Kaieteur News
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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial
King Sugar Is Dead; Time To Move On The management of the sugar industry seems to be in a bubble. Carping on concepts such as a new GUYSUCO or one GUYSUCO or putting GUYSUCO first will not change anything. King Sugar is dead in Guyana and it is time to move on. Selling some of GUYSUCO’s land and subsiding it with close to $12 billion a year is a short-term solution and a waste of valuable state resources. The low price for sugar on the world market cannot sustain the industry. The government knew this, but it is more concerned about the political consequences should it close more sugar factories. This can be avoided if the government finds alternative sources of employment for the workers by producing ethanol. Not very long ago, sugar was considered the king of Guyana’s agriculture, with rice as its closest underling. Sugar was the primary foreign currency earner and the second largest employer of labour in the country after the government. It was the mainstay of several communities in and around the sugar estates. King Sugar has not only contributed to the growth of the country, but also to the development of community sports, healthcare and other facilities. Many cricket, football and athletics teams and players have developed around the sugar estates. Prior to independence, all fourteen sugar estates in the country were in operation - Skeldon, Port Mourant, Rose Hall, Albion, Canje, Blairmont, Versailles, La Bonne Intention (LBI), Enmore, Houston, Diamond, Leonora, Wales and Uitvlugt. The nationalization of the sugar industry in the 1970s by the late Forbes Burnham government coupled with less demand and lower prices for sugar on the world market haveled to the closureof five sugar factories -Port Mourant, Canje, Versailles, Houston and Leonora.Low production and high costs forced the closure of LBI and Diamond. Wales is expected to close soon. King Sugar was responsible for the Atlantic Slave Trade which brought Africans, Europeans and Oriental peoples to the region. It made some people paupers and others millionaires. Many would like to see King Sugar return to its glorious days but it will not happen. During the mid1960s, sugar was at its peak in Guyana. However, that plateau was short lived. The price for sugar started to decline in the early 1970s and so was production in Guyana. Today, sugar production is half of what it was in the70s and 80s. Today, the sugar industry is lying on its sickbed, like a feeble, old person with very little chance of recovery. All the financial medicine injected into it over the years has not brought it back to life. Many are waiting for the end, but not the Government which believe that it can be resuscitated. In addition to lower prices and less demand, the industry has been plagued with labor unrest, high production costs, low productivity andoutdated equipmentandunions that still operate in 1950s mode in the 21st century. Driving along the cane fields, one readily notices the poor irrigation system, the stunted growth of sugar canes and the once-thriving cane fields that are now in ruin. Also noticeable is some of the best cane-growing lands have turned into housing schemes. This is true of Diamond, Houston and Leonora. Although the last administration knew of these problems, it still went ahead and spent billions of taxpayers’ dollars to build the White Elephant Skeldon Sugar factory. Truth be told, the reign of King Sugar is over. Trying to save the industry will be costly, therefore, pouring more money into it is like pouring water on a duck’s back. However, the government must find other sources of employment for the workers to avoid placing them on the breadline. At the same time, the government has to stop the political game and face the harsh reality that King Sugar has served the people of Guyana well over the years; but it is now dead and it is time to move on.
Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Donald Ramotar releases Tiwari’s letter EDITOR’S NOTE: We carry below a letter, Mr. Brian Tiwari wrote to President Donald ramotar and released to the prerss by Mr. Ramotar. Immediately after this letter is Mr. Tiwari’s response Dear President. I am completely disheartened by your recent charges made both publicly and privately, that I am a supporter of Brigadier David Granger and his opposition alliance. I am indeed further affected by your charges that I have sought to aid the opposition by sharing with then some documents in my possession. Mr. President, nothing could be further from the truth. Please note sir I have always been a long-standing supporter of the PPP from long before 1992 I have used my resources to provide transportation and other logistical support for the PPP and its campaigns in the interior locations particularly in regions 1, 7 and 9. Mr. Ousman and Mr. Harripersaud Nokta are aware of my activities and Mr. Nokta, who is still alive and with us, can verify my claims. During the public
service strike, our company provided much support without asking for a penny. For about 25 years my company has supported the PPP activities to mark the anniversary of our beloved leader Dr. Cheddi Jagan, by providing transportation and other support for all of the activities at Babu John. In my public statements and actions, especially since the PPP is in government, I have tried my best to avoid making political claims and statements because I am a businessman and I bid regularly for government contracts. I was determined to do all i can to protect myself and to protect the government from charges of bias and favoritism. Nevertheless, I have always been accused of being a beneficiary of the PPP favoritism in the award of contracts and on one occasion I was forced to make a public statement about where I stand. On that occasion I said in all newspapers that “I have never joined the PPP but I was born a PPP.” However, even after making that statement the accusations continue, and
this very week I was forced to reply to more ( false charges of favoritism in the Kaieteur News. In our business at BK International we have tried our best to make the PPP government proud through our performance on public infrastructure contracts. We were the first local company to be awarded substantial infrastructure contracts by the World Bank, the IDB and the EU and we continue to bid on government contracts today based on our credentials, professional team and job performance. Mr. President, during the course of my business activities and social life in our country I have made many friends across all the divides and share many good relationships. However, these relationships do not mean political support of any kind. Anyone who reports that I am providing support to another political party because they may have seen me some place with others is being malicious and wicked. We must be careful at this time, Mr. (Continued on page 5)
Sunday July 03, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Jagdeo responds to Trotman Tiwari responds to Ramotar’s released letter DEAR EDITOR; I must state categorically, that Mr. Ramotar has so far failed to address pertinent issues raised by me regarding the acquisition of state property by his relative at grossly under-valued costs. There are two salient issues at hand. Two issues Mr. Ramotar MUST answer: 1. Where is the $800M in steel referred to by the former President; and 2. As President of the Cooperatively Republic of Guyana, what did Mr. Ramotar do to prevent his brother from acquiring state property in the form of Land, Tugs and Barges at ridiculously low prices? What Mr. Ramotar chose to do instead, was to initiate a low-blow by creating a smoke screen, by publishing a private correspondence to him. That correspondence was in fact authored in an effort to prevent further victimization of the BK International Group of Companies, more specifically, the eviction of Jags Aviation, a subsidiary of the BK Group form the GUYSUCO Hangar at the now Eugene Correiea International Airport. If one were to follow the events leading up to my forceful penning of the said letter provided to the media by the former President, it would show clearly it was a case of responding to a threat and demands for an apology. In fact it was on the recommendation of a former Senior Minister that I should go beyond a formal apology and restate my allegiance to the party, which would have quelled the anger of the former President. His anger in this instance was as a result of a flight provided by the aviation department of the BK Group – Jags Aviation, for the Mr. Ramotar to conduct election campaign activities in the Essequibo Region. Our aviation consultant at the time, Mr. Bobby Vieira had called and informed me that the company had provided a flight to the same area a day before comprising a team of APNU/AFC campaign officials headed by Mr. Raphael Trotman. Mr. Trotman’s team was due to return to Georgetown the same morning that Mr. Ramotar and his team went in. As suggested by Mr. Vieira, it would have been
much more economical for the aircraft taking in the then President (as this was a oneway charter) to ferry Mr. Trotman and his team back to Georgetown. Since this operation apparently annoyed the former President which he displayed on several occasions later, we were advised to write and offer an apology for any discomfort we may have caused him. This was immediately done by Mr. Vieira and sent to the President. However, this did not quell the anger of Mr. Ramotar. His rant continued with threats to evict my airline operations from the GUYSUCO hangar where we were conducting our operations. It was as a result of the continued abuse and significant claims of my contributions to the APNU in the millions of dollars, that a former Senior Minister suggested that I pen the letter, part of which he made some suggestions so as to quell the issue. Clearly, I simply wanted to alleviate the situation at that time. Jags Aviation further went the distance to waive the fee for the former President’s one-way charter. The said letter released by Mr. Ramotar, bringing further into question his integrity as a person moreso someone entrusted to lead this beloved country of ours. My consultant was on several occasions subjected to Mr. Ramotar’s rants and claims of us backing the APNU and the AFC. We run
an operation involving aircraft with significant costs. We never discriminated against anyone or political party which requested our services. Maybe the Ex-President felt this should have been standard procedure. Editor, many persons were born with political affiliations. However, it is one’s democratic right to choose his/her political direction. My support for change was as wanting as any or most Guyanese, thus my choice to whom I choose and would support. My point is we should put Guyana first. By this time, Hubu Backdam road and Haags Bosch dump site contracts were already taken away from BK Construction. The Barge referred to in my initial missive was purchased by Jules Cranningburg at a cost of over US$1M and resold to Former President Donald Ramotar’s relative for a paltry G$3M. Let us deal with the issues at hand. I challenge Mr. Ramotar to refute this. I further challenge the former President to refute the denial of BK International of the Aremu Interior Road project which was in turn “gifted” to the Vulture Construction Company even though BK International was awarded the contract. Strangely, Mr. Ramotar personally and genuinely advised me to sue his government over this injustice. Brian Tiwarie AA Managing Director BK Group of Companies
Donald Ramotar... From page 4 President, to ensure that mischievous elements do not cause unnecessary divisions. As you have said yourself, this is an extremely important election where the PPP is seeking to restore its lost majority, no one should be al-
lowed to distract us. I will continue to serve in any way I can in the circumstances before us. Please accept my best wishes to you and to t e People’s Progressive Party/ Civic in these elections. Sincerely, Brian Tiwari
DEAR EDITOR; It has been brought to my attention that a letter sent to me by Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman, MP., has been released to the public. I was informed that this letter was received by my office late yesterday evening. I will respond comprehensively to its content later but wish to offer initial comments on a few issues that I raised which Mr. Trotman is yet to respond to. Firstly, while he acknowledges that the Coalition Government intends to expand on the PPP/C’s successful Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) he has not indicated how they intend to do so. And if it is the Government’s intention to expand on the LCDS, why is it that the LCDS is not being recognized? Why is there no more consultations and awareness-building with stakeholders, especially Amerindians? Why is the LCDS Steering Committee not being convened? Why is there no consultation on projects being funded from GRIF monies? Persons are being hired in various Ministries, project funds are being spent etc. Instead of sharing more information on what is happening with the LCDS and the GRIF funds, there seems to be an effort to shut down information. The LCDS website which had served as a central information clearing house on all matters regarding climate change, LCDS, and the Norway Partnership has now been taken down.
Secondly, Mr. Trotman has said that the placing of an additional 2 million hectares (an area 6 times the size of Iwokrama) of tropical forests to conservation will bolster economic development such as eco-tourism. First of all the public needs to know how this 2 million hectares of forests will be determined? Which areas have been identified? Will this2 million hectares require the Government is to take backlands from mining and forestry? Further, Mr. Trotman incorrectly states that this 2 million hectares which has been committed by the coalition Government will help meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Norway Agreement. In fact there was no requirement for Guyana to obligate itself to put 2 million hectares to conservation under any of these Agreements. More importantly, were key national stakeholders in the forestry and mining sectors and indigenous peoples consulted before this commitment was made? Or was this being driven by external conservation interests? Thirdly, Mr. Trotman has failed to explain how Guyana can meet the INDC commitment to develop a 100% renewable power supply by 2025. Not even the US, EU, India, China or any other country have promised this in their INDCs. How will Guyana achieve this INDC target in 9 years? The Amaila project alone could have allowed Guyana to meet 90% of its energy needs from renewable energy but this project was deliber-
ately scuttled by the APNU and AFC. These are all critical issues which Mr. Trotman should have discussed and consulted thoroughly before committing Guyana to targets. What he has done is commit Governments now and in the future to these targets. Finally, Mr. Trotman talks about being inclusive in decision making. Where was the inclusiveness when these commitments were made? Where is the inclusiveness in determining how the GRIF funds are being spent? Why is the LCDS Steering Committee not being convened? As it regards Boards, the way State Boards are currently functioning is a clear demonstration that they have no control and decision making authority over their respective Agencies. Just one example is the case of the GUYSUCO Board which did not take the decision to close the Wales Estate. A decision which was made by the country’s political directorate even in contravention of the Government’s own Commission of Inquiry Report and now has to be implemented by the Board. The PPP will not participate in rubber-stamping exercises by State Boards which are inimical to the interest of Guyana . Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo, MP.
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Others should follow the Colonialism in the forestry sector of Guyana lead of BK Tiwari DEAR EDITOR; The United Republican Party (URP) wishes to join with Mr. Brian Tiwarie in his request to have former President Donald Ramotar answer the many question raised by the contractor. The URP believes that the questions posed by Mr. Tiwarie are legitimate and they warrant answers. The URP is also inclined to believe that the current administration will not pursue any of the blatant irregularities highlighted by Mr. Tiwarie. We have noticed that once the irregularities have been highlighted, even through the audits, this government seems content to shelve them and move on to announcing the next set of skulduggery. This behaviour is very telling and wearisome to the country. Mr. Ramotar, however, is the one who started this latest issue by pointing out an irregularity of the APNU/AFC government, with regards to BK. The URP is therefore calling on Mr. Ramotar to return to his writing den and be at pains to address each and every one of the damming revelations made against him by Mr. Tiwarie. It should be noted that the URP contested the 2015 General elections because we
were of the firm conviction that the PPP had lost their way and they were stealing and selling out the natural resources and possessions of Guyana, to the benefit of only a few cronies and family members. The URP also notes that these accusations against Mr. Ramotar are coming only from one person with access to the irregularities that obtained in only the three short years of President Ramotar’s reign. We shudder to imagine the immensities of what would come to light should others ‘in the know’ come forward. The citizens of Guyana, including all races and political persuasions, knew that the PPP treated the wealth and properties of Guyana as though they belonged to those occupying Freedom House. We could well imagine (or could we?) the level of kleptocracy and the scale of national burglary which took place during the 12 previous years of the Jagdeo’s Presidency. Editor, in the interest of nationalistic pride and with the knowledge of karma, it behooves all those – like Brian Tiwarie – who know of the atrocities done against this dear land of ours, to come forward and speak out. Take this opportunity to clear your
consciences. Like Mr. Tiwarie, put race aside and put your country first. Mr. Tiwarie cannot be the only person with these kinds of damming information. There must be others who witnessed or have knowledge of practices that helped to bankrupt this nation. With all the billions of dollars in gold, bauxite, timber, rice and sugar that were exported, after 23 years, Guyana still remains a poverty-stricken nation. Where did all those billions go? The URP thinks that President Granger should offer some kind of amnesty and witness protection to all the persons who would like to come forward and inform the Guyanese public of those who committed crimes against the state. The state should set up a hotline or a special office to allow folks to publicly or anonymously report on these matters. If those who have the information do not come forward, many persons will be allowed to escape with millions or even billions of dollars that belong to the Guyanese people. The URP also hopes that this administration will encourage further revelations by actively and publicly pursuing those fingered in these dastardly deeds. Dr. Vishnu Bandhu Leader URP
DEAR EDITOR; “OUR ECONOMY IS NOT IN ANY SORT OF CRISIS.” This was a recent statement from Guyana’s Minister of Business & the Forestry/Productive sector. I am forced to write this letter, my first to the media, because I fear and feel so much pain for my country, especially in the forest sector where I earn my daily bread. Although the norm in GT is to stay quiet, good and close with the race/party that is “first past the post” if you want to get by and not be victimized or have “you corn mashed”. I have fought/worked through blood sweat and tears as a true patriot for many years, so I have no fear…as a Guyanese, I have a right to contribute my 2 bit if I feel things are not well. Let the chips fall where they may. As the years go by, it becomes clearer that the majority of those elected/selected to lead our beautiful country to prosperity, are clearly lacking in vision, ideas, and the required knowledge to harvest the limitless resource of our blessed land/peoples to provide a good life for all Guyanese, primarily in our forestry/ productive sectors that we all know have endless possibilities/potentials. Statements like those attributed to the Minister of Business (Stabroek News 16/6/ 24), with no tangible substance/vision, apart from invisible/imagined macro growth, are useless to the common man in the street struggling to make ends meet, and more so those in the forestry/productive sector that have been for years screaming for help. Obviously there is no plan. There needs to be more help and direct involvement from the government, vis a vis our legislators for the sectors to realise anything close to their true potential. Over the years I have been a fierce campaigner for Value Added, travelling the world, seeing the amazing possibilities, only if our leaders and people can really start to co-operate for Guyana. For this to happen we need knowledgeable leadership and direction to deal with our unique dispensation not just people who say things to suit their well off/comfortable supporters or ear of other developed countries who have already plundered their forests/resources to construct their concrete jungles we like to run to. We need leadership who understands our forests, the landscape and laws of nature that govern them, what it takes to sustainably maximize utilization, and immediately start to implement policies/legislation so that that our generations can proudly look forward to success and happiness. There are so many knowledgeable minds out here that want to make a difference, utilise this massive pool of thinkers/doers available, stop this forever negatively inherent nonsense of, pay back for support and “ jobs for the boys!” It pains to see treated, hand grown, 3rd/ 4th grade pine wood from the US and Canada starting to dominate our lumber yards/government buildings, even flown in to Kaieteur National Park for construction, when we have so much better in every aspect; while the government continues to ignore the suffering in this and all other sectors. We need help! The banks are reluctant to give loans to local people in the logging/processing sector , since the State Forest Permission (SFP) concession agreement is only a bi-annually renewable document; while foreign firms like Baishanlin can use their millions of acres of Wood Cutting Leases (WCL)& Timber Sales Agreements(TSA) ,[20-30 years Ownership Documents] , inventories the most expensive species, and use as collateral for billions $ of financing; at the same time receiving tax
breaks for everything they bring in, pay ½ the price we pay for fuel, even getting transported lands for Housing projects, easy financing and factories, while we cannot go to the bank with a highway land lease for a loan to build processing plants because they want at least a 99 year lease or Transport. On occasions in the past,Baishanlin would harvest hundreds of logs(more than the allowable cut per acre) from one of their many concessions, then intentionally burn the logged out area to cover the evidences of rape, thousands of acres at a time, and pay no fine( maybe because of their big friends high up at that time that they could afford to fly about, wine and dine),but if a small local concessioner(with a concession limited in species since it was previously harvested), mistakenly cut a few trees outside his overgrown boundary line, he is fined millions. Apart from the long term devastating damages this and many other known wanton infractions by this selfish investor has caused our dear Land, things like these need to be investigated/ addressed. We need a level playing field. Recently on a visit to Ituni / Kwakwani(which by the way have one of the worst roads you would experience in this world), a minister said he would look into the arbitrary, burdensome fines with an aim of having them reduced when the matter was raised by small loggers, but so far nothing. Dakamaballi wood species produces some of the best Hardwood Charcoal in the world, a commodity always in demand, a specie that is commonly found, that naturally regenerates itself after 2-3 years needs to be explored properly. [One past president even investigated/ invested in kilns to produce coal for export]. Wamara wood species which are abundantly found all over Guyana predominantly in the mining areas was/is hardly used locally because of its hard/uncommon nature, is another specie we can capitalise on because of the high demand in China (entire Asia) and its abundance here. Before this demand, apart from being used as firewood, burnt and bulldozed in the bauxite/mining areas and not even inventorised by the GFC , Wamara was a nothing wood, but has grown into the highest export earner for Guyana in this sector (ask GFC).The main buyers had stopped buying for over a year after our past election, restarting only recently after a Minister’s much published visit to China(maybe accidental), but has caused a huge temporary relief for thousands mired in frustration with few options, including GFC, whose revenue had dived significantly. It pains to see GPL importing hundreds of millions $ in Pine transmission poles when thousands of our Wallaba pole makers are jobless with no assistance or alternatives, while a specie that is abundant and 10 times more durable lies idle. There are even Lathes that make these poles, with our top class Wallaba Shingles arguably the most durable in the world [Ask the first children of Presidents College].One past president tried helping many people with German tractors, chainsaws, trucks, and grants to produce Mora Railway Sleepers in the 70s/ 80s, to satisfy the large demand that this specie/product had and still has in many parts of the world, because of its unique strength properties for industrialized uses. This is another abundantly available specie that few locals use and is even refused at most local sawmills that has great demand/ possibilities worldwide. continued Alwyn Bynoe Editor’s note: The letter will conclude in tomorrow’s edition
Sunday July 03, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Another cave-in… Guyana to host September visit from FATF/ICRG team Mining company under
…Before it can move to exit watch list A high level team comprising Financial Action Task Force/International Coordinating Review Group (FATF/ ICRG) Co-Chairs will be in Guyana come September, to conduct onsite inspections of several of Guyana’s institutions in order to verify Guyana’s progress and its readiness to come off of its watch list. This is according to Attorney General, Basil Williams, who stated at a press conference yesterday that a favorable report from the team will allow Guyana to begin the process of removing itself from the FATF/ICRG review list, at the October plenary meeting. Williams stated the institutions that would be visited include the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Bank of Guyana, Guyana Securities Council (GSC), money transfer agencies and the commercial banks. Among the things that they will be looking for is to ensure that Guyana is criminalizing money laundering and terrorist financing; that Guyana has adequate measures to confiscate assets related to money laundering and that the country has the legal frame work to identify, trace and freeze terrorist assets. The team will also be ensuring that the FIU is functioning effectively. The FIU is supposed to oversee SOCU. Other reforms which the onsite visits will seek to confirm is that there is enhanced
Attorney General Basil Williams transparency with these financial systems and that the mechanisms for reporting suspicious transactions are in place. Finally, the team will seek to ensure that there is an adequate supervisory framework. “Once the FATF/ICRG Co Chairs conclude that Guyana has satisfied it’s on site verification, then a motion will have to be moved in the October Plenary, to remove Guyana from the FATF/ICRG review list. “On being removed from the said list, Guyana will thereupon qualify to exit the CFATF follow up process.” According to Williams, however, the country had made significant strides and had been commended at the June 59th ninth plenary meeting which was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Williams, who attended the meet-
ing, stated that the country was commended for having substantially completed its action plan at the technical level and that it received thumbs up on its “Tenth follow up report.” “Guyana has substantially completed its overall level of compliance and most importantly, Guyana has fully addressed the core and key recommendations,” Williams reported. “While Guyana satisfies the criteria for application to exit the follow up process, it is still in the FATF/ICRG process which it needs to complete first.” “It is recommended that Guyana stay in enhanced follow up and be required to report on continuing implementation to the next plenary in November.” Williams also noted that the dates of September 15 and September 16 have been proposed by the ICRG. Government will have to officially confirm those dates. Since the coalition came into office last year, FATF has been giving favourable reviews to Guyana on its efforts to address anti-money laundering deficiencies. Last December, Government passed the Anti- Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill of 2015. The passage of this legislation was seen and noted as a major step, in particular by the Americas Region Review Group (ARRG), the regional arm of the ICRG.
investigation for death of Russian geologist
Authorities have launched an investigation into a possible cover-up of a mining accident last month that left a Russian geologist dead. According to information reaching Kaieteur News late last week, a team from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) was supposed to travel to the Annamuri Backdam, Mazaruni, Region Seven to investigate the incident. The mining operation is reportedly owned by a company named Innovative Mining Inc., controlled by businessman Parmeshwar ‘Joe’ Jagmohan. Confirming the incident on Thursday, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, disclosed that indeed that was an incident. The official said that from information filtering in from GGMC, the Russian geologist, whose name was
given as Oleg, and a mining worker, Kenneth Smith, were both in a newly dug trench taking samples when one of walls collapsed, covering them. The trench was about 10 feet deep and 45 feet long. The Russian died on spot while an injured Smith was taken for medical help. According to Minister Broomes, from her information, the Ministry of Social Protection was notified and a team was flown in to investigate. However, GGMC is concerned why the company took several days to notify the entity of the accident. GGMC received the letter on June 23 but it was dated June 20th. According to mining officials, the report from the company is incomplete and there will be an investigation into whether the Russian had the relevant documents and whether the company had indeed entered a joint venture without filing for the relevant
Miner, Parmeshwar Jagmohan permits. There have been number of deadly accidents over the past year with the administration announcing a zero tolerance for any breaches found. There have been increased monitoring but miners reportedly have continued to take risks.
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Granger’s one-day lightning visit to Suriname…
Two countries recommit to friendship, integration process The lightning visit by President David Granger to Suriname Friday was mainly aimed at strengthening the mutual relations between the governments of Guyana and Suriname. According to Suriname’s newspaper, De Ware Tijd, a press conference was held Friday afternoon in bordering Nickerie to discuss the visit. President Desi Bouterse explained that because virtually all the attention of the government has gone recently to addressing national issues, foreign policy was somewhat neglected. President Granger disclosed that a commitment was made to meet again after he had visited Suriname last August during the inauguration of President Bouterse. Given the busy period around the elections and what then followed, the idea was
to revive the friendship and to continue with the integration process, Granger explained. He stressed that Suriname and Guyana with their combined resources represent a “powerful economic element” within CARICOM. Heads of Government are expected to meet from tomorrow in Guyana. De Ware Tijd quoted President Bouterse as stressing that there are opportunities to work more closely with Guyana as in the fields of agriculture and education and at the CARICOM level. Granger was informed by Bouterse of the decision of the Court Martial on June 9 and the developments that occurred afterwards. ”He found it necessary to let neighboring and friendly nations to get a picture of what took place, and not only on the media,” the news report
said. President Granger told reporters that the coming months will see a stronger
President David Granger and Suriname’s leader, Desi Bouterse, during the meeting on Friday.
commitment to address problems in these relations “in a free and friendly atmosphere”. The two countries have been conducting brisk trade
over the years with thousands of Guyanese living in Suriname. There have been talks between the two countries to build a bridge across
the Corentyne River. However, there has also been a simmering border claim by Suriname for part of the Corentyne area.
