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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

Crime Is Strangling Society No sooner had the police announced that violent crime is under control, and assuming that the announcement was heard by all, than the criminals indicate that they are not threatened by the authority. Shortly after the announcement, a series of armed robberies and four murders took place in open defiance of the police declaration. Sadly, two of the most gruesome murders occurred at Best Village, West Coast Demerara when 27-year-old Suresh Ganesh murdered his 37-year-old wife, Vanessa Sookram and his two-year-old son, Joel Ganesh. All across the country, crime is strangling society. Criminals have become so emboldened that they no longer wait for the cover of darkness to commit crimes. Some are seen cradling their guns as they walk the streets. It is unfortunate that this is the reality in some communities which are under siege. Too many guns are in the hands of youths, too many of whom are dying senselessly at a young age. The nation has reached a tipping point where it is evident that the strategies being utilized by the Police to stem crime are not working. Gang violence, armed robberies and murders continue to strangle society. Efforts by the police to tackle and reduce them have failed. The joint police-army patrols which were introduced a year ago were viewed positively by the people as asserting the rules of the law. They were desperately needed to ease the fear of the citizens, many of whom are cowering daily under the violence that has shattered their communities. Their sense of relief and appreciation has been profound and they wanted the joint army-police patrols to stay indefinitely. However, that was not what the government had promised but the joint patrol continue to maintain their presence in the communities while a permanent solution is found to solve crime. As bad as the crime situation is right now, and as improbable as solutions might seem, the public believes that it is not beyond the capability of law enforcement to reduce this scourge permanently. After all, this is why the people have decided to cooperate with the police by providing them with information on criminal activities in their communities. The fact that some communities are rife with crime raises questions about the effectiveness of the police crime fighting techniques. Many believe that the joint patrol is not as effective as they had first thought. With this year’s murder rate exceeding the number of murders during the same period last year seems on course for statistical infamy. The people are depending on the government and the police to reduce crime and make their communities safe. Inevitably greater than normal stigma descends on the community whenever a murder takes place. However, the soldiers and police alone cannot solve this scourge. If the government is serious about reducing the crime rate, then it must not only focus on putting the criminals behind bars. It needs to carefully examine the policy failures that are causing youths to gravitate toward a life of gang and criminal activities. Studies have shown that most crimes are committed by youths who have dropped out of school and have fallen by the wayside.Many are poor, jobless and are from single family and broken homes without male role models. They commit crimes in order to survive. To change the dynamic, strong and transformative leadership is required. The solution to reducing crime is not the militarization of the communities or the imprisonment of the youths. What is needed is prison reform and the socialization of youths into believing that they can make a positive contribution to society. Schools, churches, the government, the private sector, parents and all stakeholders must be involved in the reform and socialization process.

Sunday July 10, 2016

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

AN INSIDE JOB AT GRA DEAR EDITOR; I am responding to a letter published in your newspaper, Kaieteur News on July 9, 2016, entitled “Mr. Lucas has abused his authority at GRA”. I will not address insinuations that come from an anonymous person. However, I feel that there is a need for the public to understand the context in which I deliver service to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as its Board Chairman. Before detailing my response, I must say that I am aware that you checked out these allegations, but still went ahead and published these falsities. In that regard, I am asking you not to change the title of my letter. I will start by pointing out that I am paid a monthly stipend of G$10,500 which is equivalent to US$51.00 by GRA after taxes are deducted. Please note that I pay taxes on the stipend. That amount is not even close to the minimum wage, but I accepted it because of the confidence that was placed in me to help make GRA a better place for staff and taxpayers. I use the stipend that I get to buy gas and pay for basic maintenance of the car that I drive. GRA does not buy gas for me. It offered to do so and I refused the offer. I turn in the vehicle to GRA whenever I am not using it. I also wish to state that, at the beginning of my term, GRA offered me benefits far greater than the stipend I receive and I refused them too. Editor, you checked it out but you went ahead and published this letter with these false claims. Further, while the Board meets once per month, GRA sends substantial amounts of work to me on a daily basis which requires my attention and preparation for Board meetings and other engagements. On occasions, the management of GRA requests my presence at its headquarters for meetings as often as three times per week. I comply because of what I see as the genuine efforts of elements of the organization’s management to bring positive changes to the entity. Consequently, the issues of convenience and cost come into play. Not only will I have to give up my personal time waiting for transportation to visit GRA headquarters, but under those circumstances, I will end up spending more money than the monthly stipend. While I am prepared to serve the administration and to go the extra mile as necessary, I do not think that I should be expected to subsidize the government. It is in that context that the convenience of the car which I drive and the facilities provided become very important. Editor, you knew that but preferred to ignore it in acquiescing to publish this letter. The staff at the GRA headquarters is already cramped for work and storage space and it would have been imprudent and inconsiderate of me to inconvenience the staff further by occupying space there. What the letter fails to tell the public is that the space that I occupy at

Critchlow Labour College is free of cost to the government. Judging from the allegations in the letter, it is obvious too that the writer has scant regard for taxpayers’ privacy and confidentiality by questioning the presence of filing cabinets in my office which are used to protect government documents and communications. Taxpayers ought to know that the office of the Board Secretary was broken into in an attempt to access sensitive and confidential taxpayer information which comes before the Board. GRA had to take extra measures to protect the office of the Board Secretary and its information from its own staff since the act was considered an inside job. I therefore do not have anything further to say about trust and confidentiality at GRA and the extent to which staff members are harassed to violate taxpayers’ privacy. I hardly believe that taxpayers would quarrel with the government giving me a stipend of G$10,500 and cold water to drink. Taxpayers ought to know also that every item that is put in the refrigerator is purchased by me. And just to put the record straight, I do not have a sofa in my office and the

GRA never gave me a sofa. I do not have a TV in my office, much less a 50" TV. GRA never gave me a TV. Visitors to my office must be confused now as to whom the Chairman of the GRA is, for they would have never seen or experienced the convenience of those supposed facilities. In the instances where I was given property, they remain the property of the Government of Guyana and will be returned to it once I am finished using them. I requested support from GRA to have GRA’s work done and I was given the support. My assistant and I spend an inordinate amount of time dealing with GRA matters. It would have been difficult for me to understand and address much of the challenges of the organization at GRA Board meetings and to meet the many demands made of me by its management and others in the government without the valuable input of my assistant. The issues are plentiful and thorny and her effort at analysing and summarizing documents, at researching issues and at developing briefs, is of invaluable help to me. While I might not be compensated adequately for my efforts, I remain motivated by the (Continued on page 8)

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Oldendorff is an anti-union company DEAR EDITOR; A number of foreign and local Company operating in Guyana do not show respect to their workers’ rights and/ or trade Unions that are elected by the said workers and also these companies in many instances don’t show respect to the Ministry of Social Protection’s Labour Department since many times when the Ministry of Labour rtequest these Companies to attend meetings at the Ministry office to address complaints made by workers or the workers Unions the management either don’t turn up or they send junior manager(s) who cannot make decisions on behalf of these Companies or they walkout of the meetings before it is concluded etc. which the PU&GWU sees as a big form disrespect to the Ministry which has a legal mandate to fulfill which is to ensures that Companies who are operating in Guyana respect the labour laws of Guyana and the rights of workers as provided and clearstipulated in the constitution laws of Guyana. Editor, Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI/ RUSAL) in May 2009 suspend workers who protested unsafe working conditions; in December 2009 there was the dismissal of 57 workers who were engaged in strike action for increased wages and improved working conditions, in November 2010 there was the dismissal of workers who protested BCGI’s cockroach and rat-infested kitchen, and the use of expired food items to prepare their meals.” The Company’s Managing Director, Mr. Ruslan

Volokhov wrote the then Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir, informing him that the Company had terminated the collective labour agreement and also derecognized the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU). It has stuck to this lawless position which is a breach of Article 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act. The then APNU/AFC joint parliamentary opposition party brought up the matter before the house requesting that Mr. Manzoor Nadir, the then Minister of Labour to have the matter addressed but no action was taken by the government as he did not fulfill his duty on the matter. Further on the then APNU/AFC joint party campaign trail they had promised the people of Linden and the said dismissed workers that they will address the matter if they win May 15, 2015, general election which they won but the APNU+AFC Government is yet to address the matter. Oldendorff Carriers Guyana Inc. (OCGI) Transshipment Company which is contracted to transship bauxite for BCGI/RUSAL operates in an anti-union manner and as if the Company is above the laws of Guyana for e.g., on the morning (June 25, 2015) the PU&GWU received numerous complaints from Mines Site Riggers/workers (OCGI Guyanese workers who fall within the Union Bargaining Unit/Union members) that they were abused by Expatriate Mr. Volodymyr Vatrych- Superintendent, OCGI Office Aroaima Mines

Site, and his action was suspected to be supported by Expatriate Mr. Victor OlinOCGI, River Manager (his boss). The complaint received are following: Mr. Vatrych perversely instructed and give additional work to the Riggers that are not their rightful duty or fall within their job classification which is as follows; pick up garbage, wash down, weed grass ,clean yard and paint the buildings etc. and last night(June 24, 2015) when the Rigger were instructed by Mr. Vatrych to do said additional duties the Riggers rejected and stated that the instructions are out of order since it is not in keeping with their classification since a Rigger’s duty is to perform work on board oil rigs ,(in the case of OCGI) cargo barrages losing and tying of raps etc. Mr. Vatrych in response to the Riggers stated that, “you all are uneducated so as your (APNU+ACF) Government because your Government not has run a bauxite company on its own they had to bring in a foreign Company(RUSAL) to do same and I am not fearful in anyway of your Government because I am from Ukraine and also Victor Olin will be coming up at this mines site this coming Friday to deal with you all “. By letter dated June, 25, 2015 the PU&GWU wrote to the Company General Manager, Mr. Pau; Mohnre questioning that the Company dismiss Mr. Vatrych due to his lawless statements and actions towards the workers but the company instead put some of the work-

ers on the breadline and to date Mr. Vatrych is still employed and conducts his normal duty as Superintendent, at the Aroaima mines site. Over the year Oldendorff has imposed starvation wages/salary’s increases on workers’ without signing or reaching a wages/salary agreement with the Union which is in breach of Article 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act. But the PU&GWU will not accept the Company’s lawless behaviour this year (2016) if the parties do not reach any agreement on wages for the year 2016. The Union will send the matter to arbitration for determination. On February 2014 Mr.Winworth Blair was wrongfully dismissed by the management of Bauxite Company in linden BOSAI after he was given time off to deal with an emergency at his home in Retrieve, Linden. Moreover Mr. Blair took the matter to the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) which is the bargaining agent for the workers at BOSAI but due to the Union’s failure to have the matter legally addressed, Mr. Blair had brought the matter to the PU&GWU which he is an executive member of the PU&GWU. Mr. Blair told the PU&GWU that he had requested and was granted time off from the job to dispose of a dead cat in the ceiling of his home sometime around February 8th last year. He said that he left his workplace at East Montgomery Mine around 7.30A.M in (Continued on page 8)

Ogunseye is mixing up his facts DEAR EDITOR; I refer to a letter from Mr. Ralph Ramkarran captioned “It was the mistake of the WPA....” published in the SN of July 9th, 2016. It is most disturbing that one Tacuma Ogunseye seemed to be mixing up his facts and thus I want to point him specifically to the SN front-page article written by Anand Persaud (now Editor but who was then a Reporter) dated October 22, 1992. People like Dr. Roger Forbes Luncheon and Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, were in the thick of things during those faithful negotiations and are still around today, so why are we not asking them for guidance on the facts. Rather, a very determined effort is being made to publicly distort these facts? Is this how Ogunseye plan to close his innings? Castigated as a historical revisionist? Under the 1980 constitu-

tion, 53 MPs were directly elected with national seats, 2 MPs came from the National Congress of Local Democratic Organs (NCLDO) through the Supreme Congress of the People, and 10 from the Regional Democratic Councils (RDC). Totaling 65 MPs. The PPP/C won 28 of those 53 national seats, 5 regional seats and was confident of 1 of the 2 NCLDO seats by the fact that they won 53.5% of the popular vote. This would have brought their total in the Parliament to 34 seats. Basic arithmetic illustrates that 34 is a comfortable majority of 65. Under the then 1980 Constitution, any party with 33 seats and more could have formed a government and passed laws in the Parliament. So let us bury that myth, that the WPA was needed to secure the majority for Dr. Jagan in 1992. The PNC won

23 of those 53 national seats (with 42.3% of the popular vote) and 3 regional seats (totaling 26 seats). The WPA with 6,068 votes won 1 national seat. That left 1 national seat, 2 regional seats (Region 8 and 9), and 1 NCLDO seat to be decided upon but this process had nothing to do with the PPP securing the majority. GECOM under Rudy Collins allocated the 53rd national seat to the TUF based on a process of the highest left over votes. The TUF got 0.55 of that 53rd seat compared with the PNC 0.42, PPP/ C 0.33 and WPA 0.06. This entire process was scrutinized by one of Guyana’s most brilliant sons – Haslyn Parris on behalf of the PNC, who had a front seat in the entire process. Upon winning that one seat, Mr. Manzoor Nadir immediately facilitated a process that allowed Eugene La

Cruz from the PPP/C to secure the Region 9 (Rupununi) seat, giving the PPP its 35th seat. The WPA also reached an agreement with the PPP/C on the Region 8 seat and the remaining NCLDO. The PPP supported the WPA in order for Bagot Paul from the WPA to sit in the Parliament on behalf of Region 8. In return, the WPA supported the PPP to secure the final NCLDO seats. The final tally from the 1992 elections were – PPP/C - 36 seats; PNC – 26 seats; WPA – 2 seats and TUF -1 seat. Let the record show that Guyana was saved from Zimbabwean status because sons of Guyana like former President Desmond Hoyte, Rudy Collins, and Haslyn Parris served with the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and honesty during those critical October days in 1992. Sase Singh

Remembering the Son Chapman DEAR EDITOR; Last Wednesday, 52 years have passed since that fateful day when more than forty of Linden’s own were massacred on the Demerara River as they travelled home on the Son Chapman launch at 1600 hours on Monday, July 6, 1964. It has been said that ‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.’ How very true! The men, women, and children who died on the Son Chapman 52 years ago live on in the hearts and minds of their families and friends. AND the people of Linden. Many of us alive today never knew the men, women, and children of the Son Chapman massacre. Yet, we remember them and reflect on their experience because - by their deaths - we have an example of what hatred and brutality can lead to...senseless loss of life and endless suffering. Incidents such as the

Son Chapman massacre and the July18 Tragedy of 2012 must never again occur. We must take the lessons taught by tragedies such as these to guide our actions in the here and now. For our society to allow such tragedies to reoccur would be indicative of our collective unwillingness to learn and grow as a society. The survivors of the Son Chapman - 6 crewmen and 26 passengers - must also be remembered for they represent God’s never ending mercy and the resilience of the people of Linden. This experience has made us stronger. The people of this region are known for staring adversity in the face and have overcome. May God rest the souls of the men, women, and children of the Son Chapman. And may God bless the people of Linden and Region 10. Sharma Solomon

Gail Texeira failed miserably DEAR EDITOR; Kindly permit me a space in your newspaper to register my rebuttal against the Honourable Gail Texiera MP who held a press conference on July 6, 2016 and spoke on the Old Age Pension of which she made it a controversy. I say controversy because it is Madam Texeira and the PPP that are in public disagreement while the APNU AFC government is adhering to the Laws of Guyana. To begin with, the Honourable Gail Texiera agrees that approval must first be granted to an applicant for the non-contributory old age pension in Guyana which is provided for under the Poor Relief Law. This confirms that old age pension is a gift to the applicant that satisfies the criteria for eligibility and not a must for all persons reaching 65. Secondly, Teixeira would have recognised that many Guyanese returned after long years of toil and cold weather and hardship to live in Guyana on the pension they have duly earned in another country. I have no problem with them returning to enjoy their duly earned pensions but they did not toil in this country nor did they withstand the hot weather or hardship of this country hence they should not impose themselves onto this country’s old age pension scheme. This country’s pension scheme caters for the people

who toiled for her and withstood her hardship and further by removing the ones who toiled abroad will create a greater possibility of giving our ‘toilers’ and hard workers more than $20 000. Thirdly, my good friend Gail further recognised that that the old age pension dates back to over 100 years and it was established to help the Poor and vulnerable. I therefore respectfully ask her, are those persons who are returning from their long toil in another country and receiving a pension from that country poor and vulnerable? That question answers itself. Forthly, Madam Cheif Whip reminded our readers that the majority of persons who earn the old age pension are poor, in need of it, and look forward to it to help them survive. I fully agree with her on this point however she stopped short of saying that the minority of persons who are practising ‘double dipping’ are actually the reason why old age pension is below minimum wage. When they are removed, then, of course our poor and vulnerable hard workers who toiled feverishly for Guyana would see a greater increase in their old age pension. We are all au fait with this saying, “Lesser the man bigger the share.” Editor, it is my solid conclusion that Madam Gail Texiera failed and failed miserably in her attempt to (Continued on page 8)

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Trinidadian cricketers who Trenchant Criticism of the Coalition Government were victimized DEAR EDITOR; The removal of Dinesh Ramdin from the West Indies team should not come as a total surprise to anyone who follows West Indies cricket. This follows a systemic pattern of removing certain players from the team. The axing of Ganga, Ramnarine and others, from West Indies cricket to name only three, followed a similar pattern to the one employed against Ramdin. The reason ostensibly

given was one of inadequate performance by Ramdin and was presumably the same for the other two mentioned. Incidentally, Ramdin’s record as West Indies wicketkeeper is outstanding. If this was the case one finds it hard to understand the continued selection of Marlon Samuels, he of the questionable past. This player has been mediocre at best in all forms of the game but has been a fixture on any West Indies team.

I won’t belabor the bias to make my point because others notably the Davis brothers of Trinidad of an earlier era –Charlie and Bryan were also harshly treated by the selectors. And now Lendl Simmons and Dwayne Bravo have also been axed for reasons unknown. The good ship that was West Indies cricket continues to flounder. Incompetence and insularity, continue to be its hallmark and is one that the West Indies media has for the most part been silent about. Tony Boodhoo, Ontario

Municipal buildings are dying DEAR EDITOR; One wonders why the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown are allowing their historic, beautiful and significant buildings being left to go to rack and ruin. A City’s cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations. For the last twenty one years under the Mayorship of Hamilton Green who claims to be a history buff, absolutely nothing was done to maintain the majestic City Hall structure where they all sat in arguing about frivolous things each and every day. It is now a sight for a sore eye.

But over the last year, the present administration led by the Town Clerk has been wasting hundreds of millions of dollars building Presidential Parks, Petting Zoos, New Stalls outside the Bourda Market etc, whilst the Abattoir is left as most unsafe, unhealthy and in an atrocious condition. The City Constabulary Training School and Municipal Stores Bond are in a most shameful condition, whilst the Solid Waste Department Building on Princes Street should be torn down and the rotting wood fed to the fire at the same ‘Old Smokey’ chimney in the compound. The Public Health Building on South Road hardly has working windows, a facility where pre and post natal care is given. It is criminal that the administration be allowed to fritter away the property rates

diligently paid by property owners, whilst the Council workers are made to work in appalling conditions that animals should not be subjected to. The question here is why put down Presidential Parks, when your hard working staff are forced to work under the most inhumane conditions. Every media house, the Social Protection Ministry, the labour unions, and other relevant entities should visit those work places, and have a first-hand look at these locations. Then the city officials should let the public know where all the millions are going. Amber Valentine

DEAR EDITOR; The Guyanese people got a big promise during the PNC (yes I said PNC – same old lady, just a different dress) election campaign. The PNC was the opposition at the time, begging and canvassing the people of Guyana to help them unseat the PPP (the party in power at the time). Among the many, many promises that were made by the PNC in an effort to get the peoples vote, was a promise of reducing the VAT.that is at a rate of sixteen (16) percent. The president in an interview, pointed out after a year plus in office, that “It is a major problem and there are other areas we need to give money ……. but we have not been able to reduce VAT because the money is not there.” Granger added, “… It is not as easy as it looks and perhaps it might have been imprudent to give ourselves a commitment at that point in time but I will say that philosophically, it is something we could achieve, but not now.” See KN article July 7th 2016 “VAT reduction promise was perhaps hasty –Pres. David Granger” My fellow Guyanese, it was not hasty, when the newly elected Coalition Ministers gave themselves that

big, fat, hefty 50% pay raise. There was no problem finding the monies then. No other areas needed money at that time…. They all “ran to the bank” with fatter pockets. This is a burning shame and in itself, said a lot of what to expect. This is the government that has raised taxes, fees on everything they could lay their hands on since winning the election - barely. The trucks bringing bora to market got hit with high percentage raise in fees. The trucks bringing the beef to market got hit with high percentage raise in fees- you get where I am going with this. Among the list of licencing fees which were extensively increased are hucksters who travel with a motor vehicle, hucksters who travel with a horse or other beast bearing or drawing burden. They even proposed a tax as the Minister of Health described it on, “sugary beverages” – not sure if that has been implemented as yet? Each and every time the Coalition comes up with a plan,

money comes out of the working masses pockets in the form of taxes and fees. Or whenever they implement any policy, less goes to the masses. As the case of lowering taxes of certain vehicles. Some pointed out that this will bring little or no real benefit to low and middle-income earners. Those who are already PRICED out of the market. Many Guyanese were having difficulties qualifying as it is to get a $2M loan from the banks, much less, a loan for $3.5 and $5.8M….. KN Feb 5th 2016. This is a slap in the face of every Guyanese who placed their trust in the Coalition, then voted for a party that have been taking our daily bread (hard earned wages)from our pockets. The “bottom line” Guyanese are having a harder time getting the basic necessities. I know of a sure fire way to get that money Mr. President. Rescind that big pay raise that was so easily shared out. The public coffers will get a nice boost. Lots of areas will (Continued on page 8)

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Kaieteur M@ilbox Why the Middlemen at City Hall? DEAR EDITOR; Why was it not of concern to the Georgetown City Council from the very beginning that they were obviously dealing with middlemen rather than the source as it relates to this whole parking meter debacle? First they began dealing since 1995 with a representative from the National Parking Systems (NPS) Mr. Ifa Kamau Cush who is the Chief Executive Officer of this locally registered company, and who quite interestingly became the sole Director of the company after the lone member of the Board, Managing Director Patrick Triumph, resigned in April 2016. Why would the Council want to deal with a one or two man company for such a large project? This is not a small grocery store purchasing a couple of cases of canned mixed vegetables from a wholesaler. This is a city engaging in a major project. Clearly these

are just two middlemen working for a commission selling parking solutions for a larger company. After questions began to be asked about the authenticity of this company which gave a fake address in New York City, we were then told that they were operating in association with another company, called Smart City Solutions Inc, which incidentally was registered on May 6, 2016 again with just two Directors, Panama City-based Businessman Simon Mosheshvili and the same Ifa Kamau Cush, and that the City Council had in fact entered into a contract with Smart City Solutions Inc. and not National Parking Systems as persons were first led to believe. How then could the contract have been signed since November 2015 when this company was registered on May 6, 2016? It is no wonder this contract document is such a top secret document as it may have several ver-

sions and renditions. With further questioning we were then told that NPS has been absorbed into Smart City Solutions, which is owned by a Mexican Company - Operadora de Estacionamientos Bicentenario, S A de C V. a third company introduced into the equation. If the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown has a shred of decency, they would scrap this very dubious arrangement, and put the process out to tender. In fact they would even reconsider the necessity for this parking through the process of consultation with the businesses and residents that reside in Georgetown. Is this what we the citizens voted for? The Deputy Mayor and the other councilors are spot on to reject this controversial parking meter contract. By the way they need to revisit all the contracts that were signed for the last year, moreso the ones that the previous Councillors would have hastily signed off before they exited. Shanta Singh

The octopus of corruption is devouring city Hall DEAR EDITOR; There is a famous statement and provocative poem written by Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) about the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis’ rise to power and the subsequent purging of their chosen targets, group after group. It deals with themes of persecution, guilt and responsibility and goes something like this: “ First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for meand there was no one left to speak for me.” And that brings me to the main point of my letter, and that is my pleasure and satisfaction to see persons such as the British High Commissioner, the Deputy Mayor Mr. Sherod Duncan, Mr. Freddie Kissoon, the former Auditor General, Mr. Anand Goolsarran and Consultant Mr. Earl John among other leading lights who have come out and criticized not only the

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crooked parking meter contract, but the corruption mafias that seem to be spreading through City Hall like an octopus. The problem is not that the Council has been telling the citizens where their money is going and apologizing for mistakes made; the fact is that corruption is so pervasive there. The fact that the oppression of the citizens is getting worse with the various departments demanding more and more bribes from vendors to persons wishing to have their building plans approved, the plundering of Council’s resources by the ‘Gang of Four’, and the fact that the scale of the Georgetown Municipality’s financial hemorrhaging being so immense that the term corruption barely seems adequate to describe what is happening at City Hall. However, there is a strange silence coming from a number of well known social and political commentators, from other prominent citi-

zens, from the legal fraternity and from some normally vocal quarters of civil society, regarding these shameful goings on at City Hall and that takes me back to the poem above. I urge the new and decent Councillors of Georgetown to join the Deputy Mayor without fear of being bullied and have a motion tabled and passed demanding that a full forensic audit be done starting with the last year and going back for twenty, I urge those honorable officers who are left at City Hall and who are aware of many of the unlawful activities that are being perpetuated by their colleagues to no longer remain silent but to speak up and speak out against these transgressions and I urge, citizens, business captains and other leaders in our society to say ‘Enough is Enough.’ The wanton pillaging of the municipality must be stopped now before everything is purloined. Deodarie Putulall

Gail Texeira... From page 6 mislead the people of this country. Her desperate attempt to stay afloat with an attempt of gaining cheap political points did not work out fundamentally be-

cause we as people of this land are educating ourselves and keeping abreast with current affairs. Something the PPP/C never wanted. I rest my case. Ganesh Mahipaul.

