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AIETEUR NEWS
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July 16, 2016 - Vol. 10 No. 26
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
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Online readership yesterday 116,768
P. 10
Sacking of senior GRA officials…
GPSU blasts Lucas for creating hostile workplace Pres. David Granger shares a romantic moment with his loving wife Sandra during his 71st Birthday celebrations
Gold exports increase by 60%, rake in US$62.8M in one month - Finance Minister Cops hunt stepdad for alleged rape of girls aged ten, seven, four
Commissioner sworn in to probe Drop-in Centre tragedy
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Kaieteur News
Saturday July 16, 2016
Commissioner sworn in to probe Drop-in Centre tragedy
R
From left Minister Harmon, Colonel Algernon and Magistrate Fabayo Azore
etired Guyana Defence Force (GDF) woman Colonel Windee Algernon was yesterday sworn in as the sole Commissioner tasked with probing the deaths of two young brothers at the Children’s Drop-in Centre on Hadfield Street, Georgetown two Fridays ago. She was sworn in before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in the presence of
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Geeta ChandanEdmond, Legal Advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency. According to Harmon, the Government would await the report of the inquiry to decide on compensation for the parents of Joshua George, four, and his brother, sixyear-old Antonio George. The remains of the siblings were found among the debris shortly after fire fighters extinguished the blaze which started around 12:05 hrs on June 8, last. The government will be waiting on the Commissioner ’s findings before moving forward with this case. Kaieteur News was told that five Terms of Reference have been included in the document signed by the Minister at the command of the President. Harmon explained that Algernon is tasked with investigating and examining the causes, conditions and circumstances that led to the deaths of the two brothers while in the care and control of the state. The Commissioner will also have to determine the nature of injuries sustained by all children at the centre and the dangers (if any) to
which the children and staff were exposed. The Commissioner will also have to determine whether the conduct of the staff at the Drop in Centre was in conformity with the required obligation of the state and standard operating procedures. Algernon will also have to decide on whether there was failure on the part of state officials to deal with matters that gave rise to the loss of lives and whether there were unsafe or improper arrangements for care, custody and welfare of the children. She is expected to interview the staff at the centre, the children who were accommodated there, the staff at the Ministry of Social Protection and the parents of children along with any other individual who may have information. A preliminary report is to be presented by July 22 and the full report by August 15. However, if more time is needed, then the Commissioner will have to make a request. Speaking to the media, Algernon said that she was happy to be selected by President David Granger to serve in this capacity.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 16, 2016
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Gold exports increase by 60%, rake in US$62.8M in one month -Finance Minister …Sugar exports show decline in Feb. G …imports increase for same period
i v e n t h e performance of various sectors along with other factors, projected economic g r o w t h f o r G u y a n a ’s economy remains at 4.4 percent, said Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. He said that medium term economic growth is also expected to be above four percent despite falling commodity prices. He said that this is due to expansion in the mining sector and construction industry which will have multiplier impact on many other sectors, especially the services sector. Be that as it may, Jordan believes that there are some “interesting” developments when one examines the statistics of the country’s
imports and exports for the first quarter. The Finance Minister said that exports rose faster than imports, but not enough to overtake them. He said that Guyana has also fluctuated between a trade surplus and trade deficit in recent months. He explained that trade surplus occurs when the amount by which the value of a country’s exports exceeds the cost of its imports. Trade deficit refers to the opposite. The Finance Minister said that exports in February last rose from US$18.69 million to US$99.35 million, or 23.2 percent, when
compared with January. Compared to February 2015, he said that exports are up 21.0 percent. The Finance Minister said that the increase in exports was almost entirely due to strong performance in the gold sector. He said that gold exports increased from US$20.55 million to US$62.81 million in February. This, Jordan said, represents an increase of 48.6 percent. Compared with February 2015, gold exports are up 64.7 percent. Although gold export volumes rose substantially in February, the economist said that the total export value of
Guyana Watch continues Medical Outreach The Guyana Watch Medical Team is once again conducting its Medical and Dental Outreach Programme. The outreach will commence today and will culminate on July 24, 2016. The 28-member American team with 11 medical doctors in various fields of specialization, three Dentists, one Pharmacist and support staff will facilitate the outreach. During this year’s programme, the team expects to see well over 3,500 patients, at seven Clinics across Guyana. There will be clinics for children at 11 orphanages. “We will distribute over US$500,000 in medication and conduct Medical and Health Counseling at these clinic sites,” Guyana Watch revealed in a statement. The team will be conducting its first medical clinic for the orphanages today and will head to Canje/Rose Hall Primary School tomorrow. On Monday, July 18, the Team
will be at the Patentia Secondary School and will be at the Leonora Primary on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Thursday, July 21, 2016 the Team will at the Soesdyke Primary School and on Friday July 22, 2016 it will be at the Linden Primary School. The Timehri Primary School will be the venue on Saturday, July 23, 2016. Over the years, Guyana Watch has sent more than 60 children for heart surgeries in the United States and India. The Team was also involved in Eye surgeries in Guyana, Kidney Transplant and Educational Programmes. It has also given out over 10 University of Guyana Scholarships, and financially assisted many others in Guyana for advanced medical treatment. The Team moreover is continuing its humanitarian work, reaching out to underserved communities and providing assistance required.
gold was also boosted by a 9.4 percent increase in the average price. With the exception of shrimp and fish, which rose 27.5 percent and 65.9 percent, respectively, Jordan said that exports in other categories were however, weak. The Finance Minister said that sugar exports in February for example were 26.9 percent lower than the same month in 2015, while rice exports were 6.4 percent lower. Taking his attention to imports, Jordan said that imports rose from US$11.37 million to US$106.38 million in February, a monthly increase of 12.0 percent. He noted however
that imports are down 11.0 percent when compared with February 2015. He said that several categories of goods imported increased in February. In this regard, the Finance Minister said that consumption goods (clothing, food, jewellery) rose by 18.9 percent, after a large decline in January. As for intermediate goods (a good or service that is used in the eventual production of a finished product), Jordan said that this rose by 11.4 percent. The Finance Minister also related that capital goods also increased by 5.4 percent with only imports of mining equipment returning to levels near its recent average. He noted, too, that imports of fuel and lubricants, which are included in the category of intermediate goods, rose
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan 11.6 percent in February, and likely due in part to a small increase in world oil prices. He said that imports of fuel and lubricants were 26.0 percent below their level in February 2015.
Saturday July 16, 2016
The Town Clerk believes he is the law DEAR EDITOR; I fail to understand why the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown continues to allow themselves to be deliberately misled by the Town Clerk who is really the Secretary to the Council. The Municipal government announced that it took a unanimous decision at their statutory meeting held on Monday, July 11, 2016, for businesses in Guyana’s capital, to pay the City Council GYD $25,000 to have storage devices (shipping containers) parked for 72 hours in front of their business premises and $5000
for every other day the container is left parked in the public space. This announcement is clearly intended to deceive the public into believing that this is some new initiative that they have come up with, one which they will implement subsequent to this decision being made. However, the fact of the matter is that the Town Clerk and his questionable forces at City Hall have been collecting this $25.000 fee for several months now by demanding this sum from business persons. Indeed the decision now to have the Council approve or should we say rubber stamp this
additional tax or financial burden on the struggling business sector only came about as a result of a decision taken by the Private Sector Commission of Guyana to seek legal advice about the legitimacy of Council charging this fee. It is clear that the Town Clerk believes he is the law, and is merely using the Council to now provide himself with cover for another of his unreasonable demands on the citizens and businesses in the capital, in order to fund the extravagance of the Municipality. Mark Roopan
Response to Nowrang Persaud on state board salaries DEAR EDITOR, Nowrang Persaud’s letter that was carried in your July 15 edition captioned “Compensation for policy makers, leaders and directors” was stimulating enough to be worthy of a comment. It must be appreciated that, all things being equal, a government, under normal circumstance, will appoint individuals to sit on State Boards who have accumulated considerable competence, expertise and experience in a particular area of trade, profession or vocation and that their presence on a particular board will make a positive impact on such organisation by virtue of the said competence, expertise and experience; and above all else ought to be upstanding men and women of society. All these appointments normally carry non-executive
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status. Any individual who is so identified and appointed ought to see it as an honour to be of service to the State, rather than the State be of service to the appointee. This is what prompted the late President John F. Kennedy to make that famous quote “Ask not what the country should do for you, but what you could do for your country”. Unfortunately, Mr. Persaud’s advocacy to compensate State Board’s Chairmen and Directors by benchmarking with parliamentarians and “top echelons of government and national, public and civic organisations” runs contrary to President Kennedy’s philosophy. Editor, if State Boards’ Chairmen and Directors are dissatisfied with the opportunities for “selfcompensation and aggrandizements” as Mr.
Persaud puts it, then the fittest and honourable thing to do is to refuse such appointments. In the current scheme of things, many of the current State Boards’ Chairmen and Directors hold substantive jobs with high salaries and perks. Mr. Persaud needs to understand and appreciate that when these full-time, permanent job holders take leave from their respective organisations their pay and perks are not reduced for the time they spend at Board meetings. So why should they be paid stipends that are commensurate with “top echelons” job holders to attend Board meetings and still receive fulsome pay and benefits from their full-time jobs? It will simply be a ‘double-whammy’ pay! The appointment then becomes a profit (Continued on page 6)
Pay the container fee... From page 4 adapting public spaces, play parks, community development groups etc. but very little from medium and small scale operators. You hardly see these people giving to the public but there is a challenge for everything
that involves them giving a little more. I await the day when people will start thinking along the lines of Guyana’s development and not just their personal concerns. Akeem Bennons July 15, 2016
There should be a clarification in this matter DEAR EDITOR, Your article captioned “Gold production increases by 104 percent in four months – Finance Minister” that was published in your July 14 edition caught my attention particularly on the part where the Finance Minister related to GuySuCo’s drop in the 1st crop 2016 sugar production. It’s quoted in the article where the Minister said “ The fall in production for the first crop (2016) resulted principally from the El Nino phenomenon which reduced the sucrose
content of the sugar cane.” Editor, unless affected by other environmental conditions or pests, the converse happens to the secretion of sugar by the sugar cane plant in dry weather as is evident under El Nino weather conditions. Dry weather enhances sucrose content of the sugar cane plant. Editor, either it’s an error or ignorance by your reporter or the Minister, but whosoever is responsible for the misrepresentation, it should be corrected. Akash Sen
Are soldiers taking over the public sector? DEAR EDITOR, Let me state that I have the utmost respect for Colonel Nazrul Hussain of the Guyana Defence Force and wish to applaud his appointment as Head of the Department of National Events, under the Ministry of the Presidency. However, over the past fourteen months, the nation has witnessed members of the Guyana Defence Force, both past and present, being ‘preferred’ to head, conduct,
investigate, chair, plan, implement, coordinate, oversee etcetera most Boards, Ministries, Commission of inquiries etcetera. The Ministry of the Presidency, the D’Urban Park Project, the Barry Dataram COI, the COI into the mining disasters, the Dept of Nat. Events, are some that come to mind. The question is, does being an officer or having once been an officer in the
Guyana Defence Force offer one a distinct advantage over the ordinary mortals of this country or does being an officer or having been an officer now a prerequisite for certain state appointments? The answer to this question can very well determine the career path of one of my sons who will be graduating from President’s College shortly. Reginald Sookram Kamarang Landing Upper Mazaruni
Duty free scam taking place at the airport DEAR EDITOR; I am a re-migrant, who along with my disabled husband, travelled to London via Port of Spain on 31st June 2016, with Caribbean Airline. On arrival at the Cheddie Jagan airport, I went to the duty free shop after clearing
security. As we were both in wheelchairs, the wheelchair attendant who gave her name as Miss Anthony, took me to the duty free shop to purchase two bottles of cream liqueur, which cost $3,600. Once I had paid, the duty free attendant kept both
bottles of liqueur and told me that I would receive them at the my final destination, London. He gave me a piece of paper with a serial number handwritten and told me to keep it safe to collect the liqueur in London. Once we (Continued on page 6)
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Saturday July 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
David Cameron’s definition of politics Dear Editor; If the valuation of the Surendrea Engineering Company Limited containers of steel (‘Surendrea steel case’) which was done by former President Donald R a m o u t a r ’s PPP Administration ( Kaietur News 12 July 2016) is correct then one man, Mr. Brian Tiwari, was allowed to walk off with over G$ 700 million in value, over and above the amount of G$180 million which he petitioned the court for. If the facts are as
former President Donald Ramoutar described them then the PPP is right to raise this issue, even though the PPP still have its own political demons to deal with. Those demons are in the ‘Audit Reports’ and in other discoveries during the past several months. There are many examples. People in positions of authority accused of ‘selling things’ in order to profit from what they do not own. Billions reportedly stashed away by a Permanent Secretary
who worked in the office of former PPP Presidents. PPP Public Service Minister accused of embezzling hundreds of millions. Five million (US) dollars from the sale of GT&T shares have gone unexplained, a development that must enrage GT&T employees who tried to buy some of the said shares. State land converted to private property at Beterverwagting (also called Pradoville 2) to benefit PPP Cabinet-level executives. The New GPC and
A very stink situation at Bourda Green DEAR EDITOR; I have been living at the above address for over 50 years, I migrated to the United States about ten years ago and I come home periodically to spent times with my family and friend as I missed our culture and the socializing that Guyanese are accustomed to. On Saturday July 2, 2016 I was shopping at Bourda Green which I love to do whenever I come home. I am a Guyanese to the bone so where ever I am, I am a Guyanese and Guyana is home. As I was about to egress Bourda Green through the route closest to Robb Street I was almost knocked down by a stink scent that
was coming from the direction that I was approaching, it was not from the compactor, low and behold is was right in front of me. This smell was coming from inside and outside of a stall that is plucking chicken, I hope not for human consumption. Through the thoroughfare of that ingress and egress of the market, there were some chicken crates about thirty of them. Some were filled with live chicken and some were empty. They all have one thing in common, they all have chicken droppings on them and even on the thoroughfare were chicken droppings. When I finally reached on
Orange Walk, Bourda that is opposite Deen’s Pharmacy I found the most undesirable thing attached on my clothing; my shoe and my skirt hem were drench in chicken dropping mixed with water that was on the surface on the concrete. The upper part of my skirt was touched from dropping on the chicken crates. I was mad, really mad. I turn and look to the direction I just came from, I became enraged with indignation. A family of three were going to the market, the boy were navigating through” whatever. I hope when I return there would not be a second experience. Lutchmin Khan
Response to Nowrang ... From page 5 centre. The case cited by Mr. Persaud whereby a “Director on the Board of one of these operations was so appalled at the miserly stipend payable to him that he quickly sought an opportunity to serve the same outfit in virtually the same capacity”. Editor, this opportunity could not have materialized if corporate and ministerial heads had not facilitated it, and the pursuit of such opportunity by the individual could only have been influenced by greed for monetary aggrandizement, and not by a selfless service to the state.
