Sunday July 31, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Rupununi’s problems need to Dismantling of the Constitution and Rule of Law be urgently dealt with DEAR EDITOR, Editor’s note: This is the conclusion of Mr. Nandlall’s letter which first appeared in yesterday’s edition.
The Coalition Government, over the last year, has embarked upon a deliberate and centrally orchestrated course of action to persecute and which-hunt ministers and officials of the PPPC administration in order to prove that their widespread public allegations of corruption. However, they need the blind loyalty of the aforementioned institutions in order to succeed. Thus far, apparently, they have been unable to penetrate the cloak of independence which the aforesaid institutions enjoy. In consequence, we are witnessing a clear and consistent strategy to avoid
the engagement of these institutions as they continue to pursue their vindictive agenda. Not satisfied with the Auditor General’s Reports over the last several years, the regime, in violation of the Constitution and the Audit Act, simply shoved aside the Audit Office, handpicked over a dozen auditors, most of them being their allies and cronies and are paying them hundreds of millions of dollars to do “forensic audits”. Still, these audits are unable to unearth the type of evidence which they seek, although, the most unconventional methods are being employed by some of these Auditors. Dozens of files have been sent to the Police Force and to the Director of Public Prosecutions with firm instructions to investigate
and charge. Again, the response from the Police and the DPP has been disappointing to those who have already sharpened their political hatchets. The situation is exacerbated by every passing day because it results in considerable damage to their credibility. After all, they have intoxicated their supporters with the propaganda that the PPP administration is guilty of massive corruption in office but after one year in complete control of the government and State machinery, they are unable to prefer charges. Not being able to exert the type of pressure and influence over the Police Force and the DPP as they would like, because of the constitutional and institutional insulations to which I have referred above, Continued on page 6
What about a no confidence motion at City Hall? DEAR EDITOR, Through the local media, I learnt that the Councillors of the Linden Mayor and Town Council on Wednesday night voted in favour of a no confidence motion against Linden Town Clerk Jonella Bowen. According to the release, Bowen’s performance and management of the Council’s affairs have become of great concern to the Council. Well my question is ‘What are the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown waiting for? Why are they not moving motions of ‘No Confidence’ against the Town Clerk, City Treasurer and Human Resources Manager from the Georgetown City Council?
The Town Clerk of Georgetown went off on a jaunt to Panama and Mexico without the courtesy of informing the Councillors let alone seeking their permission. Due to the reckless spending by the City Treasurer, employees of the Georgetown Municipality will have to spend their ‘Freedom Day’ holiday in the shackles of poverty as a consequence of once again not receiving their monthly wages and salaries in a timely manner. The Human Resources Manager has facilitated the gross nepotism and cronyism at City Hall with the hiring of friends and relatives of senior officers along with the Mayor and some Councillors. The
Town Clerk is refusing to allow the tabling of a legitimate motion by a Councillor or to allow for a forensic audit of the Council even though the Mayor says she welcomes one. The City Treasurer allows for the illegal and iniquitous granting of waivers of interest on outstanding interest owed on property taxes owed by persons who do not qualify. The Human Resources Manager allows for supersession and featherbedding within the Council. And the list can go on and on and on.Aren’t these misdeeds and transgressions far greater than those committed by the Linden Town Clerk? Amber Valentine
DEAR EDITOR, Please publish my letter so that the young people of the Rupununi can have their voice heard like in any other part of the country. Region 9 - Upper Takutu,Upper Essequibo, is the largest administrative region in our country. The logistics of reaching out to people here in the Rupununi is a serious challenge. The geographical layout and lack of reliable transportation and communications between our five sub-districts presents many problems for our people. Students attending both primary and secondary schools in the Rupununi are at great disadvantage as compared to their coastal counterparts who have readily available information technology at their disposal. The students here in the Rupununi have no access to internet service to do research on their SBA’s, and as a means to improve their grades at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the National Grade Six assessment (NGSA) respectively. They have been marginalised from the mainstream of opportunities to be on par with other academics at the national level. The absence of a grade twelve class (form six) at either of our four secondary schools in Region 9 makes the education system even more complex for our students who are desirous of sitting the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (Cape) to take their education to another level. And ione has to factor in the prohibitive costs attached
for them to travel to Georgetown to complete their studies and write same. The lack of information and application forms to attend the University of Guyana and other higher learning institutions are unavailable to suitable candidates. Teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse are of a great concern to our region, in particular to the St. Ignatius Secondary School where drugs are found on students and go unreported. Our young people migrate illegally to neighbouring Brazil to seek employment opportunities. Suicide is prevalent in the various villages and is allowed to go unnoticed by the relevant authorities. There is no legal aid for our young people and most importantly, Region 9 is without a Culture, Youth and Sports officer. Editor, but most are more than willing to attend special workshops and training programms to educate themselves on some of the social-ills that confront our young people of today. Education on domestic violence, trafficking in person (TIP) and other serious related matters of concern to our people are much needed to be re-introduced, expeditiously into our hinterland regions where our indigenous people are most vulnerable to these things. These initiatives must not be seen as a talk show but as
a service line and intervention by our Government with adequate facilitation for strengthening community capacity for action in a collaborative and holistic manner, so as to garner core results. Editor, however there seems to be some glimmer of hope on the horizon for our young people of the Rupununi. Not so long ago, our young deputy Mayor of Lethem, Ms.Maxine Welch and youth activist, Mr.Rayan Belgrave of Georgetown engaged our youths in a number of meetings to discuss some of the social issues that have affecting them in the various communities where they live. What was commendable about Mr. Belgrave in one of his remarks at a meeting, of which I attended was that he was not in the Rupununi to market or sell the Guyana Youth And Student Movement(GYSM) the youth arm of the PNCR, of which he is the present chairman. He explained that he was there to support youth initiatives in an organised way. Anyway, Mr.Belgrave interaction with the young people of the Rupununi had brought to light the many problems they have endured for the many years, including the lack of recreational opportunities such as cultural programmes, underutilized sport facilities with no sport equipment, and other social Continued on page 6
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Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Hilary Clinton’s vision for Americans Complaints and accusations against GTT of Caribbean descent DEAR EDITOR, The upcoming November elections in the USA are as critical to the people of America as it is to people the world over. For us in the Caribbean American Diaspora who enjoy the right to vote, we have a responsibility to vote in these elections especially for an American president that will promote our legitimate interests. There is one candidate that has clearly defined her position on the Caribbean and its Diaspora. Here is her official position: Caribbean Americans and Caribbean immigrants have helped build this country and strengthen our communities. Hillary recognizes that these accomplishments sometimes mask the challenges the Caribbean-American community faces—such as enduring racism, access to quality education and health care, good-paying jobs and retirement security. She will fight to break down these barriers so that everyone, regardless of their background has a chance to live up to their potential. As President, Hillary will fight to: · See families are kept together: Caribbean immigrants make up 3.2% of the undocumented immigrants in this country.
Instead of breaking up lawabiding immigrant families who have enriched America, Hillary will offer them a path to full and equal citizenship. She will also protect and implement the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) programs to keep Caribbean families together. Further, Hillary will call on Congress to repeal the 3- and 10-year bars so that families don’t have to choose between pursuing a green card and staying with their families. Caribbean immigrants accounted for 10.7% of all immigrants granted lawful permanent residence from 2000 to 2009. Hillary believes we should support Caribbean immigrants who are eligible for citizenship to take that final step, including by expanding feewaivers and increasing access to language and outreach programs. And shortly after the massive earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, just over 53,000 applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), but U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services estimates that 20,000 to 50,000 more individuals are eligible. As president, Hillary will enhance outreach to reach more immigrants living in the U.S. who are still eligible for TPS. · Ensure Quality Education for Caribbean-
American Youth: Hillary will champion new opportunities in education to ensure nothing stands in the way of all Americans achieving their full potential. Hillary will increase our investment in Early Head Start and the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program. She has a plan to make pre-kindergarden universal for all 4 year-olds in America, and will fight for strong public schools in every community across the country, so that every Caribbean American and Caribbean immigrant child— including those in the U.S. territories in the Caribbean— has access to a world-class education. Too many Caribbean Americans and Caribbean immigrants face difficulty in paying for college and paying off their student debt. Through her New College Compact, Hillary will fight to ensure that cost is not a barrier for anyone who wants to attend college—and that debt won’t hold them back when they do. Her plan will also provide scholarships and child care support for student parents, so that these parents can build a brighter future for their families. · Wesley Kirton ·Editor’ note: Because of its length, Mr. Kirton’s conclusion will be carried in Tuesday’s edition
The unimpressive balance sheet of the City Council DEAR EDITOR, When work began by the contractor at the Merriman’s Mall, visitors were so happy that they joined in to help with this restoration initiative and the creation of a play park. However, like everything else the City Hall does, they dropped the ball. The opportunity was squandered along with hundreds of millions of dollars the City now owes the contractor. It is clear that City Hall does not have a viable, realistic and integrated plan for this area. Rather this initiative is a just hotchpotch of uncoordinated activities resulting in the area becoming a jumbled mess, or a heterogeneous mixture of activities and structures that now make the area look like a squatter settlement of
improvised structures and interests. We start off with The Indian Immigration Monument bordered by Church & Alexander Streets, North Road & Camp Street, which is a remarkable reminder of our nations’ history, with a magnificent replica of the ‘SS Whitby’, the first ship which arrived on Guyana’s shores with the first batch of immigrants. It is sculpted of bronze, and surrounded by low walls, which are layered with calligraphic and other symbolic scenes, its outer surface has murals and carvings which give insight into the lifestyle and culture of sugar cane labourers. Of course this was an initiative of the private sector However, moving a little east here enters the City
Council where we run into rows and row of little ugly square concrete buildings from which every conceivable item is sold, a most unattractive shopping area. But moving further east it gets even worse as we encounter rows and rows of what appears to be dog kennels, probably initially designed for the proposed petting zoo but which is now being rented to wholesale vendors for astronomical amounts. But if you think you had seen it all, moving along in the same direction one encounters a most unhealthy situation not to mention how dreadful a picture it presents of dozens of flimsy tents occupied by barbers, hairdressers, cosmetologists and tattooists. There could be no greater public health violation than this, with hair and nails flying all over the place whilst there is no running water or other hygienic resources. One wonders how these persons became licensed. And finally we run into the Presidential Park, a white elephant that seems to have been abandoned. Is this city planning? Deodarie Putulall
DEAR EDITOR, I write this letter to express my dissatisfaction in the quality of service delivered by GTT and to highlight the fact that this disruption has been affecting our daily operation; the telephone and internet are an integral part of our business. It’s been months since ImageWorks Designs has been experiencing intermittent service with the DSL on telephone number 444-6478. As of late June 2016, the problem has worsened whereby my telephone only works occasionally and the internet is still intermittent. Because it’s a norm with GTT to disrupt service and not notify its customers, the first thing that always comes to mind when I have no service, is that GTT is down. My recent inquiry has indicated that it’s my service and not the network that is having trouble. Since early in the month of June 2016, I went into the office of a manager at GTT,
Linden branch and discussed my problems. A report was made on the issues. Later that same month when I enquired about my issues, I was told that the report was closed; there is no pending issue in relation to my line, so a new report was started. I was referred to another support line where checks were made and the representative determined that there was an issue with the line, and I would have to wait for the technician to come from Georgetown to rectify the line issue. Since then nothing! I have spoken to two managers thus far. The manager at Linden Branch and one from Georgetown and all they have to tell me is I have to wait on the line technicians. This back and forth thing has been going on since June 6th 2016. My contention is that there is no sense of urgency when it comes to these sort of thing. Furthermore, when the payment is due there is
no redress or consideration for all the time I am unable to use the service I’m paying for. What does one have to do to get equal and quality service? Every month, GTT bills you the same rate whether or not the service is working and if the due date for payment passes and you don’t pay due to your service not working, GTT boldly disconnects. GTT boasts about doing more, and about all the great benefits Guyanese are enjoying, but they are still lacking when it comes to the most basic component in any business happy customers. This kind of disregard for any customer is unacceptable. Where is the care for its customers; where is the representation for customers’ rights? Had I another option I would have changed my network already. Roy Arthur Proprietor of ImageWorks Designs Linden
Dismantling of the Constitution and Rule... From page 5 greater reliance is now being placed upon SARU and SOCU, two organizations that are politically staffed and directed to conduct investigations with the hope that they can find or I dare say, manufacture the required evidence. Still yet the desired results are not forthcoming. In the meanwhile, the crescendo of frustration and desperation continues to build. As a result, laws and protocols are being drafted to strengthen and enlarge the powers of SARU and SOCU. Recently, there has been an expressed intention to establish “a Special Prosecutors’ Office”. The obvious objective is to circumvent the DPP or at least to emasculate that office of the autonomy and independence guaranteed to it by the Constitution. I have no doubt that we will soon hear about the establishment of “Special Courts” where these charges will be heard and determined. Let me now make the picture clearer: the Government is handpicking its own auditors and directing them who, what, how and where to audit; when these audit reports are completed, they are then sent to two political outfits masquerading as law enforcement agencies, SARU and SOCU, which are being directed who and what to investigate; and when these investigations are
concluded, the findings will be sent to a Special Prosecutors Office for legal advice. This will be an office that will be staffed by the Government with its cronies. Charges will be instituted and will be prosecuted by persons from this politically tainted unit. These charges will be heard and determined by the “Special Courts” which I anticipate will be established and which will be presided over by magistrates in whom the Government resides great confidence. That the decisions will be perverse, I am in no doubt. In conclusion, the Constitution and the rule of law are under siege. Authoritarianism is building a formidable foundation. Today, the target is the PPP’s leadership and its supporters. Tomorrow’s victim will be you. It is the natural evolution of a dictatorship. Mohabir Anil Nandlall MP (PPP)
Attorney-at-Law Editor’s note: We are of the opinion that the forensic audits have revealed financial irregularities that in other countries would have resulted in prosecution. Furthermore, we believe that the Government is treading carefully and cautiously in the pursuit on incontrovertible evidence, some of which we think have already made its way into the public domain through the forensic audits. One must question how objective would be the analysis of a senior former minister of a government that is being investigated for corruption and financial illegalities. We believe that when all the dimensions of a story of a certain public servant whose bank holdings run into billions are made public, it is going to shock all Guyanese maybe except those politicians he was laundering the money for.
Rupununi’s problems need... From page 5 issues. Editor, I trust that this move made by this two young leaders of our beloved country is a genuine commitment towards youth development which will not only bring relief in the hearts and minds of our young people of the Rupununi, but may produce resonance and serve as a catalyst for other youths or the various hinterland
regions. I conclude by congratulating these two energetic and charismatic young people for the openness and responsiveness from our ideas to nurture this dynamic work force they have put together in the interest and well being of our young people of the Rupununi. Mark Anthony Rodrigues.
Sunday July 31, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
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Our elected officials are Questions about the six months maternity leave too callous to care DEAR EDITOR, The recent article titled “Over 50 percent of economy was bloated with corrupt earnings” KN July 25, 2016, really struck a nerve. The article in itself, pointed out that things are not as healthy with the economic outlook of Guyana. This is running counter to the many statistics and reports we are receiving from the government ministers in the past few months. The Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran insinuated that he tends to agree that the “yardstick” being used to measure the economic health of our nation is not a true measure. This, I am wholeheartedly in agreement with. The Chartered Accountant went on to opine that the businesses are feeling a pinch and complaining that all is not well. He further stated ”And the little bit of squeeze we are feeling is because the government is really clamping down on the illegalities in the system. We are going through a corrective period which will lead us to a more legal and healthy economy. And for that, the people on the ground need to be more patient and understanding.” The opinion which made reference to the “corrective period” only tells half of the real story. Guyana’s real deeprooted problem lies in our ability (lack of) to produce real industries that are capable of generating real currency to sustain the path the Government has embarked on. Minus the flow of real hard cash inflow into the economy, the government has embarked on this “corrective” path to generate cash. What is really going on in Guyana right now is the policy of “scraping the bottom of the pot” so to speak, in the hope of raising revenue. I do not disagree with any Government that is “tightening” up all loose ends but not the sustained endeavor of raising taxes, increasing duties and implementing fees on everything possible. A nation cannot survive on the continued taxation of its citizens. This will in the end hurt the very people who helped to place them in the Government. This may lead to a more legal economy (legal by the laws of the time), but it surely won’t be a healthy economy. The call for the Guyanese people to be patient and
understanding is a very noble call. The average person is “blessed” with that trait at all levels. That virtue of patience and understanding is greatly enhanced when the “askee” ( by that I mean someone who is asked something) is able to see that their effort is for a noble cause. How can anyone ask of the Guyanese people to show patience and understanding, when they saw the elected officials help themselves to that big, fat, hefty 50 % pay raise? Lacking any realistic plans, from our elected leaders, that task becomes a very difficult one. It has been a solid year plus since the Coalition came to governing the country and to date, no plan has been rolled out, giving the people an inclination as to the direction the nation is or will be steered into. How can the Guyanese people show that virtue? After paying the lofty increases in taxes, fees and duties, citizens’ take home pay will shrink. The other side of the coin is the reality that the businesses are also being taxed, and having their share of excessive duties. These costs will be passed on to the consumers. This further shrinks their pockets - their spending ability. As the saying goes, “There is only so much juice one can squeeze from a mango.” Beyond that, all we are left with is DRY HUSK. A husk that is beneficial to no one. One true measure of a nation’s economic health is the ability of its citizens to spend money. To spend money, one has to earn that money. To earn the money to spend, the system has to be able to meaningfullyCREATEemployment. Lacking these simple, basic criteria, we are looking at a recipe for economic disaster. I have written many articles, alluding to the fact that until our elected officials “put on their thinking caps and sharpen their visions,” Guyana is going nowhere – FAST. They have to have the vision to create industries that will earn. These industries will employ our youths who are idly wandering around, and at times creating mischief. The burden that so many families in Guyana are forced to shoulder, will be eased. Our children will not have to wonder where and when their next meal will be available. Dear Editor, this I know for a fact. Too many Guyanese are really struggling, just because our elected officials are too callous to care. Muhammad Raoof USA
DEAR EDITOR, Kindly publish this letter which I do hope will spur some national debate on the issue of the six month exclusive breast feeding program which we may see implemented as early as 2017. The Minister of Health, Dr Norton and the Minister of Social Protection, Ms.Volda Lawrence are extremely ecstatic with the recent pronouncement with regards the six month maternity leave benefit for all working mothers which will bring Guyana in line with PAHO’s guideline. This six-month exclusive breast feeding will mean healthier children and mothers. This he says will also increase the productivity of women on their jobs. In fact, more working mothers will be encouraged to breast feed other than the meager 23% currently doing so, according to a UNICEF Report. In addition, Minister Norton, in November 2015 even went further and advocated that paternity leave be given to fathers in order to allow them to be involved in child care, to get a break from work, and to give their wives a break from child rearing. Minister Lawrence is adamant that the six-month maternity leave should become law as early as next year. I am in total agreement
with these benefits. However, while the health benefits of this extended maternity leave are being extolled, there is the question of whether our fragile economy is ready for such a move. We know for a fact that the mere labeling of our economy as an upper middle income one does nothing to hide the fact that it is only the top 5-10% of people in this country are actually enjoying the increased GDP. There is no doubt that great inequalities of income existing in Guyana and nearly 40% of our working population is unemployed, mostly youths. There is also no doubt that the private sector is currently experiencing a downward spiral which needs sound financial policies for it to recuperate not additional burdens especially increasing employment costs which will push the operational costs upward. Such increasing costs will definitely erode the profit margins of businesses which may be forced to transfer those costs to consumers. Currently, the three months leave is financed by NIS and the employer. In view of this increase economic costs, Dr Shamdeo, the country’s Chief Medical Officer, has warned that employers may not be willing to sign formal employment
contracts with women. While this is also a serious possibility, this increased employment costs may result in reduced female employment rate leading to deteriorating employment prospects because of increasing costs of operation to businesses. Moreover, wage discrepancies may widen because of the seemingly additional burden of employing women. Furthermore, apart from the actual increased employment costs, employers will face the additional burden and costs associated with the training and development of substitute staff. This will impact heavily in the private sector in such areas as manufacturing, wholesale and retail, hotels and restaurants. In view of the foregoing, there is definitely a need to do a special labour survey to ascertain the number of females who are employed in both the private and public sectors, those who have given birth, those who are actually breastfeeding their children and make an assessment of what the estimated increase in employment costs will be-do the numbers. Having done so the Government should set up a system whereby the wages of the persons on leave is financed by a public or private funded scheme.
This scheme will ensure that employees on the six month maternity leave will receive their wages from such a fund. This scheme should be fully undertaken by the government not private businesses. The private business will already be bearing the costs associated with the decreased productivity of new employees and the associated costs of training and development. The creation of such a scheme will assist the employers who can then use the unspent wage bill to take on temporary staff to substitute for the mothers are on six-month maternity leave. But the big question here is whether all mothers will embark on this exclusive sixmonth breast feeding program when some young mothers feel that breast feeding is taboo for obvious reasons- some may be selfish in nature. In my days I could vividly recall that my mother would be working in the fields and yet able to breast feed me for nearly a year. This was the norm in those days and many hard working mothers suckled sometimes as many as 10 children! Therefore, many mothers today may just enjoy the paid vacation with no regard for the numerous health benefits to the child and themselves! Haseef Yusuf
Trained Hindu pandits are being discriminated against DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me space to make a public complaint that the Guyana Central Arya Samaj. (this is the umbrella organization of Arya Samaj Hindus), has been given the “run around” in its application for licensing certification (accreditation) for a number of its pandits to perform state licensed marriages under Hindu rites. These young pandits were trained under the eminent and illustrious Dr. Satish Prakash over the course of several years and graduated as eminently qualified pandits via the Guyana Central Arya Samaj. The application for licensing was made last October and the Ministry of Public Security, in charge of issuing said certification, has not acted in good faith. In fact, it seems to be discriminating against Hindus in much the same way that the predecessor regime did. A similar application made by the Viraat Sabha, which is known to be affiliated with the coalition regime, for its pandits were acted upon expeditiously. So why the run around for pandits of the Guyana Central Arya Samaj? Is it that Hindu
organizations must now become associated with the ruling coalition in order to be accorded rights? The Arya Samaj’s accreditation application was made last October and right after there were several follow-ups with Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and the Ministry’s staff. The Ministry acknowledged receipt of the application, saying it was working on the request. In March, the Ministry requested additional documents which were submitted. After a follow up, the Ministry said it “lost” the application and asked for a resubmission. This was done with all the relevant supporting documents previously requested and submitted as attachments. In May, the Ministry said it had transferred the application to Minister Winston Felix’s Citizenship Ministry for action. Up till now, Felix has not acted on it. But wait! What does the Citizenship Ministry have to do with licensing of pandits? And if this is indeed the relevant ministry to handle this issue why is it not doing so across the board for marriage officers from all religious
entities and denominations? Clearly, the more things change, the more they remain the same. The coalition is playing the same game that the PPP played when it was in office. When is government going to act in the best interests of people and the nation at large instead of attaching politics and race to everything? And when are the words of the President going to be backed up by substance rather than remain in the realms of rhetoric. Recently the President in defending the
employment of persons with army affiliation stated that they too are entitled to rights just like everybody else. Yet here we have it; pandits from the Guyana Central Arya Samaj not apparently being entitled to rights just like all others of their ilk. Mr President please intervene to ensure that these pandits are dealt with fairly so that your words do not reflect discrimination of any sort. Dr. Vishnu Bandhu President Guyana Central Arya Samaj
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Kaieteur News
Multibillion dollar accounts, shares in big companies, properties across Guyana … are just some of the assets in the name of Permanent Secretary, Omar Shariff How has a Permanent Secretary been able to accumulate billions of dollars? That’s the question in the minds of investigators looking into the Omar Shariff case. In any event, it has become quite obvious that there is more to Shariff than what meets the eye. Shariff, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Presidency is no stranger to negative publicity. But further to revelations that the public servant had billions of dollars in a number of accounts at local banks, there is now information that he has invested some of his money in shares at a few thriving establishments. In 2010, Shariff and his reputed wife, Sabeita Hardeo, acquired thousands of shares in three major companies across Guyana. These companies are Banks DIH, Republic Bank, and Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).
In March 2010, Shariff and Hardeo bought 10,000 shares in GBTI and another 10,000 shares in Banks DIH. The very next month the famous two bought 7,500 shares in Republic Bank. When the media got word about Shariff’s billions there was no detailed information on the amounts in his various accounts. Kaieteur News has found out that Sharif f has 14 accounts. Some contained millions of dollars while others had billions of dollars. The Permanent Secretary has accounts at five banks. Interestingly, Shariff withdrew as much as—and in some cases—even more than he deposited. The Permanent Secretary, who is now the subject of an investigation, deposited $1.7B in his Citizens Bank account and withdrew $173M. He has nine accounts at GBTI. The combined amount
in those accounts was just over $14.9B and he withdrew $14.6B. There was a recorded overdraft from one of his GBTI accounts. Shariff has only one Republic Bank account. He had deposited over $953.6M but withdrew $953.8M. He has two Scotia Bank accounts. However, Kaieteur News was only able to get its hands on information of what was contained in one of these accounts. Shariff had deposited over $454.9M in one of his Scotia Bank accounts. There are figures representing an overdraft from this account as he withdrew over $455.2M Shariff also has an NBS account. He had deposited only $2.1M in this account and withdrew just $51,771. In total, Shariff deposited over $18B in his 14 accounts. His overall withdrawal amounts to over $16.2B. It is believed that the monies were
deposited over a five-year period. The public servant, who remains on leave, has nine properties across Guyana. Some of these are registered in his name while others are registered in the name of his reputed wife, Sabeita. Shariff has six motor vehicles in his name including a tractor and a trailer. All properties and vehicles were acquired before 2015. Shariff is a former Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), an arm of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the current Opposition, and was a candidate for that party in last year’s General Elections. Shariff was sent off on leave earlier in July, by Minister of State Joseph Harmon in order to facilitate a probe by both the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) and the State Assets Recovery Unit. A letter
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Presidency, Omar Shariff
Harmon sent to him indicated that the Minister knew sometime before that Shariff was under investigation. In addition to being questioned, Shariff also had his home searched by Law Enforcement officers. Investigators are probing how Shariff ended up with billions in his accounts. From all indications, investigators are not buying Shariff’s contention that he owned a business that raked in almost $100M annually for the last seven years. There seems to be little evidence that taxes were paid. In addition, there were questions about his role after
a major investigation revealed that the Office of the President, under Shariff’s watch, transferred hundreds of millions of dollars to the Ministry of Public Service, headed by then Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford. Westford, a sitting PPP Member of Parliament and her assistant Margaret Cummings, are currently before the courts facing 24 simple larceny charges. The charges allege that between August 2011 and April 2015, while being employed in the Public Service of the Government of Guyana, they stole the sum of $639.4M belonging to the state.