Sunday July 03, 2016
Dem boys seh...
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Kaieteur News
Cops crack 2012 unsolved murder…
GUYANA GOT Gunman paid $500,000 to kill A NEW CRASS Mahaica truck driver over affair If is one thing people don’t like is when you call dem a crass. Dem foreigners does call de word ‘cross’ People don’t mind wearing a crass round dem neck or fuh some earring but don’t tell dem that dem is a crass. When that happen it mean that you blight. Dem boys been to de airport de other day and dem hear some Customs people seh that a crass just pass through. Dem boys think that somebody was preparing to fetch something to prepare fuh Good Friday. Is when dem see him boarding de plane and de Customs people seh, “Look de crass” dem boys know that dem was talking bout LouCrass. He fire lef, right and centre. De day he walk in de office and he ask people to sign a dismissal letter fuh a man nuff people refuse. De one who accept get immediate promotion. People watch LouCrass never know nutten even when you ask him to tell you something that he do. He hire a young gyal as he office manager. He seh he trust this gyal because she can type. She got a spelling problem but LouCrass seh dem got spell-check. When dem boys ask him why he employ this gyal and when he old office got staff, he seh he don’t trust nobody and besides, he don’t know. When dem boys ask him if de gyal wuk obeah pun him he seh he think so but he waiting pun de report. And in any case, he got to get legal advice. Dem boys seh he and Jagdeo got de same rank. Both of dem controlling people and both of dem look like a crass. Both of dem like give order and both of dem believe that dem running dem own business and don’t have to account to anybody. Dem boys want dem fuh know that de crass does come down. Jagdeo knock off Donald, Joseph O’Lall and all who challenge him. LouCrass might tek it pun heself fuh knock off Soulja Bai. Talk half and run when you see a crass coming.
BY MICHAEL JORDAN
They’ve done it again. Ranks from Guyana Police Force’s Major Crimes Unit have solved yet another murder. This time it’s the baffling killing of 31-year-old Mahaica truck driver, Jadesh Dass. Dass was shot in the head and left on a roadway four years ago. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum announced last night that detectives have detained a Mahaica businessman who is also the slain man’s employer; a woman from the same area, and her brother, who is also the alleged gunman. Police are also preparing to question a fourth suspect. Detectives tracked the woman to a house at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, and rounded up the others at Mahaica. The businessman reportedly led the cops on a merry chase before being captured.
- woman, two others held
Dass’s body, with two bullet wounds to the head, was found on the parapet of the Mahaica New Road on April 17, 2012, some hours after he had left home with the intention of picking up a load of sand at a pit on the Soesdyke/Linden highway. Relatives of the slain trucker have repeatedly told Kaieteur News that Dass was murdered over an affair that he was having with a woman in the area, and this was reportedly confirmed by at least one of the detained men. From questioning the gunman, who hails from Albouystown, detectives have learned that a Chelsea Park, Mahaica businessman was furious that Dass was having an affair with the businessman’s sister-in-law. He then confided in a woman with links to Mahaica and Albouystown. She in
turn, recruited her 30-year-old brother to do the job. The alleged gunman reportedly told investigators that he was given a $200,000 ‘down-payment’, and collected a further $300,000 after the ‘job’ was done. LURED TO HIS DEATH In the early hours of April 17, 2012, the gunman and other plotters parked a truck on Mahaica New Road. Leaving the hazard light on, the men pretended that the vehicle had broken down. The men were fully aware that 31-year-old Jadesh Dass, also a trucker, would pass that route on his way to Soesdyke, and that he would stop to help. Dass, who had left his mother’s home around 01.00 hrs, and as the men had predicted, stopped to help. When he exited his vehicle, they shot him dead.
Jadesh Dass Acting on rumours of the ‘affair,’ detectives had detained three men from a trucking firm. Police also questioned the slain driver’s alleged lover. She denied having an affair with Dass. They eventually released the three men on $100,000 bail each. Police are to seek legal advice shortly.
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
37th CARICOM Heads of Government Conference…
Security and Economics high on agenda The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government will meet for their 37th Regular Meeting over three days from tomorrow, in Georgetown, Guyana, at the Guyana Pegasus Hotel. The Heads will seek opportunities and regional solutions to several challenges facing the community. The meeting is also expected to advance matters pertaining to regional security - economic and otherwise; and the social well-being of the approximately 16 million people who make up the Caribbean Community. Correspondent Banking is among the top agenda issues before the highest decision making forum of the regional grouping of 15 Members and five Associate States. CARICOM, and indeed the Caribbean as a whole, is concerned about this issue. If all correspondent banking relations are withdrawn, the region will be isolated from the rest of the world and will be unable to carry out some of the most basic of bank transactions. Critical services including remittance transfers, international trade, and the facilitation of credit card settlements
CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque for local clients, among other services, will be affected. The genesis of this issue lies in the signal by several international banks, mainly in the US and Europe, to client banks in the Region of an unwillingness to continue carrying their business, as part of a so-titled “de-risking” strategy. The Caribbean has been labeled as a tax haven and accused of lax tax regimes and avenues for money laundering and terrorism financing, despite no evidence to prove
this - a release from CARICOM stated. At their Inter-sessional meeting in Belize, Heads “emphasized that Member States have complied with all global regulatory standards, including those established by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Forum, and have been scrutinized in every detail by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) other multilateral institutions”. They deemed the action by the correspondent banks, “as an economic as-
Current Chair of the Conference, Hon. Roosevelt Skerritt sault” tantamount to an economic blockade against Member States. But CARICOM is fighting back. Using the power of the collective, they have appointed a high level advocacy group, led by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Gastown Browne, to represent the interests of the Region in addressing the issue, including approaches to the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation and the United States Government. The Meeting will
President of Guyana, David Granger
take stock of actions to date, and seek to advance the search for solutions to this matter. The meeting is also scheduled to look at Border Issues including the Guyana and Venezuela border controversy. Guyana’s border controversy with its western neighbour Venezuela, relates to the more than a centuryold contention, which arose as a result of Venezuela’s claim that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void. (The 1899 Award had conclusively settled the boundary between
the two countries). Guyana’s pursuit over the years for a peaceful settlement has yielded mixed results. A founding member of the 43-year old integration movement, many of its diplomatic interventions have rested on the pillar of foreign policy coordination, one of five pillars which underpins CARICOM integration. In its more recent act of aggression, Venezuela on July 6, 2015, announced a Presidential Decree which lays (Continued on page 65)
Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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CH&PA engages Chinese firm to build Perseverance turn-key homes A team headed by Minister with responsibility for the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Valerie Patterson, on Tuesday and Wednesday visited neighbouring Suriname, where they were given a first hand look at a housing project in that country. Minister Patterson was accompanied by CH&PA Board Member, Mark Jacobs; Chief Planner Rawle Edinboro; Pilot Coordinator of the Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund, Marlon Daniels, who is also a Water and Sanitation Specialist; and building consultant, Klensil Grenville. This recent visit was a follow up to a proposal, which has been submitted to the Government of Guyana by (CDIG) Zhong Da International Engineering Company (Suriname) for a housing project in Guyana. According to Minister Patterson, the proposal is for the construction of low and middle income homes, complete with water and sanitation systems. During the visit, Minister Patterson said that the team toured two locations where 550 homes were constructed by the company, in collaboration with the Suriname Government. “We were impressed with the quality of the homes, quality of materials that were used, soil preparation that was done, and the overall construction methodology,” Minister Patterson reported. However, in an effort to ensure that the same high quality work is brought to the local populace, the CH&PA said it will ensure that Quality
Assurance Personnel are involved throughout every phase of this project. She noted that while the homes in Suriname are all flat houses with no elevation off the ground, given Guyana’s unique topography it has been recommended that the houses to be constructed locally be elevated at least three feet off the ground. Notably, the company’s engineers were very receptive to the suggestion and have since indicated their willingness to comply. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, has since been briefed on the trip, and has given his approval for what has been submitted by the CH&PA. With a Draft Framework Agreement for the commencement of the project, the Perseverance Phases Three and Four Scheme have been identified as the most suitable scheme for this initiative. The Perseverance Scheme is the site where the Government’s Turnkey home Project is ongoing. To date, a total of 59 homes have been completed, with another 141 under construction. Initially, that project was touted as the ‘Perseverance 1000 homes’ Project. Hhowever another eight hundred homes are to be still constructed. Meanwhile, the Minister in her discussion with the General Manager of the Chinese company, Wu Qiong, raised the issue of employment for Guyanese at every level of this project. “Remarkably, the company has assured that more than fifty percent of the workforce for the project will be
GM of (CDIG) Zhong Da International Engineering Company (Suriname), Wu Qiong, with Minister Valerie Patterson during a visit to that neighbouring country last week.
Guyanese. In addition, the company will be offering training for locals once the project has started.” A high level team from the company is expected in Guyana on Tuesday to follow up on the discussion and to conduct a tour of the proposed site for the homes to be constructed. Zhong Da International Engineering Company (Suriname) N.V was founded and registered in March 2000 and it constitutes the solelyfunded enterprise of China (Continued on page 65)
One of the model houses that the Suriname-based Chinese company wants to build.
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
GRA Chairman defends hiring personal assistant - PAYS HER A MANAGER’S SALARY - SAID HE COULD NOT RELY ON STAFFERS AT THE AUTHORITY Chairman of the Governing Board of Directors for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rawle Lucas, last week defended a decision to hire an assistant and have her working away from the Authority’s offices. Lucas, a columnist for
Stabroek News, who was appointed as Chairman last year, was being questioned by media last week about the hiring of his administrative assistant, Joniece Alfred. Alfred was hired effective October 1, 2015 but while she is being paid by GRA, her
office is located at Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue. That is where Lucas reportedly has a personal office. While there is nothing wrong with an Administrative Assistant being made available to the Chairman,
which is a non-executive position, the services have always been provided by the offices of the Corporate Secretary. In this case, Alfred is receiving around $200,000-what a qualified and experienced manager would receive. Questioned about the reasons why he has an assistant paid for by GRA, being stationed at Critchlow,
Lucas said that he does not discuss personal matters of staffers. He admitted that “Ms. Alfred” works with him. In fact, the Chairman made it clear that he could not trust anyone at GRA, not even to assist him with administrative work. “…I want to ask you this question. if you were coming to an organization like GRA…one that has the reputation…would you have felt that you could rely exclusively on the staff from the GRA to help you…a new person entering the
GRA’s Chairman, Rawle Lucas environment?” Lucas said that he chose the person that he could rely on. “I chose the person I can trust. I chose the person who trusted me. That is what I did.” Since taking over last year, there have been a number of shakeups at GRA. Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur, was sent home.. Last week, the Human Resources head, Archana Joshi, and Customs chief, Jameel Baksh, were both sent home with Lucas citing unsatisfactory performance. GRA is reportedly behind in its collection.
Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Small businesses should prepare themselves for Oil – Business Minister
Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, is optimistic that the discovery of oil in Guyana will generate much needed economic activity for the nation. Speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Small Business Development Finance Trust Inc. Gaskin said that the discovery has placed Guyana on the map. The country will consequently become the focus of various types of business interests, he added. The Minister said “now that we have one of the largest companies (Exxon Mobil) in the world operating in our country, things have changed and people are paying attention to us all of a sudden.” Gaskin urged Guyanese to get their act together as soon as possible if they wish to benefit from the attention which Guyana will continue to receive. He posited that the country needs to showcase itself as a nation that means business and it will be treated as such in return. The Minister is confident that within the space of months, individuals and companies will be experiencing Guyana for the
first time and the country will see an increase in economic activity. According to Gaskin, whether Guyana becomes an oil producing nation or not, the attention it is receiving now will encourage many foreign investors to establish a toe-hold in the state. The business that these investors will bring to the shores of Guyana will require many of the products and services that small businesses can provide according to Gaskin. He alluded to a chain
reaction when he made it clear that local small businesses may not be able to supply the big oil companies; however, what he expects, is small business owners direct their focus on the other companies which will be attracted to Guyana. He urged the small business entrepreneurs to look ahead and identify where they would like to be within five years and begin working towards that goal. “If you need training, get the training, if you need equipment, start sourcing
your equipment, and make sure it’s the right equipment for the future of whatever sector you’re involved in.” Exxon Mobil had made a significant discovery of oil in May 2015. The Liza-1 well which was drilled in the Stabroek Block located 120 miles offshore Guyana is expected to produce as much as 700 million barrels of oil.
This figure is estimated to have a value of US$28 billion. It was reported last Saturday that another significant discovery was made in an appraisal well Liza2, which is located two kilometers from Liza-1. A report on this find is expected to be made available in the near future.
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Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Govt. fails to collect $900M court judgment - AG - SECL CANNOT BE LOCATED The stalled Specialty Hospital project
Back in January 2015, the previous administration won over $900M in a court judgement against Indian company Surendra Engineering Company Limited (SECL). It had sued for sums it had lost to the company which defaulted on the US$18M Specialty Hospital contract it was awarded by the Jagdeo administration. Even before then, however, Surendra’s Managing Director, Brijen Parikh, skipped the country, not only leaving the government but also sub
contractor BK International with millions of dollars out of pocket. In addition, the limited assets the company left behind could not come close to covering the sums. When asked at a press conference yesterday what steps the administration had taken to recover the sums since coming to office, Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams revealed that the court judgment was actually an empty one, as the whereabouts of SECL representatives could not be verified to this day. “I have seen the order
against Surendra, but Surendra is nowhere to be found. The last Government waited until Surendra skipped Guyana and then brought an action, knowing full well that Surendra had already fled Guyana. So what we got was an empty judgement unless we could find any asset that they had in Guyana. “ Williams stated that even if they tried to use diplomatic or other judicial channels to enforce the judgment, Surendra would still have to be found. He queried whether Surendra was
indeed in India and reiterated that he did not have the information on Surendra’s whereabouts. According to Williams, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo were the ones who needed to give account for the fact that Surendra has vanished and there is no information on their whereabouts. “When I came into this office we had no files. The Solicitor General said she knew nothing about it. The last Attorney General used to
give it out to the private practitioners. I have no files on the Surendra matter.” “That matter has not been brought to me by the Solicitor General. I think it would be good for you to find out from Nandlall if he is willing to help, it is he that filed the action. “Once I get the particulars, I would attempt to clean up the mess, as we have been doing right now to clean up all the mess the PPP has left.” According to the AG, once sufficient information and a factual case is before his chambers then a course of action could be determined. Reminded that he has been in office as AG for more than a year, Williams reiterated that he did not have the necessary information. The award had included sums that were lost in the Government’s contract with the company for the design and construction of the proposed Specialty Hospital; costs in the sum of US$10,714.50 ($2.3M); and interest at the rate of six percent per annum from the date of filing to the date of judgment and at the rate of four percent until fully paid. The company had been given 20 percent of the contract sum in advance payment and additional
Attorney General Basil Williams payments. Instead of the company submitting receipts to account for these advances, it submitted unsigned and inflated bank guarantees. The company was taken to court following breaches of contract, which saw the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government firing the company and calling in the police. It is not the only project which SECL received under the PPP and defaulted on. A probe was also conducted into another controversial deal involving the supply of 14 drainage pumps to the tune of US$4M. That contract was awarded in 2011, shortly before former President Jagdeo ended his second term.
Sunday July 03, 2016
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Kaieteur News
INT’L FRAUD EXPERTS CONFIDENT GUYANA HAS STRONG CASES FOR ASSET RECOVERY BY KIANA WILBURG An international network of independent lawyers who are extremely experienced in locating the proceeds of corruption, have expressed an interest in helping Guyana in its efforts to recover assets belonging to the state. This is according to Head of the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), Dr. Clive Thomas. The economist noted that the association known as FraudNet recently informed him and his team that it is “extremely confident that Guyana has strong cases where assets belonging to the state can be regained.” Thomas said he is elated that the global anti-corruption watchdog is interested in helping Guyana in this regard. He asserted that FraudNet contains some of the world’s leading civil asset recovery specialists. The SARU Head related that the entity’s membership extends to every continent and the world’s major economies. He said, too, that FraudNet’s focus is in locating and recovering assets and proceeds of
crime for victims of all types of corruption, embezzlement and Ponzi schemes. Dr. Thomas said that the network had invited SARU members to participate in a one-day conference which was held in Miami, Florida on June 24, last. The conference was based on the fight against corruption and impunity in 2016 and beyond. He said that representing SARU, there, were two of its leading members; Eric Phillips and Major (Rtd) Aubrey Heath-Retemyer. Heath-Retemyer said, “To us, it was very informative and to the point. The presenters were actual practitioners in state asset recovery. They explained to us their focus, capacity, experiences in this field and how they handled challenges. Additionally, the idea with the meeting was to make us aware of what is possible if we are to work with them. And they informed us of some of the areas where we could generally build capacity.” He continued, “I believe that the international community is now moving to a point where it truly recognizes corruption and its
SARU Head, Dr. Clive Thomas harmful effects on the development of a nation. And before, it was observed that while there would be prosecutions regarding corruption, very little assets would be recovered. But now, what is taking place is that there is stronger emphasis on nations or governments rather, seeking to recover assets.” The SARU official said that a
number of techniques on how to trace assets were also discussed at the conference. “When assets are stolen from a state by certain individuals, they don’t just put it into a single account. They use a number of tricks to confuse you. ..In Guyana, we are working on how we can unravel some of these schemes wherever they may exist.” The SARU officer said that while the Unit lacks the capacity to have a multi-jurisdictional reach regarding hidden state assets, they are not too worried as they are getting the help they need in this regard. He said that FraudNet has indicated a strong willingness to provide support in this manner. In fact, Dr. Thomas added that on the sidelines of the one-day conference in Miami, FraudNet officials and the SARU team discussed the legal arrangements needed for providing help in this and other matters. SARU’s Head said that generally, FraudNet is interested in Guyana and is certain that it can make a huge difference in recovering assets.
“We are getting closer and intimate ties with them and that is significant for the future of Guyana and for the future of SARU,” Thomas added. The Economist said that this partnership is going to be extremely helpful especially when it is taken into consideration that “hundreds upon hundreds of complaints” come in on a daily basis to the Asset Recovery Unit regarding individuals who held high office and abused or allegedly stole state assets. Dr. Thomas said that by all legal means necessary, his entity’s mandate to return or regain what rightfully belongs to the state, will be achieved. Dr. Thomas noted that under the previous regime, the assets of the state were “misused and in some cases stolen in unconscionable ways.” He said that he will make it his duty to see that due process is followed and that justice is served. The Head of the Asset Recovery Unit stated, “I cannot begin to tell you the number of complaints we Continued on page 16
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
More assistance needed for TIP victims in rural areas The US Department of State in the 2016 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report has suggested that the government improves its efforts to fight TIP in areas outside of the Capital. The report stated that “The government increased protection efforts but victim assistance remained insufficient, especially in areas outside the capital and for male victims, and the
government continued to penalize some suspected trafficking victims.” According to the report, “Resources devoted to victim protection remained inadequate; authorities did not consistently refer trafficking victims to services; and shelter and services for victims outside the capital, including in mining areas, remained non-existent.” The report mentioned a
case whereby one victim was made to sleep on the floor of a police station because shelter and services were unavailable. Additionally, the report noted that longer-term shelter and protection was not available to victims of trafficking. The document went on to state that some identified victims were subjected to additional trafficking after identification or would have
become homeless due to inadequate protective services. It was noted as a positive that there were donor-funded organisations which continued to provide some victim services, including in dangerous areas outside of the capital. On June 14, last, First Lady Sandra Granger had made it known that the Government of Guyana will work towards protecting the country’s girls and women from being trafficked, specifically in the hinterland areas. This was expressed during her address at the TIP Awareness Training Workshop for Officers. She urged the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Forestry Commission to work with authorities to fight TIP. She noted that the officers of GGMC and GFC are the
state’s eyes and ears in the interior locations. She recognized that the officers of the two entities were in frequent contact with the miners and loggers in those areas and as a result would be preview to information that others wouldn’t. Despite the mentioned criticisms, the US State Department noted that there were donor-funded organisations which continued to provide some victim services. These services were offered in dangerous areas outside of the capital. However, the Department believes more can be done. The report commended the government for the work it has done to reduce the amount of reported victims in Guyana. The report credited the improvement in ranking to the country being able to convict
a trafficker who was sentenced to three years in prison. The trafficker was also required to pay restitution to the victim. This represented the first time that a victim received restitution in Guyana. The document acknowledged that the government of Guyana had modestly increased its law enforcement efforts. It recommends that the state should continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute sex and labour trafficking cases and to hold the culprits accountable for crime against humanity. Guyana is no longer on the “Tier 2 Watch List”. It has moved up to “Tier 2”. The nation is now one spot away from becoming a Tier 1 country, which is a nation found to be in full compliance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA)’s minimum standards.
Int’l fraud experts confident... From page 15 get on a daily basis on persons under the previous government who abused assets of the state and in some cases, the evidence would strongly suggest that they stole it for their own benefit or the benefit of a third party. So we have our job cut out for us.” He noted, however, that in order for this to be done, the entity must be legally empowered to prosecute and this comes from having its own legislation. Already, a number of cases have been undertaken by the State Assets Recovery Unit one of which includes the misappropriation of state assets by former GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Rajendra Singh. Dr. Thomas had said that a request was made for more details for some of the
transactions and decisions made by Dr. Singh as they involved the misuse of State assets. The Assets Recovery Unit will be looking into the sale of 2.6792 acres of land at Plantation Good Hope, East Coast Demerara to one Kelvin Gobin. This sale was authorized by Dr. Singh. Dr. Singh, during his tenure as GuySuCo’s CEO, also entered into management agreements with Global Casetech and Global Cane Sugar Services out of India for the management services on a number of estates at unreasonably high cost, and without approval of the Board of Directors. Documents also show that he persisted with a commercial bio fertilizer despite advice to the contrary from the corporation’s research and technical
personnel. Single sourced procurements were done for the supply of bio fertilizers from Kay Bovet Engineering Ltd. of India in the sum of US$76,680 in June 2014 and Global Cane Sugar Services Pvt. Ltd of India in the sum of US$68,580 in February 2015. Despite being cautioned numerous times regarding the adaptation of a practice that has not been used outside of India, the former CEO persisted with commercial application rather than a trial as advised. Dr. Singh also made decisions that resulted in millions of dollars being lost by GuySuCo. The said documents reveal that Singh had responsibility for Finance and Marketing for the company and entered into a one year agreement with Tate and Lyle in 2013 when the company could have entered into one for three years while locking in at a higher sugar price for 2014 and 2015. This was the first time in the history of the Long Term Agreement (LTA) with Tate and Lyle that a one-year agreement was entered into. The failure to enter into a three-year agreement resulted in a conservatively estimated loss of US$60M in revenue for the corporation for the years 2014 and 2015. During his time as CEO, he also committed 38,000 tonnes of sugar to Futures Market without locking into a price of $0.16 cents per pound. The current price is now US$0.11 cents per pound and this decline resulted in a loss of revenue in the sum of US$4.2M for GuySuCo.
