K
Policewoman fingered NEWS in gang rape cover-up barred from leaving country AIETEUR
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Sunday Edition July 14, 2019 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
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Online readership yesterday 112,969
Govt. accepts caretaker status, will restrain
exercise of legal authority One dead, two critical after SUV, taxi collide
Future seismic programme for Stabroek Block hinges on ICJ's ruling Stalemate on GECOM Chair... Public servants, officials Jagdeo says willing must seek permission to work over weekend, to pursue private Granger still to respond business interests
SARA official's application for oil block is a clear case of hypocrisy, opportunism - Must remove himself from probe of Kaieteur, Canje blocks probe - Chris Ram
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Kaieteur News
Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 14, 2019
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Stalemate on GECOM's chair…
Jagdeo says willing to work over weekend; Granger still to respond A
possible d e c i s i o n tomorrow by President David Granger on a new chair for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) appears to be fast slipping away. On Friday, President David Granger, in an address to the nation, following a number of orders by the Caribbean Court of Justice on the December 21noconfidence motion, disclosed that a new chair could be selected by t o m o r r o w, o n c e t h e Opposition acts in consensual manner. Stressing that credible elections are essential to representative democracy, the Head of State also pointed out that the credibility of the elections is dependent, in part, on the integrity of the Official List of Electors. “I maintain that a contaminated list can vitiate the credibility of elections.” Granger expressed his unhappiness with the current negotiation process between Government and the Opposition to hammer out a number of acceptable
There is no word yet whether President David Granger will meet Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, today or tomorrow on a new chair for the GECOM. nominees. “Guyanese, I met the Leader of the Opposition on
4th July in good faith. We discussed the process by which the nomination of
Govt. accepts caretaker status, will restrain exercise of legal authority
F
ollowing the Consequential orders and declarations of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ ) on F riday, the Granger administration said it has accepted that it is in “caretaker” mode. In fact, the Government said it will restrain the exercise of its legal authority. “This means that while the Government will continue its routine management of the country, it will also address urgent issues that are in the public interest,” the government noted in a statement to the press last evening. That said, the administration pointed out that Cabinet has not stopped functioning and that Government must continue to provide public services. The government said that the Constitution notes
clearly in Article 106 (7) that, notwithstanding its defeat in the National Assembly, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election.
In addition to this, the Government said it is prepared to consult with the Opposition on matters which require the agreement (continued on page 13)
persons would be submitted to me for the post of GECOM Chairman. Representatives of both the Government and the Opposition have met three times this week. “However, that good faith has not been reciprocated by the Leader of the Opposition. It was my hope that the two sides would have been able to “hammer out” the list of six nominees in accordance with the CCJ guidelines.” Granger stressed that it is unfortunate that despite the meetings between the two sides, the Leader of the Opposition “rejected” the idea of acting in a consensual manner. “He chose to put forward candidates for the post who have been rejected previously. Guyanese, it is clear that elections have to be held in the shortest possible time and, therefore, it is crucial to appoint a chairman of the
Elections Commission. This could be done as early as Monday if the Opposition is prepared to act in a consensual manner and in good faith.” A c c o r d i n g t o G o v e r n m e n t o ff i c i a l s , yesterday, the President has been written to by the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on a possible meeting over the weekend. However, up to late yesterday, there were no disclosures that a decision was taken by the president to meet. The Parliamentary Chief Whip of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), Gail Teixeira, in her letter to Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, on Friday, said that they have taken note by the President that the appointment of the chair "could be done as early as Monday." “I, therefore, wish to convey to you and His
Excellency the President, the Leader of the Opposition's availability to meet with the President at any time, and throughout the weekend of July 13-14 as required, to work on a list of names for consideration for appointment to the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission in accordance with the constitution.” The appointment would be key as the President has indicated that he is awaiting advice from the new chairman to announce a date for elections. The last chairman, Justice (ret'd) James Patterson, resigned recently in keeping with a ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice that his selection process in 2017 by President Granger was flawed. Granger had rejected 18 names submitted by Jagdeo and after an agreement was not reached, unilaterally named Patterson as chairman of GECOM.
Food for thought What do children value most from parents?
Very Valuable Answer By A Little Girl: A teacher asked a little girl: What does your DAD do? Girl replied: He works in a chocolate factory and brings lots of chocolate for me.. In the evening he works in an ice-cream parlor and I eat my favorite flavor… He also works in a toys shop and brings me soft and cuddly teddy sometime. He is also a teacher because he helps me daily in my homework. He is very strong & hard worker. He lifts me on his shoulders. He becomes a horse for me and gives me a good ride around the house.
He is my favorite clown as me makes me laugh a lot. He is a story teller who tells me wonderful stories at night. He works from morning to evening and never get tired. And When he is back to home, he is always ready to play with me. Note: As parents, Kids don't value what we do to earn the money. They give value to what we do to earn their love… Let's Give them what they value most… Our time…. (Author Unknown)
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
A listless country However one examines the ship of state that is Guyana, it lists heavily with its stern titled heavenward. Neither propeller nor rudder. Neither commonsense nor wisdom manifested, as both the opposition and government deliberate on how to outwit the other through submitting lists that had one thing in common: total nonstarters, absolutely disagreeable. Regional jurists just ordered LOCAL political content to resolve. From both sides came knownhardliners; the unbelievable; and presentable but fragile candidates. There was no overpowering candidate(s); but a listless score of the unacceptable. The lists are red herrings; the court says do something different: COMPROMISE. Neither position should be dismissed, as there is much merit. That is, until it is recognized by the thinking in this country that leaders have neither interest nor patience for such guidance or result. The lists are a sick joke, pure and simple. They represent nothing; not even strawmen and women of some fiber. Unless there is intent towards consensus, there may be no elections until next year, given the looming specter of more blood feuds and death rattles over another list: eligible voters.Political leaders have been serious and inflexible in pursuing their own customary, divisive objectives. Concerned and conscientious citizens, who care should take the initiative to register high degrees of objection with political leaders and political groups, over their insistence on taking country and people to hell in a hand basket. Local politicians should not be given a free and unchallenged hand to play reckless games with 750,000 citizens, and their futures. Differing voices and messages must be raised. NOW! A major problem is that neither intense nor sustained pressure is brought to bear on the politicians; unsurprisingly, they deliver only the self-serving and divisive. This has served Guyana poorly. The politicians don’t care; they answer to no one. They answer each other with ultimatums to one another. Other than isolated commentators, there is no credible source worthy of the listening, even any responding. Thus, narrow-minded Guyanese politicians deliver the usual; that is, to serve the kind of menu (lists) that the Guyanese racial divide is sure to fall for and take a side. They know their target audiences well: shovel them any swill and they swallow. It is why the constructive insulate themselves from the vulgarities. Wise folks have articulated that they know nothing (and do not wish to know anything) about lists and associated matters. Through those walling-off and distancing devices, people record disgust; refuse to relate; and suffocate awareness. Because awareness means having thought or opinion; and opinion invariably is construed as taking a side, which can be demeaning and endangering. Reasonable people are so angry and dispirited that they want to be nowhere near what is perceived to be the customary political shabbiness and political ugliness, which are intensifying. Now while such a stance is understandable, this truth should be accepted: dissociation and dismissiveness may mean something in the short-term; but when circumstances deteriorate (and they will) in the long-term, self-inflicted ignorance and seeming neutrality means nothing before the raw, naked passions of reckless, infuriated Guyanese. Something has to give. Foreigners cannot be left to do the heavy lifting alone. Thoughtful, well-meaning Guyanese have to have some skin in the game; or else it is surrendering to the perils of extremists and lunatics. Civil society is not recognized; once powerful trade unions are on the margins; and the private sector is not credible. That leaves the religious bodies. Frankly speaking, they are not the most unaligned or unbiased sets of agents; political baggage is part of the territory. Religious leaders must lead the way in finding a way they cannot be left to self-serving politicians. Committed patriots must take a univocal stance now.
Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
The opposition leader’s victory lap is yet another attempt to mislead the public DEAR EDITOR, WPA welcomes the recent position taken by the CCJ in relation to the cases from Guyana before that court. It is heartening that the court did not bow to pressures from the PPP to violate the Separation of Powers principle. In so doing, the CCJ has shown that it is prepared to withstand pressures aimed at dragging the court into the political sphere. For the WPA, that is the major story from Friday’s intervention by the court—it did not issue any coercive consequential orders. While the court’s refusal to name an election date should not be viewed as a vic-
tory for either side, it ought to be clear to observers that it represents a setback for the PPP which had made no secret of its wish for a consequential order. The PPP deliberately decided not to pursue a consensus position with the government as advised by the court in the hope that the absence of a unified position would have forced the CCJ to issue consequential orders. The opposition leader’s victory lap, therefore, is yet another attempt to mislead the public. WPA accepts the court’s declaration that the government is now a caretaker, but we reject the idea being
peddled by the PPP and others that its scope should be limited to preparation for elections. For us, a caretaker government is a temporary government, not a restricted government. It simply means that the government has lost its popular mandate and its continued tenure is dependent in the first place on the constitutional requirements or on a twothirds vote of the National Assembly. While the holding of timely elections must be at the top of the government’s agenda, that should not inhibit it from carrying out its normal functions. There is no
such thing as a half-government—there is either a fully empowered government or none at all. Towards this end, WPA supports government’s move to begin preparing the annual budget. We disagree with the view that such a move is outside its mandate. Preparation of a budget is a necessary aspect of governance that must continue even when there is a political impasse. All governments have a responsibility to ensure that economic planning is not impeded by partisan political machinations. In other words, while the (Continued on page 6)
Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur M@ilbox
POUNCING LIKE AN EAGLE ON “NOT UNACCEPTABLE” DEAR EDITOR, The search for a consensual candidate or rather, six candidates to be presented on a list for the appointment of a Chairman for GECOM seems to be heading into oblivion. The advice from the CCJ that the Govt. and opposition seek consensus in the appointment of a Gecom chair to facilitate the holding of elections in the shortest possible time has somehow been construed by the Govt. that the president has the right to subscribe names on the list of six, from which he will eventually appoint one person to be Gecom chair. It does not require any degree of intelligence to figure that if the president is granted this latitude, he would obviously appoint someone he had submitted to the listunilateralism in disguise. It is of little wonder that the president in a show of disdain or mockery to the entire process, included his CCJ reject, unilateral appointee James Patterson on his list, while he accuses the opposition leader for putting “forward candidates for the post who had been rejected previously”- the president’s words. Were the 18 people rejected on a one by one basis or a list by list rejection? The president did not give clarity, even while the CCJ ruled that he should have given reason for his rejection. For argument sake! Had the president unilaterally appointed someone whose character could have inspired the belief of impartiality by the opposition, I do not, in retrospect, figure this matter being taken to the CCJ by the opposition. The idea of the opposition leader supplying a list of six names, in the Carter/ Price
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formula, for the president to make an appointment, was to give the appointee the impression that he/ she is indebted to serve two masters, (opposition and Govt.) the strength from which the appointee’s impartiality is expected to flow. Unilateral appointments, is mired in the caved mentality of who” pays the piper call the tune.” Patterson’s performance or lack thereof as Gecom chair, is the epitome of service to one master as entailed by unilateralism. The above is simple logic, in this regard the president ‘s inclusion of Patterson on his consensual list, gives a clear insight to his intent to derail or delay the consensual approach to finding a Gecom Chair. All the former presidents who were faced with appointing a Gecom Chair from a list supplied by the opposition, did so assumedly on grounds that they only needed one person on the list who resonated with them, bearing in mind that all persons on the lists were given the green light by the APNU’s opposition leaders. This president, in a grand display of wisdom above all the others that preceded him, found it expedient to pounce like an eagle on, “list not unacceptable to the president “in Article 161, (2) demanding six flawless persons of i m p e c c a b l e c h a r a c t e r, known only to him on the list as his excuse to derail the process by making a unilaterally appoint.
The truth be told, the language of the constitution (list not unacceptable) is vague here and was available for an Eagle’s take. It seems one certainly landed! Nevertheless! The constitution bounded back by granting a unilateral appointment only if the opposition failed to submit a list-the main contention for the CCJ’s decision-ousting the president’s unilateral man. The Carter Centre had advised the Election Machinery be made into a truly independent body, like in other parts of the Caribbean, by taking it out of the control of the politicians and the executive but the craving for political control of everything Guyanese by both parties(PPP and APNU) had deterred the PPP from attempting and the APNU from asking. Hence the stalemate we are in! “ With great powers, comes great responsibility”! This has never been a concept that resonated with dictatorial leaders. Character, impartiality and non allegiance are not qualities that are visible on people s garments nor is it reflected on the countenance of their faces. Add a “list(of 6 persons) not unacceptable to the President”, supplied by the opposition leader for a president with a prior mindset, to make his choice, using the above(character, impartiality and non-allegiance) as a yardstick- the result has to be controversy. Rudolph Singh.
Kaieteur M@ilbox The death of Nurse Apple- Did danger lurk where nurses work? DEAR EDITOR, Nurses are the heart of healthcare, present when the first and last breath is taken. Permit me in the first instance to extend sincere condolences to the grieving family and colleagues of slain nurse Schenise Apple. While the circumstances surrounding the death of the healthcare employee are enigmatic to say the least, the ensuing behavior / actions of the Health Minister only serves to create further doubts. Plainly stated, there is gross absence of the normal and huge presence of the abnormal. According to newspaper report regarding information coming from the Ministry, when the nurse was found dead Dr. Chissundra Abdool, the Regional Health Officer for Region Eight contacted the police, who then launched an investigation. If she was discovered dead, who made the discovery? She was seen hanging in her room? Who certified death? How was the Health Officer made aware of the situation? Who undertook to cut the body down? Does the situation not become a police matter in cases such as this, where the cause and circumstances of death is seemingly by suicide? It was only after the nurse did not show up for dinner that her colleagues went in search of her. Did any of her colleagues prior to leaving for dinner verify whether or not she
would be partaking of dinner, so that her failure to arrive would provide cause for concern? Some discrepancy arises in the reporting of the matter as it is claimed that she was missed after not showing up for dinner, and another claim that she was slated for night duty and was a no-show. Where was the truth given the boot? How was entry gained into her room in order for the discovery to be made? The Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, has asserted that the Ministry has been there from the inception , and are collaborating to offer financial support to the dead nurse’s family to assist with the funeral expenses. Some degree of redundancy is present, as when a worker dies during the course of duty, or death is work -related, arrangements usually fall under the sphere of the Workers Compensation Board. Was the suicide deemed work-related or is the family facing adverse financial circumstances? Of serious concern is the fact that the said Public Health Minister is appealing for an inquest into the nurse’s death. No one has to appeal for an inquest to be conducted. British law states that the Coroner must open an inquest if reasonable cause exists to suspect that the death oc-
curred due to anything other than natural causes. No exact legal definition exists of “natural” cause. Nevertheless, a common description is death due to a disease running its full course with no other intervening process. To what was the Minister alluding when she said that she would allow due process to run its full course? An autopsy would be undertaken, and the cause of death ascertained, hence no need for probability. Nurses have the potential to lead the way in improving health and health care for all, but in order to realize that potential they must operate in an environment that is safe, empowering, and satisfying. As the investigation continues whether on the part of the police, (who thus far have stated nada), or on the part of the government which has simultaneously been conducting its own investigation, no mention has been made of the level of safety and security of the living quarters. Like the Public Health Minister, it is my desire that the loss of this young healthcare contributor be thoroughly and painstakingly investigated, with no stone left unturned. Danger should not lurk where nurses work. Yvonne Sam. Retired Head Nurse (U. K trained).
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
This delay could plunge Guyana into a state of constitutional crisis
DON’T LET THE POLITICAL ELITES KEEP US DIVIDED
The Caribbean Court of Appeal (CCJ), in a landmark and unprecedented ruling has declared the APNU-AFC administration as a ‘caretaker’ government. One consequence of this ruling is that the Government is now obliged to hold elections before the end of September in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution. This is indeed a historic moment in Caribbean jurisprudence, the significance of which transcended the boundaries of individual member states. The ruling and accompanying consequential orders have re-asserted the primacy of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. Down the corridors of time this ruling will be remembered as a victory for constitutional rule and, by extension, democratic governance.
It is interesting to see how the current APNU-AFC Government will behave in this new dispensation. One thing is clear, namely, that it cannot be business as usual from a governance perspective given the fact that the CCJ has ruled in unequivocal terms that in the exercise of its functions there are well-defined boundaries within which the government should and should not operate. It is now obvious that the ‘battleground’ has now shifted from the Courts to that of GECOM. The major stumbling blocks are the naming of a new Chairman and the issue of house to house registration both of which could, if remain unresolved, delay elections way beyond the constitutionally stipulated timeframe and in the process make a mockery of the CCJs rulings and consequential orders. President Granger, in his
most recent Address to the Nation, has given the assurance that he is committed to holding elections within the shortest possible time. This, however, seems unlikely given the failure of the parties to arrive at an acceptable list of names. One possible way out of the current impasse and to prevent any further loss of time is to solicit the help of the Commonwealth Secretariat to come up with credible names of persons with experience in the management of elections. Time is of the essence. he longer it takes to have a Chairman on board, the greater the risk of plunging the country into a state of constitutional crisis and political uncertainty which as a country we can ill-afford at this critic a l c o n j u n cture in time when a brighter future beckons. Hydar Ally
DEAR EDITOR It’s probably the most unfortunate situation to befall the Guyanese people and that is the real time watering down of our fundamental constitutional rights to freedom of speech and association. We live in constant fear that any criticisms we make of either of these two parties will be held against us. Victimization seems to be the order of the day and I felt this personally as both parties historically have done this to me. And just recently I happened to make a few statements regarding my understanding of the NCM case before the CCJ , clarifying a point and I am told, Like you gone back home”, meaning back to the PPP. As soon as a black person criticizes the PPP you become PNC and vice versa. And if an Indian criticizes the PPP its Judas and vice versa. The other day I was told I was another Charrandas just because I made some mi-
The opposition leader’s victory lap... From page 4 two sides work towards a solution, the budget process should not be held up. Notwithstanding the above, the WPA again calls on the president and opposition leader to intensify the search for consensus on the way forward. Ultimately, only a political solution could move the process forward. The court was pellucid about that. In that regard, we urge the two sides to do what it takes within reason to have credible
elections in a timely manner. WPA continues to believe that going to the elections with a tainted list or one that does not enjoy the confidence of all sides is a recipe for further problems. Until proven wrong, WPA maintains that the most effective way to sanitize the list is by house to house registration. Elections are not a beauty contest; they have consequences beyond the ballot box. It follows that the matter of the GECOM chair should be resolved as quickly as possible so that that body could resume its work in earnest. WPA notes the president’s willingness to expedite the process and urges the opposition leader to be
less inflexible. There can be no credible elections without GECOM’s input. WPA supports the push for credible elections that are above board and have the confidence of all parties, civil society organizations and the country at large. WPA has started its own supplementary campaign by holding community meetings aimed at reasoning with the public on the way forward and rallying voters to exercise their right to vote in a sensible manner. In the coming weeks the party would be visiting several communities on the East Coast and West Coast of Demerara and in Linden. David Hinds For WPA Executive
nor criticisms of the present coalition Government. Folks we do this to our selves. We deny each other the right to have a differing opinion, the right to belong to a different party, the party of our choice. Look at how the leaders of the parties greet each other. Look at how they chat and discuss and smile with each other. We see this all the time but we on the other hand tear each other apart in defence of one party or the other. The stark reality is that when the PPP was in power there was the huge element of nepotism and favoritism in sharing the national patrimony. Some of the same, though to a lesser extent takes place today. So while a few more Africans and a few more Indians are getting the bread, we the working people, the unemployed, the single parents who are getting the crumbs; who are down trodden are at each other’s throat. We need to unite in our interest, working class interest. Remember the strike when the bauxite and sugar workers were together, they received 40% increase. Today,
bauxite workers in problems and it’s Africans. Sugar workers in problems and it’s Indians. No! they are workers. I want to conclude by saying this, regardless of which party is in power, a united working class would hold them accountable. A united working class would ensure they govern in the interest of all. Why are we fighting each other to ensure a small percentage of Africans or Indians get a big slice of the bread, instead of uniting and ensuring that the workers gets a fair share of the bread. I want to suggest that from today each Indian and each African note how many times they have seen Indians helping Africans and Africans helping Indians. I want each of us to begin to appreciate our common economic interests. Remember historically Indian and African workers have marched together and were killed together in defence of their mutual economic interests. Don’t let the political elites keep us divided. Rajendra Bisessar BSc Sociology, LLB
Our leaders must act in the interest of a free, fair and credible election DEAR EDITOR, The CCJ in its consequential orders has challenged Guyana’s political leaders to act in accordance with the Constitution and within the requirements of what it has ruled to be a valid NCM. Our leaders must act at this stage, not in the interest of winning the next election, but in the interest of a free, fair and credible election in the shortest possible time. After putting in place arrangements for a credible election, their political campaigns must be designed to win the next election.It is their political campaigns, not the electoral process that must be designed to win elections. Regards Wesley Kirton
Sunday July 14, 2019
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
The Coalition now has another ploy at hand to delay elections DEAR EDITOR, The great fall of this Coalition Government can be likened to the Humpty Dumpty’s fall: ‘…All the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again’ or in the case of the Coalition, not all the trickeries, deceit, false promises and constitutional violations can put it together again! Since the unilateral and legally flawed appointment of Mr. Patterson as the GECOM’s Chairman by Granger and his Coalition advisors in October 2017, it became crystal clear that the Coalition’s ambition is to stay in power at any and all cost, blatantly disregarding the rule of law and the Constitution. This became more revealing after the successful passing of the historical no confidence motion on 21st December, 2018. The Coalition had never expected that their term in Office will be abruptly curtailed
on that night as is evidenced by the premature bragging by Amna Ally to ‘bring it on’ before that fateful night. Moreover, they never expected that the NCM will be successful. This lustful intention to remain in power indefinitely became more revealing after the NCM, having accepted defeat the very day they then came up with ‘Hughes absolute 34’ to start the delaying tactics even though they knew that given our Constitution, 33 is the majority once all the members of the National Assembly are present and voted. Time is of essence to survive and they began fabricating a plethora of nonsensical and spurious legal challenges to buy that time.
The Coalition thoroughly embarrassed itself internationally and became a laughing stock to the world after the CCJ passed a comprehensive judgment upholding the validity of the NCM, the vote of Charrandass Persaud and invalidated the unilateral appointment of Patterson. The CCJ rejected each and every argument put forward by the Coalition. It was a unanimous decision which should have created no further doubt and ambiguity in the minds of the Coalition actors and brought acceptance. Unfortunately, they continued their deliberate obfuscation of the simple facts in their quest to remain in power. In the meantime, the Coalition had activated their Plan
B, realizing that the CCJ’s decisions will not be in their favour, they began a protest against themselves to agitate for house to house voter’s registration. Even though GECOM’s legal officer advised against such a move and accepted the validity of the current Official List of Voters which can be refreshed by Claims and Objections. It must be noted that just before Patterson resigned he did follow the Coalition’s instructions and initiated the house to house registration as its final delay tactic. He ensured that the Coalition got value for money spent on him. But they now have another ploy at hand! Even though the CCJ’s
consequential orders made it clear that General Elections must be held within three months and should have been held by March 21st, 2019, the Coalition is once again bent on frustrating the appointment of a new GECOM’s Chairman. This is in clear breach of giving legal effect to Article 106 of the Constitution since GECOM and the Coalition must ensure Elections within 90 days. The CCJ does not have to set an Election date, the CCJ made it clear that Cabinet must resign and Elections held within three months while the now relegated ‘caretaker’ or ‘interim’Government must facilitate this. It is nonsensical to now say that the CCJ has not set a
date since it has upheld the Constitutional requirement of 90 days within which Election should and must be held. The CCJ had also made it clear that GECOM should always be in a state of readiness should it be necessary and the Continuous Registration cycles placed GECOM in such a state of readiness. Therefore, enough obfuscation by this ‘caretaker Government’ the date for General and regional Elections should be on or bef o r e 2 1 s t S e p t e m b e r, 2019. T h eir Plan B can no longer be activated, rigging is now history in Guyana and the Coalition’s Humpty cannot be restored! Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
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SARA official’s application for oil block is a clear case of hypocrisy, opportunism
-Must remove himself from probe of Kaieteur, Canje blocks probe - Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram
I
f the Special Assistant of the State Asset Re covery Agency (SARA), Eric Phillips, is party to an application for a petroleum exploration licence or he is connected to the people involved, then he has no business being close to an investigation into oil blocks, says Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram. Ram’s comments come in wake of a Kaieteur News article which exposed that Phillips is listed as a beneficial owner of a company called ABR (African Business Roundtable) Oil and Gas Exploration. The firm applied in October 2016 for a petroleum exploration licence for Block C
which is located in ultra deep waters. According to the application, the ABR beneficial owners are listed as Seasoned Engineer, Charles Ceres (25%); former Guyana Goldfields Country Manager, Violet Smith (25%); Asafa George, a local businessman (25 %) and Eric Phillips (15 %). Ceres has clarified that he resigned from ABR since September 2018. He noted that up to that time, Phillips was still part of the company. Phillips however, told this newspaper that he is no longer part of ABR, the company is a cofounder of. Be that as it may, none of the individuals listed on the
application has any track record of exploration and development of offshore blocks, which are located in ultra-deep waters. The only two companies in the world with this capability are ExxonMobil and Petrobras. Considering the aforementioned, Ram said, “I think it is fair to say that Phillips has disclosed that he is no longer associated with the application. However it is clear at the time the application was made, he was so interested and was no doubt hoping that his name and position and the pseudo-cause he claims to represent, would allow for the granting of the license for
Oil and Gas Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal
SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips
Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram
which the roundtable had applied.” The Chartered Accountant added, “It is absolutely necessary for him to remove himself because he is still associated with the application and with the other applicants. This kind of opportunism, duplicity and hypocrisy is what is giving this government such a deservedly bad name.”
Ram insists that the Phillips case, without a doubt, represents conflict of interest. Also echoing Ram is Oil and Gas Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal. He noted that the situation with Phillips is worse than the probe he is actually pursuing. The former Advisor to the President said, too, that no Guyanese has Oil and Gas assets worth billions of US dollars, or experience pumping hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil per day. “Hence no Guyanese should be trying to get any
of these blocks,” said Dr. Mangal. The Consultant added, “...The local greedy elites have already stolen, are now trying to steal and, will continue to try. Packaging a theft in some colourful pro-African or proIndian wrapping paper and bile does not make it valid. It is still a theft from the poor, and will only make the greedy elites filthy rich, and keep the poor, poor.” Commenting on the same matter, Ram said he believes there can and should be a suitable arrangement between Guyanese locally, Diaspora members, and industry experts, so as to provide that bridge that would allow Guyanese to actively participate in the sector and have an ownership interest.
Sunday July 14, 2019
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Public servants, officials must seek permission to pursue private business interests
I
n recent days, there have been a number of disclosures that public official not only had companies involved in the oil business but in other sectors as well. The disclosures have raised questions about whether public officials can be involved in private business. According to officials last week, the Public Service Rules 2004 Edition as well as the Integrity Commission (Amendment of Code of Conduct) Order 2017 both addresses how public servants and public officials could be involved. One thing is very clear… public servants have to seek permission from their Permanent Secretaries or the Public Service Ministry. In the case of officials who are executives of, or part of state companies or entities, the contracts of the executives would have spelt out if and how they can be involved in private business. In the case of state boards, officials, including chairpersons must seek permission from the board. According to Section F10 of
the Public Service Rules, “Other Employment Activities During and Outside of Official Working Hours, though public servants are expected to devote full attention and time to their work during official working hours, they may, with the permission of the Permanent Secretary and Public Service Ministry, be engaged in other employment activities of a part-time nature, whether with or without remuneration. “Public servants shall not undertake paid employment outside of official working hours unless prior approval is obtained from the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Ministry. Such request will not be favourably considered if such employment is likely to impair the efficiency and usefulness of the Public Servant in his/ her job or conflict with the interests of the Government.” The Public Service Rules also explored how public servants can hold shares. “No public servant may hold shares in his/her own name or have any interests in any private company or
partnership in Guyana, nor, except in his/her official capacity as a public servant, participate in the management of any private or public company in Guyana without the express permission of the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Ministry. Permission, however, need not be obtained to hold shares in any public company or in registered cooperative society in Guyana.” The Integrity Commission (Amendment of Code of Conduct) Order 2017 also has some level of directions. “A person in public life shall be accountable to the public for his or her decisions and actions and shall submit himself to scrutiny and criticism.” It also said that: “A person in public life and members of his or her family shall, upon his or her assumption of office, declare their private interests relating to the duties of the public official, and assets as required by the Integrity Commission Act and any other law.” In recent times there were a number of instances where
Dem boys seh ...
A drink can solve Guyana’s problems When people don’t drink dem is de ones who does find demself in all kind of problems. A man who does drink does suddenly see de whole world as clear as day. Problems that does bother him does go away. Is de likker does do that. Of course, likker does mek some people strong. Dem boys see a man try to push down a house when he had nuff likker in he system. That is a man who can tekover de whole world. He can fight an army. Of course, de next morning is anodda story. Some people does get headache and some don’t want to wake up again but fuh sure, whatever problems dem had dem
solve all when dem was drinking. Soulja Bai don’t drink and Jagdeo don’t drink. Is de first time in de history of de country that de president and de Opposition Leader don’t drink. When Burnham was president and Jagan was de Opposition Leader at least one of dem use to drink. This continue. Even when Hoyte was president de Opposition Leader use to tek a smile. But these days neither Soulja Bai nor Jagdeo does drink and that is why dem can’t solve any problem. When dem been to de CCJ de Judges watch de two of dem but is just that dem judges couldn’t mek an order fuh dem two to tek a drink.
Is funny to see dem at social function. De diplomats does serve drinks but de two of dem does mek de people go to expense to buy coconut water. Dem boys hear de CCJ judges inviting de two of dem to come to de court. De judges got rum, vodka, Hennessey and brandy. Dem ain’t buying beer because it cheap and big politicians don’t drink cheap things. That is why de CCJ inviting dem two big men to sit down and drink. Dem boys sure that by de time dem tek two shots Guyana gun get GECOM chairman and a date fuh de elections. Talk half and get Soulja Bai and Jagdeo to tek a drink.
names of public officials surfaced in a number of companies. The latest one hitting the news is an application for a medium scale mining permit for over 600 acres of land in the Potaro, Region Eight. The applicants are Dr. Richard Van West Charles, Lear Goring and Roxroy Parris under a company registered as Guyana Development Associates. Van West Charles is the chief of the state-owned Guyana Water Inc. He also came into the news a few years ago after it became known he was granted a fuel import licence, around the time he was appointed in 2015. Goring is said to be Van West Charles’s right-hand man and part of the fuel import company. The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), in a notice in the Official Gazette dated June 29, signaled its intention to grant
SARA’s lead investigator, Eric Phillips.
GPL’s chairman, Rawle Lucas
a Prospecting Permit (Medium Scale). “Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 55 of the Mining Act 1989 of the intention to grant to Richard Van West Charles, Lear Goring and Roxroy Parris TINO Guyana Development Associates whose address is Lot 301 Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown, Guyana a Prospecting Permit (Medium Scale) to explore for Gold and Diamonds…”
According to the Official Gazette, the area is located in the Potaro Mining District Number and involves a total of 601 acres. Persons have 21 days to object. Van West Charles himself has been the beneficiary of a fuel import licence granted in 2015. His company, Atlantic Fuel, is reportedly operating a gas station in Bartica, (Continued on page 68)
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Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
Ganja Amendment hinges on interpretation of Consequential Orders -Ramjattan
T
he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has made some rulings and comments with regards to the passage of the “No Confidence” motion, stating that it was rightfully passed and a comment that government is now in caretaker mode. Missing from the said judgements and comments,
however, is the explanation and limitation on what is the said caretaker mode. Since cabinet has resigned it was unclear whether parliament would be held so that the pill could be tabled and possibly passed. However, in an interview with Minister of Social Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, he
made it clear that there would be parliament. The minister said, “We have to determine all that in the context of the consequential orders. We can still have parliament and we hope that the PPP would support us, [even though] elections won’t be held in 90 days.”