Sunday July 31, 2016
Central Govt. to service NIS $5.2B investment lost to CLICO debacle -- Finance Minister After considering several options, Cabinet has finally decided to consider absorbing the cost of $5.2B which the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) lost some years ago into the Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) Limited. This is according to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. The economist said that central government would have to service that bad debt since there is very little hope of getting back the money via other means. Jordan said that the sad reality is that any legal avenues in the CLICO situation might very well turn out to be a long drawn-out process, as Guyana is not even on the radar when it comes to the settlement process in the Caribbean as yet. “So Government is going to have to step up to the plate and find another way of recouping the losses for NIS in this regard. Government gave a commitment in this regard, and it will have to make good on its promise to find a resolution on getting back the money. “And this is yet another mess that we inherited from the past administration that we are saddled with fixing with money that could have been put to better use,” the Minister expressed. Jordan noted that NIS is beset with a number of problems. He said that the $5.2 billion that remains caught in the CLICO debacle represents more than 20 percent of its assets that is not earning income. He said that actuaries have projected that the Scheme is in trouble and something has to be done urgently to address the problem. He recalled that in the National Assembly, there was the passage of Resolution No. 82 of 2009 “calling upon the Government to take all possible actions to secure the investments made in CLICO (Guyana) by the NIS on behalf of contributors and beneficiaries of the Scheme to prevent any consequential loss in benefits to
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them.” The Finance Minister said that sadly, the PPP/C Government did nothing on that Resolution, resulting in a persistent deterioration in the Scheme’s financial position. He reminded that a new Board of Directors has been appointed and it has been charged the responsibility to come up with solutions to address the underlying problems of the Scheme. The Finance Minister said, too, that the National Insurance Scheme has faced several challenges over the years, such as the lack of compliance by both employers and employees, combined with unprofitable investments. Jordan maintained that Government intends to examine options for the expedient repayment of $5.24 billion owed by CLICO. To this end, the Finance Minister said that the Government will start discussions on the modality of an arrangement that will see NIS recovering this money over the long term. Additionally, he said that the management of NIS will work diligently to ensure greater compliance through the enforcement of the laws. This year, the Finance Minister stated that management will be targeting delinquent businesses and employers, in order to recover the $1.3 billion in arrears owed to the Scheme. He said that the NIS will also be examining an appropriate investment policy to guide its investments to ensure that future investments are profitable. It was on January 2, 1994, that CLICO International Life Insurance Limited opened its doors, taking over the life insurance operations in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean of Colonial Life Insurance Company (Trinidad) Limited. CLICO served the Caribbean for over 60 years. Its mission was to become the company of choice among life insurance buyers in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. At the helm was Leroy Parris,
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan former chairman of CLICO Holdings Barbados Ltd., which included services such as CLICO International Life Insurance Ltd. With 60 years of service under its belt, the company became one of the largest local conglomerates in the region, encompassing over 65 companies in 32 countries worldwide, with total assets exceeding US$100 billion. B y t h e t u r n o f t h e c e n t u r y, rumblings of fraud and money laundering at CLICO were felt. By 2005, there was talk of naive and greedy managers. There was talk of failure of government, regulators and auditors; of incompetence and failures at every level and at the highest levels within the company; and finally, fear and talk of CLICO needing taxpayers’ bailout. Understanding the situation from his bird’s-eye view within the company, the Chairman decided to protect his interest and before the mess hit the fan, CLICO was presumably being looted. By 2007 to 2008, there was no hiding the fact that CLICO was limping financially as well as its branches in other Caribbean territories, including Guyana. CLICO Guyana had approximately $6.9B invested in the Regional Insurance Company.
Dem boys seh...
MADNESS AND CORRUPTION TEK OVER BERBICE Early next week three people going to court fuh murder. One of dem is a boy who ain’t even lose he mother features. Dem shoot three people in de back dam because de people didn’t run away when dem hear gunshot. Now everybody know dem was thiefing fuel from a farm. Dem got a boat and every time dem want money all dem use to do was go to de farm and thief couple drum of fuel. Dem boys seh it was a strange combination—three people go to ketch fish and three go to thief fuel. ‘F’ fuh fish; ‘F’ fuh fuel. When de dust settle, three people dead and none of de dead was thiefing fuel. De people hear how is de youngest person in de thiefing group that do de shooting. What he was doing wid gun? Why nobody couldn’t stop him? And to think he own father been right there. So dem going to court just like de set who tek great pleasure in chopping up some people dem go and rob. This set also had great pleasure in burning down a house wid a woman inside after dem rob de woman. All this happen in Berbice and people now wondering if is something de people learn from somebody during the political fan out campaign. Dem got another set who parading in Canje. This set always on de prowl, so much so that people can’t sleep. De thieves always want cash and jewellery. Dem boys remember de time when a man and he friends been pun a raid and dem get some jewellery. Two days later de people see dem jewellery pun a woman. She see de necklace or de chain and like it so she put it on and walk about. De set in Berbice got more sense. De people don’t see dem jewellery because even de devil got a friend. De thieves got goldsmith fuh friends. Is a nice cycle. Talk half and watch wha corruption doing wid Berbice.
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Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Guyana Able Sports and Disabled Organisation
The faces behind philanthropy in Albouystown
A bike being presented to a youth
A donation to several persons who are disabled
Albouystown has long been identified as one of several places in Guyana where particular focus is needed for youths. This is in order to stimulate personal development and ensure that everyone has an equal chance at being a contributing member of society. The Guyana Able Sports and Disabled Organisation is one Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) which
has played an important role in ensuring this balance. By spearheading social work in Albouystown, the NGO has served to bring a measure of happiness back to the community with each selfless act. The organisation has not been alone in its work. While there are many in the private sector who make it their mission to help the less fortunate, they take no credit for themselves and try to
avoid the limelight. The founder of the NGO is Omar Cooper, himself partially disabled following a horrific accident back in the 1990s. He stated that support has been forthcoming from a wide cross section of society including business tycoons, police top brass and the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG). Cooper said that they have been involved in sharing blankets, bicycles and
even clothes. However, he stated that their work has been somewhat hampered by the lack of a formal office. He revealed that for some time he has been coordinating the group’s activities from the CIOG. Cooper reeled off the names of a number of people who have played a large part in uplifting Albouystown, but he lamented the fact that a lot of the good that t h e y h a v e done is not highlighted and this may have led to the somewhat lackluster support being experienced now. “Yesu Persaud, Kubalall, Hamilton Green, Red Cross,” he said. “Colonel Hussein worked with us. We formed a scout group. He would carry them and train them, discipline, jogging and other activities. When he was a part of us he disciplined the youths, trained them about etiquette.” He was in high praises for Commander of ‘A’ Division
Clifton Hicken. Cooper noted the interest that the commander showed in the exercises. “Hicken is a practical man. He would be in the street with his uniform and if he see you riding away he would call you and ask, ‘You have something against the police? You can tell me what happen.’ And he would shake (the person’s) hand.” Omar Cooper was also high in praise for Roshan Khan of RK Security, whom he noted, provided a steady stream of supplies and food to disabled people and Seventh Day Adventists. He also singled out Yesu Persaud. Cooper stated that while Persaud was a stranger, the group approached him and asked for support. Cooper related that the response had been a positive one, as Persaud sent carpenters, builders and other requisite support for the organization’s cause.
“I went and solicited the bicycles. Last year, I collected sports gear from Minister (within the Ministry of Education), Nicolette Henry. And we collaborated with the Linden Masjid and supplied football, volleyball, basketball.” He noted that cell phone store Gizmos and Gadgets had also contributed significantly. He recalled an instance when the organisation was assisting a gunshot wound victim. He recalled the assistance the store gave. Cooper’s work was varied before the accident that would leave him with limited use of his own body. He worked on a sugar estate, as well as in the police force; Cooper’s life was changed forever. “A GuySuCo truck hit a minibus. And five persons died on the spot. I was in the middle of the front seat. But the experts said that because the radiator was in the middle it saved me. My hand went through the windshield and perished. I went to the hospital and spent over seven months there. My eyes were damaged.” According to Cooper, his empathy for the disabled is not just a result of his own disability. Stressing that the disabled were citizens just like everyone and protected by the Laws of Guyana, he stated that while he was disabled it would do no good for him to sit and mope. Having met with President David Granger and participated in the much vaunted three ‘B’s’ programme, Cooper was highly appreciative of the need to continue outreaches in Albouystown. And he issued an appeal for previous donors to not forsake the program now, when they were on the brink of truly realizing Albouystown’s potential.
Sunday July 31, 2016
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Kaieteur News
GPHC Board seeks guidance from Health Minister to reinstate Michael Khan
GPL in quandary as Chinese-built submarine power cable remains down
Will Mr. Michael Khan return as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)? That is the question currently being debated on. But based on information that has reached this publication this decision currently sits in the hands of Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton. Khan was last year sent on administrative leave to allow for an unhindered forensic audit of the procurement processes at the GPHC. But based on the findings of the audit which was conducted by Junior Finance Minister, Mr. Jaipaul Sharma, Khan is guilty of no wrongdoing. Many believed that this would have cleared the way for Khan to resume his duties as CEO of the hospital. This is in light of the fact that just recently Chairman of the Board of Director, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, in addressing the fact that the hospital’s Matron (Ms. Collene Hicks) was sent on administrative leave to allow for an investigation of her conduct, said that once the findings do not substantiate allegations made against the Matron she will be allowed to resume her duties. This publication understands that at a Board meeting on Friday Khan’s return was discussed but mixed responses were forthcoming from the members. Reports are that the meeting became so heated that the Chairman stormed out unwilling to be a part of the process. But when contacted yesterday, the Chairman was not willing to substantiate the
Two weeks after going down, a critical submarine cable that links the city with West Demerara is still to be repaired. Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is now reportedly seeking foreign assistance to make it operational again. The Chinese-built cable is crucial as part of the system that connects the Berbice and Demerara grid. It means now that the more than US$30M new power facility at Vreed-enHoop, West Demerara will be unable to lend its excess power to the other side of the river, a worry at this time when GPL is depending on those extras to ensure that there is no shortfall. It is estimated that millions of dollars in excess power is lost from the generation by the Vreed-enHoop station because of the downed cable. GPL has been under pressure to reduce its outages with some of them coming at embarrassing times. Guyana first learnt of a problem with the submarine cable on July 13 when GPL disclosed in a statement that on the previous evening the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System experienced a shutdown as a result of a faulty connection or “Pot Head” that links the 69KV submarine cable to the overhead transmission lines at Kingston. While power was restored, the link remained down. GPL said that “every effort” is being made to restore the submarine cable link between the Vreed-enHoop station. Since then, there has been
Mr. Michael Khan
information that was reliably related to this publication. However, another member of the Board did verify that the disagreeable nature of the meeting failed to find favour with Dr. Hanoman who was unwilling to continue to be a part of the assembly. The member confirmed too that the findings of the audit have cleared Khan of all allegations of wrongdoing. “The findings have been handed over to us and we as a Board have deliberated on it. We have a consensus to let the Minister know the findings of the audit...We have written to the Minister and we are awaiting his response in terms of guidance on the way forward,” the member informed. The current state of affairs at the level of the Board the member disclosed is that “some folks are optimistic that
Khan will return, some are not and some are just not saying anything...It is kind of ‘ticklish’.” This publication was, however, informed that ahead of the completion of the audit the Board had agreed that should the findings of the audit clear Khan he should be reinstated. Khan was sent on administrative leave on September 9, 2015 and Minister Norton had informed then that “generally if we are doing an investigation, if who we are investigating might be considered to be impeding the investigation, we generally would send them on leave.” Mr. Alan Johnson, who formerly headed the New Amsterdam Hospital, was tasked with acting in the capacity of CEO and continues to do so.
no other word from GPL on the repairs to the cable. The submarine cable was part of a larger infrastructural work by GPL to improve its efficiency. It included also the building of seven substations and stringing of miles of new transmission lines with fiber optic across the coastlands. The entire US$40M-plus project was handled by China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CMC), a Chinese company which is now planning to participate in a number of other ones. Yesterday, GPL officials confirmed that indeed there is no power on the submarine cable and that likely an overseas firm will have to be engaged. There have been questions from other stakeholders about the integrity of the cable laid by CMC. It was supposed to be buried at least three meters and protected to avoid the vessels that ply the Demerara River. There has also been worry about the quality of the submarine cable. GPL has reportedly withheld over US$4M from CMC for the substation project and it is from this that the state-owned company will fund the repairs to the submarine cable. GPL came under scrutiny last week again after Minister of State Joseph Harmon in responding to media questions said that he is of the view that a contractor’s track record must be an important consideration when evaluations are done.
CMC’s handling of the sub-stations and transmission lines project had been cited. The contractor wants to work on another major GPL project- this time a $3.8 B (US$18.6M) for meters and for more transmissions lines. Harmon said that anyone can submit a bid, but it is up to the evaluators to ensure that contractors with bad track records do not get the contract. He noted that when the documents come to Cabinet, it is for Cabinet to either object or give its no objection to the contract. “Performance at previous contracts must be a factor to be taken into consideration. At the level of evaluation, it then goes to National Procurement and Tender Administration Board where another level of evaluation takes place. And they will scrutinize the contract.” Back in May, it had been reported that bids were being assessed for a contract to install a medium and low voltage distribution network, as well as smart meters in order to upgrade GPL’s services. The system GPL currently uses has been deemed unreliable. In addition, an upgrade was necessary before any plans for hydropower could come on stream. CMC was one of five companies which submitted bids, but the company was already harshly evaluated by consultants for an $8.4B (US$42M) it undertook to build transmission lines and seven substations.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday July 31, 2016
Amnesty International Report 2015/2016…
HUMAN RIGHTS BODY RECORDS INCREASING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
Amnesty International, one of the largest human rights organisations globally, has published its report on Guyana for the period 2015 to 2016. According to the report, there continues to be high levels of sexual and other physical violence against women and girls. The organisation referenced a Latin American Public Opinion Project survey which revealed that domestic violence was highly accepted in Guyana. According to Amnesty International, the Guyana Police Force had registered 300 reports of rape up to November 2015. This was much higher than 2014 when 238 reports were recorded for the same period.
The organisation made contact with women’s rights groups and based on the information received concluded that the police force continues to fail to take reports seriously. The report said that the conviction rates for sexual offences remained alarmingly low. The report made reference to a former Minister of Health who was charged with using insulting language towards a women’s rights activist who would have confronted him on issues of maternal health. In April 2015, former Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran was leading a protest action outside of the Whim Magistrate’s Court. The purpose of the protest was to offer support to
former President Bharrat Jagdeo. During the protest, well-known activist Sherlina Nageer interjected and asked Dr Ramsaran whether Jagdeo hasn’t abused his wife. Ramsaran responded saying “Shut your mouth and get out my face.” The incident was recorded and circulated in the media. Ramsaran later apologised for his actions. The report went on to give insight into other human rights issues which continue to persist in Guyana. The report says that there continues to be allegations of excessive force being used by members of the Guyana Police Force during arrests and detention. The Universal Periodic
Review had offered recommendations to Guyana in this regard. According to the report, these recommendations were accepted and used to strengthen the independence of the Police Complaints Authority and increase its resources and capacity. Concerning Children’s rights, the report stated that corporal punishment in schools continued which is in contravention of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. It noted that despite the government having consultations with civil society on the use of corporal punishment, the law remained unchanged.
Sunday July 31, 2016
City Hall granted until December for vendors’ stay at Parliament View mall According to reports, the administration of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is seeking to extend the relocated Stabroek Square vendors’ stay at the “Parliament View” mall. Town Clerk Royston King was in negotiations with Hareshnarine Sugrim, the proprietor of the “Parliament View” lot. The relocation of the vendors to that location was supposed to be temporary and was slated to last a period of three months. That deadline has come to an end. At the time of relocation, the Town Clerk had promised the vendors that (City Hall) would find a more permanent, suitable location to properly house the vendors. Sugrim said, yesterday, that he has agreed to extend the stay of the vendors at “Parliament View’’ until December. Sugrim in an invited comment said that the granting of the extension to City Hall is his way of supporting and giving to the new administration of Georgetown and to the government. City Hall had embarked on a massive cleanup of the Stabroek Square and Water Street at the beginning of
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Kaieteur News
Hareshnarine Sugrim
Town Clerk, Royston King
May. After the cleanup the “street” vendors were removed and relocated to the empty lot opposite Public Buildings on Hadfield Street. The vendors were those who were selling on the pavements of Water Street and around Stabroek Square. Those displaced were allocated stalls in the new location south of Parliament Building on Hadfield Street. The vendors had to sign a contract agreeing to occupy the new plot of land provided by the Council for three months after which they would be relocated to buildings that the M&CC
would have supposedly already found to facilitate their permanent move. Before the move the M&CC had done some work on the ground at “Parliament View”, installed lights and portable toilets. Despite the ground work many vendors have complained of the flooding at “Parliament View”, and the stalls being too “choked” and cramped for space. A few vendors expressed their growing impatience with the M&CC’s failure to provide a permanent and comfortable environment for them to ply their trade.
Government to address nurses shortage - Dr. Norton Reports of a shortage of nurses at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) have been confirmed by Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton who explained that the government and his ministry are working towards addressing the issue. Minister Norton acknowledges that there is not the required complement of nurses in the public health institution. However, the Minister explained that the administration will be reviewing the salary scale of nurses which he highlighted as a major contributor to the shortage of this category of health workers. “ We k n o w w e h a v e been losing nurses particularly to other countries and even within the country to the private sector, and one of the main
Health Minister, Dr. George Norton reasons is emoluments, the salary scale, that is being addressed at the level of the government now with the unions,” Minister Norton said. The Minister however, noted that there is an adequate corps of doctors at the GPHC. “Staffing in general is a big problem in
t h e h e a l t h s e c t o r. F o r instance at the Georgetown Public Hospital we are short of 300 nurses, I think the only area that we are to some extent comfortable is with physicians, but of course they are general practitioners in most of the cases.” The shortage of nurses has seen a number of other issues arising at the GPHC. These include the lengthy waiting period patients have to endure to be attended to. The Ministry of Public Health intends to build the capacity of nurses through several on the job training programmes. The Ministry collaborates with the Ministry of Communities, as well as the Department of Public Service for the employment and payment of the health care workers in the public health care system.
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Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Hope for the Nation Foundation injects $60M in donation to indigenous villages The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has benefitted from the efforts of Hope for the Nation Foundation, Guyana. The Foundation recently donated four 40-foot containers containing $60M worth of clothing, books, pharmaceutical supplies, spectacle frames, food items, and other articles for the indigenous villages and communities. The handing over ceremony was held at the
Foundation’s bond located in Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Eccles, East Bank Demerara. Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ministry was Vice President and Minister with responsibility for the affairs of the indigenous peoples, Sydney Allicock. Minister Allicock, in thanking the Foundation for making such a timely donation to the nation’s first peoples, assured that the support will have a lasting
influence on beneficiaries. In welcoming the birth of what is intended to be a fruitful relationship between the two organizations, Minister Allicock assured that the indigenous peoples, once given an equal opportunity, will be able to make a significant contribution to national development. Minister Allicock highlighted a number of areas where the indigenous peoples are considered the custodians of the forest. They
continue to play an integral role in ensuring its preservation. Minister Allicock said, “We have gold, we have diamond, we have bauxite, we have timber, we have attractions such as Kaieteur Falls, the mountains, the rivers, the species of Guyana that eighty percent of Guyanese do not understand or have not seen as yet. And we the indigenous peoples have been able to preserve all of this.” The Minister also took the opportunity to remind the
nation that in exploiting the country’s natural resources, this must be done without causing harm “that is like taking photographs, using fruits, using medicinal plants, to develop industries that can help us in tropical medicine and tourism generally and we can also make money from not harming the natural resource”. President of the Foundation Dr. Abdel Bari said that he is very pleased that the Foundation has collaborated with the Ministry, since it has always
been his desire to provide support to the indigenous peoples. He also expressed delight that Minister Allicock and team were able to successfully exchange opinions. Future collaboration is imminent, he added. Dr. Bari noted that although the Foundation is relatively new, through collaboration with Cross International, a NonGovernmental organization based in the United States, it is also very much interested in supporting among other groups indigenous peoples worldwide. He said the Foundation has since requested a wish list from the Ministry where support can be forthcoming, with special emphasis placed on Agriculture diversification in the hinterland. Dr. Bari also alluded to the interest of he foundation in also collaborating with the Ministry to assist indigenous peoples create trade opportunities that will enable their produce to be sold particularly in the international market. It is Dr. Bari’s firm belief that Guyana has great potential for being one of the richest countries, but it can only happen if there is a cohesive approach to the better of society. Hope for the Nation which was recently established here in Guyana is a Non-Governmental Organization aimed at providing the much needed support to groups or communities.
Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Cabinet approves $266M Dress Code out of line with Modern Thinking – GHRA Head in food for Prisons The matter of there being a dress code has once again attracted public opinion by activists and citizens alike. According to the Head of Guyana Human Rights Association, Mike McCormack, the dress codes which are being upheld by both private and public entities are not in line with modern thinking. Recently, President David Granger during his Public Interest broadcast said that the dress code is an unnecessary imposition, especially when persons would have travelled distances to conduct business with the government. He further said that the measures have been taken to ridiculous extremes. According to the GHRA Head, the decision as to who should judge whether someone is dressed appropriately is usually left up to the security guards stationed at government buildings and private businesses. He said that the management of government
institutions and businesses essent i a l l y d e c i d e o n a dress code but it is left to someone who didn’t play a part in the conception of the code to make the final judgement. McCormack considers this as an unacceptable measure. The human rights activist recommends that a general statement be erected at these locations and it should state clearly that persons must be dressed appropriately before entry. He said that what is appropriate should be tested based on what is accepted by society today. McCormack doesn’t believe that there needs to be any consultation to decide what should be the appropriate dress code. Ultimately, it should be left up to the conscience of persons to dress appropriately when entering particular places of business, whether public or private. President Granger during his televised programme had said that it is a mystery where the “dress code” originated.
He believes that some of the requirements in the so-called code are backward. He said, “If the person is clean and decently clad and doesn’t offend public morality, I think the public services should be extended to those persons.” According to the Head of State the issue should be reviewed since it has become a public nuisance. On Monday last there was a protest outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court by a group of activists who demanded that there should be a holistic approach to addressing the issue. There is no legal basis for the dress code. The Constitution of Guyana does not contain a provision which prescribes a dress code which should be adhered to when entering public buildings. How a person dresses is primarily based on the accepted standards by society. It is this premise which McCormack believes should influence the country’s position on the matter.
