Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday January 27, 2017

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

EDITORIAL FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS Despite all the criticisms that have been heaped on Guyana, most citizens would agree that it is still one of the most pristine countries on earth to live. Pollution levels are generally low, the environment is close to being perfect, and the people are for the most part friendly and fun-loving. This is why thousands of Guyanese who have spent a major part of their life in crowded, polluted cities in North America Asia and Europe, to name a few, are frequently returning to enjoy and savour the fresh and pure air blowing in from the Atlantic. The saying that there is no place like home is being resonated more and more with Guyanese in the Diaspora than ever before. Guyana’s picturesque scenery, its fresh fruits and vegetables and energetic night life are simple but invaluable assets that many are enjoying. Everyone should strive to protect these assets. However, there are a few harmful practices that emerged recently that could seriously pollute and damage our clean environment and thus threaten the serene life in the country, if left unchecked. Emissions from poorly maintained vehicles and factories which belch-out volumes of thick smoke into the atmosphere have had adverse effects on the environment. And the burning of garbage or the spraying of toxic herbicides and other chemicals in populated neighbourhoods can over time also affect the surroundings. The authorities would need to act to prevent these types of impurities from causing further discomfort. Interestingly, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown that about 85 percent of the world’s population lives in polluted countries which contributes to the premature deaths of 3 million people annually. And 90 percent of these deaths are from non-communicable illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases which are caused by pollution. The WHO also states that pollution increases the risks for cancer, acute respiratory infections and other types of pulmonary diseases. These effects from pollution should serve as a wake-up call to all Guyanese and should cause them to appreciate and preserve their environment even more. According to the WHO, most of these deaths are occurring in low and middle income countries in South East Asia, parts of Africa, China and India. China and India are among the top polluting countries in the world. Guyana has been listed as one of the least polluted nations among the 184 countries, and there have been no known recorded deaths in Guyana due to pollution. The WHO contends that both indoor and outdoor pollution have resulted in environmental health crises in several countries. Indoor pollution has been blamed for 4.5 million deaths annually due to the use of dirty stoves, kerosene and diesel fuels. Outdoor pollution is largely a man-made problem and therefore requires man-made solutions. The authorities must take the lead and develop effective laws to reduce air pollution. It is very important for everyone to contribute to the reduction of pollution. Given the serious threat which it can pose to the nation and to the health of its citizens, the authorities must impose severe penalties against drivers or owners of those vehicles which pollute the atmosphere, including efforts to impound them. Similar action should be taken against the owners of factories using outdated equipment and those who indiscriminately burn garbage and spray herbicides in populated neighbourhoods. Thirty-five years ago, few Guyanese, especially children, were known to have asthma. That statistic should not be allowed to change. According to medical experts, asthma attacks are triggered by irritants such as smoke, air pollution and chemicals. Everyone must make sure that the air the nation breathes is pure and all must contribute to clean air in order to keep Guyana as pollution-free as possible for future generations.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Things AFC spoke against, it is now happy with Dear Editor, Suddenly the AFC has lost its voice in the scheme of things in Guyana. Things that Nagamoottoo and Ramjattan would have railed about are suddenly acceptable to them. Drug bonds fiasco, Harmon’s unexplained trip to China, undemocratic

parking meter decision for Georgetown (this is most telling as the AFC’s Sherod Duncan is being hung out to dry), scholarships for ministers. Now Ramjattan is seeking a third term maybe because he is getting milk in his tea courtesy of the PNC. I do not know if it is

condensed milk, full cream or evaporated but like the milk has damaged his conscience and that of Nagamoottoo’s who seems only too happy with touring the world but abandoning the 10% that he courted and which helpedAPNU to get power. Shakuntala Mazir

My party, the PPP, is guided by the principles of Marxism-Leninism Dear Editor, There seems to be some confusion generated by some sections of the media regarding the ideological orientation of the PPP, especially since the conclusion of the party’s Congress in December last year. Similar confusion transpired after the PPP/C won the October 5, 1992 elections in which attempts were made by the media to project the PPP as ideologically inflexible and anachronistic. It is instructive to recall the way Dr Jagan responded on the issue of the ideological orientation of the PPP vis-à-vis that of the Civic alliance after

the PPP/C was victorious in the historic elections of October 1992.“The People’s Progressive Party to which I belong is historically a party of the working people and the poor, guided by the principles of Marxism-Leninism and with the aim of building a democratic and humane society with a multi-party parliamentary system.” (Stabroek News, August 26, 1993). Regarding the Civic alliance he said the PPP had never foisted its ideology on its alliance partner nor on the PPP/Civic government, and was emphatic that the party had no intention

of doing so. Dr Jagan explained that what his government did was to dismantle the structures of ‘party paramountcy’, the pernicious doctrine of the former PNC government under which the ruling party was indistinguishable from the state. Dr Jagan was critical of some sections of the media for sensationalizing on the question of ideology with the view of projecting the party in a negative light at home and abroad. Hydar Ally, PPP Central Committee Member

Dialogue between PPP and PNC is in the National Interest Dear Editor, I should be grateful for the publication of this letter in your newspaper, to encourage an open debate and advocacy again for national consensus and national unity by the main political parties whose actions and postures impact the lives of all in this country. It is time to look forward, put aside continuing campaigning for political points, and transcend the blame game. Let us be frank and admit that in reality, we live in a fractured, divided, wounded and bleeding country related to the politics of race and ethnicity in the contest for political power and dominance by the PPP and PNC for over sixty years. How long must this nation wait for the political conflicts and contests between these two dominant political forces come to an end for the national good? Do we need a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (like South Africa) to bring healing to this nation? Do we need the Secretary General on the United Nations to provide a facilitator to stimulate the dialogue process and mediate differences as may be necessary? Political dialogue between the leaders of the PPP and the PNC on governance and on social and economic matters should

be promoted and adopted as a matter of high priority for the national good. The objective is to foster confidence, high trust, mutual understanding, cordial and civil communication and good relations at the national level. The objective is also to find agreed solutions to political governance and socio-economic problems and issues, and to forge national consensus for political governance and national development. The promotion of political and social justice in Guyana could be achieved if the PPP and the PNC are involved in the search for appropriate solutions through genuine dialogue. They have the major responsibility in the success of the dialogue process. Genuine political dialogue between the PPP and the PNC offers potential opportunities from which all can gain. The parties are challenged to commit themselves to engage in determined dialogue, based on the principles of mutual trust and good faith. Success in the mutual outcome of political dialogue also requires national commitment and national political will. The building of confidence and trust, their maintenance and sustainability require a high degree of commitment and national leadership.

In Guyana the real challenge is to develop national consensus in the form of national accord on political governance and an agreed programme for social, economic, and human development in the interest of the national communities. National consensus agreements provide the framework for strategies to achieve good political governance, international competitiveness, higher standards of living, improved social protection, a stable currency, investmentfriendly policies and a more development-conducive political and social climate in environments which uphold and respect fundamental rights and freedoms at all levels in the national community. The outcome of political dialogue can promote effective management of the economy in a climate of good political governance with participation of civil society. It is crucial for agreeing on measures for balanced economic, social and political developments. The Governing Authority of the National Assembly and the Government bear a heavy responsibility for ensuring that good governance, “The manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development” reflects fairness and effective

political, economic and social justice. A country that is committed to such good political governance will ensure that there is genuine participation by the political and social partners who must demonstrate credibility, t r a n s p a r e n c y, a n d accountability in the administration and management of national affairs. The challenges in terms of national strategies is to promote a mature political culture, economic growth, social, political, and human development, call for actions at the national level. It is for the Government, the political parties, private sector, the labour movement and civil society in Guyana (a) to respect, promote and realize in good faith the fundamental principles of human rights enshrined in our national Constitution and laws, UN Conventions, and Regional and other International Treaty obligations; and (b) to adopt through genuine and sustained political dialogue, changes in political governance and the management of national socio-economic and political affairs. These must be promoted in a paradigm shift - from the prolonged confrontational and divisive posture to one which cultivates consensus and cooperation in the national (Continued on page 5)

Friday January 27, 2017

The Constitution allows the President to reject nominees for GECOM’s chairman DEAR EDITOR, Reading one page of the national constitution daily, after our varying religious devotions would undoubtedly create a more focused and progressive culture in Guyana. Perhaps this is the type of study conducted by President Granger regarding the appointment of an Election Commission Chairperson. In so doing, he now seeks to rearrange what appears to be an alternative condition against a stipulation. Cap 1:01, Section 161 (2) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is very clear in my view. I read it over and over. I then closed one eye and read it. I closed both eyes and it meant the same thing. Some people in this country like to run to the Court for everything. No wonder the judiciary seems overwhelmed. So now this matter of Cap 1:01, Section 161(2) is becoming judicial, to challenge an Executive prerogative. What concerned me the most after reading Section 161(2) is the attitude of the Opposition Leader, towards President Granger and the people of Guyana, more than anything else he utters. It’s that condescending way. It’s the constant pompous attempt to belittle the intelligence of those he perceives as his subjects.

I am a Guyanese by birth and have great respect and regard for all of Guyana’s presidents, including Mr. Jagdeo who is a repeat aspirant. However, I am amazed and more than disappointed at his handling of this matter. There is a time to be constructive and a time to oppose. Opposing for the sake of opposing is nothing short of ludicrous and diminishes ones relevance. Slowly read Cap 1:01, Section 161 (2) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. It is thus quoted: “Subject to the provisions of paragraph (4), the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly” The repeated conjunctions “or” suggest that there are alternatives to the stipu-

lation that “the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds (or) who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth”. Even after the continuation of that sentence “or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge”, there is a distinct punctuation by way of a “comma” to show a separation of the condition or change in pitch. This change in pitch, gives the President an option of alternative; “(or) any other fit and proper person”. This is the option Mr. Jagdeo wants the President to use, citing precedence. The latter is not a Presidential prerogative, if my interpretation and understanding is correct. I believe that Mr. Jadgeo, a championed man who holds an honorary doctorate is well aware of that caveat. But, he is a politician. The President is given scope for selecting from, or rejecting the entire list by the proviso “not unacceptable to the President” It is therefore left to the President whether he will accept or not. I don’t see any provision in the Section that gives censure against the President’s prerogative or (Continued on page 6)

Plea to build a sporting complex in area, it is over 700 feet. letics Championships. I am Region Two ing Going east to west is over one sure that I am not alone as a DEAR EDITOR, I am calling on the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports and all National Sporting body to raise the bar by developing a modern multipurpose sports complex in Region 2. I am identifying north of the New Opportunity Corps compound for such development. There is an abundance of land space there; going south to north from the students hold-

mile, so land shouldn't be a problem. It is a known fact cricket, football, athletics, basketball, culture, swimming and a host of other disciplines are hoping for a place where true development can take place all year in the region. The complex must be equipped with accommodations to house all 10 Regions when there are national activities more so the National Ath-

Dialogue between PPP... From page 4 interest. Let genuine dialogue between the PNC and the PPP begin afresh without delay to achieve national consensus to move this country forward as a united nation. My list for genuine dialogue include: building confidence and high trust, agree on a shared vision for Guyana, constitutional reform aimed at creating a broad based, inclusive Government which can elect the President

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by two thirds vote by the National Assembly and which caters for one Vice President, allocation constitutionally of ministerial portfolios based on the proportional strengths of the parties forming the Government, electoral reforms, fixed election day, and an agreed programme for political, social, economic and human development for the national good for all citizens. Samuel J. Goolsarran

resident of Region 2 who would love to see the return of the National Athletics championship to our region. My fellow Region 2 residents let our voices be heard as we ask for real commitment and respect for our athletes and sports development for us in the Cinderella county. The time is right to give Cinderella her due. Build the complex; give every discipline a home in one compound. Give the region a new image. Build a complex here, please Forbes Daniels

Festival City residents says, ‘enough Festival City/ val City/North Ruimveldt is is enough” surrounding that they cannot have access North Ruimveldt. DEAR EDITOR, Festival City was established in 1972 under the late President Forbes Burnham, as a village where visiting guests and artists for Carifesta ’72 were accommodated in the 250 houses specially constructed in North Ruimveldt. After Carifesta ’72 these houses were acquired by ordinary Guyanese families. Over time many families have worked at improving our homes, and the initial community services have been widened as we exude pride and continue to seek to raise our living standard. However, regardless of our efforts, we are increasingly being inundated by flood waters and we are experiencing the loss of esthetics and the total degradation of our environment. All of this is taking place despite our constant appeals to The Mayor & City Council and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. These two agencies have, over time, demonstrated a total disregard for us as citizens. As a case in point, the government reserve (northern side of Aubrey Barker Road) is being systematically carved up and handed to a variety of industrial, commercial and other interests, most of which have no connection to the community. In addition to this, shacks are also springing up at various points on reserves

The Festival City Entrance sign was knocked down by containers thrown on the Aubrey Barker reserve by disrespectful business persons and never restored despite efforts by one of our corporate citizens, Stainmasters. Recently a shack-shop, which was built at this location, was demolished by The City Council, but now after claims to the land by various persons, Mayor Chase-Green has apologised to the shack-shop owners and given them permission to rebuild. How can citizens claim ownership to Council’s reserves? And why are shacks being allowed to be built on what is the Government Reserve? Isn’t the Reserve to be used by Council and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to complete works to improve the community for example drainage and road repairs? Wasn’t it set aside to ensure the existence of green spaces? We look on this action of the Mayor as perpetuating the degeneration of Festival City. This and other such structures are reducing Festival City to a Shanty Town. A most disturbing fact is that the Mayor is the directly elected Councillor for our Constituency. We have been told by successive Councils that the main reason for the constant in- and-out of season flooding of Festi-

to the canals because of the people who live on the dam. However, every day more squatters continue to build on this same dam regardless, to the point of erecting permanent concrete structures. Notably they are never flooded so they must be enjoying the good life. How long must we continue to endure this situation?! Our properties are becoming devalued because of the “shanti-ness” of Festival City/North Ruimveldt, the foundations are being ruined and the roads now becoming a series of potholes. We, the residents of Festival City, say “No more! Enough is enough! We deserve the good life too!” We call on the M&CC and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to immediately activate plans to bring relief to our plight. We call on them to engage and advise us of these plans immediately as we wish to be involved. After all, some of our houses were built by self-help and we have a record of community cleaning activities. Maybe if we pool our rates and taxes, and instead pay a private contractor, we will be able to restore this Community of Festival City, which has tremendous historic significance and stop this dishonouring of our national heritage. Residents of Festival City

Time we change the laws on bail for marijuana possession DEAR EDITOR, On January 25, 2017, I was again hurt and saddened when I read the various newspapers in Guyana. As is their custom, the courts of Guyana continue to discriminate against young black men by denying them bail for the crime of "smoking weed", legally referred to as possession of cannabis. These injustices become ever more glaring when compared to the handling of other cases by the same magistrates. I have included a few in today's papers to highlight my point. The accused of the following charges were all

granted bail; Seon David, released on $70,000 bail for unlawful wounding. Devon Josephs, released on $30,000 bail for Larceny. Deon Griffith, released on $200,000 bail for Robbery. Leslie Lewis released on $75,000 bail for Larceny. Eon Griffiths released on $20,000 bail for Larceny. However, Carlos Ross and Sherlock Goodridge- possession of cannabis of 25g; no bail He was remand to prison. I believe every citizen should be deem innocent until proven otherwise and I have no opinion on the other accused being given bail. But I am hurt and grieved to see

that "weed smokers" continued to be discriminated against by Guyanese judges. "Weed accused" are not afforded the same pre-trial liberties as other offenders. I am a black man, I am of African descent, and when I check the ethnicity of all those men remanded to prison for the charge of possession of weed, ninety (Continued on page 6)

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Anil Nandlall is wrong in relation to Article 161 of the Constitution DEAR EDITOR; We must revisit the core purpose which inspired the amendments to Article 161 of the Constitution. The opposition parties felt that the successive heads of the Commission were invariably the puppets to the then PNC government. Parliament sought to give the parliamentary opposition parties, through the leader of the opposition, a say in the selection process of the Chairman of the Commission in the interest of greater transparency and accountability. According to the 1995 amendment in the construction of the list; and in accor-

dance with the 2000 amendment the non-governmental parties in the Assembly are consulted (excluding the party to which the President belongs, or any parties comprising a Coalition which forms the government). Three significant things were included in the Amended Acts in an attempt to procure electoral transparency: 1. The Leader of the Opposition (Minority Leader) after consultations with other opposition parties (if any) in the Assembly composes the list of nominees; 2. The pool of suitably qualified persons is expanded

to included ‘any other fit and proper person’; and 3. The president is vested with the discretion to determine suitability. Again, the argument gets interesting. I agree with Nandlall that the ‘any other fit and proper person’ qualification is disjunctive. It is set apart by commas, and not mere commas to enclose. This is compounded by the disjunctive conjunction (disjunctive pleading) ‘or’. The preceding requirement of a judge and person qualified as a judge is not disaggregated, perhaps because of the common thread binding a judge

GuySuco’s team gets salaries no other country would pay DEAR EDITOR; The Kaieteur News of January 23rd, 2017 carried a news item titled “Sugar industry should not be a burden to Guyanese taxpayersPres. Granger”. In this article, the impression is that His Excellency; President David A. Granger is keen on dialogue with all sections of society for ideas and solutions for GuySuCo to stop its dependency on taxpayers. Editor, I agree and support this thrust from His Excellency. As a taxpayer contributing to subsidization of GuySuCo, I was very optimistic in June 2015 having learnt that Government installed an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to manage the company without any political interference. Subsequently, this IMC employed a team of technical experts and consultants to reverse the trend of poor

performance in Agriculture and Factories and this is understandable because the IMC is far from being competent in these areas. With this fresh team GuySuCo advised the nation that it has put together the “best minds” in sugar to handle the situation in one of its missives from the communication department. Then, came the salaries & benefits of the IMC, experts and consultants which sent shock waves across the land because no bankrupt company in this world would pay those rates however, Guyana affords it despite the slave-like wages paid to the ordinary workers. All my optimism vanished in December 2016 when GuySuCo dropped a bombshell production of 183,652t for the year 2016. After having this team of “best minds” in sugar for 1 ½ years, paid them better

than any country would, they delivered the 2nd lowest production since 1990. From their own performances, one can conclude that GuySuCo’s biggest burden at this point is the IMC, experts and consultants whose remuneration amounts to GS14.1M/month. That is, GS253.8M over that last 18 months. They are akin to a mill stone around GuySuCo’s neck. The President has the power to remove this burden from GuySuCo and taxpayers. With this mill stone management team at GuySuCo, production for 2017 may be bleak again. GuySuCo may wish to dispute this as they typically do with vague statements and no details. In the meantime what is GuySuCo’s production target this year? This is the first time that it is not yet known though we are approaching the end of January, 2017. Sookram Persaud

The Constitution allows the... From page 5 any other authority that may ring the President’s arm into accepting any list or nominee. What the section further states is “Providing that if the Leader of the Opposition fails to submit a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge.”

