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Kaieteur News
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial
Private media hold the power of truth The private media in Guyana have prided themselves on being the guardians of the people’s rights and the democratic process. Faithful to their raison d’être, both the print and electronic private media have held governments, political parties, politicians, the business sector and public figures to high standards of accountability and transparency, while also protecting the basic rights of the people. In their watchdog role, the function of the private media is to promote good governance and public scrutiny of decision-makers by highlighting policy failures, corruption, bribery, and maladministration by public officials and scandals in the private sector. Considered the Fourth Estate, it has been argued that the existence of an unfettered and independent press within the nation is essential in the process of democratization in that they contribute towards the right of freedom of expression, thought and conscience. Over the years, the private media have strengthened the responsiveness and accountability of governments, provided a pluralist platform and have channeled the political expression for a multiplicity of groups and interests. They have and continue to protect the freedom of opinion, expression and information which have been recognized as a basic human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 1948. In particular, Article 19 of the 1948 UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers. The privately owned media in Guyana, especially Kaieteur News and Stabroek News have, for the most part followed the principles of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. In Guyana, the former PPP administration had decried the private media, especially Kaieteur News, and branded them as the official opposition. Kaieteur News in particular was critical of the PPP administration whenever it attempted to undermine democracy, human rights and the dignity of individuals. Recently, expediency seems to have led to a cavalier attitude in the reporting of murders and fatal accidents in some areas of Guyana. Photographers and camera crews from just about every media house have undermined the dignity of the dead by displaying nude and mutilated corpses as if they were things and not persons. The media have been increasingly showing uncovered corpses, nude or otherwise, as part of the story. A classic example was on March 10, 2015 when the media displayed the uncovered corpse of the late Courtney Crum Ewing who was assassinated. This type of media sensationalism shows no respect for the sacredness of the human corpse, clothed or naked. In Guyana and elsewhere, the protocol on human decency dictates that the media should operate on the principle that the dignity of human beings must be protected even after death. The power and significance of the privately owned media in democratic societies including Guyana are well known and have traditionally been regarded as among the classic checks and balances in the division of powers. Liberal theorists have argued that the primary role of the free press is to strengthen democracy, promote good governance, freedom of expression, human rightsand human development, to name a few. They claimed that the liberation of the news media by the state to private ownership diffuses access, reduces official censorship and state control of information and provides a wider variety of views to the public. By contrast, control of the news media by the state has reinforced the power of autocratic regimes, deterred criticism of the government by independent journalists through official government censorship and inhibited the freedom of expression and publication.
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Can the govt. deliver on its promises? DEAR EDITOR, It is about high time for the PPP leadership to come to grips with the pronouncement of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM), accept the results and concede victory to the APNU+AFC Coalition. From all accounts from both local and overseas observers, the election was conducted in a fair manner, so for the oligarchy of the PPP to say that they were cheated and not defeated and that they do not have confidence in the Chairman of GECOM, Dr. Surujbally, speaks volumes to their integrity and character and about the decaying state of the PPP. They can blame everyone else for their defeat, but many of their supporters believe that the blame should
lie squarely at their feet. After being in power for 23 years, the leaders of the PPP are sore losers as they now find themselves in opposition. They are concerned that the new government would deny them access to information and state enterprises just as they have denied the opposition access to the state owned media. At his swearing in ceremony, David Granger has assured the nation that he will be the President for all the people and that his government will not conduct a witch hunt or be vindictive against anyone. And while the PPP continues its brutal criticism of the government and has predicted doom and gloom for the country, the newly elected government
has embarked on a strategic road map to move the country forward and guide the people towards achieving the goals of sustainable and human development and prosperity within the next five years. This is in line with the Coalition Manifesto development goals of improving the lives of the people by providing them with food, clothes and shelter, integrate the standards and principles of democracy and human rights and unite the races through participation, non-discrimination and social harmony. The government believes that with such great prospects, there will be no need for migration of the nation’s best and brightest. More importantly, President (Continued on page 6)
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Freddie replies to Ralph Bitter Sugar - The PPP’s parting Ramkarran and BK Tiwarie gift to APNU/AFC and Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, in response to my column of June 1, 2015, rejects my statement that during the PPP’s 23 years in power, his law firm of Cameron and Shepherd, did complex and important legal cases for the state. He indicated that such situations were the jurisdiction of the AttorneyGeneral; yet Mr. Ramkarran wrote in the next paragraph, the following words. “We (Cameron and Shepherd) currently represent the Attorney-General in one case and one is on appeal.” Even a fleeting familiarity with grammar would inform the reader that if it is the Attorney-General that handles the complex and important legal cases for the state, then Ramkarran does that too, because he is representing the AG in two such matters, which comes from his own admission. Mr. Ramkarran wrote: “We represent state agencies as distinct from the state.” Ralph Ramkarran spent over forty years in the PPP, so he came to accept the Marxist definition of the state, meaning the government and state security, like the army and police. In liberal terminology, the state is the total ensemble of public property. For clarification, the public health and education system is an integral part of the state. Mr. Ramkarran began his reply to me by asserting; “These are not Mr. Kissoon’s first on the issue and will very likely not be his last…” This Ramkarran is dead right on that. Ramkarran does law; I do political and historical analysis. We both have our
individual roles in society. In analyzing the PPP, its history, its time in government and the political contours of Guyana, I am sure as night follows day, I will include roles, actions and behavioural patterns of Ralph Ramkarran. No one in this country that has read me the past umpteen years can deny that I have never put Mr. Ramkarran in a positive political context. I have always argued in my analyses that Ramkarran has been one of the PPP’s most enduring autocrats. If he didn’t have his ambition of being the PPP’s presidential candidate for the 2011 elections undermined by Jagdeo, Mr. Ramkarran would not have exited the PPP’s leadership. Even at the last moment in the 2015 election, he refused to endorse the coalition. How could he? That was unthinkable. It was not in his political genes to finally part with the PPP Brian Tiwarie, in a long reply, did not take up his own challenge which he first issued in that rag, the Guyana Times. Now that the government has changed, I hope the Minister of Finance does a forensic audit to see if in the start up of the Guyana Times, concessions were given to that newspaper that should not have happened. If there is evidence then the paper should be surcharged Tiwarie wrote that businessmen helped to build my home and he doubted that I would reveal that information. I wrote back and took up the challenge. I will do so publicly in the pages of the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News. I