Cabinet earlier last week, gave its no objection to several contracts for the provision of dietary supplies for the various prisons throughout the country. These contracts amounted to some $266M. The contracts for the procurement of dietary supplies for the Georgetown Prison were granted to Nigel’s Supermarket; Guyana Trading Company; Paradise Food Court; and the Guyana Green Grocery in the total amount of $120.3 M. The contracts for the procurement of dietary supplies for the New Amsterdam Prison were awarded to: the GuynazGreen Grocery; Paradise Food Court; R.Maraj General Contracting; and Dabi’s Variety. The total sum awarded was $50,241,372. Procurement of dietary supplies for the Mazaruni Prison for selected items went to Guyana Green Grocery and the Paradise Food Court to the tune of $75.3M while dietary supplies contracts for the Lusignan Prison for selected totalling $20.3M were awarded to Guynaz Green Grocery; Paradise Food Court; Dabi’s Variety; GuyanaTrading Company; and Nigel’s Supermarket. Meanwhile, the Old Linden Hospital has been slated for rehabilitation. This contract was awarded to Barron’s Exclusive for the sum of $17.4 M while the contract for the rehabilitation of the Mackenzie Water Treatment Plant – also in Linden, was awarded
to B. K. International Inc at the sum of $23,050,515. The contract for the Water Treatment Plant at Watooka, Linden, was awarded to Samaroo Investments in the sum of $25,656,000. For the supply of one Mobile Car Crusher to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for the sum of G$40.8M was awarded to Dax Contracting Services while the contract for the provision of an Electrical 12-Ton truck scale, also for the Ministry was awarded to Superior Shingles and Wood Products Inc in the sum of $15,193,500. Cabinet also gave its no objection for the supply of Medical Science Laboratory Equipment to the University of Guyana. This contract was awarded to the Netcom Computer City and South Caribbean Distributors at a total sum of $29,998,210. Contracts for the provision of consulting services for the provision of Training Manuals to the Guyana Water Inc. were awarded to Massy Technologies Infocom (Trinidad) Ltd in the sum of US$87,891 while the contract for consultancy services for a training programme for procurement officials and to provide Technical Support to develop procurement Plants for the Ministry of Finance in the sum of US$192,900, was awarded to the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
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Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
RECALCITRANT MINERS…
Unit to be established to enforce land reclamation - Harmon Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
The Ministry of Natural Resources will soon be introducing an enforcement unit within its confines. The unit will be boosted by rangers who will ensure that
mining companies and operators fulfill their responsibilities to the environment. This was disclosed by Minister of State, Joseph
Harmon, during a recent interview. According to Harmon, the Government was currently looking at establishing a unit that would enforce existing regulations in areas prone to misuse by recalcitrant miners. “We are looking at regulations and an enforcement entity within the Ministry of Natural Resources,” Harmon said. “We believe that there needs to be greater emphasis on regulation and enforcing these regulations in the hinterland.” “We had started to look at setting up a unit for that purpose,” Harmon added, “not a unit for land reclamation. This was a unit for a ranger corps.” According to Harmon, land reclamation was part of a programme for which there was funding. He disputed previous reports which had stated that he had announced the formation of a land reclamation unit. “Land reclamation has to do with reclaiming those lands which were (classified as) mined out land,” he said. “(It also involves) the way in which you deal with companies who have mining permits for which they dig up the land and don’t do anything to refill it.” “Where they were actually mining and when they move from one area they are required to refill the land, replant and then move on. So
that is the model that we will look at and that is the current posture of the Ministry.” In 2014, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) had launched a land reclamation project valued at $500M to reclaim lands and engage in reforestation activities to preserve the forest for future generations. Through financial support from the Government of Norway, Guyana had been pursuing some developmental projects expected to help in the preservation of the forest. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had also been helping Government to implement the Amerindian Development Fund financed by the Norwegian Government through the Guyana REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) Investment Fund –GRIF. Land reclamation is restoring land distributed to mining operations to what it was before being mined that is, restoring the environmental balance. The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) recently announced that it would be partnering with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (UNFAO) to implement a Sustainable Land Development and Management Project.
Land reclamation was not enforced in this area in Mahdia.
The proposed project is expected to come on stream in January 2017. This would be the largest collaboration of its kind in Guyana between the UNFAO and the GL&SC. It is understood that the project would be funded through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), in line with the Low Carbon Development Strategy, and in keeping with the ideals of a low emissions pathway of the Green Economy Framework. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Environmental Protection Act (1996) is required to coordinate a National Protected Areas System. The Kaieteur National Park was the first legally protected area in Guyana. After that came the Iwokrama Rainforest. This received its status when Guyana dedicated two percent of its forests as a place for research. Afterwards, Guyana established a Protected Areas System. Priority areas includ e d S h e l l B e a c h , Kanuku Mountains, Mount Roraima, and the southern Guyana region. After much consultation, both Shell Beach and the Kanuku Mountains became legally established Protected Areas. Additionally, the Government of Guyana passed the Protected Areas Act in 2011.
Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Patient care has to be paramount! By Sharmain Grainger
Most doctors and nurses enter their respective professions with the identical aim - making patients better. There are of course those who seek to find out the various reasons for our expiration, such as those in the field of pathology. But we have precious few of our local medical professionals venturing into that area; moreover the majority are tasked with making us better. But it seems that some of these professionals tasked with helping to improve our health have given new meaning to patient care. Let’s take a closer look at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Guyana’s premier health care facility. In the past few weeks it has been featured in the media for reasons that have left me a bit confused. Based on rumoured reports, some of which have been substantiated by the hospital’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, there has been a breakdown of communication between doctors and nurses in some sections of the health facility. This has reportedly resulted in some departments of the hospital being understaffed, and based on what I was told the Accident and Emergency Unit (A&E) is among the most affected. Now this can never be a good thing, regardless of how it is examined. The A&E Unit is usually the first stop when people in need of medical attention are rushed to the hospital. There is probably not a single day that that department isn’t overwhelmed. I am not a medical professional by any stretch of the imagination, but I do believe that common sense would dictate that this department must always have a team of very capable nurses and doctors always ready to cater to the needs of patients. When such a department is deprived of sufficient staffers, that, in my humble opinion, is a recipe for disaster. There is no explaining that away.
Based on the utterances of Dr. Hanoman, the hospital has a shortage of in excess of 200 nurses. This, he informed, has resulted in nurses being shuffled around the hospital to meet nursing needs in other departments. Because only some nurses are reportedly pressured, many of them absent themselves, further reducing the numbers available to aid in the delivery of health care. But there is another aspect to this story. There are allegations that were featured widely in the media that the Director of Nursing Services (a fancy name for Matron) of the hospital is opposed to having nurses of the hospital be dictated to by doctors. I am of the belief that if a doctor is on a particular ward, he or she automatically is the one with the superior authority. This has essentially hampered attempts to have the hospital move forward with plans to have specialist training for nurses. With specialist training, it is expected that nurses will dedicate their efforts to a particular department. The argument against this is that nurses should be able to function efficiently in any department should there be a major crisis situation. Although he sees merit in both arguments, the Board Chairman has recognised that there is a dilemma. He disclosed to the media recently that many of the doctors of the institution have been complaining that they had dedicated many hours training nurses to function in their departments, only to have them moved to other areas, and the training process has to start all over again with new nurses. The allegations that the Matron has been deliberately slighting the doctors by not favourably responding to their requests for nurses, are currently under investigation. There are reports that the Matron has even been defying the orders of the Chief Executive Officer (ag), Mr. Alan Johnson. Moreover, it was recommended at the level of the Board that she be sent on administrative leave to facilitate a probe into the allegations. But I have no major interest in how the
The Baccoo Speaks accident in the heart of the city. Another scandal is The driver would try to avoid a brewing. A fraud would be careless driver and suffer the detected in the Works worse. Special tools would be Ministry. A contractor would used to remove one of the seem to enjoy special occupants. privileges because he would ** collect money for jobs he There would be a fire that never did. The government would seem to collaborate with would involve the police. the view that one should not Immediately there would leave children unattended. The be the political intervention fire would start in a bedroom and before with claims of political victimization. anyone realizes it will spread throughout. ** Another homeless family with little or no Accidents are never far away. A household would be involved in a road resource to restart.
hospital deals with its disciplinary measures, my interest, however, is whether this will lead to improved delivery of health care? Will the rift between nurses and doctors end? The decision to send the Matron off, in fact truly brought to light the depth of the ‘unpleasantries’ between nurses and doctors at the GPHC. A statement issued by the Guyana Nurses Association spoke of the decision to send the Matron home as a move to merely “appease the doctors.” The nursing body pointed out too that “sometimes the knowledge displayed by our professional nurses supersedes that of the doctors. When doctors are in training or are employed, most of them are guided by the nurses; from setting an intravenous infusion and simple dressings, to making other pertinent decisions for patients.” Moreover, the GNA has dared the doctors of the institution to spend time conducting the research to improve their clinical practice, and leave the nurses to do nursing management. But the disclosures got even more
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damning when the GNA revealed that “if deaths in other departments are investigated, like those in the Maternity unit, it will shock the nation, as wrong diagnosis and poor management contribute to an alarming number of deaths. Nurses are aware.” Now it makes no sense that nurses would be fully aware of such a troubling state of affairs and say nothing. Did they even think of reporting their concerns to the Medical Council or at least the CEO? This suggests to the average layman that they care so little for patients that they would sit idly by and just let them die. As Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, puts it, this speaks of “collusion”. They are as much to be blamed as the doctors if in fact these disclosures are true. Why must it take a Matron being sent on administrative leave for disclosures of unacceptable health care to be highlighted? But I guess the nation can take solace in the fact that both the Minister of Health and the Board Chairman have respectively assured that they will do whatever it takes to fix the shortcomings at the GPHC.
Sunday July 31, 2016
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Kaieteur News
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
John Magufuli, Joe Harmon and Nietzsche It was featured in most of the major media houses around the world when President John Mugafuli of Tanzania cancelled government-sponsored Independence and Christmas celebrations and assigned the sums saved to fight cholera, buy medicine and improve health care. He also ordered the cancellation of a ceremony sponsored by Parliament, and the money
supposed to be left in the compound after 5 p.m. were used for private purposes. The forensic audit of GWI revealed that a vehicle was used by the son of the CEO, Shaik Baksh who crashed it. At the time, May 2015, Baksh’s son was using the vehicle for private purposes when he had no authority to be in possession of it. Baksh agreed to pay GWI for the vehicle in June 2016. One can
The men and women who came into power in May 2015 told the nation in the most barefaced fashion that they wanted to eat their cake yet have it too. Most people in the world grew up with the saying, “some things are lost when some things are gained in living every day.” Many big wigs in the APNU and AFC government gave themselves a stupendous salary increase for the reason
that they are Ministers, but they were never honest to say that it came at the expense of the power they now possess; power they wanted to have and currently enjoy. All over the world even wealthy folks would like to have state power. Some American tycoons would love to become Ambassadors or Cabinet Ministers. Our Coalition leaders wanted power, but didn’t want to lose
question to the Coalition leaders that it was either power or money, but it couldn’t have been both. For me this was the first sign that the post-2015 leadership of Guyana would not come in neatly wrapped transformational gift sets. Next was the colossal expenditure on the Durban Park project for Independence Day. No one big wig in the Coalition
know what the expenditure was on that project. That money could have gone to buying essentials for the
went to buying hospital beds. Mufugali also issued an edict to Ministers to curtail trips abroad and cut cost. From Independence right up to President Granger, we, in Guyana have never seen such realistic recognition of a country’s financial limitations. In political theory it is called transformational leadership. In this country, every senior and junior minister, senior heads of important departments and chairpersons of many governmental boards, drive SUVs that drink gasoline. The gas bill under Jagdeo’s regime was unimaginable. A top Ministry of Finance official in 2007 told me that the bill was exceedingly high because vehicles that were
just imagine if the PPP didn’t lose the election, Baksh would not have been made to reimburse GWI. The GWI incident is definitely one in hundreds where under the PPP’s hegemony money was spent by State officials as if this country was an industrial, manufacturing giant of the developed world. Imagine if Jagdeo and Ramotar weren’t toppled by the 2015 election how much more money would have been wasted. One would have thought that emulations of President Mugafuli’s pragmatism and commonsense would have been seen by the Guyanese population soon after the Coalition Government came into being.
that is best summed up in the words of Joe Harmon. He said that he cannot work for $500,000 a month when that was the salary he paid his junior attorneys at his law firm. Harmon got so many blows for that statement that I don’t know how he was able to recover. But Harmon was never given credit for his honesty and candour. He was the only one from the Coalition that openly said I want the power I now have, but I also want the big salary I used to get before I became a Minister. No other Coalition big wig was that frank. They went about telling people how drastic will be the reduction in their earning power now
the money they earned before the Coalition victory. So they quietly gazetted their whopping salary increase until a pro-PPP newspaper brought it to the nation’s attention. Up to this day no journalist has put the
Government thought of following President Mugafali. If small contractors are still owed $200 million then how much did that project cost? As usual in authoritarian Guyana (which is the story of our lives and the story of our history), the nation does not
Georgetown Hospital where it has been reported from time to time many patients share a single bed and it was featured in the papers where a mother and her child slept under a bed because beds were in short supply. Where is Nietzsche’s Übermensch?
Frederick Kissoon
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Kaieteur News
Sunday July 31, 2016
HAPPY EMANCIPATION, GUYANA! The Alliance for Change (AFC) seizes this opportunity to extend to every Guyanese of every ethnicity and culture a very Happy Emancipation! According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word ‘emancipate’ means “to free from restraint, control or power of another; especially to free from bondage”. It is a subject that has remained relevant from 1834 when the British and American Abolitionists finally succeeded in having this inhuman practice declared illegal, finished. Most, if not all, of the countries in the Caribbean were built on the backs of African slaves and indentured labourers from India, China, Portugal and other places around the world. The evolution of Guyana from then to now is deeply stained by this paradigm, especially the fact that it was used by our colonists to sustain divisions among our people. The most distressing aspect of it all is the active continuation of these divisions into this 21st Century by our own people who
have no other agenda but political gain. In this global village that we live in that is getting even smaller not by geography but by the power of internet connectivity, there is just no space, no time, no tolerance for the perpetuation of the myth that one race is superior to another. The wisest words of wisdom on the subject came during a 1937 pre-independence speech delivered by Marcus Garvey, Jamaican political leader, publisher, journalist and entrepreneur. He said, “We’re going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because, whilst others can free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind.” So powerful is that admonition that it has been immortalized by the late, great Bob Marley in the lyrics of “Redemption Song”. So powerful is this message that at least nine other internationally acclaimed British, American and Irish artistes have recorded covers. Among them are Sinead O’Connor, Johnny Cash and Chris Cornell. This quote is also the bedrock of the AFC, established in 2005 as a movement to provoke and promote changed perceptions of the value of Guyanese nationhood, and to turn on its face the crude and utterly senseless racial divisions that have been pitting Guyanese people one against the other. The AFC comprises Guyanese people of diverse
ethnicities, ancestry, cultures and religions, people who possess an impressive range of professional talents and a strong will to contribute to the progress of this nation. The AFC has grown into the real change agent that Guyana so badly needs. The party has stayed true to its founding principles of equality, liberty of the spirit and mind which influence our approaches to the numerous administrative issues that we and our coalition partners confront everyday to ultimately transform our economy and international image. The AFC was established as a ‘Third Force’ in the then two-party political model to put an end to the criminal waste of Guyanese talent; to halt the stagnation of national growth that was occasioned by these political divisions; to end the crass despotism that had characterized our lives over the last 2 decades; to discard the divisive, destructive and racially charged political gamesmanship that was destroying our people’s will to remain here to develop our country. It is indisputable that larger numbers of Guyanese live outside our country than the in-country population. A very recent study posits that 93 percent of our graduates from the University of Guyana and other tertiary level institutions leave this beautiful land to follow their dreams. Other countries are now benefiting from the educational foundation that Guyana had laid. Some migrants never returned, but the vast majority have stayed in contact or current with the status quo in their homeland. We know this because our growing register of members consists of people who live in other countries but they volunteer their time, intellect and resources to the AFC. We know this because, among the 27,000 who came home for the Golden Jubilee, there were many who were enthused by our obvious efforts to create a vibrant economy and society, but they let us know that there is still a long road to travel before Guyana could attract them back for good. They helped to strengthen our resolve to end this debilitating brain drain. We have only just begun to revamp the education curricula from nursery to university while we prepare our people across our 83,000 square miles for internet connectivity. President Granger’s New Year’s clarion call this past January resounds like a trumpet. This year of our Golden Jubilee, he said, will be Guyana’s Renaissance, the year that begins our steadfast march towards the creation of a Guyanese society and a Guyanese population that can walk pace-for-pace alongside the rest of the world. This requires us to remove all encumbrances, especially the institutionalized misappropriation of the nation’s resources, and the entrenched fear of speaking up and
speaking out against the wrongs we see being perpetuated, the wrongs that rob us of our entitlements. People still fear the reprisals that the previous government used to visit upon them. There is work for us to do in towns and villages to help our people to understand that they have a responsibility to hold this government accountable, and that the wrongs perpetuated against them by the PPP will not continue. Simultaneously, the government is finding ways to side-step the efforts of the opposition to hold progress back. Their members are so accustomed to hoodwinking our people into believing that they are working in their best interest, that they have totally lost all sense of purpose. So they hide behind senseless shouting, truth twisting, outright untruths and enumerating the ‘actions’ the government should take to erase the damage that they did to our nation. But they are failing. This administration exemplifies what a custodian of the people’s resources must do. The nation watched in horror the Opposition Leader’s address to a meeting of New York-based Guyanese during which he stated that Guyanese of Indian origin are ‘under assault’. This was rank race-baiting that has become his refuge because his arsenal is empty. He railed against the clean-up campaign that had begun spontaneously the day after the results of the May 2015 general elections were announced. Then he challenged the coalition government to find the funds and resources that were stolen under his leadership. We found some of those funds and resources, thanks to some fed-up Guyanese who’d had enough of their barefaced theft and disrespect. Jagdeo has been leading his followers into one rabbit hole or another and now he’s run out of options so he reverts to the old standard – race-baiting. Hopefully Guyanese people, irrespective of our ancestry, will recognize soon enough that this man wants nothing else but to return to ‘power’ to continue where he left off. It would hardly work this time because our young people, the larger proportion of our population, are smarter and unconcerned about the PPP’s baggage. They have access to information and enlightened opinions. Generally our youths are anxious to get on with their own lives, to establish business ventures and to network with like-minded youths around the world through the faster 4G network that is building in Guyana. They will soon have access to up-to-date skills training and post graduate programmes for ICT and the gamut of skills that will be required for our emerging oil and gas industry. Guyana is on the way up to the place where we will truly be emancipated from mental and societal bondage. HAPPY EMANCIPATION, GUYANA!
Sunday July 31, 2016
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Kaieteur News
My column
That naked pander to race This past week there was a lot of focus on government discriminating against people of East Indian ancestry and against those supposedly linked to the People’s Progressive Party. One would get the impression that the government had a list and it simply marked off the names of people of East Indian ancestry. What is surprising is that the government has a lot of people of East Indian ancestry in its Cabinet. And even this became a target for the political opposition. The political opposition contended that the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, was almost denuded. There were no such complaints from Nagamootoo and his party leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, who is a Vice President in the government. Of course this pandering to race is a dangerous thing. There are people who are silly enough to believe whatever their leaders tell them. I was at a press conference hosted by Clement Rohee when he stepped up to defend Bharrat Jagdeo. I asked him to provide the names of two Indians who were victimized and he glibly said that he was still compiling the list. I reminded him that I was editing New Nation after his government came into office. I reminded him that within two months I was publishing a list of the people his government summarily dismissed. I told him that he had one year and he could not provide two names.
His colleague Gail Teixeira mind, because they said that then came up and glibly tried the government had to work to measure the number of East with what it was comfortable. Indians on Government This was the case for 23 years. Boards. As fate would have I was very aware of this, it, all the Boards set up by the because I was the first to be PPP were heavily stacked removed. I was the Editor-inwith people of East Indian Chief at the Guyana Chronicle ancestry. Is it coincidental at the time. There were that this qualified was the people in the case? lineup but the Everyone PPP chose to recognized bring in the that the PPP late Sharief would put Khan. When its people in Sharief died positions, there was even if it Mark Ramotar. was just to It was the satisfy the same with support radio and t h e s e television. p e o p l e GuySuCo was gave it for no different Adam Harris t h e and the trend elections. It continued, but was the same with the one did not sit back to worry diplomatic service. It later about the blatant came out in court that there discrimination. The sale of were no persons of African state lands, the appointment ancestry heading a mission. of Permanent Secretaries, the That is not the case today. head of commissions with the I remember Dr Cheddi Ethnic Relations Commission Jagan removing Nigel being the one exception, the Gravesande from his post as selection of members of a Permanent Secretary parliament and the list goes because he said that he had the right to choose his permanent secretary. Rashleigh Jackson was the Foreign Minister. He had with him Rudy Insanally. He was sent packing and Rudy Insanally was kept. But whatever the reason, the PPP was the first to politicize not only the public service, but also every aspect of national life. Skill and ability passed for nothing. Yet the people of Guyana paid no
on. All those who were relieved at the end of their tenure were caught up in some shenanigan that may still warrant police action. There were others for nonperformance. We have the probe of a permanent secretary who was assigned to Office of the President. He was actually a member of the PPP elections slate but he was not removed until the investigators found an overwhelming illegality. The facts would be made public in the coming days. They talked about the repossession of core homes, suggesting that again the government was targeting people of East Indian ancestry. Many of these people never occupied the homes, some choosing to acquire them for their children who were not of age. These were the speculators and the PPP did not care. In fact, it was the then Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, who said that his government turned a blind eye to illegalities. Race is something that I don’t carp about, because the
bottom line is that I have to live with every Guyanese, regardless of race or colour. I believe that Guyanese of every persuasion has a right to work. I would never support any move to discriminate against anyone. Glenn Lall can also talk about this form of discrimination. When I joined his staff the PPP made it known that the government would not be keen to provide advertisements to his paper once I was employed there.
I would hate to recap the extent of the PPP victimization against people of African ancestry. However, there is a reason for the PPP to resort to the race card, even if it has to lie through its teeth. It believes that it needs its race base if it is ever to get back into power. The then Bharrat Jagdeo, when he was president, said that “them” people can’t ever get back into power. He reportedly said that “Dem days over.” Who was the them”?
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Kaieteur News
Sunday July 31, 2016
Crimes without Punishment - The Caribbean case for Reparative Justice By David Granger The trans-Atlantic trade in captive Africans “was the largest forced transportation of human beings from one part of the globe to another in the world’s history and, certainly, one of the greatest unnatural disasters of all time.” The trans-Atlantic trade involved the systematic capture, transportation, sale and enslavement of human beings. The trade started in 1441 (not 1492, as some persons mistakenly believe), persisted for four hundred years and involved four continents. The enslavement of Africans was a crime against humanity. The World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban, South Africa from August 31September 8, 2001 acknowledged “… that slavery and the slave trade are a crime against humanity and should always have been so …” There was a crime. There has been no justice. The enslavement of Africans, the decimation of the indigenous population and the oppression of indentured immigrants all constituted crimes and, therefore, a call for ‘reparative justice.’ ‘Reparative justice’ concerns the legal obligations of states. “States have a legal duty to acknowledge and address widespread or systematic human rights violations, in cases where the state caused the violations or did not seriously try to prevent them…Reparations publicly affirm that
victims are rights-holders entitled to ‘reparative justice’. redress.” CARICOM and ‘reparative justice’ The descendants of The people of the colonized peoples the Caribbean look of the Caribbean, to their leaders to therefore, are correct in bring about redress their call for ‘reparative for the crimes justice’ to right these inflicted on their wrongs. The victims of ancestors and the these crimes against damage done to humanity have been their societies. deprived of an apology. Caribbean political They have been leadership has been deprived of ‘reparative responsive to these justice’ for the pleas. abominable crimes that The Heads of resulted in the loss of Government of the millions of lives, the C a r i b b e a n expropriation of the Community, at their wealth and the legacy of Thirty-fourth underdevelopment. Regular Meeting of Guyana, our the Conference of homeland, was a victim Heads of of almost three hundred Government of the and fifty years of C a r i b b e a n European colonization. Community held in Guyana’s experiences Trinidad and mirrored, more or less, Tobago on 3-6 July President David Granger the experiences of the 2013, agreed Caribbean Community unanimously to (CARICOM) member States. The exploitation establish national reparations committees and of the people’s labour, the expropriation of to appoint a high-level committee to oversee wealth, the enrichment of metropolitan centres the work of a CARICOM Reparations and the distortions of colonial rule have Commission. heightened calls throughout the Caribbean for The Heads of Government, at the conclusion of the Twenty-fifth Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held on 12th March 2014 in St Vincent, accepted , as the basis for further action, the Draft Regional Strategic and Operational Plan for a Caribbean
Reparatory Justice Programme (CRJP). This Draft Plan – known as the Action Plan – was prepared by the Regional Reparations Committee which comprises the Chairpersons of the national reparations committees. The Action Plan proposed ten areas for reparations: · An apology: A full formal apology from the governments of European states; · A development plan: A plan for the development of indigenous communities; · A cultural plan: A Plan for the establishment of cultural institutions; · A health plan: A Plan for arresting the health pandemic in the Caribbean caused by chronic diseases; · An education plan: A plan for the eradication of illiteracy; · A technology plan: A technology transfer plan to narrow the technological gap between Europe and the Caribbean; · A resettlement programme: A resettlement and reintegration programme for those wishing to return to their homelands; · An African knowledge programme: The development of an African knowledge programme to bridge the cultural and social alienation that was created when Africans were forcibly removed from their homeland; · A psychological rehabilitation programme: A programme of psychological rehabilitation to heal and repair the psychological trauma of slavery; and · A debt cancellation Plan: A debt cancellation plan to overcome the poverty and institutional weaknesses. Crimes against humanity: The case for ‘reparative justice’ can be established in respect to three principal claims: first, that the acts of enslavement and Continued on page 46
Sunday July 31, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Osteoporosis: The bone breaking disorder By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency I have recently had to experience my aunt who has osteoporosis, break her hip from a simple fall. Given her age, it will be almost impossible for her to walk again. I would not wish for this turmoil to afflict any elderly person or on anyone who has osteoporosis. Today we will talk about this silent condition so that we may prevent another broken bone. WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS? Osteoporosis is a disease that makes your bones weak. People with the disease can break their bones too easily. For instance, people with osteoporosis sometimes break a bone after falling down at home. Breaking a bone can be serious, especially if the bone is in the hip. People who break a hip sometimes lose the ability to walk on their own. Many of them end up in a nursing home. That’s why it is so important to avoid breaking a bone in the first place. WHAT ARE SOME RISK FACTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS? · Age. After maximum bone density and strength is reached (generally around age 30), bone mass begins to decline naturally with age. · Gender. Women over the age of 50 have the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis. In fact, women are four times more likely than men to develop it. Women’s lighter, thinner bones and longer life spans are part of the reason they have a higher risk. · Ethnicity. Research has shown that Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Additionally, hip fractures are twice as likely to occur in Caucasian women as in African-American women. · Bone structure and body weight. Petite and thin women have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. One reason is that they have less bone to lose than women with more body weight and larger frames. Similarly, small-boned, thin men are at greater risk than men with larger frames and more body weight. · Family history. Heredity is one of the most important risk factors for osteoporosis. If your parents or grandparents have had
any signs of osteoporosis, such as a fractured hip after a minor fall, you may be at greater risk of developing the disease. · Prior history of broken bones. · Cigarette smoking. Smoking puts you at higher risk of having osteoporosis and fractures. · Alcohol. Heavy alcohol use can lead to thinning of the bones and increase your risk of fracture. · Certain Diseases. Some diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk for osteoporosis. · Certain medications. The use of some medications -for example, the long term use of steroids such as prednisone - can also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE OSTEOPOROSIS? Osteoporosis does not cause symptoms until you break a bone. But your doctor or nurse can have you tested for it. The best test is a bone density test called the “DXA test.” It is a special kind of X-ray. Experts recommend bone density testing for women older than 65. That is because women in this age group have the highest risk of osteoporosis. Still, other people should sometimes be tested, too. Ask your doctor or nurse if you should be tested. Some people learn that they have osteoporosis because they break a bone during a fall or a mild impact. This is called a “fragility fracture,” because people with healthy bones should not break a bone that easily. People who have fragility fractures are at high risk of having other bones break. WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MY BONES AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE? You can: * Eat foods with a lot of calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and green leafy vegetables * Eat foods with a lot of vitamin D, such as milk that has vitamin D added, and fish from the ocean * Take calcium and vitamin D pills (if you do not get enough from the food that you eat) * Be active for at least 30 minutes, most days of the week * Avoid smoking * Limit the amount of alcohol you drink DO YOUR BEST TO KEEPFROM FALLING
It sounds simple, but you can prevent a lot of fractures by reducing the chances of a fall. To do that: * Make sure all your rugs have a no-slip backing to keep them in place * Tuck away any electrical cords, so they are not in your way * Light all walkways well * Watch out for slippery floors * Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with rubber soles * Have your eyes checked * Ask your doctor to check whether any of your medicines might make you dizzy or increase your risk of falling CAN OSTEOPOROSIS BE TREATED? Yes, there are a few medicines to treat osteoporosis. These medicines can reduce the chances that you will break a bone. Doctors usually suggest trying medicines called bisphosphonates first. If those medicines are not sufficient or if they cause side effects that you cannot stand, there are other medicines to try. HOW WILL I KNOW THE TREATMENT IS WORKING?
