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AIETEUR Angry Agricola NEWS

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residents burn truck, batter driver

June 02, 2019

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $140

…after accident results in child's death

Online readership yesterday 97,747

SARA finds state properties left in wills for officials' children TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE:

This photo was snapped Thursday at Houston, where these vessels were moored. The photographer is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to act for what he says is a major oil spillage from the tug as well as the vessel at right.

There is a huge focus now over oil spill especially as production by ExxonMobil is set to start in the first quarter next year.

Scrapping of Marriott's casino tenders…

Several ministers met with Princess Group to hear complaints - Minister Jaipaul Sharma says he was one demanded clarifications

SARA explores possibilities of rescinding Canje, Kaieteur blocks

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Sunday June 02, 2019

Implementation of Green State Strategy projected to cost $1.05T

I

n establishing the feasibility of implementing green economy initiatives under the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040, the model assumes an investment of $1.05 trillion between 2018 and 2040, which is about 2.7 percent of Guyana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

GSDS: Vision 2040 is an

economic plan that the government intends to use to guide the development of Guyana for the next 20 years.

It is purported to be written with principles of a green economy in mind, and is, according to the final document, “defined by sustainable, low-carbon and resilient development that uses its resources efficiently, and sustained over

generations”.

The model of the plan has calculated the effect the green economy (GE) would have on the country's economic growth. It has projected that the allocation of resources to this strategy will lead to a 2040 GDP that is 28 percent higher than what it would be if it was Business As Usual. Average growth of GDP on top of BAU is projected at one percent. It has also projected a 15 percent increase in jobs

President David Granger [left] and UN Environment Programmes Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Leo Heileman by 2040, on top of BAU. Four sectors were modeled – energy, forestry, agriculture and infrastructure – and the impact of selected green policies evaluated to the year 2040.

The strategy will endure periodic reviews of its targets and goals throughout t h e p e r i o d o f implementation, and therefore, the consultation process with public and private sector agencies has not ended with the publishing of the report.

They will work closely with government to ensure that the policy is understood, so that it could be translated to action.

In the short term, the plan states that there will be a focus on improving current practices, strategically, through preparatory activities, like the conduct of feasibility studies and improvement of the capacities of the public and private sector.

Public agencies will be expected to accommodate t h e s t r a t e g y ' s implementation schedule in their work programmes, and

provide results-based reports.

The short-to-medium term plan will have actions focused on large-scale infrastructure projects, forming new agencies and services where there is a need, and strengthening emerging industries.

Government's capacity to design, procure, manage and evaluate large investment projects will need strengthening, with a delivery unit being central for the management of critical projects.

It is expected that a special task force will be formulated to track and d o c u m e n t t h e implementation of the strategy.

That body will be overseen by a “Vision 2040 Council” appointed by Cabinet – co-chaired by the Ministries of Finance and the Presidency.

According to the document, “This unit can be supported by a core technical staff that reports directly to the Council on, inter alia, the pace of economic transformation and creation (continued on page 9)

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 03

Scrapping of Marriott's casino tenders…

SARA finds State properties Several ministers met left in wills for with Princess Group officials' children

to hear complaints

M

inister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, is insisting that he was the one who blew the whistle on the Marriott casino tender process which appeared to be flawed and which has now been scrapped.

Sharma was reportedly being accused of secretly meeting with representatives of Princess Group, which runs Princess Casino.

The Turkish-controlled group was one of a number of investors which signaled intentions to run a casino operation at the state-owned Marriott, in Kingston.

Princess Group and a Surinamese investor were said to be frontrunners while the evaluation process was being conducted last year.

However, the process was scrapped after National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), which handles investments, said it was alerted to an irregular meeting and correspondence between the group and Minister Sharma.

The matter was reportedly raised at the highest levels in Government.

Over the weekend, Minister Sharma, when contacted, made it clear that it was Princess who came to him to complain about it said was a clear attempt to favour the Surinamese investor and

- Minister Jaipaul Sharma says he was one demanded clarifications

Minister Jaipaul Sharma that the evaluation process was flawed.

“All visits by Princess' officials were done at my office on their request for an appointment to meet with me, so that in no way can be considered a private meeting.

Also, I had informed the Chairman of AHI (Atlantic Hotels Inc.) and Minister of Finance (Winston Jordan) of the meeting.”

According to Sharma, when he met with the Princess officials, he was told that they had made appointments with other ministers including Jordan; then Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; then Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; and

Minister Amna Ally.

“I was the first Minister that readily agreed to meet with them.

So why would the person mention to the reporter that AHI quashed the EOI (Express of Interest) because of a private meeting with a m i n i s t e r ? ” Kaieteur News learnt that Ministers Ally, Harmon and Gaskin all met with the Princess representatives who wanted to complain.

“In my opinion the evaluation of the EOI was basically being engineered to favor the other bidder and to disqualify Princess,” Sharma said.

It was also disclosed that Princess claimed it was not given enough time to submit documents.

AHI is the NICIL special purpose company that owns Marriott, a 197-room that opened in 2015 but which financing structure had depended on a casino and entertainment to make enough money to repay up to US$30M in debts to the banks and other creditors.

The Government of Guyana has taken over the loan after Marriott was unable to pay.

It was decided that an unfinished section of the hotel would be opened for investments for a casino.

O

ne key function of the State Asset R e c o v e r y Agency (SARA) is the prevention of corruption. In keeping with this mandate, the agency visited the offices of the administrative regions in the past few months to ensure that the assets of the State are being properly monitored and inventoried.

But the subsequent findings were just “startling”, says SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips.

During an interview with Kaieteur News, Phillips said that properties belonging to the State were willed to the children of officials. While he declined to provide names, Phillips said that this was found in several instances in almost all the regions.

Phillips said, “So this is what took place under the previous regime...We found that a lot of the appointees were appointed for particular reasons. But we have been able to correct this through inventories and working with the regions to say what is your asset base?

“Who is managing these properties and what is the status of it? By bringing order to this, we were able to find properties which the State didn't even know belonged to it because there are instances where people renovated them and were living in them like it is their own.”

Philips said that SARA found cases where an agency would buy equipment which ended up in the hands of another entity and then it was being leased to the original purchaser. He said that this occurred with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

The official said that the State's assets were essentially in “total disarray.”

Phillips said, “It was confusion and so we spent a long time in the regions correcting this and it saved us millions of dollars. We lost a lot of vehicles and equipment in the past because they were bought and not being

SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips inventoried. Vehicles and equipment were all over the place with different owners.”

The SARA official said that proper systems for transparency and accountability are now in place.

(BY KIANA WILBURG)

Food for thought

Don't Quit!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but do not quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don't give up though the pace seems slow— You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than, It seems to a faint and faltering man, Often the struggler has given up, When he might have captured the victor's cup, And he learned too late when the night slipped down, How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out— The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit— It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.[Author Unknown]

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Robert Mueller and Donald Trump

T

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

he return of Independent Counsel, Robert Mueller, would have been damning if it wasn’t so dull. The heart of his repeat performance before cameras and public (and partisans, too) boiled down to this statement “If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not (obstruct justice) we would have said that.”

And that should be that, according to Mueller. Except that it is not. For he is not saying anything that gives traction, save to create more and lasting slipperiness.

He can never be condemned for extravagance of syntax; of playing with passions (or politics). And the paradox is that though he does not set out to do so, ends up doing precisely that.

Mr. Muller’s choice of language stands as an exercise in sparseness; a bow to blandness that brings mourning.

Reasonable doubt? Maybe, maybe not, is the road that Mr. Mueller takes everyone down. Sufficiency of evidence and proof?

Depends on how sufficiency is defined; and if the special counsel would have his way, a nationwide referendum could be required.

And yet, there are these nagging, troubling echoes, compliments of his own handiwork. For double-digit instances of interference would sound like fair and balanced proof to most rational people.

But there it is: “if we had had confidence…” Not unreasonably, the question surfaces: what is required to instill some modicum of confidence? Some speck of confidence that is stirred, if not by ten instances of obstruction, then twenty, perhaps?

And it can also be posited not unsoundly, that the developments lead to another uneasy, disturbing place: it is likely, given the outlook and dogged nature of Mr. Mueller, that no number would have imparted the requisite degree of confidence that has proven-and still proves-to be so tantalizingly elusive.

Thus, the special counsel would not bite, or take any step. If there is a single redeeming feature in the man’s legal creation, it is that he cannot be accused of coming to the thorny, thankless task handed to him with preconceived notions, or of any racing to conclusions.

Any kind or degree of conclusion. It is exasperating. It is comforting. It is inciting and (inevitably) rancorously dividing.

Mr. Mueller goes on in his unruffled manner: “that the president clearly did not…” No subtitles should be called for as to which president is referenced here. Thank God for that breath of merciful oxygen. It is a whiff of the lifegiving. But at the same time, (if we had had confidence) that the Chief Executive “clearly did not”, opens a separate septic tank of who knows what.

That is, if anyone wants to go there.

The element of doubt is definitely there: maybe not overwhelming to the degree of preponderance required in civil proceedings, but again there has to be resorting to and relying upon that benchmark of reasonableness.

All circumstances considered, was what was compiled clear and convincing? Obstructive?

Though a head of state, in theory, is held to the same standard as ordinary citizens, the reality is that he or she is not. For there is that qualifier that comes with the weight of national obligations and expectations: the leader has to be purer than Calpurnia.

Translation: exemplary.

Now the object of the probe has jumped on a high horse of his own fiction and it is off to the races. It is a horserace of one, with fellow political groomsmen cursing the uncontrollable skittishness of their charge. He charges ahead daringly.

The competition is not clearing out of the way (one horse and all); they are challenging from the side: all the other sides of the political paddock and fence. Already it is a furious melee.

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

Govt. missing in action as T&T bans Guyana’s But why were the people APNU+AFC Government was Guyana? Usually, the Governpoultry equally surprised, confused ment of one country, through of Guyana not informed?

DEAR EDITOR, For more than four years, APNU+AFC as a government has persistently been missing in action (MIA) whenever Guyana and the Guyanese people face threats. This week, many more examples of APNU+AFC MIA were evident.

Trinidad and Tobago on May 31, 2019 announced a total ban on cooked and raw poultry products from Guyana because of the presence of Duck Viral Hepatitis (DVH) in the duck population of Guyana. It is an understatement that the Guyanese people were shocked on Friday when Trinidad and Tobago publicly announced the ban on Guyanese poultry products - raw and cooked entering through the ports of that country. Even more shocking is that the

and unaware that we had a problem. They were caught off-guards again.

At the time of the announcement, Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture was, as usual, out of the jurisdiction he was out of the country this time. He always seems to be somewhere else when agriculture faces a threat. There is no indication that either the Minister of Public Health or the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Guyana was aware of the ban.

In fact, there is no indication that anyone in the DavidGranger-led APNU+AFC Cabinet knew anything about the ban. It appears they were as shocked as ordinary Guyanese citizens that Trinidad and Tobago announced the ban.

Did Trinidad and Tobago take arbitrary action in banning poultry products from

relevant officers, would inform the other country when an adverse action is taken because of the reporting of an adverse event.

Was this protocol followed? Trinidad and Tobago banned poultry products from Guyana because of reports of DVH in Guyana. On May 19th, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) announced closure of their hatchery because of problems encountered; they never stated what the problems were. But DVH is a reportable animal disease and, I suspect, under the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR) rules, Guyana had to notify the international authorities of the presence of DVH. Trinidad and Tobago might have become aware through that reporting.

Why was it that no one in authority in the government knew? Was it that they were not told by the GLDA? Was it that they paid no attention? I can only say that if such a disease was found when I was Minister, the relevant GLDA staff would have been in my office, I would have notified the President and the Cabinet urgently and advised of action the GLDA and the Ministry of Agriculture planned in our response to end the problem.

If Guyana did inform international authorities, in accordance with the IHR’s rules, that it identified incidences of DVH, an infection with a high mortality rate in poultry animals, Guyana did the right thing. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Government of Guyana must be commended (Continued on page 5)

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Andaiye is a name synonymous with the struggle for freedom, democracy The lapse must be corstand up, stand up for your and fortitude like Andaiye are and rights for all Guyanese rights, get up, stand up, don’t denied due recognition for rected.

DEAR EDITOR, Andaiye is a name to remember. Her name is synonymous with struggle for freedom, democracy and the civil and political and economic rights for all Guyanese.

I first came to know Andaiye from the days of the Movement Against Oppression (MOA).That was in the late ‘60’s and early 70’s She had just returned from Jamaica where she studied at the University of the West Indies at Mona.

Andaiye was one of the more prominent woman members of MAO. At that time she was in the teaching profession.

Other women were Bonita Bone, now Harris, Diana Mathews and Mrs. Ramcharran- Fraser.

MAO’s membership at that time included Eusi Kwayana, Joshua Ramsammy, Omawale, Clive Thomas, Errol Fraser, Maurice Odle, Sase Omo, Brian Rodway, Marc Mathews and Alfred Jadunath, among others.

I represented the PPP at

meetings of MAO held on Sunday mornings at its headquarters in the Tiger Bay Areaof Georgetown.

Andaiye was a persistent fighter for women’s rights and for national and social liberation of oppressed peoples around the world. She was an internationalist in her world outlook.

When the WPA opened its London office in 1982, Andaiye was appointed External Secretary.

According to a WPA press release issued in March 1982 ‘As External Secretary of the Party Andaiye will work in close cooperation with support groups, anti-dictatorial parties and organizations as well as other liberation and democratic forces in the interests of the Guyanese people.’

Andaiye was instrumental in securing consultative membership for the WPA in the Socialist International On her return from London to Guyana April 1983, she immediately plunged into the national struggles for basic hu-

man rights, equality and social justice which brought her into direct confrontation with the Burnham dictatorship.

As one of the leading lights of the WPA, Andaiye was in the forefront, as the anti-dictatorial struggles intensified with the arrival of Walter Rodney in Guyana.

In July of 1979, trumped up charges were brought against Andaiye and four of her colleagues for their alleged involvement in the burning down of the Office of the General Secretary of the PNC and the Ministry of National Mobilization housed in the same building.

Facing constant harassment, threats and victimization throughout that entire period up to the assassination of Walter on June 13, 1980 and long after, Andaiye never gave up the fight concentrating on women’s affairs and other social and political issues.

In the political struggle as well as in her personal struggle with her illness, Andaiye was in effect the living translation of Bob Marley’s <Get up

give up the fight< Andaiye was an integral part of the struggles for free and fair elections and the restoration of democracy in her country. She championed that struggle where ever she went.

As International Secretary of the PPP I had the good fortune to participate in some international events with Andaiye, she was at the time External Secretary of the WPA. Andaiye was a thought provoking, cool and calm person to work with, through whom I was able to appreciate some of the tactical and philosophical differences between the PPP and the WPA at that time.

Andaiye was a dignified, Black intellectual woman who, while holding her head high, always had her feet firmly on the ground. That is why there was a huge outcry when state security personnel carried out searches at the home of Dr. Frank Williams ( Andaiye’s father) and Andaiye herself.

It is to be regretted that women of the stature, strength

Govt. missing in action as T&T bans Guyana’s ...

From page 4 for adhering to the rules, as dictated in the IHR, if they did it. At the very least, PAHO and CAREC should have been informed.

There is no room for not following such minimum standards. I suspect, it was this notification by Guyana that caused Trinidad and Tobago to act in banning poultry products from Guyana to enter Trinidad. Trinidad and Tobago was not acting arbitrarily and without cause. Why then, the surprise by our government? Why then, no one seems to know about the problem?

Did the Minister of Agriculture paid no attention and did he fail to inform his Cabinet colleagues?

The shock expressed by government ministers demonstrates a government that is aloof and not in control. The Guyanese people should not be finding out about this matter only after Trinidad and Tobago banned poultry products from Guyana. But more importantly, the surprise by the Government exposes their proclivity of never knowing where problems exist or their posture of not caring. If Guyana did inform the international bodies about the presence of this deadly virus in Guyana’s duck population, the Government should have simi-

larly made a public pronouncement in Guyana.

Public Health Advisory should have been prepared for the population and, specifically for farmers. While, the human population may not have been under severe threat, there was an economic consequence for farmers. The presence of DVH in ducks had the potential to wipe out the total poultry industry.

In making its pronouncement, the Government should have stated what actions it had taken and continue to take to make Guyana free of the DVH. The story of the T&T ban, the story of the non-awareness of the relevant Government ministers, add to the overall perception that APNU+AFC is always many steps behind, always caught by surprise, always aloof. It is highly irresponsible that not a single Minister was aware of the presence of DVH and of the consequences. It is an abrogation of duty and an example of total neglect that the Minister of Agriculture was not leading the response, much less aware of the problem. This government always is MIA. This is why the December 21st No-Confidence Motion happened.

Yours Respectfully, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

their contribution to the economic and social liberation of the Guyanese people even now with her party being an integral part of the coalition administration.

The PPP has to take some responsibility for this lapse as well, having been in government for 23 years.

But two wrongs do not make a right.

Since the PNC was prepared to accept the WPA as part of the APNU then it follows, it should have no difficulty by giving due recognition to Andaiye’s contribution and placing her in her well deserved and rightful place in our country’s official historical record.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

Kudos to the Education Ministry for promoting physical activity via sports DEAR EDITOR, The Ministry of Education must be complimented for their efforts to promote physical activity via sports. Organized sports has many physical, psychological and social, emotional, character building attributes; of course they also provide opportunities for fun, frolic and friendly competition.

Similar benefits can be derived from activities associated with gardening, carpentry, and simple ‘mechanical’ maintenance (which were ‘staples’ in the curriculum during my school days). Additionally, attention to such activities can enhance the attraction of careers in Agriculture and mechanical Trades which our country needs to realize its true and natural potential.

I take this opportunity to remind our leaders in education and government to keep the focus on such activities lest we end up with too many pen & keyboard pushers and too few practitioners for our economic development.

Nowrang Persaud

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Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Too much presidential meddling in the daily affairs of the GDF DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me the space to express my displeasure about the way in which the Guyana Defence Force is currently being run. Since the change of CIC in May 2015, the army has not been the same. President Granger is meddling too much in the daily affairs of the GDF and needs to back off and allow the Chief-of-Staff to do his work properly without interference and intimidation.

The president has made changes such as the way female ranks must wear their hair, to type of dress and shoes worn by officers and other ranks, to the amount of vacation leave officers and civilians should enjoy especially the ones that are attending external academic institutions.

While these issues may have some importance, there are other pressing issues that we feel should be addressed by his Excellency and the Defence Board. However, the most notable changes are the ones dealing with promotions, retirement and interdiction of ranks.

Around January 2018, the president, through the Defence Board made a decision that once a soldier or officer is interdicted from duty and his/her matter is not resolved within 12 months after being interdicted, the rank must be immediately dismissed from the force.

This decision is very alarming since the judicial arm of government is responsible for the administration of justice in Guyana and not the president or Defence Board.

How such a decision was even allowed to be instituted is quite baffling, especially when the president has an attorney general to advise him on legal matters. This is a clear case of the executive arm of government impeding on the judicial arm and should not be condoned in any shape, form or fashion. Additionally, we all know how long legal cases take to be tried in this country.

This “so call” policy is clearly putting ranks at a disadvantage and at risk of losing their jobs.

What will happen when the matter is finally called up at the courts and the decision is in favour of the dismissed rank? Will they be compensated or reinstated for wrongful termination of service? I urge this policy be revised or dismissed because it will definitely put a strain on our already weak economy and a burden to our taxpayers’ sir.

From 2015 to present, the promotion criteria for officers and ORs have changed several times without any valid reason or explanation offered to us the junior officers. Just when you think your turn has finally arrived for promotion, out comes a new standard or requirement for elevation to higher rank.

The laws of Guyana, chapter 15:01, subsidiary legislation, clearly states the criteria for promotion for officers and ORs of the GDF as follows: Based on what is clearly written in the Laws of this country, we the junior officers of the GDF, are requesting clarity on why the president has decided to ignore the

constitution of Guyana with regards to our promotion to higher rank? Why aren’t we using the criteria that clearly stated in the constitution of this country?

Delaying our promotion makes it harder for some of us to be eligible for promotion to higher rank especially since some of us are older and will be closer to the age of retirement in our present rank should this practice be allowed to continue.

Another issue of concern to us deals with retirement.

The practice or norm for officers and ORs, was after giving 20 years of service to this nation, you were free to retire with all your benefits.

However, our CIC has decided to change this practice, and call it resignation and not retirement. This

means that if any rank chooses to voluntarily part from the GDF after 20 years of service, it will be considered a resignation and that rank will not receive any benefits. In order for one to receive all their benefits, they must do so upon reaching the age of retirement in their current rank.

The fact that the CIC can make these changes without any consultation with the higher command of the army or even his legal advisors says a lot about the direction and the way forward for the GDF. Clearly his Excellency and the defence board are either not familiar or have selective amnesia when it comes to the use of customs as a practice in the use of municipal and international law. It is even

troubling that the Central Management Committee, the decision making organ of the GDF is silent on these serious matters. These senior of-

ficers are a big disappointment to us the junior officers since they seem either unable or reluctant to represent our (Continued on page 7

Sunday June 02, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Private Sector must also help to solve crime issues DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to news item in which the Private Sector Commission (PSC) complained about rising level of crime (KN May 30). The private sector is right that crime has impacted on business particularly so in the Georgetown environs and government intervention is needed to protect the business community.

But government alone can’t solve crime; we all must be involved jointly in addressing the menace. Crime solution is beyond government, party, business, and politics. The criminals have become bold; anyone can be a victim. The public must play its role and the PSC must also lend a helping hand. It is not enough for the PSC to complain. It should offer some recommendations to the government (Minister) on how to tackle crime that impacts their business. And the public should turn in known criminals even if from one’s family.

It should be on record that crime is not the only factor impacting on business growth, the private sector, and the national economy. As sociologists theorize, crime is tied to the lack of job opportunities. The very businesses

that complain about crime also fail to create opportunities.

But in all fairness to the private sector, the economy has not been growing to create demand to hire workers.

There are several factors that affect the private sector besides crime. Chief among them is the scarcity of money among consumers to buy goods and services. Unemployment has grown over the last four years and obviously there is less money circulating among consumers in the economy.

Inflation has also ticked upwards while money flow has decreased resulting in people purchasing less items and businesses being left with stocks. Also, there is a lack of investment by the very complainants that fail to create jobs to absorb a growing youth population. The private sector has withheld new projects probably because of the attitude of the government that has not offered incentives to encourage new money into the economy.

It is true that the private sector has been under stress (if not direct attack from the government through various politically motivated investigations and charges and ris-

ing taxation to fund government projects). But one must not forget that large amounts of fluid money have been sitting in banks as private sector borrowing has been down, and people and businesses are not investing. There has been a fall in corporate investment. Capital expenditures by the private sector have been down. Manufacturing has also declined. Growth in the economy has depended largely on public sector investment and government employment. But public sector investment alone (infrastructure and make shift work program and offering free money) and the government hiring its own supporters will not provide long term sustained growth.

At some point in time, the country will run out of free money as the experience during the 1970s and 1980s illustrated. The economic facts and common sense suggest an urgent need for government to do something to induce the private sector to accelerate private investment or else the country will see a return to the bust of the 1970s.

Without economic growth, jobs will not be created. Government must encourage private investment

Too much presidential meddling in the...

From page 6 interests. In our eyes they are seen as “CAREER PRESERVERS” only looking to protect themselves and their retirement packages, without care or concern for their subordinate ranks.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind the officers of the GDF, especially the senior officers that we are

all protected by the following document: After reading this document can you the senior officers honestly say that you are discharging your functions without fear or favour?

Please do what is right and just for us the junior ranks serving in this great organization.

Stop walking around the

base proclaiming that you are a colonel, and you are the G3 etc, with the loudest voice yet failing to do what is right.

Concerned junior officer

that is urgently needed to retain and add new jobs and to sustain national growth to absorb the increase in school graduates or dropouts. Without new investment, the economy will not grow much and jobs will not be created.

There will be a swell in unemployed inevitably leading to a rise in crime as has been witnessed over the last couple years. And taxing the business sector to have funds for make shift jobs will force businesses to downsize – no new investment.The government must offer inducement to the private sector so businesses can invest and increase production of goods and services to create new jobs. Government can offer incentives to companies (like tax waivers or even subsidies) to hire new workers. Jobs will provide social safety nets to the unemployed discouraging them to turn to crime. Hiring will increase productivity, which in itself will boost growth.

The above simple commonsensical measures will help to accelerate growth in the economy that in turn will help to address rising crime and other socio-economic problems. In addition to economically aiding the private sector, government must beef up security around businesses to give them confidence to stay open and to attract consumers.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

PSC must also raise its voice against drug trafficking, white collar crime Dear Editor, I read with interest the Private Sector Commission’s comments on the crime situation, and its call for a meeting with Minister of Public Security on what it described as “the increasing and wide-spread public concern over the manifestly frightening and disturbing incidents of violent crime across the country.”

I presume that they are speaking about the apparent spike in armed robberies.I applaud the PSC’s concern.

However, it would also be commendable if this body also expresses similar concern

about equally reprehensible criminal acts. When will the PSC raise its voice against drug trafficking, money laundering, the siphoning off of citizen’s hard earned cash from some banks, the treatment and exploitation of some private sector workers, the rise in the traffickingofwomenbyindividualsinbusiness.Oraretheseincidents not perceived to be crimes also, because there are no guns involved?I will take the PSC seriously when that body speaks out against these crimes.

Maxwell H. Veloza

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Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Key sugar privatization expert at SPU, Shawn Persaud, “let go”

The Skeldon estate.

- sale of closed estate lands to start soon A key figure involved in the privatization and divestment process of four sugar estates that were separated from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), was sent packing on Friday.

It would come at a time when Government is moving into a critical stage of selling sugar lands that will likely no longer be used for planting.

According to Government officials, Shawn Persaud, who held the title “Privatisation Expert”, at the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) was “let go” on Friday.

It appeared that the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), which had established the SPU to handle the transactions, was not too happy about what was transpiring at the unit.

SPU’s head, Colvin Heath-London, who is also performing duties as the head of NICIL now, was tightlipped yesterday, stating that he has

no comments.

He said that NICIL/SPU is planning a press conference and questions can be raised there.There is significant attention on the sugar industry and entire privatization and divestment process.

The industry’s workers are predominantly supporters of the political opposition but in recent years had fallen on hard times after sugar lost its preferential market to Europe and faced a devastating price cut of more than 35 percent.

It was getting bailouts to the billions of dollars annually despite falling production. After coming to Government, the Coalition said that the bleeding must stop and ordered an inquiry.

As a result, four estates were closed. That action saw over 6,000 persons losing their jobs.SPU had asked for Expressions of Interest with several coming in.

However, the valuation of the closed estates—Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and

Wales— by PricewaterhouseCooper, has halted the process.

While the remaining three estates under GuySuCo— Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt— are in operation, investors had become impatient of the process of valuation which the Coalition insisted must be carried out to ensure transparency.

NICIL had committed to borrow up to US$150M to help the three GuySuCo estates to become more efficient, already reportedly racking up more than $160M in interest.On Friday, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, made it clear that GuySuCo is a going concern with its three

estates in operations and refuted that nothing is being done.He explained that PWC, an independent auditor, has been hired to value the four estates and it has taken time.

In fact, the process was not simple as the estates were not separate. The lands had to be surveyed and inventories conducted before values could have been placed on the lands, buildings and equipment.

However, unfortunately, during the valuation stage, the interest of a number of investors had warned.

Harmon said that it is the intention to reengage the investors.The sale of the sugar lands were supposed to raise money for three-

estates, smaller-sized GuySuCo to become more viable.

Already, Harmon explained, a State Land Sale Committee has been established. “That will ensure that there is transparency in the disposal of these assets because in our modern history, this can be the largest transfer of assets by the state to the private sector,” the Director General explained. “…And so it is important that to ensure that all the processes are transparent and open and therefore there can be no fear that this person got something at one price and another person got something at another price.

So that is being done right

“Let go”- SPU’s Privatisation Specialist, Shawn Persaud now.”

He said that the sale activities will start shortly.

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

India plays down U.S. decision $300M Assign for Drainage Works in Georgetown to remove trade privileges NEW DELHI (Reuters) The Indian government said yesterday it will continue to seek to build strong economic ties with the United States despite a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to end preferential trade treatment for India from June 5.

In a relatively tame response to the announcement from Washington on Friday, the Indian government said it was “unfortunate” that its attempts to resolve significant U.S. requests had not been accepted.

Indian officials had previously raised the prospect of higher import duties on more than 20 U.S. goods if Trump dropped India from the programme but there was no mention of that in the response.

“India, like the U.S. and other nations shall always uphold its national interest in

these matters,” the Indian government said in a statement issued through India’s trade ministry.

The privileges come under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which had been allowing preferential duty-free imports of up to $5.6 billion a year into the U.S. from the South Asian nation.

India is the biggest beneficiary of the GSP programme.

The Indian government said that India viewed the issue as part of its ongoing economic relationship with the U.S. and “will continue to build on our strong ties with the U.S., both economic and people-to-people.”

It added: “We are confident that the two nations will continue to work together intensively for further growing these ties in a mutually beneficial manner.”

An earlier version of the

statement had used the words “it is hoped” rather than “we are confident” but was subsequently withdrawn and replaced.

The United States had put on hold a decision to withdraw the GSP benefits to India until May 23, the day the results of the country’s 39-day general election that began April 11 were announced. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi only took the oath office on Thursday and on Friday named Piyush Goyal his new commerce and industry minister - the official who will handle trade matters.

New Delhi was making efforts to avoid withdrawal of the GSP benefits over the past few months, a senior government official said, adding that the U.S. move was sudden and without communication.Washington (Continued on page 64)

Dem boys seh ...

Donald give oil blocks to secret people Ramotar and de PPP really rob de Guyanese people.

And to think that Ramotar got de nerve to seh he don’t know wha people talking about.

By now de Waterfalls paper actually convince de nation dat Exxon Mobil got de whole country limping. In fact, some people can’t even sit down.

In 1999 de PPP agree dat Exxon come here and search fuh oil. Nobody didn’t know if oil was in de water because fuh years people was coming and finding nutten.

That is how de PPP sign and tell de people if dem find oil, Guyana gun ask fuh one per cent royalty and 50/50 profit share.

Dem boys seh that is like giving a beggar man a few cents today.

PNC come and dem get Exxon to shift de royalty from one per cent to two per cent.

That give dem de chance to tell de nation that dem do something better. After all,

one per cent is not as good as two per cent although both of dem is chicken feed.

Suh Guyana got to settle and live wid de crumbs.

But if that was bad it was nutten compare to wha Ramotar do before de elections. Dem boys seh he thief two oil blocks, that got de same size as Exxon own, and deh right next to Exxon.

If was people who did know bout oil dem boys would cool down eventually but he give dem blocks to two company dat nobody never hear bout.

On top of dat nobody ain’t know who behind de company that get dem two blocks. But now you hear that Guyana owe dem two companies who never put in a cent.

Now dem boys wan ask yuh, if yuh gat a rice field that gat ten ponds. A fisherman come one day and seh de pond got fish and he ask yuh fuh ketch fish from it.

De two ah you wuk out a deal.

Just like Exxon and Guyana and de fisherman, dem boys want to know who would give away two more ponds next to de big one.

Most importantly yuh give it way to people dat never ketch a fish or know how a fish hook look. Something smelly there. That is wha Donald Dumb do to Guyana wid dem two oil blocks.Imagine mammy and daddy dead and leff we big brotha to manage and tek care of de property dem lef.

Then people hear you buddy tek two ah we property and put dem in he wife buddy an sissy name. That is only one thing. Then de wife buddy and sissy claim how you owe dem.

That is wat Donald Dum do Guyana wid de Kaieteur and Canje block.

De block gone, de people ain’t touch de water and Guyana still owe dem.

Talk half and watch how thiefing going on under you nose.

T

he National Drain age and Irrigation Authority have collaborated with the Mayor and City Council in their project of cleaning up and fixing the drainage systems in Georgetown. To date they are several main drainage canals around Georgetown that have been cleaned already.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Fredrick Flatts, stated that along with the main drains they will also look at sluices, outfall channels and pumps.

They are two fixed pump stations in Georgetown and anything to do with that main drainage systems is their concern.

In a mandate given by the cabinet the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority will take control of the main drain around the city.

The work would be cleaning more than 70 kilometers of the main drains in Georgetown, both mechani-

cal and manual.

The channels would be cleaned mechanically and maintained throughout the year manually every month.

The mechanical cleaning contract was signed at a total of $62M for the excavation for most of the channels and $92M for the manual monthly cleaning.

Flatts also stated that during the cleaning and maintaining method, the authority will not dash to clean during the rainy season but will be

ready at all times for the rain.

He also urged citizens to do their part in helping to ensure that flooding is averted, and they should observe that a lot is going on and they should desist from disposing their solid waste into the channels.

It cost a lot of problems and sometimes even money.

Recently the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority commissioned the first ever amphibious excavator to be accessible locally.

