Kaieteur News
Sunday July 30, 2017
PAGE 03
Man slits 17-year-old wife's throat T
he life of a 17year-old of No.2 Village East Canje woman was cut short by her common law husband after a heated argument that ended in her throat being slit by the 25year-old man. The dead teen has been identified as Rosanna Lakhpal. The suspect who is currently on the run has been identified as Ryan Singh, 25, an unemployed man. Reports are that the couple was arguing when the fight turned physical. Nadira Persaud, a domestic worker who lives a street away, told this publication that the teen would babysit her ten and two-year-old when she leaves for work. She said that some time after noon, Rosanna went to her house to pick up the children. “She come by me and me husband see a mark on she hand and he ask she wa
Dead: Rosanna Lakhpal
happen deh. She seh how couple day now the mark deh
down deh and then she collect dem chiren and she leff.”
The home of the 17-year-old
Food for thought
A True Friend Horror gripped the heart of the World War I soldier as he saw his lifelong friend fall in battle. Caught in a trench with continuous gunfire whizzing over his head, the soldier asked his lieutenant if he might go out into the “no man's land” between the trenches to bring his fallen comrade back. “You can go,” said the lieutenant, “but i don't think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may throw your life away.” The lieutenant's advice didn't matter, and the soldier went anyway. Miraculously he managed to reach his friend, hoist him onto his shoulder and bring him back to their company's trench. As the two of them tumbled in together to the bottom of the trench, the officer checked the wounded soldier, and then looked kindly at his friend. “I told you it wouldn't be worth it,” he said. “Your friend is dead and you are mortally
wounded.” “It was worth it, though, sir,” said the soldier. “What do you mean; worth it?” responded the Lieutenant. “Your friend is dead.” “Yes, Sir” the private answered. “But it was worth it because when I got to him, he was still alive and I had the satisfaction of hearing him saying, “Jim…, I knew you'd come.” Many times in life, whether a thing is worth doing or not, really depends on how you look at it. Take up all your courage and do something your heart tells you to do so that you may not regret not doing it later in your life. May each and every one of you be blessed with the company of TRUE FRIENDS. A true friend is one who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out. War doesn't determine who's right. War only determines who's left. [Author Unknown]
According to the woman not long after her 10-year-old showed up at her place of employment with the baby in arms telling her that the couple was fighting and they were told by Ryan Singh to exit the yard. “She come and seh how Ryan and Rosanna fighting. I tell she hold on li'l bit. Me boss lady tell me go see wa happen.” The woman recounted that upon her arrival at Rosanna's home her ten-yearold daughter refused to enter the home since she was afraid that the couple was still fighting. “When I reach deh it had clothes burning at the back and me daughter didn't want go in so I go in with her and the baby because I had a bag fuh collect. “I deh calling for Rosanna and me nah hear nothing. Then I call me (Raki) brother on the phone and when he come he ask me wa happen and I tell he I meet the door open and that I calling and nobody answering”, Persaud explained. At that point they both decided to enter the home and called out for the teen, but again no answer. They were in the upper flat of the two storied concrete building, she said, when they decided to check in the lower flat where the teen lived with her common law husband. It was then that they
discovered young Rosanna's body lying on the floor in the hall of the apartment covered with sheets. “We see she foot first but then I de still calling on her
thinking she sleeping. But is when I pull she head I see the throat and I start holler. The cushion from the chair did brace next to she face,” the (continued on page 17)
Sunday July 30, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Our falling population: Shouldn’t we Kissoon’s role in the Vice Chancellor... I rather suspect that if From page 4 The central figure in the Freddie was not seen as the very vocal about Rose going. issue was the politics and perbe concerned about this? Certain council members catalyst in Rose’s contract sonality of Freddie Kissoon. DEAR EDITOR, The national census published by the Bureau of Statistics about a year ago has a lot of interesting information pertaining to where the nation stands at this time. The census is taken in countries across the world every ten years, gathering house-to-house information to update population information and provide a baseline for estimates during the intervening years. The Guyana census was taken by the Bureau of Sta-
fallen from 759,566 in 1980, a drop of 12,611 in 32 years. But a population is a dynamic thing, so it’s not enough to compare the numbers at two points in time. The actual loss is even higher if we compared the present population to what it would have been if the population was growing normally. As illustrated in figure 1, if we assume a conservative population growth rate of one percent per year since 1980, the population would have been 1,014,358 by 2012, so the
sovereignty and survival as a nation. It should be mentioned that the Guyana population has shown strange fluctuation since 1980 (see figure 2). Based on census data published by the Guyana Bureau of Statistics, the population fell drastically to 723,671 in 1991, recovered markedly to 751,223 by 2002, before dropping again between 2002 and 2012. This wide range of population fluctuation is difficult to understand – it would be Figure 1. A Comparison of Guyana’s Projected and Actual Population Growth Trends, 1980-2012
tistics in 2012. The information coming out of the census is a vital input to planning and investment decision-making in both the private and public sectors. Learning the actual size of the population from the census, we don’t have to go guessing and speculating. As of 2012, the Guyana population was 746,955. This number indicates that our population has not just been stagnant, but has actually been declining. It has
actual population loss is more like 300,000 over that period. This level of population loss is a serious reflection on the state of the country. For every living organism, whether it’s an animal, plant or bug, its first objective is survival, and survival and population growth go together. The falling population, combined with our present state of poverty as a country, represents in my opinion, the greatest threat to national
interesting to get a full explanation from the Bureau of what’s behind it. As for the overall trend of decline in the population, undoubtedly, our high rate of emigration is a major factor. It’s unfortunate that the Bureau does not (to my knowledge) show the components of the population growth, but indications are that Guyana continues to have a healthy rate of natural increase. Even though it has fallen Continued on page 7
were cultivating Benjamin because as I stated, a national election was around the corner. It was Freddie who I think complicated things though I believe Freddie was acting out of his natural instincts. At that time Rose and Freddie were involved in a do or die game at UG. What happened is that Freddie took centre stage in the action to move Rose and that politicized the water. If Freddie had stayed out the picture, I think the Government would not have rescinded the contract of Dr. Kirton. What happened is that Freddie made’ Rose’s ouster a big political rally not only on the campus but in Guyana with his access to the media. He also brought Benjamin under his wing and roped in Norris Witter of the TUC. Whatever faults you can attribute to Freddie, his political passion is infectious. It was against this background the government acted to remove Kirton. I think President Jagdeo took Rose’s defeat in a personal way; as a victory for Freddie. This is where the Minister of Education, Dr. Henry Jeffrey and Ralph Ramkarran came in. I would like to think the President instructed both of them to ensure the status quo remained. Looking back at this controversy, I would say the crucial factor in Kirton’s removal was Freddie. Had he been less vocal against Rose in the Council; left Benjamin, the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Gopaul and Mrs. Chanderpal to determine how the Council would continue with Rose, then I think, UG’s history may have been different.
non-renewal, then things would have been allowed to settle and Kirton would have been allowed to stay on. The academics definitely did not want an Indian Vice Chancellor because they felt that he would have acted in the interest of race and politics whereas they felt more comfortable with Rose because of the very issue of race. The academics would have come around to finally accepting Kirton who was always widely liked and respected at UG. Incidentally, the President did move Rose; he replaced him with a Black Trinidadian and the academics made no fuss.
Jagdeo saw Freddie as the centre of the controversy, and to a lesser extent, so did Dr. Jeffrey and Ramkarran. I hope these little opinions of mine can assist those who will one day write about that period. I don’t think Freddie should read what is written here as a criticism. One of the best persons UG has produced is Freddie Kissoon. One of the best citizens Guyana produced is Freddie Kissoon. But in all seriousness, Freddie Kissoon can be his own worst enemy at times. Former UG Council Member
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox Collateral damage to the charlatans who enjoy and abuse power DEAR EDITOR, I have kept some notes on two matters that have their genesis in the PPP’s reign. Every time I stroll through my note book and look at these notes they always induce a feeling of eye watering pity. I hope the penning of a few lines on the matters of Maurice Arjoon who claimed that he was framed for refusing to lend two billion dollars to the Government of Jagdeo for construction of the Berbice Bridge in 2006 and Freddie Kissoon who’s service at the University of Guyana was terminated prematurely on January 18 -2012 five months before the would have ended would give me some solace. The charges against Arjoon and his compatriots were dropped years ago and his lawsuit against NBS finally resulted in a Judge awarding him some 69 million dollars a week ago. I think he deserve every cent of the original 550 million he has initially asked for. The matters of Arjoon and Freddie Kissoon had been regurgitated in the media from all angles for years to such an extent that even the casual reader could have given a verdict. Yet throughout the years I had not seen a single article in the news or heard a voice of solidarity crying out for justice for Arjoon or FK; not from working professionals; not from the luminaries in society; not from trade unions or civic society. It seems that when matters of justice become intricately involved with politics our most profound response is to stop being our
brother’s keeper. Our constitution is enshrined with an office called the Ombudsman who is chosen by government and it is a constitutional office. The Ombudsman is responsible for representing the public by investigating or addressing complaints of mal-administration or violation of rights of citizens by Government; also to identify systemic issues leading to poor services or breach of people’s rights. Freddie Kissoon’s complaint was taken to the Ombudsman. Judge Winston Moore whom upon investigation issued a report, citing that a grave injustice was done to FK and recommend that FK should be compensated. The Ombudsman is not in the “fit and proper” category. He was a learned Judge. Yet I have not seen or heard a single comment for the Judge’s findings and recommendation to be expedited. One of Guyana’s top luminaries, Dr. Clive Thomas said “If no action is taken on the reports of the Ombudsman, then what is the purpose of having one?” We dishonor our constitution when we allow governments to ignore the decisions of safeguard mechanisms like the Ombudsman’s office. When we do not condemn an act of repression unleashed by a government on a citizen, we open the door for repression on all citizens. Where are the voices of solidarity – calling for FK to be compensated for the injustice done to him by the PPP/C government? There are supporters of the PPP who will not in their
lifetime acknowledge or confess to a single fault of the PPP. Likewise the same goes for some APNU/AFC supporters. They are the “diehards”. Sadly! They constitute a large segment of the population; they are allergic to any form of mental makeover; to these people truth can only come from the mouths of their political leaders. To this lot of PPP supporters no amount of logical reasoning will change their belief that FK is a villain who got what he deserved at the hands of the PPP. To the APNU+AFC diehards Freddie was a good man in the days of the PPP now turned villain for exposing the flaws of the Coalition. The fact that FK cannot be seen for what he is - an intellectual activist for truth, rights and justice by a larger segment of Guyana’s population, does not auger well for the social, moral and political enlightenment of our country. Sorry! I am wrong. There was Nagamotoo giving off a tear for the need for Maurice Arjoon to receive swift justice in parliament. Albeit! Those tears were crocodilian in nature since the date for ruling by the Judge was already set and he made no mention of FK’s compensation as was directed by the Ombudsman. This is testimony that the Coalition has no intention to address the matter of compensation for Fredrick Kissoon for the second time FK has become collateral damage for the charlatans for his activism. Rudolph Singh
Kaieteur M@ilbox This letter is for future generations researching Guyana’s history DEAR EDITOR, The dispute between me and Ralph Ramkarran has been given adequate ventilation in the pages of this newspaper. It all began with a letter from Mr. Ramkarran in which he demanded retractions of certain passages in one of my columns and an apology. If same was not done, the paper and I would face libel writs. Since then, a letter appeared in support of Mr. Ramkarran captioned, “Ralph Ramkarran would never apologize to inferior quality.” It is this letter I am replying to and for one reason only. If very long from now, one is researching any legacy left by me or Mr. Ramkarran, then, if there isn’t this response here, only Karran’s letter will be available. I am not going to reply to the scurrilous remarks made against me by T. Karran. I have been a social activist my entire life and a media operative for three decades. After a while you come to expect these derogations and they fade immediately from your mind never to be remembered. This missive here in response to T. Karran seeks to show every human in and out of this country the nature of a nationality classified as Guyanese and a society named Guyana. We begin with Mr. Ramkarran’s letter to this newspaper indicating the intention to take legal action. Mr. Ramkarran’s correspondence stated; “The statement is therefore defamatory, malicious and calculated to besmirch our client’s (Mr. Ramkarran) good reputation
and to lower his character in the estimation of the public and has so done.” Yet in studying Ramkarran letter which charges maliciousness on the part of my column in question, this newspaper referred to “attempts at dishonesty” in the very Ramkarran missive. How can you accuse someone of being hurt and will seek legal action against them but you are dishonest in your claim? What or where are these “attempts at dishonesty. Here is the evidence. I quote from my column of July 18, 2017, “It makes you want to throw up when you read Anil Nandlall’s daily ruminations in the newspapers about the rule of law being violated, Bharrat Jagdeo talking nonsense about political victimization of PPP supporters at his weekly press conferences and the arid sermons about violations in the letter section of the newspapers by Donald Ramotar. All three of these former PPP Leviathans should be ostracized by civilized society. Sadly, we don’t have such a society in Guyana.” (End of quote) Any school boy would know that the three Leviathans here are Nandlall, Jagdeo and Ramotar. A Leviathan in political theory refers to a very powerful exerciser of governmental authority; in this case, the former AttorneyGeneral, and two former presidents. Mr. Ramkarran then cited the following lines in my column, “…Bharrat Jagdeo and Henry Jeffrey and Ralph Ramkarran were part of a state apparatus that did what it wanted to.” Then after those words of mine, Mr. Ramkarran wrote the following, “…he recommends that all three of these former Leviathans should be ostracized by civil society.” Those words came after several paragraphs on Nandlall, Jagdeo and Ramotar in my column and were applied to them not Ramkarran. Since Ramkarran said “Leviathan” was applied to him, it damaged his character and he wanted a retraction and an apology. I did retract the words and apologize. I did that to protect the paper I write for and to get on with
my life rather than be bogged down with Ramkarran in a court of law in my older age. But the paper saw the offence in Ramkarran’s letter and described it as “attempts at dishonesty.” What are the lessons to be learnt here? Simply! This is the nature of Guyana where truths are casualties. Here is another example where truths become casualties. In his correspondence threatening libel, Mr. Ramkarran said I damaged his character through the use of the following words in my column; “Kirton was not allowed to continue because UG’s lawyer, Ralph Ramkarran (is he still UG’s lawyer, I hope not?) informed the Pro Chancellor that Justice Patterson’s order of certiorari didn’t not include the retention of Kirton.” Mr. Ramkarran took objection to that and wrote that that I insinuated “that Ramkarran…was engaged in a course of action designed to pervert the course of justice.” There are no such words in my column only the simple truth that Ramkarran wrote the University advising them to ignore the two orders by the judge. This he did in two letters to the university, one dated September 7, 2005, the other September 13, 2005. To prove that he did not do such a thing, Mr. Ramkarran described in careful details with specific dates the course of events from the time we filed the writs to stop the revocation of Dr. Mark Kirton’s appointment to the conclusion of the case in the year 2005. Missing in his meticulous description is the date September 5. It was on that date the judge issued two orders halting the removal of Dr. Kirton. Mr. Ramkarran, for reasons readers can comprehend for themselves, chose not to mention that two orders were issued and he advised the university to disregard them. I write this letter so that maybe long from now, researchers can see what Guyana was like but most of all my trials and tribulations. For all you know, my daughter may very well be the one to chronicle this aspect of my life Frederick Kissoon
Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur M@ilbox This government must respect constitutional requirements DEAR EDITOR, This government must not use the United Nations’ (UN) name to front any non-constitutional act. If it wants to be involved in any such act in pursuit of constitutional reform the actors must be bold enough to come out and not hide behind the UN. I’m in possession of a copy of the UN Report on the study for constitutional reform and having read it, the establishment of any commission for the process of reforming the Guyana Constitution has not been mentioned, explicit or implicit. What the report noted is that reform, following a process of inclusivity and public education, can help advance cohesion in the society. In fact this recognition is, expressly and implicitly, required of us according to the Constitution. Government’s attention is being drawn to Article 119A which expressly says, “The
National Assembly shall establish a Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform for the purpose of continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports thereon to the Assembly, with proposals for reform as necessary.” This is the only authoritative body that can recommend to the House, after a process of review, any idea/s for reform. The establishment of any Bill for reform without recommendation from this Standing Committee is subverting the Constitution and disregarding the rule of law. The government had appointed a committee hiding behind Article 119 when Article 119A specifically speaks to the process by which reform shall be done. For clarity, Article 119 was there from the inception of the Constitution, while Article 119A was enacted in 2001 out
of the people’s desire to engage in continual review as against waiting for the establishment of a reform commission, as was done in 1999, to do so and act on. To the best of the nation’s knowledge the Standing Committee, in this and the last parliament, never made any report or submission to the Assembly to commence any action on reform. The Constitutional Reform Bill this government has before the House to engage in such action has not followed the process outlined in the Constitution. Those who are supposed to be guardians of the Constitution are setting out to rape and violate it. The Parliamentary Standing Committee must be allowed to function and the Prime Minister and others must respect the constitutional requirement and process on proceeding with any effort at reform. Lincoln Lewis
Our falling population: Shouldn’t we... Figure 2. Guyana’s Fluctuating Population Growth
From page 5 drastically over the decades, our fertility rate is relatively high. The fertility rate is a measure of the number of children on average that each woman would be expected to bear over their child-bearing years. It is linked to the birth rate, which is an important factor going into the determination of the rate of natural increase in the population. Obviously, another major factor is the death rate. In Guyana, the national fertility rate in 2012 was 2.8, down from 5.8 in 1960 (alas, don’t be put off by the .8 child – it’s just an average). Guyana’s fertility rate is higher than the world average for 2015 (2.45) and Haiti (3.0) is the only country in CARICOM with a higher rate. Although I don’t have ready access to emigration figures, it’s a reasonable guess that this is what makes the difference. The tragedy of Guyana’s high emigration rate goes be-
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yond the numbers. The high number of people leaving the country over the years, represents a huge human resource loss, when consideration is given to the qualifications and training that they have taken with them. In fact, when it comes to international comparisons, Guyana has led the world in the brain drain category (and
suicide), with close to 90 percent of tertiary level graduates emigrating. The high level of emigration, whether skilled or unskilled, is a glaring indicator of Guyana’s failure as a nation to provide hope and confidence among its citizens of being able to fulfill their aspirations. Desmond Thomas, PhD
Kaieteur M@ilbox Security forces need reliable Western-made equipment DEAR EDITOR, A letter published last Sunday spoke about the need for the Government to acquire more airplanes, helicopters and trucks and other assets to support the Government’s mandate to protect, serve and support the public. I agree and believe this should be done. Since recently, we have seen many cases driving a need for the government to be better equipped. I had recalled that during the previous Government they had received a grant from
the Canadians or Americans to secure a fleet of new airplanes and helicopters. It was silly to not accept the offered package of new planes and helicopters to reequip the GDF and establish a Police Air Wing with western helicopters and airplanes to deal with all the new security, search and rescue and other challenges facing this coalition government. Hopefully, the current coalition Government might be able to get that same deal rekindled again and acquire new
western equipment with a full warranty, training, support and not any used aircraft and helicopters acquired by the previous government. The acquisition of new and proper western equipment by our government would enable us to have comparable capabilities to those provided by the Governments in Trinidad and Jamaica. The need for proper search and rescue, patrol and other enhanced security capabilities should not be viewed as a luxury but a necessity. Balram Bhagwandin
WHY IS MS ROBERTSON BEING SIDELINED? DEAR EDITOR, I am writing to express my concern about the non-appointment of Melissa Robertson as a judge. Recent reports in the print and electronic media indicate four judges have been sworn in. Ms. Robertson was senior to all of them in the judicial system. Ms. Robertson has been in the judicial system for 27 years, since 1990 and has made several applications to be appointed as a puisne judge.
Her applications seem to have been ignored. She served as a magistrate for 13 years and is presently serving as a Commissioner of Title in Berbice. She was so appointed on 8th September 2010. Ms. Robertson is highly qualified for the position she is apply-
ing for. Now it leaves me to question, why is she being treated this way? Others have come after her and have superseded her. This must be discrimination. I am asking, have the authorities forgotten that she is still in the system? Concerned Lawyer
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
Possible conflict of interest highlighted in Escapee Stafrei Alexander Mangals’ relationship with Government, Exxon captured in Corentyne backlands Persons who spoke on the grounds of anonymity have highlighted a possible case of conflict of interest in the relationship between the Mangal brothers, the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil. Dr. Jan Mangal is one of the government’s main advisors on oil. He occupies an Office at the Ministry of the Presidency. Dr. Mangal is supposed to help government secure the best deal it can with ExxonMobil and in other areas help Government make wise policies for all things relating to oil. His brother, Lars Mangal, is working with ExxonMobil. He recently won a bid to construct an onshore facility for ExxonMobil. In March, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced that Dr. Jan Mangal was appointed as Petroleum Advisor. Harmon said that Dr. Mangal is contracted to advise Government on the development of the petroleum industry. He will be advising
the Minister and the Ministry of Natural Resources on matters of policy. Dr. Mangal said that he will be looking at the issue of energy generation in a holistic manner in keeping with the country’s ‘green agenda’. He said, too, that it’s not only the power sector and the green agenda but it’s also about infrastructure, the revenue from the petroleum and the needs of the sector as whole. Dr. Mangal has a Doctorate in Offshore Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Edinburg. He worked in marine and oil and gas industries for the past 18 years in various parts of the world including the United States, West Africa, and the Philippines. Dr. Jan Mangal’s brother, Lars Mangal, has established a company, Totaltec Oilfield Services. The company which was established in 2016 has
partnered with ExxonMobil. Guyana Shore Base Incorporated (GYSBI) is currently constructing an onshore base facility to service ExxonMobil’s offshore operations. The site is located at the Muneshwers wharf in Houston, East Bank, Demerara. The wharf is being converted from a container port into the onshore base facility. GYSBI is a partnership between Muneshwers Limited, Pacific Rim Constructors, Totaltec Oilfield Services and LED Offshore. The 28-acre warehousing and logistics base will see services that were previously accessed in Trinidad and Tobago by Exxon, being brought to Guyana. Those services include port facilities, accommodations on site, fuel bunkering, bulk cementing and mud plants. The offshore facility will employ an estimated 100 persons directly, and 200-300 persons indirectly when it is fully operational.
The hunt for Georgetown prison escapee, Stafrei Alexander, ended yesterday, with his capture in the backlands at Hampshire, Corentyne. At the time of his capture, Alexander, also known as “Mad Dog,” was nursing a bullet wound to the left foot. He was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital. He is believed to have been shot just over a week ago, during a narrow escape from Joint Services ranks, while resting in a hammock in the Port Mourant backlands. Commander of B Division, Paul Williams, told Kaieteur News that ranks were mobilized Friday night, based on reliable information that the escapee was spotted in the Topoo area, located about a mile away from where Alexander was nabbed. “Since last night we were doing our various operations, searching drug houses and abandoned places,” he explained. Commissioner David Ramnarine stated that based
-nursing gunshot wound on information received from members of the public, a special operation was launched in ‘B’ Division with support from Police Headquarters. “This led to the re-capture of Georgetown Prison escapee Stafrei Alexander aback of the village of Hampshire in the Corentyne. At the time of his re-capture Alexander had an existing wound and is receiving medical attention at an undisclosed medical institution. “While the nature of the wound has not been confirmed at this time, it is believed he sustained the wound during a previous confrontation with the Joint Services,” a Department of Public Information release stated. Still at large are Mark Royden Durant, Uree Varswyck and Cobena Stephens, who, along with Alexander, escaped from the Camp Street Prison on July 9. Also at large are Paul Goriah, Shawn Harris, Kerry
Stafrei Alexander soon after his capture
Cromwell and Clive Forde, all of whom escaped from the Lusignan facility. The Guyana Police Force thanks the members of the public who provided the information which led to Alexander’s capture and asks that the public continue to provide information which is critical to the re-capture of all the prison escapees. Seven fugitives remain on the run.