Finally, it’s an ominous disclosure by Mr. Persaud that Board Members may be “tempted to do any form of wangling to meet obviously critical demands of the respective positions”, or rather to put it more bluntly, using his analogy, ‘to bring about financial accomplishment by employing scheming or underhand methods’. No wonder why many of our state boards reek of misappropriations and fiduciary irresponsibility; their thrust according to Mr. Persaud is seemingly poised for “self-compensation and aggrandizements”. Dmithri Ramsunai
Sanata Textiles properties given to Bobby Ramroop, estimated to be sold at a fraction of their value. Billions commandeered, taken away from the Treasury by PPP Cabinet to build the Marriot Hotel and Berbice River Bridge w i t h o u t t h e p e o p l e ’s consent. This effectively transferred property into the hands of people who do not own said property, and with no evident intention to benefit the real owners of the property, the tax payers. Barefaced fraud and embezzlement at GPL, GINA, GWI, Guyoil, Guysuco; on and on, in any place where the country’s few shillings can be found. Two things seems common to both circumstances. One is - how unfair to the citizens of Guyana they are. The other is that they fit the purpose of those who preach a definition of politics as ‘who gets what, when and how’. Thus, Mr. Editor we might cynically muse, who gets what and how indeed? A sick joke if there was ever one. This is no joke however because it leads to other difficult questions such as,
what is the democratic dividend, the reward for the tens of thousands whose votes actually made winning elections possible? Why was a portion of the value of ‘the Surendra steel’ not shared with them? Are they not entitled to the balance of over G$700 million which has gone to one man who has done nothing in particular to earn same? Are these not state resources and therefore taxpayers’ value in the first place, which could have gone into goods and services needed by the most deprived? Is this how the ordinary voter is rewarded; always used as a stool by others to climb to power and then discarded? There are other questions. However, we must wait for the story to unfold further. We criticized the use of the ‘who gets what, when and how’ definition of politics in an earlier letter. Those who preach this definition of politics which only suit the powerful, the rich and the crooked should take a leaf out of United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister David
Cameron’s book. He said on 13 July 2013, the day he resigned as Prime Minister, that “…politics is public service in the national interest…” We see Mr. Editor that politics has many meanings indeed, some more palatable than others. Prime Minister Cameron made a terrible blunder on Brexit, however on this point he is right. The foregoing two circumstances are examples of precisely what is wrong with government. Different administrations and different manner of who gets but the same result for the ordinary taxpayer, the ultimate loser. In this regard we share the agony of Lincoln Lewis concerning the quality of governance. We hope that Lincoln’s wait for good governance will be short. We h o w e v e r p r e d i c t that he will not see it in his lifetime, even while we yet hope desperately that our prediction will fail, and that first and foremost politics becomes culturally about service in the public interest and not about how to get what really belongs to others. Ivor Carryl
Duty free scam taking... From page 5 had boarded, the wheelchair attended reminded me to collect the liqueur in London. Whilst on the plane, realising that I was not given a receipt, I de c i d e d t o enquire about my duty free items when I arrived in Port of Spain, but the Caribbean Airline agent had no knowledge of the whereabouts of my duty free items and suggested that I enquire when I get to London. Once in London, I enquired at the relevant information desk and was
informed that they too had no knowledge of the whereabouts of my duty free items and that the piece of paper with the handwritten serial number was not valid. I was advised to chase it up in Guyana. I also had a conversation with another elderly passenger who informed me that the same thing had happened to her. So, was it all a scam? Was I not given a receipt because the money went into the duty free attendant’s
pocket instead of in the till? I will be back in Guyana in a few months and am willing to identify the wheelchair attendant who gave me assurances that my duty free items would be given to me in London. I would appreciate it if you could publish this letter in your column so that other passengers would know to look out for these con artists at the Cheddie Jagan airport, who prey on elderly and disabled people. Sharon Truman- Pay
Saturday July 16, 2016
Kaieteur News grenade attack…
Prosecutor not in possession of file, case further adjourned The case of the three men accused of lobbing a grenade at a vehicle belonging to Kaieteur News publisher Glen Lall was further adjourned. As a result of the Prosecutor not being in possession of the file. Alfie Garraway, 36, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown; Janeil Howard, 20, of Lot 322 Section ‘C’ Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara and Leroy Williams, 25, of Lot 11 Durban Backlands, are accused of conspiring with other persons to cause an explosion by way of grenade likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property. The offence occurred on June 4, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. The matter was scheduled to be called yesterday for reports and fixtures before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. However, Police Prosecutor, Stephen Telford, said that he was not in possession of the file which prompted the Magistrate to adjourn the matter until next Monday. The accused who have not been required to plead to the indictable charge were further remanded to prison. At a July 7, court hearing Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones had told the court that the police file was still incomplete and that they were seeking advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the way forward. Jones had explained that a ballistics report was still outstanding from the file, even though it was completed by a ballistics expert. Attorney Glenn Hanoman who is representing Garraway
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WANTED: Shemar Wilson
Janeil Howard
Alfie Garraway
Leroy Williams
had vented his frustration over prolonging of the matter and requested for his client to be released on bail. He argued that the prosecution is still unsure of their way forward. According to reports, on the day in question, a security staffer heard an unusual sound near publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall’s vehicle which was parked on the western side of Saffon Street. On checking the front of the vehicle the staffer spotted the grenade lying near one of the front tires. This act of terror against the media house has been
condemned by many including the government of Guyana. Video footage from the company’s CCTV cameras showed a greycoloured vehicle, slowing as it approached Mr. Lall’s vehicle. The driver accelerated after the explosive device was thrown. Shemar Wilson, also known as ‘Abdue’ is still wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the grenade attack. He is 20 years of age and last known addresses have been given as Lot 43 North Sophia and Lot 51 West La Penitence, Georgetown.
Gibraltar, Fyrish affected by severe flooding Flooding continues, this time in the East Berbice Corentyne villages of Gibraltar and Fyrish. Yesterday a councillor in the Neighbourhood Democratic Council for the two communities registered his dismay at the situation. Councillor Crandon said that the communities have been dealing with flood waters for the past two months. He said that the pump in the area has been out of order for over six weeks now. He said that the main drainage koker is ineffective at the moment since silt and slush have blocked the outfall channel. Despite the pump being down, Crandon believes that a private excavator can be hired to de-silt the blocked k o k e r. He described the situation as an emergency case. According to Crandon the excess water has caused animals belonging to farmers and residents to seek refuge on the streets. This is a discomfort for villagers who have to use the roads according to Crandon.
Added to this he said that farmer’s crops have been destroyed. Crandon said this is the first time water has reached into his yard. He said that he has made contact with the Regional Democratic Council but is dissatisfied with the response. Kaieteur News made contact with Vice-Chairman of Region Six, Dennis DeRoop, yesterday who said that efforts are underway to address the plight of the residents. He said that the pump is indeed down but should be up and running before the weekend is out. According to the ViceChairman the pump was
initially working 24/7 to drain water from the communities. Due to this continuous operation, garbage from the waterways got entangled in the pump causing it to breakdown. He said that the damage is minor and will soon be up and running again. When asked about the koker, DeRoop said that measures are being put in place to de-silt the outfall channel. Councillor Crandon reported that last Thursday villagers held a meeting discussing the situation. He said that if relief is not provided soon enough, plans will be put in place to stage a protest action.
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Kaieteur News
Sacking of senior GRA officials…
GPSU blasts Lucas for creating hostile work place - wants President’s attention Chairman of the Governing Board of Directors for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rawle Lucas, is facing increasing pressure over a number of high-profile sackings and other decisions at that entity. Yesterday, in a scathing criticism of the official, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) said that staffers have become insecure and de-motivated because of the atmosphere. The union wants President David Granger to pay attention. GRA is the body charged with tax collection for Government but there has been increasing pressure for better tax collection and management of the entity. But the entity has been dogged by corruption allegations and other questionable practices. A new Governing Board of Directors was named last year after David Granger came into office with Lucas, a business columnist, appointed Chairman. However, three weeks ago, he came under searching
questions after three senior officials were suddenly fired. Among there were Head of Customs, Jameel Baksh, and Archana Joshi, who managed the Human Resources Division. Also sacked but not announced by the Chairman was Nityanand Narootandeo, a Manager (Ag) of the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID). Baksh and Joshi were sacked because of poor performance in revenue collections. However, there are questions about those reasons as Government announced recently that collections are up despite a drop in Value Added Tax (VAT) revenues. In any case, Joshi’s position had nothing to do with revenue collections. Narootandeo had been the lead investigator in a major Customs racket at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The rackets was busted in February and sometime during the investigations, Narootandeo was reportedly
GRA’s Chairman, Rawle Lucas
President David Granger
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
ordered off the probe. The sackings of the three officials were blamed on a Board decision. However, there is no evidence that the Board even met or knew of the decisions. Yesterday, GPSU made it clear that it has noted the external interference of Lucas which has moved the environment of the organisation to a hostile and insecure one for staff at all levels evidently resulting in low morale and motivation. “The Executive Council of the Guyana Public Service Union wishes to advise that
the union is in support of its members of the Revenue Authority who are currently being confronted with unwarranted challenges,” the union said. GPSU believed that the Chairman and the recent decisions “may be deemed excessive and above that authorized by Act No. 13 of the Revenue Authority Act 1996 Revised Edition 2004.” As a matter of fact, there seems to be the continued
culture of the past to effect promotions which disposed of experience and qualified staff, and to terminate and dismiss staff at will and without due process. The union was also critical of statements made by Lucas that he hired an administrative assistant as he had little trust in GRA’s staffers. “The union is also offended with the unfair categorization of the staff as
being untrustworthy and apparently undermining authority and revenue targets, which by virtue of their employment are their fundamental roles.” GPSU said that it felt compelled to bring the concerns to the attention of President Granger, Minister o f F i n a n c e , Wi n s t o n Jordan and the Attorney General, Basil Williams. “Staffers are assured that the union would stand resolutely with them throughout all challenges and excessive action being meted out arbitrarily and without merit. We, however, urged all staff to maintain their professionalism and to continue to deliver quality service to the public which enhances the image of the Revenue Authority in the national interest.” In recent days, Lucas has been facing heavy criticism. Several letters to the editors and news items questioning his handling of GRA’s affairs have made the rounds.
Will SARU Investigate APNUAFC Ministers? ... Jagdeo Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo posed the question whether the State Assets Recovery Unit will ever investigate members of the APNU-AFC coalition government. Jagdeo was at the time addressing media operatives at a press conference last Wednesday at Freedom House. The Opposition Leader said that SARU’s existence is unnecessary. His position is that legislation already exists to allow the police to investigate allegations of corruption made against his administration. Jagdeo believes that the government intends to use the agency in order to carry out its political agenda instead of promoting transparency. He posed the questions, “If we make a complaint now, with the new legislation, that a Minister is corrupt, will SARU investigate the Minister? What if we complain that President Granger is involved in a corrupt act? Will SARU be able to deal with it in the new legislation?” According to Jagdeo, SARU seems to be only focused on investigating reports of corruption which would have occurred under the PPP/C administration. Jagdeo said that the whole purpose of the unit is to create legislation for witch-hunting. Jagdeo doesn’t believe
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo SARU has intentions of investigating the government. He spoke of 16 computers which the APNUAFC parliamentarians allegedly still have in their possession. Those should have been returned to the state after the May 2015 elections, he said. He said that these computers should have been returned to the Office of the Opposition Leader. This is one instance that Jagdeo used to form his opinion that SARU can recover state assets from the government but has refused to do so. He noted that members of his party have been accused of hiding assets abroad. Jagdeo said that his party has pledged to cooperate with the
local authorities to investigate these reports with the assistance of Interpol or a private firm. Jagdeo informed that if a public official is found guilty of not declaring assets to the Integrity Commission which he has abroad, then that person can be jailed. Regarding local investigations, Jagdeo said that the police can approach the Commercial Banks and the Deeds Registry to find out about holdings in Guyana. He said that these are routine exercises which can be conducted by the police. Jagdeo said that he cannot identify what is lacking in the Laws of Guyana that prevents local authorities from going after corrupt officials. Last May, Head of SARU, Clive Thomas, said that his unit has made breakthrough discoveries of corruption. Despite this, Thomas said that his agency is restricted from seizing illegal assets due to the lack of legislation. Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams, had informed the press last June, that the administration is finalizing key legislations to assist authorities in taking action on the revelations of the forensic audits. He said that he has seen the draft SARU legislation and it is currently being reviewed.
Saturday July 16, 2016
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THE EXTRAVAGANCE OF GOVERNMENT The people of Guyana voted into office, by a narrow margin a new government. However despite the narrowness of the victory of the APNU+AFC coalition, the outcome of the elections represented a desire by the majority of the population for change. That change cannot be cosmetic. It cannot be visible only at the upper layers of government. It has to be also present at the second and third tiers of government. There are a lot of newcomers to government who are running amok within the ruling administration. They are exercising power in a ruthless way. They are behaving as if the power and authority they have is not limited. They are acting outside of the limits and outside of what is to be expected of them. This is making a mockery to the claim to change. People
are saying that what we have in Guyana has been exchange. One group of power drunk persons has been replaced by another group who wish to boost their egos in public office. Some persons are holding positions that they should not be holding. Some of them are drawing down fat salaries and benefits. Some of them never dreamed of handling the sort of money and privileges they are enjoying. It is not just the salaries that are presenting a burden to taxpayers. It is also the benefits that go with their position. There are many advisors to the government. Why does the government need so many advisors? Even if it is conceded that the government does have a need for such advisors, has anyone asked why so many of them have to be using large vehicles, in excess of 4500 CC
which burn so much gas? These vehicles are a status symbol. They make a mockery of the government’s claim to a green economy. Many advisors also enjoy fancy allowances such as payment for maids, electricity and telephone bills. It is wonder that they ever touch their salaries. These advisors also have to be provided with offices and secretarial staff plus a chauffeur. Who do you think pays for all of that? These advisors can do the work they are required to do from home. In fact, as many as 25 per cent of those employed within the public service, do not need to go to the office. They can work from home. The government should examine the output of the staff of government ministries and agencies to determine how many of them are really producing anything of worth. The government should ask
GWI gears to open Lethem office - Continues capacity building activities staff to undergo local, overseas training As part of ongoing efforts to expand its services to citizens in outlying Regions, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the nation’s supplier of water and sanitation services will officially commission its Lethem, Region Nine office within the next three weeks. The GWI Lethem office is expected to serve a population of over 1000 residents. Management has therefore embarked on outfitting the new location with employees from the Region who are versed in various Amerindian dialects and foreign languages. The new employees include Randolph Austin – Customer Services Representative (Field), Dyna Barjoan – Senior Clerk, Samantha Marcello – Customer Services Representative and Jessica Williams – Cashier. According to a statement from GWI, Mr. Austin has knowledge of the Wapishana dialect. He believes he has an upper hand in relating to Lethem residents as he assists them to transition from the industrial age of fetching water from hand dug wells to the modern age of receiving running water in their homes; Samantha Marcello is also fluent in the Macushi dialect and hopes to use her knowledge to fulfill the mandate of GWI in Lethem and with a vast presence of Brazilian businesses emerging in the Region, GWI expects them to rely heavily on its service, the company
hopes to fully serve its new customers through the expertise of Ms. Dyna Barjoan who is fluent in Portuguese. The new staff members are expected to educate residents on GWI’s billing services, to which they would be exposed for the first time. As part of their orientation, the four new staffers would undergo oneweek of training in Georgetown. As such, GWI will be moving to disseminate flyers, press releases and create public service to better inform Region Nine residents of its activities by way of announcements in Amerindian dialects known to residents, as well as Portuguese. Some of the services that will be offered are: bill payments, bill queries, leak reports and new service connections. Additionally, GWI will be sending 11 employees from its offices for overseas training in three separate programme areas held in India, Miami and Oklahoma, USA. These training programmes are aimed at equipping the company with the competency of an international standard. In Oklahoma, five employees were trained on well development and maintenance and well drilling techniques. The training was conducted by the Fleming College of Canada. Those who attended are Region Four Manager - Curtis Niles,
Director of Operations – Dwayne Shako, Well Maintenance Engineer Denise Woolford, Well Drilling Engineer – Rochelle Hopkinson and Region Six Manager – Jawaharlall Ramjug. According to Shako, Director of Operations, GWI’s pool of skilled personnel in well drilling and maintenance has depleted over the years therefore making this training important in effectively maintaining the company’s wells. He said, “There are 127 wells countrywide and if we can’t keep these wells functioning in an efficient manner, then we won’t be able to meet our basic water supply.” GWI is currently undertaking a project which will see approximately seven wells being drilled within the next two years. This capacity building initiative will ensure productivity and value for money. He noted that the training was timely, since they were able to immediately apply what was taught to them as they begin the drilling of wells at Port Mourant, Berbice, Shelter Belt and Sophia in Georgetown and Diamond, East Bank Demerara. GWI’s Process Control and Instrumentation Engineer Duane Tobin was privileged to attend a twomonth workshop in India on the selection and application of flow meters, control valves, calibration techniques, water (Continued on page 23)
itself whether the money that is being spent on these persons is being matched or surpassed by the output of these persons. There are some persons who are developing policies. Well, how long does it take to develop a policy on an area of government? Why should it take more than a year and why should the government be paying some of these persons when they can perhaps have the same job done cheaper and in shorter time by a consultant. There are two things that the government should do to reduce wastage and excessive expenditure. It
should cut back on the number of buildings that it has. The bureaucracy is becoming too bloated. The government has the government information service. Yet many ministries now have what is called a public relations officer. Why does a ministry need a public relations officer? What is really going on in the country? The second thing the government should do is to cut back on Government vehicles. There is no need for government ministers and advisors to be driving all those luxury vehicles. For what purpose? To go to and
from home? The government has to put itself in order. Government has to work for the people not for an elite group of bureaucrats. It is time for the government to demonstrate that it prepared to do away with the extravagance and put the bureaucrats to work harder and faster.
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Saturday July 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
My opinion on the motive of the Commissioner of Police The Commissioner of Police is a very powerful person in all countries of the world. It is an office with formidable authority. Because of the prestige and power of the office, subordinates will not even think for a fleeting moment of refusing to carry out an order of the Commissioner. Former Commissioner, Henry Greene was willing to let his subordinates know they will feel the heat if they refuse his orders. Greene victimized countless good officers because they disagreed with him. If you are a private citizen, despite your influence or wealth, if you get the
Commissioner of Police angry in any county, you may need to tread carefully. In Guyana, the Commissioner of Police had laid down an edict in 2014. It was disobeyed and that sordid state of affairs continues up to this day. In the March 22, 2015 edition of the Stabroek News, the Commissioner is quoted as saying; “We are trying to prevent what is referred to as harassment – these routine traffic stops… ranks are instructed, do not make a traffic stop unless they would have seen an offence being committed … so no more routine stops for traffic.”
Since that news item appeared in the papers with the Commissioner’s photograph in March 2015, I have seen countless instances of routine traffic stops and as recent as two weeks ago outside the Brickdam Police Station In a column titled, “The Police and Lisa Smith on North Road,” (January 10, 2016), I described routine police stops. That column was written almost a year after the Commissioner’s edict. In that article I named the police ranks and their dismissal of the Commissioner’s statement which I showed them.
