Kaieteur News

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July 15, 2014 - Vol. 7 No. 28 - Price $80

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Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Bai Shan Lin’s forest claims bogus

Robert Persaud tells Parliamentary Committee...

Onlookers at the scene

Gang member shot dead after snatching $1.7M - accomplice escapes on CG

Dead: Kevin Fields

Govt. violated Local Govt Minister Guyana Procurement Act made no move to launches $1B on E.C.D road facilitate elections Forensic Lab project - Goolsarran - GECOM Chairman Fishermen Jagdeo’s benefits are mother of missing after all immoralities - says anti corruption advocate pirate attack

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

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GuySuCo sues Booker Fishermen missing after pirate attack Tate for US$30M … over Skeldon factory

GuySuCo officials appear before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Economic Services.

P

roblems with the multi-billiondollar Skeldon sugar factory has ended up in the courts with the stateowned Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) suing its former European manager for US$30M. Testifying before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Economic Services on Friday, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Raj Singh, admitted that GuySuCo did not get what it asked for. As a matter of fact, the Skeldon factory was built with design flaws that, almost five years after its commissioning, have caused the facility to underperform.

Booker Tate, which had been managing the industry until it was fired a few years ago during a fall out over the project, had initially sued GuySuCo for outstanding monies. GuySuCo, in turn, countersued for US$30M, Singh said.

The problems had been seen as major for the Skeldon project which reportedly cost Guyana in excess of US$200M, the most expensive infrastructure so far. It also included opening up new cane lands, conversion of fields to accommodate mechanical harvesters and allowing more private cane farming, with GuySuCo even hiring outside experts, including from South Africa, to fix the issues.

Six major ones remain, including a defective punt dumper, which will cost GuySuCo up to US$4M to fix, officials told the Parliamentary oversight committee.

The National Assembly has been expressing worry

over the industry which grounded to a 23-year production low last year.

GuySuCo has been asking for bailout money with the Opposition-controlled National Assembly agreeing to release $6B for this year for a number of critical works at the eight factories in Demerara and Berbice.

Dr. Singh, a former Chairman of GuySuCo’s Board of Directors, insisted that the Skeldon Expansion Project, remains a solid one with the plan initially to build a sugar factory, cogeneration plant and sugar refinery. The idea was to bring down costs to 15 cents per pound of raw sugar and maximize on the factory’s potential to process 350 tonnes of cane per hour.

Currently, GuySuCo’s cost of production is US$0.34 cents per pound and it is the hope that by 2017 this will come down to US$0.26.

H o w e v e r, s e v e r a l technical issues including the punt dumper remains to be fixed. The dumper is critical for a faster intake of cane from the fields to the factory. This had forced production to come down to some 220 tonnes- not a financially feasible scenario for the factory.

GuySuCo, to fix those pressing problems, will need about US$4M, officials said Friday.

Meanwhile, speaking on the performance of the Enmore Estate and nearby US$12.5M packaging plant, Singh said the latter is “performing well”.

Wi t h s u g a r p r i c e s plummeting from US$710 at end of last year to US$480 per tonne by February,

Guyana is looking at the CARICOM markets to help the industry. He explained that last year, Guyana agreed to a waiver of the regional tax on sugar as it became clear that local production in 2013 could only suffice for the European market.

This year, GuySuCo was able to have its European client, Tate and Lyle, to agree to take less sugar if Guyana finds better price elsewhere. As such, GuySuCo through CARICOM will not be backing the regional tax waiver with markets for the more expensive packaged sugar assured in neighbouring Trinidad and Suriname.

GuySuCo will be able to acquire around US$650 per tonne of the packaged sugar in the regional neighbours, the CEO said.

GuySuCo also has been lucky to nail down another significant European customer… Italy…which is contracted to take up to 4,000 tonnes and is willing for more, the official said.

Another significant move by GuySuCo to reduce costs is the use of biofertilizers.

According to the CEO, the industry spends about US$15M ($3B) annually on importing fertilizers. It is the hope to half this cost.

Already, GuySuCo has started using the cheaper bio-fertilizers on every estate with 50 hectares being used under a pilot project.

Once the project proves successful, the use of the bio-fertilizers will be increased gradually throughout the industry, Singh said.

U

p to late last night the whereabouts of four Guyanese were still unknown, four days after they were victims of a vicious pirate attack in the waters of neighbouring Suriname.

The men are feared dead after their bloodstained boat and bloody clothes drifted into the Guyana shore near Mahaica, East Coast Demerara yesterday.

“Is sheer blood inside; like dem men get chop up bad,” a source close to the owner of the vessel told Kaieteur News.

The only person accounted for so far, is the captain whose name was only given as Feroze of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

He managed to survive by holding on to a floating object for hours after he was reportedly thrown overboard by the pirates.

He was rescued by Surinamese authorities and is currently assisting with investigations.

Kaieteur News understands that two of the missing crew members hail from West Demerara, one from Lusignan and the other from Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

According to reports, the vessel is registered in Suriname and is operated by Guyanese Deochand Bharrat and a Surinamese partner.

Bharrat travelled to the neighbouring Dutch-speaking Republic to gather information on what transpired but had earlier reported the matter to local police since Friday last. Details are sketchy, but this newspaper was reliably informed that the men were fishing in the open waters when a boat with the pirates pulled up alongside their vessel.

The pirates stormed the fishing boat and according to Feroze, began “firing chops at everybody.”

According to reports, the captain reported seeing one of his crew members sustain a severed hand.

Feroze reportedly told Surinamese investigators that he was thrown overboard and he does not know what happened to his crew.

Obviously, the pirates made off with the fishing boat’s outboard engine, since the boat was left to drift for more than a day before it landed on the Guyana shore.

Local police have examined the boat and have taken samples of the blood-soaked clothes that were found in it.

“My husband coming back with the first boat tomorrow and he will have more information,” Bharrat’s wife told this newspaper when contacted last night.

Mother of nine charged for defrauding sister-in-law

A

lmost four years after reportedly obtaining items from her former sister-inlaw, a mother of nine was yesterday taken before a senior Magistrates’ court to face a fraudulent conversion charge.

Jocelyn Pickett was accused of fraudulently converting Bernadette Smart’s $90,000 gold chain as well as $5,000 in cash to her own use between October 5 and October 6, 2010 at Crown Park, Sophia.

She appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry.

To the charge, the mother pleaded guilty.

Then she was informed that such a charge carried a possible five year imprisonment but she maintained her plea and told the Chief Magistrate that she had made an agreement with the Smart to repay.

“She de give me the chain five years ago but she never came for it and it lost. We went good, good all the time but since I had a problem with she brother and we not together no more, she start kicking up a storm,” the woman expressed.

The Chief Magistrate

said that based on the explanation that the chain had been misplaced, a not guilty plea was entered.

In placing forth her bail application, Pickett stated that she resided at Lot 304 Crown Park, Sophia and was a mother of nine, eldest being 23, and the youngest, five.

She stated that she had no prior charges or convictions.

Pickett’s application was met with no objections from the Prosecution and the Chief Magistrate sent her off on her own recognizance.

The case will be called again on August 4 for statements.

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Tuesday July 15, 2014

Gang member shot dead Bai Shan Lin’s forest after snatching $1.7M Robert Persaud tells Parliamentary Committee...

claims bogus Chinese company, Bai Shan Lin, does not have access to close to a million hectares of rainforest in Guyana as part of its mega investment plans, Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud said yesterday.

“It is wrong; it is misleading. And if Bai Shan Lin is saying that, it should withdraw it— and withdraw it immediately, because it is false,” Persaud told the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources. He said that the company only has access to 640,000 hectares of forest, with the majority being for various studies.

Regarding forests the company has access to, Commissioner of Forests, James Singh said, that Bai Shan Lin has two state forest permits. He said such permits are issued for a period of three years, and during that time the company has to do an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, along with a forest inventory. In addition, Singh said the company has to develop a business plan.

Singh said that it is only if these documents receive a favourable review by the Forestry Commission’s Board, that the company can be issued with a Timber Sales Agreement (TSA) that would allow it to extract trees. The two state forest permits encompass three proposed forestry concession sites.

According to the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), the proposed concession areas are in Regions Six and Nine.

According to Singh the two state forest permits, give Bai Shan Lin access to 345,000 hectares of forest.

The permit for Area A and B was issued on November 4, 2011, and the permit for Area C was issued on April 26, 2013.

Apart from this, the company is involved in joint ventures with four local companies through which it has access to some 280, 000 hectares of forest from which it can harvest timber for export.

Those joint ventures are with Sherwood Forests,

- accomplice escapes on CG

By Latoya Giles

Robert Persaud Haimorakabra Logging, P u r u n i Wo o d s , a n d Kwebana Wood Products.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Mr. Rickford Vieira, who accompanied Minister Persaud to face the Parliamentary Committee, said that Bai Shan Lin currently has in its possession 20 claims of one mile each to mine for gold, and not 20 kilometers as the company has claimed.

Those mining claims are not in Bai Shan Lin’s name, but are under the name of a Guyanese. While it mines these concessions, the company has been issued with two prospecting licences, Vieira stated.

Mazaruni man on bail for harming relative Bail was yesterday set at $125,000 for a Mazaruni man who appeared before a senior city Magistrate accused of inflicting harm to one of his relatives.

Dean Joseph, 32, was taken before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was charged for unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm to Roy Joseph on July 1.

He pleaded not guilty and sought bail through his Attorney, David James.

During the hearing, Roy whose right arm was bandaged came forth and stated that he did not wish to proceed with the matter against his relative. He said that he is leaving to go into the interior and would be unable to

remain in Georgetown. He was, however, informed that the matter will be heard in Bartica.

Meanwhile, James, in his bail application, stated that his client had no prior charge or conviction and that there was nothing before the court to suggest that Dean was a flight risk. The lawyer said that they were relatives who resided in the same village and that it was “just a question of them maintaining an amicable relationship.” His application for reasonable bail was met with no objections from the Prosecution thus bail was granted.

The Chief Magistrate ordered statements to be filed and transferred the matter to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court to be heard before Magistrate Allan Wilson on July 4.

A 21-year-old suspected gang member was shot dead yesterday following a botched robbery at Ramchand’s Auto Spares store on 51 Sheriff and Duncan Streets, Campbellville.

Kevin Fields, 21, of Lot 164 Titus Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, was reportedly shot in the neck shortly after snatching a bag containing approximately $1.7M from a businessman who had entered the store.

According to reports, at around 12.00 hrs, the businessman, who had just left a city bank and Silvies General Store on High Street, entered the spare parts store. An eyewitness said that the businessman walked into the store with the bag and was about to transact business when Fields walked in. The eyewitness told Kaieteur News that Fields snatched the bag from the man and sprinted out of the building to an accomplice on a waiting motorcycle. He then attempted to escape on the motorcycle but fell off.

“Soon as he jump on the bike, the speed they take off with he (Fields) fall off,” the eyewitness told Kaieteur News. By this time, the businessman who is a licensed firearm holder, and s o m e o f t h e s t o r e ’s employees, started running towards Fields, whose accomplice had already left the scene.

According to the eyewitness, Fields, who had a handgun, shot at the businessman, who returned fire and shot Fields in the neck, killing him almost instantly.

The body remained at the scene for about an hour and a half until the Crime Scene

Photo taken from Field’s facebook page, shows him splurging large sums of money Investigators completed their examination of the corpse and checking the area.

Police recovered an unlicensed .32 Taurus revolver with five matching rounds as well as a bullet casing.

A taxi driver, who had taken the businessman to the store, suggested that the robbers had trailed them from the bank. He was taken to the Kitty Police Station to give a statement.

Police, in a press statement said that around 12:00h yesterday the businessman went to Ramchand’s Auto Spares store at 51 Sheriff & Duncan Streets to transact business, when a man armed with a firearm entered and took away a bag containing $1.7M from the businessman. ”The armed man ran outside towards a motor cycle that was being ridden by an accomplice, pursued by the businessman” the police said. ”The armed man discharged a round at the businessman, who is a licensed firearm holder, the man returned fire hitting the armed man to his neck…His accomplice managed to

escape. The bag with the money was recovered and an unlicensed .32 Taurus revolver with five rounds and a spent shell has been recovered.”

Fields’s Facebook page shows him posing regularly with loads of cash and jewellery and firearms. He was also photographed with a firearm licence. There were also several photos with him posing with a young man who appeared to be bound and tied, with his face down.

Agricola residents yesterday alleged that Fields was part of a gang that rained terror on residents in the area.

One resident told Kaieteur News that to “show loyalty” to the gang, Fields had shot off part of his left index finger.

Kaieteur News was told that although Fields came from a relatively decent family, he would continuously follow the “wrong company”.

This newspaper understands that Fields recently purchased a motorcycle. Several persons within the Agricola community said that he was fingered in numerous robberies in and around Georgetown.

Back in May, 19-year-old Lloyd Hazel (Junior) was another gunman who was shot dead after he and an accomplice snatched a bag of cash from employees of a Main Street store.

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday July 15, 2014

A week on, Gaza war takes on deadly routine despite calls for truce (Reuters) - Palestinian militants resumed rocket attacks on Tel Aviv yesterday after a 24-hour lull in strikes on the Israeli commercial capital, and Israel kept up its air and naval bombardments of the Gaza Strip despite growing international pressure for a ceasefire.

The military said it had shot down a drone from Gaza, the first reported deployment of an unmanned aircraft by Palestinian militants whose rocket attacks have been regularly intercepted.

The use of a drone would mark a step up in the sophistication of the Palestinian arsenal, although it was not immediately clear whether it was armed.

Around half a dozen Israelis have been wounded since the start of the weekold offensive, which Gaza health officials say has killed 169 Palestinians, most of them civilians.

With international calls mounting for a ceasefire, Egyptian media said U.S. Secretary John Kerry was due

in Cairo today for talks on the Gaza situation. There was no immediate U.S. confirmation of the report.

The worst flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence for almost two years was sparked by the murder of three Israeli teenagers and revenge killing of a Palestinian youth.

Israel has arrested three people, two of them minors, over the Palestinian’s murder and officials said yesterday they had confessed to burning him alive.