Sunday July 30, 2017
RANKS FORCED TO QUELL RIOT AT LUSIGNAN PRISON …16 inmates shot, four others injured
The Lusignan holding facility.
Sixteen prisoners were shot, and four others injured when security personnel were forced to quell a riot at the Lusignan Prison, during which inmates fought each other and also attacked wardens. A Department of Public Information (DPI) release said that three of the shot prisoners, and two who suffered injuries as a result of fights, were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for treatment. The others were being treated on site at the Lusignan Prison Infirmary. According to the release, none of those who were shot are, at this time, deemed to be in a life-threatening condition. A senior prison official disclosed that the armed ranks used pellets and rubber bullets to quell the disturbance. “They were fighting among themselves and attacking and hurling missiles
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at officers who were conducting security search. We gave repeated instructions on the public address system for them to desist, but they were bent on being riotous.”’ The official blamed the disturbance on “a few of the inmates who were bent on being disruptive.” The DPI release stated that Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, confirmed that at approximately 16:20hrs yesterday, inmates at the
holding area of the Lusignan Prison were involved “in a series of assaults and aggressive conduct which resulted in extreme disorder and threatened their own safety, that of the joint services team providing security and could have escalated further and compromise the integrity of the facility.” As a last resort the use of force, including firearms, was required to restore order and maintain the integrity of the holding facility.
“Sixteen prisoners were shot and suffered minor gunshot injuries and another four suffered injuries as a result of fights among themselves. Continued on page 14
Dem boys seh...
De prison wardens getting vex Is only a matter of time before dem prison warden get vex wid all de nonsense dem prisoners been carrying on. De thing start wid a fire in Camp Street jail last year. All dem hundred plus years de jail been there, nobody ever light a fire. Up comes this set and dem decide that dem very bad suh dem light a fire. Eighteen prisoners get killed. Some dead in hospital and some of dem roast suh bad that dem family couldn’t even recognize dem. De government get a shock. Li’l bit more and some Ministers and prison wardens woulda tek off dem pants and bend over to please de prisoners. Dem boys seh that is only because people talk mek that ain’t happen. But de prisoners see a loophole. That is why dem bun de prison again. Nobody ain’t dead this time but dem de government and de prison warden nearly bend over backwards again just to show de world that dem is nice decent people. From de time that happen Jagdeo seh that de prisoners got de government by de tail and swinging dem. He seh that de government show de prisoners that it was weak. De prisoners move to Lusignan and is more fire. Dem roast cow and sheep; dem try to bun down a shed and things like that. Old people seh don’t push people. One set of prisoners get put back in Camp Street and dem start to bruck down de walls inside de jail. Dem couldn’t start fire because de prison warden tek way all dem lighters and matches. But there is a saying that when something nice do it again. De prisoners feel nice when dem bun down Camp Street jail. Dem feel nice when dem behave bad and dem feel nice when dem hear that a set of dem get away. That is how dem start to behave bad last night. Well dem boys seh some of dem in pain. Dem get some bullet. Dem boys seh dem lucky is not de hard stuff that de souljas does use. Sixteen of dem get shoot and couple of dem in hospital. Dem boys want to warn dem that de next time is real bullets gun fly because people who guarding dem fed up. Talk half and hope dem prisoners behave because people vex.
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
NICIL too broke to go after debtors By Kiana Wilburg The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has found itself in a rather worrying state of affairs. The entity which was once used as a parallel treasury is now owed millions of dollars by various companies and state agencies. And
that’s not the worst part. NICIL is actually too broke to even go after all of its debtors. This was recently explained to Kaieteur News by NICIL Head, Horace James. The official explained that NICIL is unable to go after its debtors as its investments in the Berbice Bridge and the Marriott Hotel “do not bring in a cent.” He said that the
- Official says GuyOil is the only company holding things together Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) is the only company which has been submitting substantial dividends. James said that GuyOil is the only company that is holding things together.
The NICIL officer said, “As it stands, NICIL is in need of liquid cash. The main reason affecting our cash position is all our investments have been tied up in the Marriott. Also, we have a lot of nonpaying people that we now have in court.” James said that some of the debtors include Caricom Insurance -$121M; Hong Kong Golden Telecom Company-US$5M; BaiShanLin $25M, Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) -$17M and Sithe Global- $151M. The NICIL Head complained that the total money owed by all of its debtors is $1.7B. He added, “The reality is that NICIL does not have money to go after its debtors. So our biggest concern is going behind our debtors. But remember, it is an expensive thing.” Last year, NICIL’s Chairman, Dr. Maurice Odle, bemoaned the fact that under the previous administration, the entity was run with little to no transparency and accountability for investment decisions. He also spoke against the way in which taxpayers were kept in the dark about the happenings of the state-owned company. In the forensic audit report which was prepared by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, it was recommended that the entity be closed down and a small department opened under the Ministry of Finance, if Government deems it necessary. It was explained that the reason for such a recommen-
dation was premised on the fact that NICIL was initially established for the purpose of privatization of state assets. That was done in two phases in the 1990s. Since that phase ended years ago, the report recommends that there is no need for NICIL to remain a company. It says that it should be liquidated and Government should make moves to establish a department to manage the assets being held by the company. Finance Minister Winston Jordan said, however, that he is not inclined to go this route, and has since made it clear that the entity is necessary. Meanwhile, Goolsarran had told this newspaper that he is deeply disappointed that recommendations to shut down NICIL have not been implemented. He reminded that it was this very administration which had at one time, called for the closure of NICIL when it sat on the opposition benches. The former Auditor General stated that this new Government had given the commitment that it would not use NICIL in an abusive manner. “However, what Government must see is the bigger picture. What will happen when there is another government in place? Too late shall be the cry then. It is a grave disappointment and NICIL should without question be brought to a halt. It practically allows too many avenues for eerie forms of corruption which the nation has witnessed under the previous administration,” expressed Goolsarran. The anti-corruption activist also said that the forensic
NICIL Head, Horace James audit which he prepared provides irrefutable grounds which show how financial lawlessness took place at unimaginable scales at the entity. Goolsarran said that he is in agreement with other financial minds who believe that the NICIL Board seems uninterested in going after those persons who committed grave acts within the state-owned entity. Goolsarran recalled that a Cabinet decision was made for NICIL’s former CEO, Winston Brassington and his Deputy, Marcia Nadir-Sharma, to be sent on leave pending the outcome of investigations. The former Auditor General said it is troubling that months later, not a word has been said by NICIL to the nation regarding the status of these investigations. He stressed that NICIL needs to remove itself from the veil of secrecy. Goolsarran nevertheless maintained that “NICIL has been at the centre of some of the worst corrupt acts of our time and it must be closed down.”
Sunday July 30, 2017
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Kaieteur News
House passes Motor Vehicles Insurance Third Party Risk Amendment Bill The Motor Vehicles Insurance Third Party Risk Amendment Bill was passed by the National Assembly Thursday evening after a short presentation by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. The minister explained that the “rather short Bill seeks to amend the Principal Act, so as to remedy a defect”. The Bill seeks to ensure that Brazilians, in particular, are now mandated to have at least Third-Party vehicle insurance when travelling within Guyana’s territory. This follows a similar agreement made between Guyana and Suriname ‘Cross border protocol’ for vehicle and goods transportation, some years ago. The minister explained that locally, it is mandatory that all motorists possess at least ‘Third Party Insurance’. But in the context of the rapid progress being made through trans-national trade and travel between Brazil and Suriname, measures must be taken to ensure that foreigners are also certified. The Bill stipulates
that drivers ‘coming into Guyana’ are in accordance with several international agreements. The minister recalled that an agreement was signed with Brazil in 2003. This ‘International transport agreement’ called for a legal instrument to regularise the transport of goods and vehicles between the two countries, “and set the basic principles of reciprocity, and integrating and legitimate interests in these areas of activities.” He added that Article 15 states, “Carriers shall be obligated to ensure the transportation risk, in respect of third parties and of the crew. Each contracting party shall adopt internal legislative measures that permit the issuance of internationally valid insurance policy certificates. The insurance for the firms, of any of the parties could be contracted in the country in which the vehicle is temporarily domiciled or the country of origin of the vehicle, in accordance with the principle of reciprocity.” Minister Ramjattan
emphasised the need to make legislative arrangements, so that Guyana can “take care of the international obligations that we have.” He spoke of the need to amend Section 3 of the Principal Act, by doing an insertion 3A, which gives the minister the “power to order that an international agreement can be in accordance with some schedule… “The minister, may by order, in pursuance with any international agreement provide for the issuance of insurance coverage for third party risk in accordance with that international agreement to cover liability caused by, or arising out of the use of a motor vehicle, in respect of two things-the death or bodily injury, or the damage to the property of any person.” Opposition Member of Parliament, Clement Rohee, supporting the Bill, made a call for the raising of the current Third-Party limit to be expedited eventually. He stated that education was needed to inform Guyanese travelling to Brazil, as to their various ben-
Police Corporal topples minibus Last Friday night, a police corporal, Dervin Semple, who is stationed at the Mackenzie Police Station, Linden crashed a minibus registered BRR 249 at Letter T Public Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. He was returning from Berbice and was on his way to Linden when he offered a ride to two passengers. The Police Corporal, said in a statement that around 20:30hrs, he was proceeding west along the road when he was suddenly blinded by a bright light of a vehicle proceeding in the opposite direction. This forced him to swerve further south and in the process the vehicle toppled. Victims of the accident include Prince Hart, 62, of Paradise, East Coast Demerara,
- accused of attending to phone while driving who is a relative of the Police Corporal, Dervin Semple, and Gregory Halley, 33, of Zeskendren, ECD. Of the three men, Hart and the Corporal sustained minor injuries and were treated at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital and eventually sent away. A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver and proved that he was not under the influence of alcohol. Halley when contacted explained that he is “bed-ridden” and referred reporters to his sister who assisted willingly. Previously, when he was questioned concerning the speed of the vehicle, he de-
scribed that it was a “reasonable pace”. Halley’s sister, who asked that her name not be disclosed, said that Gregory Halley was taken to the hospital by a doctor who works at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital. She explained that her brother suffered from lacerations to the neck, a dislocated left shoulder, and injuries to his lower back and spine since he was sitting in the front of the bus. According to the victim’s sister, the driver of the bus was attending to a phone that was charging when he lost control of the vehicle and ended up in a trench.
efits and vice versa. The Bill had been sent to
the Special Select Committee, read for a second and third
time, then passed with the full support of those present.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday July 30, 2017
Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
President’s College student feared dead What was supposed to be a fishing expedition turned out to be a tragedy, plunging the closely knitted community of Number Nine Village, West Coast Berbice, into a state of shock. This was the news of the demise of a teenaged student who hails from the village. According to reports, 14year- old President’s College student, Akeem Mangar, who hails from Number Nine Village, West Coast Berbice, was in company of a group of teenagers who at around 14:00 hours on Saturday, set out to go catch crabs on the foreshore. The expedition had to be
Akeem Mangar aborted as tragedy struck even before they arrived at their destination.
To get to the foreshore, the teenagers had to cross the façade canal to the north of the village, which is the main drainage canal serving the entire West Berbice. There is no bridge in the area. Information received is that the boys were swimming across the canal when they observed that Akeem was having difficulties and attempted to rescue him. However, because of the strong current, they were unable to prevent him from going under. When this publication visited, members of the community had already organised search parties in an attempt to recover the body,
and at least up to 17:30 hours were still searching. Scores villagers gathered in the vicinity hoping that the body would be quickly recovered. Meanwhile some could be seen trying to console the grieving parents, Parbatan Mangar, and
Jennel Semple. While the father was overcome by shock, the sobbing Jennel Semple, a teacher attached to the Woodley Park Secondary School, said that she was on West Coast Demerara when
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she received word that she had lost her only child who would have celebrated his 15th birthday next month. The police have since called in for questioning those who were present at the time of the incident.
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
FINANCIAL LITERACY:
The Fundamentals of Financial Planning Creating a personal financial plan It sounds complicated, but it is not. If you want financial security, having a
good plan is the only way to achieve it. Financial plans help you determine where you are going with your money. Planning is important to
ensure a direction for your day-to-day actions. In fact, it is never too early to begin planning. The earlier you begin planning for your
financial future, the sooner you will reach your goals. Creating the plan takes some work and no amount of planning can guarantee the outcome you want. Nevertheless, planning is better than not planning. Not planning is what some people do, and it is why they fail to reach their goals. In the past, financial advisers were required to assist in the preparation of the plans but because of the proliferation of online calculators, it is now possible for ordinary investors to develop their own financial plans. In fact, the more you know about financial planning, the more you will realize it is not difficult. However, it must be understood that because of the nature of interest and compounding that can be associated with investing, starting early can have great benefits. Therefore, the longer your investments have to grow, the greater their growth will be. For example, if you invest $5,000 today and receive a 6% annual compounding interest rate, your investment will grow to approximately $10,000 within 12 years. Within 24 years, the $5,000 investment would grow to $20,000 and within 36 years to $40,000. As you can see, financial planning boils down to finding the answer to one simple question, “Will I have enough money to retire at 55 or at 60?” Your financial planning roadmap What does a financial plan look like? Actually, it is different for every person. It is a roadmap of alternatives and choices that you make about your finances which affect almost every aspect of your life. Financial planning starts with a determination of where you are going, simplifying the path and building in milestones, implementing the roadmap, setting your monthly goals,
and monitoring and modifying the plan. Depending on your situation and how much financial progress you have already made, some steps may be unnecessary. 1. Determine your current financial situation: The first and most important aspect to creating a financial plan is to develop a budget detailing where your money goes. Having a thorough understanding of your current financial situation will help you to formulate realistic and well-informed goals. 2. It can be helpful to determine your current worth. To calculate your net worth, you will need to total your current liabilities (current bills and outstanding debt) and subtract them from your total current assets (cash, and cash equivalents, personal property, stock and bonds). The job is to figure out where your money is going now. There are free charts available online to assist you with calculating your net worth. 3. Set your financial goals: When developing your goals (short-term, medium and long-term), be sure to differentiate between necessities and wants. Establish priorities and consider the net worth calculated above and how realistically your goals align with your current financial situation. Then ask yourself a simple question: “Where do I want to be 20 years down the road?” So be specific, for example: “I want to own a house with the mortgage half paid off and/or I want to have an investment portfolio of let us say $2,000,000.” Be realistic. Once your goals have been set, refer to your target dates and the duration of your goals’ costs to determine a monthly cost that will be associated with working toward your goal. 4. Identify alternative courses of action: At this point, you will have to devise strategies to help you bridge
Ranks forced to quell... From page 9 There were no deaths or escapes. “The Guyana Prison Service regrets that this course of action had to be taken but was left with no other option given the extreme disorder which broke out in the holding area and the refusal of the prisoners to heed the commands of the officers to desist.” On July 9, during perhaps the worst prison riot in the nation’s history, inmates killed a prison warden and burned most of the Georgetown Prison to the ground. Eight inmates also escaped, and four remain at large. Several prisoners were transferred to the Mazaruni Prison and to a holding facility at Lusignan. Then, last Monday, 13 prisoners escaped from the Lusignan holding facility by digging a tunnel beneath a wall. Nine of the Lusignan escapees have been recaptured. Still at large are Paul Goriah, Shawn Harris, Kerry Cromwell and Clive Forde, who escaped from the Lusignan facility. Additionally, Mark Royden Durant, Stafrei Alexander, Uree Varswyck and Cobena Stephens are wanted for escaping from the Camp Street Prison on July 9, last.
Dr. Terence Smith, Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana the gap from where you are today to where you would like to be. This step of the financial planning process involves identifying alternative courses of action that can lead you to your goals. These include continuing with the same course of action (amount saved each month is appropriate) or change the current situation (use certificate of deposit instead of regular saving account). 5. Create and implement your financial plan: After you have determined your current financial situation, developed your financial goals and identified alternative courses of action you must now create and implement your financial action plan. This requires choosing ways to achieve your goal. As you achieve your immediate or short-term goals, the goals next in priority will come into focus. 6. Review and revise the financial plan: According to the McGraw Hill Company, “Financial planning is a dynamic process that does not end when you take a particular action. You need to regularly assess your financial decisions. Changing personal, social, and economic factors may require assessments that are more frequent. Make priority adjustments that will bring your financial goals and activities in line with your current life situation.” Reviewing your financial plan can help you to gauge your progress toward meeting your goals. Finally, do not forget to refine your retirement strategy. As you can surmise, personal financial planning is the process of managing your money to achieve personal economic satisfaction. In this regard, some thoughts must be given to your heirs. Make sure that you have a will, the right beneficiaries listed on your pension accounts and the right beneficiaries named on your life insurance. Next week we will discuss teaching financial literacy to teens: budgeting. Thanks for all your comments and support. As usual, please send your comments or questions to deputygovernor@ bankofguyana.org.gy
Sunday July 30, 2017
Govt, Global Network join forces to host crucial climate change workshop
The effects of climate change have already taken a toll on crucial areas of Guyana’s economy. These range from the agricultural sector to the areas of infrastructure and public health. With this in mind, the Government recently joined forces with the National Adaption Plan Global Network in an effort to raise awareness about the grave threat climate change poses to Guyana’s future. The workshop, which was facilitated at the Cara Lodge Hotel, provided journalists with an understanding of the stresses to the country’s economy, jobs and infrastructure. An insight was provided on how the Government is planning for those impacts through its National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Presenters also supplied journalists with updates on the status of international climate change negotiations. The presenters included officials from the Office of Climate Change and Executive Director of the Trade and Investment Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rawle Lucas. Lucas’s presentation focused on the Paris Climate Change Agreement which made historic strides in ensuring global action to limit climate change, and adapt to the changes already underway. His session also highlighted the state-of-play of the climate talks today, and key challenges ahead in the negotiations.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
GPHC Ophthalmology Department boosted with George Subraj Family Foundation donation The Ophthalmology Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) received a donation of medical supplies valued over US$20,000 on Friday, from the George Subraj Family Foundation. The supplies donated included an 87-piece surgical instrument set that included precision forceps, dissecting instruments, surgical scissors, vascular clamps, needle holders and eye drops among other supplies. Vice President of the George Subraj Family Foundation, Tony Subraj, said that the family’s foundation will remain committed to supporting the GPHC and the Ministry of Public Health through their annual corneal transplant mission as a way to expand the services offered by GPHC. This visit marks the 25th mission of the cornea and kidney transplant team to Guyana led by the Subraj Foundation. It represents a continuation of the work started by the founder, George Subraj, who passed away last November. Subraj paved the way for Guyana’s first kidney trans-
Gloria Subraj, the wife of the late George Subraj and team of the George Subraj Family Foundation hand over the equipment to the Georgetown Public Health Corporation (GPHC) Chairperson plant to be conducted at the GPHC in 2008, after starting his humanitarian work in 1992. This service was conducted by India-born kidney surgeon, Dr. Rahul Jindal, of the Walter Reed Medical Centre in Washington DC. Renal Transplant Specialist, Dr. Rahul Jindal, said, “The partnership between GPHC and the George Subraj Family Foundation will continue to grow stronger.”
He expressed gratitude for the support received by the Head of the Nephrology Department, Dr. Kishore Persaud. He also described the skills shown by the surgeons in the department as exceptional since “the idea is that the foreign team should not make the local team depend on them to do only what is required and then gradually withdraw…but to also be independent, to operate without
any assistance.” Chairperson of GPHC’s Board of Directors, Kesaundra Alves, received the donation and expressed her gratitude for the team’s continued support. “We know the legacy of this family will live on through the profound impact that their work and contributions will have with the patients of GPHC who received kidney and corneal transplants. I would like to say thank you
on the behalf of the patients” Alves said. She noted that during this visit with the inclusion of Dr. Joseph Pasternak, a Corneal Transplant Specialist, GPHC expects to complete 16 transplants within the next three days. Over the past three visits, since 2015 the Subraj Foundation team has facilitated the completion of 41 corneal transplants at GPHC. Thus far, about 70 per cent of the pa-
Tony Subraj, Vice President of George Subraj Family Foundation tients have been doing well with clear corneas post-transplant. Recently, during the third visit the foundation donated over 12 human corneal tissues to the Department of Ophthalmology for transplant surgeries. The clinical team for corneal transplants started in June and was followed up by specialists, both local and from the US. (Neola Damon)
Kaieteur News
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Celebrating African Fashion…
Main St. Emancipation village offers clothing galore Juliana Hughes displays a necklace she made from natural fibre and seeds
Some of the Afro-centric clothing on display
A
s Guyana prepares to celebrate 179 years of Emancipation on Tuesday, Main Street,
G e o rg e t o w n h a s b e e n transformed into a shopping arcade of specifically afrocentric clothing and accessories.
Since last week Monday, seamstresses, craft producers and vendors erected tents to sell clothing, beaded jewellery and
African-Guyanese food and beverages. Seamstresses came out with tie-dyed and African print materials to create head
wraps, dresses, skirts, shirts, pants and even swimwear to entice buyers. There were also distinctively patterned fabrics significant to African countries on sale. Persons who were not eager to purchase sought advice on how to create head wraps and how to secure accessories for clothing they had already. Then there were others who purchased matching outfits for their wives, husbands and children. Beverly, a seamstress, had some unique garments on display. She sews the majority of her clothing and even offered to sew a top on site for a young lady who wanted something to go with a pair of leggings. The woman explained that although sales were not good, she was pleased with her efforts thus far. Her outfits were reasonably priced. A woman could have got an entire outfit of either a dress, jumpsuit or skirt suit for $6,000. It was observed that sellers exchanged contact information with shoppers who desired authentic garments and hand-painted fabrics. Shoppers requested contact numbers from seamstresses just in case they required someone to sew a desired piece of clothing. It was evident that 76y e a r - o l d Yv o n n e O'Donoghue was enjoying her first experience. With a bright smile, Ms. O'Donoghue, a knitter and seamstress related that she specializes in hats, tote bags, swimwear and much more. Meagan King, the owner of King's Creation, explained that Ms. O'Donoghue is one
of her students who she began training about a year ago. Juliana Hughes from 'JAH Works' had a collection of necklaces made from natural seeds on display. She said that the company is coowned by her husband, Wesley James, and they are on a mission to make Guyana's natural resources marketable. According to Hughes, “Natural resources are not just what are under the ground. We have a lot of natural resources that are above the ground.” Hughes disclosed that she was out there to impart her craft to the nation and explained that some of the items she had on display were made respectively from velvet, buck bead, flamboyant, stinking toe and locust seeds. While Hughes loves working with seeds, she said that it is much more difficult since the process involves a lot of drilling. She however related that this aspect of the work is done by her husband. Hughes tries to keep her work as natural as possible and said that she rarely incorporates painting. She has also worked with natural fibres to create crochet necklaces. “In this period it is noticeable that a lot of the choker and Egyptian collars are being worn. So I am imparting by crochet ability in that area.” In 2010, Hughes received a UNESCO Award of Excellence for handicraft. Most of the vendors said they were satisfied with the revenues earned and that they will continue vending during the morning hours of Emancipation Day to cater for last minute shoppers.