Ramjattan went on to say that they will issue statements on the issue but the government is awaiting the return of Attorney General Basil Williams for advice on the matter as he is also their Chief Legal Officer. The government recently made a proposal to remove custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana. This publication has been following the issue since it emerged. The most recent article published was the Director General of the Ministry of The Presidency saying that the said proposal came at the right time. “We have had this motion laid by one of the backbenchers of the National Assembly, and we have been
Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan deliberating on that matter from the time that motion was laid. “We said that (the gov-
ernment) was also going to wait on the study that was conducted by the Public (Cotninued on page 17 )
Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
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‘Guyana looks forward to continued co-operation with the USA’ President David Granger, on Friday evening, said Guyana looks forward to continued cooperation with the United States of America (USA). He noted that the two countries have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in August 1966. The Head of State was at the time speaking at a reception held to celebrate the US’s 243rd Declaration of Independence anniversary at the US Ambassador’s residence. “Our countries have cultivated a strong, stable and sound relationship over the past 53 years. Guyanese are bound by history, kinship and friendship to the USA, the largest economy and the third-largest country in the world. Guyana and the USA have founded their friendship
-President Granger at 243rd anniversary of USA’s independence on the principles of mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for international law and treaties and the maintenance of international peace and security,” he said. According to a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency, the President noted that the US continues to be one of Guyana’s most significant trade and investment partners. He said that Guyana appreciates the cooperation programmes, which have contributed to the country’s national development and social change.
“Initiatives such as the Maternal Child Survival Programme; the Strengthening of the Criminal Justice System; and numerous USAID, governance and security training programmes offered to our Defence and Police Forces. These all augment our human resource capacity and have been invaluable to Guyana’s development. Guyana continues to benefit from the US SOUTHCOM’s New Horizons series of projects which began in 2004. This project has contributed to Guyana’s public health and public education systems through the building of clinics, community centres, schools and the hosting of joint medical outreaches.
US Fourth of July
“All of these promote peace and stability and augment the development of the social infrastructure so necessary for improving citizens’ quality of life,” President Granger said. Further, the Head of State said that the US has sustained cooperation in health, education and the environment with the current cohort of thirty-three Peace Corps volunteers assisting the Ministries of Public Health, Education and the Department of the Environment in improving primary literacy, supporting adolescents in youth-friendly spaces and raising awareness of domestic and environmental issues. “Guyana benefits from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in the global fight against the disease – an initiative guided by Millennium Development Goal of halting the spread, improving treatment and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and
AIDS. “Guyana – guided by its own Green State Development Strategy – is in transition towards establishing a “green state”, one that will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energy and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation. Guyana looks forward to continued cooperation with the USA as we advance towards securing a better life for all our people in the western hemisphere and the Caribbean,” he noted. US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, said that as Guyana embarks on a new journey, which provides many opportunities for the country, the United States continues to be determined partner in its development. “We continue to collaborate with Guyana in preparation for this new days; partnering on the security front to make Guyana safer
and more secure; partnering on the governance front to improve transparency and accountability and to reduce corruption; partnering on the development front to enhance access to quality health care and increase educational and job opportunities and partnership on the economic front to increase trade and US investments in Guyana. Our partnership will continue to thrive and be successful with strong US and Guyanese leadership,” she said. The US Ambassador also urged all the country’s leaders, members of the Opposition, civil society and youth to work together to ensure that Guyana is positioned for success. The event was attended by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; former Presidents Donald Ramotar, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Samuel Hinds; Ministers of the Government and members of the diplomatic corps.
Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
Charles Ceres sues for libel
Claims in excess of $200 M from Jagdeo, Guyana Times, Kaieteur News
B
usinessman and prominent engi neer, Charles Ceres, and his wife, Ndibi Schweirs, have filed a lawsuit against Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, Kaieteur News, and Guyana Times for in excess of $200 Million for libel. The libel suit is due to information publicized as it relates to the massive land give away claims by Jagdeo. In the statement of claim, Ceres and his wife are seeking damages in excess of $200 M from Jagdeo for statements he made for claiming that Schweirs, through her husband, o btained public lands at Canje Creek, Bohemia and Liliendaal by corrupt, illegal and criminal means. The parties are also seeking damages in excess of
$200M for the publishing of the unsubstantiated and defamatory statements via the People’s Progressive Party’s FaceBook page and Youtube channels. The applicants are also seeking in excess of $200M each from News publications, Kaieteur News and Guyana Times for publi s h i n g a r ticles based on Jagdeo’s claims that the couple might have obtained the said lands via immoral, improper, illegal and criminal means. In addition to the sum worth in damages, the claimants are also seeking retractions and apologies from the news outlets. In the interim, the parties also asked the Court to consider granting them an injunction against the newspapers to prevent or their servants
from publishing further defamatory statements. The matter is set to come at the Georgetown High Court at 2:15 pm on July 24, 2019 before Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln. Ceres had announced that he intends to take the Opposition Leader to Court over claims he made against at a press conference last month. Providing file numbers for the businessman’s land allocations to be sourced, Jagdeo had accused Ceres of obtaining 1,297.1 acres in the Canje Creek, Region Six, and 112 acres in Bohemia, Region Six. He said that Ceres got a further 5,000 acres, but did not say where the land is located. He spoke of another plot of land at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, for which no further details were provided.
Govt. accepts caretaker status, will... From page 3 of both sides. On that note, the coalition administration said it agrees with the Court that it is of greatest importance that President David Granger and the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, conclude the process of appointing a new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The Government reminded that it has met with the opposition three times in the past week to “hammer out” the list of six nominees in accordance with the CCJ guidelines.
It noted that that process has not yet been completed and that it intends to continue to approach the matter in a consensual manner, as stipulated by the CCJ. Furthermore, the Government said it is confident that a GECOM Chairman could be appointed in a few days' time. The Government said that the appointment of a Chairman of the Elections Commission is an important step in continuing the elections process which has already begun. As such, it said that it remains committed to hold-
ing credible elections in the shortest possible time. The administration said, “It is to be noted that the Elections Commission is responsible for holding elections and not the Executive. GECOM therefore has to advise the President of its readiness to conduct elections. The Government maintains that credible elections are the hallmark of a democratic state. Credible elections are dependent on, in part, the integrity of the Official List of Electors.”
These statements were all fabrications, a comment that upset Jagdeo who proceeded to accuse Kaieteur News of editorializing. Kaieteur News is offering Mr Ceres and his wife, an unqualified apology if it did carry or portray Jagdeo’s comments as truth. The newspaper was at pains to carry the counterclaims alongside Jagdeo’s statements. While Jagdeo claimed four separate allocations were made to Ceres, the businessman categorically refuted that, providing information that he was only allocated two plots of land.
Charles Ceres
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Kaieteur News
Leguan’s $314M sea defense project delayed by tides - BK official
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, inspecting CDB project in Endeavour, Leguan. On Thursday, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, visited the Essequibo Island of Leguan to get a firsthand view of completed and ongoing projects that are critical to the island’s development. He expressed confidence
in the sea defense works, thus far, as he reflected on the state of the island. “This administration, between 2015 to present, executed several projects in Leguan because this particular area here, in Canefield Leguan, was inundated whenever there is
a high tide. Nothing could have passed. “People could not even walk and because of this [sea defence] structure here it prevented the surge of the ocean, and the river and the Atlantic from coming into the island of Leguan.” The minister and a team
CDB sea defense project in Endeavour, Leguan. of engineers travelled to a sea defence project that was funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in Endeavour. Beginning last month, the project represents a major upgrade from the inferior structure that it replaces. “The structure here was over 40 years old, and it was breached. It was d a m a g e d . Wa t e r w a s seeping through under the structure and inconveniencing the residents,” Minister
Sharma recalled. Though this project is moving along, Site Foreman with BK International, Troy Christian, explained there are a few challenges. “The channel is very close here and the water is very deep, over 12 feet of water. So, o n l y i n t h e s p r i n g tide season, you can only get about 10 days work per month.” To this end, the Site Foreman noted it has been problematic to conduct works
at the toe of the slope. With this in mind, Minister Jaipaul Sharma stated the government’s intent to communicate with the CDB for an extension of the project deadline. Endeavour’s CDB project costs $314M and entails the construction of 300 metres. In the village of Success in Leguan, there is a similar CDB funded project to construct 600 metres of riprap structure to strengthen the sea defence. That project stands at the cost of $628M.
Sunday July 14, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Policewoman fingered in gang rape cover-up barred from leaving country - handwriting expert checking statements that victims claim cops changed The fallout has reportedly begun over allegations that policewomen from one of the Force’s sex crimes units aided in the covering up a series of gang rapes. Kaieteur News understands that one of the implicated female ranks has been barred from travelling overseas. The individual reportedly recently retired from the Force and was attempting to go for a vacation in the US. Another female colleague was removed from the unit that investigates sex crimes
and posted to another station. According to reports, two male ranks accused of aiding in the cover-up were transferred to other police stations. One individual, a lance corporal, was removed from the Criminal Investigation Department. The two male ranks are said to be related to one of the alleged rapists. The policewomen are accused of changing statements of the alleged victims to indicate that they had not identified a
policeman’s son and two others as the individuals who gang-raped and robbed them. The victims are said to have pointed out all three of the individuals. According to sources, the Force’s handwriting expert is examining the alleged doctored statements. The victims, all in their teens, claim that the policeman’s son and two others, gang-raped and robbed them earlier this year, after they were duped into going on dates with one gang member who drives a car.
Rice miller in $99M lawsuit loses bid for special leave before CCJ The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Thursday dismissed an application for special leave, submitted by rice Miller, Arnold Sankar, to appeal a decision made by the Court of Appeal of Guyana. The CCJ agreed with the Court of Appeal that the Guyana Rice Development board, the respondent in the case, should be granted an extension of time to seek leave to appeal, and leave to appeal the decision of the Full Court. This matter goes back to 2016, when Mr Sankar sought damages in the amount of $99 million, for an alleged breach of contract by the board arising out of the purchase and sale of rice paddy. T h e b o a r d ’s c a s e before Justice Diana Insanally was plagued by delays and procedural difficulties, but eventually the judge gave the Board an extension of time for the filing of its defence. Mr. Sankar successfully appealed to the Full Court which granted him judgment. The board’s appeal to the Court of Appeal was again marred by delays and procedural glitches, but the Court of Appeal agreed to give the Board an extension of time. The CCJ acknowledged that the Court of Appeal of Guyana had done the right thing. The CCJ held that the Court of Appeal had the power to extend time in the
interest of justice and found that those decisions best served the interests of justice. The CCJ found that in “arriving at a determination as to what was required in the interests of justice, a court should balance the interests of the dissatisfied litigant who wished to pursue a right of appeal, on the one hand, with the interests of the successful litigant who wished to have the satisfaction of the judgment in his favour without undue delay.” The CCJ also agreed with the Board that several issues raised by their c o u n s e l , M r. Ti m o t h y Jonas, required the consideration of the Court of Appeal of Guyana. The CCJ therefore dismissed Mr. Sankar ’s application for special leave but ordered that each party bear their own costs of the appeal. The appeal was dismissed in a four to one majority decision. Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall, had moved to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) where he is seeking special leave to appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal, to extend time to file the appeal. He is also seeking leave to appeal on the basis that the delay at the lower courts was excessive. The lawsuit was filed by Nandlall and Associates on behalf of Sankar of Arnold Sankar and Sons
Rice Mills of Airy Hall Essequibo Coast. According to information, the milling company entered into an agreement with GRDB, which requested the company to purchase as much paddy available on the market at a price between $3,000 and $3,300 per bag. GRDB had allegedly promised and agreed that it would purcha s e t h e paddy from the company at a price of US$490 per metric tonne. But GRDB is said to have failed to deliver on its promise, resulting in the milling company filing action in the High Court. In July 2017, High Court Judge Diana Insanally refused to grant judgment in the sum of $99,670,273 to the milling company after it requested that the matter be completed on the basis of a late defence filed by lawyers representing the State entity. S a n k a r, being dissatisfied with the decision appealed to the Full Court of the High Court before Justices Jo-Ann Barlow and Simone MorrisRamlall who ruled that Justice Insanally ought to have awarded judgment at that point as she would have become duty-bound to do. The Full Court granted judgment to Sankar to the tune of $99,670,273, which allegedly amounted to monies he lost as a result of the breach in the paddy supply deal.
The teens said that although the matter was investigated and the suspects apprehended, only one of the alleged rapists was charged. They have suggested that policewomen who help in sex crime investigations, and who took their statements, were involved in the cover-up. Kaieteur News was told that persons close to the alleged rapists gave one victim’s family some $200,000 to avoid prosecution. According to the claims received by Kaieteur News, the gang moved around with a motorcycle and a car. The victims were allegedly contacted via WhatsApp and social media. Dates were allegedly made with the unsuspecting young women, who responded. One of the alleged rapists would pick up the intended victim in a car. Unknown to the teen, two accomplices of their ‘date’ would be hiding in the car
trunk. The ‘date’ would take the teen to a secluded area, where his accomplices would emerge from the car trunk. The men would then take turns raping the teen, before relieving her of her cell phone and other valuables. All the attacks are said to have occurred at secluded areas on East Bank Demerara. From reports reaching Kaieteur News, the gang slipped up when they contacted another teen, who is a friend of one of the victims. The young woman allegedly notified the police, who allegedly instructed the intended victim to meet her ‘date’ at a particular location while the ranks lay in wait. The ‘date’ and his accomplices were arrested when they all turned up at the location. It is alleged that the investigation took a disturbing turn when the police ranks realised that one of the suspects was the son of a police rank.
While the victims allegedly identified all of the suspects, and also provided statements, only one of the men was charged. He remains on remand. It is alleged that a female lance corporal and another female colleague, both of whom are attached to a Sexual Offences Unit, changed the victims’ statements to indicate that they had not identified the suspects. They are said to have been aided in the cover-up by a male CID rank who is also related to the policeman’s son. The family of one girl was reportedly compensated, but relatives of the others have filed complaints. (Victims and their relatives are free to contact Kaieteur News at our Saffon Street office. We can also be reached on telephone numbers: 592-225-8465, ¬592-2258473 and 592-225-8491. All names and information will be treated with utmost confidentiality)
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Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
‘Service to Humanity, is Service to God:’
Guyana Watch, Inc, NY Fits Neatly into This Category
Dr. Tara Singh Receives Citation from GWI President Tony Yassin. By Dr. TARA SINGH Observing the Silver Jubilee of a not-for-profit organization (NGO) of which you are a part, is an amazing experience. Very few Guyanese-based NGOs have lasted this long. When one considers the type, quality, scope and strategic significance of the selfless service provided by Guyana Watch Inc., (GWI) to Guyana, then one will truly appreciate the organization’s remarkable accomplishments over its 25-years of existence. GWI epitomizes Sir Winston Churchill’s dictum: “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give,” and that of Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” At an elegant programme at the Starlite Pavilion, Richmond Hill, New York on Friday July 5, 2019, GWI
President, Mr Tony Yassin, expressed his deepest gratitude to all the supporters, volunteers, sponsors, as well as his GWI team for their sacrifice, hard work, dedication and persistence. These qualities have enabled the organization to conduct scores of clinics throughout Guyana. There, they have examined and treated over 75,000 patients; administered medication to them, as well as, sponsored 70 patients overseas for advanced medical treatment, mostly for heart surgery. These were done during GWI’s 25-year history. In addition, 67 eye surgeries and hundreds of dental procedures were performed on Guyanese patients who would have, in most cases, been otherwise left undiagnosed and untreated. This type of record is unmatchable. With this
huge scope of operations, GWI is the largest medical and humanitarian organization in the Caribbean. The annual market value of its outreach project to Guyana (in terms of volunteers, medication, travel, subsistence, supplies, etc.) is estimated at an average
of US$500,000. Most of the funds are donated by GWI members and supporters, while the medications and supplies are donated by pharmaceutical companies. Over the past seven years, the Jamaica Hospital has been donating doctors to the GWI mission. Special mention was made to the strong support that GWI receives from Kaieteur Restaurant, Sybil’s Restaurant, and Hibiscus Restaurant. Mr Yassin also thanked former members of GWI for their work and support of the organization. A few of them received citation from GWI, including the writer who served as the first President of GWI for six years, and Mr Richie Anderson, who is an existing executive member of GWI and a former owner of Kaieteur Restaurant. A posthumous award was given to the great humanitarian worker, Mr George Subraj, a former Vice President of GWI and Head of the George Subraj Foundation. Mr Yassin said that other outstanding individuals will also be recognized during their 2019 mission to Guyana. The Jubilee Programme was organized by Richie Anderson and Tony Yassin of GWI. In his feature address, Mr
Tony Yassin, said that while the audience was not as large as he had anticipated, it would nevertheless be a wonderful and memorable occasion. He provided a brief background on GWI’s evolution. Roy Singh and Gaitree (two former members) tried to capture the early history and challenges of GWI. Mr Yassin made it clear that 100% of all donations received go directly into the medical and dental mission. All GWI members, including himself, pay their own airfares, accommodation and incidental expenses from their private funds. That represents a further
contribution by them towards the annual GWI mission. Mr Yassin has been the President of GWI for 20 years and he has demonstrated a defined passion for medical and humanitarian outreach work. He implored the guidance of God in his continuing efforts to serve humanity. He believes that service to humanity is service to God. But there is a caveat: Mr Yassin announced that he couldn’t have done those wonderful things without the support of his wife, Lucy, who has been making great sacrifice to ensure the success of annual GWI (Continued on page 70)
Richie Anderson receives citation from GWI President Tony Yassin.
Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday July 14, 2019
Caught on Camera!
P
resident David Granger on Friday hosted a farewell luncheon for Sandra Prince, M.S. former Presidential photographer. The luncheon was held at the Baridi Benab, State House Compound. Prince had given 30 years of service in the field of photography. She served at the Guyana Public Communication Agency, the Government Information Service, Government Information Agency and as the official photographer to the various Presidents since 1995.
Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
Yashmini Sarjoo
Meet the beautiful Miss Teen India Guyana 2019, Yashmini Sarjoo. The former St. Joseph High School Student enjoys reading, spending time with her family and helping the less fortunate. One of her favourite quotes says, “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud!�
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Sunday July 14, 2019
Dedicated Athletics Coach,
Leslie Black A.A., is a ‘Special Person’
By Sharmain Grainger
W
hat do you call a man who plays his role to the fullest and then some? His name is Leslie Black or simply 'Blacks' to those who know him well. Some already know this of him but for those who don't, let me briefly enlighten you, for these pages are quite insufficient to detail the extent of his exploits as a committed husband, father, brother, friend and outstanding athletics coach so far, too many to mention. He could've settled for being just an average man or even below average, after all he could've used the excuse that his father was nowhere around his upbringing. But Black from a very young age was driven to be the best possible man he could be. This, moreover, saw him desperately striving to be outstanding not only at sports, but more so in the game of life. The outcome was him becoming an individual who not only ensured that his own children have an especially comfortable upbringing, but quite a few he adopted along the way have also benefited. He is a man of unprecedented strength having suffered through the death of two of his eldest children in the most heartrending of ways. The father of six lost his first born, Seon, back in 1990. At the time the young man was a promising athlete and was very close to his father's heart. “I could've
Leslie Black is a 'Special Person'
seen him bringing home some gold medals for Guyana,” said Black, of his son, during an interview, as he remembered losing his son in a road accident. He was able to press on even in the face of this enormous heartbreak. But by 2008 he was battling with another dilemma - his
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS But from whence did this outstanding human being originate? Born Leslie Thomas Black on October 21, 1958, at the Suddie Hospital on the Essequibo Coast, he was the sixth of eight children his mother, Dorothy Black, birthed. His
“
In order to be a good coach you first have to have self-discipline…you have to be a father to your athletes. I think I was able to get success out of my athletes mainly because I could've afforded to ensure that they eat properly and take care of themselves and have the right gears.
second child, Melissa, was diagnosed with stage four cancer. He waged war like any good father would, but eventually had to surrender to his daughter's fatal fate in 2012. But he had to remain a tower of strength to Avril, now his wife of 41 years, four younger children Jason, Leslyn, Mickey and Afeha - and the many others who were looking to him for solace. It can be easily deduced that the circumstances that Black has endured over the years, have served to solidify the notion that he is a man of unprecedented substance who is especially deserving of being named a 'Special Person' all year long.
”
now 91-year-old mother had a tough time caring for her children, Black recalled. He revealed too that while he never had a close relationship with his father, William Alleyne, it was his paternal grandmother who gave his mother a helping hand to raise him. He remembers living within his grandmother, Druscilla Peters, at Good Hope, also in Essequibo. He attended the Good Hope Primary School. He has fond memories of his grandmother, who, he recalled, gave him his first introduction to the capital city when she moved to West Ruimveldt. “She brought me to Georgetown to live with her,” reminisced a smiling
In the company of two outstanding sports personalities - Alika Morgan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Black, as he recalled that as a nine-year-old boy, “coming to Georgetown at that time was like coming to America and seeing all the lights at the Stabroek Market square and so on…I was anxious.” In fact, Black jokingly recalled that threats from his grandmother to send him back to Suddie, when he misbehaved, were akin to severe punishment, as it would cause him to cry bitterly. “I never wanted to go back to Suddie.” But what he didn't give up even after leaving Suddie was his passion for things sports. From a young age he remembered especially having an affinity for athletics. “I loved athletics and I played a bit of football and other sports too. I was always active in some sports since I was a boy,” Black recounted. When he came to Georgetown, he continued his schooling at the East La Penitence Government School. NATIONAL SERVICE But life became tough for the young Black when his grandmother passed away. He was just about 16 years old at the time. He eventually found the Guyana National Service [GNS] as a way out of his dilemma, an experience he recalled embracing right alongside, Avril, who he had already chosen to be his life partner. “National Service was a
good experience…you could've gotten something to eat, a place to stay, and learn something too,” said Black, as he remembered being one of its lead boxers. Before deciding to join the GNS he was a very experienced boxer and a very proficient athlete too. While athletics was always a part of him, he learnt a great deal of boxing tactics when he moved to Georgetown, through the Brotherhood Boxing Gym, which was located at the East La Penitence School. “When school over I used to get a chance to learn to box and this started since I was around 12 years old,” Black recalled. “I was the fittest boxer when I joined the National Service Pioneer programme,” Black shared, as he recalled boxing his way to many victories. It was also a memorable moment for him when he got an experience to spar with the late, great Muhammed Ali, when he visited Guyana back in the day. After completing GNS, Black's boxing and athletics capabilities saw him being
With his life partner, Avril
able to easily transition to the Guyana Defence Force [GDF] where he successfully underwent a Physical, Technical and Instruction course. But Black didn't really see himself as a military man and after four years of giving his best to the military, he opted to sever ties. BECOMING A COACH By this time, he and Avril had a family of their own, and he needed to find ways to ensure that they were well supported. This saw Black deciding to venture into gold mining, a near-decade-long profession which even saw him suffering debilitating illnesses such as typhoid and malaria. However, it was after recovering from malaria that he decided to become a coach to his, now dead son, who he realized had a passion for athletics. “The day he died, he was participating in a GTU/CUT long distance race, and he was the first student to complete the race…he was (continued on page 59)
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 14, 2019
PAGE 23
Pickpocket investors I
t is pay day. You go the Pay Office and uplift your monthly earnings. As you are walking out, you notice a fellow worker closely watching at you. You begin to feel concerned about your money which you have placed in your trousers' pocket. As you are exiting the Pay Office, the fellow worker bumps into you. He apologizes for doing so. He then invites you for a drink. He says, “I am buying.� You decide to go. All that afternoon, your fellow worker is spending lavishly at the watering hole. You tell yourself that he is overindulging, and so when he asks you what you want to eat, you tell him you are not hungry. This does not deter him from ordering the most expensive meal on the menu for himself. You wonder, at the rate he is going, whether he is going to spend out his entire month's salary on this binge. At the end of the session, you bid him goodbye. True to his word he pays the bill. While waiting for the cab to take you home, you place your hands in your trouser pockets and realize to your horror that your wallet is missing. Then it dawns on you that when your fellow worker had bumped into you outside the Pay Office, it was no accident. When you had felt his hands touch your pocket, it was no accident. It was
then and there that he had picked your wallet. But you were so blinded by his invitation for a drink and for him to finance the whole thing that you did not realize that in that moment, he had relieved you of your wallet containing your month's earnings. You realize also that all the money he spent that afternoon was your money. He had a good time on your money. This is exactly what is happening to Guyana in the oil and gas sector. Some companies are coming here and setting up shop. They are promising jobs to locals. But many of them are pickpocket investors. All they are doing is exploiting Guyanese for their own benefit. These pickpocket investors are good at making promises. They dangle the prospects of jobs in front of the faces of Guyanese, but no one is watching their hands. While they are doing their 'magic act' of promises, their hands are in your pockets, stealing what belongs to you. They employ a few Guyanese to do the lowpaying jobs, just like some of the oil exploration companies which offer Guyanese the jobs of cooks, chefs and cleaners, while the top engineering jobs go to foreign nationals who rake in the big bucks. They are receiving the big contracts from their friends in the oil and gas
sector. They take the hog of the money, pay Guyanese a pittance, and smile all the way to the bank. Yet, Guyanese continue to be impressed when these foreign oil and gas companies boast about how many locals they employ. But they never state just what percentage of the total payroll goes to locals as against foreigners. They do not admit that, in many instances, the locals continue to occupy the low rungs in the company, while
the top jobs go to the foreigners. Guyanese are being offered crumbs while the foreign workers are hogging the whole loaf. To add insult to injury, it is our own money which is being used to rip us off. This is no different from the man who took his fellow worker out for a drink. The man picked his colleague's pocket and then entertained his colleague with his colleague's money. Every cent that is being
spent in the oil and gas sector is recoverable by the oil companies as cost recovery. Every cent that these companies spend has to be repaid by you, me and our children and grandchildren. It is costing these companies nothing. They are being paid by the oil companies, who in turn will send the bill to Guyana to deduct from the earnings from the sale of oil. And to further rub salt in our wound, we have some organizations who are
opportunistically championing these investments. They are welcoming and encouraging pickpocket investors. Foreign investors are not coming here to help us; they are coming here to tell us what to do in our own home. This is not just robbery; it is robbery in broad daylight.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday July 14, 2019
The new burden of diplomacy:
the enemy within
By Sir Ronald Sanders
T
he mess resulting from reports that the British Ambassador to the United States, Sir Kim Darroch, made about President Donald Trump and his administration, underscore the dangers of leaking confidential government documents. If nothing else comes of this affair, the identification and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for leaking Sir Kim's confidential and classified cables should be vigorously undertaken. The
Ambassador's reports to his government were an integral part of his job and were not meant for public disclosure. If the perpetrators of this crime of violating the Official Secrets Act are not brought to account, the effectiveness of diplomatic agents will be undermined and the nature of diplomacy itself will be severely compromised. The persons who leaked Sir Kim's confidential communications to his government did so for a narrow domestic political purpose. Their purpose appears to have been to serve those intent on Britain
exiting the European Union in any circumstances, regardless of the consequences. In their recklessness, they sacrificed Sir Kim's diplomatic career in service to his country and they ruptured the relationship between the governments of the UK and the US. They also succeeded in violating the sanctity of a centuries-old protocol of diplomatic communication. Few will trust the system in the future. They will write less and more cautiously, making it difficult for traditional diplomatic reporting to continue. What
will replace it could be sinister. In the event, there is now, at the very least, an urgent requirement for new ways to safeguard the secrecy of Ambassadors' reports to their governments. But how possible that is, when reports are maliciously leaked for political purposes from within, is an open question. All Ambassadors and other diplomats, who man their country's diplomatic missions, are expected to send home candid reports, analyses and opinions about events and circumstances in the country or organisation to which they are assigned. This extremely sensitive task has now been made very perilous. What Sir Kim did is no different from what US Ambassadors and diplomats of other countries do every day. Indeed, in some cases, US and UK Ambassadors have gone beyond confidential reporting; they have publicly lectured and criticised the governments of the countries to which they are accredited, including the Presidents and Prime Ministers. Evidence of this was revealed in November 2010 when more than 250,000 diplomatic cables from US embassies around the world were publicly released by the online whistle-blower website, WikiLeaks. Those cables and thousands of others that were subsequently published, showed that US Ambassadors and their staff criticised government policies and programmes, offered harsh personal assessments of leaders and influenced decisions about the countries in which they were posted. US officials also reported conversations with subsequently embarrassed locals who thought that their conversations were 'private'. At the time, the White House spokesman, Robert Gibbs dammed the Wi k i L e a k s d i s c l o s u r e , saying, "We condemn in the strongest terms the unauthorized disclosure of classified documents and sensitive national security information". J o h n K e r r y, t h e n chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and later Secretary of State, rightly said, “These sensitive cables contain candid assessments
and analysis of ongoing matters and they should remain confidential to protect the ability of the government to conduct lawful business with the private candour that's vital to effective diplomacy”. Those arguments work both ways. Nonetheless, it is clear that Sir Kim could no longer be an effective Ambassador in the US despite his relationship with top officials of the US government, his entertaining many of them at his official residence, and information exchange between the UK and US governments of which he had been an agent. He did the right thing in resigning, particularly after President Trump publicly stated: “We will not deal with him”. The British Government, particularly the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has been forthright in defending Sir Kim. Sir Simon McDonald, Permanent Under Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, could not be more supportive when he wrote to Sir Kim, stating: “The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and whole of the public service have stood with you: you were the target of a malicious leak; you were simply doing your job”. Observations about precisely what “doing your job” means for an Ambassador is worth recording here. In a nutshell, an Ambassador has two primary functions The first has both a public and private face – it is to promote the most beneficial relationships between his or her government and the government to which he or she is accredited. That is not always an easy task because of many factors, including policy differences that might arise between the two governments. In both the private and public dimensions of this task, an Ambassador has to use all the tools available, including the media, to project and promote his or her country's interest. The second has no public side; it is quintessentially secret. And, that is to provide his or her government with sound information and candid analysis about
Sir Ronald Sanders situations that have relevance to the Ambassador's government and its decision-making. This second task is especially recognised by all countries in Article 3 (d) of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic relations which states that the functions of a diplomatic mission consists, among other things, of “ascertaining by all lawful means c o n d i t i o n s a n d developments in the receiving State, and reporting thereon to the Government of the sending State”. Some may argue that, Sir Kim was injudicious in the candid remarks he made about President Trump in his confidential and classified cables to his government. But it should be recalled that he was expected – indeed, duty-bound - to do no less than give his candid assessment. In doing so he was following normal diplomatic practice and expectation that his cables were – and would remain – secret between him and his government. This accounts for why the British Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and others stood up with him and have not criticised him even after he resigned. Having said all that, Ambassadors and diplomatic agents now have a new concern in carrying out their jobs – who in their own governments could deliberately and maliciously leak diplomatic communications to serve the interests of one side or another in domestic political infighting. (The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com
Sunday July 14, 2019
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
The ball is back where it belongs, but what is a Caretaker Government? The much-anticipated CCJ final word on the Guyanese cases before it has come and gone. For many, it was an anti-climax—no definitive orders or declarations that shifted things beyond the rulings last month. I had observed in this column and elsewhere that the CCJ seemed reluctant to breach the wall of separation between itself and the other branches of government and consequently would not insert itself in the political sphere. The WPA took a similar position in successive press statements and the Coalition made similar submissions to the court. So, in a sense we have been on the right side of this issue. I am relieved that the court has taken this position, because in so doing, it has deepened its integrity as an impartial arbiter of the law. It is worth remembering that the vast majority of CARICOM countries are yet to join the CCJ, largely because they are not fully convinced that that court could resist attempts to politicize it. Its conduct in this case, I think, has helped in no small way to enhance the CCJ’s legitimacy. Had it given any coercive orders, I am sure the perception would have been different. Both sides have hailed the court’s stance as a victory. While there is no victory for either side, the PPP has been dealt a severe blow. In many regards, the court’s refusal to give consequential orders has
upset the PPP’s apple cart— at least temporarily. The PPP, in my view, had pinned all its hopes on the court ordering that elections be held within three months. The three-months timeline suits the PPP, not because it has any superior respect for the letter of the constitution or the rule of law—that party is as guilty of flouting the constitution and the rule of law as any in the Anglophone Caribbean. The three-months timeline simply accommodates the PPP’s intention to go to the election with the tainted Voters’ List. I am contending that all the PPP’s narratives and manoeuvrings are geared towards this end. Of course, the PPP’s leader has latched on to the court’s declaration that given its ruling, the administration becomes a caretaker government. The constitution has not defined the scope of a caretaker government and the CCJ was vague in that regard. Mr. Jagdeo defines a caretaker government in minimalist terms. He is arguing that the government should do very little and confine itself to preparing for elections. I beg to differ. Any government, whether caretaker or otherwise, is tasked with two major functions —protect the country’s sovereignty and look after the welfare of its citizens. Those functions require a fully constituted and empowered government. The concept of a
caretaker government is an elastic one—it can be stretched to suit an interpretation. In other words, depending on the circumstances, such a government can function normally. In that regard, a caretaker government is no different from a lame-duck government. This so-called caretaker government has to continue to look after the welfare of the people—health, education, social security, public security, infrastructure, the economy, regulations etc. It follows that it can prepare a budget in pursuit of the abovementioned function. The only major difference between a caretaker government and a normal one is that preparing for and holding elections must be at the top of its agenda, and its life in office is determined by the prescribed constitutional timeline or a two-third vote of the National Assembly. Its popular mandate ended with the CCJ ruling, and it now serves at the pleasure of the constitutional requirements or of the legislature. But this does not diminish its ability to carry out its normal functions. So, where do we go from here? As some of us have long contended, once the court made its ruling, the ball was back squarely in the political leaders’ court. The CCJ reiterated that position on Friday. The PPP has thus far been inflexible. It, for example, vows that it would
The Baccoo Speaks It is going to be an interesting case in the hinterland. Some men have struck gold but there are others who will try to get it. Of course, people have a way to secure their find but there will be a case of a gang hiding out in the bushes to strike. The sudden appearance of some other men will halt any criminal attack, much to the frustration of the suspects. There will be a hunt when the news is forwarded. **
The holiday makes for interesting times but some actually overdo it. A small fight would escalate when one teenager will feel offended because another refuses to share some money with him.