Implementation of Green State Strategy projectedto cost ...

From page 2 of jobs, as well as adherence to new governance and transparency standards, improvement of the social sector, carbon emissions and other national development priorities.”

President David Granger received copies of the GSDS on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 from the United Nations Environment Programmes Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Leo Heileman.

The political opposition has leveled criticisms at the effectiveness of the plan, but Government purports that the strategy will be a major driver of Guyana's economy with a view of ensuring that that development is sustainable.

PAGE 10

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Former employee plots robbery after being fired An employee yesterday took revenge on his former boss who fired him three days ago. A&A Home Furnishings, a Pakistan Handcraft store, was greeted by armed robbers as their second customer for the day.

The daring event took place around 09:30hrs yesterday morning at the store which is located at Lot 333 Cummings Street, Georgetown. The robbers entered the store under the pretense of being customers.

They wore no masks and were dressed in Muslim attire.

When this publication arrived at the scene there were blood stains on the floor which came from the owner of the store, Kamran Shaikh, who was struck to the head with a gun.

Some articles were on the floor around the cash register and the wires from where the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) was perched on, were left hanging.

According to a current employee, they had just opened for the day and were putting their items on display.

At the time there were four persons in the store including the boss and his employees.

“I was hanging out some clothing outside when the two men walked in. As I

An injured Kamran Shaikh

The business place which was robbed moved to assist them, one of them put something to the back of my head. I believed it was a gun.”

The employee added that she was forced to the ground while two other workers were attacked by the other robber.

The other two employees were also forced to the ground.

“I was so scared that I started to tremble. I can’t say directly how it happened because I was on the ground.

However, Mr Shaikh tried to put up a fight for us and that

is when they struck him behind the head with the weapon.”

“He fell to the ground and the men took the opportunity to clear out the cashier which had about $400,000. They then pulled down the DVR and walked out of the store calmly like nothing happened.”

The robbers allegedly walked south of the street heading towards Church Street, Georgetown. When they got to that street they turned east and started to run

toward Bourda market.

The main robber has been identified as Imran Mohamed called ‘Imran Persaud’. His accomplice has been described as a male person of African descent.

According to the owner of the store, the main suspect is someone whom he knows and could identify.

“When he came to me to look for work he said that his name is Imran Mohamed.

However, from social media posts he is known as Imran Persaud but I can still identify him.”

Shaikh who returned to the store after receiving medical attention said that he received three stitches to the back of his head from the injury he sustained. His head was well bandaged and the stress could be seen creeping unto his face.

He still wore his blooded Kurta which had blood at the arms and the lower part of the clothing. His headdress also

One of the suspects, Imran Mohammed had blood.

The robbery allegedly stem from an argument which took place three days ago.

Imran was reportedly sent on an errand for the boss. After he returned Shaikh enquired about the payment of the

transaction.

Shaikh was a bit upset about the hefty transaction and as a result the parties got into an argument. Imran was fired after this altercation and it is believed that this was the reason for his plot.

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Diamond residents get ready to welcome $2B water treatment plant

Inspection of the plants by the officials “It gonna benefit because I tell you the truth, the water does come really dirty and it don’t filter to good purity, you know? Yea, it gonna benefit man,” local taxi driver at Diamond Car Park, Parsram Ramchan, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) concerning the Diamond Water Treatment Plant.

Another resident of Diamond, Vanessa Arjoon, a vendor, said, “We gonna be at a better standard of the water and that is good because right

now I buy bottle water. So, if the standard improved better than what it is now, I won’t have to buy water.”

On Friday, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, and a team from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) along with GWI officials visited the Diamond Water Treatment Plant which is more than 75 per cent completed.

The plant will have a capacity to serve 30,000 residents and will have positive impacts on the non-revenue water, the is-

sue of metering, and most importantly energy efficiency.

Minister Bulkan praised the IDB funded project as “the largest investment in the water sector”. The Minister also placed major emphasis on the need for potable water and reemphasised the Coalition Government’s commitment to that provision.

“It is well accepted that apart from a roof over our heads, the provision of pure water is one of the basic requirements and necessities

for dignified living. So, in this regard, this administration is resolutely committed to providing this vital ingredient… for human life and existence,” Minister Bulkan reiterated.

Meanwhile, one of IDB’s Executive Directors, Selwin Hart, lauded the IDB projects that the Government of Guyana has executed. “We have seen really great IDB projects [like] the Hinterland Housing Project, where water harvesting is an essential component of that project”, the IDB Executive Director mentioned.

According to Executive Director Hart, the purpose of the IDB team’s visit was to listen, learn and understand the context of Guyana’s development, and to gain insight into the challenges and opportunities in Guyana.

In the original design of the plant, it was intended for water to be taken from both surface and ground.

Managing-Director Dr. Richard Van West-Charles ex-

plained that there was a deviation from this design since water is primarily sourced from the ground. The GWI Head also noted that this decision will lead to massive savings.

“As a result, it is contributing to a savings of approximately $25M per annum due to a reduction in the need to import chemicals for the treatment process,” the ManagingDirector said. This will also contribute to approximately $1.2M in energy savings per month.

The GWI Head also touched on plans to enhance services in the hinterland region. “The Ministry of Communities and GWI are seeking to move aggressively to look at the issue of access in the hinterland communities… and the impact of climate change affecting those communities”, the Managing Director declared.

The Managing-Director acknowledged that more needs to be done in relation to servicing many areas throughout Guyana.

Dr. Van West-Charles said, “We are working feverishly to look at other supports in the area of water supply [and] water safety for our different populations across the coast and in the hinterland.”

The Diamond Water Treatment Plant is part of three similar plants that is made possible through the partnership and collaboration between the Government of Guyana, IDB, and the European Union.

These plants are located in Diamond, Region Six and Region Three.

Their construction/installation has a total cost of $7Billion. Construction works for all three water treatment plants are scheduled to conclude in December of this year.

These water treatment plants allow the Coalition Government to work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 6 which aims to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. (DPI)

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

Flooding in Black Bush Polder persists for over a week - NDIA remains at the center of the blame

I

t has been exactly nine days since a section of Black Bush Polder remains inundated with water and with solutions coming slowly. NDIA continues to be blamed for what has taken place.

Yakusari, one of the four polders in Black Bush is still experiencing a significant amount of water on the lands.

The water releases a pungent scent, much to the displeasure of residents.

There also appears to be signs and symptoms of leptospirosis among at least two persons who were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Skin rashes are developing among many particularly the children. While residents have been warned against drinking and using the tap water, some have no other choice.

Neighbourhood Democratic Council councilor, Bibi Sharmine, is adamant that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is to be blamed for the crisis.

This was also the view of Berbice Contractor, Peter Lewis.

Lewis during an interview with Kaieteur News, argued that NDIA has not been executing and supervising the work as it should.

According to Lewis, many years ago when there was an excessive downpour and the

when the water runs at the edge it running faster, those guys get machines digging the edge of the canal just to show that they taking out mud, but the real issue is under the bridge in front of it and the back of the doors.

That is the problem. How long they don’t clean that you will continue getting flood there.”

Lewis explained that during the time he tendered for the work to be done the only person that did a reasonable job was a contractor for Number One Village (Chris Jagdeo). The other contractor, he said, “does little or nothing. What happens after this silt accumulates for a period of time? It causes major problems. I know what I was tendering for. The engineer’s estimate was $10M and my

years, normally NDIA puts out contracts four to six times but nothing ain’t do down there. Only Chris Jagdeo do what he could do but they are not equipped to do the dredging at the back of the door,” Lewis underscored.

He noted that previously, the channels were cleaned with a contract awarded. He had structured the channel in a way that made it easier to clean as time progressed, allowing him to drop the price to $8M. He argued that the accumulation of work not being done by the contractors given the contracts is the main cause of the current heavy flooding in Black Bush Polder.

The Berbice Contractor said that although a certain estimate is given by an

Black Bush Polder area was flooded, the water receded within a day or two with his intervention. This, he said, was as a result of him being equipped to assist “If you notice from 10 years ago you hardly get a flood. The water raise today and they call me in and I get the water down in two days.”

He added that for the past two to three years other contractors are called upon “but they just go down there to just collect the government money; they do nothing.

“I heard Mr. Flatts said

price was $19M but I know what has to be done there, so NDIA getting what they paying for.”

He explained that when the work is not done to standard the silt under the bridges accumulates and the work itself increases because the contractor tasked with clearing the outfalls “does nothing”.

He chastised the engineer, supervisor and the person that has to “pass the work” who are all attached to NDIA. “For the past two to three

engineer if a contractor tenders at a cheaper price the tender board has a right to hand him the contract but the people will suffer and the government ultimately loses value for taxpayers dollars.

He added, “I have never seen this region so corrupt and government getting so much shortage. Government not getting no value for money, the engineer and contractor they come together and they create this plan. And the person dem who passing the work, you just going and pretend that

The flooded area

you doing something and collect the government money.”

Regional Chairman David Armogan ventured to the location on Saturday to assess the situation and determined that although the sluice and pump were operable, enough water was not getting to them.

He said that it was completely blocked up.

According to Armogan, in addition to the contract that was given out to clear the outfalls a contract was awarded to a contractor from Number 19 Village (Continued on page 57 )

Region 6 chairman, David Armogan

PAGE 14

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Police need assistance in fighting crime- Ramjattan - understaffing can affect effective crime control In the wake of what appears to be a rise in criminal activities around the city, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has indicated that the Guyana Police Force needs assistance from other bodies to effectively fight crime in and around the city.

He was responding to

questions on effective strategies needed to combat the rise in criminal activities in Georgetown, particularly around the Stabroek Market area.

Minister Ramjattan said that the Guyana Police Force has been doing all it can to curb crime around the city but may not have been able to

completely eradicate crime due to an existing situation of inadequate human resources in the Guyana Police Force.

He added that persons are reluctant to join the force because of the salary scale and other reasons. As such that leaves the entity at a disadvantage of stemming incidents of criminal

activities.

The minister said that the City Constabulary is expected to play a major role in assisting the police with controlling crime in that area, and are expected to ensure that around the clock security measures are in place.

Minister Ramjattan is also urging business officials to refrain from walking around with large cash amounts for business transactions, but instead to resort to the use of cheques to avoid becoming ready targets for criminals.

The Stabroek Market area has now become a haven for criminal elements who stalk their prey by night robbing them of valuables. The bandits have been working in gangs led by females who pounce on unsuspecting intoxicated males, pretending they owe them for sexual favours (the girls) never provided. Their male counterparts would move in after, rough up the victims and

Minister of Security, Khemraj Ramjattan rob them of valuables.

That aside, groups of men congregate at night outside the perimeter fence of the Parliament Buildings, in the company of female sex works, and use that location as their

holding grounds to rob persons.

Foreign nationals have been robbed in the very area, and the bandits have just recently turned their attention to innocent food vendors, trying to make an honest dollar by night.

Sloppy Police Officers While the Police Crime Chief has been maintaining that they were in control of the crime situation at the Stabroek Market area, more and more persons are being robbed in the vicinity. In as much as the public is appealing for the police to enhance security in the area, police officers were seen standing on the Stabroek, Demico House walkway just close to a group of men who were loitering in that location.

Credible sources have informed that the bandits gang up around a confectionary stand on the walkway, yet the police have (Continued on page 15)

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

Church partners with Diamond Hospital for Health fair The Diamond Worship Centre which is an outstation of the Newtown Assemblies of God Church, yesterday held a health fair at its Third Avenue Diamond, East Bank Demerara location for residents within the community.

The health fair, which was done in collaboration with the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, formed part of the churchs seventh anniversary observance.

A number of residents were able to benefit from the several services offered, which also included a blood drive. Other services included HIV Counselling and Testing, VIA testing, Dentistry, eye examination, general medicine, diabetes and hypertension testing, among others.

Head of the Church, Deacon Lance Persaud, said that each year for the past seven years the church has been holding community oriented activities to form part of its anniversary celebrations.

He said that this year is no different and while the church has held health fairs before, this years was broadened to accommodate more services and persons “This is the outstation, and we have this going on for the past seven years and we usually do community service. One year we would do deeper life ministries and another year we would do health fair, and this is the year for

the health fair,” Deacon Persaud said.

He pointed out that the church values the support and involvement of the community and while the primary objective is always to win persons for Christ, he firmly believes that being able to partner and assist with growth and development within the community is of paramount importance.

“We represent a church and are responsible for doing things in a spiritual way but we also want to do things that are social, mental and physical, and if you recognise we are providing a number of services to the community, thus being a real friend to the community,” he stressed.

Persaud said, too, that while they have been organising a number of church related activities, the church is also mandated to execute community based initiatives and projects as they seek to forge a much closer relationship with the community.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you... and so we want the community to benefit from some of these activities as we are concerned about our neighbours as we see the community as our friend,” he declared Deacon Persaud spoke about the importance of community development, prima-

A young lady donating blood during the blood drive

Police need assistance...

From page 14 failed to remove that stand even though ranks searched the owner and found several ice picks, scissors, and dangerous weapons on his person. The sex workers and their partners in crime continue to operate outside the Parliament Buildings in full view of police ranks and nothing is being done.

Also missing are the police vehicular patrols. They have decreased by nights,

and criminal elements that were bundled into trucks and arrested are seen back out and parading the said areas.

What is the City Constabulary doing?

While sources at the City Constabulary have indicated that they were clearing the area of criminal elements and ‘scam card tricksters,’ the men are operating in the full view of some ranks, extracting money from citizens under false pretence.

rily from the angle of churches, noting that the churches should play a greater role in this area.

He said, “Churches are basically community based and we take people from the community and we help to transform their lives... so we just cant dwell only on the spiritual aspect because they would like to know that they have a friend and that they

have someone who they can sit and talk with without feeling pressured.

“We ought to know that God is important but at the same time they must feel that they can come and talk to us on whatever it is that may be bothering them,” he stressed.

He added, “If you look at the ratio now of young people being involved in crime, you would recognise

that it is growing so these are some of the things that we need to get involved in, not just church.”

Deacon Persaud said that while the health fair ran from 9 am to 3pm, he is satisfied that a number of persons came out. The church official noted that while some of the services that were provided were sought after more than others, he felt satisfied that

they had reached out to a community who evidently seemed very grateful and attended in their numbers.

He expressed the desire for more churches to do similar events, stating that they can work more in-depth in their respective communities.

Meanwhile, he announced that the churchs anniversary service would be held next Sunday (June 9) at 2pm.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 02, 2019

Staff shortage blamed for poor record keeping at State Agencies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PAC report The Public Accounts Committee, PAC, has flagged a number of State Agencies for issue of non- compliance to the Stores Regulation.

In its 2018 report, the PAC noted that the shortage of staff has a direct link to the problem. The report said that the staff shortage hinders the work; and the records from being updated. This was noted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its latest report.

That document sums up the findings of the PAC after it would have examined the Auditor Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report for previous years, going as far back as 2012.

In the 2018 report the PAC, which is headed

by Opposition Parliamentarian Irfaan Ali, noted that the crucial pieces of legislation and regulations which are not adhered to, include the Public Procurement Act 2003, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, and the Stores Regulations 1993.

Expounding on the aforementioned, the PAC said that there continues to be total disregard for the correct application of the Procurement Act and adherence to the Tender Board Regulations by the Heads of Budget agencies of regional administrations.

With regard to non-adherence to Stores Regulations, the Committee noted that nine agencies were in breach due to the actions of their accounting officers. These agencies include Office of the President, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Guyana Elec-

tions Commission, and Regions One, Three and Nine.

The PAC also expressed alarm over the continued disregard for the regulations governing the clearing of payment vouchers and the maintenance of log books. It said that there remain uncleared payment vouchers and cheque orders for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight, Nine and Ten. In the area of log books, the Committee noted in its report that the Supreme Court of Judicature and Region Eight continue poor record keeping for vehicles and equipment.

As for breaches to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, the Public Accounts Committee noted that several agencies did not refund monies to the Consolidated Fund.

These agencies include Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the President, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Local Government.

In relation to the Education Ministry, the PAC queried the current status of the Housing Revolving Fund Project aimed at assisting teachers in acquiring loans to build their own homes.

Responding to the queries, Head of the Budget agency stated that there were a number of difficulties encountered due to the logistics of the fund. Never the less, advice was sought from the Finance Secretary on the (Continued on page 62)

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

China gaining foothold in the Bahamas, America’s doorstep

By Melanius Alphonse (Caribbean News Now) NASSAU, Bahamas – For over eight years, the US has gone without an ambassador to The Bahamas. The fact China is now taking advantage of an American void explains how US neglect for the island nation has given China a foothold on America’s doorstep.

The Caribbean island-nation is small, with a population of roughly 400,000 but it attracts a lot of US tourism and sits 50 miles off the coast of Florida.

It’s right in the middle of one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

That fact hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Chinese. China has set its sights on The Bahamas and has invested billions of dollars in building new infrastructure and industry across the country.

New roads, new businesses, new hotels, and booming Chinese immigration has led to many companies being staffed with more Chinese workers than Bahamians.

Reports show that over 200,000 Chinese are illegally smuggled into the Caribbean every year to open their shops or work at Chinese businesses with many sending their money back to China.

Officials say these practices are crowding out small retailers and by selling inferior goods and using Chinese workers for what amounts to slave labour they’re putting locals out of business. Chinese state banks are also putting up tens of millions of dollars for building projects like new ports and bridges as well as a vast new Chinese embassy in the heart of downtown Nassau.

The Chinese government even gifted a new national stadium to The Bahamas to the tune of US$50 million. Also,

China’s state-owned ExportImport Bank dropped nearly $3 billion to put up the luxurious Baha Mar Resort in New Providence, thanks to investments like these.

Some analysts go as far as to say China now owns The Bahamas. These developments paint a grim picture for the future of one of America’s closest neighbours. However, what alternative does The Bahamas have?

According to the Bahamian government, they can’t afford to build massive projects like these on their own. So, with China stepping in and essentially colonizing The Bahamas, where does that leave the United States?

Washington is choosing to remain on the sidelines as China swoops in to develop strategic real estate right on America’s front door. Also, now some 55 miles east of Palm Beach, China is building a massive new shipping port a strategic location which could be used for military vessels and submarines.

China already has a military presence in the Caribbean occupying old Soviet bases in Cuba but could Washington soon have to deal with the reality of Chinese warships off the coast of Florida? However, China isn’t the only reason the US should be concerned.

The Bahamas is also a major gateway for drugs, weapons and illegal aliens coming into America, while Mexico comes to mind when many think of US border security.

The Bahamas just received a Tier 1 ranking from the State Department for human trafficking.

Although the Bahamas historically has imported most of its trade goods from the US such as agriculture the country is beginning to turn to China to fill those demands

US President, Donald Trump

Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas, Darren Henfield (right) and the Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Huang Qinguo costing American companies their business.

In 2017 President Donald Trump nominated San Diego developer and veteran industrialist, Doug Manchester, for the role of US ambassador to The Bahamas. Yet in the two years since then, Congress has stalled on his confirmation with the Bahamian economy struggling on its own and China building inroads.

The United States could seize an opportunity to step in and help The Bahamas create jobs and improve economic performance. That’s a role traditionally filled by an ambassador. While some consider the appointment a plum position, the alternative is leaving the post vacant while crime grows and China sinks its claws into the island unopposed.

Reducing crime, fighting human and drug trafficking as well as building infrastructure would not only benefit The Bahamas but also the safety and security of the United States as well.

NOTE: Please post the story with this video: https:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=cv5MB6h4cbM

Kwakwani’s activist, Charles Thom, dies

O

ne of Kwakwani’s most well-known resident, Charles Thom, has died.

Over the years, Thom, 60, was a face participating in council elections and fighting for the rights of loggers in Berbice River, Region Ten. He frequently participated in meetings of the Guyana Forestry Commission and it was not unusual for him to be seen holding a placard.

When there was flooding and other issues, Thom would be right in the middle of it.

Thom leaves to mourn his wife, children and a community that respected him.

Died: Activist, Charles Thom

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 19

Joanna Wright wins Police 'B' Division 2019 female pageantry

T

he police force is not only about shooting people, making arrests, charging persons and making cases.

While the general public is accustomed to viewing police as serious, stern and sometimes intimidating and generally maintaining law and order, it is not always so.

They have a professional and a lighter side to doing things.

The Guyana Police Force 'B' Division is one division that is leading the way in the force's continuous effort to do things differently.

Recently the New Amsterdam Town Hall was abuzz with activity as the Force's 'B' Division held its

B Division female pageantry winner Joanna Wright displays her winnings

Different but able:

She is said to be unable to speak and hear, but there is nothing stopping Patsy, 57, from the Tacama waterfront in the Berbice River, Region Ten. At 57 years old, she loves fishing.

Army helicopter captain, Michael Charles, during a visit last week to the area, insists she is an inspiration. She walks with sticks.

“She did not speak with me...She did not hear me but we communicated effectively. Even with challenges walking, she is full of life and an avid fisherwoman. Again ... She may be different, but she is not less.”

first public Divisional Female Pageant.

Four female officers from different stations in the division took part. They were Constable Jenessa Waithe of No 51 Police Station; Constable Dishon Paul of Albion Police Station; Special Constable Malika King Barry of the Supreme Criminal Court; and Rural Constable Joanna Wright of the 'B' Division complaints office at Head Quarters, New Amsterdam.

They were judge in, talent, evening gown and intelligence segments.

In the end it was Rural Constable Joanna Wright who outdid the others to be crowned Queen in front of the packed auditorium that included Commander of the Division, Assistant Commissioner Paul Langevine and all the senior officers of the Division.

The delegates represented platforms such as Peer Pressure, Domestic

Vi o l e n c e , C o m m u n i t y Policing Networking and Substance Abuse. They each enlightened the audience about the causes, consequences and solutions to these various societal ills.

Ms. Wright was declared the winner just before midnight. Her answer to the question, “What actions she would take if a colleague is f o u n d d ealin g w ith a prohibited substance”. Her answer was greeted with tremendous applause and gave her the nod.

Barry was adjudged first runner up; Dishon Paul second runner up and

Jenessa Waithe third runner up. Miss Wright will now begin intense preparations for the Miss Guyana Police Force pageant which is slated for July in Georgetown as part of the GPF's 180th Anniversary activities.

The final pageantry activity includes swimming and shooting. The chief judge was former Miss Guyana Universe Ms Leana Damon.

The audience was treated to a number of activities including performances by the 'B' Division Steel Orchestra. (Samuel Whyte)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Sunday June 02, 2019

Berbicians welcome Domestic Violence outreach

The youngsters who engaged the public

P

ersons who were at Port Mourant, Corentyne; Berbice yesterday welcomed an outreach held by a businessman and three youngsters. The outreach which focused on Domestic Violence started a movement which individuals claimed was highly needed. Two weeks ago businessman, Randy Shepherd, decided to make a change about the dreaded social issue of Domestic Violence.

In a charge to put an end to this unpleasant dilemma, he posted a logo standing against the issue on his car. It has since caught the eyes of

many who wish to join his movement. Shepherd stated that in Berbice the initiative was also well received.

Shepherd stated, “We set up tent at Spready's Supermarket, Port Mourant, Corentyne. As soon as persons were aware as to why we were there we received a warm welcome.”

“Persons said that it was a great idea that is highly needed. They even raised some concerns that they are facing in their communities.

As such they asked if we can have an outlet in that area to aid with bringing awareness to the people.

The burning concern on

every person's lips, basically, was getting the police to respond to Domestic Violence reports.

“Many asked for an outlet because they claim that they need somewhere to report such issues. (The person) in turn will get the police to respond to their report. They say that often time when they try to contact the police it is difficult to get to them or for the police to go to a location,” Shepherd stated.

The next concern was a need for awareness. It was noted that persons took the time out from their busy errands to listen to anything said about the matter. They

collected fliers, car bumper stickers and even shared some of their own personal views to add to the awareness.

“I am trying to start an NGO as advised. However, this initiative is a sacrifice it is not for fame or in any way related to that. What I want to see is a change in society as to Domestic Violence.”

The youngsters with Shepherd went as far as moving from their fixed point t o s p e a k w i t h businesspersons to be able to place posters on their business entity and other places.

The youngsters, Nicola

The banner for the outreach

Munroe, Calvin Roberts and Tanisha Kingston, met with Shepherd via Facebook.

They decided to join his bandwagon and are very passionate about what they are trying to make a stand in.

Roberts said, “As a volunteer this is my first time tackling a social issue and I feel great being a part of something that is geared toward bringing awareness in this nature. I also liked that it was well received.”

Kingston added, “It was very interesting to me because from that simple outreach we met so many

people who shared a lot and it in turn helped me to better understand Domestic Violence.”

“I believe from this we still need to do so much more because persons need to be aware. I would say it was life changing as it just made me want to do more.”

Munroe said, “I lost my mother and sister-in-law to this. It was emotional and overwhelming for me to reach out to others to help them know that one needs to put themselves first. No one is responsible for your happiness.”

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Meet the magnificent Miss Sandeka Rampersaud.

This 23-year-old belle was one of the contestants in the recently concluded Miss India Guyana Pageant.

One of her favourite quotes is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not the absence of fear.â&#x20AC;?

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Sunday June 02, 2019

Brilliant, people-serving Mathematician,

Dr. Terrence Blackman,

By Sharmain Grainger

I

t was author of 'U.S. Army Mage Corps: SWORD,' John F. Holmes, who said that “there is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” This quote can be applicable to a number of life situations, including those of today's featured individual, Dr. Terrence Blackman.

Some persons may ask why. Well, maybe it's for the simple fact that instead of staying the course of making the big bucks on Wall Street back in the day, this man with an absolutely brilliant mind decided that he would much rather help the vulnerable of the society in which he lived, elevate themselves through his tutelage.

Can you imagine channeling your career in a particular direction just so you can help others when in reality you really don't have to? Well this is what Dr. Blackman did when he was at the peak of a thriving Wall Street career.

Now in my mind this has made Dr. Blackman the quintessence of a 'Special Person', and today we at Kaieteur News say hats off to this son of the soil who migrated many years ago, but has continued to make Guyana especially proud.

Even as he was being a servant to the people, Dr. Blackman's leadership ability became even more evident, which allowed him to evolve not only as a professional, but as a human being with an even bigger

is a 'Special Person' heart to serve.

Today Dr. Blackman, a Mathematician in the true sense of the word, is the Dean of the School of Science, Health and Technology at Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York. He has held that position for the past three years, but before that was the Chairman of the Mathematics Department, and even before that, he was the Professor of Education,

embraced academia with unyielding passion over the years, but yet was able to find the time amidst it all to lend support to help others find their way academically and by extension, professionally.

WELL-ROUNDED Some of you are wellacquainted with his name, for he is a solid product of our local education system, and he certainly hasn't

“I am always thinking how can I build spaces so that it supports the people who come from the communities that I care about, and I do that unapologetically; I don't apologise for that, but I don't put a sign on my chest saying this is what I do.”

Research and Policy at the University of Denver.

Prior to that, in a programme established to “enhance and recognize the contributions of outstanding scholars” he was appointed a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Assistant Professor in the Mathematics Department at the worldrenowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT]. Reflecting on this accomplishment recently, Dr. Blackman confided that, “In a sense that was the high point of my career.”

However, a quick glance at his lengthy and very impressive CV will tell a story of a man who has

forgotten from whence he came. This Queen's College (QC) Old Boy, and others from his alma mater, both local and overseas, are currently on a mission to restore and maintain the school's sports field.

This is a project that Dr. Blackman feels particularly enthused about, as he recalls all too well how as a boy he was able to utilize it in his quest to become a rounded human being.

“It's this place that is important to me, the field and the culture; how kids get the chance to kind of make their talents…I was very athletic, I played cricket for Queen's College; I opened

With his parents and children at his doctoral degree graduation in 2011.

batting for the under-16 and under-19 teams. I was a captain of the basketball team, I played hockey, and I was the captain of our debate team too,” Dr. Blackman proudly asserted.

He chuckled with delight as he called to mind the younger version of himself taking full advantage of the gamut of extracurricular activities QC had to offer.

“It always seems to me that you have to create a space where young boys and girls who possess particular talents, especially those who don't come from rich families, have a chance and a place that they can go to and experience something that is first class and something that is world class, so that they too can build themselves up.

They don't have to become a professor, or become a teacher for a bunch of people, but they have an opportunity to become their best possible self,” Dr. Blackman theorised.

It is just this thinking that has been Dr. Blackman's driving force over the years.

“I am always thinking how can I build spaces so that it supports the people who come from the communities that I care about, and I do that unapologetically; I don't apologise for that, but I don't put a sign on my chest saying this is what I do,” Dr. Blackman added.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Born Terrence Richard Blackman to parents Terrence, a land surveyor, and Joan, a school teacher,

Dr. Terrence Blackman is a 'Special Person' on Saturday, December 28, 1968, he is the eldest of three children. He grew up in North Ruimveldt, G e o rg e t o w n , c l o s e t o Festival City, and recalled that his family was among the first set of people to move into that section of the city after it was built in the 1970s.

He also remembers spending a great deal of time in Third Street, Alexander Village, where his maternal grandmother lived after she married and moved away from the Pomeroon. His father's side of the family hailed from Lodge in Georgetown.

Dr. Blackman, who has fond memories of his childhood, recalled attending a small elementary school in Alberttown, Georgetown called St. Christopher's and the Central Primary School, where he wrote the Common Entrance examination back in 1979 to gain a place at Queen's College.

What is interesting to note is that while in First Form, the young Terrence Blackman, who was well known among family members and friends as “Amegah”, had quite a difficult time with the very subject he now masters –

Mathematics. He however had an ardent inclination for writing, and was sure at one point that he was one going to become a writer.

However, in recognition of his shortcomings in Mathematics, Dr. Blackman recalled that he was tutored by one his mother's very good friends [Ms. Matthews] who was very good at Math.

He recalled having tutoring sessions on Sundays, owing to the fact that Ms. Matthews was a Seventh-day Adventist.

It was during these very thorough tutoring sessions, that the young Terrence Blackman gained a true awakening to the world of Mathematics and never looked back.

“I really got to understand the language of Mathematics and I became one of the better students at Queen's College at the time.

So it started there; but I didn't lose my interest in writing…” he said.

“In a way Mathematics is sort of like writing, it has its own syntax and grammar, and you learn how to read it, then it becomes much easier to do it,” Dr. Blackman said of his journey to better understanding Math. He became so versed in the

The recipient of an education leadership award from the Medgar Evers College Community Council a few years ago.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 23

Guyana is a nation of minorities T

he Guyana Carnival came and went like quick storm. It blew the nation away but as fast as it came, it ended. For many, it was an unbelievable week and a half of scintillating entertainment geared to satisfy all Guyanese. Wellâ&#x20AC;Ś not really all Guyanese.

Carnival was a private promotion. It was not organized by the government.

But it did appear to at least enjoy the tacit support of the government. The ruling party distributed tickets free for one of the events. And one Minister accompanied one of the top artistes on a visit to depressed communities.

At this stage, it is not clear whether the government offered any financial support â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be it direct cash grants or subsidized use of facilities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for the many events which were hosted. But it is obvious that at least the ruling PNCR was on board for the Guyana Carnival events.

The carnival was hosted to coincide with Guyana's Independence anniversary.

And thus it had the appearance of being a national celebration of our Independence. And the government on this account may have been lured to support it indirectly. But the Guyana Carnival was far from a national event.

Guyana is a nation of minorities. There is no majority race. The largest ethnic groups are East Indians who comprise about 40% of the population and Africans

around 30% of the population and Amerindians 11%. If Carnival therefore is to be a truly national calendar of activities, it should cater, ideally, for all sections of our population or at least the main minority groups. This was clearly not the case.

Carnival 2019 catered mainly for one minority group. Among the main performers who were brought here for Carnival 2019 were Machel Montana, Buju Banton, Kes, Farmer Nappy and Shensea. There was no Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Shaan, Rikki Jai, Shaam or even Ravi B. The events listed included a Soca Block Party, an All Black Party, a Legend Concert and the Stink and Dutty J'ouvert.

There was a Curry Fest which was hosted at the DCC ground.

The calendar of activities cannot, therefore, be said to have appealed to all of Guyana's minorities. In fact, most of the vents seemed to have catered for one major demographic.

The government has been strong advocate of social cohesion. It had even formed a Ministry of Social Cohesion. At the minimum therefore, the government and the ruling party have to be careful about its support for the Guyana Carnival which coincides with our national day celebrations of Independence.

The events organized cannot be said to cater for all of our minorities. And therefore the government and

the ruling party have to be careful of giving this private promotion a stamp of a national celebration.

Private promoters are free to organize events as they please and for which audience they please. But a government has to be careful that its support does not lend credence to promotions as being national events when in fact they are not.

The government should also ensure that in organizing the annual Republic celebrations that it does not only give token recognition to

minorities. It should ensure a wide and varied calendar of events which caters for all of Guyana's minorities.

That said, there was many positives which came out of Guyana Carnival 2019. For one, the event generated fair interest overseas. A number of Guyanese came in especially for the carnival and especially for the concerts.