The European Union said it was in touch with “all parties in the region” to press for an immediate halt to the hostilities, a day after Kerry offered to help secure a Gaza truce. Egypt and Qatar are seen as potential mediators but peace efforts were complicated by Hamas’s rejection of a mere “calm for calm” in which both sides hold their fire in favour of wider conditions including prisoner release and an end to Israel’s Gaza blockade.

The Israeli army said its aircraft and naval gunboats

attacked dozens of targets in the Gaza Strip and that Palestinian militants fired more than 20 rockets into Israel, slightly wounding a boy in the town of Ashdod, where a home was damaged.

Palestinian health officials said at least 20 people in Gaza were wounded.

But Israel did not carry out a threat to step up attacks against rocket-launching sites it said were hidden among civilian homes in the town of Beit Lahuiya after urging residents there to leave. A U.N. aid agency said around a quarter of the town’s 70,000 residents had fled.

Tel Aviv experienced a rare lull in morning rocket strikes, but they resumed during the evening rush hour, with the Iron Dome missile interceptor system going into action. Police said there were no casualties or damage.

Hamas, the Islamist group which runs Gaza, said its armed wing had sent several locally-made drones to carry out “special missions” deep inside Israel.

Bodies found north of Baghdad as Sunni insurgents turn on each other

Residents look at the site of a car bomb attack in Baghdad. Two car bombs struck Baghdad yesterday, killing six people and wounding a dozen others, police and medical sources said. CREDIT: REUTERS/AHMED MALIK (Reuters) - Residents of a town north of Baghdad found 12 corpses with executionstyle bullet wounds yesterday, after fighting between rival Sunni insurgent groups that could eventually unravel the coalition that seized much of the north and west of the country.

The incident points to an intensification of infighting between the Islamic State and other Sunni groups, such as supporters of former dictator Saddam Hussein, which rallied behind the al Qaeda offshoot last month because of shared hatred for the Shi’ite-led government in Baghdad.

Police in Muqdadiya, a town 80 km (50 miles)

northeast of the capital, said residents from the nearby town of Saadiya found the 12 corpses yesterday after intense fighting overnight between Islamic State fighters and the Naqshbandi Army, a group led by Saddam allies.

Since the Islamic State swept through Iraqi cities and proclaimed its leader caliph of all Muslims last month, there have been increasing signs of conflict with other Sunni groups who do not necessarily share the al Qaeda offshoot’s rejection of Iraq’s borders or its severe interpretation of Islam.

Washington, which recruited other Sunni fighters to defeat al Qaeda during the U.S. surge offensive in 20062007, hopes other Sunnis will

again turn against the Islamic State and can be lured back into a power-sharing government in Baghdad.

The White House has pressed for an inclusive government in Baghdad, but so far Shi’ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has ignored calls from Sunnis and Kurds to step down in favor of a less polarizing figure who would allow Sunnis a greater voice.

Saadiya, a mostly Sunni town, was overrun by Islamic State militants on June 10, the same day the city of Mosul fell to the insurgents. It is located in Diyala, a mainly rural province north of Baghdad where lush irrigated fields have long sheltered armed groups that resent the arrival of outsiders.

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

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RIGHT TO VOTE vs INFORMED CONSENT The call for Local Government Elections is just that: a call for elections. It has nothing to do democracy or a need to revive the health of local authorities.

You cannot speak about local democracy if the people are not adequately informed about the system under which they will be voting.

How many of those who are plugging for local government elections, actually understand the new system that is going to be used. And when is GECOM going to launch its public education programme to edify the public about the new system so that when the people go to the polls they will be making an informed choice.

GECOM cannot afford to delegate this responsibility to the government. It is GECOM’s responsibility to do so. If there is no funding to do so, then GECOM should state so.

You cannot speak about local democracy if the people not only lack an understanding of the system of Local Government Elections but also if this system has been foisted upon them without consultation.

The electoral system that will guide the new local government elections is a blend of both plurality and constituency systems. Very few Guyanese alive have had any experience with the former.

Since 1964, all of our elections have been heavily predicated on proportional representation. We are now injecting an element of plurality into the system.

There will be no trial run.

Can you imagine the confusion that this is likely to be caused without a detailed public education programme and without the people giving their consent to this system which was developed by their elected

Dem boys seh...

Pee Pee Pee now stand fuh Plenty, Plenty Pension Jagdeo create history in Guyana and de nation gun be talking ‘bout him for a long, long time. Dem boys gun be praying fuh he until he lef this earth, however and whenever he lef it.

Not he alone dem boys gun pray for. Dem got to pray fuh de Bees, especially Brazzy, Bobby and Boyah. All of dem is de talk of Guyana.

As of now, Jagdeo pension package got people, even children talking. All dem children want to be president wid such a package.

De big people seh that Jagdeo shameless. One man seh that de pension is an embarrassment, that while it is legal, it lack morality. Some of dem seh that it unreasonable and unconscionable, that when Jagdeo and that fat crook Brazzy, put together de pension package dem had no consideration fuh this poor nation.

Is dem li’l children remember how he use to fly round de world fuh tell everybody how Guyana poor. Then he use to beg dem fuh write off de debt.

De man set about going to country wha Guyana never borrow from fuh ask dem fuh debt write off. Kuwait tun he back when he was halfway to that country. People who know de story shame and dem boys was shame fuh he.

Dem boys seh that when anybody look at such a package, any half decent human being would come out and mek a simple statement about de package.

All dem had to seh was “Listen people, if y’all think de package too much, y’all fix it to suit y’all self.

But not that heartless man. And it seems as if de Pee Pee Pee ain’t got nobody wid a reasonable decent heart. Donald use to cuss de package now it look like that he love it more than he love he wife.

Dem boys know that Donald really love de Pee Pee Pee from since he small. Is now dem realize is why he and Jagdeo love de Pee Pee Pee so much. It stands for Plenty, Plenty Pension.

Rohee defending this pension like if he gun be de next president. De closest he gun ever get to de president was when Jagdeo ask he fuh act and he tek de car wid de siren mekking nuff noise and go round de town drinking rum.

Rob de Earth and Nandalall love de package. Rob de Earth table de pension Bill in Parliament because he got he eye down de line.

Nandalall, de Hanah Rebel, been ask if de nation want Jagdeo fuh dead a pauper. Well dem boys want to tell dem old people that all of dem ain’t got a choice but to dead a pauper because all de money at de post office will have to pay out to Jagdeo, Donald, Rohee if he get near deh, Rob de Earth and de Hanah Rebel Nandalall.

Talk half and wait fuh see any changes in de Plenty, Plenty Pension.

representatives?

Can we speak about democracy when there are still unsettled issues? Some people have been calling for the election of Executive Mayors. Others have said that the Mayors should not be appointed by the Councilors but should be elected directly by the people.

Indeed one of the civil society groupings in the forefront of the demand for local government elections in Guyana wants there to be an Executive Mayor and for the Mayor to be elected directly by the people. This shows the disconnection between what people think should exist and what the system will allow.

But I suppose once the people vote, regardless of whether they agree with the system under which they are voting or the way the spoils are distributed or the ways in which their elected local government officials are

appointed, we can say that we have democracy. In other words, what is being suggested is that the right to vote is more important than informed consent.

Once the right to vote exists, the argument can be extended, who gives a heck about whether the mechanics to facilitate the holding of elections is in place.

This column did a piece a few weeks ago in which I asked certain questions about boundaries for the Eccles- Ramsburg area. I noted that these boundaries were set before the establishment of a new housing scheme which is likely to be bigger than the rest of the area concerned.

So what are we to assume that even if the boundaries are adjusted that the seat allocation for this part of the NDC would be the same as for the rest of the NDC? That surely cannot be fair. Seats

have to be allocated based on a number of factors: geographical features as well as population. There are other areas where we are told that there are problems with boundaries.

There is also the issue where traditionally, Georgetown has been divided into a number of wards. But under the new system five wards in Georgetown will be contesting for one seat.

These problems of boundaries and constituencies are not insurmountable. They can be remedied. They need to be remedied because people will end up being shell-shocked and annoyed when they are told that their elected representative lives in another ward far removed from where they live.

This defeats the very purpose of introducing a plurality model into our local government elections since

instead of their representatives being closer to the people, he or she may be totally unknown to them.

What is needed is for a civilized discourse on the likely problems that holding local government elections will pose. There are real concerns as to what can happen if there is no informed consent by the people. In other words, holding local government elections without a public education programme, without settling issues about boundaries and without a decision as to whether the Mayors will be Executive Mayors or appointed directly by the people, will lead to chaos.

Local Govt Minister made no move to facilitate elections - GECOM Chairman Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr. Steve Surujbally, says that a lot of money was wasted on voter education all because the Minister of Local Government displayed scant regard to GECOM’s stated readiness to host Local Government Elections.

Dr. Surujbally was responding to claims that the voter education exercise was not sufficiently addressed to facilitate the holding of Local Government Elections.

The question of when the ruling administration will announce a date for the holding of the long overdue Local Government Elections has been a hot topic, with the government issuing excuse after excuse for the delay.

“The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is fully prepared and committed to move formally into an election mode with immediacy, if and when the Commission is mandated to conduct Local Government Elections,” Surujbally stated.

According to the GECOM Chairman, there were claims that “there needs to be a vigorous education programme to inform and educate the populace on the new Local Government Elections system, which comprises a mixture of the Constituency and Proportional Representation Models, in which political parties as well as individuals and interested groups may contest the elections.”

But the Guyana Elections Commission Chairman however, slammed this concern as facetious. He

explained that in March 2010, after involving itself in huge numbers of public awareness programmes, the Commission intimated to the Minister of Local Government that the Register of Voters was completed and certified, and that there were no material impediments for holding LGE. Surujbally said that there was not even recognition of receipt of its correspondence to the Minister and nothing emerged from the Ministry of Local Government relative to a date for Local Government Elections. “Time, great effort and money were wasted,” he stated.

As a consequence, the Chairman said that GECOM took the deliberate decision to implement an ongoing programme, with moderate intensity, publicizing information about Local Government Elections with focus being placed initially on the new Local Government Elections Electoral System.

“This was preferable to a “stop–start” methodology, which could have the inherent possibility to exasperate and disenchant potential voters. Later, at the appropriate time, the Public Education Strategy will focus in an intensified manner on the processes and procedures associated with the new System - the moment a date is appointed for the Elections,” Dr. Surujbally explained.

GECOM’s ongoing Public Education Programme includes two panel discussions, which were conducted at the NCN Channel 11 Studio. They were broadcast (pro bono) by this

Channel for the benefit of viewers in Regions Three, Four and Five.

Recorded copies of both panel discussions were also publicized by the television stations in Regions Two, Six, Seven and Ten. GECOM will continue to call on all these TV Houses to broadcast the content of the Panel Discussions.

In addition 100,000 copies of a Brochure titled “Local Government Elections” featuring several aspects of pertinent information were produced. Copies of this Brochure have been dispatched, with the knowledge of the Minister of Local Government, to all of the 71 Local Authority Areas in Guyana for distribution to citizens of the respective Areas.

“In fact, following the finalization of the boundaries of Constituencies within the various Local Authority Areas, we have commenced distributing these brochures at the level of the Local Authority Areas. We have also commenced making thousands of copies to the Parliamentary (and other) Political Parties for distribution among their

constituents,” the GECOM Chairman explained.

Also, four infomercials about the new system for Local Government Elections and why persons should vote at these elections were publicized on all of the local Radio and Television Stations.

Currently, GECOM is on the verge of engaging the four local daily newspapers to publish sequential columns titled “Local Government Elections Corner”, which will feature pertinent information about Local Government Elections.

The Commission is currently engaged in the process which will lead to the imminent publication, on radio and television, of more pertinent information about the new system for Local Government Elections.

“It is all a matter of timing.

GECOM, with all of its experience and proven track record is committed to carrying out its duties without interference and hindrances. We know what we are about and do not need unnecessary and unhelpful humbug,” Dr. Surujbally declared.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Jagdeo’s expenditure: Uncle Donald in trouble It must be definite after what happened last week that President Ramotar has made up his mind that there will be no General Elections before they are legally due in 2016.

All the young PPP Turks who feel that they can appeal to the Indian people because of their age, including the West Coast Demerara swimming pool man, the MBA man, the cricket bully, the finance man who think he is a wizard and the fisherwoman will have to wait until 2016.

With each passing day, a

new nightmare is born, making re-election for Uncle Donald’s party almost impossible. Within the space of a week a double whammy hit De Donald real hard.

Priya, the Satyra gyaal “open she mouth” and caused panic among Indians who fear that any American backlash in Guyana can harm their chances of going to the US. And Indians are just rushing out of Guyana like an overflowing river.

Then came the announcement that within the space of two years, the Government spent $83 million on Jagdeo including his monthly pension.

His medical bills over that two-year period are not included. When we get the real amount and you translate it into American currency, Mr. Jagdeo may be earning annually more than any former Prime Minister or President in the any Third World country.

You can add to these two

nightmares the rebellion by Essequibo rice farmers for their hard earned money from the government.

In a snap poll can Uncle Donald successfully justify these horrendous atrocities?

He cannot. It must be the most backward population a country can ever have to vote for a government that cannot pay rice farmers monies owed to them, but dishes out more that $83 million in two years ( and this excludes the millions in his medical bills?) to Mr. Jagdeo.

I remind readers that in several instances I pointed out that the nature of the PPP is the biggest electoral enemy of the PPP. The PPP cannot win back a majority because it continues to produce the venalities that caused them to lose the 2011 elections in the first place.

The point that I continue to belabour in these columns is that the PPP leaders, young and old have become prisoners of irrationality,

hubris and hauteur.

Let’s offer some examples and let us start with Priya Manickchand. She has some strong backers in the house of gerontocracy to become the next leader of the PPP. Nationally, she could have garnered enough sympathy.

The world believes women should be given their due with respect to leadership in general.

Manickchand didn’t do her credibility any good by her odious behaviour at the US Ambassador’s house. It was a stupid act but she was helpless to control herself.

This is the way ruling parties, saturated with dictatorship blemishes, behave. What is going to happen is that her rivals will use her sordid misadventure into the diplomatic terrain to vilify her. And it has started.

One of her competitors was at the diplomatic function and refused to support her action when asked by the media for a comment. In fact,

he posed with the Ambassador for a photo shot.

The house of gerontocracy knew that Manickchand was way out of line and they came to her rescue by saying her speech was written for her and approved by the Cabinet.