That final paragraph of Cap 1:01, Section 161 (2) speaks volumes, and further weakens Mr. Jagdeo’s “fit and proper” rant, since it emphasizes the prime focus on the Chair holding the office or being qualified to be “a Judge”. Mr. Jagdeo’s first list of nominees was rejected by the President. He resorted to an explosive tirade. I trust that my simple contribution towards this subject will add some enlightening, particularly for those who have not had an opportunity to access the Section.

Mr. Jagdeo and his team should consider that the President ought not and will not be bullied in mediocrity. Working on the new list rather than belly-aching should be the focus. It would be more rewarding if Mr. Jadgeo demonstrates chaste statesmanship by fostering dialogue and effective communication with President David Granger, just as the late Comrades Cheddie and Burnham did, and stop trying to make mockery or pull wool over the eyes of the Guyanese people. Orette Cutting

(practicing or former) and someone who is qualified as a judge (but for whatever reason has not been so appointed). Nandlall suggests that Professor Pollard employs the Ejusdem Generis Rule of statutory interpretation to arrive at his conclusion; simply, ‘any other fit and proper person’ must have judge-like qualities because that person must belong to the same class as a judge or someone who could be appointed a judge. Since there is no authoritative interpretation (and perhaps will never be, for reasons I will treat with shortly) of Article 161 as amended, it may not be outrageous to suppose that the introduction of the presidential discretion is mainly to temper the selection of persons who the Leader of the Opposition may want to offer as ‘any other fit and proper person’. It is material to note that in the event that the Leader of the Opposition does not submit a list of nominees for consideration then the President reverts to his pre-amendment powers, and is confined to select only a person who is a judge (former or current) or a person who is qualified as a judge; but by no means, ‘any other fit and proper person’. To borrow a phrase, ‘do you get my drift?’ I think where the framers of the amendments erred is in their failure to define what virtues must be possessed by ‘a fit and proper person’; and this is ul-

timately left up to the discretion of the President. It defeats the latitude afforded to the opposition in their bid to effect a transparent electoral process by casting an opaque veil between the proposal of the opposition and the discretion of the President. As very persuasively argued by Vivian M. Williams, prominent New York State and Federal attorney, in his pieces “Dancing on Black Ice 1 and 11”, one cannot inquire into the factors which inform the exercise of the President’s discretion (and I maintain that the President’s discretion should properly be confined to persons coming within the purview of the ‘fit and proper’ consideration- which, in this instance, engulfs all of the nominees). The court, as powerful as it ordinarily is, cannot inquire into the basis/ bases of the exercise of the President’s discretion. The President’s discretion in this regard is tantamount to prerogative powers. This too is an inheritance from our colonial past. The English Monarch retained special powers for itself in the heyday of the monarchy. Several of those powers have been curtailed, no new prerogative power can be created for the benefit of the monarch, and most of what is retained is exercised by the Executive Arm of government. So it is President Granger (head of the Executive) who enjoys this discretion/prerogative (selecting the GECOM Chairman) in this

instance. Williams refers to the ‘political question doctrine’ in arguing the inviolability of the President’s discretion. This doctrine is properly an American doctrine, but is applicable in principle to the exercise of Granger's discretion. Simply put, the discretion itself is unambiguous and attaches to a matter of national concern (as against individual rights); this renders it absolute. It is only for the President to exercise. Any attempts by the court to decide how this discretion should be exercised would offend the Separation of Powers Doctrine. The Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary must always remain separate and distinct entities. The Judiciary would become indistinguishable from the Executive were it to suggest to the Executive how Executive discretion should be exercised. The court can only inquire into the existence of the discretion and the extent of the discretion; but not the exercise of the discretion. While a president does not have unfettered and impenetrable discretion in every area in which he/she enjoys discretion, Judicial Review cannot pierce the veil of the executive discretion in matters of national concern. So I reject Nandlall’s arguments that the courts enjoy the power of review in such instances, and that this is inconsistent with constitutional supremacy. Ronald J. Daniels

What is the purpose of the Ombudsman? DEAR EDITOR Subject: When will the judge rule? When will the Ombudsman report be addressed? I have been following the NBS matter since the CEO & two Managers were first charged in 2007, as well as the case where Mr Arjoon sued NBS which am surprised went on for over 5 years. In your October 4, 2016 issue you stated the judge will rule on November 29 and I, like many others, holding my breath for the outcome. But alas, nothing yet? Can I dare ask why the judge is taking so long? Can I also dare ask why this Government has not acted on the Ombudsman report after 20 months? Why havn't they taken heed to recommendations of the highly respected and knowledgeable Dr. Clive Thomas who right-

fully also say it is imperative that we pay attention and act expeditiously when the Ombudsman's office highlights when injustices have occurred. The powerful principle upon which his office was established was to be the protector of the citizen's rights. We have to ensure that his recommendations are enforced at all times and in whatever ways we can. We cannot appear to equivocate in the face of the rulings otherwise, what is the purpose of his office and having him there? I hope the international community that has ploughed a lot of money into improving the justice system takes note of this grave injustice that seems to have no ending. Justice delayed is Justice denied! Ramesh Samaroo

Time we change the laws on bail... From page 5 percent are young black men. It is time, it is way past the time, that Caribbean Governments generally and the Government of Guyana specifically, follow Jamaica's bold lead and remove these

racist, colonialist, apartheid and slavery laws from the backs of young black men. We are turning our young black men into criminals. It is time judges in Guyana cease their discrimination

against young black men and grant them bail for "weed" offences. I call on The President of Guyana, the Attorney General, the Chancellor of the Judiciary and whoever else has influence with the courts to impress upon the judges of this nation the need to cease their discriminating practice of denying bail for the possession of weed charges. It is discrimination. Lennox Grandison

Friday January 27, 2017

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Forensic audit reports of GPL, GEA, GRDB…

Evidence points at illegal trading with PetroCaribe funds - matters to be handed over to police Government is set to hand over a forensic audit report to police investigators after a number of worrying findings of transactions at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). In one instance, there are indications that large sums of money were used by staffers of the board to illegally trade in foreign currencies. GRDB is the authority charged with overseeing the rice industry throughout the country. More than six years ago, Guyana entered a groundbreaking agreement with Venezuela trading rice for oil. Under the agreement, Guyana would advance a portion of the oil money on every shipment to Venezuela and pay the rest over a number of years at a minimal interest rate. The money to be paid to Venezuela was kept in

GRDB’s former chief, Jagnarine Singh

GEA’s CEO, Dr. Mahender Sharma

special accounts. Guyana in turn shipped hundreds of thousands of tonnes of paddy and white rice and would every so often cancel out the payments. It appeared that GRDB kept large sums of money in its accounts, lending some of it out without proper

paperwork. Upon entering Government in May 2015, the David Granger-led administration immediately ordered a number of forensic audits to determine the health of the state agencies - among them were GRDB, the Guyana Energy Agency and the

Granger appointed Chair of Commission to tackle non-communicable diseases Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman announced yesterday that for the first time in Guyana’s history, a President has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Commission for the National Commission for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Trotman – who was deputising for the State Minister, Joseph Harmon – made this announcement at the Post-Cabinet Press Briefings yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and Regent Street, Georgetown. He said also that the life of the Board will be for the period, from February 1, 2017 to January 31, 2019. The Board will also comprise representatives from the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Social Protection: the Ministry of Communities; the Ministry of Business and Tourism; the Ministry of Agriculture; and the Ministry of Finance. Representatives from various Governmental, NonGovernmental Organisation (NGOs) and International Organisations will also be a part of the Board. These entities include the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC); the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO); the United Nations Children’s Fund

President David Granger (UNICEF); the University of Guyana; the Inter-Religious Organisation; the Guyana Red Cross Society; Food for the Poor Incorporated; Consumer Protection Agency; Professional Health Association and the Rotary Club. Minister Trotman said that the respective Ministries and agencies are expected to name their representatives soon. “The fact that the President is the Chairman, tells the level of: one, his involvement; and two, the level of which Government will be approaching the whole matter of health and noncommunicable diseases,” A non-communicable disease (NCD) is a medical condition or disease that is not caused by infectious agents (non-infectious or non-transmissible). NCDs can refer to chronic diseases which last

for long periods of time and progress slowly. The four main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases – such as chronic o b s t r u c t i v e pulmonary disease and asthma – and diabetes. The National Commission for the prevention and control of NCDs was launched by the previous administration back in 2013. The commission was established to monitor the implementation of the National NCD Prevention and Control Strategy 20132020 and evaluate the impact of the diseases. The commission was launched at the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, with several leading health and government officials from the region, including Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, and further afield in attendance. Meanwhile, Trotman during the news conference revealed also, that Cabinet during its meeting last Tuesday approved the Board of Directors in the health sector beginning with the GPHC. He stated that the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, will make the necessary announcements shortly.

From left: Former Deputy CEO, Aeshwar Deonarine; former CEO, Bharat Dindyal and former Chairman, Winston Brassington Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). On Tuesday, the Cabinet of Ministers, led by President David Granger, considered the three forensic audit reports. Yesterday, during a postCabinet press conference hosted by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, it was disclosed that in all the cases, there were issues raised during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that warranted

further investigations into “financial irregularities”. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, has since been ordered to follow up on GPL audit report. Both the GRDB and GEA reports were ordered to be handed over to the police for further investigations. This will be done by the Ministry of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, it was disclosed yesterday.

With regards to the GRDB report, Trotman noted, over a three to four year period, more than US$500M from the PetroCaribe proceeds (Venezuela rice-for-oil deal) would have passed through the accounts of the entity. Among some of the “anomalies” found included loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes. There were other instances of persons in the (Continued on page 27)

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Friday January 27, 2017

Kaieteur News

Trio from C/ville raid remanded on illegal guns and ammo charges - Lawyer claims No. 1 accused receiving death threats The three men, who were arrested at a house in Campbellville, Georgetown last weekend, in connection with a raid conducted by members of the Guyana Police Force, where guns and ammunition were reportedly found, appeared yesterday before Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Teon Alleyne, 30, of Soesdyke Highway, Andre Pollydore, 24, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and Lloyd Roberts, 36, of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, were slapped with four charges each - two for illegal possession of firearms and two for illegal possession of ammunition. The court heard that on January 22 at 81 John Street Campbellville, Georgetown, the men had in their possession two weapons - one being an AK-47 rifle and one 9mm pistol - without being holders of firearm licence. It is also alleged that on the same day, the men had in their possession 60 rounds of 7.62 by 39 ammunition and 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition while they were not owners of firearm licence. The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges after they were read to them by the Magistrate. The three defendants were represented by Attor-

ney–at–Law Nigel Hughes who first asked that bail be granted to the number one defendant (Roberts). Hughes told the court that Roberts does not reside at the said address where the search was carried out and the articles were not discovered on him. Hughes further stated that his client only arrived at the location a few minutes before the police, after he received a phone call stating that he should go and uplift some documents sent for him by an overseas relative. Hughes said that shortly after Roberts’ arrival at the location, members of the Guyana Police Force arrived and arrested him while he was sitting in the living room. Hughes also told the court that his client over the past three months had been subjected to death threats which were related to his line of work in the gold industry, and under that circumstance, he asked that bail be granted to his client. The court also heard that Roberts’ wife and children have also been receiving death threats, and he had been advised to make a report to the Police. Police Prosecutor Sean Blackman gave three reasons why he objected to bail for Roberts. Firstly, when the police arrived at the location,

they made contact with the three defendants and Roberts gave an oral statement in which he revealed “I am responsible for everything. I rent the house.” Secondly, Roberts is not licenced to carry a firearm and neither is he permitted to carry any ammunition. Lastly, Blackman stated that he strongly objected to bail being granted based on the seriousness of the offence and the punishment it attracts. Facts presented by the Prosecutor stated that on the day in question, police ranks were conducting a search at the said location and after raiding the house the articles were found and the defendants were arrested and charged. After bail was refused for his client, Hughes asked that Roberts be placed in another holding facility rather than the Georgetown Prison, since there may be plans to exterminate him. Blackman also objected to bail for the other two defendants - Alleyne, a father of three and Pollydore, father of two – also citing the seriousness of the offence and the punishment it attracts. For those reasons, bail was refused and the three men were all remanded. They will make their next court appearance on February 14.

REMANDED: From left: Teon Alleyne, Andre Pollydore and Lloyd Roberts

Guyana-born shipping mogul dead at 78 News Americas, NEW YORK, NY (newsamericasnow.com) The Guyana-born founder of the NY-based Medas Shipping has passed away at the age of 78. Captain Lawrence Nelson Medas, Sr., according to relatives, died on January 18, 2017. Captain Medas was born

on December 16, 1938 in Den Amstel West Coast Demerara, Guyana and migrated to the US in 1969. He continued his education upon his arrival in Brooklyn, NY and became an international shipmaster when he received his worldwide shipping license from Fort Schuyler Maritime Academy. On August 21, 1972 Lawrence married Lucille and

together they were baptized by Philadelphia Church of Universal Brotherhood in Brooklyn, NY. The couple launched Medas Shipping in a one-bedroom apartment in 1973 and went on to make their first million in the basement of his home on East New York Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. The Medas headquarters

moved to a huge warehouse at 803 Sterling Place, Brooklyn, NY in August 1981 and soon became a household name for West Indian immigrants who shipped items in barrels and boxes between New York and their Caribbean homeland. The Medas family was also great supporters of the many local events in the West Indian Diaspora in NYC, including the West Indian Carnival in Brooklyn, NY from the early 1980s to 2000. Captain Medas was also one of the founding fathers of the Caribbean American

Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and used his office and warehouse space to nurture the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was also an honorary member of the Guyana police department and as a member of the Philadelphia Church of Universal Brotherhood in Brooklyn, Captain Medas served as a minister and an elder. Captain Medas is survived by his wife, four sons and three daughters in-law, 16 grandchildren, two sisters and cousins and a host of

nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Captain Medas will be held in Brooklyn New York at the Philadelphia Church 530 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11225 on January 29 at 1pm.

Captain Lawrence Medas, Sr.