Kaieteur M@ilbox Oldendorff is an anti-union... From page 6 the company’s bus to deal with the emergency but when he returned to work between 3.00 and 4.00 PM that day, he was accused by a manager, who saw him at the Linden Hospital Complex around 8.30 AM, of not being where he had asked permission to go. Mr. Blair said that he was at the hospital to obtain chemicals to use on the decomposing carcass, which he successfully removed from the ceiling of his home before he returned to work. Mr. Blair said, although the managers sent members of BOSAI’s security department to his home and they verified that he had, indeed, disposed of the dead cat, he was placed on five days suspension and was subsequently dismissed. The matter was taken to and is still at the Ministry of Social Protection and is yet to be addressed. There is a number of matters published in the media

against companies such a Guyana Goldfields and Troy Recourse Guyana Inc. and other Companies operating in Guyana that relates to abuse and violation towards workers’ rights and the rule of law. Editor, Consistent with Chap. 98:07 of the laws of Guyana and based on the Union having obtained a Certificate of Recognition issued on the 10th day of March 2016 by the Guyana Trade Union Recognition Board the Union is the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for the nonmanagement employees of Troy Recourse Guyana Inc. as such the Union will work hard towards taken to the Company and have addressed all matters pertaining to violation of workers’ rights and the laws of Guyana the Union will not take any rest until all matter is address in a timely manner , the PU&GWU is also the bargaining agent for the non-management workers of Oldendorff Carriers Guyana

Inc. as such the Union will not allow the Company to continue to conduct its lawless behavior and violation of workers’ rights. In closing, PU&GWU is calling on the Ministry of Social Protection to address all pending and unsolved matters and take a strong stand against foreign and local companies that are operating in Guyana that are violating workers’ rights and the laws of Guyana. The Union is absolutely not against any of the companies that are investing and operating in Guyana since we all need each other for e.g., Guyana needs investment provided by the companies and companies needs the labour provided by the workers hence the companies must respect the rights of workers and the laws of Guyana etc. Micah Williams General Secretary The People United and General Workers Union

AN INSIDE JOB AT GRA From page 4 commitment of the dedicated staff members and dutiful taxpayers and, Ms. Alfred’s work, in this regard, should be commended not ridiculed. Your newspaper alluded in a rather disparaging way to the relationship between my personal assistant and me. The attempt at demeaning the staff member should be an affront to every Guyanese, especially women, who apparently remain, in the eyes of your newspaper, nothing more than sex objects. The progress that women have made in their education seems to be irrelevant to their selection for a job where this newspaper is concerned. Editor, you know that but went ahead and cast aspersions about Ms. Alfred. You would rather sink to such depths about the conduct of the women of this country rather than see their true value to this nation. For the record, I have many students who work at GRA in my classes. I never marked the exam papers for any of the classes that I taught. In all instances, the

papers were marked by a third party. Editor, you knew that, but went ahead and published this letter anyway. Despite being a private matter, I ought to make it known that I am not an employee of Critchlow Labour College. Suffice to note too that, since March 2016, the University and I discussed my status and the way forward. Additionally, the concerns that I have about revenues have nothing to do with the economy. However, please note that the condition of our revenues will be addressed in the future. Editor, it troubles me that you checked out all these issues and discovered what I just disclosed, but still went ahead and published the falsities in a supposedly anonymous letter. I do not understand how an attempt to assess my performance at GRA continues to degenerate into such a sleazy personal attack on me. Your newspaper is no longer attempting to give people news. It is now attempting to slander me and assassinate

my character. It troubles me, as it should every reader of your newspaper, that you would willingly sink to the depths of deceit to get their money and achieve your own ends. I will admit though that I am trying my best not to lose confidence in the integrity of the newspapers. However, my confidence in the credibility of your newspaper is sinking fast. Rawle F. Lucas Chairman, Governing Board, Guyana Revenue Authority EDITOR’S NOTE: A copy of the letter to which Mr Lucas responded was sent to him a week prior to its publication for a response. He said that his response would follow if and when the letter is published. Kaieteur News has never been condescending to or discriminatory against women. As a matter of policy, we would not publish materials that come within that vein against women. We reject the statement of Mr. Lucas that the newspaper conceptualizes women as sex objects.

Trenchant Criticism of the... From page 7 get the funding . Another way to get that money is to get rid of those Ministries within a Ministry. What on earth does Guyana need a Minister within The Ministry of Education? And the other list of Ministers within Ministries goes on. A waste! Another practice that could have saved “tons” of money was not to have the

Durban Park project started by one Ministry, knowing that there was incompetence abound then give the project in the end to the Ministry that had the resources all along. That was certainly a waste of tax payer’s dollars. Or as one Minister said, “peanuts”. Another waste of money was having a senior Minister travel to a foreign land describe as a trip to collect

money owed. That could have been handled by the Diplomatic Corps. That is one of their roles and have the money wired. Guyana is not ever going get out of its present state, when policies are not geared to move the nation forward. We will be celebrating another fifty years of the same cynicism, if we fail to break out of this trend. Muhammad Raoof, USA

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Dem boys seh... NICIL created fake AGM Careful how you minutes, annual returns jumping fuh joy …Marcia Sharma faces jail time Investigators at the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) are currently probing a number of cases involving financial discrepancies which took place at the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). Tw o s u c h m a t t e r s which the officials have sought advice on thus far are based on evidence which show how NICIL cohorts colluded to create false minutes for Annual General Meetings (AGM) as well as its annual returns. In the case of the fake minutes for the AGMs, investigators found that the back-up hard drive on which documents are stored by NICIL revealed that the minutes for the years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2011 and 2012 were all created on November 2, 2015. The Police Legal Advisor concluded that the minutes for those years were computer generated on that very date and were not in existence prior to that date. These documents were therefore false, the Advisor said. NICIL also gave bogus information to the Registrar of Companies. This newspaper understands that the false information given to the Registrar pertained to meetings which were “supposedly” held on specific dates when this was not true. According to legal advice received by SOCU, this would constitute an offence under Section 518 of the Companies Act

-- SOCU, Police Legal Advisor

NICIL’s former CEO, Winston Brassington

NICIL’s Former Deputy CEO, Marcia Nadir Sharma

Chapter 89:01. That Section of the Act says that a person who makes or assists in making a report, return, notice or other document that is required to be sent to the Registrar and contains an untrue statement of a material fact shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $15,000 and to imprisonment for six months. In addition to this, a statement which was provided by Joel Freeman, Legal Assistant to NICIL, said that he would usually prepare the draft annual returns in hard copies from the information in the yearly reports which were specially provided to him by the former Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Marcia

Nadir-Sharma. He would then give this to the Company Secretary for perusal and correction. Once the adjustments are inserted he would correct and print the document and return it to NadirSharma for her signature. He would then file same. The Police Legal Advisor said, “Ms. Nadir by inserting her signature on the document would have adopted the contents and therefore such a document would be her document. She would therefore have been liable for any false information.” The officials agreed that the Directors of the Company breached the nation’s financial laws, specifically, Section 107 (1) (a) of the Companies Act Chapter 89:01. This part says that the

Directors of a Company shall call an Annual General Meeting of shareholders not later than 18 months after the Company comes into existence and subsequently not later than 15 months after holding the preceding Annual General Meeting. Legal advice on the matter indicates that the word “shall” used in the section makes the holding of the Annual General Meeting mandatory in that the Company has an obligation to hold such a meeting. Kaieteur News understands that the main purpose of such a meeting is to consider the financial statements of the Company; the auditor ’s report; election of Directors and the reappointment of the incumbent auditor. Legal advice given to SOCU also indicates that if a company defaults in holding such a meeting, the company and every officer of the company shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable under section 107 (5) on summary conviction to a fine of $15,000. A d d i t i o n a l l y, S O C U officials were informed that NICIL was also in breach of Section 153 (3) of the Act. This section stipulates that the annual return should be lodged 42 days after the Annual General Meeting.

A man seh, “When you jump for joy, beware that somebody ain’t move the ground from beneath you foot.” Is change does mek we jump fuh joy. A lot of people tell dem boys dem like de change wha dem a see in Guyana. Dem see de place clean up and smelling like a rose. When de Rat dem was in control after five minutes rain de whole place use to flood and smell like rotten egg. Independence arch put up and once again remind people that dem entering de city. D’Urban Park kick in and beautify de landscape although Larry London and Joe Harmon owe some small contractors. Big Market clean and bright; people can walk free but before Soulja Bai de place look like Jagdeo and Donald Dumb. It even use to smell like dem. But dem boys seh this is only de tip of de nice things to come. At least dem boys want believe that. Dem boys hear bout investigation and dem like wha dem hear. Dem like when dem hear policeman get charge fuh tekking bribe wid gold fuh throw way ganja. Another one lose he wuk just because he seh, “Pass a li’l something and you board de ferry right away.” Dem like when dem hear big ones falsifying minutes and documents that would lead dem straight to jail. Dem boys also like wha dem hear when de minister seh that none Guyanese who live overseas must get old age pension. Dem boys seh if a man lef Guyana when he is one year to go and live in Uncle Sam and he come back fuh spend de rest of he life when he is 66 if he deserve old age pension? A man lef Guyana when he is 66 and go overseas, and only come to sign fuh he pension book and lef it wid grandson to collect, should he get old age pension? This is a ticklish thing. If every Guyanese who go and live overseas fuh years still entitle to collect dem old age pension. And dem got more Guyanese living overseas than in Guyana. Talk half and wonder if Soulja Bai and Donald Dumb does collect old age pension.

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Sunday July 10, 2016

OGLE CONTROVERSIAL FLIGHTS...

Probe to be completed this week – Patterson

The Eugene F. Correia International Airport

Weeks ago, the controversial departure of two planes from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (EFCIA) – which made headlines, triggered an investigation from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), to ascertain whether any security, among other protocols, were breached at the facility. This investigation is currently ongoing and is scheduled to be completed this week, according to the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson yesterday, after he was contacted to provide an update on the issue. The Minister stated that one of the planes was grounded in Anguilla while the other is somewhere in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The two Cessna 206 Aircraft, bearing registration numbers 8R-GTP and 8R-GMP attached to Oxford Aviation, left the airport sometime around 4am four Saturdays ago. One of the aircraft is reportedly subject to High Court litigation, barring the aircraft from leaving the jurisdiction. However, the Airport’s Public Communication Consultant (PCC), Kit Nascimento, had stated that this particular plane was barred from leaving the country but was not barred from operating internally. He went on to state that this information was never conveyed to the airport. According to reports, one of the aircraft was flown out of the country by its owner, Munidat Persaud, who also happens to be the owner of the Aviation Company and a flight school in the United States. The other pilot has not been identified. The aircraft were flown to Trinidad then to the island of Grenada, from where they subsequently departed for Anguilla. Minister Patterson had advised that employees who were on duty during the departures at the airport, be sent on Administrative leave to ensure a “thorough” investigation. He had also stated that the primary concern was to ascertain whether any procedures were breached. Meanwhile, Nascimento has reiterated that there was no breach of protocol on behalf of the airport or any of its employees.

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Emancipation 2016 launched Emphasis to be placed on Guyana’s rich African Heritage - ACDA

Batoto Yetu 2 performed at ACDA Emancipation celebrations 2014.

The African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) has unveiled a list of intriguing activities for this year’s Emancipation Celebrations. The Association was established 23 years ago, with the aim of educating Guyanese of African descent about their rich cultural heritage. Owing to the fact that most Guyanese of African descent cannot trace their ancestral roots to a particular African Nation, ACDA chooses an African country each year to highlight during the celebrations. However this year, the focus will be on Guyana, in keeping with the Jubilee celebrations. According to ACDA, Guyana has a very rich African influence, history and culture. “Guyana will be the centerpiece that ACDA will proudly showcase during the observance of this Emancipation, as we explore our glorious past,” the Association outlined. While many of the villages honoured by the Association with the spotlight of the Emancipation celebrations have a common history of purchase by freed slaves, but this year the African community is placing emphasis on the more mysterious origin passed down in oral history. For Emancipation 2016, ACDA will honour Baracara, a village located on the banks of the Canje River, Berbice. Baracara has a history rooted in the folklore, passed down to its residents for generations. The stories point to Barcara’s origination as a refuge for Guyanese Maroons or runaway slaves. According to ACDA, the folklore tells of finding lead shot for muskets at the waterfront by runaway slaves, folk healing methodologies and folk medicine which over time have proven to be very effective. At present, the community is poised to transition into a local government area administrated by a Neighbourhood Democratic Council, a project that is currently being undertaken by the Ministry of Communities. Each year, ACDA aspires to raise the bar on performances in the National Park by providing some of the best local, regional and international performing groups on August 1. ACDA promises that “this year is no different. We vow to make 2016 one of the biggest festivals in honour of celebrating the future of Guyana.”

“The aim is to bring something different every year to the festival, something that does not already exist in Guyana… The past three years we have brought a Nigerian Mime, Acrobats from Kenya, a Juggler from Ethiopia and a Ventriloquist from the USA, all talents that were fairly new to the Guyanese people. “We have managed to continue to expand our international acts to foster the growth of professionalism and diversity within the Guyana Performing Arts field especially amongst our local groups.” “This year we want expand on this and make this a tradition for ACDA’s emancipation coming to experience African Culture in fun and different forms of expression.” Emancipation 2016 will kick off with Metemgee /Cook-up competitions, African Street Theatre between July 25 and July 31 and Emancipation Spiritual Tribute in collaboration with the House of Santeria (Bishop Irving), at Square of the Revolution from July 29 to July 31. The August 1 festivities will include performances by regional and international acts such as Jamaica – born musician Luciano STEP AFRIKA (African Group out of the USA)- Electrifying Performances, Surinamese Cultural Presentation- “fire eating” etc, Brazilian Cultural Presentation of “capoeira” Guyana born Reggae superstar Natural Black and Guyanese singers Lisa Punch, Charmaine Blackman-Alves, First Born, X-Factor, Jory, Shontell Gittens , Divine Stars, Mystique, Flame of the Hearts, Young Bill Rogers. The event will feature drumming, dancing, poetry, sporting activity, educational booths, storytelling children’s parade and fun centre. The aim of these events is to see the youth in action demonstrating their skills in the spirit of Emancipation season. The teams taking part are from Georgetown, East Bank, East Coast and West Coast Berbice. This is ACDA’s second Emancipation during the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) which began January2015 and will end December 31, 2024. This is also a special year as Guyana celebrates its 50th year of Independence its Jubilee. It’s Independence which was fought for by Afro-Guyanese. Emancipation 2016 will observe on theme “Celebrating African Guyanese Achievements in the year of our Jubilee Building Strong Families through Entrepreneurship.”

Police record 20 percent drop in serious crimes

- lowest in ten years in ‘A’ and ‘F’ Divisions The Guyana Police Force has recorded a 20 percent reduction in serious crimes, with ‘A’ and ‘F’ Divisions having the lowest crime rates in ten years. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said yesterday that ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) had a 29 percent drop in serious crimes. This is the lowest the Division, which normally has the highest number of murders, including execution-style killings and other serious offences, has had in ten years. ‘F’ Division (Interior locations) had a 50 percent reduction in serious crimes. As in ‘A’ Division, this is the lowest serious crime reduction in the past ten years. This has resulted in the Force recording a 20 percent reduction in serious crimes. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum attributed

this success to several factors. One of these is that the police “have made their presence felt” in high-profile crime areas such as Albouystown and Tiger Bay. The Force has also been strengthening its relationship with the public, through its policecommunity partnership programme. The success in crime reduction is also being attributed to overseas training of the Major Crimes Unit and other ranks, and the formation of the Serial Offenders Unit. Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud revealed that the Force has been receiving assistance from the Jamaican Force Constabulary. He said that out of an assessment, the Force “will start to plan capacity building in intelligence, and to see that interface between crime intelligence and Special Branch.”

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MAN, 71, IN CUSTODY FOR CCJ still to be the regional court of appeal RAPING GRANDDAUGHTER, 13 BY OSCAR RAMJEET After ten years of inauguration only four countries, Guyana, Barbados, Belize and recently Dominica have joined the Appellate Jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), and two countries, Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda have initiated steps to go on board. It is disappointing that the two big countries in the region, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago which were in the forefront of the establishment of the regional court are still to join. I recall more than 25 years ago, the Attorneys General of Jamaica, Oswald Harding, and Trinbago’s Selwyn Richardson (now deceased) were jetting around the region with Caricom Legal Consultant, Brynn Pollard, whipping up support for Caricom member states to be involved in the court. A few years later Basdeo Panday after he became Prime Minister of the twin island republic pushed heavily for

the court and as a result Port of Spain was chosen as the headquarters. It is now amazing and baffling that after so many years they have not yet come aboard. Former Prime Minister, Kamla Persad Bissessar said more than three years ago that she was prepared to go half way for appeals on civil appeals to be abolished, but this did not materialize and the UNC is now out of government. However I seem to recall that Keith Rowley when he was in the opposition questioned Kamla why only go half way. This is an indication that he was willing to abolish all appeals. Now that he is in government I would expect he will initiate steps to cut ties with the Privy Council. However I gather there is a change of heart by the opposition UNC and they will not support the Court. If they don’t, the twin island republic will be unable to join because of constitutional restraints. It seems as if nothing is

surprising in politics. The JLP under the leadership of Edward Seaga was hammering for the Court in 1989, but changed its position after a decade when it regained power. There is still a division on the issue between the two main political parties in Jamaica. A large number of Trinidadians are employed by the CCJ, but Trinidad and Tobago seems not to have any use for the Court not even in its original jurisdiction to interpret treaties and constitutional issues because in its ten years only one such issue was taken to that Court. This is unbelievable so much so that a Caribbean diplomat indicated to me that a campaign should be launched to remove the Court from Port of Spain, This to my mind would be a costly exercise and will never materialized. The CCJ was inaugurated on April 16, 2005.The birth of the CCJ came after a long and arduous planning in March 1970. The first case was head by the CCJ in August 2005.

HIGH PROFILE ROBBERY ACCUSED JAILED Three of four men who were implicated in 2013 in a daring high profile robbery in the island of Wakenaam, in the Essequibo River were each sentenced to jail on Thursday when the lengthy case came to an end. Delwyn Croft,35, of 589,Tuschen Housing Scheme was sentenced to 40 months while his cohorts Jermaine Williams, a/k” Yankee”, of Gas Station Street, Anna Catherina and Alan Dorset were each sentenced to 30 months. Esan Lawrence, 35, of Vreed-en-Hoop Jetty, West Coast of Demerara received a sentence of 26 months. Khyran “50 cents” Khan, of East Ruimveldt Squatting area had his sentencing deferred to facilitate a probation hearing.

The men all appeared at the SUDDIE Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. According to a police report, on September 7, 2013, at Good Success,Wakenaam, while armed with guns the men invaded the premises of businessman, Rohan Dhanayshure. After discharging several rounds in the air they proceeded to rob the businessman of some $3.3M worth in jewellery and another $3M in cash. During the robbery the businessman was hosting a wedding on the Island. The men were also fingered in several other high profile robberies outside of the region and the murder of Zulficar Namdar; formerly of Met-en-Meer-Zorg.

Police in “G” Divison on the Essequibo Coast have charged a 71-year-old Bush Lot security guard with rape of his 13-year-old biological granddaughter, after the teenager told her sister that her grandfather drugged her with beer and then had sex with her. The man was charged and remanded until July 26. Reports have indicated that the 71-yearold took his granddaughter to his Bush Lot home. On that occasion he purchased a phone for the child in order for her to remain silent. Two weeks later, the man made another promise to the girl. This time he promised her

a bicycle. However, the teenager’s older sister suspected something was amiss and proceeded to question the young girl who revealed what her grandfather had done. The police were called in and the man was arrested and charged. The teenager who lived with her father and stepmother was taken to the Suddie Public hospital where a medical examination was done. Recently a Tapakuma Lake wheelchair bound man was accused of raping his niece. The man was arrested and later released on station bail.

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Cops re-open Monica Reece, Trevor Rose and Sheema Mangar murder cases As the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Major Crimes Unit moved to re-open cold cases, the seemingly forgotten cases of Monica Reece, Trevor Rose and Sheema Mangar are top on its agenda. Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum made this revelation yesterday to reporters following the conclusion of the Guyana Police Force’s 177th Anniversary Route March. Blanhum said that almost daily, persons whose relatives were murdered five to 10 years ago, have been visiting the Criminal Investigation Department asking that these matters be re-opened. “We have assured them that we are in the process of re-opening some of the cases we know for sure we will be able to make headway in,” Blanhum said Having received about 20 requests from relatives, the cops are currently working on about five cases, some of which include the cases of Trevor Rose, Sheema Mangar and Monica Reece. The Crime Chief said that he

recently requested the file on Monica Reece. “I recently requested that file (on Monica Reece). When we locate that file we will be analyzing the evidence and also we will make a determination and make contact with the Police Legal Advisor,” Blanhum said. He added that ranks will have to look at the evidence, analyze and review statements taken and then engage the Police Legal Advisor on the way forward. And Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud said, “We have seen the CID developing the best it has done in contemporary times, all because of those two key issues, building of morale and developing public trust. I have been receiving letters from relatives of persons who were murdered a decade and beyond, and in a particular case, a letter from the media asking for the re-opening of a case that occurred in excess of twenty years ago.” “We are experiencing the

Monica Reece

Sheema Mangar

Trevor Rose

benefits of the hard work we have made to change our organization.” “We need to keep going in that direction, we have not arrived, and as a matter of fact we are far from there.” On April 9, 1993, Reece, a 19-year-

old security guard became known to all Guyanese after her body was dumped from a speeding pickup vehicle in the vicinity of the Geddes Grant building (now Courts) on Main Street, Georgetown. It was Good Friday night. Its 23 years and there seems to be no clue as to who killed Reece. Trevor Rose was gunned down on January 26, 2014 while sitting in the back seat of a Toyota 212 with Latoya Towler, the mother of one of his children, at the Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

During the execution-style killing of Rose, Towler was shot to the buttocks and the driver Troy Nieunkerk was shot in the left shoulder. Nieunkerk told investigators that he was heading home and offered Rose and Towler a drop to Eccles. While at Eccles, a tinted car, which was following the trio from Agricola, pulled up alongside Nieunkerk’s vehicle and asked why he was driving so recklessly. Kaieteur News was further told that the driver of the tinted car parked his vehicle in front of Nieunkerk’s car, exited and opened fire, killing Rose on the spot. From all indications, Rose was definitely the target although his Continued on page 16

Sunday July 10, 2016

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Amerindians should be consulted on development General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic, Clement Rohee, recently met with villagers from communities in the North and South Rupununi. He noted that there needs to be meaningful consultation between the residents and central government so that the needs of the people can be incorporated in a development plan. The PPP/C’s General Secretary made these remarks during a press conference held last Tuesday at Freedom House. According to Rohee, Central Lethem has become a ghost town with considerably reduced economic activity. He stated that the state of the community has degraded due to mismanagement by the Municipality and Central Government. The Member of Parliament said that the Amerindian people are desperately in need of help to develop their respective communities. He presented several initiatives which the government of Guyana can incorporate in order to bring relief to the communities. Based on his interaction with the villagers it was

PPP/C General Secretary, Clement Rohee recommended that there should be the establishment of processing facilities to target the production of cashew nuts, peanut butter, farine, cassava by-products, mango and citrus. Additionally, Rohee believes that support should be provided for the production of ground coffee, ginger and cocoa processing. It was highlighted that aquaculture, cattle and other livestock rearing are viable industries which require additional support from government.

On the issue of constructing and reopening airstrips, the MP said that this infrastructure should be available in communities such as Parabara, Karisparu, Kaibarupai, Wayaleng, Arau, Paramakatoi and Nappi. Further, it was proposed that the road networks in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine should be improved and extended. Reporting on some of the present problems facing the villagers, Rohee highlighted four factors which have contributed to the destruction of their crops and livestock. These were drought, caterpillars, floods and wild animals. Rohee stated that the government’s plan to allocate 4000 acres of state land for agriculture and to construct a new airport will come to naught if the wishes of the Amerindian people are not fulfilled. Last January, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan announced in his budget speech that 4000 acres of state land situated in Region Nine is to be allocated for the purpose of constructing an agricultural station. The station is to serve as

Region Five REO transferred …Chairman cites to Region Seven incompetence; The Region Five Executive Officer, Roderick Edinboro, has been transferred to the Region Seven RDC. It had been reported in the media that Edinboro had been performing his duties to the dissatisfaction of the Regional Democratic Council. Region Five Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal yesterday, said that for the past few months, councillors of the RDC have been objecting to a number of decisions taken by Edinboro. Ramphal did not mention specific instances but the Chairman noted that the former REO did not comply with several requests made of him by the council. Due to the alleged lack of cooperation, Ramphal reported that many of the Region’s activities had been obstructed. According to Ramphal, these issues were brought to the attention of the Ministry of Communities. He said that at various instances there were delays in the presentation of financial statements by Edinboro to the council. Edinboro also served as the Chairman of the Regional Tender Board. The Regional Chairman reported that the council had received numerous complaints from contractors who expressed

their dismay with alleged unfair treatment they endured. Ramphal stated that he believes the reason for the transfer had to be the incompetence which the REO would have displayed during his time at the RDC. Last month during the initial stages of the Region Five flooding, Ramphal had said that the council was prevented from carrying out its functions properly due to the slothfulness of Edinboro

unfair treatment at Regional Tender Board level in carrying out his mandate. According to the Chairman this placed the activities of the council in limbo. Ramphal informed that Ovid Morrison is expected to replace Edinboro. Morrison is the Town Clerk of the Mabaruma Municipality.

a pilot for the sustainable harvesting of surface water for agriculture in the region. The land will also be used for the rearing of cattle and small ruminants, aquaculture and planting

– Rohee vegetables. The Minister said that the government is currently

pursuing financing to upgrade many of the hinterland airstrips at Eteringbang, Annai, Paramakatoi, Kurupung, Kato, Kopinang and Monkey Mountain.