have gone so far that I would not even consult with these gentlemen before I openly identify them. In return, BK Tiwarie has to enumerate the state jobs he got as against private contracts. It was Tiwarie himself who wrote that most of his engagements came from private businesses. I am disputing that. Mr. Tiwarie’s wealth came from state contracts he got from the twelve year reign of Bharrat Jagdeo. Most Guyanese would know more about that than even the name of the capital city of Guyana. What was comical in his reply, were the following words, “Every major public infrastructure project awarded to BK was after there was a public tender published.” Here is my response to that, “Yea right!” BK gave an example of where he lost a tender and the person who secured it did so using improper routes. BK needs to know a little bit on how incestuous politics operates in authoritarian systems like the one his friend, Bharrt Jagdeo operated between 1999-2011, the period in which BK’s wealth expanded. In authoritarian systems, one favoured client can lose out because other powerful tyrants in the government have their own friends that they want to give a piece of the pie to. My second challenge to BK in my original response was to name the type of work Ramon Gaskin does for him and how long Gaskin has been associated with BK’s company. I did remind him that his (Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR, Congratulations to APNU/AFC for defeating the PPP in the May 11th general elections and thereby saving Guyana from further economic ruin and racial polarization. While the victory was by no means easy, compared to what the government has thus far uncovered, winning the election may seem like the easy part; now comes the hard part, governing. Daily disclosures of fraud, mismanagement and the overall depraved indifference with which the PPP conducted the people’s business which has been revealed since the APNU/AFC coalition took office, has been nothing short of breathtaking. But what I find most troubling is the seeming “flatfootedness” in the government’s reaction to the shenanigans of the now fired CEO of GUYSUCO Raj Singh, and his board of directors. GUYSUCO being the country’s largest employer and also the biggest beneficiary of government bailouts over the past few years, it seemed that the new administration was not prepared for the obfuscation, deceit and potential for manufactured crises from the GUYSUCO board in general and the CEO in particular, who was a declared candidate for the PPP who are refusing to concede the elections. That Raj Singh and the badly compromised board of
GUYSUSCO directors has now been rightfully removed, the government must deal with harvesting the bitter sugar that the PPP has bequeathed them as if it were an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). It will take more than experts and forensic audits to safely detonate this ticking time bomb that is the most corrupt, inefficient and resource depleting
corporation. Prosecution and convictions must surely be a part of the remedy. The hard decision of mechanization and restructuring has to be made and the quicker the better. Make no mistake, jobs will be lost and the PPP and their willing accomplice GAWU the sugar workers union, will do everything to undermine the government from saving (Continued on page 6)
Can Mr. Rohee say why no such consultations were done DEAR EDITOR, Clement Rohee was quoted in Kaieteur News (2/ 06/2015) as saying that the process of identifying candidates for Regional Councils and the National Assembly requires lengthy consultations from “the grassroots level coming all the way up to the leadership of the party.” Can Mr. Rohee say why no such consultations were done when Donald Ramotar was selected as PPP’s presidential candidate for the 2011 elections, and when Elizabeth Harper was chosen to run as prime ministerial candidate in the 2015
elections? Is it true what Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, son of a PPP founder leader, said, that party internal elections were manipulated? Chandra Shakhar Panchu
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Keep up the good The coalition is stuck with the same economic model that the PPP/C favoured work, Mr. Ramjattan DEAR EDITOR, I must admit at the outset that I do not know all that is required for a political party to run a government successfully. But I do not think that it is a requirement that a political party must be one of impeccable virtue. But it can be said, however, that once a political party wins the government the electorate is entitled to a regime that commits to a simple process of doing two things well. First, the whole question of improving national wealth must be one of the government’s top priorities. Second, it is the government’s business to embrace the proposition that our society is fairer when our economic gains are shared as widely as possible across the board. Indeed, it was creditable that the PPP/C succeeded in making us richer, but it was not good news that the perception stuck that a tiny
minority with unbridled wealth was pulling away from the rest of the society. Nonetheless, the PPP/C can take heart that a strong economy is always more highly rated than one that has barely grown. And the reason why some are suffering cannot be justifiably attributed to be claim that it was because the PPP/C got its priorities confused and a select few have outrageously big bank accounts. Sharing the orange juice around is all well and good but the important antecedent job is that we need to grow the oranges in the first place. There is now much talk about our new coalition and the divergences if any it brings to the table. It is no accident that our APNU/AFC coalition has never suggested that it will take our economy in a direction different to that of the PPP/C. It will have no choice but to attend to the two central
priorities laid down for it. . And success is not assured. The coalition will have five years to prove that it can become what it should be. The coalition is stuck with the same economic model that the PPP/C favoured. And as to that bigger question of the coalition making a sharp turn to the left at some point, that is largely irrelevant. In all of this the coalition finds itself in a tight place as it must ensure a bigger cake gets built and underwrite a bigger slice to each segment of our society. And it will need to do this against the background of a consensus view that as a society gets better-off, it becomes more unequal at the same time. It is interesting to see what genius APNU/AFC will deploy in dealing with our inequality issues, without alienating those with entrepreneurial talent and on whose productive activities our
economy so much depends. On this same issue, it is amazing what you can discover when you surf the internet. I found a quotation where someone said that in the advent of a rising tide, all boats inevitably and without exception gets lifted up. At a literal level who will disagree? But by metaphorical extension, the claim cannot be true for the reason that in better economic times the rich and the poor alike do not all benefit automatically and equally and have more money to spend. It is the rich who more likely than not who gets a double portion and the political repercussions touch future election cycles. I wonder if the coalition is creating an illusion that it can be a modern day Robin Hood, taking from some who have a lot and giving it to others. It is for these reasons, I do not envy our coalition government its job. Wesley Hicken
Can the govt. deliver on its... From page 4 Granger has orchestrated a clean-up campaign to make Georgetown the Garden City it once used to be and this has spread throughout the country. The overall aim and vision of the Granger led-coalition government is the national and human development of Guyana and to make the country of choice for all Guyanese to live, work, raise families, worship and do business peacefully and without fear. These are elements of a country’s basic existence that the people have yet to master.