It was not. Manickchand may have given her head on a platter to her adversaries in the PPP and there is no shortage of Brutuses in the PPP. Next is the perennial silly boy – Clement Rohee. The best thing for a PPP leader wanting a return of a parliamentary majority to do is keep away from Bharrat Jagdeo. Mr. Jagdeo’s utterly sickening behaviour as president in any other country would have generated a landslide victory for the opposition. He caused the PPP to lose its majority.

Rohee, the man who said the goat didn’t bite him but behaves as if the goat did bite him, heaped praise on Mr. Jagdeo at a recent press conference and took the

Frederick Kissoon idiotic route of saying, in reference to Mr. Jagdeo’s financial standing, that he saved his money during his working years.

Not only do these things make people laugh but they make for good campaigning issues against the PPP in an election battle. But do you think Mr. Rohee will stop?

No! He cannot help himself. So he told the media last week that he does not know that Mr. Jagdeo’s common law, Varshnie Singh, made accusations of domestic abuse against him.

Such idiocy can never win the PPP admiration or votes.

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Ed Ahmad’s company says Govt. forced change in land use …now goes to court to secure land title

Edul Ahmad

The land used for Hollywood Gardens and Leonora Mall

T

he reason for a t t a c h i n g conditions to the sale of the GuySuCo land purchased by American-based businessman Edul Ahmad, was to ensure jobs for citizens, particularly those living in proximity of the intended woods factory.

This factory was initially slated to be built at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

However, instead of the wood processing plant the land is now being used for an elaborate housing facility.

It was recently deduced that the area was not conducive for a wood processing plant because of surrounding institutions

such schools and other social infrastructure. South American Woods Inc was therefore denied permission to construct a factory.

Instead, the company initiated Hollywood Gardens and Leonora Mall.

That denial led to the American-company applying to the Supreme Court to have the contract changed from a factory to a residential scheme.

The court, according to American Woods Attorney Roysdale Forde, ruled in favour of the change of land use hence the housing scheme with self containing amenities such as a mall, gas station among other things.

The lawyer explained

that the government was selling the land, on condition of the factory. However, it appears that due diligence in terms of location worthiness for the proposed factory was not revisited.

Forde said that to his knowledge, the government would have made initial checks in terms of the factory’s viable WBD location prior to the development of the community.

This meant that the area was slated for the factory prior to the construction of schools and other social institutions. This indicated that follow up checks were not done to ensure that the land could still be used for its

initial purpose.

According to court documents by the wood company, applications were made to relevant authorities for the construction of the factory but they were denied.

Kaieteur News was unable to make contact with the relevant agents at National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL), -the government agency which sold the land - to get clarity on the process used to designate the land for a factory.

But documents in the High Court dated January 30, 2013 showed that the Stewartville/Cornelia Ida NDC had denied the

company land use for a wood factory. Another letter dated September 30, 2013 then saw the same institution giving a no objection for residential purposes.

This no object came subsequent to a September 11, 2013 letter from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) which objected to the use of the land for housing purposes since according to land transport, it did not facilitate residential purposes.

Another letter to the woods company on April 4, 2013 from the Office of the Regional Environmental Officer, also objected to a factory on the GuySuCo land for health reasons.

As it stands, the government is being accused of, “selling the land although it could not be used for its intended purpose.” Some legal minds have even suggested that the wood company sue the government, while others say that Ahmad defaulted by changing the purpose of the land behind the government’s back.

When the government was questioned why they were not taking legal action against Ahmad, Cabinet S e c r e t a r y, D r. R o g e r Luncheon, was reported as saying that the onus is on GuySuCo to take legal action against the wood company since the government only facilitated the transaction.

Nonetheless, Ahmad, a close friend of former president Bharrat Jagdeo, purchased the almost 17acre portion land at Leonora, for $80M and is estimated to make more than $600M profit from the residential facilities, while community employment seems in limbo.

Ahmad had argued overpayment of the GuySuCo land since its highest bid was $30M; and none the following year. He argued that apart from overpaying, the land could not have been used for its purpose.

Currently South American Woods Inc. has legally challenged noneissuance of transports to persons who purchased land at Leonora. The matter is before Chief Justice Ian Chang who ordered the Registar of Deeds to show reason for not granting the transports to close to ten persons.

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 13

Govt. violated Procurement Act on E.C.D road project Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran

Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran says that Government violated the Public Procurement Act, when it restricted tendering for the East Coast Demerara (ECD) road widening project to only Chinese bidders.

Government has argued that because the money was coming from the Chinese Export Import (EXIM) Bank, they were limited to using contractors only out of China.

A c c o r d i n g t o Goolsarran, Section 5 (five) of the Procurement Act specifically prohibits a procuring entity from imposing any criterion, requirement or procedure with respect to the qualifications of suppliers or contractors that discriminates against, or among suppliers or contractors, or against categories thereof based on nationality.

“In addition, Section 7 (seven) provides for suppliers or contractors to participate in procurement proceedings without regards to nationality” According to the Former Auditor General, restricting the bidding to only Chinese Companies “is not in keeping with the Procurement Act that prohibits discrimination against contractors and suppliers on the basis on nationality.”

Goolsarran, an anti corruption advocate, who also heads the local chapter of Transparency International, in his latest analysis addressed the award of a contract to China Railway First Group, a company currently involved in the construction of two sections of the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project.

He noted too, that of the four bids received, three were reportedly incomplete, including that of China Railway Group.

Because of this, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) had reportedly recommended that there should be a re-tender for the proposed works.

“It is, however, also not clear whether that recommendation was forwarded to Cabinet or whether on its own, the NPTAB decided to change its recommendation and to proceed with the bids received.”

Goolsarran observed that Government has since disclosed that the Evaluation Committee assessed the bids received and recommended

…China Railway’s ability to deliver also in question - Goolsarran that the tender be awarded to the third lowest bidder, China Harbour Engineering, at the tendered price of US$60.418 million.

The NPTAB transmitted the recommendation to Cabinet for its “no objection”.

He notes that the Committee’s justification was that, it had reservations about the lowest bidder’s ability to complete the works at the tendered price.

Cabinet withheld it’s no objection to the recommendation on the grounds that the lowest bidder had an established and demonstrated track record of road building in Guyana, and had a fleet of resident road building equipment.

In addition, the lowest bidder’s price was some US$13.4M lower than that of the recommended bidder.

Cabinet therefore, returned the matter to the NPTAB for reconsideration. The Committee reconsidered the matter and revised its recommendation in favour of the lowest bidder. The revised recommendation was resubmitted to Cabinet which offered it’s no objection.

C a b i n e t ’s p r i n c i p a l concern was the absence of a basis for disregarding lower priced bids received from prequalified bidders.

A c c o r d i n g t o Government’s explanation, once bidders are prequalified, they are evaluated to be capable of performing the works, and price competitiveness becomes the principal criterion.

A c c o r d i n g t o Goolsarran, there is a difference between the lowest bid and the lowest evaluated bid.

The former Auditor General pointed to Section 36 of the Procurement Act which provides for all evaluation criteria outlined in the tender documents for the procurement of goods, works and services, in addition to price, to be quantified in monetary terms.

“The Evaluation Committee is then required to use only these evaluation criteria to determine which tenderer has submitted the lowest evaluated bid.

Needless to mention, it does not necessarily follow that the lowest bid is also the lowest evaluated bid.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Goolsarran, “In accordance with Section 39 of the Procurement Act, if the procuring entity does not agree with the Evaluation Committee’s determination, the procuring entity must issue an advisory recommendation to the Committee regarding which bidder should be the lowest evaluated bidder…The Evaluation Committee must o b s e r v e t h a t recommendation. In the case at hand, the Committee might have been guided by this requirement when it changed its recommendation at the request of Cabinet.”

He said too, that Government’s explanation also appears to ignore the Engineer’s Estimate which is the Government’s best estimate of the cost of the project.

“If the lowest bid is significantly below this estimate, this would suggest that either the estimate was faultily prepared or the lowest bidder has underestimated the cost of the works.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Goolsarran, “The NPTAB felt that the latter was the case since the lowest bid was US$10.4M below the Engineer’s Estimate…This is a reasonable position to take and would justify NPTAB’s reservations about the bidder ’s ability to complete the works at the tendered price.”

Goolsarran observed too, that Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, acknowledged that adherence to the practice of awarding contracts to the lowest bidder has resulted in shoddy work being performed.

“That apart, experience has shown that when this happens, there is a tendency for contractors to recoup the additional costs through variation orders, and sometimes in the end, the project becomes more costly…If such costs are not recouped, there will be a tendency to execute the

works below the specifications…This will result in substandard work being performed.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Goolsarran, in situations where the NPTAB has reservations about the contractor ’s ability to execute the works where the lowest bid is significantly b e l o w t h e E n g i n e e r ’s Estimate, the next alternative is to go for the second lowest bid or that which is closest to the Estimate.

“In this case, the second lowest bid also happens to be the bid that was closest to the (Continued on page 14)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Manufacturers to engage politicians - GMSA President on environmental tax

W

hile debate continues to surround the issue of imposing a new tax charge on local manufacturers, representatives of the industry are expected to engage politicians on the subject.

President of the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association, (GMSA) Clinton Williams, said that the plans are in train for the involvement of the

association in the process of finding a solution to the issue.

“We plan to engage politicians from both the government and opposition side to discuss the basis of the issue, assist in the decision making process and ultimately to find a suitable solution,” Williams stated yesterday.

O n T h u r s d a y, t h e opposition members of parliament prevented Government from going

ahead with the Customs (Amendment) Bill, which it argues will impose a further tax on Guyanese as well importers.

The amendment was intended to bring the country in compliance with CARICOM’s revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

The issue came to the forefront earlier this year, after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), delivered a ruling in which it described the Environmental Tax charged by Guyana under the Customs Act as discriminatory.

That tax stipulates that $10 be charged on each nonreturnable imported bottled beverage but no charge is imposed on local manufacturers.

An amendment which sought to reduce the tax on what is imported into Guyana to $5, but also to impose a $5 tax on each beverage in a non-returnable bottle produced locally was proposed by Government.

However, the opposition coalition maintains that

Government must revoke the entire environmental tax waiver to bring the country into complete compliance with the revised treaty.

Government is insisting that this is not solution.

When the motion was presented by Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds it was rejected by opposition members of Parliament, who said that the country is already overtaxed.

Thirty-three members of the House rejected the motion while 28 voted in favour.

Over the weekend, Leader of the Alliance of Change, (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan, repeated a proposal for government to repeal the entire environmental taxation waiver to bring an end to the problem.

“We spoke to several local manufacturers, who are not in support of this new a m e n d m e n t … We a r e offended by the Minister ‘s proposal because it is our view that over the past years the government has extracted billions of dollars via the environmental tax regulations but not one cent was used for the improvement

of the environment.”

“The government must revisit and repeal the sections of the Customs Act.” Ramjattan had objected to the new tax on Guyanese and reminded that the matter has already been the subject of lengthy debate.

According to Ramjattan, the new tax, if implemented, would have to be passed on to consumers.

“If the government should impose the proposed amendment it will not affect the manufacturers alone, but the consumers because the prices for bottled beverages sold in the local marketplaces are bound to increase.”

A Partnership for National Unity, APNU Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Finance, Carl Greenidge said that Government tried to persuade the National Assembly on a false claim that the proposed brought amendment was recommended by the CCJ. He said that the imposed duty is not for environmental tax but just another tax waiver, which will be a financial burden to both the

manufacturer and the consumer.

The financial spokesperson for APNU, explained that the CCJ found that the tax is indiscriminate and that measures should be taken to address this – an option being the complete revocation of the tax.

Meanwhile, the administration has maintained that the amendment will bring Guyana into compliance.

Following the vote, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, requested that members of the House are all cognizant of the history of the Bill and the fact that Guyana is in contravention of World Trade Organization, the Economic Partnership Agreement, as well as the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramus.

She suggested that the motion be approved and the matter referred to a Special Select Committee.

She said that in such a committee, the members of the three parties could negotiate a suitable Bill.

This suggestion was also rejected.

Govt. violated Procurement Act...

From page 13 Engineer’s Estimate…It is therefore, not clear why the NPTAB overlooked this bidder in preference to the third highest bidder.”

According to Goolsarran Cabinet acted within its remit when it withheld it’s no objection to the recommendation that the third lowest bid be awarded

the contract, “However, there appears to be a misunderstanding about the difference between the lowest bid and the lowest evaluated bid.”

He said too, that the NTPAB’s justification for not recommending the lowest bid has merit since the lowest bid was significantly b e l o w t h e E n g i n e e r ’s Estimate.

“This raises doubt about the ability of the contractor to undertake the works at the bid price…It is, however, not clear why the NTPAB did not recommend the second lowest bid that was also closest to the Engineer’s Estimate.”

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

Guyana hosts U.S. military cadets

F

or the second year in a row, Guyana will host the C u l t u r a l Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) Program, as part of the longstanding partnership between the Florida National Guard, the U.S. Army Cadet Command, the U.S. E m b a s s y i n G u y a n a ’s Security Cooperation Office, and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The CULP Program in Guyana is planned for 47 personnel (42 cadets and five instructors), comprises soon-to-be-commissioned Florida National Guard (FLNG) cadets, between July 11 and August 6, 2014.

The United States Army recognizes the need for young leaders to develop cultural awareness and foreign language proficiency skills.

Through the CULP Programme, hundreds of U.S. military cadets have the opportunity to spend up to three weeks immersed in foreign cultures, learning more about how other others around the world view the United States and, in the process, to be able to operate

more effective in international environments.

The CULP program gives cadets an opportunity to help develop the skills required to support global operations.

In 2013, over 1,200 cadets participated in the CULP Program in over 40 countries worldwide.

The CULP Programme seeks to build a foundation to support understanding, cohesion, and meaningful partnership between the next generation of U.S. and Guyanese military officers.

During the CULP Program in Guyana, U.S. cadets will live, work, and have cultural exchanges with fellow Guyana Defense Force cadets, as well as other elements of the GDF. Activities under the CULP Program typically include humanitarian service with the host population, military-to-military training, and education on the social, cultural, and historical aspects of the community.