Sunday July 30, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Local Content Policy and the opportunities for corruption - Part 2 Last week, we initiated a discussion on Guyana’s move towards developing a strong Local Content Policy (LCP) and how important this document will be to the nation’s future oil wealth. Also examined in that article were some of the opportunities that exist for corruption. (See link for further details on that news item — h t t p : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2017/07/23/local-contentpolicy-and-the-opportunities-for-corruption/). This week’s article continues along that line.
lieves that such discretion may provide incentives for corruption, particularly if the criteria for evaluating waiver applications is not made public, or is not applied in an objective or transparent manner.
as a way of bringing in specialist skills to a particular project”. In fact, joint ventures have also been used in the implementation of local content policies. In some coun-
This very point was made in 2013 by the World Trade Institute. Furthermore, political interference in the application and enforcement of the law is also seen as problematic in the majority of countries, where the Executive branch of government exercises huge influence over other government branches and agencies as well as state-owned enterprises. In Mozambique, for instance, Oxford Policy Management noted that in 2012, the national oil company ENH plays a key role in defining the country’s local content strategy. Nevertheless, the company reportedly suffers from political interference and its senior executives are closely connected to the political and business elite, opening space for these groups to extract rents in the sector.
tries, Transparency International said that foreign companies wishing to operate in the oil and gas sector can only do so by entering joint ventures with local companies – which usually are stateowned enterprises. Corruption risks in this process are many, said the global watchdog. It said that there are the risks of corruption in the negotiations phase as discussed above, in the selection of joint venture partners and risks of conflict of interest, among others. In fact, it was found that in the majority of countries, international companies do not have extensive options for potential joint venture partners. Considering the oil and gas industry in developing resource-rich countries and the close ties between the political and economic elite, Transparency International said that partners are usually state-owned enterprises or companies that are somehow connected to public officials. As the main characteristic of a joint venture is joint control, the body said that
ENFORCING LCP RULES The discretion often enjoyed by public officials responsible for implementing local content policies, combined with a lack of transparency, opens the door for uneven implementation and enforcement of local content rules. With this in mind, Transparency International, a global anti-corruption watchdog, cited the case of Kazakhstan. In that nation, international oil companies have complained that local content implementation is “uneven, irregular, and nontransparent, particularly at local levels of government.” This was particularly noted and documented by the US Department of State in 2013. It was also noted that companies in the country have complained of the indiscriminate use of sanctions for noncompliance with local content requirements. Transparency International said that discretion is also enjoyed by public officials to decide the circumstances in which local content rules do not apply. This can be seen in the case of Nigeria, where the Minister for Petroleum Resources can decide to waive the obligations for a given firm or project under Nigeria’s 2010 Content Development Act. The global watchdog be-
CORRUPT JOINT VENTURES According to Transparency International, joint ventures are used by oil and gas companies as “a way to share the higher risks and costs associated with the industry or
The Baccoo Speaks One of the early escapees would attract police presence in a built-up area and cause panic in the community. The information would be correct, but there would be a temporary standoff because of the habit people have of running toward danger. In the end the police would prevail, because one enterprising policeman would sneak in. The fatality would be unnecessary. ** A picnic would end when a child would be reported missing.
A search would be launched and in the end a relative would actually remove the child without the parents’ knowledge. That would spark a dispute, the kind that sometimes leads to fatal injuries. ** Another robbery would be reported in the east of the country. The homeowners would be subjected to a period of terror because one of the bandits would actually resort to violence to achieve his objective.
partners are able to appoint government officials to sit on the joint venture board. This generates two main risks of corruption. “First, the risk of conflict of interest and favouritism as discussed before. Second, according to international anti-corruption laws, such as the UK Bribery Act and the Foreign Corruption Practices Act (FCPA), international oil companies are liable for any bribes or corrupt behaviour by joint ventures partners who act on their behalf,” noted Transparency International. It noted too that foreign companies face similar compliance challenges with regard to their relationships with third parties. Transparency International said, “When subcontracting part of their operations to local companies, international companies may also be held liable if these companies engage in corruption. In the UK this is an area of concern for oil and gas companies, as they were already subject to the most prosecutions for bribery and graft of any sector during 2008 and 2012, and for payments and kickbacks made abroad by themselves or partners.”
SHELLCOMPANIES Local content policies may also be circumvented through the use of “fronts” and shell companies. According to Transparency International, foreign oil and gas companies may “hire” local established companies to serve as fronts to satisfy local content requirements. In this case, the global body said that international oil companies may pay companies registered in the host country to participate in bidding processes; the services are then implemented by the international company, as the local company does not have the capacity or exist. Transparency International said, “For instance, in Angola, there is evidence that international oil companies are paying illegal fees to contract with front companies in order to comply with hostcountry laws. The ownership and shareholding structure of these companies is often opaque, and they often lack the capacity to deliver on the awarded contract, with the work usually being carried out by the international oil company.” In addition, the body said that special purpose vehicles,
such as shell companies, may also be used to circumvent local content requirements, particularly in countries where local content rules do not clearly define what constitutes a “local” or “indigenous” company. Within this framework, the organization said that any company or international service provider registered in the host country, without having to disclose their beneficial owner, can potentially bid for contracts. The anti-corruption unit said that without requirements to disclose the beneficial owner, it is difficult to assess whether the company in question, is actually owned by a national. It was careful to highlight that this was the case in Nigeria, where local content requirements were misused and contracts to supply the oil industry were awarded to shell companies, inflating costs and increasing the project. Moreover, Transparency International warned that shell companies may also be used by politicians to disguise conflict of interest and facilitate the award of local content contracts to companies in which they hold interests. To be continued…
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
THE CARPENTER’S EXECUTION
By Michael Jordan
- who pumped a bullet into Vikesh Budhram as he slept? It was around 23:00 hrs on Saturday, November 22, 2008, that police ranks from the East Coast of Demerara rushed to Lot 642 Seventeenth Street, Foulis, to find themselves confronted by one of the most mysterious cases to come out of the crime wave period. The home belonged to Vikesh Budhram, a 25-year-old carpenter, who lived there with his reputed wife, Basmattie, the couple’s two daughters, aged two and one, and their grandmother. When the cops arrived, a hysterical Basmattie informed them that Vikesh was dead. According to the woman, she, Vikesh and the one-year-old daughter had retired to bed in the same room. The two-year-old daughter and Vikesh’s mother had occupied another room. Basmattie said that at around 23:00 hrs, she was awakened by a loud explosion in the bedroom. The woman claimed that she opened her eyes in time to see two masked men in dark clothing fleeing the room. According to Basmattie, her reputed husband was still lying on the bed, she shook
him. It was then that she saw the blood gushing from his neck. Basmattie claimed that Vikesh tried to speak, but was unable to. She then called out to neighbours, but no one came. Vikesh succumbed shortly after from a wound to the right side of the neck. Detectives recovered a bullet casing and a warhead similar to those used in AK-47 and M70 assault rifles. Checking the scene further, they discovered that someone had removed the louvre panes from a window in the bottom flat. It appeared that the killers entered through the bottom flat via the window, then proceeded to the upper flat, where they shot the sleeping carpenter. But detectives were baffled. For one thing, there appeared to be no clear motive. The killers had apparently fled the home without touching the family’s valuables. The other thing that was puzzling was the fact that the gunmen had apparently known which bedroom Vikesh had occupied. The investigators were also baffled by the fact that, apart from the victim’s wife, no one else in the household had seen the killers. Indeed, no one in the neighbourhood had seen the fleeing men. Dhanmattie Budhram, the murdered man’s mother, recalled being awakened by the gunshot and hearing her daughter-in-law screaming.
anyone wanting to kill the young carpenter. Relatives and neighbours described him as a peaceful, hard-working individual who seemed to have no problems with anyone. An autopsy would later reveal that the gunman had shot Budhram at very close range, since there were burn marks around the wound. Ballistic tests failed to match the bullet casing and warhead to any known weapon. The detectives were also bothered by what appeared to be conflicting statements from the victim’s family members, and particularly by the fact that only one occupant of the home had seen the killers. They took Vikesh’s reputed wife into custody. However, the woman stuck to her story and police were unable to find anything to incriminate her in the man’s death. They also detained two of the victim’s brothers, but they, too, were eventually released. Police officials who spoke to Kaieteur News this week said that they have no new information on the baffling death of Vikesh Budhram. Vikesh Budhram
She also recalled hearing someone running in the house. At the time, she had assumed that it was her son running to investigate. It was then that her daughter-in-law called out to say that Vikesh had been shot. And there appeared to be no reason for
If you have any information about this or any other unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown location. We can be reached on telephone numbers 22-58465, 22-58491 or 22-58473. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address mjdragon@hotmail.com
Sunday July 30, 2017
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Kaieteur News
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
RISE: A journey into different cultures I heard there was a new social group coming into being, but I had not even the remotest idea what its name was going to be. When I read that the title the group gave itself was RISE, memories of Canada came flashing into my consciousness like raging lightning. I went to Canada to pursue higher education in 1979. I got married months before and I had a scholarship waiting for me and my wife decided to travel with me to pursue a university education. I went to Canada and got smitten by a song that was dominating the world in that year, RISE by Herb Alpert. I loved the music of Alpert when I was a teenager in Guyana. He played Latin ballads with his group The Tijuana Brass. At that time, there was only one radio station. Ron Robinson had a morning programme that woke you up to get to work. Ron’s repertoire would include, the English instrumental band, The Shadows, the Italian saxophonist, Fausto Papetti (my young sister was a huge fan of Papetti) and Herb Alpert. All the time listening to Herb Alpert in Guyana, I thought he was a Latin-born musician; maybe from Mexico. Even when he made an international hit out of Burt Bacharach’s swooning, crooning ballad, “This guy’s in love with you,” I still didn’t know he wasn’t Hispanic at all. I found that he was not after his huge hit “RISE” had propelled him into greater
fame. Alpert is a pure Caucasian gentleman from a white Russian father and a white American woman. He was born in New York. RISE is the last great uptempo hit of the seventies. As the decade drew to a close, the kings of disco, Kool and the Gang, and the queen of disco, Donna Summer, were ebbing. John Travolta’s Saturday Night Fever and the music from it had run their course and pop music was heading in a different direction. The eighties was dawning and Michael Jackson was about to take the world by storm. His successful album, “OFF the WALL,” at the beginning of the eighties, was a signal that he was going to be something else. By the time THRILLER became the most successful pop album in history in 1984 with 66 million copies sold, the music of the seventies with the dominating genres of easy listening, funk and disco, was going out. I would think the last great song in those categories was Herb Alpert’s “RISE.” If I had to choose ten of my favourite songs in all genres, RISE would be one of them. Of those ten songs, three would be extraordinary instrumental melodies - Alpert’s RISE, Barry White’s LOVE THEME and David Shire’s
MANHATTAN SKYLINE from Saturday Night Fever. I do not have the training in music literature to competently assess RISE, and I would love to see a review of the song. I guess there must be a review somewhere out there; it is just that I didn’t research it for this column. How to describe the arrangement of RISE? A unique combination of different layers, with an exciting fusion of uptempo jazz sprinkled with lots of disco and funk rhythms, but retaining its original mainstream
smoothness. Herb Alpert’s RISE brings back memories of my changing ideological architecture. When I left Guyana for Canada, I was a typical third world radical, suspicious of white people and enamoured with Castro’s socialism. I met people in Canada from all types of cultures, races and religions, and found out that a White man can defend a Black man and a Black man can leave a fellow Black man out in the cold. Here is a part of my memories of RISE that will make you think I am exaggerating. I
bought the album and was attracted to the clothes Alpert was wearing on the front cover. It was a light sandbrown jacket with light camel trousers. My friend from Nigeria was getting married to another friend from Belize and I wanted to wear such a jacket at the wedding. I bought it and did wear it. I brought home that jacket to Guyana and the RISE album is still in my vinyl collection at home. My wife liked RISE, my friends at the University of Toronto liked RISE. It remains
Frederick Kissoon one of the biggest, nicest songs of the great seventies. I am absolutely sure that if you are a Jay-Z fan, and a reggae fanatic, if you listen to RISE, you would like it. Go to YouTube and see a young Alpert with his young wife dancing to RISE on the beach.
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
Neglecting any Guyanese productive industry is not an option! In recent times, some groups have been leveling accusations at the Government that sound eerily familiar, like pre-2015 familiar, without a single word change. It’s eerie because they come at you spouting loud, confident accusations against the APNU+AFC Government which, after checking, are always found in an old local newspaper. In short, creativity has gone through the window, and the PPP is now visiting its own sins on this government. Last week, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman was accused of neglecting the mining industry, and of paying all of his attention to the emerging oil and gas industry, i.e. creation of the sovereign wealth fund, regulations to protect fish life and the general environment, compliance with international regulations, and so on.
We just want to say to every Guyanese that the establishment of a brand new mega industry as complex, as demanding, and as precise as hydrocarbon with sharks in the waters, will demand every waking moment of every day. But we do not have that luxury. The Minister, his peers and his team have been simultaneously managing the performance and needs of existing productive industries and services. Remember please, that revenue from mining in Guyana had risen to the top of GDP rankings more than four years ago. Gold and diamond mining had replaced agricultural products (rice and sugar) as the chief earners long before 2015. Mining and forestry have been keeping this nation viable, and no right thinking person or government would
neglect them for something that is not here as yet. Minister Trotman put it succinctly: “There are lies and then there are statistics”. As at June 2017, the extractive sector had produced about 318,000 ounces of gold and we’re optimistic that at year end, production will match the numbers forecast at last Budget. The few new tax measures that were implemented in the first quarter did cause some discomfort among miners, and it was explained that the measures were necessary for leveling the playing field and managing it better. Production figures then fell for a few months, but the entire nation is very grateful that the miners worked past their frustrations, responded to the Ministry’s overtures, and returned to the mines. To get back to the ‘accusation’ of neglect in favour of emerging oil and gas: won’t
doing this be grossly unfair to the mining communities? Won’t it be tantamount to shooting ourselves in the foot, and depriving the nation of the benefits from its best performing sector? Won’t it be like watching that booming sector fall to pieces in the same way that the previous ‘administration’ used to ignore manufacturers and dairy farmers? Since the 1990s, manufacturers had been asking the PPP for tax concessions; to make importing and exporting (customs) procedures less bureaucratic and costly; to negotiate with other countries, even Suriname, to remove the unexpected demands for this certificate or that letter (non-tariff barriers) from our exporters when their ships arrive at those ports. But they were ignored every time! Today, this government and the manufacturers,
through their representative GMSA, are meeting every few weeks to discuss the most effective ways to remove internal and external barriers. Recall the 2015 ban on Guyana’s greenheart lumber that Britain had instituted. The short version is that the UK Environment Agency had issued a Technical Note to all countries with which that government traded, saying that they had ceased importing greenheart (one of the world’s sturdiest hardwoods) from Guyana, because the wood was grown in ‘unsustainable’ forests that were not properly certified. The GMSA approached the government early last year asking for intervention, and intervene we did. The Ministers of Business, Natural Resources and Foreign Affairs co-opted all viable diplomatic and technical resources to persuade the United Kingdom’s Environment Agency to lift the ban entirely. That has not been done as yet, but early this year the Agency accepted at least one shipment from Iwokrama, a highly certified Guyanese forest reserve. PROTECTING OURSELVES FROM THE RESOURCE CURSE Cursorily, Guyana may not be very vulnerable to the “Dutch Disease” for now because 1) international operators like Exxon prefer to employ seasoned people and Guyanese are now in training, and 2) some industry pundits had indicated two years ago that large scale oil companies generally employ only a small percentage of local workers. One common Resource Curse that the pundits referenced was the voluntary migration of workers away from rice, sugar and cash crop farming, cattle rearing, auto and heavy duty equipment manufacturing and maintenance to
oil-related industries and the hospitality sector which generally booms in an oil economy. This phenomenon is referred to as direct de-industrialization. One particular admonishment we received was to make extra effort to bolster our manufacturing and export, mining and quarrying, food processing and pharmaceutical industries, and we are listening. Along with protecting our many environments including our forests, we are in the process of restoring those rivers and creeks in interior regions that had been pronounced literally dead as a result of unregulated mining. Some creeks now have just one foot of water when previously they were deep, dark, viable habitats for many species of freshwater fishes. And they accuse this government of neglect? This is a clear case of visiting their sins on others. Guyana never was a nation that depended on one product, and we won’t become that once the Coalition has any say. Even in the days when bauxite was king, sugar was queen and rice the prince. Forest exploitation and exportation later came up in the ranking, and recent information tells us that Manganese production should begin in 2019. Our soils also contain ‘rare earths’. According to www.rareearthtechalliance.com, rare earths are a series of chemical elements found in the Earth’s crust. These are used in many modern technologies including consumer electronics, computers and networks, clean energy, health care, environmental mitigation and national defence. There’s another Guyanese resource to add to kaolin and semi-precious stones.
Sunday July 30, 2017
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Kaieteur News
My column
Smokers are being pushed further into the corner Legislation has been introduced to limit the extent of smoking in public places. However, this is not going down well because all of a sudden, people are talking about their rights. Indeed people have rights, but every right has a responsibility. People have a right to smoke if they so desire, but others in the neighbourhood also have a right to clean air. I have often heard people, especially women, complaining about coming out of a night club smelling of smoke. Some even complain about smoke getting into their hair and we all know how expensive it is for a woman to protect her hair. Many years ago when people went to certain places, especially bars, they would be greeted by a haze of cigarette smoke. The need for their entertainment would overshadow the threat to their health, because secondhand smoke is really dangerous. I travelled on aircraft when people were allowed to smoke on planes. The smokers were asked whether they wanted smoking or non-smoking. Those who wanted a
smoker’s row were placed at the back of a plane. But the time came when the authorities discovered that some air hostesses actually suffered ailments. In the end, no smoking was allowed on any aircraft, regardless of the duration of the flight. That was the law and people accepted it, because to do otherwise was to risk a hefty fine or even jail. I recall flying to Korea from Guyana. The flight went to Cuba and the next day it left for Shannon airport in Ireland. Then came the long flight to Moscow. All the while nobody could smoke. Flying from Moscow across the then Soviet Union was a long stretch. Within a few hours there was sunset and sunrise. In fact, the sun never disappeared as we were flying over the North Pole. For sixteen hours or so, there was no smoking and nobody died. Another long flight greeted me on my way to the Falklands. Again, no smoking. Today, it is standard fare that no one smokes on a plane. In the United States no
one smokes in night clubs or restaurants. Indeed, I have been to diners that had a smokers’ section, but these seem to have disappeared. No one smokes in offices or in any enclosed building, unless that building is one’s own home. But there should be no children in it. In Guyana, people once smoked in vehicles; that is not the case anymore. Neither do they smoke in offices. Smokers were becoming a dying breed. Guyana is now seeking to restrict smoking in places where people assemble. There is also going to be a limitation in the sale of ‘loose’ cigarettes. I expect the grumbling. Already I saw a protest by some people who sell loose cigarettes. They claim that they have their children to support and should be allowed to do so. The authorities say that cigarettes must be sold in sealed packets. When you go to public occasions like open air shows at the stadium or the National Park, cigarette smoking would not be allowed. Again, I expect complaints, because some of the people who go to those occasions
add marijuana to the party atmosphere. If the truth be told, in the developed world no one smokes at public functions or in night clubs, or in any place where non-smokers are likely to be. You don’t smoke at bus stops. I have seen people in the heart of winter leaving their offices to brave the intense cold for a smoke. I have seen people step outside from clubs to smoke on the sidewalks and I have seen people eject their friends who tried to smoke in their vehicles. Hotel rooms are other nosmoking zones. There are smoke alarms and sprinklers. A friend told me that he happened to lie on his bed and light up when all of a sudden the sprinkler doused him and his cigarette. In Miami, at Embassy Suites, there is a notice that informs the guest that he would have to pay $200 to clean the room should that guest smoke in it. What does this have to do with Guyana? Everything. The effect of cigarette smoke is costly to the public health system. Heart disease, lung disease and even asthma take a big chunk of the medical bill. Cancer treatment is a killer in
more ways than one, and we the taxpayers must foot the bill. Surprising as it may seem, when we go to the other man’s country we toe the line. We don’t smoke in our relatives’ homes and we surely don’t smoke near to people. We go and we look to see what others do. In that way we are conditioned. I hear that some clubs offer hookahs—a smoking device that is more communal that a toilet. For that to continue, the club will have to fashion a special enclosed room. Night club owners are going to complain bitterly. They suddenly see themselves losing customers. But if the truth be told, most of the people who go to night clubs are non-smokers. Besides, the cleanup will be less costly. The record shows that the amount of money collected from taxes on tobacco do not even cover half the cost of the medical bills accruing from
Adam Harris tobacco smoke. The records of cigaretterelated illness in Guyana are not properly kept so we do not know, but we do know the global average, and Guyana would certainly fall into that bracket. Limiting smoking has benefits. At the personal level, I do not know how a woman can stand her husband’s tobacco breath early in the morning. Such a woman demonstrates love to the highest degree. Then she has to wash his clothes, all smelly. Such a woman is going to welcome this Bill, as I will.
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
The University of Guyana…a university for Guyana (Address by HE David Granger to the University of Guyana Diaspora Engagement Conference) I enrolled as an undergraduate of the University of Guyana in 1965, returning to the Queen’s College classrooms which I had left in 1964. The University, established only two years earlier in 1963, had no campus. Classes had to be conducted in the evening on QC’s premises. Prime Minister Forbes Burnham received 586 hectares of the former sugar cane Plantation Turkeyen on behalf of the Guyanese nation on 24th May 1966, two days before Independence. He embarked on the construction of the campus – giving the University a permanent home of its own – which was opened in February 1970 when Guyana became a republic. I have been a witness to the University’s passage from its infancy. I loved the University as a student, lecturer, member of the Council, president of the Guild of Graduates. I perceive my mission – as President, not as a parent but as a product of the process – to propel the University’s progress.
The University, from the start, suffered from ‘birth defects’. The University of Guyana Ordinance was assented to, hastily, only on 18th April 1963. The University was inaugurated less than six months later on 1st October 1963 and classes began the next day. The University was born in the midst of political disturbances which deprived it of the support of a significant section of society. The decision of the government-of-the-day not to integrate with the University of the West Indies (UWI) family reflected its refusal not to integrate with the Federation of the West Indies. Dr Eric Williams, then UWI Pro-Chancellor, failed to convince the government not to establish an independent university. The decision to stay outside of the UWI family might have created consequential problems of credibility and, even, of accreditation. The University, in the early decades, drifted from its objectives of discovery and dissemination of knowledge for national development. It enrolled a disproportionately high number of students in the arts and social
sciences compared to the natural sciences. The majority of students – about ninety-five per cent – in the first decade for example, were employees of the public service, public corporations and teaching professions, and fewer than five percent in the private sector. Growing pains compounded the University’s birth defects. The economic situation in the late 1970s and early 1980s had a negative impact on financing. Several programmes could no longer be supported by State funds. The University, as a result, fell behind UWI’s Caribbean campuses in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The University experienced a ‘science and technology’ shift as Guyana became a Republic in 1970. It was the start of the brilliant era of visionary leadership in the decade following the occupation of Turkeyen. Dennis Irvine, appointed Vice-Chancellor in 1969, was a scientist. He served under a government which sought to encourage greater access to higher education by abolishing tuition fees in 1974.
