REGATTA

CASH IN HAND! The Million Dollar Cheque being handed over to the BDBA. Members of the Organising Committee of the Bartica Easter Regatta, this past week met with Minister of Stare, Honourable Joseph Harmon who on behalf of the Government of Guyana pledged full commitment to the planned activities for the annual event whilst expressing optimism that it will

be a resounding success. Further, the Mayor and Town Council of Bartica on Thursday last handed over a cheque for One Million Dollars among a number of other items to the committee as part of its support for Regatta 2018. Notable among these donations were a number of

printed tee shirts to be worn by the Event’s Diva’s and Volunteer Squads. The Diva Squad of Regatta 2018 will be the official cheerleaders, while the Volunteer Squad will render assistance in various forms at every event. In return, the Bartica Development Business Association (BDBA)

presented the Mayor and Town Council with one Lawn Mower to be used to the benefit of the town. The BDBA is tasked with organising and running the Bartica Easter Regatta this year. In addition, planning for Regatta activities continues to take shape with training of the Pageant contestants getting off to a bright start with Trainer Sonjie Marslowe; training of Diva Girls led by Jade Huggins; negotiations with racers from Bartica, Pomeroon and Miami, USA and the commitment of the sponsors for various events. The BDBA has chosen to draw from the vast experience and organisational abilities of Mr. Holbert Knights, former Regional Chairman, Region # 7 by appointing him Head of Committee for Regatta 2018.

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Rose Hall B/ball club said they did not ask for RHTY&SC donation, $$ should be refunded In a release from the Management of Rose Hall Town basketball team, who recently received a donation from the Rose Hall Youth and Sport Club, the club has informed that the donation was solicited by a player and not by their executive. Club President Vibert Garrett noted that the donation “was given to an individual player and the executive members of the club was not aware. The club never sent a letter asking for donation from the Youth and Sport Club. We are asking the Youth and Sport Club that no individual player should be given donations from the club unless the Executive Member is aware of such. The player that uplifted the donation from the club is known as Perry Cort.” “Perry Cort is just a normal player and he has no authority to obtain funds from any organization for the basketball club,” Garrett further informed. He stated in the article carried in relation to the donation, mention was made of lighting at the basketball court. Garrett informed that the Regional Democratic Council was approached in this regard and systems are being put in place to ensure same. “The management has suggested to Mr. Hilbert Foster that he should ask Mr. Perry Cort to refund the money he collected in care of the basketball club,” the basketball club president informed.

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Sunday January 21, 2018

30 athletes and 13 coaches will benefit from GOA/IOC solidarity fund

Representatives of the GOA along with some of the athletes and coaches who will benefit from the solidarity fund. With financing from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Solidarity fund, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has decided to disburse monthly stipends to 30 local and overseas based athletes along with 13 coaches from 10 disciplines to help with their development. The money that will be doled out this month will be retroactive from December 2017 with the total sum amount to almost $18million. Head of the Guyana Olympic Association, K.A. Juman-Yassin, noted at a simple but significant press brief at the GOA’s headquarters at Lilliendaal that the monthly pay will vary according to the specific needs of the athlete/coach with a minimum of $20,000 and a max pay of $60,000. There will be specific

conditions and reporting requirements which must be fulfilled by the recipients in order to receive stipends. The timely completion o f Wo r l d A n t i - D o p i n g Agency ( WA D A ) whereabouts forms along with attending anti-doping seminars are a few of the obligations that athletes must fulfill in order to continue to receive the stipends which will be paid out bi-monthly. The GOA had aimed for national athletes and coaches to be fully-funded in order to adequately focus on their goals but the stipend is nevertheless a positive start. September last, Keevin Allicock, who claimed the Flyweight (52kg) division silver medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games Boxing Championship in the Bahamas, last July, was one of the first recipients of

GOA’s development grant. Yesterday at Olympic House, Liliendaal, the first step was taken on the journey of making local full time athletes and coaches a reality. “I have been speaking for years that our athletes and coaches need to be rewarded. It will not fully reward them but it’s the first step. Once you make the first step it’s easier to make the second… and the Government should come on board so that resources can be pooled,” Juman-Yassin explained during the brief. General Secretary of the GOA, Hector Edwards, p o s i t e d t h a t , “ To d a y ’s event is one that we can all embrace and at a later time have much appreciation.” He added that the days of being a successful part time athlete are long gone. In the same breath he stated that the GOA will do

everything in its power to make local athletes successful. He also stated that it is important to be successful academically as well as athletically. The full list of athletes and coaches who will be receiving GOA stipends follows; Athletics’ Association of Guyana Coaches Johnny Gravesande Linden Phillips Julian Edmonds Glenton Pantlitz Athletes Compton Caesar Jermaine King Kenisha Phillips Deshana Skeete Chantoba Bright Joanna Archer Toyan Raymond Daniel Williams Daniel Melville Winston George Troy Doris

Brenessa Thompson Kadecia Baird Guyana Amateur Boxing Association Athletes Keevin Allicock Christopher Moore Coaches Terrence Poole Sebert Blake Guyana Badminton Association Athletes Narayan Ramdhani Priyanna Ramdhani Coach Gokarn Ramdhani Guyana Judo Federation Athlete Joshua Buchanan Guyana National Rifle Association Athlete Lennox Braithwaite Ransford Goodluck Guyana Amateur Swimming Association Athletes Andrew Fowler

Leon Seaton Hannibal Gaskin Jamila Sanmoogan Guyana Squash Association Athletes Mary Fung- A-Fat Sunil Seth Coach Carl Ince Guyana Table Tennis Association Athletes Shamar Britton Christopher Franklin Chelsea Edghill Trenace Lowe Coaches Hillary Anderson Idi Lewis Guyana Rugby Football Union Coaches Theodore Henry Larry Adonis Guyana Volleyball Federation Coach Ms. Kirenia Ballard