Friday January 27, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Precariously placed on a slippery slope The reaction of the government to the decision of the Chancellor to hear the appeal into the decision of Justice Chang outlawing term limits unless sanctioned by a referendum has been, to say the least, most frightful. The Guyana Chronicle caught a fit and went overboard in what is a most basic judicial practice. The reaction mirrors the deep suspicions within our politics. Yet, it is the judiciary which has often been the one to which this country has had

to turn to restore sanity, reason and order. There is nothing controversial about a judge hearing a case close to his retirement. If anything, the public should have been asking why more cases were not being heard. There are many cases which are waiting to be heard, but it has always been judicial practice that cases which in the public interest have to be heard urgently are so heard. Can you imagine what would have been the fate if the judiciary did not immedi-

ately entertain the challenges which were made to the swearing in of Mrs. Janet Jagan as President? Guyana w o u l d h a v e been in turmoil for years if that case had to join the waiting list. There is nothing dubious about hearing urgent cases. It is not the government alone which has been upset by the fact that some cases are not being heard. The opposition has a number of appeals before the Court which it will want heard. But

it is not making suggestive innuendos against top judicial officials. The broadside which was launched, using the Chronicle, is a sad indictment of the politics of this country. It was hoped that with an end to a long tenure in office by the PPPC, that a more civilized political culture would have emerged. This has not happened, and the signs suggest that it will not happen anytime soon. There is no reason for any disguised attack on any judi-

Govt. to brief Opposition Leader on oil preparations Government has organized a briefing for Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on the country’s preparations on developing the oil and gas industry. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, as part of its preparations, the Ministry will be hosting a number of meetings in the coming weeks. “Of note, Leader of the Opposition Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P., has been written to by Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Raphael Trotman informing him that a briefing has been organised for him on Guyana’s preparation for the Oil and Gas industry. This marks the second such invitation to the Opposition Leader who on a previous occasion was unavailable on the proposed date.” The ministry said that members of the National Assembly, including those from the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources, will also be engaged

on the progress of activities. These would be part of regular briefs they have been provided from Minister Trotman and team at the Ministry on the progress of preparations for oil and gas production. “Further, efforts are underway to reach out to a wide range of stakeholders and the relevant private sector bodies and civil society groups have already benefited from these engagements. More consultations are currently being scheduled to share the plans and policies that have been developed for the oil and gas sector with an even wider cross-section of Guyanese.” These engagements will commence during February 2017, the ministry disclosed. The emerging oil and gas industry is an entirely new one for Guyana after a fortune-changing world-class discovery by US-owned ExxonMobil in 2015. More wells by the exploration company have confirmed that the basin, located 100 miles off the shores of

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman Guyana, in its Atlantic Ocean waters, hold between 800,000 to 1.4B barrels of oil, worth at least US$70B. Guyana is currently training its technical people and other stakeholders, and has moved to implement new regulations to deal with the industry. Production could start as early as 2020, ExxonMobil has said.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

cial figure because of the hearing of what has been described as the third-term case. The court, which is not a oneman show but which constitutes three judges, should be allowed to do their work. Care should be taken in the tone and language of criticism, lest it invites an attack on the reputation of the judges of our Appeal Court. There was a referendum in Britain as to whether that country should remain in the European Union. The referendum - the most direct form of democracy available in any political system today - was held. The people voted for withdrawal from the Union. It caused the Prime Minister to resign. A Guyanese challenged the matter in the Courts, arguing that in Britain there is parliamentary sovereignty. This was an issue, Guyanese will recall, that was raised in a number of debates over the right of the National Assembly to ignore judicial rulings. Guyana, unlike Britain, does not have a system of parliamentary supremacy. Guyana has constitutional supremacy, unlike Great Britain where parliament is

supreme. The effect of the outcome of the court case was that parliament has to sanction the withdrawal; a mere referendum would not suffice since in Britain, parliament is sovereign. The ruling has been challenged. This is how the rule of law is supposed to operate. The arguments are made in the courts, not in the Guyana Chronicle. The courts are where disputes are settled, not in unnecessary and unwarranted exchanges in the press. If the judiciary of Guyana is going to be subjected to political pressure and if the courts eventually submit to that pressure, my advice to all Guyanese is to get out of this country. It will mark the end of the rule of law, and no one should find any pleasure in wanting to live in a country where the rule of law does not exist.

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Friday January 27, 2017

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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

I am merely asking a question of Raphael Trotman and the AFC My April 2, 2016 column was an analysis of a speech Raphael Trotman made at a public meeting in Bartica for Local Government elections. My assessment was off-target (maybe that is putting it mildly). I subsequently reassessed my evaluation of his delivery. I had attributed thoughts to Mr. Trotman that could not have been located in the actual speech. The most logical and decent thing to do was to apologize. I did that in a column the very next day. Against that background, I have chosen my words in this column very carefully. This article here is simply asking Raphael Trotman and the AFC leader to comment on information I was given by three members of the decisive organ of the AFC that makes

policies in between meetings of its general council of 35 members that meet every four months. That body is named the Management Committee. It normally has around 18 members. It meets every Monday at 5pm at the AFC’s head office. It has been in discussion every Monday since the General elections in May 2015. When Trotman announced that he would run for the leader of the party, three very prominent members of this body informed me that they were surprised at Trotman accepting nomination, because he has been absent from a substantial number of meetings of the Management Committee. In order to prevent a fiasco from the last column on Trotman, I

specifically enquired if there are minutes of each meeting and a record of those present and absent. I was told that there are, so the AFC minutes for the past two years could be produced. Here now is the essential point of this article. I am asking if it is true that Mr. Trotman missed such a considerable number of meetings. I regard Mr. Trotman and the AFC leaders as people with integrity. I will not question their integrity if there is no reason to. But I boldly say that I trust the three executives who gave me this information. I would hope that if the AFC and Mr. Trotman respond to the question here, there would be some resort to the minutes. If my editor should ask me to name for him the three executives I will do so, and I will name a fourth who briefly raised the issue with me. In the world of journalism, the editor is entitled to know your sources. Those four persons obviously will not be revealed by my editor; only if they so choose. At this point I will close the subject before I get into choppy waters. At all cost I want to avoid a repetition of my misanalysis in the contro-

versial column for which I had to apologize. Readers can see there is no analysis or interpretation or criticism here. I was given information by three very nationally known executives of the AFC and, on that basis, I have asked for a response. If Mr. Trotman and the AFC indicate that such missed attendance did not occur, then so be it. If there has been such absenteeism, then maybe Mr. Trotman and the AFC may or may not care to comment. There is a question that could be logically asked; why

bring up the issue at all? As a political analyst, I think it is a valid, almost perfect question to ask in any democratic country as to why one of the leaders of a party in government would be absent so often (if he was) from his party’s war room. I do know that the WPA has a weekly programme on channel 9 under the title, Walter Rodney’s Groundings. I look at the presentation each Sunday. Obviously you will miss some weeks. For the past five years, I could definitely say that I have not seen the

Frederick Kissoon Co-Leader, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine on the programme. I have seen the other Co-Leader, Dr. Clive Thomas quite often, but not within recent months.

T&HD revenues boosted by Berbice water taxis - General Manager Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) General Manager, Marcelene Merchant, says that the introduction of Berbice Water Taxis during 2016 has bolstered the revenues of her department. Speaking at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s year in review, Merchant commended this move by the government and said it has led to a significant increase in the traffic section in 2016 in comparison to 2015. The water taxis (speedboats) were introduced by Government in 2015 to break the deadlock over rates reduction - a campaign promise by the Coalition. According to the General Manager, in 2016 the Traffic Section of T&HD transported a total of 716,389 passengers, 72,000 vehicles and 135,076 tons of cargo on the various services. When compared to 2015 this shows a 55 per cent increase. In 2015, the Depart-

T&HD GM Marcelene Merchant ment transported 464,169 passengers, 63,509 vehicles and 160,616 tons of cargo. “This resulted in a total sum of $758M in generated revenue in the traffic section for the year 2016 as compared to $711M in year 2015 from

the services provided,” Merchant pointed out. The General Manager noted that the Traffic Section is the main revenue earner for the Department and works in collaboration with the other sections to provide ferry services in the Parika/Supenaam, Parika/Leguan, Parika/ Wakenaam, Parika/Bartica, Berbice and Georgetown/ North West areas. Merchant added that the vehicular traffic has also seen a 14 per cent increase but the cargo department earnings decreased by 16 per cent. “The decrease in the volume of cargo is as a result of the M.V. Kimbia being out of operation for the entire 2016 and the roll on roll off (Ro Ro) facility being unable to transport trucks with cargo for approximately two months due to the incident on July 26, 2016 where the M.V. Sabanto had collided heavily unto (Continued on page 28)

Friday January 27, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Govt. had chance to stop parking Cabinet erred in assigning meters with by-laws – PPP MP NICIL transactional audit to Auditor General - Goolsarran Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran is of the firm conviction that the Government has made a blunder in assigning the NICIL transactional audit to the office of the Auditor General which is headed by Deodat Sharma. Goolsarran stressed said that it was this very Auditor General who in the first place, carried out the financial statements audit and subsequently issued a “clean bill of health” on NICIL over the years in question. The former Auditor General stressed that it was also Sharma who found nothing wrong with NICIL’s transactions and reported this accordingly to NICIL’s board and to the National Assembly. The Chartered Accountant said that in spite of being aware of this, the Government still asked the Auditor General to carry out an audit of these very transactions. With this in mind, Goolsarran said that this perhaps explains the lack of progress in the transactional audit and the apparent shifting of blame. He noted too that it has been more than a year since the decision was taken, and citizens are yet to be informed of the results of the said audit. The financial analyst said that he observed the Officer-inCharge of NICIL, Horace James making comments in the media to the effect that the Auditor General was having difficulty in proceeding with the audit because the related documents were with the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) and that original documents were needed. He noted too that a few months ago, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan made a similar assertion. SOCU has since cleared the air that it handed over the documents requested by NICIL and theAuditor General’s office since last year November. Be that as it may, Goolsarran said that the transactional audit involves the examination of vouchers and related documents in support

Chartered Accountant and Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran of the expenditure incurred. In this regard, he said that it is unlikely that these would have been in the possession of SOCU, since they have no bearing on the results of the original forensic audit. Additionally, the Chartered Accountant said that it remains unclear whether the Auditor General formally notified the Cabinet of the difficulties he was experiencing. Goolsarran also stated that there was no mention of this in Sharma’s 2015 report to Parliament which was presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly on September 30, 2016. The investigations by SOCU and the transactional audit by the AG’s office were as a result of the damning findings stemming from a forensic audit into NICIL by Goolsarran. During that audit, Goolsarran discovered that in relation to the expenditure on the 2007 Cricket World Cup, NICIL had transferred amounts totaling $650 million to the Local Organizing Committee, but failed in its responsibility of ensuring that there was proper accountability for the amounts transferred. As regards the construction of a controversial property at 44 High Street, Georgetown, the forensic auditor found that the contract was awarded in 2007, but at the time of reporting, the building remained substantially incomplete. Goolsarran stated in

his report that the building was abandoned, and the structure was expected to be torn down because the floors were not constructed to the required specifications. He said that NICIL’s role as the “Project Executing Unit,” was to ensure that the works were executed according to the agreed specifications, and the entity had again failed to discharge its responsibility for this project, resulting in some $350 million of taxpayers’ funds being wasted. Goolsarran in his report also stated that despite the size and complexity of its operations, NICIL does not have its own procurement rules, which is a key requirement of the Procurement Act. In the circumstances, he said that it would have been more appropriate for NICIL to involve the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in the assessment of tenders received for the award of contracts. Instead, the assessment of bids was done internally and would have lacked the level of independence, especially for large projects such as the Marriott Hotel. Given the aforementioned findings, among others, Goolsarran recommended that Government commission a further independent audit to examine in detail, transactions over the last six years under NICIL. He also recommended that the relevant authorities institute criminal/disciplinary actions against all those responsible for other violations, including the failure to properly account for State resources under their control.

It is the firm position of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Parliamentarian Irfaan Ali, that the parking meter project could have been stopped in its tracks at the point where the by-laws were given credence by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan. Ali, speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, said that the coalition administration had touted on several occasions that the executive arm of government, cannot interfere in the affairs of the local democratic organs, since there is autonomy. However, according to Ali, Bulkan’s action defies that argument. Ali said that since the project could have only officially come on stream after Bulkan signed the bylaws, the government therefore had a chance to intervene. “An order to charge the people for parking and to bring the parking meter into operation could not have been made without Bulkan’s signature. Bulkan himself said that he has to sign the bylaws to bring the parking meter into operation, so the government had an opportunity to stop it!” He said further that the government should have used the opportunity to stop the project, which by all indications lacked transparency, did not go through a procurement process, and no consultation was conducted with stakeholders. “The government cannot escape itself now. The government now has endorsed the parking meter project, as it has been brought into operation by an act of government.” The by-laws were neces-

PPP MP, Irfaan Ali sary to enforce general and specific measures to ensure the integrity of the Parking Meter project which has been fully introduced in the City of Georgetown. This is catered for under Section 304 of the Municipal and District Councils Act Chapter 28:01. Section 1(a) of the Act empowers the council to make by-laws to regulate any activity which the council is allowed to undertake which include regulating and prescribing fees, permits, licences and charges. Minister Bulkan finally signed the by-laws on Monday after receiving them on

Friday last. He told this publication that the by-laws for the parking meters had already been examined by the Attorney-General’s office. Minister Bulkan also said that in relation to the parking meters erected in front of public buildings and schools, negotiations and discussions should be conducted with the City Council. The parking meter project continues to be criticised heavily by those who stand to be affected. The lack of consultation before rolling out the project has caused the company, Smart City Solutions, to now have to meet with stakeholders to discuss in what ways the project can be implemented to suit residents, businesses and public servants. Recently, the company had met with Guyana Teachers’ Union and the National Commission on Disability to discuss concerns which were raised by the two bodies. The company had said that it intends to arrive at a solution that will be beneficiary to everyone. However, following that meeting, representatives of the GTU took to the streets holding candlelight vigils on Main Street, Georgetown, expressing their reluctance to “having to pay to go to work. The Union expressed hope that following discussions with the company, teachers would not be required to pay for parking.

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Friday January 27, 2017

Kaieteur News

‘We’re not going to take him back, the house is too small’ - Relatives of abandoned senior citizen tell GPHC officials A new year has started, but old practices are yet continuing, particularly when it comes to the abandonment of elderly folks at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The most recent case of abandonment is that of 72year-old Winston Williams. According to Medical Social Worker attached to the GPHC, Clayton Newman, Williams was on Monday brought to the Emergency Unit of the GPHC, reportedly by a male relative. After attending to the man for minor aches and pains, doctors were able to deduce that there was no need for Williams to be admitted. But when attempts were made to share this development with the relative, he was nowhere to be found. “Mr. Williams came to the hospital for back pain and weakness, nothing more, but when you look at him you can see that he was neglected...he was in an unkempt state,” Newman related as he pointed out that what seems to be the norm, is that relatives are deliberately ill-treating the elders so that they can have a reason to have them admitted and subsequently abandon them. “They want them to look weak and malnourished, and that has been the case for most of them that we have in our care.” Information offered by the relative upon Williams’ arrival at the Emergency Unit included a Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown address and a telephone. While the telephone number seems to be an authentic one, Newman said that efforts will be made to verify the address. When an initial attempt was made to contact the man’s relatives by way of telephone, Newman said that the response was not very encouraging. Although staffers at the GPHC have time and again witnessed the abandonment of elderly persons, Newman said that the reason

Medical Social Worker, Clayton Newman offered by a relative who accepted the call could easily be placed among the most appalling. “The relative told us ‘we are not going to take him back, because the house is too small!’ They actually said that they don’t have space for him anymore, and that we can find a place for him and the best place to put him is the Palms (Geriatric Home) because they are not coming back for him,” Newman said. Accommodating Mr. Williams at the GPHC, according to Newman, will essentially mean that the hospital will have to give up yet another bed meant for an actual sick patient. This is in light of the fact that the Palms has reportedly maxed out its capacity to accommodate males. “We have patients at Emergency waiting to be admitted to the ward too,” Newman said, as he revealed that several attempts have been made to implore Williams’ relatives to accept him back home. “When we call now they are answering and just cutting off when they realise it’s someone from the hospital. Apparently once they hear a male voice from a strange number they are not accepting the call anymore,” Newman disclosed. Williams has not been talking much about his relatives. In fact Newman divulged, “I asked him if he was

ready to go home and he simply said ‘when I’m invited’...apparently he knows that they don’t want him.” But according to Newman, “Mr. Williams is no stranger to the emergency unit. He has been in and out and apparently this time they have found an avenue to really leave him.” In addition to Williams, the hospital currently has a total of 10 elderly males that have been abandoned there. Another senior “resident” of the hospital passed away Tuesday night. While catering to the every need of these patients is already a burden to the GPHC, Newman said that once they pass away the hospital is often tasked with also taking the responsibility of a burial. This, however, is not before efforts are made to reach out to relatives. According to Newman, it has been found that many cases of abandonment are linked to dysfunctional relationships within the home. “I think families have to focus more on forgiving and healing, otherwise this cycle will keep continuing. Many relatives are carrying around this baggage...the hurt of what a father or uncle might have done to them years ago, and they see abandoning them as retribution,” Newman speculated. Another GPHC official underscored that “It is cruel when you can leave your loved one in the hospital. People usually cry out about the treatment that they get at the hospital, but these are relatives who are being so cruel to their own blood by just dropping them off and not even looking back.” “We really don’t have the space and they really need to take care of their relatives,” the official emphasised. According to Newman, instead of being engaged in the business of helping to save lives, some nurses are instead forced to be engaged in palliative care, since the hospital cannot remove the abandoned individuals unless a suitable alternative is found.

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Kaieteur News

Dredge owner provides alibi for Bartica massacre accused Brian Chase, the proprietor of a mining operation in Region Seven told the court yesterday that Bartica massacre accused, Roger Simon, was with him at Cornfield, Kaburi mining district, Potaro River on February 17, 2008, the same date the mass murders took place. According to the allegation, on that day, Roger Anthony Simon, called ‘Goat Man,’ Mark Royden Williams, called Durant and Smallie; Dennis Williams called Anaconda were among a number of gunmen, who attacked the mining community of Bartica, Essequibo, killing 12 residents. According to the indictment, the three accused are said to have murdered Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, Constable Shane Fredericks and Constable Ron Osborne; Edwin Gilkes, Abdool Yassin Jr, Deonarine Singh, Errol Thomas, Ronald Gomes, Baldeo Singh, Ashraf Khan, Irving Ferreira and Dexter Adrian.

Roger Simon called ‘Goat man,’ After murdering the three police officers, the gang is said to have stolen cash, arms, ammunition and a vehicle from the police station. Using the stolen police vehicle, they drove through the streets of Bartica shooting at civilians. They proceeded to CBR Mining, where they stole arms and ammunition, and removed two safes containing cash and gold. After their one-hour rampage, the gunmen departed Bartica by boat.

Their trial is ongoing before Justice Roxanne George and a mixed 12member jury at the High Court in Georgetown. Yesterday, the dredge owner (Chase) was called to the stand by Attorney, Peter Hugh. The businessman explained to the Court, he has known the accused for some 15 years. The witness said that Simon called “Goat man,” was working on his dredge operation in February 2008. Asked specifically about what he remembers about February 17, 2008, the witness said “goat man was among the men working with me at the time.” He pointed to the prisoner (Simon) seated in the docks. The accused remained with his head bowed for most of the time. The dredge owner went on to tell the court that on February 18, he received a message for Simon and he (Simon) decided to leave the camp to head home to his family after the information was relayed to him.