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Cops re-open Monica... From page 14 relatives claimed that he had no known problem with anyone. Meanwhile, Sheema Mangar was killed in September 2010 when she was run over by a car in which a man who had snatched her cellular phone was escaping. The police processed two cars that were suspected to have been involved in the matter and items found on the vehicles were submitted to the Forensic Laboratory for analysis by Crime Scene Investigators.

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Zika virus - still a very prevailing health challenge By Sharmain Grainger I have written a number of articles over the months about the Zika virus. But towards the end of last week, for the first time, I was actually confronted with the symptoms of the virus. I wasn’t the one infected, but a close friend of mine. And believe me, although I have written about the symptoms over and over, I never really believed that persons inflicted with the virus developed them so conspicuously. My friend had rashes everywhere that itched, muscle and joint pains, fever of course and the very distinctive conjunctivitis (which we all know very well as “red eye”) complete with the burning and itching. Zika usually manifests with rash, fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, conjunctivitis and vomiting or nausea. It is safe to say my friend developed the majority of the symptoms. And they were enough to leave this usually vibrant and energetic individual bedridden, at least for a day. Benadryl was recommended for the rash, Panadol for the pain, and Visine eye drops for the “red eyes”. Zika, like so many other mosquito-borne infections, literally has no cure. And preventing it is perhaps impossible. What usually happens is that the symptoms that are manifested are treated individually. And they don’t go away overnight, even with treatment. According to a doctor friend of mine, the symptoms in some cases get worse, even with treatment, and additional intervention is required. On the other hand, some persons may become infected, but symptoms might be mild or never even manifest. These thankfully are the majority of the cases. Can you imagine a nation with the majority of people severely inflicted with the Zika virus? I certainly did for a brief moment. Last year Guyana was plagued with a similar mosquito-borne infection - the Chikungunya virus. This, much like Zika, is not new to those in the medical profession, but seems rather novel to us in this part of the world. Their names alone have been peculiar to us as much as the symptoms. While Chikungunya has been scary enough - since its worse effect could be leaving a person inflicted contorted reports about Zika have been

a tad more frightening. This not only includes the fact that it was found that an infected person could transmit it during sexual intercourse, but that an infected pregnant woman could transfer it to her unborn child. If a child is infected in the womb, according to medical experts, this could cause that child to be born with microcephaly. This condition is where a newborn has an abnormally small head. A number of such cases have been reported on in Brazil, our neighbour to the south. It is for this very reason that the Minister of Public Health advised that women opt to delay becoming pregnant at this point. This of course is not a mandate, but rather, a recommendation. Since the first report of the outbreak there have been no cases of microcephaly in Guyana. But the fear of Zika doesn’t stop there, as it has been associated with the Guillain Barré syndrome, a neurological condition that essentially shuts the body down. It is especially worrying to many I’m sure, that a little tiny mosquito has the capability of causing such debilitating conditions. But really it shouldn’t be. Just think about dengue and malaria these are caused by mosquitoes too - and manifest with very debilitating symptoms.

While we may not be able to prevent the infiltration of these mosquitoes altogether, we have to remember that there are little things we can do to help protect ourselves. The Zika virus, which is the mosquito-borne virus currently gaining a great deal of attention, is transmitted by Aedes-type mosquitoes that are said to bite mainly during the day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the first week of infection, the Zika Virus can be found in the blood and passed from one infected person to another through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people. But reducing the transmission of the virus is possible. Persons can protect themselves by wearing longsleeved shirts and long pants and staying in air conditioned rooms or rooms with windows and doors with screens that can keep out mosquitoes. Added to this, the CDC has outlined that other steps that can be taken to control mosquitoes can include sleeping under mosquito nets and using environmentally-friendly insect repellants. These recommendations have all been endorsed by the Ministry of Public Health and adhering to them could certainly help to reduce the prevalence of the virus.

The Baccoo Speaks

Two children died in a fire that started in the most unlikely of places - a home for children. This is going to haunt the government more than anyone else. Now there is going to be a rush to inspect electrical wiring and fittings at such homes. ** The police are going to solve yet another cold case

crime. This time the prime suspect would be held as soon as he returns from overseas. He had fled to neighbouring Suriname then moved on to Cayenne. A problem with immigration there would cause him to run to Guyana. That would be to the benefit of the local police. ** There are still the petty thieves who grab people’s property and two of them would be arrested. But the focus would shift to a location on the west coast where the police are going interrupt a drug deal. Then the authorities are going to get information that one of their own would attempt to subvert the course of justice.

An Aedes mosquito is capable of transmitting the Zika Virus

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Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2016

Sunday July 10, 2016

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Kaieteur News

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

A WORLD LONG GONE On Monday, July 4, I walked out of the Waterchris Restaurant on Waterloo Street with business woman, Allison Butters-Grant and Dr. David Hinds. Allison’s car was nearest to the entrance, so we all stood by her vehicle for the customary chat all humans do when they leave a dining place. A little chap about twelve to fourteen years came to us begging. I took out 20 dollars and gave him. He refused it, told me he wanted a hundred dollars, then, asked Allison for a hundred dollars. Allison said, “Freddie, you have something to write about.” This is not the Guyana I knew growing up in Wortmanville over sixty years ago. Back in those days, a beggar would never refuse what you offered. In today’s Guyana, a beggar would cuss you down if you ignore their pleas. I could never recall such an incident in my childhood days. That is a world long gone. When you read about the horrific crime stories in Guyana today, it gives you goose bumps when you think of tranquil life in Georgetown sixty years ago. I have seen photographs in all the newspapers where squatters’ huts were invaded by robbers and the victims were shot dead or chopped to death for their money and other things that hardly came up to five thousand dollars. These things are really frightening when you think of the relative safety we had sixty years ago. What you are about to read in the next few lines, you may not believe, but it is the gospel truth. I grew up in Durban Street, between Haley and Hardina Streets, in a home that had no lock on the front door. My dad put a chair to brace the door and when we

came in late we would push the door. None of the windows had locks. My mom and dad put bottles on the top of them so if the bottle fell we would know someone was pushing the window open. The kitchen window was the push-out type that would be kept open by a stick. When we closed it, it could have been pulled apart, because there was no bolt. Our house was never ever burglarized on Durban Street, and our home sat next to the alleyway that separated Durban Street from Bent Street That would be a virtual impossibility in Guyana from 2000 onwards. No parent with girl children on Durban Street in 2016 dare sleep in a home without locks on the doors and windows. Between Hardina and Haley Streets on Durban Street, none of the shops ever experienced a burglary. My knowledge of this goes up to the late seventies when I left to study abroad. We travelled down to town by taking the wellknown yellow buses whose final stop was the Stabroek Market Square. Those drivers are angels from the past long gone. These men’s courteous attitude to passengers is a thing of the past. Vic Insanally, Marc Matthews, Ron Sanders rented a bottom flat six houses from where I lived on the opposite side of the street. Their apartment was never broken into, although they were never at home. Eddie Boyer’s father had a bond next to his home, three houses from where Insanally,

Matthews and Sanders lived, and I cannot recall a break-in. This was what Durban Street, Wortmanville, was like sixty years ago. But if you think Georgetown was placid and safe and life was pleasant, you had to be a student at UG in the seventies The state-run cafeteria opened at 9 a.m. and closed at 11 p.m. There was food, snacks and soup available anytime, from morning to

night. The last state-owned bus service left the campus at just around 11:40 p.m. All the drivers were mannerly people. One driver, the late-night guy, we nicknamed “Pumpkin.” As they say in local lingo, he was like an old car that only responds to cranking. You could say the most innocuous thing to “Pumpkin” and trouble would break out. If you yelled from the back to tell “Pumpkin” he

was driving too slowly, “Pumpkin” would stop the bus and pull out his big stick. We all knew he was bluffing I will conclude with a tiny description of a certain part of clean Georgetown. The Botanic Gardens was beautiful. The zoo had a live-in zoologist. His residence was in the zoo compound itself. His ethnicity was Portuguese, but he had a Chinese name, “Lee.” Mr. Lee was

Frederick Kissoon pleasant and had the longest beard I ever saw on a human. As Mary Hopkin sang in her international hit, “Those were the days, my friend.”

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Sunday July 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

For a well connected, knowledge-based nation September 2016 will witness the grand opening of the long-awaited ICT Centre of Excellence located on the University of Guyana Turkeyen campus, inside the building that currently houses the National Data Management Authority (NDMA). Refurbishment works to modernize and outfit the structure will commence soon after the contract has been awarded. The Tender is now out. By September, the building should be equipped with new electrical and technological installations that would transform it into the nation’s first learning facility for advanced level information technology skills, e.g. in advanced web networking and website designing. The ultimate objective is to enable the public sector to deliver ALL of the services it is supposed to deliver with speed and accuracy. One more is to fill the void that was created over the past 20 years by the acute brain drain that Guyana has been reeling from. Almost all of our qualified skills, not only in the ICT services sector, fled to other countries, even to neighbouring Suriname, Aruba, Bonaire and Trinidad, to seek jobs that paid wages worth their salt, jobs that enabled them to climb academi-

cally and socially. Guyana was left in the dust, literally, with a huge chasm and only a few available skills to do the work and develop basic ICT skills among our youths. It’s no wonder that ICT development was placed at the top of the Coalition government’s agenda 11 months ago. President Granger and PM Nagamootoo have said on numerous occasions that Guyana was too far behind the rest of the world in terms of our connectability to the worldwide web, operating on 2G (second Generation) internet speed for nearly a decade while the rest of the world was running on third and now fourth generation speeds. $3.1B FOR ICT DEVELOPMENT This was the announcement Finance Minister Winston Jordan had made during his presentation of Budget 2016 under the theme: “Stimulating Growth, Restoring Confidence: The Good Life Beckons”. He’d said that this Government is determined to invest in ICT infrastructure and related services to ensure that Guyanese across the length and breadth of this land have better than adequate access to the internet. This, he is certain, will vastly enhance our lives and our ability to earn from the

land and from what we learn. Hon. Cathy Hughes has shone an equally bright spotlight on this need to bridge the gap between our people living on the coastland with those living in interior regions and the hinterland. More than once she’s told the story of the Rupununi Weavers, who years ago lost their markets for the beautiful handmade hammocks they wove mainly because they lost contact with their customers. The Minister was painting a picture of the short and long term benefits these women residing in the deep South Rupununi and in other parts of Guyana’s hinterland will have very shortly just as soon as they get easy access to the internet at 4G speed She made reference as well to the makers of handicraft items from Guyana’s decorative woods like Wamara and Purpleheart, and from Tibisiri and Nibi, women living at Santa Mission or Orealla, who pay a lot of money to get their products out to the city for sale. This is soon going to be a thing of the past. A National ICT Needs Assessment of e-services for hinterland, poor and remote communities across Guyana, has just begun. It is a baseline study to determine what ICT-related facilities and

human capabilities are already in place. The information will be used to craft a much larger project to provide the infrastructure (including buildings), equipment (including computers and other ICT devices), and human skills that the communities do not already have. The e-Government Agency, one of several arms of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, is the executing agency, and the funds for this project are coming from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) that is being overseen by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). BRIDGING THE COAST AND HINTERLAND According to the Bureau of Statistics’ last population census, over 600,000 of Guyana’s 745,000 (approx.) populace reside on the Coastlands. The small remainder are scattered in small enclaves throughout Guyana’s heavily forested, mountainous inland regions populated with a high concentration of indigenous peoples. This group constitutes nine sub-groups spread across an estimated 187 communities at varying stages of integration with the national economy. The communities are typically characterized by

the co-existence of well-preserved traditional lifestyles, large forested land ownership, and cultural freedoms with various kinds of subsistence/incoming generating activities. Poor communities can also be found in urban coastal and rural coastal areas and the people residing therein have similar needs. Unfortunately, our current internet and broadband infrastructure are only concentrated in the coastal region with sparse and expensive connectivity options in inland areas and remote communities. As a result, certain public services are not easily accessible to residents in these areas. Structural rigidities and cost barriers mean that there is limited private sector interest in servicing these areas, and public sector intervention is therefore required in order to provide the enabling environment for hinterland, poor and remote communities to access ICT and e-Services. The Government of Guyana (GoG) is fully committed to the social, economic, and environmental development of Guyana - and is determined to bridge the developmental gaps by ensuring that redistribution measures benefit all. The Needs Assessment/ Baseline Study will last until

November 2016. The E-government Agency envisages that the larger project to install the people and infrastructure inside the far-flung areas will begin by the first quarter of 2017. In the meantime, preparations are underway for the first semester of the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) at Turkeyen. The GoG in partnership with the Government of India will provide the wherewithal for advanced level training of ICT professionals and potential IT Managers. At the same time, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) will develop work programmes to satisfy its mandate. The NDMA is the agency responsible for data processing and information systems in the Public Sector. It will resume its focus on improving the Public Sector’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) preparedness, working in tandem with the e-Government Agency and the Ministry of Public Telecommunications. Its main focus will be on developing workers’ knowledge and competencies in ICT to enhance office productivity and general services to the public, e.g. certificates of birth, death and marriage, and business compliance.

Sunday July 10, 2016

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Kaieteur News

My column

The unfortunate case of two young boys It was shortly after midnight when the telephone roused me from my much needed sleep. A fire was raging on Hadfield Street. I placed a few calls to some reporters but got no one. Immediately I went back a few years when I would have jumped out of bed and raced to the scene. When I would have arrived I would have seen many other reporters all trying to cover the activity. Those were the days when reporters loved the task of carrying the news. They would compare notes and share whatever information they would have got. These days there are few who could actually call themselves reporters. By daybreak I got the news that two children had died. Immediately my mind raced to two earlier fires that claimed lives this year. By the end of this year, I am certain that 2016 would go down as the year with the most fire deaths. As I continued to get reports on the fire I learnt that the children had been placed in the home a mere two days earlier. They were from a very poor home. The place they called home was a structure that was standing by the grace of God. I learnt that the mother was terminally ill and had five children. That was enough to bring a lump to my throat, because I was familiar with such a living condition. My mother was not terminally ill. In fact, she is still alive today enjoying her golden years with my sisters overseas. But she struggled to put food on the table. There were times when

she went without but would convince us, her children, that she was alright. The children who were taken from that home in Lodge were severely malnourished. These days as has always been the trend, it is the mother who carries the bulk of the responsibility to provide for the children. I fathered five children and I ensured that all of them had food. I told my wife that whatever she earned was her money, that it was my responsibility to feed the family. And I did. There is another thing that I remember. Regardless of how little food my mother managed to conjure up, she always shared with any child who turned up at our door. That was certainly not the case with the five children from Lodge. Perhaps we have stopped being our neighbour’s keeper. I could imagine these children going to a neighbour who might not have been too better off and not being successful in getting something in their bellies. But they still shared that love that binds most siblings. And so it was that the four-year-old on his way to safety suddenly realized that his elder brother was not with him. A four-year-old is largely egotistic; he is learning the facts of life, but this one seemed older than his age. He died with his brother. These deaths also expose the paucity of our social services. There was a time when social workers did the rounds in communities. They would try to visit homes to determine the needs of the less fortunate. This is where the state would come in. That is not the case these

days. It is up to the matriarch to approach the social services to declare her needs. Undoubtedly, Guyana is really trying to protect its children. Some have been preyed on. Take the case of the woman who made little boys perform oral sex on her. This is one sick individual who is still allowed to live among other children. Whatever the outcome of this matter, I am certain that she will not change, because that is her nature. Then there are those hungry little girls who are taken advantage of by grown men. Some have been rescued

and because of their status, many women opted for compensation rather than allow the men to be prosecuted. A dollar is better than a child’s welfare, I suppose. What I find somewhat disconcerting is the fact that people want to live in the city. The belief is that everything is in the city, but what they do not realize is that in rural Guyana there is so much more opportunity for parents to feed their children. There are farms and yard space for people to plant vegetables. As a child, our fortunes changed when we moved to

Beterverwagting. My grandparents and uncles all had farms aback of the village. We had yard space to cultivate greens. Life was never better. Indeed, there are people who have shunned the city for locations like La Parfaite Harmonie, and they are doing very well. But it is back to those children. I don’t know if they were in school, because teachers would have noticed something and should have filed a report. But then again not many teachers actually pay attention to the social condition of the children they teach. I am amazed that the gov-

Adam Harris ernment services actually found these children. My praise to them. It is unfortunate that their effort did not save the lives of two young boys.

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Sunday July 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

National Songs and National Unity By His Excellency Brigadier David A. Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Guyana’s national songs have their origin in the centenary celebration of unification in 1931. British Guiana was formed from the three Dutch colonies of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice – names that became the titles of the ‘counties’ before districts and regions were created. These colonies were unified under Sir Benjamin D’ Urban in 1831. The centenary was a major cultural festival. It witnessed, among other events, the first public singing of the Song of Guyana’s Children, composed by Rev. HawleyBryant, a minister of the Congregational Church. The

Song has become a musical icon. It starts, powerfully and proudly with the words: Born in the land of the mighty Roraima, Land of great rivers and far stretching sea; So like the mountain, the sea and the river Great, wide and deep in our lives would we be; The Song ends purposefully and poignantly with the words: Thus to the land which to us God has given May our young lives bring a gift rich and rare, Thus, as we grow, may the worth of Guyana Shine with a glory beyond all compare. The cultural movement which was accompanied by the composition of national songs was a glorious historical process. It received a boost with the establishment

President David Granger of the British Guiana Music Teachers’ Association by Lynette Dolphin and others in 1948. This was followed by the conduct of the first Schools ‘Music Festival in 1952. Robert (RCG) Potter’s lyrical My Guyana El Dorado was composed in that year. Guyana, by this time, was

riding the post-Second World War wave for self-determination and independence. Our national songs, for the most part, therefore, are associated with Guyana’s growing selfawareness, its struggle for Independence and freedom from colonial rule. Valerie Rodway’s Guyana the Free celebrates the joy of freedom: Guyana, Guyana, this fair land of ours Has broken the bondage of far distant powers, We love you Guyana from high land to sea, And pray God make worthy your children to be. All hail to Guyana, our country now free, One people, one nation, one destiny, We pledge every effort, we’ll cherish this earth And make here a paradise - Land of our birth. National songs form part of our symbols of nationhood.

They constitute one of the most memorable of the cultural institutions created first by unification and, later, by independent statehood. I had the privilege of listening to a group of schoolchildren from Coomacka sing one of our national songs. It was a most moving experience. The children exuded joy and love for their country as they sang one of Guyana’s national songs. The rendition evoked feelings of the excitement which swept across our nation fifty years ago when our National Anthem was written and sung for the very first time. It made us feel proud. National songs distinguish us from other nations which, although they may share common historical experiences, are different from one another. National songs help to create that uniqueness by fostering a distinct national consciousness. National songs are an inalienable part of our patrimony. They shape our national consciousness. They define who we are. They: - remind us of our common experiences as a nation; - reinforce our pride by depicting our country favourably; - re-affirm our shared values and aspirations; and - recommit us to the duty to defend our motherland. National songs recall the sacrifices and struggles of our three hundred and fifty yearlong rough road to freedom. Rebellion and resistance were common historical experiences which are venerated in our national songs. They remind us of the price that our foreparents paid for the right to be masters of our own des-

tiny and the price that our generation has to pay to protect our nation. Cleveland Hamilton’s Song of the Republic, arguably one of our most militant national songs, is a call to arms: From Pakaraima’s peaks of pow’r To Courentyne’s lush sands, Her children pledge each faithful hour To guard Guyana’s lands. To foil the shock of rude invader Who’d violate her earth, To cherish and defend forever The State that gave them birth. The defence of our motherland is a sacred duty. The success of any defence depends, however, on national unity and social cohesion. A divided nation is a weak nation. Guyana’s National Anthem reminds us that we are a multicultural society in which people of different races coexist. The diversity of our society must not, however, be viewed as a handicap. Guyana is enriched by its cultural diversity. The National Anthem reminds us of our diverse origins and our common aspirations: Green land of Guyana, our heroes of yore, Both bondsman and free, laid their bones on your shore, This soil so they hallowed, and from them are we, All sons of one mother, Guyana the free Great land of Guyana, diverse though our strains, We are born of their sacrifice, heirs of their pains, And ours is the glory their eyes did not see – One Land of six peoples, united and free. National songs are unifying symbols of nationhood. Citizens sing our national songs not as Africans, Amerindians, Chinese, Europeans, Indians or Portuguese, but as Guyanese. Citizens suspend, if not forget, differences of culture and class during the recital of our national songs. Citizens come together, setting aside differences that have traditionally divided our people. The symbols of nationhood, including or national songs, must be preserved if we are to build a cohesive society. These precious songs must not be allowed to become victims of neglect. The teaching of our national songs in our schools and places of worship must be sustained.

Sunday July 10, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Sore Throat: Knowing when it’s dangerous By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine As we are fast approaching the flu season, many persons will develop a sore throat as part of their symptoms. For the most part, a sore throat is not dangerous. However, there are instances when a sore throat can lead to lifethreatening consequences if it’s not detected and treated early. Today I will shed some light on sore throat and when it’s dangerous. WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT A SORE THROAT? Most people do not need to see a doctor about a sore throat. It usually gets better on its own. But sore throat can sometimes be serious. See a doctor if: . You have a fever of at least 101°F or 38.4°C . Your throat pain is severe within the first 2 days, or does not start to improve within 5 to 7 days Go to the emergency

room if you: . Have trouble breathing . Are drooling because you cannot swallow your saliva . Have swelling of the neck or tongue . Cannot move your neck or have trouble opening your mouth WHAT CAUSES SORE THROAT? Sore throat is usually caused by an infection. Two types of germs can cause it: viruses and bacteria. People who have a sore throat caused by a virus do not usually need to see a doctor. People who have a sore throat caused by bacteria might need to see a doctor. They might have a type of infection called strep throat. Only about one in 10 adults who seek medical care for sore throat have strep throat. HOW CAN I TELL IF MY SORE THROAT IS CAUSED BYA VIRUS OR STREP THROAT? It is hard to tell the difference. But there are some clues to look for.

People who have a sore throat caused by a virus usually have other symptoms, such as: . A runny nose . A stuffed-up chest . Itchy or red eyes . Cough . A raspy (hoarse) voice . Pain in the roof of the mouth People who have a sore throat caused by strep throat do not usually have a cough, runny nose, or itchy or red eyes. But they might have: . Severe throat pain . Fever (temperature higher than 100.4°F or 38°C) . Swollen glands in the neck If you think you have strep throat, the doctor can check you for it easily. He or she can run a swab (Q-Tip) along the back of your throat and test it for the bacteria that cause strep throat. DO I NEED ANTIBIOTICS? If you have an infection caused by a virus, you do not need antibiotics. But if you have strep throat, you should

get antibiotics. Most people with strep throat get better without antibiotics, but doctors often prescribe them anyway. That’s because antibiotics can prevent problems sometimes caused by strep throat. Plus, antibiotics can reduce the symptoms of strep throat and prevent its spread to other people. WHAT PROBLEMS CAN STREP THROAT CAUSE? If left untreated, strep throat can spread and cause more serious systemic, lifethreatening infections. It can also spread to your heart and kidneys and cause permanent or even fatal damage. WHAT CAN I DO TO FEEL BETTER? If you want some relief from the pain of sore throat, you can take pain medicine that you can get without a

Dr. Zulfikar Bux prescription. Throat sprays are no better at soothing pain than sucking on cough drops or candy. Some people feel relief if they gargle with salt water. WHEN CAN I GO BACK

TO WORK OR SCHOOL? If you have strep throat, wait one day after starting antibiotics. By then you will be a lot less likely to spread the infection. If you do not have strep throat, you can go back as soon as you feel well. WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT GETTINGA SORE THROAT AGAIN? Wash your hands often with soap and water. It is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection. You can use an alcohol rub instead, but make sure the hand rub gets everywhere on your hands. Now that you are more aware of the dangers of sore throat, be sure to remain alert for symptoms of the dangerous type. If you are still not sure, then your best option is to go see your doctor.

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SUNDAY SPECIAL PS MONEY LAUNDERING INVESTIGATIONS… $$MILLIONS SPENT TO BUY SHARES, PROPERTIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY Investigators probing the deposits of billions of dollars over time to bank accounts of a senior Government official are looking at the wealth he may have acquired. According to Government officials close the probe, there is evidence surfacing that investments were made by Omar Shariff in several companies and in properties across the country. Shariff, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Presidency, was arrested last week Thursday at his office, by officials of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). There are records showing that he and his reputed wife purchased shares in companies like Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Banks DIH and even the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI). Investigators are also tracking several properties that may have been purchased by the official, and placed in the name of his reputed wife. The properties, including lands and homes, are scattered across the country, officials say. Investigators will question the origin of the monies used to buy the properties and shares. Shariff is one of the most senior officials to be arrested by the new administration in its anti-corruption crackdown. He is being accused of money laundering and tax evasion. The case will be one of the biggest and a challenging one for investigators for a number of reasons. Officials explained that between 2010 and this year, there were hundreds of transactions in several bank accounts. The accounts were held at different commercial banks. From the bank accounts that investigators managed to track, more than $10B would have been deposited. What is strange about this case is that not many businesses in Guyana would actually experience a turnover of what was deposited to the accounts. Worse yet, Shariff appeared to have paid very little taxes despite at least one impressive-looking property he has in a prime Kitty area. The Guyana Revenue Authority has stepped in and is looking at ways it can recover outstanding taxes. However, even if that tax issue is settled,

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2016

it is unlikely that money laundering accusations would go away anytime soon, especially as the country has adopted tough, new regulations to fight dirty money from being washed clean. GRA CHAIRMAN DEFENDS HIRING PERSONALASSISTANT – STATIONS HER AT HIS CRITCHLOW LABOUR COLLEGE OFFICE; PAYS HERA MANAGER’S SALARY - SAYS 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 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.

“Even members of the international community, which we received advice from, do not agree with this and we reminded her of our arguments and advice on the matter. We will now wait to see what is going to be her reply in this regard,” Dr. Thomas said.