Charge D’Affaires Bryan Hunt poses with the cadets and their instructors

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Jagdeo’s benefits are mother of all immoralities - says anti corruption advocate

G

eneral Secretary for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has come out in defence of the exorbitant benefits which former President Bharrat Jagdeo is benefiting from under the Former Presidents (Benefits and Facilities) Act which Jagdeo made law in 2009.

Under this controversial law which was vehemently opposed at the time, it costs taxpayers an average of $3M

each month to support J a g d e o . H i s s e c u r i t y, electricity and transportation alone, average $1.7M each month. Then there is his $1.2M pension each month.

Using the monthly average of $1.2M for his security, transportation, electricity and pension, it means that Jagdeo to date, since leaving office would have cost taxpayers in excess of $83M. Rohee in defence of the benefits that Jagdeo is

accruing said that “aren’t all of those things within what the Parliament provide him with, so what is the problem?”

He said that there “will always be objections and there will continue to be objections, like we are seeing everyday in the headlines of the Kaieteur News.”

The PPP General Secretary continued, “Kaieteur News is never giving up on Jagdeo, all that I

am saying is that whatever spending was done it was not illegal it was authorized by the Parliament, you are free like the Kaieteur News is free and every citizen of Guyana is free to express a view on this money.”

Rohee said that one has to be certain and take clearly into account that “the money was not illegitimately spent, not illegally spent and not spent outside of what was provided by the Parliament.”

It was Alliance for

Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, who back in 2009 computed that the Former President’s pension package would amount to just over $3M m o n t h l y. T h i s w a s vehemently denied by the administration at the time.

Carl Greenidge, of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), had attempted to cap the benefits, under the controversial piece of legislation by bringing amendments to the National A s s e m b l y. T h i s w a s approved by the opposition using its majority but President Donald Ramotar, has never assented to it.

Addressing the cap that the opposition approved for the President’s benefits, Rohee said that “any cap that is coming from the opposition I would bag it.”

Rohee said that he does not agree with the combined opposition’s position that the money Jagdeo is receiving is exorbitant.

“I disagree with anything the opposition says in respect of Jagdeo, I disagree because I believe that they are being personally vindictive towards the exPresident; that’s my position as the General Secretary of the PPP,” said Rohee.

The PPP, according to Rohee, supported the Bill in the Parliament with respect to the benefits of the President’s Bill.

“We consciously did that in the Parliament, every single MP supported that, including Mr. Nagamootoo who at the time was sitting on the government benches, so if we did that at that time, that is a manifestation of where the PPP stood clear and simply.”

Asked whether that position conflicts with that of founder of the PPP Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Rohee said, “I would leave that for the so called political pundits to speculate on, that I’m not

getting into.”

Rohee was then asked that in a democratic society the government and the opposition are the people who would generally engage in discussions, bargain and work together or negotiate, but from his position the o p p o s i t i o n i s inconsequential.

Rohee said that “as far as I am personally concerned, the opposition doesn’t want anything to do with me, so why should I have anything to do with them.”

He said, however, from the position of General Secretary when it comes to the interest of the party “that’s a different question because the party’s position rest with the central committee, the congress rests with the executive committee which are collective bodies where all the leaders sit.

“When they make a decision with which I am a part of, well then those decisions would be faithfully followed and implemented.”

And an anti corruption advocate is contending that even though the benefits might be legal it is the “height of immorality; it’s the mother of all moralities.”

His comments came against the backdrop of G u y a n a ’s e c o n o m i c standing where wealth is highly skewed with the few rich and the many poor. He said the perpetuation of the former Presidents benefits “lacks serious consideration for the poor, for the disadvantaged, the unemployed youths.

“Look how many people are living in Guyana with minimum wage; so many people are unemployed, in abject poverty.”

“This thing is a national disgrace, it’s a national embarrassment, it lacks morality, integrity, fair play, justice and equality,” said the advocate.

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

Lisa Punch advances to next phase of ABC’s “Rising Star”

S

upporters literally “burned the mid night oil” on Sunday to ensure the advancement of the Guyana-born, “Rising Star,” contender, Lisa Punch. Punch, who participated in a head-tohead duel with fellow contestant Alice Lee, scored an initial three per cent less during her performance of “Perfect,” a song by American musician, Pink.

However, due to the mechanism of saving one “Rising Star” contestant, West Coast voters pushed Lisa Punch into the next round.

Punch, scored 66 per cent during the live portion, but scored 67.43% from the West Coast audience. While it still came short of the 68% Lee received from the West Coast, it was the largest percentage scored by any of the contestants eligible for a save.

While Lee received right swipes from all three experts, Brad Paisley, Ludacris and Kesha, Punch only received a positive vote from one (Kesha).

Of the six contestants involved in headto-head “duels” last week, three would be crowned winners and automatically promoted to the next level based on their initial performance.

Alice Lee, Megan Tibbits and Jesse Kinch were the first three to claim a quarterfinal spot. The New York-based Guyanese gained the fourth spot to advance to the next round of the competition.

Ezjet boss petitions court for release pending ruling ….US Govt. counters, asks Judge to dismiss plea

By Gary Eleazar

Lisa Punch “Thank you guys so much!!! Guys you can still keep me in this competition! You can stay up till 12 and vote same time with the West Coast! Let us raise the wall!” Punch wrote via her Facebook page She is expected to return to stage, for the quarterfinals of the competition, in the next two weeks.

Villagers thrash men seeking church donations …claims Pastor Smith sent them

A

Page 17

n ugly situation was avoided just in time on Sunday evening on the Albion Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

The timely intervention of some public spirited citizens, including a pastor and members of the media who were passing at the same time, saved the day. Two men in blue and another accomplice who managed to escape serious blows, told media operatives present that they hail from Victoria, East Coast Demerara.

They were being chased by villagers armed with sticks and cutlasses, because the villagers suspected that they were bandits.

The hapless men were accosted on the Albion Public Road and were just being beaten when they were rescued.

They carried papers and stated that they represented a church in Victoria. They said that they were sent by a Pastor Smith in the area to solicit donations for homeless children and orphanages.

As the situation became tense, the men were escorted to the nearby Albion Police station where they were questioned. Some of the villagers who were armed with cutlasses were also taken into custody.

Embattled businessman Sonny Ramdeo, the owner of the failed EZjet Airlines, who was charged in the United States for embezzling money, has filed a motion to be released from custody pending the disposition of this case but the US authorities are opposed to this course of action.

Ramdeo who has been imprisoned since December 2012 on Friday last submitted the motion for the court’s consideration but United States Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer, has since filed a subsequent motion requesting the court to strike out Ramdeo’s request.

In his petition to the court, Ramdeo banks on the US’s Bail Reform Act which provides for the release of a prisoner on remand under

certain conditions including “exceptional reasons.”

Ramdeo in his motion said that he has consulted with his court appointed counsel and placed on record that he is not subject to mandatory detention since he did not plead guilty to a Controlled Substance offense, or a crime or violence.

He is also banking on the fact that the Court previously found that the he does not pose a danger to the community.

Ramdeo is also alleging that he has been denied a speedy trial.

According to Ramdeo in his petition, he should have been released pending trial since July 23, 2013.

He pointed to a section in the American law which states that “a person who is being detained solely because he is awaiting trial must be tried not later than ninety days following the period of such continuous detention’’ and (No) detainee ... shall be held in custody pending trial after the expiration of such ninetyday period required for the commencement of his trial.”

In his motion petitioning the court, it is pointed out that the superseding indictment restarted the continuous detention clock on April 2013 and as of July 2013 the ninety day period expired.

The Ninth Circuit stated that ‘’release of the defendant from custody and nothing less, is the sanction for delay beyond the ninety-day period.

He pointed too, to the fact that Promise Healthcare Inc, the company he allegedly swindled millions from, has also filed a case against him using the same evidence which does not support the finding of a guilty plea.

Ramdeo pointed too to his motion to withdraw his guilty plea which he had earlier submitted for the court’s consideration According to Ramdeo’s motion, “There are a significant number of other exceptional reasons why the defendant should be released pending disposition of this case which is not being put forth to the court at this time due to the Defendant being deprived of his legal work.”

As a result he prays “for this Court to grant this motion and immediately

release the defendant pending disposition of this case.”

Meanwhile, the US Attorney prosecuting R a m d e o ’s c a s e , i n a subsequent motion disagreed with Ramdeo’s reasons and requests his motion is denied without hearing.

The Attorney denies too that there was denial of a speedy trial and further that his motion to withdraw his guilty plea is no basis for relief.

According to the US A t t o r n e y, t h a t m o t i o n remains pending determination by the court.

The US Attorney also points to the case that has been filed against Ramdeo

by Promise Healthcare Inc, and argues that there is evidence to support a finding that the defendant is guilty which is also supported by his guilty plea.

Ramdeo is well known in Guyana for his one-year stint with EZjet, an airline that started as a charter that had indicated its desire to become Guyana’s flag c a r r i e r. I t s t a r t e d i n December 2011 and was welcomed for its low cost fares.

However, there were questions as to Ramdeo’s financing as it appeared he was running the Georgetown/New York flights at a loss. However, Ramdeo in a press conference in Guyana insisted that the money was his.

Things began to fall apart in 2012 after a US company that owned the planes that EZjet was using, sued the carrier for outstanding monies.

Then came the shocking news that Promise Healthcare, another US company that controls a string of hospitals, was accusing Ramdeo of using his payroll company to steal over US$20M from as far back as 2005.

Ramdeo reportedly went into hiding but was nabbed in a New York basement by FBI agents who were hot on his trail.

EZjet folded in as the US, C a n a d a , Tr i n i d a d a n d Guyana simultaneously suspended the airline from flying.

US prosecutors are accusing Ramdeo of using some of the alleged stolen money to prop up the operations of EZjet.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

No. 19 residents flooded, pump collapses R

esidents of East Coast Berbice, particularly those of Number 19 Village in are counting their losses after the area has been hit by flood water for the past week as a result of the heavy rainfall that has swept the Coastal Plain recently and the non functioning pump was installed in the area.

Kaieteur News was recently in the area and was shown wide areas of flooding and clogged drains which contributed immensely to the flooding.

Residents are peeved that they were fooled by the government who promised that a new pump which would have alleviated flooding permanently from the area. One resident stated that the community was told that a new pump through the Surrendra order, would have been installed in the area.

They said that they were first given that assurance by former Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud. This was confirmed by current Minister Leslie Ramsammy.

The resident said that Agriculture Minister Leslie Ramsammy spoke in Parliament that a new pump would have been installed at Number 19.

The foundation work was done by Ameerally Construction Company to the tune of millions of dollars. They were surprised to see an old pump being installed in the area.

Residents stated that when they started to express some concerns about possible flooding in the area.

They were told by NDIA Regional Engineer Mr. Sue

not to worry. They were also reminded that according to the Ministry of Agriculture Weather forecast the place would be dry.

There was also evidence that some of the drains have not been dug or cleared for a long time which contributes to the flooding.

According to a resident, the pump has not worked since it was installed. The resident stated that it was only on Friday around 14:00 hrs that a battery, hydraulic oil, starter and a mechanic were taken to the pump site to fix the pump.

They resident stated that the pump worked for a little while and stopped, leaving them to endure more hardship in the rising flood waters. Up to Sunday evening the situation was not improving.

These residents trying to salvage their Combine from the flood waters

Flooded yards, pastures and clogged drains comprise the horror story of residents on the East Coast Berbice areas.

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 19

Food for the Poor presents mechanical tiller and water pump to Skeldon School

F

ood for the Poor Guyana Limited (FFP) continues to be one of the leading charitable organizations in Guyana.

On Saturday, the Charity organization teamed up with another top charity body, the St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD) to make a donation to one of the top Secondary Schools in Berbice - the Skeldon Line Path Secondary.

The presentation ceremony which took place at the SFCD Multipurpose Centre at Port Mourant, saw the school receiving a mechanical tiller and water

pump which will enable it to enhance its Agriculture Science programme.

Doing the honours on behalf the two organizations was Founder and President of the SFCD and FFP Berbice representative, Alex Foster. Receiving on behalf of the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School was Head Mistress Yvette Johnson.

Also present were Education Officer Secondary, Claude Johnson, Agricultural Science teacher of the School, Dipak Budhoo and Zahir Ally of the SFCD. Speaking at the simple presentation ceremony, Foster said that the SFCD

Another restaurant opens in Linden Although the rate of development in Linden has slowed, there are people who are still investing in the community.

Two weeks ago a young business man, Utah Morris, of One Mile, Wismar, opened the doors of his restaurant, Bamboo Cove, at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre.

According to Morris his passion for cooking started when he was nine years old living with his Grandmother.

After he migrated to the United States, his mother would give him directions over the phone to cook certain stews; those conversations helped. After leaving High School he did a course in culinary arts.

Morris said he decided to open a restaurant which will not only prepare a healthy

and balanced diet but at a reasonable cost. “I know there are other restaurants but people have to pay an arm and a leg to enjoy such dining. My aim is to allow people to enjoy the same fine dining at a reasonable low cost.”

He added that the decor of the bamboo shoots coincides with the name of the restaurant. They give it a kind of romantic atmosphere. He claimed that one thing people must understand is that, Egbert Benjamin is not only a venue for conferences, weddings, and birthday parties. They must realise that the restaurant can do the catering and the decorating for any event.

He opens from 07:00hrs to 22:00 hrs Mondays to Fridays.

and the FFP are setting examples and blaze the trail for others to follow. He said that the Ministry of Education is a collaborating partner in that; they helped their organizations in spreading their projects to a wider target audience.

He said that so far they have created model farms in various sections of Region Six. Some of the areas are well established while some are now starting up. At present, there are farms located or being developed at Limlair, Port Mourant and New Amsterdam.

At these model farms Tilapia farming, greenhouse and the shade house farming, are expected to be established. It is hoped that the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School project would be the model for the Upper Corentyne area. The mechanical tiller and a water pump will go a long way toward fulfilling that ambition.

Foster said that the three multipurpose farms already being developed in the region are strategically spread out and with the coming to being of the Upper Corentyne project the entire region should be catered for.

He said that the Shining Star Community Developers at Limlair Village caters for schools in the Central Corentyne area, the one at the Head Office at Port Mourant, caters for schools in the Lower Corentyne catchment area, while another which is being developed on the Princess Elizabeth Road area in New Amsterdam in collaboration with the All Saints Community Development

Founder and President of the SFCD and FFP Berbice representative Alex Foster makes the presentation to headteacher of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School Yvett Johnson. Others in picture are Education Officer Secondary Claude Johnson and Agricultural Science teacher of the School Dipak Budhoo.