Sunday July 03, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Is improving mental health and nursing care simultaneously achievable? By Sharmain Grainger Some may describe mental instability as a curse or some unnatural interference. But health sectors across the world see it as an ailment that can be treated. It may surface in a variety of ways, some more undetectable than others, but could prove to be equally devastating. A man snaps and chops members of his family to death or a young girl takes her own life by consuming a poisonous substance have all been acts linked to mental instability. Addressing such conditions fall under the purview of the Ministry of Public Health. But improving the nation’s mental health has been no easy task. Mental instability can come in many forms and it is no respecter of race, gender or political persuasion. It has without doubt been a challenge. But how does the health sector recognise and simultaneously cater to the needs of someone with a mental ailment? It simply isn’t always possible, since a cry for help often goes unnoticed. Some family members are also known to keep such conditions under wraps rather than seek help. In fact some persons are chastised when they exhibit symptoms synonymous with mental instability. The condition is essentially stigmatized, making many fearful of sharing what they experience leading up to the manifestation of a mental breakdown. But there are others who are accused of merely wanting attention when they speak of being mentally unstable. In fact this was the complaint of a young man during the past week. He claimed he ingested a poisonous substance and
therefore required medical treatment. He was reportedly taken to a public health facility. But according to the young man, the nurses at the health facility were less than accommodating, given his reason for being there. He alleged that a nurse related that she was not prepared to care for anyone who wanted to take their own life, and even encouraged him to complete the process. He claimed he was verbally and physically abused and thrown out of the hospital. The authenticity of his allegations is being investigated. The young man certainly seemed unstable. Whether he really did consume a poisonous substance I do not know, but I do recall hearing him repeatedly insist that he wanted to just die. Maybe a bit of counselling could have been enough to put him back on a path of mental wellbeing, but sadly many persons, including myself, are guilty of not doing too much to lend a caring hand. While we all may not feel obligated to be our brothers
The Baccoo Speaks
The madness that is becoming a part of the society continues unabated. There is going to be another cutlass attack in the eastern part of the city. A simple disagreement would turn violent because one man threatens and the other executes. ** Berbice is becoming the
crime hotspot in the country and the police there seem unable to respond. The same group that executed a recent robbery will strike again further up the coast. There would be a response from the community, but it would not be enough. Suffice it to say that one member of the gang will be apprehended, albeit with injuries, as a result of the beating he will get. ** The gang of young men from the southern part of the city is going to strike again. But this time an armed man will be aboard. One of the gang members would be shot and detained.
and sisters’ keepers, this should, however, never be embraced by a health care professional. Understandably they may be hard pressed, every day of the week, to cater to the needs of far too many patients, but it is expected that an individual claiming to be a medical professional would operate with some sense of compassion. A number of nurses over the years have been found lacking when it comes to this crucial trait. Many patients have been witness to this, and the conclusion is often simple - these individuals only see nursing as a means of earning an income. Granted it is, but it has long been established that nursing and compassion must go hand in hand - just take a look at those credited with initiating the profession. But deliberate efforts are
being made to bring back compassion to the profession. An initiative conceptualized by a patient, who because of her health condition is required to have many visits to health facilities, both public and private, will perhaps be the salvation of the nursing profession. Sabina Kazim, who suffers from sickle cell anaemia, has seen the best and the worst of nurses. In fact she was over time able, along with others similarly inflicted, to make a list of the good and bad nurses. After much consultation with senior officials within the health sector about her initiative, ‘100 awesome nurses’ was born. It was officially launched last week at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. It is designed to honour nurses who went beyond the
call of duty to bring comfort and treatment in a loving manner to patients in their care - the premise of true nursing. A mere 19 out of a reported nursing staff of hundreds were recognised as “awesome” enough to be awarded at a ceremony last week. Their names, of course, were chosen by patients who experienced their nursing care. But it is anticipated that before the year ends at least 100 nurses would have been compassionate enough to gain the “awesome” status. Essentially, a domino effect is being hoped for, whereby the attitude of a compassionate nurse will be emulated by a not-so-compassionate colleague. It is anticipated too that the ambitious initiative will bring about a much-needed positive change, not only at the GPHC, but also other health facilities as well. With compassion as the cornerstone of the profession, the possibilities could be endless. But on the flipside of things, some nurses may argue that they are not paid
nearly enough to deal with some of the cases that confront them. This is even against the background that persons are often urged to enter the profession because of passion and not pay. However, the nurses, at least at the GPHC, have an avid supporter. He comes in the person of Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, Chairman of the Board of Directors there. At that very forum last week, he stressed that better wages was key to improving the delivery of nursing care. In fact he made it clear that the resilience of the health care system was dependent on that. Now if the importance of increased wages is seen as an imperative at all levels, why not make it a reality? The health of a nation is the wealth of a nation. This to me means that even with the brightest minds envisaging all types of developmental plans, without proper health care we may remain a few steps away from achieving our goals. We must accept that the cost of living is high, and Dr. Hanoman did put into perspective that nurses are likely to function more efficiently if their families are also well
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
The women in the cemeteries By Kiana Wilburg
By Michael Jordan ‘DEEDEE’ The gravedigger was used to seeing corpses, but certainly not like the one he was seeing now. What was this one doing here… pregnant, mutilated, dumped in Le Repentir cemetery? The victim, found at just around three o’clock on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 25, 2005, lay in one of the cemetery’s trenches. She was dressed in a multi-coloured top and blue jeans. Police would ascertain that someone had stabbed her at least six times to the neck, side, back and stomach. An autopsy would later reveal that she was also strangled. The other thing police observed was that she was pregnant. Police observed bloodstains on the nearby roadway, as well as a pair of slippers, while a cigarette lighter was found nearby. They suspected that someone the victim knew had lured her to this spot.
Found in Zeelugt Cemetery: Afroze Ali, called Aunty ‘Lizzy But who was the killer, and who was the victim? That night, Pamela Rampersaud, an Independence Boulevard resident was watching television when a local newscast aired the story of the body in the cemetery. The presenter gave a description of the victim and
showed some of the items that were found at the scene. Rampersaud took one glance at the slippers and lighter and realised that she knew the victim. It was her own daughter, 20-year-old Dioana Warrick, known as ‘Dee Dee.’ She would later tell me that Dioana, who was six
Patricia Young months pregnant, lived at her home, but would sometimes stop at her boyfriend’s home in Evans Street, Charlestown. But she said that on the night of Sunday, January 23, 2005, Dioana and her boyfriend, for whom she was said to be pregnant, turned up at her home. According to Rampersaud, the boyfriend came at around eight o’clock, while Dioana arrived at around ten. She said that the two began quarreling and she intervened. According to her, the boyfriend said that he was no longer interested in Dioana, since he was unhappy with her lifestyle. He reportedly also said that he wanted Dioana to have an abortion, since he was building a house and would not be able to take care of a child. The boyfriend also allegedly gave Ms. Rampersaud $5,000 to help pay for the abortion. In turn, Dioana reportedly said that she wanted out of the relationship, since her boyfriend was involved in relationships with two other women. Mrs. Rampersaud claimed that the quarrel escalated and the boyfriend and Dioana began to hurl threats at one another. She said that her daughter eventually left, saying that she was going to visit a female friend in Albouystown. Ms. Rampersaud said that she persuaded the boyfriend to stay back for some time, since she feared that the quarrel would escalate further. He reportedly left shortly after. Ms. Rampersaud said that she was worried when her daughter failed to return home, but assumed that she and the boyfriend had patched things up and that she had spent the night at his home. All this information the grieving mother also related
to the police, who tried to locate the boyfriend. They failed to locate him. But he wasn’t in hiding. In fact, we found him at his workplace. The 26year-old man was a cook at a city restaurant, and he expressed surprise that the police were looking for him. He also expressed shock that his girlfriend had been murdered and vehemently denied killing her. He confirmed that he and Dioana had quarreled over her lifestyle and her pregnancy. But he claimed that it was Dioana who had wanted the abortion after he questioned the paternity of the child. He willingly removed his shirt to show that he had no scratches, and later turned himself over to police. They eventually released him…and who lured ‘Dee Dee’ to the cemetery at night, and killed her there, is today, still not known… PATRICIAYOUNG Sunday, February 23, 2014, and, like many other Guyanese, 19-year-old Patricia Young travelled from her reputed husband’s Melanie, East Coast Demerara home to watch the Mash Day floats in Georgetown. Her movements after that are unclear. According to one report, when the parade ended, Patricia, a former KFC employee, now employed at a call centre, joined a minibus for home. It was said that whenever she was in the city, the teen would inform her reputed husband that she was on her way and he would wait to escort her home when she disembarked from a minibus. On Mash night, she reportedly sent him a text message, requesting credit for her phone so that she could call him when she was nearing her home. He reportedly tried reaching her by phone a few minutes later, but got no response. It is said that when she failed to turn up, Young’s reputed husband became suspicious. His suspicions turned to anxiety when Young still did not show up the following morning and a search was immediately launched. A missing person’s report was also lodged with the police. At around 17.30 hrs on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, Young’s reputed husband announced that he had found one of Patricia’s sandals just outside the cemetery at Bachelor’s Adventure. He contacted the police. The cops ventured into the cemetery, and near to a tree, they saw Patricia Young’s decomposing body.
Detectives surmised that someone had killed the teen on the roadway, where her slipper was found, and dumped the corpse in the cemetery. The victim’s mini-skirt was pulled up and her top was rolled up all the way to her neck. She appeared to have been strangled, since there were no other visible marks of violence on the body. The reputed husband was taken into custody but after some intense questioning, investigators surmised that he had nothing to do with Young’s death. One theory investigators examined was that Patricia Young may have been the victim of a gang rape. It was suggested that she was attacked just after disembarking the bus after leaving Georgetown on Mash night. More than one resident had indicated that Young’s death appeared to be the work of more than one person. Young’s uncle, Lewis Young, believes that the victim had to be overpowered by more than one person. “One person can’t do dat, because is nine ah we me mother get and she (Patricia) used to deh between all of us, ramping and thing…so she know she self…It had to be more than one person,” he said. ‘SONNY’S’ UNUSUAL FIND On Sunday, January 15, 2012, a drug addict known as ‘Sonny’ went to the home of a female resident of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, and said that the body of the woman’s daughter was in the Zeelugt cemetery. Not quite believing, the relatives sent a boy to check. In the end, though, they too visited the burial site, where they found the partly nude body of 40-year-old Afroze Ali, called ‘Aunty Lizzy.’ The corpse was covered with a length of cardboard. Cause of death was given as asphyxiation, due to manual strangulation. There was also blunt trauma to the head and detectives suspected sexual assault. There were signs that the killer or killers had begun digging a shallow grave, but apparently abandoned that plan. The woman was the fifth of nine siblings, and her life had been a tragic one. A widow with four children, Ali had reportedly fallen into a state of depression after her husband was murdered some 13 years prior to her own death. Relatives say it was customary for Ali to wander off (Continued on page 49)
Sunday July 03, 2016
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Kaieteur News
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Donald Ramotar’s brother and Jagdeo’s confidante There is a group of people I refer to as supremacists in my columns. They see Guyana only through ethnic lenses. For these people, the PPP is always preferred to the PNC in the administration of state affairs. The AFC’s showing in the 2011 elections has brought out the worst tribalist attitudes in these supremacists. The smothering fear was that the AFC would take votes from the PPP’s rural castles, thus dissolving the PPP’s control over government. That happened in 2011, but dissolution didn’t come; only diminution. In 2015, the tribalist fear went out of control. Swamis, columnists, journalists, novelists, professors, all went berserk over the thought that the end of the PPP was near because of the electoral coalition between the AFC and APNU. The form was the PPP, the substance was Indian control. The two met in a deadly confluence of supremacist mentality and ethnic fear. In Guyana, PPP means Indian reign. If the PPP goes, Indian rule falls. But history cannot be held back. Hegel would say that is a dialectical impossibility. In 2015 the PPP fell and took with it, ethnic domination. Now the supremacists are in psychological turmoil. Since the PPP equals Indian hegemony, then if the PPP is weakened we might never see back that kind of hegemony we saw under Jagdeo and his sycophant, Donald Ramotar. The supremacists are jittery. How can you back a party that was corrupt when in office without weakening your case for continuation of eth-
nic triumphalism? Who wants to support leaders that are facing serious jail time because the evidence is mountainous? The thing that is making the news at every street corner is the police interrogation of one of the main players in the PPP and a very close confidante of Bharrat Jagdeo. It is not good news for the supremacists. The fellow has been placed on station bail with the expectation that he will be charged. The sum involved is reportedly over 10 billion dollars and for the longest while this man has been a public servant. But here is where the story gets interesting. He was a public servant running the affairs of the Office of the President as Permanent Secretary. Where would a PS get 10 billion dollars from? Nowhere in the world would you find a person going day in, day out to a public service job when he has 10 billion dollars in his account. Public servants once they become rich are glad to leave the banality of public service life. Bear in mind this 10-billion-dollar man worked for the Jagdeo Government, right in the heart of the Office of the President. Then to crown it all, he was a candidate for the PPP in the 2015 elections. This man is well placed in the home of the PPP. The question on every Guyanese lips – whose money is it? Surely one cannot be that naïve to think it is his alone. If it is, then the science of business has been turned upside down. With the police questioning of this guy, are we on the verge of what we were all waiting for?
The prosecution of those who used state finances to enrich themselves to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars. Anyone who lived under the Jagdeo and Ramotar presidencies knew that mad stealing of state money was going on. But all Guyanese were pessimistic about justice, because the stealers were in power. Making the news at the same time as the 10-bil-
lion-dollar man is a brother of Donald Ramotar. If what BK Tiwarie is saying about Ramotar’s brother is true, then the State has to move to reclaim these assets that belong to the future generation of Guyana. What do the supremacists have to say about this? Tiwarie cites three examples where Ramotar’s brother benefitted from the Ramotar presidency. Readers need to note that this is what
Tiwarie is saying. For evidence, this is where SOCU and SARU come in. The three examples are; 25 acres of GuySuCo land at Boerasirie on the West Coast (Demerara); spares for a barge totaling over 100 million, with questions about duty paid; the sale by NICIL of three barges and one tug for 20 million, and in turn Ramotar’s brother sold just one of the barges for 50 million. We began with the supremacists and we will end with the supremacists. Should we support a party to win power and steal the country’s
Frederick Kissoon wealth simply because that party’s leadership is of the same ethnic make-up as us? Do people vote for politicians consciously knowing well that they are going to rob the country and put the money in their bank accounts?
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
A destination must climb the social (media) ladder to attract millennials A sizeable gathering of Tourism Ministers, Directors and Commissioners from countries across the Caribbean met in New York, in early June, to assess the gains the tourism industry has made, discuss the challenges, identify the new direction(s), reward and recharge the major players in the industry.
The occasion was the annual Caribbean Week hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). This year the focus was on the means and methods needed to attract and keep the attention of millennials all over the world. They account for approximately 65 percent of the global population, and
it is agreed that special marketing strategies must be employed by Caribbean countries which, for all intents and purposes, are in direct competition with Miami, Florida, the Mecca for young people. The theme for the Caribbean Tourism Marketing Workshop was “Climbing the Social (Media) Ladder”, ac-
knowledging the pivotal role that young people are beginning to play at the business end of Tourism. The presenters were carefully selected from Fortune 500 companies in the USA, not least among them is Google. The youthful Ting Ting Yan, Snr. Marketing Strategist for Google Travel, led a lively discussion titled: “How to engage the Millennial Market and keep them engaged”. Her objective was to place millennials, their behaviours, their preferences and their goto mechanisms such as social media, into the tourism context. She was pellucid about several things that she proved to be true, one of which is that in most generations going back to the 19th Century, young people have displayed very similar characteristics. She took her audience back to the era of what’s now known as the Baby Boomers of the 1970s, through Generation X in 2007, to the current Generation Y. “They have all made full use of the facilities and technologies available to them during their time to broaden their own worlds,” she said. Recent statistics confirm that mobile video plays a significant role in helping millennials choose their vacation spots by destination, accommodation, facilities. They
research hotels, activities online via YouTube and other easily accessible sites that feature videos. She was also adamant that it is a myth that millennials do not use the services of travel agents, since they are known to gravitate towards expert, experienced advice. “They like to talk to live people even when they’re online.” Ms. Yan assured her audience that the marketing strategies they currently utilize across the Caribbean only require minor adjustments, and the addition of a new concept called “bleisure”. This concept is acknowledgement of the fact that young travellers more often combine business with leisure. Tourism today is business unusual. She advised that service providers - hotel and resort owners, tour operators, vacation planners, etc. spend more time and resources advertising in millennial language styles on social networks (YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest) since these sites are the young generation’s go-to places for information. She also proposed several internal adjustments to visitor itineraries and catering e.g. younger Baristas and Greeters, and youth-friendly beverages and concoctions more suited to the tastes of Generation Y. A pair of media specialists from the US-based publication, the Caribbean Journal, Alex Brittel and Guy Britton, added their own basket of goodies to the discussion under the title: “Sharpening y0ur social media competence to enhance your company’s message”. They believe that Caribbean destinations are in direct
competition with Florida for young visitors. Young people, Mr. Brittel said, have become the largest addressable audience when social media is factored in. Therefore, messaging and commercial content must be displayed on websites, Facebook, Pinterest and other social media platforms, in accordance with the tastes and preferences of millennials. Photographs and videos must be the DNA of any product display. Tourism education is critical to Tourism sustainability in any country and since the focus this year was on the youth, a lot of emphasis was placed on the Caribbean Students Colloquium. College level students across the Caribbean and the USA were encouraged to explore sustainable tourism initiatives, research and present a project with a practical Business Plan during Caribbean Week at the Students Colloquium. In fact, all proceeds from Caribbean Week went to the CTO Scholarship Foundation for young Caribbean nationals who wish to pursue higher education in Tourism, Hospitality and Languages. CARIBBEAN MEDIA MARKETPLACE Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations did not get lost in this thrumming milieu of tourism development techniques and technologies. Guyana was referenced repeatedly throughout the week and the Journalists present from Grenada, Barbados, Antigua, Turks & Caicos, Jamaica, CMC, CMS, Carib Vision, Business & Travel magazine and others, actively sought out Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, who has held the Tourism portfolio since June 2015. They were very interested in Guyana’s achievements over 50 years and our plans to sell our unique eco- and adventure tourism products to the world. Minister Hughes highlighted the fact that Guyana’s Caribbean-different brand of tourism is tailor-made for the young and the adventurous. She talked up the country’s tourism trajectory as a vital component of economic growth at home and as a choice destination in both the Caribbean and South America, while expressing a measure of satisfaction that the aggressive ‘Guyana visibility campaign’ launched in 2015 was beginning to bear fruit. “We have come a long way in just one year,” she concluded.
Sunday July 03, 2016
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Kaieteur News
My column
A case of stealing more than one can hide When the wider society began to talk about theft and corruption, when the media picked up the issue, when the politician made it a campaign issue, the rebuttal was that anyone making the accusation should provide the proof. None other than Bharrat Jagdeo challenged those making the accusations. He dared anyone to find anything that would seek to tarnish the image of the people around him and those working in the public sector, especially those in the upper echelons of the government. Being in the government has its advantages. The police are never allowed to investigate government officials and when these people commit a crime they are allowed to continue their normal lives. Immediately names like Kellawan Lall and Ashni Singh come to mind. Lall knocked down a policeman and left him crippled. He has not been called on to pay for that incident. Ashni Singh had more than his fair share of alcohol then got into his car. He crashed into a woman and made a mess of her vehicle. He was never prosecuted. He did it again some time later with the same result. This time around, he replaced the vehicle and the victims were happy. The first sign that all was not right was when a Government Minister got charged for causing some $600 million to disappear without a trace. Commenting on that charge, Jagdeo said that when the time comes the evidence would be provided to clear the accused minister of any indiscretion. There were the audits that uncovered a lot of irregularities. It showed money leaving government coffers to destinations unknown. Some went into questionable projects but the manner in which this was done was certainly in keeping with financial regularities. At subsequent press conferences, spokesmen for the previous governments claimed that these audits were of mere nuisance value, that they were designed to embarrass more than anything else. At the same time the government explained that while the findings may not be enough to secure prosecutions, they were enough to spark investigations that could lead to prosecutions. But while all the talk was going on the investigators were not fazed. The result is that there has been an as-
tounding revelation. There was a Permanent Secretary who worked with the government in the highest office in the land. He has evolved as the most moneyed public servant in the history of the public service. It is not that he was born into money nor was he a lottery winner. And even if he had won a United States lottery it is unlikely that he would have amassed such wealth. The initial finding is that he had salted away between US$50 million and US$75 million in local bank accounts. One report is that his wife also has a humongous bank account although she was not known to work in any high paying job. That amount is far more than some rich people have in their accounts - $400 million. The investigators say that this permanent secretary made his money from his business, one of which was selling phone cards. If he sold phone cards to the entire Caribbean for the seven years he claimed he did, and kept all the money, he could not have sold US$2 million. The word is that Scotiabank rejected some huge deposits that were being made around the time of the last general elections. That set off the alarm bells in the offices of the people investigating money laundering. It is said that there were three attempts to deposit sums of in excess of $150 million. The image I have is this permanent secretary with tons of cash around him and nowhere to really put it away. The banks would ask questions and he couldn’t load the money into haversacks and get people to carry it out of the country to some unknown location. The question is whether all this money really belongs to this permanent secretary. People are saying that some of the money belongs to others who were in the government. The fact that a lot of this money was in a safe in Office of the President would suggest that some people there had a share of that money to their name. Was the money given by foreign investors? Was it siphoned off from projects that foreign entities gave to Guyana to facilitate development? Did it come from the Norway fund? Why would anyone seek to defraud the country when there are people who need so much? That has to be a case of someone taking more than
one hundred people’s share while the people target their employers. To put this money in perspective, consider the Marriott was constructed a cost of US$58 million and we had to borrow that money. Those of us who work must still pay the interest by way of our taxes. A school like Queen’s College is worth about US$15
million. The specialty hospital is going to be built at a cost of US$15 million. The money this permanent secretary has could build five specialty hospitals. That is what stealing does to a country. I want to hear Bharrat Jagdeo comment on this. After all, the money was essentially in his office. It was Clement Rohee who explained to me how Jagdeo was able to build the house he has. He saved every cent he ever earned. Perhaps he can tell me about the saving ability of this 43-year-old.
Have the bank accounts been frozen? I hope so. The lawyer for the permanent secretary told me that the reporters should not say that the discovery is linked to corruption under the previous administration. He also said that the permanent secretary is cooperating. Is he calling names? He says that he will pay the taxes. The audacity is unbelievable. He still wants to hold on to his money, albeit ill-gotten gains. We expect that more discoveries would be made.
Adam Harris Brian Tiwarie has described the holdings of former Attorney General Anil Nandlall. Is there also a look at the former Housing Minister?
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
The five challenges of Independence (Part 3) (Address by His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at the Dinner in honour of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, in New York) We (Guyanese) need not be poor. Ever again. Our country is rich in natural resources. We are committed to ensuring that the diaspora can be part of the transformation that will secure the good life for all. We are the biggest and most bountiful CARICOM country. We are the Caribbean ‘hinterland.’ We are a land of lakes, forests, mountains, mudflats, rivers, savannahs and waterfalls where our giants reside. Guyana, your motherland, is the mother of giants: - the Black caiman is the largest reptile on the continent of South America; - the Jaguar is the largest terrestrial carnivore on the continent; - the Harpy eagle is the largest eagle on the continent; - the Jabiru stork is the tallest flying bird on the continent; - the Vampire bat is the largest bat on the continent; - the King vulture is the largest vulture on the continent; - the Giant anteater is the largest in the world; - the Giant river otter is the largest otter in the world;
- the Giant river turtle is the largest in the world; - the Capybara is the largest rodent in the world; - the Arapaima is the largest scaled freshwater fish in the world; - the Anaconda is the largest constrictor in the world; - the Bird-eating spider is the largest spider in the world. These ‘giants’ can contribute to the economic development of eco-tourism. They can generate more income alive than in pepperpot. The ‘giants’ are a priceless national and natural prize. Preserve them. We can protect, with management and maintenance, this rich heritage for endless generations. Guyana will never really be ‘independent, as long as we remain dependent on the six sisters – bauxite, gold, fish, sugar, rice and timber. We must change. Our future, increasingly, must rely and rest on five economic pillars: · Institutions: Guyana needs to ensure that the institutions of state – the Constitution; the National Assembly; the Judiciary and the Courts; Ombudsman, Police Force, Public Service-are preserved in order to protect the people’s interests, provide services and promote public trust. Society will collapse without these institutions. · Investment: Guyana needs investment as the ignition of the engine of green development. The diaspora possesses many qualities, two of which have the poten-
tial to propel growth - access to capital and the availability of expertise. Guyanese living in the diaspora could establish their own companies as easily as foreigners. · Industry: Guyana needs to reduce its reliance on the six sisters of our economy which have repeatedly exposed our country to the volatilities of international commodity markets. We must move along the value chain of production by catalyzing investments in manufacturing and valueadded production. GuyaneseAmericans have the experience and the expertise to develop this capacity. · Innovation: Guyana needs to adopt a green economy to enable the sustainable and efficient use of our resources. A ‘green’ economy means that industries must utilize smart technologies to marry the objectives of sustainable development with greater global competiveness. Innovation depends on having an educated nation. · Information technology: Guyana needs to develop the capability to compete globally requires quicker and wider diffusion of information technology throughout our economy but, more so, within our educational system. We need to bridge a gaping digital divide with the rest of the world while at the same time preparing the next generation for the digital revolution taking place in education.
We achieved much in our fifty years of freedom. We overcame the worst effects of the global energy and financial crises. We withstood fifty years of threats to our territory. We suppressed an insurrection, we resisted invasion and intervention. The words of our inspirational patriotic song - ‘Song of the Republic’ - remind us: “Her children pledge each faithful hour to guard Guyana’s lands; To f o i l t h e s h o c k o f rude invaders who’d violate her earth To cherish and defend forever the state that gave them birth.” Our accomplishments and resilience are reason enough for all of us to hold our heads high on this 50th anniversary of our Independence. We could have done better, without a doubt. · Unity of our people has eluded us. We can do more to exploit our abundant human and natural assets if we were more united. · Prosperity has eluded us. We can do more to exploit the reserve of talent and capital in our diaspora to develop our abundant resources. · Security has eluded us. We will continue on a peaceful path to remove the threats of claims on our motherland and to make society safer for our women and children. Our Independence Jubilee is an opportunity for us to retrace the steps we took on our journey as a nation. We
President David Granger look back in order to move forward. Our eyes remain set on the prize: the ideals that were inspired by Independence – the prospect of a prosperous economy; the desire to live in peace in a secure state and the quest for a good life for all. THE DIASPORA I have repeated often that Guyana is a whole nation but divided in two parts - half living in North America and half living in South America. The diaspora is an integral part of our nation – emotionally, economically and experientially. The diaspora must be involved in the development of our nation. Guyana is for all of us. It must be developed for and by all who are Guyanese. We are happy that many Guyanese in our diaspora have understood this. We are happy that they have undertaken to be part of the changes that are taking place in our motherland. We are happy that the inspirational words of our patriotic song – ‘My Native Land’ – have never lost their meaning and constantly remind us: “I care not though their
wealth be great, their scenery be grand, For none so fair, as can compare, with my own native land.” I close by reminding you of the Bambara proverb “God gives nothing to those who keep their arms crossed.” We need to unfold our arms, embrace each other, embark on a path of development and empower our people to overcome the five challenges which impair the independence of our great country. The words of our inspirational patriotic song ‘Guyana the Free’ - remind us: Our labour in factory, in office and field will give us the wealth and the full harvest’s yield. With purpose and vigour we’ll carve our own fate, unmoved by distraction, prejudice and hate… We are part of this exciting process of change taking place in our homeland. We are part of ensuring that the dream of independence – the dream of the good life for all – will become a boom for our children and grandchildren.