It therefore begs the question: Is the strategic road map a pipe dream or will it be a reality check on good governance? It is guided by seven principles as outlined in the Coalition Manifesto that firmly place the people at the forefront of the nation’s social and economic development strategy. These are:1.) Transformational leadership; 2.) Partnership; 3.) Transparency and accountability; 4.) Social cohesion; 5.) Equity; 6. Sustainability; and 7.) Sustainable urban and rural devel-
opment. For the development plan to be successful, everyone, irrespective of race, ethnicity, creed or political affiliation must be involved in the process. Transparency and accountability, which reflect good governance, must not be mere buzzwords; they must be put into action. Also crime and violence, which are on the increase, must be brought under control. Corruption, which is rampant in the society and in almost all government ministries, state agencies and corporations must end. The courts must be updated with modern technology and all personnel involved in the development process must be professionally trained. President Granger has made a commitment that if elected to office, his government would adhere to the practice of good governance; characterized by the principles of participation, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, equity, inclusion of all and respect for the rule of law. Good governance assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account, and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making, especially in the allocation of the country’s resources. Whether or not the Granger led Coalition Government would live up to these
ideals is a matter which the voters will eventually have to pass judgement on at the next election. At present, the country has a number of serious problems that must be given the highest priority by the government. There is an ever-growing import bill that is not being countered by any growth in local production or increase in exports and an over drawn treasury. Also, corruption is rampant; crime, especially murders and armed robberies, are on the increase, unemployment is extremely high among the youths, and poverty is on the rise. Further, after being bullied by the PPP for more than a decade, the people are depressed, oppressed, and demotivated to do the right thing. They have looked around and seen those who obey the laws and play by the rules have not experienced success of any kind. Moreover, the stench of murders and uncollected garbage in the city and their neighborhoods are their reality, albeit with some progress, since the clean-up campaign started. Can the APNU+AFC coalition government convince the people that change is on the way and that they will have a bright future in Guyana? Can the government live up to its promises? Only time will tell. Dr. Asquith Rose
DEAR EDITOR, It was with much relief and appreciation that many people responded to the news that the Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, instructed that the policeman who tortured a youth by burning his genitals be fired. Now he should be prosecuted for justice to prevail. The last government should be ashamed for retaining such a rogue cop and, worst, promoting him. Congratulations, Mr. Ramjattan; keep up the good work. Our police force needs revamping in order to be effective. The police need to be proactive, rather than reactive, in order to serve and protect people. In this regard, they: 1. Should be provided with enough vehicles and radios to patrol and communicate with their workmates regularly. 2. There should be no excuses that they don’t have transportation and drivers (as happened in Region Two a few months ago). The police run driving classes, administer driving tests and issue licenses. Why can’t their own drive to crime scene. Every police officer should be a driver. The excuse the “Me alone in the station and can’t leave.” is
also totally unacceptable. 3. Their curriculum, at training school, should include Tactical Communications (on how to speak to people and deescalate volatile situations), and how to deal with differently-abled people (with physical and mental issues.). Further, it should train them in proper investigative techniques (not the kerosene and match method), and educate them (some of the gifted ones, at least) on how to prosecute court cases so that conviction of guilty persons can increase. 4. The forensic lab should be equipped so that finger prints and other samples can be processed and used as evidence in courts. 5. The salary of police officers should increase and corrupt, rogue cops be purged from the system. 6. The name of the Guyana Police Force should be changed to the Guyana Police Service, as has happened in Belize and other jurisdictions, so that name and nature can be compatible. I know, Mr. Minister, that my above-mentioned suggestions, though not the panacea for law and order, will certainly help to make Guyana safer, which is what all of us want. Karan Chand
Bitter Sugar - The PPP’s parting gift to APNU/AFC and... From page 5 this venerable industry. Even more troubling is GAWU’s president Komal Chand, who is the embodiment of a living breathing conflict of interest. That he’s been the head of the largest workers union and whose sole job was to lookout for workers interest; that duty was seemingly placed on the bottom of the priority list while he shilled for the PPP/ administration as a parliamentarian and executive member of the then ruling party. He was essentially part of management while feigning existence as the head of the bargaining unit. He is therefore placed in the center of the maelstrom that surrounds the sugar industry and figuratively drove the GUYSUCO truck into the ditch. He was never a fair advocate for his workers while being a member of the PPP hierarchy and to claim shock and dismay about the finances of the corporation
and the funds in the workers credit union is intellectually dishonest. Sugar workers should ask for a “do over” and elect a new president, one that’s not politically aligned or pledges fealty to any political party. Nigel Jason
Freddie replies... From page 5 loan from GBTI to buy the Tepuru quarry was a news item in the newspapers. I await BK’s further word. In closing let me say what I chose to omit in my first letter. I have received many complaints from employees of BK of alleged industrial violations. Since I didn’t investigate, I cannot make pronouncements. By way of this letter, I hope aggrieved employees, if any, will contact me. Frederick Kissoon
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
More jamming to come - Jack Warner Trinidad Express - This was the warning issued to Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar by embattled Chaguanas West Member of Parliament Jack Warner Friday. Warner made the statement moments after Persad-Bissessar walked out of the Parliament while he was delivering his contribution on the motion to adopt the second report of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives. Warner ’s contribution began before the Parliament’s tea break. The tea break was held at 4.30 p.m. Warner continued after the session resumed at 5.15 p.m. “Mr Speaker, before we adjourned for tea I recall the Prime Minister walking out and saying words to the effect I think ‘she can’t stay here and take this’,” Warner said. “Mr Speaker, that is unfortunate because I believe the jamming in the House is a tea party to the jamming in Sunshine and the hustings and I really hope of course that it would not affect her