Social Protection Ministry defends actions taken with nine year old TIP victim In the unfortunate case of a nine-year-old Trafficking in Person (TIP) victim, the Ministry of Social Protection has come out to defend its actions in providing care and support for the young girl. The Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) had accused the Ministry of holding the child against her will. However, in a response circulated to the press yesterday, the ministry indicated that it has been continuing to provide optimum care and support for the child’s rehabilitation and reintegration into society. In the statement, the Ministry said that a thorough situational analysis was conducted by the Ministry and the findings explicitly suggest that the child requires further evaluation to ascertain the emotional, social, mental and physical state of readiness for reintegration into society. Moreover, the ministry said that it is cognizant of the physiological needs of all TIP victims and as such does not pursue a ‘one-glove-fit-all’ strategy, since all cases are unique and have their own peculiarities. It was assured by the state agency that the security and safety of the child victim is of paramount importance, hence the need for protective care. Further, the ministry said that it holds the view that its current priority is to ensure the child is safe and the

welfare is adequately addressed and until such assurance can be made, the child will remain in the protective care of the ministry. Despite the accusations levelled against the ministry by the GWMO, it described the concerns expressed in a Kaieteur News article as being legitimate and commendable. This newspaper published an article captioned “Trafficking victim, 9, being held against will by Ministry” on December 28, 2016. However in September this publication broke the story of the young child after being contacted by the Region One representative of the GWMO, Stephanie Miguel. At that time, Miguel reported that Ms. Williams of the Trafficking Department of the ministry had requested to meet with the child to investigate the matter. According to Miguel, the child lived in Port Kaituma backdam with her parents and two brothers.

Miguel said that a male miner was allowed to have his way with the girl since he would sponsor the family with food supplies regularly. According to her, when the issue was finally exposed, the girl along with her brothers, aged 11 and eight, were taken to the Port Kaituma Police Station. In a letter by GWMO’s President Urica Primus to Coordinator (ag) of the Counter Trafficking Unit of the Ministry, Tanisha Williams-Corbin, dated January 23, 2017, Primus reminded the coordinator after the child was brought to Georgetown on September 28, 2016 it was difficult to return the child to Region One on October 2, 2016 in the company of her foster mother. “It was difficult for her to accept being away from school, which she had started for the first time in her life only two weeks prior to the request for her to be interviewed; as well as being (Continued on page 28)

He said that he later learnt that the man was arrested while coming back to work on the dredge. As a result, the dredge owner said that he and team went to Bartica to tell the police where ‘Goat man,’ was at the time of the killings. “And where was ‘Goat man,’ at the time of the massacre?” asked the Attorney. “In the Camp, my Camp,”

the witness stated firmly. Under Cross examination, by State Attorney Diana Kaulesar, the businessman remained resolute that he knew where the accused had been on February 17, 2008. The Prosecutor questioned the witness about his relationship with the accused. “What you mean by my relationship with him? He worked for me. He is not my

friend,” Chase stated. “I am suggesting that you are here to help Roger Simon,” the Prosecutor said. “I am here to help Roger Simon by telling the truth,” the witness retorted Chase’s evidence followed the testimony of the accused, himself. The accused had elected to an unsworn statement. He stood from the Prisoner’s (Continued on page 26)

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Visa and passport systems being refined It appears that the Department of Citizenship within the Ministry of the Presidency is on a mission to refine the nation’s visa and passport systems. And from the look of things, the Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix is quite confident that it is going to be a successful venture. The relatively young Ministry encompasses a number of activities which include applications for passports, processing of applications for visas and work permits by foreign nationals, processing of persons seeking naturalization and registration as citizens of Guyana, and the registration of births, marriages and deaths. For national

..efforts also being made to reduce possibility of fraud - Citizenship Minister development, the Minister said that Guyana embraces visitors and, where applicable, visas are sought to enable the arrival of visitors for various reasons, such as tourism, business, employment, education, and those engaged in Government business. Given this fact, he said that various categories of visas have been applied for and issued to facilitate visitors entering Guyana and arriving at a port of entry. In September 2016, Felix noted that 1,163 visas of various categories had been issued to nationals from 76 countries, compared to 2015 when similar applications for visas were approved and issued to 1,171 foreign nationals from 74 countries. Felix said that visas to enter Guyana is a requirement

for foreign nationals, but the location of many of those persons in their countries in relation to consular offices, embassies and high commissions, requires the ability to travel long distances to apply for permits to enter Guyana. This year, the Minister of Citizenship said that the Government wants to create a facility to set-up online applications for visas to enable foreign nationals to make their travel arrangements successfully, prior to arrival in Guyana. In addition to this, he noted that the Government is exploring, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), for the employment of online visas to reduce or to prevent the possibility of fraud. He said that appropriate allocations

have been put aside to render both proposals realities. It is now common knowledge that obtaining a Guyana passport provided a disconcerting experience for Guyanese in 2016, when the public bemoaned the large crowds which assembled outside the Passport Office from as early as 5.00 a.m. daily. Felix said that this became a source of inconvenience which attracted several negative criticisms. But the Department of Citizenship was given the responsibility, inter alia, to correct this untenable situation with alacrity. The Minister reminded that during the consideration of the Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure in 2015, a request for the release of funds was sought to acquire equipment for the Immigration Department. He said that this was in response to the need to address local and foreign needs for speedier processing of passports. He said that this request was approved. The equipment arrived in August, 2016 and was put into immediate use. The Minister of Citizenship said that the result was that passports for the Diaspora were processed within five to seven days and the impact locally was the elimination of long lines and the removal of unnecessary inconvenience to the public seeking a simple service.

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix In addition to the aforementioned, Felix said that recently, many “skeptics” have expressed satisfaction with the transformation of the service. He added, “Our quest for improvement in the passport service has led to the consideration of decentralization of the service to parts of the country where citizens would benefit the most.” The Minister of Citizenship said, “The Georgetown Office is overcrowded and, up to November 25, 2016, that Office processed 105,068 passports. Of that number, 14,456 passports were prepared for the Diaspora. By decentralization, we seek to improve efficiency of the system by allowing the acceptance of applications for passports to be a regional activity and the completed passports are returned to and delivered in the regions, consequently, delivering a higher quality of service to

our citizens.” Felix reminded that President David Granger, in developing the concept of Capital Towns, intended for services offered by the Government to be accessed in those areas. He said that this essentially informed the decision to decentralize the service. In this regard, he said that in August last year, one such office was opened in Linden, Region 10, and, at the end of November, 2016 another was established in New Amsterdam, Berbice, in Region Six. He said that other Capital Towns under consideration are Mabaruma, Region One and Bartica, Region Seven. He added that it is possible that Regions Eight and Nine would be considered for mobile service. Felix said that the foregoing is the first installment of the plan to decentralize the service. He said that arrangements in place are temporary, allowing for receiving applications and delivery of passports on separate days of the week. He commented that this activity is proceeding smoothly. The Minister of Citizenship said that allocations have been made to construct two permanent structures to be utilized as passport offices - one in New Amsterdam and the other in Linden. He explained that the completion of these buildings would accommodate equipment to facilitate firsttime applicants being processed, which would be an upgrade of what is happening now, thereby completing the entire application process in its decentralized state. Given that these buildings are completed on time, Felix said that start-up could be anticipated late in the fourth quarter of 2017.

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“I did no such thing” - Nandlall denies trying to block Law School establishment Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall has categorically refuted incumbent Attorney General Basil Williams’ claim that he (Nandlall) had written to the Council of Legal Education (CLE) in an attempt to block the establishment of a law school in Guyana. AG Williams had stated at a recent press conference that the act was malicious and corrosive. However, in a subsequent release, Mr. Nandlall emphatically rejected the claim made by his successor. “I did no such thing! I made my concerns public about this proposed law school a few weeks ago. At that time, the Attorney General responded and said that Guyana has permission from the Council of Legal Education of the West Indies to establish this law school. I now see a shift in his position. He now harks back to a permission granted by the Council twenty years ago.” The AG had earlier said he was made aware of this attempt to block the process when he was contacted by CLE Chairman and Trinidadian Attorney Reginald Armour, SC. Williams said that the matter

Friday January 27, 2017

Kaieteur News

would be addressed when he attends the meeting of the Executive Committee being held today and tomorrow in Jamaica. The aim of that visit, he disclosed, was to further discuss the establishment of the law school and to sensitize the Jamaican public about the impending establishment and how it will work. He had also said that such attempts (to block its establishment) “cannot stop an idea whose time has come”. Nandlall in his response stated that, “As an Executive Member of the Council of Legal Education, from December 2011 to May 2015, I know that the permission granted to Guyana twenty years ago is no longer extant and has been long overtaken by other decisions. Being well acquainted with the modus operandi of the Attorney General, I suspected that he was misleading the nation when he said that Guyana has the permission of the Council to establish this current law school”. Further, Nandlall said he wrote the CLE and got the following response from the CLE Chairman Reginald Armour. “The facts of the media reports of the MOU were last raised in the meeting of CLE

Opposition MP and Former AG Anil Nandlall in Antigua and Barbuda in September 2016, and will be further discussed by CLE at the meeting of the Executive Committee on the 27th January 2017 in Jamaica.” Nandlall said his interpretation of that letter was different to what Williams had stated. Actually, Nandlall said he interpreted that the Council of Legal Education is learning of this Memorandum of Understanding in the press; therefore, the Council has not even been formally informed of this matter and accordingly, could not have given this project its permission. “It is clear that our Attorney General has a peculiar allergy to the truth. I do not know for how long the President will allow this circus to continue at 95 Carmichael Street,” Nandlall stated in conclusion.

You've distanced yourself from 'contamination'... From page 3 rate for murder. Of the 142 reports of murder, 89 cases were made out. “I understand that in police lingo this is called the 'clear-up rate', and 63 percent represents the highest clear-up for murder in 15 years,” he remarked to applause. “At the same time, compared to 2016, there was a 16 percent drop in serious crimes. Our Government also notes with satisfaction that last year, the Major Crimes Unit busted 37 cases, which included 10 cold cases, eleven murders and 11 robberies with firearms.” He said that he was informed that there was only one reported case of piracy in 2016. He said incidents of piracy dropped from 22 in 2012, to only two in 2015. “One only has to reflect on two years back, when there was an almost inexplicable upsurge in kick-downthe-door banditry. Since then, intense operations by the intelligence services have seen a dramatic reduction in the incidences of such outrageous attacks, though much more needs to be done to smoke out the leftover gangs.” The Prime Minister said that although Guyana has “a strict law enforcement reputation”, that it is seeking to rebuild, “we have resorted to what might be called a human approach, to ensure public safety. We experimented with a gun amnesty, and we also witnessed the pardoning of prisoners. We implemented a curfew, to disallow unfettered drinking in public places until 2.00 a.m. “But it would appear that we could never guarantee a no-crime environment. Last year, even in the most unsus-

pecting place, the Central Prison, crimes were being hatched, and hardened criminals were ready to confront law enforcement, the consequences in one episode, were fatal. “I recall that incident to show that the scope of work of security forces…is very wide and full of challenges. However, you met those challenges. You responded not only physically, but you employed intelligence to break through serious crime cases.” The Prime Minister also said that under the leadership of President David Granger, the National Security Committee and the Defence Board have been reactivated. As a result, there has been interagency cooperation, maritime aerial surveillance, border patrols and “purposeful deployment of our resources.” “At the core of all that you did was discipline. You have made us all proud, you did honour to your uniform, and you vindicated your leadership at the level of the President and the Minister of Public Security, and the Commissioner of Police that you were capable of doing better, and you did.” According to the Prime Minister, 2016 was a testing time for ranks, due to the preparations for the nation's 50th Independence Anniversary. He said that the Force will be further challenged by Government's aim of turning the nation into a green state. “You will be called upon to enforce environmental laws, parking restriction….new hierarchal structures that involve specialized policing skills will be introduced, to deal with a new genre of violations, such as cyber crime, money laundering, recovery of state assets, and terrorism.

“These features will add to the stature of the disciplined services, and would attract a new breed of intelligentsia, fully educated and trained in crime detection, interception and prosecution. “I want to invite the young ranks in the police force to set your sights on any possibility on training and educational advancement, and to see your job as a knowledgedriven vocation that has mobility, and a place at the top for every enterprising and ambitious recruit. “To the officers, you must continue to shine and lead by example. To the ranks, policing is a worthy profession from which you can graduate as a model citizen and as a leader. For all of you, the path to the top is dedication and discipline and grasping every opportunity to learn and benefit from scholarship.” Earlier, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud said that in 2016, the Force focused heavily on capacity building to improve the level of service delivered to the Guyanese people. The Force recruited, trained and deployed 896 new ranks, and created a number of new units within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). These included Gender-Based Violence Investigation Units in each division, Anti-Narcotics units in all divisions, a Serial Crimes Unit and a Forensic and Video Analysis Unit. Ranks underwent training, that was “supported by some of the finest policing organizations in the world and their respective governments, including the US, India, UK, Canada, China, and Russia”. There was also training by Interpol, and the Force now has an Interpol-certified cyber crime trainer.

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E-cigarette considerations caused delayed passage of Tobacco Control Bill - Minister Norton Yet another Minister within responsibility for the health sector will be tasked with attempting to bring life to the long overdue Tobacco Control legislation. So far three Ministers have tried and essentially failed in this quest. This, however, was not because of a lack of trying. Several attempts were made, but the draft Bill has never been tabled in the National Assembly in the quest of making it into law. Although another date has not yet been identified for it to be read in the National Assembly, the Bill will for the first time be in the hands of a Minister who will hopefully be able to reverse the prevailing trend. Minister Volda Lawrence earlier this month was entrusted with the portfolio of Senior Minister of Public Health and will hopefully, the new pilot tasked with steering the Tobacco Control legislation to fruition. But former Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, does not wish to go down in the annals of history as a failure when the Tobacco Control Bill is taken into

consideration. However, in commenting on the matter recently, he reflected that others before him had tried and failed to make the Bill a reality too. “The Anti-Tobacco legislation came into being before we (A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change) came into Government...From the time we started...things have changed over the months,” Dr. Norton said, as he pointed out that among the challenges faced was the fact that “we did not cater for things like the so-called ecigarette”. Based on published information, electronic cigarettes (also called ecigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems) are battery-operated devices designed to deliver nicotine with flavourings and other chemicals to users in vapour instead of smoke. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse in Maryland, United States, e-cigarettes can be manufactured to resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars or pipes, or even everyday items like pens or

Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Products (photo credit: fda.gov)

USB memory sticks; newer devices, such as those with fillable tanks, may look different. In fact it was revealed that there are more than 250 different e-cigarette brands that are currently on the market. While e-cigarettes are often promoted as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, which deliver nicotine by burning tobacco, little is actually known about the health risks of using these devices. According to Dr. Norton, who currently holds the portfolio of Minister of Social Cohesion, since the Ministry had not catered for ecigarettes “we had to make adjustments for that. This was even as we were about to take the Bill to Parliament”.

He recalled that the Public Health Ministry was forced to take e-cigarettes into consideration after it participated in international meetings in Panama and India with regards to the antitobacco movement. Given the new and emerging development, and the fact that the Bill was delayed as a result, Minister Norton considered “it might have been in our best interest to wait to take it to Parliament”. He noted too that because of additional information gained at the international forums “we are very much more informed and we are hoping that it would be one of the first issues on the agenda in the next sitting of the National Assembly”. According to the World

Health Organisation (WHO), the tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Its impact translates to annual tobacco-related deaths of around six million people. Added to this, WHO has been able to deduce that more than five million of these deaths are the result of direct tobacco use, while more than 600,000 are the result of nonsmokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Further, WHO has affirmed that nearly 80 percent of the more than one billion smokers worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest. A Tobacco Control Bill was long in the making and was touted as a crucial need

since in 2009, by then Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. Dr. Ramsammy had not wavered in his call for this Bill to be fast-tracked, given the health implications of tobacco use. His predecessor, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, had continued the advocacy for the passage of the Bill. But it was Minister Ramsammy who had made it clear that in order for such a legislation to be introduced, government needs the support of all stakeholders. “There has to be an overwhelming advocacy in our country for this, because part of it is already there…taxation is there, so we don’t need a law for that,” Dr. Ramsammy had long asserted. He had disclosed too that if the law is to be, it would restrict the advertisement of any tobacco products in Guyana, whether it is on television, radio, newspapers, billboards and posters. “No one can encourage or permit the advertisement of a killer. This is a killer and we must not permit it to happen. I find it most appalling that educated people cannot see the ulterior motives of the marketers and the producers when they make beautiful posters with beautiful adults smoking and s t a t e t h a t children should not smoke,” Dr. Ramsammy had amplified.

Dredge owner... (From page 13) Docks and recounted that he was at Cornfield, Kaburi mining District working on a mining camp when the shootings occurred at Bartica. Simon said he only left the area after he received a message from his boss on February 18, 2008. “After the message come, I say ah got to go see my wife and family,” he added. The accused recalled that some time after, while returning to the backdam, the police picked him up. “They tell me that they holding me for de Bartica Massacre. I tell them that I don’t know anything about that.” However, Simon said that he was placed on an identification Parade and was later informed by Police Officers, including Seelall Persaud, who was crime chief at the time, that he was picked out on the parade. The accused said that he continued to deny the allegations but he faced beating from the police. “Dem beat me and throw three buckets of water in my cell. I keep telling them that I aint know what they talking about. Me aint know nothing about Bartica.” During yesterday’s proceedings, the number two accused, Dennis Williams, was absent. This is the second instance that Williams has reportedly declined to attend court. He was also absent on Wednesday. The accused is said to have refused to attend court, even after he was told that he needed to attend the trial by Senior Prison Officials. However Williams’ attorney Saphier Husain was present at yesterday’s hearing. Last Tuesday, Husain requested to withdraw his appearance from the trial. His request was denied by the trial judge, who noted that it was not in the interest of justice, if the attorney withdrew his service at this point in the trial.