MONDAY EDITION PRADOVILLE 2 FIASCO… CIVIL PROCEEDINGS RECOMMENDED AGAINST JAGDEO, OTHERS The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) believes that there is no solid ground for the pursuit of criminal charges against former President Bharrat Jagdeo and others in the infamous Pradoville 2 fiasco. Instead, it has informed the Head of the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), Dr. Clive Thomas, that there seems to be only scope for civil proceedings to be had. That’s not going down well with the SARU boss. Dr. Thomas insists that while SARU will follow the DPP’s advice, it will continue to push for criminal charges to be brought against those implicated in the scheme. The SARU Head believes that there is a strong case where the Pradoville 2 matter is concerned and insists that the advice on civil charges is flawed. “With regard to the Pradoville case, we wrote the DPP, Miss Shalimar Ali-Hack since last year November and we only got a reply about a week ago. We noted that the DPP did not make detailed comments on the issue, but rather informed us on the advice she received from their legal advisor. The advice is that there are no grounds for criminal charges, but we can pursue civil proceedings.” “We noted in our reply to the DPP that we have received advice from practiced, local and international legal agents, all of whom agree that there are grounds for criminal proceedings…We therefore believe that the advice she received is flawed. We reject entirely the advice both in letter and spirit. We also received local and international support on the view that the advice is flawed. As far as we are concerned, there is no impediment to criminal charges being laid.” The SARU Head said that he also noted in his reply to the DPP that while it will pursue the civil grounds, the Unit strongly believes that this is not enough.

FREED AFTER 13 YEARS IN PRISON… EX-CON STABBED TO DEATH BY LOVER Life on the outside turned out to be more dangerous than on the inside for ex-con Frederick Peters. Peters, 42, was stabbed to death at around 22.30 hrs by his lover on Saturday, just two months after serving a 13-year sentence for armed robbery and escaping from custody. The killing happened at the woman’s Lot 90 Block 34 Recht-Door-Zee La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara home. The father of two was stabbed to the neck and was pronounced dead at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. His 47-year-old lover, who claimed that she stabbed him in self defence, sustained a minor wound to one hand and another to one of her feet. After killing Peters, the woman immediately went to La Grange Police Station where she gave her version of what transpired. She was taken to the hospital where her injuries were tended to and was later taken into custody. The knife was recovered. INT’L FRAUD EXPERTS WILLING TO ASSIST GUYANA WITH FORENSIC AUDITS – SARU HEAD If all goes well, it appears that Guyana will soon benefit from the expertise of some of the world’s leading specialists in detecting all forms of corruption. The international network is said to be “extremely willing” to provide assistance regarding those damning forensic audit reports. This is according to Head of the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), Dr. Clive Thomas. The economist said that on the sidelines of a conference which was recently held in the USA, FraudNet representatives informed SARU officials that it is interested in providing assistance on the forensic audits which (Continued on page 33)

Sunday July 10, 2016

(From page 35) have been launched by the Government. The economist noted that the association informed him and his team that it is “extremely confident that Guyana also 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. “They also wrote a proposal for us and we will take it to Cabinet for its consideration and approval and once this is done, along with passage of our draft legislation, we would be able to hit the ground running when our work goes into full swing.” The SARU Head said that the network had invited SARU members to participate in a oneday 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 were two of its leading members; Eric Phillips and Major (Rtd) Aubrey Heath-Retemyer. TUESDAY EDITION BEST VILLAGE TRAGEDY… SURVIVOR SAYS SON WAS GOING TO BEHEAD HER A woman, whose right arm was almost severed last Friday when her son went berserk and killed his wife and son, is counting her blessings that doctors have managed to save her limb. Her son also chopped her in the process. Jennifer Monplaisir was rushed to the hospital with her right arm hanging and three fingers on her left hand almost severed. She also sustained multiple chop wounds to her back and both arms. She is the only survivor of last Friday’s attack. The woman is now thankful that doctors were able to save her arm and fingers. Both of her hands are in cast. When this newspaper visited her at the hospital Monday, she said, “Meh deh in nuff pain and meh can’t really move, move.” Around 04:00 hrs last Friday, 27-year-old Suresh Ganesh went berserk and slaughtered his partner, Vanessa Sookram, 34, and twoyear-old son Joel Ganesh. He chopped his mother multiple times, almost severing her right arm and fingers. The killer, still carrying the murder weapon, fled from the residence to Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, where he attacked a resident, but was shot while attempting to chop a policeman. Recalling what transpired on that morning, Monplaisir said that she heard her son crying out for hunger so she went over to his shack which is located at the back of her Lot 57 Best Squatting Area, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home to ask if he wanted bread. ”Me tell he that me na got food but he can get bread and he said he want it so meh went back home and collected the bread,” she stressed. She recalled when she walked over back to her son’s home to take the bread, she noticed that he had a cutlass in his hand but thought nothing of it at the time since, “Me na expect he woulda chop me up.” Fighting to hold back tears, Monplaisir

Kaieteur News

said when she handed her son the bread, he held onto her hand and chopped her. EIGHT NOW IN CUSTODY FOR MURDER ON MAHAICA TRUCKER – VEHICLE IMPOUNDED Five brothers from Chelsea Park, Mahaica, are among eight people now in custody for the murder of 31-year-old trucker Jadesh Dass, who was gunned down in 2012 on a roadway after he was lured from his home. The detained brothers include a sibling whose wife was allegedly having an affair with Dass, and another brother who allegedly paid an Albouystown man, known as ‘Buddy,’ $500,000 to execute Dass over the affair. Police have also detained the alleged gunman’s sister, known as ‘Mala’. It was she who reportedly suggested to one of the brothers that her sibling carry out the murder. Police are set to seek legal advice on the case. Relatives of the slain truck driver had long contended that the same detained brothers and some of their associates had plotted Dass’s murder over his affair with the wife of one of the brothers. There are reports that some of the sus-

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pects have been having an attack of conscience and that at least one of them had repeatedly divulged details about the murder while under the influence. The detained gunman has reportedly told investigators that he was given a $200,000 ‘down-payment’, and collected a further $300,000 after the ‘job’ was done. WEDNESDAY EDITION NEW POLITICAL FRIENDS SECRETLY RELEASED EIGHT CONTAINERS OF STEEL TO BK – EX-PRESIDENT RAMOTAR Shortly after the David Granger administration took office last year, eight containers of steel seized by the previous Government were reportedly handed over to contractor, B.K International. However, the circumstances of that transaction last year are now raising serious questions and threatening the credibility and transparency of the young administration. Amidst the ongoing public quarrel and growing scandal, former President Donald Ramotar in a letter to the editor published Tuesday in Kaieteur News, made it clear that the transaction stinks. The issue has seen Ramotar and BK’s owner, Brian Tiwarie, releasing a number of embarrassing Letters to the Editor, pointing fingers at each other over a number of transactions and contracts.

Those eight containers were shipped by Surendra Engineering Company Inc. (SECI) for construction works on the Specialty Hospital at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. However, in late 2014, the Indian contractor was fired from the US$18M project with the Ramotar government contending that forged bank security documents were submitted as security bonds. The company was also accused of being way behind schedule. The Government of Guyana went ahead and sued. The court last year January granted judgment in its favour, including special damages of US$4,285,440 and interest thereon and costs of US$10,714.50. While that court case had been ongoing, the PPP/C government learnt of the containers of steel which the Indian firm had brought in for the project. The containers, Ramotar said, were taken off the wharf and handed into the custody of the Ministry of Health. It was the intention, via the court case, to execute the judgment obtained against Surendra by levying on the containers. According to the former President, at the request of the Office of the President, the GRA did a one hundred percent inspection of the containers. The value of the steel in the container was equivalent to the US$4.5M judgment that was handed down by the court last year, the expresident said. VICTORIA DOUBLE-MURDER… ‘PICTURE BOY’ SENTENCED TO DEATH BY HANGING Two trials and hung jury verdicts after his initial appearance, Cyon Collier called ‘Picture Boy’ was on Tuesday sentenced to death by hanging for the crime he committed in 2006. Collier was convicted for the murder of brothers Ray Walcott called ‘Suga’, and Carl Andrews, called ‘Alo’. The incident took place at Victoria, East Coast Demerara. According to reports, Collier rode up on a motorcycle and began chatting with a group of domino players in Victoria before pulling out a gun and shooting at them. Walcott and Andrews sustained gunshot wounds, and succumbed as a result of the injuries. During the previous trial, the jury failed to reach the verdict of a unanimous decision in (Continued on page 34)

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(From page 33) relation to the crime. However after two hours and fifteen minutes Tuesday, the mixed jury panel returned to the courtroom of Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and announced that they had found Collier guilty on both counts of murder. Collier had pleaded his innocence from the inception of the trial. However, Tuesday after he was found guilty, the former accused sought forgiveness from relatives of the deceased, some of whom were present at the hearing. Still, the convict noted his disbelief at the outcome. Shortly after he responded to the verdict, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry handed down the sentence. Collier was subsequently taken away in the company of several police officers. During the trial, Collier was represented by Attorney-at-law Lyndon Amsterdam. Amsterdam had protested that the statements presented by State witnesses were flawed and filled with inconsistencies. But State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy insisted that the State had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Hardy pointed out that the evidence was clear – in the case of Walcott, he had a gaping wound to his forehead matching the spent shells found nearby, which belonged to an AK-47. The Prosecutor also noted that Andrews was shot at least three times. The Prosecution which consisted of Hardy and Narissa Leander called several witnesses to the stand, including eyewitnesses Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs, Quacy ‘Silver’ Stewart, Mohan Singh, and Sherwin Marshall. VAITARNATO “SURRENDER” STATE FOREST LANDS TO GOVT. – MINISTER TROTMAN The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is keeping a close eye on all logging companies—not only the controversial ones. Currently, the Commission remains engaged with Vaitarna, and the company seems to be cooperative. This is accord-

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Sunday July 10, 2016

New GPC Inc. CHAIRMAN IGNORES QUERIES ON GRA SACKINGS

ing to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. During a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Trotman said that he has full confidence in the GFC’s Board of Directors. He said that the Board is currently working hard to regularize things at GFC. Further, the Minister indicated that the Board is talking to some companies whose operations fall under GFC. Included in these entities is the logging company, Vaitarna. Trotman told Kaieteur News, “My last report was that Vaitarna was being very cooperative. There are discussions ongoing between Vaitarna and the Board and these are said to be going reasonably well. The Minister said that the discussions cover a wide range of concerns and issues raised, “including about the size of their concession and the possibility of them surrendering some lands.” Vaitarna currently has access to 737,835 hectares of State forest. It has the second larg-

est access to State Forest. Only Barama has more access to State Forest. THURSDAY EDITION OVER 17-YEAR PERIOD… NEW GPC COLLECTED $$B TO SUPPLY DRUGS …PAID PALTRY $6.9M IN DIVIDENDS TO GOVT In 1999, under the watch of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, a large swatch of property, known as the Sanata complex, complete with buildings and machinery at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, and worth hundreds of millions of dollars, was privatized by Government with control given to Queens Atlantic Investments Inc (QAII). At the same time, some 60 percent of the interest owned in the state-owned New GPC Inc., makers of Limacol, was also transferred to the company. For that Sanata property and the stakes in New GPC, the investor, QAII, paid a paltry $500M or (US$2.5M). Less than two years later, in September 2001, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) transferred another 30 percent of New GPC Inc. shares to QAII for $200M. NICIL, which controls Government properties and handles investments, retained just 10 percent of the New GPC shares. The details of the transactions had angered Guyanese over the last decade after it became known that Jagdeo, during his terms in office, turned around and granted New GPC billions of dollars in contracts for the supply of pharmaceuticals to the country’s hospitals and the Ministry of Health. New GPC, from records, was handpicked using what is known in procurement as ‘sole sourcing’. Shockingly, according to new information Wednesday, New GPC, controlled by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, paid little dividends to the Government of Guyana for those 10 percent shares. This was despite billions of dollars it received for those drug contracts. Ramroop is a close friend of Jagdeo. NICIL, in bombshell revelations Wednesday, said that since privatization in 1999—a 17-year period—it only received $6.9M in dividends for its 10% minority shareholding in

A surprise shakeup last week at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which saw three top officials sacked is raising serious questions whether procedures were breached in the process. The sackings will place even more pressure on Chairman of GRA’s Governing Board, Rawle Lucas, who is facing fire at the entity for a number of recent decisions. On Monday, June 27 at GRA’s Camp Street headquarters, Lucas announced that while the search was on for a new Commissioner-General, a number of changes have been made. Customs Head, Jameel Baksh, and Head of the Human Resources Division, Archana Joshi, were all “relieved” of their duties. Lucas’ reasons for the sacking were that GRA was unsatisfied with the level of revenue collections. The sacking all came on the heels of a damning report of a Customs racket at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport from where the entire team of staffers was transferred. The report, seen by Kaieteur News, said that the manager was promoted even while he was on administrative leave. At issue was the airport bribery racket that was busted in February after a tip-off. During the June 27 press conference, Lucas failed to announce that another firing had taken place the same day –June 27, 2016. The lead investigator of the Customs airport racket, Nityanand Narootandeo, had his services terminated suddenly without any warning or hearing. No reasons were given in his letter. In all three letters of termination the Human Resources Management Division of GRA made it clear that it was a decision of the Governing Board of Directors. However, multiple sources at GRA who expressed shock at the sackings insisted that there were no Board meetings on the decisions to fire the three officials. One official said that a Board meeting was indeed held a few days before but it discussed the appointment of Hema Khan as Deputy Commissioner-General. Also discussed was the hiring of a new Commissioner-General. EX MINISTER, ASSISTANT TRIAL BEGINS … WESTFORD’S ASSISTANT HELD VARIOUS POSTS IN MINISTRY – COURT TOLD Margaret Cummings was not only employed as a Chief Personnel Officer during Dr. Jennifer Westford’s tenure as Minister of Public Service. Cummings also performed duties as the Confidential Secretary to the former Minister and Acting Administrative Officer. This is according to Andre Albert Dazzell, a Chief Accountant at the Ministry of the Presidency attached to the Department of Public Service. Dazzell testified Wednesday before Magistrate Judy Latchman when the trial of Dr. Westford and Ms. Cummings commenced in relation to the misappropriation of over $600M from the State. The Chief Accountant, who resides at Lot 543 Section A, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, also informed the court that Ms. Cummings was responsible for the day to day operations of the Ministry’s accounts department, and the person he reported directly to. According to Dazzell, some of his duties as Chief Accountant included preparing financial budgets; financial reports and (Continued on page 35)

Sunday July 10, 2016

(From page 34) supervising the accounts department on a daily basis. When asked by Police Prosecutor, Vishnu Hunt whether he knew Dr. Westford, the witness replied “yes”. He described her as the Minister of Public Service from 2011-2015. Dazzell subsequently pointed out Dr. Westford who was seated in court to Magistrate Judy Latchman. He testified that he also knew Hydar Ally, since he was the former Permanent Secretary within the said Ministry. However, Senior Counsel Mr. Neil Boston, objected when Dazzell told the court that Ms. Cummings was Confidential Secretary to the former Minister. In his objections, Boston argued that the testimony being given by the witness did not correspond with statements he received from the prosecution. He pointed out that if the prosecution wants the witness to testify in relation to that, an additional statement should have been filed for Dazzell. In response to the Counsel’s contentions, Prosecutor Hunt explained that he had received 24 files in relation to the matter. Hunt pointed out that additional statements were given to police by Dazzell. He said that Ms. Cummings was Confidential Secretary to Dr. Westford during her tenure as Minister. The Prosecutor stressed that there is a possibility that the statement might be in another file. The Magistrate, however, was able to locate the additional statement by the Ministry of Presidency employee. In light of this, Prosecutor Hunt requested a short adjournment date to compile statements in the file to avoid any further setbacks in the matter. FRIDAY EDITION ONE DEAD, FOUR DETAINEDAFTER DRUG BUSTAT HOTEL A North East La Penitence, Georgetown man was shot dead by police following a drug bust at the Alpha Hotel at Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Fifty-one-year-old Nigel Joseph was shot in the stomach and reportedly died while being transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Police detained four people, including a 16-year-old cleaner, and recovered some 524 grammes of cocaine and an unlicenced 9mm handgun. The drama reportedly began when police received information that a big drug deal was “going down” between numerous individuals in the hotel. Police reportedly kicked open a hotel door, as the ‘deal’ was being transacted. It is alleged that one of the individuals in the room opened fire and the ranks returned fire, hitting Joseph, in the stomach. Kaieteur News understands that four people were subsequently detained and a number of vehicles were impounded. Staffers at the hotel declined to comment on the incident. BANDITS HIJACK GUYSUCO VEHICLE WITH PAYROLL, ESCAPE WITH GUN In a daring evening robbery Thursday, armed bandits hijacked a Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) pickup, before escaping with a $1.5M payroll and a gun, taken from staffers and security personnel. According to the corporation in a statement, the incident occurred around 18:30hrs while the vehicle was in the vicinity of the Ruimveldt, East Bank Demerara public road. ”Information available to the Corporation

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at the moment indicates that, security personnel and other staff members were relieved of the cash totaling one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1.5M)…” The occupants were forced out of the company’s vehicle, PJJ 302, a Toyota Hilux pickup. The bandits, GuySuCo said, drove away in the vehicle along with a 9mm pistol. ”No one was injured and the Guyana Police Force is currently working closely with the Corporation to conduct the investigation.”

port on all those matters highlighted. The Board has a copy of the audit report and I will be guided by the collective decision of those Board members.” Trotman continued, “A Minister has a board so that there can be an arm’s length and objective relationship with the Commission. As Minister I act through the Board.” The GFC forensic Audit Report has been quite revealing. It highlighted many instances of malpractice and acts that do not conform with the laws that govern GFC’s existence.

“MAJOR” SHAKEUP LIKELYAT GFC

SATURDAY EDITION

“As Minister I act through the Board,” said Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman as he noted that he is expecting a major shakeup at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). Trotman recently told Kaieteur News that the Board of GFC has formed a sub-committee and is currently reviewing the damning forensic audit report, as well as all contracts signed by the Commission. Trotman said that the Board in carrying out its review is “aware of government’s policy to have a sanitization. But as Minister I am not identifying any company to say this one or that one. The Board will do its job. ”I have asked the Board to give a full re-

MISSING UG STUDENT’S BODY FLOATS UP The search for missing University of Guyana Civil Engineer student, Harris Anthony Persaud, ended shortly after 17.00 hrs Friday, with the discovery of his body in the Demerara River. Persaud’s uncle, Bobby Sookdeo, found his nephew’s remains, clad only in underwear, in the vicinity of Vriesland, West Bank of Demerara. Ranks from the Marine Police Division brought the corpse ashore at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, before it was taken away by hearse. ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken, said that while the body bore no marks of violence, police will await the results of a post mortem before releasing the two UG students in whose company Persaud was reportedly last seen. On Thursday night, the students, aged 19 and 20, had accompanied police to areas on East Coast Demerara where they had disposed of Persaud’s clothing, haversack and other belongings. P e r s a u d ’s h a v e r s a c k w a s r e p o r t edly foun d n e a r t h e E n m ore Railway Embankment. Some of his clothes were reportedly dumped in a trench at Turkeyen, while his iPad and cell phone, which were not found, were reportedly disposed of near Buxton. “We are still questioning them…There are

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some inconsistencies in their statements, and the fact that they moved the clothing from one place to the next is suspicious,” Hicken said. Persaud, 19, of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, vanished on Wednesday after leaving classes at the University and visiting two of his colleagues, who were renting an apartment at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. T h e s t u d e n t ’s f a t h e r, N a n d k u m a r Persaud, said that after his son failed to arrive home, he contacted the two students, who confirmed that they had seen Persaud. But the friends claimed that Persaud subsequently left for Mahaica, where he is on a three-year-attachment at H. Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering Contractors. “On Wednesday night I called them and they said that my son left to go to work,” Mr. Persaud said. But the woman who rented the two friends the Turkeyen apartment told P e r s a u d ’s r e l a t i v e s t h a t t h e t h r e e friends had left together on Wednesday in a car. Acting on this information, detectives on Thursday took the two students into custody. Under intense questioning, the youths reportedly told investigators that Persaud had accompanied them to the Kingston seawalls, near the Marriott Hotel. They claimed that they were all swimming in the Atlantic when a wave swept Persaud away. One of the students recalled clinging to a rock. It is alleged that the friends then panicked and disposed of Persaud’s clothing, haversack and other items on the East Coast of Demerara. Mr. Persaud yesterday appeared convinced that his son met his demise while swimming. “I don’t think that it is foul play. I think they (the students) became afraid and panicked. But I blame them, because I know them. They should have said something. They should have shouted out to persons in the (Continued on page 36)

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Sunday July 10, 2016

(From page 35) area (when the mishap occurred.)” EAST DEMERARAHIGHWAY EXPANSION... HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS GIVEN TO CONTRACTORS IN OVERPAYMENTS – REPORT REVEALS An audit report for the fiscal year 2014 by the Auditor General of Guyana, Deodat Sharma, has revealed several overpayments which were made to contractors for works done on the East Coast Demerara Highway under the former PPP administration. The project which began in 2011 was aimed at expanding the road network from Better Hope to Belfield villages. The project had two components (i) highway improvement work and (ii) supervision. According to the report, $1.610 billion was budgeted to complete all the road works. A total of $622.161 million had been expended as at December 2014. The project had been split up into several lots but unrecovered overpayments were recorded for works done in two; specifically Lot three and Lot four. The area from La Bonne Intention to Beterverwagting Villages was tagged as Lot Three while Beterverwagting to Triumph was tagged Lot Four. Courtney Benn Contracting Services was contracted to perform works in Lot Three while Compustruct Engineering Inc. was contracted for Lot Four.

LOT THREE According to the audit report the contract sum for Lot Three was $349.007 million. Payments made at the time of the report totalled $278.346 million. The contract completion date expired on June 17, 2015 and at the time of the physical verification on September 18, 2015 works along the roadway were incomplete.

It was noted that the contractor had submitted bonds for two Advance Payments. Those bonds expired in 2014 and it is unclear whether the advance payments were recovered at the time the physical verification was performed. Only an advanced payment of 50% was allowed under the contract, however, according to the audit, the contractor received advance payments of $174.504 million (50%) and $37.415 million (10%). This represented 60% of the contract sum which was a clear breach of the contractual terms. After the advance payments were made, additional funds were spent on the project. This took the total payments to $278.346 million. At the time of the physical verification, the value of the work done on the site was $157.663 million. Therefore there was an excess of $120.683 million in payments to the company. LOT FOUR The audit report stated that the contractor for Lot Four was also paid two advance payments which amounted to 60% of the total contract sum. This was another breach of the contractual terms since only an advance payment of 50% was allowed. A bond was submitted for the first payment which expired in 2014. No bond was presented for the second payment. The contract sum for Lot Four was $322.369 million. Total payments made at the time of the report totalled $209.215 million. At the end of the physical verification conducted on September 18, 2015, the work done at Lot Four was valued at $76.954 million. Therefore the contractor received an overpayment of $132.729 million. BOY, 4, RUNS INTO FIRE TO SAVE BROTHER, 6 …BOTH BURN TO DEATH Two brothers aged six and four, were burnt to death early Friday after a fire, believed to be electrical in origin, destroyed the Children’s

Drop-in-Centre on Hadfield Street, where they were temporarily placed. The remains of six-year-old Joshua George and Antonio George, four, were found among the debris shortly after fire fighters extinguished the blaze which started around 12:05 hrs. Kaieteur News was told that the two brothers along with three other siblings were taken into the Drop-in Centre around 05:30 hrs on Wednesday after Social Workers responded to a call of neglect and maltreatment. Medical examinations done at the Diamond Hospital confirmed that the five siblings were indeed victims of neglect and maltreatment. They were temporarily placed at the Home until further investigations could have been done. At the time of the fire, two Social Services Assistants, Rupert Hinds and Sharon Jones were on duty, monitoring 34 children. Hinds was overlooking the boys, who were housed in the lower flat while Jones was supervising the females, housed in the upper flat. The two brothers were placed in the upper flat of the building. When the fire started, the children at the centre were asleep. It is believed that while being brought out, four-year-old Antonio George loosed Jones’ hands and went back to look for his older brother. Head of the Child Care Protection Agency, Ann Greene, said that the Ministry of Social Protection takes full responsibility for the tragedy and will bear the full cost of the funeral arrangements. “In the long term, CPA will work with this family to ensure the other three siblings, and their ailing mother, receive all the support and help they need,” she said, adding that the Guyana Fire Service is still conducting investigation to determine the cause of the fire. According to the CPA head, the Drop-in Centre was recently refurbished and a fire extinguisher installed with advice from the Guyana Fire Service. The Centre also acquired fire blankets and a fire alarm system. Kaieteur News was told that the other 29 children from the Drop-in Centre are housed at the Sophia Care Centre and the Half Way Home, located in the Care Centre’s compound and are currently receiving therapy provided by specialists from the Georgetown Public Hospital. Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, expressed her sympathy to the George family.