In another column of January 22, titled, “The Traffic Chief gave his word; I will hold him to it,” I quoted the Traffic Chief as saying he would issue a countrywide alert to all senior officers throughout Guyana to order all traffic ranks to cease random stops. Obviously, both the Commissioner and the Traffic Chief were ignored because I wrote yet another column on what I saw. Captioned “The President should tell the police force to behave,” I described the random stops I saw the ranks doing on the Railway Embankment. This article was dated February 26, 2016. I named the ranks and quoted their contemptuous disregard for the Commissioner’s March 2015 stop order. In May 2016, the letter pages of this newspaper carried several complaints of routine police stops including an angry woman who claimed she was ordered to pull over twice in the space of a ten mile radius Well it looks like the Commissioner had enough of
the contempt he has been receiving from his ranks. On Thursday evening, an officer from the Office of P r o f e s s i o n a l Responsibility (OPR) came to Kaieteur News with a copy of one of my columns on random stops. Adam Harris, the editor asked me to dialogue with the policeman. My initial reaction was he was at Kaieteur News with his request. He said the Commissioner wants to investigate complaints against traffic cops who do routine stops. I then inquired why he wants to see Lisa Smith and not me. He said Smith was victim of a routine stop not me. I told him I cannot locate my notes on the Smith incident but he can contact Smith’s lawyer, Patrice Henry. Adam Harris gave him Henry’s cell number The next day, I called Mr. Heeralall Mackenlall, Head of OPR for more details. He said he will get back to me. I contacted Patrice Henry and he said Superintendent Wright made contact with him to assist in locating Smith. Superintendent Wright told me that the Commissioner has ordered an investigation into
Frederick Kissoon the random stops; they would like Smith to give a statement. I volunteered a statement to Mr. Wright but he declined it saying that I wasn’t stopped; I am not a victim. The OPR wants to hear from drivers who were stopped Don’t be fooled by the Commissioner or the ORP. The investigation has begun seven months after I wrote about what happened to Lisa Smith because a close relative of the President, the Prime Minister, a Cabinet Minister, a well placed foreign diplomat or a very powerfully influential person like the Commissioner himself or the Army Chief was ordered to pull over at random and the experience was humiliating. I make no apologies for this attitude because I believe this is what happened. The State only acts when a big State official is offended.
$25,000 M&CC container tax...
City has no legal right, several cases withdrawn The recently imposed $25,000 container tax by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) was at the centre of a legal battle. In the end the matter was withdrawn
from the court, yesterday. According to Attorney-at –Law, Sase Gunraj, the case presented before Magistrate Annette Singh involved a few local businesses who were taken to court by the M&CC for refusing to pay the newly imposed $25,000 container tax. During his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Gunraj argued that the
charge was bad in law and that the wrong entities were before the court. According to Gunraj, after careful review of the matter, Magistrate Singh upheld the preliminary legal points which he made and directed the Prosecution, represented by a member of the city constabulary to withdraw the charges or she would dismiss (Continued on page 12)
Saturday July 16, 2016
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
UNAIDS Report highlights bold HIV funding commitments Maintaining the gains made in tackling HIV could be challenged by dwindling donor funding. In fact donor funding has declined to its lowest levels since 2010. This is according to recently released UNAIDS Prevention Gap Report. According to the Report, international donor contributions for HIV have dropped from a peak of US$9.7 billion in 2013 to US$8.1 billion in 2015. However, low- and middleincome countries are stepping up to fill the gap, with domestic resources accounting for 57 per cent of the US$19.2 billion total funding in 2015. But even as the struggle continues to arrest the spread of the disease, United Nations Special Envoy, Dr. Edward Greene, recently revealed that the Government of Guyana has exhibited the right attitude in terms of financing. “When we met the Minister of Finance in late January, I must say he was very sensitive to the need to sustain the investment in health, and particular in HIV, where it is important,” said Dr. Greene. According to the UNAIDS Report, although international funding, the main source of funding for HIV prevention for people at higher risk of HIV, has reduced, some major donors are making bold commitments to ensure that funding reaches the people most affected by HIV. In June 2016, the United States of America announced the launch of a new US$100 million Key Populations Investment Fund to increase access to HIV services for key populations. The current allocation of resources for HIV prevention is falling far short of what is needed. Currently, 20 per cent of global resources for HIV are being spent on HIV prevention. The report indicates that to have maximum impact, funding should focus on the location and population approach in order to reach people at higher risk with combination
prevention options where they live and work. Combination HIV prevention, gaps and opportunities Compared to 20 years ago when HIV prevention options were limited, there is now a range of options available to suit people’s needs throughout their lives to ensure that they can protect themselves from HIV, the Report highlights. UNAIDS is therefore urging countries to take a location and population approach to HIV programming efforts following five prevention pillars, to be delivered comprehensively and in combination. These are programmes for young women and adolescent girls and their male partners in high-prevalence locations; key population services in all countries; strengthened national condom programmes; voluntary medical male circumcision in priority countries and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for population groups at higher risk of HIV infection, the Report adds. Closing the HIV prevention gap “Science, innovation and research have provided new and effective HIV prevention options, rapid diagnostics and improved treatment for HIV,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Mr. Michel Sidibé. “Investing in innovation is the only way to secure the next big breakthrough—a cure or a vaccine.” The data in the report, collected from more than 160 countries, demonstrate that enormous gains can be achieved when concerted
efforts are made. It outlines that by 2015 some 17 million people had access to antiretroviral therapy, double the number in 2010 and 22 times the number in the year 2000. The Report notes that UNAIDS will be calling on implementers, innovators, communities, scientists, donors and others at the 2016 International AIDS Conference, taking place from July 18 to July22, in Durban, South Africa, to close the prevention gap. Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy Although the full benefits may not be seen for some years, the realisation of antiretroviral therapy having an impact on preventing new HIV infections has commenced, the Report said. The report estimates that 57 per cent or over half of all people living with HIV, now know their HIV status. It also points out that 46 per cent of all people living with HIV have access to antiretroviral treatment and that 38 per cent of all people living with HIV have viral suppression, keeping them healthy and preventing onward transmission of the virus. This, therefore, underscores the urgent need for the UNAIDS 90–90–90 targets to be met to realize the full potential of antiretroviral therapy, the report adds. The 90–90–90 targets are 90 per cent of people knowing their HIV status, 90 per cent of people who know their status accessing antiretroviral treatment and 90 per cent of people on treatment having suppressed viral loads. The report details the
trajectory of new HIV infections and looks at which populations and which locations are most affected. It also outlines where countries need to make more tailored HIV prevention investments.
Added to this, the report shows the complexity of the AIDS epidemic and how the populations and locations most affected change dramatically across each country and region. It also
shows that investments need to be made in effective HIV programmes that are proven to make a significant difference in reducing the number of new HIV infections.
PAGE 12
Saturday July 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Ex Cop jailed for illegal gun, ammo
Former cop, Tito Benons, was jailed for a total of four years after he was found guilty for the offences of possession of illegal firearm and ammunition at the conclusion of a trial yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The former Police Constable who said he was attached to the Berbice Anti Crime Unit was convicted for being in possession of an unlicensed Smith and Wesson pistol. He was also convicted for having 15 rounds of live ammunition on March 26, last, at Norton Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment on each charge and fined a total of $100,000. The prison terms will run concurrently. Benons begged trial Magistrate Fabayo Azore for mercy. He pleaded with her to give him another chance and told her that he came from a broken home. The convict explained that he was a teacher before joining the Guyana Police Force (GPF). On the day in question, traffic ranks stopped and searched Benons and found the illegal weapon on him. He told the officers that the gun belonged to him and that it
JAILED: Tito Benons was for his protection. During his defence, Benons gave sworn testimony and told the court that he had found the gun while riding along Cemetery Road, Georgetown. He testified that as he was making his way along Louisa Row, Georgetown he was intercepted by police. He said that he identified himself to Constable George as a policeman and told him that he had found the gun and was taking it to the Brickdam Police Station to be lodged. However, Benons related that Constable George did not believe that he was a policeman and escorted him to the aforementioned station
in a police vehicle. He had told the court that he was taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) where he was handed over to Sergeant Sarrabo whom he told a story. During her ruling, Magistrate told the court that she disbelieved the story told by Benons and relied on the evidence given by Police Prosecutor, Stephen Telford. The Magistrate ruled that Telford had proven the elements of the offences beyond a reasonable doubt. She stated that she believed Constable George stopped Benons who failed to identify himself as a police officer and report the gun. Magistrate Azore told the court that she did not believe that Benons was taken to the Brickdam Police Station since there was a police outpost nearby. This evidence, she said, was supported by two witnesses Benons called to testify on his behalf. Before handing down sentencing, the Magistrate said that she took all mitigating factors into consideration coupled with the prevalence and penalty attached to the offences. He made his first appearance on March 30, and pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
City has no legal right, several... From page 10 them. The lawyer had initially advised the Private Sector Commission (PSC), which represents a cross-section of businesses in the country against the decision of the Municipality to impose the $25,000. Gunraj had said the decision by M&CC for the fee is arbitrary and unlawful, as it was made based on the wrong section of the Municipal and District Councils Act in the first place. He noted in the correspondence that according to Section 20 of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, “All goods or livestock taken from any vessel laying alongside of any market stelling and landing at any other or place within the city shall pay market fees, if they have not been already paid at the entry of the vessel: and any other refusing to pay the fees for goods or livestock so landed shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars.” Gunraj contended that this actually corresponds with Section 21 of the City (Markets) By-Laws appended to the act adding that the same by-laws have
Attorney, Sase Gunraj absolutely no application to the landing of vessels at private wharves, as they are not connected with markets of any kind. The M&CC on Monday announced that the Council took a unanimous decision to implement a $25,000 fee for the operation of storage containers within the city. Following the Court h e a r i n g y e s t e r d a y, t h e Council sought to reaffirm its position on the tax issue. The council said the public is hereby advised that pursuant to Sections 274, 276 (c) and 302 (35) of
the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has power to levy a fee on all persons transporting and discharging containers on council roads within the City of Georgetown. “Further, the Council intends to strictly apply By Law 6 of the City By Laws regarding the traversing of vehicles with weight laden or unladen exceeding three tons on the roads specified in the said By-Law; namely High Street extending from Lamaha Street to Young Street, Main Street extending from Church Street to Lamaha Street and Brickdam extending f r o m Av e n u e o f t h e Republic to Vlissengen Road.” According to the statement certain other roads which will be notified by the Town Clerk pursuant to By Law 6 (d) of the City By Laws. Also, the Mayor and City Council is examining other streets, in the City, which were not constructed to manage the weight of single axle, heavy duty vehicles. The general public will be notified of those streets very shortly.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 16, 2016
PAGE 13
After jumping from burning building…
Two children among four rushed to hospital A
woman, her partner and their two young children had to be rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital to seek medical attention Thursday night, after jumping through a window from the top flat of a burning building. The fire which started some time around 20:45 hrs and completely destroyed the two-storey building at Lot 237 Parika Old Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE)
two children Shee-an-yal and Samuel Sealey, who resided in the upper flat of the building, received treatment for minor burns and abrasions, while her partner, Oscar King, is said to have suffered a broken leg. Those who resided in the bottom flat of the building were Barrow’s cousin, Samantha Johnson, her boyfriend, Shawn, her children Alexia and Althea Austin and a cousin, Kerry Ann. No one was in the
The house on fire
What is left of the two-storey property
is believed to be an act or arson. However, no one has been arrested. According to reports received, the fire started in the lower flat of the building and quickly gutted the entire building. Tanya Barrow and her
lower flat of the building at the time of the fire but those who were residing upstairs were asleep. According to Maureen Khan, who resides next to the burnt property, she was about to have a bath when she spotted flames on her
neighbour’s back step - the only entrance to the upper flat. “I started hollering because the entire step was on fire and the downstairs too. I shouting for help and no one aint coming out and then I went to the neighbour at the other side and started
hollering for her and then people started to come out,” the woman recalled.
The neighbour said that she was aware that no one was at home in the downstairs but knew the couple and their children were asleep in the upstairs and panicked when she called and got no answer. “A minute after I saw the fire on the step, I hear a loud ‘boom’ and then the whole building was on fire,” the neighbour recalled. Kaieteur News was told that it was when the blaze almost reached the upper flat of the building that Tanya Barrow and her family got up and, realizing that the only entrance was engulfed by the blaze, decided to jump through a window, to safety. Meanwhile, Samantha Johnson in an interview with
this newspaper said that she had left home earlier in the night to go and watch a game of football with her two daughters when she received a call that her home was on fire. “I lived there all my life. I left to go to school in Georgetown and returned and lived there. I take up the lower flat and my cousin was living with me,” the woman said while fighting to hold back tears. She said that she has no idea what could have caused the fire and would not want to point fingers at anyone. The matter is being investigated by the Guyana Fire Service after which the findings will be handed over to the Guyana Police Force to probe further.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 14
Saturday July 16, 2016
Mining pit Renewal of mining licence should collapses… be dependent on safety, training - Major Gen. Joe Singh
T
he man who oversaw the Commission of Inquiry into the mining pit collapse that killed 18-year-old Reynold Williams, is of the view that the only time an operator should be able to renew his mining licence is after he would have proven he is up to date with best practices and safety. The advocate for this refresher system is Major General (retired) Joe Singh. According to Maj Gen. Singh, this is important because some mining operators are not aware of Operational Health and Safety guidelines, a dangerous phenomenon that can result in accidents. “Everyone should be certified and engaged in basic health and safety training annually,” he said, during the course of a recent mining safety seminar. “And this should be linked to the renewal of mining privileges. When you are given a mining (permit or licence), you ensure then the extent to which people are adequately trained.” The Major General, who once served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), did acknowledge that implementing that system could not happen overnight, but would rather be a process that takes time
and resources. The GGMC sets out requirements for those who are applying for a mining permit or licence. For a mining permit, the applicant must have items like a map and cartographic description of the area, proof of address and a deposit equivalent to the first year’s rental. This is determined at US$1.00 per acre. In the case of a company, GGMC sets out that applicants have to post an environmental bond and sign an environmental management agreement. The Mining Act sets out that the duration of a mining permit is five years and “may, on application be renewed for further periods, not exceeding five years on each occasion or for the life of the deposit of the mineral in respect of which it is granted, whichever is shorter.” Last year, a mining pit at Mowasi, Potaro collapsed and killed almost a dozen miners and their General Manager. In the aftermath of the mishap, a high level Government team and then Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) Patrick Harding had visited the site. In the wake of the tragedy, Harding had stated that the accident could have been avoided had the proper safety regulations been adhered to. In an interview with this publication, he also
Cops hunt stepdad for alleged rape of girls aged ten, seven, four - victims found on seawalls
P
olice are searching for an East Bank Berbice man in connection with the alleged rape of three girls aged 10, seven and four. Commander of ‘B’ Division, Ian Amsterdam, said that villagers found the alleged victims on the Edinburgh seawall and alerted a welfare officer, who contacted the police. The victims disclosed that their stepfather raped them and then told them to leave their home. This reportedly occurred on Thursday. A medical examination reportedly revealed signs of sexual assault. They are being kept in a medical institution. Police have detained the mother, who has 14 children. Eleven of them are girls. However, police are still hunting for the stepfather who has since gone into hiding.
It was mining pit operator Imran Khan (far right) who reportedly told then GGDMA Head Patrick Harding that he did not know of mining pit safety practices
Major Gen.(R’td) Joe Singh spoke of what played out during his visit, as part of the team of officials to Mowasi. According to him, the operator, Imran Khan, had initially stated that he was not given advice and instructions on the proper safety practices. However, he had described this as unlikely given that it was a large scale operation.
Government had ordered a Commission of Inquiry (COI), which was chaired by Dr. Grantley Walrond, after the accident. It operated from July 1 to July 31, 2015. The COI revealed that 25 deaths have been recorded in 16 accidents within the past 12 months; 75 per cent of
these were due to the collapse of mining pits. Some of the findings were that the principal cause of pit failure accidents was the neglect of safe mining practices. In addition there was evidence that shortcuts were being taken in an effort to boost production.
It has also been noted in the report that from 2010 to 2015, a total of 62 miners, particularly young men, have died in the industry. The COI also found that there is a laidback culture to safety and as such, clear rules must be applied and enforced.