Jack Warner some way,” he said. The Sunshine is a weekly newspaper owned by Warner. This week’s edition of the Sunshine featured a $1 million cheque paid to Ross Advertising by one of Warner’s companies known as Jamad Ltd. A total of five cheques valued at $1,719, 215.75 were featured in the newspaper. Ross is the advertising agency which handled the People’s Partnership’s 2010 election campaign. On April 14, 2010, Jamad Ltd, whose address is 113 Edward Street, Port of Spain, wrote a cheque to Ross Advertising for $1 million. On April 21, 2010, four
other cheques of varying sums—$195,220.55, $155,250, $97,750 and $270,995.20 were also made out to Ross Advertising. The cheques, which show Jamad’s home bank as Republic Bank, Tragarete Road, were all deposited on April 21 at Republic’s Long Circular Mall branch. The weekly newspaper promised “more to come”. Speaking at an Independent Liberal Party (ILP) cottage meeting in Chaguanas last week Thursday, mere hours after being released from prison, Warner said, “Kamla having jailed me, as of tonight the gloves are off.”
$10bn energy losses claims Deyalsingh Trinidad Guardian - Opposition MP Terrence Deyalsingh Friday claimed that “the combined losses” for companies at Point Lisas were an estimated $10 billion. Deyalsingh told legislators during yesterday’s House of Representatives debate on a motion to approve the Second Report of the Standing Committee that his claim could not be refuted. The motion seeks to vary the 2015 budget to allow for payment of increased wages and salaries to public servants, among other matters. The motion was presented for debate by Finance and the Economy Minister Larry Howai. Deyalsingh said the National Gas Company had lost $1.4 billion in revenue. He said the Government had lost $1.3 billion in corporation tax “and the Green Fund has lost $8.8 billion, due to the mismanagement of our energy affairs.” Deyalsingh said the energy sub-committee of Cabinet met only twice in 2012. That sub-committee advises the Cabinet on energy matters. Deyalsingh sought to make fun of Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine when he told Parliament that helicopter flights had increased under the PP Government. He said Ramnarine was seeking to tell the population the Government should not be judged on the economic losses, nor on the latest Moody’s Report which downgraded this country, but on the increase in helicopter flights. Deyalsingh said the Opposition, which returned to the House Friday for this particular debate, would not be supporting the measure. The Opposition has been staying away from the House in protest since early May over the suspension of its leader, Diego Martin
Terrence Deyalsingh West MP Dr Keith Rowley. Works and Infrastructure Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, in his contribution to the debate, denied that the Government had spent $400 billion over the past five years. The claim was repeatedly made by Opposition MPs. Yesterday, he said it was just over $200 billion. Rambachan insisted there was no overspending by the Government as claimed by the PNM.He also said the Government spent the money on several projects, including roads and drains. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar also said her People’s Partnership Government had not discriminated against opposition constituencies. She said she had recently opened three schools in opposition constituencies. She said the laptop computers were distributed to students who attended schools not in PPcontrolled constituencies as well. She accused the Opposition of being against the workers of the country because of its decision not to support the motion.
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Kaieteur News
Cold cases will be revisited once warranted - Ramjattan
The $900M forensic lab
Amidst a backlog of outstanding murder cases awaiting the dispensation of justice, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has issued a plea to the Guyanese public to repose their trust in the Guyana Police Force and come forward with any new information that could warrant reopening these cases. According to the minister, having been in ‘cold storage’, these cases cannot just be reopened without a basis or additional information to give just cause. He added that neither can they be reopened based on the desire of the new Minister of Public Security. “Cold cases will be revisited once there is new evidence found, or if there is good reason found to go forward with them.” He said. Ramjattan listed several instances whereby the reopening of a cold case would be warranted. These include if a new witness comes forward or if new DNA testing
becomes available that would likely cause a difference of opinion. “So there might be some cases I would want to be reopened, but not necessarily all. I will have to have the grounds to reopen them.” He said. He also issued a plea to the general public to come forward with new genuine information they might have relating to cold cases. Meanwhile, addressing the controversial forensic lab, the minister admitted that the entity faced some difficulties, but stated that it was largely an issue of the absence of technical personnel to perform DNA testing and support staff manning the structure. According to him, the staff to maintain and keep specimens safe and legally tenable is not in place as yet. He said it is important to ensure the integrity and professionalism of staffers at the lab, as well as keeping documents relating to DNA testing in
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan cases before the court safe and free of tampering and forgery. H o w e v e r, R a m j a t t a n affirmed that after lengthy discussions with Charge d’ Affairs of the United States Embassy Bryan Hunt, he has indicated a willingness to help in that regard. “It is no use setting up the lab without the personnel. It is like buying an airplane without a pilot. It would be parked up. So it is important
that we go there by stages.” According to him, professional and accurate documentation of records, preservation and placement of specimens were of utmost importance in ensuring that the lab functioned as it should. He revealed that it was a lack of these very systems in the running of the lab that caused the delays in preparing specimens for DNA testing, in addition to lack of available equipment. The $900M Forensic lab, located in the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, Greater Georgetown was first commissioned in 2014 under the Citizen Protection Programme (CSP). However on March 17th, a fire of electrical origin occurred that reportedly left a section of the edifice inoperable.