Sunday July 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

Taxpayers and their compliance with VAT - Part 1 By Kiana Wilburg

It’s no secret, the significant role tax revenue plays in financing a country’s planned development activities. So important is its role that countries are keen to protect themselves from tax revenue shortfalls by planning to ensure a stable tax revenue collection regime. The planning strategy usually includes countries seeking to ensure that the parameters required to be met for each type of tax to perform well are actually met. The strategy may also, or alternatively, seek to focus on a certain type of tax for stable revenue collection. To better understand the latter strategy, I sought the help of Chartered Accountant, Sean Naughton. With the proliferation of globalization, Naughton believes that multinational enterprises, that is, companies

with related companies in other countries, lead to many destabilization issues for corporate income tax revenue. He said that the main issue with multinational enterprises is with sharing global profits in ways that are unacceptable to most countries concerned, given the contributions made by each to the creation of that profit. Naughton explained that this international tax issue was addressed and redressed many times by leading global bodies like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) through its Fiscal Affairs arm. Currently there is a study on “Base Erosion and Profit Shifting” (BEPS) being undertaken by this body, because while there has been major strides, there are still many international tax problems in the area of sharing profits between countries where the multinationals carry

on business. Naughton shared that the USA has proposed to replace its current system of taxation with a single sales tax regime called “FairTax”. The Chartered Accountant said that with the corporate income tax regime gone, so too will the BEPS issues, which causes unstable tax revenue collected. He said that other countries do not propose to remove the corporate tax regime, but to place reduced reliance on it, preferring to rely on consumption-based taxes like VAT or other sales tax. Naughton said that the UK has reduced its corporate tax rate from 30% in 2008 gradually down to 20% currently, and proposes further reductions to a projected 17% rate in 2020. He said that while reducing corporate income tax rates, the UK’s VAT rate has been steadily increasing from a standard rate of

15% in 2008 to 20% currently. The Chartered Accountant noted that one of the most significant points being made in support of the proposed FairTax system is that once you consume goods/ services in the USA you would have paid the tax (hard to evade the tax). MANAGING THE PARAMETERS OF VAT Guyana’s version of the stabilizing sales tax is the Value Added Tax (VAT). The implementation of this tax has had the effect of stabilizing tax revenue for our country. At the time of setting up the VAT regime, projected (Continued on page 49s)

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Chartered Accountant, Sean Naughton

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Sunday July 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

FFTP widens wheelchair distribution programme

Items including wheelchairs are being loaded on a truck for FFTP’s partner, the Suddie Hospital

FFTP Senior Manager, Jimeel Davis

For many years Jimeel Davis has been allowed to play an integral role in the operation of an organisation that thrives on a mission to help the materially poor while bringing them closer to their Creator. The organisation to which he is associated is Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. and it is not at all surprising that Davis has a clear idea of the needs of many of the vul-

nerable in society. You see his father (Leon Davis) long before him also had a hand on the pulse of the very organisation for a number of years. Jimeel Davis understandably developed a passion for what his father did. He was recently recognised as a long serving employee, having already spent 15 years catering to the needy. He currently holds the position of Senior Manager of

the Gifts in Kind Department. As part of continuing efforts he was able to help put into motion a simple but very important programme that has been able to reach a wide cross section of Guyana. The programme is a wheelchair distribution venture which was kicked into

motion last year, in collaboration with the Free Wheelchair Mission of the United States. Founded in 2001 by Laurie and Don Schoendorfer as a faith-based, non-profit humanitarian organisation, it has over the years been able to provide wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in de-

veloping nations. According to Davis, the collaboration last year saw a total of 550 wheelchairs being distributed and a similar feat is expected to be realised this year. The process has already started, the Senior Manager revealed. FFTP has in its pos-

session a shipment of 550 wheelchairs and the distribution process commenced last month, Davis informed. On Friday, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre was the recipient of 50 wheelchairs from FFTP. In fact the two organisations have (Continued on page 47)

Sunday July 10, 2016

FFTP widens wheelchair...

From page 46 decided to partner to help advance the FFTP wheelchair distribution programme. According to Davis, “they are doing repairs and they are also distributing wheelchairs for us.” Yet another partner of the venture, he said, is the Suddie Hospital in Essequibo, which has already distributed 10 wheelchairs and received 10 more on Friday. The St Francis Community Developers in Berbice is another partner of FFTP. President of the organisation, Mr Alex Foster, has been spearheading the distribution activity in Berbice, Davis said. While Davis couldn’t assure that the venture will be annual, he did highlight that a repeat this year was engaged after US donors saw how successful it was last year. “The donor saw that we did such a good job at distributing the wheelchairs so they decided to send us another set of wheelchairs,” Davis related. Last year the wheelchairs distributed were of the GEN 2 type which is not collapsible. This, according to Davis, was the single issue the initiative had, since a number of wheelchair-bound persons were not completely happy with this type of wheelchair. “We had a lot of complaints for people who are very active...people who are wheelchair-bound and go to clinic, who use public transportation and need their wheelchair to fold, they were the ones who were particularly not pleased with the GEN 2,” Davis related. But on this occasion, he noted that some persons, mainly those who are very active, will be eligible to trade in their GEN 2 for a GEN 3type wheelchair, which is collapsible. The donor, on this occasion, Davis said have made available 50 of this type

of wheelchair. “We want to make sure that the GEN 3 goes to people who really need them,” said Davis, as he added that “We will do this distribution like a pilot project and we will see how it works...we hope to receive feedback from the public about how the GEN 3 is working, and we will provide that information to the donor and in the next shipment we hope to get all GEN 3,” Davis asserted. While people in need of wheelchairs are able to receive them at no cost to them, Davis disclosed that the name, address and contact information, together with a photograph of the person in need and a doctor’s recommendation, be submitted to FFTP to help verify that there is an authentic need. “We need to ensure that the people receiving the wheelchair is actually disabled and is in need of a wheelchair...” said Davis as he added that FFTP and its partners, tasked with the distribution process, will fully setup the wheelchairs all of which arrived in parts from the donor. “We will be ensuring that each person who receives a wheelchair receives one that is the right size to fit them perfectly...we are not giving people too small wheelchairs or too big wheelchairs, because not using the right size has been found to have side effects,” Davis added.

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‘Stop using BMI as measure of health,’ SAY RESEARCHERS

The study provides more evidence to support the idea that a person’s body mass index (BMI = weight in kg divided by height in m2) is a flawed measure of health. In spite of this, BMI continues to be used as a yardstick for determining health status. Many employers use it to calculate workers’ health care costs, note the researchers behind the new study, who report their findings in the International Journal of Obesity. And soon, if a rule proposed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is adopted, US employers will be allowed to charge employees up to 30% of health care costs if they fail to meet certain health criteria such as not having a BMI in the normal range (between 18.5 and 24.99). The study, led by A. Janet Tomiyama, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), analyzed the link between BMI and cardiometabolic health using data from the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The cardiometabolic health data available in the NHANES gives measures of blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, insulin resistance and C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation). The analysis shows nearly half of Americans whose BMI puts them in the overweight category (34.4 million people) are actually healthy according to cardiometabolic measures, as are 19.8 million whose BMI classes them as obese. The researchers also found that 15% of Americans (2 million people) whose BMI calculation is 35 or higher thus classing them as very obese - are also healthy. Prof. Tomiyama says: “Many people see obesity as a death sentence. But the data show there are tens of millions of people who are overweight and obese and are perfectly healthy.” She says that these people would be unlikely to

incur higher medical expenses and it would be unfair to charge them higher premiums based only on their BMI. The study also finds over 30% of Americans whose BMI puts them in the normal range (nearly 21 million people) are actually unhealthy according to cardiometabolic measures. Altogether, say the authors, nearly 75 million adults in the US are misclassified as either healthy or unhealthy when BMI is used as the sole health indicator. Prof. Tomiyama says she is surprised by the large numbers they found in the new study and remarks how unfair it is that many healthy people may be penalized, while many unhealthy people will not get charged more for their health insurance, based on their BMI. She notes: “Employers, policy makers and insurance companies should focus on actual health markers.” In previous work, her lab - which specializes in diet, stress and health - has also found no clear link between weight loss and improvements in blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, glucose and other health measures. Prof. Tomiyama now intends to study people with high BMI who are very healthy. Co-author Jeffrey Hunger, a doctoral candidate at the University of California-Santa Barbara, urges people to obsess less about their weight and focus on following a healthy diet and taking regular exercise. He says their study confirms how flawed BMI is as an indicator of health and concludes that “this should be the final nail in the coffin for BMI.” In 2013, Medical News Today reported on a Science paper that discusses why BMI is an inaccurate measure of body fat content and how there is an urgent need for accurate, practical and affordable tools to measure biomarkers that can better predict the risks of disease and death. http:// www.medicalnewstoday.com.

Sunday July 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

Taxpayers and their... From page 45 revenue from the tax would have been agreed as dependent on the achievement of certain parameters. These parameters would need constant monitoring to ensure stable revenue collection. According to Naughton, some of the factors which should have been considered are indicted below. 9 Collecting agents – this is the registering of businesses which collect the tax from consumers and pay it over to GRA; 9 Verifying reported sales – The tax is a percentage of sales value. Being satisfied that the reported sales is correct should therefore be of utmost importance; 9 Exempt goods/services – The extent to which tax exemptions are given for goods/ services sold must be continuously monitored to ensure stable revenue collection; and 9 Refunding input tax – minimizing the risk of refund fraud through constant monitoring. COLLECTINGAGENTS Naughton stated that maximum registration of qualifying agents should mean the collection of maximum tax revenue. “Remember that when businesses which are not registered sell taxable goods/services, the tax would not be collected. However, there is an argument to be made that for a fairer system, no business should be exempt

from registering; no matter how little its sales are per year,” Naughton expressed. He said that the extremely low level of registration in Guyana is because most Guyanese taxpayers do not want to be registered and would prefer to under report sales to avoid registration. He explained that GRA’s only option in such a case would be to prove that the threshold has been met and force registration. It is however not easy proving annual sales or even over 300 days of sales. The Chartered Accountant said that it would be easier to prove that a single day’s relevant sales is more than $50,000 or that the average of three days sales exceed $40,000. He explained that this is because by simply observing the business for a few days, the authority would have all the evidence it needs. “A point I made, representing the Linden Chamber in 2007 when VAT was being launched, was that registered businesses are put at a competitive disadvantage (must either increase price to collect the government’s revenue, losing market share, or cut profit; refunds do not fully compensate). This would hardly be the case if the majority of businesses were registered. Registration fears will also be reduced,” Naughton expressed. He opined that there is an obvious obligation to protect both the tax revenue and the private sector by maximizing registration. To be continued …

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Daily chocolate intake Happiness genes located linked to lower risk of for the first time diabetes, heart disease In the journal Nature, the international team describes how it analyzed genomic data from hundreds of thousands of people to find genetic variants associated with our feelings of well-being,depression and neuroticism. One of the researchers, Alexis Frazier-Wood, assistant professor of pediatrics and nutrition at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, says: “We report that we found three genetic variants associated with subjective wellbeing - how happy a person thinks or feels about his or her life. We also found two genes harboring variants associated with depressive symptoms and 11 genes where variation was associated with neuroticism.” The team also found that the gene variants are mainly

Study co-author Prof. Saverio Stranges visiting academic of the University of Warwick Medical School, United Kingdom, and scientific director of the Department of Population Health at the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) - and colleagues publish their findings in the British Journal of Nutrition. Chocolate is often perceived as a treat that should only be enjoyed from time to time. Given its high fat and sugar content, this is no surprise; overconsumption can lead to health problems, such as tooth decay and obesity. However, studies are increasingly suggesting regular, moderate chocolate consumption may yield significant health benefits, particularly when it comes to dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has the highest cocoa content, which means it has the highest levels of antioxidants - specifically, flavonoids - which are molecules that can prevent some forms of cell damage. For their study, Prof. Stranges and colleagues analyzed the chocolate consumption of 1,153 people aged 18-69 who were part of the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk in Luxembourg (ORISCAV-LUX) study. Data on chocolate intake were gathered from participants’ completion of a food frequency questionnaire. The team set out to investigate whether chocolate intake is associated with insulin resistance - where the body’s cells do not effectively respond to insulin, raising the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. They also assessed how chocolate consumption affected liver enzyme levels, which is a measure of liver function.

Reduced insulin resistance with daily chocolate consumption The researchers found that 81.8 percent of the study participants consumed chocolate, with an average consumption of 24.8 grams daily. Compared with participants who did not eat chocolate every day, those who did were found to have reduced insulin resistance and improved liver enzyme levels. The effect was stronger the higher the chocolate consumption, the team reports. The findings remained after accounting for participants’ age, sex, education, lifestyle, and dietary factors that could affect the results. Dietary factors included intake of tea and coffee rich in the antioxidants polyphenols, which the researchers say have the potential to spur chocolate’s benefits for cardiometabolic risk. Cardiometabolic risk refers to a person’s likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Participants who ate chocolate were more physically active, younger, and more highly educated than those who did not eat chocolate, according to the authors. Prof. Stranges and colleagues say their findings suggest that chocolate consumption may reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders by improving liver enzyme levels and protecting against insulin resistance. “Given the growing body of evidence, including our own study, cocoa-based products may represent an additional dietary recommendation to improve cardiometabolic health; however, observational results need to be supported by robust trial evidence. Potential applications of this knowledge include recommendations by healthcare professionals to encourage individuals to consume a wide range of phytochemical-rich foods, which can include dark chocolate in moderate amounts.” However, Prof. Stranges notes that it is important to distinguish the difference between chocolate that contains natural cocoa and processed chocolate; the latter is much higher in calories. “Therefore, physical activity, diet and other lifestyle factors must be carefully balanced to avoid detrimental weight gain over time,” he adds. (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com.)

expressed incentral nervous system and adrenal or pancreas tissues. For the study, the team carried out a metaanalysis - that is, they brought together genomic data from many other studies - and used advanced statistical tools to analyze the pooled data as if it came from one huge study of 298,000 people. Previous studies have suggested that individual differences in happiness and well-being might be linked to genetic differences between people. There is increasing interest in the topic as growing evidence suggests wellbeing is a factor in both mental and physical health. However, the researchers warn that genes are not the whole story when it comes to determining how people think and feel about their lives. They explain that the en-

vironment, and how it interacts with genes, is just as important. But, studying the genes could help us start to understand why some people might be biologically predisposed to develop these symptoms, they note. The researchers also hope the findings, which are available for follow-up research, will help to clarify the picture of what causes differences in happiness. They see this breakthrough discovery as just the beginning and believe the variants they have located are but a small fraction of what is waiting to be discovered. “The genetic overlap with depressive symptoms that we have found is also a breakthrough. This shows that research into happiness can also offer new insights into the causes of one of the greatest medical challenges of our time: depression.” http:// www.medicalnewstoday.com.

Low salt intake may raise risk of heart attack, stroke, and death Published in The Lancet, the study found that low salt, or sodium, intake may raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, compared with an average salt intake. Lead author Andrew Mente, of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University in Canada, and colleagues say their results indicate only people with high blood pressure(hypertension) who have a high salt intake should reduce their salt consumption. Furthermore, the researchers suggest current recommendations for daily salt consumption may be set too low. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that Americans consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day - the equivalent to 1 teaspoon of salt.

However, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this year revealed that around 90 percent of Americans consume salt at levels above the recommended limit. It is widely accepted that too much salt in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. But does reducing salt intake to the levels recommended in current guidelines really reduce the risk of such outcomes? This is what Mente and colleagues set out to investigate. The team analyzed data of more than 130,000 individuals spanning 49 countries. They looked at the sodium intake of participants and how this related to the risk of

heart disease and stroke among those with and without high blood pressure. Compared with people who had an average sodium intake, the rates of heart attack, stroke, and death were higher among those who had a low sodium intake, regardless of whether participants had high blood pressure. Interestingly, low salt intake in the study was defined as an intake of less than 3,000 milligrams a day, which is above current recommendations in the United States. Furthermore, the researchers found that only individuals with high blood pressure appeared to be subject to the risks associated with high salt intake - defined as more than 6,000 milligrams daily. (http://www.medical news today.com. )

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Ciara and Russell Wilson Kylie Jenner Is Not Engaged, tie the knot Despite Flashing Ring

Ciara and Russell Wilson’s fairy tale wedding wouldn’t have been as perfect if it weren’t for their friends and family in attendance. In fact, some of their closest pals joined them by their sides during the ceremony as they said “I do.” Their wedding party consisted of eight women and eight men. On Ciara’s side, her bridesmaids included: her Matron of Honor, Yolonda Fredrick-Thompson as well as Lala Anthony, Erica Ashe, Jamaica Craft, Hanna Isaksson, Kelly Rowland, Sabena Toor, Anna Wilson (Russell’s sister). Russell’s groomsmen included: his Best Man, Scott Pickett as well as Kenny Dichter, Jimmy Graham, Cole Hawthorne, Matthew Rodgers, Mark Rodgers, Robert Turbin and Harry Wilson(Russell’s brother). The ladies all looked stunning in black, custom Michael Costello gowns, while the groomsmen were dapper in Giorgio Armani. The couple tied the knot at Peckforton Castle on Wednesday, and it appeared to be one seriously breath-taking event. Ciara donned a one-of-a kind Roberto Cavalli Couture wedding gown, which was designed by the Peter Dundas himself, and she accessorized the dress with shoes she

personally designed with Giuseppe Zanotti. Meanwhile, Russell’s suit was personally handcrafted by Giorgio Armani, who also customized a “little man suit” for Ciara’s son, Future Zahir (the ring bearer), as well as one for Ciara’s father,Carlton Harris. Ciara’s father handed his daughter away as her mother, Jackie Harris, and Russell’s mom,Tammy Russell, looked on from the audience. After the ceremony—which was officiated by Pastor Judah Smith from The City Church in Seattle and L.A.—all of the newlyweds’ friends, family and wedding party enjoyed the reception. They danced the night away to music from Earth, Wind & Fire, who was personally introduced by the couple, as well as some tunes from DJ Nabs. The party didn’t end until the early dawn, which probably explains why the couple looked a little tired the following day heading to the airport to jet off to London! Well, that or...let’s just say they haven’t been shy about admitting what went down after they officially became husband and wife. We might have a mini Russell soon! Congrats again to the happy couple! http://www.eonline.com.

Kylie Jenner is not getting married, despite sporting some curious new bling, E! News has learned exclusively. The 18-year-old Keeping Up With the Kardashians star, who recently rekindled her relationship with Tyga, posted on herInstagram page Friday a photo of her wearing a large, sparking ring on her ring finger. Kylie is not engaged, two sources told E! News. However, she has discussed marrying Tyga, 26, one of them said. The on-again, off-again couple most recently split in May and reconciled last month. Kylie referred to Tyga as her “husband” in a Snapchat video and on Thursday, she posted a photo of the two with the caption, “Mr. and Mrs.” “Kylie has brought up marriage with Tyga to her friends lately, both jokingly and seriously,” the source told E! News, adding that the two “have talked about it before too.” “It wouldn’t happen now but she’s been thinking about it more and wants a future with him,” the source added. The two are “doing really well again,” the source added. “They are super in love! Every time they take time apart, they come back closer than ever. It’s kind of a cycle for them but the break was good for them. It made them miss each other and appreciate each other more.” Kylie and

Tyga have often sparked marriage rumors. Last year, an insider told E! News Tyga “wants to marry Kylie eventually” and that the two “discussed it later down the line once

50 Cent Makes Bankruptcy Debt Payback Deal

Amber Rose’s Talk Show Debuts: Host Talks Sex & Taylor Swift Amber Rose made her big TV hosting debut Friday with the premiere of The Amber Rose Show and joked about celebs, offered sex and dating advice and chatted with celebrity guest and rapper French Montana. “I’m so excited to have my own show!” she said. “Yes, so you guys can get to know the real me. And, actually, people don’t know this about me but I’m actually a virgin. Just kidding! I’m a ho.” During her monologue, Rose referenced celebs such as Chris Brown, Taylor Swift and even her ex, Kanye West. She talked about Swift and new boyfriend’s PDA-filled Fourth of July weekend with the singer’s friends at her Rhode Island home, during which the British Thoractor wore an “I e& T.S.” tank top. “So cute.” Rose said. “Can I please come

next year to your party? Please? And Taylor, as long as you know my plus one won’t be Kanye, then we’ll be straight.” In a segment titled “Ask MUVA,” referencing her nickname, an audience member shared a story of dating a guy with a small penis and signaled she was reluctant to continue the relationship. “He had a small dick?” Rose asked. “I think you should cut him off. I mean, listen, you just said you ‘kind’ of like him. You don’t want to grow to love him and he has a small penis. Listen, on the Amber Rose Show, we are not about body shaming -he can’t help what he has in his pants, so we’re not going to judge him for that, but your personal preference to have a guy with a bigger dick and if it’s just not there, it’s just not there.”http://www. eonline.com.

Kylie gets a bit older.” In February, Tyga said in a radio interview that he and Kylie don’t plan on marrying soon but added, “I love that girl.” http://www.eonline.com.

Rapper 50 Cent, known for flashing the cash as part of his extravagant lifestyle, has received court approval to get out of bankruptcy. A court in Connecticut has given the green light to a proposal submitted by the singer to pay some $23.4m (£18m) to creditors over five years. Judge Ann Nevins said creditors - who accounted for 99.5% of the claims against the rapper - had accepted his arrangement. Best known for his album and movie Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, the rapper filed for bankruptcy protection last year soon after losing a lawsuit over a sex tape. 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, had appeared in a wig and spoke in an artificially high voice as he narrated a video that depicted sex acts by Lastonia

Leviston. He had been seeking to mock fellow rapper Rick Ross, who was formerly in a relationship with Ms Leviston. After she sued, 50 Cent was ordered to pay $7m (£5.3m) in damages. Under the bankruptcy deal, he will instead pay her $6m (£4.6m), a court document showed. The biggest claim against the rapper was from investors in Sleek Audio, a failed headphone venture. He agreed to pay them more than $17.5m (£13.4m) under the deal. In the settlement, 50 Cent said he was putting forward $7.4m to his creditors immediately in cash and would generate nearly all the additional money by selling his home, a Connecticut mansion once owned by boxer Mike Tyson. http://news.sky.com.

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New legislative policies for mining and forestry sector underway -- Trotman Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has indicated that many changes are underway for the mining and forestry sectors. The Minister said that regulations for mining are currently under review by his Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Trotman said that before the end of this year, “We will bring several areas of proposed change to the attention of the National Assembly. The Minister said that he is very interested in addressing and revamping safety regulations. “Safety is a major concern for us;

we are looking to strengthen the regulations in the mining sector in this particular area.” The Minister said that his Ministry is also looking to address environmental degradation. He said, “Even if mining or forestry disrupts the environment we should be able to restore, replant, and reclaim as much as is possible; so before the end of the year we will be introducing legislation to pay attention to those two particular areas.’ With regard to forestry, the Minister said that there are lots of things happening in the forestry sector that his Ministry is not too

happy with. He said that he has received some detailed recommendation from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and will be reviewing them soon. Trotman said that these recommendations include the raising of fees and penalties. “There were also some other recommendations for general areas of tightening up. I am to engage the Board and before the end of the year those should come on stream as well.” Indeed there have been indications suggesting that there is great need for the changes the

Ministry of Natural Resources has in mind. There have been numerous mining pits cave in which will speak to the need for better and stiffer safety regulations. The woes in the forestry sector seem to be more intricate. Auditors reported on rogue logging companies that have not been the rules and regulations and have gotten off with less than a slap on the wrist. The company that has been pointed out to be most out of line is BaiShanLin. The GFC is still to address much of what was highlighted while the

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman government remains willing to negotiate with the company.

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What the 50th Independence Arch means to Agricola BY FEONA MORRISON A week ago, I was standing at the Agricola Road Head, East Bank Demerara when I overheard a group of young men talking about how they were proud that the 50th Independence Arch was erected in the community. To be honest, I felt happy because that was one of the few times I heard someone say something positive about the community. However, that conversation between the young men left me wondering if other persons in the community had the same views about the arch which

was financed by corporate Guyana. I was prompted to walk around the village to ask persons their views about the structure which was unveiled to the public by President David Granger on May 20, last. Most times persons in Agricola are reluctant to speak with the media. But surprisingly, last Thursday, my attempts at getting persons to talk went well. I spoke with several persons, both young and old. They all were eager to express their views. Before I go into the

The 50th Independence Arch at Agricola

interviews, here is a brief background of the Agricola Independence Arch. It is 27 metres in width and consists of four parts, including a crown at the top which includes a flagpole. VSH United was the company contracted for the Agricola Independence Arch Project which cost approximately US$50,000. The project was undertaken for the Independence Golden Jubilee and was a collaborative effort

between Banks DIH, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Banks DIH donated the arch. Elwin McRae, who has been living in Agricola for the past 24 years, said that a piece of Guyana’s history is now in the community and everyone should be appreciative of it. She said that the community has been stigmatized over the years because of crime. “Things have calmed down here a lot. You ain’t hearing about no shoot-out, robberies or police running in people house and yard and killing.” McRae explained that the unveiling of the arch by the

President is a day she will always remember. The woman explained that many residents of Agricola and immediate communities all came out in unity. She added, “This rarely happens here. Many youths came out to the unveiling even the elderly.” Another resident, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, stated that he was very excited when he got news that the independence arch would be erected in the community. The pensioner added that “things like this” makes him proud to be a Guyanese. “I couldn’t remember the exact date when the arch was to be open. Is them lil children come and telling that the

President just come and that they opening the Arch just now. I was listening to the radio. I just throw on my clothes and hurry down the road…I couldn’t miss it, my sister…I couldn’t.” He added that he was really overjoyed with the opening ceremony and the remarks made by the President. The 50th Independence Arch serves as a prominent landmark illuminating the southern entrance, into and out of Georgetown. The arch is not unique, since several arches were built across the country to celebrate Independence in 1966. Research done revealed Continued on page 72

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Root Canal Failures By Dr. Neromini Fagu We have spent the last several weeks talking about root canal therapy and now I give a warning - root canals can fail. As with most procedures there are no guarantees. Even with the best of surgeons and the best of equipment there may be failure of a root canal treated tooth. Also, we all have different immune systems. Sometimes the body’s ability to heal is just not successful. This week we will look at some of the reasons for failure and possible treatment options. Undetected canals Sometimes a tooth may have more individual root canals than normal. Even with dental x-rays, these canals may be missed by the dentist. This is especially so if these unexpected canals are very tiny. If they remain untreated they may become problematic later. Irregular canals

The anatomy of root canals can vary. Some may have forks or branches. These variations in canals may be very small which make them difficult to detect and access. These irregular canals may have one branch treated properly while the other is not. Cracked teeth Sometimes cracks may form within a tooth leaving a space for bacteria to inhabit. However, these cracks are not like root canals that can be accessed so they can’t be treated. Once they become colonized with bacteria an infection may developleading to problems. Also, these cracks are sometimes difficult to identify. Deterioration of the seal Over time the seal of the canal can deteriorate and can cause leakage.This may allow bacteria to re-enter the canal and eventually contaminate it and cause a re-infection. This can lead to irritation of the tissues surrounding the root.