The gun will come out and shots will be fired. People will be injured but that will only be the start of what is to follow. ** Oil is attracting all manner of new companies. Guyanese businessmen who were slow to invest their money are now looking for opportunities. The government will now begin efforts to protect the locals, much to the anger of those from outside seeking to enter the sector.
not be party to an extension of the life of the government beyond the stipulated three months. The Coalition on the other hand has held strongly to the position that only GECOM can determine the timeline for elections. But, it seems to me both sides have to give something if we are to dig ourselves out of this proverbial hole. It is not the first time we have been here. On previous occasions it took external intervention to help us
overcome the impasse. My sense is that we may be headed in that direction. After all the grandstanding, it is difficult to see either side accepting anything that looks like defeat. Since the ultimate issue is the Voters’ List, I don’t think that we are going to get very far, unless that matter is taken care of. More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr.
Dr David Hinds David Hinds’ GuyanaCaribbean Politics and on his w e b s i t e www. g u y a n a c a r i b b e a n politics.news. Send c o m m e n t s to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
A bullet to the back of the head By Michael Jordan It was at around 06:00 hrs on Monday, December 12, 2005, that the female security guard noticed a red Mitsubishi Lancer, licence number HB 1188, parked off the roadway in Woolford Avenue. The driver, a young man of East Indian ancestry, appeared to be sleeping inside. The door on the driver’s side was slightly ajar. The guard went to the car, pushed her hand through the open door and tapped the driver on the shoulder. “Wha’ happen chap, is six o’clock… get up,” she said. But the driver remained motionless, and it was then that the guard saw the blood at the back of the young man’s head and realised that he would never wake up. Detectives who arrived at the scene observed that the victim had been shot to the back of the head. They ruled out robbery, since a quantity of money was found in the vehicle. However, they later learned that the driver’s mobile phone was missing. Two live rounds and a bullet casing were found at the scene. The victim was later identified as Ricardo Ramsarran of La Grange,
West Bank Demerara. They also learnt that a woman who was in Ramsarran’s car had reportedly witnessed his murder and had also narrowly escaped being killed. The woman, a resident of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, said Ramsarran had picked her up at around 19:30 hrs on Sunday, December 11, 2005, at a Vlissengen Road fast food outlet. This was done after the woman contacted him by phone. She said she had known Ramsarran for about four months and would usually use his taxi when she was in Georgetown. According to the passenger, Ramsarran had a cooking gas cylinder in his car and said that he had to drop it off. The woman alleged that it was raining at the time and she was unaware where they were heading. She claimed that shortly after they had commenced their journey, a white car pulled up alongside Ramsarran’s vehicle. A man in the front seat reportedly pointed a handgun at Ramsarran and ordered him to ‘pull over’. According to her story, the gunman and another man, who was armed with a stick, emerged from the car. She alleged that the gunman then
Ricardo Ramsarran dragged Ramsarran from the taxi and after slapping him, ordered Ramsarran to hand over his valuables. She said that the gunman then pushed Ramsarran back into his taxi and shot him. The woman claimed that after shooting Ramsarran, the gunman and his accomplice turned their attention to her. She said the bandits relieved her of her bag, which contained cash and other documents. One of the men allegedly said “leh we kill she too.” She claimed the gunman then pressed the weapon to her head and squeezed the trigger. She said that luckily, she managed to shift her head
and the bullet merely grazed her. Apparently believing that she was dead, the men reentered their car and drove off. The woman claimed that she lost consciousness for about ten minutes. She said that when she regained her senses, she walked a short distance up Woolford Avenue and sought help from a passing cyclist. However, she said that the man rode off without helping her, and she received a similar response from a male security guard. The woman said she eventually received help from a female security guard, who flagged down a car which took her to the Georgetown Public Hospital. She claimed to have related the story to the nurses and security staff. She alleged that at the time, she had assumed that Ramsarran was still alive and only learnt that he had succumbed after being questioned by the police. Detectives checked the slain man’s background, but reportedly found nothing unsavoury about him. They learned that ‘Ricky’, as he was called, was an ex-student of St. Joseph High School. He was also planning to become engaged to his childhood girlfriend, who had attended the same institution. The investigators attempted to trace his last movements. According to reports, on the night of December 11, 2005, Ramsarran had travelled to Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, to see a close friend, who was a mechanic. The mechanic recalled that Ramsarran had received two calls from a mobile phone. One of the calls was from a woman who wanted him to pick her up at a Vlissengen Road fast food outlet and take her home “over the river.” According to this report, ‘Ricky’ was initially reluctant to take the job, but eventually consented. At around 21:00 hrs, he received an overseas call from his mother, Jasoda Ramsarran, who indicated that she was coming from the United States over the weekend.
Mrs. Ramsarran recalled that ‘Ricky’ had warned her to be careful when she returned home, since several brutal crimes, including the beheading of an overseasbased Guyanese, had recently occurred. After returning to Guyana, Ricky’s grief-stricken mother, and his father, began to conduct their own investigations into their son’s murder. For one thing, while Ricky’s body and his vehicle were found in Woolford Avenue, the couple believed that he was slain elsewhere. And as strange as it may seem, Mrs. Ramsarran believed that her son had tried to contact her from beyond the grave. She recalled that on one occasion, ‘Ricky’ appeared to her in a dream and said that he was murdered “over the river.” And on the day that he was cremated, she also dreamed of a “tallish, dougla man” who had stared at her intently. She was convinced that the man she saw was real and that this individual had killed her son. Convinced that the dreams held important clues to their son’s death, Mr. Eric Ramsarran decided to make inquiries at the Demerara Harbour Bridge. According to the Ramsarrans, security personnel at the Harbour Bridge gave them records which showed that Ricky Ramsarran had crossed the bridge from Georgetown at around 22:00 hrs on the same night he was slain. They were adamant that this showed that their son had travelled either to the West Coast or West Bank of Demerara, after picking up his female passenger. They also believed that this proved that he was not murdered in Woolford Avenue. According to Mrs. Ramsarran, when she voiced her suspicions, one of the
investigators also confided that they too believed that her son was slain elsewhere. Investigators turned their attention to Ricky’s female passenger. She was detained for three days at the East La Penitence Police Station, while detectives tried to ascertain whether she could assist in solving the case. Detectives detained her again on December 30, 2005, and again on July 11, 2006. The investigators opined that she had given conflicting statements about the events leading up to Ramsarran’s death. “She claims that she was in the car and records show that the car was over the river at the time she claimed that the murder occurred, so we had to question her again,” a police official had stated. However, the woman was eventually released. Her relatives insist that she cooperated fully with the police. In 2007, Mrs. Ramsarran said that they were informed that the report on the case was at the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. That year, the family held a memorial service for their slain son. “We don’t want this case to be forgotten,” Mrs. Ramsarran had told me at the time. “This is a mother’s heart that is breaking and I want answers to who killed my son and why.” To this day, those things have never been revealed. If you have any information about this or any other unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown offices. Our numbers are 22-58458, 2258465, 22-58473 and 2258491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : kamarangnight@gmail.com.
Sunday July 14, 2019
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
Power: My last words to Mark Benschop Last Monday, Mark Benschop interviewed me on his radio programme. The slot was for one hour – 8 to 9 in the night. I looked at my phone clock and it was 9.30. I told Mark, I had to end the interview since I do not travel late at night because of fear for my life. The interview was deep in the heart of the city – one street separating us from the Demerara River. The place was on Hinck Street, after that is Water Street, then the river. I live in Turkeyen on the East Coast. So up I rose from my seat and said to Mark; “I don’t want to be run off the road and it looked like an accident.” He replied, “Freddie, that would not happen to you in these times now”. Here are my final words to Benschop; “Mark, you have faith in power, I don’t”. I have absolutely no hesitation in saying I do not trust and will not trust people with power. Power destroys mind and soul. Under Obama more persons were charged for information leakage than all the previous presidents combined (please Google that information). Obama refused to pardon Edward Snowden. Obama used state money to save Wall Street billionaires who almost destroyed the US economy. Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and acquired prestigious international awards for
courage as both a woman fighter and a human rights crusader in her struggle against military rule. She is in power now and sides with the same military that imprisoned her. This lady glosses over genocidal acts by the same military. She has become an international pariah. Daniel Ortega won my emotional embrace when as a young Sandinista guerrilla he reminded me so vividly of the lead character in the famous Harold Robbins movie, “The Adventurers.” This was the leader of one of the great guerrilla movements of the 20th century. Ortega is president of Nicaragua today where his soldiers and police are killing demonstrators. Fidel Castro tried to overthrow his government, was charged for treason and jailed. When he became president, he executed people charged for treason with sham trials. Muammar al-Qaddafi overthrew the Libyan monarchy and he became a more depraved leader than the king he toppled. The Shah of Iran was removed in a huge revolutionary battle. The revolutionaries that replaced him and are in power today are far more brutal, vicious and murderous. The Russian revolutionaries executed Tsar Nicholas and his family. They killed more people in one day than the Tsar ever did in ten years. The list of how evil power can turn out to be once it is
acquired is literally countless. But the people of Guyana don’t have to look far. Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase and their friends cut a charismatic pose as they fought the colonials for the right of Guyanese to be free. Then the first three became presidents and the last thing they gave Guyanese was rights, justice and equality. Ashton Chase drafted a writ of contempt of court against me as a newspaper columnist on behalf of Juan Edghill. If I was found guilty, the judge had no legal option but to send me to prison. The colonials didn’t do that to Chase. The name of Walter Rodney is now lying in the mud. The revolutionaries he fought with to topple Burnham in the 20th century are in the 21st century giving succor and support of policies that are far more hurtful than what Burnham practiced, including the retrenchment of 7000 sugar workers without alternative employment and their immediate severance pay. The famous comrades of Walter Rodney – Clive Thomas and Rupert Roopnaraine are today barefaced propagandists of a government more contemptuous of the descendants of slaves and indentured servants than president Burnham ever was. Finally, Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman crusaded against
terrible leadership in their respective parties – the PPP and PNC. Today both men are in power and from their instincts on display, it is the opinion of this columnist that there are far more humane, democratic and understanding politicians in the PPP and PNC, at the time when they both left, than Ramjattan and Trotman. The famous Moses Nagamootoo
is now in power and his fame has turned into infamy. So yes, I will not drive late in the nights for continuing fear for my life. Those in power from the PPP side would have killed me to protect their power. Attempts were made on my life. I am not stupid to think it would not happen in 2019 or 2020. Why? My dear Benschop, power does that to people.
Frederick Kissoon
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Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
The CCJ has maintained its integrity as an impartial arbiter of the law The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) reminded us on Friday that the Constitution of Guyana envisages that the Government that falls under a vote of no confidence must continue as a caretaker or interim Government until elections are held and a new Government is appointed. The Caribbean Court rightly avoided dictating the date by which elections should be held, and they suggested that the provisions of the Constitution of Guyana must set that date. In short, they have kicked the football right back where it should be played, by the politicians. For us, the CCJ has maintained its integrity as an impartial arbiter of the law. The CCJ recognizes that this internal, political matter of the date for new elections must be directed by the politics of the land, meaning the President and the National Assembly. The politics of the land at this time require that a new
List of Electors is created, because the old one has expired. In other words, there is no valid, current, credible list, because the last one expired on 30 April 2019. That list was padded with the names of hundreds of persons long dead, with persons who registered more than twice with different names, and with people who migrated years ago. On the flip side, that old list did not have the names of the thousands of youths who would have attained voting age (18) since the last registration in 2013. Leaving them off the voters’ list is so wrong that it’s almost criminal. These young people have grown into the right to vote, and they will not be disenfranchised. GECOM assures us that the new registration process will be completed by the end of 2019. The Alliance for Change, as a partner in the Coalition Government of Guyana, assures every Guyanese that the Government fully intends
to respect and honour the provisions of the Constitution. We have an obligation to the people of this country, and will continue to be guided by the spirit of the Constitution, the spirit of the Carter Charter, and the spirit of consensus. We do have to decide what limits are imposed on a ‘caretaker government’, what projects and programmes would be put on hold until after the upcoming general elections, and what can be continued. The Government knows what our developmental priorities are, and we know that there is no time to dilly-dally. Guyana is already in ‘transformation mode’ and the greedy grabbing hands of the opposition should not be allowed to slow down or stop the developmental programmes that have begun to make us ready for first oil. Things are happening fast; investors are coming and setting up their oil-related businesses; Guyanese are being trained and made ready
to work in the oil industry; new infrastructure is going up and plans are on the drawing board for more. Development cannot stop just because one set of people believe that they should control the nation’s purse ... and they have succeeded into fooling some citizens into believing that they won’t steal the nation’s money...again. NATIONALEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE In the meantime, the AFC held its annual conference on June 15 and democratic elections for new office bearers. We do not believe in selecting office bearers and candidates, and we do not indulge in internal rigging of elections, like the other side. Plus, the AFC’s leadership welcomes criticisms from its members because they make the party stronger and are committed to the development of Guyana, no matter what. The conference was
relatively incident-free. The AFC has elected a new, strong leadership team that includes Khemraj Ramjattan as Leader, Raphael Trotman as Chairman, Cathy Hughes as Vice-Chairperson, and David Patterson as our new General Secretary. The 12-strong National Executive members will work hand-in-hand with the very competent Valerie GarridoLowe, Dr. Vincent Adams, Michael Carrington, Alison Mohamed, Sherod Duncan, Haimraj Rajkumar, Ricky Ramsaroop, Dominic Gaskin, Nicola Trotman, Neilson McKenzie, Trevor Williams and Derek Basdeo. These are decent, hardworking people with integrity and the capacity to stand up to bullies. So we expect the attacks to continue on social media and in the newspaper letter columns, but we will fight back. It’s our democratic right to do so. The AFC takes this opportunity to express our gratitude for the work done by our present Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Party
Statesman. He has served this country well as a very experienced, decent politician. He works hard for both the AFC and Coalition and has spearheaded a few changes of his own. PM, thank you very much for your kind and heartfelt service to this dear land of ours. You have served well, and have helped to rid this country of the corrupt PPP, from Government, that is. We will always be grateful for your insights, and that honesty that has served this nation so well The AFC will continue to be a strong, vibrant and committed party. We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with our ‘Coalition’ partners towards a wealthier Guyana with fast developing industry and services sectors, and a striving people working together regardless of race, religion, political affiliation or other differences. That is the meaning of the good life for all.
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My column
What is mine is mine; what is yours is mine I remember when I was young and trying to sow my oats. I was working at Bartica back then. There were some young girls on whom I had my eyes. Unfortunately, I was not a looker. Put another way, by no stretch of imagination could I be considered handsome. But even the mangiest dog vies for the attention of some of the attractive bitches on the streets. That was how I heard my friend boasting about his girl. Indeed, she was something worth boasting about, except that she was no academic. That meant that when they went to social events, he would wish that she did not speak a lot. But she was smart. One day she duly informed him that what was hers was hers and that what was his was also hers. Today, the criminals in Guyana utter similar sentiments. What everyone has is theirs and they spare no pains to get it. Sometimes they take people’s things with a brutality that is uncalled for, but that is because their parents never taught them
certain values. One of those is the value for human life. Ten days ago some men entered the home of a moneychanger and relieved him of a quantity of cash. Criminals who want money are expected to do that. This group of people went further. They killed the man and his daughter. The police caught up with some people believed to be the perpetrators of the crime. Their story makes for interesting reading. For starters, one of them reportedly told the police that he shot the daughter, an 18year-old, because she saw his face. Then there has been the finger-pointing. One man says that he was there but that he did nothing. He implicated an accomplice in the killings. The arrested people have done much more. They claimed that the robbery/murder was set up by another man. So said, so done. Information from the interrogation is that one of the men admitted to giving “dem de wuk.” That is only one case of unreasoning young people. A youngster who was cleared to
travel to the United States with his mother gets into an argument with another young man for $500, the equivalent of US$2. He grabs a knife and stabs the older person to death. He must now face the judge, fortunately on a manslaughter charge. There are many such cases. Incidentally, the moneychanger killed recently was the second in recent times. One was killed on High Street even as he parked his car. My colleague Nigel McKenzie keeps telling me that things have got out of hand, that people seem to have a penchant for taking what belongs to others. He tells me that many such crimes go unreported. He showed me a video recording posted online, taken from a closed circuit camera. There is this woman walking down the street. A motorcyclist is fast approaching her. Just as he reaches her, he grabs her handbag and takes off. She runs behind him. A short while later he is seen speeding in the direction from which he came. I am not
sure that he still had the handbag. There was another video which showed a man standing on a bridge in Lime Street, Werk-en-Rust. Three men on bicycles ride up to him. One of them points a gun at him while the other two go through his pockets. They then ride away. Not a soul appears to have seen the incident. Then there was the case of a Charlestown resident who later told the court that he lives in Sophia. He is in South Cummingsburg when he spots two nurses. He proceeds to rob them. What is theirs is his. His escape was shortlived. When he was in police custody he tried to escape and got shot for his effort. He is still before the courts. This same individual attacked my grandson who happened to be able to defend himself somewhat. He fought, got some cuts for his efforts, but managed to hold on to what he had. When I was growing up I couldn’t steal anything. If I went home with something that didn’t belong to me I was made to take it back. That is not
often the case these days, so young men continue to pursue what is not theirs. Scarcely a day goes by without the nation being assailed with reports of men raping particularly young girls. Again they take what is not theirs. They head to jail for long spells when convicted, but that does not seem to faze others. One sicko even raped his own grandmother. Somebody said, recently, that there is no manual for parenting, but societal norms usually determine how we should bring up our children. I brought up my own and none of them went after what is not theirs, except for the odd fruit that hung on neighbours’ trees. To this day, my grown children would sit in a room of money or jewellery and not touch anything, because they were taught not to touch what is not theirs. In Beterverwagting, the same thing prevailed. People respected what others had. Today some may have difficulty doing that when they look at some politicians who seem to amass wealth out of thin air.
Adam Harris Glenn Lall would say to me, “Adam, what can you expect when young people see politicians stealing and getting away with it?” That is why so many people are disappointed that the Granger administration has so far failed to prosecute so many politicians who secured ill-gotten gains. Perhaps that is why, as Nigel McKenzie says, “Things are out of control.” Are the young people emulating the politicians? For starters, the Guyana Revenue Authority can ascertain who got what legitimately. It has failed to do so. Perhaps if a few politicians are hauled before the courts, we may see a decline in the number of people going after what is not theirs.
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A Partnership for National Unity – 8 years old ”The winner-take-all political culture has become “ d a n g e r o u s l y dysfunctional.” “… the tide of ideas in Guyanese politics has turned. Today, the 15th of July, marks the birthday of the new politics, a birth begotten by A Partnership for National Unity. We are more than a party, we are a movement,” - David Granger at the Launch of A Partnership for National Unity. Eight years ago, on the 15th July 2011, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was launched with great fanfare at the Ocean View International Hotel. Four months later, the Partnership contested the November 28, 2011 General and Regional elections and garnered 139,645 votes and 26 seats in the National Assembly. APNU along with the Alliance for Change (AFC)’s 7 seats,
would command a one-seat majority in the 10th Parliament of Guyana. On May 11, 2015, APNU in coalition with the AFC defeated the Peoples Progressive Party at General and Regional elections. There have always been political partnerships in Guyanese politics, but most have been purely symbolic and, in some instances, strategic. What happened in 2011 was something much more transformative, because this was not your garden variety, cosmetic coalition like the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) teaming up with Civic. In this partnership for national unity, a major massbased party, the Peoples National Congress Reform PNCR - partnered with several other political parties and civic groups. The PNCR also sacrificed its trademark electoral symbol the Palm
Tree (56 years of branding), something never done by any major political party. The partnership established a new name, a new symbol, and campaigned as a team with a single manifesto. Any political party that loses an election goes through a period of reflection and self- examination. The PNCR having lost four consecutive contests emerged as a truly liberal democratic force. This evolution started when the party merged with the Reform wing and accelerated after the death of party leader Desmond Hoyte. There were constant insurgencies that openly contested the leadership of the party. Young leaders brought new ideas, new thinking and flaunted their spurs and political resumes, challenging the establishment and the
party’s old ways of doing business. Political pundits were quick to criticize and many predicted that the insurgency was fatal to party unity. Others saw it as a power grab by factions with political ambitions, but this was a metamorphosis and the sometimes-messy dynamics of a truly democratic organism, that culminated with the historic 2011 primary process where five candidates contested to become the party’s Presidential candidate. This also marked the first time in Guyana, where a sitting Party Leader was not the Presidential Candidate. It was clear to the Joint Opposition Political Parties – JOPP - that would eventually comprise APNU, that the paramountcy of the PPP had to be challenged by a united force that looked like Guyana and was representative of all the stakeholders, labour, the clergy, youth and students, women’s organisations, business and politics. It was apparent to all the partners that the people of Guyana were tired of one-party rule and wanted more from their leaders. It was clear that the racial based politics and policies of the past had no place in the
future, and Guyana with all of its resources would not reach its true potential and embrace modernity if the old ways of doing business were allowed to continue. This partnership (APNU) gave the nation a chance to hit the reset button, and the leaders a new pallet on which to promote policies and programs designed to advance the interest of all the people of Guyana. In a multiracial society, a party must appeal to other groups, and by the nature and construct of this partnership for national unity their intent was clear. Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine the leader of the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) was prophetic on that July day, eight years ago when he pronounced, “We are today a wider, more diverse partnership than we were last week. We are not yet nearly as diverse and as wide as we need to be. We know this, APNU is a dynamic, expanding partnership; together we must and will create a genuinely inclusive partnership where all constituencies can enter and represent themselves.” We celebrate our 8th anniversary on the eve of yet another general and regional elections. Our Partnership remains firmly committed to
Coalition governance - we are better together. In the words of President David Granger; “The APNU+AFC coalition is the boldest step taken in six decades to replace political hostility with unity; confrontation with cooperation; dictatorship with democracy. The Coalition (APNU+AFC) has chosen hope over despair and faith over fear.” In his address to the nation on June 18, 2019, President Granger outlined what was at stake in the coming elections and spoke directly to the electorate when he said; “Guyana since my election in 2015 has been moving in the right direction after 23 years of stagnation under successive PPP administrations. Significant progress has been made. But real change is neither quick or easy to come by. There is still a lot more to be do. I will devote all my energies until the forthcoming election to serve our people and our country and deliver good governance……When the election comes, I urge all our people of whatever background to support me and the APNU+AFC coalition to give us the opportunity to secure the best future for Guyana”.
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Trigeminal Neuralgia: The unbearable facial pain By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Trigeminal neuralgia is extreme burning, electric or shock-like pain in the face. The pain can be so extreme that it can get in the way of normal activity. Even the fear of oncoming attacks can be so stressful that performing day-to-day tasks is a challenge. The pain may last a few seconds or minutes, then ease and then recur. Usually, these cycles of pain occur for a few days or weeks, and then stop for days, weeks or even years before returning. Over time, the cycles tend to recur more quickly, with shorter breaks in between. The pain sometimes is triggered by very normal activities, such as chewing, smiling, talking, shaving or brushing your teeth. At times, even the wind on your face can cause pain to start. It can get so intense and unbearable to the point where patients want to take
their lives. While there are treatment options, it can take a while for your doctor to work with you to figure out the best option. Today we will delve into this condition and the options that you may have. WHAT CAUSES TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA? Trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the trigeminal nerve is pinched or damaged. The trigeminal nerve connects many different parts of your face to your brain. It is made up of three branches. The upper branch links the brain to the scalp and forehead. The middle branch connects to the cheek, side of the nose, top lip, and upper jaw, teeth and gums. The lower branch travels through the lower jaw, teeth, gums, and bottom lip. Often, the damaged area of the nerve is located at the base of the brain where the nerve leaves the skull and extends to parts of the face. The nerve may be damaged from a blood vessel that grows
too close and presses on the nerve or wears away the nerve’s protective coating. Damage to the nerve can also result when extra pressure is put on the nerve by something else, such as a tumor. In many cases, a cause of the nerve damage cannot be found. WHO IS AT RISK FOR TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA? Anyone can get trigeminal neuralgia, but it happens most often in people older than 50 years of age. It’s also more common in people who have multiple sclerosis, because multiple sclerosis damages the myelin that protects the nerves. Women are more likely to get it than men, and the condition seems to be passed down in families, probably because relatives’ blood vessels form in similar ways. WHAT TESTS CAN HELP DIAGNOSE TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA? No one specific test can confirm you have trigeminal neuralgia. Often, the
diagnosis is made by ruling out other possible causes of your pain. Your doctor may try to pinpoint the cause by asking you questions about your symptoms and medical history. You may be checked for other things that could be causing your pain, such as jaw, sinus or tooth problems. A type of brain scan called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done to see if a blood vessel is pressing against your trigeminal nerve. An MRI can also look for signs of a tumour or other problems. HOW IS TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIATREATED? Trigeminal neuralgia can be treated in many different ways. As with many disorders, some treatments will work well for some people and less so for others. Don’t get discouraged if the first treatment you try doesn’t work. Let your doctor know how you are doing and ask about other options. Your doctor may prescribe an anticonvulsant, antiseizure
(medications used to treat fits) or antispasmodic drug. These medicines change how nerves transmit information, or how the nerves “fire.” That is why they can help with the pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. Certain types of antidepressants can also be useful in the treatment of pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Antidepressants alter the chemical action in your brain that leads to sensing pain. Combinations of two or even three medications may be more effective than a single medication. Often, a lot of time is spent in trying different medications and combinations of medications to find the most effective medical treatment. Side effects, such as feeling tired, can limit the use of some of the medications. Your doctor might suggest you try a nerve block, which is an injection with an anesthetic that will stop the nerve from hurting, at least for a little while. If medicines do not help
Dr. Zulfikar Bux enough and the pain is affecting your ability to function, you may need surgery. During surgery, your doctor will damage or destroy certain nerves using chemicals, electric currents, radiation or other means. The trigeminal nerve itself might be cut to eliminate or reduce the pain. Any surgery in which nerves are destroyed will cause some ongoing numbness. Some patients would prefer the feeling of numbness over the intense pain. Whatever the option, work with your doctor to decide on what’s best of you. Suicide should not be part of that option.
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SUNDAY PROBE OF CANJE, KAIETEUROIL BLOCKS…SARA ’S LEAD INVESTIGATOR LISTED ON PENDING APPLICATION FOR ADJOINING OIL BLOCK Last May, the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) officially confirmed with the local media that it was conducting an investigation into the award of the Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks. These blocks were awarded by former President, Donald Ramotar, to three companies just before the 2015 General and Regional Elections.Heading that probe is SARA’s Special Assistant, Eric Phillips. The SARA official has continuously told members of the media that the probe of the Kaieteur and Canje blocks is necessary since the firms that got the licences– Ratio Guyana, Ratio Energy Limited, and Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas–have no track record or wherewithal to independently explore and develop the blocks. However, documents from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) show that Phillips, who also has no track record in oil exploration, is one of the beneficial owners of a company called ABR Oil and Gas Exploration. This company has applied for a licence to explore the block that is adjoining to Kaieteur and Canje. Referred to as Block C, this offshore concession, which Phillips has an interest in is fixed in ultra deep waters. According to the application seen by this newspaper, the ABR beneficial owners are listed as Seasoned Engi-
Sunday June 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
SARA Official, Eric Phillips neer, Charles Ceres (25%); former Guyana Goldfields Country Manager, Violet Smith (25%); Osafo George, a local businessman (25 %) and Eric Phillips (15 %). None of these individuals has any track record of exploration and development of offshore blocks, which are located in ultra-deep waters. The only two companies in the world with this capability are ExxonMobil and Petrobras. The application also called for the full particulars of technical competence and previous experience in oil prospecting or oil field development work including a record of petroleum exploration and production in Guyana and elsewhere. To this, the applicants noted the following using two lines: “Country ManagerTakutu Oil and Gas and
Groundstar Resources and Engineering ConsultantTakutu Oil and Gas and Groundstar Resources.” This publication understands that Takutu Oil and Gas Inc. was formed by Groundstar Resources Ltd, a Canadian company, and is in partnership with another Canadian firm called Canacol Energy Ltd. Before relinquishing the licence to drill the onshore Takutu block, both companies had done some gravity survey on the block and had drilled one well. Furthermore, the application for the licence lists two individuals as ABR’s technical experts: Patrick Assad Ceres, who is an environmental engineer; he happens to be the son of Charles Ceres and Aisha Jean-Baptiste, a geologist, is the daughter of Violet Smith.