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Education Ministry and CXC commence e-testing talks In the near future, local students sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination could look forward to doing so by means of electronic testing (etesting). This is according to Chief Education Officer (ag), Mr. Marcel Hutson, who on Wednesday told this publication that the Ministry of Education is currently exploring the possibility of this technological development. His disclosure comes on the heels of successful moves by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) to introduce e-testing at the most recent sitting of CSEC. A total of seven territories participated in the historic move - Anguilla, The Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat and St. Lucia. At a press conference held at CXC’s Barbados headquarters on Monday it was revealed that some 500 candidates participated in the e-testing format of the CSEC examinations. There were reportedly few glitches

- but implementation dependent on e-governance programme

Chief Education Officer (ag), Marcel Hutson during the examinations, which saw candidates being able to utilise a computer or an equivalent device to participate fully in the Paper One or multiple choice segment of the examinations. Hutson said that while the local Education Ministry is hoping to soon be counted among the territories that have embraced e-testing, “you have to appreciate that we have issues with internet in some parts of our country such as the hinterland areas”. He disclosed, however,

that the Ministry has already commenced discussions with CXC on the way forward. “We are saying this is the way to go in the future, because we are talking about technology and so on...but we have to work out some matters.” The Acting CEO was at the time making reference to the E-governance programme which he said will be a key factor for Guyana’s move towards e-testing. The e-governance programme, Hutson said, will essentially serve to “provide internet services to schools nationally at some point in time, and we will definitely go in the direction of e-testing then.” “Once the programme is fully national, then e-testing at CSEC will get on its way. It has to be across the board; we can’t do it at some schools and others can’t. We would want to balance the whole thing out so we are moving in that direction,” Hutson

Evidence points at illegal... (From page 7) agency using GRDB’s monies to trade in foreign currency. The losses for the Government would have been significant, especially if the money was traded for less than it should have been. According to Minister Trotman, the losses would have been staggering if the spread on the exchange rates were two or three dollars…the multiplying effect is millions of dollars. These were among some other instances that prompted the Cabinet on Tuesday to send the reports for more attention. Responding to questions, Trotman noted that there will be no moves to send anyone home as the police will still have to do their work and there is a presumption of innocence for the parties involved. However, in the case of GRDB and GPL, several senior officials have resigned or are no longer working at the entities, Trotman noted. These include former Chief Executive Officer of GPL, Bharat Dindyal, and Chairman, Winston Brassington.At GRDB, the former Board Chairman, Dharamkumar Seeraj, is no longer Chairman while General Manager, Jagnarine Singh, is also gone. Minister Trotman noted that Government also has been paying attention to the capacity of the police and its

arm, the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) to deal with the volume of investigations needed with the forensic audits. SOCU has been taking lead on many of the probes, using the forensic audits as the basis, but has been constrained by personnel and other resources. Already Government has agreed for special prosecutors to be hired and possible more budgetary allocations. The country has been paying keen attention to especially GPL, GEA and GRDB. All three entities have billions of dollars annually

passing through their accounts. GPL is handling at least US$80M annual to buy fuel for its engines among other expenses. GEA is the agency that has been tasked with brokering the transactions. GRDB has been buying fertilizers and even granting loans to the Rice Producers’ Association under unclear circumstances. The Auditor General and the forensic audit reports have all pointed to severe deficiencies in the manner the monies of the state have been handled by the entities.

asserted. This therefore means that candidates of CSEC will not have the privilege of independently opting to participate in examinations the e-testing way. He added, “What they will have to do is wait until the Ministry announces that it is going in this direction. Students won’t be able to just call in and say we want e-testing.” However, Hutson did not rule out the possibility of a pilot run of e-testing at some selected schools before it is introduced on a national scale. “At some point in time we might very well go the route of pilot testing in some areas,” he said. Speaking of the success of e-testing during the sitting of the January 2017 CSEC examinations, CXC Registrar, Mr. Glenroy Cumberbatch, on Monday said that that the initiative has been found to be very favourable to the majority. He recalled that it was only a few days ago that CXC had embarked on having a view of the strategic

direction in which it wants to be by 2020. In order to do that, he noted, the Council decided to look at all of the strategic plans of the various Education Ministries across the Region, and found that in those plans were moves to include Information Technology more in the teaching/learning and assessment of students. “We had to close the circle…It is not easy for children to take part in activities in one way and then do the examinations in a totally different way. If Information Technology is to be used for teaching and for learning, then it should also be used for testing,” Cumberbatch had asserted. CXC, moreover, decided to embrace the added benefits of e-testing. Some of these benefits, according to Cumberbatch, included the fact that children could take advantage of their long acquired Information Technology skills. According to Cumberbatch, of the candidates who participated in the examination electronically, a total of 158 responded to a CXC questionnaire. And according

to him, 96 percent of them found the system to be satisfactory, good or very good, with over 50 percent of them finding it to be very good. “So they enjoyed the experience of doing the exams electronically,” Cumberbatch related, as he added, “only four percent found it poor or very poor. One of the students said, ‘with due respect, I prefer to have my paper and pencil…We will have people who are like that”. Some of the candidates, based on their responses, also shared their opinion that the platform used to conduct the examinations was easy, and at least one-third of them said that they had in fact practiced on that very platform before they took the examination. “We would want to improve that, so more people have access to the platform and are able to practice before they actually write the exams,” Cumberbatch said, as he disclosed that even more interesting in the responses seen, was the fact that 87 percent of the candidates said that they would recommend the system used and, by extension, recommend etesting to others.

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Warlock drive-by shooting leaves one dead, 1 injured

Dead: Andrew Fraser aka “Zeggy” Terror struck the community of Warlock, East Ruimveldt last evening when the occupants of a heavilytinted vehicle opened fire on two men resulting in one being killed and the other injured. According to eyewitnesses, the shooting oc-

curred around 20:15 hrs in front of a food stand on Genip Lane, as the victims were buying porridge. Dead is 30 year-old Andrew Fraser, a Water Street Arcade vendor of 565 East Ruimveldt. The other man, who was injured, has been

The small shop where the two men were shot

identified as 26 year-old Junior Abrams. According to one male resident, who lives a stone’s throw away from where the

Social Protection Ministry... (From page 13) away from her brothers.” During that visit, a reexamination was done and according to Primus, the results greatly contradicted the Guyana Police Force’s statement as well as the falsified doctor ’s report which stated that the girl was not sexually active. Primus said that she was pleased that the evidence validated the child’s statements. What surprised the GWMO was information received from WilliamsCorbin, saying that the victim would not be given to her foster mother; instead she

would be placed in protective care for one night and return on September 29th, 2016, to complete her statement and return home on October 2nd, 2016. According to the letter, the alleged victim was adamant that she did not want to be at the Protective Care Facility and refused to move from the door. An official from the Ministry apparently promised the child that she would have been returning to her foster mother the following day. According to the organization, the United Nations Human Rights and

Human Trafficking Fact Sheet No. 36 clearly outlines the rights-based approach to providing services and support for victims of Human Trafficking. “The GWMO would like to believe that with all of the training opportunities the Counter Trafficking Unit has been afforded, one outlined the rights of victims to accept or deny protective care. Especially, in a situation when the trafficker is deceased and there are no threats on your life, the victim simply wished to attend school, which she started for the first time, and participate in school sports.”

shooting took place, he was in his home tending to his son when he heard a cracking sound. Initially, he believed it to be a ‘squib,’ but the volley of shots which followed confirmed to him that it was a shooting. The man said that he sought cover under his bed and only emerged after he heard police ranks shouting “Look a man lie down deh”. The man said that from what he heard from other residents is that two suspicious

vehicle - a Toyota AT 212 and a Toyota Allion - had passed by the shop and circled the area. He said that the two vehicles returned and the occupants opened fire as the cars drove by. According to the man, a police patrol took away the injured Abrams in their vehicle and one rank pointed to a spot where the other victim was lying. According to him, after examining Fraser’s body it was difficult to say how many gunshots he received. Fraser’s body was later

taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital with a private car. He was pronounced dead on arrival. Another resident said she was watching the evening news when she heard about 10 gunshots ringing out. According to reports, Fraser was shot five times while Abrams was shot three times. Based on information received by this newspaper, Fraser might have been mistaken for a close relative who apparently has a questionable background.

Outspoken US Legislator with Caribbean Roots among Those Fighting Trump’s Immigration Orders NEW YORK, United States – A C a r i b b e a n American legislator is vowing to fight for immigrants following President Donald Trump’s executive orders expanding immigration raids across the United States. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke made the pledge Wednesday on the heels of Trump signing the executive orders that include penalties for so-called sanctuary cities – jurisdictions that, through a range of policies, shield undocumented immigrants.

The order will strip federal grant money from these states and cities, including N e w Yo r k C i t y w h i c h Clarke, a daughter of Jamaican immigrants, serves. The representatives for the 9th Congressional District of New York, which includes communities that are predominantly Caribbean, said in her statement that “this vicious attack on families across the United States cannot stand”. “There are more than ten million people here, in our communities, who

want to obtain legal status and become full members of our civil society. Their numbers include several hundred thousand young women and men who are enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme and are now attending college, working, and serving in the armed forces,” she said. Clarke contended that people of good faith – both Democrats and Republicans – have worked for years to enact comprehensive immigration reform, and she had joined in that work.

T&HD revenues boosted by... (From page 10) the Ro Ro facility whilst trying to moor,” Merchant explained. This setback has led to a deficit for the Department, but there has been an overall 6.6 per cent increase in revenue, Merchant noted. However, the deficit of $609,852,000 was funded

from subsidies from the Ministry of Finance - $440M; the Maritime Administration (MARAD) - $38M and Pension reimbursement - $130M. The Ministry of Public of Infrastructure holds responsibility for the Transport and Harbours Department, which is responsible for manning the government’s fleet of vessels

operating in the riverine and coastal areas ferrying passengers, vehicles and cargo. T&HD currently manages a fleet of 11 vessels, and operates 13 stellings and two wharves; six of those vessels and 11 stellings are currently in operation.

Friday January 27, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.

Register Now! Cosmetology, Nails & Wig designs courses, classes commence February 20th 2017. Call: 6182417

INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

New Creation of Hair is offering courses in Cosmetology & Nail arts design. Call: 616-6221/ 2705074

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 B U D H R A M ’ S LANDSCAPING SERVICES: FREE ADVICE, FREE DESIGN. CALL: 656-1326 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Bottom flat house @ 25 North Road & Oronoque Street, fully furnished/ air condition/residence / business. Call: 226-7012 2 Bedrooms apartment for working individuals, recently renovated, free wifi. Call:641-3318 1-Self contained 2 bedrooms apartment to rent Avenue B, Diamond E.B.D, working couple preferred-Call: 6585452 1 Salon Station & 1 Barber station to rent, also wanted nail technician with clientele. Call: 270-5074/616-6221

TO LET One bedroom fully furnished air-condition apartments, price $65,000 & $85,000 monthly (negotiable). Call: 668-0306/ 694-7617

1-2 Story building: top flat4 bedrooms, 1 self contained, air-conditioned, 2 apartment bottom flat, 2 bedrooms each apartment. Call: 645-9157 Aubrey Barker Road, triple lot -$27M, campbellville, DaSilva Street, Diamond Bungalow 12.5M, East$11.5M. Call GME Realty: 231-2199/ 618-7483 1 Front building & a 2 storey building on 1 (lot) 180 Charlotte Street Bourda W30XL120 $55M negotiable. Call: 6247341/227-6817/226-5183 7 Bedrooms house on double lot @ Ruimveldt Public Road. Call: 609-7766 1-2 Storey building 3 bedrooms upstairs, 2 apartments downstairs, all self contained, Avenue ‘B’, Diamond, E.B.D- Call: 6585452

LANDSCAPING: We design, supply and implement residential and commercial indoor & outdoor landscaping. Call: 648-1821 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045

Newly renovated, grilled, self-contained apartments for rent (light & water included) in Sussex St. Charlestown. Call: 689-8757/ 659-3597

1-2 Storey building 3 bedrooms – 1 self contained, Water Street, Agricola, E.B.D- Call: 658-5452

2 Bedrooms apartment to rent @ Providence -$45,000. Call: 265-7180 EDUCATIONAL Classes for slow learners in Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, and much more for children all ages. Call: 6754379

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. PALMS: Any variety, all sizes, we deliver and plant anywhere. Call: 643-7193 Cheap! Cheap! CCTV Security Surveillance Kit, 8 Channels DVR with built in Hard Drive, 8 bullet cameras – Tel: 621-4740/686-3500

1 - Secretary & office clerk, must have maths,english and accounts. Contact # 650-0402 \ 260-4124. Driver/Salesman, lorry licence, residing on East Bank Demerara. 266 4427 One fabricator & welder must have experience contact # 223-5273/74

1 Toyota Verossa, PTT series. Call: 657-8843

1 Salesgirl, 1 daytime security, 2 labourers, 1 mason/ carpenter. Call: 2653586 8am-4pm

Toyota Sprinter Vintage AE110, A/C, all wheel drive, fully automatic, privately owned by pensioner. Call: 234-0510/ 674-0278

One driver for office in Eccles, four per week. Call: 233-2745

Cat 928F Loader $7.3M, 3406 Caterpillar Engine $1.3M, 3306 Caterpillar Engine $1.3 M - Contact: 6500402\260-4115 One 4 Cylinder Diesel welding generator on trailer miller 55D, 2 miller welding generator, all in excellent condition. Call: 699-4300/ 2282734

3116 Caterpillar Engine$1.1M, 3208 Caterpillar Engine $700,000, Diesel Welder, BMW 318I $2.5M, IST $2M. Contact: 650-0402\260-4115

2 Storey house 35X45 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained @ 5th Avenue Diamond, H/ Scheme. Call:677-0583/6645052

Leyland DAF 75 Hauler in good condition GNN series $2.2M. Call: 655-5117 or 6233839

Property @ 28 Johana Cecilia Essequibo Coast, suitable for supermarket, bar etc $12M. Call: 630-4744

2009 RAUM -$2.2M, 2009 SIENTA -$2.3M, 2011 MAZDA AXELA -$2.7M, 2011 NOAH & VOXY $2.6M. CALL:617-2891

Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880/684-4197

Popular taxi service for sale located on Sheriff Street Georgetown, includes 16 radio sets. Call: 695-0704

Are you selling your property From Eccles to Timehri? We Do It Without A Commission. Call: 6585897 651-1969

Two house & land @ Agriculture Road, East Coast Demerara. Call: 6429633

Nissan Bluebird 2011 model -$2.7M, Toyota Rush 2006 model -$2.8M. (unregistered vehicles) Call:655-3400

VACANCY

3 TON OPEN BACK CANTER, NEVER REGISTERED -$3.5M. CALL: 617-2891

Planning on Buying a Property from Eccles to Timehri? Give us Call:6585897/651-1969

Newly built @ Craig E.B.D land size 91X50feet; house 40X28, 3 rooms, 1 selfcontained. Call: 718-2136496/617-7691

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota Allion PVV series: TV Camera, HID, lights, alarm & remote start $2.1M negotiable Call: 649-0956

1 Big music set, owner migrating. Call: 690-5225

Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999

One two bedroom apartment for rental, price -$45,000, location- Diamond, New Scheme. Call: 604-2431/ 2162339 TAXI SERVICE G R TA X I S E RV I C E . CALL: 219-5000; 2271982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

Friday January 27, 2017

Kaieteur News

Imported German Shepherd & Huskies dogs, fully vaccinated and processed through G.L.D.A, make bookings early. Whatsapp: 615-5343 1 Brand new pool table 8ft (slate). Call: 691-1161 One 6 inches dredge owner is ill. Call: 673-7883/ 619-5784/ 610-6738 One complete sawmill situated at Yarrowkabra Industrial Site Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. Call: 6441190/ 609-8041

One Towa ace small bus, in working condition. Call:6751787/ 614-4275 1- Toyota Fielder Wagon, automatic, 15 inches magrim & automatic remote start, price $1.650M negotiable. Call: 668-8431

The #1 Plant Shop, sale staff and general maintenance and sales persons 20-30yrs. Call: 643-7193 Live in/live out waitresses. Call: 643-9007/ 666-4647 Pump attendants @ Low’s Service Station, Shell Bel-Air park @ Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. Call: 226-3734 1 Female cleaner for office in Eccles. Call: 233-2745

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122, EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494

Driver/General assistant for city location and cook/baker for interior location. Call: 6182020 Male supervisors (housekeeping Dept) 3255yrs @ 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 All rounder person to work in salon at Lot 6 North Road . Call: 666-6917/ 223-1821 Jet + Marack Men to work on land dredge. Call: 694-2310 between 8:30am-4:30pm

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

WANTED Experienced sandpit truck driver. Call: 227-8529 Parts for Sunny B310. Call: 614-3452 Urgently wanted a professional cosmetology at Natural Beauty salon and spa, Grove, Market Street, E.B.D – Call: 652-5800

DRESSMAKING Learn to cut & sew at Enid’s Dressmaking, course range from elementary to advance @ 66 6th St. Alberttown, G/ town. Call:223-9106/ 6437966

TOURS Need a weekend getaway? Pay just $36000 for a return trip to Suriname. February 2326, 2017. Contact: 600-5509/ 268-2507/600-0312

WANTED Bartender, cook & waitress. Call: 227-4897

Driver, porters experienced in water sales. Call:682-1048 Continue on page 31

Friday January 27, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Parking Meters in the city...