Dr. Zulfikar Bux Doctors often order bone density tests to check if osteoporosis medicines are working. These are the same tests they use to find osteoporosis in the first place. Sometimes a blood or urine test is also needed If you think you are at risk for osteoporosis, then get screened early to decrease your chances of breaking your bone(s) which can leave you incapacitated.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday July 31, 2016
SUNDAY
”We are going to be looking at the contract that they sign. You sign a contract which STUDENT LOANAGENCY…MEASURES says you have to pay monthly. And if you BEING EVALUATED TO TRACK, PROS- skip two months, (we) give you a warnECUTE DEFAULTERS – SHARMA ing. If six months, we say we have to send it to our lawyers. I would even say we are With the revelations of the extent to which going to prosecute.” past University of Guyana (UG) students defaulted on their obligations to repay their stuSARU MAKES SIGNIFICANT dent loans, a number of proposals have been HEADWAY IN VALUATION FOR put forward by a Sub-Committee that is rePRADOVILLE TWO LANDS viewing the matter. And according to Junior Minister of FiIt appears that the contentious nance, Jaipaul Sharma, the recommendations Pradoville Two c a s e w o u l d n o t b e feature a number of bold, tough measures de- stalled for much longer. In fact, offisigned to stem the rate of defaulters. Among cials at the State Asset Recovery Unit the measures, are proposals to boost the Stu- (SARU) said that they are approachdent Loan Agency (SLA) with legal person- ing the conclusion of the valuation of nel. lands which it believes were attained Sharma said that there were recommenda- at “next to nothing” prices by former tions for stricter monitoring of the loan agency President Bharrat Jagdeo and others, and for the agency to ensure that persons are and subsequently sold for a fortune. given letters of warning when they are in deJust a few days ago, Police Legal fault. A d v i s o r, J u s t i c e C l a u d e t t e S i n g h , Public Relations Officer of the Minis- opined that the lack of valuation of the try of Finance, Wanita Huburn, had an- c o n t r o v e r s i a l l a n d s w a s o n e o f t h e nounced that a sub-committee had been loopholes in SARU’s case. set up to oversee matters of loan recovSingh said she made it clear to the investigators that if their claim is that the public officials got state lands at “dirt cheap prices”, and then resold it for a fortune, they must first determine what the original cost of the lands was at that time. In doing this, Justice Singh said she would be able to evaluate by how much the lands were undersold. The Police Legal Advisor said, “If they get the valuation of the lands at that time then we can move forward. I made that clear to them weeks now and I am still waiting on that valuation.” Justice Singh made it clear that while investigators may want to pursue the criminal route on this matter, it would be incumbent on them to ensure that all the necessary, concrete evidence is available to put forward a “tight case” in the court. ”They need to have a tight case with this matter. They have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that embezzlement or fraud took place. While there is not enough at the moment to move forward with criminal proceedings, I did explain that the option of civil proceedings is still open to the investigators.” SARU Head, Dr. Clive Thomas, said that he has noted the advice and findings of the Legal Advisor and the Unit ery. She had explained that through the has already taken steps to improve the sub-committee, efforts are being made to case accordingly. improve the overall system and infrastrucSARU is expected to have the “imture o f t h e A g e n c y. proved case” returned to the Police S h a r m a n o t e d t h a t w h i l e p r e v i - Legal before the beginning of August. o u s s t u d e n t s s i g n e d c o n t r a c t s Dr. Thomas said that the matter is one s t i p u l a t i n g t h e c o n d i t i o n s u n d e r which remains a priority to the Unit w h i c h t h e y w o u l d p a y b a c k , t h e s e and as such, will take all necessary contracts were not enforced. How- s t e p s to ensure “no stones are left e v e r, S h a r m a s t a t e d t h a t o n e a v - unturned.” enue is for the Student Loan Agency to submit monthly reports DISCORD AT GNBA BOARD STALLS to the sub-committee he chairs. CRITICAL WORK (They) will now have to report to (the) committee, comprising myself as chairperThe Board of the Guyana National son, the finance secretary and other per- Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is in sons,” the Minister said. “So this com- serious trouble. So deep-rooted is the mittee will ensure that (the agency) moni- discord between two key members of tors the records.” the Board that its performance is be”Monthly reports will be submitted to i n g a f f e c t e d a n d c r i t i c a l w o r k i s the committee (detailing) how (the loan stalled. portfolio is) performing, who are payIt was in April that the GNBA held ing and who are not paying and then its first press conference. That was advise our legal (personnel so) that they eight months after the Board was apare going to take action. That should be pointed. a motivating factor.” At that press conference, the Board
laid out the glorious plans for the broadcasting industry in Guyana. These plans are to be of major benefit to broadcasters and consumers alike. The Board even said that it would have updated the media within three weeks after the press conference about its decision on how to tackle the existence of illegal radio broadcasters. This would have been with regard to those who were illegally granted licences by former President Bharrat Jagdeo days before he left Office. There has been no other press conference since April and none of the plans outlined have actually materialized. The only communication that the Board had with the media was about promises that those plans “would soon come on stream.” Early last month, GNBA Chairman, Leonard Craig, said that the Board was reviewing the draft regulations it recently received from the Attorney General’s Chamber. Those regulations, he said, will force all existing holders of Broadcast licences to reapply. This is to be done so that the licences can become compatible with the new regulations. Craig said that when the review is completed, the regulations will be sent to Cabinet for “general approval.” It will then be gazetted and laid before the National Assembly. The Chairman said, “I do not think that the remainder of the process will exceed two to three weeks.” Over a month later, the regulations are still before the Legal Matters and Fees committee—a sub-committee of the Board. The Members of that subcommittee are Anthony Vieira, Vic Insanally and Abiola Wong-Inniss. Craig was contacted early last week on this matter. He said that the regulations were yet to go to Cabinet. He noted that there was a “holdup.” However, the Chairman failed to state what the “holdup” was. He said that he was busy and suggested that the newspaper contact him at a more convenient time. Efforts to contact him have proved futile.
MONDAY OVER 50 PERCENT OF ECONOMY WAS BLOATED WITH CORRUPT EARNINGS BUSINESSES FEELING SQUEEZE BECAUSE GOVT. IS IMPLEMENTING “CORRECTIVE” MEASURES – GOOLSARRAN Recent statistics have painted a rosy picture of Guyana’s economy. But are these stats telling the truth about the health of the nation? Or are they hiding some worrying socio-economic concerns? According to Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, economic statistics do not always tell the story of the poor and powerless in the society. In fact, the political activist said that those statistics often mask that story. In his most recent column, he opined that the ultimate measure of the health of an economy such as Guyana’s, is the extent to which people are working and making a living wage, and whether small- and medium-sized businesses are generating a living income for their owners. Last Sunday, Dr. Hinds told this newspaper, “I do believe that macro-economic statistics hide the truth about some of the nation’s ailments. The latest statistics do point to the fact that some revenue earners like gold and bauxite are doing well and that the economy is on track to securing continued growth, but how can we really say that the economy is well when about 40 percent of the population is unemployed?” Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran tends to agree. He opined that some financial analysts get carried away by economic indicators such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He stressed, however, that the real test of the economy’s health would involve an on the ground check with the vendors, the farmers, the businessmen and even the consumers. Goolsarran said, “In general, businesses are complaining that all is not well. And as much as we are talking about all the (Continued on page 33)
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(From page 32) statistics and so forth, we need to understand that the economy was never healthy. We had a false economy because more than half of it was bloated with a lot of revenue from corrupt practices such as money laundering and drug trafficking. And when that dirty money was flowing through the system, everything seemed to be big and beautiful and booming.” “But we were only fooling ourselves. And the little bit of squeeze we are feeling is because the government is really clamping down on the illegalities in the system. We are going through a corrective period which will lead us to a more legal and healthy economy. And for that, the people on the ground need to be more patient and understanding.” DJ DIES AFTER FIERY CRASH -COPS SAY DRIVER WAS INTOXICATED Popular disc jockey Wavel Sheik Sabsook was killed early Sunday morning when the car he was travelling in crashed and overturned on the East Bank Demerara Public Road, near Distribution Services Limited (DSL). The vehicle, bearing registration number PVV 2009, only came to a stop after it crashed into DSL’s fence, broke a sign board and then burst into flames. Sabsook, also called “Javid” and “DJ Bashment” of Grove, East Bank Demerara was hurled out of the vehicle onto the opposite side of the roadway. The father of one was pronounced dead at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital. The driver, Shameer, who was the only other occupant, managed to get out of the car before it exploded. He was taken into custody after being treated at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital for minor burns to his hands. A police official said that a breathalyzer test revealed that the driver’s alcohol level was 103 microgrammes, which is way above the prescribed limit of 35 microgrammes. The DJ and his friend were returning home from a party in Georgetown when the accident occurred. The driver, according to police sources, claimed that a car swerved in front of him, causing him to lose control of his vehicle. He said that because the road was wet, his vehicle skidded and toppled before it exploded. BULLET-RIDDLED BODIESAT BERBICE… “SEVEN MORE DETAINED, COPS CONFIDENT OF BREAKTHROUGH Police in ‘B’ Division have detained seven more persons as they continue their investi-
gations into the gruesome murder of a teenage boy and two men whose bullet-riddled bodies were discovered at the Kokrit Savannah, Mibicuri Creek, last week Friday. Commander of B Division, Ian Amsterdam, told Kaieteur News, that they believe they are on the right track. “We feel that we have the correct persons in custody to give us a big break in the case”. Amsterdam stressed that the men are still being questioned and that the police are working towards a possible confession. According to information gathered, the men that have been arrested were working on the farm where the crime was committed. Information also suggests that the motive of the crime may be more than the victims being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Meanwhile, according to a police source, three of those detained have been tested for gunpowder residue and investigators are awaiting results which they hope will point to the suspects. The bodies of 37-year-old Pawan Chandradeo, called ‘Suresh’ of Lot 163 Mibicuri, BBP; 33-year-old Naresh Rooplall called ‘Ticka Bai’ of No. 77 Village, Corentyne and 15-year-old Jaikarran Chandradeo called ‘Kevin’ of Mibicuri North, were found around 09.00 hrs on Friday July 22 in a backdam at Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne. The slain teen still had a bag with fish slung around his shoulder. The corpses bore gaping shotgun wounds to the heads and upper bodies. Three shotgun cartridges were found near the bodies. Investigators are trying to ascertain whether any of the detained individuals own
a shotgun. According to reports, the victims were found by Sudama Jagmohan, a rice farmer of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder and his workmen. According to Jagmohan, he was on his way to his rice field at Cookrite area where he also has hassars. Jaghoman said that on their way to his farm, they group found the bodies lying on a dam in his rice-land. He immediately called a neighbour who informed the police. TUESDAY JAGDEO SPEWS RACISM IN NEW YORK, GOVT DEMANDS A RETRACTION The government is disappointed with, and condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the irresponsible, hateful race baiting and malicious fabrications and falsehoods uttered by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, at an event in New York recently. In a recording that has been circulated widely on social media, Jagdeo told an attentive gathering that currently in Guyana, “there’s an assault on our democracy, there’s an assault on people of Indian origin, there’s an assault on supporters of the PPP (People’s Progressive Party). What we thought would never return to Guyana, in just one short year has returned with full force, and even worse in some regards than the Burnham era.” He spoke of a state of affairs where people’s transported lands are being “snatched” and “140 new taxes were increased”. This development, he disclosed, has been targeting the rural poor, who are mainly the supporters of the PPP. ”Our country has taken a turn for the worse. It’s something that we have to live with, but I want to say to you we’re going to work hard, and whenever the elections come again, we’re going to take back Guyana…we’re going to take it back from these people,” Jagdeo said. But according to a statement issued by Government, the claim that there is an “assault on people of Indian origin” is despicable, without any basis and a complete figment of Mr. Jagdeo’s imagination. On the contrary, the policies of the Coalition Government are designed to achieve the good life for all Guyanese, not a handpicked
few as was the case under the PPP regime which was rejected by the Guyanese electorate on May 11, 2015 in free and fair elections.” The statement amplified that “speaking to a predominantly Indo-Guyanese, audience Mr. Jagdeo attempted to inject among them a feeling that they are victims.” But the recent census, the statement added, has shown that the exodus of IndoGuyanese was not abated during Mr. Jagdeo’s 12-year tenure as President. Instructively, the single largest exodus went to the United States of America where they live and work under the presidency of an African American. ”Also under Mr. Jagdeo’s presidency Guyana witnessed the incestuous relationship with drug lords that spawned the death of hundreds of young people and several episodes of massacres and assassinations including that of a sitting government Minister,” added the statement. ABSCONDED GPL DEPUTY SUES KN, MINISTER PATTERSON FOR $1B Embattled former Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Power Light (GPL), Aeshwar Deonarine, is once again the subject of a court action. This time, the former GPL Executive, who fled the country following allegations that he conspired with another to steal over $27 Million from the electricity company last year, is suing Kaieteur News for libel. In a writ filed by his Attorney Murseline Bacchus, Deonarine is claiming $1billion for defamation (libel) contained in unlawful and malicious contents of an article printed and published by this newspaper. The article in question, Deonarine claimed, was published on July 24, 2015 under the caption “GPL Deputy CEO sent on leave for allegedly paying himself $27.8M.” There is no mention of the defamation nor is there any indication that Deonarine is in the country. Deonarine is claiming that the publication resulted in loss and damage to him since the Kaieteur News is a daily newspaper circulating in Guyana.” According to the document, Kaieteur News was commanded that within 10 (ten) days after the service of this Writ to cause an appearance to be entered on its behalf in the lawsuit of the above named Plaintiff. The Writ was delivered Monday. Deonarine has been the subject of the news after he was implicated in the (Continued on page 34)
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(From page 33) multimillion-dollar scam, last year. It was alleged that Deonarine and former Director of GPL, Carvil Duncan, conspired with each other to commit simple larceny. The two are accused of conspiring with each other to steal $27,757,500 property of GPL, between May 7 and May 8, 2015. Additionally, Duncan is accused of stealing $984,900 property of GPL on March 31, 2015. He was charged and is facing a trial in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Deonarine was also charged but he reportedly fled Guyana since last year. A warrant has since been issued for his arrest. During a previous hearing for Duncan, the court was informed that Deonarine had run away to Canada. GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO REDUCE FEARS OF MISUSE AND MISMANAGEMENT OF OILWEALTH Guyana still ranks 119 out of 168 countries on the corruption index. The higher the number, the more corrupt the country is deemed to be. The coalition government indicates that it is well aware that it has its work cut out in its effort to reduce the perception of corruption in Guyana. There is worry that Guyana has been deemed corrupt even before it has been blessed with the wealth that comes with oil production. Guyana also has a problem with transparency. However, most cases surrounding the lack of transparency existed under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, recently returned from Uganda. The two visited that country to observe the steps that Uganda has been able to make in preparation for oil production as well as the wealth to come. The Ministers also got a firsthand look at many of Uganda’s policies. Last year, the Ugandan Parliament passed the Public Finance Management Act, which
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details how oil revenues should be used. Included is the stipulation that oil money must be invested in infrastructure and to boost agriculture, rather than used for recurrent expenditure. The act creates a petroleum fund where oil revenues will be saved. It includes provisions for the management of funds and a mechanism for sharing a small portion of royalties with local governments in the oil-producing region. It also creates a sovereign wealth fund – the petroleum revenue investment reserve – to help invest the oil money. The government has instituted the National Oil Company to manage Uganda’s commercial interests within the oil and gas industry, and new rules bar international oil companies from appointing expatriates to positions that qualified Ugandans could occupy. With the sector expected to create hundreds of thousands of jobs, Ugandans are taking courses to understand the industry’s dynamics. But there are signs of trouble, too. And in this regard, there is a hope that Guyana would not be patterning too much off Uganda. Uganda’s government oil agreements are shrouded in secrecy, keeping millions of Ugandans in the dark about events in the sector. There have been petitions urging the government to make the extractives sector more transparent. Ugandans want government to sign up to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global accountability platform that commits oil and mining companies to publishing what they have paid governments. WEDNESDAY OIL LIKELY SOONER THAN PROJECTED …GOVT. ACCELERATES PREPARATION The Government of Guyana has been forced to accelerate its preparations for oil production. This was noted during a recent interview with Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. The Minister said that Exxon Mobil’s confirmation of Guyana’s oil reserve has sparked excitement from both the government and the oil company. ”This tells us that we have to accelerate our preparations,” said Trotman. The Minister admitted that there is much that needs to be done as part of the preparation process. This is both with regards to legislative measures and other transparency measures that need to be implemented. Trotman said that over the last year, “we have been trying to understand what we have and how to manage it, but we now need to move at a faster pace.” As he referenced moves that have already been made in this regard, Trotman mentioned his recent visit to Uganda, saying that “this was part of the preparation process.” Trotman was accompanied by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan on that trip. It was basically a study mission. The two wanted to observe Uganda’s preparation for oil – the pumping of which is to begin in two years— 2018. Talking about more preparations Trotman said that last week he hosted two oil and gas experts who advised the government and will be lending advice over the next few months. The experts met with various persons and agencies involved. Trotman also indicated that later this year, he will be taking legislation to the National Assembly. Among the Bills to be taken to the House is one that will govern the Sovereign
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Wealth Fund. A Sovereign Wealth Fund is a government-owned investment fund. It has been set up by many countries with oil wealth, and there are several models to choose from. MINISTRY OF HEALTH FIRE… ARSON ACCUSED WALKS FREE …AS COURT UPHOLDS NO CASE SUBMISSION Keith Ferrier, the man accused of setting the Ministry of Health on fire in July 2009 was on Tuesday freed of the charge by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The Magistrate upheld a no case submission made by Ferreira’s attorney, Patrice Henry. During her ruling, Magistrate McLennan dismissed the charge on the ground that the prosecution’s witnesses failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the elements of the offence. Ferrier told Kaieteur News that the allegation against him was politically motivated by the previous government. ”I knew the day would come when justice would be served. It’s evident that there is justice in our system.” Ferrier added that at one point he was forced to flee the country because of threats made on his life. Keith Ferrier was captured on March 7, after seven years on the run. He was apprehended on North Road, Bourda, Georgetown. The fire, believed to have been sparked by ‘channa bombs’, completely destroyed the Ministry’s of Health main building and an annex at Brickdam in the wee hours of July 17, 2009. Back in 2013, two men were sentenced to 66 months imprisonment each, after they were found guilty of unlawfully and maliciously setting fire to the public building. The men were Collin Jones and Clayton Westford. It was reported that the building had been in existence for more than 100 years and during the fire, various documents were lost which included records relating to professional examination, financial administration, procurement, payment as well as the history of the building. INCREASED DEMAND CAUSES GLOBAL SHORTAGE OF YELLOW FEVER VACCINE…BUT GUYANA ADMINISTERING DOSES JUDICIOUSLY – CMO An increased demand by people to be safeguarded against Yellow Fever has resulted in a global shortage of the Yellow Fever vaccine. This state of affairs has been confirmed by Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud. But according to Dr. Persaud, there is a shortage of other vaccines as well. He did not specify the other vaccines that are available in limited supply. But given the increasing demand for the Yellow Fever vaccine in particular, Dr. Persaud said that the Ministry has been seeking to judiciously administer the vaccine to travellers who are destined for countries that are at risk or have an outbreak of the disease. There has been an outbreak of Yellow Fever in parts of Africa, thus prompting a requirement for the vaccine by countries that are at risk or where it is believed the disease is endemic. Outbreaks have been reported in Angola and there are reports of the disease spreading to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger,
Nigeria, Mali, among others. Guyana and all of its neighbouring territories (Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela) have been listed as territories that have the ideal conditions to transmit the disease. However, countries such as the United States, Canada, Europe and most of the Caribbean have not been identified as at risk. Because of an admitted global shortage of the vaccine, Dr. Persaud said that not all travellers, heading to all destinations, will be eligible for the yellow fever vaccine. At the time of addressing the global shortage situation, Dr. Persaud assured that Guyana has sufficient doses for those travelling to the flagged countries. This is in spite of the fact that many people have been flocking to the various locations to get their yellow fever vaccine. But Dr. Persaud noted that “we expect to get some more doses shortly but we still need to be guarded with our uptake of vaccines.” This publication was not able to confirm Tuesday whether these additional (Continued on page 35)
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(From page 34) doses have arrived. THURSDAY STATE ASSETS RECOVERY BILL READY FOR CONSULTATIONS -WILL BE EMPOWERED TO RECOVER STOLEN ASSETS HIDDEN ANY PART OF THE WORLD – MAKES PROVISIONS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF RECOVERY OF STATE ASSETS FUND After months of preparation, the draft legislation which will lead to the formal establishment of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) is finally complete. Consultations on the State Asset Recovery Bill have been earmarked for August 11, next, at the Pegasus Hotel. Head of SARU, Dr. Clive Thomas, said that he is extremely elated to have reached this stage. He said that a lot of work has been put into the process. He explained that Bill introduces provisions to combat unlawful conduct and corrupt practices in relation to property and other assets owned by the State, or in which the State has an interest. In this context, the SARU Head said that the Bill provides for the establishment of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) which has as its primary function, the civil recovery of State property obtained through the unlawful conduct of a public official or other person, or any benefit obtained in connection with that unlawful conduct, by way of civil proceedings taken in the High Court for a civil recovery order. The Bill contains seven parts, one of which makes provision for the establishment of SARA and its Director as a corporation sole, the appointment of a Director, Deputy Director and staff of SARA, and the terms and conditions of their appointment. It also states how SARA will be financed, through a budget approved by the National Assembly, and its transparency obligations by requiring the Director to provide a detailed annual plan, and annual report both of which must be laid before the National Assembly. In addition, SARA staff is required to comply with the Code of Conduct prescribed in the Integrity Commission Act. The draft Bill articulates that SARA’s functions include the investigation, tracing and identification of State property suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful conduct of a public official or other person, or any benefit, directly or indirectly, acquired in connection with that unlawful conduct, and to institute High Court proceedings for the civil recovery of that property. Once the Bill is passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President, SARA will be enabled to seek the recovery of such property wherever in the world that property may be located. The Agency will also be required to raise public awareness on the dangers of corruption and other crime. The Bill expressly states that mutual cooperation between the Director of Public Prosecutions and Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit is a requirement, and the Commissioner of Police must provide such assistance as is requested by the Director. GOLD DECLARATIONS LIKELY TO SPIKE BEYOND 600,000 OZ THIS YEAR – TROTMAN Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, when he appeared before the Parliamentary Sub-Commit-
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tee on Natural Resources, told committee members that gold declarations for this year, are likely to spike beyond 600,000 ounces –some 50,000 ounces beyond Government’s predictions. Trotman said, Wednesday, that as of June 30, Guyana has seen a declaration of 327,000 ounces of gold which is ‘far’ in excess of what had been estimated for this period. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, he said, had projected for the budget – 550,000 ounces for this year. Trotman added that at the end of the year, a more comprehensive report will be submitted. Last year, the Guyana Gold Board recorded 451,490 ounces which surpassed 2014 target of 380,000 ounces. He continued that this increase indicates that persons are developing more confidence in the system; the measures that are being put in place to curb smuggling are bearing fruit; and most importantly, there is an increase in production. He continued that Aurora Gold Mines, as of June 2016, produced 75,000 ounces of gold which puts in on projection to produce 150,000 ounces for the year. Trotman went on to tell Committee Members, that since Britain’s referendum to exit from European Union (Brexit) the price of gold was trading at just over US$1200 an ounce, but after Brexit, the price for gold per ounce had increased and is floating above US$1300 an ounce. As it relates to diamond, the Minister said that the Country is doing “relatively well”. Production thus far stands at 61,552 carats. Trotman also revealed that thus far, the two bauxite giants, Bosai and the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BGGI), have chalked up 762,000 tonnes of bauxite with the latter producing 73 percent of this amount. ”For bauxite, as you know we have two main companies and the country is observing 100