An excerpt of the application made by ABR Oil and Gas Exploration for the Block C licence The applicants noted that they have US$5M at present to expend on operations under the licence being applied for. PORTION OF EXXON-LED BLOCKS UP FOR GRABS AFTER FIRST OIL After a certain time has passed, Guyana’s petroleum laws dictate that oil companies have to give up at least 20 percent of the licensed area they are allowed to explore or develop. This exercise is referred to as relinquishment but it only kicks in when the license reaches the time for renewal, which is at the end
of four years. There are six major blocks offshore Guyana. These will be up for renewal after first oil commences in 2020. They are the Roraima Block which is operated by Anadarko; the Demerara Block operated by CGX Resources Inc.; the Kanuku Block operated by Repsol, Total and Tullow; the Orinduik Block led by Tullow, Eco Atlantic and Total; and the oil-rich Stabroek Block which is operated by ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Hess and CNOOC/NEXEN. The foregoing blocks are up for renewal at different dates with some being in 2020 and others in 2022 to 2023. (The Chart attached to this article gives a breakdown of the different dates each block would be ripe for renewal and subsequent relinquishment.) Once the portions of these blocks are relinquished, the government can choose to auction them. The license for the Canje Block which is in the hands of Mid-Atlantic, JHI Associates, Total and ExxonMobil’s subsidiary EEPGL is way past its relinquishment period. Twenty percent of this block should have been given up by Exxon and its partners since March 4,last. But the authorities continue to be silent on why the relinquishment provision is not being aggressively enforced. According to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), the contractor is ex-
pected to carry out a minimum work programme in the initial four-year period of having the licence. That four-year period is divided into two phases. LOOPHOLE IN MINING ACT COSTS GUYANA HUNDREDS OF MILLIONSANNUALLY A loophole in the Mining Act of 1989 allows miners to exceed 1,200 acres threshold allotted to medium scale operators yet avoid paying rental fees required for large operators. As a result, Guyana is losing hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. The issue was brought into focus by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) report of 2017. In the report, the EITI noted that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) approved some 457 permits to companies operating under the category of medium scale mining operators. Medium scale operators are those considered as having between 150 and 1,200 acres of land on a single mining permit. Large operators exceed the 1,200-acre threshold. However, the EITI highlighted a trend in operators having multiple medium scale permits with total acreage exceeding the medium scale threshold. The watchdog body said that as a result, the medium scale operators should be paying the same fees as large (Continued on page 33)
Sunday June 30, 2019
From page 32 operators. According to EITI, several medium scale mining permits, covering plots in the same location, have been awarded on the same date to the same applicant, instead of following the award process for large-scale mining licences. ”The total combined acreage of several mining permits awarded during 2017 to a same applicant exceeded 1,200 acres, which is the maximum surface for a medium scale mining permit. If these plots had been combined, they would have exceeded the 1,200 acre threshold and would have been categorised as being “large scale tenures”, which would involve paying higher rental fees and the licence award procedure requiring further approvals from other Government Agencies.” Additionally, the EITI noted that a list of active mining permits shows that several plots were held by the same extractive entity and within the same location. MONDAY SARA 0FFICIAL LISTED AS DIRECTOR OF SUPPLIES AND LOGISTICS SERVICES COMPANY FOR OILAND GAS SECTOR – OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INCLUDED The Special Assistant of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA), Eric Phillips, is not only listed as a party on a pending application for an oil block, but also as a director for a supplies and logistics services company for the oil and gas sector. According to the Certificate of Incorporation seen by this newspaper, the entity is called ABR (African Business Roundtable) Oil and Gas Supplies and Logistics Services Inc. It was incorporated on December 7, 2016. Along with Phillips, the
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other Directors include: Consultant and GPL Chairman, Rawle Lucas; Aisha JeanBaptiste, a Geologist; Charles Ceres, a Veteran Engineer; and Selwin George, a local businessman. Phillips is the lead investigator on the award of two blocks by former President, Donald Ramotar, to three companies just before the 2015 General and Regional Elections. The SARA official has continuously told members of the media that the probe of the Kaieteur and Canje blocks is necessary since the firms that got the licences– Ratio Guyana, Ratio Energy Limited, and Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas–have no track record or wherewithal to independently explore and develop the blocks. However, there are documents at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) which show that Phillips, who also has no track record in oil exploration, is one of the beneficial owners of a company called ABR Oil
and Gas Exploration. This company has applied for a licence to explore the block that is adjoining to Kaieteur and Canje. Referred to as Block C, this offshore concession, which Phillips has an interest in, is fixed in ultra deep waters. According to the application seen by this newspaper, the ABR beneficial owners are listed as Seasoned Engineer, Charles Ceres (25%); former Guyana Goldfields Country Manager, Violet Smith (25%); Osafo George, a local businessman (25 %) and Eric Phillips (15 %). None of these individuals has any track record of exploration and development of offshore blocks, which are located in ultra-deep waters. The only two companies in the world with this capability are ExxonMobil and Petrobras. The application also called for the full particulars of technical competence and previous experience in oil prospecting or oil field development work, including a record of petroleum exploration and production in Guyana and elsewhere. COPS WORKING ON VIDEO FOOTAGE OF MONEYCHANGER, DAUGHTER’S KILLERS Police information technology experts are reportedly working to enhance security camera footage of the gunmen who killed moneychanger Aaron Latchman and his 18year-old daughter, Arianna, last Thursday. Kaieteur News understands that CCTV images that were gleaned of the killers are unclear. They will have to be enhanced to enable positive identity of the suspects. The Force has Video Enhanced software which enables investigators to en-
hance CCTV images that are of poor quality. Sunday, C Division Commander Calvin Brutus said that investigators were following a number of leads in their bid to apprehend the killers. Aaron Latchman, 47, and his daughter, Arianna, were shot dead on Thursday at the family’s North Better Hope, East Coast Demerara home. The killers escaped in a white car with an undisclosed sum of cash. Warheads retrieved from the slain father and daughter confirmed that the killers had used pistols. A post mortem indicated that Mr. Latchman had sustained multiple gunshot injuries, while his daughter sustained a single gunshot injury.He was shot thrice while scuffling in his yard with one of the bandits. His 18-year-old daughter, Arianna, was shot while she was in the family’s kitchen. The bandits appeared to have been familiar with the moneychanger’s routine, and were reportedly waiting near his home.
TUESDAY SEARCH FOR NEW GECOM BOSS UNDERWAY… RESIGNED CHAIRMAN AMONG LIST OF EIGHT SUBMITTED BY GOVT. TEAM – JAGDEO’S LIST OF 11 NOT DISCUSSED ON DAY 1, GOVT ACTING IN BAD FAITH – OPPOSITION The first day of “hammering” out names for a new chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by the Coalition Government and the Opposition started off with the Opposition Monday insisting that good faith appears to have been thrown out of the window. This was after the Government team proposed a list of eight persons, including the recently resigned Justice (ret’d) James Patterson. There was no discussion on 11 names as proposed by the Opposition Leader. Patterson, who was unilaterally appointed in 2017 by President David Granger after talks on a new chair went nowhere, resigned two Mondays ago, in keeping with a ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice, which said that the process was flawed. According to officials, in addition to Patterson, the other
names included on the Government list are Kesaundra Alves, a lawyer who is the Chair for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation; businessman and former parliamentarian, Kads Khan; former executive of the People’s National Congress Reform, Stanley Ming; Justices (ret’d) Claudette La Bennett and Stanley Moore; former Solicitor-General, Kim Kyte and Dr. Aubrey Armstrong, an economist.The choice for a new chair would come as Guyana prepares for early elections following a December 21 no confidence vote against the Coalition Government, which was deemed to be carried after four different courts, including the Caribbean Court of Justice, heard it.The chair of GECOM has always been a critical post. The meeting took place at the Castellani House, Vlissengen Road, with President David Granger represented by Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo was (Continued on page 34)
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Attorney General, Basil Williams From page 33 represented by Gail Teixeira, Anil Nandlall and Juan Edghill. According to Harmon in a Government statement after, in addition to the list of 11 persons submitted by the Leader of the Opposition, the Head of State has suggested that the eight names be considered in the “hammering out” process. The two sides will be working to identify six names, the government said. This, the Director-General said, should be done in the shortest possible time. ”We believe the consensual process contemplated by the CCJ and providing clarity in the Articles in the Constitution, requires us to meet in this way so that we can find a consensus,” he told the media outside Castellani House. GGMC TRYING TO CLOSE LOOPHOLE COSTING GUYANA HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS FOR DECADES NOW
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- COMMISSIONER While he admits there is need for a solution, Head of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, (GGMC) Newell Dennison says that the Commission has been trying for decades now, to plug the loophole which exists in the Mining Act. “This is nothing new; we are aware of the problem and we have been trying to come up with a solution for quite some time now….” Dennison said. He added that the issue has been a part of an ongoing debate. Dennison was at the time responding to queries surrounding the loophole, which exists in the Mining Act of 1989. The loophole has resulted in hundreds of millions in losses to the State, each year. The issue was highlighted in the 2017 report of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The transparency body pointed out that large scale miners have cashed in on the
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan loophole, which allows them to hold permits for multiple mining claims yet pay significantly less in land rental fees. According to the report, large-scale operators who hold in excess of 1,200 acres threshold are allowed to pay US$1 per acre on the annual rental fees as opposed to US$3 per acre yearly. The practice has contributed to the total shortfall to the government at considerable amounts per annum. In its report, the EITI, therefore, recommended that GGMC take steps to close the gap. However, Dennison said while GGMC notes the observation of Report, it has encountered difficulty addressing the problem. ”The solution has not yet been arrived at because this issue is not as straightforward as it appears. There are a number of things to take into consideration. Firstly, this is not a matter to be addressed by the Commission alone; other stakeholders must be
involved in the process.” Dennison claimed that while the Commission is concerned about the loss of millions from the Government’s purse, there are a number of viewpoints to consider. PRESIDENTIAL ORDER HALTS JAIL SENTENCE FOR FINANCE MINISTER – ATTORNEY GENERALAPPEALS CONTEMPT ORDER – GRA MOVES TO COLLECT OUTSTANDING $528M DEBT FROM DIPCON It appears that Dipcon Engineering Services Limited which initiated proceedings against Finance Minister Winston Jordan, for him to pay up US$2.2M, will end up with almost nothing. Monday, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said that it will be moving to garnish outstanding taxes from Dipcon which amount to $527.8M. When converted, this works out to US$2,527,197. Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, informed Dipcon’s lawyer, Timothy Jonas, as well as Finance Secretary, Michael Joseph, of this state of affairs. Statia advised both parties that pursuant to Section 102 (1) of the Income Tax Act, the Commissioner General may garnish from a person, the amount of tax payable by any person, once the first mentioned person is about to become indebted or liable to make payment to the second mentioned person. The Commissioner General said in light of this, the debt is to be settled with immediate effect. HALT OF COURT ORDER In addition to the move by GRA, President David Granger issued an instrument titled a “Grant of Respite” Monday which gave Jordan in his personal capacity, and as the Minister of Finance, respite of the execution of punishment imposed on him
GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia by an order for Criminal Contempt of Court on June 24, last. That order was to the effect that should he fail by July 8 to comply with the Order of the Court to pay US$2.2M to Dipcon, he would be imprisoned for 21 days. The grant of respite shall be in effect until all appeals and remedies available to the Finance Minister and the State have been exhausted. Attorney General Basil Williams has since filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal against the Full Court’s decision to refuse a stay of the contempt order issued by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry to have Minister Jordan imprisoned for non-payment of the monies. Williams noted in the grounds of the appeal that the Full Court erred and misdirected itself in law when it restricted the Minister’s lawyers to only argue one ground for a stay of execution, that is to say, whether the appeal had good prospects of success. WEDNESDAY FOUR HELD IN BETTER HOPE MONEYCHANGER, DAUGHTER’S MURDER … ONE SAYS GIRL KILLED ‘BECAUSE SHE SEE MEH face’ The arrest of four men for the murder of moneychanger Aaron Latchman, and his 18year-old daughter has reportedly given investigators a clearer insight into the attack, from careful planning to callous execution. Police said that three of suspects who have criminal records, are from Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara; Agricola, East Bank Demerara; and East Ruimveldt. One of them was reportedly convicted for robbing two moneychangers some three years ago. He was released pending appeal. The fourth man is a taxi
driver whose car was used as the getaway vehicle. The car, Toyota Premio, PNN 1642, was recovered last Saturday in D’Urban Backlands. Investigators also recovered a false number plate, licence number PVV 5130. Police are convinced that robbery was the sole motive. A source refuted reports that a businessman was implicated in the killing. The detained taxi driver has reportedly told police that the three men had borrowed his car. Last week Wednesday, (the day before the attack) the suspects allegedly asked him to take them to North Better Hope. On arrival, the trio allegedly exited the vehicle and returned shortly after. Investigators believe that because of the area in which Latchman’s house is located, the men were unable to approach their victims’ home while wearing masks. APPLICATION FOR OIL BLOCK AND OTHER COMPANY… INTEGRITY COMMISSION SHOULD PROBE IF SARA, OTHER PUBLIC OFFICIALS DECLARED THEIR BUSINESS INTERESTS – OPPOSITION The Opposition is calling for the Integrity Commission to act following recent news that at least two public officials, including an investigator, have interests and are directors in companies in the oil industry. The two officials are Eric Phillips, Special Assistant of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA); and Rawle Lucas, the current Chairman for the Guyana Power and Light Inc. and who would have also chaired the Guyana Revenue Authority. Both are directors (Continued on page 35)
Sunday June 30, 2019
From page 34 of ABR (African Business Roundtable) Oil and Gas Supplies and Logistics Services Inc. Phillips’s interests in the company have raised eyebrows as he is charged with investigating how two offshore oil blocks were awarded in early 2015, shortly before the general elections. Tuesday, Bishop Juan Edghill, a former Junior Finance Minister in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which is now in the Opposition, made it clear that under the regulations, public officials must disclosed their assets and interests in companies. This would hold true for the two men. He said that the Integrity Commission Act requires every person in public light must declare their assets and liabilities. ”Assets as defined in the act, means all property, including any rights, or interest in property, and money held by the person in Guyana or elsewhere. So as part of the declaration of assets, requires that you declare your interests or the rights that you have in any property in Guyana or elsewhere. This is meant to be done in a specified manner by the specified time determined by the act. So, whether you are a private citizen, and then you came into public light, you have 30 days to make declarations.” Edghill said that back in 2015 Lucas might have been a private citizen. ”But now he has become someone in the public life because he is now the chairman of the GPL board. He has 30 days to file his declarations with the Integrity Commission.” SELECTION OF GECOM CHAIR… GOVT. CONSIDERS TWO AND REJECTS FIVE OPPOSITION NAMES -GRANGER REITERATES PROCESS COMPLETION IN DAYS Day Two of the consultative process to narrow the list of nominees for the position of chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) ended with President David Granger insisting again that he wants it to be
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over in a matter of days. This came after it became known that a second meeting between representatives of the Government and Opposition ended Tuesday with five of the 11 names submitted by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, being rejected. Two are distinct possibilities and four names, however, reportedly shortlisted for consideration. Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, did not immediately disclose names Tuesday following that meeting. On Monday, after the first meeting at Castellani House, the Opposition made it known that the Coalition Government was not acting in good faith after the latter submitted eight names but was not prepared to discuss the 11 names submitted by the Opposition. The government side include Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon who are representing President David Granger. The Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo was represented by Gail Teixeira,Anil Nandlall and Juan Edghill. Under the regulations, the Opposition Leader has to submit a list of six names for the GECOM chair position and during consultations with the President, one name was chosen. In 2017, three list of names were rejected with the President appointing Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as the chairman. Since then, a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly has toppled the one-seat majority Coalition Government. THURSDAY ASMONEYCHANGERAND DAUGHTERLAIDTO REST…DETECTIVESTAKE SUSPECT BACK TO SCENE OFKILLING,HUNTFOR FIFTHMAN On the day that relatives and friends laid murdered moneychanger Aaron Latchman and his daughter Arianna to rest, detectives took one of the suspects back to the scene of last
week Thursday’s heinous crime. Police officials have said that the four detained men are “cooperating” with investigators, and Kaieteur News understands that one of the suspects has alleged that a fifth individual provided them with information about their victims. Up to late Wednesday, police were still hunting for the alleged accomplice. They are still attempting to locate the firearms that the killers used. Kaieteur News understands that on being taken back to North Better Hope, East Bank Demerara, the suspect, who is from Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, showed the investigators how they had scaled the Latchmans’ back fence to enter the yard. They allegedly fled via the front yard with a bag of money after killing the dad and daughter. A senior police official has suggested that the bandits killed Mr. Latchman because he had refused to hand over his money and even struggled with one of the gunmen. ”If you go to rob, you either find a cooperating victim or victim who would resist, and when a victim resists, it escalates.” One of the suspects has allegedly said that he killed 18-year-old Arianna “because she see meh face.” Police said that three of suspects, who have criminal records, are from Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara; Agricola, East Bank Demerara; and East Ruimveldt. One of them was reportedly convicted for robbing two moneychangers some three years ago. He was released pending appeal. The fourth man is a taxi driver whose car was used as the getaway vehicle. The car, Toyota Premio, PNN 1642, was recovered last Saturday in D’Urban Backlands. Investigators also recovered a false number plate, licence number PVV 5130. PRESIDENTIALADVISOR, SARAOFFICIALREGISTER PHARMACEUTICALAND OTHERCOMPANIES Special Assistant of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA), Eric Phillips and Presidential Advisor on the Environment, Gary Best, have established several companies, one of which is specifically geared to
serving the pharmaceuticals industry. According to the Certificate of Incorporation, Superior Pharmaceutical Company (Guyana) Inc. was incorporated on March 8, 2019. The following persons were appointed as directors: Gary Best, Eric Phillips, Shabakie Fernandes, Philip Springer and Shaun Allicock. According to the document seen by Kaieteur News, it notes that no director has ceased to hold office. On March 8, 2019, as well, Best and Phillips formed another company called the Equity Centre (Guyana) Inc. The other director for this firm is Shaun Allicock. The purpose of this business is to carry out financial services or any other business which may profitably and usefully be connected to its purpose. The third company formed by Phillips and his associates is Entec Capital (Guyana) Inc. It was incorporated on December 6, 2018. The directors listed on the Certificate are Gary Best, Philip Springer, Edmond Grant and Phillips. Phillips appears to also have an interest in the fisheries business. On January 23, 2017, the SARA official and five other persons formed Coastal Fishermen and Marine Services Inc. The directors listed are Relrick Wilkinson, Godfrey Scott,Allison Butters-Grant (deceased), Lelon Saul, Robert Forrester and Phillips. Since being appointed to the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) in 2017, Phillips has been in charge of a number of crucial projects, including being placed as the lead investigator into the award of two oil blocks offshore Guyana by former President, Donald Ramotar just days before he lost the 2015 General and Regional elections. SELECTIONOF GECOM’SCHAIR… OPPOSITION WANTS CLARITY,THREATENS PULLOUTFROM ENGAGEMENTS The Opposition has written Government asking for more clarity ahead of a third engagement Thursday on the selection of a new chair for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The Opposition made it clear Wednesday that the answers will
determine whether it abandons the current engagements and returns to President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo meeting, in keeping with Article 161 (2) of the Constitution. Teams from Government and the Opposition have met twice this week in an effort to fast-track and reach an early consensus on names of nominees. According to the laws, the Opposition Leader is mandated to submit a list to the President and one name is to be chosen. The situation has arisen after a recent Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling that a 2017 unilateral decision by President Granger to appoint Justice (ret’d) James Patterson was flawed. Patterson resigned recently leaving the post vacant. President Granger has said he wants a new Chairman in place so he can be advised accordingly to announce a date for elections. The elections are due early after a December 21, 2018 shock no-confidence vote that was deemed carried by the courts. As a result, there is supposed to be early elections, with GECOM taking centre stage now. The Government and Opposition have agreed that they will each send a team to hammer out the names of nominees for GECOM chair before a final list is submitted to the President. On Tuesday, Government and the Opposition sides met for the second consecutive day to discuss the nominations. The names of 11 persons submitted by the Opposition were discussed. Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, who is part of the government team, said after that second meeting that from, “the eleven names, four were short listed. Two are still under active consideration, and five have been rejected with reasons given”. FRIDAY ROBBERY/MURDEROF MONEYCHANGER,DAUGHTER… FIFTH SUSPECTSAYS “IGIVEDEMDEWUK” – CAPTURED SUSPECTS TAKE COPSTO HOUSE WHERETHEY
SPLIT UP LOOT Police have detained a fifth suspect who has allegedly told investigators that he gave his accomplices “the wuk”, which ended in the brutal killing of moneychanger Aaron Latchman, and his daughter two Thursdays ago. The 37-year-old man, who was previously freed of two murder charges, and is on a charge of possessing an illegal firearm, was arrested Thursday in North Ruimveldt. Kaieteur News understands that he has told detectives that he gave his accomplices “the wuk”. However, the suspect has denied being at the scene of the robbery and murder. Kaieteur News understands that the suspects are pointing fingers at each other, with one individual confiding that he “cocked the gun” at Mr, Latchman, while denying that he fired the fatal shots. Another alleged member of the gang has told the police that he waited in the getaway car and heard the gunshots. He claimed that his accomplices later ran to the car. Police are reportedly being told that while some of the bandits waited near the Latchmans home, an accomplice trailed the moneychanger from the city, and alerted those in wait that he was arriving. According to sources, some of the suspects took detectives to a house in Sophia where they allegedly split up the loot after killing the father and daughter. They reportedly also took the cops to a house where they changed some of the stolen foreign currency. One suspect allegedly complained that he was ‘only’ given about $120,000. Another reportedly griped that he was given even less. Police sources indicated that there may be at least two other gang members at large. Investigators are painstakingly building a strong case against the suspects, and charges are likely within days. According to reports, they are also examining some forensic evidence (Continued on page 46)
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Sunday July 14, 2019
COUNTRYMAN
- Stories about life in m and out of Guyana, fro ve a Guyanese perspecti
Are our driving habits taking us 'accidentally' to the grave? By Dennis Nichols
L
ocated as we are in the western part of the world, Guyanese can be described as an occidental (as opposed to oriental) nation. Adding dark humour to this term, we could call ourselves an 'accidental' people, and maybe chuckle at the bad pun, were it not for the deadly serious consequences of vehicular and other mishaps occurring almost daily; many fatally. Are any country's tragedies unique to it? Not just the events themselves, but the circumstances that
frame them. Ours may be. Accidents occur everywhere; everyday, but those who make them a study say most don't just happen; they are caused. Through recklessness, inattention, poor preparation, fatigue, ignorance, and blameshifting 'acts of God' among others. Did someone say Guyana? Some accidents are necessary and beneficial, (the discovery of penicillin) and experts say that to a degree, many are avoidable, even given the atrocious habits humans develop over time. Commonsense tells us
one of the biggest is the egoprodding habit that says 'It can't' or 'won't happen to me.' Until it does. Ask accident survivors. Tom Chatfield, a young author/commentator makes a telling point about the human factor in road accidents: “Modern motor vehicles are safer and more reliable than they have ever been; yet more than one million people are killed in car accidents around the world each year, and more than 50 million are injured. Why? Largely because one perilous element in the mechanics of driving remains unperfected by
progress – the human being.“ The late boxer, Muhammad Ali, was less cynical about human imperfection, but not about chance happenings. He said, “Life is a gamble. You can get hurt, but people die in plane crashes, lose their arms and legs in car accidents; people die every day. Same with fighters: some die, some get hurt, some go on. You just don't let yourself believe it will happen to you.” So what happens in our country? Watch from a safe distance, maybe atop the C h u r c h o f t h e Transfiguration on Mandela Avenue, (and be transfixed) as minibuses, cars, cyclists, animal-drawn carts, pedestrians, and huge, cargo-laden trucks vie for vehicular preeminence with daredevil manoeuvres. One word forces itself onto your spinning brain – crazy! Or climb the Stabroek
Market clock tower for a more compact and frenzied version in the vicinity of our 'bizarre bazaar'. Don't miss out on minibus touts earning their daily bread; vying for decibel dominance with the cacophonous clamour of shoppers and vendors. Imagine frazzled drivers, conductors and passengers careening off into potholed streets. And pray! Va r i a t i o n s o n t h i s dangerously cavalier theme can be found at several locations in Georgetown and along the coast. Stand at the corner of Robb Street and Avenue of the Republic and see those monster container-carrying 18-wheelers lurching, revving, and braking to make the right turn as smaller vehicles impertinently wriggle and squeeze by within inches of being crushed. Need a more expansive view? Get a drone perspective. Better yet, take a GT helicopter tour, then
Dennis Nichols skim over the coast. As you do, imagine the minibuses, taxis, and motorcyclists speeding below are actually racing against your flying machine on one of our highways. Then wonder if any will veer into the surrounding 'watery wilderness'. Don't laugh; it's serious. I mean heartbreakingly serious. Much has been said and written about accidents throughout our country – from road and river mishaps, drownings, mining pit caveins, snake bites, and poisonings, to fires, construction site falls, domestic and workplace casualties, and the occasional plane crash. What (continued on page 57)
Sunday July 14, 2019
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African Guyanese often become the subject of ridicule in efforts at empowerment
O
ver the past weeks the nation h a s b e e n informed of a number of persons, employed in state entities, that have applied for and/or acquired state lands. Obviously, questions are being asked whether it is ethical or right for these persons to acquire such lands during their period of employment with the state, particularly those in positions of authority who can use their status to influence distribution. The conversations have taken on many dynamics, including allegations of racial and political preferencing, and statements to the effect, that those persons who want to acquire such lands and get into private investment should leave their public sector employment. Dispassionate examination of this issue will find that acquiring state land by persons employed in the public sector is nothing new and no political administration can make the claim that it never happened on their watch. During the days when the state commanded the height of the economy, public sector workers acquired state land. This nation has on record Commissioners of Police and Chiefs of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force that were leased tracts of state lands to do farming, a private economic venture. A number of senior government executives, members of the Disciplined Services, those operating in state agencies and ministries have acquired lands not only for agriculture purposes, but also to exploit our resources such as gold, diamond and forestry. Then Minister of Housing Irfaan Ali's acquisition of state land during the Bharrat Jagdeo administration - to do farming is no different to that of SARA executive Aubrey Heath-Retemyer making similar application and acquiring. We cannot be selective in this country or play politics to the extent where one's action is justified or considered wrong depending on who he/she is, his/her politics or looks. We must ask ourselves questions such as:- i) are those persons applying for
and acquiring state land residents or citizens of Guyana; ii) are they in possession of a tax identification number and paying taxes; and iii) what does our Lands Distribution Policy say about who can acquire land and how it can be acquired? If persons satisfy the aforementioned, they should not be denied and hounded. This notwithstanding, charges of being discriminated against with regards to the acquiring of state lands are real, and must be addressed frontally. H o w e v e r , s u c h discrimination must not be confused with persons satisfying current requirements to apply and acquire. As a citizen of this country and leader of the trade union movement, I can recount two experiences of being discriminated against in this area. In 2009 I engaged a housing developer, whom I know personally for years, to acquire a house lot in Eccles. Those lands were given by the state to this developer. He gave me the assurance I could get a lot and quoted the price. Within a week I returned to tie up the arrangement to proceed with acquiring the property and was told by him to call and speak with President Jagdeo. I refused to comply, because as a citizen I should not have to prostrate myself to pay for and own a piece of this nation. Another experience is that of the 8th March 2000 Agreement between the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Government of Guyana, led by Bharrat Jagdeo. This agreement was signed by Dr. Roger Luncheon, on behalf of the Government, and yours truly, on behalf of the GTUC. It included the GTUC's proposal to acquire 3,000 acres of state land for the establishment of an allinclusive housing project on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, north of Loo Creek. This project aimed to build on the movement's legacy playing a role in the nation's housing development drive, as done with the establishment of TucVille, TucBerg and other schemes. The GTUC's application and proposal were submitted to the Lands and Surveys
Department (LSD) within weeks of the signing. Repeated checks at the LSD as to the progress and status of the application were met with the royal runaround. When I was not told to return, it was some excuse that the application was misplaced and was being looked for. When the PPP/C demitted office in 2015, I returned to the LSD to
follow up. My first visit proved the application was readily at hand. With further inquiry, it was discovered only 700 of the 3,000 acres of the identified land remained. There is a strong perception in this society that whenever African Guyanese, or organisations predominantly led by African Guyanese, are part
of or known to have applied for state land, acquired land, including ancestral land, a furore ensues. The impression is being conveyed that Africans are not deserving or entitled. And where Africans own, there is always some low talk, questioning the ability or means to legitimately possess. I faced a situation
appearing before the Lands Commission of Inquiry, representing the land purchased by my great, great, great-grandfather, Cudjoe McPherson, a former slave, who bought the village of Kingelly, West Coast Berbice. I felt compelled at that hearing and after to defend my ancestor's legacy, even (continued on page 48)
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Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 14, 2019
g .. n i t s. s re ure e t t In rea C
T
Pudú
(Pudu mephistophiles)
he pudús are two species of South American deer from the genus Pudu, and are the world's smallest deer. The name is a loanword from Mapudungun, the language of the indigenous Mapuche people of central Chile and south-western Argentina. The two species of pudús are the northern pudú (Pudu mephistophiles) from Ve n e z u e l a , C o l o m b i a , Ecuador, and Peru, and the southern pudú from southern Chile and south-western Argentina. Pudús range in size from 32 to 44 centimeters (13 to 17 in) tall, and up to 85 centimeters (33 in) long. The southern pudu is currently classified as near threatened, while the northern pudu is classified as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List. The southern pudú is slightly larger than the northern pudú. It has a stocky frame supported by four short and slender legs. Pudús normally weigh up to 12 kg (26 lb), but the highest
recorded weight of a pudú is 13.4 kg (30 lb). Pudús have small, black eyes, black noses, and rounded ears with lengths of 7.5 to 8 cm (3.0 to 3.1 in). Sexual dimorphism in the species includes an absence of antlers in females. Males have short, spiked antlers that are not forked, as seen in most species of deer. The antlers, which are shed annually, can extend from 6.5 to 7.5 cm (2.6 to 3.0 in) in length and protrude from between the ears. Also on the head are large preorbital glands. Pudús have small hooves, dewclaws, and short tails about 4.0 to 4.5 cm (1.6 to 1.8 in) in length when measured without hair. Coat coloration varies with season, sex, and individual genes. The fur is long and stiff, typically pressed close to the body, with a reddish-brown to dark-brown hue. The neck and shoulders of an aged pudú turn a dark grey-brown in the winter.