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Dem boys seh...
DONALD IS A FRIEND INDEED Whoever seh that Donald was a bad man didn’t know what he was saying. Donald does stand up fuh he friends. That is why he always keep Jagdeo close to him. He know that if he did loose Jagdeo dem people in Guyana woulda string him up. But that is only a li’l example. Dem ketch Martin Goolsarran and Fuzzy thiefing over at Hen See Hen. And is only because de man at de telephone company open he mouth otherwise de story woulda never come out. In de end Jagdeo order a probe. It was that probe that stick up Goolsarran and Fuzzy. But dem never talk bout it. Jagdeo refuse to talk bout de report and all dem reporters question Donald de man wouldn’t sell out he friend, Martin. Every time somebody ask he bout de findings he would sing, “Has anybody seem My good friend Martin?” Is now that somebody tek over that de whole story come out. Donald was protecting Martin and Fuzzy. In fact, Fuzzy help he picket Gee Come when he lose de elections. Donald did protect Kwame too. When de boy get mix up wid a story in Diamond he use to sleep at State House under Donald wing. He couldn’t go to Jagdeo. Donald is a real friend. Shaun Samaroo singing de same praise. When Donald call he from Canada and pay him a ton of money, he write how Donald is de greatest person on earth. Donald use to behave like Mother Hen. Anybody who attack he friends use to feel de power. Now Soulja Bai got problems. He see all wha Donald was covering down and he now studying if he should touch all of dem. Dem boys want he to realize that when Cheddi come to power he send some people pun de road without thinking if dem had family to feed. Dem boys got de list. Rohee travel till to de States fuh knock off people and nobody didn’t talk bout witch-hunt. De same Rohee hear when he colleagues use to seh that some of dem mustn’t get wuk in Guyana. Uncle Adam was one. Now dem talking bout witch-hunt. Well all who frighten witch-hunt should go under Donald wing. He does look after he friends. Talk half and tell Martin that Moses coming.
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Rampant corruption uncovered at … CEO sent on leave, Berbice Health facility police called in The operations of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) situated at Garrison Road, Fort Canje, East Berbice has been suspended with immediate effect. The suspension took effect on Friday two days after newly appointed Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton visited the facility on Wednesday. During that visit he declared that it was an illegal entity which had been operating for the past decade without the relevant legislation in place. The Minister held a meeting with the Board of Directors of the de facto entity and informed the
members of its non existence. Chief Executive Officer of the body former PPP/C Member of Parliament, Dr. Vishwarnauth Mahadeo, has reportedly been sent on leave. It is not certain what will become of the remaining members of the body. There was a showdown at the BRHA on Thursday when auditors turned up at the facility to begin auditing the facility. Melissa Ramdeen made attempts to remove a number of items that were in the storage. She also objected to some of the items being audited. The staff had contacted the prison service for labourers while she had instructed that a truck belonging to the health department and the labourers
that work with the BRHA proceed to the bond to pack some of the items inside the vehicle and take them away. Quick intervention by some public spirited citizens’ thwarted the move. The woman then locked herself in the bond. The security was called and after she initially refused to leave, she some time later left and returned to the BRHA, but refused to hand over the keys. The police were called in. Immediately the woman locked herself again in the BRHA and did not respond. The locks were subsequently ordered changed. Most of the storage bonds were in a mess with items being damaged and smelly. In the meanwhile investigations are on going into the report that the BRHA in collusion with the Region Six Administration last year paid a private contractor several million dollars for refrigeration services. It was disclosed that Greenidge Refrigeration Services, during 2014, was awarded contracts totaling $40 million with over 90 per cent
of those jobs being awarded for the health sector. It was also revealed that at the end of the year approximately $9 million was left floating in the free balance. This was immediately awarded to the same company to do work in the Health Sector without tendering. The said company vehicles were used extensively by the former PPP government during the last election campaign. The entity came into being some 10 years ago at the behest of former Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. During the visit Minister George Norton stated that the entity is nonexistent and had no authority to hire or fire any one. It has no power to make decisions regarding health services delivered in the Region. A number of persons were hired and fired at will by Dr. Mahadeo and his staff. Minister Norton, who was accompanied by a high level team from his Ministry, was appalled by what he saw. He expressed his disgust at the way the place was being managed. He said that the Board can function effectively once
given the authority; however, there has to be changes to the body and how it operates. Some of the personnel have to be changed because “you can have the best system in place, but if you don’t have the right personnel, it will continue to fail.” Despite its illegality the BRHA has been functioning with an independent budget. Millions of dollars have been spent by this body for all kinds of services. The BRHA had its own staff that was picked by Mahadeo. There was an assistant CEO who, like many, was paid a super salary. The Assistant, a young woman, was said to be functioning in numerous capacities including being the Procurement Officer, Project Coordinator and Assistant Hospital Administrator. Confusion reigned at the time about the Authority and function of this body. With the Regional Administration in place and all the hospitals having their own administration many theories were being bandied about as to the existence and function
of the body There are the New Amsterdam Hospital, The Skeldon Hospital, the Port Mourant Hospital, the Mibicuri Hospital in the Black Bush Polder and the National Psychiatric Hospital, all of which have their own management systems in place, all of which are answerable to the Regional Administration. The two hospitals on the West Berbice - the Fort Wellington and Mahaicony Hospitals will be run by the Regional Administration in that Region. During the last election campaign employees of the BRHA were openly campaigning for the PPP during working hours. The vehicles used by this body were also openly being used to put up posters. The employees were also on nightly television programmes campaigning for the former government. Dr. Mahadeo was a candidate on the PPP National list of candidates whilst Melissa Ramdeen was a candidate on the Regional list.