years of bauxite. We will be putting together a team to review the bauxite sector…not an investigation.” The team comprising experts will soon meet with members of the committee later in the year. Trotman stated that because of the decline in overall construction in the country, there has been no spike in quarry stone however, “We are 3.5 percent higher than we were during this same time last year, and we have produced to date 226,000 metric tonnes of stone.” Sand has seen a 15.8 percent improvement from the corresponding period last year, he added. FOCUS ON ADVOCATING FOR BETTER EDUCATION, INFRASTRUCTURE – HARMON TELLS JAGDEO …DON’T SEPARATE COMMUNITIES ALONG RACIAL LINES Following statements by Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo in Queens, New York, of an “assault on people of Indian origin”, Minister of State Joseph Harmon has issued a terse reminder to Jagdeo to get his priorities in order. Harmon, who was speaking during a post cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, was asked about Government’s response to Jagdeo, who had found himself at the centre of a criticism after a video of him claiming that the Government of Guyana practised ethnic discrimination went viral. Jagdeo said that he still stood by his statements. As the Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, Jagdeo holds a constitutional post which has, over the years, been used by previous holders to advocate for positive development. Harmon Wednesday called for more focus on the development of these communities. ”And so when people speak of racial division what we want them to focus on are the issues that affect (communities). And let us address the question of physical infrastructure. Let us address the question of education for these communities and not just try to separate communities.” The Minister made it clear that the government, including President David Granger and Ministers, has embarked on outreaches or visits in as many areas as possible. It would not differentiate which communities should or should not be engaged based on racial lines. ”We do not discriminate along lines of ethnicity or geographic location, racial preference or anything of that nature,” Harmon stressed. “We engage, in fact all of our Ministers including the Government and the President himself, see Guyanese as Guyanese.” ”Where problems exist in this country, we try
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to find solutions to those problems. We do not see a person or any community because of its race, which should not be engaged. And if you are to look at the engagements of the President since we came into office, you will see a wide range of communities that he has visited.” FRIDAY NOTHING SHOULD STOP COMPETENT FORMER MILITARY OFFICERS FROM GETTING STATE JOBS – GRANGER “We want good cats,” said President David Granger as he explained his position on public appointments. The President has been accused on several occasions, and from several critics, of favouring former military officers. However, on the Public Interest, Granger clarified that he appoints those who he sees as fit for the job. Further, Granger noted that he is not making history in appointing former GDF officers to do state work. He said that his predecessors, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar appointed former military officers. Granger basically said that the real problem is not the appointment of former military officers, but the appointment of former military officers by a former military officer. The President told reporters, “You can ask (former) President Jagdeo and President Ramotar why they appointed Major General (Joseph) Singh to his present position; why they appointed Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup to the CDC (Civil Defence Commission); why they appointed, Colonel Brassington Reynolds as a Judge; why they appointed Colonel (Jawahar) Persaud as Accountant General; and you can go through an entire list of people.” He said that when he assumed Presidential Office in May 2015 there were about 10 Officers who were appointed by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration. ”These are human beings, people with skills; they are not a separate breed of citizens. We cannot deprive them of their rights. If they have the talent, the experience, the qualifications why not (give them positions)?” President Granger asked. He went further to note that he does not and will not discriminate against former military officers “and obviously Jagdeo and Ramotar did not discriminate against them, because I inherited a large number of former military officers who have been appointed by the PPP administration.” The President said that he does not see anything wrong with “asking a Colonel here or Brigadier there to do a Commission of Inquiry. The question is, are they competent (Continued on page 36)
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(From page 35) to do it?” Granger then quoted an old saying that goes “it doesn’t matter if it is a black cat or a white cat, if it catches the rat, it is a good cat.” He then said, “We want good cats.” Granger reiterated that appointments are made based on competence. ”No one criticized when the PPP appointed them, why criticize when I do.” The President said that he was due to make some criticism when an army officer was taken out of the force to become a Minister within the PPP/C government. EXXONMOBILREADY FORANY EVENTUALITY OF CATASTROPHE – COUNTRY MANAGER With Guyana now poised to enter the Oil, and later Gas industry, and the Government now in the process of training individuals desirous of entering this new avenue, the question was asked about the readiness of ExxonMobil in the event of a possible ‘catastrophe’. The question was asked by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources and People’s Progressive Party/Civic Member of Parliament, Odinga Lumumba. Responding to his query was the ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Jeff Simons who stated that the company will attempt to be ready for any eventuality. Simons added that the company has Tiered Response levels for any kind of eventuality including oil spills. ”We have Tier One kind of capabilities which is the small version locally and as we get to higher levels, we have contracts in place that would put significant materials on the ground coming in immediately from Trinidad and Florida…being airlifted in to respond.” He continued that drills were conducted and another is expected to commence later next month, while pointing out that they have been working alongside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organisations. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman – who was also present at the meeting – asserted that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is carrying out the regulatory functions and thus far, they are satisfied. He added also that the vessels that are going to be built for the exploratory and production processes will be double-hulled so as to prevent spillage or reduce accidents. ”From the Government’s end, the Coast Guard has been working assiduously…Maritime Division with the US Coast Guard. We have received some training (and) in August a team of five persons will go to New Orleans for training in oil spill safety and environment,”
Kaieteur News
This team, the Minster said will comprise persons from the EPA, the Ministry of Natural Resources, GGMC, the Maritime Administration (MARAD), and the Coast Guard. He added that there has been some training going on along with the issuing of several Scholarships via the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on a regular basis. Trotman said that he will be meeting soon with several persons from the University of Guyana following a visit to Guyana within the last month from the Western Petroleum Institute, where discussions were held to have persons sent overseas for training. DRIVER WHO STRUCK DOWN ST LUCIAN CUBS JAILED FOR 10 MONTHS Tracy Fordyce, the woman whose vehicle struck down two Saint Lucian cub scouts currently visiting Guyana for the Caribbean Cuboree, was Thursday jailed for 10 months after pleading guilty to a charge of Dangerous Driving. She was also fined $15,000 for Breach of a One-Way. Fordyce appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh in Court Seven of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. According to reports, Fordyce was speeding up the one way when she smashed into the young children just in front of the Scout Association building on Woolford Avenue. Nine-year-old Darnell Matthew escaped serious injuries, but his eight-year-old compatriot Nick Josh Omarie Joseph was not so fortunate. He was pinned under the vehicle in a roadside drain. Reports are that Fordyce allegedly had an altercation with another individual at the North Georgetown Secondary School. She was refused entry to the school because of the way she was dressed. After the confrontation she reportedly got into her vehicle, motor car PSS 1236 and accelerated east along Woolford Avenue when the accident occurred. According to an eyewitness, the woman lost control of the vehicle and ended up in the drain, in the process pinning Nick Joseph. SATRUDAY KAIETEUR NEWS WINS LANDMARK LIBEL CASE CCJ REJECTS WALTER RAMSAHOYE’S APPEAL FOR HIGHER AWARD The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Friday upheld the appeal by Glenn Lall and National Media and Publishing Company Limited (Kaieteur News) against the majority decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal to award Dr. Walter Ramsahoye the sum of $15 million as damages for libel. Lall and Kaieteur News (the Appellants) through their lawyers Sanjeev Datadin and Stephen Singh won a landmark decision in libel claims in the Caribbean. In Guyana the High Court presided over by Justice Rishi Persaud had awarded $4.5 M in damages to Dr. Ramsahoye for libel pub-
lished in Kaieteur News some two decades ago. The publications were in response to Dr. Ramsahoye’s arrogance as Head of the Guyana Medical Council. In the wake of the award, Dr. Ramsahoye expressed his dissatisfaction. In fact, even before Justice Rishi Persaud’s award, Ramsahoye had proclaimed that he would not be satisfied unless he was awarded $100M. That prompted his move to the Guyana Court of Appeal. He boasted of the ties he shared with some of the Judges in the Caribbean Court of Justice and was satisfied that he would be granted his desires. In the lower court he was represented by Attorney Peters. In the Guyana Court of Appeal he was represented by Senior Counsel Rex McKay. Ramsahoye was represented by a battery of seven lawyers lead by former Trinidad Attorney General Anand Ramlogan SC at the Caribbean Court of Justice. Ramsahoye had complained of certain publications in Kaieteur Newspapers between January 21, 2000 and February 10, 2000 that referred to him in disparaging terms. The publications resulted in Ramsahoye bringing legal proceedings against Lall and his newspaper company. Dr. Ramsahoye complained that the articles referred to him as being, among other things, a dictator at the Guyana Medical Council, had an elevated sense of importance and that he held himself out as being qualified outside his professional expertise. The complaints resulted in lengthy legal proceedings. However, by the time the dispute reached the CCJ there was no dispute as to the legal liability but both sides vigorously disputed the quantum of damages. GOVT TARGETS LAWLESSNESS IN HINTERLAND President David Granger has admitted that lawlessness has been prevailing at interior locations for some time now. However, the President is confident that the efforts by his government to address the issue will be successful. The President said this during the weekly televised programme “The Public Interest.” Granger said that a concept paper has already been developed and efforts will soon be made to put plans into motion to address the lawlessness. The President, a former army Officer, said that strengthening security is one of his pri-
Sunday July 31, 2016
orities. He said that the police presence at many interior locations is already being strengthened and the government has plans to increase the number of rural constables to support the police. ”In addition, we are developing a corps of wardens who will be working in the mining areas. Indeed, there has been some lawlessness in mining areas leading to deaths, sometimes traffic accidents, murders and fatal accidents in the mines,” said President Granger. He added, “There needs to be better policing of our forested areas.” ”We already have a concept paper on the development of a corps of wardens who would be working mainly in the extractive industries and the tourist industry in the hinterland…that will come on stream after they are trained and properly equipped, they will generally come under the Police Force, under the Police Act, but they will perform specialized functions in those areas,” President Granger said. STUDENT LOANS… FINANCE MINISTER PROMISES 75% INTEREST REDUCTION IF LOANS CLEARED BY AUGUST 31 -AS NEW MEASURES ANNOUNCED TO ENFORCE DEBT COLLECTION Government has unveiled a multi-pronged strategy aimed at recovering millions of dollars in outstanding student loans. The strategy is also to close loopholes to ensure that future students are not allowed to slip under the radar when the time comes for them to repay the Student Loan Agency (SLA). Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, was addressing the commissioning of a $26.5M SLA Head Office Friday on the University of Guyana (UG) campus. Among the measures will be waivers, new stipulations for loan students and guarantors and barring defaulters from leaving the country. According to Jordan, a 75 percent reduction in the accumulated arrears of interest will be offered to borrowers, should they clear their debts by August 31, 2016. He added that a 50 percent reduction in the accumulated arrears of interest will be offered if borrowers become solvent by September 30, 2016. He stated that should the borrower still be in default after the concessionary period would have elapsed, then the full brunt of the debt, inclusive of the accumulated interest, would have to be paid.
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CDB and Guyana’s growth programme The Finance Minister said that Guyana, which is a commodity dependent country, has The coalition administration had its first a narrow revenue base. opportunity recently to address the Caribbean As such, he said that like most Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and outline its countries, it is operating within inadequate strategic agenda for the development of fiscal space and, therefore, has restricted Guyana and its engagement and partnership flexibility to re-allocate funds. with the Bank in pursuit of that agenda. To expand the fiscal space, the Minister It was noted, however, said that there that the 46th Annual will be need to Meeting of the Board of reduce waste and Governors of the Bank was stamp out being held at a time when corruption within there is a crisis of confidence the public sector and great uncertainty in the among other global economy. measures. Commodity prices and H e financial markets remain expressed, “We volatile and concerns have have to ensure intensified over China’s that our transition to more taxpayers’ money sustainable and balanced is accurately growth. While recent data accounted for and policy actions give rise and spent in the to renewed hope and most efficient and expectation, recovery of the productive global economy remains manner and that disappointing. we create According to Finance opportunities for Minister, Winston Jordan, the prosperity of the growth rate is at its our people, as lowest since 2009 and future crafted in our growth has been revised Finance Minister, Winston Jordan Vision 2020 downwards. manifesto.” He said that into these J o r d a n headwinds have sailed the continued, Caribbean economies, whose vulnerability “Intrinsic to this strategic trajectory to 2020 has been exposed by their openness - and beyond, is the theme of ‘A good life in a characterized by their high import dependence green economy’ underpinned by robust and narrow range of exports. economic growth that is equitable In the case of Guyana, growth of three distribution, good governance and percent was recorded in 2015 and the forecast environmental sustainability.” for 2016 has been pegged at 4.4 percent. Jordan articulated that Guyana Vision 2020 Jordan commented that this compares articulates Government’s developmental favourably with the regional forecast for Latin priorities and central to this is linking the America and the Caribbean of less than 1 Coastland to the Hinterland through percent. Infrastructural and Social and Human By Kiana Wilburg
Development. He said that the Government is promoting greater integration between the hinterland and the coastland of Guyana. The hinterland comprises over threequarters of Guyana’s territory. The Finance Minister said that in order
for Guyana to realize holistic, comprehensive and sustainable development, the Government is focusing on bridging the spatial and developmental divide that exists within the country. Continued on page 47
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Crimes without Punishment - The Caribbean case for Reparative Justice From page 30 genocide clearly, are crimes against humanity; they require an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and recompense through reparations; second, that Europe’s enrichment through the expropriation and transfer of the wealth of the Caribbean was an unjust enrichment; the Caribbean should enjoy reparations for the exploitation and deprivations inflicted;
third, that enslavement and genocide have left a legacy of underdevelopment, which can only be overturned through corrective justice. The first basis for claims for ‘reparative justice’ rests on the fact that crimes against humanity are punishable under international law and do not enjoy protection by any statute of limitations. Article 6 of the Charter of the International Military
Tribunal, Nuremberg of 1945, lists “enslavement’ as a crime against humanity. Genocide is also prosecutable offence under the jurisdiction of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court of 1998. States, organizations and institutions which are complicit in crimes against humanity do not enjoy immunity from the passage of time. The Convention on the non-Applicability of
Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on November 26, 1968 provides that no statutory barrier shall apply to “crimes against humanity whether committed in time or war on in time of peace.” Enslavement and genocide, therefore, are prosecutable offences and for which there are no statutes of limitations under international
law. Expropriation of wealth: The first basis for claims for ‘reparative justice’ rests on the evidence that huge wealth was generated during the commission of these crimes against humanity by European colonizers and the expropriation and transfer of that wealth to European states. Colonization allowed for the unjust enrichment of Europe. The vast wealth extracted through forced labour in the colonies of the Caribbean enriched the coffers of generations of European families and impoverished those whose servitude generated those fortunes. This wealth was acquired through the forceful subjugation of entire peoples. Legacy of colonialism: The third basis for claims for ‘reparative justice’ is that the Caribbean, even after being granted Independence, is yet to shake off the legacy of colonialism. Colonization has underdeveloped the Caribbean. This Region, as a consequence of European conflict and conquest, became the most Balkanized region in the world. The Caribbean today is fragmented. Its economic structures still bear the stamp of the ‘plantation economy’ with a high concentration on primary production for export to western markets, including Europe. The CARICOM Reparations Commission observed that the descendants of the victims of enslavement have been left in: “…a state of social, psychological, economic and cultural deprivation and disenfranchisement that has ensured their suffering and
debilitation today, and from which only reparatory action can alleviate their suffering.” European states have a clear understanding of the concept of ‘reparative justice’. Britain swiftly paid compensation to the plantation owners for the loss of their “property” on the emancipation of enslaved Africans. No similar payment was made to those who had been enslaved and who were forced to provide ‘free’ labour during the apprenticeship period – 1834-1838. They ended up bearing more than half of the millions of pounds actually paid as compensation to the planters. Britain also paid compensation to victims of torture during the Mau-Mau uprising in Kenya. Germany was forced to pay reparations to the Allies after World War I and World War II. Germany also agreed to pay reparations to Israel under the Luxembourg Agreement of 1952. Japan paid compensation to a number of countries for its role in World War II. The Caribbean is not begging for hand-outs or aid. The Caribbean is not soliciting sympathy. The Caribbean is not seeking favours. The Caribbean is demanding ‘reparative justice’ for the greatest crime against humanity in the history of the world – the trans-Atlantic trade in captive Africans. The Caribbean’s case for ‘reparative justice’ is righteous. The struggle for ‘reparative justice’ will be long but every just cause is worth fighting for. May God consecrate our efforts!
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CDB and Guyana’s growth programme From page 45 In this regard, he said that the Government is currently developing four new towns and is examining several other areas for township. They are expected to become thriving economic centres overtime. Secondly, the Government is focusing on developing infrastructure. Non-traditional economic activities, particularly value-added industries, often require more sophisticated inputs than traditional primary industries. They need reliable electricity, water, telecommunications, and the ability to transport inputs and outputs. The Finance Minister said that the country’s Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) for 2016 reflects this thrust as Government is investing over 75 percent of the budgetary allocations in this area. Thirdly, as it relates to renewable energy, the Government continues to pursue a comprehensive energy matrix. It is expected that, by the end of 2016, one of the new towns, Bartica, will become energy self- sufficient with the construction of the first solar energy farm in Guyana. Additionally, the Government has advanced dialogue with investors to establish a 25 megawatt wind farm on the Atlantic Coast of Guyana. Fourthly, the health and education sectors are being re-examined. Jordan reminded that building an educated, healthy workforce is crucial towards ensuring that businesses can find employees with the skills required to contribute meaningfully to their vision and mission. To this end, he said that plans are underway to develop a comprehensive technical and vocational programme; modernize the primary and secondary curricula and institutions; and upgrade the educational programme and facility within the University of Guyana.
To respond to health issues of the nation including high infant and maternal mortality; pandemics such as Zika and Chikungunya; and incidences of chronic non-communicable diseases; and suicide, the Government is investing significant resources in expanding health care facilities, with emphasis on maternal and child health; increasing the availability of drugs and medical supplies; and intensifying training, among medical professionals. To finance the Government’s ambitious programme, Jordan asserted that there is need to broaden the tax-base, improve tax collection, develop public private initiatives and expand the role of development partners in financing these projects. In this regard, he informed that the Government has recently concluded an assessment of the current tax system. The recommendations are being reviewed with the aim of speedy implementation. He said that new policy guidelines for pursuing Public Private Partnerships are being promulgated, while the business environment is being improved to attract greater foreign and domestic investment. “As a founding member of the Bank, we value our relationship with CDB highly. The Bank remains a fundamental development partner in supporting Guyana’s national developmental agenda. In recognition of this, mere months after its accession to Office, the new APNU+AFC
Government was extremely pleased to welcome a high-level team, led by the President. Our fruitful engagement led to the rapid preparation of a Mid- Term Review Strategy Paper for Guyana,” the Minister asserted. He said that this Interim Strategy will inform a comprehensive Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for the period, 2017-2020, which will be aligned to our Vision 2020. Within the context of engagement with the CDB, Jordan then acknowledged the Bank’s role in developing and implementing the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Programme, of which Guyana is a main beneficiary. He said that the BNTF has been a pillar in improving living conditions in rural communities in the country. “Community-driven interventions under the programme have assisted in reducing poverty levels through focus on: Education and Human Resources Development; Water and Sanitation; and Community Access Roads. The Government looks forward to the strengthening of the BNTF Programme across the Region,” the Finance Minister noted. In this regard, he said that the early replenishment of the Special Development Fund (SDF) will signify new hope for the development of catalytic projects which can be designed towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and meeting other international milestones.
Jordan also saluted the efforts of the Bank in exploring options for creating easier terms of borrowing within the Special Development Fund. Guyana supports the recommendations of the Bank to reduce SDF lending rates from 2.5 percent to one percent for Groups One and Two countries, and from two percent to one percent for Group Three countries. The Finance Minister said that the Government also welcomes the Bank’s options for co-financing and is grateful that the Bank is considering this funding mechanism under the UK-CIF and SDF initiatives. He said that this would contribute to increasing the resource envelope available to Guyana in the form of loan co-financed by a grant element. “We are cognizant of the growing CDB portfolio in Guyana and the level of discomfort at the rate of implementation of the projects. We would like to recommend that the Bank reconsiders placing a permanent resident representative in the country. This would release the stress under which the monitoring of the current Investment Portfolio finds itself, as well as improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communication between the Bank and the Government,” the Finance Minister stated. As the Government gears for its second year in office, Jordan said that it looks to partners like the CDB to help build a green and prosperous Guyana in the coming years.
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High-fiber diet alters gut bacteria to protect against food allergy
A high-fiber diet rich in vitamin A may alter gut bacteria in a way that could prevent or reverse food allergies. This is the finding of a new study published in the journal Cell Reports. It is estimated that around 15 million people in the United States have food allergies, and this number is increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 1997-2007, the number of children and adolescents in the U.S. with food allergies rose by around 18 percent, though the reasons for this are unclear. Eight food types account for around 90 percent of all food allergies. These are peanuts, tree nuts, egg, milk, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Allergic reactions to food vary from person to person, but they may include tingling or itching in the mouth, hives, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, a person with a food allergy may experience swelling of
the lips, tongue, and/or throat, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, chest pain, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Occurrence of severe symptoms - alone or alongside milder ones - could be indicators of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Of course, the best way to avoid an allergic reaction to food is to avoid consuming the food that triggers it, though this can be easier said than done. Now, a new study suggests there may be a simple way to prevent or reverse food allergies: a highfiber diet, enriched withvitamin A. Co-senior author Laurence Macia, of Monash University in Australia, and colleagues came to their conclusion after studying mice that were artificially bred to be allergic to peanuts. The researchers fed some of the mice a high-fiber diet rich in vitamin A - found in many fruits and vegetables -
while others were fed a diet with average fiber, sugar, and calorie content (the controls). They found that the mice fed the high-fiber diet had less severe allergic reactions to peanuts than mice fed the control diet. On closer analysis, the researchers found that the high-fiber diet altered the gut bacteria of mice, which protected them against allergic reactions to peanuts. Next, the researchers took some altered gut bacteria from mice fed the high-fiber diet and transferred it to the guts of mice with a peanut allergy that were “germ-free� - that is, they had no gut microbes. Even though these germfree mice were not fed a highfiber diet, the team found that the addition of the altered gut bacteria protected them against allergic reactions to peanuts. The researchers explain that gut bacteria break down dietary fiber into short-chain fatty acids. In their study, the team found that increased levels of these fatty acids work with the body’s immune system, preventing dendritic cells which regulate food allergies - from triggering an allergic response. Vitamin A is also important for dendritic cell regulation. Their findings were supported when the team gave the allergic mice water enriched with short-chain fatty acids for 3 weeks, before exposing them to peanuts. Their allergic response was reduced. Overall, the researchers say their findings indicate that a diet low in fiber could be driving food allergies, and that adopting a high-fiber diet - enriched with vitamin A could be way to lower food allergy risk. http:// www.medicalnewstoday.com.
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Myths and Misconceptions in medicine
The opening of the eyes is always a sign of life One of the most difficult tasks to fulfill as a doctor, will always be the heart wrenching task of breaking the news of death. To say the least it is never an easy task, especially when the hope of the survival of the patient burns brightly in the hearts of friends and family. This hope given by a patient in critical condition can very well be deceptive. Let us examine the facts. We are often surprised when after someone has spent months or even days in an unconscious state and finally opens one’s eyes, giving us the awe inspiring impression that the person had finally made it through the valleys of death,
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Kaieteur News
and then, death happens. But, how could this be? We saw him or her opening his/her eyes. Waking up how? Could it be that they are gone? One of the biggest misconceptions in medicine is the fact that when someone opens one’s eyes after spending a long time in an unconscious state , that it is a sign of life, when in actuality it could very well be a sign of death. Death in itself is a process, more than an isolated event. It is a process that entails many physical changes. One of these changes is called Rigor mortis. Rigor mortis is defined simply as the stiffening of the
muscles in the body. All of the muscles in the body are affected. Starting about two to six hours after death, one of the very first muscles to be affected is that of the eyelids. This may manifest itself, by causing the eyes to open, giving the impression that the patient has regained consciousness. It then affects the neck, jaws and then spreads to other muscles, including the internal muscles. The reality is that the patient may have been deceased hours before that person shows this sign of opening the eyes, giving a somewhat false hope of survival. It is something to ponder, even as we do keep our hopes alive that the opening of the eyes is a sign of potential life and consciousness, it is a great misconception to believe that it is always the reality.