President David Granger addressing the UG Diaspora Engagement Conference
Irvine understood the need and undertook the task to balance the University’s affinity for the humanities with the necessity for embracing the sciences. The University, during the Irvine era, employed lecturers from academia around the world, enjoyed respect for its intellectual rigor and expanded the breadth of its
programmes to include agriculture, education, earth and environmental sciences, fisheries, the natural sciences, social sciences and technology. The University, in spite of its financial and material constraints, provided opportunities for thousands of Guyanese who never before dreamt of acquiring a tertiary education. The University’s second ‘science and technology’ shift is about to begin. This country is on a developmental pathway to become a ‘green’ state. The ‘green’ development agenda will see increased investment in biodiversity management, coastal zone management, solid waste management, ecological and environmental services, eco-education and eco-tourism, information and communications technology, expanded protected areas and renewable energy. Guyana, located at the centre of the Guiana Shield – one of the world’s last remaining tracts of virgin rainforest – is rich in biodiversity most of which is endemic to the ‘Shield’. It is a ‘green’ global asset which must be protected for mankind and for the sustainable development of countries which belong to the Shield. Guyana’s ecosystems support diverse species, to the extent that as of 2010, Guyana’s species status was estimated at 8,000 plant species; 467 fishes; 130 amphibians; 179 reptiles; 814 birds; 225 mammals; 1,673 arthropods; over 1,200 fungi; 33 bacteria; 13 nematodes; 44
algae; 17 molluscs; and an estimated 30 virus. Guyana has a total of 1,182 native tree species. Guyana, possessing abundant natural capital – from the islands of the Essequibo; the lowlands and wetlands of the coastland; the highlands, grasslands and rainforests of the hinterland and spectacular rapids, rivers, waterfalls and lakes – also provides the habitat to a score of the world’s largest animals. Its high levels of endemicity are a priceless natural resource. Guyana, larger than England and Scotland combined, is deficient in the physical infrastructure essential for economic development such as aerodromes, bridges, highways, housing, deepwater ports and stellings. Its coastal and riverine defences, conservancies, and drainage and irrigation systems must be repaired and maintained to protect human habitations from the adverse effects of climate change such as rising sea levels, flooding, drought and extreme weather patterns. Guyana’s green development strategy aims at advancing climate adaptation so as to protect its fragile coastline and reduce environmental hazard which can be destructive to our people’s livelihoods. The University is central to fulfilling the scientific and technological objectives of a ‘green’ state. The University must drive the intellectual processes of ‘green’ development by becoming the incubator of technology and nurturer of skills and talents. It must establish institutions and educate students to advance green development. The country needs biologists, botanists and zoologists to document and study its unique and unmatched rich biodiversity; engineers to erect infrastructure in its hinterland and to install hydroelectric-, wind-, solar- and biomass- energy plant; geologists and gemmologists to provide services for the sustainable management of our extractive sectors; agriculturists and veterinarians to promote food security and Information and Communication specialists to extend ICT services. The University of Guyana, if it is to survive and thrive, must become a university for Guyana. The national University must be responsive to national needs. How could it be otherwise?
Sunday July 30, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Head Injury: How do you know if it’s serious? By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine When you injure your head, there is always a risk of brain injury. Our brain is our main control centre and we cannot function without it. Unfortunately, brain injury is the leading cause of death, disability and seizures in patients with trauma worldwide. Sometimes brain injury is not evident and may be missed, leading to lifelong complications or even death. This is especially true for patients with closed head injury where the effects of the trauma/ hit are more internal than on the outside. A closed head injury happens when a person hits his or her head on a hard surface or when an object hits and hurts the head, but doesn’t go through the skull. Even though the object doesn’t go through the skull, parts of the head can still get damaged. A closed head injury can cause: * A broken bone of the skull or face * Brain injury or swelling * Bleeding in or around the brain The most common causes of a closed head injury are falls, sports injuries, and car and bike accidents. Some closed head injuries are mild. Another word for a mild brain injury is a “concussion.” Closed head injuries
can also be severe and lifethreatening. Today we will discuss some facts about closed head injury to help you detect some subtle signs that may be present in a closed head injury and are signals of more serious internal injury. WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CLOSED HEAD INJURY? Symptoms depend on the type of injury a person has and how severe it is. People with a mild closed head injury, such as a bump on the head, might not have any symptoms. When a closed head injury does cause symptoms, it can cause: * A headache * Nausea or vomiting * Swelling, bleeding, or bruising on the scalp * Dizziness * Confusion or memory problems * Feeling tired * Mood or behaviour changes * Trouble walking or talking * Seizures – Seizures are waves of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can make you pass out, or move or behave strangely. * Passing out A closed head injury that involves a broken skull or face bone can also cause: * Bruising around the eyes or behind the ear
* Blood or clear fluid draining from the nose or ear Symptoms can start right after a closed head injury, or a few hours or days later. Some people have symptoms that last a short time only. Other people have symptoms that cause long-lasting problems. WILL I NEED TESTS? It depends on your injury and symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. He or she will also ask questions to check your thinking. If your doctor thinks you might have a serious injury, he or she might order an imaging test of your brain, such as a CT or MRI scan. These tests create pictures of your skull and brain. HOW IS A CLOSED HEAD INJURYTREATED? Treatment depends on your injury and how serious it is. Usually, mild closed head injuries do not need treatment. But your doctor might recommend that someone watch you for 24 hours after your injury. This person should watch for new symptoms or the symptoms listed above, and make sure that you can be woken up after you fall asleep. Severe closed head injuries need to be treated in the hospital. Treatment can in-
clude: * Medicines – Some medicines help prevent brain swelling. Others help prevent seizures. * Surgery – If you have bleeding in or around your brain, or if your brain swells, you might need surgery. WHEN SHOULD I VISIT THE DOCTOR? After your closed head injury, you should be seen by a doctor if the following signs or symptoms are present: * Your headache gets worse or it’s persistent * You vomit repeatedly * Your thinking or
behaviour changes and you appear confused * You can’t walk normally * You have a seizure * You have clear fluids draining from the nose or ears * You have weakness or numbness in fingers and toes * If the person watching you cannot wake you up These may be signs of brain injury that needs further testing or treatment. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Protect your head by wearing a helmet if you are cycling or playing sports where the ball is hard. Avoid being intoxicated, as it’s a common reason why
Dr. Zulfikar Bux people injure their head. In the event you or someone sustains a head injury, look out for the warning signs and do not hesitate to visit a doctor if any is present.
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SUNDAY SCANNERS TO BE INSTALLED AT PRISONS – DIRECTOR Following the recent fire and jailbreak at the Georgetown Prisons, there have been a variety of issues and questions raised. One such being how did combustible items get into the hands of prisoners? Many have even sought to blame prison guards for probably smuggling in contraband items into the prison. The situation has been difficult to handle, particularly since there are no electronic scanners to ensure that prohibited items do not enter the confines of the prisons across Guyana. However, this void is expected to be filled as soon as funding is made available to purchase the items. This was the assertion of Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, during a press conference that was aimed at providing updates on the prison situation following the July 9 fire at the Georgetown Prison. Samuels was asked how soon can scanners be installed at the various prisons to enhance the system. He said that the money to purchase the scanners has
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 30, 2017
been catered for in the $500M being sought to finance the rehabilitation works at the Georgetown Prison and improving the situation at the Lusignan Prison. Samuels said that as soon as the funds are approved, all of the necessary support technology will be bought and installed. He added that one such scanner has already been installed at the new holding facility at Lusignan. BERBICE CARPENTER’S DEATH… SHOT FIREDAT KEY WITNESS’S HOME BY MAN WHO OFFERED HIM FOOD A relative of Marcus Brian Bisram who allegedly offered food to the 16-year-old witness in Faiyaz Narinedatt’s murder has reportedly fired a gunshot at the home of the teenager at Number 70 Village, Berbice Friday night. The man, who is married to Bisram’s niece, threatened to kill the teen’s mother and “wipe out” her family around 22:30 hrs on July 21 before discharging a round at the woman’s home. He went to the witness’s home in a car bearing registration number PRR 3623. The woman had just returned home from visiting her son in the hospital where he was being treated
for suspected poisoning. ”He went to the house and started cussing up the mother and telling she that he gone kill all of them one by one. He had a shotgun on he and fired a shot at her house,” a relative informed this newspaper last week Saturday. The woman made a report to the Criminal Investigation Unit (CID) in Georgetown Saturday. The 16-year-old is the individual who has been providing investigators with evidence against Marcus Brian Bisram, the alleged mastermind behind the carpenter’s murder, last year. Reports are that the teen became sick three days after eating a meal from one of Bisram’s relatives in Berbice on Saturday. The police were waiting additional information – which includes tests from the hospital – before they make an arrest. MONDAY SHOT HOSPITAL ESCAPEE FOUND HIDING IN BARREL – GIRLFRIEND, OTHER WOMAN DETAINED Marlon Jeffrey, the 18-year-old suspected bandit who escaped from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on July 19 was nabbed last week Saturday morning in a house in Brutus Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara. Jeffrey called “Melvor” and “Buck” allegedly hopped into an empty barrel when he realised that police ranks were at the house looking for him. A police official said that the suspect’s girlfriend and a female relative of hers were among four persons found in the house. The women and two men were taken into custody. The police received information that the wanted man was hiding out at the location and that someone was treating the gunshot wound he sustained to his b a ck. The four persons, according to sources, will be charged for harbouring a fugitive.
BANDITS SHOOT BUSINESSMAN, LOAD VALUABLES INTO VICTIM’S VEHICLE Bandits shot and beat a North Success, East Coast Demerara businessman at around 03:00hrs last Sunday before fleeing with valuables they had loaded into his vehicle. Khemraj Tula, 58, was shot to his left hand and struck with a cutlass after two men, one carrying a handgun and the
other a r m e d w i t h a c u t l a s s pounced upon him and his wife when they were about to enter their home. According to information, the businessman and his wife arrived home sometime around 03:00hrs in the i r To y o t a R a v 4 , n u m b e r PLL 1392 and were about to e n t e r t h e h o u s e w h e n they were confronted by the two men. One of the men shot Tula in the left hand, while the other struck him repeatedly with a cutlass. The robbers then took the injured man and his wife into the house where they gathered the family’s valuables. They then escaped with the loot in the businessman’s vehicle. Police said that the stolen vehicle has since been recovered. After the incident, family members rushed the businessman to the Woodlands Hospital. No arrests have been made. Police on the East Coast of Demerara also reported at least two other robberies last Saturday night and early Sunday. Kaieteur News was told that a group of men invaded a Better Hope residence shortly after midnight where a group of women were having a birthday gathering. After scaling a fence and invading the home, the intruders beat the occupants, and relieved them of cash, jewellery and mobile (Continued on page 41)
Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 41
(From page 32) phones. TUESDAY 13 PRISONERS DIG THEIR WAY OUT OF LUSIGNAN JAIL – 7 RECAPTURED HOURSAFTER Police recaptured seven of 13 prisoners who staged a daring, predawn breakout last Sunday from the Lusignan Prison holding area, after crawling to freedom through a fivefoot long tunnel they had dug inside a makeshift latrine. Odel Roberts, Rayon Jones and Jamal Forde were nabbed Sunday evening along the Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, while Teshawn McKenzie and Winston Long were captured near the Route 44 bus park in Georgetown. A few hours later, Jamal Joseph and Jason Howard were captured in North East La Penitence. But six other fugitives from Lusignan are still at large – Clive Forde, Kerry Cromwell, Pascal Smith, Kendall Skeete, Paul Goriah and Shawn Harris- as are four escapees from the Georgetown Prison jailbreak – Mark Royden Williams called ‘Smallie’, Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander, Uree Varswyck and Desmond James, who escaped on July 9 after killing a prison warden and burning almost every section of the penitentiary to the ground. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan stated that the massive Lusignan jailbreak was only discovered at around 07.00 hrs Monday, when prison wardens carrying out a routine count, determined that 13 prisoners were unaccounted f o r. ”Further checks revealed that a tunnel was dug and tracks were found leading towards the Lusignan Backlands. President David Granger later called a special emergency meeting of the National Security Committee at the Joint Service Operations Centre, where he was briefed on the jailbreak. ”The massive Joint Services Operations codenamed ‘Clean Sweep’ has been intensified to recapture these 13 fugitives plus the other four who escaped from the Camp Street Prison,” Ramjattan said in his statement. LUSIGNAN INMATES RETURNED TO CAMP STREET FACILITY …FOLLOWING BRAZEN ESCAPE BY 13 As if things weren’t bad enough, the security forces in Guyana are now under pressure to recapture six of 13 prisoners who escaped custody from the Lusignan Prison on Monday. These escapees are considered to be high-profile inmates and were housed in the commonly referred to ‘walled’ or ‘swamped’ area. The names of the thirteen who escaped are: Rayon Jones, Pascal
Smith, Teshawn McKenzie, Kendall Skeete, Clive Forde, Winston Long, Kerry Cromwell, Odel Roberts, Paul Goriah, Jamal Forde, Shawn Harris, Jason Howard and Jamal Joseph. Smith, Forde, Cromwell, Skeete, Goriah and Harris are still at large According to Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, during a press conference Monday, it was discovered that the men were missing after a ‘tally’ of the prisoners was done Monday morning. ”As usual, we do what is called a tally where we check the lockingdown numbers compared with what was there this (Monday) morning. Having checked, they recognised that in the swamped area there was
a difference in terms of the locking down figure and the figure they found when they checked. That resulted in a roll call being done in order to ascertain those persons who were not accounted for.” The locking-down figure mentioned by Samuels was recorded at 16:00hrs on Sunday. He said that at that time, there were 99 prisoners in the swamped area, 104 in the new holding area and 136 in the Lusignan Prison. ”Based on what was reported to me, these prisoners were all accounted for, six hundred and thirtyfive.” However, the thirteen men managed to escape the prison during
locking-down time and the tallying exercise on Monday morning. Regarding what specific time the men would have made their escape, the Prisons Director said that he believes that the men made their move between 01:00hrs and 02:30hrs when it rained heavily. LUSIGNAN JAILBREAK … “I AM VERY EMBARRASSED” – PUBLIC SECURITY MINISTER On July 9, eight prisoners escaped custody following the destruction by fire of the Georgetown Prisons, Camp Street. Four of those prisoners have been recaptured. Monday, an additional thirteen
prisoners escaped custody from the Lusignan holding facility, with seven of them recaptured. The situation has been described as embarrassing and unfortunate by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. He offered this reaction during a press conference held at his ministry’s boardroom Monday in the company of Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine and Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels. The Minister was asked what the feeling within his government was over the matter, particularly since the administration is dominated at the highest level with (Continued on page 42)
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(From page 41) persons that are security-oriented. ”I am very embarrassed as to what happened last (Sunday) night. Very embarrassed. It is terrible what transpired. But you know, we have to continue with this fight; catching, in the manhunt these persons and in the process also, doing the policy issues in enhancing our legislative framework, and also getting done that which we have already started.” The work which has begun that the Minister mentioned, relates to the consultancies regarding predetention trials, alternative sentencing, and getting quantity surveys and a design for the new Mazaruni Prison so that construction can begin. ”Those are the big things that we have to get solved to solve this problem. Yes, you will have the misfeasance or malfeasance that might have occurred there that allowed this to happen, but the bigger question is that it will continue to happen this way if we don’t get those big things solved.” Ramjattan said that the homes for 12 additional prison officers for the Mazaruni Prisons will be completed later this month. Despite the prevailing situation, the Minister urged that there must be no surrender to the prisoners. WEDNESDAY PILOT PERISHES IN ETERINGBANG CRASH Roraima Airways’ Chief Pilot Collin Winston Martin met a tragic demise around 17:30 hrs Tuesday when the BrittenNorman Islander aircraft he was attempting to land at the Eteringbang airstrip, nose-dived into thick vegetation, a short distance from the runway. The 40-year-old Martin, a former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer, assumed the role of chief pilot at Roraima Airways in 2015 following the death of Captain Alvin Clarke. According to information received, Martin was heading to Eteringbang from Ekereku where he had shuttled fuel for miners
Kaieteur News
when the tragedy occurred. He was flying alone. No one could say for sure what exactly happened, but investigators from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) were able to interview another pilot who was flying behind Martin’s aircraft at the time. Director of GCAA, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Egbert Field said that a team from the Accident and Emergency Unit of the GCAA would inspect the crash site and interview witnesses. Field said that around 18:30 hrs Tuesday, he received a call from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Roraima Group of Companies, Gerry Gouveia, who informed him that he received information that one of his aircraft, while approaching Eteringbang, had nose-dived to the ground. The director admitted that the area where the accident occurred is dangerous terrain. However, the airstrip is on flat land and Captain Martin would have landed there many times before. Field confirmed that weather was not a problem in the accident. ”The investigators have to look at the angle it (plane) went down, and a post mortem examination has to be done on the body,” Field told
reporters at the Ogle Airstrip Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the victim’s wife, Roberta Martin, a doctor, was not in a position to speak to the media. Through Wesley Kirton, a board member of the Roraima Group of Companies, the woman noted that she too is awaiting information about her husband’s death. The couple shared an eight-yearold daughter, Rebecca. Gouveia, on the other hand, said that the only report he received was that the aircraft was closing off its operation for the day when the accident occurred. He said that the pilot would have spent the night in Eteringbang and continued working today before heading to Ogle in the afternoon. ”The pilot was going in to land when the aircraft crashed. We don’t have any indication at this time what exactly transpired,” the CEO pointed out. He confirmed that there were two planes flying at the time of the accident and the authorities will have to put the pieces together. BUDGET 2018 ON THE ROAD TO “CONSERVATISM” …AS FINANCE MINISTER REVEALS EXPENDITURE PRESSURES MOUNTING Like the 2017 budget, it appears
Sunday July 30, 2017
that the 2018 Budget will be one of conservatism. This was alluded to by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, recently, as he said that the 2018 budget is being crafted at a time when domestic revenues and other sources of financing are not expected to be substantially higher than 2017. Jordan said that Guyanese are well aware of demands by certain groups for removal of one tax or the other. He said that they are also well aware that as a result of the nation’s upper middle income classification, concessional resources are dwindling. Given the aforementioned, the Finance Minister said, “So, we will have to exert greater effort to widen the tax net through greater efficiency in the administration and collection of taxes.” In this regard, Jordan took the opportunity to congratulate Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia and his hard-working staff for the work they have been doing to safeguard and collect the country’s revenues. On the other side of the coin, the Finance Minister said that expenditure pressures continue to mount.
”For example, in 2018, we have to find new monies to finance Local Government Elections and re-build the country’s prison system, even as we continue to support the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), which continues to consume billions of dollars.” When the numbers are crunched, Jordan said, the glaring picture is that lower expectations for revenue, juxtaposed against higher demands for spending, equals bigger budget deficit, which in turn means bigger debt and debt repayments for present and future generations. Given the poor performance of some of the nation’s main traditional sectors such as rice, timber, bauxite and sugar, President David Granger had said that the 2017 budget was expected to feature an element of “conservatism”. The President had said, “What we are looking at essentially is institutional sustainability. We want to ensure that our institutions such as the Auditor General’s Office, the Guyana Elections Commission, the Judiciary, various boards and Commissions are functioning efficiently and effectively.” The Head of State had disclosed (Continued on page 43)
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Kaieteur News
(From page 42) that the 2017 budget was centred on ensuring financial sustainability.
Forde, Long and Joseph pleaded guilty to the charge and were each jailed for one year. The others pleaded not guilty and were remanded to prison until August 11.
MENTALLY-ILLMAN SHOT AFTER MISTAKEN FOR PRISON ESCAPEE Doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital late Tuesday operated on a 36-year-old man who was shot by the police earlier in the day in Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The victim, Charles Peters of 184 Melanie, East Coast Demerara, and a former rank from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was shot to the right arm and back around 12:30 hrs. According to information received, the police received information that an “untidy looking” man, wearing old clothes, with what seemed to be mud on his skin, was seen in Annandale. Ranks immediately went to the location where they saw the individual, who began running from them—this resulted in the lawmen opening fire and hitting the man. Upon getting a closer look, residents in the area later identified the victim as someone of unsound mind who did odd jobs for persons in the same village he was shot. One of the man’s siblings, who declined to give her name, said that after leaving the army, the father of two went to neighbouring Suriname to spend some time. It was when he returned to Guyana that he developed mental issues. She could not say what really transpired, other than receiving a call from someone who informed her that the man had been shot. Ranks from the Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) are investigating the matter. THURSDAY CABINET TO DECIDE WAY FORWARD ON OUTSTANDING US$5M FOR GTT SHARES Cabinet is expected to make a decision, sooner rather than later, on the way forward regarding the outstanding US$5M owed on the sale of the GTT shares to Hong Kong Golden Telecom Company (HKGT). This is according to Head of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Horace James. Speaking to Kaieteur News Wednesday afternoon, James said that Government will decide whether it will accept a reduced sum, as being proposed by the company, or take its chances in court. The NICIL Head said, “They offered us US$2M and that was rejected. They said they would have paid that immediately, or US$2.5M, but over a long period, and that too was totally unacceptable. Then we had to look now and see how each step would play out for us.” James said that in taking the matter to the court, one would have to consider how much it is going to cost the state to pay for witnesses to be in London where the case would be
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BERBICE CARPENTER MURDER PI… FORMER MAGISTRATEACCUSED OF ATTEMPTINGTO PERVERT COURSE OF JUSTICE
tried, as well as how much it would cost regarding the legal fees. The NICIL Head asserted, “So this matter is still at Cabinet. They have not decided if we are going to take the money on the table or start doling out funds to go behind the outstanding US$5M. I can tell you that the expenses for looking after the accommodation for witnesses and the legal fees will run you up to US$1.6M. Significantly, the company is well aware of how much it would cost us, because it was indicated to us during the negotiations.” He added, “But NICIL wants all of the money. Our thing, is we want to see if we can get more than US$2M, because it was at zero, then US$1M and then US$2M and our board is saying, ‘look, go and see if you can get something more’… For the time being, it doesn’t look all that good. But we are trying to correct something that should not have happened in the first place.” It was last year that NICIL announced that Guyana would be pursuing the route of arbitration in the United Kingdom, in hopes of recovering the outstanding US$5M from
the sale of Government’s shares in GTT. It was James who had said, “We are in the process of executing all the relief measures that are in the sales agreement in order for us to get it back. We have engaged our lawyers in the USA, and we are using the lawyer who was involved in the sales agreement process and who helped us to draft the agreement.” RECAPTURED PRISON ESCAPEES CHARGED – 3 PLEAD GUILTY TO ESCAPING FROM LAWFUL CUSTODY, JAILED FOR ONE YEAR Seven of the 13 prisoners who broke out of the Lusignan Prison on Monday were charged Wednesday for escaping from lawful custody during their arraignment at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court. Those who appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh were doublemurder accused Jason Howard; Jamal Joseph, Winston Long, Odel Roberts, Rayon Jones, Jamal Forde and Teshawn McKenzie.