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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GRA’s operations likely for tweaking to improve performance
Minister Jordan meeting one of the staffers New Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, believes that the Guyana Revenue Authority is in need of tweaking to improve performance and efficiency. He said that as the main revenue earner for Guyana, he recently visited the organisation for a firsthand look at its operations and get to know the senior staff. It was also an opportunity to have an “understanding of some of the challenges faced in collecting the state’s revenue,” he added during an
Minister of Finance Winston Jordan being greeted at the GRA by Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur during his tour of the agency’s Head Office on Camp St, Georgetown interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA). Describing the GRA’s main office as “pretty organised” he noted that there may be need for some tweaking “here and there”. There may be also some need for tax reform at the administrative levels. He is worried at the rate and the level of remittances, relative to the tax base. Describing himself as action oriented, the Minister said that his visit was
necessary before he presented his recommendations for the upcoming national budget and shared it with the o rg a n i s a t i o n ’s senior staffers. In brief remarks, GRA Head Khurshid Sattaur said he was very enthused with the visit, noting that, “He did give us some suggestions about things we can do to enhance our operations”. He seconded the opinion expressed by Minister Jordan
Coalition Govt. confidently settling in - Minister of State Minister of State of the Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon, at a press briefing on Friday at his office, conveyed optimism regarding the ‘settling in and transitioning’ of the new David Granger-led Administration. The Minister recapped that post-Independence Guyana has only had two governments and therefore ‘shifting’ from one administration to another is not a common practice, “but so far it has been relatively smooth.” He explained that everything is being done with vigilance so that “there will be no ‘starts and stops’ even though there may be a few hiccups.” The former soldier, as is his wont to be disciplined and concise, spelled out clearly that “difficulties anticipated and realised will be dealt with by the transition team,” established by both the previous and present administration. Minister Harmon was emphatic that whatever has to be done will be done
Minister of State Joseph Harmon ‘democratically’ just as the Coalition was “democratically placed to oversee the affairs of the state.” He added that the new administration has already had its first full Cabinet and Defence Board meetings and the various structures in place are almost fully at work. AUDITS Mr. Harmon also said that Cabinet has approved audits
for over 30 state entities, and that the new Minister of Finance is ensuring that monies assigned to the Consolidated Funds are indeed going there. He pressed home the point that missing state assets must be recovered “where ever these are, whether here or overseas, and that to this end, there is likely to be established a State Asset Recovering Unit, tasked with this responsibility. This unit will in all likelihood be multi-agency and will be aided by overseas entities so that the recovery process will be efficient. In terms of actual value, the Minister explained that Professor Clive Thomas estimated the amount “siphoned off” to be almost $300 billion per year, a figure that at least one international agency has topped, giving it as $500 billion. The Minister explained also that when it comes to the actual regaining of State assets, the unit in charge will be independent, but with broad powers. This unit will then make recommendations (continued on page 57)
about the GRA’s operations and described the training sector as the best division. “We would like to have his involvement as much as possible in that regard in
helping us to build our human resources, our capacity and our ability to do our work”. Finance Minister Winston Jordan originally joined the Finance Ministry in 1985 as
Budget Director and after resigning in 1994, was asked to return as a Consultant where he worked until 2008. He was appointed to his current post on May 20.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 07, 2015
Weak procurement processes lead to US$140M loss annually - Goolsarran By Kiana Wilburg Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, contends that the weak systems of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) need to be addressed by the new administration once and for all as they are costing the country approximately $28B annually. Goolsarran said that it is critical for the Ministry of Finance to review the operations of NPTAB given the fact that the agency has been cited by the Auditor General for numerous cases of financial discrepancies. He emphasized that about 70 percent of the national budget relates to public procurement and this translates to approximately $140 billion. The former Auditor General then pointed to credible allegations of corrupt behaviour in public procurement. These included sole sourcing of drug contracts to Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, the best friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, contract splitting, inflated engineer’s
estimates, evaluation bias on behalf of favoured contractors, the use of inexperienced contractors, the absence of competitive bidding in some cases and overpayment to contractors. Goolsarran said that at least, some $28 billion or US$140M is lost annually by looking at those areas. His estimation was garnered from an overview of the Auditor General’s reports on the country’s accounts over the past few years. He also highlighted some of the glaring shortcomings of the NPTAB among them the absence of District Tender Boards for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils; the failure to publish in NPTAB’s website the award of all contracts between $200,000 and $15 million, the failure of members of the various tender boards to file financial returns with the Integrity Commission; the nonestablishment of a formal Bid Protest Committee and the failure to exercise due diligence in ensuring that evaluators had the requisite expertise. He said, too, that there are certain parts of the