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING: CHECK THE LABELS! In just over a month it will be back to school time, and as always, we are in the moment when parents and guardians begin to purchase school supplies, including school uniforms and uniform materials, footwear, socks, belts, caps, bags, lunch kits and water bottles. Whether imported or locally manufactured, these products must conform to basic labeling requirements. Labels are intended to guide consumers by providing key information on the products they intend to purchase. A well labeled product provides consumers with the relevant information to make informed choices and ultimately gives guidance as to the product quality, monetary worth and manner of usage. Labels state the brand name which could be “high end” or “low end”. “High end” brands often attract higher prices and are of better quality, but they must be authentic and not fake. Label information such as Brand Name, Name of Manufacturer and Name of Supplier help consumers to identify who manufactured the product if there is a need to seek redress because of quality and safety concerns. Because our children wear clothing and footwear of varying sizes, sizes are
important and must be stated on labels. As long as parents are aware of their children’s sizes, there is no need for them to accompany their parent during the busy shopping season. Items can be bought based on sizes specified on labels. Care and use, warning and precautionary information about products, which most labels carry, help to ensure the health and safety of children who will be the actual users of these products. There are cases where some school items like geometry sets and staplers are recommended for use by children over a specified age. Further, parents are guided by labels during the wash and care of products such as uniform, caps, rags, bags and footwear which prevent damage and discolouration. Labels of goods imported, manufactured and distributed in Guyana must comply with the requirements of the Guyana Standards Specification for the labeling of commodities – Part 1: General Principles which is a mandatory standard. According to the standard Product labels must be in English Language and state the Brand, Type of product, Name of Manufacturer or Distributor,
Country of origin, and where necessary information on the care, maintenance and precautions for use, and the manufacture and expiry dates. Other standards are available at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards that addresses the labeling requirements for specific goods, for example: the labeling of Textiles, labeling of Footwear, labeling of Garments, etc. The GNBS monitors these products according to the requirements of these standards. Consumers, as you engage in shopping for back to school items take a “timeout” to read and understand the labels of the products you intend to purchase, especially if they are costly. Remember not to compromise quality for cheaper prices. Our children are not always as careful as we are and may need good quality and sturdy back to school products to take them through the new school year. For further information o n this subject, please contact the Guyana National Bureau of Standards on Telephone Numbers: 2190065, 219-0066 and 2190069 or visit the GNBS Website: www.gnbsgy.org or facebook.com/gnbsgy
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CONSUMER CONCERNS
Telecoms liberalization; enforcement; GTT opens new front PAT DIAL The recent passage of the Telecommunications Bill in Parliament and the concomitant liberalization of the Telecoms Industry is a very important news event. From the time of the establishment of the Telecoms monopoly, the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) has been struggling against its iniquities as the records of the Public Utilities Commission will attest. In the past, the iniquities of the monopoly were far greater and more blatant than they are to-day. Indeed, it was heartening to see that on the day after the Liberalization Bill was passed, GTT carried a full-page advertisement in the press admitting that the removal of the monopoly would result in “Lower International Rates; Faster Internet; Better Customer Service; and a Wider Range of Service.” In the Parliamentary debate, several speakers reiterated the benefits liberalization would bring to the Industry, the country and the consumer. Among the points made was that Guyana would be able to catch up with the advances Information and Communication Technology (ICT) had made over the years and would now be able to establish more fruitful
social and economic relationships with the rest of the world. It would stimulate competition within the Industry itself to the benefit of both providers and consumers. It would allow more service providers to enter the market thereby bringing new investment into the country and at the same time having more intensive competition between companies resulting in better packages for the consumer. The Act prescribes the establishment of a Regulatory Body which will give effect to its mandate. That Regulatory Body would be responsible for seven areas which together are comprehensive. These areas include licensing; spectrum allocation, pricing, interconnection and access to universal services, telecoms and consumer related matters. It will also address the extension of network to unserved and underserved areas in the various Regions across Guyana. It would be apposite to say a few words on two of these areas— Spectrum Allocation. “Spectrum” is a term taken from Physics and to try to explain it here would be complicated, but it is sufficient to know that it is absolutely necessary for wireless telecommunication.
It is a very limited and valuable national asset. In other Caribbean jurisdictions it has been auctioned, bringing in several million US dollars. ATN/GT&T had initially been demanding that additional Spectrum be given to them free of charge, or at most a very peppercorn rental. The allocation of Spectrum is a very important responsibility since one has to be au fait with market value as well as how will Spectrum allocation affect new entrants to the market and space for competition. The other area we will mention is the extension of the network to underserved areas and the Interior. For social and economic cohesion, it is necessary that the whole country have telephonic connection. When the original contract was signed between Government and Atlantic Telenetwork (ATN) giving GTT a monopoly of the telephone services of the country, the major consideration on GTT’s part was that it would provide landline service to a number of named Interior locations as well as install several thousand new landline telephones per year. GTT never did its part of the contract. We shall return to this issue later. The test of the validity
and effectiveness of any Law is its enforcement. But the structures for the enforcement of the Telecommunications Act are not in place and this could mean the Act could not be fully enforced for many months, probably a year while structures are put in place. This would cause much disappointment and a dampening of the euphoria which the public felt on the passing of the Bill. It would seem to us that we could have a functional regulatory body in a monthand- half if the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), a Department which is efficient and has a great deal of knowledge and experience in the field of Regulation, were regarded as the nucleus department to which the other areas are grafted on. The naming of the new Department, reclassification of staff and recruitment of some new personnel as well as working out new structures
and their functions could all be done in just over a month. This would avoid embarrassing delay and the pitfalls of bureaucratization. The new Regulatory Body will perfect itself as it begins to work. Just two days after the Telecommunications Bill was passed in Parliament, GTT held a press briefing. It first welcomed the new Liberalization Act and then immediately opened a new front with the Government of Guyana by calling upon the Government to honour what it termed the Government’s contractual obligations to them. If the Contract GTT is referring to is the one made in 1979 giving it the monopoly of the telephone services,
then the GCA has long been pointing out that the main consideration ATN/GTT has offered the Government was the establishing of several thousand landline telephones per year and the placing of landline connections in several named Interior locations. GTT had never fulfilled these obligations and had breached the Contract in a very real and substantial way. Further, the renewal of the Contract in 2010 could not be legal since it was not the identical contract of 1979 which was renewed. These and other related factors will be brought to the fore from a consumer’s perspective as soon as GTT begins the engagement with Government.
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Kaieteur News
CLICO shareholders in offer to Imbert…
Give us back 6 companies The Guardian - The United Shareholders Limited’s plan to deal with Clico’s residual debts to Government envisages that CL Financial retain control of six companies—including Angostura Holdings Limited, Colfire Ltd and Home Construction Ltd—and that there be a joint approach
which USL submitted its April 25 letter with its proposals. But after subsequent Government statements on the direction being taken with CL assets and other recent developments, USL and other combined Duprey family interests sent Government a blistering letter of concern on
among shareholders and Government to steer Clico’s future. This is part of a letter of April 25, 2016, sent by Roger Duprey (chairman CL Duprey Investment Trust Ltd) to Finance Minister Colm Imbert on the plan. USL has represented Clico shareholders on matters since 2012, following collapse of the former insurance giant in 2009 when the then Patrick Manning People’s National Movement government had formulated a bailout plan. The subsequent People’s Partnership administration continued efforts on the matter. The current Dr Keith Rowley-led PNM administration, in its first budget last year, pledged to resolve the matter. Imbert reached out to USL in April for input, following
Monday (July 25) alleging suspected Government “betrayal and deception” in the Clico matter and seeking answers on its suspicions. In particular it highlighted that Government had “reneged” on an undertaking to provide USL with a statement of the debt that is owed to Government for the Clico bailout and on its undertaking not to dispose of the assets of the group pending proposed discussions. Imbert told T&T Guardian on Wednesday that he will deal with the matter when he returns from his foreign assignment.In USL’s earlier April 25 letter to Imbert, they noted a call on April 20 by Imbert to USL chairman Kirk Carpenter and Imbert’s request to identify “what the CLF shareholders want and expect, and what has been
previously discussed with the Government.” In that letter, Duprey stated, “We agree Government needs to have a firm plan for full and final settlement of this long outstanding matter which started in 2009. We’ve prepared the following points that will not only give the shareholders’ views, but also ensure Government is repaid in the soonest possible time.” The letter noted that in an effort to formulate a debt repayment plan on the agreement, the USL, acting on behalf of CLF and its shareholders—and after resolutions of CLF shareholders of May 2012— held discussions with the Finance Ministry on this. But parties were unable to reach consensus on the final amount of the Government debt.In May 2013, a third extension of the shareholders’ agreement was done. It was envisaged that a new shareholders’ agreement would have been finalised, but this was delayed up to the September 2015 general election. It was noted that the current Government, “in order to give itself time to consider the economic situation of the country, requested a six-month extension to April 30th, 2016.” The letter added, “USL, upon consideration of that extension request, needed to have it made clear that neither party to the shareholders’ agreement could veto the other party’s director nominations. That matter was never addressed and accordingly, the shareholders never signed the extension that was sought. It is our understanding this matter will be resolved soon.
HAVANA, Cuba — Cuban President Raul Castro admitted in the National Assembly earlier this month that the deepening crisis in Venezuela is having repercussions on the Caribbean island’s economy as a result of a reduction in the supply of crude oil. He said Cuba’s economy grew just one percent in the first part of the year, half of what the government had planned for, due in part to “a certain contraction in the fuel supplies agreed upon with Venezuela, despite the firm will of President Maduro and his government to fulfill them”. “Logically that has caused additional tensions in the functioning of the Cuban
economy,” Castro said. Castro’s remarks contradicted claims made by officials with Venezuela’s state-run oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), who rejected allegations that the firm has reduced crude oil exports to Cuba. “There has not been any issue or reduction with the supply of Venezuelan oil to Cuba,” said Luis Morillo, PDVSA’s general manager in Cuba, at a press conference. Cuba, long reliant on Venezuela as its top energy supplier under the Petrocaribe alliance of nations that receive preferential terms for oil, has received some 53,500 barrels per day (bpd) of crude from
PDVSA this year, a 40 percent decline from the first half of 2015, according to the company’s internal trade data, Reuters reported. Venezuela has reportedly partially offset the smaller crude shipments to Cuba by boosting exports of refined products such as fuel oil, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). But overall shipments to Cuba, including both crude and refined products, still declined 19.5 percent to 83,130 bpd in the first half of this year, Reuters said. As a result, some joint ventures and state-owned firms in Cuba were recently ordered to reduce power usage. (Caribbean News)
Colm Imbert
Castro admits slowdown of Cuban economy after Venezuela cuts oil supplies
Chinese company buys Jamaican alumina refinery
Transport and Mining Minister, Mike Henry (centre), consults with Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr Andrew Wheatley (left), during a media briefing on July 28. Photo: Melroy Sterling
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The ALPART alumina refinery in Jamaica has been sold to Chinese entity Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company (JISCo). Transport and mining minister, Mike Henry, said an interest purchase agreement negotiated between JISCo and Russian alumina firm, UC Rusal, which operated the refinery, was signed by representatives of both entities on July 19 in China. Henry, along with science, energy and technology minister, Dr Andrew Wheatley, led a Jamaican delegation that attended the signing ceremony. At a media briefing last week, Henry said JISCo is expected to complete the full takeover of ALPART by November this year. This will enable the entity to undertake the first phase of investment, totalling US$220 million, in the plant’s modification and upgrading.
He indicated that during the ensuing months, a JISCo technical team will visit ALPART to conduct a study and develop basic designs as part of the preparatory work. Henry said the project is slated to run from December 2016 to December 2017 and, on conclusion, “is expected to not only reduce production cost, but also enhance the effectiveness of production”. The minister said JISCo’s registration of a local office is expected to greatly facilitate these engagements, adding that the firm will dispatch approximately 200 persons to undertake these and other activities. He further noted that JISCo is preparing a document that will outline its “best estimates” to allow the ministry to make its own preparations and plans to cooperate with the company for “efficient and effective (project) implementation
within the shortest possible time”. While assuring that the government will consider special work permits for the 200 persons “in the short term”, Henry said JISCo has been asked to provide the requisite job qualifications to ensure that “no Jamaican who is qualified for these… is left out”. The minister assured that the government and JISCo will be “paying great attention” to protecting the environment during the project implementation. Henry said that in addition to attending the signing ceremony for ALPART’s sale, the Jamaican delegation also met with other Chinese stateowned entities to discuss possible investment opportunities in Jamaica, “with a view to holding future talks to secure bilateral agreements for project developments”. (Caribbean News)
The Gleaner - President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Sir Dennis Byron will deliver the 2016 Churches Emancipation Lecture. The lecture, which is open to the public, will be held today at 4 p.m. at the Webster Memorial United Church in Kingston under the theme ‘Emancipation and Justice Reform’. In an interview with JIS News, long-standing member of the Emancipation Lecture organising committee, Professor Hopeton Dunn, explained the choice of speaker for the lecture, which is in its 23rd year. “Sir Dennis Byron is one of the region’s most eminent jurists and someone who is able to provide insight into the question of justice for people in the Caribbean in the context of Emancipation,” he said. The presentation will provide a regional context to the recent Brexit vote in the
United Kingdom, as well as an update on regional progress in adoption of the CCJ. Dunn also provided some background on the genesis and history of the Churches Emancipation Lecture. “The lecture is meant to give the public exposure to some indepth analysis about the impact of slavery and emancipation on the Jamaican and Caribbean people, and it comes as part of the ‘Emancipendence’ celebrations every year,” he said. Dunn explained that after the removal of Emancipation Day as a holiday from the national calendar in 1962, several theologians, including the Reverend Oliver Daley and the Reverend Burchell Taylor, used the lecture to advocate for the restoration of the day as a public holiday and a period of serious national
reflection. “When that goal was attained, the committee that had been formed for the purpose moved to keeping the annual lecture going in order to continue to remind members of the Jamaican population and the Caribbean region about emancipation,” he said. Byron has been president of the CCJ for almost five years. He was sworn in as the court’s second president in September 2011. He is a former chief justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. The event is organised by a special ecumenical committee with representatives from the founding churches - Webster Memorial United, Bethel Baptist, Boulevard Baptist, Hope United, Meadowbrook United, and the United Theological College of the West Indies. (JIS)
CCJ President For Emancipation Lecture
Sunday July 31, 2016
Clinton campaign also hacked in attacks on Democrats
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton looks at a computer screen during a campaign stop at Atomic Object company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo
Reuters - A computer network used by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s campaign was hacked as part of a broad cyber attack on Democratic political organisations, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The latest attack, which was disclosed to Reuters on Friday, follows two other hacks on the Democratic National Committee, or DNC, and the party’s fundraising committee for candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. A Clinton campaign spokesman said in a statement late on Friday that an analytics data programme maintained by the DNC and used by the campaign and a number of other entities “was accessed as part of the DNC hack.” “Our campaign computer system has been under review by outside cyber security experts. To date, they have found no evidence that our internal systems have been compromised,” said Clinton campaign spokesman Nick Merrill. Later, a campaign official said hackers had access to the analytics programme’s server for approximately five days. The analytics data programme is one of many systems the campaign accesses to conduct voter
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Kaieteur News
analysis, and does not include social security numbers or credit card numbers, the official said. The U.S. Department of Justice national security division is investigating whether cyber attacks on Democratic political organisations threatened U.S. security, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. The involvement of the Justice Departme n t ’s national security division is a sign that the Obama administration has concluded that the hacking was sponsored by a state, people with knowledge of the investigation said. While it is unclear exactly what material the hackers may have gained access to, the third such attack on sensitive Democratic targets disclosed in the last six weeks has caused alarm in the party and beyond, just over three months before the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election. Hackers, whom U.S. intelligence officials have concluded were Russian, gained access to the entire network of the fundraising Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, or DCCC, said people familiar with the matter, detailing the extent of the breach to Reuters for the first time. Cyber security experts and U.S. officials said earlier
this week they had concluded, based on analysis of malware and other aspects of the DNC hack, that Russia engineered the release of hacked Democratic Party emails to influence the U.S. presidential election. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Friday it was “aware of media reporting on cyber intrusions involving multiple political entities, and is working to determine the accuracy, nature and scope of these matters.”
Turkey frees 758 soldiers after failed coup, Erdogan drops lawsuits Reuters - Turkey has released more than 750 soldiers detained after an abortive coup, state media reported yesterday, while President Tayyip Erdogan said he would drop lawsuits against people who had insulted him, in a one-time gesture of “unity”. More than 60,000 people have been detained, removed or suspended over suspected links with the failed putsch, when a faction of the military commandeered tanks, helicopters and fighter jets and attempted to topple the government. Turkey’s Western allies have condemned the coup, in which Erdogan has said 237 people were killed and more than 2,100 were wounded, but have been rattled by the scale of the resulting crackdown which has targeted supporters of Fethullah Gulen. The U.S.-based Muslim cleric, accused by Ankara of masterminding the July 15-16 putsch, denies the charges and Erdogan’s critics say the president is using the purges to clamp down on dissent. Erdogan, meanwhile, has said it was “shameful” that Western countries showed more interest in the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member and has upbraided Western
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan
leaders for not visiting after the putsch. U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, a top military official, is due to visit Turkey on Sunday. State-run Anadolu Agency reported that 758 soldiers were released on the recommendation of prosecutors after giving testimony, and the move was agreed by a judge. Another 231 soldiers remain in custody, it said. Turkey’s military, the second-largest in NATO, has been hard hit in the wake of the coup, with about 40 percent of all generals and
admirals dismissed. On Thursday, 99 colonels were promoted to the rank of general or admiral, following the dishonourable discharge of nearly 1,700 military personnel. Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik told broadcaster NTV on Friday that the shake-up was not yet over, adding that military academies would now be a target of “cleansing”. Turkey’s military is already stretched, facing violence in the mainly Kurdish southeast, and Islamic State attacks on its border with Syria.
May worried by China investment, intervened to delay Hinkley Reuters - British Prime Minister Theresa May was concerned about the security implications of a planned Chinese investment in the new Hinkley Point nuclear plant and intervened personally to delay the project, a former colleague and a source said yesterday. The plan by France’s EDF (EDF.PA) to build two reactors
with financial backing from a Chinese state-owned company was championed by May’s predecessor David Cameron as a sign of Britain’s openness to foreign investment. But just hours before a signing ceremony was due to take place on Friday, May’s new government said it would review the project again, raising concerns that
Britain’s approach to infrastructure deals, energy supply and foreign investment may be changing. The decision could prove a test for May, with any attempt to renegotiate the terms of the project potentially strai n i n g relations with Paris and Beijing at a time when Britain is seeking to build
trade deals following the country’s vote to leave the European Union. “When we were in government Theresa May was quite clear she was unhappy about the rather gung-ho approach to Chinese investment that we had,” Vince Cable, Britain’s former business secretary, told BBC Radio.
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VACANCY
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 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Get all your grillwork done, best prices. Call: 647-6569 B U I L D I N G CONTRACTOR: HOUSE PLAN ESTIMATES, ETC, GENERAL HOME MAINTENANCE –CALL: 216-0671; 692-8464 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377 Hello the doctor is back! Have your gas stove service and repairs. Call: 601-0595; 220-4073; 2205785 After Care Services: Time: 8:00-4:30/ 12:00-6:30 MonFri. Cost: $10,000 per month. Location: Prashad Nagar. Call: 611- 1981 Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!! MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: Come & Experienced heavens touch, visit us today! –Call: 690-6079 The Gent’s Spa: take time for yourself with lovely masseuses. For appointments call: 658-6677
Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
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 Earn a certificate in cosmetology; enroll now at Artee’s Beauty Salon & School of cosmetology. Call: 275-0267; 680-0156
FOR RENT 2 bedrooms furnished top flat front house for rent Tel # 6381112, 647-3054
Vacancies exist for workers @ Ice Factory and Meadow Bank Wharf. Call: 231-1408; 642-9191 8am-2pm Janitorial Staff with experience, able to work flexible hours. Applications must be sent to PO.BOX 12329 Taxi driver wanted – Call A1 Taxi Services: 220-1000 Female room attendant. Tel: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown. Assistant cook. Apply within call: 611-5615; 225-7933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff Street Part-time Babysitter with valid US visa Experience with children. Hiring on excellent recommendations ONLY. Tel# 655-1560. Two (2) Experienced Legal computer clerks- Phone: 6247087. Email: husainsaphier@yahoo.com Cook (food handler’s certificate), assistant cook. Knowledge in all cuisines. Preferably female. Salary $23,000- call:222-7334/-63 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
Two bedrooms fully furnished apartment for vacation Call: 678-6690 Hair station rental at convenient location, Georgetown, Call: 638-1106, discounts given to newcomers, persons with experienced & clients
FOR SALE Land at Schoonord, ECD 3BR $70,000, Boodhoo’s Housing Scheme Georgetown 2BR $50,000 & $6.5 M, financing available. $100,000, EBD 2BR $25,000/ Contact#650-0402 3BR $50,000 223-2153/6239 Stalls 64 to 72 (47feet long 9999 x 7 feet wide) @ La Penitence Luxury Home Rental 2,3 & Market Albouystown, Also 4BR, apartments & homes 80 Mannequins @ $800 per furnished, secure, all piece- Call:225-4410; 218amenities US$600-1,800 223- 4837 2153/623-9999 Dachshund pups (mixed) 7 1 Unfurnished 2 bedrooms weeks old -$20,000 –Call: apartment at Eccles Park 614-0562 $55,000- Call: 648-7004 Foreclosure Republic Park 4BR $28M, New homes Eccles 3BR $28M,G/T 6BR $12M 231-0861/624-7777 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
PROPERTY FOR SALE Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 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 -Price Reduced – Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Lot 764 Sixth St, Plantation Paradise, Dazzle H/Scheme, E.C.D-Call: 255-3437 One (2) family house lot 32 Ann’s Grove housing scheme, land 100x50 $20M negotiable- Call: 623-5423 House & land 2 storey concrete building (4 bedrooms; 2 self-contained), semi-furnished in Grove & Diamond New Scheme. Call: 216-1861 2 Storey wooden & concrete 5 bedrooms, (2 selfcontained), concrete fence & garage. 1 Roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop (ideally business/residence). Call: 614-0107 40X32 House @ Anna Catherina, W.C.D –price $13.5M negotiable- Call: 6462341; 225-7164 Furnished wooden house & land & neighbouring land 60X100 -$20M Negotiable, Sol separately also M.M.Z, W.C.D. Call: 655-0767 Property with 6 bedrooms at Pouderoyen, Coghlan Dam, WBD, Third Lot on the Left of Street -$4.5M- Call: 6787355 Transported property for sale @ Logwood, Enmore, E.C.DCall (592) 622-5824; (592) 6715395 Property for sale at Lot 32 Princess street Werk-EnRust- Tel: 621-8767
Owners relocating Kitty 6BR $23M, 3BR $19M, 2BR $20M, Campbellville 3BR $17M 2232153/623-9999 WCD 2BR $7M, 3BR $14M, WBD 3BR $6M/$10M/$22M 223-2153/623-9999 Mon Repos area 3BR $8.5M, 3BR $14M (New), 3BR $12M, 3BR + business $35M 2232153/623-9999 Diamond Section A 2BR $8.5M, 4BR $16M, 3BR $12.5M 223-2153/623-9999 ADORABLE FLUFFY PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 615-0146
VEHICLE 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
Perkins V8 Turbo Charge 170KVa Generator in working condition, Call 223-7380 Used XBOX 360 and play station 3- $35,000, plastic barrels -$4,000. Call: 6217497; 603-8643 1 Transported property, 1 5L Hilux Pickup, 1 complete music system- Call: 265-3586