As the drama continues to unfold in the court proceedings of the Faiyaz Narinedatt murder case, a prominent attorney and former magistrate found himself in a sticky situation after he was arrested Wednesday at the Springlands Magistrate Court. Attorney-at-law Chandra Sohan was taken into custody at the Springlands Police Station for allegedly attempting to pervert the course of justice, in relation to the case. He was arrested after the morning session was adjourned. Five accused – Orlando Dickie,, Diodath Datt, Niran Yacoob, Radesh Motie and Harri Paul Parsram – all appea r e d We d n e s d a y a t t h e Springlands Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh. They were represented by Attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin and stood before a prosecution represented by Attorney Stacy Goodings. Meanwhile, thus far, three witnesses who would have provided statements to the police, were taken back to the scene of the crime, and were recorded (video) recounting and explaining in detail where the beating took place, to the point where Narinedatt’s body was dumped. As such, given the nature and gravity of the crime along with the importance of evidence provided in the case, the witnesses who would have given the evidence in the presence of the police and on camera are expected to not go against what they would have given. According to a source if they (the witnesses) do go against the
statements they will be charged and placed before the courts for purgery, a non-bailable offence. The said video recording will be presented in court and once presented, it will show that the witnesses would have lied if their statements conflict the initial statements given by them. The teenaged star witness who recently alleged that he was poisoned by a relative of Bisram has since been discharged from the hospital and was present at the court proceedings for the morning session but subsequently left after complaining that he was not feeling well. FRIDAY HOUSE PASSES BILL TO RESTRICT SMOKING IN NIGHT CLUBS, PUBLIC PLACES The horrid effects of tobacco smoking have been felt not only in Guyana’s public health system but the world over. In an effort to address this epidemic locally with stricter controls, the Government brought to the National Assembly, a most rigid Tobacco Control Bill. The Bill saw its second reading Thursday. It was moved by Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence. The Minister emphasized that the Bill is crucial, as it represents a further step in protecting the health of the nation which remains a priority for the Government. Lawrence noted that the passage of the Bill would be in keeping with Government’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. One of the SDGs speaks to ensuring healthy lives and promoting the wellbeing for all at all ages. The Parliamentarian said that her Ministry is mandated to ensure this goal is achieved and therefore stressed that the Bill be considered and passed. The Minister explained that the Bill provides for the adoption and implementation of tobacco control policies in accordance with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco (Continued on page 44)
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(From page 43) Control which aims to protect present and future generations from the devastating harms of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. The Minister said that the Bill also seeks to prevent tobacco use by minors; protect workers and the public from exposure to tobacco smoke; prevent exposure of the public, especially minors, to tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; enhance public awareness of the hazards of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke; and ensure that every person is provided with effective health warnings about the harms of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. The politician also stated that the Bill intends to regulate the tobacco industry, its products and sales; protect public health policies from the commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry; and provide for other related matters. BLAME LAW ENFORCEMENT, JUDICIARY FOR CORRUPTION – SAYS EXPERT To a large extent, law enforcement and the judiciary are to be blamed for the high levels of corruption in Guyana and the wider Caribbean. This is so because it will only take a few good examples to be made out of corrupt officials to send a message that the crime would not be tolerated. That is the view held by a few international experts, particularly United Kingdom’s Dr. Perry Stanislas and Christopher Camponovo of Halcyon Law Group.
Kaieteur News
This view was aired during the recent symposium that examined the relationship between corruption and oil. At that forum, Dr. Stanislas noted that corrupt behaviour is determined by the relative strengths or weaknesses of institutions. It deprives a nation of much needed revenue, he added. The security expert and University lecturer made that point before referring to an article published in this newspaper in 2012. The article is one in which Transparency International labelled Guyana as the most corrupt country in the Englishspeaking Caribbean. While things are a little better now as regards Guyana’s standing, the country still has a long way to go. Dr. Stanislas said that the desired change will not be achieved unless the crime is no longer tolerated. ”(Guyana) needs to develop an attitude that if you steal from the country we (the law) will be coming after you,” said Dr. Stanislas. MINISTER BROOMES COPS US AWARD FOR EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources was honoured for empowering women and girls through her activism. The Women of Mission International, a US-based organisation, on Thursday presented Minister Broomes with the award at her Duke Street, Kingston office. ”I felt she was the prime candidate to be one of our honourees coming out of Guyana. The minister
epitomises what an empowered woman should be,” President of Women of Mission International, Linda Felix-Johnson said. Minister Broomes was also made the first distinguished member of the organisation and received a citation from New York Senator, Roxanne Persaud. Persaud, who has Guyanese origins, commended Minister Broomes for her “exceptional contribution and quality of service rendered to the people” of Brooklyn and beyond. Minister Broomes said she was grateful for the recognition. “I will use this to add oil to my lamp. I will use it as the symbol of encouragement of how important it is to continue to empower women and empower people,” she said. The Women of Mission International is based in New York. It has a local chapter in Linden. The organisation empowers women in the Caribbean and beyond, through education, counselling, support services, scholarships, mentorship and empowerment fora. It recognises the work of women who are empowering other women and girls with annual awards. The organisation plans to establish chapters in Region Six and possibly Bartica. SATURDAY RAMNARINE CASTS DOUBT ON CRIME CHIEF’S JUDGMENT INALLEGED ASSASSINATION PROBE -SAYS HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN INFLUENCED BY TOP COP Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine, yesterday told the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the alleged assassination plot against President David Granger that investigations were not properly done. He added that he now doubts the judgment of Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum. Ramnarine told Commissioner Paul Slowe, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, that the only time he was updated on the status of investigation into the matter was when he spoke with Blanhum during a cell phone conversation they
Sunday July 30, 2017
had on March 30. Ramnarine said the Crime Chief informed him that he instructed that Nizam Khan, who allegedly attempted to recruit someone to kill the President, be released on bail during the probe which featured ranks from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters and the Special Branch Unit. According to Ramnarine, he was not consulted about releasing Khan on bail but if he was, he would have objected. The COI heard that Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, who was on leave at the time, ordered the release of Nizam Khan, the accused plotter; his brother Imran Khan and the accuser Andriff Gillard through the Crime Chief. “We incarcerate persons for 72 hours for far, far less serious offences or allegations. At that point in time I did not go down the road to formally rebuke the Crime Chief in all honesty, “It had become widely known that his professionalism and competence and good judgment were at that time above board based on his work and his leadership in the CID,” the Acting Top Cop told the COI. Ramnarine made it clear that he “now has” doubts about Blanhum’s judgment and that the Crime Chief might have been influenced by the Commissioner of Police who allegedly made a call to Blanhum. He disclosed that it also influenced the manner in which investigations were done because of the association between Persaud and Khan. Ramnarine said that he “formed the impression” that the Top Cop is a friend of Imran Khan, someone he vividly recalled seeing in the Commissioner’s conference room at certain functions and one or two other places. Ramnarine stated the Crime Chief assured him that the men would have returned having been granted pre-trial liberty. He said he was later asked by President David Granger to compile a report, which he did, using statements from Gillard and Nizam Khan and that he believed the police were getting a foundation. When further questioned by
Slowe, Ramnarine added that based on what he saw “significant progress” was not being made. “The story being told by Gillard had a lot of twists and turns and he had begun to mention names and so on…And without contacting those persons, one would not have been able to say that significant progress has been made.” PRISON ESCAPEE PLUNGES INTO LATRINE TO AVOID CAPTURE A police rank had his work cut out for him on Friday when he was forced to take a dive into a latrine to nab Lusignan Prison escapee, Pascal Smith. The murder suspect, upon seeing the police, jumped into the pittoilet around 12:30 hrs at Lot 123 Barr Street, Kitty, and refused to come out. Desperate to get him out, one of the ranks had to jump into the latrine with him while the other ranks assisted in dragging him out. Smith was taken to the Kitty Police Station before being escorted to the Brickdam Police Station. It was the mother of Smith’s child who reported him to ranks at the Kitty Police Station. According to reports, the woman told the police that the 25-year-old man walked into her yard minutes before 12:00 hrs and told her that he was hungry. “She said she asked him what he was doing there and then tell him to go back where he came from,” a police source said yesterday. The rank further explained that Smith and the woman became involved in a heated argument—during which she hurried out of the house and went to the station to make the report. Kaieteur News was informed that the ranks responded to the scene and arrested Smith. Smith, while out on bail for a robbery, allegedly murdered John Houston on May 27, last, at Alexander Street, Georgetown. He was among 13 prisoners who dug their way out of the Lusignan Prison Holding area sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning.
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Kaieteur News
National Accreditation Council to shortly implement qualification framework The finishing touches are currently being applied to a National Qualifications and Credit Framework [NQCF] for Guyana. This inaugural undertaking for Guyana is one that will make its accreditation efforts comparable to what obtains across the Region and even further afield. The NQCF, which is designed to be implemented by the National Accreditation Council [NAC], is essentially an instrument that will allow both private and public businesses, educational institutions and individuals to compare qualifications and what is required to move from one level to another within and across occupations, industrial sectors and across academic and vocational fields or vice versa. Helping Guyana to complete this crucial Framework are officials from the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago [ACTT], its Director, Michael Bradshaw, and Accreditation Officer, Ms. Sherma Joseph. According to Bradshaw, the move towards the implementation of qualifications frameworks, across the Region, is one that was initially prompted by CARICOM in order to facilitate the free movement of people. Bradshaw, who is the lead Consultant in the local framework preparations efforts, said, too, that “one of the things the Framework does is that it connects institutions with regards to the qualifications that they offer in the various [CARICOM] Member States.”
- to help improve quality of programmes offered at post-secondary and tertiary institutions He explained that if the University of Guyana, for instance, offers a similar programme to what is offered by the University of the West Indies or another institution in another Member State, the qualification framework would serve to express the comparability of the different qualifications to show that they contain similar knowledge, skills and competences. “These three characteristics [knowledge, skills and competences] are what define the qualification. What it is saying is that a degree offered at the University of Guyana and the University of the West Indies or other universities in the Caribbean are comparable,” Bradshaw explained. Moreover, the qualification framework will help to give an individual the sense of mobility so that they can move comfortably from Guyana to Trinidad and even elsewhere in the Caribbean. But the foregoing was merely an initial goal of the qualification framework. According to Bradshaw, with the advent of higher education and training becoming internationalised, even through cross border education, there is immense need for the implementation of a quality framework. With cross border education in play, institutions from different parts of the world now have the capacity to of-
fer education and training to students anywhere in the world. This, according to Bradshaw, can be done either through direct contact, or even through the online offering of programmes. “This brings into play the importance of qualification framework in that what it does would ensure that the students, wherever they are, that the programme that they have signed up for is comparable to what is taking place in their country or the country of origin of the qualification,” said Bradshaw. He added, “We can no longer have the perception that a degree that is perhaps completed in the United Kingdom may not be relevant to Guyana or relevant to Trinidad and Tobago or for that matter the United States.” Premised on the work of one of the most renowned researchers on qualification [Tuck R.(2007)], the qualifications and credit framework used in the Caribbean caters to the development of qualifications, the classification and recognition of skills, knowledge and competencies. But according to Bradshaw, the added component of life skills has been recognised as a need for the Region. This is necessary, Bradshaw said, since employers have over time said that institutions have been churning out graduates who are not work-ready. “They do not
have that relevant employability skills...they’re bright, they have knowledge and content; they could work with their hands, they do all kinds of
things but when they come into the job they can’t fit in,” Bradshaw noted. He pointed out that while qualifications may qualify an individual to secure a job, they are still required to learn things on the actual worksite but some people lack this ability. “Employers are saying we
don’t have the money or the time to train, we want you all to help us...so this brings in another facet of qualifications. Qualifications should be a partnership with institutions and employers; this is a very, very important factor, so that employers can have an (Continued on page 58)
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National Accreditation Council to shortly... (From page 57) input into what they want,” Bradshaw asserted. He added, “We want to know that when institutions graduate students after two years, three years, four or five
years, that these graduates that they send out, are work ready. The qualification framework speaks to that relationship between the institutions, the external stakeholders and [in the Guyana case], the Na-
tional Accreditation Council.” For a protracted period ACTT has been lending to support to NAC. The most recent meeting was this past week during which Bradshaw and Joseph helped the local
NAC officials to fine-tune the local framework. Among the local NAC team in attendance were: Accreditation Officer, Simone Gonsalves; Suelle Findlay-Williams, Communication Specialist, and Ryan
Serieux, Research Officer/ Acting Assessment Officer. It is the view of the NAC that with the qualification and credit framework in place, it will influence Guyana’s education system and contribute to the improvement of the quality of education and training as well as to contribute to national goals such as lifelong learning, recognition of prior learning and the inculcation of value systems. The work of the NAC entails the registration of post secondary and tertiary institutions. It is expected that the qualification framework will monitor closely the operations of these institutions. There are currently about 14 institutions registered by the NAC. But there are even more that are operational in Guyana. Serieux however noted that institu-
tions are only recognised when they are registered. He noted too that NAC has also been recognising some foreign awarded institutions and bodies. But ahead of being registered and recognised, the Assessment Officer said that there is a quality assurance process. “There are a number of criteria that we look for mainly governance, the relevance for the local economy and it must be equivalent to the programme offered elsewhere,” said Serieux. He noted though that while institutions are legally required to be registered ahead of offering programmes, the onus is however on individuals to ensure that they only pursue programmes at registered institutions in order to safeguard themselves.
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Kaieteur News
THE UGLY DUCKLING STAGE
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By Dr. NerominiFagu The eruption of both the baby and adult teeth occurs during stages. In order for the adult teeth to come into place, the roots of the baby teeth are slowly resorbed eventually rendering the baby tooth mobile and easily manipulated out of the mouth. During certain periods, the positions of the newly erupted adult teeth may sometimes create spaces between the teeth giving a child an unaesthetic appearance. The mixed dentition phase is when both baby and adult or permanent teeth are present in the mouth and normally occurs between the ages of 6 and 12. During this time period, when the permanent maxillary incisors erupt they tend to flare laterally and are widely spread creating spaces between the teeth. This stage of eruption
is known as the Ugly Duckling Stage. Broadbent’s Phenomena and Physiologic Median Diastema are other names that are sometimes used. This position of teeth at this stage is compared to that of an ugly look of a duckling and hence the name Ugly Duckling Stage. The term is directly borrowed from Hans Christian Andersen’s fictional fable of the same name. Spacing is a very common occurrence between the incisors in anterior teeth. The spacing may be caused by multiple factors that can be grouped into developmental or physiological causes and
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
pathological causes. This type of physiological spacing is usually seen between the upper front teeth and may sometimes be interpreted as malocclusion. However, this is not the case as permanent incisors are larger in size and develop in a more restricted area as compared to their baby counterparts. The space is created when the crowns of the adult or permanent canines in young jaws impinge on the developing roots of the lateral incisors causing the roots of the incisors to move to the centre and the crowns to flare to the sides. The roots of the central
The Importance of Standards in Reducing Climate Change Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). International standards offer practical tools for addressing climate change. Standards address climate change from four main aspects: (1) Monitoring climate change (2) Quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and communication on environmental impacts (3) Promoting good practice in environmental management and design (4) Opening world markets for energy efficient technologies Presently, organizations are employing more energy efficient strategies aimed at reducing GHG emissions, but who measures this? This is where the use of International Standards becomes imperative as standardisation aims to provide for common, recognized verification as well as documentation. International Standards provide the necessary baseline for comparability and the effective trading of emissions, and they ensure that “one tonne of CO2 is indeed one tonne of CO2”. Standards can help with providing the metric to assess energy savings potential. If this is done then the world can have validated information on how much is being done in as far as climate change is concerned. Developing International standards, especially in relation to climate change, is necessitated by the fact that GHG emissions have a global impact as opposed to traditional emissions so there is need for harmonization of GHG accounting and reporting procedures. With the use of International Standards such as the Environmental Management (ISO 14000 series), and other Management systems (ISO 9000 series), performance, monitoring, safety, design and controls standards, the current situation can be controlled, or rather slowed down, for both developing countries and mostly for developed countries.
Standards can help fight climate change by providing a basis for ensuring trust, integrity and management in the quantification, measurement and verification of GHG emissions. More importantly, standards can also provide the tools for development of energy efficiency and alternative sources. Standards can be used to support innovation by sharing best practice, so designers can focus on developing better products adhering to the best possible environmental standards so as to protect our planet. Standards also help to harmonize codes of best practice improving the measurement of carbon footprint with better informed choices. International Standards can help fight climate change by providing a basis for ensuring trust,integrity and effective management in the quantification, measurement and verification of greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation efforts (ISO 14064 series and ISO 14065), and practical tools for the development of energy efficiency and alternative energy sources. There appears to be a complexity in establishing a link between standards and climate change. Upon careful consideration, the relationship between these two key issues becomes apparent. Simply put, standardisation makes the case for a cleaner, safer and healthier environment. For example, the idea of reducing one’s carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organization, or location at a given point in time. Carbon footprint quantifies the environmental impact in terms of carbon emissions measured in units of carbon dioxide. As the world grapples with the task of establishing workable solutions to tackle climate change and reducing carbon emissions (which is a global problem) it would seem logical that the largest contributors should bear the brunt of this responsibility. Continued on page 61
incisors are also forced together thus causing a midline diastema or space between these teeth. Normal physiological space is about 2mm. When larger spaces are present it may signify an underlying pathological condition such as an intra bony lesion or a supernumerary tooth both of which would require additional investigation. As a guideline, space between teeth in the upper arch that are 2mm or less would close on its own but spaces greater than that are unlikely to do so. However, attempts at closure should not be done
during the Ugly Duckling Stage as injury to the incisors and canines may occur. The root tip of the lateral incisors may be damaged and the canines may deflect from the normal path of eruption and may even result in their impaction. The Ugly Duckling Stage of development is a normal occurrence and requires no orthodontic treatment or cause for concern. The teeth arrangement usually corrects itself when the canines erupt and the pressure is transferred from the roots to the crowns of the incisors. However, regular checkups are necessary to rule out
Dr. Neromini Fagu the possibility of crowding or other conditions and if crowding is suspected then growth modification appliances may be used to assist in early correction. Also, counseling the child to let them know that this is a transient stage will help them deal with any negative emotional consequences of this phase of their development. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com Vegetarian Gardens: office assistant. Call: 227-7714/2310951/223-3448, info@vgiworld.com Experienced shop workers, handyman & domestic to work in the Interior, age 1840yrs. Call: 231-0363 (9am4:30pm). (TIN, ID & NIS) Live in experienced waitress $20,000 weekly. Call: 610-5043
VACANCY
FOR RENT
LAND FOR SALE
FOR SALE
Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
MINING BLOCKS FOR SALE @ OMAI & CUYUNI NEAR BUCKHALL GY$2,500,000 EACH. CALL: 622-7563
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
One data entry clerk, must be computer literate & have passes @ CXC Maths & English. Apply PO BOX12118
Fully furnished luxury apartment to rent 2 & 3 bedrooms, long and short term stay. Call: 665-3505
CANTER DRIVER/ SALESMAN, MINIMUM 3 YEARS DRIVING EXPERIENCE, FACTORY ASSISTANT 266 4427
Three storey 75ftX30ft building/bond, open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways @ 25B Princes St., Charlestown. Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605
Cashiers & supermarket helpers at Nirva Supermarket, apply in person with written application at 49 Sheriff & Craig Street. Call: 227-5771
2 Bedrooms apartment in Eccles New Scheme, furnished or unfurnished from August 1 2017. Call: 225-3234
Experienced roti/puri cook, curry cook and waiters. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with handwritten application, 5 Commerce Street. (Day Shift only)
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Upholstery: cover any type of furniture at a reasonable cost, home service if possible. Call: 216-2230/682-8718
If you owe housing we help pay up to $1M. Call: 6117223/651-1969 Received US$ cash for land in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm, La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 656-0701/6511969
Cupboard & panel door maker @ Blair Molding Shop. Call: 686-7306
Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call: 629-4946 or 225-4822 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Building Contractor: estimates, house plan to be drawn. Call: 216-0671/6928464/622-0267/ FB:K.Lakeram Construction. Mason, experienced and reliable, available for casting block work and plastering. Call: 619-3296
Senior Diesel Mechanic to work in G/Town. Call: 2181455
Maid required for domestic work includes cooking. Call:658-8669
Handyman to work at Kalyan Mall 162-163 Lamaha Street, age 25-45yrs. Call: 227-6681/ 655-9184/627-3390
Teacher for theory & practical of carpentry, masonry & plumbing programmes @ Vocational Centre. Send application PO Box10461 by August 19, 2017
Live in and live out waitress. Call: 643-9007/666-4647
We buy residential house lots; we pay off housing for you. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969
ACCOMMODATION Journey Inn apartment rental, short term with AC & Kitchen, as low as -$15US. Call: 642-1783/ 646-3011634/ 718-2301695
One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 624-7087/ 226-4283/ 2 5 8 - 0 2 1 3 / email:husainsaphier@ yahoo.com One experienced general domestic. Must be able prepare vegetarian meals. Payment $80,000. Interested person call: 623-1615
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages). TOURS Santa Mission, August 1st, 2017. Call Joy: 621-1088/6278562
One upper flat in Albert Street, Alberttown. Call: 618-3575 2 Bedroom with toilet & bathroom, upper flat apartment @ Lot Q19 Pigeon Island, Chateau Margot, E.C.D. Call: 220-6799/2206657/603-9547 1-2 Bedrooms bottom flat spacious apartment @ 5th Avenue Diamond, grilled & secured, concrete fence, parking available -$70,000 monthly. Call: 662-9335/ 612-3244 One two bedrooms house at Lot 51 Pere Street Kitty, price -$45,000. Contact Maureen & Colin: 621-5781/ 650-8827 Place to rent @ Republic Park area, recently renovated, hot & cold bath, with air-condition. Call: 671-9283 3 Bedrooms top flat @ Macaw St, Tucville. Call: 218-5401/ 6653622/ 610-5437
Cook, Cashier and cleaner wanted to work at a Restaurant , 22 Charlotte Street Bourda, Georgetown. Call: 686-3231/ 625-3110 Carpenter/Mason, must have tools. Call: 225-3234
Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D $1200USD. Call 647-1773
1 Counter clerk, must have a decent handwriting & passes in Maths & English. Send handwritten application to PO BOX 12118
Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Register Now! Summer Courses in cosmetology & nails 7th -18th August; Cost: $20,000. Limited space available. Call: 618-2417
Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
Land @ No.7 Village W.C.B – 86’X317’, roadside -$34M negotiable. Call:622-6473 (Raj), 648-6873 (Bernard), 661-4604 (Veronica) Land in Zeelugt new scheme, $2.5M,Providence- $4.2M, land in Tuschen (Phase 1) - $2.5M & La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.7M – 642-1252
House & land for sale, latest Toyota Tundra and Tacoma parts. Call: 646-8594 1 Set of used magrims, 4 holes 17". Call: 685-6874/653-2477 A flock of sheep, price negotiable. Call: 645-2676/ 218-3647 ask for Mike.
