Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Friday July 15, 2016

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

SARU isn’t about WITCH HUNTING Almost everyone in Guyana is aware that corruption has been rampant in this country, especially during the last 15 years when those in positions of authority thought that they could have used the state resources to benefit themselves, relatives and friends, without being punished. That mindset changed in 2015 when the PPP administration was defeated and the new government launched forensic audits to investigate, charge, and if necessary, prosecute those found culpable of corrupt practices and theft of the state resources. But it was the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) that essentially came to the nation’s rescue when it discovered several irregularities in the distribution of the country’s prime ocean front lands by the former administration. Many persons believe that the government should punish those who stole or mismanaged state assets as documented by SARU and the forensic audits. Both have provided solid evidence to successfully prosecute and convict those who were responsible for the skullduggery that took place under the last government. The irregularities unearthed should alarm every Guyanese, irrespective of their party affiliations. SARU’s CEO has expressed alarm and deep concern at the high level of corruption, and how entrenched it was in the country and the lack of procedures to prevent it. According to the CEO, SARU will spare no one and it will go wherever the evidence leads it. He said that he is not bothered by the PPP claim of “witch hunting” by SARU, which is mandated to investigate the wrongdoing. While the government is taking steps to prosecute those found to have been allegedly involved in various financial transgressions, it should also correct the flaws in the system that caused them. It should pass stringent legislation to prevent public officials from taking bribes or using resources belonging to the state; issuing contracts to friends and relatives that can never be fulfilled and for which there are no penalties; or being able to transfer government vehicles in their names and those of their spouses and friends. Every loophole must be closed, and the audit reports are a good place to start. The Auditor General’s Office must be empowered to conduct audits effectively on an annual basis on every state agency and department. This will surely make a difference in discouraging corrupt individuals and preventing the misuse and theft of state resources by public officials. Unlike the previous administration, this government is cognizant that its reputation is at stake, and it must do everything in its power to put an end to wholesale dishonesty and theft. It must definitely reform the system to prevent such abuses from happening, but it will take some time. The findings of the forensic audits and by SARU have exposed how corrupt many elements of the last government most likely were and the depth of the skullduggery that took place. They also paint a dark picture of corruption in Guyana, which is considered one of the more corrupt countries in the hemisphere. The findings of the audits have reinforced the perception of corruption in Guyana and point to the need to strengthen all state-owned and statutory bodies in order to prevent lawlessness. The government has expressed its commitment to stamp out corruption and be transparent and accountable to the people. There is simply no room for corruption in Guyana, but the government alone cannot stamp it out. Stamping out corruption can only be done if all right-thinking citizens take a united stance against it. It is not a witch hunt to investigate and prosecute those accused of wrongdoing. And despite what its detractors may conveniently say, SARU is not about witch hunting.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Abuse of Authority at the Guyana School of Agriculture DEAR MR. EDITOR, Before I attempt to give my opinion on what is taking place at the Guyana School of Agriculture, I would like to ask a question. My question is, Is it legal for a Government agency to function for an extended period without a Human Resource Manager/Personnel Officer? Mr. Editor, my question emanated from a situation where competent authorities have said that since the resignation of a Personnel Public Relations Officer in 2009 in the person of Ms. Brenda David, no one has been

appointed for that position. In fact, there has not been an advertisement for this position which is badly needed to be filled. However, Management of the institution seems quite comfortable to have it that way so that they can continue to enslave and exploit workers. The office the Personnel Officer once used to effect her duties is now being used as a storage room for papers. (Talk about wanting someone to fill that position). Mr. Editor, over the years, namely 2009 to present, many workers have been; suspended, dismissed, asked to resign or even transferred to other

institutions. It is of my firm belief that these things occur simply because there is no proper representation for the workers since there is no qualified or experienced person on the ground to even hear the workers’ cause or more so represent them. This Mr. Editor, provides the opportunity for Management to walk over the workers, an opportunity gladly accepted and very often used by the Director of Administration. The Director of Administration, since his questionable appointment, has walked over numerous staff members and the Chief Executive Officer is just a (Continued on page 7)

Kaieteur News

Friday July 15, 2016

PAGE 05

Members of US Congress write on the banking risk DEAR EDITOR; Please see below to a letter from key members of the US Congress to the Treasury Department on the issue of correspondent banking/de-risking. While the interest of this group of Members of Congress is not necessarily the Caribbean, the region needs to intensify its lobby in Congress to ensure that its interests are advanced on this matter. Just a few weeks ago I had the honor to chair an entire morning’s session on Capitol Hill during Caribbean Legislative Week at which every effort was made to further sensitize key members of Congress to the negative impact of derisking on Caribbean economies. Among the members of Congress participating in these discussions were Charles Rangel, Yvette Clark, and Stacy Plaskett. Caricom governments need to engage the Caribbean Diaspora more seriously in the lobbying efforts on this issue. Wesley Kirton EDITOR’S NOTE; the letter follows The Honorable Eric M. Thorson, Inspector General United States Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20220 DEAR INSPECTOR GENERAL THORSON: We write to request an examination into the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) execution of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), anti-money laundering regulations and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and other sanctions laws compliance. As you are no doubt aware, there has been much attention paid by Congress, international governing bodies and other entities to the so-called “de-risking” trend. In disclosing to accountholders and investors why certain accounts have been terminated, banks generally note concerns about enforcement and supervisory risk; in other words, they do not believe they can earn a sufficient

financial return on these accounts to offset the risk of punitive and perhaps ruinous enforcement action by regulators or prosecutors. In a recent speech, Comptroller Curry stated that “the OCC generally does not direct the financial institutions we supervise to either maintain or sever account relationships. The decision to exit a line of business or to terminate a banking relationship with a customer resides solely with the bank, not with the OCC.”’ OCC leadership has offered similar language in correspondence with Members of Congress regarding Operation Choke Point. These statements do not comport with reports we have received. Financial institutions have made clear to us that this “de-risking” trend is very real, and is at least in part the result of actions taken by that OCC’s regulatory supervisory, examination, or other staff to influence a bank’s decision to exit a line of business or to terminate a banking relationship. Indeed, it is our understanding that OCC staff has made clear to banks that the institution is on notice with respect to a given correspondent or customer and that — while the decision is ultimately the bank’s — the bank will suffer supervisory or other consequences should anything go wrong with respect to that correspondent or customer. Further, the Comptroller himself has previously made statements contradicting his March 2016 assertion. In 2015, Comptroller Curry stated that “the OCC does not encourage banks to terminate customer relationships without a careful analysis of the risks presented by that customer and the bank’s ability to manage those risks.”” He also stated, “We do not tell banks how to conduct their business. We certainly do not direct them to provide services to some customers and not to others. Still less, would we encourage banks to terminate entire categories of customers without regard to the risks presented.”’ These statements indicate that in certain cases, the

OCC may. in fact, encourage banks to terminate customer relationships or exit lines of business where the OCC believes that the risks presented are not able to be managed by the bank. In his recent speech, the Comptroller stated, “through our supervisory process, we’ve been looking at whether banks have explicit policies on risk re-evaluation and who is involved in making a decision to terminate a relationship. We are also looking at whether banks use oversight committees to review these decisions, whether the decisions are reported to the Board of Directors or senior management, and whether the correspondents have opportunity to address concerns before the relationship is terminated.’ While we believe some of this information could be useful to financial regulators, particularly if a regulator works to combat unnecessary de-risking, we are concerned this statement could translate into new and substantial compliance burdens on financial institutions, and may be used as greater leverage over institutions. F i n a l l y, w e h a v e received reports that increased regulatory and supervisory pressure has materially increased the cost of opening an account, and thereby forced more Americans out of the banking system. Accordingly, we request that your office specifically investigate three areas with regard to the BSA and other anti-money laundering laws, a n d O FA C a n d o t h e r sanctions laws: 1. Whether supervisory, examination, or other staff of the OCC have indirectly or directly caused banks to exit a line of business or to terminate a customer or

correspondent account. 2. Under what authority the Comptroller of the Currency is planning to limit through guidance the ability of banks to open or close correspondent or customer accounts, including a review of laws that govern account closings and the OCC’s authority to regulate account closings. 3. The average cost of opening a bank account and any increase from years past, including an analysis of the extent to which that cost has limited national banks’ ability to offer deposit

accounts to low and moderate income individuals. In addition, please estimate the cost of opening an account and trends in that cost over time and whether that cost has had an impact on the types of accounts that banks offer. Please provide a similar analysis in regards to the time it takes to open a bank account. We appreciate your attention to this matter and request a response from you by July 19, 2016. Sincerely, Blaine Luetkemeyr, Member of Congress

Stephen Fincher, Member of Congress Sean P. Duffy, Member of Congress Randy Neuge auer, Member of Congress Keith J. Ro fus, Member of Congress Ste’tivers, Member of Congress Signed Blain Luetkemery Sean Duffy Randy Neugeauter Stephen Fincher Keith J. Rofus Tom Emmet J. French Hill Andy Bar

Compensation for policy makers, leaders & directors DEAR EDITOR; Ongoing media coverage regarding all forms of Compensation (salaries, benefits, stipends, perks etc) payable to the top echelons of government and national, public and civic service organizations suggests that it might be useful to have some public ventilation on the underlying bases and justifications for the apparent dissonances, discrepancies and differentials within the body politic. (It is acknowledged that similar issues are au courant in other spheres within and outside our nation with established avenues and procedures for dealing with them). The most recent high-profile public service cases in point are the amounts being paid to parliamentarians and ministers which may be considered as ‘super salaries’ when compared with the paltry, beggarly, sums being paid as ‘stipends’ to Chairmen and Directors of the Boards of governmental Agencies and Authorities. (My understanding is that the stipends paid to Chairmen are $10,000 and Directors $7,000 per month; they were apparently fixed in the last century, are clearly well below the current national minimum wage and to me, quite an insult to the personal pride of the recipients which no amount of altruism and considerations of service to the motherland can assuage). How can we countenance and

knowingly live with the glaring differentials between the earnings of politicians and the stipends of professionals who are usually appointed to serve on critical Boards where the responsibilities and efforts required are at least apparently equal if not superior in some cases. The efforts and responsibilities of Chairmen and Directors of Boards like the GRA and GUYSUCO who actually provide leadership and professional oversight for operations within the commanding heights of the economy are virtual ‘full time’ jobs. Besides, as far as I gather, they have ‘fiduciary responsibility’ and can be sued if found to be delinquent in the performance of their duties as Directors. Contrary to general held impressions, some, if not most of these Chairmen and Directors do not simply attend monthly meetings (on which impression the current stipends were apparently fixed); typically, they have a lot of ‘home work’ to do to prepare for the meetings and sub-committee work based on their particular areas of expertise; then there are the continual ‘oversight’ and ‘representational’ obligations which they are expected to discharge. While Parliamentarians enjoy extensive ‘parliamentary breaks’ for example, Chairmen and Directors of State Boards must (Continued on page 7)

Friday July 15, 2016

Abuse of Authority at the Guyana... From page 4 facilitator as workers seemingly tremble and fear this Director. Mr. Editor, I was informed that there are shop stewards on the ground and also a union in place to represent the workers, but it is quite unfortunate that the former seems very afraid of Management and the latter moves most times at a snail’s pace or sometimes seems to be in sync with Management to the detriment of the workers. This situation presents a great opportunity for Management to have a field day with the workers. If that is not enough, the recent appointments have been mainly of favoured persons and sadly they are entering the institution on a higher salary scale for their position and qualifications. I was informed that persons in certain positions that attract a certain salary are getting less than the new comers even though they would have been at the institution for years and benefited from the increases. Can this be fair? Mr. Editor, this should not surprise staff at the institution in question since Mr. Robert Persaud while in office had raised concerns about the type of Guyanese working at the institution and

sought to have his way there. While in office, a deliberate attempt was made to hurt the staff by allowing the pension plan to flop. They did not ensure the money was placed to sustain the plan so the plan had to be wound up and the workers lost tremendously. In all of this Mr. Editor, the workers were given contracts last year, they were called and instructed by the secretary of the Chief Executive Officer to read and sign; they were not given a chance to take home the contract so they can read and understand. Of course, most of them fearful of losing their jobs signed even though the conditions were less favorable. Could you imagine not getting any increase, except the Government increase? And leave allotment being reduced by a week or two? How can this be? Does a Secretary also have this authority? Anyway, it’s all about power at this institution. Mr. Editor, I am informed that there is a whole lot more information and it will be overwhelming to be placed in one letter but I would really like the competent authorities to launch an investigation since human rights are being severely trampled upon. Paul john

Compensation for policy makers... From page 5 be on-the-ball continually, especially in some productive and service-oriented operations like Guysuco and GRA. I know of a case where one Board Chairman was so engrossed in the affairs of the organization that he was considered and often referred to as the “Executive Chairman”. Does the Government expect or unwittingly encourage these professionals and upright citizens who are normally requested to serve on the Boards to fall prey to or to seek illicit, under-the-table or round-about means of selfcompensation and aggrandizement? There is also the case where a Director on the Board of one of these operations was so appalled at the miserly stipend payable to him that he quickly sought an opportunity to serve the same outfit, in virtually the same capacity, but as a functional head of the said organization for which he is being paid a handsome salary plus related benefits. Such unsavory moves become unnecessary if proper systems were in place for determining the relative demands, difficulties and

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

other differentials inherent in the different roles within the various organizations. There are several simple Job Evaluation systems and techniques readily available to establish defensible, systemic and objective bases for fair and equitable compensation arrangements based on relativities and comparability following orderly processes of Job Analyses, Job Evaluation and other Human Resource Management applications. Government should seriously consider employing such approaches for a start if it really wants to attract and retain the people with the appropriate competencies and profiles, whether as Board Members or Staff, for all its operations and agencies, and who would not be tempted to do any form of wangling to meet obviously critical demands of the respective positions. Nowrang Persaud