Taxation on imported materials is part of CARICOM’s CET
A
midst condemnation by local manufactures over Government’s decision to implement taxes on imported raw materials, the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, has stated that the implementation is in keeping with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s Common External Tariff (CET). The Minister told the Government Information Agency (GINA), that this is not contrary to what is happening in other countries that are paying under the Treaty of Chaguaramas. He added, “The fact that we had been delinquent in the payment doesn’t mean that it is right to continue.” Recently, members of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) met with representatives of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this issue. Manufacturers had stated that they will be making plans to lobby the Government to reverse its decision. The manufacturers are contending that for years they have been able to import raw materials without having to pay import taxes. In essence, the application of the import taxes which were never applied until a few months ago will make goods manufactured here more expensive and uncompetitive. Jordan stated, “It is a local manufacturer who drew it to our attention and once that became known, we couldn’t just ignore it because we don’t know what would have been the
subsequent consequences of having been told and us not acting on it. They could have complained further. They could have complained to CARICOM because they themselves were being affected by the particular Act,” Minister Jordan explained. T h e P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic government was taken to the Caribbean Court of Justice in May 2012 by Rudisa Beverage Company. The Surinamese company cited unfair treatment under the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). “The last time we failed to enforce the law or treat people equally; it cost us about $1.5 Billion. If you remember the Rudisa case, we also have, I believe, a case outstanding with the Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) where we failed to impose the CET for cement that came extra- regionally some years ago. TCL took us to court,” the Minister reminded. The Minister said that while Government cannot arbitrarily grant relief from the CET, it has met with the Guyana Manufacturers’ and Services Association (GMSA), and indicated its readiness to approach the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) for exemptions on raw materials for local manufacturers. A list of raw materials has been requested from the GMSA, which upon receipt, submission will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for representation to be made to CARICOM for relief to be granted by COTED. Minister Jordan further
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan expressed Government’s willingness to explore other ways through which the local manufacturing industry may receive relief from the effects of the taxes being imposed. “It is not a local tax; it is under the Treaty of Chaguaramas and is required for all members of CARICOM. We just can’t sit and cry over something that is not a government imposition and should have happened before. Let’s knock our heads together and see perhaps where relief can be given in another area. The government is not averse to looking at any suggestion in that area,” the Minister pointed out.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 16, 2016
PAGE 15
On 71st birthday
Pres. Granger envisions national transformation President David G r a n g e r, y e s t e r d a y, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that a ‘good life’ is provided for all Guyanese, as he ushered in his 71st birth anniversary. The President, who began his day at a special breakfast organised by the People’s National Congress, at Congress Place, Sophia, said that this celebration only serves to renew his drive and determination to providing a high quality of life for all Guyanese. “It is a very moving moment for me to be President and to be among you today…I think we have put together a team that will transform this country; that will ensure that whatever occurred over the last 23 years or so, wouldn’t occur over the next 23 years… “I thank my colleagues and the people and I pray that we will continue to give this country, the leadership that our people needs and deserves. It is about the future; that is what this 71st birthday is all about. I plan and I think about the future,” the Head of State told those present. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams, who also addressed the event, said that the country was happy to
have a President, who is committed to service and to the development of citizens. “On occasions such as these, the celebrations of birthdays, everyone that I know of, has no difficulty in celebrating their birthdays. The only drawback though, is that they don’t like to remember the number. Our President has no problem with that because he is excelling beyond all imagination, whatever age he is at. “[He has the] essential qualities of a politician. You cannot be a politician if you are not prepared to [serve] the people of Guyana and we have to keep that focus,” Minister Williams said. Councillor for the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of the Mahaica Berbice (Region Five) area, Ms. Carol SmithJoseph, speaking on behalf of the Women’s Arm of the PNC, in her tribute to the President, said that Guyana has seen a change, not only in governance, but in the care and commitment shown to Guyanese people by the administration, under the stewardship of President Granger. “As Guyana embraces this new transitory phase of renewed governance and development, moving from
a country that seemed to have lost its way to one well entrenched on path of economic, social and moral recovery, let us all recognise and applaud the huge presence and impact of God’s special servant. This is a birthday with a difference. “It is premised on love, good will and hope for all aspiring Guyanese here and in the diaspora,” Ms. Smith- Joseph said. Over at the Ministry of the Presidency, the staffers and members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) organised a simple celebration, during which they lustily sang, “Happy birthday.” The President, expressed his thanks to the staffers, whom he said, has shown tremendous support and dedication to their work, which will ultimately help with the achievement of his vision for the country. “ To d a y, m y 7 1 s t birthday, I obviously feel some sense of nostalgia but more than that I feel a sense of confidence that people are with me, that people understand where I want to go, where I want Guyana to go, people understand the type of country I want our children and grandchildren to inherit and that we will all do this together,” he said.
Jagdeo responds to Harmon on contracts
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find it extremely strange that Minister Harmon would not respond to the totality of my statement. I had asked for t h e A P N U + A F C Government to release the evaluation reports and contracts for several projects initiated by the PPP/C Government which they have labeled as corrupt. While Mr. Harmon has said he is still to set his eyes on the contracts for the Amaila Falls Hydropower project and the Specialty Hospital, in both cases I can prove a different story. I am reliably informed that the Ramotar Administration gave several briefings to APNU and AFC on the Amaila Falls Hydropower project and most of the technical documents were shared with them in that period. I am also aware that in the post-election period a
CD containing the documents related to the Amaila project was given to a Cabinet sub-committee. It is not my fault if they don’t even know what they have. Mr. Harmon can easily check that CD and find the documents. On the issue of the Specialty Hospital, how can Mr. Harmon say that he cannot find the contract or the evaluation report for release? It was the same evaluation report that the APNU+AFC Government used to justify their push of Fedders Lloyd as the new contractor, claiming that that company was ranked number two in the evaluation report, a contention that was proven to be inaccurate. However, I will deal with these issues more comprehensively on my return to Guyana. It is clear that
APNU+AFC is fearful of releasing the evaluation reports and contracts for projects they dubbed corrupt because the Coalition Government would be further exposed for misleading Guyanese on these matters. At the end of the day, APNU+AFC cannot run from its promise of being transparent and accountable to the Guyanese people. T h e y h a v e a responsibility to release the evaluation reports and contracts for those projects under the PPP/C they labeled as corrupt. Furthermore, I saw Mr. Harmon saying I can’t run Government from Freedom House. But at no time would I want to be credited with managing the incompetence that APNU+AFC Government is passing off to the Guyanese people as governing this country. (Bharrat Jagdeo)
President David Granger receives a cake, with the Guyana Flag and the Presidential Standard symbol from a representative from the Guyana Police Force.
Forensic audit findings...
BE PATIENT - says Minister Sharma T
here have been allegations of millions of dollars vanishing; kickback schemes; evidence of misappropriation of monies; monies being stashed in other accounts and the payout of monies to ghosts. These are contained in the 40-plus completed Forensic Audit reports and suggest that massive corruption existed in several government agencies. The Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, during a recent interview, stated that the current administration is pulling out all the stops to ensure that justice will be served. However, he is asking that the public be patient since investigations stemming from the audits are delicate and time consuming. The Minister was at the time attending an event at the Marriott Hotel earlier this week when he was told that the audit reports, which were conducted into several government agencies have exposed irregularities and large scale theft in some areas and yet there have been no prosecutions. He was later asked what the Government has done so far to ensure that those corrupt characters face the b r u n t o f t h e l a w. H e responded that some of the audit reports have been sent to the Police for further “address” because instances of financial crimes were detected in the reports. Others have been sent to the
Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Sharma said that the government wants to be sure that all the channels and all the processes are followed so that when charges are laid, it will be a sure thing and not a “goose chase”. He added also
Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma. that they do not want to give the impression that the coalition government is witch-hunting. The Minister stated that making the audit reports public was never the intention. Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, had requested that the reports be done this way. Sharma is now questioning what the opposition is doing now that the reports are out there. He is questioning if the People’s Progressive Party/Civic – the previous administration— is conducting any “internal
investigations to see what their people did”. He added that if one should look closely at the audit reports, one would see previous Government Ministers’ involvement as they corrupted several Government Boards. Meanwhile, a Cabinet sub-committee was established to examine the audit reports. Sharma told media operatives, recently, that the special subcommittee will look at the audits and decide who will be prosecuted in terms of sending it to the police while the disciplinary issues are sent to the Board of Directors of the particular entity for corrective actions. The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force has been tasked with investigating alleged criminal acts identified by the auditors. According to the Minister, SOCU is the most qualified department to investigate alleged crimes identified by the forensic auditors. After National and Regional elections in May 2015 the Coalition government commissioned forensic audits into the operations of several departments of government. The audits have revealed many procedural and financial breaches and while some have recommended criminal charges be instituted on several former t o p r a n k i n g o ff i c i a l s , disciplinarily actions were also recommend for others.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday July 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 16, 2016
PAGE 17
Revamp GGMC communication system - Major Gen. Joe Singh
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n the wake of the mining pit collapse in May that claimed the life of an 18-yearold miner, Major General (retired) Joe Singh has called for a review of the communication and reporting system which the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has in place. The Major General spearheaded a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into that accident. According to Singh, a former Chairman of the GGMC Board of Directors, he found indications of a breakdown in communication. “I found in the Konawaruk inquiry that the ranger reported to Georgetown because the mining engineer was in Georgetown,” he said, at a recent mining safety seminar. “The mining station at Mahdia did not know about this incident until the police came there to tell them about it.” “So we need to look at the communication system. We need to have a 24-hour communication room at GGMC. I said so when I was Chairman of the Commission. “I’d like to go into a room and see the six mining districts, with maps displayed, with the mining stations, the routes, the crossings etc.” Singh was of the view that protocols relating to the chain of command and procedures to be followed in case of an accident should be administered with the diligence of a military operation. He also added that mining disasters can be avoided. “All the mining pit collapses could have been avoided, if there was adherence to safety practices by (operation) owners and general managers, and enforcement of safe practices by property owners
and GGMC field staff.” OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY GGMC had set out a list of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines in small and medium scale mining, to be followed. It outlines how investigations into mining deaths are to be carried out, legal aspects and perhaps most important of all the causes of mining pit accidents and how to avoid them. According to the Major General, however, the guidelines as they are set out, do not usually reach the ordinary miner. “Occupational Health and Safety Regulations must be precise, concise and easily understood,” Singh said. “I’ve seen many of the things GGMC has produced, well intentioned. “But when you ask the average miner to read and interpret what they understand, some of the words being used challenge them, even me at times.” The former GGMC Chairman said that while the dissemination of information on safety by GGMC was admirable, he found its impact on miners less than desirable. He expressed the need for increased field workers. “I particularly asked the question, have you seen the GGMC advertisement on safe mining practices in the newspaper. And the person said, we don’t (even) get newspapers here. Have you seen it at the mining station? Yes, but it’s hard to read. You need people on the ground to break this down in simple words.” He added that training clusters and videos such as those which were developed by the Mining School being administered by GGMC should be aggressively promoted and distributed.
The mining pit which collapsed at Konawaruk and killed 18 year old Reynold Williams
Kaieteur News
PAGE 18
Saturday July 16, 2016
Gov’t takes “Meet the People outreach” to Linden Part of the gathering at Linden’s first “Meet the People” outreach
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes interacting with residents of the public at the outreach in Linden
R
esidents of Linden, and surrounding communities in Region Ten yesterday met with Government officials to have their concerns addressed. The outreach held at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground saw members of the public interacting with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who headed the team; Minister within the
Ministry of Communities, Valerie Sharpe-Patterson; Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes and Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix. The residents utilised the opportunity to have one-onone discussions with representatives from the Guyana Water Inc., the National Sports
Commission, Ministries of Education, Citizenship, Natural Resources and Communities and the National Insurance Scheme, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), among other state owned agencies. Region Ten Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, lauded the Ministers for their efforts to
meet with the residents of that Region. “This exercise is one that could be considered as commendable by the Ministers of the various Ministries and moreso, the agencies that come under the Ministries to come to this community and bring the service directly to the people.” This outreach is part of a series of several such initiatives, which are aimed at taking the government to the people. Residents expressed satisfaction and gratitude to the government for the undertaking. One resident, Cecelina Braithwaite told the
Government Information Agency (GINA) “An exercise like this is very good. It is something that many of us have been looking forward to because there are so many issues going on in Linden like unemployment. The company I was working with (ceased operations) and like seven months now I have been trying to get a job and I can’t get one, so that’s why I come here to see what can happen with unemployment issues.” Debra Pearson, another resident, sought help in obtaining a firearm licence. She explained that since 1997 her father who is now
deceased had applied jointly with her, but until today she has not heard anything about it. Pearson explained that she has suffered a lot of losses in farming because of wild animals. Further, Desiree Peters who works in the interior looked for assistance in retrieving her money from her former employer who has not paid her for a long period. She added that she is a single parent and needed this type of initiative to get help. Government will continue to take these initiatives to the people in an effort to provide a better and more comfortable life for all Guyanese.
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 16, 2016
PAGE 19
Man gets 11 years for dousing school boy with acid A
man who was in the habit of beating his parents, who had a bad reputation in the various communities in which he lived and who subsequently disfigured a school boy with acid has been jailed for 11 years. Kelvin Joshua, called “Puttu”, or Joshua Singh, 26, formerly of Victoria Street, Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice and of Lot 85, No 77 Housing Scheme, Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice was handed the sentence on Friday by Justice Brassington Reynolds in the Berbice High Court. Joshua was previously found guilty by a mixed jury and the Judge had ordered a probation report. He was charged with throwing a destructive substance on Harlan Rose, a schoolboy at the time of Cumberland Village East Canje Berbice with intent to cause him grievously bodily harm with intent or to maim, disfigure or disable or murder him. The date was July 11, 2011 at Victoria Street, Cumberland. He was also charged with throwing destructive substance with intent to maim, disable, disfigure and cause grievous bodily harm on Rose. He was found guilty on the first count. A chilling report presented by Senior Probation and Social Services Officer, Egla October, detailed the list of misgivings of Joshua whose real name is Kelvin Jausha Singh as seen on his birth certificate. The report detailed how the accused and his parents lived at different locations in Demerara and Berbice. He dropped out of secondary school and was expelled
from Technical Institute due to his indifferent behaviour. The report described Rose as a respectful and mannerly person. The report stated that residents in the various communities that Joshua lived were very fearful of him. He would traverse the streets, used expletives and behave in a vulgar manner. He disrespected and dishonored females in the communities. His action instilled fear in some residents especially parents with female children. Residents are happy that the family has moved from the community and are fearful of his return. The report also mentioned that he was physically and verbally abusive to his parents. In a plea of mitigation Attorney at Law Charrandass Persaud stated that his client maintained the issue was one of self defence. However it was unfortunate that the young man was maimed for life. He begged the Judge to consider Joshua’s age and the fact he has a three-month old child. He however said that Rose is gainfully employed. He begged the court for mercy and to be lenient on his client who still has his life ahead. He intoned that his client is willing to offer compensation to the victim, which was however rejected by the victim’s relatives. Before passing sentence Justice Reynolds thanked the lawyers and jury for their service. The Judge touched on the fact that society is declining. The use of drugs and violence is reaching epidemic proportions, he said, and asked that something be done quickly to arrest the situation. Justice Reynolds told
Jailed 11 years: Kelvin Joshua
Joshua that the jury did not believe his story which sounded more like a fairy tale. He had in mind between 10 and15 years in jail, but settled on 13. He however deducted out one for his age, young wife and three months old child and one for his late offer of compensation. Thus he was sentenced to 11 years. The accused stood motionless and showed no remorse after he was sentenced. Rose testified that after learning that “Yankee” was not there. He began talking with the ladies. A lot of noise was coming from Joshua yard. He was beating his parents. Prosecutor Stacy Goodings had urged the jurors to reject the accused’s story which does not make any sense. Just look where the victim got burn? On his face, about is body, on his arm as he tried to bar. She said that the accused had all intentions of injuring Rose whom he attacked from the back. He challenged him to fight; he told him he was coming back. He did return armed with a bottle with acid and threw it on him. He is scarred for life. It was an unprovoked,
serious and senseless act caused on the victim. The accused had given an unsworn statement from the dock in which he stated that he was at home with his family when he hear a’ lil’ noise coming from in front of the yard. He grabbed a hockey stick and run down stairs. He saw a boy with a bottle in his hand. “The boy threw something on his right side shoulder.”
Injured: Harlan Rose
Kaieteur News
PAGE 20
Scam artist found not guilty of shooting at cops
G
opaul Tiwari, who is a known scam artist, was yesterday freed of two charges of discharging a loaded firearm at two policemen by City Magistrate Judy Latchman, in Court Three of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Tiwari, 47, of Craig Vi l l a g e , E a s t B a n k Demerara was found not guilty of unlawfully and maliciously discharging a loaded firearm at the police ranks on May 9, at Diamond East Bank Demerara. Yesterday, after Police Corporal Kerry Bostwick, closed the case of the prosecution by calling his final witness, the Magistrate ruled that a prima facie case was not made out against Tiwari for the offences and dismissed the charges. During the trial, investigators in the matter failed to tender the firearm Tiwari allegedly discharged on the day in question. They also failed to present an analyst report to the court to prove that Tiwari’s hands were dusted for gun powder residue. It was on these grounds that the Magistrate dismissed the cases. Tiwari was not even called on to lead a defence. Prosecutor Bostwick
told the court that there was sufficient evidence against Tiwari for him to lead a defence to explain why he should not be found liable for the offences. Bostwick asked the court to believe the evidence given by Detective Corporal Devon Lowe, Constable Huranan Deonarine and Alex Anais, all attached to the Major Crimes Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown. Deonarine, Bostwick said, testified that Tiwari pointed a firearm in his direction. Deonarine and Anais testified that on the day in question they received information that Tiwari who was wanted for fraud was in the vicinity of Grove/Diamond East Bank Demerara. The officers said that they proceeded to the location in a police vehicle. They testified that when Tiwari spotted the vehicle he began driving at a fast rate of speed, peeping through the rear view mirrors. Deonarine testified that he managed to intercept the vehicle Tiwari was driving and Anais exited the vehicle and shouted “police”. It was at this point, Deonarine and Anais said, Tiwari pulled out
a darkish object suspected to be a firearm and pointed it out the vehicle window. The witnesses testified that they heard a loud explosion a few seconds after. However, under cross examination, Anais said that he did not see a bullet exit the barrel but heard a loud explosion come from Tiwari’s direction. The policemen took cover at the side of their vehicle and Deonarine returned fire. When asked by the Magistrate what he had to say in relation to the evidence given by the prosecutor, Tiwari stressed that the police have a very weak case against him. He said that the offences for which he was charged are serious and that police had failed to produce the firearm he discharged at them to the court. He added that although detectives dusted his hands and vehicle for gun powder residue, they failed to tender an analyst report in court. But Prosecutor Bostwick argued that although the firearm was not tendered in court there was sufficient evidence for Tiwari to lead a defence. Tiwari is currently serving a jail sentence on fraud related offences.