Centre, caters for schools in New Amsterdam/ Canje areas.

The aim of the projects is to improve the skills of the students writing Agricultural Science at the CSEC level where they will have full practical experience in whatever they are doing. “The school was chosen because it has the capacity, human resource and more importantly, the land space to develop a multi-purpose farm in the Upper Corentyne.”

E d u c a t i o n O f f i c e r, Claude Johnson, thanked FFP for the wonderful gesture. He stated that it is such a good thing to have such an organization like the FFP and SFCD on board, and working in collaboration

with the Ministry of Education and the Schools directly to bring success.

One cannot ask for more.

“This will definitely boost the delivery of agricultural Science in the region in a big way.”

Johnson stated.

“Agriculture Science is one of our major programs in the school system. It is, and the fact that we can have schools receiving this kind of support is really a step in the right direction.”

Headmistress Ms. Yvette

Johnson in her appreciation remarks gave all assurances that the equipment will be made full use of, and for the purpose it is intended for.

She said that she was very happy that her school would be part of the project.

She is more than elated to be the recipient of the agricultural equipment.

“This donation will greatly help us to enhance our Agriculture Science project at the school, especially the practical aspect of the subject.”

Page 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

GPHC to process its own drinking water

A

t a cost of $31M, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will start processing its own drinking water with its newly installed treatment plant. Kamal Haricharan, the hospital’s Maintenance Manager in an interview with this publication said that by this weekend, the institution will be utilizing the water from its processing plant.

He noted that the treatment plant is fully operationalized. A shed was recently built to cover it.

Haricharan said that on Thursday, the quality of the purified water will be tested by the Food and Drugs Department before the facility starts to distribute it to various departments.

“It is a 5000 litre per hour water purification system. It can complete more than one cycle per day; it all depends on the demand for purified water and it is a multi-stage purification system,” the Maintenance Manager said.

He added that there are several stages in treating the raw water (water coming directly from the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI)’s lines).

There is a holding tank to store the raw water and there is another tank to store purified water.

Haricharan explained that once the water leaves the raw water holding tank, it passes through the sand filters, carbon filters, softening particle filters,

The water treatment plant reverse osmosis and ultra violet filtration before it goes into the holding tank.

The sand filters are the main workhorses of the water purification system.

When the source water seeps through these filters, it is cleaned in two different ways.

First the sand works like a sieve, straining out harmful bacteria. Clean sand is negatively charged and works like a magnet attracting positively charged particles in the water. These particles in turn attract more negative particles, which

makes it even harder for bad bacteria to pass through the filter. The more junk the filter collects, the easier it is to strain unwanted particles from the water.

Carbon filtering uses chemical adsorption to remove contaminants and impurities from the water, while water softening is the removal of calcium and magnesium in raw water.

The Maintenance Manager said that this new move by the institution will help to save a lot of money in the “long-run.”

Ramsammy unveils $3B for E’bo rice farmers

M

inister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who accompanied President Donald Ramotar on a visit to the Essequibo Coast on Sunday reassured rice farmers who continue to face challenges, especially in the area of drainage, that $3B would be spent this year to offset that problem.

Dr. Ramsammy indicated that portions of that money would be used to enhance

infrastructure and drainage in Region Two. The Minister had said that $22B was earmarked to effect proper drainage and infrastructure nationally.

He said that the inoperable koker at Lima would be replaced by a new pump to aid in the prevailing problem of accretion, while the Lima koker would be removed to Windsor Castle.

Rice farmers in and around Lima continue to struggle with a serious drainage problem every time it rains heavily. Recently, one rice farmer, Teddy, lost three acres of cultivated rice due to flooding.

The rice farmer had said that as a result of the heavy siltation problem at Lima coupled with the unanswered request to have the area disilted readily by farmers, his portion of rice land was inundated with water and resulted in him losing his entire crop.

The Region Two Administration continues to address the critical problem of accretion but continues to be challenged by serious silt build up especially in areas such as Lima, Windsor Castle and Affiance.

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 21

Five BK employees charged for stealing $1.2M truck part

F

ive employees attached to the construction giant, BK Group of Companies, were formally charged in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday for stealing a truck part valued at $1.2M from the company.

Tyrone Ghani, 20, of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; Sanjay Ramjet, 23, of Canal #2 Polder, West Bank Demerara; Trevor Collette, 30, of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara; Wole Archer, 41, of Public Road, Friendship, East Bank Demerara; and Kirk Inniss, 32, of Canvas City, Wismar, Linden; were taken before Magistrate Faith McGusty to face a charge for simple larceny.

It is alleged that between June 5, last, and July 11, last they stole BK International’s $1.2M Mack Truck computer box.

In his call for the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) to be applied, representing Attorney at Law Paul Fung-a-Fat stated

that the article was recovered and he was of the opinion that the court has the jurisdiction to deal with the matter.

The Prosecution, spearheaded by Corporal Seon Blackman, objected however, stating that other charges are expected to be instituted against the employees. He told the court that he will make the application when all the charges are brought.

The five men were not called upon to respond since the charge was laid indictably.

The facts of the case were not revealed in court.

Applying for reasonable bail, Fung-a-Fat said that none of the five men was ever charged or convicted by any court of law.

He said that while Ghani was employed as an excavator operator, Ramjet, Colette and Archer held the post as mechanics while Inniss had been employed as a driver.

Fung-a-Fat described Colette as a champion employee who had been gainfully employed with the construction giant for the

More charges for Naith Ram

Accused: Sanjay Ramjet would pose a flight risk to the courts and would not return for trial.

Blackman claimed, too, that the value of the article as well as the nature of the offence and the punishment it attracts were enough for the court to order them held.

The Prosecution contended that it was in possession of evidence.

“The exhibit is in court. It was recovered with the assistance of all the accused.

There was no need to place them on an identification parade since they all work with BK International, your worship.” The Corporal made an application for two weeks for the investigations to be completed.

Fung-a-Fat rose and refuted the Prosecution’s claims. He stated that the Prosecution had not advanced reasons to show that his clients would “flee to Suriname or Brazil or not turn up to face the charges.”

The lawyer said that three of the men had passports and were willing to

Accused: Tyrone Ghani

Accused: Trevor Collette

Accused: Wole Archer

Accused: Kirk Innis

lodge them if the court deemed necessary.

“These men have unblemished characters your worship,” the lawyer insisted.

Notwithstanding the objections advanced by the Prosecution, bail was granted in the sum of $250,000 to each of the accused. They were ordered to report to the Headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) every Monday at 9:00 hours. The case is set to be called again on August 4 for report.

A press release from BK

on Saturday had stated that the company recognized that many of its trucks spare parts and other equipment were being stolen over the past year but was only able to catch those stealing the Group’s property last week.

The items stolen include a computer box, fuel pumps, hubs, brake liners, fuel injectors, axles, batteries, lights, wheel seals, steering ends, deferential seals, clutch plates, pressure plates, dump pump, break booster, wheel bearings, ratchet, and stabilizer bars.

CHRISTIAN GROUP TARGETS PLAYGROUNDS FOR UPGRADE

Naith Ram

Alliance For Change Region Two Councillor, Naith Ram, who was slapped with additional charges stemming from the rice farmers’ protest, was on Monday placed on $30,000 bail by Magistrate Sunil Scarce. Ram was initially placed on $10,000 bail.

He appeared on Monday, at the Charity Magistrate’s Court to answer to the new charges of indecent exposure and assault to a police officer.

He was released on self bail on the offence of assaulting a police officer.

Police said on July 4, last, at Land Of Plenty, Essequibo Coast, Ram’s clothing was torn off after attempts were made by the police to arrest him. The

past 12 years.

Ghani, he said, had been with BK for the past six years, Ramjet for four years and Archer served for two years while Inniss was employed six months ago as a driver.

The lawyer stressed that the article had been recovered and that none of his clients were picked out during an identification parade but were rather just “informed that they were charged.”

He said that they had been held in police custody since last Friday.

Fung-a-Fat asked the Magistrate to consider too that this is a case that involves a company and as such “statements will take a long time to file.”

He opined that the police had sufficient time to bring forth all the charges “from since Friday. This is just a case where they are trying to imprison my clients wrongfully.”

His application was, however, met with objections from the Prosecution.

Blackman stated, “Your worship, in relation to the defendants before you, there are several matters being investigated against them for stolen parts from BK International which amount to $40M.” He said that based on that, if any bail should be granted, the defendants who were cognizant that an investigation is pending

police added that protestors were pulling Ram away from the police which lead to his clothes being torn off.

The protest which was led by Ram, a Councillor, commenced at Cotton Field before the group converged at Land of Plenty where the protestors proceeded to block the main public road with tyres, trucks, cars and a lamp post. The protest continued way into Saturday morning.

Ta g e P e r s a u d Sewcharran, another protestor, was additionally charged with assaulting a peace officer. He was released on his own recognizance on Monday.

The duo was represented by Heimraj Rajkumar.

The One Mile Extension playfield has been earmarked as one of the first recreational facilities in Linden, to be upgraded with the assistance of the Christian Development Foundation, and others who so desire to see its development.

Commencing last Saturday, several youths in the community started to clean the facility, under the stewardship of APNU Parliamentarian and Pastor of the Fruits of Calvary Church, Renis Morian. The children involved in the exercise were equipped with cutlasses, spades and a wheelbarrow, and could be seen weeding and carting away the stuff. They were only required to work for half an hour.

Afterwards they were treated to refreshments by Morian and advised to return later to do some more cleaning.

Several residents in the community commended the initiative by Morian and his colleagues, to have the facility cleared, so that more young people would be encouraged to utilize it.

“It is a good thing that is happening here, because young people need somewhere proper to play sports, and it would keep them off the streets, where they can get into trouble. I’m therefore happy that something like this is

Morian with the youths during the clean up.

happening and especially that the young people themselves are involved; in that way they will appreciate it (ball field) more,” one resident claimed.

Those sentiments were echoed by others, who expressed the hope that more youths would become involved in sporting activities.

As regards the project Morian noted, “The fact that we are looking forward to a good life, and we are looking to empower the next generation, I recognized that most of our fields (ball fields) have run down. I

also recognized that school is now closed and that we have hundreds of young people that would be out of school. If they don’t have anything to do they’ll get into trouble.

“So I have prepared a number of proposals- one to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and sport, and to other agencies for funding to get these grounds going.

The Christian Develop Foundation has partnered with the APNU to lend support to this project. Other Churches are also lending support, Morian said.

Page 22

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

It may be time to re-examine requirement upgrade standards - veteran pilot By: Zena Henry The numerous incidents and accidents occurring in the local aviation sector is perhaps evidence that changes ought to be made to ensure safety. This is the indication of veteran pilot, Captain Lloyd Marshall who expressed alarm at the recurring incidence of aviation mishaps. As a major player in the sector, he insists, “The time perhaps, has also come for the

training departments of certificate holders to reexamine whether pilots are being upgraded to captains based only on their ability and skill to fly the aircraft.”

The former Guyana Airways Corporation (GAC) pilot placed focus on ‘pilotsin-command’ since in his view, what happens during a flight depends heavily on what the pilot does. Captain Marshall posited therefore that aviation training departments should

acknowledge the outcomes of single crew operations against that of a multi-crew.

He charged that pilots must be sure of their roles and responsibilities, but the more popular single crew aircraft do not provide for that. “This”, Marshall said, “removes monitoring and oversight, despite the use of Standard Operation Procedures (SOP)”.

He continued that a Cessna for example, is operated by the pilot alone,

but these planes can carry up to 14 passengers, so it is pivotal that these pilots be disciplined in carrying out their functions.

“In multi-crew aircraft, there is a built-in level of cockpit discipline because of mandatory cross-monitoring Standard Operating Procedures. In single crew aircraft there is no monitoring and therefore the importance of self-discipline cannot be over emphasized.

Training must take this into

consideration.”

However, while the single-crew operations are legal, Captain Marshall is adamant that companies must ensure “rigid operating procedures.” What is even more important, he urged is, “pilots ought to know how to assess a situation and know how to handle it.” In an earlier letter to the media, Captain Marshall had pointed out that the most successful and reliable pilots are usually the ones who have an innate sense of situation awareness, while study shows that the valuable resource of situation awareness can be acquired by aviators through training and self-discipline.

The veteran operator added that egos and other human behaviour can also be hindrances to proper piloting practices. For instance, a pilot might come across unfavourable conditions on landing, but because of ego or a personal desire, especially if another pilot would have landed at the said airport, the pilot carries out that mission.

The pilot said conditions could change instantly and that is when not only a pilot’s skill or ability to fly a plane is needed, but also, discipline.

He indicated that it would appear that pilots feel obligated to complete a mission no matter the circumstance, “but what happened to turning back, what happen to aborting the mission, going around or using another landing location?”

Captain Marshall charged that it is usually a pilot’s judgment which

Veteran pilot Captain Lloyd Marshall enables him to carry out his functions safely rather than his ability to operate the aircraft.

“Without being judgmental or pedantic,” Captain Marshall submitted that any upgrade to the pilotin-command training programme must include taking full command of, and accepting the responsibility for the aircraft, crew and passengers.

He urged pilots to review the maintenance log prior to accepting the aircraft for flight, and analyze weather reports, forecasts, fuel requirements and an alternate plan of action prior to departure. He said that making firm “no or go” decisions based on aeronautical knowledge, experience, Standard Operating Procedures and judgment could also help while resolving en-route meteorological, navigational and air traffic control situations.