Concerts can be a big boost for tourism. There are persons who follow artistes wherever they go. And as we have seen Buju, Kes, Machel and Farmer Nappy also have

a tremendous following in Guyana. The carnival therefore was a major boost to Guyana's tourism product.

Second, the carnival shows that government need not get involved directly in promoting events such as Mashramani.

The carnival shows the potential of the private sector in bringing off major cultural events and making them a commercial success. The government can step aside and stick to its flag-raising celebrations, and farm out most of the Republic

anniversary events to private promoters.

Once there is money to be made, the private promoters will come on board. And they know how to make money. And once money is there to be made, more and more promoters will come on board and will organize events to cater for all demographics.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Sunday June 02, 2019

Edward Seaga:

A Caribbean Enigma

By Sir Ronald Sanders

E

dward Seaga was a great Jamaican patriot, welldeserving of the many tributes that have been paid to him concerning his devoted service to his country. But, he was not a regionalist and his tenure as Prime Minister of Jamaica, from 1980 to 1989, contributed to the

deceleration of the regional integration process.

In January 2015, he said of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) that “It became the syndrome of sleep. It has no economic value whatsoever. It just keeps putting forward new directions to grow, but nothing happens”.

Seaga measured CARICOM's usefulness

through a single prism which could roughly be described as the trade benefits it brought to Jamaica. As Trinidad and Tobago became the dominant exporter of goods to all CARICOM countries because of its oil subsidies, challenging Jamaican manufacturers in their own domestic market, Seaga saw little usefulness for Jamaica in CARICOM. In a 2016 newspaper

article, he declared: “Jamaica, as a misfit, has no role to play and, accordingly, should play a selected role like The Bahamas in CARICOM”.

In other words, Jamaica should leave the Common Market aspect of CARICOM and participate only in the Community dimension such as functional cooperation.

Seaga did recognise a foreign policy opportunity in

CARICOM if it could serve the interests of Jamaica as he saw it. That was why in 1982 when a CARICOM Heads of Government conference was proposed by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to end a 7-year hiatus when no conference could be held, he leapt at the opportunity to host it in Jamaica.

As background, Seaga was the first head of government, globally, to be invited to the White House in January 1981 when Ronald Reagan became President of the United States. Two years before in March 1979, the New Jewel Movement, led

by Maurice Bishop, had seized power in a bloodless coup in Grenada, and had drawn close to Cuba – a matter of grave concern to the US administration.

Reagan is reported by the New York Times to have said to Seaga, at a White House reception, that he was concerned over ''instability being inflicted on some countries'' in the region by outside political forces. It was a precursor of things to come.

Seaga described the leadership of the region at the time as “largely a legacy of the original leaders which all came from a Labour Party background in England and a socialist background in general… they saw the building up that was taking place in Grenada and expected the radical left in Grenada to be able to get its way”.

Therefore, when, in 1982, V.C. Bird, as a veteran Caribbean integrationist and leader of the then newest independent CARICOM country, called for an end to a 7-year period of no Heads of Government Conference and proposed that he would host a meeting in Antigua, Seaga offered Jamaica instead.

Bird readily agreed, seeing more value in holding the meeting than bickering over its venue.

At the November 1982 meeting, held at the Americana Hotel in Ocho Rios, Seaga sought to convince fellow leaders to expel Grenada from CARICOM, citing “the right of a people to change a government in elections free and fair and free from fear”.

His efforts failed.

The assembled leaders were unconvinced of the

Sir Ronald Sanders wisdom of expelling a member state and were doubly persuaded by the argument of V.C. Bird, one of the original signatories to CARIFTA in 1965 and a stalwart of the West Indian Federation, that no Caribbean people should be excluded from the community.

It was the implosion of the Grenada government in 1983, including the assassination of Maurice Bishop, that provided Seaga with the opportunity to galvanize already willing leaders in Barbados and the OECS countries to support him in backing a US invasion of Grenada on a contrived invitation from the Governor-General, Sir Paul Scoon.

In the event, there was never any doubt in Seaga's mind that his principal role in the Grenada invasion was anything but the right thing to do.

He recalled afterwards that in Grenada, “there were five million rounds of ammunition – that's one for every man, woman and child in the entire English-speaking Caribbean. There were a large number of assault rifles, field camps, a field kitchen, a field hospital, etc.”

As he saw it, “They were preparing to provoke attacks in other Caribbean Commonwealth countries”.

The Caribbean integration project – the strength in unity – that it brings to every Caribbean country, depends on the leadership that it is given. At times of committed leadership, regional integration has blossomed; in other times of lukewarm or disinterested guidance it has stalled and even reversed. Seaga had all the qualities of leadership that could have driven CARICOM to greater heights, but he saw Jamaica's destiny in a greater alliance elsewhere and he pursued that objective diligently.

His lukewarm attitude to regional integration should not detract from the role he played on the wider international stage in causes that were vital to racial (continued on page 49)

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---

Andaiye, the Grenadian Revolution and the Caribbean Radical Left

I am writing this column mere hours after getting the news that Andaiye, revolutionary and women’s rights activist, had died. I have known Andaiye for 42 years and she remains one of my favourite WPA leaders of the glorious days of the party and movement.

As I digested the reality of her passing, I choose to use the moment to reflect on the Caribbean Radical movement of the 1970s and 1980s and its contribution to the region’s independence project. Andaiye was an integral part of that movement that has had a lasting impact on Caribbean politics and society Andaiye is dead. She wanted to live longer, but in the end she succumbed.

Most of Guyana, especially the youth, would not recognize her name. Yet it is a name that has been associated with political activism in Guyana for over forty years. She died without deserving recognition. It is the lot of the radical left in our Caribbean. Those who tried to bring revolution to these former colonial outposts are the outcasts.

Andaiye died on the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rebellion led by Walter Rodney

and the WPA here in Guyana.

It is also the 40th anniversary of the Grenadian revolution— the most significant moment in our post-independence journey.

This past week I attended a conference in Grenada to mark the 40th anniversary of the revolution. I remember that moment, March 13, 1979, when our Caribbean got the news that the New Jewel Movement had overthrown the Gairy Government of Grenada. I was part of a group of teenagers who had gravitated to the WPA which was trying to make its own revolution in Guyana. It was indeed an age of rebellion and revolution in the wider Caribbean. Throughout the region, left-wing radical movements were making their moves against the post-independence order which were deemed to be less than revolutionary.

The year 1979 was the culmination of what the calypsonian, Brother Valentino, dubbed the “roaring 70s.”. The radical decade actually began in 1968 when Walter Rodney was banned from Jamaica for teaching African history to students and ordinary Jamaicans. The Jamaican government of the day

thought that kind of activity was dangerous and a threat to national security. The university students and working-class youths protested the ban in what came to be known as the “Rodney Riots.” The students were led by current Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr, Ralph Gonsalves, who was the leader of the UWI student body.

The Rodney Riots marked the beginning of the modern Black Power movement and Rodney became its chief theoretician. In 1970, Black power activists took to the streets in massive protests and were later joined by soldiers who mutinied. That February Revolution almost toppled the Trinidadian government.

That was followed by the ascendancy of the modern Caribbean Left movement, in which one should locate the Grenadian Revolution. The movement emerged out of the clash of ideas regarding the direction of the independence project.

Very early in the decolonization movement, two distinct tendencies began to emerge. One tendency favoured a reform of the old colonial order while the other tendency favoured a more

The Baccoo Speaks The police have been very active in their fight against crime. With the increased patrols homeowners and businesses are not the major targets.

Instead the criminals are targeting the hapless who are walking or riding to work.

It is no longer about big money.

The police say they need help from the public. **

A case of sexual assault is going to rock the eastern part of the country. Some young men are

going to invade a home where they would assault the home owner.

There will be arrests and complaints of police brutality. ** Another road accident will claim another life. Again careless road use will be the cause. A driver would attempt to overtake without paying due care and attention to the traffic.

fundamental change of the old order. Those who favoured a reform of the colonial order tended to be the more institutional mass political parties which were charged with governing the new independent space.

These leaders were educated and socialized within the colonial framework and were heavily influenced by moderate democratic socialist European tendencies. Those who championed a more radical change from the colonial order were influenced more by Marxist and Black Power ideologies.

By 1979, the Grenadian Revolution had triumphed, the WPA was leading a civil rebellion that almost toppled the Burnham regime in Guyana. Left Wing forces led the insurrection that toppled the Patrick John Government in Dominica. The Left Wing in St Lucia took over the St Lucia Labour Party and influenced an electoral rebellion that defeated the incumbent John Compton Government.

Left wing leaders were central to the leftward movement of the PNP in Jamaica, which also benefitted from the critical support of the radical

WPJ. There was left influence in the Union Island rebellion in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Finally, the soldiers that toppled the incumbent Surinamese government in February 1980, embraced leftwing ideas.

As I look back on that era, I think of the silencing of the story. Many of the radicals are now older men and women.

We seldom tell their stories, partly because it appears as if nobody is listening. Approximately 150 schoolchildren attended the conference in Grenada over the three days. Many of them had heard whispers of the revolution, but nothing concrete.

Here in Guyana, Walter Rodney and the WPA are generally forgotten—the party has been relegated to the fringe of the political landscape. Rodney’s name is invoked to either degrade the PNC or to shame the WPA. And the WPA, the only Radical Left party of the region that survives, has ceased to be radical. Our party is now part of a government and coalition which do not share our traditional political agenda.

My last conversation with Andaiye was three months

Dr David Hinds ago when I visited her to help me figure out my engagement with the Coalition at the upcoming election. She was, as usual, very frank with me. We talked about the possibilities of inspiring a cadre of Guyanese youth towards a more radical politics—something beyond narrow party politics. We also talked about keeping the Rodney legacy alive in Guyana and the challenges we face in that regard.

While sitting at the airport in Barbados waiting on my connecting flight to Guyana, I received a group email from Jocelyn Dow about Andaiye’s condition. I knew the end was near.

More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his w e b s i t e www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news.

Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

PAGE 26

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

The Kitty double murder

By Michael Jordan Fifteen years ago, shortly after Mashramani Day in 2004, residents living in a long yard in Public Road, Kitty, became aware of an unpleasant smell emanating from one of the houses in proximity.

The house, a two-bedroom property at Lot 57, was occupied by 50-year-old Fazia Insanally and her youngest daughter, 11-yearold Allia, a student of F. E. Pollard Primary.

It dawned on the

neighbours that they had not seen the occupants since the day after Mashramani. But the neighbours weren’t very concerned.

They and Mrs. Insanally were constantly at loggerheads. One matter had even ended up in court, with a magistrate placing Mrs. Insanally and a female neighbour on a one-year-bond for fighting.

But when days passed and the smell grew worse, and there was still no sign of the occupants, the neighbours became somewhat uneasy.

Then, on February 28, 2004, the residents observed that something was dripping from Fazia Insanally’s floor to the ground below. They also observed that flies were gathering on the damp spot on the floorboards. Some speculated that Ms. Insanally had gone for a holiday and that the contents of her refrigerator had spoilt and were dripping onto the floor.

But others suspected the worst and contacted one of Insanally’s daughters.

The initial fear of the

daughter was that her mother, an epileptic, had collapsed and died during a seizure.

At around 14:00 hrs, the daughter, Dianne London, accompanied by her husband and ranks from the Kitty Police Station, went to Insanally’s home. They observed that the lights were on, and all the doors and windows were locked. They then forced open the front door and entered.

In the front bedroom they found the decomposing body of 11-year-old Allia Insanally.

The child was still dressed in her school uniform.

The couple and police then ventured into the second bedroom, where they found Fazia Insanally’s body under her bed.

A post mortem revealed that she had been battered in the head and strangled. According to another daughter, Latoya Mohora, the post mortem also showed that Mrs. Insanally had been sexually assaulted, while 11-yearold Allia was suffocated with a pillow.

According to her, evidence at the crime scene showed that the killers had consumed alcohol, smoked cigarettes, and even used cocaine in her mother’s bedroom.

Relatives suspected that Allia had come home at around 18:00 hrs from lessons and the killer or killers had attacked her as soon as she entered the front door.

From all appearances, the motive appeared to be robbery, since the slain woman’s television set and many other valuables were missing.

Police detained several of the victim’s immediate neighbours, but found nothing to link them to the doublemurder.

But there were two other motives; one of which surrounded another murder in the same yard.

The victim, a female in her teens, had been stabbed to death by her boyfriend. One of Insanally’s daughters said that 11-year-old Allia had witnessed the murder from her bedroom window. Although the alleged killer was caught and charged, she believes

that the man’s associates feared that the child and her mother might provide the police with more evidence. One daughter said that the same man had tried to kill another girlfriend, but the victim had escaped by seeking refuge in their mother’s home.

But the second and stronger theory suggests that the victims had been slain by someone they knew well.

The suspect, known as ‘Felix’, had lived in the area and did odd-jobs for Mrs. Insanally. He was even sometimes allowed to enter her house. According to the daughters, ‘Felix’ disappeared after the bodies were found.

It is alleged that police located the murdered child’s schoolbag while searching the suspect’s house. They also reportedly found several sheared dreadlocks, which indicated that the dreadlocked ‘Felix’ had cut his hair to change his appearance.‘Felix’ has never been seen since. According to reports, the suspect, who travels frequently to Cayenne, has a deep scar on his face. There are rumours that he was slain in Guyana some years ago after returning from Cayenne.

If you have further information on this case or any other, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office or by telephone. We can be reached on the following numbers: 2258458, 22-58465, 22-58473, 22-58482 or 22-58491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : kamarangnight@gmail.com

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

Free UG tuition: The question Arundhati Rai did not answer It is always intellectually stimulating to read what the writer, Arundhati Roy, of the great 21st Century novel, “The God of Small Things,” has to say about the human condition today. The Guardian (UK) carried in its June 1st edition, an interview with Roy by the columnist, Gary Younge (both Younge and Roy are two persons I admire for their progressive thinking).

Younge asked Roy one of the most fascinating political questions about our disturbed world today, and I really thought Roy would have opened up and flowed nonstop. I was full of expectations, because the question was bitingly relevant to Guyana in the context of the most opportunistic declaration by the APNU+AFC government, of the intent to have free UG education at a time when general elections are in the air.

Younge asked Roy to explain how right-wing leaders get people to act against their own interests. Roy is handsomely capable of expanding.

But she was brief. I was expecting an expansive reaction that I could have used for understanding why the electorate in Guyana would fall for such a shameless piece of deception, when they know it is an election gimmick.

So why do voters fall for the farcical utterances of these unprincipled leaders?

Will the promise of free education at UG entice people to vote for APNU+AFC? Do people realize that this is a convenient gift being bandied about just months before an election? If they fall for it, then how do you explain such limited thinking? How does one comprehend the human mind?

During the 2015 election campaign, the same leaders that are pledging free UG education promised changes in the anti-narcotic law. Two lawyers drafted the amendment and handed it to Parliament. It was on the Order Paper to be debated and voted upon in the name of parliamentarian, Michael Carrington. That was in 2016. We are close to another election and the amend-

ment will not be accepted, because the leadership of APNU doesn’t want it.

Another 2015 election pledge was the reduction in VAT. The pledge was kept, only to be reduced to a farce.

The reduction of VAT from 16 percent to 14 percent was accompanied by the imposition of VAT on dozens of goods and services that were VATexempted.

The list includes over-thecounter pharmaceuticals, educational materials, sports gear.

The big guarantee that came out of the 2015 election bandwagon was constitutional reform. It never happened. Four years after the pledge to change the marijuana law and pursue constitutional reform, the pledges remain dead. Now months before the APNU+AFC coalition faces an election battle whose outcome is almost impossible to predict, the nation is given a promise that APNU+AFC will remove fees for students at UG. Is it another farce? It is, and the two factors I can point

to are; the way it was pronounced upon and who made the announcement. First, it was made public at the ‘meet the people’ forum by the Cabinet in Region Two. Faced with hundreds of people turning up to these kinds of meetings which first began at the Square of the Revolution, the UG fee thing was a definite propaganda ploy.

Secondly, look who made the public declaration; of all people, the Prime Minister.

Since he became Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo’s Cabinet jurisdiction is more opaque than the black water where the Loch Ness monster lives. He has never announced any policy-direction, any policy re-shaping, any visionary pathway. But on the Cabinet retreat in a predominantly opposition district, the nation is told UG tuition will be abolished if ANPU+AFC is returned to power.

So will voters rush to the polling booths and vote overwhelmingly for APNU+AFC because their children can get a free education at UG? Do

people actually believe what Nagamootoo said? The sad thing about humans is that yes, many will believe the promise and will give their ballot to APNU+AFC. How can any human be no naïve?

Can we ever understand human nature?

Freud once wrote that there is no such thing as human nature.

He also stated that he never understood people.

When Freud can say that, who are we lesser mortals to attempt to understand a nationality named Guyanese?

So it comes back to Younge’s question to Roy. How can politicians get people to act against their own interests? It is happening in so many countries, the

Frederick Kissoon latest is in places we least expect to see anti-working class autocrats taking over – Italy and Brazil.

So will it happen in Guyana as the country heads to a new general poll? Will Guyanese vote for the PPP and APNU+AFC based on jaded, faded and dead promises?

PAGE 28

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

University education was free from 1976 up to when the PPP instituted fees

S

ome more extraordinary silliness came out of the mouth of Guyana’s most logorrheic politician last week.

The former President has now accused the Coalition Government of “stealing” his idea to institute free education at the university.

Some people were left stuttering, jaws dropped and palms turned up.

Everyone asked the same question: “How many people could Jagdeo hope to fool into forgetting that it was in his ‘reign’ (1999 to 2011) that the right to free education at the university was taken away?”

At that time, the PPP government had told the nation that they were going to implement something called “user fees” to help UG to fund itself.

They completely ignored the benefits that many Guyanese youths have

gained since 1976, the year that education was made free by the PNC government.

Older folks would remember an old Guyanese slogan, ‘Free education from Nursery to University’.

That is what Guyanese born after the mid-20th Century grew up on – never having to pay a cent for education until they were past a Bachelor’s degree.

Free education from nursery to university was an entrenched right for every Guyanese citizen. Jagdeo and the PPP rolled over it in the 1990’s and created some cruel hardships for students and families.

It stands to reason that the University of Guyana did not have a culture of earning money to sustain itself.

This is not to say that all was well at Guyana’s highest learning institution.

The management,

academics and Council struggled hard through some lean years, but nevertheless managed to produce a long list of outstanding alumni, many of whom are still contributing to Guyana and the Commonwealth, and to the workforce at home.

Even after the PPP reintroduced fees at UG, the conditions or the quality of education did not get better, not for staff or students. For many years UG could not hire better trained staff.

Thankfully, the university’s fortunes turned around when a new, non-governmental Council was sworn in, but that is a story for another column.

So recently, the campaigning former President declared that this Coalition Government has stolen ‘his idea’.

The PPP is running out of steam. Their stories become shallower, unable to stand up

to the simplest truths. All they could come up with now is a promise to free up university education when it was they who took it away 20 years ago?

To be frank, we believe that Jagdeo’s sole intention when he made that announcement was to try to dull the effects of Prime Minister Nagamootoo’s announcement during the Government Outreach in Essequibo. PM was on a roll and he gave the people Government’s commitment to restore free university education.

“In the future, David Granger and I are looking at the possibility of abolishing fees at the university to address that issue of free access to education.

You can become an achiever.

The multiple effects of our Government are affordability and achievement, so we want to return to being a nation of achievers, a nation that knows where to take the country, not by political power, but by the power of the mind, the power of the intellect.”

The current status of feepaying at UG allows students to access tuition loans through a revolving fund that gives them 15 years to repay.

PM said that Cabinet is adamant that this fund must be converted to a nonrepayable grant that will help students to reach their true potential in their own country, a soon-to-become exporter of oil and gas.

“That is what democracy is all about.

It is intended to enrich your mind so you can take this country, in the age of oil and gas and wealth, and develop it in a way that generations before us could not even dream about,” he said.

Mr. Jagdeo is going to get even more uncomfortable as Government continues to reach out to citizens, taking all public services into their communities.

Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally put it into context. “ G o v e r n m e n t understands how hard it is for Essequibians to have to cross two rivers to reach the City to access Government’s

services, so Cabinet thinks it is best to bring Government to you the people instead.”

Because they cannot destroy this initiative, the PPP is encouraging their supporters to boycott and picket the community outreaches instead of going in to get help and advice that they need.

They are consciously depriving citizens of the assistance that they have a right to.

We will continue to take Government to the people anywhere and everywhere within our 83,000 square miles.

So far, thousands of citizens have had their questions answered, their house lot applications addressed, and received information about what they could do to keep a neighbour from building his fence on their property. They learn about their NIS contributions, and what options are there for a wayward youth in their community.

Every complaint is heard and addressed, either on the spot or afterward when research is done. This is what the outreaches are for.

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

My column

Violence begets violence I have been living in a cycle of crime and police action. Sometimes I wonder if this will ever end, especially since most of the crime is imported. It is not that deportees are the main perpetrators.

Rather, it is the association with these deportees that is spawning this trend.

I remember when there were the kick-down-the door bandits. That was a time when homeowners began to place metal bars across their doors and windows.

Some men simply cased a location and pounced with such vengeance that terror reigned in the land. Most of these attacks occurred in the city and along the eastern corridor. Men would imitate people in the movies and dress in dark clothing.

They would attack a home with such force as to terrorise the people inside. They would assault the homeowners and demand cash and jewellery.

At the time, Desmond Hoyte was the president of the country. He decided to nip this rampage in the bud.

He was not averse to implementing the death penalty because, as he said, a man’s home is his palace.

He reached out to the victims and pretty soon the police began to arrest some of the perpetrators. In one case, the home owner had some corrosive liquid which he threw over the wall and burnt one of the invaders.

The gang was caught and eventually executed. In a short space of time there were nine executions, earning Hoyte the sobriquet ‘Hang dem High’ from his initials.

That spate of crime ended quickly. It was not until re-

cently that there were home invasions again.

Of course, there were the other crimes such as the ‘choke and rob’. These were violent crimes. At the time, too, there was not too much talk about human rights. The prison was allowed to institute punishment by way of floggings.

The cat o’ nine tails had been abandoned because of the disfigurement it caused the recipient. People balked at the severity. What was known was that anyone who received the cat was unlikely to commit a violent crime again.

I was stationed at Bartica and I visited the Mazaruni Prisons for many reasons. I was an information officer, so I took movies by way of a projector to the prisons. I also played cricket, so my club often played against the prison officers.

I remember one Sunday, a prisoner was kicking around a football with some others when he doubled over and vomited blood. I learnt that he had been beaten with the ‘cat’ and effectively disfigured.

I saw two other recipients.

One was a man named Coltress. He had brutally chopped a policeman in the city. On his release from prison he looked like an old man. He was in his fifties when he died.

Another showed films in the cinema. He was a Portuguese man. He too died relatively young. His body bore the marks, but his life of crime was effectively ended.

I am not advocating a return to those brutal punishments. I am all for prison reform, but the prison officers are just not skilled enough to

effect reform. Some of them are one step from a life of crime. All one has to do is look at the smuggling that goes on inside the prison.

Prison officers have been known to smuggle guns inside. There was the jailbreak of February 2002 in which a gun was used. Roxanne Winfield is a vegetable as a result of that attack. Her colleague, a male, died as five prisoners made their escape.

That escape spawned a crime wave that was unprecedented. It also spawned a violent reaction from the police. Many people died. Policemen were killed.

The pacifists in our midst said that the brutal police action merely gave rise to an equally ruthless band of criminals. The army took to the streets. It was about six years before the society could breathe again.

During that period, life in the city ground to a halt.

Night life was almost non-existent. People simply stayed home.I remember driving to Buxton in the wee hours one morning, shortly after one o’clock. When I reached the East Coast Demerara Highway I saw one tail light way ahead.

There was nothing behind me.

Coming back to the city, the roadway was even more desolate.

Now there is another wave that started in Berbice.

Things got out of hand and the police dealt with the situation in a ruthless manner. Not for the first time, the people lauded the police. They are sleeping better at nights. Further, there have been no reports of violent crime in the eastern county.

In the city, just this past week, a group of men who

were all very young and who were not strangers to the police, came to a grisly end in Norton Street, Lodge.

The reports are that they first went to a house, but the people there closed their doors, so the gunmen went next door.

The victim is still traumatized, especially as he recalled the threat to his five-year-old son. He said that the child kept asking him if the gunmen were going to kill them. What can a father say to a five-year-old who is having his first reality check with death?

Fortunately, the police were not far away. Some say that two motorcycle policemen saw the suspicious movement and called in for reinforcement.

It is said that the gunmen had three handguns; the po-

lice had firepower. Some say they expended too many bullets. The truth is that only a person caught up in such a situation can understand. In the end, three men were dead.

I was asked by a woman why did the police have to kill a man who had surrendered.

She reportedly saw some video. I asked her if the man who surrendered was wounded. She could not say.

What I do know is that one of the men who died was the descendant of a man who died violently. He was one of the five who broke out of the Camp Street jail in 2002. He was gunned down in Prashad Nagar.

His relatives say they often asked him to desist from his life of crime, to no avail. It was as if he was courting an appointment with death.

Adam Harris There was another who, from his teenage years, was embroiled in criminal life. He was shot while still a teenager.I am sorry when young men die like that, but I tell myself that they are not sorry for themselves and that I should keep my sympathy for myself.

Sadly, though, others will spring up. It is a never-ending cycle.

PAGE 30

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Green development is good for business

By H.E. David Granger GREEN ECONOMY

G

uyana is the larg est state in the Caribbean Community. Its forests cover more than 85 per cent of its land mass. It is a ‘net carbon sink,’ that is, its forests sequester more carbon that the country’s human activity generates.

Guyana’s economy, despite this, is a heavily dependent on agriculture and on the extractive sectors – bauxite, gold, diamond, timber. The high dependence on agriculture and exhaustible natural resources places Guyana’s natural assets at risk of erosion.

Guyana therefore needs a sustainable model of resource exploitation and extraction in order to check the depletion of its natural assets so that these assets will also be avail-

able to future generations. A ‘green’ economy is necessary to ensure the sustainable management of its natural resources and assets.

A ‘green’ economy is also needed to wean this country off of its addiction to fossil fuels. The importation of these fuels exacts a heavy burden on the economy.

Guyana, in 2012, expended the equivalent of 24% of its Gross Domestic Product on petroleum-based products.

GREEN STRATEGY Guyana’s Green Development Strategy will be developed as a template for the ‘greening” of Guyana.

Guyana will have ‘green’ economy. We will transition our economy rapidly towards renewable, clean and cheaper sources of energy. We will craft a comprehensive Coastal Zone Management Plan to protect human habitation, our coastal economic

sectors and coastal ecosystems. We will create ‘green’ enterprises and jobs and we will inculcate ‘green’ education in our schools. Guyana’s ‘green’ development strategy will rest on four pillars: · Energy: Guyana will rapidly accelerate the transition towards renewable sources of energy as part of its ‘green’ development thrust. Guyana will invest in solar, wind, hydro and biomass sources of energy over the next five years. Guyana has: - the potential for generating hydro-electricity with more than one hundred sites which are suitable for the development of hydro-electric power stations; - the potential for the development of wind energy from wind farms along the 425 km long coastline.

- the potential for Solar energy since irradiation levels are high, making it ideal

for the establishment of industrial scale solar farms; - The potential for producing energy from bagasse and other sources of biomass with potential for energy generation.

The Government of Guyana will lead the way in transitioning towards greater renewable energy use. Every government building, including hospitals and schools will, within the next five years, be utilizing alternative sources of energy. Energy- saving devices will be encouraged in order to promote energy conservation. We will also be offering incentives to catalyze private investment in renewable energy. · Environmental security: More than 80 per cent of Guyana’s population resides on the coastland and most of its agriculture, including all of its sugar production and almost all of its rice production, are grown on the coastland.

Guyana’s fishing catch is, mainly, sold, processed, consumed or exported from the coastal belt.

Guyana’s coastal plain is flat and below sea level making it prone to sea defence breaches, flooding and intrusion of salt water into residential and agricultural communities. The sea defence protecting the coastline is fragile. It requires repair in many areas.

Drainage and irrigation systems in many areas are in need of repair. Coastal zone management, therefore, is essential to our economic survival. We will, as part of the Green Development Strategy, develop a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance of our coastal sea defence, drainage and irrigation systems.A ‘green’ economy must be a clean economy. Our communities must evince cleanliness and healthiness and be free of litter. Our waterways must be protected from pollution. Municipal and neighbourhood councils must have solid waste dis-

posal plans.

Citizens must enjoy the good life in a safe and clean environment. We will, therefore, rigidly enforce laws against littering. We will promote the use of bio-degradable packaging materials. The Regional, Municipal and Neighbourhood Councils must ensure that there are adequate, properly managed and safe solid-waste dumpsites and sewage processing facilities in every region. · Ecological services: Guyana’s forests provide ecological and environmental services to humanity.

Guyana, in recognition of its responsibility to contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change, signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016 at the United Nations in New York.

Guyana committed then to improve its timber management, to maintain a high level of timber legality and to increase value-added production in the timber sector as a means of ensuring that our forests make an effective response to climate change while yielding sustainable economic benefits for our country.

Guyana’s Protected Areas will also make its contribution to environmental conservation. Protected Areas will be established in every Region of our country. We will place an additional two million hectares of land and waterways under conservation. Ecological parks and natural reserves will also be established to protect and preserve our natural habitats, our flora and our fauna. · Enterprise and employment: Green development is good for business. Guyana’s green revolution will spawn a wide range of business and employment opportunities.

Electric cars, hybrid vehicles, energy-saving devices, solar home systems, organic health foods, recycling plants, environmentally-friendly buildings, ‘green’ construction ma-

terials, bio-degradable packaging materials, sustainable agriculture and ‘green’ financing options are just some of the areas around which new enterprises and jobs will be created.

GREEN WAVE Guyana must move onto the crest of a green wave.

Green jobs are the next wave of job-creation. A ‘green’ economy will, of necessity demand a higher level of skilled personnel. The education system, therefore, must be in a position to supply the trained personnel needed by a ‘green’ economy.

The business community, financial sector, entrepreneurs and young people are pivotal to the success of our strategy to create a green economy. A green economy: - represents an investment opportunity for our business community; - represents an emerging target market for our financial sector that will spur entrepreneurial activity; and - creates knowledgebased jobs for the graduates of our schools and universities; - will ensure a clean and healthy environment for households and families; - will reduce our fuel import bill allow the economy to harness its underutilized resources – sun, water, wind and biomass.

The good life is about promoting sustained economic growth. The good life is for this generation and for future generations. The good life, therefore, requires a commitment to sustainable development, something that is mandated by our Constitution which states: In the interests of the present and future generations, the State will protect and make rational use of its lands, mineral and water resources, as well as its fauna and flora, and will take all appropriate measures to ensure and improve the environment. The good life is therefore compatible with concern for sustainable development and consideration for the environment ‘Green’ solutions are needed to address the challenges and threats facing the country, particularly those caused by climate change such as improved coastal zone management, flooding, drought, environmental degradation, deforestation, conservation of protected areas and waterways and the provision of environmental A ‘green’ economy is good for Guyana.

It will lead us to the good life.

There is no better vision of the next 50 years of Guyana’s growth than to usher in a green economy.

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Peptic Ulcers: They are subtle but can be dangerous if untreated

By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine A peptic ulcer is a sore that forms when digestive juices wear away the lining of the digestive system. A peptic ulcer can occur in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer), duodenum (duodenal ulcer), or lower part of the esophagus (esophageal ulcer). Symptoms can include indigestionlike pain, nausea, and weight loss.Globally, it is estimated that up to 10 percent of adults are affected by peptic ulcers at least once in their lifetime.

It is also very common in Guyana and can lead to serious long term complications if left untreated.

Today we will discuss this condition and will refer to it as “ulcer” in the rest of this article for convenience sake.

WHATARE SYMPTOMS OFAN ULCER? Common ulcer symptoms include: · Discomfort between meals or during the night (duodenal ulcer) · Discomfort when you eat

or drink (gastric ulcer) · Stomach pain that wakes you up at night · Feel full fast · Bloating, burning or dull pain in your stomach · Comes and goes days or weeks at a time · The discomfort lasts for minutes or hours If your ulcer becomes perforated, it becomes a bleeding ulcer. This can cause the following symptoms: · Nausea · Vomiting blood · Unexpected weight loss · Blood in your stool · Pain in your back WHAT CAUSES AN ULCER? Most ulcers are cause by Heliocobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection. It lives in the affected area and slowly eats away the lining and walls of the intestine. Acids from the foods we eat can make the pain and discomfort worse.

Long-term use of aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines (ibuprofen, diclofenac etc.) can cause ulcers. Smoking, constant alcohol and/ caffeine consumption are also

causative factors for peptic ulcers. Stress and spicy foods can make an ulcer worse.

HOW IS AN ULCER DIAGNOSED? Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. He or she may do an endoscopy.