Govt. will continue to observe, only intervene when imperative – Trotman Emphasising that it is not Government’s intention to influence decisions made by Local Government Organs (LGOs), the David Grangerled Administration is paying attention to the developments stemming from the parking meter initiative that was introduced in several parts of the Capital, Georgetown. This is according to the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman – who is deputising for the State Minister, Joseph Harmon – at the Post-Cabinet Press Briefing yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency. Trotman said Government has never stopped paying attention to the project and reminded media operatives about the financial and legal examinations that were carried out by the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General’s Chambers respectively. “It is not Government’s intention to reach its hand into Local Government Organs and try to direct or to influence their decisions. Central government will intervene, or seek to broker compromises in situations where we believe they are imperative. For now, we prefer to observe and see how the response unfolds,” Trotman said. The Minister was asked if the apparent rejection, which is compounded by ‘empty streets’ were not enough for the Government to intervene. He responded: “The short answer is no!” Trotman reiterated Government’s stance while opining that “taking a snapshot of just one day or two days, is not enough to be able to get an overall response,” “Government continues to take note of some empty streets. We have noted some picketing and some protests, but these are really at the very, very beginning stages of the implementation of a project which of course, some have considered to be “unpopular” but Government to intervene in day one or day two, would be highly irresponsible, and I believe that as time progresses, you will need to hear from the Private Sector, from business places... So there will have to be a number of voices to be heard before Government even considers weighing in on the matter,” the Minister said. Trotman was asked about his take on the consultative process that was undertaken prior to the implementation of the project, specifically as it

From page 30

LAND FOR SALE Land @ Soesdyke, 6 lots measuring 135’X175’ -$24M negotiable. Call: 627-3334/ 696-8935, email:fcranmore@ guyanavoice.com Schoon’Ord first street 50X100 -$1.7M, Diamond $3.5M, Moblissa -30A, Loo Creek-35A, Saxacalli -26A. GME: 231-2199/ 618-7483

A motor lorry booted in front of the Guyana Stores Limited, Water Street, Georgetown.

Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.2M, $1.4M, $1.6M, Uitvlugt- $2M, Tuschen School Street -$3M, Providence -$5M, Eccles $5M. Call: 604-6724 Land @ Diamond and Eccles (cheap). Call: 609-7766 37 Acres of transported land at Big Biaboo Mahaica Rivers. Call: 699-4300/ 228-2734

A Smart City Solutions worker about to place a triangular wheel clamp on a vehicle yesterday afternoon. relates to the persons who live on the outskirts of the City but have their places of employment within the paid parking zones. “As far as consultations are concerned, I would say that having been involved in consultations on numerous occasions in numerous places of interest, consultations are never enough, in the sense that there is always going to be an interest group that feels that it has been omitted,” Trotman responded. He added that idea of parking meters has been a “live one” for many months, and he believes that Government will have to wait and see how it is going to evolve. The Government Minister said that he believes that the peoples’ voice is not to be ignored and so “time will tell”. He added that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is a democratically elected one,

and it will make decisions which are not just in its own best interest, but as importantly, in the best interest of the people. “Cabinet has not at all removed its interest or replaced its interest in the matter. At the same time, we are very aware that Local Government Elections were recently held and that there was an overall decline – if not almost destruction of the local government system over the past two decades, and local democracy has to have a level of autonomy if it is to see its way,” Smart City Solutions (SCS) – the parking meter company – this newspaper reported earlier this week, received a cold response after its implementation of the system last Tuesday. Drivers complained about the lack of awareness. The company is still being observed implementing the necessary infra-

structure to support the project. Meanwhile, at around 15:45hrs yesterday, there were a large number of vacant demarcated spots in Central Georgetown. However there was an evident increase in vehicles occupying these reserved paid parking areas as compared to the previous days. It is unclear whether or not they were required to pay. In the vicinity of the Guyana Stores, Water Street, a motor lorry that was parked on a spot was booted by a triangular wheel clamp. Several other vehicles that did not utilise the parking facilities within that vicinity were also booted. However, vehicle operators were not required to pay for the removal of the apparatus. Delinquent drivers as of next Monday will be required to pay, as Smart City Solutions is slated to have the project fully implemented.

WANTED 1 live in waitress with secondary education, starts at $70,000 monthly, boarding and lodging free. Call: 6103974 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15 Experienced drivers, waiters, roti/puri cooks, day shift only. Apply at Hack’s Halaal with written application, 5 Commerce Street. Cook & Cashier for snackette, attractive salary. Call: 697-5387/ 677-9279 1- Honest Driver salesman, must have lorry license, CXC subjects. Mail application to 10 La Grange, W.B.D.

Parfaite Harmonie $1M, $1.3M, $1.6M, Uitvlugt (100FT X 5OFT) $2M & $2.5M, Eccles $5.5M Cuyuni Mining Block $2.5M. Call: 658-5897/ 651-1969

1 Live in domestic. Call: 6749999/661-5992

Eccles New Scheme (100FT X 50FT) $5.5M, Semi Concrete Fenced, Safe and Secure Area (Upfront).Call:658-5897/ 651-1969

Waitress to work in a bar. Call: 692-4649

Experienced salesgirls @ Christine’s Variety on Lombard Street. Call: 2278529

One experienced domestic babysitter to worm in Tuschen, preferably from W.C.D, attractive salary. Call:667-1777 between 8am12pm Immediate vacancy exists for workers to work at Crystal Ice Factory in Berbice. Please call: 231-1408/ 642-9191 between 8am-1pm New Management: GT Express wanted contract cars (1 week free base fee), Dispatcher & Drivers. Tel: 231-0316/ 231-0002 Need immediately dry cow mold 400 bags, preferably from Berbice Area. Call: 6437193 We buy land in Eccles, Providence, Hersteling, Farm, La Parfaite Harmonie, Zeelugt & Bartica.Call:6585897; 651-1969 Experienced cook & pastry maker, salesgirl. Call: 6266835

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Kaieteur News

Friday January 27, 2017

Friday January 27, 2017

Crisis deepens as Trump floats 20 percent tax on Mexico goods to pay for wall

A boy looks at U.S. workers building a section of the U.S.-Mexico border wall at Sunland Park, U.S. opposite the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez US (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump could pay for a wall on the southern border with a new 20 percent tax on goods from Mexico, the White House said on Thursday, deepening a crisis after plans for a summit with the Mexican president fell apart. Trump wants the measure to be part of a broader tax overhaul package that the U.S. Congress is contemplating, White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on Thursday. It was not immediately clear how the tax would work. Parts of the proposal that Spicer described resemble an existing idea, known as a border adjustment tax, being considered by the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives. Spicer said: “We have a new tax at $50 billion at 20 percent of imports -which is, by the way, a practice that 160 other countries do right now.” “Our country’s policy is to tax exports and let imports flow freely in, which is ridiculous. But by doing it that way we can do $10 billion a year and easily pay for the wall. Just through that mechanism alone,” Spicer told reporters traveling with Trump to Philadelphia. The White House later on Thursday said it was not endorsing the border adjustment tax. No further details were available. News of the tax proposal widens a rift with Mexico which earlier on Thursday scrapped a planned summit between President Enrique Pena Nieto and Trump over the Republican’s demands that Mexico pay for the border wall to stem illegal immigration. Pena Nieto wrote on Twitter that he was pulling out of the planned meeting with Trump in Washington next

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Kaieteur News

week. He was responding to an earlier tweet from Trump who said it would be better for the Mexican leader not to come if Mexico would not pay for the wall. Trump later presented the scrapped plan as a mutual agreement. Addressing Republican members of Congress at a meeting in Philadelphia, he said he and Pena Nieto had agreed to cancel the meeting, adding it would be fruitless if Mexico did not treat the United States “fairly”. “I’ve said many times that the American people will not pay for the wall,” Trump told the gathering. “Unless Mexico is going to treat the United States fairly, with respect, such a meeting would be fruitless and I want to go a different route.” Trump views the wall, a major promise during his election campaign, as part of a package of measures to curb illegal immigration. Mexico has long insisted it will not heed Trump’s demands to pay for the construction project. Trump, who took office last week, signed an executive order for construction of the wall on Wednesday, just as a Mexican delegation led by Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray arrived at the White House for talks with Trump aides aimed at healing ties. The timing of that, and Trump’s reiterated call for Mexico to foot the bill, caused outrage in Mexico, with prominent politicians and many on social media seeing at as a deliberate snub to the government’s efforts to engage with Trump, who has for months used Mexico as a political punching bag. Pena Nieto was under pressure to cancel the summit. “We have informed the White House that I will not

attend the working meeting planned for next Tuesday with @POTUS,” he tweeted on Thursday. “Mexico reiterates its willingness to work with the United States to reach agreements that favor both nations.” Relations have been frayed since Trump launched his campaign in 2015, characterizing Mexican immigrants as murderers and rapists. Trump has vowed to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and slap high tariffs on American companies that have moved jobs south of the border. Mexico ships 80 percent of its exports to the United States, and around half of Mexico’s foreign direct investment has come from its northern neighbor over the last two decades. “The U.S. has a 60 billion dollar trade deficit with Mexico. It has been a onesided deal from the beginning of NAFTA with massive numbers... of jobs and companies lost. If Mexico is unwilling to pay for the badly needed wall, then it would be better to cancel the upcoming meeting,” Trump said in his tweet before the planned Pena Nieto talks were scrapped. The United States runs a $58.8 billion trade deficit with Mexico, according to the latest U.S. government figures. But Mexico is also the United States’ second-largest export market. Former foreign minister Jorge Castaneda said the Mexican government should have canceled the summit earlier in the week, when it became clear that Trump was going to go ahead with measures to build the wall and clamp down on immigration. “There is an atmosphere of crisis in the United States and it is going to last a long time. We are going to have to get used to living like this,” he said on Mexican radio.

Dominica diplomat arrested in billion dollar embezzlement scheme TEHRAN, Iran — An Iranian man, who holds a diplomatic passport issued by Dominica and is accused of helping to embezzle billions of dollars while Iran evaded international oil sanctions, has been arrested after a lengthy international manhunt. Alireza Zibahalat Monfared, 43, was arrested by Interpol and handed over to Iran on January 15, 2017. Monfared is accused of involvement in Iran’s biggest-ever corruption scandal, working alongside tycoon Babak Zanjani who was sentenced to death last year for pocketing $2.8 billion while helping the country bypass sanctions. In addition to his Dominica diplomatic passport, Monfared had various passports, including a regular Dominica passport, and had managed to escape extradition at least once when he was briefly detained in Malaysia, where he claimed diplomatic immunity. Unconfirmed reports said he had finally been ar-

(L-R) Alireza Zibahalat Monfared, together with the head of Dominica’s CBI programme Ambassador Emmanuel Nanthan, Alick Lawrence and Minister Kenneth Darroux in Malaysia in 2015 rested in Dominica, according to the state-run Iran Daily newspaper. Monfared was involved in the so-called My Dominica Trade House (MDTH), later referred to as the MDTH fiasco. Monfared had falsely claimed that MDTH had numerous investments in Dominica including several clinics and hospitals, all of

which turned out to be false. Zanjani’s lawyer, Rasoul Kouhpayehzadeh, welcomed Monfared’s arrest, saying it would prove his client’s innocence. Monfared’s “interrogation and trial will shed light on many issues and unsolved puzzles,” Kouhpayehzadeh said, according to Iran Daily. (Caribbean News)

GOJ partners with Singapore to develop Special Economic Zone ST ANDREW, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness, yesterday met with Daniel Seah, Deputy Director of Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) and representatives from the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) to discuss the partnership between both governments to develop Jamaica’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ). A memorandum of understanding (MoU), which was signed between the Jamaican government and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise in December 2016, will see the development of a comprehensive road map which will foster a SEZ environment. Holness said that the development of the SEZ will greatly impact Jamaica’s economic development as Jamaicans stand to benefit from the Zone. The three-tiered MoU establishes that the SCE will develop a world class Special Economic Zone; provide planning and workforce skills qualification framework and create a business environment within Special Economic Zones. The Jamaican government on August 1, 2016, pro-

Andrew Holness mulgated the Special Economic Zone Act which repeals the Jamaica Free Zone Act. This makes provisions in respect of the development, regulation, construction, supervision, management and control of Special Economic Zones in Jamaica.

It is expected that the SEZ will create a modern framework to attract investments in planned industrial clusters that develop and deliver a wider range of goods and services. (Jamaica Observer)

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Bolt and Jamaica team mates ordered to return relay medals Usain Bolt and his Jamaican team mates who won the 4 x 100m relay at the 2008 Beijing Games have been told by the country’s Olympic Association to return their gold medals following Nesta Carter’s failed drug test. Mike Fennell, Jamaica Olympic Association president, told Reuters that Carter, Bolt, Asafa Powell, Michael Frater and Dwight Thomas are being contacted following the ruling of the International Olympic Committee.

Friday January 27, 2017

Kaieteur News

”I can confirm that letters have been dispatched to the five members of the gold medal-winning team from the Beijing Games in 2008 requesting the return of the medals as directed by the IOC,” Fennell told Reuters by telephone yesterday. Fennell, who previously served as president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, did not indicate whether a time frame had been given, but he confirmed that Carter would be appealing against the ruling to the Court of Arbitra-

tion for Sport (CAS). ”In our discussions with Nesta so far he’s discussing that matter (appealing to CAS) with his attorneys, both local and in the UK,” Fennell told Reuters. He did not comment on BBC reports that the Jamaica Olympic Association might appeal against the ruling that they, too, should forfeit their medals. In the case of Bolt, losing his would reduce his career haul of Olympic golds from nine to eight. (Reuters)

Police and Riddim Squad complete... (From page 38) 9 minutes to full time. He was seen having an intense exchange of words with the referee who had initially issued him a yellow which was swiftly followed by another within seconds. Grove fought hard but just could not stand in the way of the GPF from securing a date with fellow city side Western Tigers in the second semi final on Sunday evening at the GFC ground. The first semi will pit Santos and Riddim Squad which edged Den Amstel in

a closely fought opening m a t c h o n We d n e s d a y night. It was an almost even encounter between the sides up to the point of Riddm Squad taking the lead in the 19th minute thanks to a long range shot off the boot of Kevin Agard. It was an even game on 32 minutes when Den Amstel’s Kevaughn Ward rocketed his shot past Riddim Squad’s goalie and Captain; it was a scorching response that evened the score. Neither side relented, in the end to end exchanges.

Just when it seemed like the game was headed to extra time as neither side allowed the other in close proximity to goal, another long range shot ended Den Amstel’s hope of advancing further. This time it was off the boot of the busy Kevin Gordon in the 82nd minute. It was well disguised and calculated shot that beat Ward all ends up and set to not only secure the win but to set up a potentially mouth watering semi final clash with Santos on Sunday afternoon at the GFC ground.

Walton’s 82 lead Scorpions to first... (From page 35) 42 just when he was looking set with the score 110-2. The 31-year-old Walton soon reached his sixth 50 in this format and fourth in Regional one-day cricket before he latched on to Devendra Bishoo and dumped him for consecutive sixes in the 24th overs as he galloped into the 70s. Walton soon fell six short of highest 50-over score when hit Jacobs to Assad Fudadin at long-off to leave the score on 138-3. Brandon King, who put up the lone resistance with 48 in Jamaica’s first round loss, joined Antiguan Devon Thomas and pulled Beaton for two

back-to-back sixes over the Greenidge & Haynes stand and the Scorpions were starting to sting the Jaguars in the heat of Bridgetown. Beaton insisted on bowling short and was dispatched with disdain for four by King in majestic fashion before he pugnaciously hammered Bishoo to the square leg boundary, before he hit a slower ball from Reifer to long-off after hitting a four and two sixes from 27 balls in a cameo 21 at 179-4. Jacobs, who finished his frugal spell with a maiden, was again the Jaguars’ most economical bowler but got little support from Test spinner

Bishoo who bowled too many bad balls. Rovman Powell swung Bishoo for another four and along with Thomas, who struggled to the score freely, took the score to 202 before Bishoo, who was pulled for six by Powell (16) got his man in the same over. Damani Sewell (12) and Jerome Taylor (0) were removed by Permaul who also ran out Nikita Miller (6) leaving Thomas unbeaten at the end as the Jaguars tightened the screws in the last nine overs which only produced 45 runs.

Transfer of players... (From page 39) transfer. The process for the Domestic Transfer is as follows: 1. The new club confirms the player has an interest in the transfer and, if so, the new club makes contact with the former club to negotiate the transfer agreement 2. If it’s agreed upon, the new club collects the transfer document from the relevant RMA 3. Each entity involved fills and signs their part namely on the form; player, former club, new club 4. The form is then submitted to the relevant RMA which confirms the authenticity of the involvement of each party 5. Everything being in order, the RMA approves the transfer and gives a copy to the new club 6. If the player is being transferred across RMA, the new club takes their copy of the form to their new RMA so that the player can be registered within that RMA and cleared for participation as a player of that club. It is important to note that the GFF is the RMA for Elite Clubs. To date, there has not been any international transfers.