Inadequate dental restoration If the final restoration is defective or inadequate it may allow bacteria to re-enter the tooth.This situation is called “coronal leakage” and it is a major cause of root canal failure. Lack of dental expertise Some treatments can be straightforward and others are more complicated. If a case is complicated or outside the realm of expertise of the dentist, it is best to refer the patient to an Endodontist. Unfortunately, there are no such specialists in Guyana so the next best option would be to refer the case to a more experienced dentist. Other factors

Sometimes even though the root canal treatment is successful the tooth itself may have a problem. It may be broken or fractured and this can affect the prognosis of the root canalled tooth. Also, over time the tooth that has undergone root canal treatment may be become brittle predisposing it to breakage or fracture. Thus, it is always advisable to crown a root canalled tooth to reinforce it. When there is failure of root canal therapy, there are several treatment options. These include retreatment, endodontic surgery or extraction. Retreatment is essentially removing the root sealing and

filling materials and replacing them with new ones. Endodontic surgery is also referred to as apicoectomy or retrograde root canal therapy. In this procedure the root tip is accessed through the bone of the jaw. It is then surgically removed along with any infected tissue and a biocompatible material is used to seal off the root. Extraction is another option and sometimes is the only option as the others may offer a poor chance of success or are not financially feasible. Just like any other tooth in your mouth those that have undergone root canal therapy are at risk for the tooth decay and gum disease. It is very important that you maintain

Dr. Neromini Fagu proper oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to your dentist. 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

Bouquets for GPHC; need for Specialty Hospital PAT DIAL A few days ago, a member of the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) had a sudden attack of appendicitis. He has only one relative in Guyana who did not know of the attack since she was at work. Fortunately, he got in touch with another member of the Association who immediately took him to two private hospitals, both of which told him of a charge of over $400,000 which he could not afford. He was told that he had to be operated upon within four hours or he would die. He managed to get a referral to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted. He tried first going to the private hospitals because he was conditioned to believe that the Georgetown Public Hospital offered a vastly inferior service to the private hospitals. The public in general is so conditioned because the media, over the years, have been carrying negative reports on the hospital. For example, over the last few weeks there were reports of a stray dog entering a public hospital in the countryside and taking away a foetus, or there being persistent drug shortages, or patients in one of the wards having to share beds, or a mother in the Maternity Ward

having to lie on the floor with her newly-born. To those who know the Georgetown Hospital, those negative reports are selective and in any case are soon corrected. Fortunately, the patient’s friend knew the Public Hospital better. At the Public Hospital, he was given immediate attention, operated upon and is now rapidly recuperating. The professionalism of the doctors on duty compared with the best anywhere and the aftercare treatment has been quite good. When it is assimilated that the GPH and presumably the other public hospitals countrywide are committed to offering a service second to none at no personal cost to the patient, citizens would realize the imperative of paying their taxes willingly and honestly. The media rarely ever carries a negative story on the private hospitals. The last time a negative story was carried was a few years ago when a patient had a limb incorrectly amputated and the hospital had to return to that patient most of the fee of several hundred thousand dollars. This Law for hospitals returning fees for faulty service was enacted during the time Dr Leslie Ramsammy was Minister of Health but the general public are not very aware of it.

Our Committee insisted that this Law be mentioned in this article as part of Consumers Rights Education. The more affluent patients tend to go to the private hospitals or they often go abroad for treatment. Many of the not-so-affluent also, at great financial pressure to themselves and family, go to the private hospitals. The GCA did a limited survey of the reasons why those who should normally go to the Georgetown Public Hospital subject themselves and families to great financial pressure by going to the private hospitals. Our findings were that private hospitals have a more positive and better image than the Public Hospital; but far more serious is the emphatic complaint of the great length of time one has to wait for service at the Public Hospital. In addressing these findings, we feel that the Public Hospital should make greater public relations effort in giving the public a better insight into its services and activities. It could also use the Internet to receive complaints and comments. When patients have to wait in a line, a numbering system should be established, and also those who need immediate treatment such as patients in severe pain or may have heart problems should be given

some priority. Also, “Friends of the Hospital” committees could be again be instituted where interested citizens are asked to serve. Such Committees could often bring ideas for improvement and may also help in fund-raising activities. Many consumers have from time to time been urging us to make representations to the Authorities in respect of quickly establishing a Specialty Hospital. We will therefore conclude this offering by mentioning the importance of a Specialty Hospital. Every progressive country in the world has at least one Specialty Hospital. Cuba, for example, has long had a Specialty Hospital and India and China, despite the fact that they still have segments of the population needing basic health care, have several such hospitals. Guyana should have had

a Specialty Hospital by now but this seems to have been delayed by bureaucratic equivocation. The advantages to Guyana of a Specialty Hospital are many: It will transfer cutting-edge medical technology and practice and will help younger practitioners to perfect their skills. It would open a door of hope to those who do not have money to go abroad for treatment and would save foreign exchange by those who would normally go abroad remaining at home for treatment. It would allow older Guyanese from the Diaspora to return home and rejoin their families since there would now be first class medical facilities available. It would save the lives of many who may need urgent

emergency treatment but cannot go abroad because of the danger of travel. For instance, it is believed that had there been a Specialty Hospital when the late President Burnham fell ill, he would have survived. A Specialty Hospital would also help the Tourist Trade, since tourists, especially the higher-spending ones, prefer destinations with high-grade medical facilities. And lastly, once a Specialty Hospital is built others will follow to provide opportunities for the lucrative medical tourism trade since patients from Europe and North America who go to India which has the largest medical tourism trade, may well prefer Guyana because of it location and the fact that it is Englishspeaking. .

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Sunday July 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

After ‘painful’ week, Obama urges Americans not to despair over divisions Reuters - President Barack Obama urged Americans yesterday not to see the country as being riven into opposing groups, seeking to soothe raw emotions after an attack that killed five policemen in Dallas and the highprofile police shootings of two black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. “First of all, as painful as this week has been, I firmly believe that America is not as divided as some have suggested,” Obama said. “Americans of all races and all backgrounds are rightly outraged by the inexcusable attacks on police, whether it’s in Dallas or any place else,” he said, speaking at a news conference during a trip to Poland. “That includes protesters. It includes family members who have grave concerns about police conduct, and they have said that this is unacceptable.” Authorities have named former U.S. Army reservist Micah Johnson as the lone

gunman in Thursday night’s attack in Dallas, which came at the end of a rally to protest against police killings. They said he had embraced militant black nationalism and expressed anger over police shootings and a desire to “kill white people, especially white officers.” “The demented individual who carried out those attacks in Dallas, he’s no more representative of African-Americans than the shooter in Charleston was representative of white Americans or the

shooter in Orlando or San Bernardino were representative of Muslim-Americans,” Obama said, referring to a string of mass shootings in the past year. The attack in Dallas also wounded seven other officers and two civilians. Johnson, 25, was killed by a bomb-carrying robot deployed against him in a parking garage where he had holed up and refused to surrender during hours of negotiations with police, authorities said on Friday.

Merkel, Erdogan try to mend ties after genocide vote

Angela Merkel and Tayyip Erdogan Reuters - The leaders of Germany and Turkey sought yesterday to clear the air in their first private talks since the German parliament infuriated Ankara by branding the 1915 massacre of Armenians by Ottoman forces a genocide, but they did not overcome their differences. Chancellor Angela Merkel met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Warsaw to discuss the tensions in their often prickly but strategically important relationship. Ties between Turkey and Germany - vital partners in efforts to curb mass migration to Europe - have been strained since the Bundestag passed the Armenian resolution on June 2. Ankara recalled its ambassador and threatened unspecified retaliation. Turkey has since denied German parlia-

mentarians access to the Incirlik airbase where 250 German soldiers are taking part in NATO operations against Islamic State militants in Iraq, causing anger in Berlin. “We discussed all outstanding issues,” Merkel told reporters at a brief news conference. “The atmosphere was constructive ... and very businesslike in an effort to solve the existing conflicts.” Asked whether the issues had been resolved, she said: “The differences don’t just disappear through such a discussion. But I believe it was important that we talked them through.” A source close to the Turkish presidency said Erdogan had expressed his disappointment over the Bundestag resolution to Merkel, who said she would do her utmost to ensure this event would not harm GermanTurkish relations.

Sunday July 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

British govt. rejects petition calling for second EU referendum

A man holds a banner during a demonstration against Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, in central London, Britain. REUTERS/Paul Hackett Reuters - The British government has rejected an online petition signed by 4.1 million people calling for a new referendum on whether to leave the European Union. Britons voted by 52 to 48 percent, or 17.4 million votes to 16.1 million, to leave the EU in a June 23 referendum, a result which most politicians have said should be respected but which some who voted “remain” are struggling to accept. The petition called for the government to enact a rule that there should be another referendum if the vote for “remain” or “leave” was less than 60 percent based on a turnout of less than 75 percent. The Foreign Office, the ministry that had steered

through parliament the EU Referendum Act setting out the rules, responded that the legislation did not set a threshold for the result or for minimum turnout. “The Prime Minister and Government have been clear that this was a once in a generation vote and, as the Prime Minister has said, the decision must be respected,” it said. “We must now prepare for the process to exit the EU and the Government is committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for the British people in the negotiations.” Both candidates to replace David Cameron as leader of the ruling Conservative Party and prime minister have said the result of the referendum should not be questioned and

Brexit should be delivered. “Brexit means Brexit,” front-runner Theresa May, the interior minister, said in a speech announcing her bid. May had advocated staying in the bloc, but was not a leading figure in the “remain” campaign. Her rival, junior energy minister Andrea Leadsom, was one of the most passionate advocates of Brexit ahead of the referendum and has said that Britain would flourish outside the EU. Despite such assurances, some who voted “remain” have continued to hope that there could be a way for Britain to stay in the EU despite the referendum result, and there has been international speculation that Brexit may not materialize.

North Korea missile fired from submarine appears to have failed - South Korea Reuters - North Korea fired a ballistic missile from a submarine yesterday, but it appears to have failed soon after launch, South Korea’s military said. The launch comes at the end of week of sharply rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and only a day after the United States and South Korea pledged to deploy an advanced anti-missile system to counter threats from

Pyongyang North Korea on Thursday warned it was planning its toughest response to what it deemed a “declaration of war” by the United States. The warning followed Washington’s blacklisting of the isolated state’s leader Kim Jong Un for alleged human rights abuses. South Korea’s Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile

was launched at about 11:30 a.m. Seoul time (0230 GMT) in waters east of the Korean Peninsula. The missile was likely fired from a submarine as planned, but appears to have failed in the early stage of flight, the Joint Chiefs said. Japan, the United States and South Korea’s military condemned the missile launch as a flagrant violation of United Nations sanctions.

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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 p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. 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 Narine’s Trucking Service for sand, loam, stone etc. Delivery-Call: 641-2477 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377 Are you looking for a babysitter or someone to do light chores? Then call: 6467368 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045

Sunday July 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

Register now for summer courses in cosmetology and nails between 2nd -25th August – Cost $15,000 Call Abby:619-7603 Earn a certificate in cosmetology; enroll now at Artee’s Beauty Salon & School of cosmetology. Call: 275-0267; 680-0156

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

2010 IST -$2.6M, 2011 BLUEBIRD -$2.7M, 2011 RACTIS -$2.6M, 2009 AXIO -$2.4M, 2009 BELTA -2.4M. CALL: 617-2891

Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572

One Silver Premio excellent condition, PRR 3854 -$1.7M negotiable. Call: 682-4742 1 Black CRV, 2004 model, PNN series, female driven & in good condition. Interested person call: 624-1614, 225-0884 Toyota Runx, AT212, AT192, AT170, L-Touring Wagon, Raum, new model Tacoma, Nissan pickup, Honda Capa. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154

LAND FOR SALE

Leyland Daf twin steer extra cab dump truck, in immaculate condition, later GVV series -$11,000,000-Call: 672-4092; 689-3616

Land in La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, $1.4M, Tuschen (front) $3.5M with house, water & light -Phase 2- $1.2M. Call: 642-1252

Toyota double cab pick-up black 2L Diesel Turbo, late PVV series, best offer $2,600,000- Call: 672-4092; 689-3616

Gold & Diamond mining land for rent in the Ekereku Puruni & Siparuni area. Call: 668-3100 Herstelling 110ftX60ft, 2nd Bridge -$4M, 4th Bridge 100ftX50ft -$3M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.2M &$1.6M, Bartica -$3M. Call: 611-7223; 604-2207

1 Lister Diesel generator with panel, breakers and a lot more features -$300,000 - Call: 6724092; 689-3616 1 Jailing scooter 150 -$75,000, 1 Leyland Daf twin steer 1260 dump truck in superb condition -$6,800,000. Call: 672-4092; 689-3616

Give away prices! Linden Highway, 21 Acres at Hararuni -$900,000 per acre, good for housing scheme/ agricultural development. Call: 600-3486; 692-8216 2 Acres of land @ Garden of Eden E.B.D –Call: 687-3017 TOURS Shiba Kaleko Rain ForestResort: school children f o r N a t u r e To u r i s m experience @ Rockstone, 45mins from Linden. Call: 618-4499

Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!! Southe’s Upholstery Cleaners & Car Wash: all your team cleaning needs; car CAR RENTAL seats, chair sets and carpets. Call: 216-0722; 672-4824 PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR CAKES & PASTRIES RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER Courses in cake decoration, DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656pastry making & cookery; 0087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO also edible images and RENTAL @YAHOO. COM Wedding dresses for sale. Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick Call: 670-0798 up rental- Call: 690-6494

2005 F350 Ford Pick-up truck, extra cabs, 4X4 diesel, in excellent condition, 4 inch, lift kit,35inchtyres.Call:610-5370 Honda Civic M/Car “SS” series -$1.4M. Call: 696-2815 1 L-Touring Wagon (yellow) for sale $750,000 negotiable. Call: 614-5962 SALE! SALE! 2010 IST $2.4M, 2009 NOAH -$2.5M, ARUIS-$2.5M-CALL:617-2891 3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891

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

High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Two family house at Lot 32 Ann’s Grove Housing Scheme E.C.D -$20M negotiable- Call: 623-5423 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 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 1-Two bedrooms house in Diamond New Scheme, on main road. Call: 697-9140; 6803813; 216-0578 40X32 House @ Anna Catherina, W.C.D –Call: 6462341; 225-7164 Diamond, South, La Parfaite Harmonie, price to go. Call Sherwin: 629-6579; 662-2052 Zeelugt-(2)storey concrete building, Good Hope(2)storey concrete building. Tel:231-9690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri). Parfaite Harmony-(2) storey building. Tuschen - 2-storey building. Tel:231-9690,2319693 call between 8:00hrs16:00hrs (Mon-Fri). Property for sale @ lot 32 Princess Street, Werk-enRust. Call: 621-8767 EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course. Starting 9th August. Hands-on training repairing all types of TVs,etc.Call:226-6551;225-0391 Phonics, reading, spelling classes for slow learners etc for summer classes, special private tutoring available. Call:675-4379 Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 18thAugust 12th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355 Poor Grades or need reinforcement in modern language and mathematics then call: 671-2066/ 669-0525 IAE (Private Secondary School) register for full time (forms1-5) CXC 2017, classes for adults and repeaters. Call: 683-5742

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. MIX BREED PUPS –CALL: 615-0146 Zeelugt well fenced, water & light -$2M, Uitvlugt -$2.2M 50X105,(1) -2 Storey newly built concrete building -$26M Tuschen-Call: 642-1252 One shed boat with a 200HP Yamaha Engine and turn system, Parika –Supenaam route. Call: 680-5539

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1 complete 3 storey building for rent at 68 Pike St. Kitty Call: 615-8176 1-4 Storey building @ Charlotte Street Georgetown. Call: 668-8332; 638-5303 Furnished luxury 2 & 3 bedrooms apartment for rentCall: 665-3505

1-2-4 Bedrooms new house to rent @ West Coast 1 Wooden, deep sea fishing Demerara–Call immediately boat, complete with seine, 276-0818 engine, GPS, etc. Call: 656Two bedroom house lot to 2496; 672-0014 rent @ Herstelling- Call: 661Rambutan seedlings plants - 0420; 617-8739 $2,000 per plant. Call: 621-4778 1 Bedroom apartment to rent German Shepherd puppies, 1 @ Queenstown –Call : 676adult German Shepherd, 2 8605; 656-5991 (serious adult Rottweiler. Call: 220- enquiries) 2277; 220-8904; 629-1471 3-Two bedrooms apartments for rent, serious enquires 110 Land Rover GSS 5539- only-Call: 654-4110 Call: 231-6322; 692-2521 Top Flat (58’X22’) Kingston, One 6 base music set with Georgetown for business QSC amps, RCF speakers. only. Call: 655-0897 Call: 622-0503; 689-9932 VACANCY 30’ Feet, aluminum jet boat, Cashiers, Sales clerks & complete with all spares & cleaners, apply in person accessories (financing with written application @ available). Call: 668-3130 Nirva Supermarket. Call: 227Property for sale @ North 5771/ 49 Sheriff & Craig Street Road Queenstown, bond in Clerical Staff/ inventory clerk Eccles also 1 Toyota Fortuna for apply in person with written sale. Call: 226-9177 & 666-3303 application @ Nirva Supermarket. Call: 227-5771/ ROAD TO BELWASA & A 49 Sheriff & Craig Street DIP AT THE SANGAM. AVAILABLE @ AUSTIN’S Professional cosmetologist BOOK STORE- TEL: 226- at Natural Beauty Salon & 7350/7 & AT Spa, 110 Grove, Market Street LATCHMANSINGH DRUG E.B.D– Call: 652-5800 STORE. TEL: 226-5053 Control Room Assistants and Visiting Officers. Massy 57 Acres of land at Soesdyke Security (Guyana) Inc. Lot 0 , ideal for shopping centre Ruimveldt, Georgetown.Tel: and housing development, 225-5573/6 also power tools.Call:265Popular East Coast Gas 4180; 613-9554 Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Toyota Hiace (pitbull) bus Night: pump attendants, 2008- $1.5M, down payment sales clerk & office assistant. $100,000 monthly. Call: 609- Contact: 695-9880 3650; 226-8953 Salesman, must have experience and a valid truck licence. contact 624-0092 or info@fernandesgy.com Driver /Porters @ Telles Steel & Hardware. Call: 226-6771; 231-3265 One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – LEARN TO DRIVE Call: 231-0655 Soman, Son & Outar Driving 1 Female Accounts clerk, with School at Maraj Building- passes in English & Maths. Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615- Apply in person @ Alabama 0964; 689-5997 Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. ACCOMMDATION Experienced bar and shop Harmony Inn: clean, worker for Ekereku Bottom comfortable & affordable (Interior), between ages 18yrsapartments/rooms, long & 30yrs –Call: 231-0363 short term – Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817 Continue page 71

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Kaieteur News

GFC hides massive 2012 fire on BaiShanLin's... From page 64 System (GPS), interviews with staffers and others, maps, and the company's and GFC's to aid in the investigations. However, the investigations faced difficulties from language barriers as BaiShanLin's officers had little understanding of English. The team also had limited time to conduct a proper assessment of the fire areas. NO REPORT MADE? A major worry was the absence of reports on the fire. “No written report was made by the company to GFC or no records were available at GFC about the forest fire.” As a matter of fact, it appeared there was reluctance by BaiShanLin's officials to assist the GFC's team to participate in the entire exercise all day. From dated overhead shots taken of the area, investigators concluded that the fire would have occurred between September 8 and November 26, 2012, or at least six

months before the visit by the GFC team. Shockingly, there was littleevidence of the fire being reported and nobody took blame, including GFC officials who are stationed onsite. “Questions were asked and internal records sought/ checked for any report on the forest fire, but none was made available, maybe, because none was ever made in writing in the first place. Forest Officer, Mr. Eron Bourne claimed he would have made a verbal report in late November or early December 2013 to Mr. Ganram Manoo - ACF Large Concession Management Unit then, about the forest fire after we had asked the question. Mr. G. Manoo - ACF informed us he never received any report verbal or otherwise from Forest Officer Mr. E. Bourne.” It could not be that BaiShanLin or the GFC officials stationed in the area were unaware of their responsibility to report the fire. Their Forest Management

Plan spelt out all too clearly the procedures or actions that should be followed in a case. “On the ground and further investigations suggested otherwise and different,” the GFC officials said, with no “fire management plans…in place to deal with forest fires nor were any other relevant agency Informed of this eventuality.” DELIBERATE? According to the report, the team was particularly alarmed at the extent of the forest fire and whether it was accidental or deliberate. “If it was deliberate, was it done to hide or conceal facts or incriminating evidence and other major breaches of the Forest Act Chapter 67:01…contractual/procedural breaches etc?” The report noted that fire has been a useful human tool for decades but has caused grave economic loss and intolerable harm to the environment. Despite the development on advanced techniques, particularly in fire detection and suppression, the incidence of ecosystem dam-

age from forest fire appears to be increasing. The report, in its conclusions, made it clear that someone must be held accountable for the massive forest fire within Haimorakabra Logging Co. Inc. concession TSA # 01/ 11. “A fire that extensive must have been reported in writing immediately to all relevant stakeholders.” BAISHANLIN SHOULD PAY The investigators recommended that the company be made to pay compensation to GFC for breaches committed against the Forest Act Chapter 67:01 Sect. 15. (1) paragraph I which statesNo person shall in any state forest negligently light or throw down any match or other lighted or inflammable material, or light or leave any fire without taking due precautions against the fire spreading or causing injury, or do anything in consequence of which any forest produce may be burnt or injured, or may be in danger of being burnt or injured.

The report highlighted procedural breaches and noted that there are penalties for deliberately causing forest fire and failure to assist in fighting forests fire. “Nature of offence is considered procedural and attracts compensations for breaches. Forest fire management strategies should be incorporated in the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and all large concessions holders' guidelines for the preparation

of forest/fire management plans. The management strategy should include a clear statement of objectives, and should also include information on threatening assets, degree of fire risk, fire history, and fire management measures. Specific guidelines must be incorporated in the GFC Code of Practice to deal with high risk during periods of extremely dry weather.”

From page 70

TO LET Furnished 2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560 One bedroom apartment, self contained & fully grilled, unfurnished @ Land of Canaan E.B.D. Call: 692-3617 (Navo), 642-0867 (Bob)

WANTED OFFICE CLERK MUST BE EXPERINCED IN COMPUTERS (EXCEL) & GENERAL OFFICE WORK WITH CXC @ RUIMVELDT – CALL: 231-8529 EXPERIENCED CHINESE CHEFTO LIVEAND WORK IN THE BVI, ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PROVIDED. CALL: 6149522; (1)284-496-7797

Fully furnished apartment @ South Park Place: 2 Bedroom long & Short term, unfurnished apartment in Benn St. -$40,000 monthly. Attractive live in waitressCall: 689-5877 Call: 327-0252/674-4665 2 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment EBD -$42,000. Call: Experienced waitress 18687-3017 30yrs -$70,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free. Call: One flat house, two 610-5043 bedrooms with toilet & bath at Grove, East Bank Demerara Domestic wanted-Call: 600–Call: 266-0892; 681-1047 0051 One three bedrooms house Night Manager, Security, DJ, for rent @ Crane Housing waitresses, bartenders, 1 Scheme -$50,000 monthly. experienced secretary Call: 614-5962 between ages 18-25, must have CXC –Call: 668-8332; One furnished room -$40,000 638-5303 and one bedroom furnished apartment -$60,000 monthly. Female domestic worker to Call: 665-7474; 612-3152 work in Trinidad. age 21 to 40 Newly renovated 3 bedrooms years. Call 1868- 268- 5177 house in safe and healthy male environments-Call: 677-6638; Experienced salesperson must be able to 622-6512 multitask, communicate well 2 Bedrooms apartment - & have computer skills @ $50,000 monthly @ 29 Howes KeyFood Trading McDoom. Street. Contact Petboy on the One experienced cook to above address. work in snackette & bar, must be able to clean –Call: 6477432; 223-5798 Urgently needed one cleaner for snackette. Call: 648-8079

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Sales representatives wanted, must have valid driver’s licence -Call: 6093650

2004 Nissan Xtrail. Leather Interior. Built in Kenwood Sound System. $2.3M. Call Ramesh 614 7941/ 347 295 0561

Experienced bartender, live in/live out waitress, cooks & bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge, Garden of Eden-Call: 652-0074

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Kaieteur News

What the 50th Independence Arch means... From page 66 that arches to commemorate the country’s independence were built in Leonora, New Amsterdam, Bagotville and Ruimveldt just to name a few, in those days. Shamar Patrick, a 14-year-

old footballer, said that he was glad to be alive to witness the historic moment. He pointed out that our ancestors fought hard to achieve independence from the British and we must always remember this as we

move on to celebrate more years of being an independent nation. Patrick said that as far as he could remember, this was the first time that he saw the President in the community. “Me and my friends were

MPI, Contractor pushing to... From page 64 when all works were “effectively ceased” in May 2015 – two years after the project was scheduled for the completion date of April 30, 2013. What followed after was a discussion with the Company and the Ministry where an “agreeable settlement” was reached. On August 16, 2015, the contract was terminated. The contract was later awarded to Gaico Construction Inc. and BK International. Meanwhile, the Managing

Director of Gaico Construction Inc., Komal Singh, when contacted, stated that he is optimistic that they will complete the project within the scheduled time frame. He stated that the East Bank Four Lane Project with identification name “LO2454/ BL- GY East Bank Four Lane Extension – Lot 2 Addendum” was awarded to his company on March 11, 2016 with a completion date of August 31, 2016. This lot, he said, represents part of the Lot 1 that was

awarded to Dipcon in 2011. He further stated that they have completed approximately 45 percent of the work to date in terms of value with most of the physical work already completed. Singh added that asphalting is the major part of what needs to be done and while the weather poses a challenge, they are trying to schedule their plans to work around this in order to deliver the finished product on time. “Our team works way beyond the call of duty with a view to have this project completed on time. Over the duration of the project we commence work at 4.00am almost every day. We are optimistic that we will complete this project by August 31, 2016.' He stated. Efforts to contact the Chief Engineer for BK International yesterday to get an update on their works were futile.

at the unveiling and we were very happy to see the President and his Ministers.” The youngster said that he read that officials were looking to reinstall the original arch that was removed to facilitate the expansion of the East Bank Demerara road in 2004. However, he said that although they were unable to locate it, contractors managed to put together a “state of the art” structure that will forever be embedded in the history of Agricola. Several other residents shared similar sentiments about this landmark. “A city should be built with the bricks of peace and bound with the mortar of prosperity,” President Granger quoted from the Bible during his remarks at the unveiling ceremony of the Independence Arch.