This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube attached to a camera down your throat and into your stomach.

Your doctor will test your blood, breath or stool for H. pylori.

He or she also can test a sample of your stomach lining. Your doctor also will ask you if you regularly take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines.

CANAN ULCER BE PREVENTED OR AVOIDED? It is very difficult to prevent an ulcer caused by an H. pylori infection.

However, you can reduce your risks by limiting aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines. Avoid foods that are acidic (orange juice) and spicy to reduce discomfort. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

HOW IS AN ULCER

TREATED? Your doctor will give you an antibiotic medicine to treat an H. pylori infection if its present. You will have to take it for two to three weeks. Your doctor also might suggest triple therapy.

This is a combination of an antibiotic and an antacid.

Your doctor might also suggest medicines to reduce stomach acids.

You may have to take these for up to 8 weeks.

Several other medicines can be used to help treat ulcers. Two types of medicines known as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors, reduce the amount of acid that your stomach makes. Overthe-counter antacid medicine provides temporary relief.

Smoking and alcohol make the discomfort worse. In severe cases, you may need surgery.

Ulcers get worse without treatment.

If aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicine irritates your stomach, your doctor may suggest a medicine to help alleviate this.

WHATARE

COMPLICATIONS OF ULCERS? If untreated, ulcers can result in the following complications: · Internal bleeding. Bleeding can occur as slow blood loss that leads to anemia or as severe blood loss that may require hospitalization or a blood transfusion. Severe blood loss may cause black or bloody vomit or black or bloody stools. · Infection. Peptic ulcers can eat a hole through the wall of your stomach or small intestine, putting you at risk of serious infection of your abdominal cavity that can kill you. · Obstruction. Peptic ulcers can block passage of food through the digestive tract, causing you to become full easily, to vomit and to lose weight through either swell-

Dr Zulfikar Bux ing from inflammation or scarring.As you can see, leaving an ulcer untreated can have dire long term consequences. If you are having symptoms that are suggestive of an ulcer, get checked out and prevent these long term complications.

PAGE 32

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

SUNDAY ONE YEAR LATER… BUSINESSMAN STILL AWAITS GOVT.’S APPROVAL FOR US$120M SHORE BASE FACILITY – MEANWHILE MORE THAN 50% OF THE BUSINESS GOES TO TRINIDAD Guyana’s oil reserves estimates have been pushed to over 5.5B barrels. Industry analysts believe that this provides the potential for five Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. This means that the demands for shore base services will increase.

At the moment, Guyana’s current facilities are unable to cater 100 percent to all the existing, much less the forthcoming needs of the development projects in the Stabroek Block. As such, Guyana’s CARICOM sister, Trinidad and Tobago, which has been in the industry for over 100 years, is being relied upon for such services by ExxonMobil and its partners.

In fact, Trinidad comfortably enjoys more than 50 percent of this business.

But reputable entrepreneur, Terry Singh, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Source One Supply, a subsidiary of the household name JAPARTS , is of the firm view that his vision for a US$120M shore base facility could help Guyana retain much more value .

He also believes that the project is at the heart of making local content work for Guyana. The project was first launched last year February but since then, the businessman is yet to receive government’s approval for the project.

As Singh’s project continues to be delayed, Trinidad and Tobago is already speeding up efforts to establish and refine its services to better serve the needs of Guyana’s oil industry. In fact, Singh told Kaieteur News that during a recent visit to TT, he was amazed to see how companies are preparing themselves to tap into a range of oil and gas opportunities in Guyana.

In the meantime, locals who are trying to do the same are yet to get the government’s aggressive support.

OFFSHORE PROJECT Speaking to the details of the project, Singh noted that the shore base plan, which is also representative of a Guyanese led initiative, will be called G-Port. The proposed location is Plantation Vreeden-Hoop. The scale and magnitude of G-Port will be on an entirely new level; a

An artist’s impression of the proposed shore base at Vreed-en-Hoop superior provider of services and state of the art onshore oil and gas Facility that will put direct employment and capital injection into the economy.

With such a massive investment and the involvement of international parts, Singh commented that it will not only create close to 5000 indirect jobs but also serve as a platform to enhance the technical knowledge of the local workforce.

Singh shared that G-Port would be able to cater to the needs for the different phases of Exxon’s oil drilling. The project envisions providing a wide range of services which include fresh water supply, fuel storage capacity, waste management services, a factory, a beverage warehouse, pipe yard and recertification services etc.

Ultimately, Singh said that it is his intention to provide as much local content as possible.

UGANDA PROVES GUYANACAN HAVE REAL TIME MONITORING OF EXXON’S COSTS One of the most tedious jobs for oil producing countries is cost recovery audits. These are done to ensure that the costs a company said it incurred in the search of the petroleum are necessary and economical.

But not all countries are equipped and experienced enough to audit such costs in that fashion. As such, they can be easily duped by sly oil firms.

Understanding this reality, the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI)

has compiled and shared for the benefit of newcomers to the sector, such as Guyana, the experience of Uganda.

This African state, it said, has been successful in ensuring cost control in the oil sector.

The Organization reminded that cost recovery audits are undertaken after an activity has been done or after the close of the year.

But to ensure efficiency, the international body pointed out that Uganda mandates that all oil companies submit real time data to the regulator for any drilling campaign.

The transparency body said that this keeps the Regulator informed of all activities as they occur. It said, too, that the daily drilling and operations report which is submitted is required to have at least a 24-hour forecast.

The global body said that this gives an estimation of the costs expected to be incurred in the next 24 hours.

The INTOSAI said that this is an important step for cost control by the Regulator.

It explained that this data, once submitted, can be reviewed early enough before the final cost recovery audit.

It also helps to save time when the final cost recovery audit has to be done.

But this is not the only cost control mechanism that Uganda has in place. The International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions pointed out that Uganda has monitoring officials assigned to each of the licensed companies.

It explained that a monitor employed by the Regulator stays in the field and sends his/her own reports about each activity on a daily basis

to the Regulator. The monitors are rotated regularly too.

The International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions said that the monitoring role is undertaken by staff of the Petroleum Authority and all other institutions involved such as the National Environment Management Authority, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority for activities in national parks.

It said that the monitoring reports are important for the audit as they give firsthand accounts of what happened in the field in addition to the reports from the companies.

MONDAY WITH ITS POOR TRACK RECORD…SARA’S CHANCES OF SUCCESSFUL OIL BLOCKS PROBE SLIM – DR. MANGAL Even though he is supportive of the State Asset Recovery Agency’s (SARA) probe into the award of Guyana’s oil blocks, Oil Consultant Dr. Jan Mangal says that one needs to be cognizant of the fact that the entity’s chances of success are slim.

The former Presidential Advisor said that readers simply need to look at SARA’s track record to understand his conclusion.

Since being formed as a department in 2015, and then a legal entity in 2017, SARA is yet to recover a single state asset. Dr. Mangal also opined that the challenges before SARA in this investigation will be immense as it is going up against some of the world’s largest oil companies such as ExxonMobil and Tullow.

The transparency advocate said, “We have to recognise that even if they want to do a good job, they would be under immense pressure. I have sent a letter to the local media on this matter already, but the next thing I plan to do with a subsequent letter is to map out and define what success for the people of Guyana is, where this matter is concerned. My worry is that SARA could, if they don’t do a good job, end up blessing something that is actually bad.”

Dr. Mangal continued, “They may say ‘yes we checked. There is no evidence so we are not doing anything.’ So what you have in effect is a government entity that has by all accounts, allowed the oil companies to defraud the country.”

He added, “So Guyanese need to be very clear about what success is. Success is getting the hundreds and possibly billions of US dollars back to the State. Success is not SARA saying we investigated and did not get evidence.”

Further to this, the former Presidential Advisor said that if SARA is looking for correspondence or evidence of wrongdoing on this matter then it is quite silly. Dr. Mangal said the fact that companies that hardly have assets and little experience in the oil business were granted the oil blocks is sufficient evidence to rescind the licences. He insisted that it is a clear case of the country being defrauded. The anticorruption advocate said that if SARA does not pursue this issue appropriately then President David Granger

would be well within his right to say the nation was cheated and the licences have to be withdrawn.

GOVT. MUST INDEPENDENTLY REVIEWALLDATA RECEIVED FROM EXXONMOBIL, OTHER OIL MAJORS – INDUSTRY EXPERT Emerging oil producing nations such Guyana ought to be extremely careful when receiving statements, plans, assumptions and data from not just ExxonMobil, but all other oil majors in its backyard.

This is according to University of Houston Instructor and Senior Fellow at the Columbia Centre on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), Tom Mitro.

During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News recently, Mitro insisted that it is in the country’s best interest if the authorities conduct independent reviews of all information it collects.

“For instance, one of the things I have been teaching is that the field development plans for these companies hold a lot of data and they must be scrutinised properly by the government. The development plans not only spell out what the costs might be, how many wells will be drilled etc, but it also has the operators plans for local content and hiring, how they would deal with local communities and so forth. So don’t just accept what they say in public, but double check it with their plans which require approval. Ensure there is no mismatch,” the (Continued on page 41)

Sunday June 02, 2019

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Sunday June 02, 2019

COUNTRYMAN

- Stories about life in m and out of Guyana, fro ve a Guyanese perspecti

Of course the problems are still there, but…

I

By Dennis Nichols

once saw a tee-shirt with the crude implication of a message – that we'd better make the most of our miserable existence on Earth before we pass off the scene.

It was emblazoned clear – 'Life's a B***h; then you die'. Crude, but profoundly true, I suspect, for a few billion people on our planet.

It possibly can apply to those of us here who find the daily grind of survival overwhelming.

Every day the average Guyanese can find something to be mad or

miserable about. From blackouts to joblessness and forecasts of economic ruin, demons of despair poke their ugly heads into our lives, at home, in the workplace; even when we try to seek refuge in leisure activity or in spiritual retreat.

They get inside us, corrupting our thoughts and emotions, and they will stay there unless we apply antidote to their poison. I've discovered some simple 'tricks' to help reduce or even negate their grip on our sanity, and I know others have too, so for many this is just a reminder that there are ways to fight back.

They say when life gives you a lemon, (a raw/unfair deal) make lemonade. They say when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

And I say when GPL throws you a nighttime blackout, look at the stars. Although it's a metaphor for positive thinking, I also mean it literally.

I remember on one of my visits to the Essequibo Coast I did, and though it was only a brief interlude, found it to be an unexpectedly effective stress-buster. Amazed by their profusion and brightness, and thinking of the immeasurable distances that separate them from each

other, and from me, I was soon filled with a sense of wonder that no power outage could dim.

And that's just one of the techniques I have used over the years to combat my own demons of anxiety and mental confusion. Some are as simple as a smile, or the awareness of nature around us. Others may take a good deal of willpower but all are worth the effort. High on the list is the ability to not take life, or yourself, too seriously.

Being aware of your human limitations and laughing at your all-toohuman slip-ups is a great way to de-stress, and the gift of objectivity is one we should hold on to tenaciously.

I ' v e s u ff e r e d f r o m headaches and insomnia for over 40 years. The headaches have all but disappeared; but the insomnia for some reason

continues. I've read what the medical experts say about prolonged sleep deprivation and, based on their conclusions, by now I should be a basket case of mental degeneration, or even worse.

I'm not.

True, I have very bad days, for example when a sleepless night is compounded by an enervating day of distress over a seemingly intractable domestic problem, but I'm still able to function with relative normalcy.

I do remember one such day. All I seemed to want was oblivion. But I love walking, and even along Mandela Avenue where I occasionally stroll, I take the time to engage in a few surreptitious de-stressing activities. Walking in itself does my body and spirit good. And switching my focus from self to others can do wonders. That afternoon I looked at the trees along the

Dennis Nichols way, observing how they stood sentinel-like against a perfectly cloudless blue sky.

I listened for the unmistakable kiskadee chirp and was rewarded with an almost continuous serenade of birdsong.

As several bush trucks roared by, my mind briefly wandered to gold and the fortune-seeking gold miners in our hinterland. My mood gradually improved, and by the time a roadside vendor hailed out “Countryman” and I responded “Awright” I (continued on page 49)

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Kaieteur News

I never studied Gramsci, but learnt enough to know right from wrong

I

never studied Gramsci and the other sophisticated philosophers like Plato or Aristotle. I know in the eyes of some this may reflect a limitation on learning. I have respect for those who have achieved higher academic heights, know and understand the contribution by these men to knowledge, and can reference these philosophers in meaningful dialogue.

I also learnt that higher academic achievement requires a higher level of intellectual integrity. The notion of integrity finds favour with me because this value was instilled in me as a child by my parents, extended family, and in Sunday School. I also learnt from my trade union brothers and sisters, who came before me, about the value of human rights and social justice.

Whereas I have not studied Gramsci I have studied the UN Declarations and ILO conventions, the tenets of rights and social justice. I have also taken time to study the Guyana Constitution, relevant laws governing Labour and Industrial Relations and the constitution of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) of which I am among the leading figures.

I am fortunate to marry a woman who possesses more sophisticated learning than I did and who shares my passion for social justice, equality, the rule of law and basic integrity. I am surrounded by genuine friends with integrity, people who are committed to good, basic values.

I am a humble trade unionist, a grassroots man, well-schooled in integrity.

When I got married to my wife many wondered about her and this trade unionist who is was always fighting some issue. She saw in me precious qualities that she admired and believed in.

My life's work is not about shutting people up or stilling their voices. I fight to enshrine people's freedoms not take them away, and freedom of speech is a fundamental element of the trade union movement. Anyone seeking to make claims to the contrary does not understand the fundamentals of trade unionism or is seeking willfully to cast negativity on the movement that I am a part of.

Not only is there no need to still voices when one can

respond to debunk the nonsense emanating therefrom, how does one proceed to still voices over which one has no control over or the medium through which they spew?

I have no interest in silencing those with whom I work, much less those who are not genuine trade unionists speaking to trade union issues of which their comments betray a lack of basic knowledge, even as they possess the ability to wax eloquently on Gramsci with an ease that would not come as quickly to me.

For me it is simple, I listen carefully as my opponents speak. I learnt from my father that a liar will discredit himself the more he speaks. I value those learnings, for it is easy to expose these lies and let them embarrass themselves into silence.

In some instances, the media used may no longer see the value for entertaining a prolific liar and bickering. The liar is forced to seek new avenues to launch attacks but will suffer the same fate of public exposure of dishonesty every time. Unfortunately, we live in a society where integrity is a scarce value.

The University of Guyana has had its share of demonstrated behaviours that speak to the inconsistency of truth in this highest institution of learning.

It worries me, and society should worry not only for the past exposures of our children to the academic lawlessness of some in regard to fundamental integrity, but also the continued influence that public lies create when they are left unchallenged, creating another generation of youth who are tainted by the orchestrated behaviour, and led astray by someone whom they are supposed to trust and have confidence in.

When someone is willing to sacrifice the common good for personal interests, the question must be asked 'whose interest is being served,' as UG is once again placed in unnecessary turmoil. Why would the university workers believe such environment serves their best purpose? He who is instigating the turmoil cares not about the institution, the workers, the students, neither the common good.

The same can be said for not lending solidarity to workers employed at the Bauxite Company of Guyana

Incorporated in their darkest moment of need.

This has been a matter of national sovereignty and the transgressing of the rights of Guyanese workers and communities surrounding the bauxite company. Responding to the call for patriotism would have demonstrated that such takes precedence over any issue that divides us as a nation. It was and

remains not about me.

We seem to be further losing the moral fibre, as a unit, required to safeguard our nationhood, the desire to hold true to our motto, â&#x20AC;&#x153;One People, One Nation, One Destiny.â&#x20AC;?

We need to hold all and sundry accountable to universal truth, to high standards of integrity and morality. None should be excused from scrutiny in their

public doings, for left unchecked those who seek to influence and shape our reality, how we think and behave, would wreak havoc in this nation.

We are being held hostage by and have become victims to the practice of Joseph Goebbels, where a lie repeated often enough becomes truth.

Countering this means factchecking has to become an

important tool in engagement.

We must be unafraid and unapologetic in speaking truth to power and calling the liars out, for if they care not about integrity, those who value theirs must not let them prevail. When we allow lies and turmoil to take hold, even if dressed in the name of some sophisticated philosopher(s), society is being done an injustice.

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Sunday June 02, 2019

Guyanese earns multiple Doctoral Degrees in the U.S. G

uyanese Godfrey Washington was r e c e n t l y honoured with a Doctor of Philosophy PhD, specializing Metaphysical

Para Psychology and Doctor of Theocentric Philosophy (PsyThD), specializing in Comparative Religious, Teachings and Practices from the University of Sedona, during its recent 60th anniversary and graduation celebration held in Sedona, Arizona.

The 2019 graduating c l a s s c o m p r i s e d 11 3 individuals from across the globe, including Australia, South Africa, Guyana, Croatia, West Malaysia, United Kingdom, Canada, India, United States and more. Graduates attended a

formal cap-and-gown graduation ceremony honouring their achievement of theological bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, which were earned through self-paced, distance learning.

“This is a record number of graduates this year, and we are thrilled so many individuals care about bettering themselves and the world” says President and Dean Michelle Behr. “Our graduates work very hard for their degrees, passing exams and writing research papers.

For 60 years, The

International Metaphysical Ministry and its educational divisions, the Universities of Sedona and Metaphysics, have helped people reach their highest spiritual potential and launch higher consciousness careers in conscious business ethics, pastoral counseling psychology, transpersonal counseling, holistic life coaching or counseling, metaphysical counseling, and many more.

Currently the schools have 14,000 graduates and 8,000 active ministers in more than 120 countries.

Godfrey Washington, PhD

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 02, 2019

g .. n i t s. s re ure e t t In rea C

U

Iguana

racentron flaviceps, the t r o p i c a l thornytail iguana or Amazon thornytail iguana is an elusive species of medium sized arboreal lizard found in the tropical lowlands of the Amazon Rainforest.

The species has been noted in the lowlands of eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, northwestern Brazil, and in the extreme southern regions of Colombia, they may be found in Bolivia as well.

Tr o p i c a l t h o r n y t a i l iguanas are only found in the Amazon rainforest, and within the rainforest are generally found in lowland tropical rainforest; usually areas with lagoons, rivers, streams, and palm swamps.

They are an arboreal species, spending the majority of their life in high treetops. They prefer trees with high horizontal branches that allow for basking in the sun during the morning hours, and are almost only found in trees that contain hollow areas accessible through entrances in the tree branches and trunks. No specific species of tree has been found to be favoured by the lizards, it would appear the tree structure, rather than the tree species, is what the lizards prefer.

Males can reach up to 13 cm (5.1 in) in snoutâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;vent length, while the smaller females only reach 9.5 cm (3.7 in). They have a large, flat tail covered in scales that end in a point; the function of these scales is currently unclear.

The body is brown in colour, speckled with yellow or gold spots. Some specimens found in Ecuador and Peru were noted as having a black collar around their necks. This collar is bordered by narrow light coloured edges.

Sexually mature males differ from females, and juveniles in appearance, and it has been hypothesized that this may be the result of sexual selection. The males display longer and deeper heads, as well as longer limbs when compared to females.

Females are also generally a little bit shorter in length than males. Sexually mature males also display different coloration than females or juveniles.

Sexually mature males have an orange head and black

The Tropical or Amazon thornytail - Uracentron flaviceps

body, in contrast to the much more subdued colouring and yellow heads of females, juveniles, and not sexually mature males.

Males that reach sexual maturity also have enlarged testes when compared to those of males that have not reached sexual maturity.

Tropical thorny tail iguanas are considered a sit and wait, or ambush predator.

They are considered ant specialists, and various species of ants that wander the limbs and trunks of the trees inhabited by tropical thorny tail iguanas make up a large percentage of their diet.

Larger lizards will eat slightly larger prey as well such as stingless bees, hemipterans (also known as true bugs), and beetles.

Interestingly alates, which have been established as a prey item of the tropical thorny tail iguana, are not usually present on the limbs and trunks of trees.

It is possible that the lizards will break into the alate nests in the trees, or that they may only eat the species when releases occur. If they do break into the nests it is a highly unusual behaviour, as rarely will an ambush predator actively seek its prey.

In studies investigating the eating behaviours of this species there was no difference in the amount of prey consumed between male and female specimens.

This indicates that resource partitioning is not the reason for the difference in head size between and male and female tropical thornytail iguanas.

The species is diurnal, active during the daytime.

The level of activity exhibited is at least partially dependent on the presence of sunlight. Individuals emerge once the sun comes out, and will remain active unless cloud cover reduces sunlight.

The approximate times of activity are from 8:30am until 5:00pm and males appear to emerge from holes in trees earlier than females and juveniles. Upon emerging from the tree lizards will bask in the sun to raise their body temperature until activity body temperatures are reached.

When approached by humans or startled the lizards will either run into their holes to hide or run out on limbs of the tree to avoid

whatever startled them.

The tropical thorny tail iguana has a resource defence polygyny social structure in which there is one sexually mature male to a group of females and juveniles.

Resource defence polygyny means that the females do not necessarily live in extremely close quarters but the resources the females need are clustered (continued on page 52)

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K O

BO

Book: Voices in the Twilight Author: Louis Alexander Hemans Critic: Glenville Ashby, PhD

I

t's easy to get bedazzled by an author's fine writing and miss the wisdom his words convey. One such example is Louis Alexander Hemans' 'Voices in the Twilight'. Delivered with poetic cadence and colour, its philosophical nuggets find themselves buried, if only for moments. Onto a literary landscape are reflections on history, black psychology, geopolitics, aesthetics and art.

Hemans traverses epochs, juxtaposing scenes, past and present, to unveil a

Sunday June 02, 2019

Literary art at its finest

cryptic statement on liberty in the narrative, 'Bottom Pond.' Here, liberty is never divorced from survivalism. It is wrapped in the mysterious, the foreboding and the intrepid. It is bloody and fanatical. Death ever lurks.

Alive on the plantations of yore, the thrust for freedom still breaths, chain-stoking, at times, but alive.

Unmistakably, 'Bottom Pond' is a remarkable document, deserving of a detailed critique. It is imaginatively and metaphorically rich and vivid. Hemans pens, “At midnight a screech owl passed overhead and dog's howl was long and mournful.”

A bitter end awaits an evil enslaver, we surmise.

Throughout, there are degrees of instinctive anxiety. From plantation life

and its most gruesome possibilities, our attention shifts to the agony 'inside' a makeshift abattoir and the painful struggle of an animal to break free. And it does, threatening to turn the tables on its executioners and anyone in its way.

“The men gathered their wits and approached warily with ropes and sticks. At this point the bull tried for freedom. It leaked the wall.

Enraged and snorting anger, it took to the snake-like road glaring at everything in its path.”

Hemans moves seamlessly and enviably into prose, although his signature poeticism is ever present.

From couplets to quatrains and sonnets, he is measuredly tonal. His elastic range never truly compromises the existential theme of his work. Despite the brutality of the subject, he remains subtle but poignant. In 'All the Gods are Sleeping,' he intones, “ Ya h w e h , A l l a h , a n d Almighty God. Someone

needs to wake them up. Why do they sleep when women weep? Weep for the loss of son and daughter? Even unborn babies in the womb [a]re not secure from senseless slaughter.”

In 'Ready to Fight,' 'The General,' and 'Epitome of Hypocrisy,' he condemns the parlousness and inhumanity of war and the coldness of its architects. Still, his words are never laboured by the horrors they describe. Every word triggers the conscience, our last defence against self-destruction.

Conversely, in 'So Much Love,' he is aesthetically disarming. “I had so much to give. So much love. Hanging from the vine, like good grape that makes fine wine.

But no one wanted love.

“So my love grew old and wilted and withered on the vine. Like good grape that makes fine wine…”

Are we really infected with self-hatred? he probes in, 'Is it True,' a provocative look into race, culture and identity.

“While others lend, we borrow,” he avers. “While others swim, we sink in the quagmire; Of indolence and mediocrity; of hypocrisy and violence; while others seek solitude; we seek the noise of the crowd; and dance to the music of the drum.”

In the end, Hemans might have given us a far

more interesting and complex response to his enquiry.

In 'Country Woman,' he accords the black woman with natural beauty, industry and wisdom. “I see you now… independent, proud Black woman, Mother of many sons and daughters, (continued on page 52)

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THE

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Sunday June 02, 2019

STORY WITHIN THE

Why are we losing the fight against corruption?

By Leonard Gildarie

O

n Thursday evening, three bandits were killed after being cornered in a city home. From all accounts, the men invaded the home of a contractor and held him and his little son at bay with guns.

They demanded money and the whereabouts of an overseas guest.

The contractor was forced to drop his son from upstairs to the arms of a policeman. He jumped from that second storey and injured himself, leaving the gunmen in the home.

The police were alerted and in the ensuing gun battle, after the smoke cleared, the three bandits were dead.

About three weeks before that, three men who police said terrorized Black Bush Polder and business places in Berbice, were killed after an encounter with the police in the backdam.

I saw Friday the pain of a relative of one of the men killed who said that he should not have been killed in that manner. The relative said that the man reportedly surrendered with bullet wounds. He died at the hospital.

The arguments have been raging. On one side are the human rights activists. On the other side is the angry crowd praising the police. There is still another group who would have experienced the cruel attacks that these men would have been accused of perpetuating - the now faceless victims.

I received calls and followed closely the debates on social media. The men were described as career criminals. There were also the arguments as to what caused these acts. Let us get something clear. Guyana has a growing problem with especially a number of youngsters who refuse to

work, but rather, are caught up in the drugs and lure of quick money from a robbery.

I feel anger at times for the family of criminals who gladly accept the proceeds but ask precious little questions. I read of how the little boy asked his dad if the bandits in his Lodge home were going to kill them. The family had to send him away as he was traumatized.

I wondered what my thoughts would have been as the dad of that boy.

Through the haze of all the reports and the gory photos of the dead men, there is another debate that is growing. As a people, we have to understand to the connections of crime with poverty, unemployment, parenting, peer pressure, rampant corruption in public office, and the list goes on.

Perhaps for me, one of the biggest influences is the seeming slap-on-the-wrist attitude to corruption which I believe has a direct bearing on crime.

Here is the story. If growing up, you see your neighbours stealing millions while working in public office, and little is done, or if someone with connections is arrested and then gets off for a violent crime because someone has been paid, then what examples are we setting?

There is a whole different world out there â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the underworld. Going to jail is a holiday. There are high-fives and a show of respect from gang members when you go to jail. It meant you would have earned your stripes.

Lawyers are now running to the High Court where decisions to overturn the magistrates' refusals for bail for armed robberies and other crimes seem to have become a mockery.

Yes, I am upset. We talked about the causes of crime. For many, our system is crooked.

We have people who steal

Leonard Gildarie a phone and their record is chalked up with a conviction.

That man's face is plastered in the media. Across the road, a public servant takes a bribe and allows a contractor to have his own way.

The state loses millions.

That is white collar crime. The punishment is generally little.

The most that can happen is that person is transferred or fired. There is no jail time.

That public servant is free to enjoy his mansion, cars, and would openly boast of connections and the money made. For millions of dollars stolen, there is little punishment.

For the many teens who have their little gangs in the communities like Black Bush, Kaneville, Tuschen, Agricola, Albouystown, it is a struggle every day to survive.

The answer, I propose, will not be killing them out and say we have crime under control.

We have to move deeper.

We have to review our justice system.

It has always been the argument that the money stolen from the public treasury as a result of white collar crime could be used in reducing poverty, and thus crime in general.

We have hundreds of millions being lost annually due to corruption including kickbacks, and poor work on contracts - that can be used on social programmes to reduce poverty.

In essence, our attention on the little robbers has shifted the spotlight from what is happening in the public's offices. We have not managed to turn the tide in the fight against corruption. In fact, the Coalition Government has admitted it is not where it wants to be.

We are entering elections mode, though this may not be h e l d u n t i l n e x t y e a r, depending on what the Caribbean Court of Justice rules. The issue of the d e l e t e r i o u s e ff e c t s o f corruption and perceptions that there are untouchables in our society has to be addressed. We are not a people of 10 years ago. There is an awareness now. We will not tolerate.

Sunday June 02, 2019

From page 32 Petroleum Expert stated. He added, “It is important to note that this is one of the key areas where the government has the right to say ‘yes you can go forward or no you cannot go ahead’ if the plans don’t reach certain standards.

It has the power to be able to ensure that the company follows the policies of the country in action and not just from talk.”

Further to this, the CoDirector of the Graduate Certificate in Global Energy, Development and Sustainability at the University of Houston said it is imperative that the government knows the power it has at this point and how its decisions can affect the nation’s future.

The Consultant added, “So the power lies in making sure that you take the time to research the data for this project. Don’t just take what they are giving you. Do independent analysis of any statement, assumptions or data made by oil companies.

Exxon is a huge company and pretty much has access to almost all information in various parts of the world and it is not the same for Guyana.”

Be that as it may, he reiterated that the government still needs to ensure it is not being pushed into a place where it is accepting everything oil companies provide as gospel.

son of popular motor-racer Kevin Jeffrey, during a robbery on Saturday night near Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

Jeffrey said that he had gone to the Buju Banton Carnival Concert at the National Stadium, with a friend.

The duo had called a taxi to transport them after the concert, but due to heavy traffic, they were stranded for a while.

To get to the car, they decided to walk but were accosted in the “vicinity of Agricola”, according to Jeffrey.

Their assailants were armed and they were robbed of jewellery, phones and wallets. Jeffrey said that a confrontation during the robbery resulted in him being shot to the right ear. In a statement, Jeffrey said that he was treated at the Balwant Singh Hospital and discharged, after the incident.

Jeffrey is known for being the first Guyanese to ever win the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) Driver’s championship.

ROBBERS SHOOT OFF PART OF MOTOR-RACER’S EAR

There is evidence now that at least two local printers, angered by the situation over the printing of textbooks, had complained to the Ministry of the Presidency, beginning as

Bandits shot off part of the left ear of Kristian Jeffrey,

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TUESDAY SCHOOLBOOKS INVESTIGATION… EVIDENCE SURFACES THAT LOCAL PRINTERS HAD COMPLAINED TO PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARIAT

far back as 2017. Both Kimoke Printery and F&H Printing Establishment raised questions about procurement, according to documents seen by Kaieteur News. It would lend to the mounting evidence that everything was not right about the Ministry of Education’s orders for text and exercise books.

It involves hundreds of millions of dollars annually being allocated by Government.

This year, almost $600M has been allocated by Government for the printing of text and exercise books.

Local printers say that since 2017, they have been getting little or no work.

Rather, a significant number of orders were going overseas, including to Trinidad.

The printers had met to discuss the issue, complaining bitterly that the orders were not going to tender as is required by procurements. Rather, the orders for exercise books and some textbooks were going directly from the Ministry of Education to the Guyana National Printers Limited (GNPL), a state-owned entity.

State auditors have stepped in to launch an investigation, with personnel starting to sift through records of the ministry’s Book Distribution Unit last week.

The Audit Office would have responded directly to the public complaints that there was little evidence of established procurement procedures and that Guyana possibly did not receive value for money.

The printers are insisting they have the capacity to print both text and exercise books and they can better the prices offered by any overseas printer.

GNPL has insisted it has done nothing wrong, but there are questions whether Guyana got value for its money in the books supplied by the entity, for use in the scores of schools that Government runs.

According to correspondences seen, Kimoke Printery of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, wrote the then Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, on September 26th, 2017, stating that it never received one job, although it had tendered for textbooks at very competitive rates.

Kimoke questioned why a foreign company, which has no offices and pays no taxes,

was given preference over locals. Kimoke asked Harmon to investigate.

Indeed, Harmon acknowledged the letter, and said he had requested a report from the Ministry of Education.

On June 6th, 2018, Kimoke wrote Harmon again indicating it was still to receive a feedback.

OIL BLOCKS PROBE… EXXONMOBIL ‘WILLING TO COOPERATE’ WITH SARA ExxonMobil’s Head of Government and Public Affairs, Deedra Moe, says that the company would be willing to cooperate with the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) which is probing the award of oil blocks it holds offshore Guyana.

The news of the investigation by SARA was first reported by Bloomberg.com, which quoted the agency’s head, Dr. Clive Thomas, as saying that the Stabroek, Kaieteur and Canje Blocks, all operated by ExxonMobil, will be part of the inquiry, as well as the Orinduik Block operated by Tullow. The Kaieteur and Canje Blocks were given out by the Ramotar administration just days before the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Moe told Kaieteur News that the company has seen the media report on the issue, but it has not been contacted by the government in relation to it. The official stated nonetheless that, “ExxonMobil followed all applicable laws and regulations in acquiring its government approved licences.”

In the meantime, Head of Transparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI), Dr. Troy Thomas, said that he is pleased with the recent

disclosure that the award of offshore oil blocks to the likes of ExxonMobil is being probed by the State Asset Recovery Agency.

TIGI’s head said that the investigation is necessary since the circumstances under which the blocks were given out do raise concerns.