A recipe for economic decline DEAR EDITOR, It was Winston S. Churchill who said “I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” Recently, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, reported that Central Government’s revenues totaled $53.4billion at the end of April 2016. According to him, this represents an increase of $3billion compared to revenue collections during the same period last year. The Minister attributes this increase in revenue collection to “tightening up at ports, new focus on the regions and a clampdown on illegal activities.” The Minister reports that tax revenues increased by $2.1billion when compared to the same period in 2015. According to the Minister, VAT revenues, however, continued to decline. For the period under review, that is, January to April 2016, these revenues showed a decline of 6.3% compared to the levels achieved during the same period in 2015. Apart from increased revenue in the collection of rent and royalties in the gold mining sector, there is no other report from the Minister regarding the productive sector. It is painfully obvious that this Government places an over-reliance on taxation. In its first full budget, the 2016 budget, it increased one hundred and forty (140) odd public taxes, in certain instances as high as 1200%. They have removed VAT exemptions from all capital equipment in the major productive sectors which hitherto enjoyed VAT exemptions, namely, agriculture, mining, and forestry. They have imposed duties on imported raw materials for the manufacturing sector that were free from duties under the PPP Government. The President and several of his Ministers have publicly expressed the view that the regime of tax concessions put in place by the PPP/Civic Administration to attract

investments is too generous and will be reviewed with a view to downsize them. In fact, GOINVEST and the Guyana Revenue Authority have been instructed to put these concessions “on hold.” In Regions Five and Six, employees of the GRA are doing house to house inspection and if it is found that there are more than two “banks” of vegetables under cultivation in any yard, the head of the household is documented as engaging in a “commercial activity” presumably, for the purpose of taxation. This same mentality has polluted their representatives at the level of the Georgetown City Council, hence the parking meter fiasco and the public announcement that their will soon be an increase in rates and taxes. Against the backdrop of this emphatic pursuit to tax the populace, one quickly realizes that this Government’s obsession with the GRA is not an aberration but the interference is deliberate and institutional. Lest I convey the wrong impression, I wish to make it clear that I appreciate the importance of taxation in the economic equation of a nation. However, the cold hard truth is that real economic growth comes not from taxation but from production, productivity and job creation. The economy of every great nation was built not on taxation but by production, commerce, trade and industrialization. The taxation policy and system must be such that it encourages, facilitates and engenders the growth and expansion of these sectors. As these sectors grow and expand they will yield increased taxes but in the process they create jobs and generate all the benefits which come with job creation. In order to fully encourage these sectors to achieve their optimum potential, there are economies in the world which offer tax free regimes to the extent that even personal income tax is not payable. This Government’s policy is situated at the other end of

the spectrum. So while the treasury boasts of increased collection of taxes, there is a decline in production, trade, commerce, manufacturing and service oriented industries - all of which are integral to real economic growth and job creation. Significantly, since this government assumed office, Guyana has seen not a single investment of worth. None is on the horizon, either. Every productive sector has either declined or performed indifferently. Not a single new job created. In fact many companies have been forced to lay off employees because of a decline in their business. Trade and commerce have significantly reduced. Businessmen who imported 10, 40-foot containers, annually before 2015, are now importing less than five, annually. These businessmen tell you that money is not circulating and therefore, the consumer has little purchasing power. One cannot doubt them. This state of affairs is the natural consequence of increased taxation in an economy where there is no commensurate increase in wages coupled with loss of jobs. As a result, the Minister of Finance was forced to disclose a decrease in VAT revenues. This is because of reduced economic activities and consequently, spending. Expectedly, in this contracting and depressing economic atmosphere the Guyana dollar continues to hemorrhage in value against the US dollar. Rather than conceive stimulus incentives to

invigorate and energize the economy from this state of sloth, the Government keeps driving nails into its coffin by its taxation and other antidevelopmental policies. In the end, every citizen becomes poorer, daily. This economic paralysis is exacerbated by frightening statements emanating from the head of SARU, Dr. Clive Thomas, weekly about who will be charged and who will be jailed and the actions of SOCU, which conduct unconstitutional and arbitrary searches of business premises and seize therefrom large amounts of cash, jewelry, and confidential financial information. These are two rogue organizations operating from within the Ministry of Presidency, without any legal bases whatsoever, carrying out the political directions of those in government. The once powerful Private Sector Commission which was so ready to publicly pounce on the PPP/C administration at the drop of a hat has now become mute in fear. A businessman wants to legally challenge the new imposition of a parking fee of $20,000 by the City Council of Georgetown in respect of containers. This fee is charged even where the container is there only for a few hours to discharge cargo. However, he is afraid to use his name in the legal proceedings because of reprisals. Fear has returned to Guyana. This time it’s not generated by the bandits but by the Government. Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP. Attorney-at-Law

PAGE 8

Friday July 15, 2016

Kaieteur News

Carvil Duncan trial…

GPL Board member unaware of entitlement to retroactive payment - Former PM says this was introduced in 2015 GEA Head, Mahendra Sharma CHARGED: Carvil Duncan

Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds Although he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) since 2011, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Mahender Sharma, says that he has no knowledge of being entitled to retroactive payment as a member. He made this disclosure yesterday, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts’ when he was called to testify on behalf of the prosecution in the trial of former Director of GPL,

Carvil Duncan, who is accused of conspiring with another to steal over $27M from the company. He is also accused of stealing $984,900 from the company. The trial commenced before Magistrate Leron Daly in Court Two, yesterday. Under cross examination by Duncan’s Attorney, Charles Ramson Jr., the witness said that there is a possibility that Cabinet could have made the fees retroactive, but he was unaware if such was done.

Sharma added that it is also possible that he might be eligible for retroactive fees and has not obtained any. According to the CEO, the board of directors of GPL was independent when it came to making decisions on the company’s affairs. Sharma who is also a member of GEA Board of Directors said that he knew a decision was made by cabinet which sought to establish board fees for boards across the country, including GPL. Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who had oversight for the affairs of GPL during his time in office was not a member of the Board of Directors, Sharma said. He explained that if there

were any disputes in decision among members of the board it would be resolved by a voting process. However, Samuel Hinds testified that cabinet had made a decision to have fees for board members retroactive when they were given a pay hike in 2015. While being guided by Police Prosecutor, Bharat Mangru, Hinds said that GPL was governed by a board of director and that its governance provided it with much autonomy. He also said that the chairman of the board would report to him on issues related to the power company. Carvil Duncan, whom he said he knew personally, was a member of that board of

Cabinet to consider allegations report against CANU officials on Tuesday The report of the inquiry made into the allegations against officials of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) by self-confessed drug dealer Barry Dataram will be up for discussion at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon told media operatives of this development during a post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday. “We are willing to make the report public but Cabinet must have a look at it first,

and we are going to have it on the agenda next Tuesday for Cabinet to discuss after which the Minister of Public Security, under whose remit the entities under investigation fall, will make a public statement,” Minister Harmon said. A media release recently issued by the Ministry of the Presidency stated that the probe was conducted by Brigadier Bruce Lovell, who

was appointed by President David Granger, shortly after the allegations were made. During the handing over of the report to Minister Harmon late last week, Brigadier Lovell said that the allegations made by Dataram are of a very serious nature against officials of the state, and as such, it was incumbent on the Government to carry out an investigation, which he completed in the period of two months.

directors. Also testifying was Komal Ramnauth, another board member. This trial has been adjourned to July 19. Duncan, who is the President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the GPL’s Former Deputy CEO, Aeshwar Deonarine, were jointly charged with conspiring with each other to steal the monies from GPL on separate occasions However, Deonarine’s name was dropped from the charges against Duncan after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) withdrew the charges against him because he has fled the country. This was done so that the court could proceed with Duncan’s trial. Police have since issued a warrant for Deonarine’s arrest. It was previously reported that he was in Canada. Duncan, 73-year-old of Lot 1977 Lanstead Road, Festival City, Georgetown, is accused of conspiring with another to commit a felony that is to say simple larceny. It is alleged that between May 7 and May 8, 2015 at Georgetown, Duncan conspired with another to steal the sum of $27,757,500, property of GPL. It was also alleged that on March 31, 2015 Duncan stole $984, 900 belonging to GPL. Duncan, who is the President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and General

Secretary of the Guyana Labour Union (GTU), pleaded not guilty to the allegations. He is currently out on $1M bail. The two former senior officials are accused of being part of a multi-million-dollar fraud at GPL. The men are alleged to have illegally transferred close to $30M to their personal bank accounts from GPL. The Government had asked the police to investigate the two senior officials last July. It was reported that the men paid themselves almost $29M without authorization. In light of investigations, Deonarine was sent on administrative leave. The discoveries of the suspicious transfers were made by independent auditors who were probing the PetroCaribe Fund, which hold proceeds of oil shipments taken from neighbouring Venezuela. It was while tracking payments to GPL that auditors unearthed the strange transactions. Deonarine, who had been the DCEO responsible for administration had reportedly wanted to receive the same level of pay as the then DCEO (Technical), Colin Welch, but his approaches to the Board of Directors were rebuffed. He had reportedly offered to repay the money but GPL was supposed to have waited until it was transferred from his US bank account.

UG to introduce graduation fee From page 6 settle an outstanding labour-management dispute over salaries and benefits. The decision entails paying the relevant staff members as follows: a 23 per cent increase to nine employees over whom there was a dispute related to their already being paid at “market rate”. Also it was recommended that travelling allowance be increased for UA category workers to $17,000 per month for all those workers who have been receiving less than $17,000 per month. An augmented amount of travelling allowance by 90 per cent was recommended for UB category employees and an increase of uniform allowance to $10,000 per year for all fe-

male UG employees to assist with the preparation of uniforms. According to UG, all payments will be retroactive to January 1, 2016, and will be made during this month. The VC also indicated his strong support for improving the salaries and benefits of academic and non-academic employees at the university, but he also shared his expectation of respectful and efficient service to the students and the other constituencies of the university. As part of the pursuit of greater transparency at UG, the major decisions of the F&GPC now will be published at the end of each meeting. And Vice Chancellor Griffith has recommended the same course of action to the University Council, the governing body of the University.

Friday July 15, 2016

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Frightening developments at the GRA The opposition party has to be an opposition. There are times when it will agree with the government, but generally it will be expected to be critical and condemnatory of the government. There are times, however, when one has to agree with some of the positions taken by the opposition party. The opposition has an interest in criticizing the government, but the government opens itself to criticism by some of its confusing rhetoric. Two weeks ago, it was announced that there was mini-shakeup at the Guyana Revenue Authority. Two senior officials were sacked. One of the persons sacked was the head of the customs operations. The other person was the Human Resources Manager. The reasons given for the dismissals were revenue collection and poor facilities. The Guyana Public Service Union, the union which represents workers in the Guyana Revenue Authority, has said nothing so far about these two dismissals. But the opposition has commented on

the issue, and what the opposition said makes a great deal of sense. Firstly, if the Board of Directors is concerned about the revenue collection at the Guyana Revenue Authority, then it has to hold the Commissioner General (ag) accountable. That person in turn may indicate the reasons for the shortfall, and point out which one of his or her staff is culpable. There has been no indication that the recommendation for the dismissals of the two persons came from the Commissioner General (ag). In fact, the Commissioner General (ag) was said to be assuming different responsibilities after returning from leave. It is hard to see how the Human Resources Manager could have been sent home for the poor facilities at GRA. The Human Resources Department of any company is not usually concerned with the management of facilities. The truth be told is that the facilities were in a deplorable condition before the new government took office. The Minister of Finance in a tour

SOCU operations legal - Harmon Government has insisted that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is operating in a legal manner. Questioned yesterday during the post-Cabinet press briefings, Minister of State Joseph Harmon made it clear that it is an arm of the Guyana Police Force, and is therefore legal. The Minister stated that “the protocols had been reviewed and we looked at the law in relation to the operation of SOCU.” “It is an arm of the Guyana Police Force and what it is doing is consistent with the laws of Guyana and the act under which the Guyana Police Force operates,” Harmon said. However, the Minister pointed out that when it comes to the protocol of SOCU, it requires pinpointing the particular section of the Act of the Guyana Police Force. “It is a question of looking at a particular section under the police Act that says

these are the operations that are to be conducted, but this evaluation was done.” Harmon said that Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, would be able to elaborate on the issue. SOCU was established in 2014 under the previous administration, but the unit lacked the essential protocols needed to operate as a specialised unit probing financial crimes. Minister Ramjattan had said that the protocols have been drafted. The Minister explained that the protocol will outline “how they (SOCU) are going to do their operations and those are going to be made public and you will see them. It will ensure that they come in line with what are the Police Standing Operating Procedures.” SOCU has been playing a critical role in a number of sensitive investigations, including gold smuggling and fraud in public institutions.

of the GRA lamented the conditions at the Head Office. Anyone who has been to that office knows that the solution to that problem is to get another building. There is no renovation or rearranging that is going to improve the working conditions. The head office is too crammed for space and it presents a safety problem for all the staff there. This past week, there was an interesting twist to the saga at the Guyana Revenue Authority. The Minister of Finance was reported to have said that revenues increased by three billion dollars. What was interesting is that it was

reported that international taxes (which includes customs taxes) had increased, but VAT was down. So if international taxes had increased, how come the GRA sent home the head of its Customs Department? Something is wrong here! The Minister further said that the increased collection was due in part to stringent measures at the ports. This means stringent customs measures. So how come the head of Customs is dismissed and not the head of the Value Added Tax Section, whoever is that person? It can also be asked, why

is it that the Head of the Human Resources Department has been dismissed and not the Head of the Facilities Management Section, whoever that person is? Were these removals recommended by the Commissioner General (ag)? If they were not, then on what basis were these persons removed from the jobs. The Guyana Public Service Union has said nothing, as yet, about these matters. Why? The government cannot continue to treat people this way. This is the same type of behaviour that ostracized the PNCR from the wider

Guyanese people from 1968 onwards. The actions of the GRA are a throwback to that era. These are frightening developments. Not all of the criticisms of the opposition should be dismissed. There are some of them which have considerable merit. The dismissals at the GRA are a case in point.