Burglar breaks into another Jagdeo’s home
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man accused of breaking into the home of Deoraj Jagdeo, was yesterday jailed for 12 months on a charge of break and enter and larceny by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore. Michael Hyles, 43, of Lot 173 Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown admitted to
breaking into the home of Deoraj Jagdeo and stealing two gold chains valued $20,000 and $1.8M in cash on July 10 at Georgetown. P o l i c e P r o s e c u t o r, Sergeant Gillian Simmons told the court that on the day in question, the complainant left the items in his home and left for Berbice around 11:00hrs. She said that Deoraj Jagdeo returned home around 20:00hrs later in the day and discovered that the items mentioned in the
c h a rg e w e r e m i s s i n g . Simmons related that the complainant reported the matter to police who contacted Hyles and searched his home. Police recovered some of the missing articles in the home and several other articles they suspected he bought with the stolen money. He was arrested and charged. The items, Simmons said, were seized and lodged at the police station.
Saturday July 16, 2016
Guyanese teen is first road death in Antigua for the year
Dead: Keshawn Freso
from accessing the scene. Before long, a crowd of approximately 60 people had gathered and police were forced to begin clearing the road. Soon after the accident, condolences began pouring in on Keshawn’s Facebook page. One user said, “Rest in peace to my friend Keshawn Freso. It was just the other night we were laughing remembering the old days. (You are) gone, but not forgotten.”
A
n t i g u a ( A n t i g u a Observer) - It was a horrifying scene on Jonas Road on Friday as family, friends and curious onlookers converged on the spot where 19-year-old Keshawn Freso died in a gruesome car accident. According to police on the scene, Freso, a Guyanese national, was driving from north to south on the Jonas Road, at about 4:50 pm, when he allegedly overtook three vehicles before slamming into a mango tree and then hitting a light post. Another passenger in the vehicle Jevon Joseph, 21, is now warded at Mount St. John’s Medical Centre in critical condition. The vehicle in which they were travelling, a Toyota Platz, A41302 was badly damaged in the rear and came to a stop after entering a field on the left (east) side of the road. Head of the Traffic Department, Assistant Commissioner of Police McClean Hunte told OBSERVER media, “It’s our first road fatality for 2016, in comparison to last year when there were nine road deaths. We do hope that from now on drivers will listen and pay attention to the education programme we have on the airwaves morning, noon and night, and the no nonsense policies that we have in relation to speeding, driving without a licence, dangerous driving and other driving offences,” ACP Hunte said. W h e n O B S E RV E R media arrived at the scene of the accident, Freso’s mother was being restrained and consoled by family members. Not long after, the deceased young man’s grandmother also arrived. In a state of shock and
The damaged car.
disbelief, she pleaded to be allowed to cross into the field to confirm with her own eyes that the tragedy had truly taken place. H o w e v e r, a f t e r t h e mother had identified the young man, the police prevented other family members and onlookers
Another commented, “You’re in a better place.” One friend attested to the young man’s character saying, “If is one thing I must say (you) never passed me without asking me if I (was) okay. You were such a nice person (and) I’m still in shock.”
Man charged with damaging state property The police didn’t shy away from charging one of their fellow ranks after he was found culpable of damaging a vehicle belonging to the Ministry of the Presidency recently. H was also accused of assault causing actual bodily harm. The charges were laid against Kamal Narine, a/k “Kadir”, of La Bagatelle, Leguan, Essequibo River. Narine is scheduled to make his second appearance at the Leguan Magistrate’s Court on July 28. According to reports, the police rank was in a fight with someone and he allegedly wounded that person. He was reportedly driving a vehicle that collided with another. He was released on his own recognizance after he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.
Saturday July 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Turkey army says it seizes power; With 84 dead, France investigates Erdogan says: “We will overcome this” whether truck attacker acted alone
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris, Turkey, yesterday. REUTERS/KENAN GURBUZ Reuters - Turkey’s military said yesterday it had seized power but President Tayyip Erdogan vowed that the attempted coup would be put down. If successful, the overthrow of Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey since 2003, would be one of the biggest shifts in the Middle East in years, transforming one of the most important U.S. allies while war rages on its border. Even if it fails, the coup attempt could destabilize a pivotal country in the region. “We will overcome this,” Erdogan said, speaking on a video call to a mobile phone held up to the camera by an announcer on the Turkish sister station of CNN. He called on his followers to take to the streets to defend his government and said the coup plotters would pay a heavy price. An official said Erdogan was speaking from Marmaris on the Turkish coast where he was on holiday. Erdogan said he would swiftly return to Ankara. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and other senior officials said the elected government remained in office. Yildirim called the coup attempt a terrorist act by gangs and illegal formations. Te l e v i s i o n images showed scores of people, some waving Turkish flags, gathered in major squares in main city Istanbul and capital Ankara to show support for the elected government. Gunfire broke out in both cities. Warplanes and helicopters roared over Ankara and explosions could be heard there. Reuters reporters saw a helicopter open fire. State-run news agency Anadolu said military helicopters had fired on the headquarters of the in-
telligence agency. Reuters journalists saw tanks open fire near the parliament building in Ankara, which they had surrounded. Airports were shut, access to Internet social media sites was cut off, and troops sealed off the two bridges over the Bosphorus in Istanbul, one of which was still lit up red, white and blue in solidarity with victims of the Bastille Day truck attack in France a day earlier. Soldiers took control of TRT state television, which announced a countrywide curfew and martial law. An announcer read a statement on the orders of the military that accused the government of eroding the democratic and secular rule of law. The country would be run by a “peace council” that would ensure the safety of the population, the statement said. Anadolu said the chief of Turkey’s military staff was among people taken “hostage” in the capital Ankara. CNN Turk also reported that hostages were being held at the military headquarters. A senior EU source monitoring the situation said: “It looks like a relatively well orchestrated coup by a significant body of the military, not just a few colonels. They’ve got control of the airports and are expecting control over the TV station imminently. They control several strategic points in Istanbul. “Given the scale of the operation, it is difficult to imagine they will stop short of prevailing. It’s not just a few colonels,” the source repeated. One European diplomat was dining with the Turkish ambassador to a European capital when
guests were interrupted by the pinging of urgent news on their mobile phones. “ T h i s i s c l e a rly not some tinpot little coup. The T u r k ish ambassador was clearly shocked and is taking it very seriously,” the diplomat told Reuters as the dinner party broke up. “However it looks in the morning, this will have massive implications for Turkey. This has not come out of nowhere.” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking jointly after talks in Moscow, both said they hoped bloodshed would be avoided. The U.S. State Department said Americans in Turkey should shelter indoors. Other countries issued similar advice.
Reuters - French authorities were trying to determine yesterday whether a Tunisian who killed at least 84 people by ploughing a truck into Bastille Day crowds had acted alone or with accomplices, but said the attack bore the hallmarks of Islamist militants. Thursday night’s attack in the Riviera city of Nice plunged France into new grief and fear just eight months after gunmen killed 130 people in Paris. Those attacks, and one in Brussels four months ago, shocked Western Europe, already anxious over security challenges from mass immigration, open borders and pockets of Islamist radicalism. The truck zigzagged along the city’s seafront Promenade des Anglais as a fireworks display marking the French national day ended. It careered into families and friends listening to an orchestra or strolling above the Mediterranean beach towards the century-old grand Hotel Negresco. At least 10 children were among the dead. Of the scores of injured, 25 were on life support, authorities said yesterday. Witness Franck Sidoli said he had watched people mown down before the truck finally stopped just five metres away from him. The driver, 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, was shot dead by officers at the scene. He was known to police for petty crimes but
Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel was not on a watch list of suspected militants. He had one criminal conviction, for road rage, and was sentenced to probation three months ago for throwing a wooden pallet at another driver. The investigation “will try to determine whether he benefited from accomplices,” Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said. “It will also try to find out whether Mohamed Laouaiej Bouhlel had ties to Islamist terrorist organisations.” “Although yesterday’s attack has not been claimed, this sort of thing fits in perfectly with calls for murder from such terrorist organisations,” Molins added. Bouhlel’s ex-wife was in police custody, Molins said.
He had three children. Police found one pistol and various fake weapons in his truck. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls told the evening news that Bouhlel was “one way or another” linked to radical Islam. “Yes, it is a terrorist act and we shall see what links there are with terrorist organisations.” Yet despite numerous French officials from President Francois Hollande down describing it as a terrorist attack, by nightfall yesterday officials still had not disclosed any direct evidence linking Bouhlel with extremists. A U.S. official familiar with Washington’s assessment said the attack was thought to have been carried out by a “lone wolf” inspired but not directed by Islamic State. The former top terrorism investigator for the French judicial system said that while the attack fits the profile of the kind undertaken by militant groups, the available evidence suggests the attacker had no evident connection with militant organisations or ideology. Jean-Louis Bruguiere, formerly the top Paris-based investigative magistrate handling terrorism-related cases, told Reuters no French or European intelligence or security agency had any trace on the suspect and no evidence has surfaced to connect him to any militant group or other suspects or even to casual contact with militant literature or propaganda.
White House candidate Trump announces Pence as his running mate Reuters - Republican Donald Trump’s choice of Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his vice presidential running mate yesterday helped bolster support among some conservatives skeptical about his policies, a crucial step as he prepares to accept the party’s nomination next week. Some conservatives who had fought against Trump’s ascendancy in the Republican nominating race welcomed his announcement that he had picked Pence, a well-known social and evangelical conservative. The Club for Growth, a conservative economic group, had sharply criticised Trump’s support for protectionist trade policies. Yesterday, the group noted that as a member of the House of Representatives, Pence had been a strong voice for “free
Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump (R) and Indiana Governor Mike Pence (L). REUTERS/John Sommers II markets and economic liberty” at a time when the Republican leadership had been weak on these issues. “Today’s news gives a
similar hope that Mike Pence will be effective in pulling the Republican ticket toward economic conservatism and limited government,” the group
said. Other conservatives were also heartened by Trump’s VP pick, which the businessman announced in a tweet ahead of a joint appearance in his hometown of New York today. “Pence is a principled conservative, man of faith, and talented messenger for Republican ideas,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. “His addition to the ticket will bring even more excitement to the voters who are eager to put a Republican in the White House and deny a third term for President Obama’s liberal agenda.” Trump, 70, chose Pence, 57, over two politicians he considers friends and close advisers, former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich, 73, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, 53.
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2004 MITSUBISHI CANTER, 4D 33 ENGINE, 2 TON, UNREGISTERED $2.4M. CALL: 642-7295 2010 TOYOTA FIELDER, BODY KIT, MAGS, CD, FULLY LOADED, UNREGISTERED -$2.5M. CALL: 642-7295 2010 TOYOTA PREMIO, FULLY LOADED, UNREGISTERED -$3.3M. CALL: 642-7295 One Hilux E/Cab pick-up, manual, gasoline, A/C. Call: 676-0931 One Honda CRV, PLL series, year 2001 -$1.4M negotiable. Call: 624-6099 One Landcruiser Prado, PGG 7024, manual, 3RZ engine. Call: 681-2523
PEN- PAL UK Re-migrant is seeking lady 35-50 for serious relationship must be able to travel around – Call: +447717834480; +592-6905061 ACCOMMDATION Harmony Inn: clean, comfortable & affordable apartments/rooms, long & short term – Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817
1 RZ, PLL, good condition. Call: 617-6781 Toyota Avensis for sale -$2.1M -Call: 645-0078; 603-0078 Honda Civic M/Car “SS” series -$1.4M negotiable. Call: 696-2815 Oswin J’s Auto Imports: Premio 2008-2011, Allion 2008-2011, Rush 2008-2009, Fielder -2008, Axio 2008. Call: 609-2815
High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Zeelugt-(2)storey concrete building, Good Hope(2)storey concrete building. Tel:231-9690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri). Parfaite Harmony-(2) storey building. Tuschen - 2-storey building. Tel:231-9690,2319693 call between 8:00hrs16:00hrs (Mon-Fri). Fully furnished transported commercial/residential property @ 249 Buzz-BeeDam, Craig, E.B.D; also 3 Canter trucks -$240M negotiable. Call: 652-0519/ 628-6847 3 Bedrooms house in Tucville, asking price $15M, needs repairs. Call: 645-6498 Newly built @ Craig E.B.D (land size: 91X50 feet), (House 40X28), 3 rooms, 1 self contained. Call:718-213-6496; 679-8091 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities -$41M –Call: 6629335; 612-3244 House & land for sale $8,000,000, 422 Fourth Street, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. Call: 677-0792 1-2 Storey building 80X60X30 transported, land 135X80. Upper East Bank$50M, serious calls only. Call: 677-4628/653-8754. 1 Church building in front and 2 story building at the back 30X120, vacant possession, 180 Charolotte Street Bourda. Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/2265183
CAR RENTAL
Shiba Kaleko Rain ForestResort: school children f o r N a t u r e To u r i s m experience @ Rockstone, 45mins from Linden. Call: 618-4499
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656-0087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO. COM Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
MIX BREED PUPS –CALL: 615-0146 Rambutan seedlings plants $2,000 per plant. Call: 621-4778 One 6 base music set with QSC amps, RCF speakers. Call: 622-0503; 689-9932 57 Acres of land at Soesdyke , ideal for shopping centre and housing development, also power tools.Call:2654180; 613-9554 Toyota Hiace (pitbull) bus 2008- $1.5M, down payment $100,000 monthly. Call: 6093650; 226-8953 40 KVA generator, cement mixer, air compressor, tyre machine, bobcat. Call: 6940535 1-210 Hyundai excavator, good condition, any reasonable offer accepted. Call: 610-0515; 216-1390 1 Lifan 110 motorcycle $55,000 press start, 1 wooden queen size bed, -$20,000, 1 television -$18,000, 1 microwave -$12,000. Call: 227-5169 1-2000 Am general 6X6 truck tractor, price -$5.5M negotiable, 1 Chevy 2500 cargo van – $2.4M. Call: 6736034; 664-5319
Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 18thAugust 12th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355 IAE (Private Secondary School) register for full time (forms1-5) CXC 2017, classes for adults and repeaters. Call: 683-5742 Kids Summer Computer Classes, ages 5-14 a course diploma in Computers $30,000 @ Cybertron, Parika. Call: 260-4850 9 Courses Diploma in computers -$35,000, computerize accounting $35,000, graphics program $35,000 @ Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 2643057 Summer Computer Classes ages 5-14 -$8,000, registration in process, Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057
Trawler – Call: 616-5954 Top flat; 3 bedroom house 24X40, $14.9 M, $3M down payment. Contact#650-0402
WANTED
Land at Blankenburg $3.9M & up, financing available. Contact#650-0402
Night Manager, Security, DJ, waitresses, bartenders, 1 experienced secretary between ages 18-25, must have CXC –Call: 668-8332; 638-5303
Land at Schoonord, Boodhoo’s Housing Scheme $6.5 M, financing available. Contact#650-0402
Sales representatives wanted, must have valid driver’s licence -Call: 6093650
Dairy cows-high producers, price negotiable. Call 672-6892 to visit site.
Experienced bartender, live in/live out waitress, cooks & bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge, Garden of Eden-Call: 652-0074
WANTED CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
Phonics, reading, spelling classes for slow learners etc for summer classes, special private tutoring available. Call:675-4379
Muscovy Ducklings. Call: 602-7203
Gold & Diamond need joint venture or partnership, Ekereou & Parish Hill, Berbice River. Call: 600-0036; 223-1273
Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
TOURS
Saturday July 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M &$1.6M, Herstelling 100ftX50ft (corner lot) $3M, Bartica $3M & mining claims. Call: 611-7223;604-2207
Porters/Handyman with sound secondary education & able to multi-task. Apply in person @ KeyFood Trading, McDoom, Village.
33.6 Acres @ Kuru Kuru, Linden Soesdyke Highway. Call:679-1151; 225-7794
Girls to work in bar as waitress, between age 18-25 (walk with ID card). Call: 2564096; 660-6325
Labourer in cabbage & tomato farm must have 2 yrs experienced, paying $5,000$5,500 per day. Call: 695-6139; 674-5052 Counter attendants, apply at Shanta’s, 225 Camp & New Market Street. One skilled Lathe operator/ welder, one driver/mechanic, live in preferably, high rates. Call: 227-1830 Waitress for bar- Call: 6122522 Continue page 23
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Mechanic charged over triangular love affair brawl A 28-year-old mechanic who dealt a sound thrashing on his lover ’s reputed husband, after the man came home and caught him in bed with the woman was yesterday remanded to prison on an attempted murder charge. It is alleged that on July 2, at Georgetown, Stephon Barlow unlawfully and maliciously wounded Sherwin Johnson with intent to murder him. Barlow was not required to plead to the indictable charge that was read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore
in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones objected to bail for the accused on the ground that the victim is still hospitalized in a critical condition. He also pointed out the gravity of the offence. On Tuesday, Barlow’s lover, Alexis Tappin, was remanded to prison after she was charged with the same offence. According to reports Tappin and Johnson have a child together and lived in Lodge, Georgetown. It is alleged that on the day in question, Johnson came
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Alexis Tappin FOR RENT home and found her in bed with Barlow. It is alleged that the two accused dealt Johnson several stabs about
his body with a crow bar. The duo will make their next court appearance on July 27.