Procurement Act which have not been adhered to since the Act came into effect on 1 January 2004. These include ensuring the criteria used for selection are such that they do not discriminate against particular contractors and suppliers; award of contracts based on the lowest evaluated bid as opposed to the lowest bid, taking into account previous experience, capacity, facilities and equipment, and other associated factors; communicating with unsuccessful bidders the basis of the award and why they were not selected; ensuring valid and adequate performance bonds are obtained as a guarantee for satisfactory completion of works and the supply of goods and services; and sanctioning contractors and suppliers for consistent failure to perform to expected standards. Failing to look at these, he opined, has also proven to be very costly to the country. The former Auditor General said that the solution to the problems relating to the operations of the NPTAB is the activation of the Public
Procurement Commission. For the Commission to be established Parliament has to first convene and members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have to be appointed. The PAC then has to select the five-member Commission, and appointments have to be ratified by a two-thirds majority of members of the National Assembly. Goolsarran said that this could be a long drawn out procedure, considering that the People’s Progressive Party is yet to confirm whether it is going to take up its seats in the National Assembly. The Chartered Accountant said that an interim solution to the problem is to reconfigure the NPTAB in such a way that it mirrors the composition of the Procurement Commission and is seen to be independent of the Administration. He said that the Procurement Act does provide for a transitional arrangement whereby, pending the establishment of the Procurement Commission, the NPTAB will assume all the
Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran functions of the Commission. As a starting point, therefore, Goolsarran said that the present members of the NPTAB need to be replaced with independent and professionally and technically competent persons. “It is not publicly known when last the members of the NPTAB have been rotated, contrary to established practices,” the Chartered Accountant said. As regards the alleged failure of the members of the NPTAB to file annual financial returns to the Integrity
Commission, he said that this is a matter for the Commission. However, no Chairman has been appointed since the resignation of Bishop Randolph George in 2006. Since then, there have been no sittings of the Commission. The Integrity Commission Act provides for the recruitment of experts to assist in the scrutiny of the financial declarations by Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior public servants. However, no such persons have been recruited.
PPP still undecided on taking up seats in the Opposition benches Even though Parliament is set to convene within three days, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, indicated yesterday that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is yet to declare its elected Members of Parliament (MPs). Up to press time yesterday, officials from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) confirmed that they too, are still awaiting the PPP’s list of elected MPs. Former President, Donald Ramotar, on Saturday, told this newspaper that he is still undecided about going to Parliament. Pressed to say if he will go, even for the sake of representing his constituents, he said he wished not to disclose anything further on the matter. Isaacs explained that should the PPP MPs not be declared by June 10, they would not be paid. “I work along with the Guyana Elections Commission for this process. If that body declares the names of the PPP MPs after the first sitting, let’s say by Friday or before the second sitting, then a process has to
-prolonged absence could affect the work of sectoral committees
Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs ensue to ensure payments,” the Clerk said. He added, “Should PPP miss the first sitting and their names are declared anytime after June 10, when Parliament convenes, then they would have to write to the Speaker of the National Assembly justifying why they missed the first sitting.
“Once the Speaker is satisfied with the reason provided and has given the go ahead for payments, then they will be paid. Otherwise I cannot pay them. But they can still take their seats in the opposition benches and perform their functions because they were obviously declared MPs by GECOM and would have been sworn in.” Isaacs said, too, that should the PPP MPs miss the first six consecutive sittings in two calendar months, they would essentially lose their seats which would be declared vacant. The Clerk of the National Assembly said that the absence of the PPP MPs would not affect too much of the work of the government. He said that MPs of A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) would be able to do most of its work smoothly. Isaacs said that the National Assembly can do its work with at least 22 members as directed by the
Former President, Donald Ramotar
Constitution. He noted however that the absence of the PPP would leave the government with a majority hold in the Parliament and as such, APNU+AFC MPs would not be able to change some articles of the Constitution that require a two-thirds majority. Prolonged absence of the PPP could also affect the work of the sectoral committees which are entrusted with the responsibility of scrutinizing the business of the government and holding them accountable in several areas. The Public Accounts Committee, (PAC) for example, is responsible for
examining the appropriation of the sums granted by the National Assembly to meet public expenditure and similar financial records laid before it, as well as the Auditor General’s report on the accounts of the country. The Chairman of the Committee is, according to the rules, selected from the Opposition. But given that the PPP is indecisive about taking its rightful place in the opposition benches, the work of this important committee could be hindered. This Committee also holds the power to help establish the long awaited Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which is part of the APNU+AFC plans to be
accomplished within 100 days of being in government. The business of the sitting on Wednesday will include the election of the Speaker and Deputy-Speaker of the House, and the swearing in of all Members of Parliament. The sitting will then be suspended to facilitate the arrival of the President who will inspect the Guard of Honour, in the forecourt of the Public Buildings compound, and then address the National Assembly. Isaacs is expected to meet with the new MPs tomorrow to brief them on parliamentary practices and procedures and to discuss their privileges and entitlements.