The pudú inhabits temperate rainforests in South America, where the dense underbrush and bamboo thickets offer protection from predators. The northern pudú is found from 2,000 to 4,000 m (6,600 to 13,100 ft) above sea level. The southern species is found from sea level to 2,000 m (6,600 ft). The climate of the pudú's habitat is composed of two (continued on page 58)
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T R A Critic, Glenville Ashby, PhD, looks at 'Happy Endings'
A
Caribbean play i n F a r Rockaway in Queens, NY, hailed the contribution of domestic workers to black communities. 'Happy Endings', directed by Chris Spears and written by Thomas Douglas Wa r d , c h a l l e n g e d t h e portrayal of domestic workers as quislings, reactionaries and disloyal to the Black Collective. In this emotive presentation, domestics are very much part of the resistance, although their approach is markedly taciturn and subtle. Theirs is
Sunday July 14, 2019
Caribbean Theatre Hails Contribution of Domestic Workers
a revolution nurtured by their maternal, feminine w i s d o m a n d e n e r g y. Domestic workers are selfless, protective of their children and their lineage. In melodramatic fashion, Ward's actors deliver his theme with near perfect timing. Befittingly set in America's South, two sisters learn some dreadful news. We cringe with scenes of their lamenting over the divorce of the Harrisons, their employer. They wail, stomp and beat their chest, evoking stereotypical images of plantation life and the role of house slaves. They are consummately empathetic, feeling and expressing their employers' every sentiment. Their wrought emotions never abate. They cry and wail on word that they are at risk of being terminated as the
The cast of Happy Endings marriage of the Harrisons flounders. They implore and cajole them to mend their union, mindful of the dire
consequences. “I begged them. We should have plopped down on our knees. Please don't do this. Don't victimize the babies,” - their recount is laced with less than flattering and tonguein-cheek descriptions of Mrs. Harrison's philandering. There is no time for levity, though. With their livelihood and pension at stake, they fold, unable to contain their apprehension for the future. “Mr. Harrison had promised to take care of me for the rest of my life. I need my pension.” The women recall the quotidian indignities that domestic workers face. “We iron and wash. [We are never trusted]. They check our pockets and even count the sugar cubes. Amid an emotional tsunami their nephew appears. Sartorially dressed and contemporary, he represents another side of the black experience - one that is disconnected and not fully appreciative of the sacrifice that defines the past. He's befuddled by his aunts' reaction and raises the subject of pride, race and identity. He recoils at the
scene questioning his aunts' sense of history. “You are crying because of Massa's problems?” But his interjection is rebuffed, one aunt challenging his selfabsorption and naivety. The stage is now set for a battle of ideas and the need to revisit history through the lens of these actors. “It ain't human to have feelings for your bosses' sorrows?” one aunt quips. Another goes further: “For my worries - no charge; for my advice, your clothes and your college - no charge. When was the last time you paid for food, for rent...” Her words pierce the young man's bravado. He now understands that he will also be impacted by the Harrisons' decision. He realizes that his aunts' tears are for their daunting future and not their employers' predicament. It is a Eureka Moment. He concedes, “I am indebted to you.” He breaks down. The lamentations are contagious. Mass hysteria leaves us guessing the denouement of this highly charged play. The more the domestics
explain their position is the more we recoil from having ever used derogatory words to describe them and their work. Ward's message is poignant and unwavering: Domestic workers are invaluable, and we owe them everything. Their refrain: “We must stick around for what we are owed,” is as combative as it gets. Eventually, Providence smiles on the weary, and fear and uncertainty are replaced with hope and assurance. News travel quickly; the Harrisons reverse their decision to part ways. This means that years of toiling as domestics will not come to naught and in a few years, they will reap their meed. There is unbridled jubilation as the women assert their importance to their families and all of society. Domestics have sacrificed, not for themselves, but for their families and generations to come. Resistance comes in diverse ways. Activism can be quiet but equally e ff i c a c i o u s . D o m e s t i c workers have proven that much. Quietly, they have shaped the narrative for so m a n y. T h i s w e m u s t a c k n o w l e d g e . Wi t h a handful of able actors, Ward captures this enduring truth in 'Happy Endings'. F e e d b a c k : glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby
Sunday July 14, 2019
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THE
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Sunday July 14, 2019
STORY WITHIN THE
Who will dare place Guyana first? By Leonard Gildarie
I
am fan of the political drama, 'Designated Survivor'. I watch it on Netflix. In Season 3, Kiefer Sutherland's character, President Tom Kirkman, is faced with a crisis weeks before elections. There is a bio-terror threat and his administration dared not tell the populace. Instead, a decision was taken to call in the Opposition and brief them. The Opposition promptly went public. A picture was painted of a cover-up by the administration and an inept government. I smiled. Such is the nature of politics. On Friday, the Caribbean Court of Justice delivered, under pressure, its orders in what can be considered its most important cases in its short history. The world was watching. The decisions, the orders, the wordings had to be on point. For us to understand the situation, the context, we have to go back to early 2015. An important announcement was made. Oil had been discovered. In subsequent wells, in fact more than a dozen of them, ExxonMobil confirmed what Guyana knows now…a world-class find of sweet crude. There are strong possibilities of oil in the offshore blocks adjoining that lucrative Stabroek area. There is drilling taking place there now. In 2015, also, the Coalition Government rode to a one-seat victory in the early general elections. They promised to drastically reduce corruption. In the ensuing months, there were changes, including naming of members of a Public Procurement Commission, and a Chief Justice (ag) and Chancellor (ag). Several laws were passed. Fast-forward to December 2018, a noconfidence motion was tabled. For Guyana, it was business as usual. It was going nowhere. It is how things work in Guyana. On the evening of December 21st, a few days before Christmas, a bombshell was dropped. A
G o v e r n m e n t parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, joined with the Opposition in saying yes to the motion. The motion was deemed carried. Since December, this country has been riveted on the subsequent court cases and numerous statements emanating. I daresay it had investors nervous, with the foreign envoys warning about an early resolution, as investments were being hampered. It diverted attention from the developments in the oil and gas sector which has been steaming forward. The case went first to the High Court, then the Court of Appeal before it was taken to the CCJ. On Friday, the CCJ delivered its final orders. In essence, the court told Guyana that “the President and the Leader of the Opposition should, as soon as possible, embark upon and conclude the process of appointing a new GECOM Chairman.” I am repeating what was issued by the court, so that t h e r e i s n o misunderstanding. Regarding the consolidated matters concerning the noconfidence motion, the CCJ noted that there is clear guidance in Article 106 of Guyana's Constitution on what should happen next. The Court said that “upon the passage of a vote of no confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President. The Article goes on to state, among other things, that notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and that an election shall be held “within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine”. The Court reminded, however, that it had rendered its decision on 18 June 2019. As to the precise orders it should make, the CCJ cautioned, however, that it is, “not the role of the Court to establish a date on, or by
Leonard Gildarie which, the elections must be held”. Article 106 is clear and it should be followed. The CCJ did express the view that it is expected that the Government will continue as a caretaker for the affairs of the country, but that in light of its caretaker role, it should be restrained in the use of its legal authority. It was also the court's view that a Chairman for GECOM should be embarked upon with “the utmost urgency”. On Friday, President David Granger said he is prepared to hold early elections. However, there must be a new Voters' List to be prepared from house-tohouse registration. The Head of State was also critical of what he says is bad faith from the Opposition on the selection of a new GECOM chairman. The Opposition, on the other hand, is insisting that elections have to be held in three months, by September. They said that in keeping with the Constitution and the court rulings, Government merely has to perform a caretaker role in those three months until elections. There are other sidebars which will only lend to more confusion. With regards to the CCJ orders/opinions, it is very clear. The CCJ was not willing to issue a date for elections, as that would have been overreaching. Rather, the CCJ pointed out that the Constitution is very clear…elections in three months, as the vote was valid and the government stands resigned. This brings us to the big issues that will play out in the coming days and weeks. The Government is insisting that the Voters' List is filled with thousands of names that should not be there. There are dead persons and young citizens who were never registered. Thousands would be disenfranchised, it was argued. It was also pointed out that thousands of voters live overseas. On the other hand, the (continued on page 57)
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From page 35 that was retrieved from the getaway car, which was abandoned at D’Urban Backlands. OILBLOCK APPLICATION, COMPANIES…PRIVATE INTERESTSOFPUBLIC OFFICIALSSHOULDBE SCRUTINIZED-AFC The Alliance For Change (AFC) holds the view that if high level public officials have private business interests, then certainly, those interests ought to be declared and subsequently scrutinized by the Integrity Commission. Specifically making this comment Thursday at his party’s press conference was AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan. His comments come on the heels of recent revelations by this newspaper that Special Assistant of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA), Eric Phillips, and Presidential Advisor on the Environment, Gary Best, are directors on several companies which were incorporated in the last two years. When this issue was raised with the AFC Leader, he said that in the evolution of democracy, these are matters which have to be confronted as they will have political implications. With the press doing its homework and bringing these facts to the forefront, Ramjattan said that the next stage is for the society to debate the best practices that should be followed. In the meantime, the AFC said that the issue is definitely one to place before the Integrity Commission. The Thursday publication of Kaieteur News revealed that Phillips and Best established several companies, one of which is specifically geared to serving the pharmaceuticals industry. According to the Certificate of Incorporation, Superior Pharmaceutical Company (Guyana) Inc. was incorporated on March 8, 2019. The following persons were appointed as directors: Gary Best, Eric Phillips, Shabakie Fernandes, Philip Springer and Shaun Allicock. According to the document seen by Kaieteur News, it notes that no director has ceased to hold office. US$150M CJIA RENOVATION… COMPLETION DATE UNKNOWN – MINISTER PATTERSON Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, has said that the completion date for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport was supposed to be June 30, 2019. That deadline has passed. During a press conference held by the Alliance for Change at its Kitty office, Thursday, Patterson responded to questions about
Sunday June 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
the renovation of that port. It has been undergoing renovations for eight years, under three administrations. The completion date has been pushed back many times. Asked when it will end, Patterson said that he meant to have a meeting Thursday to sort out the completion of that project, since the date was supposed to be June 30. However, he noted that he would like a warranty to be provided for the HVAC [Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning] system. ”When you start an airport, it never closes down,” he stated, explaining the need for the warranty. ”The supplier has a timeperiod that he runs it before he signs off and they obviously started the commissioning late so it should be handed over to us. It was supposed to be handed over to us next week, or at the end of this week.” He said, however, that Government will be accepting the HVAC system without the HVAC certificate because there’s a defect liability period. A defect liability period is a timeframe following practical completion during which a contractor remains liable under the building contract. Patterson stated that that period has been in force for quite some time. ”So if anything comes up, they’ll have to repair it… but it’s just to wait until we get the [warranty from the] manufacturers of the air conditioning system.” PRISON RELEASES MURDERACCUSED BY MISTAKE …WANTED BULLETIN NOW ISSUED FOR ‘SATAN’ Police are desperately seeking to recapture 35-yearold Alvin Reid, known as ‘Satan’, who was mistakenly freed from prison while await-
ing trial for the murder of a 14-year-old girl. Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, disclosed that an error by some prison ranks resulted in Reid being released. He said that the ranks are to be charged for negligence. The accused was committed to stand trial in September 2018, for the murder of 14year-old Malika Hamilton, whose body was fished out of the Hope Canal, East Coast Demerara, on August 12, 2016. The blunder apparently occurred because the accused was also on remand for another offence. According to Prison Director Samuels, Reid was ordered freed on the lesser offence. When he was being interviewed pending release, the rank conducting the interview was not in possession of the information regarding the murder charge against Reid. By the time the officer received the information, the murder accused had already been released, Samuels said. The body of the victim, 14-year-old Malika Hamilton, was fished out of the Hope Canal, East Coast Demerara, on August 12, 2016. It was alleged that she was reported missing after going for a swim with the accused and another boy. Police arrested Reid a few days later after finding him hiding in a barrel at a relative’s house. He was subsequently charged and remanded. The unrepresented accused had alleged that police ranks had beaten him to say things that he did not know about. A magistrate subsequently threw the matter out after ruling that police had not made out a case against Reid. The police filed an appeal, and in September 2018, Reid
was rearrested. This time around, police provided further evidence against him. Magistrate Peter Hugh ruled that sufficient evidence was provided for him to stand trial. SATURDAY AT POST-JUDGMENT HEARING… CCJ URGES LEADERS TO HONOUR CONST ITUTIONALTIMEFRAME FOR ELECTIONS – SAYS GOVT. IN “CARETAKER” MODE – GECOM MUST ALSO ABIDE BY PROVISIONS; CHAIRMAN’S APPOINTMENT TO BE CONCLUDED WITH UTMOST URGENCY Though it pointed out that the Coalition Government is currently in “caretaker” mode, having been defeated on a vote of No-Confidence which was passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Friday held that it is not the role of the court to issue a date on, or by which elections must he held. While the court refrained from giving orders directing the date for such elections, it noted that the timeframe is outlined in the Constitution, which stipulates within three months, unless extended by two-thirds of the National Assembly. In fact, the CCJ said that it was for the President, Leader of the Opposition, Parliament and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), to decide on a date for elections. President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders was among the five judges who heard the consolidated NoConfidence motion cases and the challenge to the President’s unilateral appointment of Justice (retired) James
Patterson as chairman of GECOM. During a Post-Judgment hearing Friday at the CCJ’s Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Headquarters, Justice Saunders, among other things, stayed clear of issuing coercive orders, which were requested by the Opposition. Notwithstanding this, the court ordered that Attorney General Basil Williams pay costs. In affirming the CCJ’s position on the matter, Justice Saunders noted, “It is not, for example, the role of the court to establish a date on, or by which the election must be held or to lay down timelines or deadlines that in principle are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional imperatives. The court must assume that these bodies and personages will exercise their responsibilities with integrity and in keeping with the unambiguous provisions of the Constitution bearing in mind that the No-Confidence motion was validly passed as long ago as December 21, 2018.” In relation to the No-Confidence motion cases, the CCJ made the following declarations and orders: a) The provisions of Article 106(6) and (7) of the Constitution apply to a No Confidence motion; (b) Thirty-three votes constitute a majority of the 65 member National Assembly; (c) Mr. Charrandas Persaud was ineligible to be elected to the Assembly by virtue of his citizenship of Canada but his vote on the motion of no confidence was valid. Further the court declared, (d) Nothing in the anti-defection regime established at Article 156(3) of the Constitution rendered Mr. Persaud incapable of casting his vote on that motion in the manner in which he did; (e) The National
Assembly properly passed a motion of no confidence in the Government on 21 December 2018; (f) Upon the passage of this motion of no confidence in the Government, the clear provisions ofArticle 106 immediately became engaged. Costs were awarded to Jagdeo and Persaud respectively to be taxed if not agreed. In each case, those costs are to be paid by Attorney General Basil Williams. In another case, costs were awarded to Jagdeo and are certified fit for two counsel. Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, who had asked the CCJ to validate the No-Confidence motion, was also awarded 60 percent of his costs, to be taxed if not agreed, and to also be paid by Williams. The CCJ yesterday also declared that the process used to appoint Justice Patterson was flawed and in breach of the Constitution. In this regard, the court further declared that his appointment was void. The Court ordered that costs be paid by Williams to the appellant, PPP executive member Zulfikar Mustapha, who challenged Patterson’s appointment. MURDER OF MONEYCHANGERAND DAUGHTER… POLICE DOGS SNIFF OUT WARHEAD AND BULLET CASING IN GETAWAY CAR - INDIVIDUAL KNOWN AS “YANKEE” REPORTEDLY ALSO AIDED GANG Police sniffer dogs have reportedly helped to unearth evidence that may link five suspects to the murders of moneychanger Aaron Latchman and his daughter Arianna Latchman. Kaieteur News understands that the animals are trained to sniff out gunpowder. When the handlers took them near to the car, the animals acted in a manner that indicated the presence of suspicious items in the vehicle. The ranks then searched the vehicle, and found a warhead and a bullet casing. Ballistic tests are being conducted for a possible match to similar spent shells that were retrieved from the murder scene. The killers had ditched the white Toyota Premio, with licence plate PNN 1642, in D’Urban Backlands. Investigators also recovered a false number plate, licence number PVV 5130. On Friday, police indicated that they had made significant progress with their investigation, which could result in charges soon. At least three of the five suspects have reportedly admitted to playing a role in the murder of the father and daughter.
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GPHC to soon perform even more advanced eye surgeries – Ophthalmologist In the past 10 years government has expended close to $100M to assist patients to travel to Trinidad
alone, to have eye restoration surgeries. But this is likely to become a thing of the past. This is according to Dr. Arlene
Bobb-Semple, an ophthalmologist attached to the Georgetown Pubic Hospital Corporation
[GPHC]’s Eye Care Department. Dr. Bobb-Semple is one of the Guyanese specialists
GPHC Ophthalmologist, Dr. Arlene Bobb-Semple currently attending a regional Ophthalmological Society of the West Indies [OSWI] Conference being held in Trinidad. Another local doctor attending the conference is Dr. Shailendra Sugrim, the head of the GPHC’s Ophthalmology Department. According to Dr. BobbSemple, the GPHC is on a mission to improve the delivery of eye care offered to Guyanese. She pointed out that there continues to be a significant rise in the diabetes-related challenges faced by many Guyanese. As such, she said that plans are apace to have surgeries done in Guyana to address such conditions as many diabetic patients are forced to travel abroad have their surgeries done. “Eye care in Guyana has really expanded and improved over the past five years, and we are trying every day to seek ways to improve eye care services even more. For the past years, we have seen the introduction of the Cornea transplant services that we now do at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s eye clinic, and also there was the development of the Guyana Diabetic Retinopathy Centre, right at GPHC, which easily screens patients who have diabetes mellitus... another project that we hope to initiate at GPHC eye clinic is
the introduction of vitreoretinal surgeries by the end of this year in our department,” Dr. BobbSemple said. She continued, “There are many patients who suffer from retinal-related metrologies, for example, retinal detachment, macular holes, vitreous haemorrhaging - which is blood in the eye, secondary to diabetes mellitus, and these patients would be definite beneficiaries.” Dr. Bobb-Semple noted that because of the high number of persons turning up with diabetes, the department continues to be faced with the challenges of ensuring that all who need the surgeries can access it. “Currently patients with these disorders are referred to overseas for corrective surgeries, but for many others it is a very daunting and expensive undertaking... so being a specialist in this field, I’ve reached out to an NGO overseas and we are working on a collaboration with them that will see the donation of equipment so that we can start performing these surgeries for the first time, right at the Georgetown Public Hospital,” she informed. A Non-governmental Organisation in Tanzania, Dr. Bobb-Semple shared, has made a commitment of donating the machine needed Continued on page 49
African Guyanese often... From page 39 though in my possession is a transport of the purchase, which was displayed at the inquiry. A few days ago, a former PPP/C minister, on his facebook page, dubbed the call for an African Credit Union “a Ponzi scheme.” As some take offence to Africans' efforts at empowerment or seek to deny same, they willingly would allow non-Guyanese to acquire state land, establish business or stay silent in the face of such pursuits. What make foreigners more equal than some Guyanese? In the absence of any law or policy barring persons employed by the state to apply for and acquire state land during this period of employment, the harassment must cease. There must be respect for the constitutional right of others to economic self-determination, including property ownership. We are all Guyanese; none is better or more equal than the other. We must all be guaranteed our basic security in order to peacefully co-exist.
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Safer blood for pregnant women at GPHC With the introduction of immuno-haematological testing and Hepatitis ‘B’ core antigen at the National Blood Transfusion Service [NBTS], it is more difficult now for patients, more so pregnant women, to receive contaminated blood. NBTS Director, Dr. Pedro Lewis, announced yesterday. Dr. Lewis said that while “risks of blood infection are always there”, the new tests have significantly lowered the chance of transmitting transfusion diseases [TTDs] at the nation’s NBTS, housed in the compound of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The NBTS conducts a wide array of tests, including those for HIV 1 and 2 [HIV-1 is the most widespread worldwide and HIV2 is found mostly in western Africa; Human T-lymphotropic virus [HTLV 1 and 2] infections associated with certain rare diseases of T lymphocytes [T-cells]; Hepatitis ‘B’ and ‘C’; Chagas Disease; Malaria; Filaria, and Rapid Plasma Regain [RPR] used to test for the presence of Syphilis “These are serological testing and we now add immuno-haematological testing and now we have added Hepatitis ‘B’ core antigen which help make blood safer for pregnant
woman,” Dr. Lewis explained. For example, the immunohaematological tests take advantage of the body’s immune system. In order to fight germs or foreign substances, the immune system produces antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that can bind to a specific germ or substance, just like a key fits into a specific keyhole. They “catch” the germs or substances, neutralize them, and attract other immune cells. Such tests used in laboratories are made by producing artificial antibodies that exactly “match” the substance or germ being tested. When these antibodies encounter a sample of blood, urine or stool, they bind to the matching substance or germ if found in the sample. This reaction shows that the germ or substance is present. The new leap in expertise by the NBTS was made possible through ongoing networking among the Ministry of Public Health, the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/WHO] and the Guyana/Argentina collaboration, Dr. Lewis said. He said acquisition of reagents has helped in a major way to make the upward move possible. The NBTS Director revealed that prior to
the new expertise, NBTS was only able to detect the existence of the Hepatitis ‘B’ antigen, that is, patients with acute symptoms of the ailment. Dr. Lewis, moreover, noted that the confidence in the product that the NBTS has to offer to the public and private health institutions around the country to treat patients has increased. Meanwhile, more platelets will be available to treat patients at both public and private health institutions when the NBTS rolls out its ‘pooled platelets’ programme for patients needing blood transfusion. “Doctors and patients can look forward for this in the last quarter of this year,” Dr. Lewis said yesterday. The new programme will complement the Apheresis platelet initiative launched earlier this year which will help to “reduce wastage of resources,” Dr. Lewis said. Apheresis is a medical technology in which the blood of a person is passed through an apparatus that separates one constituent and returns the remainder to the circulation. It is thus an extracorporeal therapy. Apheresis platelets are collected from a single donor by using an apheresis machine with an
GPHC to soon perform even more... From page 48 to perform the surgeries. The multimillion-dollar machine is expected to be handed over to government later this year or early next year. The medical practitioner said that although government is usually willing to pay a significant portion of needed eye surgery costs, often patients are unable to find the remaining sum. “The surgeries are not done here and they are expensive, and the reality is that many persons cannot afford the cost even when government pays half of the costs. Since we have found that more and more people are faced with this problem, we have commitment for the donation of the machine. Discussions with the Ministry of Public Health and GPHC have been had, so I think that in t h e v e ry near future the challenges faced by Guyanese in securing monies to do their surgeries abroad would certainly be something of the past,” Dr. Bobb-Semple asserted. As a holder of a Masters of Medicine in Ophthalmology from Uganda, a Fellowship in Phacoemulsification in Kenya and a Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery in Tanzania, Dr. Bobb-Semple insisted that the team of ophthalmologists at the GPHC continue to do a
fantastic job. The GPHC team, she said, is continually seeking ways to save the sight of many patients. “Over the next few years from now, we at GPHC eye clinic hope to have dedicated retina clinic for patients who have retinal pathologies. Right now, as a retina specialist, I see patients with retina pathologies, but with the hope of sensitizing all Guyanese about this new service. This will enable us to reach more patients who have these eye conditions, and we hope to initiate retinal surgeries at GPHC by the end of 2019,” she asserted. She said that while many of the success stories are not told publicly, the GPHC eye
clinic is satisfied that many persons who have visited and have been treated successfully can share their success stories whereby their sights were saved and/or repaired. “Despite the many challenges that we have faced, the team of doctors at the GPHC continues to do a remarkable job and I am very proud to be a part of that team,” Dr. Bobb-Semple said. In addition to Drs. Sugrim and Bobb-Semple, the GPHC Ophthalmology Department also benefits from the expertise of other ophthalmologists including Drs. Celeste Hinds and Jennell Sarju; Haitian Dr Damonie Lammy and Cuban Dr Madeline Garcia.
NBTS Director, Dr. Pedro Lewis
integrated leukoreduction system to remove some 99 percent of white cells. The machine draws blood from the donor, isolates the platelets and some plasma by centrifugation, and returns the remaining blood to its donor. The apheresis machine was invented by
American medical technologist Herb Cullis in 1972. Pooled random donor platelet concentrates are prepared from platelets harvested by centrifuging units of whole blood. Platelets from donor can be pooled into a single bag for transfusion.
Platelets will have a five-day expiry period because it will be done in a closed system. It will be pooled, according to iso-groups. According to Dr. Lewis, the NBTS will use only 25 percent of the number of bags currently utilised to harvest platelets.
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BENEFITS OF RADISH AND ITS SIDE EFFECTS Being a cruciferous vegetable, radishes have a number of nutrients that are beneficial for our body in a number of ways. Consumption of radish helps to heal the symptoms of piles, treat leucoderma, keep your skin moisturized and body hydrated and also relieves symptoms of constipation. Furthermore, it helps to treat urinary and kidney disorders, regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics, prevents cardiovascular diseases and also improves body immunity. It is useful in preventing colon, stomach and oral cancers, reduces pain and swelling and is even instrumental in treating various respiratory disorders. HELPS IN TREATING JAUNDICE Radish is widely considered as a natural remedy for jaundice and radish leaves are the most useful in this regard. They have a powerful detoxifying effect and help to eliminate toxins and blood and thus help to purify blood. It is useful in controlling jaundice as it helps to remove bilirubin and even regulates its production. Radish also helps to prevent the breakdown of red blood cells in people suffering from jaundice by increasing the supply of oxygen. HELPS IN TREATING URINARY DISODERS Radishes have diuretic properties and hence helps to clean out the kidneys by stimulating the production of urine. Radish juice is effective in curing inflammation and reduces the burning feeling that a person may experience during urination. By stimulating urine production, radishes help to prevent any infections in the urinary system or in the kidneys and also help to prevent other kidney disorders. BRINGS RELIEF FROM OSTEOARTHRITIS Vitamin C, present in radish, acts against the free radicals in our body and prevents any damage to body cartilage. Vitamin C also aids in the formation of collagen, the substance which makes up the cartilages in our body. Thus consuming radishes help to prevent or delay the onset of conditions like arthritis. FIGHTS CANCER Including radish in your diet can help to fight different strands of cancer like colon, stomach, intestinal, oral and kidney cancers. This is due to the presence of Vitamin C, folic acid and anthocyanins which are powerful anti-oxidants. In addition to this, radishes also contain isothiocyanates that alter the genetic pathways of cancerous cells and cause apostosis or cell death. This prevents the cancer cells from reproducing. KEEPS YOUR HEART IN GOOD SHAPE The anthocyanins present in radish have anti-inflammatory properties that help to prevent cardiovascular diseases. They also help to check other effects like peripheral artery disease, heart failure and even kidney diseases. The anthocyanins help to circulate metabolites and prevent cardiovascular ailments by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. HELPS YOU TO LOSE WEIGHT If you want to lose weight, you can include radishes in your diet as they are low in digestible carbohydrates, high in roughage and contain a lot of water. They are also high in fiber content which adds bulk to your stool
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Kaieteur News
and facilitates its easy expulsion. The fiber content also makes you feel fuller and prevents you from overeating. This helps you to lose weight. TREATS RESPIRATORY DISORDERS Radishes have anti-congestive properties and help to prevent irritation of the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs. These irritations are mainly caused due to colds, infections, allergies and other reasons. Radishes help to protect the respiratory system from infections as they are rich sources of vitamins and can act as disinfectants. EFFECT ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND DIABETES R a d i s h e s contain potassium, a vasodilator, which helps to relax the blood vessels and increase the blood flow. It thus reduces the blood pressure by regulating the flow of blood. Consumption of radish does not i m p a c t blood sugar levels as they have a low glycemic index. The vegetable also regulates the absorption of sugars in the blood stream and hence is safe for diabetics to consume. GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN Radish is good for your skin due to the presence of Vitamin C, B vitamin, zinc and phosphorus. The water content in this vegetable helps to keep your skin moisturized. Radishes also have disinfectant properties and help to prevent skin disorders like dry skin, rashes and cracks. STRENGTHENS BODY IMMUNITY The presence of Vitamin C in radish makes it an excellent choice for it to be included in your diet for boosting body immunity. Vitamin C helps to regulate body metabolism and helps in the formation of collagen. Collagen helps to strengthen blood vessel walls and prevents the onset of various cardiovascular diseases. Uses of Radish Radish juice, when rubbed into the scalp, helps to treat dandruff and hair fall. A mixture of radish juice and olive oil helps to treat dry skin and cracks. Consuming radish regularly helps to eliminate dandruff, makes your hair healthy and shiny and even makes hair roots stronger and scalps healthier. Smashed raw radish acts as natural cleanser and as an effective face pack. Radishes are often used in salads, side dishes or even main courses and they add a specific flavor to any dish. Radish juice, when rubbed into the scalp, helps to treat dandruff and hair fall. A mixture of radish juice and olive oil helps to treat dry skin and cracks. Consuming radish regularly helps to eliminate dandruff, makes your hair healthy and shiny and even makes hair roots stronger and scalps healthier. Smashed raw radish acts as natural cleanser and as an effective face pack. Radishes are often used in salads, side dishes or even main courses and they add a specific flavor to any dish. Radishes are also used as appetizers and as mouth fresheners. Side-Effects & Allergies of Radish Radish has diuretic properties that stimulate the production of urine. But consumption of too much radish will lead excess loss of water from our body and may lead to dehydration. Excess radish consumption may also lead to low blood pressure and also cause hypoglycemia. People with gallstones and pregnant women should also abstain from eating this vegetable.
Incredible Health Benefits of Sea Moss You Should Know Health benefits of sea moss? How can a moss give you benefits for your health? Come on, it’s just a moss. Some of you may think that way. But wait, the moss we are addressing in this page is not the moss we can easily find anywhere in the damp part of your house or garden. It is the sea moss, which actually is a species of red algae. Some people also acknowledge this sea moss as seaweed. Sea moss is usually soaked and included into any kind of foods especially dessert. It can also be used as gel, as it has no color and taste, yet packed with beneficial nutrients especially fiber. This edible sea moss widely grows along the coastal regions of North America and Europe, especially in Ireland. This is also the reason why people call it as Irish moss. In Europe, people mostly include sea moss into soup or any kind of broth to get the health benefits of sea moss. However in Asia, people love to use sea moss as a material of jelly and mainly use the processed sea moss into cold drinks and dessert as it is very crunchy yet refreshing. Nutritional Information Of Sea Moss Sea moss contains many beneficial nutrients to present the health benefits of sea moss. Some of the nutrients contained in sea moss are: § Carbohydrate § Sugar fiber § Fat § Magnesium § Iron § Selenium § Potassium § Vitamin B2 § Vitamin B9 § Vitamin D § Vitamin E § Vitamin K The Health Benefits Of Sea Moss The list of nutrition in sea moss makes it possible for sea moss to present the health benefits of sea moss for us. Some of the health benefits you can’t easily ignore are: 1. Treat anemia: The ability of sea moss in preventing and treating anemia is contributed by the content of iron in sea moss. Sea moss prevents iron deficiency while preventing and treating anemia. As we know, anemia is happened when we don’t have enough iron intake which leads to the low level of hemoglobin. 2. Boost energy: The content of iron in sea moss enables oxygen to be fairly distributed in an instant time. This way, the metabolism will be quickly carried, so that the food we take can be quickly transformed into energy. This is how sea moss supplies us with energy. 3. Treat thyroid disorder: Sea moss or Irish moss contains good amount of iodine which aid the production of thyroid hormones. This way, the consumption of sea moss may prevent some thyroid disorder caused by the lack of thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland. One of the sign in thyroid disorder is when we, especially women quickly gain weight and hardly reduce through diet and exercise. 4. Relieve flu: One of the health benefits of sea moss is relieving flu by relieve the phlegm congestion. The benefit is credited to the content of potassium chloride. Therefore, it feels good to have sea weed soup during flu as it is deliciously warming. The same quality can also be gained from Health Benefits of Cinnamon and Ginger Tea. 5. Relieve asthma: Sea moss can also be
effective to be used as expectorant which effectively remove mucus. This way, se moss is able to ease asthma with its breathing problems. In addition, sea moss own antiinflammatory property which is able to reduce inflammation in the respiratory track. 6. Improve mental health: The content of potassium in sea moss also enables the weed to aid our mental health. It is possible as potassium is essential to keep the nervous system functioning. Thus, having sea moss in our foods or drinks may help us to relieve the light mental problems such anxiety, depression, agitation, and mood swings. 7. Detoxifying property: The crunchy sea moss contains a compound called Algin. Algin is a kind of phytonutrient which is able to present the ability as detoxifier, which effective to eliminate metal residue in the body, such mercury. The heavy metal residue which stacked in our body tissues mainly gained from the unhealthy diet and the consumption of mercury contaminated deep sea fishes such salmon, with the Health Benefits of Salmon Skin and Its Cautions. 8. Effectively treat wound: The content of collagen in sea moss enables this natural ingredient to quickly recover wounds. As we know, collagen is very good in composing skin complexity by strengthening the connective tissues. Thus, it is also good to consume sea moss as food or use the gel as topical treatment to boost the recovery process of postsurgery wound. 9. Good for skin: As mentioned before that sea moss is a great supplier of collagen which is good to keep our skin firm and supple. Added with the content of vitamin E, sea moss can be a natural super food for our youthful skin. No wonder that we frequently find sea moss extract in many skin treatment product. Besides, the use of sea moss for our skin can also prevent some skin problems such psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, and rashes. Not only good for skin, this sea product is also own the Health Benefits of Seaweed for Hair Tricks. 10. Natural pain killer: The antiinflammatory property in sea moss enables the sea moss to reduce inflammation in any part of the body while relieving the pain caused by the inflammation. This way, sea moss as refreshing food, drink, or gel can be used as natural pain killer for joints, muscle, stomach, and for headache. 11. Good for cancer treatment: Cancer treatment often requires radiation therapy to combat the growth of cancer cells. However, people may suffer the side effects from the constant radiation therapy. In this case, sea moss offers the natural remedy to curb the side effects of the therapy by perfectly absorb the toxic compound from the bowel and make sure the toxins flushed entirely from our system. The other health benefits of sea moss are: 1. Prevent varicose vein rashes 2. Aid healthy digestion 3. Lose weight 4. Prevent lungs problems 5. Relieve sore throat 6. Reduce blood pressure 7. Strengthen bones 8. Male’s natural aphrodisiac 9. Reduce cholesterol
Sunday July 14, 2019
Kaieteur News
HEINEKEN MOTIVATED 4 PARTY SET FOR JULY 27 The distributors of the beloved Heineken brand, Ansa McAL, along with other sponsors, will be hosting the ultimate premium Heineken Party at Club Eclipse located at Main Street, New Amsterdam on July 27. There will be gorgeous Heineken girls present for special giveaways as well as Heineken bucket specials all night. The lineup of exceptional DJs to keep you entertained all night long include Father Moey, DJ Von Hype, Gully Ras, Diamond, Team Lock down and DJ Slata. Doors open from 9PM. You won’t want to miss this. See you there!