The TIGI Head had said, “…I know former President Donald Ramotar had rebutted arguments about the giveaway of our assets just before elections. But I think a full investigation would serve us well…The award of contracts should be an open process, especially as it relates to oil. I don’t think we can afford for contracts to be done in the dark.”

The official added, “At the end of the day, people have a right to know how their resources are being given out. So SARA is doing the right thing in this regard…”

The TIGI Head said that SARA’s investigation should also ascertain what scope there might be for reclaiming any of the offshore assets that were not awarded in a fair manner. He had said too, that the anti-corruption body should hire all the technical help it needs to ensure this investigation it is pursuing is a success as it is a matter of national interest.

INTEGRITY COMMISSION MUST PROSECUTE DEFAULTERS – FORMER AUDITOR GENERAL ANAND GOOLSARRAN Now that the Integrity Commission has begun to monitor the declarations of those persons in public life, Chartered Accountant and former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran says that it must now move to the next stages relating to its mandate if it intends to play any meaningful role in preventing and fighting corruption in government.

In his most recent writings, the Chartered Accountant said the Commission needs to engage the services of technically and professionally competent persons to (Continued on page 42)

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From page 41 examine these declarations for completeness and accuracy, and for possible mismatch between observable lifestyles and the contents of the declarations.

He said that it has to initiate steps to prosecute those who have failed to submit financial returns as well as those who have violated the Code of Conduct; and examine the backlogged years from 1997 to 2017 to identify those persons who have failed to submit returns and take appropriate actions consistent with the requirements of the Act. Furthermore, Goolsarran said he has noted calls for the President and the Leader of Opposition to make their declarations to the Commission public. The Chartered Accountant said he agrees with this, but would add that all Ministers of the Government and all Members of Parliament, indeed all elected officials, should do the same.

Also in agreement with Goolsarran’s perspective is Head of Transparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI), Dr. Troy Thomas.

During a previous interview with Kaieteur News, Dr. Thomas had said that the Integrity Commission Act needs to be amended to allow for the declarations of the President and the Opposition Leader to be made public.

During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News Dr. Thomas said, “The existing legislation does not require that this information be made public. If you ask for it, depending on who the Chairman is, you may or may not get that information.”

He added, “I am also advocating for changes to the information law to require certain things get published before people ask…Sometimes, you don’t know what question you want to ask when the information is not public.

WEDNESDAY BORDER MINING AREAS IN DEEP TROUBLE AS VENEZ. FUEL SUPPLIES DRY UP Several parts of the hinterlands areas are complaining bitterly about a fuel shortage with residents and miners alike Tuesday calling for Government to intervene. The situation appears to be occurring in the Cuyuni, Region Seven, nearer to the Venezuela border, and in areas of Region One. The situation would be blamed mainly on the problems of supply in Venezuela, from where dealers have been buying.

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Kaieteur News

The Eteringbang area, Region 7, which borders with Venezuela is badly affected. (Learie Barclay photo) Venezuela itself is facing shortages at its pump stations with dropping production levels affecting supplies to Guyana.

Over the years, the supply from Venezuela has especially been helpful in sustaining mining and other activities in the hinterlands. With that gone now or reduced significantly, the livelihoods of many are under threat, miners complained Tuesday.

Tuesday, Region One chairman, Brentnol Ashley, in a Facebook plea, disclosed that the gas shortage has developed into a crisis.

He said that residents are paying between $8,000 and $10,000 for a five-gallon container in Mabaruma and Moruca, and $12,000 to $15,000 in Matarkai. “…This current situation has caused the transportation fares to hike significantly placing additional burdens on citizens and causing more decay into an already stagnant regional economy…”

According to Ashley, he is imploring Government for an intervention geared at providing an urgent solution.

He said that taxis have raised fares and school children are paying much more.

He noted that fuel dealers and retailers are paying between $60,000 and $80,000 for a drum of gasoline.

In fact, he said, the regional administration has started to reduce its service because of the fuel shortage.

Among other things, the chairman called for an immediate relaxation on the $5,000 tax on every barrel of fuel by the Guyana Revenue Authority.

He called on the Guyana Energy Authority to closely monitor the ships that are coming to the Waini area, Region One, and purchase unmarked fuel, taking it even to Suriname, thereby disrupting the supplies.

Ashley said that the Guyana Oil Company should consider sending supplies to the area. GUYOIL should seek to provide an urgent supply to the Region since there is a very limited supply left, he added.

While that is happening in Region One, there is another similar situation brewing in the Eteringbang area, which borders Venezuela.

DNA EQUIPMENT ARRIVES IN GUYANA GUNPOWDER TESTS TO RESUME, QUICKER TOXICOLOGY RESULTS EXPECTED Guyana stands poised to start DNA testing soon.

Director of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) Delon France, revealed that equipment which will allow deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing to be done locally, arrived in Guyana last Friday.

It was supplied by Italian firm Q&T S.p.A at a cost of approximately $107M ($US513,000).

France said that once the equipment is installed, staff will undergo over two weeks of training here. Some overseas training may also be required.

In March, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, said that there had been some challenges in acquiring the equipment. But he had assured that testing will begin by yearend.

The equipment will have the capacity to conduct tests on eight samples at a time.

DNA samples were first collected here and sent overseas in 1993 for the still-unsolved Monica Reece case.

DNA samples tested overseas also helped to confirm the identity of Babita Sarjou, whose skeletal remains were found behind her husband’s Lot 51, Seaforth Street residence in May, 2016.

Similar samples sent to an overseas lab also helped confirm

the identity of secondary school teacher, Nyozi Goodman whose remains were found at Pattensen, Turkeyen, in 2016.

But the prohibitive cost, and the lengthy time they have often had to wait for results, have always presented a challenge to investigators.

France had said in a February 2018 interview that it costs Guyana about $1.75M to have just one DNA sample transported and tested overseas.

“This includes air fare; someone has to take the samples and also bring them back,” France said.

He had estimated that it would cost about US$400,000 to have Guyana’s DNA unit set up.

But he predicted that “it would be cheaper in the long run,” for the tests to be done locally.

He had cautioned that laws are still to be enacted that will allow investigators to take DNA samples from suspects.

Saying that the legal requirements “are going to be a hurdle,” the GFSL Director had noted that laws will have to be amended to empower the police to take evidence from suspects, and all persons in prison.

“You (will) sign a form that you gave us consent to take your DNA, and the law will also be in place to back us to allow us to take that DNA sample.”

He had also disclosed that a database will be set up to store DNA information of suspects and felons.

“If I go on a crime scene and I swab and get DNA samples, I don’t know whose DNA is there,” France said.

THURSDAY GCCI PREACHES LOCAL CONTENT BUT FAILS TO QUESTION EXXON ON ITS PERFORMANCE The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) professes to be an advocate for ensuring locals are given priority in the oil sector. On several

occasions, it has even called for there to be a policy that ensures Guyanese benefit the most from the industry. Yet, it has not asked ExxonMobil, a member of the Chamber, about the details of its local content performance to date.

Further to this, it has never asked ExxonMobil for information to ascertain the extent to which its other members are able to access jobs from Exxon and its prime contractors.

This came to the fore Wednesday after Kaieteur News posed several questions at a press conference that was held by the Chamber at its office located on Waterloo Street.

Chamber President Nicholas Boyer took several minutes to elaborate on the need for a Local Content Policy and an effective regulatory environment for the sector. Given his personal stance, as well as the Chamber’s unwavering position on the issue, Boyer was asked to disclose how many of his members are registered with Exxon’s Centre for Local Business Development on South Road, as well as how many of the Chamber members benefitted from contracts.

This was asked to determine if the Chamber is aware of the extent to which the absence of a policy was affecting its members from accessing jobs in the industry. But Boyer admitted that he does not have this information. He committed however to getting this data at a later date for the media.

Further to this, Boyer was reminded of the criticisms ExxonMobil faced regarding an aspect of its local content report which was made public last year. The company had listed several utility companies, restaurants, markets and taxi services, as beneficiaries of its local content efforts. Challenged to say if it has asked Exxon or

the Energy Department to see if there has been a reporting improvement, Boyer once again, answered in the negative.

The GCCI President said, “We are probably guilty in terms of needing to do more of the research, because let’s be fair, Exxon will measure local content on their terms.

If we want to see better reporting, that is on us…I would not blame Exxon. I would blame us…So if our Department of Energy wants to measure local content, we need to have our definition and metrics in order which we would ask them to use when reporting.”

CABINET WAS AWARE IN 2017 THAT $85M IN TEXTBOOK CONTRACTS WENT TO TRINI PRINTERS – LOCAL SUPPLIER HAD COMPLAINED There is evidence now that since 2017, the award of textbook contracts to overseas printers came with full support of the Cabinet.

According to documents seen by Kaieteur News, in August 2017, the Cabinet of the Coalition Government “noted” the recommendations of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) involving four contracts for printing of textbooks.

In total, the contracts were $101,142,014.

Cabinet, from the documents, “noted” the awarding of two contracts to Trinidad’s Eniath Printing Company Limited – one for $73.3M and another for $11.4M. The other company that benefitted from the textbook contracts was a local one – A-1 Print Shop. That company received over $16M in work.

This disclosure of Cabinet knowing that printing work (Continued on page 43)

Sunday June 02, 2019

From page 42 for textbooks is going overseas would bolster arguments by local printers that all is not well in their business.

PAGE 43

Kaieteur News

The local printers wants a bigger slice in government contracts, which they say have been reduced significantly in recent years, due to their being handed

arbitrarily to the state-owned Guyana National Printers Limited (GNPL).

That state company, in turn, has sub-contracted a significant portion of the work

to other companies without any clear idea by Guyana whether competitive prices were being paid.

It is now being investigated by state auditors

because of the questionable contracts to overseas companies by GNPL. Local printers have complained bitterly of being sidelined with no tenders advertised for the printing of text and exercise books since 2017. They want government or the Ministry of Education to insert “domestic” clauses in the tenders, which will allow only local printers to bid.

The local printers insist they have capacity and can match prices.

While the Ministry of Education has been forced to turn to overseas publishers with copyright to their books for fresh supplies, there are several local textbooks, which can be done right in Guyana.

Over the years, local printers had been getting a bite. That was, until 2017.

It is not chump change that is involved. Rather, this year alone almost $600M has been allocated for the printing of text and exercise books by Government.

FRIDAY RAMOTAR MISLED THE NATION… PPP KNEW OIL WAS FOUND WHEN IT SIGNED AWAY KAIETEUR, CANJE BLOCKS DAYS BEFORE ELECTIONS Former President, Donald Ramotar, is on record saying he had no knowledge that ExxonMobil found oil when he signed away two oil blocks to inexperienced firms just days before the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections.

But on May 8, 2015, just three days before elections, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) published an advertisement in all the local newspapers saying that oil was found.

The ad said, “In what has

been reported as exciting news to have emerged in the local energy sector, an Exxon exploration well, located some 120 miles offshore Guyana has discovered hydrocarbons…”

On the ad as well, is a picture of Ramotar who was the PPP Presidential Candidate at the time, smiling and shaking hands with staff on board the drill ship, Deepwater Champion, as it conducted hydrocarbon exploration in the Stabroek Block.

In light of the disparity between the contents of the advertisement and Ramotar’s statements to the media, which he continues to maintain, officials at the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) said they will press on with its probe regarding the award of oil blocks.

During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News on Wednesday, SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips, reminded that Oil Consultant and former Advisor to the President, Dr. Jan Mangal has been speaking about the suspicious award of the oil blocks for some time.

Dr. Mangal had told Kaieteur News that the award of the Kaieteur and Canje blocks by the Donald Ramotar administration just days before the 2015 elections were held, amounts to daylight robbery.

The former Petroleum Advisor to the Government had said, “The issue with the Kaieteur and Canje is one of possible corruption…No country awards these blocks to completely unknown and unqualified companies like Mid-Atlantic and Ratio.

If one looks at the evidence from Nigeria, Liberia, etc, what happened in Guyana with the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks was daylight (Continued on page 44)

PAGE 44

From page 43 robbery.” Phillips said that it was Dr. Mangal’s comments that prompted the probe.

BANDITS CORNERED IN NORTON STREET THREE SHOT DEAD, COP WOUNDED Norton Street, Lodge, was the scene of high drama Thursday night after three bandits were cornered and killed during a bungled robbery that ended in a onehour shootout at the home of a constructor worker.

Two of the bandits, whom a source identified as Shawn Browne Jr. and Junior Nurse, were slain in the Lot 46, Norton Street, Lodge home after refusing repeated calls to surrender. A third bandit was later reported slain.

A policeman, identified as Corporal Clive Clarke, was shot in the leg.

Police reportedly recovered two handguns from the scene.

Crime Chief Lyndon Alves commended his ranks “for a job well done.”

Explaining the rapid response by the ranks, Alves said, “We have saturated the town and environs with police. We have ranks operating covertly and overtly. It was a job well done.”

The drama began around 20.30 hrs when the gunmen attacked Neville Leslie in his home.

Leslie told reporters that he was in his bottom flat with his five-year-old son when a young man, who scaled his fence, entered through the back door and held them at gunpoint.

Two other men, also with guns, entered, and took father and son to the top flat.

Leslie said that the men took some cash from his pockets, took his silver chain, and then began to demand “money and jewels.”

But luck was with Leslie, since a police squad was passing at the same time, and residents alerted them to the robbery.

On being alerted to the presence of the police, the gunmen ran out of the room.

Leslie said that one of the bandits was apparently shot in the living room. He said he could hear the wounded bandit saying, “I get knock boy, I bleeding.” “Then he start groaning.”

TENDERS SCRAPPED FOR MARRIOTT CASINO …AFTER MINISTER HOLDS SECRET TALKS WITH INVESTOR A government minister last year reportedly had direct contact with a bidder who had expressed interest in

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Kaieteur News

operating a casino at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

That contact was deemed highly unusual and would have given the principals of Princess Casino an edge in the negotiations.

However, according to Government sources, that first tender was scrapped after word of the talks got back to the stakeholders managing the process.

Marriott Hotel is government-controlled and located in Kingston. The 197room hotel was opened in early 2015 but an adjoining annex was never commissioned as the then government, under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, was still seeking an investor to run a casino and an entertainment center.

In the financial plans, the casino was a critical component in helping Marriott to repay its debts, which stands at around US$30M. In 2017, after being forced to step in and take over the bank payments, Government’s National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), advertised through its Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), the company that owns Marriott, for operators of the casino.

Several bids came in. One was reportedly from the Princess Group, which runs the Princess Casino, Providence.

Another one reportedly came from Suriname. There were others.

Kaieteur News was told that all was going well in the assessment until late last year.

NICIL and PricewaterhouseCoopers reportedly found out that the minister spoke to representatives of Princess Group, which operates the casino at Ramada Hotel.

The conversations were highly questionable and raised questions.

NICIL and the other stakeholders felt that the talks would have raised serious questions about transparency and collusion.

The matter was raised at the government level and a decision was made last year to cancel the tender, Kaieteur News was told.

SATURDAY RAMOTAR FAILS TO EXPLAIN GIVEAWAY OF OIL BLOCKS TO UNKNOWN FIRMS In a three-page statement to the media on Friday, Former President Donald Ramotar took time to pronounce on the application and approval process that was followed when he signed away two key oil blocks just days before the

2015 General and Regional Elections.

He even dedicated several paragraphs to the APNU+AFC Government’s poor management of the oil sector. But the multibilliondollar question Ramotar avoided answering was why he signed away oil blocks in very deep waters to firms which do not have experience in deepwater exploration. The Canje block was awarded to Mid-Atlantic while the Kaieteur Block was awarded to Ratio Energy.

This newspaper carried a comprehensive report on Friday exposing the fact that Ramotar told the media on several occasions that he had no idea oil was found when he signed away the blocks.

However, the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) which is investigating the matter has its hands on an advertisement that was published in all the local newspapers on May 8, 2015 with the screaming headline: “....U.S OIL GIANT EXXON STRIKES OIL IN GUYANA...” This ad, which contradicts Ramotar’s comments in the media, is one of the reasons why SARA is moving ahead with its probe.

But Ramotar insists that his actions were transparent.

He explained in his missive to the media that the applications by companies for exploration in the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks date back to 2012 and 2013 respectively.

The former President said that both applications were processed and approved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC)

in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations around late 2013.

He said that all fees paid were fixed by law and were paid to the GGMC, not to any private accounts.

Further to this, Ramotar said that while the applications were in the system since 2013 and 2014, delays in the signing of the agreements were due to matters surrounding Venezuela’s navy seizure of Anandarko contracted seismic vessel Technic Pardana in late 2013.

Ramotar said that at the time of application, processing, approval and signing of the Petroleum Prospecting Licenses for the Kaieteur and Canje blocks in Guyana’s offshore basin, there was no confirmed commercial petroleum discovery in the area by ExxonMobil or any other company.

He even pointed to the PPP/C advertisement, saying that it substantiates his position.

The former President quoted the advertisement, in part: “An Exxon oil exploration well …offshore Guyana has discovered hydrocarbons, a strong indicator of the evidence of oil.”

What the former President failed to highlight was that the same advertisement which was carried just days after he approved the licenses, carries a headline in bolded caps which state: “BREAKING NEWS....U.S OIL GIANT EXXON STRIKES OIL IN

GUYANA...”

THIRD SLAIN BANDIT FROM NORTON ST. SHOOTOUT IDENTIFIED -RAMJATTAN LAUDS COPS, COMMUNITY, BUT CAUTIONS “BATTLE NOT YET WON” Police have identified all of the bandits from Thursday night’s deadly shootout at Norton Street, Lodge, as officials released further details of the incident. A release identified the third slain man as Leslie Griffith, 24, of Lot 165 William Street, Kitty.

He was identified by his mother.

Other sources have identified the slain man as Wesley Griffith, also 24, but said he was from Linden.

Wesley Griffith was linked to several armed robberies.

Brown, Nurse and Griffith were slain after police cornered them in the Lot 46, Norton Street, Lodge home of Neville Leslie, a construction worker.

During the attack, the gunmen had threatened to kill Leslie and his five-year-old son. The family was rescued by a passing police patrol that was alerted about the attack.

The bandits were slain after an almost hour-long shootout, during which they were repeatedly ordered to surrender. Police said they recovered three handguns.

A police rank was shot in the leg during the standoff.

According to Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman, police received information that suggested that a car transported the gunmen to the area.

The driver reportedly

waited in Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, but fled the scene after the shootout started.

Explaining Thursday night’s rapid response, Crime Chief Lyndon Alves had told Kaieteur News that senior officials “have saturated the town and environs with police. We have ranks operating covertly and overtly.” In a statement yesterday, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan lauded the police, but cautioned that “the battle is not yet won.” “The Public Security Ministry wishes to commend the work done by the Guyana Police Force last evening in Lodge, Georgetown.

“The responsiveness of the Police Force certainly resulted in the prevention of harm to an innocent family.

Unfortunately, but with every justification, it resulted in the demise of three individuals whose intentions were to rob and probably kill.”

“The Ministry is very thankful for the community support which was received last evening, firstly, for their giving of relevant and necessary information to the Policemen involved in the actions taken; and, secondly, for rallying around the Police Force’s efforts in rescuing that family.

“Community support is extremely necessary to fight crime in Guyana. This support realised success in Black Bush Polder recently, as it did in this instance.

“The battle is not yet won.

But the collaborative efforts of the public, Police Force and the Ministry will continue unabated until it is.”

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 02, 2019

Train your brain to get the most out of your studies As you move towards your final examinations at the end of this term, it would be wise for you to act correctly so as to get your brain to function at its peak. This would first of all entail understanding the things that are both good and bad for this vital organ and behaving accordingly.

Firstly, let us consider the bad side: 1. Getting less than 6 hours of sleep results in reduced functioning in reasoning and other mental abilities.

2. Too much sugar and alcohol produces long-term damage to brain cells and lowers ability to think.

3. Multitasking hijacks the frontal lobes, the brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thinking centre, thus reducing creativity and ability to focus.

4. Negative thoughts and actions

tend to sap the brain of its energy, and can even lead to depression.

On the other hand, think on these pointers that improve: 1. Physical exercise, including breathing, increases circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which serve to improve memory, concentration and other mental functions.

2. A proper diet, involving vegetables, fruit, fish and whole grains, helps to retain brain cells, increasing its all-round capacity.

3. Meditation and prayer sharpen attention and improve concentration and memory.

4. Social interaction including laughter helps to keep the brain healthy by increasing feel-good hormones,

ther eby decreasing any pain and strengthening the spirit.

5. When you develop a positive attitude to life and what is going on around you, your hopeful, optimistic, grateful and joyful thoughts will produce chemicals that create a sense of well-being and help your brain to achieve peak capacity.

Try to work with these facts in mind and you will gain so much in brain function that it can make a difference between failure and success in your examinations.

PAGE 45

Hold on (by Adrien Joel Boxhill) There are times when life is rough, And things are hard to fend, The stress, the pressures, the hardships Come without an end.

These times, you can see, are a part of life, A test to try your mind, A risk to take, a decision to make, An answer you must find.

A pain so great, you do not know Just where or to whom to turn, But God is there and everywhere, Hold on to Him and learn, .

There are those times when life can fill You up with joy and bliss; Your heart so warm, it seems so right To feel this happiness.

These times of rapture are so rare It leaves you filled with desire; You search for more, more than before, These feelings you admire.

The Lord our God is watching us Through all the times we share; If you can't remember, please don't forget That he will always be there.

When times are hard, when times are great, Pull out this little poem, And hold on to it day and night, Wherever you may roam.

Solutions to last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Reverse Word Search Puzzles

SUBADDO PYRAMID

A bit more challenging than a regular word search puzzle. Build the grid up until every single empty square is filled, and all words are placed. The first letter of every word is given and circled to get you started.Note that more than one word might start on the same exact letter! Good luck!

Word Search

Died on the Way...

T

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 46

HE emigrant train had come in, and so many were waiting, some at the depot with their own vehicles, watching for dear ones ; others hailed hacks or took the street-cars, and a few remained, who would, as soon as the throng cleared away a little, walk up to the house where homeless emigrants might stay for a few days.

A party of four by themselves attracted attention. A man of solemn countenance, with two little children that clung on either side of him, serious, frightened-looking little things, although they were healthy and neatly dressed.

Beside them walked a pale woman with a babe in her arms. Oh, those sad dark eyes ! The group, followed by a few others, moved into the large yard, and when they entered the house, sobs and moans and the cries of little children broke forth. Men and women on the street had noticed and wondered, but

no one liked to ask a the rest and laid it in her question, and now well they pocket-book. Brief services had gone out of sight. The were held, and in a few man who had charge of the moments the little casket was house came to show them a carried out, the family room, and render assistance entered a carriage, and then if needed and learned the sad the few who had gathered story. The baby had been around dispersed to their ailing a little, and just before own homes. The little Saint they reached the city had had reached his journey’s died in convulsions. The end, the Zion of his parents parents must go on in the hopes, and now endeared to morning, and the precious them, by that little mound, one be laid among strangers. their link between earth and The father walked the floor heaven. in dumb wretchedness. One In early times, before the after another came in with railroad was made, many heart-felt words. One whose heart is ever kind and thoughtful, provided a meal for the travelers and then went out for the little casket.

His wife came in and saw that dainty clothes were in readiness, and the husband assumed the expense of the occasion, saying it was little enough he could do, for his yielded to the fatigues of own heart had known the travel by wagon. I knew of a loss of his first child only a young girl whose lover set short time before. The tears out for Zion, having not of strangers mingled with the means sufficient for both, but mourners, and it may be that intending to earn money and the sweet sympathy helped send back for her. It to assuage their grief. happened soon after he had A young girl came in and gone that means came to her looked on, but what was family, and they joyfully set there for her to do ? A sudden forth with the next company. thought ! She went out and in They had reached “the a few moments returned with plains,” and one night the a handful of flowers and laid young lady, after walking them upon the casket. The about awhile, sat down to poor mother took one from (Continued on next edition)

Bowl a Score Challenge

Junior page A recycled journal with pen holder Materials: 2 pieces of denim and chip board (I used the backing of last year's blotter calendar) cut to the same sizePatterned paper scraps cut 1/2-3/4" larger than the chipboard A flower embellishment (mine is made from used dryer sheets--more on that later) Cover one side of the chipboard with patterned paper.

Make mitered corners by snipping the corners off the paper to a spot equal to the thickness of the chipboard. Glue and fold over edges.

Keep the hem of the jeans in tact on one side, and sewed the other three sides on both pieces. Don't bother turning the fabric under justsew close to the edge to keep fraying under control. If those little stray pieces bother you, then be sure to add a seam allowance when you cut your denim.

Now stitch the pocket to the denim on three sides twice around. And add your little flower embelin.

Oh, here's how you make the one I used. Cut a used dryer sheet into four different sized circles (they don't need to be perfect), or use the Sizzix Circles die. Add color to the circles by misting them with ink. Layer the circles from largest to smallest and stitch a button to the center.

Glue the pocket-embellished-denim to the front cover, and the plain denim to the back. Cut bunches of scrap paper to size to use as your journal pages.

I used leftover paper from a nearly used up spiral notebook, some solid cardstock scraps, and some copy paper. I also like to add some little page protectors to my journals to add bits of this and that. Bind it all together with a binding machine, or use the Crop-a-Dile to punch holes and secure with rings or tied ribbon. Add a bit of ribbon to the binding, and some pens in the pocket.

Stay clean – stay cool

FUN WITH POETRY

Sometimes I remember the times before, When I did not bother to keep clean, When I did not bathe or brush my teeth, And I wore clothes that were unclean.

At those times I didn't feel so good, In both my body and mind, I was never able to do my best, And people seemed to be unkind.

Some time ago I changed my ways, And now keep clean in all I do; I wash and brush, and bathe and change, And take care of the things I use.

Now things are so different, Both at home and at school, As I have fun with family and friends, And I feel so healthy and cool.

(BY UNCLE ROY)

Sunday June 02, 2019

A mask for radiant skin Instead of wasting time masking your face with foundation, it is better to take 15 minutes to help your skin recover. To get the best out of “reanimation” remedies, you should first cleanse your skin well. For this, there is a cool mask, which will cleanse your pores and remove blackheads.

To make the mask, pour 2-3 teaspoons of milk into a bowl, and add 1 tablespoon of gelatin. Let it soak for some time. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds or until the mixture takes on a creamy consistency. When the mixture is touchable yet warm, carefully apply it to your face. Let the mask dry, and then peel it off gently.

Get rid of blackheads in 10 minutes If you need to remove blackheads, you can use a quick mask. Combine honey and cinnamon until you get a paste.

Apply it in a skinny layer over the blackheads, and place a strip of clean cotton over it. Remove it after 5 minutes, and rinse your face.

Quick restoring masks You can use a prepared mask to pamper your tired skin, or you can make this mask yourself. We are sure you already have some of the ingredients in your fridge.

• For dull and lifeless skin, mix apple juice with honey.

Apply a thin layer to your face, and leave it for 5 minutes.

• For dark circles and puffy eyes, you can use a simple potato. Finely grate one potato, apply to the area under your eyes, and leave it on for 15 minutes.

• To tone dry skin, make a mask with curd and sour cream. For oily skin, you can mix a whisked egg white, olive oil, and several drops of lemon juice. For normal skin, a mask with banana and grapefruit is a good option.

• Irritated skin can be calmed down with a buttermilk mask. Just apply it to your face for 15 minutes.

Apply several masks at the same time Whether you have combination skin or you want to treat multiple issues at once, the simultaneous use of several masks is a great solution.

Moisturize your skin correctly To make your face look fresh for the whole evening, you should moisturize it well. For this, you need to choose the right type of product.

• For dry skin, creams with a beeswax base are a good choice. The cream should not contain water.

• For oily skin, you should use light emulsions and fluids which contain natural silicone (dimethicone).

• For normal and combination skin, creams with mineral oils and dimethicone are good moisturizers.

Removing dark circles from under the eyes •To mask different imperfections, try color correcting: green will neutralize any inflammations; peach and pink colors will brighten up dull skin; yellow will mask vascular spots or small scars; orange will help to mask dark circles under your eyes.

• If color correction is not enough to get rid of those dark circles, you can try applying wet tea bags to your under-eye area. After that, mask the rest with a concealer. Apply the concealer not in a half-circle shape right under your eyes but in an inverted triangle shape.

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH

Kaieteur News

GETTING THERE

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PAGE 48

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Kit Harington “Felt Lost” Grapefruit: Health After Game of Thrones Ended Benefits & Nutrition Facts After starring on Game of Thrones for eight seasons, Kit Harington said goodbye to Jon Snow. Now, the 32-yearold actor is forced to navigate life after the HBO hit.

However, this transition hasn’t been easy.

“He has felt lost since the show ended,” a source told E! News. “It was his life for so long and the realization that it is over has caused a lot of stress and despair. Figuring out who he is and what is next has really gotten to him….[He] really didn’t know how to cope with the sadness and uncertainty. The show was everything to him.”

On Wednesday, reports spread that Harington has been staying at a wellness retreat in Connecticut for about a month. His rep told E! News Harington had opted to use the break in his schedule to work on some “personal issues.”

“He checked into a wellness retreat to hit the reset button and figure out how to deal with some of his feelings….He wanted to feel better and take control….He just needed to go away and deal with things in a peaceful and private place,” the source said.

According to Page Six, Harington has been “undergoing psychological coaching, practicing mindful meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy to combat stress and deal with negative emotions at the facility.”

He’s also been able to lean on his wife and former Game of Thrones co-star Rose Leslie for support.

“Rose is very supportive and proud of him for recognizing that he needed to take care of himself,” another insider added. “It’s hard to ask for help. She was very encouraging. Seeing Kit struggle was stressful for her, as well.

She absolutely agreed that he needed to get some help so that he could feel better.”

Harington was spotted for the first times since the news broke on Thursday. Photographers also captured him taking a stroll not too far from the wellness center that day.

In addition, a few fans saw Harington the night of the Game of Thronesfinale at a local bookstore.

“He was just shopping around and got a couple of books,” an eyewitness told E! News. “He mostly kept to

himself but talked to a few of the staffers who were fans of the show. He asked them if they were going to watch the finale later that night. He told them he was in town for a ‘short holiday’ but didn’t elaborate.”

Harington reflected on how he felt about the show ending earlier this year.

“It’s like when you finish a book, you’re not happy it’s over are you? You don’t finish a good book and say, ‘I’m happy I finished that,’” he said on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show. “But you have this grief that it’s over, and it’s exactly same with nine years doing this show. No matter how it ended, or how it does end, there’s always this bit of you that’s like, ‘oh’; there’s this loss around it.” (https://www.eonline.com/ news/1046002/kitharington-felt-lost-aftergame-of-thrones-ended)

Stag Beer’s Ride Out Promotion continues next month Ansa McAL’s unique ‘Ride Out’ Promotion which kicked off in Georgetown and its environs earlier this month

and will be held in Berbice, Bartica, Linden and the Essequibo Coast, continues into June.

Wine of the week

The Fiordaliso, Pinot Grigio is absolute royalty Distributed by Ansa McAL, the Fiordaliso, Pinot Grigio features a pale yellow with a characteristic aroma of wild flowers, hints of honey and banana taste. It is not excessively dry, but soft, fresh and lively, with a pleasant lingering aftertaste of ripe pears.

The lush grapes for this creation are carefully selected from vineyards in Northern Italy. They are harvested in late September, and after it is transformed into its luscious, irresistible state, it is kept in stainless acer and remains there until the sterilization of the bottle is completed. The

Fiordaliso, Pinot Grigio pairs well with shrimp, crab, lobster and mussels. It also complements tomato, vegetable and basil dishes.

Every area will see a fortnightly draw with a Honda 125CC motorcycle to be won at every drawing in Georgetown. The bike is also up for grabs at the last fortnightly drawing in Berbice, Linden, Bartica and the Essequibo Coast. Other prizes which are up for grabs at every drawing include: two coolers filled with stag beers, US$200, and one 50 inch television set.

To enter, drink the stag beers, save the crowns, enter six of them in an envelope with your name, contact number and address, and place it in the entry box. For Georgetown, the boxes will be at several locations which include: Sweet Point, the Garage, Wings and Things, White Castle Fish shop and Green Paradise.

There is no limit to how many times you can enter or win. The drawing dates are June 7 and 21.

Grapefruit is a popular citrus fruit that is a terrific source of vitamins, fiber and other nutrients. Grapefruit is known for its antioxidant- and immunity-boosting capabilities as well as its digestive and cholesterol-lowering benefits.Grapefruit provides vitamins A and C, folate (B9), fiber, choline, limonins and lycopene, according to Alissa Rumsey, a New York Citybased registered dietitian, certified strength and conditioning specialist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Grapefruit has been hailed as a popular diet food for many years because it is widely believed to boost weight loss,” said Rumsey.

“While a grapefruit diet is far too extreme, the fruit can be added to one’s diet for a healthy weight loss plan.”