GWI gears to open Lethem... From page 9 distribution system design techniques and flow analysis and data acquisition systems among others. His training will also better equip the company to implement the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which will allow GWI to remotely monitor and control water treatment plants and pump stations across the country.
Meanwhile, with over 30 generators countrywide which are costly to maintain, GWI sought to build its internal capacity by sending five employees for training in installation and maintenance in Miami, Florida. Energy ManagerLensworth Blair, Region 4 Production SupervisorChristopher Hodge, and Assistant Region Four
Manager - Neil Thomas, Region Six Engineer Randolph Leitch and Region Four Mechanic - Alston Forde, benefitted from this training opportunity. The management of the Water Authority believes its investment in employees will serve as a long term advantage, resulting in cost reduction for the execution of overall operations and the redirecting of savings to
other areas. The methodical selection was done in an effort to have a certified representative in each field to render assistance. The GWI staff members were certified after successfully completing the various courses. GWI will continue in this regard as it seeks to upgrade the quality of service it offers to the public.
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1 complete 3 storey building for rent at 68 Pike St. Kitty Call: 615-8176 1-2-4 Bedrooms new house to rent @ West Coast Demerara– Call immediately 276-0818 Apartment in Diamond, Section A, Block X: 2 bedrooms apartment -$55,000 monthly. Call: 685-1640 for more info. Lower 2 bedrooms apartment @ Paradise Public Road, E.C.D. Security Deposit required -$38,000 monthly. Call: 625-9939 One single room, semifurnished apartment @ Ogle Railway Line. Call: 612-6797 Bottom apartment to rent @ Independence Street- Call: 633-1280 2 Bedrooms apartment @ ‘B’ Field Sophia -$50,000, 3 Months Advance. Call: 6000036; 219-4216 1-2 Bedrooms apartment for rent at MonRepos, North E.C.D, price $60,000. Call: 6929295; 688-6005
VACANCY Control Room Assistants and Visiting Officers. Massy Security (Guyana) Inc. Lot 0 Ruimveldt, Georgetown.Tel: 225-5573/6 Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880 1 Female Accounts clerk, with passes in English & Maths. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. Experienced bar and shop worker for Ekereku Bottom (Interior), between ages 18yrs30yrs –Call: 231-0363 Hotel hospitality, now hiring, front desk agents, waiters, waitress, housekeepers, sous- chef, handyman/ gardener. Call: 603-3205 SENIORACCOUNT CLERK TO WORK IN CHARITY MUST HAVE ALEAST FIVE YEARS EXPERIENCE. CONTACT: 223-5273/4 1- Female Clerk $25,000 weekly. Contact #: 220-2878 BAR MANAGER WITH AT LEAST 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE CONTACT CONTACT 223-5273/4 OR EMAIL: RTILAK @ ADAMANTIUMHOLDINGS. COM Cashiers for supermarket – Call: 624-0033 & pump attendants. Call: 680-3863 Housekeeping staff. Call: 602-0945 between 8am- 4pm Teachers: 2 Primary (Grades 2 & 4) & 2 Secondary (Mathematics & Science) Achiever s’ Academy – Soesdyke. Handwritten application, resume, origindocuments, & 2 refereesCalls: 613-2928/ 683-4667 Cook (food handlers certificate) - Assistant Cook, Knowledge in all cuisines. Salary - $23,000- Contact: 2227334 – 63 3 Waitresses -$16,000 (shift), E.B.D, 1 cook -$18,000 weekly, free meals & accommodation. Whatssap 661-8802 Cashier 6am-3pm & 3pm12pm. Submit application to Shell Station Providence E B D , shellramsburg@gmail.com One experienced seamstress & floor girl @ Roxie’s Fashion. Call: 227-8538
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UN Committee to review T&T Minister scoffs at talk funds being record on women’s rights ‘No politricks’…
withheld from parish councils
Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie addressing yesterday’s meeting of the Trelawny Parish Council in Falmouth. Beside him is mayor of Falmouth Garth Wilkinson? (Photo: Anthony Lewis) FALMOUTH, Trelawny – Arguing that the performance of the Jamaica Labour Party Administration is substantial enough to win the upcoming parish council elections, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie Thursday brushed aside accusations from the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) that funds are being withheld from the councils as a political ploy. Pointing out that all the island’s parish councils are controlled by the PNP, McKenzie, in an address to the monthly meeting of the Trelawny Parish Council, said: “I want to make it quite clear, I have no intention... to withhold any funding from any parish council for any political purposes... I am going to say this: in the strength of our performance we can win parish councils without withholding funds from the parish councils. I am not playing
any political game.” The local government minister also rejected accusations from some quarters that recent audits of parish councils are politically motivated. “It is never the wish of this minister or this Administration for an audit to be deemed political. It is in the best interest of the parish councils, and any organisation that has to deal with public funding and deal with the public, that all audits should be welcomed,” McKenzie said. He argued that the audits are not only of a financial nature, but speak to the “overall operation, the management structure of the parish councils, and what needs to be done to strengthen parish councils”. “I urge the councils to accept the fact that we cannot continue to operate in the same manner in which some of the councils have been
operating,” McKenzie told the councillors. “We owe it to the people of Jamaica to be as transparent as we can, to be as credible as we can.” McKenzie said that he wanted to put to rest comments made on a political platform by a senior PNP official that there seems to be an attempt to withhold funds from the parish councils. He pointed out that, next week, $29 million will be disbursed from the Equalisation Fund to the Trelawny Parish Council to purchase “three critical pieces of equipment” and for the furtherance of the parish’s drain-cleaning programme. “While we know that local government elections are pending, it doesn’t mean that the work of the councils should be put on hold. People will vote for you based on your performance, and people have already made up their minds,” he said. (Jamaica Observer)
Cuba sacks, replaces minister of economy amid fears of Venezuela fallout HAVANA - (UPI) — Cuba’s minister for the economy, Marino Murillo, was removed from his post Wednesday and reassigned as the island country fears consequences from the economic crisis in Venezuela, its close ally. The Cuban economy has been partially dependent on Venezuela for years. Former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez guided his Socialist administration’s efforts to improve relations with the Communist island country starting in 1999, when he first took office. In the past decade, Venezuela has supplied about 100,000 barrels of oil a day to Cuba. Cuba has repaid the gesture by sending Cuban medical teams to Venezuela.
Marino Murillo Low oil prices have intensified Venezuela’s economic crisis, which has led to massive food shortages. Cuba is bracing for what could be a negative impact. A joint Cuban-Venezuelan oil refinery in Cienfuegos has been temporarily closed and the government anticipates it will restrict energy consumption significantly.
Last week, Cuban President Raul Castro warned that citizens would have to improve management of their finances and spend less money. Murillo has been replaced with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, a veteran Cuban politician who was previously overseeing the country’s recent debt restructuring. Murillo will now help lead market reforms in efforts to manage Cuba’s economy. A Cuban government statement said Murillo will focus his efforts on tasks related to “updating the Cuban economic and social model.” Cuba is hoping to benefit from foreign investment after improved relations with the United States. The countries reopened embassies in their respective capitals last year.
GENEVA, Switzerland — The record of Trinidad and Tobago on women’s rights will be examined by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland. Trinidad and Tobago has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and so is reviewed regularly by the committee on how it is implementing the convention. Among the possible issues for discussion between CEDAW and a delegation from the government of
Trinidad and Tobago are: • Policies to challenge stereotyping of women’s roles; • High rate of genderbased violence against women, steps to ensure effective protection of women victims of violence; • High incidence of teenage pregnancy, school dropout rates for girls; • Lack of legal protection for domestic workers; • Measures to address high rate of HIV infection among women aged 15-24; • Measures to legalize abortion on grounds including severe foetal impairment and when pregnancy the re-
sult of rape or incest; • Participation of rural women in development of policies that affect them; • Gender perspective in national disaster management; The Committee will also hear from NGO representatives. The Committee’s findings, officially known as concluding observations, on Trinidad and Tobago and the other countries being reviewed – the Philippines, Myanmar, France, Albania, Turkey, Uruguay and Mali – will be published on July 25. (Caribbean News)
Bring Back Values And Attitudes The Gleaner - There were repeated calls from The Fourth Floor for a revitalisation of the Values and Attitudes campaign. A strong value system understands that it is wrong to steal or dupe persons of their property. Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin holds the distinction of heading the military and later the police. “I thought that Values and Attitudes programme would be the beginning of a new understanding. But it was stillborn ... yet it’s all in Vision 2030.” Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson launched the programme in 1994 with the expressed intention of addressing indiscipline, incivility and violence but lack of societal buy-in caused it to falter. Even though the programme did not get the desired traction, clamour for enhanced values and attitudes continued over the years. So in 2003 there was a re-launch when it was announced that the new invigorated campaign would include a media blitz of positive messages crafted for radio, television, print and billboards. Angela Patterson, who directed the media aspect of the campaign recalls that it was all voluntary work. Even though the creative work had been cleverly crafted calling for respect for each other, it was very difficult to get placement in media. The programme died a second time. The Fourth Floor does not believe the role of values and attitude has received the requisite attention given its potential to significantly influence change in society and that this country is urgently in need of broad societal consensus on what is acceptable behaviour and what is right.
Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin The nurturing of good human relations and the values-based culture anticipated at th e s t a r t o f t h e programme in 1994 were never achieved, the group acknowledged. Gail Abrahams, CEO of AMCHAM, remembers: “I was pretty young when Prime Minister Patterson introduced that programme and my parents were very excited. I grew up in the country and I couldn’t do certain things because the community was always looking at you. We have to get back to the situation where we get the village caring.” Abrahams suggested that attitudinal changes need to start in the homes and continue in the schools. She balks at the parenting skills of some she has met along the way who seem to think that their children’s education rests solely in the hands of teachers. Parents are tradit i o n a l l y a c h i l d ’s f i r s t teacher. The Holness administration has announced that a National Values and Attitudes Committee is to be reestablished and will be co-chaired by Education Minister Ruel
Reid and his Opposition counterpart The Rev Ronald Thwaites. Additionally, the Government has allocated $233 million to the Jamaica Values and Attitudes (JAMVAT) programme which will help finance the tertiary education of 4,000 students. Under this programme, Government finances 30 per cent of the student’s tuition cost and the students contribute 200 hours of public service aimed at developing the nation’s capital. Education Minister Ruel Reid has observed that a strong educational system will foster appropriate environments and equip citizens with the skills necessary for building social and cultural capital. The minister is taking personal responsibility for leading Jamaica’s transformation in this area but he cannot do it by himself. In advance of a holistic approach to solving crime, The Fourth Floor issued a strong call to civil society a c t o r s , i n c l u ding the churches, to become engaged in the process of transformation by helping to build wholesome, law-abiding and resilient communities.
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Kaieteur News
Jamaica govt. to take decisive action to tackle crime KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of industry, commerce, agriculture and fisheries, Karl Samuda, says the Jamaican government will take decisive action to tackle the issue of crime. “We must amend our laws to put tougher penalties in place for persons convicted of violent crimes, and we must fix our justice system,” Samuda said in closing the 2016/17 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The government will be seeking to amend the Bail Act this year, as well as several other pieces of legislation. These include the Criminal Justice (Administration) Act, Jury Act, Evidence Act, Criminal Justice (Plea Negotiations and Agreement) Act, Firearms Act, and Offences Against the Person Act. Samuda said the time has also come for proper rehabilitative programmes to be implemented in the nation’s prisons. “We have to educate our prisoners and give them skills, so that when they are
Karl Samuda released they don’t have to go back to a life of crime to feed themselves and their children,” he added. Samuda said that national security minister, Robert Montague, during his recent presentation in the debate, outlined a number of other steps that will be taken to curb crime, including social inter-
vention programmes, greater use of technology and greater use of community policing. “Let me be clear. If we are to be successful, we will need the support of every single Jamaican. We cannot do it alone. It is now time for less talk, and more action,” the minister said. (Caribbean News)
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Minister to La Brea residents: Hold off protests, let’s talk Trinidad Guardian - Accusing La Brea protesters of making her job difficult, Energy Minister Nicole Olivierre has called on constituents to hold off on further protests. In an interview Thursday, Olivierre said Wednesday’s protest by truckers was a continuation of the protests residents had been engaged in over the past two weeks. Urging residents to engage in dialogue rather than undertake protest action, Olivierre pleaded with them to hold off protests. “Protest action does the community and the country no good. The current action is disrupting not only the construction of the new plant but also disrupting operations of other companies on the estate. “It is making my job very difficult in trying to attract further business to the estate so I certainly wish they would reconsider this type of action and try to have dialogue rather than undertake this kind of protest action,” Olivierre said. Small contractors and residents of La Brea have been engaged in protest action since last month in the hope of getting more employment in the construction of a methanol and dimethyl ether (DME) plant at the Union Industrial Estate. Olivierre also said she was satisfied that enough small contractors and resi-
Nicole Olivierre dents from La Brea were getting employment in the construction of the plant. Olivierre said she met with protesters last week who wanted her to arrange a meeting with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and other stakeholders involved in the construction of the complex. “I met with the company and I am satisfied the contracting process that they used, did in fact offer ample opportunities for small contractors from the community
to compete competitively for the contracts that is given,” Olivierre added. Describing the protest action as unfortunate, Olivierre hoped good sense will prevail and residents would allow the construction of the project to continue. On Wednesday, La Brea truckers backed down from a protest after a senior police officer warned of mass arrests if they continued to block access to the Union Industrial Estate.
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2016 HERO CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCH REPORT 15:
Early wickets fail to stop Jamaica Tallawahs romping home at Hero CPL CPL - A remarkable match at Sabina Park saw the Jamaica Tallawahs recover from the loss of four wickets in seven balls at the start of their innings to defeat the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The Amazon Warriors batted first and set a sub-par total that should have been simple for the Tallawahs powerful batting line up to chase down. In the end runs from Chris Gayle and Shakib al Hasan saw them home with 25 balls to spare but they didn’t do it the easy way. Four wickets fell for just two runs as the Tallawahs chase got off to an almost unimaginably poor start. Gayle was not allowed to open the batting due to leaving the field with a back injury. He had to wait to bat as he watched helplessly as his top order collapsed as Sohail Tanvir struck in his
first over claiming 2 wickets. Gayle needed to sit out 18 minutes of the Tallawahs innings, few would have expected them to be this eventful. Perhaps the Tallawahs could have looked to defend when confronted with such a terrible start, but Andre Russell took the attack to the Amazon Warriors on his way to 24 (15). He departed to a superb catch from Adam Zampa at square leg and finally Gayle walked to the crease with the score at 45-5. Gayle did not let up once he arrived as he decided that all-out attack was the best way to go about chasing this small total. His first two scoring shots were massive Hero Maximums. Gayle made his way to 45* as he put on a 87 run stand with Shakib that saw his team home. Once the back of the chase was broken the Tallawahs reined in the more
Sohail Tanvir captured 2 wickets in the first over to make the match very interesting, but Chris Gayle saw his team home. (CPL) attacking shots, but they got home with ease. Having spent the last four matches playing on the
slow, low pitches in Guyana the Amazon Warriors were confronted with a Sabina Park pitch that offered
excellent pace and carry when they batted first. Andre Russell returned to the Tallawahs side and in his first bowl of Hero CPL 2016 he had the Amazon Warriors batsmen hopping around from ball one. It was Dale Steyn that got the first breakthrough. Martin Guptill was playing his last innings for the Amazon Warriors – he is leaving for Zimbabwe with New Zealand. He couldn’t manage to sign off in style as a brilliant away swinger from Steyn caught his outside edge to dismiss him for a seven-ball duck. Chris Lynn continued his fine form as he raced to 33 from 18 balls, but he could not go on, toe-ending a full toss from Imad Wasim to Russell at long on. With Lynn and Guptill gone it fell to Anthony Bramble and Jason Mohammed to set a competitive total. Both men
really struggled to get the Tallawahs’ spinners away, especially Imad Wasim, as the Amazon Warriors went 40 balls without a boundary in the middle of their innings. Mohammed managed to stick around to anchor the innings, despite being dropped off Steyn on 35, and he found some acceleration towards the back end of the innings as he finished on 46* (51). It was a career best score, the third time this tournament that he has made a new high score in T20 cricket, but it wasn’t enough to set up a total his team could defend. Scores: Jamaica Tallawahs 132-5 (Shakib al Hasan 53*, C Gayle 45*, Sohail Tanvir 2 for 14) beat Guyana Amazon Wa r r i o r s 1 2 8 - 6 ( J Mohammed 46*, Imad Wasim 2 for 12) by five wickets with 25 balls to spare.