Sunday July 03, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Types of sex problems men can have By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Sexual dysfunction in men is usually a taboo topic in society. Men often become demoralized and try different remedies to help alleviate their situation. Almost every man will have issues with sexual dysfunction in his lifetime. Some are temporary while others are permanent. The lasting effects on the mind are usually the biggest disaster and it’s often a contributor to recurrent episodes of sexual dysfunction. Sex problems in men can include: . Being unable to get or keep an erection most times you have sex. Doctors call this “impotence” or “erectile dysfunction.” . Having little or no interest in sex. Doctors call this “low libido.” . Ejaculating too soon after sex begins, before they are ready to ejaculate. Doctors call this “premature ejaculation.” . Being unable to ejaculate (even though they can get and keep an erection) WHAT CAUSES SEX PROBLEMS? Men can have trouble getting or keeping an erection if they have a condition that keeps the penis from getting enough blood. Things that reduce blood flow to the penis can include: . Getting older . Diabetes . High blood pressure . Smoking . Drinking alcohol or
taking drugs Sex problems can also occur when men feel depressed, worried, or have other things on their mind. Plus, sex problems can be a side effect of certain medicines. For example, medicines to treat depression or heart disease sometimes cause sex problems. SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR? Yes. Your doctor can help figure out the cause of your problem. He or she will talk with you, do an exam, and order blood tests. He or she might also order another test, such as a test that measures your night-time erections. HOW ARE SEX PROBLEMS TREATED? Treatment depends on the cause of the problem and can include: . Medicines to help you get and keep an erection – Examples of these medicines include sildenafil (sample brand name: Viagra), vardenafil (sample brand name: Levitra) and tadalafil (sample brand name: Cialis). Follow your doctor’s instructions closely when taking these medicines. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines. Men who take medicines called nitrates for heart problems should not take medicines to get an erection. Some medicines for treating sex problems are sold over the internet. However, these are not always safe, and they can even contain harmful ingredients. . Devices to help you get
and keep an erection – Erection devices work in different ways. Some are implanted into the penis to form an erection. Others work a bit like a vacuum and help pull blood into the penis. . Hormone treatment – Sex problems can happen when a man’s body does not make enough male hormones (testosterone). If your hormone levels are very low, your doctor might treat you with testosterone, which can come in a shot, skin patch, skin gel, or tablet that sticks to your gums. . Treatment to improve mood - Doctors might pre-
scribe medicines or counseling for men who feel depressed or worried. Being worried often leads to performance anxiety where the man worries about not getting erected during sex. The worrying is usually the main reason that prevents the man from regaining his erection. . Treatments to delay ejaculation – Doctors can prescribe medicines to keep men from ejaculating too quickly. Some of the medicines used to treat depression work very well for this. Some men also use a method called “pause and squeeze.” In this
method, a man stops having sex and presses behind the tip of the penis when he feels like he is going to ejaculate. After the feeling goes away, he continues having sex. . Treatment to help ejaculation problems caused by depression medicines – Sometimes, medicines used to treat depression can make it hard or impossible for a man to ejaculate. Let your doctor know if this happens. He or she can change your dose or your medicine so the problem gets better. Living with sexual dysfunction can be a life of agony.
Dr. Zulfikar Bux Visiting your physician and being open about it is often the most reliable way to get help. Isolating yourself will only make it worse.
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Kaieteur News
SUNDAY SPECIAL SECOND WELL CONFIRMS GUYANA’S MASSIVE OIL RESERVE ExxonMobil has drilled another well on the shores of Guyana. This drill has confirmed that Guyana’s oil reserve is even larger than believed. The new well—Liza Two—is said to be just as promising as the first. Kaieteur News was recently informed that there was a new find. However, when contacted Saturday, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman said, “I would not say that there was a new find; it is more of an appraisal.” The Minister explained that there has indeed been a new well—Liza Two—but said that this is an appraisal well. “It serves as an appraisal for the last find.” Trotman said that tests have been carried out over the last few weeks “and I hope to get a report soon on those tests.” The Minister said that he couldn’t speak any further until the report has been received and he has more information on Liza Two. The report will indicate quantity. Kaieteur News understands that the drilling of the second well commenced in April. The appraisal well was put down a short distance away from the first well that Exxon Mobil drilled—Liza One. The fact that another drill in such close proximity to Liza One has been found to be lucrative speaks to how wide the reserve actually is. Last year Exxon made a deepwater Liza oil discovery in the Stabroek Block, located around 120 miles offshore Guyana. Even with the initial find, experts said that Guyana will be placed prominently on the oil and gas map. AUTHORITIES PROBE MISSING AIRCRAFT FROM OGLE AIRPORT Two aircraft, with one reportedly subject to High Court litigation, were questionably flown out of the jurisdiction via the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, early last week Saturday morning. This publication was able to confirm that the two Cessna 206 Aircraft, bearing registration numbers 8R-GTP and 8R-GMP attached to Oxford Aviation, left the airport sometime around 4am. According to reports, one of the aircraft was flown out of the country by its owner, Munidat Persaud, alias Raj Persaud, the owner of the Aviation Company who also owns and operates a flight school in the United States. Meanwhile, the other pilot was not identified. According to a source, the aircraft were flown to Trinidad then to the island of Grenada, from where they subsequently departed for Anguilla. It was reported one of aircraft is subject to a court injunction reportedly filed by another
aviation company called Phoenix Aviation. It is reported also, that the aircraft had allegedly collided with one of the wings of an aircraft belonging to the Phoenix fleet at Ekereku in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni region, some time ago. As a result of a disagreement between the two companies, Phoenix opted to file an injunction against the company. Public Communications Consultant for the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Kit Nascimento, who was contacted Saturday as the story was developing, stated that “they” (pilot(s)) entered the airport and went through screening at approximately 4 am Saturday. They told the security at screening that they were taking equipment out on to their aircraft. Nascimento stated, also, that the aircraft was parked on the special apron which is designated for small aircraft operators. He pointed out that the aircraft then took off without informing the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Control Tower, the Customs and Immigration personnel and the government that they had intentions of leaving the country. “None of the airport’s security protocols were breached,” Nascimento stressed that while explaining that operators attached to the facility all have access to the airport and have access passes. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, when contacted said that an investigation has been launched and the foreign authorities were also notified. THOSE AMBASSADORIAL APPOINTMENTS… DAVID DABYDEEN WAS NOT RETAINED BECAUSE HE WAS A POLITICALAPPOINTEE In the process of evaluating and strengthening the systems of his office, Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, discovered that the PPP misused the systems and protocols governing Ambassadorial appointments. Greenidge said, however, that this is an
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area that he is intent on bringing some structure to. He said that one of the first things he did was to replace most of the Ambassadors appointed during the PPP’s era as it was found that they were only given the position because of political favours and connections. He cited the appointment of David Dabydeen as a prime example of this. The Foreign Affairs Minister said, “When it comes to Dabydeen who was our Ambassador to China, he was not retained by us because he was a political appointee. Additionally, he chose not to resign. When we took over, we told almost all of them that their contract was at an end and you are supposed to resign. In some instances, we gave them time to pack up and go …But Dabydeen did not listen. He refused to bow to protocol.” Greenidge said that one of the Ambassadors who was retained from the PPP’s time was Bayney Karran. Karran is Guyana’s Ambassador to Washington. ”In Bayney’s case, he was retained because it was felt that he had been genuinely effective in his services. After he resigned, he expressed an interest in getting back his job as well. And on that basis we retained him. However in Dabydeen’s case, I can’t say much for his body of work,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said. Greenidge added, “And I really don’t know what he did over there to be honest. I suppose I was not interested in finding out the details because he was a political appointee and I made a public commitment not to renew the contracts of political appointees.” Greenidge said that Ambassadors are supposed to submit monthly reports. However, he is unable to say if Dabydeen observed this monthly practice while he worked during the PPP time. His understanding is that Dabydeen communicated directly with the former Presidents for all high level matters on China. Greenidge said that this is also a breach of reporting protocol, especially when one takes into consideration that there are no files on certain matters. MONDAY EDITION COPS SEEK POSSIBLE CHARGES FOR CAMP STREET BLAZE THAT KILLED 17 – PRISONER IDS TWO INMATES WHO PUT LIT MATTRESS BEHIND DOOR The Police Force is sending to its legal advisor, pertaining to the March 3 inferno that claimed the lives of 17 inmates of the Camp Street Prison. The report contains details of an extensive investigation that the Force conducted into the tragedy. It contains a statement from an inmate who identified two prisoners whom he claimed started the fire. The inmate claimed that remand prisoners Shaka Mckenzie and Jermaine Otto, called ‘Fungus,’ started the blaze by lighting a mat-
tress near a prison door. Otto and Mc Kenzie were among the inmates that perished. At the time of his death, Otto was on remand for the murder of dredge owner Ashook Ragghu, who was gunned down in August, 2014, during a robbery in Vlissengen Road. Mc Kenzie was reportedly incarcerated for armed robbery. The inmate’s revelations were made during a lengthy investigation that the Guyana Police Force conducted into the tragedy. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Kaieteur News that the police report would be sent to legal officials, and that police are trying to ascertain whether anyone was culpable. A Commission of Inquiry, ordered by President David Granger, was also held into the tragedy. GOVT. SCRAPS OIL EXPORTATION LICENCE SAM HINDS GAVE CHINESE Entrepreneurs who were said to be on safe ground during the previous administration are now ‘feeling the squeeze.’ One such businessman would be Su Zhi Rong. He is the owner of China Zhonghao Inc, a sister company of Rong-An Inc. An audit into the affairs of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) revealed that China Zhonghao Inc. was granted a licence to export oil. Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds later took full responsibility for the granting of the licence, saying that it was by no means an act of corruption. What mostly worried the auditors is that the import licence carried an expiry date of January 19, 2025. However, Kaieteur News understands that that date of expiration shall no longer be enforced as the licence is no longer in effect. Regulations indicate that an applicant desirous of exporting petroleum and petroleum products must apply to GEA and lodge supporting documents. The forensic audit report prepared by Nigel Hinds did not confirm whether the company indeed satisfied all the necessary requirements. However, Minister of Infrastructure, David Patterson, said that the company did not produce the necessary documents within the time given to do so. ”A company is given time to provide additional information that was outstanding. If it doesn’t, then the licence is deemed revoked or expired.” He said that in the first place, the company did not have an oil exportation licence, as was highlighted in the audit report. What Hinds granted was a conditional licence and that is no longer in effect. ”The company was given a conditional licence which meant that at the time of (Continued on page 33)
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(From page 32) issuance, it still had outstanding issues but was given an interim licence anyway,” Minister Patterson stated. He said that when he assumed office he sought to find out on what basis the company was granted the conditional licence. The Minister was informed that the permission to export oil was to facilitate a proposal by China Zhonghao to attempt to establish refueling and other bunkering services in port or at sea, to Chinese or other fishing fleets, and any other vessels traversing the Caribbean Sea. Patterson said that since the PPP/C never granted the fishing licence, “we wrote seeking justification for a licence since fishing was their basis first time around.” TUESDAY EDITION MAJOR SHAKEUPAT GRA… TWO SENIOR OFFICIALS AXED, HEMA KHAN NAMED DEPUTY HEAD Citing the unsatisfactory performance of divisions within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Chairman Rawle Lucas, disclosed that there has been a major shakeup in management. While some officials have been promoted or reassigned, heads have rolled. Lucas revealed the officials who were axed to be Archana Joshi, at the time head of the Human Resource and Management Division and Jameel Baksh, who was head of Customs and Excise Operations. He put the decision down to poor performance and a need to get i n d i v i d uals more suited to the changes being made. “We were not satisfied with the extent to which our revenue was being collected,” Lucas explained to members of the media at a press conference Monday. ”So we thought it was in the best interest of the organization to make some changes.”It was felt that we needed to have someone who we could rely on and understood the (transition) concept very well and could assist us in implementing the (transition) programme.” With the fall of some, others have risen. Former Deputy Commissioner for Tax Operations, Ms. Hema Khan, will be assuming her full responsibilities as Deputy Commissioner General of GRA while International Trade Lawyer, Lancelot Wills, will take over the Customs portfolio from
Baksh. That is not all. Lucas revealed that Acting Commissioner General of GRA, Ingrid Griffith, has “opted” to proceed on leave. He stated that when she returned her new position would be as head of Corporate Services. Lucas confirmed that Karen Chapman, who headed GRA’s Law Enforcement and Investigative division, has been reassigned to oversee GRA’s transition programme. Head of Projects, Fitzroy Corlette, will be taking over this division. EU DONATES $2B, ENGINEERING DESIGN MANUAL FOR GUYANA’S SEA AND RIVER DEFENCES Citizens who have long been plagued by flooding will soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief. The sea and river defences will undergo a positive transformation in the coming months – courtesy of the European Union (EU). EU Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Vide t i è , o n M o n d a y e v e n i n g a t t h e Marriot Hotel, Kingston Georgetown, handed over $2.261B to the government
to improve the country’s sea and river defences. He also handed over the final copy of the Coastal Engineering Design Manual for the Guyana Sea and River Defences. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, received the fund on behalf of the state in the presence of his Cabinet colleagues, representatives of the River and Sea Defence Department, foreign dignitaries and stakeholders. Receiving the manual was the Minister of Public Infrastructure (MPI), David Patterson. During the ceremony at the Marriott, Minister Patterson thanked the EU for its support. He said that the completed manual was the realisation of a long process. He added that the manual is the “intended blue print for how we are going to proceed.” He further deemed the $2B disbursement as “extremely heartening”. He said that the administration had inherited a situation which made it unable to access the EU funds immediately. WEDNESDAY EDITION CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM… IF IT INVOLVES TAMING EXECUTIVE POWERS THEN SO LET IT BE –PRESIDENT GRANGER When it comes to the issue of Constitutional reform, President David Granger believes that the people know best what they want. And if it comes down to taming the powers of the Head of State, then so let it be. Granger made this remark while he was being questioned by Kaieteur News during a taping of the Government show, The Public Interest. He was asked to say if since attaining office, Constitutional reform and particularly redefining the powers of the President, would remain a priority. Granger made it clear that the issue is indeed one which remains part of Government’s agenda. ”Mr. Nigel Hughes (AFC Executive Member) has already presented a preliminary report (on Constitutional Reform) and we will be proceeding with discussing it more fully. And it is my view, given the controversy that has surrounded Constitutional reform for nearly 40 years, that we need to go to the
people, find out what they think, and have consultation. We need to listen to them, the President remarked. He added, “Some people seem to have jumped to conclusions and they seem to have their own ideas about the form reform should take. My view is that the people know best and we had better consult them. So yes, if it involves ‘taming’ the powers of the Executive, well, so let it be; but let the people speak. Don’t let us try to tell the people what to think. Let us find out what they need. Let us find out what the people really want to see in their Constitution.” MAN CLAIMING HE’S ISIS MEMBER THREATENS TO BOMB BANK, DEMANDS $10M Pandemonium erupted at a Regent Street commercial bank Tuesday, after a suspected mentally ill man who claimed to been ISIS member threatened to blow up the bank while demanding $10M. He was quickly apprehended. A search revealed that he had no bomb, and this is the second time he has pulled such a stunt. The drama began at around 09.30 hrs when the 35-year-old man, toting a shoulder bag, entered the Regent Street branch of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry. He then headed to the upper flat, went to a female supervisor, and said: ”I want money, or I will blow up this bank.” According to a police official, the ‘terrorist’ then handed the terrified supervisor a note which read: “ISIS: There is a bomb in this bag. Give us $10M or we will blow up this bank.” Instead, the supervisor screamed for security, and guards who were nearby grabbed and subdued the ‘terrorist.’ Bomb experts who were summoned searched the suspect’s bag, and found a knife and a few documents. Police are attempting to have the suspect undergo psychiatric evaluation, since his actions have led them to surmise that he may be mentally unsound. This appears to be the case, since Kaieteur News has confirmed that the Charlotte Street resident pulled a similar stunt almost nine (Continued on page 34)
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(From page 33) years ago at another commercial bank.
Trotman dismissed the Opposition Leader. He said that he would never expect to hear anything better from Jagdeo. “Jagdeo being a Former President and “attacking” a ministry is an indication that the “ministry is hurting him”. “Gold is up, diamonds are up, bauxite is up, timber is doing well and we’re about to declare oil so that is what has him vexed.”
GOVT. REVIEWS 17-YEAR-OLD CONTRACT WITH EXXON MOBIL …BUT AGREES IT PROVIDES “RELATIVE” PROTECTION AS CONSTITUTED The APNU+AFC government is claiming to be serious about protecting the interests of Guyana and its people. Well at least that is what is being touted by the Ministry of Natural Resources, according to the subject minister, Raphael Trotman. During a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Trotman disclosed that the contact that is currently governing Exxon Mobil’s exploration of oil is one that has been signed since 1999 – 17 years ago. That would have been during the reign of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government. Trotman said, “It’s a pretty old agreement, but it remains enforced because we respect the sanctity of above board agreements. However, government has taken the opportunity to have the agreement reviewed if not wholly, certain parts.” He said that this is being done to secure a stronger relationship with the American company “because we are very interested in an even stronger relationship with Exxon.” The Natural Resources Minister also told Kaieteur News that it is imperative that the contract be updated to conform with standards of today, as having been signed in 1999, Trotman said that the contact can be considered outdated in some areas. He explained that there are some industry practices which would have evolved over the years”…so we remain engaged with the company. As I said, the relationship is a good one, but we are working on improving that relationship and improving the terms of the contract in the areas we feel need strengthening.” THURSDAY EDITION BANDITS INVADE LA PENITENCE BEER GARDEN, BRUTALLY BEAT PROPRIETOR – ROBBERY CAPTURED ON CAMERA During the wee hours of Sunday, three men broke down the backdoor of popular drinking spot, BL Beer Garden at Lot 9 Public Road, Albouystown, and robbed businessman Giriraj Bridgelall aka Rocky, savagely beating him in the process. The entire robbery was captured on camera. The video clearly showed the face of at least two of the bandits. A third partially concealed his face with a piece of cloth. Footage captured by an outdoor surveillance camera shows the three men approaching the back of the building around 2am, checking a window and upon noticing the camera, removing it. Kaieteur News had an opportunity to view the security footage that was captured by internal cameras. It shows a sleeping Bridgelall and his wife in the shop. Upon hearing the
WEAK PROSECUTION SYSTEM AFFECTS FORENSIC AUDITS –FOREIGNAFFAIRS MINISTER
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman
Opposition’s Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
noise of the door being breached, Bridgelall rushed out of bed only to be thrown into a corner by one of the men. While Bridgelall was being assaulted, one of the bandits stuck a gun to his wife’s head and relieved her of her wedding and engagement rings. The men continued beating Bridgelall, stomping him to the brink of unconsciousness. The video shows one of the men about to strike Bridgelall in the back with a heavy wooden stool but his accomplice stopped him. Bridgelall’s father posited that had the bandit hit Bridgelall, his son would have sustained a broken back at the very least. After the savage beating, the men gagged and bound Bridgelall and proceeded to search the premises for valuables. The bandits carted off $497,000 in cash and a number of miscellaneous articles. They subsequently made good their escape with their loot.
move made by Trotman to review the 1999 Exxon Mobil contract. The Opposition Leader told media operatives that the review of the contract will create a passage for corruption to enter into the Ministry. He claims that there is poor management of the Ministry by a “mediocre” and “incompetent “Trotman. On Wednesday evening Minister Trotman dismissed Jagdeo’s claims and said that the Government has a right to review any contract signed by the PPP Government and what Jagdeo is saying is nothing but trash. ”The government has a right to review any contract that the PPP has signed. We have that right to do so and I think what they are worried about is when we start reviewing contracts, they will be embarrassed. So that is a right that we have as government,” Trotman said. Jagdeo also stated that it always raises concern when Ministers or politicians involve themselves in neg o t i a t i o n s w i t h companies, particularly oil companies. Such engagements he added, lead to politicians selling out national interest. He called on the Minister to explain the reason for the review and state whether more concessions will be given. Jagdeo explained that the oil and gas sector will be an important sector and the State should get the best agreement possible.