SALE! SALE! 2010 IST $2.4M, 2009 NOAH -$2.5M, ARUIS -$2.5M- CALL: 6172891 3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891 1 L-Touring Wagon (yellow) for sale $750,000 negotiable. Call: 616-0111 2009 RX8, Allion, Music Bus, Small bus, Motor cycle, Benz. Call: 265-4979 1 Nissan Blue Bird 2006 Model- Call: 674-2170 owner leaving country 2005 Tacoma -$2.4M, Massey Tractor from Canada: MF 165 -$1.7M, MF 135 $1.2M –MF 265 $2.2M, 165 Loader -$2.3M – Call: 682-5230; 628-9596 One 4 wheel drive, automatic, extra cab, Toyota Hilux, GSS series. Call: 614-0107; 6928923 Toyota AT212, in good condition -$900,000- Call: 6903352; 267-1308; 626-2841 Honda Civic M/Car “SS” series -$1.3M- Call: 696-2815 1 Toyota Noah Wagon – Call: 227-4339/ 227- 8772 One 2007 Fielder stick gear $2.7M negotiable. One B12 Sunny $300,000- Call: 6165974, 618-8703 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 Honda Civic- Call: 646-4425, 681-6708 Toyota Belta 1300CC, one owner, PLL 9400 + Series, 2006 model - $1.7M negotiable. Call: 655-0767 Toyota Vigo, excellent condition, $2.1M negotiable Call: 668-4553 1 AT Carina No. PFF 8179 Contact 226-2995, best offer
EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course. Starting 9th August. Hands-on training repairing all types of TVs, etc. Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 IAE: Register for full time school (Grades 7-11) CSEC lessons; adults and school leavers CXC classes. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742
CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery; also edible images and Wedding dresses for sale. Call: 670-0798
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. One 6 base music set with QSC amps, RCF speakers. Call: 622-0503; 689-9932 1-Leyland 45 Truck $1.5 MContact# 650-0402 Sheep & duck for sale. Call: 695-6139 Toyota IST-$1,895,000, Toyota Fielder-$1,895,000, Toyota Spacio-$1,895,000, BMW 318i-$2.3M, Audi A4$3.7M. Contact#650-0402 1 Nissan B13 Car any good deal accepted. Call: 687-2835; 684-3195 1 -2700 PSI pressure washer, 1 5Gal hand & Bissell wet vacuum, 1 steam cleaner, 1 tank & hose for pressure washer -$180,000. Call: 2275169 1 Toyota Super GL minibus, (Pitbull), 2008 model, power window & fully A/C. Only 1 month old. Call: 652-4640; 664-2088 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 150 Yamaha 2 stroke outboard engine, for information call:667-8896 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:2259032;647-2943;604-5198 One 8" by 6 ft jouter price $170,000 & drill press $40,000. Call: 618-3359; 6626326 ROAD TO BELWASA & A DIP AT THE SANGAM. AVAILABLE @ AUSTIN’S BOOK STORE- TEL: 2267350/7 & AT LATCHMANSINGH DRUG STORE. TEL: 226-5053 Raw loam & mix loam (any quantity) for sale. Call (592) 627-0903; (592) 671-5395 Top flat; 3 bedroom house 24X40, $14.9M, $3M down payment. Contact#650-0402 Land at Blankenburg $3.9M & up, financing available. Contact#650-0402 1 Steel hull cargo boat 50’X13’X6’ engine- 671-GM. Call: 691-5104; 609-3447 Continue page 71
Sunday July 31, 2016
LAND FOR SALE
Thumb Sucking
Not all habits may have a negative outcome later in life. Unfortunately, thumb sucking is not one of them, especially if it is done beyond the toddler years and in an aggressive manner. Most kids suck their thumbs as a form of comfort or in times of stress or boredom. It is probably something they did in the womb and continued once they were born. There are two important factors that indicate whether thumb sucking will have a negative effect on teeth: age and intensity. In some instances, the damage to the teeth can affect proper chewing and even cause problems with speech. AGE According to the American Dental Association, most children can safely suck their thumb – without damaging the alignment of their teeth or jaws – until their permanent teeth begin to appear. This usually occurs around age six. When the finger habit persists beyond the toddler years and into the adolescent years, there can be significant effects on the teeth, gums, jaws, and even facial form. Once the primary (baby) teeth are gone, the potential damage has a greater likelihood of becoming permanent or requiring the attention of an orthodontist. INTENSITY The intensity along with the frequency of the sucking is a factor that determines whether dental problems may result. If a child forcefully sucks his or her thumb from day one, then the habit could impact the shape of the mouth and the position of the teeth before the permanent teeth erupts. If a child places a thumb in his or her mouth only occasionally, with little to no sucking, then it’s less likely to cause a permanent problem. Dental damage due to
thumbsucking includes abnormal alignment of teeth, known as a malocclusion, as well as damage to the structure of the roof of the mouth.One of the most noticeable effects of thumbsucking is buck teeth, which result when the pressure of the thumb pushes the top teeth out and away from each other. The changes in the teeth could also cause speech problems, such as a lisp. It’s possible that malocclusions will take care of themselves once the child stops sucking his or her thumb, but correcting of the teeth may probably involve dental work and in some cases even jaw surgery. CURBING THE HABIT Breaking the thumb sucking habit can be frustrating and difficult. Doctors and dentists suggest providing positive reinforcement to children for not sucking their thumbs, as opposed to negative comments when they do suck. In fact, negative reactions may increase the stress and, by extension, the sucking. Try to create incentives for quitting, such as using a gold star chart to track progress each week and offer a prize based on the number of non-sucking days. As a way of positive reinforcement you can also praise the child for not sucking his or her thumb. It is also a good idea to try and find out the reasons for the sucking and try to address these issues. If the child is facing any form of pressure or anxiety, comforting the child’s worries may ease the need to turn to the thumb for relief.Most children will respond with some gentle guidance and reassurance. If the child is still having difficulty giving up the habit, speak with your dentist. He or she can show the child how thumb sucking can harm the teeth and mouth and this may provide the incentive needed
From page 70
We have interest in buying lands at Farm & Herstelling. Call: 266-0693 Dr. Neromini Fagu
By Dr. NerominiFagu
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Kaieteur News
to quit. As a last resort your dentist may recommend inserting an oral device to curb the behaviour. There are various types of devices that can be used, from palatal bars or crib and tongue shield appliances to composite or metal spikes bonded to the teeth. Even removable types of appliances can be used, but these are not as effective because children have a tendency to not wear them. The devices help to curb the habit by making it painful for the child to suck the thumb. As with many habits, thumbsucking may take time and patience to break. Children usually require the desire to quit and even then it may take about 30 to 60 days to let go of the urge to suck. A collaborative effort may be needed by the child, parent and dentist in order to break the habit and prevent some of the ill effects of the behaviour. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
WANTED One live-in experienced waitress 18-25 years, salary $70,000-$80,000 monthly. Boarding & lodging freeCall:610-5043 Technicians: refrigeration, washing machine, gas stove/ electronic- Call: 225-4822/ 629-4946
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Land for sale at Eccles and Diamond. Call: 609-7766 Transported land with fruit trees, fenced, fill high -$4.3M @ Richmond Essequibo Coast, next to School–Call: 682-5230; 628-9696 Tushen $2.2M, $3.5M, Parfaite Harmonie- Call:6421252 Transported land for sale @ Heywood Enmore, E.C.D-Call (592) 622-5824; (592) 671-5395 Transported land for sale located at the Right Bank of the Essequibo River- Call (592) 622-5824; (592) 671-5395 Transported land for sale located on the eastern side of Palmyra, Berbice. - Call (592) 622-5824; (592) 671-5395 Kitty $15M, Campbellville corner lot $14M, ECD $3.5M/ $10M/$12M, EBD $7M/$15M 231-0861/624-7777 Diamond Section A $8M, WBD $1.2M/$3M/$6M, WBD $5M/$10M, Farm 50 acres $20M 223-2153/6239999
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Wings 4WD pickup rental: 679-3525 Aidan’s Car Rental: 4WD pickup. Call: 698-7807 TO LET One bedroom apartment, self contained, unfurnished @ Land of Canaan E.B.D. Call Navo: 692-3617; Bob:6420867 (2) Bedrooms, bottom flat apartment, toilet & bath inside, grilled & sealed. Location: Canvas City Linden- Call: 6706479,616-2752 New 2 bedrooms house in Triumph E.C.D -$50,000 negotiable. Call: 615-4178; 220-4194 2 bedrooms house to rent, new, Herstelling Call: 6847366, 617-8739
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Teepee Suites Apartments: Lot 7 Princes Street, Charlestown, Guyana. Call: 592-223-7903/email: teepeesuites@yahoo.com One 2 bedroom apartment located at Section ‘A’ Block ‘X’ Great Diamond, E.B.D. For more information, please call: 643-9286; 603-0067 2 Bedrooms bottom flat to rent lot 5 Wallers Delight, W.C.D -$45,000 monthly. Call: 6744929; 662-0187 1 Complete 3 storey building for rent at 68 Pike St. Kitty Call: 615-8176 Two bedrooms apartment located at Stanleytown, W.C.D. Call: 696-8714 Two bedrooms upstairs apartment for rent in Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme -$45,000 monthly – Call: 602-7135 One 2 bedrooms apartment, one 1 bedrooms apartment at Timehri –Call: 658-4754 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993 3-4 Durban Street Lodge: unfurnished -$40,000 & $80,000 monthly, furnished (for visitors) US$600 & $US1, 000 monthly (verandahs, parking). Call: 677-6938; 6976421 1-3 bedrooms apartment bottom flat @ Norton street, Lodge $50,000 per month + 2 months security- Call: 6230076 Self- contained apartments $30,000 and $28,000 per month + security @ South Ruimveldt- Call: 623-0076 1 Snackette with warmer & glass cases, 1 grocery & bar @ 7 Durban street Lodge- Call: 690-5796 Business place in prime location, fully grilled, spacious and air conditioned @ East street, North Cummingsburg- Call: 2266592, 643-8833 3 Bedrooms apartment with toilet & bath@ 59 William street Campbellville- Call: 6464425, 681-6708 Walk in apartment for rent at Middle Dam La Grange, W.B.D- Call: 667-8896
WANTED Buying non working appliances: washing machine, treadmill, refrigerator, pressure washer, etc. whatsapp picture: 6618802 Girls wanted to work at a popular bar in MahdiaCall:662-4738 Salesgirl & porters. Apply with written application at 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville. Fly wheel 3S gear box. Call: 609-1490; 261-3645 Wanted to buy fresh cuts Wamara & Tonka bean logs. Call: 664-5150, 648-1619 Salesgirls- apply at Dian’s Deli, Bar Street, opposite Kitty Market. Call: 225-3700 Handy boys to work live in; free accommodation and meals are provided. Call: 2285656; 616-3282 2 Experienced handyman & bar/shop workers for Interior, 1 handyman for G/ Town, age 18-35yrs. Call: 231-0363 Mon-Fri 9:00-11:30 & 1:30-4:30pm Labourers. Contact Friendship Slipway & Co. Ltd, 7 Friendship, E.B.D. Call: 266-2217; 266-0311 between 7:30am-4:30pm Experienced sand truck driver – Call: 227-8529; 2237356 Drivers/Dispatchers to work @ Gem’s Taxi Service- Call: 225-5075; 231-3709 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 ONE HANDYMAN contact 223-5273/4 Experienced cashiers needed to work in general store on the East Coast (willing to train)- Call: 6454238, 274-0285 Wanted land to buy @ Tushen, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, Parfaite Harmonie. Best price offered- Tel: 642-1252 Kitchen Assistant, preferably living in Diamond New Scheme. Call: 677-5924 between 2pm-5pm One lorry driver, experienced in selling water Tel: 671-8909 Drivers & Labourers for garbage trucks Contact: 6707920 One used Nissan Bluebird Sylphy to purchaseCall:676-1697, 225-6138
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Kaieteur News
Sunday July 31, 2016
Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Former St Lucia security minister wants closer regional collaboration CASTRIES, St Lucia CMC — Former national security minister Guy Mayers says it is important for Caribbean countries to collaborate on security matters after a 40-year-old man from Morocco, said to be linked to a senior member of the Islamist militant organisation, al – Qaeda, escaped from the French Caribbean island of Martinique last week. “That is where the Regional Security System comes into play so that they can assist in making sure that even as people move from one island to the other under the cover of darkness to conduct their crimes, information sharing becomes critical,” Mayers told reporters. Media reports said that Rachid Rafaa, was under house arrest in Morne Rouge, before disappearing on Wednesday. The French police have issued a warning on social media, urging residents to call the authorities if Rafaa is seen. They have also asked the public to refrain from intervening, as he is considered dangerous. It is reported that Rafaa
Guy Mayers
used his computer skills to disseminate information on the internet on the behalf of al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb. He was arrested in France and transferred to Martinique after the European Court of Human Rights decided not to extradite him to Morocco for fear he may be tortured. He has been under house arrest in Morne Rouge since May 2014. Mayers told
reporters that the borders of the islands are porous and that persons can easily slip from one Island to the next. “Because of our porous borders, a person can land in one of the Islands and take a small ferry to St Lucia, Grenada, Dominica and in one day – overnight, they can move from one Island to the other very quickly without any restriction,” he added.
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Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
UNICEF pledges continued aid effort in Nigeria after convey attack Reuters - United Nations children’s agency UNICEF said it is continuing its aid work in northeastern Nigeria, a former stronghold of Islamist militant group Boko Haram, despite an attack on a humanitarian convoy last week. The U.N. agency said late on Friday that it “continues to provide assistance to millions of conflict-affected children” in the region. Its statement followed an announcement on Thursday that UNICEF was temporarily suspending humanitarian assistance missions after a convoy was attacked and two
aid workers injured as they returned to the northeastern city of Maiduguri after delivering aid in Bama. A temporary travel ban on U.N. workers travelling to high risk areas remains in place but the agency said it planned to scale-up its response in the northeastern state of Borno. UNICEF’s pledge comes amid warnings of a growing humanitarian crisis in the region, where Boko Haram, seeking to create a state adhering to strict sharia law, took control of a swathe of land around the size of Belgium in late 2014.
Troops from Nigeria and neighbouring countries forced the militants to retreat a few months later. Nearly 250,000 children suffer from life-threatening malnourishment in Borno and around one in five will die if they do not receive treatment, UNICEF said earlier this month. Boko Haram still carries out bombings in the region and in neighbouring Niger and Cameroon. On Saturday, Niger said it had extended a state of emergency in its southeastern region for three months after a series of attacks by the group.
Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Many Islamic State leaders trying to flee to Syria - Iraqi minister Reuters - Many Islamic State leaders have fled Mosul with their families towards Syria ahead of a planned offensive by U.S.-backed Iraqi forces on the city, Iraq’s defence minister said yesterday. Khaled al-Obeidi said he had intelligence of increasing conflict, especially over financial issues, among ultrahardline militants of the group known as Daesh in Arabic by its enemies. “Many Daesh families and leaders in Mosul have sold their property and sneaked out towards Syria, and a segment even tried to sneak out towards (Iraq’s Kurdish) region”, he said in an interview on state television. Islamic State has lost at least half the territory it seized in Iraq in 2014. The group has also lost territory in Syria, where it emerged amid a civil war which is now in its sixth year, but U.S.-backed rebel forces there have had less success in beating it back. Fighters in Mosul, the group’s de facto capital in Iraq and the largest city under its
Khaled al-Obeidi
control anywhere across its self-proclaimed caliphate, are thought to number in the thousands but probably under 10,000. Iraq is expected to mobilize up to 30,000 forces to retake the city in coordination with U.S.-led coalition air support. The campaign has gained momentum in recent weeks after government forces restored Falluja and retook a key air base south of Mosul, though some
o f f i c i a l s s t i l l question whether the military will be ready and what will happen in Mosul after Islamic State is removed. Obeidi said the biggest challenge will be protecting civilians, who he said number around 2 million. “We expect when operations begin in the city proper there will be large displacement. The smallest number we are expecting is about half a million people,” Obeidi said.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday July 31, 2016
Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
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India in control after first day against Windies (Reuters) Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin bagged his 18th five-wicket haul as India dismissed West Indies for 196 on the first day of the second test in Jamaica on Saturday. Ashwin continued his brilliant form, taking 5-52 as India seized command at Sabina Park in Kingston. Paceman Ishant Sharma greased the wheels by picking up two early wickets with a devastating opening spell of seam bowling. The Windies lost their first three wickets for only seven runs and Ashwin took over in the second session as the home team continued their recent miserable test form after captain Jason
Holder won the toss and batted. Only Jermaine Blackwood (62 off 62 balls) and Marlon Samuels (37 off 118 balls) among the Windies top order showed significant resistance. They shared in an 81-run fourth wicket stand, while tailenders Miguel Cummins (24 not out) and Shannon Gabriel (15) slogged 38 in an entertaining 10th-wicket partnership. Blackwood’s drama-filled knock included a vociferous shout for caught-behind off leg-spinner Amit Mishra but English umpire Ian Gould was unmoved. The Indians had nobody but themselves to blame be-
cause they refuse to accept the video review system that the rest of the cricket world has embraced, and therefore had no recourse to appeal the decision. But soon afterwards they reaped the benefit of the system when Blackwood was given out lbw to Ashwin. A replay showed the ball would barely have clipped the outside of leg stump, which meant Blackwood would have survived if the Windies had the ability to appeal the decision. He departed after a knock that included four sixes and seven fours, a welcome improvement after a pair in the first test. It was Ashwin’s first
Guyana Defence Force stamp...
Sunday July 31, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Think about taking the time to complete unfinished domestic chores. Don't expect others to live up to their promises and you won't be disappointed or find yourself stuck with delays. Do what's best for the people you love most. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Find out all you can; secret enemies may lead you astray. You should be able to make major career gains if you plan your intentions carefully. You can learn a great deal if you listen to those who are older or more experienced. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You will find your vitality is lowered. Don't push your mate if you want to keep this union going. You can be sure that any dealing with large institutions should go well. CANCER (June 21–July 22) This could be a difficult day to deal with coworkers. Close deals that have been up in the air and move on to new ones that appear to be profitable. Entertainment should include sports events or physical activities. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Club memberships or donations could be expensive and prove unnecessary. Be prepared for an active but rewarding day. Stay mellow. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Exercise your talents and present your ideas to groups you think you can contribute to. Reevaluate your motives. You may experience financial loss if you don't use good judgment.
scalp, and four more followed on a pitch that turned from the very start. Ashwin has now taken 31 wickets in less than four tests, and his value to the team is immense, given his genuine all-rounder status. He made a century in the first test in Antigua, where he collected 7-113. In reply, India closed the day well placed on 127 for 1 with Lokesh Rahul unbeaten on 75 along with Cheteshwar Purja on 18. The wicket to fall was Shikhar Dhawan caught by Darren Bravo off the bowling of Roston Chase for 27 with the score on 87. India would look to strengthen their position, while the West Indies would hope to get wickets and restrict India.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Plan events like camping or white water rafting. Upheavals may occupy your day. Don't make large purchases or investments. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Concentrate on work. You should feel a little more stable about your position; however, don't be surprised if a job offer comes your way. Emotionally, things may not run so smoothly. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You will have splendid suggestions for fund raising events. Lowered vitality could affect your work. Find out all the facts before you jump to conclusions. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Friendships could be terminated quickly if disappointments occur. You're in the mood to spend time with your lover. This will not be the day to lend money to friends or family. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Yo u r s t u b b o r n n a t u r e will backfire if you give your mate an ultimatum. Someone you live with could be frustrated and upset. Rather than making a scene, communicate quietly about the way you feel. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You could expand your circle of friends if you get involved in unusual activities. Your temper could be short if someone criticizes your efforts. You can expect changes in your living arrangements.
(From page 77) Force also enjoyed victories after Mark Blake bulldozed Delroy Kingston (PRBG) and forced the referee to halt the contest midway into the first stanza while Joshua Fraser (GDF) solidified his t e a m ’s p o s i t i o n w i t h a p o i n t ’s win over Alvin Gounga (REP). In the welterweight division, Omar Natuhsokhodo of the Forgotten Youth foundation (FYF) scored a TKO victory over Terrey Peters (REP) while Peters’ gym mate, Bobby Hou-yen defeated Kellon Isaacs (PRBG) in their welterweight bout. The 6 contesting gyms are Republican (REP), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG), Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF), Young Achievers (YA and Rose Hall Jammers (RHJ). The action continued last evening and will conclude tonight.
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Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
With or without Bolt or Russians, athletes will shine in Rio RIO DE JANERIO, Brazil (AP) - With so much focus on Usain Bolt’s injured hamstring and the Russian team’s ban amid charges of systematic doping, it’s easy to lose track of who could be making the headlines at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Always among the marquee Olympic attractions, the track and field competition runs from August 12-21. From the 100metre sprints to the marathons, there are 47 gold medals up for grabs. Some athletes and events to watch: BOLT, OR UNBOLTED Even if he was fully fit, Bolt, the world recordholder and two-time defending champion in the 100- and 200-metre sprints, will have plenty of c o m p e t i t i o n . Wo r l d championship silver medallist Justin Gatlin recorded the two fastest times of the season to July 3 with a 9.80 and 9.83 at the US trials, holding off Trayvon Bromell in 9.84. Gatlin won the 100-200 double at the trials, a feat 2011 world champion Yohan Blake matched at the Jamaican championships after Bolt withdrew. After edging Nickel
Ashmeade to win the 100 in 9.95, Blake —the silver medallist in the 100 and 200 in London — said he felt his confidence coming back. WORLD’S FASTEST WOMEN Dafne Schippers wants to break the Jamaica - US dominance in the women’s Olympic sprints by improving one place on her performance at the World Championships, where she won the 200 and took silver in the 100. After winning the European 100-metre title, the Dutch former heptathlete said, “I’m shaping up well for Rio.” Her personal best of 10.81 is well off the worldleading 10.70 set by Elaine Thompson at the Jamaican trials. T h o m p s o n ’s t i m e equalled the Jamaican record Shelly-Ann FraserPryce set in 2012, and relegated the defending Olympic champion to second place. That’s not a position that sits well with Fraser-Pryce, a championship specialist who has won three World and two Olympic golds in the 100. There’s extra incentive for the 29-year-old FraserPryce, too — the chance to
be the first woman to win the same individual event at three successive Olympics. English Gardner leads the US contingent after a personal best of 10.74 at the trials, where she edged Tianna Bartoletta and world championship bronze medallist Tori Bowie, who both ran 10.78. ALMOST A PERFECT 10 Ashton Eaton is a hot favourite to win another prize for most versatile athlete at the Olympics. Even with a tender right hamstring, Eaton won the US trials with 8,750 points in the decathlon, well below the world record 9,045 he set in winning the World Championships last year but also well clear of all his peers. Eaton warmed up for London in 2012 with a world record in the US trials (9,039) and won the Olympic gold with 8,869. His aim now is to surpass 9,000 points at every major event. Roman Sebrle is the only other decathlete to break the 9,000 barrier, with 9,026 back in 2001. SEMENYA READY Caster Semenya has been just about unbeatable this season over 800 metres and is the favourite for gold at Rio, entering with a
Watkins leads NDC to victory
Members of the victorious New Doctors Clinic team. Marcus Watkins struck a fine half century as New Doctors Clinic overcame Outlaw XI by 10 runs in a 15over softball fixture played at Everest Cricket Club
recently. Watkins stroked 59 and got support from Satyendra Khemaraj 12 as New Doctors Clinic made 121 all out batting first. See Raj
captured 3-19 and M. Michael 2-21. Outlaw XI responded with 111 all out. R. Perseus made 44 as Watkins snared 3-24.
world-leading time of 1:56.64 for the first half of the year. Semenya has had a tumultuous career since winning the world 800 title at age 18 in 2009. The issue of gender verification and hyperandrogenism — the presence of high levels of testosterone in female athletes — gained global attention after that win and Semenya was ordered to undergo testing. She eventually was cleared to compete and won silver in the 800 at the 2012 Olympics to get her career back on track. But she missed the 2013 world titles because of injury and didn’t make the final at the 2015 Worlds. After setting Olympic qualifying times in the 400 and 800 within hours at the S o u t h A f r i c a n championships in April, Semenya said she felt like she was starting to enjoy the sport again. Sprinter Dutee Chand , who was suspended by the IAAF and missed two big meets in 2014 because of hyperandrogenism, took her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and had the IAAF rules suspended last year, clearing the way for her to compete for India in Rio. SUPER SATURDAY
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (right) and Dafne Schippers.
Rule Britannia echoed around the Olympic stadium in 2012 when Mo Farah won the 10,000, Jessica EnnisHill won the heptathlon and Greg Rutherford won the long jump to give Britain three gold medals on one Saturday night. The way the schedule works out for Rio, they have the chance to do it again on Saturday, August 13. All three won their events at the world championships last year — Ennis-Hill successfully returning to competition after having a baby, and Farah completing the 5,00010,000 double again. SETTING THE BAR HIGH If Russia’s ban is upheld, the absence of world recordholder and two-time Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva will leave a hole in the women’s pole vault competition — particularly for American Jenn Suhr . “I always said I wanted
to compete against the best,” said Suh r, w h o w o n Olympic gold in 2012 on a countback from Yarisley Silva and took silver behind Isinbayeva in 2008 at Beijing. “If everything is on the up and up — and the people who know more than I do say, ‘Yeah, she’s in,’ she’s in. Right now, I have no control over it. I’m happy that I’m in.” Suhr missed a medal at last year’s Worlds but her best mark of 4.91 places her second on the all-time list behind Isinbayeva. F a c i n g h e a v y expectations is Brazil’s Fabiana Murer, who won the 2011 world title, the silver in 2015 and set a South American record 4.87 to qualify for her home Olympics. “There is a lot of pressure, before a home Olympics,” Murer said, “but I have the experience to deal with it.”
Guyana, Barbados fixture abandoned, wins for T and T, Windwards The Regional U15 50over f i x t u r e b e t w e e n Guyana and Barbados was abandoned at Tanteen while Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands registered victories when the tournament continued recently. Barbados were 101-4 after 36 overs, batting first when the game was halted due to the state of the outfield which raised question about the players safety. Jacob Bethell made 27, Demetri u s R i c h a r d s 2 3 while Matthew Forde had 25. Nigel Deodat took
2-11 while Dawin D i c k a n d Seon Glasgow one each. At Progress Park, Trinidad and Tobago beat Jamaica by 78 runs. Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o managed 172-6, taking first strike. Anthonio Gomez got 49 not out, Jayden Seales 34 and Tariq Mohammed 21. Matthew Comerie had 224. Jamaica were bowled out for 94 in 36.4 overs. Romaine Jacob made 31 and Rajae Simpson 18; Sameer Ali snared 3-22, Jayden Searles 3-33 and Rivaldo Ramlogan 2-14. At La Sagesse,
Windwards beat Leewards by 48 runs. Windwards batted first and scored 171 all out in 48.3 overs. Lee Solomon struck 63 before he was run out while Garvin Serieux made 53; Dishon Henry 2-22, K’von Esdaille 225, Taieem Tonge took 231. Leewards were sent packing for 123 in 39.1 overs in reply. Damien Hodge made 24, Rasheed Henry 22 and Carlon Tuckett 16. Simeon Gerson gr a b b e d f o u r w i c k e t s while Solomon had three and Zeferniah Edwin two.