Friday January, 27 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't neglect these problems; deal with them once and for all, then move on to more pleasurable tasks. Don't be afraid to talk to close friends or relatives about pressing personal problems. You can pick up valuable information if you listen to those with more experience. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Be primed to use your intellect in order to get what you want. Take matters in hand when it comes to dealing with clients or colleagues. Your bankbook will suffer and your restrictions will put a damper on your relationship. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Pamper yourself; the self esteem it brings you will be most gratifying. Don't agree to make any of those cosmetic alterations you've been considering. Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Think twice before you volunteer information. A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort out your thoughts. Consider a conservative investment that will stay solid when everything else goes sour. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Regardless of your first reaction, the outcome will be favorable. You may have to explain your actions to your family. Female members of your family may be difficult to deal with. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some relatives will be extremely perplexing. Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly what's been going on. You will feel

better about yourself and you may also meet potential lovers. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may have a problem keeping secrets. You will be able to find the perfect outfit, and the greatest new accessory for your house. The key to feeling good about yourself will be to do something about it. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Travel will be fun and entertaining. Control your temper by getting immersed in your work. Don't be afraid to say what's on your mind. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways. You will enjoy physical activities more than you think. You may be frustrated by the way situations are being handled in your personal life. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Time spent with family, children, or good friends will be regenerating and positive. You may want to take a look at the personal papers of elders in your family. You can make money if you are wise in your choices. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your high energy must be directed into productive goals, or frustrations will occur. You may want to make changes that will not be to their liking. Do a little shopping. You're likely to find a real bargain. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You will have no problem getting your point across to those in a position to help you. Red tape could be impossible to clear up today. Do not force your opinions on others the connections will be short lived.

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Kaieteur News

Friday January 27, 2017

David Warner and Travis Head Martinique to host Scotiabank share 284 for first wicket CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup finals A u s t r a l i a ’s D a v i d Warner and Travis Head put on 284 for the first wicket to lay the foundations for a 57run victory over Pakistan in the fifth one-day international in Adelaide. It was the secondhighest opening partnership in ODI history, falling two runs short of Sri Lanka’s 286 in 2006. Warner hit 179 off 128 balls while Head made 128 off 137 balls. Both batsmen hit their best ODI scores as Australia closed on 369-7. Babar Azam scored 100 in Pakistan’s 312-9. However, the tourists were never really in the hunt for victory on Australia Day as wickets fell at regular intervals - Mitchell Starc taking 4-42. Victory completed a 4-1 series win for Steve Smith’s

Warner and Head’s partnership was Australia’s highest for any wicket in ODIs Australia side, who will now fly to Auckland to face New Zealand in a three-match ODI series. “We’ve played some pretty good cricket over the last couple of games,” reflected Smith. “Davey Warner has been absolutely outstanding, and I

thought Travis Head played very well to get his first ODI hundred.” Scores: Australia 369-7 (50 overs): Warner 179, Head 128. Pakistan 312-9 (49.1 overs): Azam 100, Starc 4-42. Australia won by 57 runs. (BBCsport)

Eoin Morgan, Joe Root and bowlers seal T20 win in Kanpur

Eoin Morgan

An impressive England bowling display laid the foundation for a comfortable seven-wicket victory over India in the first Twenty20 international. Expertly varying pace and length, England restricted India to 147-7, off-spinner Moeen Ali’s 2-21 the standout. Sam Billings took 20 from the second over of England’s reply, with Eoin Morgan (51) and Joe Root (46 not out) completing the chase in 18.1 overs. The second of the three T20 matches is in Nagpur on Sunday. England will look to wrap up the series after putting in their best performance of a tour that saw them heavily beaten in the Tests and squeezed out in the one-day internationals. The home side rested spin-bowling tormentors Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, but even their presence would have been unlikely to derail an England side that won their first T20 match in India since

an agonising defeat in the final of the 2016 World T20. I t w a s E n g l a n d ’s bowling which was found wanting in what turned out to be the highest-scoring threematch ODI series of all time. But in Kanpur they learned quickly after initially bowling too full, pace quartet Tymal Mills, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett and Ben Stokes mixing back-of-a-length with changes of pace. Moeen also went through his repertoire, conceding only one boundary and having the incredibly dangerous Virat Kohli superbly held at midwicket by Morgan from his first delivery. KL Rahul, Yuvraj Singh and Hardik Pandya fell to the short ball, the latter giving pacy left-arm T20 specialist Mills his first international w i c k e t . India found the boundary only three times between the 10th and 19th overs and it was left to former captain MS Dhoni, who took 12

from the final over, to add some respectability. Still, the hosts seemed at least 20 below par on a good pitch, with England so in control that leg-spinner Adil Rashid was not called on to bowl. Any suggestion that India would find a way back was snuffed out by Billings, opening in place of the injured Alex Hales. Jasprit Bumrah was battered for three fours and a ramped six as England’s chase began with a sprint. A slight wobble came when Jason Roy, who himself hit two sixes, and Billings were both bowled in the same over by leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. But, with the required rate under control, Root and Morgan were afforded time to rebuild with pressure-free accumulation. In between taking the singles on offer, Morgan lofted four sixes over the leg side before holing out to long-off from off-spinner Parvez Rasool one ball after reaching an eighth T20 halfcentury. That ended a stand of 83 with Root, who was joined by Stokes and survived being bowled off a Bumrah no-ball to accelerate England home. Scores: India 147-7 (20 overs): Dhoni 36* (27), Moeen 2-21. England 148-3 (18.1 overs): Morgan 51 (38), Root 46* (46). England won by seven wickets. (BBCsport)

St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda – The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) announced Wednesday that Martinique will host the finals of the 2016/17 Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup from June 22-25, 2017. CFU officials also conducted a draw for the semifinals that produced Jamaica-French Guiana and Curacao- Martinique pairings. Both matches are slated to be played on June 22. Three days later, the semifinal losers will meet in the match for third place, followed by the final. Each of the final-four sides topped their third-round groups in a competition that started in March 2016, earning them each a ticket to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will be played July 7-26 in the United States. Haiti – winner of the Caribbean Cup fifthplace playoff — can still secure a place in the biennial CONCACAF event, but it must prevail over Nicaragua in a two-legged qualifying playoff.

Puerto Rico FC Added to Caribbean Club Championship Field

M i a m i – T h e Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) yesterday announced the addition of Puerto Rico FC to the 2017 Caribbean Club Championship field. As current champion of the Luis Villarejo Cup, Puerto Rico FC will represent Puerto Rico in the Caribbean championship, which is set to kickoff next month in venues across the region. With the addition of Puerto Rico FC, a record 21 clubs from 12 countries – headed by Trinidad & Tobago’s Central FC, the two-time defending champion – have qualified for the 19th edition of the

competition, which will determine the region’s representative to the next edition of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. The first round consists of five groups of four teams, which will play a roundrobin format from late February through March. Greenbay Hoppers FC (Antigua & Barbuda), Don Bosco FC (Haiti), Montego Bay United FC (Jamaica), and System 3 Sport Academy (St. Vincent & the Grenadines) will all host the group stage. Additionally, Puerto Rico FC will now host Group D, at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel, from March 14 to 18.

G r o u p S t a g e Ve n u e s : Group A: Antigua Recreation Ground – St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda, Group B: Stade Sylvio Cator – Port-Au-Prince, Haiti Group C: Montego Bay Sports Complex - Montego B a y , J a m a i c a Group D: Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel – Bayamón, Puerto Rico Group E: Victoria Park – Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines The five group winners will advance to the final round, scheduled to be played from May 14-21. That final round will now be hosted in Trinidad & Tobago by Central FC, which will receive a bye to the final round. The champion of the Caribbean Club Championship earns a place in the newly re-formatted CONCACAF Champions League, while the second, third and fourth-placed clubs will participate in the Confederation’s newly launched club championship tournament for Caribbean and Central American teams, which kicks off in August. (CONCACAF)

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Friday January 27, 2017

Serena thrives under pressure to seal all-Williams final Having seen her sister Venus win her semi-final at the Australian Open yesterday, Serena Williams admitted she felt the weight of history to seal her place in their first grand slam title decider in eight years. That pressure was converted into a rampaging 6-2 6-1 win over Mirjana Lucic-Baroni that ended the 79th-ranked Croatian’s fairytale run at Melbourne Park and put Serena into a 29th slam final. It took only 50 minutes for Serena to book the family reunion after Venus’s tough three-set win over unseeded Coco Vandeweghe at the same Rod Laver Arena court. But a whole tennis era has passed since the Williams sisters last met on a comparable stage at the 2009 Wimbledon final. Serena won in two sets that day and has since added another 11 grand slam singles titles to extend her tally to 22, a professional-era record she shares with Germany’s Steffi Graf.

Serena Williams signs autographs after winning her Women’s singles semi-final match against Croatia’s Mirjana Lucic-Baroni. REUTERS/Jason Reed But for seven-times grand slam champion Venus, tomorrow’s final will be her first at a major since that grass court encounter. ”It felt really good because I felt like it was in my hands to force this Williams final,” Serena told

reporters of her semi-final rout. “Believe it or not, I was feeling a little pressure about that, but it felt really good to get that win. ”I didn’t think about it, but I guess it is an old familiar feeling that I clearly forgot about. The 35-year-

Venus Williams celebrates winning her singles semi-final match against Coco Vandeweghe of the U.S. REUTERS/Thomas Peter old world number two was back to her ruthless best against 34-year-old LucicMaroni, their aggregate ages making it the ‘oldest’ grand slam semi-final clash in the professional era. But it was the younger opponent moving with more

weight in her legs as Williams charged out of the blocks to wrap up the first set in 25 minutes. The second was of identical duration and of a similar pattern, with Williams in full flight and Lucic-Maroni surrendering

quickly with a forehand slapped into the net. The Williams sisters were near the top of their game when they met in the Wimbledon final and though their paths have diverged, they have both suffered huge setbacks off court. Serena has overcome a major health scare and a litany of injuries while Venus has made her return after years battling Sjögren’s syndrome, a longterm auto-immune disease that causes fatigue and joint pain. ”I think, of course, I was always stressed out and worried if she would be okay and be able to play,” Serena said of her older sister’s struggles. “I would see her practice, she’d practice so well, do so well. I always felt like when she lost, I was almost surprised... At the same time I was like, ‘Wow, it’s amazing that you’re even out here’. “I just really feel fortunate to have been there for the highs and the lows and everything.” (Reuters)

Federer sees off Wawrinka to reach Australian Open final Roger Federer held firm against a furious fightback from fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, edging his former apprentice 7-5 6-3 16 4-6 6-3 in a Melbourne Park classic to reach the final of the Australian Open yesterday. On the day the Williams sisters booked their place in the women’s final, 35-yearold Federer continued the march of the veterans, becoming the oldest man to reach a grand slam final in more than 40 years. The Swiss master was shaken as fourth seed Wawrinka stormed back to level the match at a floodlit Rod Laver Arena but it was his opponent who blinked first in the tension-riven decider. Wa w r i n k a d o u b l e faulted to hand Federer the key break in the sixth game and four-times champion Federer rode a wave of adulation from the terraces to serve out the match to love. One win from an 18th grand slam title and a first in five years, Federer also kept alive the chance of a dream

final with great rival Rafa Nadal, who plays the second semi-final against 15th seed Grigor Dimitrov. The Swiss will become the oldest men’s grand slam finalist since Ken Rosewall featured in the US Open in 1974 at the age of 39. ”It’s all real, I never thought in my wildest dreams I would come this far in Australia,” a glowing Federer said in his courtside interview, having come to Australia with no expectations after six months out of the game. ”I’ve got a couple of days off. It’s beautiful. “I’m probably (Nadal’s) number one fan. “I’m happy we’ve had some epic battles over the years.” Federer had to close out the win with an upper leg injury and thanked the court’s physio for his “magic hands”. But he moved superbly to deny his close friend Wawrinka a chance at a fourth grand slam title. MAGICAL MOMENTS Friendship was shelved before the match, however, and Wawrinka kept the

doyen of men’s tennis waiting before they walked silently to center court. It was a slow-burning start to their seventh grand slam encounter, but it sparked into life in a marathon fourth game as Wawrinka saved a trio of break points to grimly hold serve. There were moments of magic, a regal Federer drop shot sliced high into the air from the baseline just cleared the net to flummox Wawrinka at 3-2. Federer swapped wands, grabbing a fresh racket after new balls were called and wielded it to devastating effect in the 12th game, breaking Wawrinka’s serve to take the set when he hammered a forehand into the net. Broken again to trail 4-2, Wawrinka lost the second set in just 31 minutes and hammered his racket into the court. The barrel-chested Swiss decided to complete the job properly, snapping his racket in half over his knee. His other knee had been bothering him before the

Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka applauds next to Switzerland’s Roger Federer as they leave the court after their Men’s singles semi-final match. REUTERS/Jason Reed match and he returned to the court with it strapped. With new racket in hand, he began swinging with abandon and his peerless backhand began to sing. A searing passing shot broke Federer’s serve in the fourth game and Wawrinka roared through the set in a furious salvo of power hitting.

Another smoking backhand passing shot smashed through Federer’s serve, and the Swiss lost a sixth straight game. Wawrinka fired a string of huge serves to put the match on level terms and pounded his chest twice in a muted celebration. Tradin g b a c k h a n d blows like heavyweight

boxers, the pair pounded away at each other in the fifth before Wawrinka’s serve crumbled. The decisive doublefault sparked raucous cheers from the pro-Federer crowd and Federer roared to the finish, savoring the chance to add to his four Melbourne Park titles. (Reuters)

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Friday January 27, 2017

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Walton’s 82 lead Scorpions to first win; Chanderpaul and faulty lights delay Jaguars defeat By Sean Devers in Barbados in association with Bounty Supermarket, Vnet Communications, Life Time Reality & Mings P ro d u c t s & S e r v i c e s It was a fight back at its best ‘old man river’ rolled on gathering momentum as Chanderpaul, a walking run machine and urged on by a raucous Guyanese contingent in the stands, took the Jaguars closer and closer to an improbable win with a magnificent and expertly compiled second century at this level and 13th List A cricket after the Guyana Franchise had been rocked on the ropes at 14-4. Earlier, Chadwick Walton stroked a beautiful 82 from 84 balls decorated with six fours and four sixes, Devon Thomas’ patient unbeaten 56 from 74 balls with just three fours and a solid 42 from 59 balls with two fours and two sixes to rally the Scorpions to 249-8. Raymon Reifer, Veerasammy Permaul and the economical Steven Jacobs captured two wickets

each for Jaguars who never recovered from their horrendous start and fell for 208 from 44 overs despite a wonderful 101 from 96 balls with 12 fours and a six from Chanderpaul. Reifer (25) added 77 with the elder statesman while Anthony Bramble made 29 with four fours and put together 54 with Chanderpaul for sixth wicket before Jacobs (19) added 44 for the 7th wicket with the evergreen Chanderpaul before Jacobs was out hit wicket off Jerome Taylor with 61 needed from 61 balls as Jaguars lost by 41 runs. Taylor finished with a career best 5-40 and got support from Reynard Leveridge 3-38 while Walton had five catches behind the stumps to add to his 82. Shemron Hetymer (1) was bowled by the lively soldier Reynard Leveridge, while Fudadin (3) and Skipper Leon Johnson (0) were both bowled by Manof-the-Match Taylor while Leveridge got rid of Barnwell (1) leaving the

Jaguars tottering at 14-4. Chanderpaul, who began his 95th regional 50 overs game needing 133 to pass Bajan Floyd Reifer’s 2,878 runs to become the leading run scorer in Regional one day cricket, held up the contest to have the lights and the commercial Boards to either side of the sightscreen turned off since the glare was affecting him. When Barnwell’s poor form at the Regional level continued with him being well taken for one off Leveridge, there was a 59minute delay due to the malfunctioning of three of the four lights as a result of issues with the back-up generator. Play resumed at 19:00hrs and Chanderpaul top edged Taylor over slip then rocked and swatted him to the midwicket boundary in the same over and pulled Leveridge for another boundary. His partnership grew to 50 with Reifer, who played a wonderful supporting role and Chanderpaul found the gap with immaculate precession, bisecting the

Wiltshire/Tenth Street Sports Bar team up Domino Tournament Proprietor of Tenth Street Sports Bar Cecil Chandler hands over the winning trophy which he donated to GDA President Faye Joseph recently.

fielders at point and cover in Larry Gomes fashion to register his sixth boundary. He soon reached his 60th Regional 50-over fifty but with the demise of Refier, caught behind off Jacobs for 25 at 91-5 things looked bleak for the South Americans. Bramble took the attack to the bowlers and the large Guyanese contingent screamed their support with every run scored but when Bramble who scored 29 (4x4) was taken by the Keeper off Campbell, Jacobs joined Chanderpaul but was dismissed in unusual circumstances and the game was almost done and dusted despite the heroics of Chanderpaul who continued to play with authority in a losing cause. When Chanderpaul was stupendously caught by Walton off Leveridge it was all over bar the shouting. Permaul (4) fell at 197-8, Chanderpaul departed at 199-9 and Taylor polished off the innings by removing Beaton. Earlier, under a clear blue sky the Scorpions won the toss and elected to bat on a good track and fast outfield and Walton started f l u e n t l y, h a m m e r i n g Refier past mid-on for four and pulling him for sixes off consecutive deliveries before he trapped John Campbell (2) lbw in the same over to leave the score on 18-1 in 3.5 overs. Blackwood joined Walton and struggled to time the ball in the early part of his innings but soon blossomed nicely but it was Walton who took charge and pivoted and pulled Ronsford Beaton

for four before steering him behind point for another boundary. Walton was oozing confidence and slapped Permaul for a couple of fours in successive overs while Blackwood freed the shackles by effortlessly flicking Barnwell for six before clobbering Barnwell for another huge six to post the 50-stand. He celebrated

the landmark by pulling Barnwell for four. Walton was greeted Jacobs with a tremendously timed straight drive which raced across the billiards table-like outfield like a bullet but Jacobs broke the record second wicket stand against Guyana which had progressed to 92. Blackwood was bowled for (Continued on page 32)

CCC Marooners beat ICC Americas by 7 wkts Organising Secrertary of the Georgetown Domino Association Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire in collaboration with Tenth Street Sports Bar of Diamond Housing Scheme has organised a One-Day Tournament on January 29, at the Tenth Street Sports Bar, starting at 14:00hrs.