2 ½ Acres riverside land, 5 Acres land with 5,000 sq.ft building, Brickery, East Bank Demerara. Call: 653-2477/ 685-6874
One Noah mini-bus series BSS price -$2M negotiable. Call: 687-6174 600
Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397
Amazon Parrots. Call (592) 667-8896 for information.
5 Acres coconut and other fruit bearing, no chemical, lease or sale – Demerara River across Timehri docks. Call: 261-2988
Fluffy puppies (Tibetan Terriers) 6 weeks old, dewormed. Call: 668-9021
600 Amps automatic, transfer switches, switch gears, moFarm -$3.5M, La Parfaite tors. Call: 666-6046 Harmonie -$1.6M, $1.8M, Uitvlught -$3.2M, Ameila’s Dredge spares, 4" and 6" Ward Linden (fenced) - hose, conveyor belts, etc. On $2.5M, penalty paid. Call: 656- order, quality stuff, beat any 0701/651-1969 market price. Call: 658-7553
New Housing Developments @ Blankenburg & Schoonord, Houses and lots 26 Happy Acres, East Coast, available. Cash or terms. 5,830sq (53X110), 25 Million, Contact # 650-0402/ 603-1402 negotiable. Call: 614-4358 Tibetan pups, fully dewTitled land: E.B.D River @ ormed & vaccinated. Call: Loo Creek, Linden Highway, 225-4780 85.6 Acres, water source, farm land, etc. Call:625-8589/688- Spa salon furniture to sell on 0882/518-859-5313 less price. Please call: 6181853
Land at Tuschen Housing Scheme, near school, 3 minutes away from main road. Call: 261-2988
2 Samsung Galaxy s8 smartphones for sale and much more. Call 685-7251 for more info
Herstelling: 1st Bridge -$7M, 2nd Bridge -$5M, 3rd Bridge -$4M, 4th Bridge -$3M. Call: 611-7223/667-1960 CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OFACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Registration commenced for I.A.E Secondary school, forms 15, termly fee -$30,000. Call: 683-5742/621-7365
DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Nursery Students registration is ongoing, low monthly fees, pay daycare fees for quality education. Call: 690-9378/677-0296
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11SEATMINIBUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 6987807
Personal Tutoring: Maths, English, Social-Studies, Office Administration, History, Reading & Accounts. Excellent Results guarantee. Call: 610-6087 Rising Star Academy: Register now for kindergarten & Grades 1-4, build a strong foundation for common entrance. Call: 677-0296
VEHICLE FOR SALE
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Unregistered bluebird 1500cc, 31,000KM, front wheel drive, RZ bus good working condition, owner leaving. Call: 265-0204/2652171/601-0223 One used 1992 Hauler 8X6 DAF lorry, colour: green & black only used for 2 months, excellent condition. Call: 6794675
TO LET 3 Bedroom house to rent @ Grove Public Road. Call between Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm: 223-0204 Furnished 2 bedrooms airconditioned apartment to rent in G/Town. Call: 678-6690
One Leroy Trident. Price $250,0000, PPP series. Call: 687-6174 2012 Nissan Bluebird: reverse camera, low mileage, unregistered. New model Allion coming -$3.3M negotiable. Call: 655-3400 Continued on Page 61
Sunday July 30, 2017
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Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
Caribbean countries must help in the wellbeing of their Diasporas By PAT DIAL At the time of writing, the Diaspora Conference of the University of Guyana is still in progress and the only report we have had so far of its proceedings is President Granger’s opening presentation. We have had no information of the titles or themes of the other presentations but from the statements made by public figures and academics in the past, the onus of the Conference will be to invite the Diaspora community to be involved in Guyana’s economic and social development. We have always felt that Governments and Guyanese people at home should equally be concerned with the welfare and protection of the Diaspora community and there are several ways in which this could be achieved. With the limitation of space, we will broadly touch on two of those ways. A few decades ago, we had done a paper on the push factors that caused Guyanese to emigrate abroad, especially to the Developed World. The main factors included finding employment, re-uniting families, medical and educational opportunities, political and racial discrimination, desiring to be immersed in Western Culture, imagining that one’s artistic and intellectual talents would have a greater opportunity to flourish, and above all, the very deep assumption that the Developed Countries were the nearest thing to Paradise on Earth and to
settle there was a victorious achievement and a privilege. From the historical perspective, Western countries are not now the Paradise immigrants imagined since the West has started on the downward slope of gradual decline. Six hundred years ago, the Asiatic Heartland, especially India and China, produced most of the World’s product and enjoyed a level of wealth and civilization far above the West. In those times, whenever the West thought of wealth, they thought of Asia. From about the 14th century, the societies of the Asiatic Heartland fell into a somnolence, ceased being productive and became weaker and poorer. Indian and Chinese civilizations did not disappear as the other contemporary ancient civilizations had done but remained in a debilitated and almost moribund state. On the other hand, at the same time Europe was experiencing its Renaissance and in a few centuries, Western Man achieved the highest pinnacle of Human Civilization, wealth and power and by the 19th century had colonized the rest of the world. By 1900, Western Civilization and Power were unchallenged and appeared to be permanent and everlasting. Then the West began fighting its disastrous and suicidal civil wars culminating in World Wars 1 and 11. The West lost its imperial control of the World and destroyed a great deal of its wealth and young and
The Importance of... From page 59 However, in an increasingly integrated world, this may not be the best approach for us to take, at either the individual or the national level. Within the context of national agenda of developing countries as it relates to the environment, standards are one of many avenues that must be pursued and embraced simultaneously. For developing countries which rely heavily on their natural resources for economic development and prosperity there are issues with which developing countries should be concerned. The efforts in limiting global climate change through human interventions to reduce or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases are multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral and hence, will require collaborative efforts from all quarters to actively pursue policy and strategies that give smaller countries a fighting chance. International standards are without doubt the tools to address climate change and hence, countries need to ensure that policies are in line with climate change. It goes without saying that International standards together with stringent conformity assessment offers the best solutions for both developed and developing nations in the epoch of climate change. International standards offer policymakers, industry and users the common tools which they need to work together on tackling climate change. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
educated humanity. Western Civilization had almost destroyed itself. Asia had begun to awaken from its long somnolence and in a few decades has come to have great economic and military power. And Asian economic power keeps growing and overtaking the West. This has resulted in Western Societies gradually becoming poorer. For example, free health services have begun to contract, unemployment is growing, wages are not increasing as fast as they once did and standards of living have begun to fall. And our Diaspora finds itself permanently living in this slowly and almost imperceptibly but relentlessly declining society. The answer to this syndrome is for our Diaspora to have one leg in the declining Developed country and one leg in the Developing country with the possibility of enjoying the best of both worlds. The Indian and Chinese Diasporas are adopting this formula and the Guyanese Diaspora could well do the same. The Government of Guyana could help in this process in several ways and should quickly take on the task. The second overall way in which the Government of Guyana could be of help to the Diaspora is firstly by enlightening would-be immigrants of the kind of
society they would be going to. This would help them to settle down more quickly and productively and to better gauge their future. Next, the Guyanese and West Indian Diaspora communities in the Developed World have little or no understanding of the financial structures and investment opportunities in those countries. And despite the great advantage of speaking the same language, as in the USA and UK, having the same legal assumptions and the same Law and indeed having the same thought process, Caribbean people, though very hard-working and responsible, have never entered the lucrative world of Finance. Asians, in contrast, because they know how the Stock Exchanges, Banks and other financial institutions and structures work, are able to take advantage of these and in a short time become wealthy. The Guyanese and West Indian High Commissions and Embassies in the Developed Countries must devise methods by which they could educate the West Indian Diasporas in the Stock Market and other financial structures. Though Guyanese and West Indian Diasporas have done much better in securing higher education and the professions than they have been able to do in Finance, they have not been able to manifest their full potential,
And this syndrome is largely because when Caribbean people emigrate to the Developed countries, they go to the cities. Since they do not have enough money to live in the better areas, they are compelled to live in the poorer and working class areas. Now, in the Developed World, the Environment creates the man so Guyanese and West Indian children born in the poorer districts of Western cities will become like their neighbours. They will speak like them, dress like them, think like them with ambitions to be no more than a wage-earner. In the Caribbean, because of the full social mobility, the majority of the educated and professional classes derive from the poorer sections of society. Working through parents, the Diplomatic Missions and social workers could successfully launch more poorer West Indian young people into the universities and professions. And finally, Caribbean Governments and their foreign missions must positively offer protection to their citizens wherever they are and in whatever circumstances. The model of Israel regarding protection of its citizens would be instructive. If such protection is proffered, Caribbean states will earn a new respectability and their citizens would be more closely affiliated to their homelands.
From Page 60
VEHICLE FOR SALE RZ, Pit Bull, 212 Carina, IST, Verossa, Suzuki Vitaera, Premio, Allion, Fielder Wagon, Spacio- Call: 6507501/ 616-2577 Tractor (foreign used) Massey Ferguson -165 $1.7M, MF-135 - $1.2M, MF265 -$2.2M, 165 Loader tractor -$2.4M. Call: 6825230/ 628-9596 2005 Tacoma from Canada bull bar -$2.4M, Ford F150 sport -$1.5M, Ranger sport $1.4M. Call: 682-5230/ 6289596 One Mitsubishi Fuso 5 Ton, enclosed canter. Call: 6186207
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Aubrey Barker -$27M, William Street -$11M, Diamond -$14M, Grove -$7.8M, David Street$30M, Norton -$10M. Call: 2312199/618-7483 One transported property for business or residential located @ Friendship Public Road, EBD -$18M. Call: 6484810/661-5099 Transported2storywithshop ideal for business, E.B.D Soesdyke, Public Road. Call: 625-8589/ 688-0882/518-859-5313 House on double lot for sale at 49 Clay Brick Road, Den Amstel W.C.D. Call: 6306755/347-425-5343 (no agent) 1 Two story 3 bedrooms concrete house, Block 8 Mon Repos -$17M negotiable. Call: 645-8543 10 Minutes away from Georgetown, you can own your own home, now in construction, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, concrete house. Call: 675-1510
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Kaieteur News
Sunday July 30, 2017
Suspects ‘sport’ out cash after killing Upper Demerara vendor Police have detained three men who have allegedly confessed to killing vendor and labourer, Dhanpaul Dookie, at Uitspa Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Upper Demerara River. The suspects are all from Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. A police release stated that they admitted to robbing and killing Dookie. One of the suspects was previously charged for murder,
but was discharged on that offence. Another suspect has an attempted murder charge pending in the High Court, and the third was charged with several lesser criminal offences. The body of Dookie, also called ‘Pauline’, was found around 08.00 hrs last Thursday. He had been stabbed multiple times. It is believed that he may have been slain since Monday. Detectives received information that three men, who worked with a businessman from the same area, had disappeared at
around the same time that the killing occurred. “They were working with a guy who has a business in the area. We had info that they had vanished,” a police official said. Police from ‘C’ Division assisted in tracking down the suspects. When they were finally arrested, the alleged killers had already ‘sported out’ (spent) the cash they had stolen from their victim. Charges are likely shortly.
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Kaieteur News
Cabinet approves the creation Venezuelans brace for unrest, stockpile food ahead of today’s vote of 300 additional nursing posts CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuelan protesters blocked streets yesterday in a last-ditch effort to derail the election of a legislative superbody that opponents of President Nicolas Maduro say will give the socialist leader a
Guevara, an opposition congressman, said on Twitter. Caraqueños, as residents of capital city Caracas are known, woke to the sight of debris-strewn streets where demonstrators clashed with security forces during the
tion rate also stocked up on basics like bread, chicken and milk as a precaution in the event that unrest forces stores and other businesses to close in the coming days. “People are desperately buying groceries while they
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Cabinet has approved the creation of 300 additional posts for nurses as part of moves to ease the personnel shortage in the public health system. This was disclosed by Health Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, who says at least 2,000 established positions are required to alleviate the shortage. He was speaking at a Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/Ministry of Health forum on Health Sector Reform and Service Delivery, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, Friday. Tufton said many of the nurses exiting the public health system or contemplating this, identified challenges
with salaries, the availability of housing in locations deemed suitable and security of tenure, among the factors influencing their decisions. Earlier this year, he announced that steps were being taken to address the shortage through recruitments from countries such as Cuba and India, among other interventions. He also advised that a public/private partnership arrangement for the construction of houses was being explored. Meanwhile, Tufton said more doctors are also required to assist in reducing the amount of hours currently worked in each session by those in the public health system. These sessions, he noted, average approximately 120 hours.
This, the minister pointed out, was significantly higher than sessions of their counterparts in countries such as the United States where doctors work 80 hours, and the United Kingdom where they complete no more than 48 hours “before taking a break.” “I think we need to find a way to just change that (120 hours) and have more doctors in the system to reduce the hours that they can work. It may take a long time to implement, but frankly that is where we need to move,” the minster emphasised. The forum was held to review healthcare systems in other countries, consider the available evidence and draw on lessons learnt from their experiences regarding service delivery.
Govt. revokes controversial knighthoods
Venezuelan citizens line up to buy food at a store. (Reuters)
stranglehold on power. The oil-rich but recession-racked country has been gripped by four months of protests against Maduro that have left more than 110 dead in confrontations against security forces who have responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons. “Extend the barricades until tomorrow and everybody go to the streets on Sunday to demand the transformation of Venezuela,” Freddy
week. Those who are against Maduro’s brand of socialism said they would not vote in today’s election aimed at selecting the “constituent assembly.” The government has banned protests from Friday to Tuesday, but opposition figure Henrique Capriles called on his followers to hold protests along the country’s main roads today. People with enough money to buy food in the face of the world’s highest infla-
can because who knows if we’ll be able to keep buying on Monday,” Nestor Escalante, a 50-year-old g r a p h i c d e s i g n e r, t o l d Reuters outside the Always Fresh grocery store in Caracas. Of the 6,120 candidates in Sunday’s election for a 545-member constituent ass e m b l y, n o n e a r e f r o m Ve n e z u e l a ’s opposition, which is boycotting what it calls a rigged ballot meant to consummate a dictatorship.
PM accuses former administration of reckless spending NASSAU – Prime Minister Hubert Minnis has accused the former administration of “recklessness and massive waste” in the lead up to the 2017 general elections. In an address to the nation last week, Minnis said approximately US$250-million was spent ahead of the recent poll. “This was another glaring example of the recklessness and massive waste by the former Administration which still today, accepts no responsibility for its disastrous governance,” the Prime Minister said. “They stubbornly refused to change track. In Opposition, we warned them that there was dire trouble ahead, but the response was to go full steam toward the iceberg, spending the people’s money with wild abandon and few results.”
In his inaugural address as the nation’s Chief Executive Officer, Minnis said one “glaring example” was the US$80 million spent on BAMSI (Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute). “While there is a need for such an institute, there is little value to be seen for the vast sum of money spent. Can you imagine what an infusion of $80 million would have done for the University of The Bahamas?” “One can imagine the buildings that could have been erected at the University. One can imagine the scholarships that could have been granted. One can imagine, the programmes that could have been funded.” Minnis said his administration is taking a long overdue approach to examining the best way to improve the
skill-sets of its people. He said rather than guessing what approach delivers the best value, Administration officials are examining the skillful and successful persons in society – from surgeons to carpenters, plumbers to accountants, teachers to athletes, Pastors to Permanent Secretaries and so on – to see what in their path contributed the most to their success. “It is the collective skills of the people that determine the rate of growth of wealth,” he said. “We believe that we have the capacity to know what works and what does not work. “Based on what we learn, we will work with the University of The Bahamas, our educators, trainers and researchers, to develop education reform and better experiencedbased education.
Antigua and Barbuda Governor General Sir Rodney Williams (L) and Anthony Bailey Daily Observer - Anthony Baily and the six other members of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George have all had their honours and knighthoods annulled. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams says he cannot comment of the matter at the moment. However, a letter signed by Williams and dispatched
the orders Delegate Anthony Bailey says the honours have been revoked. OBSERVER media discovered the letter online at Caribbean News Now. Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George exchanged honours with members of the government of Antigua and Barbuda over two and a half years ago in November of
2014. Since then, controversy has shrouded the exchange and the government later said a review of the honours was being done. In the letter dated July 21st, Sir Rodney informs Anthony Bailey that a review is complete and quote “irregularities” have been identified in the process of conferring the honours.
Woman fatally stabs abusive partner A woman, tired of being abused almost daily, fatally stabbed her partner around 21:30 hrs on Friday at Queen Street, Kitty. Devon Ali died around 11:00 hrs yesterday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. He was stabbed to the chest. Lisa Hayley, a mother of two, has been detained at the Kitty Police Station. The woman told the police that she and the deceased have been together for the past three years. During that time, she had been abused frequently. According to reports,
Hayley was forced into prostitution by the deceased who would usually take away whatever cash she made. Last week, the duo got into a heated argument and Hayley claimed that the suspect beat her and threatened to kill her. Tired of being abused, she moved from her Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home and went to stay with her brother in Kitty. Last night, Ali reportedly turned up at the woman’s home and demanded to talk to her. “Her brother told him that she wasn’t there,” a
source said. The woman was at the time entering her brother’s yard. The deceased spotted her and reportedly attacked her with two knives. This newspaper was informed that during the process, Hayley managed to get her hands on one of the knives and stabbed her abusive partner. The woman told the police that she had no intention killing the father of her two children but she was simply trying to protect herself. Investigations are ongoing.
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
Modernization of justice system
Moves afoot to establish e-Judiciary Given the benefits of digital technology, efforts are underway by the legal administration to establish an e- judiciary, locally. This is according to Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings –Edwards. The Chancellor was at the time addressing the opening of the new wing of the Supreme Court. Justice Cummings-Edwards said that steps have been taken to have the new courtrooms equipped with modern technology. She explained that the eJudiciary System allows court documents to be filed, served and extracted electronically. “Legal professionals enjoy easy and convenient submission of court documents and online access to active case files using intuitive electronic filing (eFiling). At the same time judicial officers can
enjoy improved efficiency and effectiveness in handling Court cases and schedules with features such as Court Case Management System.” Countries such as Singapore, UAE, Namibia and Mauritius have implemented and benefitted from e-Judiciary systems. This has led to the faster disposition of cases in those jurisdictions. According to information publicised on the Worldwide Web, the use of Internet technology in handling various administrative procedures before, during and after the administration of justice provides a host of possibilities throughout the legal process, from lobbying through to the provision of remote authoritative legal information and certificates. It is seen by many as the key to streamlining and expediting justice. The information lists the development of e-justice as a
key element in the modernization of judicial systems in different parts of modern Europe. The first objective of ejustice is to enhance the effectiveness of justice for citizens. Information on e-Judiciary outlines that the mechanism provides a gateway in civil, commercial and criminal cases which enables practitioners to determine the appropriate judicial authorities in different parts of the Europe. The adequate e-Judicial system also gives access to citizens to find answers concerning the function of the legal systems. Several years ago, the government signed a US$25M agreement with the IDB, to undertake institutional reforms within the local justice system. Through the project, a Law Revision Unit was established to facilitate the ongo-
Steps taken to establish an e–Judiciary which will aid in modernization of the justice system
ing revision of the laws. The project is said to be a quite complex one, with unfamiliar dialogue to institutions that had most probably never thought of reviewing their structures. Under the modernisation project, several courts have been refurbished and a number of up-to-date features were set to be installed in the Court of Appeal, the Chief Justice’s Court and the Commercial Courts. This includes the voice recognition systems. Plans have been afoot to have the recording systems installed in the High Court and Magistrates’ Courts in Berbice and Essequibo. At
the Supreme Court in Georgetown, the voice recording system has been in operation since the opening of this session of the Demerara Assizes in January. The verbatim recording system has been installed in the Chief Justice’s Court as part of a pilot project under the “Modernisation of the Justice Administration System.” Additionally, the project’s conference system was intended for three courts; the Court of Appeal; the Chief Justice’s Court and the Commercial Court of the Supreme Court of judicature. The new installations are said to have significantly
eased the burden on judicial officers with regards to recording the end of trials. The system replaces the obsolete use of tape recorders and transcriptions in long hand. The digital feature is currently being used primarily to record the endings of criminal and civil proceedings. The recorder, automatically, during the proceedings, captures all sounds of the courtroom activity. The verbatim system records attorneys, litigants and other court users, and is stored securely within the courthouse. The initiative has been on the cards for years since the local court system was earmarked for such a reformation.
Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
Trump threatens to end insurance payments if no healthcare bill WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump threatened yesterday to end government payments to health insurers if Congress does not pass a
in cost-sharing reduction subsidies the federal government pays to insurers to lower the price of health coverage for low-income Americans. The second part of the
Donald Trump
new healthcare bill and goaded them to not abandon their seven-year quest to replace the Obamacare law. In a Twitter message yesterday, Trump said “if a new HealthCare Bill is not approved quickly, BAILOUTS for Insurance Companies and BAILOUTS for Members of Congress will end very soon!” The tweet came a day after Senate Republicans failed to muster enough votes to *repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare bill commonly known as Obamacare. The first part of Trump’s tweet appeared to be referring to the approximately $8 billion
tweet appeared to be a threat to end the employer contribution for members of Congress and their staffs, who were moved from the normal federal employee healthcare benefits programme onto the Obamacare insurance exchanges as part of the 2010 healthcare law. Trump later urged Senate Republicans to try again on a healthcare vote. The Senate is in session for another week before it is scheduled to begin an August recess. “Unless the Republican Senators are total quitters, Repeal & Replace is not dead! Demand another vote before voting on any other bill!” Trump said in a subse-
quent tweet. Many insurers have been waiting for an answer from Trump or lawmakers on whether they will continue to fund the annual government subsidies. Without assurances, many insurers plan to raise rates an additional 20 percent by an Aug. 16 deadline for premium prices. With Republican efforts to dismantle Obamacare in disarray, hundreds of U.S. counties are at risk of losing access to private health coverage in 2018 as insurers consider pulling out of those markets. In response, Trump on Friday again suggested that his administration would let the Obamacare programme “implode.” He has weakened enforcement of the law’s requirement for individuals to buy insurance, threatened to cut off funding and sought to change plan benefits through regulations. Meanwhile, some congressional Republicans were still trying to find a way forward on healthcare. Senator Lindsey Graham said in a statement issued late on Friday that he and two other Republican senators, Dean Heller and Bill Cassidy, had met with Trump after the defeat to discuss Graham’s proposal to take tax money raised by Obamacare and send it back to the states in the form of healthcare block grants. Graham said the move would end Democrats’ drive for a national single-payer healthcare system by putting states in charge. “President Trump was optimistic about the GrahamCassidy-Heller proposal,” Graham added. “I will continue to work with President Trump and his team to move the idea forward.”