Dumoulin wins stage, Froome extends lead at sad Tour de France Va l l o n - P o n t - d ’ A r c (France) (AFP) - Chris Froome extended his Tour de France lead in finishing second to Tom Dumoulin on Friday’s mournful 13th stage individual timetrial.Festivities at the Tour were suspended and security ramped up for the 37.5km time-trial from Bourg Saint Andeol to La Caverne du Pont d’Arc. Dumoulin proved a class apart, finishing the course in 50min 15sec, more than a minute clear of Froome. But the 25-year-old was in little
mood to celebrate. “I’m not as satisfied as I normally would be if it wasn’t for the sad day that it is,” said Dumoulin. “Cycling gets a little bit less important on a day like this, which is normal.“I’m happy that I got the win, that’s what I came for to this Tour. I’m happy and at the same moment very sad for everyone involved in the Nice attacks.” With other time-trial specialists like four-time world champion Fabian Cancellara and three-time
Wolf’s Challenge Cup Softball continues tomorrow Action in the Wolf’s Challenge Cup Softball Cricket tournament continues tomorrow with several matches. The Fixtures for Sunday 17thJuly Show: Malteenoes Ground: Pitch (1): 10:00am- Floodlights vs Wolf Warriors Masters. 1:00pm - Wellman vs Enterprise Legends. Pitch (2): 10:00am- Regal Masters vs Fisherman Masters. 1:00pm LOL Woodworking vs Untouchables. Tuschen Ground: 10:00am- Speedboat vs Wolf Warriors. 1:00pm- Superior Woods vs Parika Defenders.
laureate Tony Martin off the pace, Dumoulin was dominant. But behind him, the main battle was to see how the overall standings would be shaken up. In the end, there was little change, except for Froome gaining time on his main rivals. Yet a visibly emotional Froome could not enjoy the moment and refused to answer questions of a ‘sporting’ nature. “It’s pretty clear today that everyone’s thoughts are with those affected down in Nice,” said the 31-yearold Briton, who lives in Monaco, close to Nice. “It’s difficult for us to even be here talking about the race when all that happened yesterday evening. “It’s pretty close to home for me, I do a lot of training on those roads. “To see the Promenade (des Anglais) the way it was yesterday evening, with bodies all over the road... it was horrific scenes.“My deepest sympathies and deepest condolences go out to those families who lost loved ones yesterday in
Nice.” - ‘Lots of mountains’ On the course, Dutchman Bauke Mollema resisted the best, losing only 50sec to Froome and moving up two places to second overall at 1min 47sec. But it was a darker day for Froome’s expected toughest challenger Nairo Quintana of Colombia who lost more than two minutes and now sits fourth at 2:59. “I’m quite far back, I hope to have good legs as there are still lots of mountains left,” said the Movistar rider. “I hope to get back time, I’ll try of course (to attack) as I always have done. “I hope to have the legs to try everything.” Perhaps the biggest revelation was diminutive British climber Adam Yates, 23, who actually beat Quintana by 6sec. He’s third now at 2:45 after what he described as his worst skill. “I did a good time-trial for me, everyone knows I’m not good at timetrialing,” he said. “I did the max and I’m happy to stay on the podium.” The time-trial threatened
to shake up the overall standings but for some riders, like Vuelta a Espana champion Fabio Aru (4:25 off Dumoulin) of Italy, Spanish veteran Joaquim Rodriguez (4:46) and I r e l a n d ’s D a n M a r t i n (4:10), it was particularly unkind. The windy route proved tough for the smaller, lighter riders, particularly specialist climbers. But standing at 1.86m and weighing 71kg, it wasn’t the case for Dumoulin. Portugal’s Nelson Oliveira was the early leader with a time of 51:46, which proved good enough for third at the end. But once Dumoulin came through and utterly obliterated Oliveira’s time by more than a minute and a half, there was a sense that the stage was done. Australian Richie Porte started off quickly and was only 10sec down on Dumoulin at the first time check following a 7km climb at the start. But he faded badly and finished more than three minutes down. Froome was
also in the mix early on, moving up from sixth at the first time check to second by the third. Yet he was still losing time to Dumoulin at every point. More significantly, though, he was gaining time on his rivals. General classification after stage 13 1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 58hrs 2mins 51secs 2. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek) +1min 47secs 3 . A d a m Ya t e s (GB/Orica) +2mins 45secs 4. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +2mins 59secs 5. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +3mins 17secs 6. Tejay van Garderen (US/BMC Racing) +3mins 19secs 7. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) +4mins 4secs 8. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +4mins 27secs 9. Daniel Martin (Ire/Etixx - Quick-Step) +5mins 3secs 10. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +5mins 16secs
Kaieteur News
Saturday July 16, 2016
Sir Leon’s Lessons schools Lodge Secondary in 15-0 blitz to win South Zone title By Franklin Wilson Sir Leon’s Lessons marched into the national playoffs of the Digicel Schools Football Championship in grand style yesterday afternoon following a commanding 15-0 drubbing of Lodge Secondary School at the GDF ground. A six goal blitz from Kiefer Brandt, a helmettrick from David George and a double off the boot of Sylvester Richardson crafted a huge win for Sir Leon’s Lessons which led 50 at the half way mark. It was a lackluster and in some instances undisciplined performance from the Lodge Secondary lads which ended the match with nine players following red cards to Isaiah Peters in
the 68th minute and Mark Reece in the 72nd. Simeon Hackett started in goal for Lodge and stood firm in the opening minutes as he controlled the defenders in the face of early attacking runs from Sir Leon’s Lessons which came with a plan to decimate their opponents and that they achieved in the end. The writing was on the wall from the 12th minute when George blasted a powerful right foot shot from just outside the six yards in the direct path of Hackett who got a touch of the ball but only assisted it into the back of the nets as he kept without a pair of gloves. Thereafter it was constant practice for the Referee and his assistants as they pointed regularly to the
centre following the scoring of a goal. George was on target again in the 24th, 39th and 55th minute. Brandt ravaged the nets in the 33rd, 45th, 53rd, 61st, 85th and 87th minute; Richardson tucked in his pair in the 71st and 80th minute. There was one each for Adrian Aaron in the 63rd, Jaleel Lancelot in the 65th and Jaleel Evans in the 78th minute. Lodge were never a threat to their opponents which controlled play at their own pace from the first whistle. For their efforts, Sir L e o n ’s L e s s o n s w e r e presented with a spanking new set of uniforms as well as medals and a trophy for being the top team in the South Georgetown Zone.
Sarwan wins case against WICB SportsMax - Former We s t I n d i e s b a t s m a n Ramnaresh Sarwan has won a claim against the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and is set to be awarded US $161,000. The incident is rooted in a 2010 encounter between Sarwan and then chief executive officer of the WICB Ernest Hilaire. According to evidence presented in court Hilaire wrote a letter to Sarwan following the series against Australia, which questioned the players overall fitness and approach. Sarwan had been injured in the first Test and had played the series with an injury. “While this letter is not intended to highlight specific incidents, we hope that you take our concern as a statement of our desire for a higher level of commitment and application from you as a contracted player and a
Brazil reviews Olympic security after Nice attack RIO DE JANEIRO ( R e u t e r s ) B r a z i l ’s government, on alert after the truck massacre of at least 84 people in France, was reviewing its security preparations on Friday for the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and staging drills against possible attacks. Already on guard because of recent attacks in Paris, Brussels and Orlando, Brazilian officials were meeting in Rio to assess preparations for the Games, which start Aug 5. The city is expecting as many as 500,000 foreign visitors. “Brazil is confident about its preparations,” Sports Minister Leonardo Picciani told Reuters. “Personnel are ready, all the protocols have been followed and we are employing the most modern security and defense techniques.” In addition to a deployment of about 85,000 police, soldiers and other security personnel, over the twice the size of the force used at the London Olympics in 2012, Brazil has been cooperating with foreign intelligence services and militaries to share information, tactics and strategy.
A Brazilian Air Force plane flies during an exercise ahead the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 14, 2016. (REUTERS/STRINGER)
It is not yet clear whether Thursday’s killings in the French city of Nice had any connection to a militant group or was the solitary work of the lone attacker, a 31-year-old Tunisian living in France who was killed by police. But the latter scenario, involving a so-called “lone wolf,” is the sort of attack that security officials say is most worrisome because known networks are easier to track than random people. On Friday, state police officials in Rio were conducting security drills, including a simulation of the detention of a terrorist involving a helicopter and a SWAT team. The drill follows other police and military exercises
simulating bomb and chemical attacks and a marine scenario. “No effort is being spared,” Defense Minister Raul Jungmann told the Globo television network Friday morning, highlighting the training and the increased level of co o p er atio n in r ecen t months with foreign governments and intelligence agencies. A joint security center during the Olympics will operate with police representatives from dozens of countries and a separate intelligence center has been set up to include officials from the United States, France, Britain, Spain and other partners. So far, Brazilian and foreign officials say they are
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not aware of any credible threat to the Games in terms of intelligence “chatter.” Still, the recent attacks, and unconfirmed talk of plots against the Rio Games have heightened concerns, especially in a sprawling, chaotic metropolis where police even on normal days face serious logistical, financial and operational hurdles against violent crime. According to a transcript of a parliamentary hearing released this week in France, a French military official in May said a foreign government had advised of a possible attack against the French Olympic delegation. Brazilian officials, however, said they were unaware of any such plot..
Ramnaresh Sarwan
member of the West Indies cricket team,” the document stated. According to reports when the player called Hilaire to clarify the contents of the document he did not receive a valid response. “Dr. Hilaire still refused to let Mr. Sarwan know what he meant by his words in his letter and, further, stated that ‘if I don’t change my attitude, my career would end’, and then he hung up the
phone,” said Seenath Jairam the arbitrator, in his final judgement. The ruling stated that Sarwan’s claim of having suffered “loss and damage” had been accepted and the batsman had been “denigrated” because the WICB was not transparent and had committed various branches of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the player.
CPL Games a boost for the country, say organisers CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – Organisers say the upcoming Caribbean Premier League games starting here next week will be a “terrific showcase” for the country. Four games in the C a r i b b e a n ’s p r e m i e r Twenty20 tournament will be staged here from July 2126, as the recently Darren Sammy National Stadium plays hosts to its first competitive games since being renamed after the Zouks captain. “We’re really excited about moving on from Jamaica to St. Lucia next week as the Hero CPL table begins to take shape,” said CPL’s chief operations officer, Pete Russell. “The St. Lucia public have always been proud and loyal followers of their team and next week they will have the first chance to honour the efforts of Darren, Johnson and Andre Fletcher, who were members of the West Indies World T20 winning squad.” “In addition, some of the biggest names in world cricket will be showcasing their talents on the field. And if the standard of cricket so far is an indicator, then I’m sure we’re in for a real treat of top-class T20 cricket next week. “The Zouks will be bidding to reach the play-offs
for the first time and have some outstanding quality in their squad including players of the calibre of Shane Watson, David Miller, Mike Hussey, Morne Morkel and the recently signed Jerome Taylor.” Zouks host St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on July 21 before taking on 2015 champions Barbados Tridents on July 23 in a midday clash. Leaders Guyana Amazon Warriors will feature in the third game on July 26 before the dangerous Trinbago Knight Riders arrive for the final game on July 26. Russell said the on-field action would be complemented by the activities occurring off the field. “There are lots of fun community projects, which will further extend the ties with the St. Lucia public taking place next week, while on the field each of the five teams will be battling it out for much-needed points as they bid to make the playoffs in St. Kitts & Nevis in the first week of August,” Russell said. He added: “It’s shaping up to be a terrific showcase for St. Lucia …” Zouks have lost two of their three matches and lie bottom of the standings on two points.
PM Office, Goodwood Racing Service, Scotia Bank support RHTYSC Town Week The township of Rose Hall between September 14th to 25th would be a buzz of activities with the hosting of several major activities to mark the 46th anniversary of Guyana’s smallest town. The two weeks of celebrations would be organised by the cricket teams and Over-35 section of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS. Club Secretary/CEO of the RHTYSC, MS Hilbert Foster stated that the Management of the Club, the eight cricket teams and the Over-35 Section have already started to make plans to host the biggest and most successful Town Week celebration in Guyana. The Club, which has an unmatched ability to attract sponsorship for its activities have already started to receive support with the Office of the President, Scotia Bank, and Goodwood Racing Service coming on board. The OPM would be donating a 100 Guyana flags to the Club as part of a massive plan to decorate the entire township. The Club would also be making dozens of Rose Hall Town flags as part of this effort. The Bank of Nova Scotia has agreed to be the sole sponsor of a 40-page booklet on the history of Rose Hall To w n , i t s h i s t o r y, achievements over the years in sports, culture and education, developments 1970-2016, outstanding residents and profiles of Mayors and Town Clerks among numerous other articles. The booklet would be shared out free of cost to
residents as a souvenir and educational package for youths. The organisers are aiming to provide every household in the township with a copy of the historic booklet. The Cricket teams have also been able to obtain the support of Managing Director of Goodwood Racing Service, Chetram Singh. Singh, who played cricket in the 1970’s for Rose Hall Town would be sponsoring the cost of printing copies of the 46th anniversary logo and a banner to inform residents of upcoming events in September. Foster disclosed that the logo would be placed on every vehicle belonging to Rose Hall citizens and hire cars using the township as a base. Several banners would be placed across the township in an effort to make sure that citizens are informed of every event during the 14th to 25th of September period. The long serving Club Official disclosed that the RHTYSC is currently wrapping up discussions with some major donors as it s t r i v e s t o o rg a n i s e a memorable Town Week. The events would be officially launched during a press conference at the ST. Francis Community Developers on Friday 22nd of July. The organisers during the launching would be unveiling the 46th anniversary motto, logo and theme song. Decoration of the township would start in early August, while the RHTYSC, MS would be promoting the Town Week on a large scale at the
Hilbert Foster Berbice Business Expo during the month of August at the Albion Community Centre. The Guyana Tourism Authority has offered the RHTYSC a space in its booth and Foster disclosed that the Club would be taking full advantage of the offer. The events start with a massive march past and opening ceremony on the 14th of September while other major activities would include a Business and Career Fair, Rose Hall Town Cuisine Competition, Public Concert, Launching of a Booklet on Rose Hall Town, Opening of a family recreational Park, launching of a television documentary on Rose Hall Town, A Day of Sports, Medical Outreach Programme and Steel-band Concert among others. The activities would be coordinated by the RHT Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermiade, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under 21 and Second Division cricket teams.
Rahul, Jadeja, Kohli hit half centuries, Cronwall bags 5 Lokesh Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli stroked half centuries as India were bowled out for 364 in reply to the WICB President’s XI first innings score of 180 when their three-day warm up game continued yesterday at Warner Park. The President’s XI were 26-1 in reply at stumps on day two, trailing by 158. Leon Johnson was caught a n d b o w l e d b y Ravinchandran Ashwin for
Saturday July 16, 2016
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17, while John Campbell is not out on nine. Earlier, Rahul stroked nine fours and one six before he retired out for 64 after facing 127 balls in 191 minutes while Jadeja scored 56 and Kohli 51. Other useful knocks came from Ajinkya Rahane 32, Wriddhiman Saha 31, Cheteshwar Pujara 28, Ashwin 26 and Murali Vijay 23. Rahkeem Conrwall was the pick of the bowlers for the host with 5-118 off 31.4
overs. S c o r e s : PRESIDENT’S XI 180 (Rahkeem Cornwall 41, Jermaine Blackwood 36, John Campbell 34; Ravindra Jadeja 3-16, Ravi Ashwin 3-62, Amit Mishra 2-45) and 26 for one. INDIA 364 (Lokesh Rahul 64, Ravindra Jadeja 56, Virat Kohli 51, Ajinkya Rahane 32, Wriddhiman Saha 31; Rahkeem Cornwall 5-118).
North West Secondary win Region 1 leg of the Digicel Schools Football Championship North West Secondary was the last team standing at the end of an encounter that resembled a slugfest against Hosororo in the Region 1 final of the Digicel Schools Football Championship yesterday in Moruca. The new champions came from behind twice to send the game into a penalty shootout after regulation time finished 2-2. Hosororo took the lead after sixteen minutes through Shawn Hercules who received a pass from centre field before unleashing a powerful shot from about 25 meters out that caused a fumble from the goalkeeper before trickling over the goal line. Four minutes later North
West Secondary responded in similar fashion through Ronnie Perez whose s mas hing right footer crashed into the back of the net to tie the fixture. The half came with no team managing to take the ascendancy. Coming out in the final period, Hosororo squandered a clear opportunity to retake the lead when Travis Inniss with only the goalkeeper to beat sprayed his effort just outside the right upright much to the dismay of his teammates and the large support base. H o w e v e r, h e m a d e amends in the 75th minute of play courtesy of a penalty following a handled ball
infringement. With time running out North West threw players forward and got their reward in the 82nd minute when Junior Willis leaped over a host of defenders from a corner kick to deliver a thunderous header into the far corner. With eight minutes plus injury time on the clock both teams failed to create threatening chances before referee Gladsin Johnson sounded the whistle to signal the end of regulation time and into the penalty shootout w h i c h N o r t h We s t Secondary won 4-3 and will now take on defending champion Christianburg /Wismar in the National playoff on July 20 in Mabaruma.