PAGE 10

Friday July 15, 2016

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Paperwork and psychic destruction If you take the numbers that use public bureaucracy in Guyana, then in terms of volume of work, this country’s active population is under 200,000. We have slightly over 750,000 humans in our demography. But those numbers mask a deception. That is not the figure that uses the service of the State. A huge slice of our population consists of children and young people who have absolutely no connection with public bureaucracy. This large group is not NIS contributors. They do not use the services of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Central Housing and Planning Agency, the Deeds Registry, the various ministries (especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), the police force, the

University of Guyana etc. This group, because of the age factor, has no reason to seek the involvement of the public bureaucracy in their lives. The point is that State services in Guyana impact directly on a small number of people comparatively speaking. And by comparison, I am not talking about a country like Trinidad, where the population is over a million, but under two million. I am referring to lands with millions and millions of people, like EU countries, African and Asian nations and Latin American states. If Guyana’s public bureaucracy that attends to about 200,000 souls cannot achieve competence and is forever mired in confusion, breakdown and dysfunction, then how do

these very populated territories cope? The answer is that they cope because they are not psychically destroyed nations. Guyana is. A friend of mine who is a Georgetown City Councillor and a legal assistant in the Prime Minister’s Office, returned this week from a one-month training stint in China. “The first thing I asked him was if he had to wait at the airport in China for someone to pick him. He was laughing at my question. This guy is totally enthralled with China. He said it was service that was unbelievable. He told me he arrived in Guyana without his phone. Contacts were made with China. They found the phone and it has been posted to Guyana.

Let us return to the 200,000 persons that public bureaucracy serves in Guyana. Two weeks ago, this gentleman returned at my gate. This was twice in three months. His complaint was heart-breaking. On this occasion he brought his wife. In a country like the US with over 300 million, India with over a billion and China with over a billion, what this man was being denied, he would have easily received in less than days. This gentleman only wanted an additional stamp on his driver’s licence that empowers him to drive a bus, because he bought a bus to earn an income. And guess what? He turned up at the Kaieteur News offices, too, with his complaint. This was

a service he is entitled to, and it would take minutes to check the records. When I saw the look on the faces of this man and his wife, I know I am not going to continue for too long as a media operative. I do not want to grow older having to see this angst in others while it grows in me too. I know my country is a failed state and I want to block out Guyana from my mental structure and just live out my years in soulful tranquility. In a country where public bureaucracy serves about 200,000 citizens, over 200 million dollars are owed to small contractors (see my column – “Different Politicians, Same Mentality,” KN, July 7, 2016) for the construction of D’Urban Park. When this paper asked the project director, Larry London, he said the people cannot get paid as yet because of “paperwork.” What is meant by “paperwork”? That is a fiction. There is no such thing as paperwork being responsible for people not being paid. The explanation is psychic destruction. This country’s psychology ceased to function after

Frederick Kissoon Burnham descended into an authoritarian chasm. The twelve years of Jagdeo’s rule viciously lacerated the psyche of this nation. Leadership and bureaucracy in this country have become irrational and dysfunctional. I worked at UG for 26 years. With 4,500 students and 500 staff, UG is one of the world’s least populated universities, yet people get paid for work done months later. Students get grades and transcripts months after they apply for them. It is not paperwork. At such a small university what is paperwork? The explanation is the psychic destruction of a nation. The Carifesta Secretariat is still to pay small business people for goods and services supplied eight years ago. Do you think that was because of paperwork?

Dem boys seh...

Kak pass and BK, others smiling It use to be a time when de fastest way to mek real money was to get govt contracts. Now dem boys seh it got a faster way-get de contract, eff it up, sue de government and then mek an out of court settlement. De govt and BK had a contract fuh a dump site. De wuk was messed up and de government wanted to tek way de contract. Walter Willis dead Monday. He ain’t bury or bun yet, but wheh ever he deh he head spinning to see how quick dem arrive at a settlement. Just de other day de Waterfalls paper talk about an out of court settlement fuh a certain figure. De AG, Basil de Willie, jump up and seh no agreement ain’t reach. He cuss down de Waterfalls paper how dem boys misleading de nation. Walter Willis tell dem boys to hold dem ground that coupler morning gun prove dem right. Walter ain’t even cold and he word come to pass. Is like dem was only waiting fuh de man dead. Something ain’t smell right and dem boys ain’t got no bad nose. Fuh sure dem ain’t smelling a Rat. De thing more stink than that. Dem boys seh this whole thing start wid Jagdeo. When Willis start to complain bout BK and de dump site contract, Donald get Robeson to move Willis. In de end de same Donald throw out de garbage from de dump site and BK follow. That set de stage fuh this unbelievable lottery settlement. Dem boys hear that BK claim fuh damage to reputation, emotional, physical and spiritual stress, and insult to his impeccable name. Based on that he was granted de settlement of close to US$6 million. Right away dem boys know big kak pass. Dem hope Guyana can sit down after that lumber. Talk half and call pun Soulja Bai to set up a COI - a Claim Of Injustice to de people of this country and de tax dollars.

Friday July 15, 2016

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

BK paid US$5.7M settlement for Haags Bosch termination Contractor, BK International, whose management of the Haags Bosch Landfill was terminated by the government in December 2015, was compensated US$5.7M, in excess of $1B, according to Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. The Minister made the disclosure yesterday at the signing of a one-year contract with contractor Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. that will see the company taking over the operations of Haags Bosch Landfill site, aback of Eccles, East Bank Demerara. Bulkan speaking to media in the boardroom of the Haags Bosch Landfill site office said that the settlement was “designed” to allow the government to pursue a better project that would see another company managing the landfill site. It was noted that in addition to new management, Government has gone ahead and asked for proposals from several companies that will see the realisation of a project to use the landfill to produce electricity. The Minister disclosed that several companies subsequently submitted bids with two companies shortlisted. He noted that the companies submitted bids that would generate five megawatts and 14 megawatts of power respectively. According to Bulkan, Cabinet is deliberating on the selection of the company that will manage that power project. With regards to the settlement with BK International, Bulkan in defending it said it was crucial for Government to move forward with the development of the Haags Bosch Landfill site. The facility was opened

Govt. has paid contractor BK International US$5.7M in settlement for the Haags Bosch dumpsite.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan

Brian Tiwarie

in early 2011, replacing the dumpsite at Le Repentir Cemetery in the city, which had to be closed because of health and capacity reasons. Under the arrangements, BK

was supposed to be paid for every tonne of waste processed. The matter came to a head when the administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic on February 27,

2015, terminated BK’s contract for the construction and operations of the landfill. The government said that the company missed deadlines and committed other breaches. On March 13, 2015, BK through his lawyer, Davindra Kissoon, filed a lawsuit asking Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang, to overturn the decision of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to terminate the contract. Tiwarie, in court documents, claimed that he was owed hundreds of millions of dollars for the construction and for the daily management of the Eccles site. Tiwarie said that in 2012, the supervision of the landfill

operations was placed under the Ministry of Public Works with engineer, Walter Willis, appointed Project Manager. However, BK and Willis clashed, and Willis was removed from the project shortly after. Tiwarie in his court documents said that his company constructed cells, roadways, administrative offices, canteen, workshop and a scale. In the process he hired 50 persons and managed to process 140,000 tonnes of waste annually. However, the Ministry started delaying payments to BK despite invoices being submitted and letters of demand being written. As of July 23, 2013, the Ministry reportedly owed BK

some US$324,677, the monies being for work done since 2012. This meant there were no payments for one and half years. Aside from this, BK had filed claims against the Ministry for breaches in the contract for US$8M.

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Friday July 15, 2016

Tint waiver applications…

“I have rejected 1000 and will reject 1000 more” - Ramjattan In April this year, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had launched a campaign which resulted in several motorists, being stopped and ordered to remove the dark tints from their vehicles. Back in the early 2000s, Guyana introduced the law against tinted vehicles after the Queen’s College Old Students’ Association petitioned the then President, Janet Jagan, complaining about the heavily-tinted minibuses which in some cases were hiding wrongdoing. At first the prohibition was to target public transportation, but was subsequently changed to include all pri-

vately-owned vehicles. Within recent times, motorists have been wantonly violating the law, with some even going as far as tinting their front windscreens, making it almost impossible for the occupants to be identified. There were even talks about the granting of waivers willy-nilly, but this is about to change. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan stated yesterday that he is looking to reduce the amount of tint waivers being granted to vehicle operators. The Minister was contacted recently and quizzed on the ongoing operations to minimise the amount of tinted

vehicles on Guyana’s roadways. He revealed that there are over 1000 applications, with more coming in every day. Ramjattan opined sarcastically that he might as well open the system so that permits are given to everyone. He added that even the police are complaining that tinted vehicles are being driven by persons who do not meet the necessary requirements. He stated that he has “rejected 1000 applicants and will reject 1000 more if they do not meet the necessary requirements to have their vehicles tinted above the required limit”. The Minister said that he will be limiting the waivers to

only prominent businesspersons who have to transport large amounts of money daily; Senior Officials attached to Law Enforcement Agencies; and persons who have skin-related illnesses (Continued on page 31)

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. Tint being removed from a vehicle (file photo).

Friday July 15, 2016

Kaieteur News

Govt. - GPSU wage talks in final lap

Wages and salary negotiations between the Government and Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) are in the final stages. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during a Post-Cabinet Press Briefing yesterday, told media officials that the negotiations are continuing, while adding that they are at a point where the State is expecting a counter-proposal from the Union on their final offer. Harmon explained that he did not want to expound more on the negotiations, since both parties would have agreed on a protocol which states that neither side would be making any statements about the negotiations until they would have reached a specific point. What the Minister did say was that, the discussions are not in deadlock and the Government is awaiting the counter-proposal, which will have to be considered. The talks pertaining to wages and salaries for 2016 began last month. In February 2015, President David Granger had informed the public that negotiations with trade unions would begin after the completion of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Public

PAGE 13

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

GPSU President, Patrick Yarde Service. The Commissioners were Professor Harold Lutchman, Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsarran. The CoI had begun in September 2015 and was finally presented in May 2016, and as such, the Government had indicated its readiness to commence the negotiations. President of the GPSU, Patrick Yarde had stated earlier this year that the Union was aware of an allocation within the 2016 budget under the heading “Other Employment Costs” to the tune of six billion dollars. Yarde had also noted”…that is the head from

which it has been up to last year, that the funds were accessed to deal with increases in wages and salaries.” According to Yarde, the union had initially sought a 40 percent increase in salaries when they met with the Minister of Finance Winston Jordan before his budget presentation last year. Additionally, the union in its recommendations had asked for the introduction of increments. He had said that within the public service, increments were not being received for quite some time. Yarde stated “…for years people were em-

ployed with the same salary, 10 years ago and one year ago, the same salary.” This was the situation despite there being a minimum and maximum value for wages and salaries. Yarde said that public servants were entitled to increments within the bands, based on their performance. He described it as being a contentious issue since 1999 when there was a strike. The Armstrong Tribunal which came out of that industrial action had also sug-

gested salary increments. Despite the suggestions made by the tribunal, Yarde commented that the PPP/C government at the time did not implement increments in light of the Armstrong decision which was intended to be binding. Yarde had given a headsup that this matter would be featured in the negotiations which are currently ongoing. The Government negotiation team is being led by Reginald Brotherson, Permanent Secretary of the Depart-

ment of Public Service within the Ministry of the Presidency. The GPSU’s negotiation team is being led by its President and includes first Vice President Mortimer Livan and General Secretary Kemton Alexander along with other members of the union.