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

VACANCY

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

Spares for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, pumps, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943 Yamaha outboard engines, various sizes, tundra wheels, boat trailer – Tel: 220-1981, 690-1945 One used Xbox360 & TV with two controls & four games - $100,000 – Tel: 6217497; 603-8643 Dressed and mill cut lumber: Kabukalli, Silverballi, Greenheart, Crab Wood etc Call: 688-6579 PVC Ceiling Panels (USA Standards), all-purpose joint compound, T h o m p s o n ’s c o n c r e t e water proofer – Tel: 6148564; 639-3675; 680-0862 Games for PS2, PS3, XBOX360, WII, consoles also available – Call: 6722566, 265-3231 One 4 Wheel Drive Massey Ferguson Tractor - $2.8M – Tel: 697-2492 Pure bred Rottweiler puppies for sale – Contact Natasha: 653-5132, 626-1743 Windows, Air Conditioner, 2 Milwaukee saw-saw, computer desktop – Tel: 6865625 New American made Wener, aluminum ladder: 17 feet$28,000; 24 feet- $38,000, 32 feet- $55,000 – Tel: 609-7257, 602-5794 View Sonic Projectors & computer monitor - Sizes: 17inches – 27inches (new) – Contact: 623-4919; 646-7768 Pure pit-bull puppies, seven weeks old, price: $30,000 – Tel: 658-3072 Air boat 480 Likanoing Engine Exc, 1-650 Kawasaki Scrambler Motor Bike Exc, 1-40 Ton ice machine cooling tower – Tel: 616-2222,628-1200

FOR SALE Used pedicure chair, hair dryer and salon chair – Tel: 668-9583, 698-5272 One stall at Stabroek Market – Tel:679-1151

LAND FOR SALE Land for sale at Better Hope South – Price $6,350,000, negotiable – Tel: 642-7898 15 Acre transport land opposite Timerhri Docks, next to Kamuni Creek – Tel: 2224708 At Eccles Housing Scheme – price $6.5M – negotiable – Call:616-6000 Twelve House Lots in one block along Corriverton Public Road- Call: 626-6245

CAR RENTAL Dolly’s Car Rental - Call: 2257126/ 226-3693 dollys autorental@yahoo.com/ www.dolly sautorental.com ProgressiveAuto Rental: Cars & SUV for rental- $4,000 & up per day- Call: 643-5122, 219-3900 ,Email:pro_ autorental @yahoo.com

Tourist Villa: Furnished Rooms & apartments- 1, 2 &3 bedroom apartments at affordable rates – Lot 95 Fifth Av e n u e , Subryanville – Tel: 2272199; 227-2189; 227-2186

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Furnished two bedroom apartment at Eccles AA Scheme, One bedroom apartment – Tel: 686-5625.

One bottom flat in Enmore $35,000 monthly – Call: 677-1495

DRESSMAKING Jean offers courses in dressmaking, designing curtains, floral decoration & cake decoration – Tel: 6181706; 670-2653.

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997

LEARN TO DANCE Learn Latin Dancing in 1 Day! @ National Park Tarmac, July 27th, 2:30-5:30, Register now! $2,000 (1 person) – Call: 6126475; 629-8842

Prime business flat 100X25 (Boutique/Store/Office) @ Hadfield St. Behind Brickdam Station – Contact: Simone 626-5317; 227-0501 Store @ Good Hope, Public Road, ideal for pharmacy or automotive parts, security cameras & showcases included – Call: 614-8018 One 1 bedroom apartment at Church Street, Friendship, E.B.D – Call:266-2494; 6618700 28’X40’ Space located at 1St Bridge Corner lot, Grove New Scheme, E.B.D – Call Trevor: 664-0000, Nichola: 662-5035 WANTED One maid from ages 35 – Tel: 231-3647. Ask for Sandy

SALON Make Up Courses, Artist Trained & Certified in Trinidad.

Call: 660-5257, 647-1773 Summer Special: Earn a certificate in cosmetology, wig designs or nails alone, limited spaces - Call Abby: 619-7603, 666-5241

PROPERTY FOR SALE 1-2 storey wooden & concrete house with 5 bedrooms, upper flat & lower flat 4 apartments located@ Shell Road, kitty - $34M - Tel: 642-7898 Diamond: Avenue A - Three bedrooms, two-storey concrete house & 1st Bridge - Flat concrete & high house.

Have property for sale?

Contact: 643-7633 Two transported properties (house & land) & One 100 acres farm land with live stock & fruit trees. – Tel:6928923 Double lot at Ruimzeight, W.C.D – Call: 629-1532; 6647326 Two storey concrete house on a corner lot, land 4079.6 Sq.ft @ Christiani Street, North Ruimveldt, G/Town$40M Neg. Contact: 600-0831 Enterprise East Coast Demerara, Luxury 6 bedrooms including master room W/ Jacuzzi, etc - $38M – Call: 650-0716; 619-5357; 223-1051

Newly constructed apartment on WCD furnished/unfurnished in healthy and safe environment – Tel: 698-6496 To let – Four bedrooms top flat, semi-furnished, 2 bathrooms, patio, driveway @ Kitty – Call: 650-0716; 2231051

Need body parts and accessories for Tacoma, Tundra, & Titan? – Contact: Eddie’s Auto Parts : 227-2835; 227-5381 Dell/HP computers with 17", 19"& 20", LCDs from $55,000, laptops from $55,000.

Contact Future Tech: 2312206 Original PS2, PS3, XBOX360, Nintendo DS & 3Ds System games & parts, can be delivered – Call:683-8386

24 Hour East Coast Guyoil needs night pump attendants, salesgirl, office assistant & handyman- Call: 670-8893/684-2838 Exists for Cashier, apply with application & passport size picture @ Survival, Lot 173 Sheriff Street. Tel: 227-5286/9 One female to assort goods & labourer, apply in person @ Alabama Trading G/Town Ferry Stelling Accountants & Checkers at RA Soda Factory, also #7 Bakery for rental – Contact: 330-2399; 330-2772 ACCOMMODATION

Page 23

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Permanent & Visitors Vi s a Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building Call Sabita: 2256496, 662-6045 Repairs, sales & spares, air conditioning, microwaves, washer, fridges & stoves. Ultra Cool, call: 225-9032,647-2943 Repairs to Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washers, Stoves: Call 683-1312, 627-3206 (Nick) For low cost: Repairs to fridge, freezer, A/C unit, microwaves, TV & washing machine - Call: 629-4946 or 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer- Call Omar: 2310655, 683-8734 We Refill HP Printer Ink $2,000; Cannon printer ink $2,500. Phone: 650-7699 COOL TECH: Repairs Service & Installation of all types of homes appliances: Air Condition & Refrigeration Units – Tel: 233-2008; 675-4959

TO LET Fully furnished 2 bedroom apartment for rent with TV, Air-condition , hot & cold, cable (in south) for foreigners –Tel:689-5877 One apartment to sublet to a single working female at Windsor Forest W.C.D – Tel: 652-0163 Two storey 3 bedrooms house, fully grilled with all modern amenities in Diamond, E.B.D – Tel: 6582998

Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, washing machines, A/C units – Call Lindon: 6411086, 694-2202, 227-8907

AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms - Call: 680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash. Also parts available & 30 seater buses; extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 New model Raum: PRR Series, very clean - $1.550 Neg. Contact: 662-6024 or 233-6337.

One Toyota Mark II, Grande (GX110), excellent condition, leather interior, 18" Chrome $2.5M – Tel: 613-5308 1 Ford F150, Colour: Silver, Mint Condition, price - $3.5 M- Call: 610-0808 Toyota Premio & new model Spacio, never registered – Call: 227-5950, 681-7117 First Class Auto: 2006 Premio, 2006 Allion, 2004 Spacio, IST, Axela, Fielder, Rush – Call: 609-8188; 638-3045 J’s Auto Imports: In stock Allion, Premio, Blue Bird, Spacio, Madza Axela – Tel: 696-4659 One Toyota NZE PLL Series excellent condition, fully loaded 17" Chrome, rims, alarm system & music$1.7M Negotiable – Contact: 691-6707; 625-6043 Toyota AT212 Car, Toyota Vigo Jeep, Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, fully loaded, excellent condition, price negotiable – Call: 687-2237/ 225-8427 Toyota Hilux Surf 4X4 Jeep, 3RZ Engine, Low Mileage, Asking $3.5M – Call: 6002984; 618-2984 One Toyota Spacio (Year 2002) – Contact Suraj: 6921135 EDUCATION Summer computer classes, Ages5-16, Parika Location, Micrographics Technology, Former Bollywood building – Tel:264-3057; 626-4833

EDUCATION

EDUCATION Summer Classes: Phonics, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft, fun day (4-12yrs) July 15th – August 15th @ Roxanne Burnham – Call: 6194355; 218-2076

Writing CXC January/June 2015 Mathematics, English.

Additional Mathematics, Business Subjects Students, workers, Form 3, 4&5 – Call: 231-2076 Mr. Lee

Transitional foundation summer classes July 21st – Aug 21st: Forms 1 &2 Maths, English/Lit, Spanish, Music, Home EC, Social EtiquetteCall: 227-7850 Mr. Lee

Business Space on public road- Call:613-0448/ 672-8625

VEHICLE FOR SALE 2006 Blue Nissan Titan.

Fully Loaded GSS Series.

Contact: 604-6108.

One Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, PMM Series Call: 225-0188, 223-7500, MonFri 8:15-4:15pm, Sat – 8:151:15PM

Now Enrolling for summer computer classes – Ages: 514yrs, certificate course @ MicroGraphics Technology – Vreed-En- Hoop –Tel: 2643057 Now Enrolling for a Diploma in computers (9 courses) Special discount for 2014 CXC students @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop –Tel: 264-3057 (Continued on page 24)

Page 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Letters... Where your views make the news

(From page 23)

WANTED Live out domestic babysitter and live in babysitter –Call: 225-0188, 225-6070 (Monday to Saturday ) (8:15am4:15pm) Experienced taxi & bus driver at Princess Hotel, Providence – Tel: 616-5419/265-7076 One live in experienced domestic must know to cook & bake. Starting salary $70,000 monthly – Tel:610-5043 Over edge and straight stitch operator to work at Garment Factory – Call: 222-2541 Monday – Friday Salesgirl/boys and porters apply in person, to Avinash Water Street 8:30 to 4:30 Female worker needed, 3 CXC subjects or sound secondary school education - Call: 612-1595 One live-in maid; must know to cook & clean properly – Call: 681-6044 Barber & Tattoo Artist with customers needed to work @ barbershop in Kitty, opposite Police Station – Call: 662-2209 Live in waitress to work in a bar – Call: 603-6301 Drivers at Mohan Variety Store, Brassonic Building, Water Street. Phone: 6732887 or 666-3877 One Experienced female private tutor. Call between 8:00am -5pm- Tel: 676-2812 Industry Area, ECD. To Manage Snackette, hours: Monday-Friday 2 6.45pm. Saturdays 6am to 3pm Tel: 226-2829 MondayFriday between 9am & 4pm

Guyanese are now much wiser politically, and unlikely to be misled DEAR EDITOR, The search for a governance model that reflects the will of all citizens has a long history dating back to the early days of Greek city states. However that search is still continuing without any real solution.

For so long as people exist in the current mental state there will never be a governance mechanism that could be satisfactory to the population as a whole.

Perhaps the most extreme of that governance model was in the city of Athens, way back in time, where an assembly was drawn up from all the different ethnic groups who were represented in equal numbers to form the governing council.

The council would then elect a President whose term in office was limited to one day without any possibility of re-election.

Such a mechanism would not easily lend itself to modern day political systems which are based on stability, continuity and change. The quest for a governance mechanism that would ensure the greatest good for the greatest number of people has always engaged the thinking of philosophers and political analysts, with varying degrees of success.

Plato, the early Greek philosopher, came up with the idea of the ‘philosopher king’ who was supposed to be trained at an early age to assume leadership roles.

The belief was that a leader should be trained to conduct the affairs of state in addition to being wise.

This combination of wisdom and knowledge was considered by Plato to be integral to good governance and leadership.

Later philosophers such

as Hobbes, Burke and Rousseau, sought to find the right balance between individual freedoms and ensuring that such freedoms were not used to encroach on the freedom of others. The idea of a ‘social contract’ was seen as a way of ensuring that balance in which citizens agree by way of a social contract to give up some of their freedoms to a sovereign power in exchange for security of person and property.

Modern democracies are based on the will of the majority as the basis for governance. The will of the majority is expressed in periodic free and fair elections in which citizens freely elect individuals to govern them within the framework of the rule of law.

Finding a governance mechanism acceptable to all continues to remain a challenge to democracies all over the world. This is especially so in ethnically diverse societies such as ours, where voting behaviour is often clouded by considerations that have little to do with programmes and policies, but more to do with sectional interests such as ethnicity and race.

In the United States of America, there is the issue of class interests, where the vast majority of Blacks and Coloureds tend to vote for the Democratic Party, which is perceived to be more prolabour in its programmes and policies. And since the vast majority of Blacks and Coloureds including a sizeable number of immigrants, are from the lower end of the social ladder, there is a convergence of race and class which, as the last Presidential elections in the United States demonstrated,

worked in favour of the reelection of President Barack Obama.

In Guyana, the PPP has always embraced a pro-labour policy from the time it assumed the mantle of political governance in the first democratic elections under universal adult suffrage in 1953.

The PPP, however, was removed from office in less than six months because of the working class orientation of the then regime led by the charismatic Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

The PPP has never departed from that working class orientation which it embraced some sixty-four years ago. In that regard, the PPP remained the only massbased political party that has won power in three distinct periods of our pre-and postcolonial history, all on the basis of a working class platform.

It won elections in 1953 by a landslide victory, but as pointed out earlier, that victory was short lived because of a perceived fear

that the policies of the government was too labouroriented and therefore posed a threat to big business. The PPP again won elections in 1957 and 1964 - winning a parliamentary majority in all of the elections until 1964 when the Constitution was changed to allow for a change of the electoral system from first-past-the-post to that of proportional representation.

The point I am seeking to make is that the PPP with its pro-labour policies has always won free and fair elections, and because of the universalistic values embraced by the Party, was able to draw support from a wide spectrum of the Guyanese population.

However, in an attempt to weaken the Party and prevent it from winning elections, race and ethnicity was exploited and manipulated by reactionary elements, which resulted firstly in the split of the PPP in 1955, and later on, in the removal of the PPP from the seat of government in 1964, under what was

described by former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson as a ‘fiddled constitutional arrangement’ This year marks fifty years since the PPP was manipulated out of office by way of an imposed electoral model of proportional representation. In a way, history is repeating itself with the current political configuration in Parliament, where attempts are once again being made by the combined opposition in parliament to use their parliamentary majority to bring down the PPP/C administration through constitutional means.

It remains to be seen how the opposition would react to their intention to move a no confidence motion against the current PPP/C government.