Johnson’s ally criticises Hammond’s Brexit plan – newspaper LONDON (Reuters) - An ally of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has criticised the Brexit transition plans of Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, a newspaper said, in the latest sign of tensions within the government over how Britain should leave the European Union. Gerard Lyons, a former economic adviser to Johnson when he was London mayor, described concern about a “cliff-edge” Brexit as “alarmist talk” similar to the fear of the Y2K bug threat to computers at the turn of the millennium. Lyons also said a transition period, between Britain leaving the EU in 2019 and the
start of its new, long-term relationship with the bloc, should last for no more than two years, the Sunday Telegraph reported. Hammond said on Friday the transition could last for up to three years. “Many of the ‘risks’ being highlighted about Brexit are perceived risks, not real risks. And a two-year transition would alleviate many concerns,” the Sunday Telegraph quoted Lyons as saying in a column he wrote for the newspaper. Hammond has led a push within the government to secure a business-friendly Brexit that avoids a sudden change in 2019 in the relationship be-
tween Britain and the EU, which buys nearly half the country’s exports. A growing number of other ministers have said they agree with the need for a transition period but Johnson who has advocated a tough approach to the Brexit negotiations - has been silent on the issue recently. Late on Friday, Hammond and Johnson issued a joint statement saying they were “working together to take the UK out of the EU” and its single market, customs union and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. But the statement made no mention of transitional arrangements.
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North Korea tests another ICBM, claims all of U.S. in strike range SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea said yesterday it had conducted another successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that proved its ability to strike America’s mainland, drawing a sharp warning from U.S. President Donald Trump and a rebuke from China. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the midnight launch of the missile on Friday night and said it was a “stern warning” for the United States that it would not be safe from destruction if it tries to attack, the North’s official KCNA news agency said. North Korea’s state television broadcast pictures of the launch, showing the missile lifting off in a fiery blast in darkness and Kim cheering with military aides. “The test-fire reconfirmed the reliability of the ICBM system, demonstrated the capability of making a surprise launch of the ICBM in any region and place any time, and clearly proved that the whole U.S. mainland is in the firing range of the DPRK missiles, (Kim) said with pride,” KCNA said. DPRK is short for the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The launch comes less than a month after the North conducted its first ICBM test in defiance of years of efforts led by the United States, South Korea and Japan to rein in Pyongyang’s nuclear weap-
Kim Jong Un
ons ambitions. The North conducted its fourth and fifth nuclear tests last year and has engaged in an unprecedented pace of missile development that experts said significantly advanced its ability to launch longer-range ballistic missiles. “By threatening the world, these weapons and tests further isolate North Korea, weaken its economy, and deprive its people,” Trump said in a statement. “The United States will take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the American homeland and protect our allies in the region.” China, the North’s main ally, said it opposed North Korea’s “launch activities that run counter to Security Council resolutions and the
common wishes of the international community.” A foreign ministry statement added: “At the same time, China hopes all parties act with caution, to prevent tensions from continuing to escalate, to jointly protect regional peace and stability.” Britain’s foreign minister, Boris Johnson, condemned the launch in a statement yesterday. “We urge the DPRK regime to put the well-being of its own people ahead of the illegal pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes,” Johnson said. Early on Saturday, the United States and South Korea conducted a live-fire ballistic missile exercise in a display of firepower in response to the missile launch, the U.S. and South Korean militaries said.
Ousted Pakistani PM Sharif lines up brother to take over ISLAMABAD (Reuters) Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced plans yesterday for his brother Shahbaz to take over as leader of the country and lashed out at the Supreme Court ruling that barred him from office. Shahbaz must contest a by-election for parliament to become eligible to take the reins, so the outgoing Sharif also nominated staunch ruling party ally Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to serve as interim prime minister for at least 45 days. Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party has a strong majority in parliament so should have no problem getting its choices confirmed when the chamber convenes to elect a new premier. Local TV said the session would begin on Tuesday. For now, Pakistan has no leader, creating uncertainty at a time the nuclear-armed coun-
Shehbaz Sharif
try is enjoying a rare period of relative stability, with militant attacks slowly declining and the economy growing at its fastest pace in a decade. An eventual transfer of power from Sharif to his brother would, however, still mark a relatively smooth transition for Pakistan, which has
been plagued by political chaos and frequent army interventions since it was founded 70 years ago. “Political parties don’t have democracy in them. They are family parties ... Actually, it’s like a form of monarchy,” Khan told Reuters in an interview.
Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
T&T attorney sentenced to 19 years in prison for conspiracy to murder PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – An attorney was sentenced to 19 years in prison for conspiring with three other individuals to kill his secretary in 2001. In court on Friday, justice Maria Wilson handed down the sentence to Joseph Melville. The attorney has been sentenced for Conspiracy to Murder, Attempted Murder, Kidnapping and Assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The court heard that on the 28th June, 2001, Melville conspired with three other persons to kill his secretary, Patricia Cox. It’s reported that Melville had been hired by Veronica Rostant to administer the estate of her late son. On the 26th June, 2001, Rostant visited Melville’s office with a police officer, PC Frank – who asked Melville when Rostant would get the monies owed to her. Melville told Frank and
Rostant that she would “get organised” by Friday 29th June, 2001. The accused believed that Cox was responsible for “talking his business” with Frank and Rostant and, thus, he arranged with three other persons to have her killed. On the 28th June, 2001, the accused asked Cox to go and collect statements and bring them back to him. He directed her to go into a vehicle with three other men. Those men eventually took her to the community of Cumberland Hill – while there, one of the Holder held a stone over her head and threatened to bash her head in. He and another man (Ainsley Alleyne) then proceeded to debate how they should kill her.Cox used the opportunity to throw herself off a cliff. She was eventually taken back up by Holder where he started to choke her. He eventually let go of her when someone called out to him.
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UDFA GT Beer Sunday Super Cup football in Linden
Regional U-19 Cricket roundup 2nd round
Power house Georgetown face West Demerara, Berbice and Bartica seek to stay alive
Guyana (257) in strong position vs T&T 67-4 on 2nd day
After convincing wins on their separate opening matches, traditional powerhouse Georgetown will seek to dominate West Demerara in their night cap game tonight of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) promoted GT Beer Sunday Night Super Cup Inter Association match-up at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. This big Group B Clash is going to set the tone for what one can expect for the rest of this tournament. Of recent the boys from West Demerara have shown that they can compete with the best of the nation and in this encounter football fans will be able to assess if the 6-0 clobbering of Bartica by Georgetown is anything to
go by as it relates to their superiority. West Demerara on the other hand brushed aside the challenge of Berbice and would want to improve on that with a win tonight. However, with both teams not looking as familiar as one anticipated, the game which follows the first at 19.00hrs pitting Berbice against Bartica, who lost respective games to West Demerara and Bartica, would hope to win and stay in with a chance of reaching the final four of the eight association tournament, coming out of their group of four. Therefore tonight’s matches are important to all four teams as they tussle for
semifinal berths with two more rounds of play left in the preliminary round of this eight association tournament where over $6M in total prize money and incentives are at stake. Hosts Upper Demerara by virtue of winning two of their scheduled three matches, with one in hand are almost assured to make it to the final four as would either Georgetown or West Demerara with victory tonight. With that in mind the matches are serious encounters which should have a great following of curious football fans wanting to greatly assess their home team’s chances of carting off the top prize of $2M in this inaugural tournament.
Sunday July 23, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You have to feel free to come and go as you please to achieve happiness. Proceed with caution if operating equipment or vehicles. Don't do something silly just to get back at your mate. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) If boredom has set in, find new and unique directions that offer interesting friendships. You can make personal changes that will enhance your appearance and bring about greater social activity. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Go over their important documents and take the time to suggest alternatives. Just be yourself. Things have been moving so quickly that you need to do something physical to release your tension. CANCER (June 22-July 22) If you go shopping, only take what you can afford to part with. Don't hesitate to sign up for creative courses or physical fitness programs. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Focus on your own domestic problems. You may not be as well received in group endeavors if you try to force your will on others. Opportunities will come through long term investments. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Get involved in sports events that will benefit your physical appearance. Expect some flak. Opportunities to make financial gains will develop through your connec-
tions with other people. LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Enjoy a quiet dinner for two and discuss some of the plans you have for the future. Be careful not to come on too strongly. Don't make large purchases or investments. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Think before you act if you wish to avoid friction. Problems with fire, gas, or oil may cause disruptions and annoyances. SAGIT. (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can make major gains professionally by completing projects on time. Opportunities to meet new lovers will come through pleasure trips or social events. CAPRI .(Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't let your emotions interfere with your efficiency. Don't let your jealous imagination play games with you. You'll find you're detail oriented today. AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You will be relentless when it comes to getting yourself back into shape. Romance is quite possible if you are willing to approach someone who interests you. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Believe in yourself and so will those who count. Be careful; your ideas are good but make sure that you're realistic and start off on solid ground. Don't jump as quickly as you usually do.
BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago, replying to Guyana’s first innings of 257, reached 67 for four at the close on the second day of their second round match in the Regional Under-19 Championship at St Paul’s here yesterday. Scores: GUYANA 257 (Ramnarine Chatura 67, Adrian Sukwah 46, Ronaldo Ali Mohammed 34, Ashmead Nedd 28; Avinash Mahabirsingh 3-52, Joshua James 2-23) TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 67 for four (Christian Thurton 33 not out) Windwards (338) vs Ja-
maica 304-8 Jamaica, replying to Windward Islands’ first innings of 338, were 304 for eight at the close on the second day of their second round match in the Regional Under-19 Championship at Verchilds. Scores: WINDWARD ISLANDS 338 (Kimani Melius 109, Wayne Edward 73, Jeremy Layne 43; Andre McCarthy 4-27, Kishawn Graham 3-55, Brad Barnes 2-45) JAMAICA 304 for eight (Brad Barnes 106, Darren Small 87; Lee Louisy 3-90, Daneal Dupigny 2-16) Barbados beat Leewards by seven wickets – 2nd day,
2nd round Barbados defeated Leeward Islands by seven wickets on the second day of their second round match in the Regional Under-19 Championship at Molineaux here yesterday. Scores: LEEWARD ISLANDS 130 (Kadeem Henry 28, Uri Smith 28, Jamie Cornelius 25; Camarie Boyce 8-28) and 65 (Dimitri Adams 20; Dante Niles 5-16, Camarie Boyce 2-12) BARBADOS 183 (Marc Cyrus 39, Shem Watson 26, Kadeem Alleyne 23; Jerome Thomas 4-24, Kian Pemberton 2-28) and 14 for three.
Kennard Memorial Turf Club Horserace meet on today The Kennard Memorial Turf Club Pre-Emancipation Horserace Meeting is set for today at the club’s track at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne. Seven races are set to be contested with the main event being for horses classified D3 and lower over 8 furlongs, with the winner collecting $1M. Among those entered are Lady Budapest, Brave Sky, Honey Flow, Settling Star, Keep on Swinging and Golden Blue Echo. Other races will feature the event for the E class non-winners and F and lower open horses covering 5 furlongs for a winner’s purse of $400,000. The Guyana Bred 3 years old 7 furlong race will pay a $240,000 purse, The K class non-winners and L Open race runs over 6 furlongs has a $120,000 purse offer. The H1 and lower racehorses will gallop for 7 furlongs and the winner gets
$250,000. The J2 and lower category first place claims a $140,000 prize after covering a distance of 6 furlongs. The L class non-winners
will cover 5 furlongs for a winner’s take of $110,000. The event will be staged under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Post Time is 12:30 hrs.
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Kaieteur Sports Week in Review SPORTS WEEK IN REVIEW Apart from a few sporting events which saw Keevin Allicock emerging as the lone medalist of the Guyana Youth Commonwealth Games team held in the Bahamas, a few burning issues took the spotlight. Kaieteur Sports takes a look back at some of the main events that transpired on the local scene in sports. ALLICOCK ELATED AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES SILVER MEDAL WIN Guyanese Flyweight boxer Keevin Allicock said he is happy with his silver medal success at the recently concluded Commonwealth games which were held in The Bahamas. Allicock, a member of the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym in Albouystown, copped the only medal for Guyana at the games. He defeated Kian Beatles of Ireland in the quarterfinal and beat Jordan Mathieu of Canada in the semis. He then lost in closely contested final to James Eithan of England. Allicock stated that winning a medal at such games is a wonderful achievement and he is looking forward to add to his collection of prizes in the future. He said he was pleased with the hospitality from the Guyanese there, adding that they motivated him a great lot. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and Coach Seibert Blake. INJUNCTION QUASHED! WAY NOW CLEAR FOR….ELECTIONS Two days after the Guyana Cricket Stakeholders staged a peaceful protest against the Government of Guyana outside the Office of Attorney General Basil Williams to highlight Government’s apparent reluctance to address the issue of the injunction preventing Elections of the Guyana Cricket Board, the Guyana Cricket Administration Act and the alleged illegality of the GCB, it was announced that the injunction had been quashed, paving the way for Elections to be held. Former WICB Director Claude Raphael made the announcement during a press briefing at Malteenoes, disclosing that after a meeting with Attorney G e n e r a l Wi l l i a m s a t h i s Chambers, he was told by the AG that the Injunction preventing the Elections of the GCB and their sub Boards (Berbice, Demerara & Essequibo) from being held had been quashed, which now clears the way for elections to be held. “The way is now clear for us to have Elections,” Raphael told the Media and a high-level head table
Keevin Allicock (left) displays his medal alongside coach Seibert Blake. which included former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, TIGI President Troy Thomas and APNU/AFC Collation member David Hinds. MINISTER HENRY TO MEET CRICKET OMBUDSMAN, ELECTION OF BOARDS PROCESS TO BEGIN And a Guyana Cricket Board’s two-man delegation comprising of Secretary Anand Sanasie and Chairman of Selectors Rayon Griffith along with representatives of Guyana Cricket Stakeholder were invited to meet with Attorney General Basil Williams and Sports Minister Nicolette Henry at the AG’s office. The two delegations and the Media were told by Williams that the way was now clear for Elections of the GCB and its Affiliate members since the Challenge to the Guyana Cricket Act from the GCB, which was upheld by the then Chief Justice Ian Chang on April 29, 2015 resulting in an injunction stopping the Elections had been quashed. The then Sports Minister Dr Frank Anthony and AG Anil Nandlall were named as defendants but before the matter was completed a new Government was voted into power. “We inherited this injunction from the previous Administration but legally if nothing happens after a year the injunction is abandoned and incapable of revival,” said AG Williams. This effectively means that elections of all boards can now hold elections but the GCB has now appealed the decision made by the Sports Minister to meet with the Ombudsman (appointed by Dr Anthony) Pastor Dr. Winston McGowan to set an early date for the County and Guyana Board elections. Henry said she contacted Dr. McGowan and promised the meet with her this week to set a date for the elections.
“I will act as Minister of Sports to insure due process is followed and will engage the Ombudsman next week for elections to be held as early as possible,” Henry disclosed. Minister Henry added that Cricket is Guyana’s National sports and told those involved in its administration they must find ways to work together and resolve issues. Sanasie feels the GCB had not been give a fair chance to present their case but promised to work with the ‘real’ stakeholders and to follow the rules of the Ombudsman. “The previous Administration put together a bill without the GBC’s agreement on some key issues but we are ready for elections…,” stated Sanasie. Sanasie believe that the GCB is doing a good job and pointed to the success of the National team to
Amy Grant prove his point, while noting that he will not only be seeking re-election but he might even run for the Presidency of the Board. Among the Stakeholders at the meeting were former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, former Mayor General Norman Mclean and representatives of the ECCB, Berbice Cricket Board, Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), Essequibo Cricket Board and the Upper Demerara Cricket Association.
GASA AFFILIATE SEEKS MINISTER’S INTERVENTION INTO LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY
GASA ASKED TO EXPLAIN AMY GRANT’S EXCLUSION FROM CYG AND GOODWILL GAMES
And the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) under the Presidency of Ivan Persaud, who also holds the portfolio of Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), is under the spotlight as one of its affiliates is not satisfied with its modus operandi. The longest serving member of the association, Dorado Speed Swim Club (DSSC) has sought the intervention of the Honorable Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry with regards to investigating GASA for alleged ‘lack of accountability’. In the letter to the Minister, the club has indicated that there has not been any audited statements to the members since 2010 and based on this, is questioning how funds are given to the association which is not complying with regulations of the NSC Act. It quoted the following NSC article in this regard: Article 20. (1) of the National Sports Commission Act states: “No grant from the funds of the Commission shall be made to any sports organisation unless the Commission is satisfied that such organisation does not contravene the provisions of this Act, keeps proper accounts and other record s in res p ect of its operations and is prepared to give the undertaking required under subsection (2)” The club stated that to the best of its knowledge and given the fact that no information is provided to them {DSSC}by the association, shared that the following funds were provided to the association in 2016 as follows: 1. Olympic Qualifier (Paraguay) - $650,000; 2. President Ivan Persaud – trip to Hungary – sum unknown; 3. Goodwill 2016 (St. Lucia) - $4,000,000+. It is questioning how then the GASA Statement of Income and Expenditure for the year ended 31st December, 2016 that was circulated at the February 2017 AGM shows a total income of 4,375,414 and does not include any funds from the NSC. DSSC is contending that the lack of accountability is compounded by a pattern of exclusion of their club from funds obtained from the Government of Guyana through the National Sports Commission (NSC). They cited other examples to Minister Henry. The DSSC has indicated to the Minister that they are prepared to meet with her to provide any further clarification that may be needed to rectify the issue in the interest of transparency and the future of Guyana’s young swimmers.
The ongoing disgruntlement of swimmers and targeted clubs have reached another boiling point in the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA). Kaieteur Sport is in receipt of a Lawyers Letter that has been sent to the association from the mother of o n e o f G u y a n a ’s l e a d i n g swimmers, Amy Grant. Grant’s mother, through Attorneys-at-Law, Satram and Satram has written GASA demanding an explanation on the exclusion from the Guyana Team of young Grant from the just concluded Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) and next month’s XX111 Goodwill Swim Meet scheduled to be hosted here from August 18-20 where teams from Suriname, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Trinidad &Tobago have been invited, while Grenada and Bahamas have been invited as guest teams. With regards to the CYG, Kaieteur Sport has ascertained that the 15 year-old Grant, who has been dominant in her age group would have accumulated the highest FINA Aggregate Points yet was overlooked by GASA which sent Kenita Mahaica of Dolphin Speed Swim Club. The letter dated June 26, 2017 was delivered to the GOA mailbox for the association but had a wrong a d d r e s s . H o w e v e r, i t w a s subsequently hand delivered to the association Secretary Christine Bailey who was present at the N a t i o n a l A q u a t i c C e n t e r, Liliendaal, on Thursday July 13th, last. Grant’s new club, Dorado Speed Swim Club (DSSC) had written to the association in early May of this year requesting reasons for the 15-17 swimmers exclusion from the Guyana teams having already earned her place by beating her opposition. GASA to date has not responded to its affiliate’s request, a pattern that has been consistent under the Presidency of Ivan Persaud who is also Chairman of the National Sports Commission. To this unprofessional move, Satram & Satram noted in their letter that it is disturbing. ”We represent the child who has the protection which the law and international treaties to which Guyana has subscribed gives her and she cannot be properly or fairly excluded from representing a team in her category from Guyana where there is a competition for which she is qualified,” the letter notes. It further stated: “The association has a responsibility to all children who are concerned in the competitions and it is disturbing to the child who has suffered (Continued on page 67)
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Kaieteur Sports Week in Review (From page 66) distress by the unreasoned exclusion. We ask that you let us have your reasons for exclusion as were requested by the Dorado Speed Swim Club and we further ask that your response to us be given with the reasons within five days of the date of the letter hereof.” To date, GASA has not responded.
Kevon Wiggins in a power move for Guyana against Mexico.
FERNANDES DETHRONES KHALIL, ARJOON RETAINS DIGICEL SENIOR NAT SQUASH TITLES Another efficiently run annual Digicel Senior National Squash Tournament produced a high standard of Squash and climaxed at the Georgetown Club with Alex Arjoon successfully defending his Men’s Open title and Nicolette Fernandes dethroning Ashely Khalil to take the Women’s Open crown. Joe Mekdeci captured the Veterans 35 - 49 and Over-50 titles. Watched by a partisan turn out which included renowned Guyana Singer Dave Martin, Arjoon, with most in the large crown urging him on, beat 47-year-old Richard Chin, regarded as Guyana’s best Squash player ever, in a repeat of last year’s final as both players produced a stunning exhibition of high class Squash and provided a ‘Squash Education Clinic’ for the National Junior players who were all present. In a tournament which included Guyana’s best Male and Female players returning home to participate, most of the others stepped up to plate with Mary Fung-a-Fat, who recently turned pro also returning to participate, while it also saw the emergence at the Senior level of the immensely gifted Caribbean U-15 Champion 13-year-old Shomari Wilshire. Caribbean Girls U-19 Champion Taylor Fernandes and the likes of the Khalil siblings (Ashley and Jason Ray), Ben Mekdeci, Kristian Jeffery and super fit Nyron Joseph ensured the tournament produced an entertaining show piece throughout the five nights of pulsating action. Finals results: Men’s Open: Alex Arjoon – Winner, Richard Chin – Second, Nyron Joseph – Third, Kristian Jeffrey – Fourth. Women’s Open: Nicolette Fernandes – Winner, Ashley Khalil – Second, Mary Fung-A-Fat – Third, Taylor Fernandes – Fourth. BANKS DIH BACKS GREEN MACHINE IN BATTLE FOR RUGBY AMERICAS NORTH TITLE Guyana’s national men’s Rugby team popularly known as the “Green Machine” got the backing of Banks DIH through their Coca Cola brand as they threw support behind the Guyanese once again, as they did when the local
ruggers hosted and defeated Trinidad and Tobago on June 10 last to reclaim their RAN South Zone title for the third successive year. The Land of Many waters, the “Green Machine’ hosted the USA Panthers yesterday at the National Park Track and Field Facility. Banks DIH Public Relations officer, Troy Peters related that he is looking forward to see this team, “Green Machine” in full swing. ”Coca Cola and Banks DIH are behind Guyana’s Green Machine. We saw this team’s full potential when they made light work of Trinidad last month and we are looking forward to Saturday which promises a lot of action.” CHANDINA KHAN IS NEW MISS FITNESS PARADISE GYM Chandina Khan made a clean sweep of the field at the Theatre Guild Playhouse when Fitness Paradise Gym held its Annual Gym Expo event. Winning the Miss Bikini and the Miss Best Legs events, Chandini Khan has definitely emerged as one of the finest female physiques the country has ever produced. This year’s contest was much more demanding than previous editions since the ladies were required to execute a Stage 1 that involved cardio and endurance exercises as well as a written examination based upon a Manual that they studied. Chandini faced competition in the Miss Bikini from Tenicia DeFreitas, Delice Adonis and Andrea Jacobs. In the Miss Best Legs first time competitor Melitha Anderson impressed the crowd with the muscular development of her thighs and graceful posing. She placed 2nd overall. Also new to the field was Angelica Holder who gave a classy and elegant display. The win by Khan has won her a passage and accommodation to Suriname to participate in the Eddy Wilson Classic which comes off on Saturday September 23 at
Congress Hall in Paramaribo. GUYANA CLOSE OUT CENTROBASKET U17 2017 WITH CLOSE LOSS TO MEXICO Guyana suffered their third loss in as many matches but put in a much more improved performance as they went down to Mexico in their third and final Group A game of the Centrobasket Under-17 championships in the Dominican Republic. The young Guyanese lost 63-74 to the Mexicans after trailing 29-46 at the half way mark. Their most dependable player and leading scorer, Kevon Wiggins was again the top shooter with 22 points to follow up his 15 against Puerto Rico and 32 against the Bahamas; ending with an average of 23 points per game. Wiggins received support from the dependable Nigel Bowen who tipped in 21 points, both players drained two 3-pointers each. TEAMS CONFIRMED FOR INDOOR PAN AMERICAN CUP On October 14th 2017, Guyana will embark on hosting its first ever Pan American level hockey championships. The tournament, called the Indoor Pan American Cups, will feature two simultaneous competitions for men and women and serves as the Pan American Continental Qualifier for FIH Indoor Hockey World Cups scheduled for February 2018 in Berlin, Germany. The 2017 Indoor Pan American Cups will take place at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), in Georgetown, Guyana. This year the competition will be one of the biggest ever in its history which dates back to 2002. There will be eight nations c o n t e s t i n g t h e w o m e n ’s competition and seven contesting the men’s with each tournament being represented by participation from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.