PAGE 14

Friday July 15, 2016

Kaieteur News

Ministry urges persons to safeguard yellow fever certificate People’s yellow fever international vaccination cards should be treated as important as their passport. “Keep it with your passport as part of your documentation as you travel, especially if you have multiple countries as part of your travel,” said Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, at a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of Public Health. The press conference comes on the heels of a recent advisory issued by the Ministry that some countries require yellow fever vaccination in the wake of a yellow fever outbreak in Angola. While persons vaccinated are given a card to reflect their immunisation status, they are, however, given a certificate (yellow card) for travel purposes. Although certificates are issued at a number of designated facilities at a cost of $1,000, the yellow fever vaccine can be had at any health centre, especially for children. However, children under 12 will not be required to pay for their certificates. A blue card is usually

- warns that vaccine not administered at airport given to those vaccinated at health centres, but this would not facilitate international travel. The yellow fever vaccine is part of the Public Health Ministry’s regular vaccination scheme, according to Dr. Oneka Scott, who shared the press conference spotlight with Dr. Persaud yesterday. According to Dr. Scott, who holds the position of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) Coordinator and Adolescent Health Focal Point, but is currently filling the gap for the Head of Maternal and Child Health of the Ministry, about 1,500 doses of the vaccine were issued at the Public Health Ministry alone in the past two weeks. At New Amsterdam, 1,000 doses were administered. She disclosed that certificates for the yellow fever vaccine are made available at the public health facilities in Region Two (Suddie Hospital),

Six (New Amsterdam Hospital) and Nine (Lethem Hospital). The only private health facility that is supporting the Ministry’s yellow fever certification is St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, according to Dr. Scott. Dr. Persaud noted that while the vaccination is required once during an individual’s lifetime, those who have never been so immunised should seek to be if they have to travel to certain locations. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the areas for which yellow fever vaccination is required are many countries in the African continent along with Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Suriname, French Guiana, Venezuela, Columbia and Guyana. These countries all have the conditions for the disease which is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito to thrive. According to WHO, yel-

From left: Dr. Oneka Scott and Dr. Shamdeo Persaud at yesterday’s press conference low fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The yellow in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some patients. Symptoms of the disease include: fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigues. WHO has noted that a small portion of patients who contract the disease develop severe symptoms and approximately half of those die within seven to 10 days. For this reason it is imperative for countries at risk to prevent access to the disease. Guyanese who return home from territories believed

to have the disease will be monitored for at least six days or possibly even quarantined if this measure is seen as necessary, according to the CMO. Since the Ministry’s recent yellow fever announcement many with overseas travel plans have been flocking to health facilities to get yellow fever vaccines and/or international certificates. “A lot of persons have been coming in and saying that their cards were either misplaced or they were taken at various points of entry by the receiving country...we are appealing to people to please insist on retaining your card,” the CMO emphasised. However, it was disclosed yesterday that if an individual misplaces his or her certificate they could simply make a report to the Ministry disclosing information about where and when they were

vaccinated in an effort to retrieve this information before a new certificate is issued. However, if that individual’s information is not retrieved they will be eligible for another vaccine. The yellow fever vaccine should be administered, at least, 10 days prior to travel, as within this period the body is expected to develop antibodies to protect against the mosquito borne disease. “You can’t have the vaccine today and expect tomorrow you will be well protected; you would not have developed enough antibodies to give you the protection,” Dr. Persaud asserted. Moreover, persons are not eligible to be vaccinated at airports. “We have had a lot of persons turning up at airports demanding the vaccine from the Port Health Medex there, but they cannot issue it. We do not keep vaccines at the airport, so we are advising everybody who have bought their tickets before to travel to those endemic countries to come here (Ministry of Public Health),” appealed Dr. Scott.

Friday July 15, 2016

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Guyana hosts Hague Convention Confab on Private Int’l Law

A section of the gathering of the Hague Convention Conference (HCCH) at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday evening. The Hague Convention Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) was declared officially open Wednesday evening, with two Guyanese Judges appointed to sit on the HCCH network of international judges. The Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) is said to be a preeminent organisation in the area of private international law. The HCCH was formed in 1893 to “work for the progressive unification of the rules of private international law”. It has pursued this goal by creating and assisting in the implementation of multilateral conventions promoting the harmonization of conflict of laws principles in diverse subject matters within private international law. The inaugural opening ceremony hosted at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston Georgetown was attended by HCCH dignitaries the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and President David Granger, members of the Government of Guyana as well as members of the local and regional judiciary. The three-day event organised by the Ministry of Legal Affairs is expected to

yield benefits towards improving international family law, legal cooperation and commerce, human rights and cross border trade in the Caribbean. During his opening remarks, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, (AG) Basil Williams, expressed gratitude to the convention for considering Guyana to be the host country for the auspicious event. The Attorney General announced that Guyana has taken steps to actively engage the course of the conference through the appointment of two Judges; Chief Justice (Ag), Yonette Cummings- Edwards, and Justice Roxanne George to be Guyana’s representatives on the HCCH panel of international judges. According to Secretary General of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, Christopher Bernasconi, Guyana’s participation in the Hague Convention Conference will provide legal framework, protocols and guidelines, towards conflict resolutions on matters of trade, family and children’s right between the nation and its international counterparts. Before declaring the conference officially opened,

President Granger detailed Guyana’s commitment to strengthening the domestic and international human rights architecture. “This conference is a demonstration of our commitment to examine ways in which we can strengthen our domestic and international human rights architecture, especially on the issues of international family law, legal cooperation and commerce,” Granger added The President noted however that Guyana’s legal architecture – relating to the protection of children and to issues of family law - is far

from finished. “We expect that the deliberations of this conference will assist us in improving our systems - both legal and administrative – for the protection of our children.” Granger said that conference for guidance on the steps which may be taken to help improve legal certainty and predictability in international trade. “Trade is important to every country. Our country can be the gateway both to markets on the continent and in the Caribbean and the wider world. Legal certainty and predictability in international commerce will provide

Chief Justice (Ag) Yonette Cummings

Justice Roxanne George

assurances to exporters and importers trading in regional and international markets,” the President outlined He added that the Hague Conference Conventions can help provide legal certainty and predictability in international contracts. “We are interested in learning how the relevant conventions can improve the business environment and competiveness of our products” The President further explained that the Hague Convention of October 5. 1961 Abolishing

the Requirements of Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents introduced a simplified authentication system for public documents. Granger believes that the Convention can assist companies by facilitating the recognition of the parent companies’ documents during the registration process in a new country. It is also helpful for individuals who need a neater and speedier system for the authentication of public documents covered by the Convention.

PAGE 28

At least 80 dead, 80 hurt in truck attack on Nice Bastille Day crowd (BBC) A lorry has struck a crowd during Bastille Day celebrations in the southern French city of Nice, killing about 80 people and injuring 80, officials are quoted as saying by local media. The incident took place on the famous Promenade des Anglais during a firework display on Thursday One image on Twitter showed about a dozen people lying on the street. The local prefecture has urged people in the area to remain indoors, calling the incident “an attack”. Nice Mayor Christian

Estrosi said that “a lorry driver appears to have killed dozens of people”. Sebastien Humbert, the prefect of the AlpesMaritimes region, told France’s BFM TV that the lorry driver had been shot dead. French media later quoted Nice prosecutors as saying that about 80 people were dead. Prosecutor Jean-Michel Pretre said the lorry drove two kilometres (1.2 miles) through a large crowd, the AFP news agency reports. French President Francois Hollande was

returning back to Paris for crisis talks in the capital, his office said. Mr Hollande was in the southern city of Avignon on a private visit. Some reports spoke of shots being exchanged between police and the occupants of the lorry but these have not been confirmed. Social media video showed people running through the streets in panic following the incident. A journalist with the Nice Matin newspaper reported from the scene that there was “a lot of blood and without doubt many injured”.

Italian navy, coastguard rescue 4,500 in one day The Italian navy and coastguard say they have rescued about 4,500 migrants from dozens of small boats in the Mediterranean during the course of Thursday. A woman’s body was recovered from one of the vessels. More favourable weather conditions have resulted in a major increase in the number of people leaving North Africa. Many of the unseaworthy

boats were spotted about 40km (25 miles) from the Libyan coast. “We saved a total of about 4,500 people in about 40 rescue operations,” a coastguard spokesman told AFP news agency. He added that the operations were continuing and the number might rise More than 10,000 people have died crossing the Mediterranean to Europe since 2014, accord-

ing to United Nations figures. An agreement between Turkey and the European Union to halt migrants from travelling to Greek islands has reduced boat arrivals by 98% during the first five months of the year, compared with the same period in 2015, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) says. But arrivals in Italy continue at about the same rate as last year, the IOM added.

Puran Bros. signs $221M... From page 17 the contractor (Puran) has to adhere to at all times. These stipulations include the compacting of waste in order to increase the life, providing daily cover to the waste, observing good health and safety standards, providing adequate equipment to manage the waste, adequate personnel to manage the site, maintaining the facilities on-site that include the administration building, weighing scale and scale house, medical centre, leachate pump stations, internal roads and drainage systems. Another requirement includes providing fire-fighting facilities while the maintenance of a contingency plan is expected. The landfill facility is to be opened from 7.00am to 8.00pm Mondays to Saturdays and 8.00am to 2.00pm on Sundays and National holidays. Puran, at the signing of the contract, stated that his company was committed to ensuring that the facility is transformed into a site which complies with international and environmental standards.

Friday July 15, 2016

Kaieteur News

He noted that his waste disposal firm will work along with the Ministry of Communities towards enhancing the “aesthetics” in addition to implementing regulations that are in accordance with the relevant health standards. Solid Waste Director of the Georgetown Municipality, Walter Narine, who was also present at the signing said that he was extremely delighted that new measures were being put in place to ensure the effective disposal and recycling of waste. The Consultation on the Draft National Solid Waste Management Strategy will be conducted by individual contractor; Samuel Wright. That contract amounts to $11,888,000 and will run for a period of six months from July 2016 to December 2016. Consultations will be done in all 10 Administrative Regions with at least two sessions in each region. A report on the Public Consultations, an updated National Solid Waste Management Strategy, a regional Solid Waste Management Plan and templates for Monitoring and Evaluation of the implementation of the Re-

Consultant Samuel WrightPuran Bros. signs $221M deal to manage dumpsite gional Plans are expected to be delivered to the ministry. The draft National Solid Waste Management Strategy was developed under the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme which was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana (GOG) with the assistance of an international consultant.

Corentyne shop-owners beaten, robbed by armed bandits The proprietors of ‘Chill Grocery Parlor’ located at 195 Nigg South, on the Corentyne were beaten and robbed by five masked bandits sporting guns and cutlasses as they were closing up shop. According to reports, the incident transpired around 19:45 hrs on Wednesday. Still traumatized by the ordeal, shop-owners Nandeshwar and Dharma Devi Kamalall were at home with their two daughters, aged 12 and three, at the time of the incident. Recalling the events, Nandeshwar told Kaieteur News that upon closing his business, the five men entered the shop and immediately shoved him to the floor where he was dealt several blows about his body with cutlasses. His wife said that two of the men remained outside with her husband while the others proceeded to jump the shop counter and demand cash and jewellery. The visibly traumatized woman added that she received a blow to her head by one of the men. “Dem point de gun to me

Victim: Dharma Devi Kamalall

Victim: Nandeshwar Kamalall

head and start holla seh dem want all de money and gold and me seh all wha me get, you gon get, just hold on, and he tek ah gun and lash me middle ah me head”. Mrs. Kamalall in tears mentioned that the men threatened to kill her daughter if their demands were not met. “He scramble meh small daughter from meh and he chuck she up and seh he gon kill she if we nah take dem upstairs and meh other daughter go down pon she knee and beg and seh don’t hurt me mommy and daddy” According to Mrs.

Kamalall, the grocery shop was opened four months ago. The men carted off a quantity of phone cards and cigarettes, a Samsung Galaxy S4 valued $70,000, a Plum phone and a total of $95,000 in local currency. The distraught couple mentioned that they placed a call to the Albion Police Station and were told that no patrol was available at the time. The police subsequently arrived half an hour later. Mr. Kamalall received injuries to his face and back while his wife sustained injuries to her head.

Barry Dataram calls CANU officer “a liar” -unsure if he still has an attorney Self confessed drug dealer, Barry Dataram, angrily called Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) officer, Andrew Yarde, a liar. The alleged drug trafficker was at the time responding to a testimony given by Yarde when his trial continued before Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Yarde, during his testimony told the court that he had never conducted any raid pertaining to Dataram prior to the charge he is now facing. “This man is a liar,” Dataram said in a loud tone. He claimed that Yarde had conducted a raid on him before and accused the detective of stealing his money. In response, to Dataram’s allegation the witness said that he had stopped and searched a vehicle belonging to Dataram after he was charged. However, Yarde explained that Dataram was not a suspect in the operation and that nothing illegal was found in the vehicle. Dataram, his 20-year-old reputed wife Anjanie Boodnarine, and their two friends, Trevor Gouveia and Komal Charran, are accused of having 129.23 Kg of cocaine

Barry Dataram

Anjanie Boodnarine

Trevor Gouveia

Komal Charran

in their possession on April 16, 2015 for the purpose of trafficking at Lot 661 Fourth Avenue, Block X Diamond, East Bank Demerara. They are currently out on

High Court bail. Yesterday, the CANU officer testified that 428 parcels of plastic wraps with suspected cocaine was (Continued on page 29)

Friday July 15, 2016

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

One year later…

Three detained for Tuschen New govt. still to see Amaila, fisherman’s murder Specialty Hospital contracts Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has indicated that the APNU+AFC government is still looking for several contracts that were signed by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government. In fact, he pointed out two contracts that the government is still trying to locate. These are the contracts for the Amaila Falls Hydro Electricity Project and the Specialty Hospital. This was revealed at yesterday’s post Cabinet press briefing. Harmon was responding to former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s claims that there is nothing stopping the new government from making public the several controversial contracts that were signed during the reign of the PPP/C administration. Yesterday Harmon stuck to his original statements to the effect that confidentiality clauses contained in most contracts are preventing the government from making them public. Harmon said that Jagdeo’s utterance prove that he often times fail to think before speaking. “I said what I said… I do not know if he (Jagdeo) has been in opposition for too long already, but certainly he is behaving in a manner as if he doesn’t remember things,” said Harmon. The Minister continued, “But I can say this to Mr. Jagdeo, there are some contracts that have so much confidentiality about them that are so deeply buried, we cannot see them up to now.” In this regard, he pointed to the contracts for the Specialty Hospital and the Amaila

Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Project. Harmon said that he spoke to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, up to yesterday morning, and that Minister confirmed that he is yet to see the contracts. Harmon said that these are two projects that the government spent millions on. But the contracts remain “deeply buried” “The Amaila Falls contract, we’ve never seen it. In fact while we were in the opposition we were invited to these offices to meetings, and were told by the then government that these were confidential arrangements, and we are basically briefing you on some of them. But where is the contract, where is it?” Minister Harmon said that the coalition government does not have anything to hide, and has so far been quite transparent in all its contractual arrangements. “The President said that

we are prepared to let these go public, and every week I report on what cabinet has done and what contract has been signed… So there is nothing secret about this administration,” said Harmon. He recalled an incident where members of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) had to visit the home of “a former high operative from the PPP and they had thousands of pages of documents flying out of the back of a pickup.” Harmon said that maybe was the reason why some of the contracts cannot be located. Harmon stated emphatically, “I dare Jagdeo to say otherwise. I do not want to get into a public battle with the opposition leader. He has his job to do, but we have a country to run. He can’t run the country from Freedom House.”