EXXON MOBIL CONTRACT REVIEW … WE HAVE A RIGHT TO REVIEW ANY CONTRACT — TROTMAN TELLS JAGDEO Moments after being criticised by the main Parliamentary Opposition’s Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, fired back. He described Jagdeo’s comments as nothing but “trash”. Earlier Wednesday during a Press Conference hosted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the party’s Headquarters in Robb Street Georgetown, Jagdeo heavily criticized the
If Guyana possessed a “sharp and competent prosecution system” then questions and doubts about whether justice would be had from those damning forensic audits would not even exist. This was the perspective of Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, as he weighed in on the concerns expressed recently by outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt and UK High Commissioner, Greg Quinn. Greenidge said that he agrees with the top foreign diplomats that those who have been found by the audits to have committed any financial wrongdoing must be prosecuted. But Greenidge said that while those sentiments are taken in good faith, Government on the other hand is battling a reality which deals with the expectations of the public. The Minister said that he is aware that the citizenry is growing tired of hearing “all the talk about we want corruption to be out and we will ensure prosecution…” ”But when they don’t see these things happening swiftly they begin to wonder if we are responsible for what is taking place. This government wants what is best for this nation. We want to see action taken on these forensic audits, but people must understand that Cabinet is not the one in charge of that,” the Foreign Affairs Minister expressed. He added, “We are clearly faced with weaknesses in some of our key institutions which are part of the process. Cabinet has issued instructions for the files to be examined and investigated by the police and for prosecutions to be executed where they could be had. ”But the problem we are facing with these forensic audits is with the competence of the institutions. People also need to understand that prosecutions are not waiting on some Cabinet decisions. Furthermore, there has been no refusal of the Cabinet to prosecute.” The Foreign Affairs Minister reiterated that Cabinet is interested in prosecution and has spoken about the forensic audits on numerous occasions. FRIDAY EDITION OVER $10B FOUND IN BANK ACCOUNTS… PERMANENT SECRETARYARRESTED IN MONEY LAUNDERING, TAX EVASION PROBE
BL Beer Garden
A senior official of the Ministry of the Presidency was Thursday sent on leave and questioned in connection with allegations related to one of the largest money laundering and tax evasion schemes this country has seen. Permanent Secretary (PS) Omar Shariff was reportedly questioned by officials from the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) and Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on (Continued on page 35)
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(From page 34) Thursday. Government officials said that from initial reports, Shariff allegedly had billions of dollars in a number of accounts at local banks. It is believed that the monies were deposited during a five-year period. Kaieteur News was told that the total may be more than $10B. How Shariff ended up with that amount in the accounts is what investigators want to know. From indications, they are not buying a story that Shariff owned a business that raked in almost $100M annually for the last seven years. There seemed to be little evidence that taxes were paid. Investigators are also looking at several properties that may have been purchased by the government official. There may also be questions for the commercial banks involved. For instance: how long were the accounts in operation? Why were there no red flags? Was Central Bank (Bank of Guyana) as the regulatory body, informed of any unusual transactions? Investigators are going on the theory that the monies may have been diverted from public funds and channeled to the different accounts. On Thursday, a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said that Shariff was sent on his annual leave effective July 1st, by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, to facilitate a major probe into money laundering. Officials said that investigators met Shariff at his office at the Ministry of the Presidency early Thursday morning where searches were carried out. Kaieteur News was unable to confirm that searches were carried out at his home as well. In its statement, the Ministry said that Minister Harmon in a letter to the Permanent Secretary on Thursday, reminded him that he is now the subject of an investigation by SOCU of the Guyana Police Force. The Minister informed Shariff that he should proceed on his annual leave from July 1, 2016, to enable him to fully cooperate with the investigation. CORRECTIVE WORKS BEING DONE ON DEFECTIVE $1B KATO SECONDARY SCHOOL – CONTRACTOR’S OTHER PROJECTS UNDER SCRUTINY The beleaguered $1B secondary school at Kato, Region Eight, is continuing to give authorities the gripes, with no definite word when it will be opened. Updating the media Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during the postCabinet press briefings, disclosed that the facility, one of the most expensive to date, has been delayed yet again. This is because there are still remedial works being carried out to correct major structural defects that were found following the school’s construction. Harmon disclosed that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is still working along with the contractor to rectify the defects on the school. ”The contractor who was given the contract, has been called in and they are basically dealing with the Ministry of the Public Infrastructure now in relation to that contract, and several other contracts which that contractor has with the Ministry of Education,” Minister Harmon said. Kares Engineering had won the contract for the construction of the school which, when it opens its doors, would allow for universal secondary education in the region. Construction of the school started in 2013 under the previous administration and the
Kaieteur News
edifice was scheduled to be opened in January 2016. This was delayed following the discovery of the defects. Minister Harmon said that the administration “felt it was not safe to put children into that school.” News of the defects in the structure of the school was first made public in January, during the consideration of the 2016 estimates and expenditure. JAGDEO SOLD OUT GUYANA, SO HE THINKS OTHERS ARE INTO THE SAME BUSINESS – HARMON Minister of State Joseph Harmon Thursday jumped to the defence of his colleague Minister, Raphael Trotman saying that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is mistaken to judge Trotman by his own standards. At a recent press conference, Jagdeo stated that Trotman was selling out Guyana. He said that Trotman carelessly handled the interest of the country by supporting the allocation of two million hectares of the nation’s forest resources for conservation purposes. Responding to this, Harmon said, “I want to say Trotman don’t sit on his own nor does he go around the world negotiating contracts on his own. He is a part of a Cabinet and Government, and whatever he negotiates comes to Cabinet. Cabinet then looks at it and discusses it before any final decision can be made”. Harmon said that Jagdeo needs to stop making reckless statements and think things through before speaking. However, the Minister said that he can understand why Jagdeo cannot seem to think differently. ”When Dr. Jagdeo says Trotman is selling out Guyana and so on it is because he is stuck in that kind of mindset. That is what he is accustomed to doing, so he is now thinking that because all these things are being put into the public domain, that it is Trotman doing it. So he sees Trotman as a target,” said Harmon. EXXONMOBIL’S SECOND WELL OFFSHORE GUYANACONFIRMS “WORLD-CLASS” OIL DISCOVERY
Exxon Mobil Corporation has said that drilling results from the Liza-2, the second exploration well in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana, confirm a world-class discovery with a recoverable resource of between 800 million and 1.4 billion oilequivalent barrels. ”We are excited by the results of a production test of the Liza-2 well, which confirms the presence of high-quality oil from the same high-porosity sandstone reservoirs that we saw in the Liza-1 well completed in 2015,” said Steve Greenlee, President of Exxon Mobil Exploration Company. ”We, along with our co-venturers, look for-
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ward to continuing a strong partnership with the government of Guyana to further evaluate the commercial potential for this exciting prospect.” The Liza wells are located in the Stabroek block approximately 120 miles (193 kilometres) offshore Guyana. Data from the successful Liza-2 well test is being assessed. The L i z a - 2 w e l l w a s d r i l l e d b y ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd., approximately two miles (3.3 km) from the Liza-1 well. The Liza-2 well encountered more than 190 feet (58 metres) of (Continued on page 36)
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(From page 35) oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in Upper Cretaceous formations. The well was drilled to 17,963 feet (5,475 metres) in 5,551 feet (1,692 metres) of water. ”This exploration success demonstrates the strength of our long-term investment approach, as well as our technology leadership in ultra, deepwater environments,” said Greenlee. The Stabroek block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest. SATURDAY EDITION ‘DRUG ADDICT’ SLAUGHTERS WIFE, BABY …HACKS OFF MOTHER’S ARM A Best Squatting Area man ran amok around 04.00 hrs Friday, butchering his wife and two-year-old son, and hacking off his own mother’s arm at the family’s West Coast Demerara home. Suresh Ganesh attacked his wife, Vanessa Sookram, 34, almost severing her neck and reportedly chopping off some of her fingers. He also turned his cutlass on his two-year-old son, Joel Ganesh. The child died from wounds to the stomach and hands. Suresh Ganesh did not spare his own mother. He chopped one of her arms off and
inflicted another wound on her back. The woman, 49-year-old Jennifer Monplaisir, managed to escape, but her arm was so badly damaged that doctors were forced to amputate it. The killer, still carrying the murder weapon, fled from the Lot 57 Best Squat-
ting Area residence to Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. There, he attacked a resident, but was then shot while attempting to chop a policeman. He was treated at the West Demerara Hospital before being placed in custody. Reports are that the 27-year-old Ganesh was high on drugs when he went on his rampage. According to police sources, Ganesh went berserk shortly after being told that his reputed wife was having an affair with a man who reportedly sold marijuana. He reportedly told police that he was stressed out because he wasn’t working and no one was giving him anything. He then heard about the ‘affair’.
place and where the withdrawals went afterwards is what investigators from the State Assets Recovery Unit and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) want to know. Shariff reportedly claimed that monies were proceeds from the sale of phone cards and other credit to mobile phones but investigators are not buying his story. There is little evidence that taxes were paid also. Kaieteur News was told that contrary to initial reports, commercial banks did little in spite of questionable transactions. At least one local bank blocked Shariff last year after he made attempts to deposit several hundred million dollars into accounts, shortly after the May General Elections. The sum amounted to almost half billion dollars.
MONEY LAUNDERING INVESTIGATIONS… LOCAL BANK BLOCKED DEPOSITS OF HUNDREDS OF MILLION$ LAST YEAR More details are emerging in the current investigations involving the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Presidency, Omar Shariff, who was arrested on Thursday at his office. Investigators trying to piece together the case have found several hundreds of millions in accounts that were in control of Shariff and a female close to him. Somehow, over the years, especially between the period 2009 and 2016, more than $10B (US$50M) was deposited in accounts at several city banks held in control of Shariff and the woman, said to be his reputed wife. The Permanent Secretary and the woman are being investigated for tax evasion and money laundering. From initial indications, it was an elaborate scheme with accounts scattered at several city banks. There were large deposits with money withdrawn as fast as it was transacted. Where the money came from in the first
Omar Shariff
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The ultimate pledge against crime and corruption By: Kiana Wilburg Within the borders of the Philippines, a blunt-speaking, 71-year-old man who apparently cannot stand the sight or the tiniest hint of corruption was sworn in a few days ago as that nation’s 16th President. So disgusted is Rodrigo Duterte with corruption in his homeland, he had boldly told his people in January, last, during his campaign for the presidency, that if he fails to bust crime and corruption in six months after being elected, then they should kill him – one would say it is the ultimate pledge. It is believed that Duterte’s lack of concern for being politically correct and his iron-fist approach to solving crime is what really catapulted him to the presidency. Duterte said that to accomplish such a mission within the first six months of his term in office would be his “greatest contribution” to the country. Now all are now watching to see if he can walk the walk. Like most, I was capti-
President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte
President David Granger vated, to say the least, by the President’s sensational yet no-nonsense commitment to purge his country of all forms of corruption. He appears to be a principled person that will not be compromised. His sentiments also made me reflect on the hunger here for a massive corruption clean-up campaign. Without fear of contradiction, I would boldly assert that this nation has been starved of the kind of leader-
ship, which at its core, is permanently energised by the need to curb corruption much like that which appears to have possessed Duterte. Since the APNU+AFC Coalition took office, a series of initiatives have been started to help stem the evergrowing corruption tide. And for those who hoped for years to brainwash the nation with sermons that corruption in Guyana was nothing but a perception, a tale, a figment
of our imagination, then surely the record was set straight with the unimaginable revelations of those damning forensic audit reports. More of those are still to come. And then there was the creation of the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) which is headed by economist Dr. Clive Thomas. This Unit has been heavily criticised for handling corruption cases involving assets of the state while it is not governed or guided by legislation. Dr. Thomas acknowledged the shortcoming, but recently emphasised that with the help of certain international and local agents, the loophole is about to be closed. In fact, he revealed that the draft legislation is with the Chambers of Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams,
and is expected to be placed on the website of that office no later than this week. It is hoped that it will encourage meaningful discussions, be amended where necessary and passed in the National Assembly before the end of the year. Once this is done, it is expected that SARU would become the anticorruption agency for fighting all forms of corruption involving the assets of the state. It would also be renamed the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA). SARU is currently housed within the Ministry of the Presidency and once its legislation receives smooth passage, Thomas indicated that it would be moving into a new home. In the meantime, SARU is making strong connections with some of the world’s leading anti-corruption fighters.
One such connection is with FRAUDNET. This entity is an international network of independent lawyers who are the leading civil asset recovery specialists in various countries around the world. Its membership extends to every continent and the world’s major economies, as well as leading offshore wealth havens that have complex bank secrecy laws and institutions where the proceeds of fraud are often hidden. It has also been recognised as the world’s leading asset recovery legal network. Additionally, FRAUDNET’s focus is locating and recovering assets and proceeds of crime for victims of all types of fraud, including corruption, embezzlement and Ponzi schemes. Great things are expected (Continued on page 48)
After Brexit new concerns... From page 42 media, [and] human rights.” He advocates a radical shift for Caribbean nations long disadvantaged by “small state mind-set,” that has led to vulnerability. While some states have shown vestiges of sustainable economic development he cautions that only sound planning can lead to industrial policy, regulation and planning, and partnership with the private sector. Yet, safeguards must be in place to prevent unlimited license to domestic and foreign corporations that could lead to unethical practices. Carlos Elias' "Caribbean Common Vulnerability Requires Regional Solutions," extends the narrative by detailing the many (common) problems besetting the region. His regionalfocused solutions are innovative, ever begging for implementation. He pens, “To address [economic] vulnerability, it is important to identify sources of financing. Some markets have excess reserves in the financial system, whereas other markets have excess demands for credit.” He also observes a mismatch between the income per capita of the region leading to “a disparity in access to concessional lending from multilateral and bilateral institutions.” He calls for “country specific policies [to] be in place [and] implemented when country risk increases.” This will require “regional coordination and supplemental support from other countries in the region.” He advocates for banking regulations “from a regional perspective,” and posits that “such a policy would increase lending to the private sector for investment.” Additional commentaries from Iwan
Sewberath-Misser, Miguel Carrillo, Sylvia Dohnert, Clement Sankat, Kayla Grant, Preeya Mohan, Philomen Harrison and David Anyanwu offer additional, complementary methods to modernize institutions to meet 21st century demands while reshaping the culture of CARICOM. In light of Britain's exit from the EU there is now an exigent demand to revisit the feasibility of convergence in the Caribbean and other regions. Throughout the dramatic events of the last two weeks there is the gnawing drumbeat for protectionism well articulated by Russian president Vladimir Putin: "No one wants to feed weak economies.” Undoubtedly, the success of convergence as laid out in this treatise depends on the readiness and capability of member states to act as a unit. Moreover, the $64,000 question must be answered: Can convergence be effectively sold to a Caribbean decaying from decades of corruption and political tribalism? While the jury is still out on this matter, what is certain is that above all else, our people yearn for transparency, accountability, trustworthiness and the rule of law. Feedback: glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby Shifting in Frontiers: An Action Framework for the Future of the Caribbean edited by Winston Dookeran and Carlos Elias © 2016 Publisher: Ian Randle in collaboration with the office of the Principal, UWI, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad Available at Amazon Ratings: Recommended
Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
The pearl among Guyana's Non... From page 43 only receive food items but whatever they need temporarily, most times cash in lieu of hampers, as we have found that the needs of the recipients have changed.” As for the IWC's National Park project, the IWC Executive Member said that they were able to get assistance from a partnership with the Rotary Club to assist with the painting of the fence and toilet area. She said, too, that the sum of $394,381 was spent on repairs and maintenance. Gittens also shared that the Club kept its Christmas cheer tradition alive as it partnered with the Guyana Red Cross to give cheer to a large number of children on December 19, last. “It was a fun afternoon, well organized with lots of snacks and dancing enjoyed by all. Each child left the premises with a gift and instructions not to open the gift until Christmas day,” the Committee Member noted. She also spoke about the work of the Club's scholarship committee which was initiated in 1998. This committee, Gittens explained, has been involved in financial support to teacher trainees, trainee midwives and rehabilitation helpers. “In the inception stages, we focused on hinterland students, but have now expanded our service to all areas where the need exists, with the firm expectation that those trained will return to serve their communities and share their skills…We should be awarding some young women in the nursing field soon.” With regard to fundraising activities, Gittens said that the IWC was only able to hold one such event in this regard - the highly popular Annual Hat Show and Garden Party on April 2, last, in the Promenade Gardens. She said that this event was able to generate over $970,000. The IWC Member also reported on other club accom-
plishments for the period 2015-2016. “Our international theme - Touching Hearts - for the year was unique and united, and we were reminded by our international president that we are certainly distinctive, being the largest women's voluntary organization in the world, and united in our desire to help others who are less fortunate than ourselves.” In her closing statements, Gittens took the opportunity to congratulate the new IWC President who would be filling the position for the fifth time. And to her sister members, she implored them to remember that success is due to teamwork more than anything else. She stressed that there is no substitute for good relations and unity. Giving the vote of thanks at the event was IWC Treasurer, Barbara Walrond. She acknowledged the Club's auditors, Jack Ali and Associates, who provide their auditing services to the club for free. Walrond also extended special thanks to the Club's faithful supporters and her Inner Wheel sisters, particularly Marva Patterson. She remarked that the Past President is always willing to volunteer her home for emergency meetings or special activities. “She is also willing to volunteer her car, time or family members for the good of the club and we thank her immensely for that,” the IWC Treasurer expressed. As the IWC under new leadership gears for another fulfilling year, it cannot be said enough times how its years of service, commitment to humanity and spirit of sisterhood unequivocally offer any outsider new lens for understanding the power of touching hearts. By their words and action, it is undeniable that they demonstrate daily and represent the extraordinary relationship between philanthropic efforts and social change.
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The ultimate pledge against... From page 46 from this partnership. But even though SARU is making strides and the necessary preparations are being made to bring down the intellectual authors of rampant corruption involving state corruption, Government’s efforts to fight corruption would still have to be intensified in other areas such as Public Procurement. This area is said to be plagued by all sorts and forms of corruption. In fact, Government had promised that within 100 days of being in office, it would have established the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). Time and circumstances proved that this was easier said than done. The establishment of the Commission, and its timeliness at that, is left in the hands of the Public Accounts Committee of our Parliament. It is chaired by Opposition Member, Irfaan Ali. At this stage, the Committee is still in the process of going through the names of the nominations for Commissioners for the PPC. Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, who had spoken extensively on the matter, had said umpteen times that the weak systems of the tender board process need to be addressed by the new administration, as those loopholes cost the country approxi-
mately $28B annually. Goolsarran’s estimation was garnered from an overview of the Auditor General’s reports on the country’s accounts over the past few years. He had also pointed to credible allegations of corrupt behaviour in public procurement. These included sole sourcing of drug contracts, contract splitting, inflated engineer’s estimates, evaluation bias on behalf of favoured contractors, the use of inexperienced contractors, the absence of competitive bidding in some cases, and over payment to contractors. With Government’s establishment of a formal Bid Protest Committee, it is left to see how effectively this is going to be, in bringing an end to some of the obscenities that have plagued Guyana’s procurement systems. It is noteworthy that Government is yet to lay out before the nation, its concise plan for launching a clear-cut attack that will strike at the heart of corruption in Guyana. If that is still in the making, then the citizenry deserves to know where such a plan is at this point, who are the craftsmen and women behind such a plan, and who or what agency/agencies will be implementing it.
Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
The women in the cemeteries From page 26 for days before returning home. When she had not turned up, they had assumed she had gone on one of her jaunts. Some of the relatives found it strange that ‘Sonny’ had found the body. “This man does sleep in the burial ground. He does smoke up and so on, and it is strange that he find the body, because the cardboard we find ‘Lizzy’ on is the same piece of cardboard he does use fuh sleep on,” one relative alleged. Their suspicions were further aroused when ‘Sonny’ vanished from the neighbourhood. However, police located him some days later and detained the suspect and another drug addict. But to the consternation of relatives, police found nothing to connect the drug addicts to Ali’s murder. Mohamed Rasool, a Trinidad-based sibling of the slain woman, said that after his sister’s funeral, he made some enquires about the suspects, only to be told by police that the suspects had been released. Dissatisfied, the brother went to the Ministry of Home Affairs, and was assured that “the police will do their job.” Rasool said that on Friday, February 3, 2012, he enquired from a senior CID rank at the Leonora Police Station about his sister’s murder. “I asked him what the current status of the investiga-
tion was, and he told me that there was no new information concerning my sister’s murder, so they would not be able to do no further investigation,” he said. “I told him that I went to the scene where my sister was murdered and found a piece of iron and I asked him, why the police did not pick up the iron for evidence. He then said to me that Guyana doesn’t have fingerprint experts. “I then asked him what is the current status on the swab test result and he said to me that they didn’t get any result as yet.” After expressing his suspicions about ‘Sonny’, a senior official at the Leonora Police Station reportedly instructed that the drug addict be re-arrested. On Saturday February 4, 2012, ‘Sonny’ was arrested by a Rural Constable, who took him to the Leonora Police Station. Within minutes, he was released again. “When Sonny arrived an officer said to release him. When I enquired why they released him, they said to me that Sonny is a ‘mad man’.” Rasool has said that he will not be satisfied until “someone is charged with the crime that cost my sister her life.” But, four years later, like the murders of Dioana Warrick and Patricia Young, the trail in this murder in a cemetery also seems to have gone cold…
BREXIT: No... From page 24 dismantling Britain's relationship with the EU; not negotiating a new one. The Article only obliges the EU to take “account of any future relationship”, which obviously cannot be the existing one. In any event, the British cannot ignore the referendum result, which specifically called for the electorate to decide whether they want to remain in, or leave, the EU. Article 50 has to be triggered shortly after the election of a new Conservative Party leader in September. If the choice of leader is the zealous Brexiteer, Michael Gove, then it will have to happen at once, or Gove will lose political credibility and standing with his own base. Should it be any of the others, the pace will be more measured, but the process will have to begin nonetheless. Fortunately, despite the enthusiasm to do so on the part of many of the EU member governments, only the government seeking to withdraw can trigger Article 50.
So, the start of the process is left to the British government, but the EU is anxious to end the uncertainty of Britain's precise relationship with it in the future. So is the business sector and the financial services community in the UK and the EU. So, too, is MERCOSUR, the Latin American trading group, that was on schedule to conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement by the end of this year. In the meantime, the British economy has begun to suffer with a knockon effect for many, including the Caribbean. It all seems so unnecessarily painful and unproductive - the British are in a pickle of their own making. Many lost, no one really won. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He previously served as Ambassador to the EU and the WTO and as High Commissioner to the UK. The views expressed are his own) Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com
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Dangerous chemicals hiding in everyday products It was long believed that you could acquire “better living through chemistry.” But that may really not be the case. In a landmark alliance, known as Project TENDR, leaders of various disciplines have come together in a consensus statement to say that many of the chemicals found in everyday products can result in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and attention-deficit disorders. “Ten years ago, this consensus wouldn’t have been possible, but the research is abundantly clear,” said Irva Hertz-Picciotto, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of California, Davis and co-chairwoman of Project TENDR. “At some point, we say we know enough to take preventative action,” said Frederica Perera, a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University. Perera is also a signatory on the statement. Last year, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (PDF) stated that “Widespread exposure to toxic environmental chemicals threatens healthy human reproduction.” Other medical groups such as the Endocrine Society (PDF), the world’s oldest and largest organization devoted to researching hormones, have expressed similar concerns. But this is the first time that leading scientists, doctors and policy advocates across various disciplines have come together to say that the science on toxic chemicals is clear: They can harm brain development. Everyday chemicals carry toxic burden These everyday chemicals, including organophosphates, flame retardants and phthalates, can be found in food, plastics, furniture, food wrap, cookware, cans, carpets, shower curtains, electronics and even shampoo. They are pretty much everywhere around us. Scientists and researchers are concerned that many of these chemicals may be carcinogenic or wreak havoc with our hormones, our body’s regulating system. But the impact of these chemicals may be most severe on the developing brain, Perera said. Brain development is the “most complete and most rapid during the first nine months, prenatally,” she said. During that time, neural connections and pathways are being developed. “Any interference by a physical stress like a toxic chemical or other stressor can disrupt this natural progression that is so very delicate and complex,” explained Perera. Though the group hopes to come up with regulatory recommendations to reduce this toxic burden, there are some simple things that individuals can do to reduce their exposure. CHEMICALS TO WATCH FOR. ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES Organophosphate pesticides (PDF) are a class of neurotoxic chemicals used as warfare agentsin the 1930s. However, today, they account for about half of all pesticide use in the United States. And they can make their way onto crops that we use as food sources. Areas that spray pesticides heavily, such as farms, may find higher rates of exposure. Children exposed to higher levels of these pesticides have been found to have higher rates of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. You can reduce your exposure to them by eating organic and using alternative pest control methods. PHTHALATES These chemicals soften plastics and help scents and chemicals bind together. Exposure to phthalates has been associated with lower IQ levels. They can be found in shampoos, conditioners, body sprays, hair
sprays, perfumes, colognes, soap, nail polish, shower curtains, medical tubing, IV bags, vinyl flooring and wall coverings, food packaging and coatings on time-release pharmaceuticals. You can reduce your exposure to phthalates by using unscented lotions and laundry detergents, microwaving food in glass containers rather than plastic, using cleaning supplies without scents, and avoiding air fresheners and plastics labeled as No. 3, No. 6 and No 7. POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYLETHERS These chemicals are used as flame retardants, chemicals that can slow the speed of a flame. They can be found in televisions, computers, insulation and foam products, including children’s toys and baby pillows. Products can shed ethers that can accumulate in dust. Exposure to these ethers have been associated with thyroid issues. There isn’t a directory that lists which products have these ethers, but consumers may still be able to reduce exposure by looking for products that advertise themselves as free of flame retardant. These chemicals were found in a lot of older foams, so replace products such sofas and pillows that have exposed foam. And use a high-efficiency HEPA filter vacuum to clean up dust. AIR POLLUTANTS Air pollution from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas is usually associated with respiratory issues. However, these pollutants can also include nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and benzene. Higher exposure to air pollutants has been associated with lower birth weights, preterm deliveries and congenital heart defects. The World Health Organization (PDF) considers exposure to benzene a major public health concern. Aside from trying to avoid polluted areas, you can make sure to buy furniture and products that advertise themselves as formaldehyde-free. Try to avoid buying furniture made with particleboard, plywood or pressed wood. Many of these products use glues containing formaldehyde. LEAD Lead is a naturally occurring metal. It was banned from gasoline in the 1970s but can still be found in older homes that used leaded paint. Lead can also make its way into water, because of corrosion from old water pipes. Lead is also used in a variety of products like industrial paints, car batteries and wheel weights. Lead exposure has been associated with ADHD, lower IQs and developmental delay. Infants and toddlers are at greatest risk for lead exposure because they frequently put their hands and toys in their mouths after they may be exposed to lead in dust. Find out if you have lead in your water by reaching out to your local water supplier or even getting an at-home test kit from a home improvement store. If your home was built before 1978, test your paint. If the paint is chipping or peeling, it will need to be stripped or covered. Homeowners may want to consider using a professional who is lead-safe certified to help you. Parents can also talk to your doctor about having your children tested for lead if there is reason for concern. MERCURY Mercury is a naturally occurring element, but it can also be released into the environment from the burning of coal and oil. Mercury can also be found in some household items such as thermometers, light bulbs and older-model clothes dryers and washing machines. Mercury in the environment can make its way into fish and shellfish.
Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Rihanna and Drake Are Dating Again: “He Still Loves Her and Never Stopped” Remember when Drake told Rihanna, “When you’re ready, just say you’re ready/ When all the baggage just ain’t as heavy/ And the party’s over, just don’t forget me/ We’ll change the pace and we’ll just go slow”?Well, whether you do or don’t, it seems like she definitely did, and perhaps now is the time that baggage ain’t as heavy. Drizzy and RiRi have been at the top of couple speculation and fan-shipping for years now, with their musical collaboration only fueling the flame, and although they’ve taken a crack at the love game before, it never stuck— until now? E! News has learned that the two stars are dating again, and that the feelings never faded on Drake’s end. “He still loves her and never stopped. Rihanna is the one that’s been not wanting to settle down in the past,” the insider tells us. “They are having fun spending time with each other. Their music together got them close again.” As you may recall, their most recent collaborations include “Too Good” off Drake’s Views, and “Work” off of RiRi’s Anti album. In fact, the OVO rapper made a surprise appearance during her concert in Manchester to perform the hard-tounderstand-but-undoubtedly-catchy track, and the chemistry was undeniable. Drake couldn’t leave the stage without gushing about the Barbados beauty, and one Twitter user caught the moment. “Shout out to the most beautiful, talented woman I’ve ever seen,” he told the crowd. “She goes by the name of Rihanna...I’m gettin’ my heart bro-
ken.” The pair have also spent a lot of time together while in London. On Wednesday morning, they were photographed leaving Tape Nightclub as the sun was rising, and then headed to an after party following the concert that night. Listen, we know this information may hurt you. It’s understandable. It’s never easy to hear of someone you love being in love with someone else (even if that person doesn’t know you exist), but let’s put our emotions aside and root for their happiness, yes? No? OK. We tried. http://www.eonline.com.