One thing is certain and that is that the Guyanese people are much wiser politically today and are therefore much more unlikely to be misled by those who are seeking to turn back the clock of history.

Hydar Ally

From page 4 causes most of the children who get their first choice at the good schools; it is the status of their parents and their political connections.

It is the Ministry of Education and not the parents who should be held responsible for the breakdown of the education system.

Nor can the parents be held responsible for the natural gifts or talents that their children have or don’t have.

The role of the government is to strive to improve the conditions of the underprivileged.

We cannot have fair competition in education if we do

not neutralize the starting conditions.

The concept of a meritocracy should not apply in education. Leveling the playing field so that children can come to the starting line of schooling without advantages or disadvantages should be the primary goal.

Our major concern is that too many poor parents are forced to expend their scarce resources to remove their children from public schools to private schools, just to try to get them a good education.

Some 10 to 15 per cent of children in Guyana are n o w a t tending private schools—a percentage that is one of the highest in the world,

and is shameful because it places the country in the company of failed states.

We want to remind the government that children do not pick their parents, just as they do not pick their race or gender.

They find themselves born, some of them in homes where no one has ever done well at secondary school, some with homes without fathers, or without surplus income that could be spent on educational materials.

Entry into good schools should not be based on ethnicity, privilege, or on the status and wealth of parents.

Asquith Rose and Harish Singh

DEAR EDITOR, While I agree that there is a need for reparation for slavery, I have no idea (nor do I think does anyone else) of how much is equitable.

Assuming that it is agreed to pay reparation, the very most each person aggrieved would get is about US$12,000 for 25 years which amounts to US$300,000 per person. You are not going to get more, as you yourselves were not actually enslaved, so you cannot claim compensation for hurt feelings, etc.

Out of that US$300,000 you would need to take out Taxation. Then subtract for Food, Clothing and Housing.

That would leave about US$25,000 per person.

There are about 300,000 African Guyanese in Guyana.

So, the total amount would be about US$7.5Bn. Are African Guyanese going to say that this is an equitable amount or not?

This is just my guess. Wait until a claim is actually put in, they would probably knock down that figure.

Sean McLean

National unity will aid to strengthen...

How much reparation to claim for slavery?

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 25

Chasing Cheats – J’ca Tax Gov’t contractors see hope in new procurement process Authority goes after delinquents

Carvel Stewart (Jamaica Gleaner) Carvel Stewart, president of the Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica, says local contractors who do business with the Government are viewed with jaundiced eyes by the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) and has expressed hope that the separation of the National Contracts Committee (NCC) from the office will make it easier to do business.

“There must be an attitude within that organisation of enabling. What we found in the previous approach to it is that everybody is a crook and we are going to disable everybody. That is the feeling you got,” Stewart told The Gleaner yesterday.

A Public Appeals Board (PAB) is to be created within a stand-alone procurement body, which the Government says will be an independent tribunal to adjudicate

contractor complaints in a procurement process.

The creation of the PAB will be a feature of a reformed procurement system, which Horace Dalley, the minister without portfolio in the finance ministry, said accounts for approximately 30 per cent of GDP. Contributing to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives last Tuesday, Dalley said a Bill, which contains provisions for the separation of the NCC from the Office of the Contractor General, is now ready to be laid in Parliament.

Stewart said the OCG was not set up to assess the capabilities of contractors, noting that it was established to monitor the awards to government contractors.

“The feeling you got was that everybody was fraudulent and crooks, but we have to be more enabling of our people, and until we are doing that, the country will not be where it ought to be,” Stewart said.

Dalley had announced that the NCC would be renamed the Public Procurement Commission in the new law and that the creation of the PAB represented an administrative layer that would strengthen the integrity and transparency of the public procurement process.

“The public procurement regime is a high-priority area

for the Government due to its significant impact on the local and national economy,” Dalley said.

He added that “improving the transparency, integrity, and efficiency of the public procurement process is at the forefront of the present reform”.

Dalley told fellow legislators that contracts valued at $50.55 billion were awarded during the last fiscal year.

“These are all contracts that must be approved by the Cabinet - with value of over $40 million - through the Infrastructure Subcommittee.

We have not yet tabulated the value of all those works contracts below the threshold of $500,000 issued by several ministries, departments, and agencies, which we suspect will run into several billions,” Dalley said.

Dalley said a new cadre of public procurement professionals within the public sector is being developed and a new public procurement policy office within the Ministry of Finance and Planning has been designated.

The overhauling of the public procurement regime proposes a revision of emergency contracting procedures as well as removal of the requirement of the Ministry of Finance to comment on all contracts prior to approval.

Ministry clarifies expungement of convictions under Criminal Records Bill

(Jamaica Observer) The Ministry of Justice has issued a clarification in relation to the expungement of convictions related to sexual offences visà-vis the expungement of convictions for the use of small quantities of ganja under the provisions of the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Bill, which was approved by the Senate on July 4.

The response from the ministry’s senior public relations officer, Damian Wilson, was to an article headlined ‘Committee begins reviewing Sexual Offences Act’, which was published on Friday, July 11 in the Jamaica Observer, and which stated: “Last Friday, as the Senate passed the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) (Amendment) Act, minister of justice Senator Mark Golding, who will chair the committee, revealed that it is expected to address the issue of

Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding whether persons who commit sexual offences under the influence of ganja should be allowed to have their convictions expunged from the criminal records.”

The ministry explained that the expungement of the offence of having sex with someone under 16 years of

age was separate from the discussion on ganja, and the minister did not conflate the two issues during the debate on the Bill in the Senate.

“The Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) (Amendment) Bill deals with expungement of convictions for possession of small quantities of ganja, or smoking ganja. The Bill also (entirely and separately) deals with the possibility of a conviction for the offence of having sex with someone under 16 years old being expunged, if certain conditions are satisfied (in essence, if it is a teenage boyfriend/girlfriend situation and the teenagers are not more than three years apart).

“These issues are not connected, and at no point did the minister say or suggest that persons who commit sexual offences under the influence of ganja should be allowed to have their convictions expunged.”

(Jamaica Gleaner) Delinquent taxpayers and dodgers are being put on notice that the State will be coming at them with unrelenting force this year as it seeks to secure revenues due to the national purse.

Ainsley Powell, commissioner general of Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), told The Gleaner that $20 billion in arrears is targeted for this year and signalled that the authorities would be “going for a higher proportion due to direct intervention”.

Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), during her recent visit to Jamaica, urged the Government to improve its collection of taxes.

Powell told The Gleaner that unlike last year when direct action from the intervention of compliance officers resulted in the collection of $9.9 billion, TAJ is expecting to collect more from intervention.

“We are going to be upping the levels of compliance activities this

Ainsley Powell year,” Powell said.

“Last year, we had heavy use of the court system in terms of cases that we took to the court ... We are going that route again,” Powell added.

He told The Gleaner that TAJ was prepared to sell properties where the court has ruled in favour of the revenue for levy due to delinquency. He also said TAJ would continue to rely on information provided by

way of tips on its tax-cheat hotline, noting that 60 per cent of the calls have proven to be “worthwhile”.

Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips is expected to table bills in the House of Representatives this week to assist TAJ in securing greater compliance.

Businesses to give information This will be an additional compliance tool, which will be used against recent amendments to the Revenue Administration Act, which allows TAJ to require businesses to submit information details relating to their depositors, independent contractors, suppliers, and business customers.

“We are using it as one of our tools in determining who is to be registered, who is to file, and a sense of what they ought to pay,” Powell said.

“We are utilising it to determine the accuracy of reporting.”

Only 17.3 per cent of tax returns for all tax types were filed on time last fiscal year, data supplied by TAJ has revealed.

Page 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

$1B forensic lab commissioned

By Abena Rockcliffe After several delays, Guyana’s first forensic laboratory was finally commissioned yesterday.

This comes some three years after the contract was signed for the construction of the facility, located at Turkeyen.

The laboratory is a project under the Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP), initiated by the Government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

This Programme has three elements: Institutional modernization of the Home Affairs Ministry, Community Action Component (CAC) and modernization of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), which includes strengthening of its forensic capability.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Angela Johnson, who was the Chairperson of yesterday’s commissioning ceremony, said that the Lab is intended to enhance the investigative capacity of the crime fighting body in Guyana. She told staffers of the entity, who were present at the ceremony, that they must forever keep in mind that their mandate is to meet the demands of stakeholders who she pointed out to be police, prosecution, victims, suspects and citizens generally.

Programme Coordinator of the Citizens’ Security Programme, Anil Ramnath reminded that the objective is to enhance citizens’ security by contributing to the

The $1.049B facility reduction of crime and violence.

He specified however, that the Programme targets areas of strengthening the capabilities of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Police Force as well as building safer communities.

Ramnath highlighted that the new Lab will realise capacity building and also add to the modernization of the Ministry and the Police Force.

Ramnath disclosed that the facility consists of a main building which comprises two floors totaling 12,000 sq.ft. He said that the ground floor of the main building houses the administrative offices, library and research centre, conference room, security monitoring, evidence

submission and wash rooms.

The first floor has the accommodation to support the facility’s four departments namely; chemistry, toxicology, document and trace evidence. These four departments have six laboratories and an instrument room.

The Facility also consist of a single floor Service Building totaling 2,600 sq.ft which accommodates the main electrical panels and transformer, vehicle inspection booths, ballistics as well as chemical and general storage.

Ramnath disclosed that the total investment by the Government of Guyana towards the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory is

Nigerian leader tells teenage Pakistani activist missing girls to be home soon (Reuters) - Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan promised yesterday that more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamist militants would soon return home, teenage Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai said after meeting him.

Malala, who became a global celebrity after surviving being shot in the head by the Taliban for campaigning for girls’ education, was visiting Nigeria to support an international campaign for the release of the teenage students abducted in midApril by the Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram.

“The president promised me ... that the abducted girls will return to their homes soon,” Malala, who has called the 219 missing students her “sisters”, told a news conference after a 45-minute meeting with Jonathan at the presidential villa.

The Pakistani teenager, who turned 17 on Saturday, also appealed directly to Boko Haram to stop its attacks and

Pakistani schoolgirl activist Malala Yousafzai speaks during a meeting with the leaders of the #BringBackOurGirls Abuja campaign group.

CREDIT: REUTERS/AFOLABI SOTUNDE release the schoolgirl captives, saying Islam was a “religion of peace” that allowed education for girls as well as boys.

“Release your sisters.

Release my sisters and release the daughters of this nation.

Let them be free,” she said at an event in Abuja to mark U.N.-declared “Malala Day”,

established in her name to promote the education of girls and women.

At the weekend, Malala met parents of the schoolgirls snatched on April 14 from the northeastern village of Chibok by Boko Haram militants fighting to establish an Islamic state in religiously mixed Nigeria.

$1,049,683,127.

He said that investments in these magnitudes are definitely aimed at perfecting results and are necessary for development.

Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee in his address acknowledged the contribution of the University of Guyana. He said that without the assistance of the University, “we would have probably still been looking for land.”

He said that the University didn’t walk away empty handed, as the Lab will be a training ground for young scientists. The Minister said a special section of the

building has been allocated for this.

Rohee sought to assure those who gathered that the facility will not be a white elephant. He said the building is filled with state of the art equipment that will be used to solve crimes that have never been solved in the history of crime fighting in Guyana.

He said that forged documents, bio fluids, alcohol, and drugs will be examined.

Rohee disclosed that President Donald Ramotar has ordered that there soon will be a facility to test DNA. He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs will work assiduously to ensure that this happens.

He added that it will always confirm to international standards and will be a revenue stream for the Government of Guyana with various scientific tests being offered locally and soon internationally.

Rohee said that steps are being taken to establish relationships with international and regional forensic labs so that they can share experience, information and training.

He thanked the Guyana Police Force for its support towards the project and charged them to be equally supportive as clients, adding that he hopes for the Force to be the principle beneficiary.

Sophie McKinnon, Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank, said that appropriate and effective handling of evidence is crucial in the criminal justice system.

She said that the Lab is one of the main products of the Citizens’ Security Programme which aims to support the application of the rule of law and citizens security in Guyana.

McKinnon was pleased to say that this is the first forensic Lab in the Caribbean that the Bank has supported.

McKinnon noted that citizens’ security is a priority for the Bank.

She said that this is so because crime and violence slow economic growth and impedes social development.

She said that the Bank is proud to be able to contribute to the process of modernizing crime prevention and law enforcement in Guyana.

The US$19 million citizens’ security programme is funded under an IDB loan and is for 40 years, with a 10year grace period. Interest rates are one percent a year during the first decade and two percent a year thereafter.

The commissioning of the laboratory was scheduled to be completed 12 months after the contract was signed in April 2011; however, it was pushed back and delayed on several occasions.

Church of England votes ‘yes’ to women bishops (Reuters) - The Church of England voted yesterday to allow women to become bishops, a historic decision which overturns centuries of tradition in a Church that has been deeply divided over the issue.

Two years ago, a similar proposal failed narrowly due to opposition from traditionalist lay members, to the dismay of modernisers, the Church hierarchy and politicians.

But after a five-hour debate yesterday, the General Synod, the governing body of the Church of England, voted overwhelmingly in favour of an amended plan at its meeting in the northern English city of York.

“Today is the completion of what was begun over 20 years ago with the ordination of women as priests. I am delighted with today’s result,” said Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, spiritual leader of the world’s 80 million Anglicans.

“Today marks the start of a great adventure of seeking mutual flourishing while still, in some cases, disagreeing.”

The issue over women bishops has caused internal division since the Synod approved female priests in 1992. It has pitted reformers, keen to project a more modern image of the Church as it struggles with falling congregations in many increasingly secular countries, against a conservative minority which says the change contradicts the Bible.Women serve as bishops in the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand but Anglican churches in many developing countries do not ordain them as priests.Welby has said the first female bishop could be named early next year.

“This is a watershed moment for the Church of England and a huge step forward in making our society fairer,” Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said.

“Allowing women to become bishops is another long overdue step towards gender equality in senior positions.”The 2012 vote was rejected by the Synod, with the bishops and the clergy in favour and opposition from

lay members denying the two-thirds majority needed in all three houses to pass.

The Church’s response was to set up a committee to find common ground and its new proposals won widespread acceptance in the Synod in November last year.

The plan will create an independent official who could intervene when traditionalist parishes complain about a bishop’s authority, as well as guidelines for parishes whose congregations reject women’s ministry.