Barry Dataram calls... (From page 28) seized from Dataram’s home at Diamond East Bank Demerara. He added that the suspected drug was in a white fridge. The fridge, he said, was driven to CANU Headquarters, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown by him in a CANU vehicle. The witness recalled that the fridge was parked in CANU compound which is secured by concrete fence with razor wires and CCTV camera. When asked by CANU Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford-Thompson what he did during the latter part of February, Yarde recounted that he was watching a television newscast and saw Travis Chase doing an

interview with Dataram. He said that during the interview, Dataram confessed to being a drug dealer and said that half of the drugs CANU seized from him are back on the streets. Cross examination for this witness was deferred to today, since Dataram had no legal representation. Attorney Glenn Hanoman had made appearances for him. However, Dataram told the Magistrate that he is unsure if the lawyer is still representing him. According to reports, Dataram and Boodnarine share a common law relationship at the Diamond address. While Charran and Gouveia claimed to be friends of the couple. On the day in question,

ranks from CANU swooped down on the house and conducted a search in the presence of the defendants. During the search they unearthed the illicit drug. The defendants were then told of the offence, arrested and charged. It was reported that some of the cocaine was stuffed in frozen seafood, while the remainder was found to be bricks of raw coke. As a result, Barry Dataram who was in the house at the time of the bust with his reputed wife and three other persons were arrested. Dataram, a Guyana-born American, had successfully fought off efforts to extradite him to the United States of America to face drug smuggling charges.

Police have detained three persons who they believed might have information related to the death of 21year-old Salman Khan, who succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) last Sunday. The three individuals, all from Tuschen were last seen consuming alcohol with Khan Saturday night—He was not seen or heard from since then. Police believed that the young fisherman, who was also from Tuschen, might have been beaten and chopped during a robbery by persons known to him. Kaieteur News understands that the cops are seeking one more individual as they continue to probe the fisherman’s death. The body of Salman Khan was discovered with multiple chop wounds last Sunday at a bus shed in Cornelia Ida, WCD. He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital before being transferred to the GPHC. According to hospital records, Khan died Sunday night. His body was only identified by relatives on Wednesday at the GPHC mortuary. The young man’s mother, Bibi Khan said that her son returned from sea last Friday night and went to discharge the vessel the following morning. ”He come home and bring fish and then he ready and left home around 02:30 (PM on Saturday) to collect his

Dead: Salman Khan money from the boss man and I never see him back,” the older Khan said in tears. She explained that when her son did not return later that day, she called his phone around 21:00 hrs and he answered and informed her that he was with his boss and would be home shortly. A devastated Khan said that she called her son again around 21:30 hrs but did not get a response. After he failed to return home the following day, Khan said that she called her son’s boss and was informed that the young man left in a taxi a little after 21:00 hrs with $150,000. “When dem boys go to collect their money, the boss man does buy some beers for them to drink. The boss said that he send my son home in a taxi,” the woman said. Relatives of the young fisherman went to the police outpost at Tuschen to file a missing person report.

There they were informed that the police had picked up two young men Saturday night after they were involved in an argument with some other people. Salman Khan went to the station and bailed the young men out. The two boys, along with Khan and two other boys, were then seen drinking at the rum shop opposite the police station. Someone at the rum shop confirmed that Khan drank a Guinness and went away with the four boys—that was the last information provided to relatives about Khan. ”We were searching for him. We went to MTV and put over a missing person report and then we went to West Demerara Regional Hospital and they said that an unidentified man was taken there Sunday night, but they transferred him to GPHC,” the older Khan said. In tears, the woman explained that she and other relatives visited the GPHC where they were told that an unidentified man was referred there Sunday night. ”They (GPHC staffers) say they have one unidentified person. He is of East Indian ancestry and has nuff tattoo. My son has tattoos. When his brother went in (mortuary) to see, it was him,” Bibi Khan stated. The mother is convinced that the four boys her son was last seen with had something to do with his death. Investigations are ongoing.

Attorney turns ‘wanted’ drug accused over to police Mohamed Imrazie Alli, for whom a wanted bulletin was issued on Tuesday, has surrendered to police. His attorney, Bernard Da Silva, told Kaieteur News that he turned Alli over to the Police Narcotics Branch, Eve Leary, around noon yesterday. The bulletin police stated that Alli, called ‘Panta,’ was wanted for questioning in relation to trafficking in narcotics on June 8, last, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, EBD. The bulletin gave his age as 52 and his last known address as Lot 11 La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara. Alli’s daughter and son were charged on that date in connection with the discovery of more than 18 pounds of cocaine in frozen fish at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Shafur Alli, 27, of Lot 27 La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara and Lazena Imrazie,

22, of Lot 8 Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, are accused of having 9.044 kilograms of cocaine in their possession on June 8, last, for the purpose of trafficking. According to reports, ranks of the Police Narcotic Branch intercepted and seized the cocaine in a cargo shipment of frozen fish at the airport. It is alleged that the defendants had declared 33 boxes of fish to be exported. Last year May, Alli was charged with being in possession of 51.626 kilos of cocaine at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, for the purpose of trafficking. According to the police, the cocaine was transported

Mohamed Imrazie Ali to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) by an employee of Alli. It was concealed in 40 boxes of frozen shrimp. This matter is still before the court.

PAGE 30

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 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 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 All Visa’s Applications: visitors, students, permanent @ Cybertron Immigration Services, Parika –Call: 2604850; 649-3073 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Register now for summer courses in cosmetology and nails between 2nd -25th August – Cost $15,000 Call Abby:619-7603

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

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

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 Rambutan seedlings plants $2,000 per plant. Call: 621-4778

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 1 L-Touring Wagon (yellow) for sale $750,000 negotiable. Call: 614-5962

High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 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 40X32 House @ Anna Catherina, W.C.D –Call: 6462341; 225-7164

SALE! SALE! 2010 IST $2.4M, 2009 NOAH -$2.5M, ARUIS-$2.5M-CALL:617-2891

Zeelugt-(2)storey concrete building, Good Hope(2)storey concrete building. Tel:231-9690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri).

Newly renovated 3 bedrooms house in safe and healthy environments-Call: 677-6638; 622-6512

3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891

Parfaite Harmony-(2) storey building. Tuschen - 2-storey building. Tel:231-9690,2319693 call between 8:00hrs16:00hrs (Mon-Fri).

One three bedrooms house for rent @ Crane Housing Scheme -$50,000 monthly. Call: 614-5962

One Corolla Feilder Wagon, year 2010 - $1.8M. Call: 2254816; 676-6379

Fully furnished transported commercial/residential property @ 249 Buzz-BeeDam, Craig, E.B.D; also 3 Canter trucks -$240M negotiable. Call: 652-0519/ 628-6847

TO LET

One furnished room -$40,000 and one bedroom furnished apartment -$60,000 monthly. Call: 665-7474; 612-3152 2 Bedrooms apartment $50,000 monthly @ 29 Howes Street. Contact Petboy on the above address. Rooms in Albertown & apartment in eccles. Call: 2253234; 698-7807

2004 MITSUBISHI CANTER, 4D 33 ENGINE, 2 TON, UNREGISTERED $2.4M. CALL: 642-7295 2010 TOYOTA FIELDER, BODY KIT, MAGS, CD, FULLY LOADED, UNREGISTERED -$2.5M. CALL: 642-7295 2010 TOYOTA PREMIO, FULLY LOADED, UNREGISTERED -$3.3M. CALL: 642-7295 One Hilux E/Cab pick-up, manual, gasoline, A/C. Call: 676-0931

PEN- PAL UK Re-migrant is seeking lady 35-50 for serious relationship must be able to travel around – Call: +447717834480; +5926905061 ACCOMMDATION Harmony Inn: clean, comfortable & affordable apartments/rooms, long & short term – Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817 CAR RENTAL

TOURS

Friday July 15, 2016

Kaieteur News

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656-0087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO. COM Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

One Honda CRV, PLL series, year 2001 -$1.4M negotiable. Call: 624-6099

3 Bedrooms house in Tucville, asking price $15M, needs repairs. Call: 645-6498 Newly built @ Craig E.B.D (land size: 91X50 feet), (House 40X28), 3 rooms, 1 self contained. Call:718-213-6496; 679-8091 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities -$41M –Call: 6629335; 612-3244

1 RZ, PLL, good condition. Call: 617-6781 Toyota Avensis for sale $2.1M -Call: 645-0078; 6030078 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

BAR MANAGER WITH AT LEAST 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE CONTACT CONTACT 223-5273/4 OR EMAIL: RTILAK @ ADAMANTIUMHOLDINGS. COM Housekeeping staff. Call: 602-0945 between 8am- 4pm

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 IAE (Private Secondary School) register for full time (forms1-5) CXC 2017, classes for adults and repeaters. Call: 683-5742

57 Acres of land at Soesdyke , ideal for shopping centre and housing development, also power tools.Call:2654180; 613-9554

Kids Summer Computer Classes, ages 5-14 a course diploma in Computers $30,000 @ Cybertron, Parika. Call: 260-4850

Toyota Hiace (pitbull) bus 2008- $1.5M, down payment $100,000 monthly. Call: 6093650; 226-8953 40 KVA generator, cement mixer, air compressor, tyre machine, bobcat. Call: 6940535

9 Courses Diploma in computers -$35,000, computerize accounting $35,000, graphics program $35,000 @ Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 2643057

1-210 Hyundai excavator, good condition, any reasonable offer accepted. Call: 610-0515; 216-1390

Summer Computer Classes ages 5-14 -$8,000, registration in process, Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057

1 Lifan 110 motorcycle $55,000 press start, 1 wooden queen size bed, -$20,000, 1 television -$18,000, 1 microwave -$12,000. Call: 227-5169 1-2000 Am general 6X6 truck tractor, price -$5.5M negotiable, 1 Chevy 2500 cargo van – $2.4M. Call: 6736034; 664-5319 Muscovy Ducklings. Call: 602-7203

Top flat; 3 bedroom house 24X40, $14.9 M, $3M down payment. Contact#650-0402

LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M &$1.6M, Herstelling 100ftX50ft (corner lot) $3M, Bartica $3M & mining claims. Call: 611-7223;604-2207 VACANCY 1- Female Clerk $25,000 weekly. Contact #: 220-2878

Electronic Course. Starting 9th August. Hands-on training repairing all types of TVs,etc.Call:226-6551;225-0391

Property for sale @ North Road Queenstown, bond in Eccles also 1 Toyota Fortuna for sale. Call: 226-9177 & 666-3303

Trawler – Call: 616-5954

One Landcruiser Prado, PGG 7024, manual, 3RZ engine. Call: 681-2523 One 170 Corona –Call: 6961355

One 6 base music set with QSC amps, RCF speakers. Call: 622-0503; 689-9932 30’ Feet, aluminum jet boat, complete with all spares & accessories (financing available). Call: 668-3130

EDUCATIONAL

VACANCY Control Room Assistants and Visiting Officers. Massy Security (Guyana) Inc. Lot 0 Ruimveldt, Georgetown.Tel: 225-5573/6 Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880

Land at Blankenburg $3.9M 1 Female Accounts clerk, with & up, financing available. passes in English & Maths. Contact#650-0402 Apply in person @ Alabama Land at Schoonord, Trading, Georgetown Ferry Boodhoo’s Housing Scheme Stelling Stabroek. $6.5 M, financing available. Experienced bar and shop Contact#650-0402 worker for Ekereku Bottom Dairy cows-high producers, (Interior), between ages 18yrsprice negotiable. Call 672-6892 30yrs –Call: 231-0363 to visit site. Hotel hospitality, now hiring, VACANCY front desk agents, waiters, Cashiers for supermarket – waitress, housekeepers, Call: 624-0033 & pump sous- chef, handyman/ gardener. Call: 603-3205 attendants. Call: 680-3863 FOR RENT SENIORACCOUNT CLERK TO WORK IN CHARITY Bottom apartment to rent @ MUST HAVE ALEAST FIVE Independence Street- Call: YEARS EXPERIENCE. 633-1280 CONTACT: 223-5273/4 Continue page 31

Friday July 15, 2016

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Umana Yana handed over to Culture Ministry The Umana Yana has been rebuilt and was officially handed over to the Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport Nicolette Henry, yesterday afternoon. Present at the simple ceremony were a number of government officials, including the Minister of Indigenous Affairs Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson. Also present were members of the Wai-Wai tribe who were involved in the physical construction of the historic Benab. The new building boasts new features, such as a modernized electrical system, a raised floor, new interior lighting and greater seating accommodation. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure financed the project, while the work was supervised by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. According to Minister Patterson, the building materials had been sourced and prepared by members of the Wai-Wai tribe. The materials were obtained from the villages of Santa Mission, St. Cuthbert’s Mission and Moraikobai. Bush rope was primarily used with a small amount of nails to secure the attachments at different points of the building. The now completed structure occupies a total of 240 square feet and stands 60 feet tall. Patterson said that early next month, the meeting place will be equipped with a solar power generation system. He relayed that with the purchase

(From page 30)

WANTED Night Manager, Security, DJ, waitresses, bartenders, 1 experienced secretary between ages 18-25, must have CXC –Call: 668-8332; 638-5303 Sales representatives wanted, must have valid driver’s licence -Call: 6093650 Experienced bartender, live in/live out waitress, cooks & bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge, Garden of Eden-Call: 652-0074

Minister Nicolette Henry (third from right) receiving a drawing of the Umana Yana from Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson of the solar system, the total cost for the reconstruction of the heritage site will amount to $106 million. According to Minister Henry, the building has a major cultural significance to Guyana, particularly in the

City of Georgetown. She said that it is even more important, since it was built by the nation’s first people. Henry said that the country is “happy to have it back within the host of buildings which the state has responsi-

bility for”. It is expected that an event will be held tonight at the Umana Yana in the form of a cultural show for participants of the Hague Conference currently being held in Guyana. The Umana Yana was first built in 1972 to cater for the

Non-Aligned Conference. Since then the building has been refurbished twice. On September 9, 2014, the building was destroyed by a mysterious fire. It was later reported that it was electrical in origin. The rebuilding process officially began last February.