Fergie’s ‘’M.I.L.F. $’’ Music Video Features Hot Moms Kim Kardashian, Ciara and Chrissy Teigen This music video is pretty much the only way we’d ever want to start our weekend. Just hours after she dropped the new song, Fergie released her “M.I.L.F. $” music video, and it’s already a top contender for best video this year. We would have been happy just to see hershakin’ that thang for the new track, but she enlisted the help of several more hot mamas to do so alongside her, including: Kim Kardashian, Ciara, Chrissy Teigen and more! The video encompasses Fergie’s idea of “M.I.L.F. Land” which includes a cookie-cutter neighborhood colored in pastel, a pink and purple diner with all sexy waitresses, a spa filled with shirtless masseuses and a school where the singer plays a hot teacher (of course). Oh! And Let’s not forget: it also includes a moment in which Kim showers herself in milk as well as all the celeb moms drinking milk while wearing sexy ensembles... basically, it’s perfect. The successful celeb mamas are perfect for guest starring in the song’s video, which includes a chorus that sings: “You got that, you got that, you got that milk money / I got that, I got that, I got that MILF money/ I got that MILF money / I got that MILF money.” Yes, they certainly do! Meanwhile, “M.I.L.F. $” is the first single from Fergie’s second solo album, Double Dutchess, which is due out later this year, and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s been a decade in the making, only marking her second solo album following The Dutchess, which was
released in 2006 and sold over 8 million copies worldwide. Of course, Fergie hasn’t been entirely absent from the music scene, releasing another hit single “L.A. Love (La La)” in 2014 and performing at the Pride Parade in New York City last month. “The LGBT community has been an ally to me through the years. Since I have been in the entertainment field since I was a child, I have been so supported and have had so many friends who have showed me such compassion and have been there for me,” she told Next Magazine. “It has been amazing.” She continued, “Through good choices and bad choices, ups and downs in my life, I have had so many friends that have changed my life. Taught me about confidence. Taught me how to love myself when I wasn’t loving myself. Taught me how to love myself imperfections and all, bad choices and all. That’s the biggest gift that the LGBT community has given to me.” “The support for my career of course has been an amazing and a wonderful thing that I am so grateful for,” she added. “But more importantly, the support just as individual friends. Before I could ever afford to have a therapist, so many therapy sessions, so many tears, so many moments of clarity of self-acceptance that have happened in my life.” Make sure to catch a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “M.I.L.K. $” on Keeping Up With the Kardashians! http:// www.eonline.com.
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Security and Economics high... Increase in prison population From page 10 claim to all the Atlantic waters off the Essequibo Coast. This effectively reversed the 1899 agreement that settled the border issue. In response, CARICOM reiterated its position of “total support for the integrity of Guyana’s territory and maritime space, as well as that of all CARICOM States”, even as it emphasised the need to maintain peace and stability as the basis for enhancing regional cooperation and development for both these countries. Speaking at the 36th Regular Meeting of the Conference, in Barbados, in July 2015, then Chair of the Community, Freundel Stewart, Prime Minister of Barbados stated, “We [CARICOM] are committed to assisting Venezuela and Guyana in this dispute, preferring at all times a peaceful solution… But as of now, having regard to the fact that there was an arbitral award in 1899 and having regard to the fact that the Geneva Agreement of 1966 has not yielded the kind of results that either Venezuela or Guyana expected, CARICOM’s formal position has to be a commitment to the territorial integrity of Guyana,” he said. This 37th Meeting Heads of Government, on CARICOM’s 43rd anniversary, will be officially opened at 5 p.m. on 4 July 2016, at the National Cultural Centre. Current Chair of the Conference, Roosevelt Skerrit, is one of seven Heads that will address the gathering which includes Community Ambassadors, the Diplomatic Corps in Guyana, regional and international media, school children and the general public,
setting the tone for the next two days of business. Guyana’s President, David Arthur Granger and CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, are Hosts of the 37th Meeting, given Dominica’s inability to hold the meeting as a result of its recent natural disaster. They too will address the audience. CARICOM is one of the longest surviving integration movements among developing countries. The original Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed on July 4, 1973, in honour of the birthday of Norman Washington Manley, a leading advocate of the West Indies Federation and
one of Jamaica’s national heroes. The Treaty and its Annex (setting out the details of the Common Market Arrangements) came into effect on August 1, 1973. Since 2001, the Community has been functioning within the framework of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas including the Establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). CARICOM has made great strides, particularly through functional cooperation in, education, in health, in culture, in security. And despite some challenges, its Single Market functions and it is a respected voice in international affairs.
CH&PA engages Chinese firm to build... From page 11 Dalian International Cooperation Group, (CDIG). However, the parent company CDIG has been in Suriname for over 17 years and its business covers, road construction, bridges, industrial and civil engineering. Zhong Da started its housing project in Suriname. “To date the company has
completed 550, over a period of 40 months in two government housing settlement,” the ministry said. The 1,000 homes project ran into trouble after inspections by the new administration last year found numerous defects. Government was forced to hire a contractor to repair the faults. An investigation is ongoing on the project.
driving up costs The National Assembly this afternoon approved $13.6 million that was spent by the Ministry of Public Security in 2015 to provide meals for inmates in the country’s prisons. Questioned on the expenditure for dietary supplies, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, said there was an increase of around 116 inmates across Guyana. The Minister also pointed out that there was an increase in the prices for food supplies and the special dietary re-
quirements for inmates with chronic diseases and those who are HIV positive. Asked about the delay in moving from the use of wood burning stoves in the prisons by opposition Member of Parliament, Clement Rohee, Minister Ramjattan said that proposals for gas burning stoves are being considered and cited the lack of space for the “running of gas lines” as just one of the challenges that needs to be overcome. According to the Minister, there have also been price
increases for dairy, vegetable and meat products due to the prolonged dry season. It was revealed to the House that moves are being made to equip and restart farms at prison locations across Guyana but, Minister Ramjattan pointed out that the “prison system will never be totally self-sufficient”. The Minister also informed the House that the prison population has increased “from 1994 inmates as at January 1, 2015 to 2113 inmates as at December 20, 2016”. The original number approved during the passage of the 2015 Nation Budget amounted to $90 million.
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First Lady calls for end to “scourge” of domestic violence First Lady Sandra Ganger has called for more action to be taken against the scourge of domestic violence across all communities in Guyana. The First Lady stated her position during her feature address at the 32nd Installation Ceremony of the Inner Wheel Club of Georgetown Central, at the Georgetown Club. Among attendees were the Inner Wheel Club’s Immediate Past President Cherri Peters-Grant, Vice President Cheryl Douglas, Current President Sheron Fraser and other members as well as special invitees. Speaking as the first sitting First Lady to participate in such a ceremony for the Club, Granger told the audience that it was of profound importance that women unite against the adversities of domestic violence. “We as women must not
ignore or miniaturise the damage domestic violence has done and continues to do to us, our families, our children and our communities,” said First Lady Granger. She emphasised that voices against domestic violence must be heard in all sectors of society, including schools, workplaces, places of worship, social gatherings as well as in the media. The First Lady said that Guyana was ranked among the third highest in the region for reported domestic violence rates. This was despite the country experiencing a decrease in such reported incidents between January 2012 and June 2015. According to the First Lady, more work still needs to continue so as to end the dark mark that domestic violence has left on Guyanese citizens. Mrs. Granger said that
Guyana has made strong strides in combating domestic violence as a nation with the passage of the 1996 Domestic Violence Act. She further told the gathering that more steps must be made to uphold the integrity and law of the Act. During the Club’s Installation Ceremony, Immediate Past President Peters-Grant shared that the organisation had managed to raise $1M through fundraising initiatives in the past year. She said that those funds would go toward the Club’s various community service projects. Peters-Grant said that she fully embraced the objectives of the Inner Wheel organisation during her tenure. She shared a quote from the late Mohammed Ali, “To serve others is the rent you pay for your time here on earth”, as a template to which
Immediate Past President Cherri Peters-Grant (left) hands over a token of gratitude to First Lady Sandra Granger. she approached her time as the Club’s President. For over three decades the Inner Wheel Club of Georgetown Central has ventured into service projects which included the provision of books and other literary materials to its library in West Ruimveldt. The organisation also supported the St. Pius
Feeding Programme through the procurement of an industrial stove and oven. It is assisting the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre with renovations to its boys’ dormitory. Along with the installation of Sheron Fraser as President, the ceremony featured the induction of the Club’s new executive body for the
fiscal year 2016/2017. Fraser will be supported by Germaine Jacques as Vice President, Patricia Merriman as Secretary, Nalini Hakh as Treasurer, Isha Hussain-Sigh as Assistant Secretary/Treasuer, Tionna October as Social Convenor and Cheryl Douglas as Community Service Organiser.
Speculation rife about Linden newspaper vendor’s demise The cause of death of popular newspaper vendor, Albert (Finny) Ashby, of Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, is yet to be determined, because according to Commander of ‘E’ Division, Calvin Brutus, there are no visible marks of violence on his body. “We are awaiting the post mortem report to determine the cause of death,” Brutus said. Ashby was on Friday evening discovered in an ‘unresponsive’ state in front of his shop where he conducted his newspaper business. He was leaning against the shop. An alarm was raised, and a crowd subsequently gathered. He was later taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Speculation is rife as to how the disabled man might have met his demise. There are reports that earlier in the evening he had been robbed of a shoulder bag. Some persons are of the view that he might have been struck a fatal blow by the perpetrator. This angered many residents who condemned the attack. “How can anyone in their right senses rob somebody like Finny? This man could hardly talk, had a problem walking and had a finny hand - that’s how he get the name,” one angry resident said. Those sentiments were echoed by several others. “Finny was a simple easy going chap- at
first was he and he wife used to sell papers, then she died and he continued the business alone. But he never used to trouble nobody, so I don’t know who would want to kill him”, one man pointed out. According to another resident who preferred to remain anonymous, she was on her way home, when she saw a crowd gathered outside Finny’s shop. “I see like he lying, bracing against the shop, but I ain’t tek it for nothing. I thought he was just feeling sick, so I drive past. Is this morning I hear he dead. Is a real shock- and if is somebody kill he is a shame and disgrace, because this man was working hard to earn a living despite he challenges.” Other persons reported seeing Finny earlier on Friday, going about his business of vending newspapers. Shock and disbelief gripped the Wismar communities of One Mile and Half Mile, as news spread of the suspected murder of the popular newspaper vendor early Friday night. The body of the middle aged man was discovered outside his shop at Half Mile Wismar, Linden. It was subsequently taken to the Linden hospital Complex. According to sketchy reports Ashby was earlier robbed by a youth, who ran away leaving his slippers behind.
Sunday July 03, 2016
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Root Canal Therapy - What to expect during your treatment By Dr. Neromini Fagu During the last several weeks we have covered the reasons for root canal therapy as well as some of the equipment and materials that are involved in the procedure. This week we will conclude our discussion and talk about what to expect during your treatment. Once it has been determined that your tooth needs RCT your dentist will schedule your treatment for one or several appointments. During your first treatment session, your dentist will numb the tooth using local anesthetic to help prevent any discomfort during the procedure. After this, a rubber dam will be placed to isolate the tooth to be worked on. Rubber dams are important during RCT because they prevent contamination of bacteria from the mouth and it also protects you from any accidental swallowing of the small files or disinfecting solution
used during your treatment. After isolation of the tooth, your dentist will use the drill to remove all the decay from the tooth. Next an access hole will be made to get to the pulp of the tooth which contains the nerves and blood vessels. Once the opening has been made your dentist will use a broach to remove any pulp tissue. This will be followed by an endodontic file to navigate down to the root tip opening. The initial x-ray that was taken of the tooth will be used to help determine how far down the file needs to go (working length) without protruding beyond the root. Another x-ray will now be taken to confirm that the file is within a few millimetres of the root opening. This x-ray will also be used to make any adjustments to the working length. In the absence of xrays, an apex locator may also be used to determine how far down the file needs to go. Once the correct working
Dr. Neromini Fagu
length has been established, your dentist will proceed to clean out the canal by filing and shaping, and disinfecting it with antiseptic and antibacterial solutions. Files of sequentially larger diameters will be used to shape the canal. This can be very time consuming as care must be taken to ensure the canals are thoroughly cleaned and also to keep the files from perforating the canal. The use of rotary instruments will help to speed up this part of the treatment. After the canal has been cleaned, shaped and rinsed out, it will be dried. The next step is to fill the canal.
Guttapercha matching the size of the tip of the canal will be placed into the canal and another x-ray will be taken to ensure it has reached the required depth into the canal. Any adjustment will then be made and measurements noted and the guttapercha will be removed. A special sealer will be used to coat the walls of the canal after which the guttapercha will be reinserted into the canal. It may take several cones of guttapercha to fill a canal and after this is done the excess guttapercha will be removed. The following step is to seal off the access hole that
was made and to restore the tooth. This is an important step as it will prevent bacteria from your mouth from reinfecting the canal. If the tooth was severely broken down then a post and crown may be needed to restore the tooth. If there is sufficient tooth structure remaining, a permanent composite resin or amalgam filling material can be used to reconstruct the tooth. You may be given antibiotics and pain medication to take after the procedure and it is normal to experience mild discomfort for a few days. The success rates for root canals are very high. However, it is important that you
maintain proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Depending on the reasons for the root canal you may need to have recall visits to monitor the progress of the treatment. This is why x-rays are important as they will enable your dentist to make comparisons of your progress. I hope you now have a better understanding of Root Canal Therapy and will consider it for future dental treatments, especially as it is the only way of saving teeth from being extracted. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
CONSUMER CONCERNS
Consumers and sellers need to be aware of risks PAT DIAL The Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) has had a long-standing concern about the way certain vegetables which are sold in the markets are grown and vended and also the way other foods which quickly host bacteria are exposed for sale. Consumers who purchase such vegetables and foods are either unsuspecting or unaware of the risks of consuming them. Indeed, what tends to avoid them contracting serious illnesses is that such foods and vegetables are usually cooked and much of the bacteria are thus eliminated. But it should be remembered that not all bacteria are eliminated in cooking. Many vegetables are not peeled before usage. Baigan (boulanger), ochroes, boras, nenwas, and various types of bhajis (leafy vegetables),
eschallots, sweet peppers and chilis, and even sometimes cucumbers are not peeled. In growing these vegetables, farmers very often use water from the nearby drains to wet the roots and throw on the plants themselves. Most of the nearby drains take off waste water including septic tank effluent. The vegetables absorb this polluted water. Subsequent rainfall never wholly washes off the bacteria brought by the polluted water and some vegetables like packchoy bhaji actually retain such water. When such vegetables are exposed for sale in the markets or roadside stalls, the sellers spray them with water to keep them fresh. Since there are invariably no water-connections nearby, many sellers obtain their water from the drains. In the past, the only fertilizer used by small vegetable
farmers was animal manure, especially cow manure. Today, farmers tend to use chemical fertilizers which are easier to obtain, though more costly. Vegetables grown with chemical fertilizers are less healthy than those organically grown and tend to rot very quickly. Consumers have to be very careful where they purchase their vegetables and have to endeavour to find a greengrocer where there is less such risk. There are other food items sold in the markets or by wayside sellers which present purchasers with as much risk as buying vegetables. For example, cheap powdered milk in 50-pound bags imported mostly from Ireland and styling itself “full cream” is repackaged in transparent plastic bags and widely distributed. There are very strict regulations relating to milk packaging, one of the main
ones being that such repackaging should only be done in sterile rooms, that is rooms which are bacteria-free. This milk is repackaged in conditions which are far from ideal. It should also be mentioned that the protein in such milk is invariably vegetable protein. Consumers buying such milk are under the false impression that the milk they are buying is equivalent or identical to the dearer brandname full cream milks such as Nido or Fernleaf. Unrefrigerated “fresh” meat - chicken and red meatis sold by several shops in the markets and by wayside sellers. Unrefrigerated meats beak down very quickly and after a day become unwholesome. The sausages which are packaged abroad keep much better but they would certainly be fresher if refrigerated. Many market stalls and wayside vendors sell poisons such as insecticides and
rat poisons in close proximity to foodstuffs. Both consumers and sellers are unaware or oblivious of the risks to health of having poisons and food so close together. The Food and Drugs Department whose remit it is to ensure that safe and wholesome food is sold in Guyana, is aware of the risks faced by consumers but their very limited resources prevent them from fully carrying out their mandate. For instance, they do not have enough inspectors to continuously monitor the markets. From time to time they have issued releases or advisories protecting consumers and have taken action on businesses that distribute goods which are below standard. Recently, for example, they ordered the withdrawal of a baby food distributed by one of the biggest local companies. The Company’s first reaction was to challenge the Department in the courts.
Shortly afterwards, however, they accepted culpability and withdrew the product. At this point in time, successfully addressing the risks and dangers faced by consumers does not lie with the Law-enforcing Authorities but in educating both consumers and sellers and also in consumers protecting themselves. The Food and Drug Department and the Bureau of Standards could use their comparatively easy access to the print and electronic media in this Educational effort. The GCA will contact the Educational Authorities to alert both in-service and trainee teachers of the problem. Consumers must protect themselves by washing their vegetables very thoroughly and not eating them uncooked. They should avoid buying food which host bacteria easily, though such may be cheaper.
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Kaieteur News
Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister dies PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Just days after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning passed away at the age of 69. He died in hospital yesterdat morning around 8:15. The news was delivered by Manning’s family on his Facebook and Twitter accounts. The post indicated that Manning had died peacefully with his family and loved ones by his side. Last week Monday evening, Manning was admitted to the San Fernando General Hospital. But it was only early Friday morning that Manning’s wife, Hazel Manning, disclosed that he had been diagnosed on Thursday evening with Acute Myeloid Leukemia - a cancer of the blood and bone marrow which usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated.
She had indicated that he was being prepared to undergo treatment, and a report in the Newsday newspaper Friday indicated that Manning had started chemotherapy. The former prime minister had a tumour removed from his left kidney in December 2008, while he was prime minister. In May 2010, he resigned as political leader of the then opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) following the party’s election loss, although he continued to represent the San Fernando East constituency. In 2012, Manning suffered a stroke. Three years later, ahead of the September 7, 2015 general elections, he resigned from active politics. His wife Hazel has announced that Manning’s state funeral will take place on Saturday. The viewing of the body will take place at South Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA) on Thursday,
followed by a viewing at North Academy of the Performing Arts (NAPA) on Friday. A condolence book has been opened by the People’s National Movement executive at Balisier House, on Victoria Avenue in Port-of-Spain. The People’s National Movement (PNM) has extended condolences to the wife and children of former party leader and prime minister Patrick Manning, following the announcement of his death at 8.15 AM this morning. In a release on social media, newly-appointed Public Relations Officer (PRO) Stuart Young said: “It was with a great sense of sadness that the PNM Family had been informed of Manning’s death.” He expressed sincere and heartfelt condolences to Manning’s wife, Hazel, their children and wider family on behalf of the party executive. “Mr Manning served Trinidad and Tobago for de-
cades as a leader with great vision and his passing is a loss to the Nation and to his party, the PNM. We join in prayer for his soul and his family and thank him and his family for his life and his invaluable contributions. “We ask that God rest and bless Mr Manning’s soul,” Young said. Deputy political leader, Joan Yuille -Williams, who was among those gathered at the hospital yesterday morning, said the country and party had lost a father and a visionary. Manning was the MP for the San Fernando East constituency since 1971, and won the seat in 10 general elections, until Mitchell succeeded him in 2015. Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar also shared condolences on social media, noting Manning’s passing with “deep sadness.” “On behalf all in the Parliamentary Opposition and the United National Congress, we send our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to his wife, Hazel, and his sons and close relatives. “Mr Manning was Prime Minister by electoral victory
Patrick Manning
three times in our history 1995, 2002 and 2007. He is also our longest serving Parliamentarian and one of the longest serving public servants in the region.” She said the grief shared at his passing was, without doubt, grief that will be shared by fellow nations in the region. “We wish the Mannings God’s guidance and support and pray that the former Prime Minister will find a place of joy and rest,” Persad-
Bissessar said. Manning was born in San Fernando in 1946, and attended primary and secondary education in South Trinidad, before gaining his B.Sc. Degree (Special Honours) in Geology at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. Mr. Manning is survived by his wife Mrs. Hazel Manning and they have two sons, Brian and David. (Trinidad Guardian)
NICARAGUA JOINS “CARICOM” FAMILY
GEORGETOWN, Guyana - CMC – The 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping has formally welcomed Nicaragua into its “family” urging it to work with the region in order to make a difference on the global stage. CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque, accepting the credentials of Valdrack L. Jaentschke as Nicaragua’s Ambassador to CARICOM, said that small states working together could make a difference. He told the diplomat Friday that there was a need to work together in regional, hemispheric and international fora to ensure that the impediments to the development of small states would be addressed. “In going forward, as we share experiences and encourage greater people to
Irwin LaRocque
people exchanges, CARICOM and Nicaragua relations will grow from strength to strength,” LaRocque said as he welcomed Nicaragua to the “CARICOM family.” The two officials noted the close cultural ties between CARICOM and Nicaragua, with LaRocque also
acknowledging that relations between the two sides had been conducted primarily in the context of groupings such as the Central American Integration System (SICA), the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Organisation of American States (OAS). Ambassador Jaentschke said that Nicaragua, which is chair of SICA for the next six months, had declared itself a Caribbean country through a constitutional amendment last September. As the first representative of his country to CARICOM, he said he looked forward to furthering co-operation and collaboration during his tenure.
Sunday July 03, 2016
Port Kaituma residents preparing to protest NDC - complain about deplorable roads, water troubles Concerns ranging from impassable roads to a constantly malfunctioning water distribution system have spurred residents of Port Kaituma, Region One to protest action. The residents are gearing for a protest on Tuesday. They reported that the decision to retaliate follows on the heels of a meeting they attended with the Regional Executive Officer and Regional Chairman, both of whom seem incapable of putting measures in place to address their concerns. The residents said that they had anticipated that with the Local Government Elections they would have seen needed changes undertaken by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). Instead they said that those placed in authority have left them in their former predicament. “We the people of Port Kaituma need to know why our simple needs are not being taken care of...our roads are getting worse every day with the heavy rains,” informed one resident. The resident even disclosed that the people of Port Kaituma are being told by officials of the Region that Government is to be blamed for the lack of intervention. “They are blaming everything on Government,” said a resident who lamented that the deplorable condition of the main road at Citrus Grove, Port Kaituma has even caused bus drivers to hike their fares. This publication
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Some of the concerned residents gearing for protest action on Tuesday, last. was informed that while the fare structure required that adults pay $200, secondary school students $100, primary pupils $60 and nursery children $40, the bus drivers have decided to increase all fares. Adults are expected to pay $300, secondary students $200 while primary and nursery age children are asked to pay $100. The residents are
complaining that many of them can barely make ends meet and are therefore frustrated that those who they elected into power are doing nothing to improve their lives. “They are asking us to do self help to do everything...they want us to do self help to fix the road because they don’t intend to do anything for us,” the residents complained.
One man in custody as bandits shoot security guard during school invasion One man is in custody as investigation continues into the shooting of a security guard who was on duty, at the Berbice Educational Institute (BEI), Town Savannah New Amsterdam, allegedly by five bandits. The shooting reportedly stemmed from a botched robbery. Shot and injured is 64year-old Campton Charles, of Wapping Lane, New Amsterdam, a security guard attached to the Home Safe Security Service. According to reports, Charles and two other guards were on duty at the school when the men attacked around 02:50 hrs. The other guards on duty were Neville Roberts, 55, of Charles Place and Genevieve Crandon, of Angoy’s Avenue. The five bandits, one of whom was armed with a handgun, were dressed in black and had black toques over their heads and black cloths tied over their noses. Three of the bandits first
approached Crandon who was on the northern side of the building. He was tied up and assaulted by the bandits who demanded of him how many guards were on duty. They were then joined by two other bandits. The man was taken where the other guards were. The bandits subsequently accosted Crandon who was in the lower flat, on the southern side. They then went to the upper flat of the building where Charles was. The bandits, after being told no money was available decided to open fire hitting
Charles on his forearm. Charles was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he is receiving treatment. The bandits escaped by jumping over the northern fence. The police were informed and responded promptly. During investigations one man, who is a known character and part of a gang, was arrested and taken into custody. Investigators are also looking for a car in which the men allegedly escaped. Investigations are continuing.
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SERVICES
SALON
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.