Sunday July 10, 2016

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Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

T&T say goodbye to former PM Manning

The casket bearing the body of former prime minister Patrick Manning entering the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port of Spain yesterday for his State Funeral. (Picture courtesy Trinidad Express) PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Trinidad and Tobago yesterday bade farewell to Patrick Mervyn Augusts Manning, who served as prime minister on two occasions and remembered as a person who sought not only the social and economic development of his own country, but the entire Caribbean. Manning, 69, who died less than 24 hours after he had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on July 2, was up until September 2015, the longest serving legislator here. His son, Brian Manning, in his eulogy, called for the establishment of a regional fund to provide housing for low income people throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Dominican Republic and Haiti. He said it should be called the “Patrick Manning Development Fund” and housed at the International Financial Centre here. The younger Manning also called for the re-establishment of the Divine Echoes Orchestra that was disbanded by the People’s Partnership government soon after it replaced the Manning administration in 2010. “He was a father to many and touched many lives. He always led by example,” Manning said, adding that the policies of his father’s administrations were aimed at alleviating poverty, improving education and providing housing to all people. Among the regional and

Patrick Manning international dignitaries attending the three hour 15 minute Church service were the President of Dominica, Charles Savarin, the prime ministers of St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Grenada. Former Bahamian prime minister Hubert Ingraham was also among the mourners. “He was no regional armchair regionalist,” Trinidad and Tobago President Anthony Carmona said at the State funeral officiated by Bishop Claude Berkley at the packed Holy Trinity Church in the heart of the capital. “He was bold enough to champion the causes for regional integration wherever he went,” Carmona said, urging that Manning’s work should be documented for future generations of policy makers among others. In his statement, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, recalled that his friendship with Manning dated back to their years at

the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica in the 1960’s. That is more important than any monument in his name,” Gonsalves said, adding that the former prime minister was “possessed of a spirit of generosity.” CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said that the region has “lost a truly remarkable person and statesman” reminding the congregation that regional leaders at their summit , which ended in Guyana earlier this week, adopted a resolution paying respect to Manning for his “unselfish support” to the region. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said that after a friendship lasting more than 35 years “I have never heard him to speak of anything for himself, it was also for Trinidad and Tobago”. He described Manning as “one of our fairest sons” and who made public service a hallmark of his more than 40 years in service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Manning was born on August 17, 2016 and served as the country’s fourth and sixth prime minister between 1991 and 2010. Following the State funeral, the body of the former prime minister was taken to a chapel of a funeral home for a private service for members of his family. Manning is survived by his wife, Hazel, a former education minister and two sons.

Sunday July 10, 2016

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VENEZUELA SLASHES OIL EXPORTS TO CUBA CARACAS, Venezuela - During the first half of this year, Venezuela’s state-run oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) has slashed its oil exports to Cuba, where some joint ventures and state-owned firms were recently ordered to reduce power usage as a result. Cuba, long reliant on Venezuela as its top energy supplier, has received some 53,500 barrels per day (bpd) of crude from PDVSA this year, a 40 percent decline from the first half of 2015, according to the company’s internal trade data, Reuters reported. PDVSA said this month its sales revenue fell more than 45 percent in 2015. The dramatic decline may signal an unraveling of the PetroCaribe oil diplomacy agreement pioneered by Venezuela’s late socialist leader Hugo Chavez to win political

support by sending oil on advantageous terms to a number of Latin American and Caribbean countries. Cuba, which receives some four percent of Venezuela’s total oil exports, has been the biggest beneficiary of the PetroCaribe programme and until this year was spared the fallout from PDVSA’s growing cash flow problems, which have already undermined oil supplies to Jamaica, Dominican Republic and its refinery in Curacao. Venezuela has partially offset the smaller crude shipments to Cuba by boosting exports of refined products such as fuel oil, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). But overall shipments to Cuba, including both crude and refined products, still declined 19.5 percent to 83,130 bpd in the first half of this year. (Caribbean News)

PIOJ official says Jamaica well on way to achieving 2030 goals ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) – Manager of the Population and Health Unit at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Toni-Shae Freckleton, says Jamaica is well on its way in attaining several goals in the Vision 2030 development plan. Speaking at the inaugural Caribbean Civil Registration and Identity Management conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James recently, Freckleton said some of the goals already attained are centred around registration. “Jamaica has made significant strides in aligning our 15 national outcomes to the 17 goals of the 2030 agenda… and while civil registration and identity management is explicitly referred to in goal 16.9, we have

recognised that of the 17 goals, eight have targets that require civil registration data,” she noted. The manager said there is a challenge facing the Caribbean region, which “is our collective capacity to ensure that we have robust systems which will be fundamental to this data revolution, which is required to monitor this very progressive global agenda.” Freckleton pointed out that significant investments and resources will be required to ensure that civil registries in the region are equipped to manage the demands of producing valid, reliable and timely data. The manager said this will inform national development priorities towards achieving sustainable development goals.

Castro admits Cubans face hard times as economy slows sharply HAVANA (Reuters) President Raul Castro told Cubans weekend to brace for tough times because the Communist-run country must cut spending and energy supply as it deals with a cash crunch and reduced oil imports from ally Venezuela. Cuban economic growth slowed to 1 percent in the first half of this year from 4.7 percent in the same period of 2015, Castro told the mid-year session of the National Assembly. This was half of what the government had forecast. The economic outlook throughout Latin America has weakened due to lower commodity prices. Castro’s warning came at a time when Cuban expectations are high due to economic reforms and warming relations with the United States. “Rumours and forecasts of an imminent collapse of our economy with a return to the acute phase of the Special Period ... have started to appear,” Castro said according to a copy of his speech provided by the country’s official news agency Prensa

Raul Castro

Latina. Foreign journalists are barred from the assembly. He was referring to the years after Cuba’s biggest benefactor, the Soviet Union, collapsed. During that time, in the early 1990s, Cubans had to cope with widespread power outages and food shortages. “We cannot deny there will be some impact, including worse than currently, but we are prepared and in better conditions than then to revert it.” Public offices and staterun companies have already cut work hours and are limiting the use of air-condition-

ing, workers have said. Cinemas have cut the number of film screenings, and petrol stations are running out of fuel more frequently than in the past few years. Castro said Cuba was struggling to pay foreign suppliers on time, and thanked them for their “confidence and understanding of the transitory situation we are in.” He reiterated the government is determined to pay the suppliers, even if delayed. Cuba had at least been able to fulfill its international debt obligations, Castro said.

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India’s Modi marks Gandhi’s historic South African ride PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday marked a historic South African train journey by Indian independence leader Mohandas K. Gandhi that ended up shaping the fate of both countries. Modi’s train ride commemorated the incident in which a young Gandhi in 1893 was ejected from a South African train when he refused an order to move from a first-

class carriage because of his race. The encounter influenced Gandhi’s decision to resist racial segregation and other injustices with nonviolent protest, first while living in South Africa and then in India. Yesterday’s train ride, with Modi sitting in a woodpaneled car with local officials, was under heavy security. He also mingled with members of South Africa’s community of Indian origin, which numbers more than 1

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaks to the press at a railway station in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, yesterday, before embarking on a train journey. (AP Photo)

million. “We didn’t expect him to go and mix with all the people, but he did,” said Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Gandhi and a former member

of South Africa’s parliament. “That’s good. That is what we need.” Modi later told reporters he’d had the great fortune to pay his respects at places

“that are memorable for being part of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and in India’s independence journey.” India’s government says it was the first country

to cut trade relations with South Africa over its former harsh system of racial segregation, which lasted for decades and ended in the 1990s.

Sunday July 10, 2016

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PAGE 77

Murray ready to dodge Raonic bullets in final showdown LONDON (Reuters) Since Andy Murray’s memory is as razor sharp as his service returns, he will not have forgotten the parting shot he received from Milos Raonic when they last played. “Next time I’m going to try to serve through him!” the Canadian sharp shooter warned. Three weeks after losing a three-set tussle to Murray at Queen’s Club, Raonic will get a chance to execute his plan as the two clash in today’s Wimbledon final. Over the past fortnight, anyone brave enough to stand in Raonic’s firing line has been flatted by a series of 140 mph missiles. The man with the golden

arm tops the list for aces (137) and fastest serve (144 mph) at this year’s tournament after he pole-axed Roger Federer for the first time in a major to became the first Canadian man to reach a grand slam final. Now the sixth seed wants to make sure all his hard work does not unravel in the final as he faces a rival who he called tennis’s “premier workaholic”. “The biggest challenge for me, (is not to get) sucked into his game,” said the 25year-old, who trails Murray 36 in head-to-head meetings. “Andy will try to throw you off, give you some slower balls, some harder balls, all these kinds of things. I guess

my goal is to keep him away from that, play it on my terms, be aggressive, not hesitate.” TWO COACHES In the era of supercoaches, Raonic has the luxury of relying on not one, but two former grand slam champions in the shape of Carlos Moya and three-times Wimbledon champion John McEnroe. Adding the American to his team for the grasscourt season has proved to be a masterstroke. “Milos has got the type of game when he can take the racket out of anyone’s hand. That’s what he did against Federer,” said McEnroe. “You can see how badly Milos wants it and how deep he is willing to go. Against

Sunday July 10, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Avoid any petty ego confrontations; they could lead to estrangement if you aren't careful. Trips will be favorable for business as well as pleasure. Your mate may want to pick a fight but if you're persistent with your affections their anger should dissipate. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) This will not be the day to lend money to friends or family. Deception is apparent. You could be attracting individuals who are anything but good for you. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Finish projects that have been hanging over your head. Join groups of a humanitarian nature. They may cost you dearly. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Losses are likely if you aren't careful where you leave your valuables. Opportunities for travel must be carefully considered. Don't overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Be cautious not to get involved in office chatter that will cause problems for others. Don't try to hide your true feelings from your mate. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can do well on stage or behind the scenes, the choice is yours. Get involved in groups that can offer intellectual stimulation. Outings with relatives or good friends will provide you with stimulating conversation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Limitation could set in if you've been spending too much. Do things that involve children. You may want to clear the air where older relatives are concerned. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't start any arguments unless you're prepared to accept irrevocable results. Don't let children or elders put demands on your time. Do not let them in on your plans if you want things to run smoothly. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't fall into the trap. Your persuasive nature will win the heart of someone you've had your eye on. Don't let friends or relatives make you feel guilty if you're not able to attend one of their affairs. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Double check your work and be sure that your boss is in a good mood before you do your presentation. Talk to your mate about a vacation and discuss the expectations of your relationship. Property deals will pay big dividends. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You will have a great day if you just say what you feel. Your emotional partner may make you angry today. Things will be emotional with your mate. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Use your genuine warmth and compassion to win hearts. Relationships will become stronger. Concentrate on your career and on making money.

Murray he will have to serve big and go for it.” While the Canadian’s work ethic has come a long way since his childhood days, when he said he would “hit tennis balls from the standing position for two hours” as he was “too lazy” to move, Murray likes nothing better than to put in the hard work in training. Those behind-the-scenes sweat sessions propelled the Briton into a third Wimbledon final and his 11th overall. But playing in an era when Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have snared 43 slams between them, Murray has had to make do with winning just two titles — at the U.S. Open in 2012 and the All England Club in 2013. RAONIC THREAT With such a poor success rate in the finals, Murray will be eager to capitalize on the chance to face someone other than Djokovic, who surprisingly perished in the third round, or Federer in a title showdown. At the same time, the number two seed is aware of the threat posed by Raonic. “Obviously, first time I’ll play a slam final against someone that isn’t Roger or Novak. So, yeah, that’s different,” said Murray, who was runnerup to Djokovic in this year’s Australian and French Open

Schippers shines... (From page 77) the discus. And two-time world hammer champion Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland also won her event for a third successive European title, with a best of 78.14m from six fine efforts. “I’m very happy with my third European title,” she beamed. “It was a test, and I’m really satisfied that each throw went farther. “I know now I am physically and psychologically ready for the Olympics.” Briton Martyn Rooney and Cuban-born Italian Libania Grenot both defended their 400m titles, the former clocking 45.29sec to hold off Czech Pavel Maslak and the latter timing 50.73 to edge out Frenchwoman Floria Guei. Mahiedine MekhissiBenabbad went one better than teammate Guei when he coasted to victory in the 3000m steeplechase in 8:25.63 for a third European title. And Serb Ivana Spanovic bettered her silver from two years ago with long jump gold.

Great Britain’s Andy Murray during a practice session. (REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge) finals. “Milos is a very tough opponent. He’s played very well on the grass this year and has earned his right to (be in) the final by beating one of the best, if not the best, player ever at this event. “But I’d love to win it again. These tournaments are why I’m still playing and why I’m training hard and trying to win these events. That’s what really motivates me,” added Murray, who has a 2-0 record over Raonic in grand slams and has won their last five meetings. Rekindling his coaching partnership with Ivan Lendl, who guided Murray to his two previous major triumphs, has also added an extra dimension to his game.

“From the beginning of the tournament Murray’s been playing better than anyone else. He has been playing better than he ever has, he’s got more confidence and adding Lendl has added that touch more belief,” said McEnroe. At 29, Murray knows that these opportunities will eventually run out and he will be eager to make it count, especially since he can rely on an army of 15,000 Centre Court fans to cheer him all the way to the finishing line. “The older you get, you never know how many more chances you are going to have to play in grand slam finals so you want to make the most of your opportunities,” said Murray.

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No denying Serena RHTYSC/TCL Cricket Academy and this time as she Republic Bank Camp bowls off tomorrow equals Graf’s record LONDON (Reuters) It was third time lucky for American Serena Williams as she finally matched Steffi Graf’s professional era record of 22 grand slam singles titles by beating Angelique Kerber to claim a seventh Wimbledon crown on Saturday. Top seed Williams was forced to play some of her best tennis by resolute Kerber in an engrossing Centre Court duel and her formidable firepower proved decisive in a 7-5 6-3 over her German opponent. Kerber had stopped Williams in the Australian Open final to win her first grand slam title and last month Spain’s Garbine Muguruza also kept the 34-year-old waiting to equal Graf’s mark when she beat her in the French Open final. But this time Williams would not be denied. To her great credit fourth seed Kerber stayed in contention throughout a fascinating match of contrasting styles, but with the Williams serve at its destructive best there was only so much punishment she could absorb on a blustery court. The end came quickly when Kerber was broken for the second time in the match in the seventh game of the second set and Williams roared to the title with a love game, sealing victory with a simple volley before joyfully collapsing to the turf. “It’s been incredibly difficult not to think about it (Graf’s record),” a smiling Serena said on court as she clutched the Venus Rosewater Dish. “I had a couple of tries this year but lost to two great opponents, one of them being Angelique. But it makes the victory even sweeter to know how hard I worked for it. “Thanks you guys for being out here to see number 22, this is awesome,” she said to the crowd who were treated to a one hour 21 minute final full of absorbing rallies. Williams won 38 of 43 points on her first serve and faced only one break point, at 3-3 in the second set, which she saved with one of the 13 booming aces she delivered. GREATEST WEAPON “It’s the single greatest weapon in the history of the women’s game, followed closely by her will to win,” was three-times men’s champion John McEnroe’s succinct summing up of what keeps world number one Williams in a league of her own. Kerber had not dropped a set in reaching the final and scuppered hopes of a first all-Williams grand slam final since 2009 when comprehensively beating Venus in the semis. With a memorable win against Serena in Melbourne, the German walked on court full of belief — winning the opening point of the final with a cleanly struck forehand. Williams had three break points in the second game but could not convert any of them. She bristled with intensity and was bent double, pumping both fists, when winning a long rally at 3-3 as Kerber made her first inroads against the American’s serve. Having coped admirably with the heavy artillery heading her way, Kerber’s downfall when serving at 5-6 in the first set was self-inflicted as two poor errors opened the door for Williams to take the opener. Kerber stuck to her guns in the second set and managed to earn a break point at 3-3 but Williams responded with consecutive aces to deflate the German. Williams ended up in a heap on the floor in the next game after a close-quarters exchange at the net, but picked herself up to break for a 5-3 lead as Kerber finally crumbled. Her trusty serve then did the rest as she also joined Graf on seven Wimbledon singles titles.

Trinidad Cement Ltd has renewed its sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS Cricket Academy for the 5th consecutive year at the cost of $230,000. The company on Friday last handed over the sponsorship during a simple ceremony at its Lombard Street Head Office. The 2016 TCL Cricket Academy would bowl off on Monday 11th of July at the Area ‘H’ Ground, while the 11th annual Republic Bank Camp for Grade 6 students would start at the same time. L o n g s e r v i n g Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster expressed profound gratitude to the Management and Staff of TCL for their continued confidence in the RHTYSC, MS and for investing in the future of the next generation of cricketers. TCL over the last five years has played a major role in shaping the career of national youth cricketers like S l y u s Ty n d a l l , J u n i o r Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Askay Homraj, Plaffina Millington, Shenneta Grimmond, Marian Samaroo, Shabika Gajnabi, Brandon Prashad, Deborah Vanderstoop, Diane Prahald among others. Foster proudly stated that this year the Club produced a combined total of eleven female cricketers for Guyana

Churnirmala Ganga, Accounts Clerk of TCL (Guyana) hands over the cheque to National Under 19 female cricketer Marian Samaroo, while Club Member Anil Ramnarine looks on. at the junior levels while Tyndall, Anderson and Kevin Sinclair would represent the country at the Junior level shortly. TCL Plant Manager Mark Blender stated that TCL was pleased to be once again, associated with the RHTYSC, MS and expressed confidence that the cricket academy would be successful. The Academy would be conducted by coaches Winston Smith and Delbert Hicks with assistance from Berbice senior player Eon Hooper, while the experienced Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster would serve as the Academy Director. The Academy is catering for 120

youths between the ages of 8 to 18 years old and they would be taught how to play the game and would be involved in several lectures designed to prepare them to be a sports ambassador. The Republic Bank Camp would cater for 60 Grade 6 students preparing for entrance into Secondary School when school reopens. The main objective of the Camp is to assist the students to make successful transition to the secondary level. The Camp, which is been sponsored by Republic Bank at the cost of $160,000, would be conducted by an e x p e r i e n c e d e d u c a t o r. Students would be taught Maths, English, Social

Studies, Integrated Science and Basic Spanish while they would also be involved in lectures using the RHTYSC, MS youth information booklet. Among the topics of interest to be covered would be Drug Abuse, Peer Pressure, Personal Hygiene, Importance of Education, Importance of Discipline, Suicide, Choosing friends and How to be a Role Model. Students would also be involved in learning how to play the game of cricket as part of the Club’s Say Yes to Sports Programme. Outstanding Students of both the Academy and Camp would be honoured by the Club with special gifts.

Lexroy Rigby wins Bartica Mayor CARICOM DAY Road Race On Saturday 2nd July 2016 the Bartica Mayor’s CARICOM Day Road Race got off to a start at 3.00pm with a large turnout of athletes, competing in the 3 miles event. Athletes competing in various categories were sent off by the Mayor Mr. Gifford Marshall who was visibly elated with the support given by the National Sports Commission, sponsors from the B a r t i c a B u s i n e s s c o m m u n i t y, spectators and the enthusiasm of the many young athletes and masters who participated. The race was run at a hectic pace with 34 athletes taking part. Lexroy Rigby ran ahead of the competition, beating second placed S. McAllister and third placed Simon Carter. In the other categories: UNDER 13 boys – 1st Terrence Hughes, 2nd Morris Arthur, 3rd Lamuel Allen. Under l3 Girls - 1st Selena Stephens, 2nd Rehanna Simon, 3rd Odellia Benjamin. Under l5 Girls — 1st Naomi Arthur; Under 17 Boys - 1st Rovin Jaggernauth,

Lexroy Ruby (left) and S. McAllister head the field as they romped to take the top places. 2nd Leslie Frankle, 3rd Eziekel King: Under 17 Girls - 1st Lisa Perriera Open- 1st Lexroy Rigby, 2nd S. McAllister, 3rd Simon Carter. Mayor Marshall expressed the desire to see more sports and cultural activities in the community as this is the

known hub of Tourism in Guyana. Special thanks were expressed to the Pheonix Sports Club and all those who worked behind the scenes to make this race a success. Aaron Blackman was the Coordinator of the event.

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Zampa, Guptill help Warriors extend unbeaten run to four

Adam Zampa delivers. (Zaheer Mohamed photo) By Sean Devers A crowd of just over 6,000 braved scorching heat to vociferously urge their team on and when match 10 of this year’s Hero CPL encounter between home team Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots concluded just after 15:00hrs yesterday at Providence the smiles on their faces were as broad as t h e E s s e q u i b o R i v e r, Guyana’s largest River. But the Warriors’ four wicket victory with 22 balls to spare was not as straightforward as the result suggested on another slow and low track which again offered plenty of assistance for the spinners. In a party-like atmosphere in glorious sunshine and fast outfield,

the dancing, flag-waving fans in the stands saw Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa (3-18) helped to restrict Patriots to 108-8 from 20 overs despite a responsible 60-ball 50 with two fours and a six from Lendl Simmons. Skipper and Man-of-theMatch Martin Guptill came out with positive mind set and blasted four sixes and two fours in an entertaining 43 from 22 balls and along with the team’s other overseas international batsman Chris Lynn, added 60 for the second wicket. Lynn hit a four and a six in a composed 32 from 37 balls, The Warriors overcame a period when they lost four wickets for 15 runs to reach 109-6 from 16.2 overs to remain unbeaten in four matches, the first two of them on the road.

They now face the Trinbago Knight Riders tonight in the third of their four home matches. The Patriots, without World Cup t20 final hero Carlos Braithwaite, won the toss and opted to bat first under a high noon sun. Steven Jacobs, who opened the bowling, soon trapped Evan Lewis (4) LBW at 12-1 and finished with impressive figures of 40-7-1. It was soon 19-2 when Thaisara Perriera, sent as pinch hitter, edged a big swing off Ryad Emrit to the Keeper before he had scored, while Zampa got one to bounce on the two-paced track and Faf du Plessis (1) was taken at short third man to leave the Patriots in a hole on 29-3 in the ninth over as the batsmen struggled to get the ball of the square.

Lendl Simmons plays through the off-side during his half century knock. Simmons, who has played for the Warriors for first three CPL’s, yesterday batted sensibly and along with Jonathon Carter (15), crawled to 50 in the 14th over before Carter hit Veerasammy Permaul to long-off at 52-4. Devon Thomas had done well in important situations in this tournament but yesterday with the cheerleaders gyrating to pulsating music coming from the party stand and the sound of Tassa drums, he tried to loft Zampa over the top and Mohamed held another brilliant catch at mid wicket to send Thomas packing for nine at 73-5 and only debutant Shamarh Brooks (19) offered token resistance after Simmons was run out at 105-7 on reaching his 37th t20 fifty. While the Patriots never

came to terms with the sluggish surface and only hit seven boundaries in their innings the two senior batsmen in the Warriors adjusted better to the pitch and more ‘horizontal bat’ shots. Dwayne Smith who made 62 in St Kitts and is only behind Chris Gayle (3) with centuries (2) in this tournament offered a tame caught and bowled catch to Jon-Jon Smuts after making five at 7-1. Lynn and Guptill carried the score to 67 in quick time with Guptill dancing into Smuts’ left arm spin and smashing him into the concrete wall in the Green Stand. The New Zealander then swept a couple of full tosses in Smuts next over into the advertisement boards beyond the boundary and

hammered him for four off successive deliveries before he was removed by Shamsi in the eighth over to trigger a mini collapse in which four wickets tumbled for 15 runs. Mohamed (1) was stumped off Samuel Badree who got rid of Chris Barnwell for a second ball duck without addition to the score, Bramble (1) was bowled by Shamsi and Lynn was bowled by Smuts 12 runs later as the Warriors slipped to 103-6. But by then it was too little too late for the Patriots who face Barbados Tridents in the next game on Wednesday in Barbados. Scores: Guyana Amazon Warriors 109 for 6 (Guptill 43, Lynn 34, Badree 2-18) beat St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 108 for 8 (Simmons 50, Zampa 3-18) by four wickets.

‘No choice but to live by decision of higher authority’ - Ramdin

Denesh Ramdin scored 59 and 62 in his most recent Test innings, in Australia © Getty Images

ESPNCRICINFO Denesh Ramdin, the West Indies wicketkeeper, has said he will have no choice but to accept the selectors’ supposed decision to keep him out of the Test squad for the upcoming series against India, and use the regional four-day competition to work his way back to the top. The squad for the fourTest series is yet to be named, but Ramdin had lashed out at new selection committee chairman Courtney Browne on Twitter earlier in the week, saying

Browne had told him he is being dropped. “I haven’t felt any pressure for the last three or four years,” Ramdin told Jamaican radio station Power FM. “I felt a bit surprised, but I have no choice but to live by the decision of the higher authority. I don’t own cricket, and, well, I have to go back to my game in the regional four day-set up and come again.” “It seems like I’m not a senior player who has done well over the years. But I’ve been down that road before

and come back and done very well, so I think the process is easy.” Ramdin, who has scored 2898 runs in 74 Tests, made 59 and 62 in his most recent Test innings in Australia, a series that West Indies lost 20. West Indies have not played any Tests since that t o u r. I n t h e i r l a s t international assignment, the ODI tri-series last month, Ramdin scored 197 runs at 28.14, with a highest of 91 against Australia in Bridgetown. Expanding on what Browne supposedly told

him, Ramdin said: “The chairman called me and he explained to me I would no longer be in the four Test series coming up against India. “He said over the past five-six years my averages haven’t been where they should be as a Test player so they need someone else to fill that position and do well for the West Indies. “I’m pretty disappointed with it; any player would be disappointed. That was said to me that I have to get back in the four-day regional set up and score runs again.”