Labourer in cabbage & tomato farm must have 2 yrs experienced, paying $5,000$5,500 per day. Call: 695-6139; 674-5052 Counter attendants, apply at Shanta’s, 225 Camp & New Market Street. Porters/Handyman with sound secondary education & able to multi-task. Apply in person @ KeyFood Trading, McDoom, Village. Girls to work in bar as waitress, between age 18-25 (walk with ID card). Call: 2564096; 660-6325

“I have... From page 12 and those who are affected by direct sunlight. He expounded that persons who have skin conditions when applying for tint permits, must provide the requisite medical documents to verify their illness. Over the years, there has been much scrutiny over tinted vehicles belonging to law enforcement officials who traverse the roadways without being “pulled in”. Motorists have complained that “what goes for one must for all”. Some have even complained that the ranks pulling them over also have tinted vehicles. The Minister said that vehicles which belong to law enforcement officials which are tinted beyond the required limit have all been through the process and these permits were granted for specific purposes, including carrying out surveillance.

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 1-2-4 Bedrooms new house to rent @ West Coast Demerara– Call immediately 276-0818 Apartment in Diamond, Section A, Block X: 2 bedrooms apartment -$55,000 monthly. Call: 685-1640 for more info. Lower 2 bedrooms apartment @ Paradise Public Road, E.C.D. Security Deposit required -$38,000 monthly. Call: 625-9939 One single room, semifurnished apartment @ Ogle Railway Line. Call: 612-6797

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Friday July 15, 2016

Friday July 15, 2016

Kaieteur News

Theresa May shakesup government with new-look cabinet

Theresa May named six cabinet members on Wednesday: (clockwise from top left) David Davis, Boris Johnson, Philip Hammond, Michael Fallon, Liam Fox and Amber Rudd (BBC) Prime Minister Theresa May has unveiled a nearly completely new look cabinet, in a major departure from predecessor David Cameron’s top team. George Osborne, Michael Gove, John Whittingdale, Nicky Morgan and Oliver Letwin have all been sacked by Mrs May. Liz Truss is justice secretary, Justine Greening takes education and Tory leadership contender Andrea Leadsom has been promoted to environment secretary. Boris Johnson became foreign secretary. Philip Hammond was made chancellor. Eurosceptic David Davis, meanwhile, will take

charge of negotiating Britain’s exit from the European Union, in a newly created post of Brexit secretary. In another new post announced on Wednesday, Liam Fox was appointed as the new international trade secretary. Amber Rudd - formerly the energy secretary - took over Mrs May’s former role as home secretary. The current male-female ratio of the cabinet remains roughly the same - at 70% to 30%, while there are 16 cabinet members, including Mrs May, who backed Remain, and seven who campaigned for Brexit. Just four cabinet positions have stayed in the same

hands: Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns and Scottish Secretary David Mundell. Former Conservative Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind praised the “ruthless” way Mrs May has appointed her top team, saying it showed strong leadership and “strategic” vision. “She has not only got a strategy to balance the Leave and Remain sides, she is trying to eliminate these distinctions because we are all now aiming for the same objective. She has appointed with a ruthlessness that has been impressive to look at,” he told the BBC.

Donald Trump chooses Mike Pence as his running mate (BBC) Republican Donald Trump has selected Indiana governor Mike Pence to be his vice-presidential running mate, according to US media reports. Mr Trump’s campaign planned to announce his selection on Friday, but cancelled the event because of the attack in Nice, France. The two men met at Mr Pence’s home in Indiana this week and at Mr Trump’s golf resort earlier in the month. Mr Trump hopes Mr Pence can help him appeal to the party’s conservatives. Other candidates reportedly in the running were former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. If there’s anything resembling a “safe” vice-presidential pick for Donald Trump, Mike Pence is it. He has ex-

ecutive experience as Indiana’s governor and a strong legislative resume from his 12 years as a member of the US House of Representatives. While in Washington, he chaired the Republican Study Group, a coalition of hardcore conservatives, which gives him solid bona fides

among the grass-roots Tea Party wing of the party that has occasional doubts about Mr Trump’s ideological purity. Mr Pence also hails from the mid-west, which Mr Trump’s team has identified as perhaps the key battleground in his quest for the White House.

PAGE 33

PAGE 34

Kaieteur News

Friday July 15, 2016

Friday July 15, 2016

Kaieteur News

Zika could burn out over next two years (REUTERS) The Zika outbreak rampaging through Latin America will likely burn itself out in the next two to three years, based on the fact that people develop immunity to the virus after an initial infection, British scientists said on Thursday. The researchers, whose work is published in the journal Science, estimated that infections from the mosquitoborne virus will become so widespread in affected countries that populations will develop what is called “herd immunity.” This occurs when a high percentage of a popu-

lation has become immune to an infection either through developing natural immunity or through vaccination, making a wider outbreak less likely. That would prevent further transmission of the Zika virus for at least a decade, with only smaller, intermittent outbreaks, they said. “Because the virus is unable to infect the same person twice - thanks to the immune system generating antibodies to kill it - the epidemic reaches a stage where there are too few people left

to infect for transmission to be sustained,” study author Neil Ferguson of the School of Public Health at Imperial College London said in a statement. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika. The study was based on mathematical models of the virus, which has been shown to cause microcephaly, a birth defect marked by small head size that can lead to severe developmental problems in babies. (Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Will Dunham)

U.S. jobs, inflation data point to sustained economic strength (REUTERS) The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly held steady near a 43year low last week, pointing to further momentum in the labor market after job growth surged in June. Another report yesterday showed producer prices recorded their biggest gain in a year in June on rising costs for energy products and services. The signs of sustained

strength in the economy, together with a U.S. stock market rally, could allow the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates later this year. “The days of falling prices are pretty much over and the labor market is strengthening, which raises the question: Is anyone at the Fed paying attention?” said Joel Naroff, chief economist at Naroff Economic Advisors in Hol-

land, Pennsylvania. “Fed members, who fear anything that is not normal and hide from it, may want to peak out from under their rocks.” Initial claims for state unemployment benefits were unchanged at a seasonally adjusted 254,000 for the week ended July 9, the Labor Department said. Claims are near the 43-year low of 248,000 touched in mid-April.

PAGE 35

PAGE 36

Friday July 15, 2016

Kaieteur News

Misbah-ul-Haq hits century as England fight back A magnificent century from captain Misbah-ul-Haq put Pakistan in a strong position in the first Test before a late England counter-attack on an attritional first day. Misbah, 42, has never before played a Test at Lord’s, but his unbeaten 110 appeared to have steered his side to a strong position. But two late wickets from Chris Woakes to add to the pair he took before lunch gave England hope after they had lost the toss and toiled in the field. This was Pakistan’s first match at Lord’s since the spot-fixing scandal of 2010, and it was fitting that Misbah, who has done so much to rehabilitate the team since that crisis, was the hero of their

return. He celebrated his landmark by dropping to the turf and pushing out 10 pressups, his team-mates applauding from the pavilion balcony as the rest of the ground rose to him. While his fine partnership of 148 with Asad Shafiq was ended by the persevering Woakes three overs before the close, nightwatchman Rahat Ali then falling for a duck to the final ball of the day, the tourists will resume this morning well placed on 282-6. After Woakes had got rid of Pakistan’s opening pair, both caught by Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball’s first Test wicket - Azhar Ali trapped lbw

Transport SC win zone two as Turbo dominoes continues Transport Sports Club chalked up 82 games to win Zone Two of the Turbo nationwide dominoes competition which continued recently at Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt. F and H finished second on 79 games while Falcons placed third on 76. Clifton Nicholls made the maximum 18 games while Iva

Benjamin got 16 for the winners. Ronald Hinds made 17 for F and H which had won the semi final with 84 games ahead of Transport SC 77 and Thunder 71. Hazim Hakh marked 16 and Ronald Hinds 14 games for the victors while Clifton Nicholls got 17 for Transport SC and Dane Chase 14 for Thunder.

Misbah-ul-Haq celebrates a hundred on his first appearance at Lord’s, England v Pakistan, 1st Investec Test ©Getty Images by a full in-swinger - had seen Pakistan reduced to 773. It brought skipper Misbah together with 39-year-old Younus Khan, giving the partnership a combined age of 81. And as the pair have so many times before, they first held the England attack at bay and then, with infinite patience, began to take control. Misbah’s half-century came up off 81 balls, and while progress had been slow after lunch - 36 runs were scored in the first hour - acceleration came as

CFU Elections – TTFF and USVI Presidents... (From page 39) Williams, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football

Federation and Mr. Hillaren Frederick, President of the United States Virgin Islands

Football Association. Mr. Cheney Joseph (Grenada, incumbent) and Mr. Osiris Guzman (Dominican Republic) are vying for the 1st Vice President position. Mr. Rignaal Francisca (Curacao, incumbent) and Mr. Anton Sealy (Bahamas) are vying for the 2nd Vice President position. Mr. Fabrice Baly (St. Martin) and Mr. Lyndon Cooper (St. Lucia, incumbent) are vying for the 3rd Vice President position. Mr. Raymond Anderson (Jamaica), Mr. Richard Dijkhoff (Aruba) and Mr. Hillaren Frederick (USVI) are vying for the 4th Vice President position. Nine individuals are in the race for the four spots as Executive Committee Member. They are Mr. Wayne Forde (Guyana), Mr. Bruce Blake (Cayman Islands); Mr. Vernold Coombs (St. Vincent and the Grenadines); Mr. Hillaren Frederick (USVI); Mr. Randolph Harris (Barbados); Mr. Eric Labrador (Puerto Rico); Mr. Alain Mijdt (French Guiana); Mr. Maurice Victoire (Martinique) and Ms. Jeaninne Wong Loi Sing (Bonaire). The XXXIX Ordinary Congress will be held at Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel, Pan Am Ball Room, starting at 9:30 am.

England’s attack wearied through the long afternoon. Younus had looked untroubled before clipping an innocuous delivery from Stuart Broad straight to Moeen Ali at midwicket for 33. But Misbah pushed on, his one big scare coming from a misjudged single when Gary Ballance’s throw from close in missed the stumps at the

striker’s end with the batsman metres short of his ground. As he had in the series last winter the captain attacked the spin of Moeen after tea, taking him for 16 runs in five balls with two conventional swept fours and two reverse-sweeps. His century came up with a single run away down to third man, from 154 balls and in approaching four hours, making him the oldest man to hit a Test ton since 45year-old Patsy Hendren in 1934. With James Anderson ruled out by the selectors as he recovers from injury, Nottinghamshire’s Ball became the 671st man to play Test cricket for England, and on a flattish pitch he immediately impressed. Taking the new ball with county team-mate Broad, he thought he had Shan Mashood’s wicket with his second delivery, only for the lbw referral to confirm umpire Joel Wilson’s original

decision that the ball had pitched just outside leg stump. Bowling close to 90mph at times, his first spell of six overs went for 22 runs, and when he returned after lunch he trapped Azhar with a ball just clipping the edge of leg stump. As the ball softened and what little spice there was in the pitch leached away, he found life harder in the afternoon, ending the day with figures of 1-51 off 19 overs. But it was Steven Finn who once again struggled the most, his rhythm off and his pace down as he went wicketless for 86 runs from 21 overs. With Moeen all too easy to score runs off - his seven overs cost 46 as Misbah targeted him - it was left to Woakes to carry the threat. The Warwickshire seamer’s dismissal of Shafiq with the second new ball for 73, edging an attempted leave behind to Bairstow, gave England late cheer before Rahat slashed wildly to throw away his own wicket. (BBCsport)

Friday July 15, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You will have to be careful not to let infatuations with colleagues get out of hand. Overindulgence may cause conflicts. You will be able to catch up on overdue paper work.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Try not to be so demonstrative. You may be overreacting to personal problems. Don't bother getting even; they'll make themselves look bad.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Go to the top if you're being harassed or held back. You can open up to your mate and let them know what you expect out of this relationship. Be creative in your pursuits.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You have more energy than the rest of the people you live with anyway. Watch your weight gain due to water retention. Your devotion will be persuasive.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your time, not your cash, will do a lot more for your relationship. Don't expect anything for nothing and you won't be disappointed.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Social activities or travel should be in your plans. Your philanthropic contributions will bring you praise. You have to feel free to come and go as you please to achieve happiness.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Socialize with friends, but don't overspend on lavish entertainment. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't be shy; if you want to spend more time with a special person, make a commitment. Time to deal with institutional environments, government agencies, and matters of a private nature today. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Coworkers may not be giving you all the pertinent information. You need to spend some time pampering yourself. Do your best, but don't make too many promises or you may exhaust yourself.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You can enjoy entertainment if you join in and follow the crowd for a change. If you are not already, think about going into business for yourself. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Lowered vitality could affect your work. Don't volunteer private information about yourself unless you're prepared to be talked about behind your back. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't let your emotions get out of hand. Travel may change your attitudes with regard to your philosophy.