Register now for summer courses in cosmetology and nails between 2nd -25th August – Cost $15,000 Call Abby:619-7603
INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Earn a certificate in cosmetology; enroll now at Artee’s Beauty Salon & School of cosmetology. Call: 275-0267; 680-0156
Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 RAMDASS VISA APPLICATION & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
EDUCATIONAL Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 18thAugust 12th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355
Electronic Course. Starting Get commissions of $50,000- 9th August. Hands-on $100,000 for bringing or training repairing all types of selling lands in La Parfaite TVs, etc. Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling-Call: 651-1969; Grade 6 to CXC Maths, individual home tutoring, 6 681-8897 weeks summer programme Brian Moe @ 642-3543: (flexible time). Call: 646-7979 Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Phonics, reading, spelling Office visits at your classes for slow learners etc for summer classes, special comfort!! private tutoring available. Call:675-4379
VEHICLE FOR SALE One 4 wheel drive, automatic, extra cab, Toyota Hilux, GSS series. Call: 614-0107; 6928923 One Hilux Tiger 4X4 for sale, 5L engine, stick gear, diesel, 15 inch mag, roof rack & back covering. Call: 692-9577; 2292379 2010 IST -$2.6M, 2011 BLUEBIRD -$2.7M, 2011 RACTIS -$2.6M, 2009 AXIO -$2.4M, 2009 BELTA -2.4M. CALL: 617-2891 One Silver Premio excellent condition, PRR 3854 -$1.7M negotiable. Call: 682-4742 Toyota Alteeza, HID, Body Kit, ADR rims -$1.850M- Call: 652-5668; 672-1900 1 Black CRV, 2004 model, PNN series, female driven & in good condition. Interested person call: 624-1614, 225-0884 Bus for sale, IRZ EFI, BPP series. Call: 615-2999 Carmax Auto Spares: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, BMW, Mercedes Benz. 10% Discount on all in store purchase!-Call: 658-4466/ 220-8265 Timber Jack 450B Log skidder, excellent condition, parts for 720 Nissan Pickup. Call Richard: 609-7675; 6741705 Long base canter -$2M, Short base canter -$1M, RZ minibus -$1M, 212 Car -$1M, Galant-$800,000. Call: 6046724 Toyota Runx, AT212, AT192, AT170, L-Touring Wagon, Raum, new model Tacoma, Nissan pickup, Honda Capa. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 1 AT 212 New Model Toyota Carina PMM series, lady driven -$1.3M –Call: 617-7845 One Toyota Verossa -$2.6M negotiable - Tel: 614-0694
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
PEN PAL Middle age man is seeking female for long term relations 32-40yrs. Call: 670-7969
CAR RENTAL
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
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656-0087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO. Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property for sale at lot 32 Princess Street, Wortmanville, GeorgetownCall: 621-8767 Transported property in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp. Call: 6251514 TO LET Furnished 2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560
PROPERTY FOR SALE
FOR SALE
Property at Lot 35 Middle Street McDoom, EBD. Call: 226-0539/ 629-8842
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities–Reduced Price. Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Transported property situated at lot 25 Public Road N0. 7 West Coast Berbice, 32 ½ X237 feet. Price negotiable. Call: 667-1376 2 Storey 5 bedroom (2 selfcontained) wooden & concrete, with concrete fence, garage (space for 6 vehicles). Call: 614-0107; 6928923 High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Property located @ Waller’s Delight W.C.D- Call: 6620187; 674-4929 Large 4 bedrooms concrete house for sale at Ruimzeight Garden, W.C.D, residential area. Call:269-0189; 268-3214 HUDSON MINING SECTION: buying & selling of mining blocks & claims in Region 1, 7 & 8. Call: 6117223; 651-1969
MIX BREED PUPS –CALL: 615-0146 1-5 HP Yamaha Outboard engine, 1-20FT boat & 50lb 4" nylon seine. Call: 670-3912 Weinig Moulder, Produce Export Quality Wood six heads, great price Call: 6270056 Wadkin 6 heads Moulder, Produce Export Quality Wood, great price Call: 627-0056
High Street Tucville, George Street, Adelet Street Herstelling also Land Rover, Lightening plan for sale. Call: 667-7659 House & land at 422 Fourth Street, Herstelling E.B.D price $10M negotiable – Call: 6770792
Snackette for sale- $100,000Call: 638-1119 (serious enquiries only)
1 Honda Jet Ski, Aquatrax R12-Low Hours, Garage Kept 1.5m Neg- Contact#661-9096
Land located at Nouvelle Flanders West Coast Demerara. Call: 662-0187; 674-4929
1 Lincoln Ranger Welder, Briggs & Stratton Gas Engine, 2 Cummins L10 855 Engine- Contact# 661-9096
New Road V/Hoop -$27M, $17M, Tuschen-$2.5M, $6.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.2M, $1.6M, Eccles, Zeeburg, Providence- Call: 604-6724
Yamaha Outboard Motors, Foreign Used 250hp, 200hp, 150hp, 50hp, 100hp & 115hp 4-Stroke- Contact#661-9096
1 Wooden, deep sea fishing boat, complete with seine, engine, GPS, etc. Call: 6562496; 672-0014
One large family home 4 bedroom, 21/2 bathrooms @ Enterprise – Call: 617-7845
33.6 Acre Farm land @ Linden Kuru Kururu Soesdyke Highway. Call: 2257794; 679-1151
LAND FOR SALE
3 Houses for sale in Kuru Kururu –Call: 664-2576
2 Storey house, 5 bedrooms semi-furnished, 65 Palmyra Village, East Canje Berbice, price negotiable. Call: 6706688; 621-2066 Property @ Block 8 Mon Repos E.C.D, newly built 3 bedrooms concrete house $14.7M negotiable. Call: 6544312; 657-5330
One 6 base music set with QSE amp, RCF speaker. Call: 221-2817; 699-5790
One shed boat with a 200HP Yamaha Engine and turn system, Parika –Supenaam route. Call: 680-5539
Locust Rough: 7/8"X4"X8’12’, price $2.00USD per BM. Call Woodpecker Timbers: 688-6579
New Road V/Hoop -$17M, $60M, La Parfaite Harmonie $20M, $6M, La Grange $18M, Stwartville -$13M .Call: 604-6724
ROAD TO BELWASA & A DIP AT THE SANGAM. AVAILABLE @ AUSTIN’S BOOK STORE- TEL: 2267350/7 & AT LATCHMANSINGH DRUG STORE. TEL: 226-5053
Zeelugt well fenced, water & light -$2M, Uitvlugt -$2.2M 50X105,(1) -2 Storey newly built concrete building -$26M Tuschen-Call: 642-1252
Business property @ 21-24 Main & Magdalen Street New Amsterdam Berbice. Call: 233-0091; 683-9031
Two family house at Lot 32 Ann’s Grove Housing Scheme E.C.D -$20M negotiable- Call: 623-5423
FOR SALE
Caricom Day Bar-b-Que & Pool Splash, Monday, July 04, Aracari Resort (160 Versailles, W/B/D). Admission $2,000 adults/ $1500 kids. Tel# 264-2946 1 Lincoln MIG welder 140c 110v (brand new), 1 Lincoln 225 Engine driven welder 225amps, 1 Nissan Vanette Call: 627-9825; 686-4218
La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.2M & $1.3M & $1.6M, Mining claims in Puruni & Ekereru & other areas. Call: 611-7223; 651-1969 Land in La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, $1.4M, Tuschen (front) $3.5M with house, water & light -Phase 2$1.2M. Call: 642-1252 Herstelling Corner Lot (land filled) -100ftX50ft -$3.5MPay cash $3.2M or $2M now & rest later. Call: 6117223; 604-2207 Land @ Plot 882 Yarrowkabra, size 200ftX300ft for $800,000Call: 645-0489
2 Parrots with cage, one white eye&oneAmazon.Call:667-8896
100X100 residential lease lot @ Kuru Kururu Linden Highway, First Hill from Soesdyke Junction –Call: 6806136
One Lifan 110 motorcycle $60,000, one double door wardrobe -$35,000, one 5pc chair set -$15,000. Call: 227-5169
Land @ La Grange Public Road to Sea Dam, 4 Acres,could be use for commercial /Housing Scheme-Call: 625-1514
1000 Acres of land situated on the Corentyne- Call- 657- 0992 1 Gold & Diamond Land @ Potaro (Kuribrona) 100 acres. Call: 231-0497 9 Stalls 64 to 72 (47feet long x 7 feet wide) @ La Penitence Market Albouystown, Also 80 Mannequins @ $800 per piece- Call:225-4410; 2184837
TO LET 2 Bedroom apartment @ Section ‘A’ Sophia – Call: 2191045; 625-0940 (Continued on page 71)
Sunday July 03, 2016
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Kaieteur News
CAL’s in-transit passengers to be given priority processing in T&T Refined screening procedures to accelerate the process for North American passengers transiting in Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport, en route to Guyana, on Caribbean Airlines (CAL) will come into effect
Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Public Works, officials from Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) - headed by its Chairman of the Board, Stephen Fraser - and Guyana Civil Aviation Authority
(GCAA) recently met with CAL and Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority representatives to discuss the hassle passengers experienced while transiting in Trinidad. Prior to the new screening
Guyanese passengers travelling on Caribbean Airlines from North America and in-transiting in T&T will be given priority processing, Government assured yesterday.
process, in-transit passengers were subjected to an arduous security process causing them, in many instances, to scamper to board the connecting flight to CJIA. However, from Wednesday, a transit stamp will be placed the boarding passes of all Georgetown bound passengers for easy identification and priority processing through T&T’s security check point, the Ministry said. “Passengers who were Continued on page 72
VACANCY Control Room Assistants and Visiting Officers. Massy Security (Guyana) Inc. Lot 0 Ruimveldt, Georgetown.Tel: 225-5573/6
New BaiShanLin owners should... From page 61 satisfy and expand on the obligations of Bai Shan Lin to Guyana. The media has heard nothing about this due diligence since. Minister Trotman said that the government has told BaiShanLin that it is fully prepared to meet and have discussions with the investor, “so we await a feedback.” Trotman said that the APNU+AFC government wants it to be made clear that it is not against business. “We just want business done right; we are not going to say no to a credible company taking over another company or investing in Guyana but we want to make sure they know that the laws and people of Guyana must be respected.” MORE CONCESSIONS BaiShanLin has been granted concessions by the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) that seem generous even for the most innovative of projects that a company can come up with. Among the concessions sought by BaiShanLin were requests for one billion tons of cement, another for 300plus trucks and a further request for two billion pails of paint. The waivers on the cement and paint alone would amount to just about US$60B in lost taxes, a sum equivalent to 40 years of Guyana's na-
tional budget. Trotman was asked if the company that takes over BaiShanLin will receive additional concessions. He responded in the negative but said that the possibility somehow exists. “I would think if you are taking over a company that already had concessions you are hardly likely to qualify for new concessions; because it is not a new entrance into the market,” said Trotman. However, Trotman said that the final decision in this regard ultimately rests with the Minister of Finance.
“But my view is that if you are taking over a company that has already been given concessions you are hardly likely to be expected to ask for or to receive new ones. That's not to say that we wouldn't at some point and time say yes to something or the other.” Trotman said that currently BaiShanLin is not involved in logging operations of any kind. He said, “The last information I received is that BaiShanLin's operation is at a standstill. They are just watching over assets and so forth”
Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880 Male Janitorial / Cleaner, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. Professional cosmetologist at Natural Beauty Salon & Spa, 110 Grove, Market Street E.B.D– Call: 652-5800 One fitter machinist & one welder - Call: 613-1588; 234-0780 Clerical Staff/ inventory clerk apply in person with written application @ Nirva Supermarket. Call: 227-5771/ 49 Sheriff & Craig Street Cashiers, Sales clerks & cleaners, apply in person with written application @ Nirva Supermarket. Call: 227-5771/ 49 Sheriff & Craig Street Porters/Labourers needed, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. One nanny to take care and tutor a 1yr old baby boy. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling.
FOR RENT Bottom flat 2 bedrooms @ Enmore East Coast Demerara. Call: 256-0912; 664-9261 One complete bakery for rent as a going concern situated in Enmore E.C.D. Call: 6775172; 611-4536
From page 70
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
WANTED Hallow Blocks maker- Call: 233-2767 1 Male to cook in the Backdam-Call: 678-0565
1 complete 3 storey building Security guard to work in for rent at 68 Pike St. Kitty Georgetown –Call: 227-1717 Call: 615-8176 Person to work at bar (night 1-4 Storey building @ shift). Call: 223-4778 Charlotte Street Georgetown. Carpenters and masons- Call: Call: 668-8332; 638-5303 602-9469; 668-9863 Furnished luxury 2 & 3 bedrooms apartment for rent- Female domestic worker to Call: 665-3505 work in Trinidad. age 21 to 40 One self contained room to years. Call 1868- 268- 5177 rent, preferably bachelor – General Domestic @ Call: 223-4545 Diamond -Call: 227-8529; 223One bedroom upstairs with 7357 A/C, fully grilled space for 1 car preferably a couple. Call: Salesgirls @ Christine’s Variety Store, Lombard Street 650-2708 –Call: 227-8529; 223-7357 Newly renovated, 2nd floor apartment @ Eccles fully 1 Live in hotel domestic. Call: furnished three bedrooms 225-9211 with Wi-Fi, cable, serious Land to buy in: Zeelugt, enquiries .Call: 687-2180; 682- Uitvlugt, Eccles, Herstelling, 8057 Farm, La Parfaite Harmonie & 3 Bedrooms unfurnished top Bartica –Call: 611-7223; 604-2207 flat apartment @ Albertown $75,000 monthly. Call:648- One truck driver/tractor driver with valid license, 5417 apply in person at Alabama 1-2-4 Bedrooms new house to Trading. rent @ West Coast Male and female to work in Demerara–Call immediately the interior as shop 276-0818 attendants, between ages 25One 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 30. Call: 661-5992; 661-8673 upstairs, newly built house, Customer Service asking $95,000, serious calls representative to work at only: 218-1651; 675-9476 Mon Repos Mall, must have Semi-furnished self Maths & English (1-3) age contained apartments @ 25-40, apply @ 38 Ketley Diamond E.B.D –Call: 616- Street, Charlestown. Tel: 2310497 7617 2 Bedrooms bottom flat at Night Manager, Security, DJ, La Grange W.B.D –Call: waitresses, bartenders, 1 experienced secretary 667-8896 between ages 18-25, must Bottom flat supermarket have CXC –Call: 668-8332; located @ First Bridge 638-5303 Diamond E.B.D- Call: 6017749; 216-3069; 626-7064; 691- Experienced driver/salesman and porter to drive & sell 4808 beverages. Experienced is an Unfurnished upper flat 2 asset. Call: 226-9800 bedrooms house in La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 661- One experienced hire car driver. Call Mrs. Z. Khan: 6881585 8660 or 226-7948 One bedroom apartment for rent at Huston preferably General domestic age 25yrs working couple-Call: 664-2861 to 45yrs old, from East Bank Area. Call: 629-9450 1-3 Bedrooms apartment for rent a Broad Street Two experienced bar girls attractive salary. Interested Charlestown-Call: 692-0828 persons call: 601-1479 One self contained room in Albertown-$35,000. Call: 691- 3 Wash bay attendants – 2727 Contact: 227-5169 Rooms at 11 Charles Street Female between ages 20Charlestown, single male or 25yrs with international female (elderly). Call: 223- personality to do business. 4060 Call: 651-1969; 611-7223
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Kaieteur News
CAL’s in-transit passengers... From page 71 screened in the United States of Americas and Canada will not have to remove their shoes during the rescreening exercise in Port of Spain. However, if said passengers mix or come in contact with unscreened passengers, all transfer passengers will be subjected to the normal screening procedures.” Additionally, any duty free items over the 3.4 ounces
will be handed over by passengers to the Transit desk and will be returned to passengers on the boarding of their flight to Georgetown. “Ramesh Ghir, CJIAC’s Chief Executive Officer, said he is pleased with the new development, and commended CAL for pursing options to improve its service for Guyana passengers.” Last month, there was a dramatic increase in passenger
hassle on board of CAL by Guyanese and others heading to North America using flights in-transit Trinidad. Passengers also complaining of being forced to ditch their duty free rums from Guyana because CAL’s Trinidad authorities were not accepting them. Guyana last month threatened to suspect CAL’s operational licence unless the matter was resolved.
Sunday July 03, 2016
Sunday July 03, 2016
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Venezuela accuses US of ‘interventionist obsession’ Nicolas Maduro
Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela’s government last week rejected what it called the United States’ “interventionist obsession” after US President Barack Obama backed steps for a referendum on removing his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro from power. Obama warned Maduro’s government not to block the opposition’s “legitimate” efforts to hold a recall referendum. “The interventionist obsession of the US government is unacceptable,” the Venezuelan foreign ministry responded in a statement last week. Maduro’s opponents blame him for an economic crisis that has caused food short-
ages and prompted deadly looting. They have launched proceedings to call a referendum this year, but Maduro has mounted legal challenges, vowing it would not take place. Obama described the situation as “very serious.” Maduro’s government retorted: “It is contradictory and illogical to urge the Venezuelan government to disregard the state of law with the sole end of satisfying the antidemocratic interests of the Venezuelan opposition.” The government alleged members of the opposition MUD coalition are working for the United States, which it has long accused of trying to depose Venezuela’s socialist leaders.
Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Islamist militants kill 20 in Bangladesh before commandos end siege
People help an unidentified injured person. ity forces, according to a restaurant staff member and local media reports. (AP Photo) DHAKA (Reuters) - Islamist militants killed 20 people, including at least nine Italians, seven Japanese and an American, inside an up-market restaurant in Bangladesh’s capital, before security forces stormed the building and ended a 12-hour standoff yesterday. Islamic State said it was responsible for one of the most brazen attacks in the South Asian nation’s history, but that claim has yet to be confirmed. It marks a major escalation in a campaign by militants over the past 18 months that had targeted mostly individuals advocating a secular or liberal lifestyle in majorityMuslim Bangladesh with 160 million people. The gunmen, who stormed the busy restaurant in Dhaka’s diplomatic area late on Friday night, ordered all
Bangladeshis to stand up before they began killing foreigners, a source briefed on the police investigation said. “Let the people of the crusader countries know that
there is no safety for them as long as their aircraft are killing Muslims,” Islamic State said in a statement, also posting pictures of five fighters it said were involved in the attack.
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Thousands march through London to protest against Brexit vote Reuters - Thousands of demonstrators marched through central London yesterday in a raucous and colourful protest against last week’s referendum vote to leave the European Union. The marchers were nearly all young adults, and many were draped in EU flags while others waved banners bearing slogans such as “I’m with EU” or simply “Wrexit.” They chanted “what do we want to do? Stay in the EU,” as they headed towards the Westminster political district to a soundtrack of songs including Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will always Love You.” Buses full of tourists cheered and cars tooted their horns in support - although one van driver, invited to honk by the crowd, shouted “I’m for out.” Cries of “shame on you” rang out as the march halted briefly outside the Downing Street office of Prime Minister David Cameron, who had himself announced the referendum in 2013. Many taking part said they had been taken aback by the result of the vote. “I was genuinely stunned on the morning after the vote,” said Nathaniel Samson, 25, from Hertfordshire, north of London. “I feel deeply uncertain about my future,”
he added. “I’m on the march to voice my discontentment. I am accepting the result, but it’s to show that we won’t accept it quietly.” London voted 60 percent in favour of remaining in the EU in last Thursday’s referendum, with younger voters widely in favour of staying in the bloc, but the overall result was 51.9 percent in favour of leaving. The vote to leave has prompted a battle within the ruling Conservative party to succeed Prime Minister David Cameron who said he would resign after the result. The main opposition Labour Party has also turned on itself, with most of its lawmakers in parliament having voted to withdraw support for party leader Jeremy Corbyn after what they saw as his lacklustre contribution to the ‘Remain’ referendum campaign. Tom Clarke, 29, from London said: “I’m struggling to find the words to describe how I felt the morning after the vote. I was in mourning.” Italian Pamela Zoni, 34, who has lived in Britain for 6 years said she was very upset and having second thoughts about taking British citizenship. “I would like a second referendum,” she said. “The first campaign was based on lies, and the margin was so tight: it was not a fair result.” The demonstration ended peacefully with a rally outside parliament. No police estimate of the turnout was immediately avalable but one organiser put it at 50,000.
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Amla and Dwayne Bravo craft improbable victory with record stand ESPNCRICINFO - Five overs into the match in Portof-Spain, it looked like visiting side Barbados Tridents would be runaway winners. Then, Dwayne Bravo joined Hashim Amla at the crease, and the game changed. Dwayne Bravo and Amla came together with Trinbago Knight Riders 20 for 4 - with Brendon McCullum, Colin Munro, Darren Bravo and Umar Akmal already dismissed - and went on to record the highest ever fifth-wicket partnership in T20 cricket. Their stand of 150 came at almost ten to the over, eventually consigning Tridents to a 11-run defeat. Tridents put Knight Riders in, and struck their early blows through the left-arm spin of Akeal Hosein and pace of Ravi Rampaul. Hosein was
Dwayne Bravo © CPL/Sportsfile the first to break through, bowling the New Zealand pair of McCullum and Munro with balls that held their lines, before Rampaul had Darren Bravo and Akmal caught behind. The next bit of success
any Tridents bowler enjoyed came off the very last ball of the innings, when Amla was out for 81. His innings came off 54 balls and included four sixes, two of which came in his South Africa team-mate Wayne Parnell’s final over. That over, the 17th of the innings, went for 19 runs; Amla hit the second ball into the stands down the ground and hooked the third for six more. Dwayne Bravo hit four sixes of his own, in a knock of 66 not out off 46. The partnership was the highest for any wicket in the CPL. Tridents were off to a decent start in their chase, with Steven Taylor and Kyle Hope putting on 41, before Hope was lost just as the Powerplay concluded. That Taylor survived that long was down to a good chunk of luck in the
Sunday July 03, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Social activity should be on your agenda today. Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. Your charm will be captivating. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your determination may make you a little overbearing when dealing with others. Children may be less than honest with you. Learn some new skills that will increase your income. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs. Unpleasant situations concerning family members will be unnerving. You will have to be sure not to burn the candle at both ends. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Deception will play an important factor in relationships. False information from someone trying to start problems is likely. You may be experiencing emotional turmoil in regard to your mate. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Do something that will be stimulating and creative. Don't take your frustrations out on the ones you love. You will have the getup and go to contribute a great deal to groups of interest. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your best efforts will come through making changes in your home. Competitive games will be your forte. Someone you work with may be emotional.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Deception is probable if you don't use discrimination. You have done all you can to sort things out a personal level. Help an older member with a problem that faces them. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your relationship appears to be stressed out and depleted. You need to do your own thing and work on making yourself the best you can be. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Double-check before you go out. You can learn from those who have had similar experiences. It's a favorable time for real estate, investments, and moneymaking opportunities to be successful. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Concentrate on home improvement. Small details will make a difference. Be careful not to overexert yourself. It might be best to work on your own; if possible, do your job out of your home today. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Opportunities for new partnerships will develop through the organizations you encounter. You need activity. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Expand your knowledge and sign up for courses and seminars. Avoid getting trapped in internal disputes. Go on business trips if at all possible.
first over: off the second ball, Taylor skied one which fell in the middle of three fielders, before Munro dropped a straightforward chance at long-on - parrying it for six, to make matters worse for Knight Riders. But neither Taylor nor Hope could score at a rapid rate, a trend that continued with Shoaib Malik and AB de
Villiers. Malik managed to become the tenth player to 6000 T20 runs during his innings off 28 off 24, while de Villiers scratched his way to 12 off 14 before falling to that man Dwayne Bravo. Kieron Pollard registered a golden duck while attempting an ambitious shot off seamer Kevon Cooper, and with Sunil Narine at his miserly best, Knight Riders were in
control. The only real threat to them came from Nicholas Pooran, who slammed 33 off 12 from No. 6, but a run-out ended his challenge prematurely. Scores: Trinbago Knight Riders 170 for 5 (Amla 81, Dwayne Bravo 66*, Hosein 218) beatBarbados Tridents 159 for 8 (Taylor 37, Narine 2-21) by 11 runs.
Gayle, Williams engineer Tallawahs... (From page 74) done, and Allen saw out the over safely without the drama of a no-ball, to get Jamaica over the line. Thomas finished unbeaten on 25 from a mere seven balls. Earlier, Tallawahs lost Chadwick Walton in the first over for three with four runs on the board, lbw to a full length delivery from left-arm seamer Krishmar Santokie. The left-handed Gayle then added 48 for the second wicket with Sangakkara before posting another 22 for the third wicket with Rovman Powell who made just four. Gayle struck four fours and three sixes – two of which came in the eighth over from West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree – as he tried to accelerate the tempo. Sangakkara counted four fours before being run out in the seventh over and Powell never found his touch and was caught by Badree running back from slip, off leftarm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi in the tenth over.
Favorites Joseph... (From page 75) Collins 11/7, 11/2, 11/4 Victoria Arjoon defeated Makeda Harding 11/7, 11/4, 11/7 Men’s Plate Alex Cheeks defeated Darren Mc Donald 11/2, 11/2, 11/9 Daniel Islam beat Jonathan Antczak 11/3, 11/1, 11/9 Anthony Islam beat Medhi Ramdhani 9/11, 11/7, 11/6, 13/11 Alec Melville beat Rithew Saywack 11/9, 11/9, 11/9 Men’s Veterans Joe Mekdeci beat Douglas De Groot 11/4, 11/6, 11/7 Medhi Ramdhani defeated David Fernandes 8/11, 13/11, 11/7, 11/7 Garfield Wiltshire beat Javed Alli 11/6, 9/11, 12/10, 11/ 5 The tournament was scheduled for last night with the finals being played off today from 11.00hrs.