- See more at: http:// www.livescience.com/54746g r a p e f r u i t nutrition.html#sthash.u 3vvZAmc.dpufGrapefruit gets its name from the way it grows. Grapefruits grow on tree branches in grape-like clusters, according to the Library of Congress.

Puzzling history Grapefruit is an accidental hybrid between the orange and the pomelo, but no one is sure when it was first grown.

It was first documented in 1750 by a Welshman in Barbados who described it as a “forbidden fruit,” according to the Purdue University horticulture department. Until the 19th century, it was also called the shaddock, named after a sea captain who is said to have brought the seeds of a pomelo to Jamaica. It has also been called paradise fruit. It was given the scientific name, Citrus paradisi, but in the 1940s when research confirmed that it was hybrid, the name was changed to Citrus x paradisi — the x indicates that it is a hybrid. Grapefruit grows in warm climates; Florida and southern areas of China are the world’s top producers. There are several varieties of grapefruit, including white, ruby red and pink, which have varying levels of sourness and sweetness.

“Try topping it with savory seasonings, like cilantro or chili powder, to offset the tangy flavor,” Rumsey suggested. She noted that grapefruits go well with seafood dishes, too.

According to the George Mateljan Foundation’s World’s Healthiest Foods website, half a medium-size grapefruit provides 59 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.

“Vitamin C is plays a role

in immunity and helps neutralize free radicals in our body,” said Rumsey. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells and may protect the integrity of immune cells. Vitamin C helps also protect leukocytes, which produces antiviral substances.

Heart health Vitamin C is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, said Rumsey. A 2015 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at more than 100,000 people and found that those who ate the most fruits and vegetables had a 15 percent lower risk of developing heart disease. Those with the highest vitamin C levels in their plasma had even more reduced rates of heart disease.

Kidney stones According to University of Wisconsin Health, citric acid, which is found in grapefruit, may deter stone formation and also break up small stones that are forming. The more citric acid in your urine, the more protected you may be from forming new kidney stones. A study published in theBritish Journal of Nutrition found that women who drank one-half to one liter of grapefruit, orange or apple juice each day saw their urinary pH value and citric acid excretion increase, which significantly lowered their risk of forming kidney stones.

Cancer According to Rumsey, vitamin C and beta-carotene may lead to a reduced risk of esophageal cancer. A study published in the Journal of Chemotherapy found that vitamin C supplementation exerted a chemotherapy-like effect on esophageal cancer cells. The researchers suggested that vitamin C might improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. According to the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine, red and pink grapefruit is one of the best sources for lycopene after tomatoes.”Lycopene has been linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer,” said Rumsey. A large-scale study of nearly 50,000 men published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found an inverse relationship between lycopene (in this study, the lycopene was from tomatoes) and prostate cancer risk. Men with the highest levels of lycopene were 21 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those with the lowest lycopene levels. The lycopene in grape-

fruits may also contribute to reducing risk of stomach cancer, according to a review in the Journal of Cancer Prevention. Researchers looked primarily at participants who smoked, suffered from chronic inflammation or had elevated levels of stomach bacteria Helicobacter pylori, though they noted that poor diet and family history could also be risk factors lessened by lycopene.

Animal studies have suggested that grapefruit may have a reduction effect on colon cancer cells. A study published in the journal Carcinogensis found that grapefruit increased the death of cancer cells in rats whose colons had been injected with carcinogens. “There are numerous studies being conducted to understand the role folate plays in cancer reduction,” Rumsey said. A 2007 article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that folate’s possible cancerreducing properties are likely linked to its role in the production of substances that silence cancer DNA. Limonins have also been linked to a decrease in cancer risk, said Rumsey. A 2012 article in the Journal of Nurtigenetics and Nutrigenomics looked at limonins in breast cancer cells and found that they could be a helpful aid to chemotherapy.

Pregnancy health “Folate is essential for pregnant women in order to prevent neural tube defects,” said Rumsey. While folate is present in prenatal vitamins, consuming it through whole foods is an excellent way to make sure the body absorbs it.

Antioxidants An article in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry evaluated the phenolic compounds in 13 fruit juices. Grapefruit juice ranked among the best juices. Phenolic compounds act as antioxidants, which are molecules that safely interact with free radicals to stop the condition of oxidative stress, according to an article in Pharmacognosy Review. Free radicals cause cell damage and disruption that can contribute to diseases. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant.

Hydration “Grapefruit is 91 percent water, so can help with hydration,” said Rumsey.

Digestion The fiber and water in grapefruit can aid digestion and help relieve or prevent constipation, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 51

Brilliant, people-serving Mathematician,

Dr. Terrence Blackman...

From page 22 subject area that he developed an ability to explain it to others in much the way his tutor did.

LIFE-CHANGING CHOICE After completing secondary school, a young Terrence was faced with having to decide where he would further his education.

This was at a time, he recalled, when many young people were opting to pursue studies in countries like Russia, China, or in Eastern Europe but, according to him, “I didn't feel like I had the cultural connection to those places.”

However, since he had an aunt living in Brooklyn, New York, at the time, he opted to apply to The Brooklyn College, where he was accepted.

He remembers leaving his

parents and siblings behind, like many youths did back in the mid-1980s, to pursue higher education.

However, due to some financial challenges regarding his tuition, Dr. Blackman recalled that his parents decided that they would relocate the rest of the family to the United States in order to better support their eldest child.

This translated to his father retraining as a nurse and his mother continuing to earn a living as a teacher upon migration.

Their support was certainly not in vain, as their son continued to excel.

“When I started off at Brooklyn College, because of 'A' Levels I was pretty advanced in terms of what the College required,” Dr. Blackman shared, even as he recalled becoming a part of a Club called the

National Black Science Students Organization.

The entity was one that offered support particularly to persons of African descent since, at the time, being a non-white meant it was that much harder a task to advance academically.

“I was the, sort of, Academic Coordinator as an undergraduate, and part of my thing was to help the other people who were part of the club to get through the courses that were necessary for entry into medical school, entry into graduate schools, etc…I didn't start off majoring in Math, but I majored in Math because I figured it would be easy, so that I could get the time to spend in writing classes,” Dr. Blackman recalled.

But as the Academic Coordinator for the Club, he would find himself being

Celebrating his 50th birthday in 2015

In teaching mode at the Medgar Evers College

tasked with having to tutor persons in Math, and this resulted in him becoming even better at Mathematics.

So advanced he became that he was given a chance to even indulge in independent research in the subject area, which helped him to evolve even further.

OTHERS OVER SELF His eventual entry into the world of work was as a Stockbroker on Wall Street.

Of course as a young Mathematician, his aim was to make as much money as he possibly could.

However, even though he was young and very ambitious, for some reason he was overwhelmed by the sense that he was not using his talent appropriately.

As fate would have it, when he deiced to take some leave from his Wall Street job, a friend of his, Dr. Susan Hom, extended an invitation to him to engage in some tutoring at a community college.

The task would entail him tutoring students in the area of mathematics with the aim of helping to improve their economic standing.

The programme was one designed to cater specifically to single parents who were on public assistance “in hopes that we would teach them to get through the Math exam for their entry into College and have an opportunity of getting into the nursing programme.”

His tutoring support

A man with a brilliant mind and big heart should have lasted a mere few weeks, but by the end of t h e p r o g r a m m e , D r.

Blackman recalled that he developed a greater desire to want to help even more people find themselves academically.

This was due to the fact that one of his students, a woman, around his aunt's age, was so emotionally affected after she failed the exam that it caused an awakening in him of the direction in which he thought he should go.

“I realized then, I can't be walking around with a fancy pinstripe suit on Wall Street when people who look like me were struggling through whether they could add some fractions or do some simple algebra…so I left Wall Street and went to graduate school and started to train to become a professor in Math.

I realized then how much I didn't even know, and so I studied really h a r d , ” D r. B l a c k m a n shared.

His further evolution eventually contributed to him becoming a founding faculty member of the undergraduate degree programme in mathematics at Medgar Evers College where he served on the faculty for many years.

He is also credited with being the creator and

founder of the Medgar Evers College Math Society and the Co-Founder and Director of The Dr. Frank Ragland Math Masters Institute, an initiative designed to engage middle school students in Central Brooklyn in the development of their mathematical interests and talents.

He has also been lending support to Queen's College in the form of Math camps and the University of Guyana, too, since he is convinced that young people from Guyana can gain access to top institutions such as MIT. “I know this because I have gone there, so I don't have any questions whether they are going to be able to do it, because I've done that.”

And in case you were wondering, Dr. Blackman's life is not only centered around all things Mathematics, as he also makes the necessary time for fun and family, which includes his 23-year-old son Madiba, a graduate of Howard University who is preparing for medical school, and his 12-year-old daughter, Sasha, who he intimated is one of the best Sixth Graders playing the flute in New York City.

A natural progression of excellence, one would say!

Kaieteur News

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Sunday June 02, 2019

Do I overstay or do I go home?

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram

M

any visitors or tourists that enter the U.S. struggle with the question of whether to overstay in the U.S. on their B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa or go back to their native home.

This is a very personal decision that has devastating consequences if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehends someone who has overstayed.

U.S. Department of

Homeland Security (DHS) revealed in its 2018 Entry/Exit Overstay Report that some 3,220 Guyanese overstayed in the US on nonimmigrant visas, after arriving for business or on vacation.

According to the report, over the period of October 2017 to September 2018, during which time 66,416 Guyanese were supposed to depart from the U.S. and return to Guyana. These figures represent a 4.85% overstay rate and are an increase from the previous year, when 2,262 Guyanese

also overstayed their time.

Last year there was a significant decline in the number of visitors' visas issued by the US Embassy in Guyana.

According to a visa summary provided by the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, a total of 4,923 visitors visas were approved by the US Embassy during the 2018 fiscal year.

This is a whopping 20,000-plus decline compared to the 25,338 visas granted in 2017. It was also significantly less than the

51,202 visas in 2016; 30,121 in 2015; and 17,284 visas in 2014.

US President Donald Trump ordered his government to crackdown on persons legally entering the US but overstaying their time.

H e s i g n e d a memorandum last month, in which he ordered the US State Department and the DHS to submit their plans for cracking down on such illegal immigrants.

This memo, issued on April 22, had suggested, among other things, measures such as “suspending or limiting

entry of nationals of those countries who hold B-1 or B2 visas; targeted suspension of visa issuance for certain nationals; limits to duration of admission, to be implemented by the Department of Homeland Security; and additional documentary requirements.”

If a visitor decides to overstay, he/she should consult an immigration lawyer to make an informed decision about options for getting legal status in the U.S. Attorney Gail Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA call | text | whatsApp

Gail S. Seeram 407-292-7730 e m a i l : Gail@GailLaw.com l i v e c h a t : www.GailLaw.com Download FREE App: Gail Law Copyright © Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2019. All Rights Reserved.

Literary art at its finest From page 38 Wife of a strong Black man…You have no fear for man or beast, of ghosts, you have no fear at all…”

And of her male counterpart in 'Country Man,' Hemans is equally appreciative: “I see you now, Black Country-Man, Striding strong and free…”

Hemans embraces nature's continuance and infinite wisdom, seeking its communion, even in death.

But in a moment of humanness, he recoils, unable to envision his rotting corpse merging with the infinite.

There is something ephemeral and undaunting to a lifeless body engulfed with cackling embers, a body that transforms into dusty ash that is ceremoniously sprinkled on nature's bed.

“Then, place my ashes by the roots of some tree…so that its leaves may grow greener; So that it may produce more fruits; And true lovers may meet and embrace beneath its shade.”

In this gestalt of fine work, every offering is weighty but Hemans arguably delivers his most compelling work in 'The E n e m y. ' S o m e h o w, i t

exceeds the philosophical depth of the Delphic maxim: Man Know Thyself,' as it peers into, with ontological certainty, our congenital pathology. Hauntingly we face the truth: “Man, Your Enemy is Yourself.”

Equally instructive are the narratives, 'Angelita,' and the cathartic, 'Razor Blade.'

As the proverbial curtain falls we are well assured of Hemans' artistry.

F e e d b a c k :

glenvilleashby@gmail.co m or follow him on Twitter @glenvilleashby Voices in The Twilight

by Louis Alexander Hemans Copyright 2017 Louis Alexander Hemans Publisher: iUniverse ISBN: 978-1-53200451-3 Available at Amazon and iuniverse.com Ratings: Highly recommended

Iguana The Tropical or Amazon thornytail - Uracentron flaviceps

From page 37 together.

This creates a group of females, and the resources they need, that a male can claim as his territory. This allows the male to be polygynous with minimal effort defending a resourcebased territory.

The breeding season for this species appears to be extended, based on observations of juveniles of different sizes in a single tree. During the breeding season, males become more territorial and will engage in displays of head bobbing and body movements to warn away other males who may try to infringe on their territory. These displays are

also used to attract a potential mate.

Like most reptiles tropical thorny tail iguanas are oviparous and lay clutches of eggs.

For this species clutches are usually two eggs per female, and clutches smaller than two eggs are very rare.

The eggs are laid in nests deep within the holes of trees inhabited by a group of tropical thorny tail iguanas.

The conservation status of the tropical thorny tail iguana is currently uncertain, but it is thought that the loss of the species' preferred habitat to deforestation is the main threat to the species.

[Source: Wikipedia]

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Sunday June 02, 2019

National EMS system poised for further expansion by year end

By Sharmain Grainger

T

he introduction of Emergency Medical Service [EMS] to the capital city about three years ago has helped to make a positive impact on the delivery of health care.

Based on reports reaching this publication this impact is scheduled for expansion in the coming months.

This is according to National EMS Director, Dr. Zulfikar Bux, who revealed that this development comes on the heels of approval being granted for additional ambulances and training of more Emergency Medical Technicians [EMTs] to allow for the service to be expanded to the East Bank and East Coast Demerara, and West Coast Berbice.

The EMS service was first introduced in November 2016.

Although the Director had long envisioned the service being expanded, some constraints mainly of a financial nature had

- responded to more than 8,000 calls since 2016 introduction restricted plans in this regard being implemented earlier.

But, according to Dr. Bux, the expansion plans can finally start to unfold.

“EMS is finally expanding!” said the elated Director. “Right now we are only covering areas in Georgetown but by the end of this year we will be hitting the East Coast, the East Bank and west Berbice.”

Through the Ministry of Public Health's collaboration with the Guyana Fire Service [GFS], EMS currently provides medical care to persons facing emergencies either in their homes or in public places in Georgetown.

Ambulances attached to the service are currently stationed at the GFS Stabroek, Georgetown base.

As at last year there were three ambulances in operation. This will soon increase to a fleet of five.

By dialing 912, which

doubles as the emergency number for fires, persons are able to access the medical services which see trained EMTs being dispatched aboard the ambulances equipped to render basic care which aims to stablise patients en route to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC].

There they are further attended to by doctors awaiting their arrival.

Dr. Bux said that in cases that may be too advanced for the EMTs, doctors would usually communicate what must be done to the responding team by way of mobile phones.

According to Dr. Bux, too, with the EMTs being able to assess and inform more advanced medical professionals of the nature of the cases ahead of their arrival at the hospital, it allows for better preparation to cater to the specific emergency in a timely

manner.

In medicine, Dr. Bux explained, there is something called the “golden hour” or the first hour after a traumatic injury occurs when emergency treatment is most likely to be successful.

According to Dr. Bux, “Studies have proven that this has helped to impact and save the lives of many people.”

Moreover, with the EMS response set for further expansion, Dr. Bux said that many more lives are likely to be saved.

“These EMTs are not working alone but they are part of this whole emergency medicine system where they report to the specialist emergency doctor on duty…” said Dr. Bux, who went on to note that as part of the plans to expand is the training of nurses to cater specifically to emergencies.

It is Dr. Bux's hope that the model of EMS being used at the GPHC will, in the near future, be shared with regional hospitals. He added, “This is not about EMS alone but building improved responses and efficiency of medical care nationally.”

“We started with a basic model a few years ago…something Guyana didn't have before, so we can't expect to be perfect from the start but we are building as we go along. So

EMS Director, Dr. Zulfikar Bux we can't boast that we have the most perfect system but the whole goal is to make sure that over time it improves,” said the EMS Director.

Reflecting on what he called an uphill task to getting EMS off the ground, Dr. Bux said that although it took some years to become a reality, he is passionate enough to keep it going even in the face of some challenges.

“A lot of work and commitment have been placed into getting to this level and we will continue to put more because I have seen the benefits of EMS working in developed systems; I have seen what it can do for John Public,” said Dr. Bux whose commitment to the venture is two-prong.

“I have had personal experiences where people close to me, if there was access to EMS they would have been alive; also I am a person who is outcome driven, so once I hear it can't be done that stimulates me

even more to get things done.

The harder you make it for me, the more I would want to get it done,” Dr. Bux assured.

Even though challenges have threatened to undermine the venture along the way, he expressed gratitude for the wavering support that has been forthcoming from some persons, including Fire Chief, Mr. Marlon Gentle.

Dr. Bux said, “Because of his years of experience working in the system, he has been somebody who is very supportive, and having somebody who is more experienced in the system and understands the system better than I do, it has helped me to have some amount of understanding and patience.”

The EMS Director is optimistic that even more support will be forthcoming even as he recognized that “it will take time so I just need to make sure whatever we do we do it at our very best.”

With augmented (continued on page 61)

Surcharge:

T

he Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) is complaining about this excavator which is causing damage to the road.

Yesterday, Minister David Patterson took to his Facebook page to complain that contractor, LGS Barnes Construction, employed by the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), to install pipe work, was operating his

excavator on Garnett Street and damaging the road. “When stopped his supervisor's response was, "We ain't going to cause too much damage", Patterson wrote.

The ministry contacted GWI and requested to surcharge the contractor for all damage caused to the roadway.

The ministry said it is waiting to see what comes out of it.

Sunday June 02, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Rice Board unaware of paddy smuggling to Suriname - refutes “plague” report of ambassador Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) yesterday categorically rejected statements in Surinames De Ware Tijddwtonline— quoting its Ambassador to Guyana, Ebu Jones, that an insect plague has broken out in the rice sector.

“GRDB noted that some farmers fields in Region Six were affected by paddy bugs during the first crop of 2019.

Those paddy bug incidences were dealt with by farmers. Paddy bugs are pests that affect paddy production globally.”

According to the board, 98 percent of the crop has been harvested at the end of May 2019 producing some 519,470 tonnes of paddy at an average yield of six tonnes per hectare compared to 508,195 tonnes for the first crop of 2018.

Dwtonline also

quoted Ambassador Jones as stating that “paddy is smuggled from

Guyana to Suriname”.

“The Board noted that it is unaware of

smuggling of paddy to Suriname. In fact, rice has been and is being exported to Suriname legally. For the period 2014-2018, some 3,535 tonnes of rice and rice by-products were exported to Suriname.”

Last year, 233 tonnes were exported.

As at last month, 98 tonnes of parboiled rice were exported.

Overall exports for the first quarter of 2019 were 103,024 tonnes compared to 49,629

tonnes for the same period of 2018.

The Board noted that despite challenges, the rice industry has been resilient and is dealing with the challenges as they present themselves.

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Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Andaiye, activist, founding member of Red Thread, dies

P

resident David Granger yesterday extended sympathy to the family and friends of Andaiye, A.A., women’s activist and former executive member of the Working

People’s Alliance (WPA).

“Ms. Andaiye died on Friday at the age of 77, after a prolonged battle with cancer.

She was a founding member of Red Thread Guyana in 1986, and was also an execu-

tive member of the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA).”

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, Andaiye was also a founder of the Guyana Cancer Society and

the Cancer Survivors Action Group.

She worked with the Women and Development Unit of the University of the West Indies (WAND) from 1987 to 1992, and from 1987 to 1996 with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

In 1997, she was awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement.

Her friend, Joycelyn Dow said: “We remember her as a strong woman with a passionate love for her country especially women and children”.

Professor David Hinds described Andaiye as a “very fearless”, courageous and committed feminist who also respected men. He said Andaiye was a feminist whose feminism was not antimale; her feminism was grounded in class.

The National Congress of

Tributes are flowing for women’s activist, Andaiye who lost her battle with cancer on Friday.

Women said it is saddened at the passing of “Sister Andaiye Williams”.

”Andaiye has contributed significantly to the (Continued on page 61)

Trinidad bans poultry meat from Guyana Trinidad (Looptt.com) - Minister of Agriculture, Clarence Rambharat, on Friday advised that raw and cooked poultry meat from Guyana has been banned from entry into Trinidad and Tobago with immediate effect.

Minister Rambharat explained that the ban is instituted as Guyana has advised of the existence of Duck virus hepatitis in a part of the country.

“As a precaution, the Ministry’s Chief Veterinary Office has notified the Customs and Excise Division of an immediate ban on raw and cooked poultry originating from Guyana.

“While Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago do not trade with each other in poultry, the ban is precautionary and targets passengers coming into Trinidad and Tobago with raw or cooked poultry in their possession.

“The ban is instituted because Guyana has advised of the existence of Duck virus hepatitis in a part of Guyana,” the Minister stated.

TT’s Agri Minister, Clarence Rambharat However, he added that the virus is not present in Trinidad and Tobago.

Duck hepatitis virus is a highly fatal contagious disease of young ducklings, 1-28 days.

Sunday June 02, 2019

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Kaieteur News

STANDARDS IN FOCUS STANDARD FOR ROAD TANKER WAGONS OFFERS REQUIREMENTS TO SAFELY TRANSPORT FUEL

T

he National Stan dard “Require ments for the transport of petroleum and petroleum products by road tanker wagons” – GYS 512:2016 was developed by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to ensure that bulk fuel is transported in a safe manner from bulk terminals to gas stations countrywide.

This national standard is pursuant to the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Regulations and it applies to the transport of petroleum and petroleum products by road tanker wagons licensed by the GEA. The standard defines a road tanker wagon (RTW) as a composite unit consisting of a propelling motor and cab together with one or more tanks fixed to a chassis such that bulk transportation of petroleum can be done.

Petroleum and petroleum include petrol, diesel, bunkerC and any other heavy oils, liquefied gas, petroleum gas, aviation fuel, kerosene and any other hydrocarbon based fuel source of product of the petroleum refining process, whether in liquid or gaseous form.

In Guyana, although tanker wagons transport many of the above products on our roadways daily, they are usually associated with the transport of gasoline, diesel and kerosene from the main bulk fuel terminals to gasstations countrywide.

These tankers are either owned by the main distributors of fuel or by private fuel dealers, including owners of gas-stations.

The standard specifies requirements for the construction of road tanker wagons, focusing on aspects such as brakes, tanks, fifth wheel assembly, outlets and valves, joints, pressure relief system and vapour recovery.

To be classified as ‘safe’ and ‘fit for purpose’, these construction requirements

must be met.

For verification, the standard states that all road tanker wagons shall be verified (or calibrated) by the GNBS, such that the minimum and maximum carrying volumes are established, in order to ensure that the declared carrying volume is within the said range.

Further, where the tanker wagon is equipped with discharge meters, these shall also be verified by the GNBS. It is important to note that the verification of a tanker wagon is conducted biennially (every two years).

However, in the second year, prior to the acquisition of a license to operate from the GEA, an inspection is conducted by the GNBS and a certificate is issued.

This inspection is done to ensure that the tanker wagon is maintained according to requirements.

Meanwhile, the standard also requires that inspections and retesting be carried out by the GNBS prior to further use if the tanker shows evidence of dents, corrosion or leakages which may render it u n s a f e ; t h e t a n k e r h as been in an accident, it has been out of operations for more than a year or safety measures have not been exer-

cised in the use of the tanker wagon.

Internal inspection, lining inspection, pressure, leakage and thickness test requirements are all included in the standard.

To ensure safety on the roadways during the use of a tanker wagon, the standards provides general safety requirements, and information on the design that is appropriate to reduce accidental damages.

It also list appurtenance relating to safety including fire extinguishers, warning signs, placards, and lighting.

In addition, because of the flammable nature of products being transported by such a vehicle, on loading, off-loading, first aid and firefighting training shall be administered to person(s) using a tanker wagon.

Further, the standard requires a contingency plan.

In order to meet the requirements of this standard and to reduce the possibility of verification and inspection failure, owners of tanker wagons are encouraged to acquire a copy of this standard and take actions to have their tanker wagons meet the requirements.

For further information,

Flooding in Black...

From page 13 (R&R Construction) to clear the Yakusari Canals but he stressed that nothing appeared to have been done and as such “the works committee should have recommended the termination of the contractor.”

He pointed out that the tender board has to be careful who contracts are awarded to and that there is more selective tendering done than open tendering.

The Regional Executive Officer, Kim StephensWilliams, he said, would

normally decide who to send the tender to.

“This is a serious dilemma; they waited for months and now they have awarded it to someone.

We had to get people to clean the area in front where they are planting.

We give them that option and they were very co-operative in that regard.”

The canal which was clogged up after being abandoned for over six months is now getting a much needed clearing but while that is being done, residents explained that the water is receding slowly.

please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-

0062, 219-0065, and 2190066 or visit the GNBS

website: www.gnbsgy.org or facebook/gnbsgy

Kaieteur News

PAGE 58

Sunday June 02, 2019

Bush Lot Village an evolving settlement where the races commune as one

FOCUS

Bush Lot was always a hub for exciting horse racing

By Alex Wayne

I

actually briefly passed through Bush Lot Village a couple of times, and was always taken aback by the constant bustle that seemed to beset the location. More so, I was always impressed with the way it was rapidly developing and keeping abreast with modern transformation, so naturally I was more than ready to explore this village, inside out…

We l l I h a v e c l o s e relatives in the adjoining village of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, so I decided to stop there so I could solicit the company of a close cousin who knows the village well. There were screams of delight when I arrived at my relatives, especially from the females who always celebrate my visits.

They knew for sure it was time for non-stop laughter as I teased them and made fun of their outdated apparel.

The males, of course, quickly scurried away in all directions because they knew it meant hours of stern admonishing and fiery tongue lashing about their dress code (pants dropping below their buttocks with underwear exposed), and their unruly appearances.

Bush Lot is a medium to large community in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), approximately 56 miles from

Georgeto wn… Rice productio n is the main business of the population of over 6000 residents. Bush Lot is a largely ethnically East Indian village where residents are mainly Hindus, Muslim and Christians.

The village has a Health Centre, the Bush Lot Government Secondary, Latchman Singh Primary and Bush Lot Nursery Schools.

However, there is also a Bush Lot in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) which exhibits some of the main Rice farming is still a major way of earning in the village.

characteristics of Bush Lot in Region Five. The population there also is mainly of East Indian descent. It has a secondary school, a health centre and a

Rice farmers, enjoy a little tups in de country side

horse race track.

I did not know what to expect in Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, so I went with an open mind, ready for practically anything I

encountered. Hopetown Village was just a few rods away from Bush Lot so I decided to walk over in the company of a close female relative.

The crisp, fresh breeze blew in from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, bringing a refreshing cool to the cheeks.

I was very impressed with the very good roads in this area, and marveled at the waves lapping soothingly in well maintained irrigation canals.

Cows grazed lazily on lush green grass by the roadside, and clusters of fattened sheep, bleated in open fields, seeming to enjoy healthy looking grass and shrubs, made juicier by prolonged rainfall.

I was not warned about the somewhat precarious turn in the Bush Lot Public Road, that wove its way into Hopetown, and I yelped in

dismay as a speeding truck almost ploughed into me as it rounded the turn at an alarming speed.

My cousin, Lewanda, managed to yank me to the road parapet, shouting, “Bai yu gat tuh be careful on this turn. You know how much accident happen here. Dem drivers ain’t get no time fuh humans or animals pon dis road. Look me cousin, stay in de corner; me ain’t able buy funeral clothes right now…It very expensive.”

I was much shaken, but after that it was strictly walking on the parapet for me.

Welcome to Bush Lot Village Bush Lot Village As we entered the village I saw the level of camaraderie that seemed to exist among the ethnic races.

Residents stared at me with curiosity. They swept me up and down with their eyes, taking in my camera, pen and note pad. Maybe assuming I was a personality of importance, I received smiles, welcoming waves, and some even pleasantly enquired of my mission.

I saw women of African and Indian descent heckling and giggling in the shops, some of them whispering bedroom secrets about their spouses.

Bush Lot appeared to be a small but rapidly booming economic sector, and it was very apparent that villagers could practically get anything they desire in the village. I stopped in at Fizal Haniff who sells CDs and movies at his small business

outlet and he was very eager to talk about the livelihood of residents.

“Bush Lot is a very peaceful and simple village.

Everyone here lives as one big, happy family. We do not segregate because of race or creed. The people who come here to shop are villagers from areas like Hopetown, and even as far as Central Mahaicony.

“Well the going thing in this village is rice farming which was happening since this location was not even developed. But today, as you can see, almost everyone owns a shop, store, stall or business of some sort. Most persons here are selfemployed in some way or the other and the percentage of villagers working elsewhere is very minimal.

“Of course, a few have migrated to the city and are working there, but most villagers prefer to do some form of work in the village.

Many businesses have sprung up in Bush Lot over the years, and some of them o ff e r e m p l o y m e n t f o r villagers.

“That aside, many are occupied selling vegetables from their farms, or in fabric and clothing establishments they have created.”

Bush Lot is a very impressive village, with clean streets, trenches, sandy dams (in some areas), posh buildings, and great expanses of farmlands in the ‘backlands area’.

The layout of colourful and posh stores, houses, pharmacies, internet café (Continued on page 59)

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 59

Bush Lot Village From page 58 and numerous variety stores for one moment had me making comparisons with that of our Garden City of Georgetown.

The development of Bush Lot is evident today in its good infrastructure, proper drainage, excellent lighting and of course security for residents. This, of course, would have been the end result of Government interventions and definitely with the efforts of residents.

Today it’s a location with a constant bustle, thriving businesses, and much scope for entertainment and recreation.

Retired rice farmer Mohan Sookdeo was more than ready to take us down that memory lane. With an almost toothless smile, and a somewhat boyish sparkle in his eyes, he invited me to enjoy the luxuries of a hammock beneath his home, and I relished the moment; it was very comfortable.

“Bush Lot was a very remote place when I was a young boy, with lots of waste land. There were muddy dams, which became messy with rainfall. The main road was not as good as today, and not so many outsiders came to the village.

“I can recall the days of a few cottage houses, in a few areas, thatched roof and mud wall houses still remained. It was all about farming in the backlands, since that was the main source of money. If you had a tractor to plough a rice field, everyone said you were a rich man.

“Bush Lot was very underdeveloped in the early 1980s, and it was not until after the 1992 election and a f t e r t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party (PPP) came to office that things began to change for the better in the village.

“Before that we had bad roads and many unpaved streets. Muddy dams were the only route to farmlands and when the rain fell, sometimes it was impossible to get to these locations.

Farmers suffered losses from flooding in the rain seasons in some areas as well.

“We had quite a few hire car drivers after that, but they were thereafter replaced by the minibuses we see speeding down the road today. As times change, people change as well. So when the minibuses came with music and all that, people soon after cared little for the old model hire cars.

“There were many fishermen in those days, and villagers depended on them greatly for fish on a daily basis. This Bush Lot you see

today was the direct opposite of what it was when I was a young boy. The drainage has improved significantly but there are still some sections of the village that are lacking, causing setbacks for some farmers” In times gone by Bush Lot was the very epitome of traditional East Indian culture and beliefs.

However, today one hardly hears the pulsating sound of tassa drums, and accompanying instruments.

In some areas, however, residents still practice the East Indian customs and beliefs.

Many have said that Bush Lot village has developed ‘on speed dial’, and they are quite right. The village has taken on the picturesque atmosphere of a thriving township and an infrastructural layout that has almost erased completely all evidence of its ‘yesteryear aura’.

In every nook and cranny of Bush Lot, there seems to be signs of ongoing economic and even agricultural development.

Ethic Harmony One striking feature of Bush Lot is the rich camaraderie and unity that seems to weave its way around villagers keeping them closely knitted despite their race or creed.

It was evident in the females heckling at the street corners, or fussing jovially over the prices of groceries at the many shops there. The pleasant banter between shoppers and vendors was testimony to the fact that everyone there regarded the other as a brother or sister.

There was a distinct and very touching bond even between students of varying races. They pranced around nosily, walked with hands entwined, or clambered like a swarm of excited honey bees to enter the minibuses after school.

On the rice farms it was all shades and hues of ethnicity spraying rice fields, or harvesting paddy.

The shop proprietors all had an encouraging word for those making purchases, and in some instances they even tipped the weight scales with a little extra for their regular customers. The bond between teachers from all walks of life was very touching, causing me to decide inside that I was certainly going to return for a very fun filled day in the village.

That aside, most of the other areas in the village were ‘spic and span’ except for a few the drainage canals, not far from the Bush Lot

The harmony amongst the races was certainly refreshing.

S e c o n d a r y a n d Latchmansingh Primary Schools.

A Commercial Highpoint Bush Lot is indeed the ‘commercial haven’ for other villages far and wide.

Many shoppers interviewed related that they had travelled many miles because they are assured of good service, excellent prices, and much security when shopping at the location.