RHTYSC Pepsi U-19 Cricket Team Honours National Youth Basketballer
Kevon Wiggins receives his prizes from Simon Naidu, while his parents and Chanderpaul Govindan looks on. “You are a positive role model to every youth in Rose Hall Town and the perfect example that success in Life is only achieved throughout hard work, discipline and faith in the God we serve,” Those were the words of RHTYSC, M.S Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster to National Under 16 Basketball player Kevon Wiggins as he was honoured by the Club’s Pepsi Under 19 team for his outstanding performance in the recent Caribbean Basketball Under 16 Championship in Georgetown. Wiggin’s outstanding performance as a small forward was one of the main reasons why Guyana finished as the runner up behind the e v e n t u a l w i n n e r, t h e Bahamas. Foster stated that the RHTYSC, M.S is very
proud of Wiggins, the first resident of Rose Hall Town to play for a Guyana Basketball team at any level and for his outstanding performance on the Court. He also praised the attentive national player for his overall discipline on and off the court and urged him to remain focused. The experienced sports official urged Wiggins to continue to concentrate on his educational career, to choose his friends carefully and to always avoid the temptations of Satan and his evil world of drugs and crime. Wiggins was advised to share his formula of success with his fellow youth basketballers in the township, so others would follow in his footsteps. Foster disclosed that while the RHTYSC main focus is cricket, it has invested
heavily in other sports like football, basketball, volleyball, scrabble, athletics, table tennis among others and would continue to do so as he highly believes that sports and education are the best alternatives to a life on the road for youths. Wiggins accompanied by his proud parents Rhonda Lewis and Eon Wiggins expressed gratitude to the RHTYSC and the Pepsi Under 19 team for honouring him. He stated that he was proud to be the first resident of Guyana’s smallest township to play Basketball at the national level and expressed confidence that with proper investment, others would follow in his footsteps. Wiggins also revealed that he would be pursuing his (Continued on page 25)
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GFF President, Wayne Forde, contests CFU Executive position Leaves for XXXIX Caribbean Football Union Ordinary Congress By Michael Benjamin Encouraged by the vote of confidence of local football affiliates that recently propelled him into the seat of President of the Guyana Football Federation ( G F F ) l a t e l a s t y e a r, incumbent, Wayne Forde, has extended his ambitions further afield and will aspire for the position of one of the 4 executive committee members when the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) convenes for the XXXIX Caribbean Football Union Ordinary Congress on July 23, 2016 in Miami, Florida, USA. Forde is one of nine individuals who will be contesting for four available positions in what is expected to be a stiff battle to attain one of the spots. Despite this, the newly elected (GFF) boss is confident of winning the post so as to enhance the fortunes of local ball weavers.
Wayne Forde Forde is preparing to travel to the function and spared some time to speak with Kaieteur Sport at his Thomas Street office on Thursday afternoon. He admitted that the competition is indeed stiff but said that his decision to contest the post was encouraged by several influential persons within
the other member associations/federations. “As a matter of fact those persons were willing to support me for the Presidential seat,” explained Forde. He said that he weighed the pros and cons and decided against contesting the top post as such a decision would distract him from the arduous task of rebuilding local football. “My sole purpose for seeking office is to give Guyana a strong voice and to use my influence to pioneer governance policies that will create greater balance and access to opportunities to all members of the CFU family,” Forde explained. He said that the on field performance of the (local) senior football team over the past few years while competing against the other nations has been credible. Notwithstanding, he notes that the development of the local infrastructure is
somewhat lagging. “I believe the main reason for this is because Guyana never had a significant voice on the CFU executive committee to discuss its goals and objectives and this significantly inhibited our growth as a football nation,” Forde said. There were other factors that aided in Forde’s decision to contest the post; “I have noted opportunities for development being inequitably distributed which, in essence, undermined the pursuit of genuine unity within the CFU family.” He went on to explain that his main purpose for seeking office is to strengthen the chances of local ball weavers on the international platform. Forde strengthened his view by pointing out that all of the Caribbean countries that vied for the World Cup had had representatives on
the CFU committee. These countries included Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti. Amidst such lofty ambitions Forde is not oblivious to the views of the critics that suggest personal aggrandizement on his part. “This is not really about Wa y n e F o r d e , ” h e emphatically pronounced; “this is more about representing the local football fraternity and the players in a manner that they deserve at this level,” he exhorted. Currently, the incumbent President is Gordon Derrick and reports are that he will seek another four-year mandate. His strongest challengers are President of the Trinidad a n d To b a g o F o o t b a l l Federation, David JohnWilliams, and Hillaren Frederick, President of the United States Virgin Islands Football Association. Those vying for the 1st
Vice President position are Grenadian, Cheney Joseph and Osiris Guzman of the Dominican Republic while Rignaal Francisca (Curacao) and Anton Sealy (Bahamas) are vying for the 2nd Vice President position. Fabrice Baly (St. Martin) and Lyndon Cooper (St. Lucia) are vying for the 3rd Vice President position while Raymond Anderson (Jamaica), Richard Dijkhoff (Aruba) and Hillaren Frederick (USVI) are contesting the 4th Vice President position. Forde’s rivals for the position of Executive Committee Members are Bruce Blake (Cayman Islands), Vernold Coombs ( S t . Vi n c e n t a n d t h e Grenadines), Hillaren Frederick (USVI), Randolph Harris (Barbados), Eric Labrador (Puerto Rico), Alain Mijdt (French Guiana), Maurice Victoire (Martinique) and Jeaninne Wong Loi Sing (Bonaire).
North East La Penitence upset Sparta Boss for place in MoH Soft Shoe football final Tefon Daly (right) of Tucville attempting a pass while being marked by Jimmy Gravesande of Broad Street in the semifinals of the Ministry of Health Soft Shoe Championship.
Reshawn Sandiford (centre) of Tucville launching an attack against Broad Street during their semi-final encounter in the Ministry of Health Soft Shoe Championship. Goalkeeper Devon Charles inspired North East La Penitence to the final of the Ministry of Health/Petra Organisation Soft Shoe Football Championship, eliminating champion Sparta Boss 2-0 via penalty kicks on Thursday evening last. Charles turned in a man of the match performance, making consecutive saves to
send the champions packing after normal and extra time ended 2-2. Charles handed his side the early initiative when he denied veteran marksman Gregory Richardson to start the penalty shootout, affording his team the opportunity take the 1-0 lead in front of a large gathering. He made his mark again in
the second round as he thwarted Devon Millington to his right side, handing his team an even greater opportunity as they sealed the fixture through an Alwin Moore shot. In the early exchanges, Sparta Boss took the lead in the 10th minute when Richardson scored following a pass from Millington on the
left side. Although both sides handed opportunities to strengthen their respective position, it was the challenger that found the back of the net to equalise. On the stroke of full-time Charles turned and blasted his shot into the left corner after collecting a pass with his back to the goal area.
The resulting extra time interval immediately benefited North East La Penitence as Moore bundled his shot into the right corner after the goalkeeper fumbled a regulation catch onto his boot. The game was sent into penalty kicks after Richardson scored his second with a shot down the
centre after receiving a Millington pass from the right side. North East La Penitence will now battle Tucville in the final on Sunday, July 17th at the Ministry of Education ground after the latter defeated Broad Street 3-2 on penalty kicks following a scoreless (Continued on page 25)
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Saturday July 16, 2016
Assuria Insurance Not satisfied with judge’s Company adds to Guyana decision, but respects same Cup Horserace meet 2016 - Canada based bodybuilder Abraham The Assuria Insurance Company has added its name early to the 10th annual Guyana Cup Horserace meet. The mega Guyana Cup Horserace meet which is organized by the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and racing stable in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club is slated for Sunday August 14th at the Port Mourant “Big Yard’ turf Club, Corentyne Berbice. The event has already attracted prize monies totaling over $22M which includes cash, trophies and other incentives. The event will also form a part of Guyana Golden Jubilee Independence Anniversary celebrations. A total of eight races are carded for the day’s card which also has a number of extra incentives for winners and other outstanding performers. On Thursday Operations Manager of the Assuria Insurance Company Clyde H. Muntslag presented a cheque to the organisers of the event at their office, Lot 78 Church Street, South C u m m i n g s b u rg , Georgetown. According to the Manager, the company has over the years observed the magnitude of the Guyana Cup event and is glad to be associated with an event of such enormous proportion. They join companies such as Fix It Vulcanizing and Tire Shop of West Coast Berbice, Hand In Hand I n s u r a n c e C o m p a n y, Colours Boutique of Georgetown, Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall, B.M
Mr. Clyde Muntslag (left) presents the company cheque to Campton Sancho.
Soat Auto Sales, Jameel Bar and Entertainment Lounge, the Muneshwar Store and the Hyper Malt Beverage Company. The feature event is for horses classified “A” and lower over 1600M for a winning money of $4M and the Guyana Cup Trophy from a total package of $8M. The other races are the Co-feature 1600M event for 3yrs old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies, for a hefty $2M and trophy. The Two year old event is for West Indies Bred horses for a $1M and trophy over 1000M. The E class event has $1M and trophy for the winner over 1300M. The G3 and lower 1300M gallop has a winning tag of $700,000 and trophy. The H and lower 1400M race has a winning pocket of $500,000 and trophy. The animals classified J and K and lower will race for
$350,000 and trophy over 1100M. The L class 1000M race has a winning purse of $250,000 and trophy. Also a number of added attractions and incentives will be up for grabs which will entice the owners and animals to perform to their best. The winners of the A class, the three year old event and the two year old races will collect an extra $500,000, $400,000 and $200,000 bonuses respectively. The jockeys riding the respective animals in those events will all ride away with an extra $50,000 bonus. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers and Trophy Stall. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed Jnr. Bugle time is 12:00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Despite advancing in age, Canadian based Guyanese body builder Eustace Abraham who will celebrate his 46th birthday on December 30th next, continues to hold his own among the younger generation of athletes competing locally. Abraham, who makes the trek back to his homeland to compete in the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation marquee event – seniors – kept that commitment on Sunday last when he flexed against fellow athletes at the National Cultural Centre in the 2016 edition of the show which saw Kerwyn Clarke winning a fourth consecutive Mr. Guyana title after first claiming the Light Middleweight category, Abraham topped the Heavyweight class staving off challenges from six other competitors. Abraham is however of the view that he did enough and presented a better packaged body which should have landed him the Mr. Guyana crown. ”I am not satisfied with the decision; I had over 40 pounds of muscle over the winner and knew I had a better body on stage. I don’t know what the judges were looking for. I was confused with the decision but not upset. It just pushes me to become even better and I do offer congratulations to Mr. Clarke on his triumph.” A former Mr. Guyana himself, winning against the likes of Sylvan Gardner and Bruce Whatley among others, Abraham stated that he adapted to a new life style where his body will always be out, two weeks from a show. ”It means my body will always be unique and I won’t ever have an off season body anymore. In this new undertaking, I will always be ripped, striated and shredded for the rest of my life.” Abraham has on his radar achieving his IFBB Pro Card in the Masters Division and Men’s Open and is optimistic that with the new lifestyle, he will attain same. ”From here on in, every time I grace the stage, you will see a different person sporting a unique body.” Despite, Abraham says that he is committed to being here since he would like to see the local athletes strive to lift the bar and his presence can aid in that regard.
Eustace Abraham
”I want to keep reminding the local competitors that they have to have the ability to do better each time and that’s my inspiration because I just want to show these youngsters that I can be twice their age and still possess muscles that they have to aspire and work hard for.” He also shared that Guyana has some promising athletes and with the attitude and discipline, they can go a far way in the sport. ”I see a lot of guys here with exciting potential. Guys with good shape, symmetry but needs the correct guidance if they are to succeed. I aim to visit some of the gyms, identify a couple of guys and work with them directly in the next couple of weeks. I will identify one athlete in Berbice, Linden, West Demerara and Georgetown to help them attain their goals.”
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WICB Women’s Super50
Jamaica beat Guyana by 43 runs Shamaine Campbell makes an acrobatic take as West Indies Skipper Stefanie Taylor misses a flick off of Erva Giddings at Everest yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)
Barbados play T&T in tomorrow’s final
Guyana’s Latoya Smith gathers off-side runs against Player-of-the-Match Chedean Nation yesterday at Everest. (Sean Devers photo) By Sean Devers For the second match in a row at Everest the hard work of the ground staff ensured that cricket was possible in the Regional Women’s Super50 Cricket tournament when games at Enterprise and Enmore were both washed out yesterday which was hard hit by the adverse weather. When the contest eventual commenced at 14:50hrs, Guyana won the toss and invited Jamaica to bat on a slow track and sluggish outfield which had lots of sand to aid in the drying process. Jamaica won by 43-runs in a game reduced to 20 overs. T&T, who finished with 13 points, play Barbados in tomorrow’s final, set for
Everest by virtue of a better net run rate than Guyana, who like the home team ended with 11 points. Player-of-the-Match Chedean Nation stroked 35 from 37 balls with three fours, while Rashada Williams, who hit a four and a six in a 30-ball 25, rallied Jamaica to 125-8 off 20 overs after they had lost their first three wickets with the score on 23. Left-arm seamer Erva Giddings had 3-13 including the prized scalp of West Indies T20 World Cup Captain and ICC’s number one t20 batter Stefanie Taylor and got support from Akaze Thompson, who followed up her 2-7 against the Leewards on Wednesday with 2-25. Guyana, chasing 126
from 120 balls to cement a place in the final struggled to 82 all out in 17.4 overs as only Latoya Smith (16), West Indies batter Shamaine Campbell (16) and Thompson (11) reached double figures as West Indies players Vennesa Watts (3-10), Nation (2-10), Taylor (2-18) and Shanel Daley (210) bowled well for the ladies from the land of Wood and Water. Jadian Morgan (17) and Taylor (5) took the score to 23 before Morgan who smashed Smartt delightfully to the cover boundary and dispatched her disdainfully over extra cover four and onto Carifesta Avenue, edged a drive to the Keeper as Smartt made the breakthrough in third over. Taylor, one of five
Mayor’s Cup football resumes at Victoria ground tomorrow Competition in the Mayor ’s Cup football championship will resume tomorrow, Sunday, at the Victoria Ground on the East Coast of Demerara with a triple header starting from 5:00pm as teams look to cash in on the Aruwai Resort of Bartica first prize and trophy. The battle for quarterfinal the remaining places along with the start of that phase of the competition will teams in keen contest tomorrow. Play starts with Police facing Uitvlugt in the curtain raiser at 5:00pm. That will be followed at 7:00pm with Riddim Squad challenging Eagles of Linden as they all seek places in the quarterfinals. The first quarterfinal game will be the
nightcap at 9:00pm. Ann’s Grove are down to take on Cougars in that game which will see the winner march closer to the money round. At stake in the competition is the top prize of $700,000 and a trophy donated by Aruwai Resort. The second place team pockets $300,000 and the Ansa McAl trophy, while the third place team carts off $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy.
The fourth place finishers will receive $100,000 and the Ministry of State trophy. Ricks and Sari has also donated hampers which will go to the winning team, while tournament’s top goal scorer will get a three piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon Furniture Store. Top Brandz of Broad and High Streets, distributors of Interstate vehicle batteries, is among the key sponsors on board assisting the tournament. Apart from Aruwai Resort and Top Brandz, among others on board are: Ansa McAl, Minister of State Joe Harmon and his ministry, John Fernandes, Ricks and Sari and AH&L Kissoon.
players with West Indies experience, stroked Giddings with imperial timing to the cover boundary. But the best female batter that the Caribbean has produced walked too far across her wicket and Giddings plucked out her leg-stump without addition to the score and the celebrations almost matched the World Cup final victory in India. It was soon 23-3 when Giddings removed Daley for a duck before Natasha McClean (10) and Nation took the score to 58 with aggressive batting before Thompson got rid of McClean. Nation and Williams continued to play their shots until Giddings dismissed Nation in the 16th over at 935. West Indies player Chenille Henry (0) was run
out at the same total. Tamika Sanford (6) dumped Thompson for six before she tried to repeat the shot next ball and was taken at long-off while Watts, who counted two fours in her unbeaten 15, ensured that Jamaica scored 24 from the last 14 balls. Watched by a decent crowd which included the Guyana U-19 team which leaves for St Vincent next week, the T&T team and Windwards, who did not play a single game in the tournament, Guyana began their reply in overcast conditions and Mellissa Henry (6) was LWB at 24 to left-arm spinner Daley, who opened the bowling. Smith hammered Henry for a six and a four before she was LBW to Nation four runs and one over later before Lashauna Toussaint
(1) was run out at 33-3. Kavita Yadram, whose injured leg was in a cast a few days before the tournament commenced, wasted four dot balls before she was bowled for a duck by Watts at 47-5 and when the classy Campbell edged a cut at Watts to the Keeper without addition to the score the required run rate was escalating. Smartt (8) and Thompson (11) took the score to 60 but once Taylor removed them both in the space of nine runs the fat Lady was already clearing her throat and the contest soon ended in near darkness with the Street lights on. Only four of the scheduled 15 games were played and it was good to see the GCB send extra covers last evening for tomorrow’s final.
Suriname set up showdown with Bahamas tonight for CBC U16 Girls title Pint-sized Surinamese guard, Anita Tolud burst through three defenders to release a floater in the lane last night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Suriname set up a showdown with Bahamas tonight at 8:00pm for the Caribbean Basketball
Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Girls title after both teams won their semifinal games at the Cliff
Anderson Sports Hall last night. Shooting guard, Anita (Continued on page 25)
t r o Sp Sir Leon’s Lessons schools Lodge Secondary in 15-0 blitz to win South Zone title P.27
Digicel Rep. Yancey Haywood hands over the South Zone champion trophy to Sir Leon’s Lessons Captain David George in the presence of his teammates and Technical Staff.
North West Secondary win Region 1 leg of the Digicel Schools Football Championship P.28
MATCH REPORT 15:
Early wickets fail to stop Jamaica Tallawahs romping home at Hero CPL P.25
Suriname set up showdown with Bahamas tonight or CBC U16 Girls title P.31
WICB Women’s Super50 Newly-crowned Region 1 champion North West Secondary School Captain Clovis Calistro (centre) receives the winning trophy from Digicel representative Althea Pollard in the presence of teammates and officials yesterday.
Jamaica beat Guyana by 43 runs P.31
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