Kaieteur News

Friday July 15, 2016

PAGE 37

Hackett blasts helmet-trick, Benjamin a hat-trick as Chase Academy romps to Georgetown title By Zaheer Mohamed Chase Academy announced their status as one of the favourites to win the 2016 Digicel Schools Football Championship by easily disposing of Bishop’s High en route to winning the Georgetown Zone final yesterday at the Guyana Defence Force ground. Although missing seven of their first choice players who are on duty with the National Under-17 team, Chase Academy which is being coached by Senior Golden Jaguar Vurlon Mills demolished Bishop’s 13-0 in a lopsided win. In a game which lacked the ingredients of a final, Chase controlled possession from the opening whistle with forward Kelsey Benjamin putting them ahead six minutes into play,

beating two defenders before firing home from inside the box. B i s h o p ’s f o u n d i t difficult to match their opponents’ speed and skills, and Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett extended the lead two minutes later for the first of his four goals. Hackett then netted his second in the 14th minute after receiving a pass from Benjamin inside the 18-yard box. Job Caesar made up for a missed chance earlier by slotting home in the 30th minute after his initial shot rebounded off Bishop’s goalkeeper Keith Cort. Benjamin notched his second in the 32nd minute as Bishop’s who hardly had a shot on goal trailed 5-0 as the half way point. Though the writing was already on the wall, Chase seemed hungry for more

goals and went on a goal spree in the second half which produced eight goals. Joshua Williams headed home a cross from Benjamin three minutes after resumption before Hackett fired home from just outside the area in the 53rd minute to complete his hat-trick. Benjamin’s ability to dribble and accelerate made life difficult for Bishop’s defenders as he forced two fine saves from Cort before he registered he achieved his hat-trick in the 64th minute with a left foot shot from inside the box. B i s h o p ’s h a d a n opportunity to pull one back one minute later but Brandon Walters had his penalty easily saved by goalkeeper Kevis Fraser. That was their only genuine opportunity to score as Chase’ back four stood solid. Caesar made it 9-0 in the

Rio’s Olympic security force complains of lack of pay, beds

Ryan Hackett (2nd right) controls possession against Bishop’s High at GDF ground yesterday.

68th minute after receiving a pass from the energetic Benjamin and calmly beat the goalie to his left. Bishop’s allowed their opponents much space in

said dozens of colleagues have decided to return to their home states because of delayed pay and sparse conditions in newly built public housing, some of it still lacking furniture and other accommodations. Their complaints add to security concerns ahead of the games. On top of rising street violence and petty crime in Rio, a transcript was made public in France on Wednesday in which a French intelligence official said a Brazilian Islamist had been plotting to attack the French Olympic delegation. The Justice Ministry, which is responsible for the National Force, said in a statement that pay and board for security forces were guaranteed. It also said another 4,500 retired or onleave police officers could be called on if needed.

The National Force contingent is smaller than the 9,600 officers originally expected. The shortfall, a result of states not releasing more officers from their local duties because of budget and security concerns at a time when Brazil is struggling with recession, was filled by the armed forces and a private security company. Video footage broadcast on the Globo network showed members of the National Force carrying mattresses and driving refrigerators to their unfurnished lodgings. ”I’m having to sleep on the floor, our food arrives late and I still haven’t been paid,” said the officer, explaining that his first pay should have come earlier this month after 15 days of service. “We’re not being treated like professionals.”

names to the score sheets in the 76th and 79th minute respectively to complete Chase’ rout whilst securing the Georgetown Zone as the best in the city.

Meet the Guyana Junior... (From page 34) contender for her first title at this her final Junior

A general view shows the venues inside the 2016 Rio Olympics Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 14, 2016. Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch

Officers who form part of the security force for the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are complaining about delayed salaries and u n f u r n i s h e d accommodations, where many are forced to sleep on the floor. ”Morale is rock bottom,” said one member of the National Force, which is formed by police and fire services from states across Brazil to provide security for major events and emergencies. National Force officers already in Rio - part of an overall security deployment of 85,000 police, soldiers and other personnel - form a relatively small part of the overall effort, with about 5,000 members. The officer, who asked not to be named to avoid punishment by superiors,

midfield and Hackett slotted in his fourth in the 70th minute before Stephen Reynolds got his first in the 75th. Timothy Albert and Joshua Williams added their

CASA tournament. Larissa Wiltshire - This is Larissa’s final Junior CASA tournament. She finished runner–up in the U19 category at Nationals this year and was third in the U19 Division at Junior CASA 2015. There has been continued improvement in all aspects of her game, and she is a great contender for her first title at this year’s

tournament. Carl Ince (Coach) - Carl was once again at the helm

of the victorious Guyana team last year and he continues to produce Caribbean champions. Over the years he has produced sixteen different individual champions who have won a combined total of forty five Caribbean Junior titles and under his guidance, his teams have won the overall title fifteen out of the eighteen years he has been National Coach. He was chosen as National Coach of the Year in 2012 by the National Sports Commission for his exploits with the Guyana Junior Team. He hopes that this year the team will continue its successful run. Akeila Wiltshire (Asst. Coach) - Last year’s Girls U19 champion Akeila along with Coach Ince is working hard to get the Guyana Team ready for these championships and a run at another Caribbean Team

title Garfield Wiltshire (Manager) - This is

Garfield’s seventh year as manager of the Guyana Team. He hopes that the team has continued success as they again seek to capture Individual and

Team titles. David Fernandes (Asst. Manager) - The President of the GSA, David has worked on motivating each member of the Team to give full commitment to their training, give of their best at all times, and on preparing the Team for their title defense.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 38

Friday July 15, 2016

Meet the Guyana Junior Casa 2016 team Boys BU11

Michael Alphonso - A newcomer to the Caribbean squash scene, Michael is a keen contender in this age category. With his great retrieving ability and movement, he hopes to produce good results at this tournament.

and always has a smile on court. He hopes to have a beneficial experience as he makes his mark and will be a force to be reckoned with at this tournament. BU13

Shomari Wiltshire Shomari won the U13 title at this year’s National Championships. This is his sixth and final year in this age category at Junior CASA. Always with a smile on his face and with his good work ethic and improved racquet skills, he hopes to win the U13 title for the second time.

Mohryan Baksh - This is Mohryan’s first Junior CASA. With his great racquet skills, he has a bright future in Caribbean squash and hopes this experience will benefit him in the long run. Samuel Ince-Carvahal Samuel has improved remarkably in a short space of time. This is his second Junior CASA tournament and with continued hard work will be a force to be reckoned with over the coming years. James Mekdeci - A newcomer to the Caribbean squash scene, James has worked tremendously hard on his game. His dedication and commitment makes him a good contender in this age category.

Kamir Khan - This is Kamir’s first Junior CASA. He has great racquet skills

Demetrius DeAbreu Demetrius will be playing for the second time at Junior CASA and the experience he gained last year and his continued improvement will make him have a bright future in Caribbean squash.

BU15

Daniel Islam - Daniel continues to work very hard to improve his skills on court. This is his fifth Junior CASA tournament and with his enthusiasm and zeal, has improved by leaps and bounds. He hopes to give his opponents a run for their money as he aspires to attain his first Caribbean title.

Anthony Islam - Anthony has worked hard to get better at his game and has shown remarkable improvement. This is his fifth international Caribbean tournament and with continued commitment and determination, he has a bright future in Caribbean squash. BU17 Rithew Saywack - Joining the Guyana team for the first time, he has shown great dedication and commitment. His height and shot retrieving skills makes him a good contender in this category.

Alexander Cheeks - Alex continues to improve his racquet skills and court movement. His athletic ability and passion about the game makes him an avid contender in his

category at this year’s Junior CASA. BU19

Ben Mekdeci - Ben has worked extremely hard on his fitness and game and this was evident after he won the U19 National Championships this year. His passion for the sport and increased fitness levels makes him an serious contender for his third Junior Caribbean title.

GU13

Kirsten Gomes - This is Kirsten’s second Junior CASA tournament. She has great talent and with continued dedication, she has a bright future ahead in Caribbean squash.

Madison Fernandes - This is Madison’s second exposure to Junior Caribbean squash. She has worked very hard on improving her game. She is extremely focused and dedicated and is one to watch as she vies for the U13 title. Alec Melville - This being Alec’s final year, he hopes to make a mark in the U19 category. He has recently intensified his preparation for this tournament and with patience and great work ethic, he hopes to achieve good results at this year’s tournament. Girls GU11 Abosaide Cadogan - This is Abosaide’s first Junior CASA tournament. She won the U13 category at this year’s National Championships. She has improved tremendously over the short time she has been playing the game and looks forward to being a contender for the U13 title. GU15 Paige Fernandes - Paige has been playing for a number of years but this is her first Junior CASA tournament. She is quick around the court and plays a good game. She continues to improve and the experience she will gain will serve her well for the future.

Makeda’s fourth Junior Caribbean tournament. She is this year’s U15 & U17 National champion and after placing second in the U15 Division at Junior CASA last year, she will be a force to be reckoned with as she vies for the U15 Junior CASA title.

Makeda Harding - This is

Maya Collins - Maya has talent and continues to show improvement in her game. She is eagerly looking forward to this year’s Junior Casa tournament after having missed the last two and hopes to be able to achieve good results. GU17

Rebecca Low - Rebecca continues to improve and although she was unable to train as hard as she would have liked to due to her exams, she still will be a force to be reckoned with at this year’s tournament. GU19

Taylor Fernandes - Taylor continues to work very hard on her game and this was evident as she was the U19 champion at this year’s Nationals. Her improved racquet skills and retrieving ability makes her a (Continued on page 33)

Kaieteur News

Friday July 15, 2016

PAGE 39

Guyanese girls gracefully bow out CBC Championship Guyana’s Under-16 female basketball team gracefully bowed out of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall last night after Antigua and Barbuda handed them third straight loss of the tournament. The Guyanese women lost 30-62 despite a spirited effort owed to poor shooting from the field after creating open looks and easy chances. Guyana’s defence forced Antigua into making a gameleading 63 turnovers, but the local girls simply lacked the clinical offensive edge. The Antiguans dominated the Guyanese on the inside, attempting just one shot from beyond the arc, which missed its mark. Britnay Gore was a beast in the post dropping 25 points and 17 rebounds to lead Antigua to

the 32-point win, while Karel Knight had 11 points. Jada Mohan once again did the bulk of the offensive work for the Guyanese recording half of the team’s total with 15 points along with 11 rebounds. Mohan was stroking it from the stripe, hitting 11-19 shots from the free throw line while going 2-29 from the field. Jahrier Young scored eight points for Guyana on 8 of 10 shooting from the freethrow line for 80 percent. The loss for Guyana means that the host nation has finished seventh. The Championships continue today from 3:30pm with Trinidad and Tobago battling Barbados in the fifth and sixth place game. Antigua will play the Bahamas in the first semifinal after while Suriname come up against the British Virgin Islands in the featured game, the second semifinal.

Warriors and Tallawahs clash at Sabina Park After winning three out of four games at home, a confident Guyana Amazon Warriors will look to take their form to Sabina Park when the take on Jamaica Tallawahs tonight. While the Warriors, ahead on the table with 10 points are already well placed to make the knockout stages, the Tallawahs who have five points will look to start off their home matches on a positive note. Martin Guptil’s men will be wary of the threat posed by Jamaica at home and will not be taking them for granted, however the Ta l l a w a h s w i l l b e welcoming back key allrounder Andre Russell to the team after he recovered from a knee injury. Guyana Amazon Warriors: Martin Guptill (Capt.), Christopher Barnwell, Rayad Emrit, Shimron Hetmyer, Stephen Katwaroo, Jason Mohammed, Orlando Peters, Sohail Tanvir, Adam

Zampa, Ali Khan, Anthony Bramble, Assad Fudadin, Steven Jacobs, Chris Lynn, Veerasammy Permaul, Dwayne Smith and Paul Wintz. Jamaica Tallawahs: Chris Gayle (Capt.), Timroy Allen, Jonathan Foo, Imad Wasim, Andre M c C a r t h y, G a r e y Mathurin, Alex Ross, Kumar Sangakkara, Oshane Thomas, Kesrick Wi l l i a m s , N k r u m a h Bonner, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Dale Steyn, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan and Chadwick Walton.

Guyana’s point guard, Jada Mohan evades two Antiguan defenders at centre court last night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 40

Friday July 15, 2016

Tour de France: Chris Froome forced to run up Mont Ventoux after crash Britain’s Chris Froome was forced to run without a bike following a crash with a motorbike on one of the most iconic climbs of the Tour de France. Froome crashed with Richie Porte and Bauke Mollema less than one kilometre from the finish on Mont Ventoux.