According to Wiltshire, no team will be allowed to enter after the tournament starts and entrance fee is $10,000 per team. The winning team will receive $120,000 and a trophy donated by Cecil Chandler, Proprietor of Tenth Street Sports Bar. The runner-up and third

placed teams will take home $50,000 and $20,000 respectively. The GDA member also disclosed that all prizes are guaranteed and interested teams could call him on t e l e # 6 6 5 - 5 8 5 5 . Food and drinks will be on sale throughout the competition.

Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners defeated ICC Americas by seven wickets when the Regional Super 50 tournament continued yesterday, their second win in as many matches. ICC Americas were restricted to 181-9 after they were inserted at the Windward Cricket Club in Lucas Street, Barbados. Timroy Allen and Saad Bin Zafar added 60 for the eight-wicket to prop up their

total after they were reduced to 117-7. Allen struck four fours and one six in a top score of 45 while Zafar made 25 with a solitary boundary. Akeem Dodson supported with 28 while opener Kamau Leverock and Nikhil Dutta made 26 apiece as Keon Harding, Jermaine Levy and Vikash Mohan picked up two wickets each. Amir Jangoo then stroked six fours and one six off 87 balls in a top score of

52 to lead CCC Marooners reply as they finished on 184-3 in 30.5 overs. Jangoo shared in useful partnerships with fellow opener Jamal Smith and Kyle Corbin to anchor the chase. Smith made 36 off 75 balls while Corbin remained unbeaten on 47 which contained five fours and one six. Cassius Burton was unbeaten on 38 off 43 balls with three fours and a six when victory was achieved.

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Friday January 27, 2017

Mings, Hand in Hand and WR Enterprise on board with RHTY&SC

Theresa Narain of WR Enterprise hands over contribution to RHTY&SC’s Mark Papannah. The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) objective of successfully completing 450 programmes/activities for 2017 received a major boost when three companies – Mings Products and Services Ltd., Hand in Hand Insurance Company and WR Enterprise handed over sponsorship to the club. Set to aim at achieving o v e r 5 0 0 programmes/activities for the first time in its 27-year history, RHTY&SC would be placing special emphasis on internal cricket

development apart from hosting numerous cricket and other sporting tournaments. The expansion of the Say NO/Say Yes Campaign which targets 60,000 youths in Berbice, celebrating Rose Hall 175th anniversary and expanding their charity programme to assist more single parents and less fortunate households are also high on the agenda. Mings Products and Services donated 24 cricket balls to the Cricket Development Programme, while Hand in Hand

Hand in Hand representative, Tonia Gibson hands over donation to RHTY&SC Mark Papannah. Insurance Company contributed three trophies for the club’s 27th annual awards ceremony as well as made a financial contribution towards the 18th annual Youth Review Magazine. Mr. Narine, Managing Director of WR Enterprise located on Regent Street, Georgetown also made a contribution to the Charity programme for Less Fortunate Families. Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster expressed the club’s delight that corporate Guyana continues to support

its outstanding work and noted that 2017 would be a very special one as members would be working to surpass the magical target of 500 programmes/activities by the 15th of December. They have already completed 35 up to the 20th of January. The Cricket balls donated by Mings Products and Services would be used by the coaching staff during daily practice sessions for the junior players while the trophies would be given to the Club’s Most Promising, Most Discipline and Most Improved Players for 2016.

Ms. Yuonne Ramnarine of Mings Products and Services hands over the balls to Mark Papannah, Simon Naidu and Sohan Harry. The 48-page Youth Review Magazine is set to be published in May/June and would chronicle the club’s work during last year when 453 programmes/activities was accomplished. The Management of the RHTY&SC, M.S would like to express gratitude to Mr. Ming of Mings, The Marketing Staff of Hand in Hand Insurance and Mr. Narine of WR Enterprise. Meanwhile, the public is being informed that the club would be opening its cricket membership programme until February 26th. Players

between the ages of 10 to 18 are invited to join Guyana’s Club of the Year Awardee 2016 once they are drugfree, attending school, disciplined, attend their place of worship on a regular basis and are willing to participate in the club’s Charity/Social programmes which are designed to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Membership is free and interested youths can contact the club office on 337 4562 for more information, Monday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm, daily.

UCI dismiss Yassin’s call for intervention; also rebuffs Gemma Williams Maintain support for legal GCF

Gemma Williams

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) through its International Relations Manager Mr. Pascale Schyns has responded to President of the Guyana Olympic Association K. A Juman Yassin and Ms. Gemma Williams separately on the issue of the illegal Interim Management Committee

(IMC) which was put together in December when some clubs of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) met at the GOA High Street Office. Yassin had responded to an email that was sent to him by UCI President Brian Cookson which stated that the world governing body is fully

behind the Horace Borrowes led GCF. Ms. Williams, Secretary of the Continental Cycle Club acting on behalf of the IMC would have been in constant contact by way of filtering information on the I M C ’s m e e t i n g s a n d decisions. Mr. Schyns has also responded to Ms. Williams re-iterating the original position of the world body to h e r. R e a d e r s s e e t h e responses to Mr. Yassin and Ms. Williams. Response to GOA P r e s i d e n t Ya s s i n : Dear Mr. Juman-Yassin, We thank you for your email. As our President Brian

Cookson told you in his endorsement letter, we f u l l y s u p p o r t M r. Burrowes in his function. We understand that they are some problems in the federation, but we encourage both parties to find a solution as, according to our constitution, a president change might occur only after elections are democratically called. In the case of Guyana Cycling Federation, the next one should be in June 2018. A visit might be envisaged and, in that context, I put Mr. Pelaez, President of the COPACI, in copy of this email. I remains at your entire disposal should you have any other question. Kind regards, Pascale Schyns Manager des Relations

Internationales | International Relations Manager Letter from Gemma Williams to Mr. Schyns: Dear Pascale Schyns, Based on our previous correspondences on the situation here, we would be grateful if you can a s s i s t u s w i t h understanding the way forward with the Interim Management Committee of the Guyana Cycling Federation. We are assuming that the Honorable President - Mr. Cookson was not fully aware of what transpired here and the wishes of the Guyanese cyclists with respect to Mr. Burrowes. Grateful for your kind response. Mr. Scyhns response to

Ms. Williams’ letter: D e a r G e m m a , We understand your point of view but we reiterate our position. To have a change of president, elections s h o u l d b e democratically called a nd according to our Constitution and the Guyana Cycling Federation, the next ones should take place in June 2018. In the meanwhile we suggest you talk with each other to find a solution to your internal problems. I remain at your disposal for any other question. Kind regards, Pascale Schyns Manager des Relations Internationales | International Relations Manager.

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Fans thrilled at inaugural Endurance Rental Cup Karting Team Gizmos & Gadgets / Guinness and Team Heineken were crowned winners of the respective categories when GT Motorsports held its inaugural Endurance Rental Cup Karting on Wednesday night, at the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club on Albert Street and Thomas Road. Appearing in the 600 lbs category, Team Heineken made up of John Maikoo, Vishal Sawh and Raymond Seebarran registered 86 laps at the termination of the 60 minutes to nip Team ERacing trio that comprised Jason Gonsalves, Marcel Profitt and Denzel Hopkinson, who also recorded 86 laps, but had a +03.214 seconds difference. Team Top Power made up of experienced campaigners Brian Ten Pow, Kevin Jeffrey and Shan Seejattan placed third after

posting 85 laps. However, Ten Pow had the consolation of registering the fastest lap time of 40.186 seconds. In the 500lbs Class, Team Gizmos and Gadgets / Guinness with Matthew and John Phang and Steven Nobrega aboard recorded 87 laps in the allotted time after they each completed the mandatory 20 minutes of racing to make up the one hour endurance. Pre-race favourites Team Nexus with Matthew and Elliott Vieira and Nikhail Seereeram aboard and Team Adrenaline Junkies comprising Nyron Maraj, Ken Sue and Shane Seebarran completed 86 laps after 60 minutes. Matthew Phang clocked the fastest lap time of 40.142 seconds. All members of the top three teams in the two categories were rewarded with trophies, while Ten Pow and Matthew Phang were

Teams line up before the start of 600lbs category on Wednesday evening at the GMR&SC.

given trophies and special prizes for clocking the fastest lap times. The activity was coordinated by GT Motorsports with support from main sponsor Secure

Innovations and Concepts, Auto Fashion (Fastest Lap Time trophies) and Farfan and Mendes and Monster Energy (Special Prizes). The large crowd that

witnessed the event and the competitors both agreed that the initiative was an excellent one and the call was made to have it at least once a month. Managing Director of

Secure Innovations and Concepts, Harold Hopk i n s o n c o n f i r m e d that his entity will sponsor an event every month for the remainder of the year.

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UG Trojans, Ravens bounce to opening U-23 wins in GABA League of Champions

University of Guyana (UG) Trojans and Dyna’s Ravens secured opening wins Wednesday night in the Under-23 category when the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) 2017 “League of Champions” bounced off at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. U G Tr o j a n s e d g e d Eagles 54-51 with forward, Sherland Gillis putting up a double-double with 14 points and 18 rebounds. He received support from Kadeem Peterkin, who scored 13 points and Denzel Logan with 11 points. For Eagles, national j u n i o r g u a r d , Tr a v i s Belgrave poured in 17 points and grabbed 18 rebounds with seven steals, all in vain. Darroll Williams scored 14 points to support Belgrave.

STAG Nations Cup KO Football

Police and Riddim Squad complete all City semi-final cast

Attio Wallace (left) and Kester Dundas – Guyana Police Force FC Sherland Gillis In the other game of the night, Ravens coasted to a 64-55 win over Colts with Murthland Ward and Treson Burnett scoring 18 points each. Ward also had 11 steals and 12 rebounds for a tripledouble. Sebastian Luke had 11 points and nine rebounds. For Colts, guard Jonathan Mangra was the leading scorer with 16 points and eight rebounds with centre Timothy Thompson recording yet another double-double 15 points and 15 rebounds. Jafar Gibbons had 10 points for the team.

Friday January 27, 2017

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the East Bank based Riddim Squad recorded 3-0 and 2-1 wins over East Bank’s Grove Hi Tech and West Demerara’s Den Amstel to complete an all City semi final line-up when quarter final play was completed in the Stag Nations Cup knock-out football championship on Wednesday night last at the Tucville ground. The fit GPF side was aggressive and potent enough in the first half when all three goals were scored against Grove Hi Tech to knock out the two-time defending champions, their first defeat in the three year history of the championship

which attracted three associations in the first two editions. Despite being reduced to 9-players owing to two red cards which were issued to Trevor Jones in the 43rd minute and Delroy Dodson in the 81st minute, Grove was not able to breach the Police’ defence as they were arrested and locked away from penetrating the attacking third in the second half. The speed and robust play of the GPF in the opening half put away for good the ambitions of Grove even though they looked a more potent unit in the second half. Attio Wallce who scored a double for the lawmen opened proceedings with a well directed header with only seven (7) minutes on the game clock. The Police side, one of the favourites to win the championship made their

Kevin Agard (right) and Kevin Gordon - Riddim Squad FC speed work for them as they nullified the East Bank champions which looked ragged in the first half of the match. By the 21st minute, the advantage was doubled when Kester Dundas capitalised on poor work by custodian Seon Simpson to nail their second goal. It was also poor judgment on the part of Simpson that accounted for the opening goal even as the defenders looked out of sorts. The police side showed admirable superiority in the area of fitness which brought the downfall of Grove. The third and final goal was scored with two minutes to the half time whistle, Wallace again stepping between the defenders to hammer home. It was before the ball was restarted after the goal that Jones was red carded for allegedly using foul language to one of his

colleagues which the assistant referee overheard; summoned the standing referee who then issued marching orders to Jones even as his captain and fellow colleagues protested. The second half of the match saw a more solid performance from Grove which threatened to reduce the scoreline on numerous occasions but lacked the killer instinct in front of goal. Three changes were rung by the Grove Coach within a 10 minute period, it produced better play for his side but not goals as the Police side found it difficult to contain their opponents let alone score but they had already done the hard work in the first half. As the minutes ticked away, the game became more physical and resulted in Grove losing their second player, Delroy Dodson with (Continued on page 32)

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Friday January 27, 2017

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GOA support for Guyana NRA ahead of Commonwealth Games 2018 The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has thrown their support behind the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) as they continue to prepare for the 2018 Commonwealth Games slated for the Gold Coast, Australia. President of the GOA K.A Juman Yassin yesterday presented a cheque worth $1.5m to the GuyanaNRA Captain Mahendra Persaud at a simple ceremony held at the GOA office in High Street, Georgetown. Yassin in remarks stated that the donation was made through the Commonwealth Games Federation to help the GNRA with their preparations for the Commonwealth Games next year. “The GNRA has been doing exceedingly well and with this we hope to see them on the podium,” he said. He indicated that another donation will be m a d e s h o r t l y . He made special mention of

Mahendra Persaud and Lennox Brathwaite for their performances over the years, adding that the executive of the GNRA has been working very hard to make the nation proud and he hopes to see the results in Australia. Persaud expressed gratitude to the GOA and said their input will assist them with their training for the Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championships which is a pre run to the Commonwealth Games set for the said venue. He said that the assistance will help them to get acclimatized to the conditions as compared to previous championships. Persaud noted that this will be the first time any Guyana team will be present at the championships and they hope to medal. “Our shooters have always held their own but we have been a little off in terms of medals and hopefully with this assistance we can land a spot on the podium,” he posited.

Transfer of players continues as window period nears The Guyana Football Federation Inc. (GFF) has, to date, facilitated the transfer of eleven (11) players even as the mid-season transfer window period closes on January 31, 2017. Eight (8) Elite clubs are among those in the transfer list to date including three (3) players from Alpha United FC and one from Slingerz FC respectively. Among the clubs which would have benefitted from transfers are the Guyana Defence Force FC (4), Northern Rangers FC (2), Victoria Kings FC (4) and Buxton United FC (1). Competitions Director of the GFF, Ian Alves, said a Domestic Transfer, in order to be procedurally correct, must involve the Former Club, the player, the former Regional Member Association (RMA), the new club and the new RMA. The transfer will be considered complete until all of the named entities are informed and involved and provided that none has legitimate concerns with the attempted (Continued on page 32)

President of the GOA K.A. Juman Yassin presents the cheque to the GNRA Captain Mahendra Persaud in the presence of members of the GOA and GNRA.

GFF TD participates in Technical Officer Training Programme The Technical Director (TD) of the Guyana Football Federation Inc. (GFF), Ian Greenwood, participated in a C O N C A C A F - o rg a n i s e d coaching education seminar in Mexico from the 15th – 21st January, 2017. The session was open to Technical Directors from across the CONCACAF region and was hosted in partnership with the Mexicana de Futol Asociacion, A.C. (FMF). Greenwood explained the key focus of the programme was the development of a sustained national youth programme: “The key messages delivered by the Mexican F e d e r a t i o n a n d CONCACAF stressed the

requirement of all Member Associations to develop a robust long term youth development plan with the ultimate aim of improving the senior national teams. International football cannot start at the senior level; there must be a clear national coaching and playing philosophy to highlight the country’s identity from the youth levels. The most pleasing aspect of the seminar is that it has reinforced the long-term Development Plan that is being created and implemented nationwide by t h e G F F Te c h n i c a l Department.” The six-day session also saw a representative from

Ian Greenwood The Union of European Football Associations ( U E FA ) C o a c h i n g Education discussing the need for coaches to engage in continuous professional education.

Among the other areas covered during the session were technical-tactical aspects of preparing and training national youth teams, structuring national youth competitions, the structuring of a talent d e v e l o p m e n t programme, the use of sports science and performance analysis, player personal growth, medical services focusing on both clinical diagnosis and performance diagnosis, the importance of age appropriate physical conditioning and nutrition. The seminar was a combination of theoretical and practical sessions with a focus on the U-13, U-15, U17 and U-20 categories.

t r o Sp Walton’s 82 lead Scorpions to first win; Chanderpaul and faulty lights delay Jaguars defeat

Shiv Chanderpaul flicks during his futile century last night. (Sean Devers photo)

Chadwick Walton acknowledges applause for his 50. WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks Latouche Photography

STAG Nations Cup KO Football Fans thrilled at inaugural Police and Riddim Squad Endurance Rental Cup complete all City semi-final cast Karting

Part of the action in the inaugural Endurance Rental Cup which was organised by GT Motorsports.

Riddim Squad and Den Amstel locked in battle at the Tucville ground on Wednesday night last.

GOA support for Guyana NRA ahead of Commonwealth Games 2018

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