Critics say ordaining women bishops would break with the tradition of a maleonly clergy dating back to the Twelve Apostles, while supporters argue it is a matter of equality.“While we are deeply concerned about the consequences for the wider unity of the whole Church, we remain committed to working together with all in the Church of England to further the mission of the Church to the nation,” said Simon Killwick, chairman of the Synod’s Catholic Group, which opposed the move.

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Kaieteur News

Page 27

Scolari out as Brazil coach

Luiz Felipe Scolari

(Reuters) - Brazil have sacked manager Luiz Felipe Scolari just hours after the end of a home World Cup in which they suffered two of their worst defeats in the tournament’s history, one of Brazil’s leading newspapers reported on Monday.

Scolari’s Brazil were favorites to win the tournament but were demolished 7-1 in the semifinals by eventual champions Germany. To compound their misery, they lost the thirdplace playoff 3-0 against the Netherlands.

Scolari, who led Brazil to the last of their record five World Cups in 2002, said after the game he would make a report to his bosses at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and only then would his fate be decided.

But O Globo reported that Scolari was fired late on

Sunday. The paper said an official announcement would be made on Monday.

There was no confirmation from the CBF, nor from Scolari’s press adviser.

Scolari took over the post in November 2012 and lost just five of his 29 games in charge. He led Brazil to the Confederations Cup last year with a memorable 3-0 defeat of then world champions Spain in the final.

He was hugely popular in Brazil for his gruff charm and also with the players, who looked up to him as a father figure.

He had the support of the nation going into the World Cup and there was very little opposition to his squad selection, a rarity in Brazil, famously known as “a nation of 200 million coaches.”

If his departure is confirmed, early front-runners

Jayawardene to retire from Tests Tuesday July 15, 2014 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) An older member of your family may have left you with a pressing situation. You can enjoy social events and meet new potential mates.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. Use discretion, especially if involved with someone from work.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Call siblings or old friends to catch up on recent news.

Don't ignore any emotional issues that could be causing problems. Opportunities to get involved in investment groups will payoff.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You will be in the mood for entertainment. You will be full of good ideas, and your choice of activities may bring you enrichment far beyond your expectations.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You could find yourself left with someone's dirty laundry.

You may jump from the frying pan into the fire if you make a move today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You may feel a need to make changes to your legal documents. Be precise in your communications to avoid any misunderstandings and arguments.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Avoid too much discourse with colleagues today. You can make alterations to your appearance that everyone will admire. Your greatest gains will come through your creative ideas.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Try to deal with it quickly; don't dwell on past regrets.

Use your head and do things to your liking. You will get out of shape easily if you don't keep on top of things.

SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your self confidence will attract members of the opposite sex Don't let your stubborn nature get the better of you. Dream a little today.

CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You need to be around friends and family. Sign up for courses that will bring you more skills. Do not sign your life away.

AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Don't let your mate talk you into going somewhere you'd rather not go.

It will be all around you. Partnerships with creative people could lead to financial gains.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Control your emotions and everything will fall into place.

You can make major gains if you talk to your boss about your findings.

From page 28 the turn of the century. Many of his best innings have come on bone-dry surfaces, where other batsmen have been unsuccessful. An excellent technique against spin bowling and a sharp cricket mind have been major themes in his cricket, and have seen him play match-defining innings, particularly in lowscoring games.

Jayawardene has hundreds against every Test side, and in every Testplaying country apart from South Africa, where he has struggled most. His away average of 41.50, and his modest returns on faster, bouncier surfaces have been the major criticisms leveled at his cricket. He has, however, had some success in England, where he has two hundreds at Lord’s.

Jayawardene hit 174 runs at 43.50 in his most recent series in England.

He has also excelled as a slip fielder throughout his career, sitting third on the all-time catches list, with 197 takes. He has been particularly sharp while fielding to spin bowling, with the Muttiah MuralitharanJayawardene partnership the most prolific bowler-fielder combination in Test history. He has completed catches more regularly than the other four fielders in the Test top five, with an average 0.75 catches per innings.

He had also been perhaps the most popular schoolboy cricketer of the 90s, for Nalanda College. He leaves the game in 2014 as a Sri Lankan great.

to replace him would be Tite, the man who led Corinthians to the Libertadores Cup and Club World Cup in 2012, and Muricy Ramalho, the current coach of Sao Paulo.

However, there are also likely to be calls for a foreign manager for the first time in Brazil’s history.

The CBF has always resisted that idea, with reports they refused to even talk with Spaniard Pep Guardiola before he joined Bayern Munich.

However, many others believe the malaise goes much deeper than the coach and want reforms of the CBF. The organization voted to elect a new president in April – Marco Polo Del Nero was the only candidate - but he will not take over from 82-

year-old Jose Maria Marin until next year.

That early election was a strategic decision made to protect them from any possible disaster in the 2014 World Cup, said Common Sense FC, a group of more than 1,000 professionals who are pressing for reforms within the game.

“The dispute for the presidency is incontestable proof that the concepts of elections and democracy do not necessarily members of the same family,” Common Sense FC said in a statement released Monday morning.

“Brazilian football – despite the sad end to the 2014 World Cup – will remain in the hands of the men who brought us here.”

Page 28

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 15, 2014

Digicel Secondary school’s F/Ball Tournament

Junior CASA Squash C/Ships in Bermuda

Santa Rosa put Region One title on the line today

Shomari Wiltshire beaten in U-13 Semi-final on day two

Battle Port Kaituma in final

The fourth edition of the Digicel Secondary school’s Football Tournament climaxes in Moruca with what is anticipated to be a riveting Region One final as all Roads lead to the Kumaka Recreation ground today.

Another Capacity crowd is anticipated today when defending Region One

Champions Santa Rosa Secondary put their title on the line against Port Kaituma after inflicting a mauling on Wauna School yesterday in the final preliminary round match.

Watched by a crowd, which did not dwindle despite yesterday being the start of the work week, Santa Rosa demolished the Wauna defence to win by an emphatic 8-2 margin on another hot day in the Hinterland Village.

But the game was not as one sided at the margin of victory suggested and the defending champs must have been ‘gearing up’ for a hard day at the office when Mican Henry fired one past the Santa Rose Custodian after one

minute of action in the battle.

But the visitors had to wait until the 71st minute to score their second Goal in the second half.

By that time the score line was 81, leaving Wauna with the near impossible task of scoring at least nine goals in 19 minutes since no extra time is allowed in this competition.

A hat-trick from Keith DaSilva (22nd, 24th, 50th) lead Santa Rosa’s charge into their second consecutive Zone final and able supported by Goals from Terrence Chappelle (26 th), Brandon Phillips (33 rd ), Alonzo Abraham (60th) and Dwayne Rebeiro (69th). This was after an own Goal by a Wauna player had compounded their team’s woes.

Asafa Powell & Sherone Simpson have doping sanctions reduced BBC Sport - Former world 100m record holder Asafa Powell and fellow Jamaican Sherone Simpson have had their doping bans reduced from 18 months to six months.

The ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) means the sprinters are free to race again immediately, and Powell will run in Lucerne today.

Both were able to compete from 18 June pending the outcome of the appeal.

They both tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine at last year’s Jamaican national championships.

Cas said in a statement it had “decided to reduce their period of ineligibility to six months, which has been already served”.

Powell, 31, called the initial suspension “unfair and unjust”.

He wrote on Twitter: “Finally this weight has been

The second day of this year’s Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships in Bermuda got going yesterday morning with the quarterfinals in each age group followed by the semifinals last evening.

In action from yesterday Khamal Cumberbatch of Bermuda defeated Guyana’s Shomari Wiltshire 11-5, 11-7, 11-8 in the Boys under-13 semi-finals, while Sarah Lewis of Guyana defeated Jamaican Mira Handa 7-11, 11-6, 11-2, 11-6 in the Girls Under-15 Plate Semifinals and Guyanese Daniel Islam defeated Bermudian Kaleo 11-5, 11-4, 11-1 for 5th place in the playoff Plate Semi-finals.

The tournament, which began on Sunday with the opening ceremony, is scheduled to conclude on July 19 and the Girls Under19 match, the most competitive battle of the morning, was between Emma Keane of Bermuda and Victoria Arjoon of Guyana.

Victoria took an early lead at 2-0 but Emma, with the home court advantage, battled hard to come back to level the score at 2-2. In the fifth game the excitement was

high as the action picked up and had the crowd screaming at the top of their voices with both girls displaying pulsating Squash. Victory eventually saved match balls twice to win 13-11. Victoria prevailed 11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 1113, 13-11.

Also in the Girls U-19 division Guyana’s Akela Wiltshire defeated Susanna Armano of Bermuda, 11-5, 112, 11-3 but Guyanese Gabrielle Fraser lost to Trinidadian Charlotte Knaggs 8-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-5.

In the Girls U-15 category there was an emotional battle between Guyanese Rebecca Low and Jamaican Sarah Conway with the Guyanese taking the game 3-2.

In the Boys Under-19 Quarterfinals, Guyana’s Nyron Joseph got the better of Daniel Murphy from the Cayman Islands 11-9, 11-6, 115, while in the Boys U-17 Plate Quarter-finals, Alec Melville of Guyana defeated Jacques DeVerteuil of Bermuda 11-5, 11-0, 11-7 and Guyanese Daniel Islam beat Kaleo Place of Bermuda 11-5, 11-4, 11-1.

In other results from yesterday involving Guyanese:

Boys Under-13 Classic Quarterfinals Anthony Islam (GUY) d Sebastian Levy (JAM) 11-6, 12-10, 11-0 Girls Under-13 Quarterfinals Meagan Best (BAR) d Makeda Harding (GUY) 11-3, 11-1, 11-4 Boys under 13 Quarterfinals Shomari Wiltshire (GUY) d Taylor Carrick (BER) 11-4, 112, 11-2 Kai Bentick (OECS) d Daniel Islam (GUY) 11-4, 113, 11-6 Girls Under 15 Quarterfinals Rebecca Low (GUY) d Sarah Conway (JAM) 11-9, 711, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8 Boys Under 15 Quarterfinals Isaiah Robinson (CAY) d Alex Cheeks (GUY) 8-11, 1210, 6-11, 11-9, 11-6 Girls Under 17 Quarterfinals Larissa Wiltshire (GUY) d Tiye Williams (BER) 11-5, 113, 11-6 Boys Under 17 Quarterfinals Benjamin Mekdeki (GUY) d Tahjia Lumley (JAM) 12-10, 11-6, 11-5.

ESPNcricinfo - Mahela Jayawardene will retire from Test cricket at the conclusion of the series against Pakistan in August, Sri Lanka Cricket has announced. He will continue to be available for ODI cricket only, having also retired from T20 internationals in April this year.

Jayawardene, 37, has been a cornerstone of the Sri Lanka batting order since his debut against India in 1997, and has amassed 11493 Test runs in his career, which is currently joint-highest for a Sri Lanka batsman alongside Kumar Sangakkara. He has played 145 Tests, and if fit and selected, will finish on 149, at the P Sara Oval match which begins on August 14.

Jayawardene has hit 33 hundreds and 48 fifties in 244 innings.

“It was not an easy decision to make given that it has been a great privilege and honour representing my country during the past 18 years,” Jayawardene said.

“But I believe this is the right time.”

Jayawardene has been in good Test-match form in 2014, averaging 75.77 in his six most

recent matches. But with no home Tests scheduled for almost a year, and only two Tests in New Zealand remaining before the 2015 World Cup, he had alerted chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya of his wish to walk away from the longest format.

“He called me and said that he wants to play four more matches and retire from Test cricket, concentrating on ODI cricket until the World Cup,” Jayasuriya said. “I think he is the best person to judge that. He has given outstanding service to Sri Lankan cricket, and is now giving a youngster a chance to come in and play Test cricket.”

Jayawardene also led the

Sri Lanka team from 2006 to 2009, and again for 12 months from early 2012 to 2013. His first captaincy stint was among Sri Lanka’s most successful stretches of Test cricket, as the team won 15 of 28 matches and lost only seven. Renowned for his aggressive, innovative strategy, Jayawardene is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s best leaders, and perhaps the team’s best tactician. He has played in 56 Test victories in all.

Among the most remarkable statistics of his career is his home average of 61.12, and his exploits in Sri Lanka have been key to his team’s success at home since Continued on page 28

Jayawardene to retire from Tests

Asafa Powell (Getty Images) lifted off my shoulders. Justice has been served. Now let’s run!”

Powell and Simpson, 29, were given 18-month suspensions by the Jamaican anti-doping disciplinary panel in April, though both were backdated to end in December 2014.

Hibiscus Team wins Bocce Competition The curtains came down on the Senior Citizens Team Bocce Competition held on Saturday 12 July, 2014 at the National Gymnasium sponsored by the National Sports Commission. In the first game Hibiscus won by walkover which was allowed by team Buttercup.

Lilly beat Sunflower 6 to 4 in the second game.

In the final game, the two Teams were tied at the end of the first frame. However, Hibiscus went on to win over Lilly 10 to 6 at the end of the 9th frame.

Mr. George Hughes, Sports Director, Special Olympics Guyana, presented Trophies and Medals to the runner up Team, while Mr. Wilton Spencer, Sports Organizer presented, medals, winning Trophy and lien Trophy to the winning Hibiscus team.

Both argued their offence was minor because the positive results came from taking a contaminated version of Epiphany D1, a legal supplement.

In January, Powell testified that Canadian physical trainer Chris Xuereb provided him with nine supplements, including Epiphany D1, which Xuereb denied.

Powell, the biggest name in Jamaican sprinting before the rise of double world and Olympic champion Usain Bolt, held the 100m world record between 2005 and 2008.

Training partner Simpson won silver in the 100m at the 2008 Olympics, and also has Olympic gold and silver medals from the sprint relay.

Both athletes will miss the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as the Jamaican team was selected during their suspension.

WCC congratulates Mohamed, Paul The Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) has extended congratulations to Nazeer Mohamed on his appointment as manager of the national U-17 team and Keemo Paul for his selection on the side which is currently playing in the Regional tournament in Tobago.

Public Relations Officer Keval Persaud wished the duo well and said their achievements will serve as a motivation for the youths on the island. Guyana has so far notched up two wins from four games with one being rained out.