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 31, 2016
PAGE 79
Preservation of legacy and hunger for revenge collide today at Providence By Rawle Welch In a repeat of last year’s final, four-time and defending champion Christianburg / Wismar will face nemesis Chase Academic Foundation for this year’s Digicel Schools Football Championship title today, at the National Stadium, Providence. The two teams have once again proven that they are the best in junior football in the country and they will square off at 18:00 hrs in front of what is anticipated to be an even larger crowd than last year. In the third place playoff, Sir Leon Lessons will look to gain some consolation following their disappointing loss to the defending champion in the semi finals when they face B e r b i c e ’s B u s h L o t Secondary from 16:00hrs. The feature encounter is nicely poised to showcase some of the best players on the junior circuit in Guyana and the battle comes down to Christianburg / Wismar preserving its long legacy as worthy champion as against Chase Academic Foundation’s hunger for revenge following their 2-1 defeat in the final last year. The reigning title holders, who’re currently in the rebuilding phase due to the exodus of several of their
Chase’s Captain Jeremy Garrett leading players owing to age ineligibility, have not looked at their imperious best t h r o u g h o u t t h e championship, but have demonstrated their trademark characteristics of determination and resilience. It is hard to believe that today’s final will be a repeat of their semi-final showing when they were kept on the defensive for a large portion of the game against Sir Leon and had it not been for a brilliant performance from goalkeeper Nicholas Gentle, who made crucial stops in numerous one on one situations the result might have been different. They will need to create more goal-scoring opportunities against a team that is stacked with players of immense talent and one that has proven that they can score many goals against any
Nicholas McArthur opposition. However, the flipside to that is that Christianburg / Wi s m a r a r e n o t a n y opposition with four titles in consecutive years to prove it along with a runner-up finish in the inaugural year of the championship. Omar Brewley, who along with Amar Jones were the players on target in last year’s final are once again in the conflict and they have shown rich form with the former the more productive of the two. A player who has come on as substitute and made an impact is the nippy Shaquille Campbell and the ploy has worked perfectly for them since he brings both pace and skill against tiring defenders. Other players expected to play important roles are Captain Kishawn Dey, Antwaine Gill and Jumane Kingston and they will have to increase their work rate to
Kelsey Benjamin
cancel out the ambitions of Chase Academic Foundation. On the other hand, what more could be said of Chase Academic Foundation that have shown a vicious tendency to score many goals. They are the strongest team on paper, having as much as 6-7 players who’ve donned national colours in their line-up and who are very effective on the field. Captain Jeremy Garrett has been a tower of strength in central defence, but the combination of players in the mid-field and up front is where they really flex their muscles. They usually have a blend of scorers with Kelsey Benjamin, Ryan Hackett, J o b C a e s a r, N i c h o l a s McArthur and Shomol Smith, all capable of exploding at any time.
Caesar and Hackett are the designers in the mid-field who’ve created most of their opportunities, while McArthur and Benjamin are quite as efficient closing the deal. There is no doubt that the prediction of an enthralling battle for the championship trophy is not far-fetched and those vested with the scouting and preservation of the nation’s future football stars, along with the pure lovers of the sport, must make it a date to be there. The two best teams have made it to the final and this must be a dream come through for the Organisers. The third place seems to be easier to call with Sir Leon highly favoured to pour more misery on Bush Lot. David George, O’Neil Sharpe, Adrian Aaron and Sylvester Richardson are no
Ryan Hackett scrubs and they should prove too skilful for Bush Lot to handle. Bush Lot for their part must feel satisfied with their performance in this year’s edition, having reached as far as the last four and this must be an encouraging sign for them to aim for a better result come next year. T h e i n - f o r m Ti t u s Chester was effectively marked out by Chase Academic Foundation, but hopefully he would have learnt a few tit bits to be more of a factor come today. However, the early prediction is that it may very well be a case of a ‘bridge too far’ for them. The winner is set to receive $1million, runner-up $700,000, 3rd place $450,000 and 4th place $300,000, all geared at projects identified by the respective institutions.
Taylor sparkles as New Zealand close on win ( R e u t e r s ) BULAWAYO, Ross Taylor and BJ Watling scored centuries as New Zealand closed in on victory against hapless Zimbabwe after day three of the first test yesterday. Taylor finished unbeaten on 173 and shared a sixthwicket stand of 253 with Watling (107) to take the touring side to 576 for six declared in their first innings, a lead of 412. Seamer Trent Boult then took three quick wickets as Zimbabwe closed the day on 121 for five, still 291 runs shy of making New Zealand bat again on what remains a flat wicket. Craig Ervine (49 not out)
and captain Graeme Cremer (14 not out) will resume this morning, with the side hoping to have Regis Chakabva and Sean Williams back after the pair missed the third day through illness. Zimbabwe came out all guns blazing in their second innings and scored at close to six an over throughout, even as the wickets tumbled. Hamilton Masakadza (four) steered a Tim Southee delivery to Taylor at first slip inside the first over before Brian Chari (five) was bowled by Boult. Boult induced an edge from Chamu Chibhabha (seven) to Taylor and trapped debutant Prince Masvaure
lbw for a golden duck as Zimbabwe were reduced to 17 for four. The wicket was a 150th in tests for the New Zealand seamer. Ervine and Sikandar Raza (37) launched a counter-attack, adding 69 in under nine overs before the latter became the seventh victim of the match for seamer Neil Wagner with a wild hack at a short delivery that went straight up in the air and w a s c a u g h t b y To m Latham. Ervine and Cremer delayed what seems the inevitable as they saw the hosts through to the close. New Zealand had resumed the day on 315 for
Ross Taylor clips one to the on side, Zimbabwe v New Zealand, 1st Test, Bulawayo, 3rd day, July 30, 2016 ©AFP four and lost only nightwatchman Ish Sodhi (11) in the first two sessions as Taylor and Watling plundered runs. Taylor brought up his 14th test century from 191
balls, his first score over 50 in eight test innings since he his 290 against Australia in November last year. Watling needed only 169 deliveries to reach his ton, a
sixth in test cricket. Scores: Zimbabwe 164 and 121 for 5 (Ervine 49*, Raza 37) trail New Zealand 576 for 6 dec (Taylor 173*, Watling 107, Latham 105) by 291 runs.
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Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Rosberg takes pole for home race ahead of Hamilton HOCKENHEIM, GERMANY (Reuters) Nico Rosberg set a scorching pace under pressure yesterday to seize pole position, ahead of Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton, in qualifying for his home German Formula One Grand Prix. Rosberg, determined to t a k e b a c k t h e championship lead from Hamilton today after losing it in last weekend’s race in Hungary, lapped the 4.5-km Hockenheim track in one minute 14.363 seconds. The German had only one flying lap to set his time, however, after being forced to abandon his first attempt in the final poleposition phase of qu a l i f y i n g d u e t o an electronics problem. “It’s a great feeling and just a great lap,” Rosberg said. “I als o had extra fuel to make sure I could get another s hot ... so (I am) really
Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg attends the practice for the German Grand Prix 2016 at the Hockenheimring, Germany. (REUTERS/RALPH ORLOWSKI) s atis fied w ith that one, that w as cool.” Yesterday’s pole was the 27th of Rosberg’s career and fifth of the season. I t w a s a l s o Mercedes’s 47th in the last 50 races. The G e r m a n t e a m have started all but one race this year from the front. Hamilton, who escaped a
penalty for an unsafe release in the final practice session, was 0.107 seconds slower than Rosberg. The Briton had trailed the German in each of the three practice sessions in the build-up to qualifying but was quickest in yesterday’s opening two phases before locking up on his final lap. “I had the pace today, just didn’t finish it off on the
last lap,” said Hamilton, who leads Rosberg by six points heading into Sunday’s race. Daniel Ricciardo will head an all-Red Bull second row after going thirdfastest ahead of 18-yearold Dutch team mate Max Verstappen. The Australian, who finished third in Hungary, was 0.363 seconds behind Rosberg’s benchmark but
was optimistic that a different tyre strategy to the Mercedes pair could put him in the mix. Kimi Raikkonen was fifth for Ferrari, beating team mate Sebastian Vettel who was a disappointing sixth on his first appearance on home soil i n t h e I t a l i a n t e a m ’s scarlet colours. Nico Hulkenberg was
Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg (REUTERS/ Ralph Orlowski) seventh ahead of Williams driver Valtteri Bottas and Force India team mate Sergio Perez. Felipe Massa, in the second Williams, was 10th. Rosberg won at Hockenheim in 2014 and a repeat would allow him to put the brakes on Hamilton, who has won five of the last six races.
Mohammed’s last over six take... (From page 78) Adam Zampa and was taken by Lynn at 50-2 and the close to 4,000 Guyanese in the stands erupted in unadulterated joy and waved their Guyana flags merrily. Taylor’s 37 lasted 21 balls and included seven fours. Zampa’s second over cost just two as he kept Skipper Kieron Pollard on a tight leash and after 10 overs the tridents were 60-2 and in desperate need to put their foot on the gas as Malik and the powerful Pollard struggled to find the boundary in the must win game for the Tridents. Pollard was dropped by Lynn despite a brilliant effort and the ball went for four before the Tridents Skipper hammered Zampa for consecutive boundaries, while Malik stroked Barnwell for four and Pollard pull him for six and a four in the 16th over which cost 17 runs to release the pressure on the Bajans. Malik blasted Permaul like a bullet back past him for four and dumped Rayed Emrit for six but succumbed when he hit the ball to Lynn on the boundary at 131-3.
Things got worse when Pollard tried to pull a short ball from way outside off stump and ‘skied’ it high to square-leg as Tanvir made an important breakthrough without addition to the score. Nick Pooran hit his first ball for six off Tanvir, while David Weise clobbered a full toss from Emrit but was dropped by Mohamed at long-off to the disgust of Emrit a n d t h e l a rg e c o n t i n g e n t of Guyanese supporters. Raymond Reifer was dropped on the boundary by Barnwell in the final over before he was run out off the last ball attempting a bye. The Warriors stared in horrendous fashion when Reifer scattered the stumps of Smith first ball but Lynn, the tournament’s leading run scorer, dumped Reifer for six to get his innings started before stroking three majestic boundaries off Ravi Rampaul. The Australian set Florida on fire and had the Warriors fans jumping in the stands as pulsating music emanated from the sound system in the Party Stand. M a d d i s o n ’s ( 1 6 ) boundaries off Imran Khan
and Hosein were timed to perfection but he soon lofted Khan to Shehzad on the boundary at 42-2 in 5.2 overs. The introduction of Khan put the brake on the free scoring as Mohammed and Lynn and after 10 overs the score was 62-2 while at the same point the Tridents were 60-2 and the game was wide open. But Lynn dumped Wiese for a couple of sixes and Lynn reached his 50 from 37 balls when he stroked Marchant De Lange for four. Lynn took two sixes from the 13th over as De Lange’s only over cost 20 runs and the pendulum had swung Guyana’s way. But the wickets of Lynn (57) and Anthony Bramble (1) in the space of seven runs had the Guyana fans worried as Barnwell joined Mohammed and hit Rampaul for six before
tucking Pollard for four in the next over. Mohamed clobbered Rampaul for six to leave the Warriors needing four to win from Pollard’s last over. Pollard started with two dot balls and the tension was sky high but the 29-year-old Trini finished the contest with a six. Scores: TRIDENTS 158 for six off 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 47, Steven Taylor 37, Shoaib Malik 35; Sohail Tanvir 2-24) beat AMAZON WARRIORS 161 for four off 19.3 overs (Jason Mohammed 57 not out, Chris Lynn 57; Raymond Reifer 2-22) by six wickets. Meanwhile, in the first game, Fletcher’s 74 lasted 49 balls and was decorated with four fours and four sixes and added 89 in 9.3 overs with his West Indies opening partner Johnson Charles who slammed seven fours and two sixes in his 37ball 59 while Shane Watson
made a 20-ball 43 with a four and five sixes as the Zouks galloped to 206-3 from 20 overs. Kesrick Williams, who got rid of Watson and David Miller, snatched 2-28 for the Jamaicans who were restricted to 143-8 when their 20 overs expired as only Chadwick Walton who played some audacious shots in his entertaining 54 from 51 balls with seven boundaries and Alex Ross (23) offered fight. Charles and Fletcher provided a solid foundation before Charles departed while Watson and Fletcher put together 59 for the second wicket before Watson was dismissed by Williams at 148-2 in the 16thover. Miller then departed at 187-3 in the penultimate over before Skipper Darren Sammy (11*) and Fletcher who hit a six in the last over off Andre Russell, whose
four overs leaked 64 runs days after got married here in Florida. When the Tallawahs began their reply needing to score at over 10 runs per over Gayle (13) began with consecutive sixes off Delorn Johnson before he got one that left him and with no movement of his feet edged the next ball to Sammy at slip to leave his team on 22-1 and when Kumar Sangakkara was run out for 18 at 57-3 the result was inevitable, despite the efforts of Walton and Alex Ross. Scores: ZOUKS 206 for three off 20 overs (Andre Fletcher 74 not out, Johnson Charles 59, Shane Watson 43; Kesrick Williams 2-28) beat TALLAWAHS 143 for eight off 20 overs (Chadwick Walton 54, Alex Ross 23; Delorn Johnson 3-30, Jerome Taylor 2-34) by 63 runs.
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 31, 2016
PAGE 81
Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis National Novices Boxing Championships
Guyana Defence Force stamps its authority in first night action Boxers of defending champions, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), seem to be intent on retaining the accolade when the curtains went up on the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis National Novices Boxing Championships at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, last Friday evening. The soldiers fielded eight boxers and walked away with 6 victories after their jnr/welterweight boxer, Julius Bobb, failed to upkeep the tempo and surrendered a points decision to Henry Belgrave of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG). Another soldier, Orlando Norton, also dropped a decision to REP, Joshua Joseph, in their welterweight bout. Chris Cummings started the trend of victories for the soldiers when he scored a unanimous verdict over Calvin Ramcharran of the Republican Boxing Gym (REP). Fighting out of the lightweight division, the two started the bout at a ferocious pace with wicked exchanges at close range. Ramcharran drew first blood when he unleashed a wicked right hand to his opponent’s head and forced the referee to institute the mandatory 8 count. Cummings did well to withstand the blow and returned into the fray with flailing fists right up to the bell. The brutal toe to toe battle continued into the second stanza and the Republican connected with a looping right hand. Cummings took the blow like a man and responded with a flurry that had his man backing away. The final round was a gem as both pugilists attempted to impress the judges with their aggression. In the end stamina played a decisive role and it was Cummings who prevailed unanimously. Triston Brown (GDF) collected the baton and kept the tempo alive with a victory over another REP, William DeAbreu, also a lightweight bout. Both pugilists demonstrated will and determination, wielding wicked salvos that
entertained the small but appreciative crowd. It was obvious that the winner would have been the one with the ring smarts but most importantly, the better conditioned body. In the end Brown proved to be the one, finishing the fight the stronger, for the judges to award him a well-deserved points decision. Anthony Patterson (REP) appeared determined to change the fortunes for his gym and attacked Jamal Brisport (GDF) from the first gong of their lightweight encounter. Fighting out of a southpaw stance, Patterson launched an attack but was met with equal retaliation. Brisport changed his tactics in the second round and adopted a jab and move stance, pausing briefly to engage in some infighting. The ploy paid off and kept Patterson at bay for Brisport to claim the unanimous verdict. Quamy Cumberbatch (REP) was determined to change the fortunes of his gym and he started his jnr/welterweight bout against Leon Semply throwing right crosses to the head with a few body blows for good measure. His ploy was effective and after one such combination the referee jumped in and instituted the mandatory 8 count to Semply. The Republican representative clearly took the first round and resumed duties in the second. Only this time he was met by a determined Semply who lashed out and connected with a vicious clout to his temple. The blow drifted Cumberbatch and caused the referee to institute the mandatory 8 count. On resumption, the Republican tried to recoup the points but his opponent was in full flow and matched his every blow to clearly take the honours in the second stanza. In the 3rd round, Semply resumed where he had left off and by then Cumberbatch was too tired to offer much resistance and eventually surrendered by a unanimous verdict. The Guyana Defence (Continued on page 73)
Chris Cummings
Triston Brown
Jamal Brisport
PAGE 82
Sunday July 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Guyana Cup 2016 stakes raised to gigantic $30M, one more event added Representative of the Goodwood Racing Service- Shamila George presents the company cheque to Campton Sancho of the Jumbo Jet Organising Committee.
Some of the race horses from Suriname arrived over the weekend for the event. (Jumbo Jet) The organisers of the Golden Jubilee Guyana Cup Horserace meet has taken the event to another level as the stakes has been pushed to a whopping $30M in cash, trophies and other incentives with the addition of another event and the more incentives on the platter. Staying through to their word to up the ante for the mega event which is also
being held in recognition of its 10th anniversary the organisers are going all the way to make it the biggest and best so far. Nine events are now on the programme which is slated for Sunday August 14th at the Port Mourant (Big Yard) Turf Club, Corentyne Berbice. Like name and nature the Jumbo Jet organized activity
which is being held in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club has been having some jumbo Investment from some major sponsors including the Government of Guyana and Banks DIH Limited. The mega event according to Nazrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohamed Junior is undoubtedly the biggest horserace event in
Guyana. With this being the 10th anniversary of the event and the country also celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary the organisers are bent on making the Guyana Cup horserace meet 2016 the best ever. A number of changes and adjustment have been made to the days programme to make it more attractive and
3RD day CPL t20 cricket in Florida
Mohammed’s last over six takes Warriors home Zouks beat Tallawahs to advance for first time
Darren Sammy and the St Lucia Zouks enjoyed a 63 runs victory over the Jamaica Tallawahs. (CPL) By Sean Devers On a day when the stands in Jamaica were virtually empty for the Test between India and West Indies, an almost capacity crowd of dancing, flag waving fans braved scorching Florida heat to create a Carnival-like atmosphere and watch St Lucia Zouks and Guyana Warriors register victories yesterday at the Central Broward Park in the Hero CPL t20 tournament. The largest West Indian population in the USA comprise of Guyanese and
Jamaicans and they turned out in their numbers as St Lucia Zouks, led by 50s from Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles, beat Jamaica Tallawahs by 63 runs in sweltering heat of 100 degrees to advance to the play-off for the first time in the four-year history of CPL. In the 16:00hrs game, Kieron Pollard (47), Steven Taylor (37) and Shoaib Malik (35) led the Tridents to 158-6. Sohail Tanvir took the (2-24) for the Warriors who reached 161-4 in 19. 3 overs
with Chris Lynn leading the way with 57 from 44 balls before an important unfinished 43-run stand between Jason Mohamed (57) who finished the contest with a last over six with four needed, and Chris Barnwell (19). Raymon Reifer had 222 in a losing cause. Top team Guyana will face the Tallawahs in St Kitts on August 3 in the first playoff game. The Bajans elected to bat on a good track and Taylor, the USA player born to Jamaica parents, hammered
Chris Lynn got among the runs for the Warriors again. ©Getty Images Steven Jacobs for consecutive boundaries in the third over. Ahmed Shehzad (6) got one that got ‘big’ on him and pulled Dwayne Smith to Jacobs at mid-on to leave the score on 18-1. Taylor continued to play shots and three successive boundaries off Smith were delightful to watch. The 22-year-old Ta y l o r d a n c e d i n t o Veerasammy Permaul and stuck him for two glorious fours. But when Taylor attempted go over the top to (Continued on page 76)
have more participation. The feature “A” and lower event has been confirmed that the distance will be 1800M with a substantial $4M winners prize in addition to the Guyana Cup Trophy from a total package of $8M. The co-feature event for 3yrs old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies will see the winner taking home an encouraging $2M and trophy over 1600M. The two year old event is for Guyana Bred horses with a first prize of $400,000 and trophy over 1100M. The E and lower event for a winning tag of $800,000 and trophy will now be running o v e r 1 5 0 0 M . The event for G1 and lower horses is for animals from Suriname and those from Guyana. There is a race for horses classified H and lower and West Indies bred that has not started since August 30th 2015. The distance is 1200M for a winner’s money of $400,000. Horses classified H3 and West Indies Maiden and also open To Guyana Bred trotters will have their chance to race over 1200M for a winner’s money of $400,000. The event for J and K class horses will see animals from Suriname matching their skills against the Guyanese animals over 1100M for a take home incentive of $350,000 and trophy. Horses from Suriname have also been tagged to feature in the L and lower event against those from Guyana over 1100M for a winning purse of $250,000 and trophy. Among the animals from
Suriname expected over the weekend to race are Wise Secret, Vaultimore Expresso and Buffen among others. All the animals will be competing under the “Club Neutral stable”. Meanwhile, another major sponsor in the Goodwood Racing Service of Guyana will be taking their betting skills to the track as they join the slew of sponsors already on board for the jumbo event. Among the sponsors already on board are Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall, Phaghoo General Store of West Coast, Berbice, Assuria Insurance Company, Prem’s Grocery and Beer Garden, West Coast, Berbice, Fix It Vulcanizing and Tire Shop West Coast, Berbice, Hand In Hand Insurance Company, Colours Boutique of Georgetown, BM Soat Auto Sales, Jameel Bar and Entertainment Lounge, the Muneshwar Store, the Hyper Malt Beverage Company, Rambrich Enterprise of Corentyne and BM Soat A u t o S p a r e s . A number of added attractions and incentives have been made available including for the winners of the A class, the three year old and the two year old races. They will get an extra $500,000, $400,000 and $200,000 bonuses respectively. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers and Trophy Stall. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed Jnr. Bugle time is 12:00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 31, 2016
PAGE 83
Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships 2016 – Individual Time Trials
Hicks and Cornelius place 16th and 17th among juniors; Khan is 24th for juveniles
St Lucia’s Dr. Anthony George poses with the top girls from left, Charliette Truillio, Alyssa Rowse and Jougna Jimenez By Franklin Wilson in St. Lucia compliments of F a z i a ’s C o l l e c t i o n , Fitness Express and Germans Restaurant The placings of the young but brave Guyanese riders at the 2016 edition of the Junior Caribbean Cycling
Championships (JCCC) here in St. Lucia confirms that there is a lot of work to be done to bring the riders up to speed with what’s required to excel at this level. The fact that Time Trials in Guyana are very few and far was evident in the performances of the three
Maria’s Pleasure, G Square Cavaliers triumph
Jaggernauth Manbodh
Ajay Ghansam
Maria’s Pleasure and G Square Cavaliers recorded victories when the G Square Cavaliers SC T20 tournament commenced yesterday in Belle Plaine, Wakenaam. M a r i a ’s P l e a s u r e defeated Sans Souci by 10 wickets. Batting first, Good Success made 114 off their reduced quota of 15 overs. Abdool Salim led with 39 (2x4, 2x6) and Gurnauth Khemraj got 24 (2x4,2x6); Kennard Lewis claimed 3-34 and Bernard Lewis 2-6. Maria’s Pleasure were set a revised target of 71 from with eight overs due to rain,
and attained victory in 6.3 overs without loss. Bernard Lewis struck four fours and seven sixes in scoring 62. G Square Cavaliers beat Zeelandia by eight wickets. Batting first Zeelandia made 137 after the game was reduced to 15 overs. Ajay Ghansam slammed 43 (3X4,4X6) while Ricardo Adams got 32 (2x4,2x6) as Kamal Khan captured 2-32. Khan then stroked a fine 55 as G Square Cavaliers responded with 141-2 in 14 overs. Jaggernauth Manbodh cracked 46. The competition concludes today.
riders that participated in yesterday’s JCCC Individual Time Trials. The best finisher was Andrew Hicks who crossed the line in the 16th position in a time of 35’49"12 in the Junior with countryman and national champion Christopher Cornelius finishing after Hicks in 17th place in 36’11"30. This category was won by Trinidad and Tobago’s Tyler Cole who was 2015 Juvenile champion in 32’26"07 with French St Martin’s Alban Clerc 2nd (32’33"90) and Phaeton Collins of Guadeloupe 3rd in 32’34"22. A total of 22 riders competed in this category. Cornelius who started ahead of both the 1st and 2nd placed finishers had some issues with his chain which worked against him ending with a better time that could have challenged the top two. He told Kaieteur Sport that he was able to climb the hilly part of the course with much more ease than Cole but his chain affected him. One rider did not complete the 20KM course, St Lucian Calixte Williams, while Jair De Santiago Picado of Aruba failed to start. The lone competitor in the juvenile category, Zaman Khan, in only his second Time Trial event having also rode the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) National Championships this year, did not have a good baptism on debut at the Caribbean levelas he finished 23rd of 24 competitors in 20’27"74
JCCC 2016 Junior TT winner, T&T’s Tyler Cole dances to Dwayne Bravo’s Champion song as the T&T National Anthem was unavailable. At right is SLCF President, Cyril Mangal
Christopher Cornelius about to cross the finish line ahead of Grenada’s Karega. Bermuda’s Kaden Hopkins topped this division by winning the 10KM contest in 15’28"71. Jeffrey DiazRivera of Puerto Rico came 2nd (15’44"48) with Trinidad and Tobago’s Jabari Whiteman 3rd in 15’44"75. Bermuda started off the championships on a winning note when they carted off the Girls 10KM Time Trial through Akyssa Rowse who touched the line in 17’13"66. It was all Puerto Rico for the silver and bronze medals thanks to Charliette Golderos-Truillio (19’13"22) and Jougna Baez-Jimenez (19’23"07). Only six girls competed. Manager of Team Guyana Marc Somoram in an invited
comment following yesterday’s time trials said that the events presented a good learning experience for the riders since this particular event is not done back home on a regular basis. ”I think it was good exposure for the guys but our strong area would be the road race today. There is a large turnout of countries which would make this race even more competitive with the likes of Trinidad, Barbados, Guadeloupe and Martinique all in contention but I am backing my boys to give a good account of themselves.” Yesterday, only two riders maximum were allowed to contest the Time
Andrew Hicks completes the course Trials and not three. However, today’s Road Race will see all four riders competing which means that Cornelius and Hicks would be joined by Jornel Yearwood and Raphael Leung as they seek to win a medal for Guyana. Zaman Khan would be the lone juvenile seeking to make a mark in this race for Guyana.The race is slated for Vieux Fort and commences at 09:30hrs on the Vieux Fort Laborie Highway / Vieux Fort La Resource Circuit which goes around the airport with a distance of just under 12.5KM for each lap. The girls will do 50KM (4 laps), juveniles 62KM (5 laps) and juniors 100km (8 laps).
t r o Sp
Preservation of legacy and hunger for revenge collide today at Providence
Christianburg players from left: Jumaine Kingston, Shaquille Campbell, Amar Jones, Omar Brewley and Antwaine Gill.
India in control after first day against Windies
R Ashwin beat Marlon Samuels in flight, West Indies v India, 2nd Test, Kingston, 1st day, July 30, 2016 ŠAssociated Press
Jermaine Blackwood gets on top of the bounce, West Indies v India, 2nd Test, Kingston, 1st day, July 30, 2016 ŠAssociated Press
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