It looked to have cost defending champion Froome, 31, the race leader’s yellow jersey, but he remains top of the standings with a 47-second lead over compatriot Adam Yates. Belgian Thomas de Gendt won the stage. Speaking to French TV, the 2013 and 2015 champion

said: “I told myself, ‘I don’t have a bike and my car is five minutes behind with another bike - it’s too far away, I’m going to run a bit’. ”I was with Richie Porte and Bauke Mollema and all three of us went into the back of the motorbike. I got hit from behind by another motorbike that broke my

bicycle. ”I’m happy with the jury’s decision. I think it’s right. Thanks to them and thanks to the Tour de France organisation.” As Team Sky’s Froome climbed towards the finish line at Chalet Reynard, Porte rode into the back of a motorbike, which seemed to

Froome initially carried his damaged bike after crashing... stop suddenly because of crowds encroaching on to the road. Froome and Bauke Mollema crashed into the Australian with all three falling off their bikes. With his bike damaged, Froome set off on foot as he waited for a replacement. He attempted to use a neutral service bike before switching to a third bike from the Team Sky car about 200 metres later, eventually crossing the line shaking his head. He finished one minute and 40 seconds behind TrekSegafredo’s Mollema and 44 seconds behind BMC’s Porte. But Porte and Froome were given the same time as Mollema, five minutes five seconds behind Lotto Soudal rider De Gendt. Froome, who held a 28second advantage over Yates overnight, extended his lead to 47 seconds, with Nairo Quintana - regarded as Froome’s biggest rival before the race - a further seven seconds adrift. Porte, 31, said: “The crowd were all over the road and it was such a mess. It was just crazy.” According to the UCI, cycling’s governing body, a cyclist can cross the line on foot but only if they have their bike with them. Dutchman Mollema, 29, tweeted a picture of the crash and said: “This may NOT happen in the biggest race of the world!! There has been too many accidents with motos last year!” It remains unclear whether the motorbike that Porte collided with stopped because of spectators stepping into its path. But over-zealous fans have caused problems already on this year’s Tour, with Froome fined 200 Swiss Francs (£153) for lashing out at an encroaching

fan on stage eight. There have been regular calls from riders and organisers for spectators to respect the space of the cyclists. The end of the stage up the legendary Mont Ventoux was cut short by 6km on Wednesday because of strong winds, reducing the space for spectators to line the route to the finishing line. Among riders there was anger aimed towards some of those who had come to watch the race as well as Tour officials. Veteran rider Fabian Cancellara tweeted: “What a scandal today for Le Tour, No safety and too much chaos on Mont Ventoux. “This is definitely not what cycling needs. Not enough barriers for safety.” Amid all the chaos, it was easy to overlook De Gendt’s tremendous win in the 178km stage from Montpellier. The Belgian, runner-up on stage five, was part of an early 13-man breakaway and had initially dropped off the front, but he fought back and finished narrowly ahead of compatriot Serge Pauwels in the final stretch to claim the king of the mountains jersey. Orica-BikeExchange rider Yates, who is having a superb Tour, briefly led the general classification, before F r o o m e ’s t i m e w a s amended. Yates, the 23-year-old from Bury who is in great Britain’s road race team for the Olympics in Rio in August, remains Froome’s closest rival. Quintana, who is a renowned for his climbing ability, was expected attack on stage 12 to regain time on Froome. But the Colombian, twice runner-up to Froome at the Tour, looked out of sorts as his rival pulled away in the final six kilometres. (BBCsport)

Kaieteur News

Friday July 15, 2016

Former Leicester City and Stoke City man impresses on Margate trial Nikki Bull was full of praise for on-trial striker Marcel Barrington as the front man looks to rebuild a stalled football career. The 20-year-old started his career with Stoke City before swapping for the King Power Stadium - the home of Premier League champions Leicester City - in 2013 until last year, when he was released. Barrington - who has two caps for his nation, Guyana played for Tooting & Mitcham last season after meandering around non-

league football. He played the second half of Gate’s 7-1 battering of Herne Bay last night (Tuesday) and in his 45 minutes to shine, bagged himself a hat trick. Boss Bull was pleased, saying: “Marcel is the kind of player we always have a look at, someone who has Premier League academy experience but has slightly lost their way. “He fits the profile of player I want perfectly, he did really well. He certainly made an impression and I have no doubt I’ll give him

Stag/WDFA Senior League continues Four matches will be contested this weekend when the Stag sponsored West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Senior League continues at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground. in the opening match at 13:30hrs tomorrow, Jetty Gunners will hope to get past

Wales United with the main attraction between Pouderoyen and Golden Warriors. Sunday’s matches will see Uitvlugt taking on old rivals Stewartville in the feature match which would be preceded by a clash between Eagles and Beavers from 13:30hrs.

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U17 League

EDFA matches to resume this weekend Rain continues to be the biggest challenge for associations running off matches in the inaugural G F F / N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League. Nine associations contesting running leagues namely, Rupununi, Berbice, East Demerara, East Bank, G e o r g e t o w n , We s t Demerara, Bartica, Essequibo and Upper Demerara. Most of the associations have staretd but have been stalled due to persistent rainfall over the past few weeks. However, the East Demerara Football Association will be resuming this weekend at the Golden Grove ground. From 13:00hrs tomorrow, Buxton Stars will come up against Ann’s Grove with home team Golden Stars matching skills w i t h B u x t o n Yo u t h

Developers from 15:00hrs. On Sunday, Buxton United do battle with Bachelor’s Adventure/Paradise Sports Club in the opening clash at 13:00hrs, the main attraction features BV/Triumph United and Victoria Kings. West Demerara FA Meanwhile, two matches will be played in the West Demerara at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground. Tomorrow, Slingerz will oppose Beavers from 12:00hrs while on Sunday from the same time, Eagles will match skills with Wales.

another chance, there’s no way I can’t after he scored a hat trick. ”We looked really solid last night. OK, you might say Herne Bay weren’t very good but you can only beat what is put in front of you and we did it well, we looked brilliant.” (Kent and Sussex Courier)

Marcel Barrington (right) impressed on trial

PAGE 41

Kaieteur News

PAGE 42

Russell to make return against Warriors today According to Jamaica Tallawahs coach, Paul Nixon, Andre Russell will be ready to rejoin the secondplace Caribbean Premier League (CPL) team for their game against the Guyana Amazon Warriors today. Russell has a knee injury and missed the Tallawah’s defeat to the Warriors last week. According to the

coach, Russell was missed. “We missed Andre and he’s been recovering well and he’s raring to go,” said Nixon in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. The injury had begun to tell after the first match of the Tallawahs’ season, with Russell not bowling in the side’s victories over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and

the Trinbago Knight Riders. While he did bat in both innings, his 24 from 18 deliveries against the Knight Riders was clearly not pain free, the batsman hobbling quite noticeably during the innings. Against the Patriots he slammed an invaluable 34 from 20 deliveries. Russell was also set to miss the abandoned game

Friday July 15, 2016

Andre Russell ©CPL/Sportsfile

against the Barbados Tridents, where the Ta l l a w a h s , t h r o u g h a masterful knock of 42 from Chris Gayle, racked up 106 in just 10 overs. Showers of rain ensured that the loss of Russell from the lineup did not hurt the Ta l l a w a h s t o o m u c h . ”As far as I know, he’s ready for it. He’s played a lot of

cricket and he was probably due a rest at some stage. But being the guy that he is and the passion that he has got for the game, he wants to do well,” said Nixon. While Nixon is happy to have Russell back, he believes that some of the less established players in the lineup need to get into the habit of performing at a high level to suppliment the efforts of the big all-rounder, Gayle

and Kumar Sangakarra. The game against the Warriors tomorrow marks the first home game for the Tallawahs, who won two of four away games to start their CPL campaign. The Jamaican franchise currently sits second in the six-team table, five points adrift of the Warriors who have started their CPL season very quickly. (Sportsmax)

Regional Women’s Super 50 continues today The Regional Women’s Super 50 tournament continues today with host Guyana facing Jamaica at Everest in their final preliminary round game. A win for the host nation (11 points) who along with Trinidad and Tobago (10 points) are leading the points table can earn them a place in the final on Sunday. The Guyanese are brimming with confidence following a nine-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands on Wednesday in a tournament which is being badly affected by rain. In the other fixtures, Windwards will take on Trinidad and Tobago at Enmore and Barbados will face Leewards at Enterprise. Guyana: Melaine Henry, L a t o y a S m i t h , ShemaineCampbelle, K a v i t a Ya d r a m , ShakibaGajnabi, Heema Singh, TremayneSmartt (C), Akaze Thompson (VC), Plaffiana Millington, Subrina Munroe, Erva Giddings, Mandy Mangru, L a s h u n a To u s s a i n t , andKaysia Shultz. The Manager is Carol Nurse and

the Coach is Andre Percival. Jamaica: Stafanie Taylor (C), Chedean Nation (VC), Shanel Daley, Tameka Sanford, Natasha McLean, Jodian Morgan, Vanessa Wa t t s , R o s h a n a O u t a r, AleciaBookal, Chinelle Henry, Jerona Walcott, KeneishaFerron, Rashada Williams, and Corrine Howell. The Manager is Pauline White-Andersonand the Coach is Cleon Smith. WICB U-17 50-over Meanwhile, there was no play in the WICB Under-17 50-over Tournament in Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o yesterday as a result of rain. The competition continues tomorrow with Guyana playing Jamaica at the National Cricket Centre, Trinidad and Tobago facing Leewards at Inshan Ali Park and Windwards meeting Barbados at Gilbert Park.

Kaieteur News

Friday July 15, 2016

PAGE 43

Guyana exceeded expectations in hosting CBC U16 Championships The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) put the hosting of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championships at Cliff Anderson’s Sports Hall over the last two weeks into perspective, stating that Guyana has exceeded all expectations. President of the GABF, Nigel Hinds, told Kaieteur Sport yesterday in an exclusive interview that with the support of the network of major stakeholders, Guyana was able to create a new blueprint for the hosting of future CBC Championships. “This has been conveyed to us; I can state unequivocally that we have exceeded all expectations in h o s t i n g t h e s e Championships,” Hinds indicated, adding that the success of the event would not have been possible without the relevant stakeholder support. In that regard, he pointed out that collectively the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), National Sports Commission, Government of Guyana and Private Sector played crucial roles in ensuring a landmark venue, especially, was available for the

The refurbished Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for the CBC U16 Championships during a time-out of one of the girls’ games.

Championships. “When we examined the facilities, namely the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, it became clear that it will take an extraordinary effort to bring the venue up to standard. We gave that effort, and what we had over the last two weeks was a venue that satisfied the mandatory things to be done in line with FIBA (International Basketball Association),” Hinds informed. He said that the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was transformed and believes that it can be referred to as Guyana’s Jubilee Dome. He

got the concept from the Millennium Dome in England. When then British Prime Minister, Tony Blair opened the Millennium Dome he said that it represents a “triumph of confidence over cynicism, boldness over blandness and excellence over mediocrity”. Hinds related that he feels the same way about the new Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, which took a herculean effort to transform. He said the facilities there are “immaculate”, highlighting the new washrooms, locker rooms and court at the venue.

Bahamas beat Guyana in RAN U19 C/ships The Bahamas team (right) in their match against Guyana yesterday @glpimages.

Finding themselves in a must win situation against the Bahamas, Guyana’s Under-19 ruggers were edged 33-31 at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) U19 Championships being played in Miami, Florida.

With the win that closed out the pool play matches, the Bahamians have advanced to the Trophy championship which they will play tomorrow against Jamaica which had defeated Guyana, 24-9.

The 11 day event has been dubbed RAN Superweek as it will feature 23 matches, 14 teams and a variety of administrative and educational events to further develop rugby in the region.

“I would like to take this opportunity to invite the public to see what we now have as a facility in Guyana.

President David Granger, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Ministers of E d u c a t i o n D r. R u p e r t R o o p n a r a i n e a n d D r. Nicolette Henry, Finance Ministers, Winston Jordon and Jaipaul Sharma, Minister of Infrastructure, David Patterson, all played no small role in ensuring that we were ready to host these Championships,” he informed. “They provided the platform for us to succeed,” Hinds added before singling out John Fernandes, Quality Seafoods Inc, Ansa McAl Limited, Banks DIH, ENetworks and Impressions for the work they did from the corporate perspective. Impressions provided the facility with all the requisite branding while E-Networks carried games live on cable

TV. Hinds indicated that as a result, Guyana showed that it has the capacity here to provide international services and host international events. “I believe you must hire people who have talents beyond yours. In this regard, I want to thank the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the outstanding work. This led to a safe and secure environment t h r o u g h o u t t h e Championships,” he noted. The GABF President said that “a thing of beauty is a joy forever”, observing that what took place in Guyana over the last two weeks laid the foundation for how a nation should rally behind sport for holistic development. Hinds said that Guyana succeeded.

CFU Elections – TTFF and USVI Presidents to challenge incumbent Derrick Forde to run for Exco Mem. position President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde is one of nine individuals who will be contesting for four available position on the Caribbean Football Union Executive Committee when elections are held later this month in Miami, Florida, USA. In an invited comment, Forde, who has been at the helm of the sport locally said that many of his colleagues in the Caribbean had reached out to him as they felt he had the necessary tools to lead the region as President and e v e n Vi c e P r e s i d e n t . But the local businessman said that he felt the timing was not right for him to take on such a huge challenge especially since he recently took on the top spot in Guyana and has a lot of work t o d o . Forde has however decided to run for one of the four available spots on the Executive Committee, nine persons will be vying for those spots. He stated that at this juncture, this will be a more realistic move given the volume of work that needs to be done at every level of the sport in Guyana and the Caribbean. Delegates attending the

Hillaren Frederick

Gordon Derrick XXXIX Caribbean Football Union Ordinary Congress on July 23, 2016 will vote for an Executive Committee to lead the organization for the next four years. Incumbent CFU

David John-Williams

Wayne Forde President, Mr. Gordon Derrick, will seek another four-year mandate but will have to win the confidence of the members over his challenger, Mr. David John(Continued on page 32)

t r o Sp

Guyanese girls gracefully bow out CBC Championship Jada Mohan (left) splits two defenders on the baseline to release a floater last night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Hackett blasts helmet-trick, Benjamin a hat-trick as Chase Academy romps to Georgetown title

The victorious Chase Academy display the new set of complete uniforms they were presented with along with trophies won. Inspirational Coach Vurlon Mills (2nd left) soaks in the action. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210