>> WINE OF THE WEEK <<
The Tinto Negro ‘Finca La Escuela’ Malbec: An exotic blend of black berries, smoked spices, and espresso TintoNegro black wine was born of the long time friendship and professional collaboration of Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach. The two were colleagues at Bodega Catena Zapata for almost 15 years; Alejandro was vineyard director and Jeff was the wine education director. This wine was aged 12 months in French oak (20% new). It’s a brutish bottle, heavy and statuesque. Inside, expect an impressive wine with aromas of purple and black berries, smoked spices, vanilla, espresso, violets and pipe tobacco. It is a supple wine with a generosity of vivid fruit. Youthful (still) and buoyant with smooth tannins, and a lingering licorice and chocolate finish. This exotic blend of fruit from all four soil types at Finca La Escuela can be had at the Bistro Restaurant and Café. It pairs well with roast beef, beef bourgignon, stew and shepherd’s pie.
Big Little Lies is the ultimate comedic tale of murder and mischief
For the lovers of “in-home” entertainment, Big Little Lies which features on Sundays at 9PM on E-Networks serves up the ultimate comedic tale of murder and mischief. It is a series that draws inspiration from a best-seller novel which bears the same title and was written by the revered Liane Moriarty. On the background of the tranquil Monterey, Calif, the series unravels the nuances of relationships that are shared among some of the most dedicated moms, their partners and children. But there is a horror that lies beneath that charming exterior. The
series exposes how the community in which they live is influenced by a thick overcast of dirty rumours. Told through the eyes of three mothers — Madeline, Celeste and Jane – played by Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley, the audience gets a front row seat in seeing the strengths and weaknesses of romance, parenting and friendship. The Entertainment Police will be following this unique show closely and will be providing reviews and character analysis in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
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Are our driving habits taking us 'accidentally'... From page 38 is often omitted is where research shows that certain personality types are more prone to certain types of accidents, even from a psychological angle. It's slightly confusing. One study showed that optimists were more likely than pessimists to avoid both fatal and non-fatal accidents due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, those prone to accidents, especially fatal ones, manifested 'risk factors' such as male, younger age, extrovert, sensation-seeking, lefthandedness (in a righthanded world) and binge drinking. But then again, anxiety and depression, not hallmarks of optimism, also make the list; an interesting observation being that the gaze of those who are depressed is typically downward – not a good thing to do when crossing a street. Finally, there is a situational risk factor known as 'newness', which explains that 'for six months or so following a new job, a new residence, a new school, a new automobile, or a new route to work, the risk of traumatic mishaps goes up'. This seems incidental, but there are numerous reports of accidents involving the owners or drivers of new (or reconditioned) vehicles, and persons who just moved to a new home or started a new
job. Think back and you'll see. The conclusion is that many accidents are in fact predictable, which is why researchers sometimes use less misleading terms like 'traumatic mishaps' to define them. So if they are predictable, aren't they also preventable, at least to a large extent? The answer must be yes. Here are some suggestions for Guyana, again. Education! Make road safety teaching a priority in schools at every level, and for all road users. Explain clearly, and as simply as possible, what risk factors are, and how they can be practically lessened. Teach and reteach care, courtesy, consideration etc... Get practical. Fill/repair potholes, especially in urban areas and along our 'highways' where needed. Fix and update road signs, and 'let there be light' on all of our roadways. Step up the impounding of wandering animals. (Maybe their owners with them; they contribute to fatalities) Revamp traffic departments, remove socalled rogue cops, and attract/recruit police officers with unbribable salaries; twenty 'Grangers' and upwards? For God's sake, and the sake of every Guyanese, review and enforce traffic laws, particularly with respect to speeding and DUI.
Who will dare place Guyana first? From page 44 Opposition is convinced that a simple claims and objections period is required. President Granger has said he will only call elections based on advice on GECOM. There is no chairman, so he can't be advised. So where does that leave Guyana? Well, GECOM has said house-to-house will take months and a new Voters' List will only be ready by December. While we are squabbling here, something else is happening. Yes, I am speaking about oil and gas. We are the owners of those oilfields. Yet, the people of Guyana do not know who is getting what contracts. The people of Guyana have no say in what price is being paid. We know properties are being snapped up like crazy
on the coastlands. There must be an early resolution to the stalemate between the Coalition Government and the Opposition. We need our representatives to be paying attention to oil and gas. Someone, or both sides, has to blink first and put Guyana first. Before I end this, I was reading up on Qatar, an Arab nation with 15 billion barrels of oil. It has 300,000 citizens with 2.3M expatriates. You heard it right. It has the world's lowest taxes and is one of the richest countries in the world. Should there be reasons why we are not paying attention?
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PAGE 58 From page 41 main seasons: a damp, moderate winter and an arid summer. Annual precipitation in these areas of Argentina and Chile ranges from 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13.1 ft). The pudú is a solitary animal whose behaviour in the wild is largely unknown because of its secretive nature. Pudús are crepuscular, most active in the morning, late afternoon, and evening. Their home range generally extends about 16 to 25 ha (40 to 62 acres), much of which
consists of criss-crossing pudú-trodden paths. Each pudú has its own home range, or territory. A single animal's territory is marked with sizable dung piles found on paths and near eating and resting areas. Large facial glands for scent communication allow correspondence with other pudú deer. Pudús do not interact socially, other than to mate. An easily frightened animal, the deer barks when in fear. Its fur bristles and the pudú
shivers when angered. Predators of the pudús include the horned owl, Andean fox, Magellan fox, cougar, and other small cats. The pudú is a wary animal that moves slowly and stops often, smelling the air for scents of predators. Being a proficient climber, jumper, and sprinter, the deer flees in a zigzag path when being pursued. The lifespan of the pudús ranges from eight to 10 years in the wild. The longest recorded lifespan is 15 years
Sunday July 14, 2019
Pudú (Pudu mephistophiles) and nine months. However, such longevity is rare and most pudús die at a much younger age, from a wide range of causes. Maternal neglect of newborns, as well as a wide range of diseases, can decrease the population. A popular rumour is that if alarmed to a high degree, pudús die from fear-induced cardiac complications. The pudús are herbivorous, consuming vines, leaves from low trees, shrubs, succulent sprouts, herbs, ferns, blossoms, buds, tree bark, and fallen fruit. They can survive without drinking water for long periods due to the high water content of the succulent foliage in their diets. Pudús have various methods of obtaining the
foliage they need. Their small stature and cautious nature create obstacles in attaining food. They stop often while searching for food to stand on their hind legs and smell the wind, detecting food scents. Females and fawns peel bark from saplings using their teeth, but mature males may use their spikelike antlers. The deer may use their front legs to press down on saplings until they snap or become low enough to the ground so they can reach the leaves. Forced to stand on their hind legs due to their small size, the deer climb branches and tree stumps to reach higher foliage. They bend bamboo shoots horizontally in order to walk on them and eat from higher branches.
Pudús are threatened due to the destruction of their rainforest habitat. The land is cleared for human development, cattle ranching, agriculture, logging, and exotic tree plantations. Habitat fragmentation and road accidents cause pudú deaths. They are taken from the wild as pets, as well as exported illegally. They are overhunted and killed for food by specially trained hunting dogs. The recently introduced red deer compete with pudús for food. Domestic dogs prey upon pudús and transfer parasites through contact. Pudús are very susceptible to diseases such as bladder worms, lungworms, roundworms, and heartworms.
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Dedicated Athletics Coach,
Leslie Black A.A., From page 22 just 12-plus at the time. His aunt was taking him out for an ice cream treat and they and two others were walking down the road when a car hit them down and just the two of them died…the others escaped,” Black shared. But even after the death of his son, Black was not prepared to give up on coaching. In fact it might have been in memory of his son that he continued to coach a number of youths, many of whom he and his wife willingly parented too. Among those he has given priceless support to, over the years, are a number of outstanding athletes the likes of Reonna Cornette, Cleveland Forde, Alika Morgan and Kelvin Johnson. Being a coach is not a simple task, Black
is a ‘Special Person’
explained. In fact, he made it pellucid that “In order to be a good coach you first have to have selfdiscipline…you have to be a father to your athletes. I think I was able to get success out of my athletes mainly because I could've afforded to ensure that they eat properly and take care of themselves and have the right gears.” Black disclosed that he was able to accomplish this with support from many business persons who had an appreciation for the kind of laudable work he was doing with the youths. “I never had a problem soliciting support from corporate Guyana…I have
gotten support to travel all over the world with my athletes as far as Indonesia, London, Canada, United States of America, almost all over the Caribbean, I even passed through Dubai; I did a lot of travelling,” said a smiling Black, as he spoke of the satisfaction he feels from helping his athletes become true success stories. “A day doesn't pass without me wanting to do something for somebody,” Black reflected, even as he
decades of coaching, Black, with yet a great deal of coaching left in him, has taken a back seat to this way of life. This has allowed him to express his gift for designing, by creating billboards, signs and bus sheds through his business, Moulded Designs. This however does not mean that he has exited the world of sports. Instead, he has been directing his passion for sports to an organisation established to
Sharing a moment with former World rated boxer, Terrence Alli
Always a tower of strength remembered his grandmother who raised him to be the man he is today. “She died before I could've have done anything for her, but I am doing what I can for whoever I can because of what she did for me.” After almost three
Recipient of a national award
give support to the betterment of athletes and resource persons in the sports arena. The organisation called the Guyana Committee of Services was formed by Black and a number of other sports enthusiasts including:
Joseph Ramkumar, Odessa Primus, Sean Devers, Lyndon 'Jumbie' Jones and Bill Rogers, all of whom serve as executive members. The committee was brought into being two years ago when efforts were being made to lend support to former national boxer, Clive Atwell, who was in dire need of a surgery. “We were able to come together and help raise funds to help him travel to the United States for him to get that surgery with the support of Lady Ira [an Executive Legislative Aide who helps to ensure that Guyanese, particularly those in New J e r s e y, g e t n e e d e d support]. He [Atwell] has been able to get a new lease on life because of our
efforts,” said a contented Black. In recognition of his years of outstanding involvement in sports, Black was earlier this year conferred with a national award – The Golden Arrow of Achievement. “I feel good about that award because actually it is not only for me, but it is a recognition for athletics and all of the persons who assisted me over the years to make success in athletics possible,” said a modest Black. To complement his national award for dedication and commitment to athletics, today we at Kaieteur News' name Leslie Black our 'Special Person' of the week.
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Sunday July 14, 2019
Knock, Knock –
It's Immigration at the door!
By Attorney Gail S. Seeram
M
a n y individuals don't know what to expect if Immigration comes knocking at their door due to an expired visa/I-94, i n i t i a t i o n o f removal/deportation proceeding due to commission of a crime, or execution of a final order of removal/deportation. Also,
Immigration can visit your job and detain you at your worksite. Recently, Immigration has engaged in numerous worksite raids at corporations that hire a large number of immigrants. So, what are the DO'S and DON'TS if Immigration comes knocking at your door or job? 1. Be Respectful: Refer to the Immigration Officer as “Sir” or “Madam” or
“Officer.” 2. Get the name of the Immigration Officer: ask the officer for his/her business card. If he/she is not willing to give you a business card, then casually ask for his/her name. 3. Ask the Immigration Officer where you are being taken: this is very important because in most states, Immigration has more than one detention center. 4. While being processed, ask to use the
phone: the first place Immigration will take you is to an office where you will be fingerprinted and photographed. Politely ask the Immigration officer if you can use the phone to call your family member to let them know you are safe. 5. Inform a family member where you are and the name of the Immigration Officer: Once you get to speak with your family member, give them the name
of the detention center you will be taken to and the name of the Immigration officer. 6. Do Not Sign any Documents: The Immigration Officer will present numerous documents to you for your signature. DO NOT SIGN ANY DOCUMENTS. Simply write, “Refuse to Sign” in the signature block. Once an attorney is retained to represent you, the attorney will review the documents and advise you of the legal ramifications of each document. 7. Do Not Submit to Threats by Immigration Officers: I have heard stories of Immigration Officers making threatening remarks such as “If you don't sign these documents or cooperate, we will hold you here for 6-9 months” or “If you hire an attorney, we will deport you tomorrow”. Do not believe these statements. 8. Exercise your Right for a Bond Hearing: The Immigration Officer will ask you if you want a hearing to determine bond – always answer, “Yes”. 9. Be Patient: It is tough to be held in a detention center and to be away from your family. I always urge my clients to be patient with the process and don't rush to give up and opt for removal/deportation without
Gail S. Seeram a hearing. 10. I n f o r m t h e Immigration Officers of Special Dietary Needs or Medical Conditions: If you have special dietary or food needs (such as vegetarian), make sure you inform the immigration officers so they can make the proper arrangements for your food. Also, if you have any medical conditions and require daily medicine, advise the immigration officers so they can have your family bring your medicine or make arrangements for you to have your medicine at the detention facility. Attorney Gail Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA call | text | whatsApp 407-292-7730 e m a i l : Gail@GailLaw.com l i v e c h a t : www.GailLaw.com Download FREE App: Gail Law Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2019. All Rights Reserved.
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Sunday July 14, 2019
E'bo cell phone dealer loses $$millions in stall burglary
“The hole that the perpetrator/s used to gain entry into the stall.”
“The stall that was broken into.”
A
popular cell phone dealer on the Essequibo Coast got the shock of his life yesterday morning, when he learnt that his Anna Regina market stall was broken into. Kaieteur News understands that the dealer, Antonio Singh, better known as Spanish, operates
his business, 'Xtreme Tech,' from a small stall in the Anna Regina Market. It is suspected that sometime between Friday night and yesterday morning, someone broke into his market stall after smashing a hole in the walls of the concrete structure. The man told this publication that he cannot arrive at a precise
figure, but his loss is well in the millions of dollars, since most of the smart phones missing are high end phones. He said, “The Friday night we lock up the stall and we leave all the high end phones in the stall. We had like Samsung S8 and even the Samsung S10 plus along with some iPhone, I get a call from
somebody who does work in the market saying that the stall break in. When I come I see the hole on the side.” This publication understands that the Anna Regina Market is guarded by two security guards, who are employed by the Anna Regina Mayor and Town Council. The western wing, in which Singh's
stall is located, is guarded by just one of the two security guards. Stall holders within the market are suggesting that the council place more emphasis on security. Since there were no CCTV cameras installed within the market, or within Singh's stall, it may be difficult for police to figure out exactly what transpired.
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STANDARDS IN FOCUS GNBS TO COMMENCE THE MONITORING OF GOLD JEWELLERY IN 2020 The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is set to commence monitoring of the gold jewellery manufactured and offered for sale by goldsmiths and jewelers. This monitoring will commence in January 2020, and will be based on the requirements of the National Standard Specification for Gold Articles (GYS 50:2010), which is a compulsory standard. All goldsmiths and jewelers are required to possess a copy of the National Standard, which will help them to understand the requirements and modify their businesses and products to ensure compliance. In addition, commencing 2020, these stakeholders will be required to register annually with the GNBS; and facilitate routine inspections at their sale outlets. During inspections, Inspectors of the GNBS will examine jewellery offered for sale for compliance to labelling requirements stipulated by the standard. Samples would be routinely tested to verify the quality of the
jewellery based on what is declared on the label. For example, if a piece of jewellery is labelled 14 Karats (K), it will be tested to verify that it is the same. For manufacturers of gold jewellery, complying with the requirements of the Gold standard will prevent fraud and deception arising from misleading labels. The standard gives guidance to manufacturers and helps them to provide adequate labelling information. Consumers can also benefit when jewelers implement the standard, as during purchases they will be guided by labels affixed to the jewellery. In addition, when jewelers and goldsmiths across Guyana conform to the standard, consumers are able to access the right quality of gold articles, and overtime, gain confidence in the fact that they are receiving value for their money.Finally, during the months of July and August 2019, the GNBS will be conducting a series of awareness sessions on the requirements of the National Standard for
Guyana delegation heading to Fiji …to commemorate end of indentureship, forced labour A delegation of private individuals will be heading to Lautoka, Fiji, tomorrow where they will be commemorating with others, the end of indentureship and forced labour around the world.The conference will be hosted for three days by the Global Girmitya Institute (GGI) of Fiji that is headed by Prof. Ganesh Chand, former Vice Chancellor of Fiji National University and current Vice Chancellor of University of Solomon Islands.Dr. Vishnu Bisram, who is heading the Guyana delegation, in a recent letter to the media, stated that the Fiji conference is one that is inter-disciplinary and inter-ethnic. “It focuses on history and the contemporary reality of migration.”The political analyst said in his letter that 125 scholars from around the world have submitted abstracts for presentation of papers on a variety of subjects. These submissions are based on aspects of forced African, Indian, Chinese, and Pacific labour and the impacts of slavery, indentureship, and forced migration in countries. Dr. Bisram noted that several other conferences are scheduled for the upcoming year. “Conferences are planned in several societies (Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana, South Africa, and India) over the next year to reflect on slavery and indentureship and the current state of the descendants of forced labor.”
Goldsmiths and Jewelers. The first in the series of session will be held in Georgetown of Wednesday July 17, 2019 from 13:00h at the Regency Suits, Hadfield
Street,Georgetown. Other sessions are scheduled for Region 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 and further details will be communicated to all stakeholders directly or via the press. It is
important that goldsmiths and jewelers attend and participate in these sessions to know what is required of them as the GNBS works to standardize the industry.
For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190065 or 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
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Coomacka, Ituni to receive improved water quality, level of service Guyana Water Incorporation (GWI) on July 11, last, visited Coomacka Village, Region Ten which has approximately 750 residents. Over a period of time the residents of Coomacka village, a community up the Demerara River, has been receiving little to no water since the distribution system became blocked. The system was constructed many years ago. The Community Development Council invited GWI to address their concerns. Upon accepting the invitation the managing director of GWI and the team of officials, assured the residents during a community meeting that the utility will work to ensure quality water is provided to them. Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles stated that the company is pushing ahead to achieve a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) by 2025 instead of 2030. This goal speaks to ensuring access to potable water for all. Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Dwayne Shako, said the team will work towards completing the upgrade works within the next two months. Hoping for an immediate
solution, GWI will move to repair the existing well, address the high iron content in the water, clean the distribution lines and repair standpipes. The utility will also be exploring the practicality of drilling a new well in the community. Dr. Van West-Charles explained that even as works are underway for the drilling of two new wells in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, GWI will utilize the same equipment to drill deeper in Coomacka, with the aim of accessing better quality water. He reassured that with new technology at GWI’s disposal, finding quality water underground is now easier compared to some 23 years ago when the utility was not equipped with the requisite technology and equipment to sufficiently get the job done. Prior to the distribution of water to residents, GWI will conduct water quality tests and make the results available to the community. Dr. Van West-Charles said Government’s approval of funding now allows the company to function optimally and afford its customers a better life. National Director of the National Community Development Council,
GWI officials inspect works at the Ituni well site Mr. Eugene Gilbert, thanked GWI for its swift response in attending to the matter of access to water in Coomacka. He noted that the community meeting came on the heels of a recently concluded Regional CDC
Conference. Meanwhile, GWI has completed the drilling of an additional well at Ituni to a depth of approximately 300ft. Dr. Richard Van West-Charles and other GWI officials on July 12, 2019 visited the site of the new well. Water quality testing will be done to ensure that the water produced is within
World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines before it is provided to residents. Developmental works are currently being done on the well which will be followed by test pumping. It is expected that the well will produce about 30 cubic meters of water per hour and the drilling of the additional well will facilitate extended
pumping hours to some 742 residents of that community. Upon completion, the residents will benefit from improved water quality and increased hours of water supply. Water quality testing will be done on a continuous basis to ensure that the quality of the water is maintained.
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Kaieteur News
Young and vibrant Guyanese launch new “Coily” hair app STEMGuyana in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, will soon launch a global mobile app testing service to meet the needs of US, UK and Canadian app development companies. Services will include market research and analysis, focus group research, UI and functionality testing and local product launches. “App testing and Marketing are very costly functions in ABC countries and very often developers are forced to launch without the critical feedback needed from users to help them to identify, debug and improve their apps before launching in major markets. “Consequently, many apps fail or fall short of expectations of users, resulting in very high failure rates”, said STEMGuyana cofounder Karen Abrams. “We believe that Guyana is unique in its proximity to large targeted international markets, its English speaking population, its access to foreign products and programming making consumers knowledgeable, access to STEMGuyana’s large network of technology youth that are currently strengthening their STEM skills across Guyana, and its large diaspora in m o s t targeted countries. Abrams added that the high cost of data and limited phone (storage) resources, make Guyana a perfect testing ground, since only the very best apps will survive rigorous testing, exhaustive marketing and Guy a n a ’s selective customer base.” Asha Christian, S T E M G u y a n a ’s co-
Founder and founder of the Coily Hair app, soon to be tested and launched in Guyana, stated that when the team pitched the idea of testing in Guyana, she immediately jumped on the opportunity. The Coily Hair Mobile app allows users with similar hair types to rate and review ethnic Hair products. It allows local hairstylists to market their services to local customers and visitors to Guyana who live or work in their communities and it allows large and small hair products manufacturers to expand their markets of highly rated products globally. Essentially, using our platform, quality (hair) product sales can grow both locally and internationally quickly, we believe that all these services will benefit both local and international customers.” Additionally, the Coily team plans to debug and update the features of the Coily app based on learnings from the Guyana launch test. “After Guyana, we will launch in the rest of the Caribbean before our major US launch,” stated the young co-founder, Asha. “Launching in Guyana will save us significantly in operating costs. At the end of our Caribbean outreach, we will have rich data and learnings which we will use to make our USA launch more effective. This decision was a no-brainer” STEMGuyana intends to employ youth from its national network of STEM club trainers in its app testing service.
Minister Cathy Huges posing with Coily team “This is just one way we intend to bring employment to young people across Guyana,” stated Abrams. “When we pitched the idea to Minister Hughes, she immediately embraced it and offered to help make this vehicle for technology employment available to youth across Guyana.” The Coily hair mobile app will be available for download at the July 27 product launch to be hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, from 10am to 5PM. For more information, check out the Coily Mobile App Page on Facebook or WhatsApp message (592)604-2037.
One dead, two critical after SUV, Of that lot, a 16 year old Diamond Hospital. Her taxi collide the girl whose lungs collapsed body remains there. There was a vehicle collision on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway last night, resulting in a woman’s death. Kaieteur News understands that the accident occurred not far from the Soesdyke junction. One woman died and up to press time two people were critical in hospital. According to reports, at around 20:00 hrs, a black SUV with license plate PVV 535 was proceeding west from the highway to the Soesdyke junction, while a blue Toyota 212 with license plate HC 2554 was heading east from the junction to the hillside. Witnesses report seeing the vehicles collide, headon. The woman, who was a passenger in the taxi, was declared dead on arrival at
Kaieteur News was informed that the others involved were transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
was the second passenger in the taxi. Her condition, at press time, was critical. No one has been identified.
Ganja Amendment hinges... From page 10 Health Ministry and Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), and another study that was done by CARICOM,” Harmon said. He added that those studies have been completed, and there were some clear recommendations on the way forward. He said, “We believe that it was opportune to deal with a sentencing amendment to the A c t . ” Harmon explained that now that the Government has all different sorts of information at its disposal, the Cabinet was able to make a reasonable and informed decision on the amendment.
Based on a recent report by the Caribbean Community, Cabinet gave this recommendation to support Rastafarians who require usage of marijuana in their worship and sacrament. Cabinet said that the new decision does not mean that the possession of marijuana is no longer an offence, but persons will not be sentenced to imprisonment in accordance with the law. Harmon further added during the press conference that he does not consider the government to be in a state of limbo, and that the government is “continuing the work of the people of Guyana.”
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Sunday July 14, 2019
Cane Grove Village A community of agricultural possibilities FOCUS By Alex Wayne here I was at the Mahaica/Georget own Minibus Park trying my best to decide which bus I was going to enter for my trek to Cane Grove Village, in Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. I was certainly not going to be caught in the melee of conductor and driver cuss outs, neither was I going to be dragged like a rag doll to any minibus by no foul smelling and very sweaty tout bent on making a fast and mean dollar. So there I was, chest heaving daring anyone to touch me, in as much as I was in a hurry to get to my
T
Cane Grove is actually a very large settlement made up of smaller locations, including Strathavon, Hopeland, Virginia, Coconut Dam, Manager Drive, Sawai, Waterside Dam, Cane Grove Estate, Back Street, and a few other locations. The Journey Quite soon I was on my way using a handy ear plug I always walk with for such occasions to blot out the deafening music and loud conversations of those on the minibus. It was always such a relish to throw back and inhale the fresh countryside breeze, that in no time the music and loud talking became of no bother to me at all.
was all pleasant and smiling, informing about the makings of several villages in the area as the car bumped and chugged its way along the main access that led into the village of Cane Grove. He even offered, for a discount price, to take me around the village and I was thankful for that, especially since it meant that it was less walking around the village to solicit my source personnel. My arrival I was somewhat enthralled of the fact that Cane Grove Village still bore some semblance of its yester-year infrastructure, from its many cottages, still many sandy streets, and structures that took me back to many years ago, when many regarded large structures as a sign of wealth, even if they were not
Cattle farmers in the countryside are forced to construct makeshift temporary shelters for new born calves to shelter them from the elements of weather destination. Cane Grove is an agricultural community in the Demerara-Mahaica Region of Guyana, standing at sea-level on the coastal plain, along the Mahaica River, about eight kilometres upstream of its mouth. John Carter, Guyana’s first ambassador to the United States and a key figure in the preindependence turmoil of what was, before 1966, British Guiana was born in Cane Grove. The diaspora of Cane Grove hold an annual reunion in New York City where proceeds go toward funding various charity projects that help the current residents of the village.
As we wound in and out of twists and turns in the country roads, I could not help but marvel at the lush greenery in wide open pastures and the sight of animals grazing lazily in open fields of green grass or shrubs. In the nick of time we were rolling in to the Mahaica Market Square, and the scenario there, mirrored that of the Georgetown Bus Park where touts were noisily trying to solicit passengers for hire cars and minibuses but with some semblance of order compared to the city. An overweight car driver approached me, and enquired quite nicely where I was heading. Thereafter he
sporting the glitz and glamour that is associated with some structures of today. The village has a certain arresting beauty that is presented quite nicely with a fusion of twisting roads, sprawling green pastures, adorable natural waterways, and green expanses of farming lands. Upon entering the village one is greeted by the enticing evidence of its great agricultural patients by persons walking or riding around, intent on trading their homegrown vegetables, ground provision, or fruits which always seem to be in abundance. Truck sped up and down the main road laden with
Come try your hands at some good bush fish in the natural waterways of Cane Grove. bags of paddy extracted from the many rice fields that surround the village. Men were seen pushing carts as they traded ice-cold water coconuts, while many were observed toiling in their gardens. History of the Village As dictated in the Daily Argosy dated Thursday, March 7, 1946, Cane Grove was, in years gone by, a very vibrant plantation until it was closed just around that era. Following a copy of a largely signed petition forwarded to the local directors and those in London of Messrs. Booker Bros., McConnell & Co., Ltd, the plantation was officially closed on February 20, 1946. This closure, of course,
caused a dire effect on persons who were employed there and depended on it for a livelihood. About 12,000 people were solely dependent on the estate for a livelihood. Three thousand of them resided on Plantation Cane Grove and in Virginia Village, while the remainder was drawn from Villages as far as Buxton to the west and Mahaicony to the east. There were also workers on the plantation that came as indentured labourers, descendants of slaves. The other sugar estates were not able to absorb all the employees who were thrown out of employment by the closing of Plantation Cane Grove. After the 1934 floods, the estate was in a terrible physical and financial state;
The donkey cart is still widely used by farmers in Cane Grove
but after it had been reconditioned, the yield was doubled, the peak year being 1939. After its reconditioning, the businessmen of the district increased their investments, and by the closing of the estate, those men as a result suffered considerable losses. The entire village of Cane Grove was said to be drained by the estate, and after its closure it was almost impossible for villagers to carry on their customary peasant farming successfully. Basking in the harmony amongst residents The village seemed to have no room for ethnic division, as could be seen in the stirring camaraderie amongst the villagers. The (Continued on page 67 )
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Cane Grove Village From page 66 all stuck together like a huge honeycomb, echoes their love for each other, in peals of mirthful laughter, happy conversation, and in some cases trading and sharing cultures through appreciative gestures to mode of dress, conduct and demeanour. In the schools the picture of students frolicking as one big happy family would cause you to reflect much on Guyana’s motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny’. One scene that particularly stole my heart was a young girl taking that extra time to ensure an elderly cross the very busy public road in safety. I was well stirred up by this, taking into consideration that youth
caught up in the transcending pinnacle of modernization. There are still many sites and structures left to remind of its old world aura, and to take me down memory lane, with a vivid tale on the village was 73-year-old Mohini Singh, who had lived there almost all her life. “When I was a young gyal Cane Grove was made up of only logies (small houses consisting of mud walls and thatched roofs). Dem road nah bin cover wid brick or stone, and it was terrible when de rain fall. “During rainy season more than half ah de village used to flood, because de drainage system was very bad. De place bin swampy and we used to see big
potential. “Dis place was always about agriculture and the best bora, pumpkin and all kind ah ground provision use to come out ah here. Dem farmers use to even tek dem produce and sell it till ah de Mahaica and Mahaicony Market, sometimes, cheap, cheap, cheap… “We really didn’t get shops like how you ah see today, suh we had to ride pon bicycle to get groceries at Mahaica. If yuh nah get bicycle we would use de donkey or horse cart which we does still use today to some extent. Dem rice farmers use to use dem tractors and a few ah dem had trucks to fetch dem paddy from de rice field to dem rice mill outside de
a farmers makes ready for work in his kitchen garden.
these days have lost their morals and values and do not see such gestures as being of importance. Cane Grove in Times gone by Today Cane Grove is a very arresting village,
alligators and even fat, fat snake crawling bout de place.” Commenting on the issue of agriculture, Mrs. Singh said that Cane Grove Village was always a location popular for its agricultural
village. And plenty people used to mind fowl and duck, and some ah dem still enage in dat today…” Cane Grove today Today Cane Grove has better roads in some areas and the canals are not so bad as in
In almost every home is a kitchen garden. years gone by. But in some sections of the village, there was need for much cleaning and digging of what was intended to be drainage trenches and small canals. Cane Grove has a NDC Office, Post Office, and a police station, and there are quite a few locations that offer a steady stream of entertainment avenues for villagers. What seemed to be in abundance however rumshops in almost every nook and cranny of the village. And the farmers could be seen in many of them chatting and drinking their troubles away. Villagers complained that there is great need for proper maintenance of other dams leading into the backlands, since they become ‘very messy’ during the rainy season. There are also some backlands areas without electricity according to villagers. Security Some residents say the village is said to be safe in almost every area, but some on the other hand noted that known criminals would rob villagers in remote areas. Selena Sami, a housewife, reflected on an incident she claimed
happened in 2017 where a man was killed by someone referred to as the village bully. “Dis man was a very terrible man and used to beat up everybody for no reason at all…He bin chop up Harrinarine Ramnawaj, called “Khrishna”. The man’s father, Chandrapaul Ramnawaj, was also injured when de big brawl happened. “Dem people catch the bully stealing plantains pon dem farm and after recognizing he, dem report the matter to de police. When dem later confront the thief he attack Harrinarine and he father and chop dem up. “Dem rush dem ah de hospital, but Harrinarine died because wan ah he main vein get chop. He also chop off two ah de dead man nephew finger.” “People use tuh thief cow real bad and some ah dem still ah do dat. This year a cattle farmer lost ah whole set ah cows. He used to normally left dem cow overnight in the back dam and one morning he return and only find ah single cow calf. He find the blood where dem kill and skin de animals
before carrying away de meat. All dem lef pon de ground was dem cow head and guts all ovah de place. People nah completely safe in dis place mista.” The village also still buzzes with the news of a man who some time ago had set himself ablaze and then jumped through a window. While he was rushed to the hospital, he soon after succumbed to his injuries according to the villagers. It is said he died during an attempted life saving surgery. Employment While most villagers are gainfully employed in agricultural exploits, others are employed in various capacities in schools and a d m i n i s t r a t i v e o ff i c e s outside of the village. Farmers still continue to sell their produce to large scale buyers from the city and others areas. Rice farming in the village also offers seasonal employment for many. Every village has its ups and downs. Cane Grove is no exception. Join us next Sunday when we take our cameras and pens to hills and valleys of Timehri.