Only the 2010 competition, held in Venezuela was larger and by just one team. The tournament will see the return of all four semi-finalists for both genders from 2014 in competition and promises to be one of the most highly contested. In the men’s competition, the Canadian
side which boasts the most first place finishes, four, will comprise of some players not entirely unfamiliar with Guyana and the CASH. The seven teams of the men’s competition, Guyana, Argentina, Barbados, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago and the USA are all strong contenders for the gold although Canada remains the favourites having won the competition a record four times out of six. The same seven nations will c o m p e t e i n t h e w o m e n ’s competition with the addition of Uruguay which has been the surprise of Pan American hockey over the past few years. The Pan American hockey w e b s i t e http://www.panamhockey.org has the match schedule posted and will be following the event as it unfolds. Follow us on social media: Instagram page play_hockey_gy Facebook - Guyana Hockey Board.
Chandina Khan
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USA South hold off Guyana to claim RAN 15’s title
Members of the Guyana and USA South teams following the contest. The United States of America South withstood the challenges of a determined Guyana team to win the final of the RAN tournament 23-19 yesterday at the National Park. Played on a soggy ground in front of a colourful crowd, USA South opened their account in the 17th minute when Zach Miller scored a penalty. Hein Erasmus stretched the visitors advantage10 minutes later with the first
try of the contest as they took an 8-0 lead. USA South strategised well in the first half and increased their lead further minutes before the interval as flanker Wayne Chermerly ran some 30 meters down the left for another try. Trailing 13-0 at half time, Guyana looked more aggressive in the second half, however their opponents extended their lead when Miller anchored his second penalty 20 minutes into the second half
leaving the score 16-0. U rg e d o n b y t h e i r vociferous fans, Guyana fought back well and Patrick King gave them much to cheer about when he scored a try from center field 10 minutes later. Godfrey Broomes then made no mistake with the conversion as the host chalked up seven points. The Americans overlapped well and Jordan Gunderson and Miller put them further ahead in the 73rd minute (23-7) with a try and a
Online registration for King Medas-Pansy Adonis Classic begins Andy Medas-King recently announced the launch of the King-MedasPansy Adonis’ Classic and Guyanese Athletes are now able to register on-line for the up-coming track meet and road race fixed for December 14-17. The kmpasport.com website is designed with Guyanese in mind since the organizer is trying to move away from late entries and paper registration. While there would still be paper registration at some locations, Medas-King is looking to target the 10 Administrative Regions in Guyana but it will be difficult for athletes who resides in region 1,2 5,6,7,8 & 9. According Medas King, although the KING MEDAS PA N S Y A D O N I S FOUNDATION has not been given the recognition for its work, the organization continues to create the platform for Guyanese Athletes to reach their full potential. A K M PA S P O RT facebook page has been launched with a link to their website which allows Athletes to fill a form to choose their events (three
per person) while stating their age group, full name, date of birth, school they attend and the time they ran in those events. There is also an option for athlete to upload their birth certificate as a verification of their age. The FOUNDATION has also put in place an option for Athletes unable to upload their birth certificate on-line, to go to the following locations. Stokely Barber Shop (tel 661-6054) in Golden Grove East Coast Demerara, Sean Embrack at Maraj Building (664-2116) and Lorrie Ann Adams at Safe TV Channel 2 South Ruimveldt Gardens (6687897 or 218-1890). The FOUNDATION is working to take track and field to another level in Guyana and this is one of the many ways Medas-King is using to help foster positive change. A fee of US$5 or G$1,000 (vie PAYPAL) will be charged to register online. Those without a PAYPAL account can let their overseas relatives register for them. The KMPA continues to work with clubs that wish to submit paper registration and they can contact Medas King via whatsapp or phone
(+1-347-613-1159). The deadline to register is Thursday December 7 so that the organization can prepare the ‘Heats sheet’ and facilitate the smooth running of the registration process. “We would like to thank the many supporters because if it was not for you this could have never been possible. Also to the many parents and coaches who have worked tirelessly to get their athletes to the level of competition and to the officials and the onlookers. T h e K M P A FOUNDATION says a special thanks to those who have worked long hours and had sleepless nights to get this website up and running. The KMPA website is 100% Guyanese and Tarlee Tiatum is the person behind it. He is creating a mobile app which is soon to be launched. KMPA would be working to update the website to meet all the needs of Guyanese Athletes,” Medas-King informed. KMPA thanked the staff at Kaieteur News along with the staff at Chanel 9 TV and Basil Bradshaw, the host of the ‘Wake-Up Guyana’ show for their support.
conversion respectively. However, the Guyanese didn’t give up and Osei McKenzie gave them hope with a try, leaving the score 23-12. Guyana continued to
improve as the game progressed, but Lancelot Adonis missed a conversion in the 77th minute before McKenzie got in another try in the 80th leaving the score at 23-17.
Wi t h t i m e q u i c k l y running out, Godfrey Broomes closed the gap further with a conversion, but the visitors managed to hold on for the win. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Hamilton Green Cup Football continues at Victoria today Play in the Hamilton Green Cup Knockout Football tournament continues today at the Victoria ground on the E a s t C o a s t o f D emerara. Mahaicony are dow n to battle G rove H i Tech at 4:00pm in the opening contes t, w hile Mahaica come up
agains t Riddim S quad at 6:00pm and A nn’s Grove collide with P ele in the night cap at 8:00pm. Tea m s a r e b a t t l i n g for attractive prizes which include $500,000 and the Minister of Citizenship trophy for t h e w i n n er, $250,000 and the Busta trophy,
$150,000 and the John Fernandes trophy and $100,000 and the Cummings Electrical trophy respectively for the other top three finishers. Th e f i n a l o f t h e tournament has been fixed for the Leonora Sports Facility on September 3.
Letter to the Sports Editor
Amazed by the operations of our government and sporting authorities Dear Editor, I am amazed by the operations of our government and sporting authorities. I’ll give three scenarios that occurred within the last month and allow you to come up with your own opinion. Young Daniel Williams wins a silver medal in the 400 metre at the World Youth championships in Kenya. He returns home and the president of the Athletic Association of Guyana Mr. Aubrey Hutson and family members are the only persons there to meet him at the airport. No Minister of Sport, no Director of Sport, no member of the Guyana Olympic Association. Hutson then had to hunt down the Minister of Sport in order for Williams to have a photo op. Scenario Two: Young flyweight boxer Keevin
Allicock won a silver medal for Guyana (not himself) at the Youth Commonwealth Games held in the Bahamas. He returns home and was met by a contingent from the Guyana Boxing Association and well-wishers. Again, there was no Minister of Sport, no Director of Sport and no member of the Guyana Olympic Association. Scenario Three: The Guyana Robotics team placed 10th in the World Robotics Championships. Not first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or even seventh but 10th. The team returned home and was met at the airport by the First Lady Mrs. Granger, the Director of Sport Christopher Jones (is robotics a sport?), steel band and the list goes on. Stabroek News even gave an entire editorial applauding the efforts of the Robotics
Team. So a logical question is; what is wrong with a silver medal at the World Youth Championship and what is wrong with a silver medal at the Youth Commonwealth Games? Is this how we treat our athletes? After being informed of the above mentioned I cannot withhold my a n n o y a n c e a n d disappointment with a system which preaches one thing and practices another. We remain cavalier about sport and are quick to point out failures. However, here are two occasions when our administration could have at least shown some level of interest and they failed miserably and placed 10th from a field of ten. I call for and expect a Commission of Inquiry. Yours sincerely, Robert Trim.
Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Uganda’s 800m Olympian Mutenkanga to highlight Boyce & Jefford Classic VIII The International Men’s 800m at the upcoming Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic VIII in Linden at the MSC Ground on August 12-13 has gotten very interesting with the inclusion of one of Uganda’s top middle distance athletes, Julius Mutenkanga. United States of America–based Guyanese athlete, Kevin Bayley is the defending champion in the event, but will be definitely pressed to produce his best with the inclusion of Mutenkanga, who represented the African country at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Bayley will be back to attempt a title defence as w e l l a s Tr i n i d a d a n d
Tobago’s Ashton Gill, who was second to Bayley last year. Put Mutenkanga in the midst and the race promises to be one of the highlights of the 2017 Championships in Linden. Mutenkanga is a sub1:50.00 800m athlete and just last year he broke Uganda’s national 600m record. His personal best time is 1:46.30, which he ran to qualify for the International Association of Athletics Federations ( I A A F ) W o r l d Championships in 2011 in Daegu. Ironically, 2011 is the year that Dennis Horatio established the Boyce and Jefford 800m record with 1:55.90. With such an
Kevin Bayley international field in the race this year along with the quality of local athletes, that record seems to be under serious threat.
Ashton Gill Apart from the World Championships and Olympic Games, Mutenkanga also ran at the W o r l d I n d o o r
Championships. The 29year-old competes for the Central Park Track Club in the United States, which is sponsored by New Balance,
as an elite athlete. However, the Guyanese would be eager to ensure that the prize money up for grabs in the race stays at home. As such, Guyana Defence Force standout, Anfernee Headecker along with Police’s Quacy Morian and Samuel Lynch cannot be ruled out of the top three finishers. The race is also likely to include Desmond Amsterdam and Daniel Melville. The winner of the race pockets $US250, while second and third place gets US$150 and US$100 respectively. The male 800m event is one of six international events scheduled for the meet.
Dr. Scotland, Rameshwar, Sheriffudeen, Gaskin, Panchu receive Dolphin Awards Speaker of the National A s s e m b l y D r. B a r t o n Scotland headed a list of five outstanding Guyanese to receive the Dolphin Award of Excellence - the highest award of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS. The others were Mahadeo Panuchu, Noreen Gaskin, Radesh Rameshwar and Safraz Sheriffudeen and together they received the award from RHTYSC President Keith Foster. L o n g s e r v i n g Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at the presentation ceremony disclosed that the D o l p h i n Aw a r d o f Excellence is the highest of the Club’s twelve award scheme and is specially reserved for only thirty awardees. The Awardees are selected by a five member panel headed by Foster and Vi c e P r e s i d e n t M a r k Papannah based on their contribution to Guyana’s development, role model status and relationship with the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS. The l o n g s e r v i n g Secretary/CEO stated that the amount of awardees could only be increased by a two-thirds majority vote of club members at a Special Meeting.
Earlier awardees of the Award includes President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Ministers Volda Lawrence and Amna Ally, Bakewell General Manager Rajiv Ganga, Busta General Manager Robert Selman, Ansa Mcal Country Manager Beverly Harper, Namilco General Manager Bert Sukhai, Bank of Nova Scotia Marketing Executive Jennifer Cipriani, Journalists Franklyn Wilson, Claude David, Sean Devers, Avenash Ramzan and Gregory Rambarran. Dr, Scotland apart from being the Speaker of the National Assembly also had a long and successful career as a Guyanese Diplomat. Panchu has done well Guyana in the rice sector and is now the CEO of KSM Investment, a Company that is making a massive contribution towards the construction sector in Guyana. Mrs. Noreen Gaskin is the CEO of Sentinel Security and is a long time sponsor of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club. Radesh Rameshwar is the Managing Director of Kares Engineering Inc and recently donated the prizes
KSM Investment CEO Mahadeo Panchu gets his award.
Kares Engineering CEO Radesh Rameshwar collects his award. for the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Green Economy Tournament. Rameshwar also donated close to $1M worth of schools bags towards the Patron’s Fund. Sheriffudeen is the visionary behind V Net Communication and
currently serves as its Chief Executive Officer. All of the Aw a r d e e s a l o n g w i t h Engineer Satyna Kishun and Marketing Consultant Azeeze Khan were also inducted as Honorary Members of the dynamic organisation. The Rose Hall Town
Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland receives his Award from RHTYSC President Keith Foster.
V Net Communication CEO Safraz Sheriffudeen receives his award. Youth & Sports Club, Foster stated, strongly believes in honouring heroes in their lifetime and also to honour its sponsors for their support of the club’s numerous activities. All of the awardees expressed gratitude to the Rose Hall Town Youth &
Sports Club for the honour and stated that they were proud to be inducted as Honorary Members of such a progressive organisation, which on a daily basis changes the lives of youths, the less fortunate and the elderly.
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Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
Top Brandz Corona Invitational Football
Pele & Santos in winners’ row, Riddim Squad & N/Rangers draw 1-1
Pele 16-year-old Dorwin George (left) and 15-year-old Tairhys Payne gave their team a 2-nil win against East Ruimveldt FC at GFC on Friday evening. (Sean Devers photo) By Sean Devers A youthful looking Pele FC beat East Ruimveldt FC 2nil, Santos FC defeated Flamingo FC 2-1 and Riddim Squad and Northern Rangers drew 1-1 as the action in the Top Brandz Corona Invitational Football competition resumed on Friday night under lights at the Georgetown Football Club. Played on a slightly soft ground and watched by a small crowd, the first game of the triple header got off to an almost hour late start but in the first couple of minutes East Ruimveldt’s Custodian Trevon Harris, who showed
talent between the uprights, was tested twice. Jamal Scott’s powerful right footer from a loose ball just outside the box was well saved by the alert Harris before Jonathon McKenzie ‘squared’ one from close range for Harris to pull off a diving save on the near post as Pele, without most of their senior players, started aggressively. Fifteen-year-old debutant Tairhys Payne, a member of the Chase Academy which will play in today’s final of the Digicel school tournament at Lenora, opened the scoring in the 21st minute. The tenacious teenager
Pele’s Jamal Scotts right footer was well saved by the impressive Trevon Harris. (Sean Devers photo) capitalised on a defence error by the Goalkeeper when a free kick from center field bounced over the heads of the defenders and Payne latched on to the rebound from Harris and found the back of the net to make it 1nil to Pele. Pele was the younger and faster of the two teams and enjoyed most of the ball possession in the opening stanza but lacked skill when taking the ball and passing. On many occasions Pele’s mid-fielders kicked the ball straight to an East Ruimveldt player who was soon dispossessed. However, Pele would play the ball too long and
passed it too hard without anyone getting into position to take the ball. The strikers seemed intent on fancy ‘dribbling’ and even when they weaved their way through the defenders they could not finish the job due to a combination good saves and wayward kicks. The first half of a game which lacked First Division quality, ended with the score still Pele 1, East Ruimveldt nothing. The second half saw East Ruimveldt getting more and more into Pele’s half but their Keeper was never made to work too hard apart from when a free kick sailed just
over his head as East Ruimveldt wasted their best chance to score the equalizer. In the 79th minute, Harris was caught advancing from his Goal and with no defence player supporting the Keeper, the goal was left wide open and 16-year-old Dorwin George, as cool as cucumber, calmly slipped in from the right flank to pat the ball into the unprotected Goal to score Pele’ winning goal. In the second game, Santos FC got past Flamingo FC 2-1with Kacy John (4th) and Travis Cotton (90+5) scoring for the winners, while Leon Yaw scored
Flamingo’s lone goal in the 78th minute. In the final game, Riddim Squad and Northern Rangers played to a 1-1 draw after Seon Hope beat the keeper in the 17th minute and Sunil Logan fired in the equalizer in 67th minute. The competition continues this evening with another triple header with hosts GFC taking on Black Pearl FC in the opening game from 17:00hrs. Favorites Western Tigers FC face-off with Beacons FC in the second match before Police FC and Camptown FC bring the curtains down with the night’s final game.
Battle lines drawn as Chase Academy, Annai clash for Digicel School’s football title The day of reckoning has come and the 2017 champions of the Digicel’s Schools Football champions hip w ill be decided today at the Leonora Track and Field Facility. Defending champs Chase Academy will come up against Annai in the championship match at 6:00pm. However, before that, Christianburg Wismar will collide with DC Caesar Fox of Waramadong in the third place playoff at 4:00pm. Chase Academy defeated Christianburg Wismar 5-4 on penalties in the first semi final, while Annai came from 4-0 down to beat DC Caesar Fox Secondary of Waramadong 7-5 in injury time. Chase Academy dominated the opening proceedings in their semifinals and one can only
Annai players and supporters celebrate their semifinal triumph.
wonder if they can do the same against an impressive, tenacious Annai. Jeremy Garrett, Kevin Padmore and Shemar Smith will lead the defending champs challenge and they will look to repeat. Easier said than done;
Annai are the giant killers, new kids on the block, shocking DC Caesar Fox with their come from behind triumph after being 4 goals down. Led by the Daniels clan of Sherral, Naidison and
Orville, Annai will come hard at Chase and an explosive final is anticipated. The preceding contest between old foes will set the tone for the evening closer when Christianburg Wismar
battle DC Caesar Fox of Waramadong in the curtain raiser. Fireworks is anticipated and fans are encouraged to come and don’t miss a minute of the rivetting action expected.
Kudos to Digicel for bringing another exciting and entertaining tournament that has displayed the immense talent on offer to Guyana from the school system. Fans are in for a treat.
Sunday July 30, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 75
Digicel successfully stages CPL Big Brother Clinic with GAW at Providence By Zaheer Mohamed With the aim of promoting the game among the youths, Digicel successfully hosted the Caribbean Premier League Big Brother Programme with members of the Amazon Warriors yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The clinic saw members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team imparting the basic knowledge of the game to over two dozen boys from cricket clubs in Enmore and Zeeburg. The youths were divided into several groups and among the areas targeted were batting, bowling and fielding. The youths were also given tips of how to improve their game by head coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, former West Indies Captain Roger Harper. Harper said he is happy to be part of such an initiative and hope it will be some benefit to the aspiring cricketers. The Programme is designed to give youths from across the Caribbean the opportunity to be mentored by players from the teams in the five territories participating in this year’s Hero CPL.
Head Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Roger Harper makes a point to the youths in the presence of members of the Warriors squad. (Zaheer Mohamed photo) Phase one will run to early August and will see the students being involved in more formal training. They will then ‘Take It To The Streets’ in phase two, as Caribbean cricket comes alive at the grassroots level when the sport will be on display on the beaches and roads. Digicel Guyana, Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara said they are happy to be involved in such a clinic throughout the Caribbean, especially in the Digicel markets where CPL is will be played. She added that Digicel is huge on the
promotion of youths and this is just another demonstration of that. “What we always try to do is to incorporate that youth element into sports and the Big Brother Programme is to actually get boys who are interested in the game participating,” she noted. She pointed out that these two clubs may not be given as much exposure as compared to other clubs in Georgetown so they thought it best for them to spend some time with the Warriors and Digicel.
Director of Sport Christopher Jones said the programme is an excellent initiative by Digicel which provides the opportunity for the youths to interact with the players who would have come from countries such as Pakistan. He said the Government will always support such venture. Pacer Trinidadian Riyad Emrit, who has done similar work in several Caribbean territories, said it’s a wonderful venture and he is impressed with the talent of the youths. He added that Guyana
has an abundance of talent and this clinic can only enhance their skills. “We in Trinidad feel Guyana has a lot to choose from and it is good to see that they are learning very fast, I guess that’s why they are winning the four-day tournament,” he posited. Emrit added, “With this initiative we hope to see more youths coming along, it is always good to give back to the youths.” Meanwhile, the entire squad of 17 players will have their first practice match tonight from 18:30hrs. The Guyana Amazon Warriors,
the most consistent team in CPL will test their readiness against a Guyana Select XI with the likes of Paul Wintz, Akshaya Persaud, Romario Shepherd, Anthony Adams, Tevin Imlach and Eon Hooper. The fifth edition of CPL opens on Friday August 4 in St. Lucia with the St. Lucia Stars taking on Trinbago Knight Riders at the Darren Sammy National Stadium, while Guyana Amazon Warriors get in to action the next day in Lauderhill, Florida against St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.
Yadram at the fore again as Young Windies take series HARARE, Zimbabwe, CMC – Impressive halfcenturies from Keagan Simmons, Emmanuel Stewart and Man-of-theMatch Bhaskar Yadram underlined a strong West Indies Under-19s batting display as they beat Zimbabwe Under-19s by 70 runs to seal a 2-1 series win here yesterday. Sent in, the Caribbean side marched to a competitive 257 for four off their 50 overs at the Harare Sports Club with opener Simmons top-scoring with 89, captain Stewart getting 76 and Yadram, the other opener, chipping in with 65. In reply, Zimbabwe U19s slumped to 52 for four in the 13th over thanks to an early burst from speedster Darren Nedd and never really recovered, eventually dismissed for 187 in the 43rd over. Captain Liam Roche
carved out 65 but was the only batsman to show any enterprise as no other batsman passed 20. Nedd, who grabbed two wickets in his opening spell, finished with four for 33 overall, while Yadram collected a brace of wickets with his off-spin. In an opening five-over spell which cost 22 runs, right-armer Nedd trapped Gregory Dollar lbw for 15 in the third over and Ryan Murray for three in the seventh over, to leave the Zimbabweans rocking at 28 for two. Yadram then accounted for 16-year-old Milton Shumba (12) and Alistair Frost (11) as the innings lurched further into decline. Roche arrived to provide some stability, striking four boundaries in an 81-ball knock as he revived the innings in a 48-run, fifth wicket with 15-year-old Dion Myers who made 11.
Man-of-the-Match and Man-of-the-Series, Bhaskar Yadram … stroked 65 in the Windies U19s win. The right-handed Roche also added two successive 30-run stands for the sixth
and seventh wickets with Taun Harrison (12) and Wesley Madhevere (11)
before perishing at 168 for eight in the 40th over. Earlier, the Caribbean
side flourished courtesy an enterprising opening stand between Simmons and Yadram who put on 113. Simmons faced 130 balls and struck six fours, while Yadram, also voted Man-ofthe-Series for the second successive tour, counted eight fours in his breezy 75ball innings. When Yadram departed in the 25th over, Simmons added a further 111 with Stewart who faced a mere 79 balls and hit six boundaries. Seventeen-year-old seamer Jonathan Connolly was the best bowler with two for 33. Scores: WEST INDIES U19s 257 for four off 50 overs (Keagan Simmons 89, Emmanuel Stewart 76, B h a s k a r Ya d r a m 6 5 ; Jonathan Connolly 2-33). ZIMBABWE U19s 187 off 42.5 overs (Liam Roche 65; Darren Nedd 4-33, Bhaskar Yadram 2-20).
t r o Sp USA South hold off Guyana to claim RAN 15’s title
Action between Guyana and Team USA South at the National Park yesterday.
Uganda’s 800m Olympian Mutenkanga to highlight Boyce & Jefford Classic VIII
Uganda’s Julius Mutenkanga (left) is coming to Guyana to compete in the 800m at the Boyce &Jefford Track and Field Classic VIII, August 12-13 at the MSC Ground, Linden.
Battle lines drawn as Chase Academy, Annai clash for Digicel School’s football title
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