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Shokoguy Karate-Do of Guyana returns from USA championship victorious Alness Race

track horserace meet on today

The Alness Race Track at Alness Corentyne Berbice is expected to come alive today when that entity stages a grand one day horserace meet. Five races are listed for the day and with prize monies totaling over $1M. The feature event is for horses classified H and lower with events for horses classified J, K and L among the other events on the day. A number of horses have taken entry with some of the best runners in the various

Foreign Ministry Sports Promotion cricket tournament on today

The successful Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana team that recently participated in the recent event in the USA. This year’s ten member team from the Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana ( S H O K O G U Y- N a t i o n a l Park) returned from the USA after successfully attending the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) 50th Masters Camp & International Goodwill Tournament at Camp Green Lane, Pennsylvania, USA, last June 10 -17. The team included Chief Instructor – Sensei Christopher Chaves, Shankar Singh, Shaqueel Amin, Randolph Singh, P a m e l a D a s , Vi s h n u Ramlagan, Kevin Edwards, and children: Ezekiel Griffith, Mikasi Warde and Arron Austin. Sensei Chaves sentiments in his report was captured as, “Our experience was beyond rewarding” he continued, “We felt fortunate to be exposed to that level of expertise, training and knowledge imparted by high ranking guest masters with world renowned classification”. That list included 9th Dan–Master Yutaka Yuguchi of the USA, Master Masaru Miura from Europe, Master Shunsake Takahashi from Japan, and Master Hiroyoshi Okazaki –Chief I n s t r u t o r o f I S K F. Complimentary to this list of masters, were the presence of revered 7th and 8th Dan Instructors. The Camp The camp attracted in excess of 500 Karatekas representing more than 40

countries. The camp allowed for high level meetings where the International Board of Directors met and head representative for ISKF Guyana - Sensei Chaves were also engaged. Daily training sessions amounted to six hours (3 times per day). Seminars and lectures were also a feature of this camp, and sought to blanket areas of personal growthand skill development. This year however, was particularly special as it marked the 50th Anniversary. Noteworthy of all the celebrations is ISKF’s ballooning global presence and continuing recognition. Tournament On tournament day, the children competed in mixed groups both for Kata and Kumite. This format promoted unity and friendship among the participating countries. In the end, all participants were awarded medals for their efforts. However, the adult category was c o m p e t i t i v e , notwithstanding, Guyana performed well to the extent that they attained success in the Male Division, where Kevin Edwards fended off opponents to cop first place in Kumite, defeating Rony Ben-Dor of Isareal. He however placed third in Kata. In the female colored belt division, Pamela Das competed well to place third in Kumite.

First place was won by Eileen Kim of USA and second place was won by Betty Lim also of the USA. In the male colored belt division Vishnu Ramlagan placed second in both kata and kumite. That division was won b y J o s e p h Ta m r a z o f Lebanon. The open black belt division was even more competitive, having a larger number of competitors, ranging from 1st Dan black belt to 6thDan. Shaqueel Amin-2nd Dan and Randolph Singh-1st Dan competed for Guyana. In Kumite, Shaqueel Amin competed against defending champion Tunji Abodunrin of Nigeria. Shaqueel exhibited p o tential as n o t s een previously and fought pound f o r p o u n d , h o w e v e r, Abodunrin managed to score the final point against Amin to win the match. Randolph Singh also did well in his first match by defeating his opponent from the Philippines, butlost his second match to the Jamaican competitor. The division was eventually won by Dan Elliot of the USA. In the Kata contest, they both lost in the second round, which was eventually won by Gabrielle Caccealanza of Switzerland. In the team kata contest, Guyana performed amongst strong teamsand managed to place third. First place was won by Australia and second place

categories entered to participate. Reports are despite the inclement weather the track is in good condition and a good day of racing is anticipated. Among some of the sponsors on board include Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Attorney at Law Rajendra Poonai, Del-Mar Shipping, Nand Persaud & Company Ltd, Balram Shane and Poonai’s Pharmacy among others. Starting time is 13:00hrs.

by USA. Appreciation SHOKOGUY Chief Instructor Sensei Christopher Chaves neverthelesswas pleased with the performance of his charges, and conveyed the o r g a n i z a t i o n ’s appreciation. He stated that they could not have done it without the support of the parents, private and corporate sponsors, members and the Ministry of Education for the instrumental roles they played in assisting them to r e a l i z e t h i s y e a r ’s a t t e n d a n c e a n d participation. Chaves then posited, that they are anticipating June 2017, where a much larger contingent is anticipated. A dream to be realized Sensei Chaves then pointed to what he considers a Karatekas highlight – a dream to be realized. The “Shoto Cup World Tournament” that will be hosted this year in Cape Town, South Africa from August 20 – 21. This is the premier karate tournament of ISFK and would have been hosted previously in Europe and Japan. Sensei Chaves stated that despite the high cost associated with attending this tournament, he remains optimistic that in realizing this dream, a contingent being able to attendif not this year, will be able to do so in the very near future.

The action should be engrossing and the competition stiff when the Foreign Ministry Sports Promotion Team stages a cricket tournament dubbed ‘Workplace Tapeball Cricket Competition’ at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac starting at 09:00hrs this morning. James ‘Uprising’ Lewis is the coordinator of events and he explained that the function will serve a bifurcated objected. He said

that activities are aimed at fostering social cohesiveness within the work place while providing wholesome physical activities to promoting the health and well-being of the workers. Several teams have already conformed to the registration process including Westside Cross Breed, Supreme Court Marshals, Namilco, Princess Hotel, GRDB, Enmore, Beterverwagting Office and the EPA.

Potential excitement at Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club stages horserace meet today The sound of thundering hoofs will fill the air when the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club in Alness Village Corentyne Berbice stages a grand one day horse race today at the Club’s facilities. There will be five races and all eyes will be on the feature attraction between the horses classified in the H Class and Lower. This race will be over a distance of 1600M and the first jockey across the line will cart off $200,000. The second place finisher nets half that

amount with the 3rd and 4th place finishers pocketing $50,000 and $25,000 respectively. Then there is the ‘J Class & Lower over 1200M with first and second place prizes of $100,000 and $50,000 respectively, the 3rd place prize is $25,000 while the fourth place finisher receives $12,500. The other categories in contention are the K Class and Lower, the race between the 2 years old and the unclassified race. Activities get underway at 13:00hrs.

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2016

PAGE 81

Schippers shines, Turkish nod to foreign legion

A m s t e r d a m , Netherlands (AFP) — Dafne Schippers fired out an Olympic warning by blasting to the European 100m title Friday, but Dutch teammate Churandy Martina missed out on a sprint double after being disqualified. In a dramatic session at the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam featuring 11 finals, there was disaster for French world record pole vault holder Renaud Lavillenie, while Turkey bagged its second and third gold medals, thanks to its foreign legion. The evening, however, belonged to Dutch starlet Schippers, 24, who defended her title in style, clocking 10.90sec in a race she completely dominated after hitting her stride at 50 metres

and turning on the afterburners. “It was quite windy so it was difficult to set a good time, but I am shaping up well for Rio,” said Schippers, with the games just four weeks away. There was drama for Martina, however, who crossed the line of the 200m with what he thought was a winning time of 20.37sec, just a day after sealing the 100m title. But he was later shown to have strayed into another lane and was disqualified, Spain’s Bruno Hortelano, in 20.45sec, was handed the gold. Surprise package Turkey moved into provisional top place of the medals table thanks to two gold and three silver medals on the night, all

won by foreign-born athletes. First up was Cuban-born Yasmani Copello Escobar, who won the men’s 400m hurdles in 48.98sec. Next came Polat Kemboi Arikan, formerly known as Paul Kipkosgei Kemboi, who beat Turkish teammate Ali Kaya— once Kenyan Stanley Kiprotich Mukche — to the men’s 10,000m title. There were also two more silver medals for Turkey, in the men’s 200m thanks to Azerbaijan-born sprinter Ramil Guliyev and the men’s 3000m steeplechase with Kenyanborn Aras Kaya, formerly Amos Kibitok who was only cleared to represent his new country four days ago. The tone was set for

Guyana Cup 2016 Horse Race Meet

Colours Boutique adds colour to Guyana Cup Horserace meet 2016 As preparations continue for the 10th Annual Guyana Cup and 50th Anniversary Jubilee Horserace meet more sponsors are getting on board. Colours Boutique of Georgetown which is one of the largest sneakers stores around has added some colour to the mega event. The event, organised by the Jumbo Jet Businesses in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club, is slated for Sunday 14th August at the Port Mourant Turf Club, beginning at 12:00 hrs. Speaking at the simple presentation ceremony which was held a few days ago at the business entity in Georgetown the owner intoned that it is the first time that his company has been on board and he is happy to be associated with an event of such magnitude. He also noted that during the time when the event is held he usually get a tremendous increase in sales. As such, he jumped at the first opportunity to get on board with one of the largest sporting events in Guyana. Eight races are listed for the day with $22M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs. The feature “A” and lower event has a whopping total prize package of $8M over 1600M with a first prize of $4M and the Guyana Cup Trophy for the winner. Second, third and fourth place finishers will collect $2M, $1M and $500,000

(From left) Tatjana Pinto of Germany, Dafne Schippers from The Netherlands, and Ivet Lalova-Collio of Italy, cross the finish line of the 100m race at the European Athletics Championships in the Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam. (VINCENT JANNINK) Turkey’s foreign legion when Kenyan-born teenager Yasemin Can, aka Vivian Jemutai, strode to victory in t h e c h a m p i o n s h i p s ’s opening event, the women’s 10,000m. Lavillenie, chasing a fourth European title, had a shocker in the pole vault, the Olympic champion only entering the competition after the 10 other vaulters had finished, at 5.75m.

But in blustery conditions, Lavillenie failed at each of his three attempts, leaving Poland’s Robert Sobera with a shock gold, his best of 5.60m, beating Czech Jan Kudlicka into silver on countback. “The wind was making things very difficult for us,” Lavillenie said. “But what frustrates me the most is that during the warm-up I cleared 5.80m twice without

problems. “I thought about starting at 5.70m, but after the warmup I was confident that 5.75 would not be a problem. “But hey, that’s sport, I’ll have to work hard now and try to do well in Rio.” It was, however, a good night for Croatia’s Sandra Perkovic, who won her fourth successive European title with a best of 69.97m in (Continued on page 73)

Will Vishal Singh and Keon Joseph go beyond the President XI? A Representative of the Colours Boutique (left) presents the company’s cheque to Representative of the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales Compton Sancho.

respectively. The Co-feature 1600M event for 3yrs old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies, will see the winner taking home a handy $2M and trophy. The Two year old event is for West Indies Bred horses and the winner gets $1M and trophy over 1000M. There is also a $1M reward and trophy for the horse winning the E class and lower 1300M event. The G3 and lower 1300M gallop has a winning tag of $700,000 and trophy. The H and lower 1400M race has a winning pocket of $500,000 and trophy. The animals classified J and K and lower will race for $350,000 and trophy over 1100M. The L class 1000M race has a winning purse of $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 a n d t r o p h y. Incentives will go to the winner of the A class, the

three year old event and the two year old races who will collect an extra $500,000, $400,000 and $200,000 bonuses respectively, while the winning jockeys in those races will all collect $50, 000 each. Among other sponsors on board so far are Hand In Hand Insurance Company, Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall, B.M Soat Auto Sales, Jameel Bar and Entertainment Lounge, the Muneshwar Store and the Hyper Malt beverage company. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers and Trophy Stall. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed Jnr. (Samuel Whyte)

T h e We s t I n d i e s selectors have announced the players that will represent the President XI against the touring Indians at Warner Park in St. Kitts. Four Guyanese are selected in the squad, two have already played Test C r i c k e t f o r t h e We s t Indies; skipper Leon Johnson and Rajendra Chandrika. Statistician Charwayne Walker notes, So the million dollar question being asked by Guyanese cricket fans is whether the two other selectees Keon Joseph and Vishal Singh will emulate L.J. and Chandrika and donned the maroon at the highest level? Only time will tell. Please find below Guyanese that represented the West Indies Cricket Board President XI but failed to play test cricket: Wi n s t o n E n g l i s h – President XI vs England Kensington Oval 1968 Sydney MatthewsPresident XI vs New Zealand Sabina Park 1972 Ajodhia PersaudPresident XI vs Pakistan Arnos Vale Playing Field St.

Vishal Singh Vincent 1977 Timur MohamedPresident XI Captain vs England Guaracara Park, South Trinidad 1981 Andrew Jackman –President XI vs New Zealand Mindoo Philip Park, St. Lucia 1985 RabindranauthSeeram –President XI vs New Zealand Mindoo Philip Park, St, Lucia 1985 Andrew JackmanPresident XI vs India Kensington Oval 1989 Barrington Browne-

Keon Joseph President XI vs Pakistan Bourda 1993 Barrington BrownePresident XI vs England Bourda 1994 Keith Semple- President XI vs England Bourda 1994 K e n n e t h Wo n g – President XI vs England Bourda 1994 Please note that Andre Percival was selected for the 1996 President XI against the Lee Germon led New Zealanders but was relegated to the 12 man in that match.

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Sunday July 10, 2016

Kaieteur News

Hamilton on pole for Mercedes at Silverstone S I LV E R S T O N E , ENGLAND (Reuters) Lewis Hamilton put in a sensational late lap under intense pressure to seize pole position for his home British Formula One Grand Prix from Mercedes team mate and title rival Nico Rosberg on Saturday. The triple world champion had just one chance to secure the top slot after an initial effort in the final top 10 shootout was deleted because he exceeded the track limits at Copse corner. Wi t h c h a m p i o n s h i p leader Rosberg on provisional pole, and Hamilton 10th as the clock ticked away and fans held their breath, the home hero made sure of his 56th career pole and fourth at Silverstone. “It was not the cleanest qualifying session,” said Hamilton who set a time of one minute 29.287 seconds. “I touched the kerb and it just pulled me further... the car bottomed and kind of bounced just outside of the line. “So a lot of pressure on that last lap. I was just sitting in the garage and I knew that I couldn’t let the guys down... The second lap wasn’t as good but I was making sure I got that lap in.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during qualifying. (Reuters / Andrew Boyers Livepic) I’m grateful that I did.” Huge cheers went up around the circuit as Hamilton lit up the screens, with a 140,000 crowd expecting to witness his third successive British Grand Prix win on Sunday and fourth in total. “Lewis in Silverstone with the crowd behind him, it gives him an extra one tenth,” said the team’s nonexecutive chairman Niki Lauda. Rosberg, who has an 11 point advantage over Hamilton after nine of 21 races, had to settle for second place on the grid. ROSBERG SCARE The German also had a scare when he was summoned to see stewards for an alleged rules breach at the start of qualifying, but

they decided to take no further action. Mercedes team bosses will be watching nervously today after collisions between their drivers in three of the last five races. Hamilton and Rosberg have been told they are on a final warning, with new rules of engagement and the threat of tough sanctions if they make contact again to the detriment of the dominant team. “I will try not to be in that position again,” said Hamilton, while Rosberg added that the rules were ‘very clear’. Dutch teenager Max Verstappen outqualified his Red Bull team mate Daniel Ricciardo for the first time since his promotion to the senior team from Toro

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates qualifying in pole position Mercedes’ Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill Rosberg who finished in second place and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who finished in third. (Reuters / Matthew Childs Livepic) Rosso, with the pair filling the second row with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen fifth. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel qualified sixth but will have a five place grid penalty for the second race in a row due to a gearbox change. That will move the Williams of Finland’s Valtteri Bottas alongside compatriot Raikkonen on the third row in sixth place. TRACK LIMITS Hamilton was not the only driver to have a lap deleted for exceeding the track limits, with Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg

suffering the same fate and dropping to eighth behind Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz. McLaren’s Fernando Alonso will start ninth but his 2009 world champion team mate Jenson Button failed to get through the first phase and starts 17th for what could be his final home appearance. The team said a rearwing endplate on Button’s car became detached from the floor during the lap, causing a loss of downforce. Mechanics tried to fix it but ran out of time. There was confusion after the first

phase with Button thinking he was out and leaving the garage, before returning to the car when it looked like Renault’s Kevin Magnussen was going to have his time deleted. That would have sent Button through to the second phase but it turned out to be a false alarm. Sauber’s Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson did not take part in qualifying after being taken to hospital for checks following a big crash in final practice. The team said he had been given the all-clear and was returning to the track.

Inventive Froome takes charge after stunning attack BAGNERES DE LUCHON, FRANCE (Reuters) Briton Chris Froome stunned his passive rivals to snatch the overall leader’s yellow jersey in the Tour de France when he won the eighth stage with a lightning attack on the final descent on Saturday. The Team Sky rider sped away from a group of overall favorites at the top of the last of four grueling climbs in the Pyrenees and never looked back as he raced down at breakneck speed towards the line. The defending champion, who is chasing a third Tour title, finished 13 seconds ahead of Ireland’s Dan Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) and Spaniard Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha). Last year’s runner-up Nairo Quintana (Movistar), who failed to attack on a searing hot day, was in the group featuring Martin and

Rodriguez. Double champion Alberto Contador lost further ground after being dropped near the top of the Col de Peyresourde, the last ascent of the 184-km stage. Overall, Froome leads fellow Briton Adam Yates (Orica-Bike Exchange) and Rodriguez, who are second and third respectively, by 16 seconds. “It was a bit of fun. I thought I would give it (attacking downhill) a try. That was real old-school bike racing,” said Froome. Expected to attack on the climbs, the Briton took his opponents by surprise. After reaching the top of Peyresourde first, Froome pedaled away as Quintana and others failed to react promptly, taking risks on the descent as he put his whole weight onto the front of his bike in a position reminiscent of Graeme

Team Sky rider Chris Froome cycles to win on the finish line The 184-km (114,5 miles) Stage 8 from Pau to Bagneres-de-Luchon, France. (REUTERS/JEAN-PAUL PELISSIER) Obree in the 1990s. Quintana, Froome’s main rival, looked comfortable on the climbs but never attacked and his passivity at the top of

P ey r es o u r d e co s t h im dearly. The Colombian is sixth overall 23 seconds off the p a c e b e f o r e S u n d a y ’s biggest Pyrenean stage up to Andorra Arcalis, where

Froome is widely expected to try and hammer the opposition with one of his trademark accelerations. “The most important (thing) is to gain time when you can. It’s done,” said

Team Sky sports director Nicolas Portal. Frenchman Thibaut Pinot (FDJ), who dropped out of contention after cracking on Friday, attacked early on the ascent to the Col du Tourmalet but he and his breakaway companions, Pole Rafal Majka (Tinkoff) and German Tony Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) were caught with about 50km left. There were a few accelerations on the final climb but nothing violent enough to drop Froome, although one of them was fatal to Contador, who slipped further down the rankings after being injured in crashes in the first two stages. “I did everything I could,” said Contador, a Tour winner in 2007 and 2009 who is now 3:12 off the pace. “It’s terrible that I’ve crashed like this at the beginning of the Tour. That’s cycling, danger is everywhere.”

Kaieteur News

Sunday July 10, 2016

PAGE 79

Preparations underway for CFU U17 C/ships Coach Vurlon Mills makes a point to his charges Friday at Leonora.

Wi t h t h e a i m o f being selected to represent Guyana in the u p c o m i n g C a r i b b e an Football Union U17 tournament that will be played from July 15-19 in the United States Virgin Islands. The squad, which commenced preparation on

June 2 with a trial game at Leonora, was reduced to 26 and will subsequently be trimmed to 18. The players continued with their preparation Saturday under the watchful eyes of head coach Anthony Stephens, Vurlon Mills, Andrew Hazel and Eon De Vieira.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport coach Stephens, said the players have shown tremendous improvement while in camp. He added that given the limited time they have to prepare the team he is confident they can give a good account of themselves on tour.

The head coach pointed that the fitness level of the players keeps i m p r o v i n g. “Fitness is something you have to work on, it does not come overnight, but I have seen some improvement and I am confident they will be match ready before the tournament commence since the

Digicel Schools Football Championships

Annai squeeze past Sand Creek, aims to retain Regional title in tomorrow’s final By Franklin Wilson in Lethem Digicel Schools Football Championship kings of Region 9 were pushed to the brink yesterday in their semifinal clash against a determined Sand Creek side but mustered the required drive on the straight to edge their opponents on the finish line, 2-1 yesterday at the St. Ignatius Community ground in Lethem. The Regional champions went into the match as odds on favourites to hammer Sand Creek but were pleasantly surprised by the underdog team which, while only getting off a pair of shots to the goal for the entire first half were able to frustrate Annai which produced a wayward display in the same half. With every passing minute pressure was mounting on Annai while Sand Creek were growing in confidence hoping that they could have toppled their rivals. But that was not to be. The fans that came out in their numbers once again, packing the fair sized stand

beaten. It was just reward for the busy Sand Creek team which took the fight to Annai in the final 45 minutes. But the champs stuck to the task of downing their challengers and returned the favours with eight minutes to game time when they too headed home the winning goal compliments of a well Clinton Phillips (right) and Nairon Williams calculated effort from Annai’s goal scorers. Clinton Phillips in the 82nd minute. and also spread along the Clement with a beauty. The crowd erupted side lines were visibly The goal eased loads of in applause when the goal becoming very impatient as pressure that was building was scored. Annai sent well over one not only on the field but also Sand Creek never gave dozen shots in the first half among the fans; Mayor of up the fight or doubted that wide of the goal. Lethem Carlton Beckles was they could have equalized as But, the champs, who also among the fans taking in a few more chances came w i l l b e a i m i n g f o r the action. their way but they were not consecutive Regional titles But Annai’s lead did not able to capitalize on them. when they face off with St. go down too well with the When the final whistle Ignatius tomorrow from Sand Creek players who was sounded by the Referee, 15:30hrs in the final at the were much more aggressive both teams were applauded same venue were finally able in their offensive plays in the for putting on an exciting to break the deadlock 11 second half. final 45 minutes but it was minutes into the second half. The match was brought Annai which went home the T h e n i p p y N a i r o n to life when Sand Creek happier of the two teams as Williams, with a ripping left found the equalizing goal in they will be facing off with foot shot sent Annia ahead in the 74th minute when St. Ignatius tomorrow the 56th minute after easing Bronson Andrew headed in afternoon with only one past the Sand Creek defence the ball from a corner with team advancing to the to beat goalkeeper Orlando goalie Neil Allicock well national playoffs.

technical staff is working hard with them. The players have also shown the willingness to learn which is good,” he posited, adding that the players are gelling well. Stephens stated that there are some quality players and among those in training are Jeremy Garrett who

represents Fruta Conquerors in senior competitions and is the only player to play at this level previously, Malakai Adams and Nicholas Mc Arthur. Guyana is grouped alongside the host, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda, and is expected to depart on July 13.

Barbados overcome Jamaica

Barbados defeated Jamaica by eight wickets when the Regional Women’s Supoer 50 tournament continued yesterday. Batting first, Jamaica were sent packing for 47 in 19 overs at Enmore. No batter managed it into double figures with the highest score coming from Rashada Williams who got eight. Extras contributed 13 as Deandre Dottin claimed 4-13, while Shamilia Connell had 3-11 and Shakera Selman 2-18. Jamaica responded with

50-2 in 11.5 overs. Dottin scored 19 not out to earn the player of the match award while Shaquana Quintine made 17 and Hayley Matthews 12. The other matches that were scheduled for Enterprise between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago and Everest between Windwards and Leewards were abandoned due to wet conditions caused by rain.

Top prizes and exciting action as Rising Sun Turf Club stages one day horseracing event The Rising Sun Turf Club has planned a one day horse race meet at its facility next Sunday, July 17 and Turfites are guaranteed of a day of competitive racing. There are 5 potentially exciting races with the feature attraction between horses in the G3 & Lower over a one mile distance for a top prize of $300,000. The other respective places receive $150,000, $75,000 and $38,000. The J & Lower event will be contested over a distance of 6 furlongs with a top prize of $160,000. The 2nd place receives $80,000, while the 3rd and 4th place finishers win

$ 4 0 , 0 0 0 and $20,000 respectively. Jockeys will also contest for lucrative awards in the L & Lower over 5 furlongs, the 3 years old Trial over 2 furlongs and the K & Lower over a distance of 6 furlongs. Notable horses competing are ‘She’s so Special,’ Bird Man,’ ‘Isn’t She Charming,’ ‘Atlantic Storm’ and ‘Big Man Boss.’ The event is being conducted under the aegis of the Guyana Horse Racing Association and all rules are applicable. Closing date for entries is today and all are asked to take note as the organizers w o u l d n o t b e accommodating late entries.

t r o Sp

Zampa, Guptill help Warriors extend unbeaten run to four Martin Guptill off drives. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Fans came out and supported the Amazon Warriors, cheering them to victory. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Digicel Schools Football Championships

Annai squeeze past Sand Creek, aims to retain Regional title in tomorrow’s final No denying Serena this time as she equals Graf’s record

Annai’s Clinton Phillips (right) heads the ball into the back of the nets for the winning goal past the Sand Creek defenders and custodian, Orlando Clement. (Franklin Wilson photo)

USA’s Serena Williams celebrates winning her women’s singles final match against Germany’s Angelique Kerber with the trophy at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon, England. (REUTERS/TOBY MELVILLE)

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