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Public servants, officials must...
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installation, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing Machine, Stove etc. Call Nick 630-1600, 627-3206 HOUSE PLAN TO DRAW OF IF YOU NEED ESTIMATE. CALL: 216-0671/692-8464/ 622-0267 Lanscaping Services, Cutting & Spraying, East Bank #6670140
FOR SALE (1) Excavator CAT 315BL (1) Roller/Compactor CAT CB434C (1) Skid steer CAT 277B. Call for information, Rayman #615-2346/500-1600/ 628-0200/652-8505
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 3 Bedroom apartment unfurnished, 2 living rooms. Water included $62,000 suitable for storage.Room for single person.675-2550/6742526.
1 live in Domestic worker for G/town, 1 Sawman for interior. #660-9093
Industrial Sales Representative, 5 Subject CXC Age 25+ Experience in Sales, must own vehicle, email r e s u m e : vacancy@josarltd.com
3D Enterprise- Contract cars & SUV for short and long term rental. Cars from G$4,000 per day. Drivers Wanted. Contact#611-9910
Steel rod sale at Alabama Trading, 1/2 “ 12mm -$960, 5/ 8”- 16mm -$1680. Call: 2255800/231-3345/623-1615
3 bedroom bottom flat, unfurnished at 116 Caneview Avenue, South Riumveldt Park $80,000. Call: 609-7826
30x48 Sash windows, black & white (Regular size) casement and awning windows. $12,000 each. Tel#679-3325
2 bedroom downstairs flat @ Plaisance. $35,000 per month, 2 months security deposit. Preferably a couple. Whatsapp +1-905-3019798
IMPORTED Pure breed rottweilers for sale. Contact S.S Royal K9 @ 638-1111
(2) bedroom top flat apartment in Riumveldt Tel#227-8529
Paintings by Guyana #1 artist. Oriental General Store, Water Street. www.paintingsron.com Tel#651-1969
One Apartment for rent, First Street, Market. Mon Repos, E.B.Dem Tel#602-4105/2207330
LAND FOR SALE
1 three bedroom apartment for rent in Diamond. Tel#6022563/609-4365
Customized doors, beds, cupboards, closets etc. in your homes at affordable prices. Tel Neel #613-5374 Transported land 11.6 acres, Lot 15 Public road #2 Village EDUCATION W.C. B/ce 5 mins from B/ce Bridge. Contact# 686-4818/ Edu Care Academy, Now 648-7109 enrolling. Former IBE, Lusignan Public Road. Parfaite Harmony $1.6 Million Enrollment 5-9 August. #642- #697-6311 0302/649-5987/676-9909 Farm main road (East Bank) $6.8M Schnoord $3.6M (100ftx50ft) Dairy $2M Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M Tel#648-1635
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’sPER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM
WANTED
Combines 7300 John Deere (2000hrs), Fiatagri L413 (2500hrs), Laverda 132 & Tractors: Massey 399, Fiat 110/90, Ford 6610, 290 Massey # 695-2220
Farm road front E.B.D. Behind Park Vue hotel. High income land. Tel#669-5781, 696-7777
CAR RENTAL
FOR RENT
Office & Business space to rent, High street, Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685 PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657/ yasharabhola4@gmail.com
House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond Houselots 3 mil. New etc. Contact Pacific Development, payment plans Development Inc. 223-6035/ available-no interest #233- 604-4909 6997/667-0140 Eccles (Single & Double lots) Concrete 3 bedroom house, , Providence EBD, Enterprise Diamond, EBD. Call: 699-2060 & Paradise ECD Contact Ray’s One flat unfinished concrete Realty #627-9685 house-Tuschen $4 Million. Tel#697-6311 HEALTH
HERBAL REMEDIES: DIABETES, INFERTILITY, MENSTRUAL DISORDERS, DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL ENLARGED PROSTATE, CALL: 225-7126 & 226KIDNEY, GALL STONES & 3693 -DOLLYS AUTO SKIN DISORDERS ETC. RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ CALL SPARMAN #676-5924 W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM LEARN TO DRIVE AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 N. Outar Driving School, SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD Learn to Drive the right way FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY @ Cuffy Square. Affordable OUTINGS, CHEAPEST package. Call: 644-5166/6912561 RATE . Call: 698-7807
2 storey building, Broad St (Business area) Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685 Newly constructed 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, house overlooking the sea for sale, ECD#675-1510/613-7964 2 storey concrete property 11 (classey) self contained rooms, Broad St, Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685
Experienced Salesman to work @ Innovation America, Knowledge in sales & vast experience in hardware atmosphere. Apply: innovationsamericamng @gmail.com We buy land in Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt. Tel#651-1969/6560701 Live in or Live out Domestic worker. Call from MondaySaturday between 8:154:15pm #223-7500 One handyman. Please call #628-9268 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750 Live-in Domestic, must know to cook $25,000 wkly #6103974 25-40 yrs Cashiers to work at Superbet. Tel#691-7123 Male & Female to work in Factory, Apply in person to R.P Enterprise, ECD. Tel#2202818 One assistant to work in snackette, good handler’s skills, NIS & Tin certificate with a pleasant personality. Call: 226-2320 or 193 Charlotte St, G/town. One male to look after layer birds in the interior. Tel#6693162 Do you owe housing? Want to sell your land? No problem. Call Ravina on #656-0701 One heavy duty mechanic to work in interior, must have driver’s license. Contact# 6802702 1 maid. Tel#225-3234 Taxi Drivers. #225-3234 PROPERTY FOR SALE Modern 3 bedroom house, business area below & bond behind, Ketley Street, Georgetown. Ray’s Realty #627-9685 One concrete 2 storey 3 bedroom Modern home, Melanie (public road) ECD Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685 2 Storey 3 bedroom concrete property Enmore, ECD on 1/4 acre land. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685 Property on the Soesdyke Linden Highway (serious enquiries only) #644-3515/ 698-9711
Immediate vacancy exists for male workers @ Del Ice Co. Tel#231-1408/642-9191 Vacancy exist for one Female to work @ Crystal Ics House in Blairmont, must have Maths & English #231-1408/ 618-3800 Experience Goldsmith needed at Jacob’s Jewellery and Pawnshop. Address 16 Pike St, Kitty Georgetown. Tel#227-8748/622-4970
From page 9 Region Seven. Over the last weekend, also, there were disclosures that Eric Phillips, a senior investigator of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) and Chairman of the Guyana Power and Light Inc., Rawle Lucas, are directors in a company called ABR (African Business Round Table) Oil and Gas Supplies and Logistics Service Inc. Phillips himself is part of another company which has applied for an offshore oil block back in 2015. There are indications now that there are other public officials who after the Coalition Government entered office in 2015, registered new companies and therefore had interests.
1 part time kitchen asst/cook & 1 live-in domestic.2035yrs.Contact Mr.Khan.6956550/656-9313. VEHICLE FOR SALE
1 experienced driver, must have license for car/van/ minibus & motorbus, residing in G/town between ages 24-50 yrs old. #225-1429/ 641-5075
1 NZE Toyota Fielder Wagon PSS series $1.5M neg & 1 AE 91 Toyota Sprinter PGG series $300,000 neg. Both cars stick gear. Tel#616-6620/641-5470
Accounts clerk to work In Charity. Contact#654-7162
2003 Toyota Ist, $1.350M Neg. Tel# 649-9889/645-3583
Handyman in Charity. Contact#654-7162
1 Mitsubishi long base canter. 4M51 engine GSS series. Price $1.7M neg. Tel#693-0388
Supervisor to work in Charity. Contact#654-7162 Surveyor. Contact# 223-5273/ 223-5274 1 General Domestic, must be able to prepare Vegetarian meals, Apply Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St (1) Cashier to work @ Innovations America, must be between ages of 30-45. Send applications/CV’s to: innovationsamericamng @gmail.com Cashier, Ark Enterprise/The Container House. Bring application and police clearance to 17 Lombard Street. 1 trainee computer technician, age 17-21 to work in Vreed-enhoop WBD. Email application to: rtechguy1@gmail.com
1 Honda CRV. includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series (First Owner) Contact #6490956 1-Toyota Tundra 4 wheel drive $1.9M, 1 BMW 3181 $1.4M, 1 Audi Convertible $2.8M, 1 -416 Cat Tractor loader $3.5M Contact#6500402/603-1402 New model premio, pearl white 2009 registered $2.3M , Toyota Vitz 2010 Black unregistered $1.8M . Tel#2235615/600-4212 Nissan Sylphy 2017, low mileage, fog lamps, $3.7M Call: 614-6948 Nissan Dualis 2011, Lady Driven, Low Mileage, fog lamps, backup camera. $4.5M neg. Call: 630-3584
Security needed for the TO LET interior and Georgetown. Call: 223-7165 (2) bedroom apartment @ 80 One procurement personnel Brutus Street Agricola, next to Anglican Church between 1st needed. Call: 223-7165 & 2nd St. Tel#693-9494/231Vacancies @ Bonny’s 0051/611-9880 Butchery for sale girls & boys, VACANCY Apply in person with written application @ 302 Church St. Experienced Male Porters & Tel#226-7310 Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & Vacancy for experienced english. Apply @ Christine’s mason. Apply at Alabama Variety, Lombard St. Contact: Trading, 65 Robb St Bourda 227-8529
Sunday July 14, 2019
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Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS STANDARDS IN FOCUS
TOURISM ENTERING AN UPWARD SWING
By PAT DIAL
T
he consumer com munity has always been concerned with Tourism because of the many facets it presents to society. In the Caribbean islands when their sugar industry which had been their economic mainstay for two centuries had to be closed, they turned to Tourism to try to keep themselves economically afloat. They have been largely successful. Their Tourism was of the sun-and-sand type and the various islands managed to have tourist industries of a high standard. Barbados could be cited as a successful tourist island and the evidence of its success is reflected in the value of its currency — two Barbados dollars were equivalent to US$1 as compared to Guyana where two hundred Guyana dollars were equivalent to US$1. For many years, Guyana never considered the development of a Tourist Industry as a great priority since the country was blessed with a large number of natural resources such as gold, diamonds, bauxite, forests, and fertile agricultural lands on which flourished agricultural industries including rice and sugar and these and others engaged the attention of Guyanese far more than Tourism. Of recent years, however, Guyanese are now realizing that Eco-tourism which is the type of Tourism Guyana offers, could bring not only economic but ecological and social gain as well. Eco-tourism
is far more profitable than sun-and-sand and could bring to the Interior communities more methodical ecological conservation and a cultural and economic fillip. It could also bring Guyana to salutary international notice: In March last, Guyana was named the “Best EcoTourism destination in the world” leading such experienced tourism destinations as Mexico and Tmatboey in Cambodia. Then in June, it received the Latin American Travel Association’s (LATA) “Best in Sustainable Tourism” award. This award was conferred on Guyana for “its impressive sustainable tourism practices and community-led tourism framework which provides job-creation, helps preserve local traditions and customs, promotes low-carbon lifestyles and provides livelihoods for indigenous communities”. To further emphasize the growing positive international image of Guyana, it was featured in the June/July edition of the Travel Agent Central Magazine with Kaieteur Falls spread over its cover and Guyana being its lead story. A great part of the achievement of the promotion of this magnificent world image for Guyana must be to the credit of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG). The time is now coming to convert these achievements into money and this requires the strengthening of the local tourism base.
In this area of strengthening the local tourism base and driving activity forward the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and its Director, Mr Brian Mullis, have been playing a major role. The GTA has been in touch with all stakeholders so that they would all have shared ownership. In pursuing this role, the GTA held two round-table stakeholder engagements in June, the first in Georgetown and the other in Lethem. At these meetings, 45 tourism stakeholders representing tour operators, Interior lodges and resorts, hotels, communities and non-governmental organizations were involved. Among these stakeholdMajor repairs are being done to the bridge at the Mandela/Homestretch Avnues junction. As a result there are some disruptions to the flow of traffic no eastbound traffic on Homestretch and no northbound traffic on Mandela into Sherriff Street (from the National Cultural Centre). Drivers are being asked to use alternative routes (Vlissengen Road, Hadfield St, Durban St, Norton St etc) until further notice.
ers were the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Conservation International and North Rupununi District Development Board. These meetings and engagements were held under the theme “Tourism Development Challenges and Solutions. We all have a role to play”. Tourism strategy, priorities and outcomes to date and for the period 20192020 were addressed as well as critical areas such as reinstating regular scheduled flights into the hinterland, prioritizing policy and critical infrastructural improvements and raising awareness as of the importance and value of tourism nationally.
Also, and equally important with the growing market, international safety, quality and sustainability standards must be achieved. Mr Mullis encapsulated this approach with the remark : “ O n l y through this level of multistakeholder collaboration can tourism realize its potential as a force for good in Guyana”. Food is one of the most important aspects of Tourism and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has been working assiduously to have the hotels and restaurants provide food of international standard and reasonably priced. Twice each year, they en-
list the restaurants of good standard to participate in Restaurant Week. In June, 18 restaurants participated and in November more than 30. All the 18 restaurants which participated last month provided two-course lunches at $2,500 and three-course dinners at $4000. Each restaurant offered its own specialty. The Week was a success and those who took advantage of it were high in their praise of the value they received. It was aptly described a s “a culinary adventure where one could explore, eat and repeat”. Tourism in Guyana is beginning an upward swing.
Road closure
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Technology boost for Bina Hill students - % 34 students from Regions 1, 7, 8 & 9 to benefit The Bina Hill Institute’s Youth Learning Centre (YLC) in Annai, Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo, received 10 new laptops on Friday. The computers will benefit 34 students who recently participated in an Information and
Communication Technology workshop organised by First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger. The three-week-long workshop, being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT),
includes tuition on STEM Robotics and Microenterprise. The computers were handed over to the students and administrators of the technical institution by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney
Guyana Watch, Inc, NY Fits Neatly into This Category... From page 18 missions. The 2019 annual medical and humanitarian mission begins on July 19 and ends on July 28, 2019. It comprises 30 volunteers (including seven doctors from USA, two local doctors, four dentists from USA). GWI has identified seven clinic sites in historically under-served areas across Guyana at which they expect to examine and treat about 3,000 patients and provide appropriate medication. They also expect to examine and treat about 1500 patients with dental problems. As the Jubilee audience was moved by the work and mission of GWI, it was an opportune time to tap into their goodwill. A
Allicock, who was in the North Rupununi village for a community meeting. He was accompanied by Member of Parliament (MP), Mervyn Williams and Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, David Pollard. During the simple presentation ceremony, Minister Allicock explained that the initiative aims to ensure the students have access to the tools that will
enable them to fully utilise their skills. The institution already has access to internet services through egovernment services. This, Minister Allicock emphasised, is a testimony to the importance the Coalition government has placed on education. It also forms part of a national programme to ensure all citizens, regardless of their location, have access to
information via the installation of ICT hubs in every community and educational institution. Today, over 100 of such hubs have been constructed and are equipped with the requisite tools. Bina Hill Youth Learning Centre is the lone technical institution in Region 9 and caters to Indigenous youths from Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9. (DPI)
sum of US$20,000 was donated by members of the audience towards the 2019 medical and humanitarian mission. Mr. Yassin thanked all the donors for their generosity and for helping the disadvantaged in Guyana. After dinner, guests at the Observance were entertained with dance performances by Ambika Persaud and Shivani Singh of the Natraj organization. A classical dance was performed by the maestro Dheeraj Guyaram. There was also karaoke singing by Seeta Panday, as well as by Son Son Gopaul, Jasodra Thakoordeen, and Anand Mahadeo. The programme was emceed by popular community activist Lolita Singh.
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock handing over the laptops to the students of Bina Hill Youth Learning Centre.
Toolsie Persaud brothers battle over $B company shares - CCJ rules that procedural errors should not hinder justice Despite procedural errors, courts should ensure that cases are dealt with justly. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Friday granted Christopher Persaud, acting on behalf of his deceased father David Persaud, permission to appeal before the CCJ which ruled that the Court of Appeal of Guyana must hear the appeal. The Court of Appeal had previously dismissed an appeal filed by Mr. Christopher Persaud against Toolsie Persaud Ltd. and its principal, Mr. Toolsie Persaud. Toolsie Persaud Ltd. is one of Guyana’s largest companies with interests in hardware, quarrying and timber. Its assets are allegedly worth several billion dollars. David Persaud, the minority shareholder in Toolsie Persaud Ltd., had filed a complainant oppression action, against the company and Toolsie Persaud, the majority shareholder and his brother. Mr. Christopher Persaud, whose father had owned 33.3% of Toolsie Persaud Ltd, had requested that the company purchase shares of the deceased, that the company be wound up or an interim order be made
restraining the sale or disposition of sales. The application was filed under section 232, in accordance with section 224 of the Companies Act, which has as its purpose the restraining of oppressive conduct in companies. While the matter was being heard by Justice Rishi Persaud in open court, new Civil Procedure Rules were implemented. These allowed oppressive actions to be appealed to the Court of Appeal, instead of the Full Court. After receiving an unfavourable judgment from Justice Persaud, Christopher Persaud moved to the Court of Appeal. However, Toolsie Persaud Ltd. and Toolsie Persaud objected on the basis that the court did not have the authority to hear the appeal. As a result of the objections, Mr. Christopher Persaud then went before the Full Court to determine whether this was the case and if it was that he be given more time to allow him to file the appeal at the Full Court. That case was dismissed and then he filed an appeal against this decision at the Court of Appeal. After being
dissatisfied with both courts, Mr. Christopher Persaud then turned to the CCJ. One issue raised was whether the CCJ had jurisdiction to hear the matter. The Court found that it did. It stated, “This Court has an inherent jurisdiction to exercise its discretion to grant special leave in cases where procedural rules have not been strictly followed and where such leave is required in the interest of justice.” The Court also noted that having lost his oppression action in the High Court, the Applicant did all that a diligent litigant could have done to secure his appeal and that every attempt by the Applicant to pursue his appeal was met by technical procedural manoeuvres and arguments by the Respondents. The Court found it was necessary “to ensure that the Court is accessible, fair and efficient and that unnecessary disputes over procedural matters are discouraged.” Costs were awarded to Mr. Christopher Persaud, to be taxed if there is no agreement.
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Future Seismic programme for Stabroek Block hinges on ICJ decision
Hess Corporation CEO, John Hess The licence holders of the Stabroek Block are hopeful to have a seismic programme conducted on the northern part of the offshore concession but it appears that would be hinged on the final outcome of Guyana’s application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the territorial issue with Venezuela. This was noted by Hess Corporation’s CEO, John Hess, at the Bernstein 35th Annual Strategic Decisions Conference that was held some weeks ago. At that event, it was noted that there is a portion of the block that has been contested by the Venezuelans. As a result, the seismic activity which aids in the planning of the drilling programme for the northern part of the block has been delayed. On this note, Hess was
asked at the event to state the timeline for returning to that portion of the block but a definitive one was not provided. The CEO said nonetheless that the issue is one that will be solved diplomatically while noting that that part of the block has no impact on its other investment programmes which include Liza Phase One and Two in the eastern portion of the block. The CEO further stated that the partners would like to have a seismic programme in the northern part of the block to see what the prospectively is. He reminded, however, that there is a difference about where the property line drops. It is a matter whose history goes back to 1899. Hess said that the United Nations, CARICOM and
Map showing the line demarcating the ongoing claim by Venezuela even the US Government support Guyana on this matter “...and we will wait for that decision.” Documents which belong to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) show that Venezuela’s unsubstantiated claim has affected exploratory works on the Roraima block which is operated by Anadarko, and the Kaieteur block that is operated by ExxonMobil, Ratio Energy, Cataleya and Hess. Last year, ExxonMobil was forced to pause its 3-D seismic operations which were close to the northern part of the Stabroek Block following an incursion by the Venezuelan military. ExxonMobil’s Head of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe, had said that the operations were halted to ensure the safety of crew members.
ERC urges political leadership to work for Guyana
F
ollowing the rulings and consequential order made by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on July 12, 2019, the government was defeated by a no-confidence motion which was passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, and it was made clear that the Government is currently in “Caretaker” mode. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) also ruled that the process that was used to select Justice (ret’d) James Patterson, the last chairman of GECOM was flawed and the process is still ongoing for the selection of a new GECOM chairman. The Ethnic Relation Commission mentioned that it is fully aware of the rulings and consequential orders made by the CCJ, and as such the country is in dire need of a political solution that will be in the best interest of Guyana and its people. The ERC is urging the po-
litical leaders to meaningfully engage with each other to obtain the much desire and mutually agreed solutions so as to break the current impasse. “It is very important that this happen soon in an atmosphere of respect with unregulated determination by all parties involved to put the welfare of Guyana and Guyanese above any semblance of partisanship.” “The ERC is not unmindful of the focus upon our country. While the situation is not devoid of challenges to both sides of the political divide, Guyanese have and continue to be resolute in carving necessary ways and means to overcome hurdles encountered. The lessons therein are invaluable.” The Commission stated that it remains optimistic that with fairness and with the nation’s welfare being put first, the current political situ-
ation would be resolved and that they are confident that when both sides engage in search of a way forward, there will be improvements. Success only comes when efforts are made, the government and the opposition should consider working together so as to come to an agreement and then there will be a single solution. The situation calls for a demonstration of willingness from both sides to genuinely work together in pursuit of a common national goal. It also affords the opportunity to show and convince that Guyana, through its entrusted political leadership, can deliver that common desire by resolving issues amicably. That will undoubtedly precipitate a positive impact for harmony and good relations among our Guyanese brothers and sisters, not the least, the political leadership in which we repose our confidence.
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Second for Jamaican trio at Monaco Diamond League meet
Winner, The Bahamas’s Shaunae Miller-Uibo (right), congratulates second-placed Jamaican Elaine Thompson after competing in the women’s 200m during the IAAF Diamond League competition in Monaco. (Photo: AFP)
Embattled former world championships sprint hurdler Danielle Williams was one of three Jamaicans who placed second in their respective events at Friday’s Herculis IAAF Diamond League meeting in Monaco. Williams in the 100m hurdles, Elaine Thompson in the women’s 200m and Natoya Goule in the women’s 800m all claimed runner-up spots at the meet that was highlighted by a world record run in the women’s mile by Holland’s Sifan Hassan, who clocked 4:12.33 seconds, taking 0.23 seconds off the previous mark of 4:12.56 seconds set by Svetlana Masterkova of Russia in 1996. Williams, who was controversially disqualified in the finals of the 100m hurdles at the JAAA/Supreme
Sunday July 14, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Love and romance are likely to be tops on your agenda today, Virgo. You're feeling especially warm and loving now. Current and potential love partners could feel strongly drawn to you. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) If you've considered a career in publishing, Taurus, this is the time to go for it. It's also a great day to enroll in law school, an advanced degree program, or any field of higher education. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your dreams could be vivid, pleasant, and full of information to help you make a decision. New and exciting contacts could come into your life today CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today you're likely focused on sex, romance, and committed relationships. The planetary energies surrounding love are promising, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you should be glowing with good health, energy, and stamina, and be doing well at work, whether career, volunteer work, or a personal project. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Love and romance are likely to be tops on your agenda today, Virgo. You're feeling especially warm and loving now. Current and potential love partners could feel strongly drawn to you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Important enterprises centering on your home could take up a lot of your energy over the next few days, Libra. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Some absolutely wonderful news could come your way, Scorpio, possibly about career or financial success, perhaps involving positive changes in your neighborhood. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You should feel especially warm and loving today toward just about anyone you meet, Sagittarius. Good news about money may have caused you to feel especially positive. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Capricorn, you should be looking beautiful and feeling especially positive, warm, and loving - attracting people of all kinds to you. Your self-confidence, optimism, and determination should peak over the next few days. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Creative inspiration could come from deep within today, Aquarius. Visions, dreams - anything that excites your imagination could bring ideas for new projects. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Group activities prove beneficial on several levels, Pisces. You might project powerful warmth and love for all life. You're feeling especially optimistic about the future.
Ventures National Championships last month, clocked a season’s best 12.52 seconds (0.1m/s) in her first outing since the incident and finished second behind world record holder Kendra Harrison, who ran a season’s best 12.43 seconds. Jamaica’s World leader Janeek Brown, who was making her professional debut after signing with German sporting goods giant Puma, was fourth in 12.71 seconds after leading the race in the early stages as American Christine Clemons placed third in 12.62 seconds. Thompson, who has the world leading mark in the women’s 200m, ran 22.44 seconds (0.m/s) to finish second behind the longstriding Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who ran a season’s best 22.09 seconds with Holland’s Dafne Schippers third in 22.45 seconds, also her fastest of
the season so far. In absence of world and Olympic champion, South African Castor Semenya, Goule and American Ajee Wilson staged a home stretch battle in the women’s 800m after separating from the field in the event that was not part of the Diamond League schedule yesterday. Goule ran a season’s best 1:57.90 seconds well under her previous 2019 best of 1:59.50 seconds, pushing Wilson to a season’s best 1:57.73 seconds with Great Britain’s Laura Muir running a personal best 1:58.42 seconds for third place. Janieve Russell ran a season’s best 54.70 seconds for fourth place in the women’s 400m hurdles, edging national champion Rushell Clayton (54.82
seconds) as American Sydney McLaughlin won with a World-leading 53.32 seconds ahead of compatriot Ashley Spencer (54.46) with former World champion Zuzana Hejnova fourth in 54.55 seconds. On Thursday, national champion Shanieka Ricketts finished third in the women’s triple jump that was held outside of the stadium and along the beachside in the Principality, with a best mark of 14.67m (0.0m/s) on her final attempt. Commonwealth Games champion Kimberly Williams was fourth with a season’s best of 14.56m (1.0m/s) as World champion Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela, who is also the World leader in the event, won with 14.98m (0.0m/ s). (Jamaica Observer)
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YBG Championships
President’s College, Kwakwani, Marian Academy victorious P r e s i d e n t ’s C o l l e g e , Kwakwani Secondary and Marian Academy emerged victorious when the Youth Basketball Guyana/ National Schools’ Basketball Festival concluded on Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. President’s College and Kwakwani treated the fairsized crowd to much excitement in the boys U18 final in which the former prevailed 89-79. President’s College took the early lead as the first quarter finished on 20-13. But Kwakwani fought back admirably in the second quarter to reduce the deficit as they managed to score 16 points, while
President’s College picked up 17. Both teams continued to battle in the third quarter, but P r e s i d e n t ’s College managed to hold on to the lead and picked up the pace in the fourth quarter to retain their title. P r e s i d e n t ’s C o l l e g e were spearheaded by 21 points from Gabriel Lim along with 13 rebounds, 18 with seven rebounds from Richard Semple and 16 and eight rebounds from Rakin Mac Donald. Kwakwani were led by 19 points from Rayon Shortt, 14 from Hosea Conway and nine from Demarcus Adams. Kwakwani defeated St.
Kwakwani Secondary with their hardware. Stanislaus College 77-25 to win the boys U14 final. Troaris Lewis made a game high 26 points and six rebounds, while Geron Ross supported well with 23 including 17 rebounds and four assists, Matthew David scored 14 and Kelon
Phillips 10. Trevon Boston and Daniel Bailey made eight and seven respectively for St. Stanislaus College. Marian Academy defeated Kwakwani 27-24 in the girls U14 final. Kelly Ann Sauers turned in 14
points and eight rebounds for the winners, while S h emina Peroun e a n d Renuka Ramcharran contributed four each. Holly Grimmond scored 10 points for Kwakwani while Shania Sears and managed eight. (Zaheer Mohamed)
French joy as Alaphilippe takes Tour yellow for Bastille Day Marian Academy and Coach Lugard Mohan with their accolades.
Kenyan officials blame frequency of doping on numbers NAIROBI (Reuters) Kenya’s anti-doping and athletics chiefs on Friday disputed a report by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) that ranked the east African nation as the third most cheating nation in the sport. With 41 athletes banned for doping, the AIU said that Kenya, known for its middle and long distance supremacy, produced the third highest number of cheating athletes only lower than suspended Russia (87) and India (42). “Although the report confirms to us that there is work to be done, we have done a lot in terms of tests, education and continuous monitoring,” Japhter Rugut, Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) chief executive officer, told Reuters. “Kenya has many athletes, so comparing the
frequency against the number of athletes may not give an accurate figure because the probability of getting positives are higher,” he added. “The WADA-accredited laboratory has started operating in Nairobi and we have done many tests there. In the lead to World Championships (in Doha), we shall conduct at least four tests on each athlete who will be selected.” Athletics Kenya (AK) Executive Committee member Barnaba Korir termed doping as a global phenomenon, but added that the frequent exposure of cheats “is a result of concerted effort by AK, ADAK and AIU in catching them.” “Because of high concentration of elite athletes, Kenya may rank high, but if looked at from per capita perspective, we may not be too badly off,” he said,
adding that testing will continue. Kenyan athletics great Kipchoge Keino, however, demanded that the root cause of doping be addressed first. “Who are these faceless people who are killing our talented athletes? We should start from there, then subject them to the laws of the land. They are destroying the legacy we built over the years and killing an entire generation of our youth,” said the 79-yearold two-time Olympic champion. Rugut said ADAK is always in touch with AK to ensure tests and education are completed. He added that the WADA-accredited laboratory has also been handling tests from Ethiopia and hopes other neighboring countries will follow suit.
AFP - Thomas De Gendt won yesterday’s Tour de France eighth stage with a solo breakaway as home hero Julian Alaphilippe thrillingly won back the yellow jersey a day ahead of the Bastille Day national holiday. In a breath-taking finish, defending champion Geraint Thomas survived a spectacular fall, but lost time to title rival Thibaut Pinot in the overall standings. Former soldier
Alaphilippe took the overall lead on stage three with a stunning solo break but lost it to Italy’s Giulio Ciccone at the Planche des Belles Filles mountain slog on Thursday. However, with 15km to go yesterday, Alaphilippe and Pinot combined to drop the peloton in a desperate bid to get back the yellow jersey and for Pinot to take time in the overall on his title rivals. They could not catch De Gendt, the Belgian who won
by six seconds, but beat Ciccone by 20 seconds for Alaphilippe to regain the yellow and wear it today for the July 14 festivities. The last French rider to be in yellow for Bastille Day fireworks was Tony Gallopin in 2014. Yesterday’s stage was a notable success for FDJ captain Pinot, who was ecstatic after climbing to third in the overall standings behind Alaphilippe and Ciccone.
French duo Julian Alaphilippe and Thibaut Pinot worked together for a win-win result on Saturday behind stage eight victor Thomas De Gendt. (AFP / Marco Bertorello)
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Wait goes on for Williams as inspired Halep wins Wimbledon LONDON (Reuters) Serena Williams remained tantalisingly one short of a record-equalling 24 Grand Slam singles titles as Simona Halep thrashed the off-key American in a one-sided Wimbledon final yesterday. An inspired Halep took ruthless advantage of an error-strewn display by seven-times champion Williams to win 6-2 6-2 and become Romania’s first Wimbledon singles champion. The 27-year-old Halep set the tone by breaking the Williams serve in the opening game and raced into a 4-0 lead in front of 15,000 incredulous fans on Centre Court. She remained rock solid throughout, making only three unforced errors in a remarkable display of defence mixed with clinical counterpunching. Williams simply could not respond. Even when Williams fired herself up at the start of the second set and began thumping the ball with her customary power, seventh seed Halep refused to back off. Halep weathered the squall, then reeled off the
Romania’s Simona Halep and Serena Williams of the U.S. chat at the net after the Wimbledon final on day 12 of the tournament. (Susan Mullane-USA Today Sports) last five games of what she described as the match of her life. Williams, who has now lost three Grand Slam finals since returning to the Tour last March following the birth of daughter Olympia in September 2017, was short of ideas and the match ended after 56
minutes when she biffed a forehand into the net — her 26th unforced error. It was the second shortest final since Martina Navratilova thrashed Andrea Jaeger in 1983, one minute longer t h a n P e t r a K v i t o v a ’s trouncing of Eugenie Bouchard five years ago.