Shakib Al Hasan perished for seven in the 14th over at 93 for four and Gayle finally departed in in the 16th over when he scooped Thisara Perera to Badree at short third man. The innings then belonged to Russell who belted two fours and three sixes – two coming off Santokie in the 17th over which went for 18 runs – as Tallawahs finished strongly. In reply, Patriots lost Evin Lewis cheaply for eight at 12 for one in the second over from Williams before du Plessis anchored two stands to revive the innings.
The South African struck a four and a six and put on 39 for the second wicket with Simmons before adding a further 43 for the third wicket with Carter. Simmons blasted two fours and two sixes and looked to be teeing off when he was bowled by left-arm spinner Imad Wasim in the eighth over and Carter struck a four and two sixes in is 18ball cameo before advancing down to Shakib, missing his stroke and finding himself stumped. His dismissal triggered a slide and Patriots never recovered.
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Gayle, Williams engineer Defending champion Djokovic knocked out by Querrey at Wimbledon Tallawahs opening win LONDON (Reuters) Novak Djokovic is fallible after all, as American powerhouse Sam Querrey proved in stunning fashion to stop the Serb’s seemingly unstoppable charge towards a calendar year grand slam at a rain-hit Wimbledon on Saturday. The 28th seed boomed down 31 aces and repelled an attempted Djokovic comeback to win a thirdround match that began the previous evening 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 7-6(5). Top seed and defending champion Djokovic had trailed by two sets overnight after the Court One clash was stopped by rain on Friday. On the resumption, the Serb halved the deficit and served for the fourth set at 54, only for Querrey to break back. When yet another rain delay sent the players off court for an hour, Djokovic returned to hold serve but he
never looked comfortable in the tiebreak as Querrey went 6-4 ahead. One match point was saved but Djokovic shanked a forehand into the tramlines to end his 30-match winning streak in grand slam play — a run that meant he arrived at Wimbledon holding all four major titles. Defeat scuppered his hopes of becoming the first man to win all four majors in a year since Rod Laver in 1969 and was his first loss before the quarter-final of a major since the 2009 French Open when he also bowed out in the third round. “His game was brutal today, especially his serve,” the 12-times grand slam champion told reporters. “Well done to Sam, he overpowered me today.” Querrey showed great composure, saving 11 out of 12 break points in the fourth set, several with aces, as Djokovic tried everything to
take the match into a deciding set. It looked as though the pressure had told when he dropped serve in the ninth game, but he hit back immediately as Djokovic scooped a low volley into the net. The rain returned, but it could not douse Querrey’s fighting spirit and he completed his first victory over a current world number one. “ I t ’s i n c r e d i b l e , especially to do it at Wimbledon, the biggest tournament in the world,” he said. “I am so ecstatic right now, so happy and that’s about it.” “I think that today I played the break points really well. Every time he had a break point I was able to come up with a big serve. And in the end I just fought the tiebreak and got a couple of loose errors and that was it.”
BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Chris Gayle’s half-century headlined Jamaica Tallawah’s five-run victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, to send the hosts tumbling to their second defeat in three days, in the Caribbean Premier League here Saturday. The superstar opener stroked a top score of 51 off 36 deliveries as Tallawahs, sent in at Warner Park, finished on 153 for seven off their 20 overs. All-rounder Andre Russell arrived late to smash an unbeaten 34 from 20 balls while Sri Lankan stroke-maker Kumar Sangakkara chipped in with 26 from 21 balls. Opener Lendl Simmons then hit a run-aball 29 while captain Faf du Plessis and Jonathan Carter both scored 27, as Patriots got up to 94 for two in the 13th over at one stage. But unheralded seamer Kesrick Williams, who finished with three for 23, triggered a slide which saw five wickets fall for 25 runs as Patriots staggered to 119 for seven in the 19th over. Patriots started the final over needing an improbable 30 runs to win, and Devon Thomas sent shockwaves through the Tallawahs camp when he blasted 22 runs off the first five deliveries from fast bowler Timroy Allen – including three consecutive sixes. However, the damage had already been (Continued on page 73)
Jamaica Tallawahs captain smashes a six during his top score of 51 against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on Saturday. (Photo courtesy CPL)
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Sunday July 03, 2016
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Digicel Senior National Squash Championships
Favorites Joseph, Arjune, Jeffery advance Day three of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) Digicel Senior National Squash Championships at the Georgetown Club on Friday saw action in the Men’s Open category with favorites, defending Champion Nyron Joseph, number one seed Alex Arjune and Kristian Jeffery all sitting in winner’s row after the completion of the night’s proceedings. Yesterday’s action was divided into two parts and in the early session Javed Alli defeated Joe Mekdeci 11/6, 5/11, 11/7, 11/8 and Garfield Wiltshire beat Douglas De Groot 11/9, 11/5, 11/7 in the opening round of the Plate matches in the Veterans category. In the first Men’s quarter finals Kristian Jeffrey proved too good for Raphael De Groot winning in straight sets 11/6, 11/5, 11/7. Jason Ray Khalil sneaked past Regan Pollard
Kristian Jeffery (left) beat Raphael DeGroot 3-0 on Friday night. (Sean Devers Photo) in a close first game 11/8 and an even closer second game 11/9. By this time Pollard was totally exhausted but still fought hard before losing the third game 7/11. Alex Arjoon would prove to be too strong for Javed Alli, winning
comfortably 11/5, 11/6, 11/1. In the final quarter final match for the evening, defending champion Nyron Joseph was up against Ben Mekdeci. Spectators were looking forward to a close game between these two players but on this day
Jason Khalil (left) beat a pumped up Regan Pollard on Friday night. (Sean Devers photo) Nyr on would prove to be too good. He was a straight set winner 11/2, 11/8, 11/8. In the two veterans matches were played yesterday Javed Alli defeated Joe Mekdeci 11/6, 5/11, 11/7, 11/8 and Garfield
Wiltshire beat Douglas De Groot 11/9, 11/5, 11/7 Results from Friday night: Men’s Open Kristian Jeffrey defeated Raphael De Groot 11/6, 11/5, 11/7 Jason Ray Khalil beat
Regan Pollard 11/8, 11/9, 11/7 Alex Arjoon defeated Javed Alli 11/5, 11/6, 11/1 Nyron Joseph beat Ben Mekdeci 11/2, 11/8, 11/8 Women’s Plate Rebecca Low beat Maya (Continued on page 73)
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Blake prevails in Olympic trials after injured Bolt withdraws KINGSTON (Reuters) Yohan Blake won Jamaica’s men’s 100 meters Olympic trials in 9.95 seconds on Friday after world and Olympic champion Usain Bolt pulled out minutes before the final with a hamstring injury. Bolt handed in a medical exemption after aggravating in Friday’s semi-finals a right hamstring injury that he had sustained Thursday night. Blake had to stave off a false start, which was wrongfully charged to him by the team of starters, who took back the red card in favour of a yellow card that was charged to the field. Running in lane four, Blake held his nerve on the second time of asking, beating Nickel Ashmeade (9.96s) to the line by one hundreds of a second. Newcomer Jevaughn Minzie, training partner of
(L-R) Jevaughn Minzie, Usain Bolt, Senoj-Jay Givans and Dexter Lee in action during men’s 100m semi-final race. (REUTERS/GILBERT BELLAMY) Bolt and Blake, ended third in a personal best 10.02secs,
while former world record holder Asafa Powell was
fourth in 10.03 seconds. “God is alive. A lot of people didn’t think I’d be back but watch here, I am.” an elated Blake said. “It has been a struggle (batting back from hamstring injuries)...I wanted to go faster but because of the tragedy that was going on at the start I couldn’t because I had to conserve and be cautious,” the 2011 world champion told Reuters. Bolt’s withdrawal does not affect his participation in the Rio Olympics, where he is expected to defend his 100 and 200 meter titles. Unlike the United States, where the first three finishers in the trials win Olympic berths, Jamaica’s selection
policy allows medical exemptions. Bo l t h a d c l o c k e d 10.04 seconds to win the first semi-final after a poor start and was due to square off in the final against Blake. Elaine Thompson stormed to women’s 100 meter final win, clocking 10.70secs to equal two-time defending Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s national record while punching her ticket to Rio. Thompson was in destructive form after taking control of the final after 30 meters to win ahead of Fraser-Pryce who clocked 10.93 seconds. Their training partner Christania Williams, 21,
came third with a career best 10.97 seconds. “It’s been a wonderful season from the start and coming to this trials to make my first Olympic team with a p e r s o n a l b e s t I c a n ’t complain as you see I’m actually crying right now, “ Thompson told Reuters. She also had words of encouragement for Fraser-Pryce, who has struggled with a toe injury all year. “I know Shelly-Ann Frase r - P r y c e w a s n ’ t healthy and c o m i n g out year you have to be tough and she w a s d e t e r m i n e d and came out and book her spot to the Olympics,” t h e world 200m silver medalist said.
Hamstrung Bolt hopes to... (From page 78) with a Grade 1 tear,” Bolt said on his official Facebook account. “I have submitted a medical exemption to be excused from the 100m final and the remainder of the National Championships. “I will seek treatment immediately and hope to show fitness at the London Anniversary Games on July 22 to earn selection for the Olympic Games in Rio,” the two-time Olympic 100 meter and 200 meter gold medalist added. Bolt had clocked 10.04 seconds to win semi-final one after a poor start. His withdrawal does not mean he would miss the Rio Olympics, where Bolt is expected to defend his 100 and 200 meter titles.
Unlike the United States, where the first three finishers in the trials win Olympic berths, Jamaica’s selection policy allows medical exemptions. His coach Glen Mills told Reuters that efforts were made since Thursday night to get Bolt ready for Friday’s semi-final and final. “The therapist did a good job working on him but in a couple of hours to come and run, he felt it again,” Mills said. “Hamstring injuries are always serious. The fact that he couldn’t run, showed it is serious, but we’ll see what happens between now and (the Olympics),” Mills said at trackside after another of his charge, Blake, won the trial. Bolt also posted a photo of receiving treatment on his instagram page.
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Sunday July 03, 2016
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Jaguars looking to even the score with Reggae Boys on October 5th When the Golden Jaguars and the Reggae Boys clash on October 5th 2016 in the Scotia Bank’s sponsored Caribbean Football Championship, the Jaguars will be looking to even the score with the Reggae Boys. So far the two countries have clashed seven times at the Senior International Level with the Reggae Boys winning three, two draws and Guyana winning two. Statistician Charwayne Walker today gives a brief history between Guyana and Jamaica at the Senior International Level. International football rivalry between Guyana, formerly British Guiana and Jamaica begun 69 years ago, November 1947. Playing under the captaincy of Maurice Pollard, the land of the majestic Kaieteur Falls defeated Jamaica two – nil at the Queens Park Savannah November 7, 1947. The teams were contesting an International Triangular Series that also included host Trinidad and Tobago. The Goal scorers for the Land of Many Waters were Cecil “Brusier” Thomas and Hamel Smith. In the second game of the round Robin Series, the two teams played to a nil all draw at the same venue. The historic British Guiana Squad read: Maurice Pollard - Captain, Cecil “Brusier” Thomas, Hamel Smith, Ted Nurse, Egbert
Vangenderen, R. Small, M. Dasilva, L. McCluggan, A. Harris, Man Man De Souza, L. Parkes, John Nestor, A. Adams, A. Baptiste, N. Roberts, J. Teixeira and J. F. Gonsalves – Manager. The Jamaican starting X1- 1947 read Garcia, Da Costa, Wills, Bayliss, Parke, Mc Lean, Hall, Mackenzie, Mason and Holt. The next time the two countries meet in an International match was twelve (12) years later, March 1959 in a Quadrangular Series in Tr i n i d a d . T h e Te a m s contesting the series were Trinidad and Tobago, British Guiana, Jamaica and Barbados. Please note this tournament was used to select players for the first West Indies Football Team tour to the United Kingdom in July 1959. The Land of Many Waters playing under the Captaincy of Hubert (Senor) Braithwaite held Jamaica to a two all draw at the Queens Park Savannah. Jamaica scored an own goal, while Patsy Pieters netted the other British Guiana goal. The 1959 British Guiana Squad read – Hubert (Senor) Braithwaite (Captain), Compton ‘the Surgeon’ Julian, George Green, Monty Hope, Lewis ‘Water Boat’ Weithers, Syd Campbell, N. Devonish, C. Stewart, H. Mc Gowan, H. Bourne, Patsy Pieters, Harold Blenman, K. Hinds
and H. D’Andrade. The fourth International, the two countries contested was thirteen (13) years later, November 1973. Guyana this time playing under the captaincy of Thomas U n i t e d ’s , K e n G i b b s , triumphed two (2) goals to one (1) at GFC under lights. Goals scorers for Guyana were Rudolph (Chow) Hunte and Godfrey (Poulis) Norville, while Carlton Smith netted Jamaica’s lone goal. The 1973 Jamaican National Football squad read – Ve s t e r C o n s t a n t i n e (Captain), Derek Dennister, Peter Marston, Carlton Smith, William Welch, Devon Jeffrey, Miguel Blair, Rennie Phillips (Senior), Harold Walker, Karl Largie, Jeffrey Maxwell, Dexter Plummer, Michael Reid, Lloyd Mc Lean, Delroy Hinds, Joseph McFarlane & George Prescott (Manager). Please note this was the last time Guyana beat Jamaican in International Soccer. The 1973 team comprised of Geronimo Braithwaite, Desmond Marshall, Michael Shepherd, Kenrick Bowery, Robert Alleyne, Simeon Andrews, Dennis Solomon, Vibert ‘Cardo’ Williams, Michael Rogers and George Greene (Coach). It took eighteen (18) years for the two countries to contest their next International match, May 1 9 9 1 . G u y an a led b y
Nishikori eases past Kuznetsov to set up Cilic showdown
(Reuters) With minimum fuss Japan’s Kei Nishikori brushed past Andrey Kuznetsov 7-5 6-3 7-5 on Saturday to advance to a fourth-round Wimbledon showdown with Marin Cilic. The fifth seed won 7-5 6-3 7-5 to the delight of a patient contingent of Japanese fans who had sat wrapped up against the drizzle on Court Three through a lengthy break between the second and third sets. Nishikori, 26, beat Kuznetsov in straight sets in the second round at the French Open and once again the swashbuckling Russian, 25, failed to find a way to counter the Japanese
Japan’s Kei Nishikori in action against Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov at Wimbledon. (REUTERS/TOBY MELVILLE) player ’s baseline aggression and solid defence. He broke Nishikori’s service in the third set after a first rain delay to go 3-0 up but lost his own after a second shorter pause and, racking up the unforced errors, never got back on top.
Nishikori next meets ninth seed Cilic who beat him in the 2014 U.S. Open final. Although Cilic dashed his hopes of a first Asian men’s grand slam title, Nishikori has a 7-3 advantage over the tall Croatian in head-to-heads.
The then British Guiana team which contested the 1947 football tournament where they faced Jamaica. Michael Mckinnon took a six (6) nil mauling at the National Stadium in Kingston, the match was part of the 1991 Shell Cup Finals. The 1991 National Squad for the Shell Caribbean Cup Finals readMichael Mckinnon (Captain), Michael Massiah, Nigel Massiah, Linden Layne, Lerone Bailey, Phillip Carrington, Donald Joseph, Clairmonte Bobb,
Colin McNicholls, Anthony Stanton, Christopher Barnwell (Senior), Russel Persaud, Dexter Haynes, Keith London, Kevin Archer, Orin Accra, Peter Hinds, Terrence (Old Head) Lewis and Gordon Braithwaite – Coach. After a nineteen (19) years hiatus the two countries meet again at the International Level, this time in the Digicel Cup Finals in Basseterre Guadeloupe and
again the Reggae Boys were victorious this time by four (4) goals to nil. The last time the countries meet at the International Level, Jamaica triumphed one nil in May 2012 in Montego Bay giving the Reggae Boys a 3-2 advantage over the Golden Jaguars in International Soccer matches contested since 1947. Will this change on October 5th 2016? Only time will tell!
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Sunday July 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U17 League – Georgetown
Alpha, Conquerors, GFC in winner’s row; Santos and Eastveldt draw From right, Julian Bamfield, Shemuel Casper and Ryan Ramsey - Alpha United FC.
Jermaine Garrett - Fruta Conquerors FC
Cecil Jackman - Fruta Conquerors FC
Alpha United, Fruta Conquerors and Georgetown Football Club all turned in flawless performances, while Santos and Eastveldt battled to a draw when action in the inaugural GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League continued yesterday in the capital city, Georgetown. Competing at the Tucville ground, not even the soggy conditions could have deterred the future stars of Guyana from displaying their skills even though conditions were heavy. The players were out to battle for their clubs and themselves in order to challenge for the top prize and bragging rights. When the day’s activities
came to a close, Alpha United downed Camptown 4-2 in the feature match, Fruta Conquerors blanked Pele 6-0, Georgetown Football Club (GFC) were too much for Order and Discipline to handle winning 5-0, while Santos and Eastveldt battled to a 2-2 stalemate. The Alpha / Camptown kicked off with the latter not at full strength which Alpha took advantage of as they had three players more than their opponents. Eight minutes into the match, Alpha nosed ahead when Julian Bamfield sent his shot sailing into the far corner even as the Camptown players and fans appealed for offside. But despite falling behind, Camptown fought back as they tried to keep
their opponents at bay whilst engineering a few counter attacks of their own. In the 28th minute a well directed free kick taken by the lanky Shane Jones sailed over the outstretched hands o f A l p h a ’s c u s t o d i a n Ricardo Harlequin to even the score at 1-1. Camptown surprised their opponents when they took the lead in the 46th minute, operating at full strength now, Marlo Stewart rocking the nets. Camptown’s joy of taking the lead was however short-lived as Alpha evened things up thanks to a
GCUC to host interaction today in observance of 45th anniversary The Guyana Cricket Umpires Council will be hosting a church service and interaction today at Union Building, Woolford Avenue in observance of its 45th anniversary starting from 09:30hrs. Following is a detailed programme of the event: 1. Welcome – President D. Somwaru 2. National Pledge 3. Prayers 4. National Anthem 5. Charge – Bro. J. Neblette 6. Presentation – A historical overview of the GCUC – Bro. H. Cunha 7. Minutes silence for members who have passed 8. Greetings from: a. Berbice Umpires Association b. Demerara Umpires and Scorers Association c. Essequibo Umpires Association d. WICUA e. GCB f. GCA g. others 9. Benediction 10. Lunch/Interaction Members are asked to be on time to facilitate a prompt start.
Shemuel Casper goal. Thereafter it was all one way traffic as Alpha turned up the heat which saw them scoring two unanswered goals, both coming off the boot of Ryan Ramsey in the 57th from the penalty spot, a retaken shot (both scoring) and the 67th minute which sealed the deal. Fruta Conquerors was in a no nonsense mood in their 6-0 demolition of Pele; a double each was scored by Jermaine Garrett, Cecil Jackman and Luchort Forde. Garrett rocked the nets in the 9th and 50th minute; Jackman was on target in the
11th and 41st while Forde hit the network in the 16th and 52nd. GFC took 48 minutes to stamp their seal on their encounter with Order and Discipline which they won 5-0. Converting goals were Matthew in the 9th minute, Reuben miller in the 16th, Randy Smartt one minute later, Rondel Peters in the 21st and Matthew Lythe three minutes into the second half. Santos had to dig deep in order to earn an equal share of the points against Eastveldt which took the lead in the 13th minute on
account of Carl Lynch first of two goals. Eastveldt enjoyed the lead for some time as Santos were only able to equalize in the 52nd minute compliments of a Teon Forde goal. But as soon as Santos drew level, Eastveldt regained the lead one minute later when Lynch completed his double. Santos was able to find the equalizing goal for the second time in the match when Naseem Algermon hit the back of the nets in the 61st minute to walk away with an even share of the points.
Hamstrung Bolt hopes to prove fitness in London to secure Rio spot KINGSTON (Reuters) Usain Bolt confirmed suffering a grade one hamstring tear at Jamaica’s Olympic trials on Friday but the star sprinter expects to secure his place at the Rio Games by proving his fitness at the London Anniversary Games later this month. Bolt withdrew from the final of the men’s 100 meters after Friday night’s semi-finals as Yohan Blake went on to win the trial in 9.95 seconds. “After feeling discomfort in my hamstring after the first round last night (Thursday) and then again in the semi-final tonight (Friday) I was examined by the Chief Doctor of the National Championships and diagnosed (Continued on page 76)
Treatment to the injured hamstring of Usain Bolt began immediately as posts on his facebook account shows. The track star will hope to be ready for Rio. (Usain Bolt/Facebook)
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 03, 2016
PAGE 83
Guyana begin campaign for CBC U16 title tonight
Guyana will begin its campaign to secure the male Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championship title and a place in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Wo r l d C h a m p i o n s h i p s tonight against Aruba at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The male and female CBC U-16 Championships will be held during July 3-16,
Jermain King 2016 with 10 teams competing in the male Championships. All the teams are in Guyana and The M i n i s t r y o f To u r i s m officially welcomed them last night at a Cocktail Reception at Colgrain
Zion Gray House. The top three teams in both male and female Championships will qualify for the FIBA U-17 World Championships. Guyana is in Group B with Aruba, Jamaica, Suriname and
Shamar France Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana is scheduled to play Aruba in the featured game tonight at 8:30pm after an Opening Ceremony that is on the programme for 7:45pm. Group A features Antigua
Jordan Alphonso
Akeem Crandon
and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Dominica. The first game today begins at 1pm with Bahamas taking on Antigua and Barbuda in Group A, while
Barbados play BVI in the second game and Jamaica take on Suriname in the third game before the Opening Ceremony and massive Guyana vs. Aruba showdown.
Olympic Day 2016 Triathlon - 14 year-olds rule the roost
Alex Winter topples male defending champ; Amy Grant takes back to back titles The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) staged its 4th annual Individual Triathlon competition as one of the Olympic Day 2016 activities yesterday and saw 14 year-old swimmers, Alex Winter and Amy Grant taking the male and female top spots, respectively, Grant
being the lone female competitor. The event started off with swimming 750m at the National Aquatic Centre, Lilliendaal. The biking stage was 10km and the running leg was 5km. Defending male champion Noel Culpepper
was looking to make a triple as the individual male triathlon champion but he was toppled by debutant Winter who stopped him from adding a third year in a row. Winter, a third form student at St. Stanislaus College and member of the
St. Ambrose overcome St. Angela’s St. Ambrose defeated St. Angela’s by three runs when the National Sports Commission 50 shades of games primary schools Wi n d b a l l c o m p e t i t i o n continued recently in
Georgetown. Batting first in the male division, St. Ambrose managed 46-1 with Akalem Griffith scoring 30 and Peter Macey 10. St. Angela’s replied with 43-4.
Antonio Mc Arthur got 15; Stephan Hope took 210. Bel Air beat Winfer Gardens by two runs in the female segment. Bel Air took first strike and managed 58 without loss. Sharon James made 53. Winfer Gardens got to 56-6 in reply. Jermain Lambert made 15; Ravin Singh claimed 28. Grahams Hall edged Sophia by one run. Grahams Hall posted 74-1 with Anthony Geer scoring 33 and Joshua Grootfaam 26. Sophia mad 73-2 in reply. Germaine Stewart got 33 and Ronaldo Austin 31.
Dorado Speed Swim Club was first out of the pool and continued his relentless work on the bicycle to stay in front. The title was all Winter’s to take as he went into the running leg leaving his challengers behind with a lead that Culpepper didn’t manage to pull back. Culpepper, who entered the competition with a leg injury, had to settle for second place. Coming in third was Mario Brummell while last year’s 3rd place finisher, Silas Brummell, placed 4 t h . Grant, who is a third form student at The Bishops’ High School, successfully defended her champion title in the female category as the lone competitor to contest this grueling event. Grant had to scratch three events one month ago in the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Independence Swim Meet due to a viral infection. She had entered hoping that the illness would
Alex Winter (left) and Amy Grant, GOA’s Olympic Day Triathlon male and female winners. not completely take her over but had to pull out due to doctor’s orders. However, she was able to set two records in the grueling 200m Butterfly and the brutal 400 IM both done on the same day. Grant did not have the opportunity to prepare for the competition but only
participated on her ability to fight and a motivation from the desire to make her second time in the competition a repeat of 2015 and she achieved the double. The GOA congratulated all the participants as well as the individuals who assisted to make the event a success.
t r o Sp GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U17 League – Georgetown
Alpha, Conquerors, GFC in winner’s row; Santos and Eastveldt draw
Alpha’s Julian Bamfield scores the first goal against Camptown whose goalie De Andre Smith is well beaten. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Defending champion Djokovic knocked out by Querrey at Wimbledon
Blake prevails in Olympic trials after injured Bolt withdraws
USA’s Sam Querrey in action against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon. (REUTERS/PAUL CHILDS)
Guyana begin campaign for CBC U16 title tonight
Winner Yohan Blake (L) and Nickel Ashmeade in action during men’s 100m final race. (REUTERS/GILBERT BELLAMY)
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