Anata Fordyce, who traveled almost ten miles from Calcutta Village (Mahaicony) said she always came to Bush Lot because it saved her the expense and hassle of travelling to Georgetown for items that she needed.

“I always shop in Bush Lot and nowhere else. When I come here the service is excellent, and better than going to Georgetown where some business people are just impatient and rude and always looking for ways to rob a customer.

“In Bush Lot you are guaranteed of good service, good prices, and shoppers don’t have to be looking over their backs for pick pockets coming to rob them. Besides, everything you can get in Georgetown, you can get right here at very cheaper prices” Bush Lot is at its busiest throughout the entire day and even into the late hours of the night. One might want to agree that this little village appears to be even busier than the Garden City of Georgetown, since parts of Georgetown go to sleep after certain hours.

While J S Trading Internet Shop and the Cell Phone Wizz were other businesses that seemed to attract a lot of customers, quite a few Chinese establishments are contributing to ‘business

development’ too. The Video and Photo Works Gift Shoppe had its fair share of supporters.

The School View IceCream Parlour located a few yards from the Bush Lot Secondary, Primary and Nursery Schools offers many mouth-watering sweet treats for children.

Other very busy entities include the J&S Furniture Store, Danny’s Internet Café, Chandra Prashad & Son’s General Store and a Money Gram Transfer Branch Office.

There is also the B&R Baljit Business Enterprise, a Bill Direct Outlet, the ‘Night Eyes’ CD and DVD Shop, and the A. Goberdan General Store & Agri. Centre . A DOCOL Representative also supplies the entire village with cooking gas.

Bush Lot is also the home to horse racing where popular horses like Sleeping

in Town, Diamond Illusion, Majestic Windy Killer, Red and Lovely, Silent Flight, Flying Baby, Diamond Dazzling, Spice and Obama have competed.

Education Bush Lot like many other locations, has become quite popular for its excellent educative achievements as could be seen in the passes netted at both the CXC and GCE examinations.

In 2010 the Bush Lot Secondary students won the Aditya Kids Trust F o u n d a t i o n ’s E s s a y Competition for secondary schools. In that year Alana Husain and Gangadai Mathadin emerged winners of the competition and put the school on the map as a force to be reckoned with.

The essay competition was open to all fifth formers at secondary institutions between Mahaicony and Rosignol.

The Aditya Kids Trust Fund Foundation is based at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice. It was established in December 2007 after the death of seven-year old Aditya Ramdhan, of Bath Settlement. The Waterloo Nursery School student was s p o n s o r e d t o u n d e rg o cardiac surgery in India but died after the procedure.

The foundation was conceptualised by Canadaborn Lorraine Kissoon and formed by Canadian businessmen. It was managed by a board of directors who are based in Canada.

The non-profit body is registered with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports with its objectives being to provide assistance mainly to less fortunate children in the form of medical attention, social assistance, educational grants and the development of sports.

PAGE 60

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Andaiye, activist...

PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657/ yasharabhola4@gmail.com

VACANCY

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown.

Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size- 3431.25 Sq.ft. Phone: 617-5323, 6668052.

Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied.Key Food McDoom Village.

4205 Parfaite Harmonie Tel#619-3258/686-7384

Lot 14 Section B Non-Pariel ECD Public road. #619-8391

General domestic. 3 Days work. Must know to cook.

Apply with 2 references.

KeyFood McDoom village

FOR RENT

SERVICES

FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

1 Honda 450 Atv bike, 1 Cat 215 excavator, 1 Cat 428 back hoe, 1 Mack mixer truck 8 cuyds Tel#275-0367/683-7225

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

1 Double steel wheel roller, 1 pnuematic 9 wheel roller, 2- tar kettles, small &large. 215-excavator spares, 1-3304 Cat Di engine Tel#275-0367/683-7225 (1) House Non-Pariel- 5 beds, 4 full baths. Call: 229-2772 or whatsapp #616-3094 1 Pitbull, 1 I-Phone 8, adults & kids clothing. Contact #6100901/675-1023

We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar

Entire Boutique closing down sale.All ladies clothing JL brand, over 2000 pieces.Tel:225-0571

HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING FOR $15,000, BULIDING ESTIMATE FOR $8000.

CALL: 694-9843/225-1972.

E M A I L : horizongt@gmail.com

1 Samsung 65" Smart TV, 1 Element 55" Smart TV, 1 Computer system 32" display screen slim, 1 Machine Cabinet.Tel#225-0571/6005076

Professional Repair Service: Computers, Tv’s (LCD & LED), Cellphones & Other Electronics.Ph#629-6470/ 696-2843.Email: akinscott@outlook.com Seegobin construction from rough to finish. Specialize in house construction, swimming pools, fences and concrete textures. Tel# 6939327 LAND FOR SALE V/Hoop WCD. 48ft x 1300ft.

Call: 609-5672 Transported land 11.6 acres.

Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109

2 bedroom house for rent $35K per month, water & light at 2043 Block (c) Herstelling. #696-1680 Three bedroom top flat apt, Albertown area. $80,000 monthly, two months security, one month rent. #613-7555

One Building with four apartment for sale. Mon Repos Market Street EBD. Tel#220-7330/602-4105/203850-5235

One Four bedroom concrete cottage, unfurnished for rent, located at 26 Continential Park, Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. Tel#233-5808

2 storey building, Broad St (Business area) Georgetown.

Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685

One apartment for rent Mon Repos market street, EBD Tel#602-4105/220-7330 One Top flat 3 bedroom, LBI Housing Scheme. Tel#2267585 A newly refurbished 1bedroom apartment. Great Diamond, EBD. Contact #6966463/621-0352

One 2 Storey concrete house (incomplete/with available land next door. Contact Ray’s Realty on #627-9685

VEHICLE FOR SALE Axio PXX series, reverse camera, fog lamps, owner leaving country. 2010 model $2.2M neg Tel#611-7106 Toyota Avensis in Excellent C o n d i t i o n . We l l maintained.Call#645-0240/ 685-0942.

1 Rav 4L PHH series. Price negotiable. Contact #6462131,630-0915

Salesgirls & porters. Apply with written application at Best Buy Food Supplies 1E Dennis & Middleton Sts, Campbellville 1 Security personnel to work shift. 6 Days a week. Tel# 2275536/ 223-0504 Buying Wamara, Darina, Crabwood, Purpleheart, Tonkabean Logs. Contact #664-5150/691-5349 Experienced cook 25-50 yrs Salary starts at $25,000 weekly preferably live in or live out, must be from ECD. #610-3974 1 Gardener/handyman to work at Friendship East Bank Demerara. Tel#266-2217

Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M $3M $2.7M Herstelling $4M $5.5M Providence Eccles $6.5M Farm $5M.

5 Leyland DAF Flatbed Lorries, 10 Guysuco Lorry Heppiecycle & axle for 60 DAF Lorries.Excellent condition 228-5655/615-6683

One Houselot - 100ft x 50ft in upscale Providence housing area. Sugrim #621-4802

New model premio, pearl white 2009 registered, Toyota Vitz 2010 Black not registered.

Tel#223-5616/627-9600

One (1) General worker to work shift system, must be fluent in English and Spanish.

Tel#668-0306/225-6337

2 Nissan: Pathfinder Jeep and Laurel Sedan - Superb condition, must see; must buy. Tel# 225-8427/660-3415

1 Live-in couple, captain & maid, for Essequibo resort.

Tel#225-3557

1 experienced female kitchen assistant. Tel#619-1640

Security for interior.

Requirements 30 years and over. Police/GDF experience, formal firearm training. Call: 223-7165 Experienced Goldsmith Jacob’s Jewellery. Tel#2278748/622-4970. 16 Pike St, Kitty G/town VACANCY FOR FULLTIME HOUSEKEEPER TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT, SHERIFF ST. CALL: 219-0158

1 Ice Machine operator to work at Mon Repos. Tel#2203459/616-2222 CAR RENTAL DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’sPER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! .

CALL: 690-6494 VACANCY

1 - Male Ablebodied clerk.

Call: 231-2029/616-5954

Accounts Clerk.

Requirements: CAT/ACCA Level 2, Quickbooks POS & Accounts proficient, salary negotiable. (2) Driver/ Salesman. Tel#623-8780

1 part time kitchen asst/cook & 1 live-in domestic.2035yrs.Contact Mr.Khan.6956550/656-9313.

WANTED

Honda Accord 2011-2000cc PWW series $3.2M Negotiable, owner leaving country. Tel#600-2606

Providence, Eccles EBD (Double & Single) Middle road, La Penitence, Georgetown and Paradise ECD. Ray’s Realty #627-9685

2 storey concrete property 11 (classey) self-contained rooms, Broad St, Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685

Apartment to rent 2 & 1 Bedrooms, UG Turkeyen area. Call: 684-4178

Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M Dairy $2M Schnoord $3.6M Farm $3M Tel#656-0701/6481635

Earl Court (E.C.Dem) Success (E.C.Dem) Call: 229-2772 or whatsapp #616-3094

Transported houselots for sale- payment plans available, 200k downpayment, 20k monthly #233-6997/622-1957

VACANCY FOR A FULL TIME/PARTTIME WAITER/ WAITRESS TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT. CALL: 219-0158 (1) Couple to work & Live on a farm. Tel#673-1131

Office Clerk. Requirements: CXC Math & English.

Experience in DacEasy & Excel an asset. Telles Steel & Hardware. Call: 226-6771/2264537 Experienced Nail tec & Hairdressers, Apply at West Shore Plaza, 15 Public road, Riumzeight. Tel#269-1524/ 1602 or 656-3561 General Domestic to cook & clean for East Bank. Call: 6144358 One experienced sale girl @ stall (A) Bourda market.

Tel#227-3407 Pump attendant & cashier, shifts rotated weekly (6am3pm & 3pm-11pm) Apply @ Shell Service Station P r o v i d e n c e : Shellramsburg@gmail.com Live-in Domestic, must be able to prepare all type of Indian and Creole dishes. Call Richard #609-7675/674-1705 Persons needed for Interior.

Age 21-40. Phone #674-1767/ 661-7265 Female cleaner office & home.

Call: 642-9823

From page 56 development of women not only in Georgetown and its environs but Guyana at large.

Guyana has lost a great daughter of the soil.

The National Congress of Women expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Sis. Andaiye at this time of their bereavement.”

According to various articles, Andaiye had for several decades been active in the public life of her country, Guyana.

She was a founding member of the Working People’s Alliance in 1978/79, where she worked as Coordinator and Editor, International Secretary and Women’s Secretary, until 2000.

From 1987 - 1992 she worked with the Women and Development Unit of the University of the West Indies (WAND), and from 1987-1996 with CARICOM, where she was a resource person during preparations for the 1995 Beijing Conference.

She played a leading role in the move towards measuring unwaged work.

She was also an executive member of the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA).

Andaiye is one of the founders of Red Thread, a 23year-old women’s organization whose focus is the needs and interests of grassroots women.

She has worked since 2000 as one of its coordinators, focusing particularly on relations with other groups in the Global Women’s Strike (GWS).

Andaiye was also a member of Women of Colour in the GWS and the International Women Count Network.

She has published several scholarly essays, written newspaper columns and edited and/or copy-edited Walter’s Rodney’s last books.

She is the recipient of a number awards, including the Arrow of Achievement in Guyana, for her work with women.

TO LET Office space to let.74 Brickdam opposite GT&T, 2 Floors fully Air conditioned, Generator, parking available.Call:226-6771/2264537.

For Official type of Business, Camp St and Commercial space, Enmore Mall ECD. Call Richard #609-7675/674-1705/2332614 Newly constructed 2 bedroom apt in a safe and healthy environment. Call: 698-6496/ 622-6512

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 61

Kaieteur News

CONSUMER CONCERNS LET PROFESSOR GRIFFITH CONTINUE RENEWAL OF UG! PAT DIAL A few weeks ago, this column carried an offering expressing pride and satisfaction at the developments at the University of Guyana. Our certainty was that the Institution was moving in the direction of becoming a pre-eminent Caribbean university and one whose students and degrees would be accepted and respected worldwide.

It therefore came as a surprise when a large number of members and the Committee of the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA), several of whom had been students of UG, requested that we discuss what appeared to be a vocal move by the Unions in the University to influence the University Council for the non-renewal of the ViceChancellor’s contract.

The GCA’s membership pointed out that though the Unions were important and influential, they did not represent the Guyanese public or the parents or the students.

The Parliamentary political parties, for instance, who represent the public and the nation and whose policies and programmes are to have a highgrade and world class university in Guyana have expressed no desire to have the ViceChancellor leave the Institution.In the discussions of the GCA, the former UG students remarked that several lecturers took almost a year to give them their examination results and many students’ transcripts could not be completed so as to allow them to be admitted to universities abroad to pursue higher degrees or even to go into suitable jobs.

These former UG students felt that because Vice-Chancellor Griffith had instituted cut-off points by which results must be made available to the students, he brought upon himself the anger of academic staff. Another reason why they felt the staff had decided to get at him was because the percentage of salary increases he had offered was too low. Other members pointed out that though the Unions had vigorously put forward their case, there was no indication of any personal animosity between UG staff and the Vice-Chancellor; their main complaint was the way they thought money had been irresponsibly misspent.At this point, we will review the positions and arguments for the continuance of Professor Griffith as UG Vice-Chancellor: Firstly. The UG unions have been very emphatic that the UG under Vice-Chancellor Griffith has been spending too lavishly and with wrong priorities.

They claim, for example,

that he travels by business class only when using UG funds and that the staff could have received higher pay increases if money were more judiciously spent.

They also feel, for instance, that the various public lectures, symposia and conferences were a waste of money. After these and other accusations, they felt it was imperative that there should be a forensic audit.

Four general conclusions emerged from the GCA’s discussion: (a) There were indeed some faults in the financial administration of the university (b) Many of these faults had been inherited (c) Such faults were not irremediable and could be corrected by serious discussion between the Unions and the UG Administration (d) It is unfortunate that the Unions’ accusations should have been made at this time since it could be interpreted as an attempt to influence the University Council when they consider the renewal of the Vice-Chancellor’s contract.

There are always two sides to every issue - for example, it is expected that persons of a certain status must travel by business class since their hosts on the other side would not be looking for them in the third class lounge.

Or the public lectures etc. have been bringing UG to the People and increasing its prestige and have been attracting a wide cross section of the population including the Diplomatic community. Such lectures and programmes are perceived as part of the transformational process of the University.In passing, it may be mentioned that the situation at UG is analogous to India forty years ago. Forty years ago, India suffered great food shortages and Western countries advised and even demanded that the Indians spent their resources on Agriculture. India, led by Pandit Nehru, in the face of massive Western pressure and even ridicule, spent a great deal of resources on Industrial development and technology.

The India of today which has food surpluses and is a great industrial and technological power, resisted short term spending on immediate demands for long term gains.

The Vice-Chancellor is using

the same strategic thinking.

Secondly. All these accusations, many of them being valid, have to be balanced against the University’s achievements over the last three years. The achievements over the last three years have been many and extraordinary. Many of them have ramifications that go way into the future.

We will refer to one or two of them to illustrate how achievement outweighs spending: Research and Publications are the life-blood of any university and UG, for one reason or another, has been sadly lacking in this field.

Professor Griffith has resuscitated the Research life of the University and has even brought the undergraduates on board, beginning an exchange programme whereby undergraduates are allowed to present the result of their researches at foreign universities.

Twinning with Research, he has established a Guyana University publishing company in collaboration with a well-known international publisher and printer.

The other achievement we refer to is his establishing and deepening contacts with the Guyanese Diaspora which could result in enormous benefit to the academic quality of the university and improvements in its infrastructure.

The student population is appreciative of these achievements and is supportive of Professor Griffith. This alone should be the determinant to let Professor Griffith continue to serve and bring his creative programmes to fruition.

After all, the student population is the raison d’etre of the university and for whom the university exists in the first place.Thirdly. If Professor Griffith were to leave the University at this time, the many positive and creative programmes which he has started or for which he has laid the foundations would fade away and the University would have missed the opportunity of becoming a modern institution.Fourthly, It takes nine months to a year to recruit a Vice-Chancellor and to find one who would be proactive and creative; one who would not be afraid to rock the boat in moving the University

National EMS system poised ...

From page 54 systemic support for EMS, Dr. Bux said that the ultimate goal will be to have about 25 ambulances utilized which he believes can cover 80 percent of the population.“We need to get those ambulances, get additional people employed, and we need to pay for communication and other infrastructure…once all those things are factored in we will be able to have an ideal EMSsystem,” Dr. Bux noted. He added, “We know Guyana has to balance funding [for us] with funding for everything else…We obviously will not be on the front burner but somewhere along the line we hope to see EMS being given priority to further expand.”

forward. The experience over the last twenty-five years verifies this. None wished to rock the boat and all sailed through placid waters to their

retirement but sadly leaving a UG where little of substance was achieved.The consumer community strongly feels it is imperative to allow Professor

Griffith to bring to fruition the works he has started and to bring the University into path of moving to world class status.

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Sunday June 02, 2019

Staff shortage blamed for poor record keeping at State Agencies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PAC report The Public Accounts Committee, PAC, has flagged a number of State Agencies for issue of non- compliance to the Stores Regulation.

In its 2018 report, the PAC noted that the shortage of staff has a direct link to the problem. The report said that the staff shortage hinders the work; and the records from being updated. This was noted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its latest report.

That document sums up the findings of the PAC after it would have examined the Auditor Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report for previous years, going as far back as 2012.

In the 2018 report the PAC, which is headed

by Opposition Parliamentarian Irfaan Ali, noted that the crucial pieces of legislation and regulations which are not adhered to, include the Public Procurement Act 2003, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, and the Stores Regulations 1993.

Expounding on the aforementioned, the PAC said that there continues to be total disregard for the correct application of the Procurement Act and adherence to the Tender Board Regulations by the Heads of Budget agencies of regional administrations.

With regard to non-adherence to Stores Regulations, the Committee noted that nine agencies were in breach due to the actions of their accounting officers. These agencies include Office of the President, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Guyana Elec-

tions Commission, and Regions One, Three and Nine.

The PAC also expressed alarm over the continued disregard for the regulations governing the clearing of payment vouchers and the maintenance of log books. It said that there remain uncleared payment vouchers and cheque orders for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight, Nine and Ten. In the area of log books, the Committee noted in its report that the Supreme Court of Judicature and Region Eight continue poor record keeping for vehicles and equipment.

As for breaches to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, the Public Accounts Committee noted that several agencies did not refund monies to the Consolidated Fund.

These agencies include Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the President, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Local Government.

In relation to the Education Ministry, the PAC queried the current status of the Housing Revolving Fund Project aimed at assisting teachers in acquiring loans to build their own homes.

Responding to the queries, Head of the Budget agency stated that there were a number of difficulties encountered due to the logistics of the fund. Never the less, advice was sought from the Finance Secretary on the (Continued on page 62)

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Sunday June 02, 2019

India plays down U.S. decision to remove trade privileges

From page 9 has been particularly irritated by India’s tightening of regulations that have undermined major U.S. companies but favoured domestic entities in the past year. In particular, tighter e-commerce rules that came in earlier this year hurt Amazon.com and Walmart, which last year bought Indian online retailer Flipkart

for $16 billion.

Trump, who had first announced his intention to take away the privileges in early March, said in a statement on Friday that New Delhi “has not assured the United States that India will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets”.

Twenty-four members of the U.S. Congress sent the ad-

ministration a letter on May 3 urging it not to terminate India’s access to the GSP.A spokesman for India’s opposition Congress Party, which took a drubbing in the general election, said the U.S. move has “grave trade and economic implications” for India and demanded Modi issue a comprehensive statement addressing the problem.

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SARA exploring possibility of rescinding Canje, Kaieteur Blocks

By Kiana Wilburg

T

he State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) intends to leave no stone unturned when it comes to its probe of the oil blocks awarded to two inexperienced firms by former President, Donald Ramotar just days before the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

In fact, the transparency body said it will be looking into all viable ways to rescind the Canje and Kaieteur blocks following the determination of corruption.

This was noted by SARA’s Special Assistant, Eric Phillips.

The official said, “We have to look at everything.

We want to ensure we understand what happened, meet with the stakeholders involved, and if there were unlawful things at play, we have to figure out how we get them (the Canje and Kaieteur blocks) back.”

Phillips added, “We know one of them had an IPO (an Initial Public Offering where shares of a company are sold to investors). A year later that rose to US$40M. So we have been quietly gathering information, speaking with Oil Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal, and doing our own scanning...”

Just recently, Dr. Mangal took to his Facebook page to comment on the topical issue.

The official reminded that he has been pursuing this matter since 2017.

He said, “I recall telling ExxonMobil in one of my meetings with them that I believed they used MidAtlantic, Ratio, etc, as their proxies, to do their dirty work for them.”

The Oil Consultant believes that that there is already sufficient evidence in the public domain for President David Granger to rescind the Kaieteur and Canje awards. He said,

SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips however, that going after officials is not the objective.

The former Advisor to President Granger said that the objective is purely to earn Guyana the hundreds of millions and potentially billions of US dollars that were lost by these two awards.

Dr. Mangal said that the blocks need to be taken back, split up into smaller blocks, and auctioned off properly.

He added, “And all those who have had interests in these blocks must be banned from participating in any way in these blocks for the next 10 years (including ExxonMobil, Hess, etc).”

PPP KNEW Former President, Donald Ramotar, is on record saying he had no knowledge that ExxonMobil found oil when he signed away the Canje and Kaieteur blocks to inexperienced firms just days before the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections.

But on May 8, 2015, just three days before elections, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) published an advertisement in all the local newspapers saying that oil was found. The ad said, “BREAKING NEWS!!! US OIL GIANT EXXON STRIKES OIL IN GUYANA...”

On the ad as well, is a picture of Ramotar who was the PPP Presidential Candidate at the time, smiling and shaking hands with staff onboard the drill ship, Deepwater Champion, as it conducted hydrocarbon exploration in the Stabroek Block.

In light of the disparity between the contents of the advertisement and Ramotar’s statements to the media, which he continues to maintain, officials at the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) said they will press on with its probe regarding the award of oil blocks.

SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips, said that the entity has been quietly doing a lot of research and creating a timeline for everything that has taken place.

He said that SARA is asking several questions on the matter.

These include: When were Ratio and Mid-Atlantic created? Who are the beneficial owners before the award of the licenses and now? Do they have any capability in the oil sector? Under what circumstances did they get the blocks in 2015? What did they do with the blocks when they got it?

Phillips said, “You have to understand that these blocks are in strategic places. They are right next to Exxon’s Stabroek block. To date, the block holds 13 successful discoveries...But what is interesting to me is that Canje and Kaieteur are in deeper water.

“So if these blocks are in deeper water, how could two companies which have no experience in the sector be granted them? The big question is why?

There are very few operators which can do deep water exploration and Ratio and Mid-Atlantic are not in that elite club...”

The SARA official added, “Then we have to look at who are the people who made the

Mining companies reward shot cop Three mining operations in the city have decided to honour a police rank who confronted three bandits on Thursday night and was wounded for his efforts.

The three operations are XL Minerals, Lammy Coates, and Pure Diamond The policeman, Clive Clarke, responded to a report that three gunmen had attacked a home on Norton Street, Lodge. The occupant of the home, Neville Leslie, was in the building at the time with his five-year-old son.

After a furious gun battle, the three gunmen died.

Lammy Coates visited the injured Clarke in hospital on Friday, and made the donation.

decision...Ramotar says he didn’t know oil was found but the ad they put in the papers on May 8, 2015 indicates otherwise.

“The party could only put together such an ad if it had

inside information. Exxon did not make any announcement about its discovery until May 20, 2015.”Further to this, there have been questions regarding SARA’s failure to haul in the companies for question-

ing up to this point. But Phillips said there is a lot which must be looked at before contact can be made with ExxonMobil for example, which has a working interest in both Canje and Kaieteur.

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Andre Russell confident of fitness for Australia clash ESPNcricinfo - West Indies allrounder Andre Russell is confident he will be fit for the side’s second World Cup match against Australia on June 6, despite limping heavily after his matchturning spell in the thumping seven-wicket win over Pakistan.

Russell has a history of knee injuries and bowled just three overs in West Indies’ opening match but his spell was the stunning blow from which Pakistan never recovered. A barrage of shortpitched deliveries earned Russell figures of 2 for 4 and he was not required to bat as

his side cruised to victory.

But after the match Russell was hobbling gingerly, his left knee clearly hampering his movement.

The West Indies medical team now have five days to work on his rehabilitation.

“I’ve been playing for years with these knee injuries,” Russell said after the match. “And sometimes it feels worse than some days but, at the end of the day, I’m a professional. I know what to do to get back. I think I have five days before the next game so that is more than enough time to get my knee back to normal and get it

settled.

“Let’s just see what happens. I have a good physio team, massage team, here so they’re going to be working with me closely for the next couple of days.”

This was Russell’s third ODI appearance since the 2015 World Cup. He has mostly bowled in short spells at various T20 competitions around his one-year antidoping ban and, on the evidence of this match, he will need careful management throughout the tournament.

But while he was included in the squad primarily for his batting, Russell desperately

Sunday June 02, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might find that someone close to you needs a hand today, Aries. They could be too proud to ask for help. Don't let that stop you.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) When was the last time you used a pen and paper/ The keyboard has all but replaced these wonderful tools.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today could bring a keen sense of empathy and understanding. Verbal communication is likely to be enhanced. Take advantage of this by talking through any problems or issues with important people in your life.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't be surprised if your mind goes a thousand miles a second today. Slowing down will be difficult, and you'll have to find a way to express what's in your head.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Welcome to another great day, Leo! The energy from the planetary aspects is positive and encouraging, especially when it comes to communicating and interacting with others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You might be really interested in getting out and doing something with the special people in your life, Virgo. You can thank the day's planetary aspects, which are conspiring to make this a perfect time to get together.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Libra, consider channeling your philosophical inspirations into creative writing, Libra. It's probably something you'll enjoy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You might need to be alone today, Scorpio. You're probably surrounded by people most of the time. It can be unhealthy if you can't occasionally be alone with your thoughts and feelings.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you may want to go your own way regardless of what anyone else wants.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today may find you in the mood for an adventure or a visit, Capricorn. When was the last time you took a day for something like this? It's probably been too long. Not only will you enjoy it but others will be thrilled to spend time with you, too.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Serious thinking and communication are enhanced today, Aquarius. They're already strong qualities in you, and with this added boost, you'll need an outlet for expression.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might feel cornered into doing something you don't want to do today, Pisces. Perhaps you made a promise to handle a project.

Maybe someone decides it's the day to call in an I.O.U.

wants to contribute as a bowler.

“Well that’s the plan,” Russell said. “I want to make sure that my knee is 100 percent or if it’s not 100, 80 percent. I’m still ready to bowl.

I’m ready, this is the World Cup. So I don’t mind resting for a month or two months after the World Cup but I want to leave everything here for the World Cup.” There were also concerns when Chris Gayle called for the physio after appearing to injure his back pulling a short ball from Wahab Riaz. He limped initially and held his back, but went onto bring up a 33-ball half-century before falling to Mohammad Amir.

“He sent the physio back off the field so that’s a positive sign for us,” captain Jason Holder said. “So again, we’ve got five days. So we’ll see how he goes the next couple of days.”

Kiwi pacemen find perfect...

From page 71 exploit conditions quite regularly.

“If we’re then able to keep coming out and playing with a bit of freedom with the bat, we’re going to have a pretty successful tournament.”

Guptill hailed Henry’s spell of 3-29 which saw him strike twice in the ninth over to remove Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis and expose the Sri Lankan middle order.

Henry, who took the new ball instead of the injured Tim Southee, faced criticism after conceding 109 in nine overs against West Indies in a warmup game earlier this week.

“Matt had a tough time against the West Indies... but bowling to that lot is pretty difficult,” said Guptill. “They can put you out of the park pretty readily.

“Having seen him put the ball in the right areas for long enough, it’s good to see him get the rewards he deserves.”

Scores: New Zealand 137 for 0 (Guptill 73*, Munro 58*) beat Sri Lanka136 (Karunaratne 52*, Ferguson 3-22, Henry 3-29) by 10 wickets.

Santos face GFC; Fruta...

From page 71 Beacons FC 4-2, Darron Niles scored twice for the winners (39th, 41st), and his teammates Randy Roberts and Kevin Mullin tucked in theirs in the 33rd and 83rd minutes.

Vincent Willings (57th) and Darien Dickson (59th) were the players on target for Beacons.

South Africa’s Amla sits out nets after blow to head LONDON (Reuters) South African opener Hashim Amla sat out practice yesterday after suffering concussion in the World Cup opener, and he is a doubt for South Africa’s second game at the tournament against Bangladesh.

The 36-year-old Amla was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the helmet by a short delivery from Jofra Archer in the fourth over of Thursday’s opening match against hosts England at The Oval, although he returned to bat briefly later as South Africa were beaten by 104 runs.

Amla had been diagnosed with mild concussion after

being hit on the grill of his helmet and went through several tests on Thursday before being allowed to return to the crease.

But the after-effects of the blow were the likely reason behind his absence as his teammates went to the nets yesterday to prepare for today’s clash against Bangladesh at The Oval.

Fast bowler Dale Steyn, who sat out against England because of injury concerns, continued to work out in the nets but is not likely to play against Bangladesh either, with South Africa saving him for their third game, against India on Southampton on Wednesday.

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Wawrinka at his best in Paris since surgery in 2017 PARIS (Reuters) - Stan Wawrinka believes he is playing his best tennis since undergoing surgery on his knee but said it was premature to start thinking about winning a second French Open title after beating Grigor Dimitrov in the third round.

The 24th-seeded Wawrinka won three straight tiebreaks to beat Dimitrov 76(5) 7-6(4) 7-6(8) in the ‘Bullring’ in Paris, and said he took heart from being able to “increase my tennis in the right moments.”

The 2015 Roland Garros champion, who has also won Slams in Australia (2014) and the United States (2016) has been clawing his way back up the world rankings after he fell out of the top 250 following his operation in 2017.

“I’m at my best level since my surgery,” Wawrinka told a news conference.

Asked whether he was thinking about lifting the Musketeers’ Cup again, he

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

replied with a smile: “I’m far away from thinking about that here. Do I think or believe I can do it? Maybe. Who knows? But to win a Grand Slam, it’s a long road.”

Wawrinka faces 20-yearold rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round.

The Greek tyro is seeded sixth in Paris after a hot run of results this year, including reaching the Australian Open semifinals and claycourt finals in Estoril and Madrid.

“He’s a really young player, already at the top of the game, already winning a lot of matches, already beating the top players,” Wawrinka said of his next opponent.

“He’s an incredible player, and he’s been able to beat Roger in a Grand Slam (at the Australian Open), Rafa on clay (in Madrid). So he’s present and it’s going to be a very difficult match tomorrow.”

Caf Champions League: Esperance awarded win after Wydad VAR controversy BBC Sport - The African Champions League final was abandoned due to a row over the Video Assisted Referee (VAR) system.

Play was halted for over a n h o u r a f t e r Wy d a d Casablanca refused to play when VAR was unavailable to judge a disallowed equaliser.

VAR had been set up on the side of the pitch, but the players had not been told it was not working, although officials were aware.

The referee then awarded the victory to three-time

former champions Esperance.

The Tunisian side were leading 1-0 (2-1 on aggregate) in Saturday’s final, which was played over two legs. VAR had been used in last week’s first leg.

But in the second leg, Walid El Karti’s header for Wydad was disallowed for an infringement.

Wydad players protested to the Gambian referee, demanding VAR be used, and Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Ahmad Ahmad spent almost 30 minutes in discussions

with officials in a bid to get the game restarted.

The 60,000 spectators inside the stadium waited for an update for 95 minutes, before the referee awarded the victory to the home team, who retained the title.

In a statement, Caf confirmed it will hold a meeting of their executive committee on Tuesday to discuss the incident.

It is the first time in the 55-year history of the elite African club competition that a match in the home-andaway final series has not been

completed.

Last week’s first leg in Morocco saw Caf hand Egyptian referee Gehad Grisha a six-month ban after complaints from the Moroccans.

Esperance were unbeaten all season, equalling the achievement of the 1994 squad, becoming the first club to win the competition twice without losing a match.

Wydad could now face a two-year ban from competing in continental club competition.

Brazil soccer star Neymar accused of committing rape in Paris - police report SAO PAULO (Reuters) A woman has accused Brazil soccer star Neymar of raping her in Paris, according to a Sao Paulo police report seen

by Reuters.

Neymar’s representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Globo website, which first reported the news, said that a representative for Neymar declined to comment, awaiting details of the allegations.

Neymar’s father, Neymar

Sr., said in a local TV interview: “If public opinion is not cleared up, and if we can’t show the truth rapidly, this will snowball. If we have to show Neymar’s WhatsApps and the conversations with this girl, we will, because it is clear that it was a trap.”

He added that they were living “difficult moments.”