England favourites but anything possible, warns Williamson LONDON (Reuters) - New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has no problem that hosts England have been branded favourites for today’s Cricket World Cup final but says anything is possible. A new 50-overs world champion will emerge at Lord’s after what many consider will be a battle between England’s deep batting lineup and New Zealand’s incisive bowling attack. England ruthlessly destroyed five-times champions Australia to move to the cusp of their first ever men’s 50-overs World Cup title, while New Zealand’s crafty bowlers defended a small total against two-times champions India in the other semi-final. “I think England rightly so deserve to be favourites. Coming into this tournament from the start, they were favourites and they’ve been playing really good cricket,” a relaxed-looking Williamson told a news conference when asked if his side were underdogs. “Whatever dog we are, it’s just important that we focus on the cricket that we want to play and we have
seen over the years that anybody can beat anybody regardless of breed of dog,” he said with a smile. The canine reference appeared to amuse the Kiwi skipper who was also asked how it would feel to play party-pooper in a match which would be broadcast free-to-air on TV. “Party-poopers? You talking about dogs again, hey?” he said with a smile. “Look, we are really looking forward to the occasion and the end point and the result...focussing too much on it, I don’t think, is a positive thing.” England will expect another flying start from openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, who have combined in four successive century partnerships. Williamson acknowledged the threat they pose, but said nothing can be taken for granted. “Those two have been fantastic throughout this whole competition and prior as well,” said the Kiwi batting mainstay. “There is a huge amount of respect for the matchwinners that they have within their side, obviously the top of the order and throughout.
“But the focus for us is very much about the cricket that we want to play and the performance we want to put on the board and if we do that, we have seen throughout this competition that anybody can beat anybody.” Williamson was part of the Brendon McCullum-led squad who suffered a heavy defeat in the 2015 final against Australia. The 28-year-old’s levelheaded leadership, along with his prolific form with the bat, have been instrumental in New Zealand’s second straight run to the final. “I try not to get too caught up in the results and hopefully not too emotional about just the outcome and maybe look at it with a bit more reason...and then try and move on from that as quickly as possible.” “There’s always more to the picture than just the end point... “We look forward to tomorrow, treating it with a huge amount of respect because it’s not very often you get the opportunity to be out in a World Cup final, but very much focussed on what we need to try and achieve.”
“She played out of her mind,” Williams, who had won nine of her previous 10 matches against Halep, said on court after picking up the runners-up salver for the second straight year, having ran into a similarly inspired Angelique Kerber last year. “It was a little bit a deer in headlights for me. Whenever a player plays like that you just have to take your hat off.” Until Saturday the only other Romanian to reach the Wimbledon final was
Ilie Nastase who finished runner-up in 1972 and 1976. Halep went one better as she added the Wimbledon crown to the French Open she won in 2018. ‘MUM’S DREAM’ “It’s something very special and I’ll never forget this day. It was my mum’s dream when I was about 10. The day came,” the former world number one Halep said. “Well I had nerves, my stomach wasn’t well before. But I knew there was no time for emotions. “I just came out on court to do my best.” After losing to Kerber here a year ago, then going down to Naomi Osaka in a stormy U.S. Open final, the stage was set for the 37-yearold to finally move level with Australian Margaret Court on the all-time list. Despite having only five tournaments under her belt this year, Williams, who won her first Wimbledon title in 2002, had looked calm and composed en route to her 11th Wimbledon final. If she thought she could put down an early marker she was mistaken as three unforced errors in the opening game handed Halep an unexpected gift of an early break. Halep grew in stature and could not miss. Williams, on the other hand, looked tight and lacked any feel. There was strong support
for Williams, including of the royal variety with friend Meghan Markle joining the Duchess of Cambridge in a crammed Royal Box. But it was Halep who wowed the fans, haring across the turf to whip a superb backhand on her way to a second break which she sealed with a flashing backhand return winner. Williams served 45 aces en route to the final but it was Halep who served the first one yesterday to move 4-0 ahead. It was 13 minutes before Williams even got the scoreboard ticking. “Wake up Serena” someone yelled as Halep served for the first set at 5-2. It fell on deaf ears as a shanked forehand return ended the set after 26 minutes. Halep knew there would be a backlash and Williams raised the decibel level at the start of the second set, bent double, fists clenched and bellowing after a volleyed winner. Williams led 2-1 but Halep’s scampering was making her play an extra shot in every rally, many of which were wild ones. At 2-2 Halep scooped up a ball she had no right t o r e a c h a n d Wi l l i a m s lurched forward to blaze a backhand long. The end came quickly. Halep broke again for 5-2 and calmly held to clinch the title.
4-Horse Man Promotions, Ryan Crawford TC one day PMTC Centenary meet
Banks DIH, Trophy Stall among major sponsors expected A number of sponsors have joined forces with the 4-Horse Man Promotions Group which is collaborating with the Crawford Memorial Turf Club to stage a one day horserace meet in celebration of the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) Centenary Anniversary slated for Emancipation Day, August 1st, 2019. The meet, which will be held at the PMTC, Corentyne Berbice, is expected to see a number of major sponsors on board such as Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall, Attorney at Law Senior Counsel Rajendra Poonai, Jumbo Jet and Colin Elcock Delmur Trading Limited. While a number have confirmed their participation others are in the final stages of wrapping up their agreement for the event. The event, which is a twofold activity, will be held to celebrate the 100 years for the PMTC and in memory of the achievements of the late Attorney at Law and Senior Counsel, Marcel Crawford for the enormous amount of work he did at the PMTC during his lifetime. The days meet will see seven races being held with over $3M in cash trophies and other incentives on offer. Over 25 horses have so far entered for the event which has the feature race listed for 3
years old Guyana-bred horses over a distance of 1300M for a winning purse of $300,000 and trophy. The other events are the H3 and lower race running over a distance of 1300M for a winning take of $220,000 and trophy. There is the two-year-old Guyana-bred 1000 meters event for a winning take of $220,000 and a trophy. The J and Lower event is for animals 4 years and over for a first prize of $180,000 and a trophy. The K2 and Lower race for animals over 4 years has a winning take of $170,000 and trophy. The race for L class open animals will see the winner taking home $160,000 and trophy over 1100M and the L1 and Lower race for a top prize of $140,000 and trophy. All races will be run under the Guyana Horse Racing Rules and no late entries will be accepted. Interested persons can make contact with Bobby Vaughn on 624-6788, 223-5097 or 2277061, Marcel Crawford Jr on 678-5342 or 6007690, Fazal Habibullah on 657-7010, Compton Sancho on 691-1174 or Loresa Mohabir on 624-0453 for further information. Veteran horse Breeder, trainer and owner Colin Elcock is the Coordinator. (Samuel Whyte)
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Bottas denies Hamilton his home British GP pole SILVERSTONE, England (Reuters) - Valtteri Bottas beat crowd favourite and Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton by the blink of an eye yesterday to deny his Mercedes team mate a fifth successive British Grand Prix pole position. The Finn was a mere six thousandths of a second quicker than the five-times world champion as the two Silver Arrows again locked out the front row of the grid on a cloudy afternoon at Silverstone. Ferrari’s young Monegasque Charles Leclerc will share the second row with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who won the previous race in Austria where the two 21year-olds clashed on track while fighting for victory in the closing laps. The pole, in a track-record time of one minute 25.093 seconds, was Bottas’s fourth in 10 races this season — more than any other driver — and his career 10th. “Ultimately not good enough,” said Hamilton, who was fastest in the first phase of qualifying but ran wide at Brooklands on his first lap of the final session. “We worked really hard throughout the session but it just got a little bit away from us.
Valtteri Bottas beat Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton to pole position by the tiniest of margins. (Getty Images) “I sacrificed a lap in Q2 (the second phase), which would have helped get a reading of how the car was. And then just at the end I had that mistake on the first lap and the second one just wasn’t that great. “Fair play to Valtteri, he did the job. But it’s a long race tomorrow and we’ve got a great crowd here so hopefully I can do something different.” Bottas is 31 points adrift of Hamilton in the championship and needs to close the gap, fully aware that his team mate has a habit of hitting full throttle once the August break is out of the way. The Finn led after the first
flying laps of the top-10 shootout and stayed there despite failing to improve on his time with the final run. “I knew the first lap was good but it wasn’t perfect and honestly I should’ve improved in the second run and I’m glad it was enough — it’s not easy to get a quick lap together and it’s very easy to do mistakes,” said the happy Finn. SELLOUT CROWD Bottas has converted only one of his poles into victory this season and Hamilton still remains well-placed to delight his army of fans with a record sixth home win and 80th of his career. A sellout crowd of more than 140,000 is expected to
turn up today. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, last year’s race winner, was sixth and behind resurgent Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly on the third row. “I’ve had worse ones, at least I took part,” said Vettel, whose team had ended the morning’s final practice onetwo on the timesheets and had Leclerc set the fastest time in the second phase of qualifying. “I didn’t have a great feeling this afternoon and you need a great feeling to throw the car from one side to the other,” added the German, who will start on the soft tyres while Mercedes have slower but more durable mediums. Australian Daniel
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton who qualified in second position shakes hands with teammate Valtteri Bottas who qualified in pole position after qualifying. (REUTERS/John Sibley) Ricciardo lines up seventh for Renault, alongside McLaren’s Lando Norris after another fine performance by the British teenage rookie whose Spanish team mate Carlos Sainz was 13th. “I think I can be reasonably happy with P8,” said Norris, who also got plenty of cheers from the fans. “Not ideal, but it was
good fun. It’s an awesome track to do qualifying on. The whole weekend’s been pretty nice so far. “We’re normally a bit better on Sundays than Saturdays.” British-born Thai rookie Alexander Albon starts ninth for Toro Rosso with Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg 10th.
Diamond League: Laura Muir third in 800m, Sifan Hassan breaks mile world record BBC Sport - Scotland’s Laura Muir ran a personal best time as she claimed third place in the women’s 800m at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco. The European 1500m champion, 26, ran one minute 58.42 seconds and compatriot Lynsey Sharp finished fourth in 1:58.76 as Ajee Wilson won in 1:57.73. World champion Justin Gatlin clocked 9.91 to beat Noah Lyles in the 100m. There was a world record in the women’s mile as Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands clocked 4:12.33 seconds. It eclipsed the 1996 mark of 4:12.56 by Svetlana Masterkova of Russia. Hassan, 26, the European 5,000m gold medallist, broke clear of the field with two laps to go and said: “The first 800m were a bit slow so I wasn’t thinking it would be a world record. When I crossed the line I was so surprised.”
B r i t a i n ’s Laura We i g h t m a n finished second with a new personal best of 4:17:60, with Northern Ireland’s Ciara Mageean eighth in a personal best 4:19.03 and Melissa Courtney of Wales 12th in 4:27.76. The race was named the ‘Brave like Gabe Mile’ in honour of former American middle distance runner Gabe Grunewald, who died from cancer last month at the age of 32. After a tribute to Grunewald on the big screens at the stadium, there were a total of four national records in the race a n d We i g h t m a n w a s invited by Hassan to join her on a lap of honour. “I’m absolutely delighted - to run 4:17 is a big PB and I’m over the moon for Sifan to break the world record,” said the 28y e a r- o l d . “ S h e ’s a n amazing athlete - it’s a special moment to share
Muir won the Diamond League 1500m in 2016 and 2018. (Getty Images) this with her.” Both Gatlin and Lyles had already claimed Diamond League 100m victories this season, with Lyles clocking the fourth fastest 200m of all time when he won in 19.50 seconds in Lausanne last week.
Gatlin, 37, made the better start and improved on his winning time last week, with just enough to hold off the challenge of his fellow American, 16 years his junior. “It was a technical race tonight,” said Gatlin, who has served two doping bans. “I just kept focused as I knew Noah would be coming after me like a bat out of hell!” Scot Jake Wightman was eighth in the men’s 800m in a season’s best 1:45.08, with France’s world champion
New world record holder Sifan Hassan asked Britain’s Laura Weightman to join her on a victory lap after the Englishwoman set a new personal best in finishing second. (Getty Images) Pierre-Ambroise Bosse ninth. Nijel Amos of Botswana, the 2012 Olympic silver medallist and 2014 Commonwealth champion, won in a world-leading time of 1:41.73. World champion Dafne Schippers ran a season’s best 22.45 but was beaten into third place in the women’s 200m as Olympic 400m champion Shaunae MillerUibo of the Bahamas, winner of four Diamond League 200m events last year, won in 22.09 and Olympic sprint double
gold medallist Elaine Thompson of Jamaica was second in 22.44. In the pole vault, Piotr Lisek of Poland recorded a meeting record of 6.02m, his personal best and the leading mark in the world this year. American 19-year-old Sydney McLaughlin began the evening’s programme, played out in muggy conditions, with temperatures of 28C and high humidity, by setting a worldleading 53.32 seconds in the women’s 400m hurdles.
Sunday July 14, 2019
Hamilton Green 9-a-side Inter Ward Cup final set for today All roads lead to the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara when the Dennis Edwards and the Sparta Family sponsored final day of competition in the Hamilton Green Inter Ward/Village 9-aside Knockout Football Tournament will conclude with eight matches. Coordination Lennox Arthur indicated his intent to ensure the tournament is concluded today rain or shine. Action starts at 3:00pm with the remaining playoff games followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals and final under lights provided by Brian Tiwari of BK International Company. The 30-minute games, which will be divided into 15minute halves with a 5-minute interval, opens with Mahaicony coming up against Bagotville at 3:00pm followed by Timehri against Charlestown, Soesdyke face Lilliendaal, Pouderoyen versus Sophia, Goed Fortuin play De Kinderen, Bourda Blues take on Mocha, Den Amstel Back Street battle Zeelugt and Uitvlugt oppose Vreed-en-Hoop. The winners of these games advance to the quarters, with the respective winners going onto challenge for a spot in the final. Sudden death penalties
Minister George Norton and Olympic bronze medalist Michael Parris visit Orealla - To present punching bag
Trayon Bobb
Jamal Harvey
will be used to separate the sides in the event of a draw at the end of full time. The no offside rule and all of the FIFA rules will be in effect. The champions will take home $300,000, while the runners-up team will collect $100,000 with both teams getting the Prime Minister’s Trophies which were donated by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. The player with the Most Goals will receive a Home Dinette Chair from China Trading, while the footballer who scores the second most goals will be presented with a Lazy Boy chair from AH&L Kissoon. The Best Goalkeeper will collect the
Minister of Natural Resources trophy. Trayon Bobb (4), Adrian Aaron (3), Jamal Harvey (2) and Tyrone Khan (2) are the current top goal scorers in the tournament. Among the sponsors of the tournament are: John Fernandes, Courtney Benn, Techno mills, Ready mix, Sattaur Gafoor, Sparta Family, E.C Vieira, BEV Enterprises, BK International, IPA, New Thriving, Ricks and Sari, ENetworks, Star Computers, NAMILCO, Cummings Electrical, National Sports Commission, Star Entertainment, Alfro Alphonso and the Prime Minister.
Algeria need to turn form book upside down against Nigeria CAIRO (Reuters) Algeria will have to turn the form book upside down if they are to overcome Nigeria in their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final today, having not beaten the Super Eagles on the pitch for nearly 30 years. In the other match Senegal, aiming to win the tournament for the first time, meet a Tunisia side appearing to pick up momentum at the right time. A l g e r i a twice beat Nigeria at the 1990 tournament — 5-1 in the group stage and 1-0 in the final — on the only occasion that they won the title. Three-times champions Nigeria have won seven and drawn two of their seven meetings since then although in their very last match — a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw in 2017 — the result was subsequently overturned because Nigeria fielded Abdullahi Shehu when he was suspended. A 3-0 walkover win was awarded to Algeria although
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it was academic as Nigeria had already qualified for the World Cup. “If we manage to achieve success here, we will go down in history,” Nigeria forward Alex Iwobi told the BBC. “I know it’s always been our childhood dream to win as many competitions as we can.” Algeria are in their seventh Afcon semi-final, their first since 2010, and have looked one of the most solid teams, although some chinks were exposed by Ivory Coast in the quarter-final which went to a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. “We have a team of warriors and we must seize our chance to win this tournament,” said Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez. “Before starting the tournament our goal was to reach the semi-finals, but now we want to win this Afcon title”. Senegal have reached the semi-finals for the first time for 13 years although they had to work hard for 1-0 victories over outsiders Uganda and Benin in the knockout stages. Throughout the tournament,
coach Aliou Cisse — who played in the side beaten by Cameroon in the 2002 final — has battled against the idea that his team are the title favourites. “I want to congratulate my players for the heroic match as well as the qualification that is deserved for us,” he said after they beat Benin. “Since 2006, Senegal has not reached the semi-finals of the AFCON, which proves that we are working to become the best.” Tunisia, meanwhile, drew all three of their group stage matches and then beat Ghana on penalties in the round of 16 after another draw, before beating Madagascar 3-0 in the quarter-finals. It is their seventh semi-final although their first since 2004 when they won the tournament for the only time. “After three difficult matches in the first round, we gained momentum in the knockout stages. The bottom line for us now is qualifying in the semi-finals, 15 years since we last did that,” said midfielder Ferjani Sassi.
Minister of Social Cohesion Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility with Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. George Norton is presently on a visit to Orealla, Region 6. . Mr. Norton is being accompanied by Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist and boxing star, Mr. Michael Parris. Dr. Norton is visiting the village to engage residents on various issues relative to their development. The Minister is expected to meet with sports officials and agencies, as he continues to execute a number of sports programmes in the community. At the moment boxing and football coaches attached to the National Sports Commission (NSC) are conducting sessions in the village. Football coach, Mr. Gordon Braithwaite will be hosting football camps, while boxing coach, Mr. Orlando ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers will be training prospective boxers. Minister Norton will also be presenting the community with a punching bag, as a means of promoting boxing as not only a hobby, but also a serious Olympic sport. He is hopeful that Parris will motivate and inspire young boxers to keep training. “We want them to see Mr.
Minister Norton and Olympic Bronze medalist Michael Parris pose with the punching bag which is slated to be presented to the community of Orealla over this weekend. Parris as a living example of a boxing champion, an Olympian – Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist, above all and even be inspired to challenge Mr. Parris’ record,” Dr. Norton noted. In August, 1980, Michael Anthony Parris created
history at the Moscow Olympics, as the first Guyanese to win a medal at the world’s largest sporting event. Parris copped a bronze medal, after being defeated by Cuba’s Juan Hernández in the semifinals.
Letter to the Sports Editor
Jefford Track and Field Classic X is misleading Dear Sports Editor, Permit me space in your newspaper to respond to the article “Jefford Track and Field X launched” date 201907-09. I am somehow bemused at this caption which carries a photograph of Mr. Christopher Jones the Director of Sport and others who was an avid supporter of the Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic for the past four years inclusive of 2018. The Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic would have been celebrating its tenth anniversary this year if there wasn’t any split in partnership. I was pleasantly surprised that despite advice and warning Mr. Jefford was bold enough to publicize that the Jefford Track and Field Classic is celebrating its tenth year when in fact this is the
first Jefford track meet. My question for Mr. Jefford is “Where and when were the previous nine Jefford Track and Field Classics Held?” I am compelled to seek legal redress in a court of law since the logo (with the name Boyce Missing), pictures, backdrop and the previous years of the Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic were used to promote the Jefford Track and Field Classic. This I found to be tantamount to disrespect to me since I was the backbone of the Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic, which was renamed from President/ Jefford Track and Field Classic after losing the Presidency of the Athletics Association of Guyana in 2013. Athletes, Spectators, Sponsors and sports administrators can attest to
this. I wish to let the athletes, track and field lovers and supporters know that I have no intention of causing disharmony within the sport but will not sit in silence and allow Mr. Jefford to’ enjoy the benefit and glory derived from the success of the Boyce/ Jefford Track and Field Classic. Yours towards the Development of Sport, Colin Boyce Former National Sprinter Former President AAG Former Chairman Boyce/ Jefford Track and Field Classic
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Kaieteur News
GOA confirms contingent for Pan Am games By Calvin Chapman Head of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA); K.A. Juman Yassin, confirmed the 40-member contingent that will represent the Golden Arrowhead at the 18th Pan American Games which will be held in Lima, Peru from the 22nd of this month to August 12th., during a press conference yesterday morning at the G O A’s S e c r e t a r i a t a t Lilliendaal. The Chef-de-Mission will be Nalini McKoy and Guyana will be represented in eight disciplines, namely Badminton, Rugby Sevens, Swimming, Taekwando, Ta b l e Te n n i s , S q u a s h , Boxing and Athletics. Boxing coach, Terrence Poole, is positive that prodigy Keevin Allicock will do well at the games and he shared during the brief that, “We are getting a steady and positive report out of Cuba so we know he is doing full time preparation. Keevin is one of the brightest spots that we have. I expect him to be on the podium because he would’ve seen many of the boxers that qualified for Pan Am games fight before.” Currently, the athletics
contingent consists of Winston George (200m), Aliyah Abrams (400m), Emanuel Archibald (Long Jump), Brenessa Thompson (100m) and the coach/manager is Julian Edmonds. However, during the press conference, Edmonds noted that Jenea M c C a m m o n ; G u y a n a ’s 11 0 m w o m e n ’s h u r d l e s record holder, has been cleared in the technical delegate of the Pan Am games to compete. Edmonds noted that the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will immediately make contact with McCammon to ascertain her availability and level of fitness to compete at the games. The last time Guyana won a medal at the Pan Am games was in 2011, Mexico, when Nicolette Fernandes finished with the Bronze m e d a l . T h i s y e a r, t h e squash team won’t have any male representatives but it is the first time that they will be competing in the ladies doubles. The team consists of Taylor Fernandes (cousin of Nicolette), Mary Fung-AFat and national champion Ashley Khalil. Fernandes is very
The full contingent is listed below. First Name Last Name Nalini McKoy Gokarn Ramdhani Narayan Ramdhani Priyanna Ramdhani Terrence Poole Keevin Allicock Mark Choy Justin Choy David Fernandes Juanita Fernandes Ramon Chan-A-Sue Mary Fung A Fat Ashley Khalil Taylor Fernandes Godfrey Munroe Idi Lewis Chelsea Edghill Julian Edmonds Winston George Aliyah Abrams Brenessa Thompson Emanuel Archibald Peter Green Sherlock Sam Akeem Fraser Claudius Butts Lancelot Adonis Vallon Adams Jamal Angus Richard Staglon Peabo Hamilton Patrick King Ronald Mayers Osei McKenzie Dwayne Schroeder Selwyn Henry Godfrey Broomes Paul Mahaica Daniel Scott Nikita Fiedtkou
GOA President K.A. Juman Yassin (centre), General Secretary Hector Edwards (standing far left) and Administrative Secretary and Chef-de-Mission for the Pan-Am Games Nalini McKoy (sitting right) along with some of coaches and athletes. upbeat about their potential performances in the ladies doubles and team events but the team competition will be a bit stiffer with the likes of world top 50 players from the U.S. and Canada set to
participate. The ladies noted that it is a great honour to finally participate in the Pan Am games and they will give it their best. The GOA boss would be happy to hear the
positive intent of the athletes after he noted during the media brief yesterday that, “I am hoping that our players will compete well. I am hoping for medals, but the important thing is for each
athlete to do their best. It is for each athlete to be able to see in their mind that they could win, for each of them to picture themselves on the podium, unless they do, that it is not going to happen.”
Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools cricket tournament Sport Chef-De-Mission Badminton/Coach Badminton/Athlete Badminton/Athlete Boxing/Coach Boxing/Athlete Taekwondo /Coach Taekwondo /Athlete Team Manager Official Squash/Coach Squash/Athlete Squash/Athlete Squash/Athlete Table Tennis/Manager Table Tennis/Manager Table Tennis/Athlete Athletics/coach Athletics/Athlete Athletics/Athlete Athletics/Athlete Athletics/Athlete Rugby/Manager Rugby/Coach Rugby/Physio Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Rugby/Athlete Swimming/Coach Swimming/Athlete Swimming/Athlete
QC gets no-result while Business school lose again At the James Bryan Park, Queen’s College of Guyana suffered their second no-result in this year’s Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools cricket tournament in Barbados after their game against Foundation School of Barbados was called off on Friday without a ball being bowled due to the wet condition of the ground. This was the only game in zone ‘A’ that the teams had to share the points due to adverse weather on the 166Sq Mile Island which is the most Eastern of the Caribbean nations. The QC, coached by ‘old student’ former Guyana First-Class batsman Mark Harper, has won both of their completed matches with Mavindra Persaud (105) and Brandon Jaikaran (99) putting on a record 227 for the first wicket in their last game which they won by 10 wickets. However, the Thomas and Camp Road institution, which has produced several National Youth and Senior Cricketers with Roger Harper going on to play 25 Tests and 105 ODIs for the West Indies, will hope for improved weather conditions since they have not lost any of their four matches but any more no-results could leave them in danger of not qualifying for the next round. At Wayne Daniel ground in Zone ‘B’, Hamilton Lashley Foundation of Barbados handed The Business School of Guyana a three-wicket in a match reduced to 22 overs due to wet conditions to extend their losing streak to four games.
Chris Harry took 4-34 for the Buisness School in Barbados on Friday. The Business School were bowled for 80 in 18.4 overs, Wayne McPherson top scoring with 20. He received token support from Ushardeva Balgobin (18) and Ariel Tilku (13) as Tireak Williams (4-7), Shakeem Boyce (212) and Vashdeo Persaud (2-10) for the Bajan School Hamilton who struggled to 81-7 in 18.2 overs. Williams made an unbeaten 22 in a good all-round performance, while Kodi Brathwaite 12, Delon Prescod 10 and Jazz Griffith 10 were the other batsmen to reach double figures. Christopher Harry was the Business School’s best bowler with 4-34. (Sean Devers)
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 14, 2019
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National Race of Champions RD 2 Over $20million and 6 international Luberfiner products for top drivers artistes for Guyana Cup 2019 Mark Vieira leads Andrew King down the straight away during the group four action at the March’s National Race of champions.
Vera’s Finally (front) will be one of the top animals in next month’s $20million horserace meet. The 13th annual Guyana Cup 2019 is scheduled for August 18th at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Rising Sun Village in West Coast Berbice (45mins from Georgetown) and according to the organisers, Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), this edition will be the biggest ever in the much subscribed event. And, with an increase from $15 to $20million in the prize money this year, the event is sure to see an increase in participants. Chairman of the JJTRC, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr., in a release to the media, noted that in addition to the feature race which will see the winner pocketing $2million, the three-year-old Guyana bred race will see the winner running away with $1million. A total of eight races are on the cards and after the race-meet, fans will enjoy a concert that will feature six international artistes. Already confirmed for the concert are Gage, Munga, Kristo and K.I. The prize money for the races are as follows: - C Class and lower feature race over a distance of one mile for – $2million,
- Three-year-old Guyana Bred - $1million - G3 and lower - $400,000 - L3 and lower (open to non-winners from Trinidad & Tobago) - $350,000 - Two-year-old Guyana bred over - $300,000. - J3 and lower over seven furlongs – $300,000. - L Class for Colts – $250,000 - L Class Philly and Mare – $250,000 Some of the top animals expected to be on show come race day will include Just Call Me Bass, Crown the King (Jamaica), Doublin Fashion (USA), Chameli (Jamaica), Safara (Jamaica), Southern Express (T&T), Silver & Things (T&T), Sitarr (T&T), Kentucky Woman (T&T), Super Easy (T&T) and She’s a Princess. Apart from the foreign contingent of horses to be on show, several leading jockeys from overseas are also expected to participate, which will add that international flavour to the day’s event. Fans will be able to enjoy the both the horserace meet and concert for the price of $2,000.
Andrews, Cummings power West Ruimveldt to victory
Tia Flower
H
Christal Archer
alf centuries from Jonathan Andrews and Omarion C u m m i n g s g u i d e d We s t Ruimveldt to a 65-run victory over Saint Pius when the AL Sport and Tour Promotion National Sports Commission 22nd Annual End of School year Edward Cobenna Memorial Primary Schools Windball Cricket Champions Trophy continued recently at the National Gymnasium. Playing in the boys’ category, West Ruimveldt posted 134-1 following their insertion. Andrews slammed 65 with eight sixes, while Cummings made an even half century including five sixes. Saint Pius were limited to 65-2, in reply. Jomal Williams
Omarion Cummings
scored 16 and Jaden Jerio 10. In other matches, Saint Pius managed 101- 3, batting first; Domal Williams struck eight sixes in a top score of 68, while Dawin Hardy contributed 12 as Jahfarie Collins took two wickets. Ketley replied with 87-3; Christopher Nurse made (6x6) while Randy Collins made 24; Ganesh Ramjeeran had two wickets. In the girls segment, Saint Pius batted first and scored 50-1 with Christal Archer scoring 32. Defending Champions Sophia replied with 54-0, Rayanna Harris scored 25. Ketley made 110 - 1, taking first strike; Tia Flower slammed 66 (9x6). Enterprise made 52-2, in response. Tyra Wilson got 28.
Luberfiner, a special brand of oil filters designed for racing will be handed out to all podium finishers at the second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s National Race of Champions that speed off next Sunday (21st) at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri. This was confirmed during the week by Vice President, Hansraj Singh, who indicated that the brand’s local distributor, Special Auto, is on board with the event. “We of course want to thank Special Auto for joining us in this championship. They have been a sterling sponsor of motorsport locally,” he added. Meanwhile, the company’s proprietor, Shan Seejattan, in an invited comment stated, “These brand of filters are what the professionals use. I use it in my Group Two
race car as well as my endurance cars and even my drag racing cars. They are high performance filters built to undergo great amounts of racing. The reason we are giving them to the podium finishers is that we want them to see this about the brand.” The event has seen tremendous support from the business community including E-Networks, Tropical shipping, BM Soat Auto Sales, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Miracle Optical, Choke Gas Station, Special Auto, Prem’s Electrical, Nexus Machine Shop, Blue Spring Water, Motor Trend, Ramchand Auto Spares, Power Line Automotive and KGM security. The club is planning a 21-race programme which is expected to feature both bikes and cars in addition to its newlyinstalled time attack feature.
Residents appalled at state of Tuschen play ground
R
esidents of T u s c h e n Housing Scheme are appalled at the current state of the play ground in the area. For almost two years the ground has been in a deplorable state and residents said that this has become a nuisance for them. Kaieteur Sport was made to understand that efforts were made to upgrade the facility sometime back, whereby the fence was erected and the ground was ploughed, but the upgrading of the ground was not fully completed. No work was
done since, and the youths who play football and cricket there had to make much of the atrocious facility which is a threat to their safety. One resident said an excavator is currently doing some work on the trenches in the scheme which will help with the drainage there, but they are also concerned about the ground which can be of tremendous benefit to the youths. It was understood that residents, not only from Tuschen, but nearby villages would often converge at the venue for picnic and other activities on Easter and other
holidays, but due to the state of the ground, they are being forced to go elsewhere; this also put a halt to cricket and football there, the two main sporting activities in the area. Residents are appealing to the relevant authorities of the RDC to have this ground upgraded so that it can help to keep the youths meaningfully occupied. It was understood that the ground has not yet been handed over to the NDC, while the REO of Region three was unavailable at the time to comment on this issue.
The Playfield at Tuschen Housing Scheme.
YBG Championships
President’s College, Kwakwani, Marian Academy victorious
t r o Sp The victorious President’s College team with representatives of the sponsors and DOS Chris Jones.
Jenea Knight double leads Guyana to 2-0 victory over Bermuda - Details tomorrow in CONCACAF U20 Women’s clash Wait goes on for Williams as England favourites but anything inspired Halep wins Wimbledon possible, warns Williamson
Romania’s Simona Halep poses with the trophy after winning the Wimbledon final against Serena Williams of the U.S. (Susan Mullane-USA Today Sports)
Eoin Morgan and Kane Williamson pose with the World Cup trophy. (Getty Images)
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