Neymar’s club, Paris St Germain, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Wyded players protested to the referee, insisting VAR be used. (AFP)

RHTYSC expresses gratitude to 29th Annual Award Ceremony Sponsors The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS recently hosted its 29th Annual Award Ceremony at the St. Francis Community Developers Training Centre.

Guyana’s leading NGO honoured forty of its outstanding members for extraordinary performances in 2018.

The Club also recognised the contribution of Teachers of the Year, Students of the Year, Retired Teachers, Law Enforcement Officers, Doctors and Medical Personnel. Over 2.5 M worth of trophies, medals, framed certificates, prizes and gifts were shared out to the Awardee along with donations to Cricket Clubs, fellow NGOs and individuals.

The planning committee for the event headed by Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu would like to express gratitude to all of its friends, sponsors and donors for their support.

Naidu stated that at one stage, the Club was on the verge of cancelling the Award due to the destruction of $500,000 worth of trophies, medals and gifts by fire in the Club’s bond. The nineteen years old Naidu stated that with sheer purpose and hard work, the Management of the Club was able to pull off the event.

Special thanks are extended to Pepsi, Ansa Mcal, Gizmos & Gadgets, Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Metro Office Supplies, Poonai’s Pharmacy, H.A Snacks, Bounty Farm, Colin Elcock, Delmur Shipping, Ministry of the Presidency, Guyoil, Hand-inHand Insurance, Guyana National Newspapers Limited & Staff, Massy, Anil Beharry, Stven Jacobs, King’s Jewellery World, A.H & L Kissoon, Moonish Singh, Berbice Cricket Board, Peter Lewis, Vickram Seubarran, The Baby Store, Anamayah

Memorial Hospital, Navin Raghoo, Staff of Rose Hall Town Nursery School, Greenidge Refrigeration, L. Johnny Supermarket, Natasha Travel Service, Mr. Tulsi Mahadeo (Dentist), Satesh Ramnarine, Terry Pike, Vijay Ramoo, Shemaine Campbelle, Mr. Gopilall, Tyrone Pottaya, Sunil Madrimootoo, Bibi Travel Service, Kieth Hicks, Surendra Kissoonlall, Khemraj Mahadeo, Unicell, Ryan Tillack, Bobby’s Boutique, Nermala Hussain, Deonarine Shane, Sentinel Security, Roger Harper, Paul Persaud, Starr Computer, H.A Snacks Co. Ltd, Ricks & Sari Ltd. Dr. Aaron Fraser, Factory Price, PPDI, Ronald Williams, John Lewis Styles, Namilco, Rohanie Ramsarran, Office of the Prime Minister, Rajin Ganga, V NET Communication, Arun Goasai, Valarie Hendrax, Regal Stationery, Apex Insurance,

Canadian Surplus, Ravi Mangar, F & H Printery, Food for the Poor, St. Francis Community Developers, Dennis Deroop, Guyana Beverage Company, Parliament Office, Dr. Bartland Scotland, Carlos Rodrigues, G.G.M.C, Ansa Mcal, Bissan’s Trading, Chief Brand, National Sports Commission, Michael Trim, Republic Bank and Office Express.

The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Kaieteur News, Guyana Chronicle, Stabroek News, Guyana Times, NCN Radio and TV, Newsroom, TVG, DTV-8 and LRTVS CH10.

The Club would next host a series of Award Ceremonies on Friday 26th July, 2019 when it hosts the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Sports Award, Grade Six Top Ten and Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence.

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Djokovic beats qualifier, American Lawson banned for ready for ‘real deal’ in Paris four years for positive drugs test

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his third round match against Italy’s Salvatore Caruso. (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes) PARIS (Reuters) - Top seed Novak Djokovic barely broke sweat as he sauntered through the French Open third round with a 6-3 6-3 6-2 victory against Italian qualifier Salvatore Caruso yesterday.

Djokovic has never lost a Grand Slam match to a player ranked as low as Caruso, and never looked like doing so as he breezed to two match points, needing just one of those to put Caruso, the world number 147, out of his misery.

“I have been playing really well this year, and, you know, reaching a second

week of a slam is a success,” Djokovic told a post-match news conference. But now the real deal starts. So it’s going to get only tougher from here.”

The Serbian is yet to drop a set in the tournament and has rarely had such an easy run into the fourth round at Roland Garros. He will face either Germany’s JanLennard Struff or 13th seed Borna Coric of Croatia next.

Djokovic is bidding to become the first man in the Open era to win each of the Grand Slams twice. His triumph in this year’s Australian Open took him to

righted,” the athlete said in a statement provided by his agent Paul Doyle.

The AIU, in charge of drugs testing in athletics, announced Lawson’s ban on Twitter. It had provisionally suspended Lawson in August 2018 while the case was being adjudicated.

Lawson, 25, has said the likely source of the epitrenbolone was contaminated beef he consumed at a Fayetteville, Arkansas restaurant in June 2018.

An out-of-competition doping control test the next day indicated the presence of epitrenbolone.

“Having now researched

Trenbolone, we have discovered that it is a USDA approved steroid, legally used in the United States in the production of beef,” Lawson said in a 2018 statement.

The AIU panel, in making its decision, said Lawson had failed to prove how the substance entered his body.

But Doyle, Lawson’s agent, called World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) regulations flawed.

“It is absurd that the WADA code places such an impossible burden on athletes to prove the source. How can you go back and test meat that was eaten months ago?” he said in a statement.

15 major singles titles, third only behind Roger Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (17).

“I am grateful to be part of the era with them, because I think they made me the player I am today,” Djokovic said.

“The success that I had, especially in the Grand Slams, was also due to the kind of a need to improve and to get better to win against these guys.

“It seems like it’s going to be hard for anyone to kind of do something the same that the three of us did or even better, but you never know what happens.”

England women suffer shock defeat v New Zealand in World Cup warm-up

New Zealand’s Sarah Gregorius celebrates scoring their first goal with Ali Riley and team mates. (Action Images via Reuters/Adam Holt) (Reuters) - England suffered a surprise 10 defeat against New Zealand in their final women’s World Cup warm-up match at the Amex Stadium yesterday.

The visitors grabbed the decisive goal just after half-time as Sarah Gregorius poked home from close range after goalkeeper Carly Telford dropped Rosie White’s shot following some sluggish England defending.

England dominated possession and created the majority of chances against the New Zealanders, who will also feature at the World Cup in France, but were unable to find

(Reuters) - American long jumper and sprinter Jarrion Lawson has been suspended for four years after testing positive for the banned substance epitrenbolone, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said yesterday.

Lawson, the world long jump silver medalist, has denied any wrongdoing, saying the substance could have entered his body through the consumption of tainted beef.

He and his team will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Lawson said.

“I am innocent and I maintain confidence that eventually things will be

a breakthrough in front of a crowd of some 20,000.

Forward Jodie Taylor came closest for the hosts when she was denied by goalkeeper Erin Nayler in the 16th minute.

Phil Neville’s Lionesses, bidding to improve on their third-placed finish in the 2015 edition, kick off their World Cup against Scotland in Nice on June 9.

The defeat was England’s second in four matches in their ‘Road to France’ series, on the back April’s 1-0 loss to Canada and welldeserved victories over Spain and Denmark.

Jarrion Lawson of the U.S. in action during the Men’s Long Jump Final at the IAAF World Indoor Championships. 2018. (REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo)

Bermuda name 23-man squad for Gold Cup HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Bermuda national football coach Kyle Lightbourne expressed confidence on Friday after the island named a “balanced” 23-man squad for the CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign.

It will be Bermuda’s first venture in the competition, due to run from June 15 to July 7.

Lightbourne said his squad had a healthy blend of players who can play in different positions.

Danté Leverock, the Sligo Rovers defender currently recovering from a concussion during a match in Ireland, will captain the team and will be joined by other influential overseas-based players including Nahki Wells, Reggie Lambe, Jonté Smith and Zeiko Lewis.

“The team has a lot of balance and people that can play in different positions. We have balance all around the

field,” Lightbourne said.

Bermuda qualified for the Gold Cup for the first time after finishing fifth in the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers with three wins and one defeat from their four matches.

They will face Haiti in their opening Gold Cup Group B match at the Estadio Nacional in San José, Costa Rica, on June 16, before taking on Costa Rica at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on June 20 and Nicaragua at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on June 24.

The Gold Cup features 16 teams divided into four groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.

The tournament is being co-hosted by Costa Rica, who competed at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Jamaica and defending champions United States.

Bermuda, who beat São Miguel Azores 2-1 last weekend at the National

Stadium, will face Guyana in their final warm-up match here on June 6.

Guyana will also be making their first appearance at the Gold Cup. The last time the teams met here they drew 1-1 in a World Cup qualifier in 2011.

Bermuda squad: Danté Leverock (captain), Dale Eve, Jahquil Hill and Quinaceo Hunt, Roger Lee, Jaylon Bather, Donte Brangman, Jalen Harvey, Calon Minors, Chikosi Basden, Reggie Lambe, Kacy Butterfield, Willie Clemons, Osagi Bascome, Tre Ming, Liam Evans and Marco Warren, Nahki Wells, Zeiko Lewis, Jonté Smith, Justin Donawa, Cecoy Robinson, and Lejuan Simmons.

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Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Serena’s pursuit of 24th major title on hold after French Open exit PARIS (Reuters) - Serena Williams’s quest for a recordequaling 24th Grand Slam singles title was put on hold yesterday after the former world number one was knocked out of the French Open in the third round following a 6-2 7-5 defeat by fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Chasing Margaret Smith Court’s all-time record, which was built over the amateur and professional eras, Williams failed to recover from a woeful opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier.

In the players’ first meeting, world number 35 Kenin pulled Williams around the court and made the most of her opponent’s unforced errors to set up a last-16 encounter with Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty.

Williams, who won the last of her 23 major singles titles at the 2017 Australian Open, suffered her earliest Grand Slam exit since Wimbledon 2014.

“It’s a lot of emotion,

she’s such a great player, a true champion, so much respect for her,” said Kenin, who was booed by a fraction of the crowd while Williams left the court to a standing ovation.

“Playing against Serena, you’ve got to fight for every point, she’s such tough player, I’m so happy with this win.”

Kenin, who won her maiden singles WTA title this season in Hobart, made the most of Williams’s shaky start, breaking for 3-2 as the 10th seed sprayed the court with unforced errors.

WOEFUL FOREHAND Williams’s forehand was woeful and her opponent piled on the pressure to move 5-2 up with another break.

Serving for the set, Kenin thought she had bagged it when Williams returned long, only for the umpire to rule her serve out. Kenin smacked the netcord with her racket in frustration, drawing jeers from the Paris crowd, before

Serena Williams of the U.S. reacts during her third round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes) regaining her composure and wrapping it on her second opportunity.

Williams was broken to love in the first game of the second set and looked nothing close to finding a solution against Kenin’s pace.

Archer’s World Cup debut leaves tongues wagging NOTTINGHAM, England, CMC – England’s Jofra Archer’s debut at the International Cricket Council’s World Cup has already caught the attention of several players.

The 24-year-old Archer bowled with express pace against South Africa, grabbing three wickets including the prized scalp of Proteas’ captain Faf du Plessis.

Du Plessis was among those who had high praise for Archer, including the fact that he was surprised by the young man’s pace.

“Archer bowled really well with the new ball. As I said before this game, a lot of guys haven’t played against him. It will take time for international batters to get

used to his action; he’s a little bit nippier when he hits the crease and that’s why he’s such an X-factor bowler. He broke through our opening three there and that, pretty much, was always going to be a tough ask from there,” du Plessis said.

The skipper said Archer also bowled with much variety.

“You can see towards the end – with Rassie [van der Dussen] – he bowls slowerball, slower-ball, 80 per cent ball, 80 per cent ball and then a quick bouncer. There’s some thinking behind it.

When he does bowl that short one it is a bit quicker than his other balls.

“When we get an opportunity to face England again we’ll know how his

short-ball is his wicket-ball.

He’s not necessarily a guy that will swing the ball as much as other bowlers but his short-ball will be his wickettaking ball,” du Plessis pointed out.

England captain Moeen Ali said Archer’s pace was among the fastest he had ever faced.

He described his younger teammate as a game changer.

“Jofra is amazing. He just makes good batters do different things, that pace he has is incredible. He is the fastest I have ever faced.

“It is unbelievable. He gives us that something else, he can win you games even if he goes for a few runs.

Knowing you have him in your side makes a big difference,” Ali said.

Jofra Archer (center) celebrating after grabbing another South African wicket.

She screamed her lungs out after winning the first two points of the following game, but Kenin was not impressed and snatched her seventh consecutive game.

Williams was hitting short, however, allowing Kenin to step into the court

Sofia Kenin of the U.S. reacts during her third round match against Serena Williams of the U.S. (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes) and dictate play. But in the sixth game, Williams finally broke to level for 3-3 as Kenin showed more signs of nerves, disputing several calls from the umpire or the linesmen.

It was her way to stay in the game, however, and she claimed the decisive break for

6-5 with a lighting-quick service return that left Williams stranded.

Kenin missed a forehand on her first match point, and it was Williams who handed her the win when she sent a backhand long, filling the youngster’s eyes with tears.

Naomi Osaka’s unbeaten Grand Slam run ended by Siniakova PARIS (Reuters) - Naomi Osaka’s 16-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments came to an end in straight sets at the hands of Katerina Siniakova in the third round of the French Open yesterday.

The top-seeded Osaka was beaten by Czech Siniakova, the world’s topranked doubles player, 6-4 62 on a hot day at the Court Suzanne-Lenglen at Roland Garros.

Osaka, who has yet to reach the second week in four appearances in Paris, got broken three times and failed to take her chances. Despite entering Roland Garros as world No. 1 for the first time,

Osaka was taken to three sets in her first two matches.

She rallied back to beat world No. 90 Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia in the first round after losing the first set, and recovered from a set and a break down in a second-round clash against fellow double Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

With back-to-back titles at the US Open and the Australian Open, the 21-yearold from Japan had been trying to do something not even the greatest players in tennis history have done: winning their first three Grand Slam singles title in a row.

The 42nd-ranked

Siniakova, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon doubles champion, showed off her doubles credentials in the opening set, unsettling her opponent with sliced forehands and drop shots.

Breaking serve at 4-4, Siniakova clinched the first set in 44 minutes on her second set point as Osaka dumped a forehand into the net. Osaka struggled to settle in the second set, going down a double break with a double fault.

Serving for her first win over a world No. 1 at 5-2, Siniakova kept her nerve and won the match on Osaka’s 38th error.

Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her third round match against Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic. (REUTERS/Vincent Kessler)

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 71

Kaieteur News

Salah, Origi goals hand Liverpool Champions League triumph MADRID (Reuters) - An early Mohamed Salah penalty and a late strike by Divock Origi gave Liverpool a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in yesterday’s all-English Champions League final as their coach Juergen Klopp finally got his hands on Europe’s biggest prize.

Egypt striker Salah, who had painful memories of last year’s final defeat by Real Madrid after suffering a shoulder injury, got his side off to a flying start in Madrid by lashing home from the penalty spot after a handball from Moussa Sissoko.

Tottenham, playing in their first European Cup final, kept their heads and came to life when semi-final hat-trick hero Lucas Moura came on but, with Harry Kane lacking sharpness after injury, another miraculous European comeback proved beyond them.

Liverpool, who missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City by one point, did not produce their usual whirlwind attacking game but sealed a sixth European Cup triumph with an arrowed finish from substitute Origi in the 87th minute.

“Everyone is happy now,” said a delighted Salah. “I am glad to play the second final

Liverpool celebrate with the trophy after winning the Champions League Final against Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid. (REUTERS/Carl Recine) in a row and play 90 minutes finally. Everyone did his best today, no great individual performances, all the team was unbelievable.”

Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold added: “It is hard to put into words. The season we have had, we deserved it more than any

other team.”

The win was sweet redemption for Salah and especially German coach Klopp, who had lost on his last six appearances in major finals, including Champions League showpieces with Borussia Dortmund in 2013 and Liverpool last year.

Independent Directors crucial to CWI success: Skerritt ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The recent appointment of three Independent Directors to the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Board of Directors will augur well for the development of the regional institution, believes CWI president Ricky Skerritt.

On Wednesday, CWI announced the appointments of Michael Findlay, Attorney Debra Coryat-Patton, and Dr Akshai Mansingh as the three final additions to the CWI Board of Directors for the two-year term 2019 to 2021.

Skerritt said the new additions would help to strengthen CWI. “As a former CWI Independent Director myself, I understand the importance of strengthening the Board with eminent and informed professionals who will both advise and challenge the CWI leadership and Board members.

“Independent and new thinking volunteers are needed at all levels and in all areas of problem-solving in

Former West Indies player Michael Findlay has been appointed as an Independent Director.

West Indies Cricket,” Skerritt said.

The trio of non-member directors joins Caribbean businessman Imran McSoodAmjad, chairman and founder of NAGICO, who was appointed at the CWI Board of Directors meeting on April 9, 2019.

Utilizing regional technical expertise and rebuilding stakeholder relationships were two of the ten points of the “Cricket First

Plan” put forward by Skerritt and vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow in the recent CWI election campaign.

At that time Skerritt had promised that the four new Independent directors would all help to strengthen the CWI Board by representing rich and varied backgrounds of cricket and professional interests; and all with solid corporate governance experience.

His opposite number Mauricio Pochettino took a bold but ultimately misguided gamble in fielding Kane, who had only returned to full training a week ago after almost two months out with a serious ankle injury and struggled to influence play.

Kane was far from the only

player who lacked sharpness in a game of few moments of real quality, a possible effect of both sides not playing any competitive games for three weeks.

Spurs put Liverpool under real pressure in the latter stages as Dele Alli headed over and Son Heung-

min and Moura forced impressive saves from Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Origi, one of Liverpool’s heroes in their stunning semifinal second-leg turnaround against Barcelona, then killed the game with a ruthless finish into the bottom corner.

Selection system review already underway ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – A six-member Task Force has already commenced the process of reviewing the team selection policy of all West Indies teams.

The recently appointed Selection System Task Force is chaired by Cricket West Indies (CWI) vicepresident Dr Kishore Shallow and also includes CWI Director Enoch Lewis as deputy chairman; Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams; former West Indies captain, Ramnaresh Sarwan; former West Indies opener, Philo Wallace and Miles Bascombe, also a former West Indies player.

Dr Shallow said there was an urgent need for the selection process to be reviewed, in light of the many changes to the game of cricket over the past 10 years.

“Other international bodies have advanced their selection process to be in alignment with the modernization of the game.

Cricket has changed tremendously over the last decade, with the introduction

Ramnaresh Sarwan is among six members named to a Selection System Task Force. of the T20 format, which has increased the importance of batting strike rate for results.

“There is also an increase of regional and international fixtures, a reality that should be considered in the advanced environment of the game, and which requires a selection system that has comprehensive coverage,” Dr Shallow said.

Within the next three months, the Task Force will among other things, conduct a rigorous analysis into the

current selection system of all West Indies teams and construct recommendations of a selection system that is best suited to West Indies cricket.

Its findings will be prepared in a final report to be presented to CWI’s Board of Directors, which will include recommendations on selection systems by September 2019.

Sarwan, Wallace and Bascombe, have all expressed their delight in being appointed to the Task Force.

PAGE 72

Warner returns from ban to star in Australia’s opening win BRISTOL, England (Reuters) - David Warner and Steve Smith returned to international cricket yesterday to see Australia through to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in their World Cup opener at Bristol’s County Ground.

Warner top-scored with an unbeaten 89 while Smith made 18 as Australia easily chased down a modest target after Afghanistan, who won the toss and elected to bat, were bowled out for 207.

The pair were back for their first official one day international after year-long bans following a balltampering scandal in South Africa.

Australia, whose captain Aaron Finch contributed 66 runs off 49 balls, reached 209 for three in the 35th over, ensuring a winning start to the defence of their World Cup crown.

Warner played a circumspect innings in stark contrast to the recordbreaking 178 he scored against the Afghans in a dominant 275-run victory at the last World Cup in Perth four years ago.

Instead it was Finch who led the way for Australia this time, playing the aggressor while Warner was an uncharacteristically subdued support act.

But after Finch was caught as Australia lost their first wicket for 96, Warner took the lead, first with Usman Khawaja (15) and then Smith, who walked out to the wicket to a cacophony of jeers. Smith was caught with just three more runs needed to win.

Warner was also jeered when he reached his 50 but both looked nonplussed by the reaction to their return.

“It’s good to be back. It was a great win and good start for us. I had nerves getting back into the camp and getting back into the full intensity of training but I was a bit more relaxed when Finchy started going,” Warner said.

Earlier, Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa took three wickets each as Australia bowled out their inexperienced opponents in 38.2 overs.

Paceman Cummins finished with figures of 3-40 and leg spinner Zampa 3-60 as the holders kept the brakes

on despite occasional flashes of flair from the Afghans.

Afghanistan lost both of their openers in the first two overs but rallied with a halfcentury from Najibullah Zadran and an aggressive cameo from Rashid Khan to creep past 200.

Rahmat Shah earlier steadied the innings with a 43run knock after coming in at No. 3, but it was Najibullah and captain Gulbadin Naib who gave their team hope of a competitive total with a swashbuckling 83-run sixthwicket partnership off 75 balls.

Najibullah scored 51 off 49 balls while Gulbadin hit 31 off 33.

Rashid Khan provided a late flurry of runs, his 27 runs off 11 balls ending when Zampa trapped him leg before wicket.

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey completed five dismissals in the innings – one short of Australia’s World Cup record, set by Adam Gilchrist in 2003.

Scores: Australia 209 for 3 (Warner 89*, Finch 66) beat Afghanistan 207 (Najibullah 51, Rahmat 43, Cummins 3-40, Zampa 3-60) by seven wickets.

Windies can upset ‘big boys’, says Lloyd NOTTINGHAM, England, CMC – If the West Indies can emulate their performance against Pakistan throughout the World Cup, legendary former captain Clive Lloyd expects them to beat some of the higher ranked teams.

In their opening match on Friday, Oshane Thomas and Andre Russell bowled with pace and accuracy to rout Pakistan for 105, their second lowest score in World Cup history.

Chris Gayle then smashed a 33-ball fifty as the Windies eased to a seven-wicket victory with 218 balls to spare.

Lloyd lauded the regional team for their performance, especially in light of the fact that Pakistan had proved troublesome in the past.

“I think Pakistan has previously given us problems so it was a very admirable performance and I can only wish Jason Holder and the rest of the boys well for the rest of the tournament. I’m sure they will upset a few of the big boys if they play like that,” said Lloyd, the last West Indies captain to win the coveted World Cup. “This game has proven that we have some firepower and that means we can match anybody in this competition. We have to

Sunday June 02, 2019

Kaieteur News

Hugh Ross set for his 4th NABBA World C/ship shot on Saturday in Belfast

By Franklin Wilson On Saturday next at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Guyana’s most accomplished body builder, USA based Hugh Arlington Ross will be representing the Golden Arrowhead seeking to fell the opposition in pursuit of his third Masters title at the NABBA Worlds 2019 Championship.

Ross, who will be celebrating his 60th birthday on June 26th next, is quietly confident of winning the Masters category for the third time in what would be his fourth championship. When he won the silver medal it was also in Belfast and that was 2014.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Ross who trains out of The Coliseum Gym, located at Jamaica Avenue and 101 Street in New York and Space Gym in Guyana, said that he last competed in 2015 when he won this said category in Malta.

“My aim in actual fact is to be the best that I possibly be within this time frame that I’ve allocated myself for the contest preparation and in this particular circumstance, from the time that I made the decision to compete to the actual contest, it would be a total of eight weeks.

So, putting it in a nutshell I am striving to be the best that I can be in eight weeks time.”

Ross has also won the NABBA Mr. Universe Masters title and the US Overall Nationals which enabled him to compete at the Mr. Universe competition.

Guyana’s most decorated body builder also has the distinction of winning the US Masters National Powerlifting title.

“It’s very unique that I have won both of those titles, the US Nationals in both powerlifting and bodybuilding.”

When asked by Kaieteur Sport if he is aiming to win, Ross responded: “I’ll be doing my homework and subsequently accept the decision of the panel of judges.”

YBG-NSBF Georgetown/East Coast Regionals

PC, ‘Saints’ and Marian Academy register wins on Friday Youth Basketball Guyana’s (YBG) National Schools’ Basketball Festival bounced back into action on Friday when the with three matches at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) in the Georgetown/East Coast Regionals leg. President’s College (PC) registered a thumping 32-6 win over YBG Cluster in the only under-14 boys’ fixture of the day.

Kamal Mentore was the

star of the match with 13 points, nine rebounds and three steals with good assistance from Ezekiel Saul that netted five points while grabbing three rebounds.

The girls’ then took center stage with St. Stanislaus College (Saints) bouncing past Bladen Hall 9-4. Madison Chester was the stand out player for Saints with four points and six rebounds.

Defending girls’ division champions, Marian Academy

then made very light work of Tutorial High School 34-1.

Aaliyah Singh netted eight points, grabbed five rebounds and four steals to go along with Renika Ramcharran who also hooped eight points.

The tournamnet that is being sponsored by Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd, the National Sports Commission, Banks DIH and ExxonMobil resumes next weekend at the same venue.

Linden GFF KFC Independence U-20

Botafago face Panthers in and East of Linden 20s final tonight - West encounter from 19.00hrs Clive Lloyd was impressed by the West Indies’ performance against Pakistan. try and test out our batting now, that’s the real test going forward.

We have to see how they do when they have to bat first and try and post a good total.

“I want to see how we get on if we have to defend a total, but it’s shaping up really well at the moment and they couldn’t have asked for a better start to the tournament.

Admittedly, Pakistan was not at their best but I think that was more to with the West Indies pressure as that was a good tactic,” he added.

However, Lloyd said he expected a much sterner test when the Windies take on Australia in their next game on Thursday.

He said it was now left to be

seen if the regional side could perform under pressure.

“We just need to see what happens when the pressure is on the West Indies, but the game against Australia should do that as that will be a good test of where we are at.

“Australia has got some firepower and some very good batsmen, so that should be an excellent game. That will give you an idea if West Indies can qualify or not,” Lloyd pointed out. “It’s going to be a good test and I also want to see the game against England, that too is going to be quite the contest. England has some real firepower and variety too.”

Botafago and Amelia’s Ward Panthers are set to contest the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) / KFC Independence Linden Under20 final this evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club venue.

The preliminary round up to the semifinal stages of this tournament, which was organised by the Upper

Demerara Football Association (UDFA), had to be played at the Wisburg Secondary School ground since the MSC ground was unplayable.

Up to that stage Botafago were able to claim a spot in the final which is at 21.00hrs, after they knocked out Milerock 2-0 in their semifinal clash, while

Amelia’s Ward Panthers, their opponent, downed Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection 5-2 in penalty kicks as both teams ended their open play with a 2-2 deadlock score.

The supporting game is between the Under 20s chosen from West and East of Linden and that game is set for 19.00hrs.

Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club’s horserace meet on today in Berbice The Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club’s oneday horserace meet gallops off this afternoon from 13:00hrs at the Alness Race Track in Corentyne, Berbice. Six races are carded for the horserace meet and the feature race will be the J/ Class and Lower, while

the three-year-old and lower race will also receive a high purse.

Over $2million in cash and prizes are up for grabs in the anticipated race meet. Other events on the card are the L1 Open, L2 and lower, L3 and lower unclassified and the twoyear trial.

Some of the animals that will be on show today include Red Jet, Red Regent, First Prince, Up Top Boss, Up Front, Up Rising and Oryan Byron.

For further information, persons can contact Junior Crawford on telephone number 6785342.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 02, 2019

PAGE 73

Delegates at the Pan American Confederation meeting take time out for a photo.

Gokarn Ramdhani appointed to Pan Am Confederation Deputy Chair post

T

he President of the Guyana Badminton Association, Gokarn Ramdhani, was appointed the Deputy Chair for Communication & Marketing for the Badminton Pan American Confederation for the next four years, 2019-2023.

On May 22 the BPAC Annual General Meeting was held in Nanning, China, in the framework of the Sudirman Cup and B a d m i n t o n Wo r l d Federation (BWF) AGM 2019.

Ramdhani said, “I am very pleased to get this position to help with the development of International Badminton and Guyana and also am happy to know that my work and

contribution to Badminton is being recognized by the Highest International Bodies.”

Positions currently held

by Ramdhani in Badminton are: - P r e s i d e n t - Yo n e x Badminton Club (YBC) -President-Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) -Council MemberGuyana Olympic Association (GOA) - Vi c e P r e s i d e n t Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) -2nd Vice PresidentConfederation Central American & Caribbean B a d m i n t o n (CONCECABA) -Deputy Chair of Communications &

Marketing-Badminton Pan American Confederation (BPAC) The Pan American Badminton Confederation (BPAC) is the governing body of badminton in the Americas and is recognized as such by the World Badminton Federation. It was founded in 1976 and is currently composed of 37 member associations.

BPAC was founded in the city of Mexico in 1976 a n d n o m i n a t e d Vi c t o r Jaramillo (MEX) as President until an official election was scheduled to take place at the first Pan Am Championships the following year.

The first Badminton Pan Am Championships was held in Moncton, New Brunswick-Canada, in April

GFF/KFC U-20 Independence KO Cup – Georgetown FA

Santos face GFC; Fruta Conquerors oppose GT Panthers in today’s semis

Nicholas McArthur – Fruta Conquerors FC

Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett

What is anticipated to be two riveting semi final matches are set for today at the GFF National Training Facility, Providence, East Bank Demerara in the Georgetown Football Association leg of the GFF/KFC Under-20 Independence Cup knockout tournament.

Fruta Conquerors and Santos brushed aside their respective opponents, Riddim Squad and Beacons Football Club yesterday to confirm their places in today’s final four from 13:30hrs when GT Panthers

match skills with Fruta Conquerors to be followed by the Santos vs Georgetown Football Club, showdown.

The two winners will collide in the final on Saturday with the losers playing the third place match.

Meanwhile, in y e s t e r d a y ’s a c t i o n , Conquerors hammered Riddim Squad 13-2 led by Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett who is heading to Brazil for a one month pre-season training at Brazilian seconddivision side, Madureira Esporte Clube, with a

helmet-trick (2nd, 28th, 35th, 83rd), Nicholas McArthur also blasted a helmet-trick (13th, 16th, 45th, 51st).

Nehemiah Gomes (60th, 70th) and Ronnel Brandis (62nd, 71st) each hit in doubles with the other coming off the boot of Reshaun Ritch in the 37th minute.

Riddim Squad got their two goals from Shamar Allen in the 20th minute and Deshaun Ellis in the 79th minute.

Santos FC got past (Continued on page 65)

1977.

Mr. Victor Jaramillo was confirmed as President and stayed in this charge until 1981. During these five years, Pan American Championships were held in Canada, Peru, Mexico, and USA. As far as Pan Am Junior Championships, they were held in Mexico, Canada, USA and Peru.

From 1981 to 1987, there was no contest until November 1987 when the V Pan Am Championships was held in Lima, Peru.

Outstanding efforts made by Helen Baxter (CAN) trying to reactivate the Pan American Badminton Confederation since 1982 and also help on the part of the Badminton Peru National Commission President, Mr. José Andrés

Gokarn Ramdhani at the recently held event.

Bellido, Badminton Pan Am, once again, became an active member of the International Badminton Federation in 1987.

During the V Badminton Pan Am Championships, held in Lima-Peru, November 1987, there was a Congress to re-establish Pan A m B a d m i n t o n

Confederation.

At the Thomas and Uber Cup preliminaries in Pan Am Continent in February 1988, Pierre Blouin was elected President.

Badminton was included at Olympic Games programme in Barcelona 1992 and Para-Badminton, in Tokyo 2020.

Kiwi pacemen find perfect World Cup blueprint, says Guptill (Reuters) - New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill says their pace attack have forged a blueprint they will seek to follow for the rest of the World Cup after dismantling the Sri Lankan batting order in yesterday’s opening win in Cardiff.

Kiwis fast bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson took three wickets each as the pair made full use of seamer-friendly conditions in the opening hour to spark a batting collapse as Sri Lanka were dismissed for just 136 on the way to losing by 10 wickets.

Guptill and Colin Munro made light work of the chase but it was the pace attack that could make a difference as New Zealand bid to go one better after losing to Australia in the 2015 final.

“You want to build that momentum early at a major event and today we did that,” Guptill, who finished with an unbeaten 73, told a news

Matt Henry appeals for the wicket of Lahiru Thirimanne © PA Images via Getty Images

conference.

“If we bowl first in the next few games, we’ll back ourselves to make it difficult

to score on the back of this performance. The beauty about our guys is they can (Continued on page 65)

Hugh Ross set for his 4th NABBA World C/ship shot on Saturday in Belfast

t r o Sp Warner returns from ban to star in Australia’s opening win David Warner hits a reverse sweep. (IDI via Getty Images)

Hugh Ross

Salah, Origi goals hand Liverpool Champions League triumph

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the Champions League Final. (REUTERS/Carl Recine)

Windies can upset ‘big boys’, says Lloyd Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.