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Bandit dead after attempted robbery on Grove business owner
The Grove, EBD crime scene One bandit is dead and another is nursing bullet wounds to the neck and right arm, after an attempted robbery on a licensed firearm holder yesterday afternoon along the Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road. It was later confirmed that the deceased bandit was 18-year-old Michael Grant, of Agricola, East Bank Demerara. He had been pronounced dead on arrival to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Up to press time the other injured bandit remained identified. The businessman, Neezam
Khan, and a colleague were reportedly outside the snackette of which Khan is proprietor, when four young men on two motorcycles rode up. One of the men, armed with a handgun, held up the businessman, relieved him of his jewellery and shot him in his left arm. However, this newspaper understands that before the bandits could have escaped with the loot, Khan opened fired on them. After several rounds were discharged, one of the bandits tried to escape the scene on foot, while another abandoned his bike and
escaped with the other two accomplices on their motorcycle. “There were shots on both ends. After the front man got shot the other bandit dropped the bike and run off,” said one eyewitness who agreed to talk under conditions of anonymity. According to the eyewitness, he was in his car about to get lunch, when he saw two men with a gun corner Khan and his colleague between two parked cars. The witness, a former forest officer, said that after he saw the pointed gun, he stayed in his car to
avoid the showdown. However, after shots were fired, bullets managed to ricochet off the side of his and surrounding cars. He related that the men were not wearing masks and that during their escape both sustained injuries. Meanwhile, Khan’s father, 63 year old ‘Rasta Man’, said that his son was on his way to the hospital for treatment when Kaieteur News arrived on the scene. He said that his son only sustained injuries to his arm and was able to walk just fine, but that the two bandits were bleeding profusely
when they escaped the scene. “The men come on two motorbikes, one parked li’l past the place, and the other one come and rob me son. He hit one of them through the neck and the other one in chest,” said the 63 year-old. He added that both men were in police custody, but that the bandit who was shot in the chest had died. Khan’s father also said that after the men fled, his family and the police held the perpetrators’ motorcycle at the business’s premises. Investigations are ongoing.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 07, 2015
Informant refutes police version of Diamond shootout The recent position taken by Minister of National Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, regarding two policemen who were found culpable for the torture of teenager Tywon Thomas, has lifted the spirits of many. Those who felt that for too long members of the Guyana Police Force have been “getting away with murder”, now have a new thought. Ramjattan, last week, ordered the Commissioner of Police to terminate the services of a Police Corporal, who was involved in the matter, while he is also recommending that the same be done by the Police Service
-- victims’ relatives want case reopened Commission with regard to an Inspector of Police. But while the Minister’s actions have sent a clear message to those policemen who are inclined to violate the rights of citizens, some members of the Guyana society want him to go further and hold accountable those ranks, who are fingered in extra judicial killings. This will certainly appease the relatives of two young men who were gunned down by the police under questionable circumstances
on December 7, 2013 at Diamond, East Bank of Demerara. On that night Paul Bascom, a resident of Diamond Housing Scheme and Alberto Grant, or Alberto Mustapha, 28, called Mukie, of Lot 299 Meadow Brook Gardens were shot dead during an alleged 20-minute shootout with police. Although the Police Office of Professional Responsibility was tasked with investigating that shooting, the findings of their
probe have not been released to the public although the then Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell had promised to have that done. The men’s relatives are appealing to the new administration to re-open the matter since to them the matter has been covered down to protect the “favoured” policemen involved. The current administration had condemned the wanton police killings when they were in opposition and many are expecting them make good on their promise to address the matter. The police had explained that they had STAKED OUT the home of a trucking service operator that the suspects were reportedly planning to rob. According to the police, they challenged two men, who were approaching on foot, and one of them pulled out a handgun and opened fire on the ranks. The police returned fire and fatally wounded both men. The police said that they recovered a .38 snub-nose revolver with two live rounds and two spent shells, along with one 9mm. round and two 7.62 x 39 rounds. The police version of events bears several inconsistencies and it also bears an eerie resemblance to another suspected execution style killing in the city. The same scenario was painted by the police after they shot and killed three men outside the K&VC International Hotel on South Road, two months earlier. On that occasion, police had reported that ranks, acting on information about a planned robbery on an occupant of the K&VC Hotel, had STAKED OUT the
Paul Bascom
Alberto Grant
Lennox Wayne
building last Saturday night. The police said that around 20:30 hours the ranks observed the occupants of a car, bearing registration number PPP 8539, drive up and stop in Alexander Street. Three men exited the vehicle and proceeded towards the K&VC Hotel. Again the police challenged the men who opened fire on them, and the ranks returned fire. According to the police during the exchange of gunfire Jermaine Canterbury called “Chow”, 21, of Hogg Street, Albouystown and Mark Anthony Joseph called
“Two Grand”, 19, also of Hogg Street, Albouystown, were fatally shot. Mario Gouveia, 19, of James Street, Albouystown, was shot and injured to his face and subsequently died mysteriously a few days later in the hospital. Again the police recovered an unlicensed .38 snub-nose revolver with three live rounds and three spent shells and an unlicensed .32 revolver with two live rounds and one spent shell. In both incidents the victims were shot in the head. The similarities were not Continued on page 59
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
New report shows… As the illicit financial flows of 82 developing countries come under review in a new report, figures have shown that Guyana ranks consistently high in its numbers of illicit financial flows. The report, Illicit Financial Flows and Development Indices: 2008–2012, was released by the Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a Washington DC-based organisation. The report takes a look at the illicit financial flows (IFFs) present in 82 countries which were seen as “developing” nations, from the period 2008 to 2012. These countries were distributed by region: 42 in Sub-Saharan Africa, 20 in Asia, eight in the Western Hemisphere, another eight in Developing Europe and four in the Middle East and North Africa. In the report, Guyana was listed in the Western Hemisphere region. Out of the reviewed nations, Guyana and Haiti were the only regional countries to be analysed. However, while both Caribbean countries managed to come under review, Guyana was the only country of the two to rank in any of the nine categories set out by GFI. According to the report, the selected developing countries are ranked by comparing IFFs figures to nine different measures. These measures are gross domestic product (GDP), total trade (both exports and imports), population, foreign direct
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Guyana ranks consistently high in illicit outflows categories
investment (FDI), official development assistance combined with FDI (ODA+FDI), public spending on education, public spending on health, total tax revenues and capital stock. A country with an unusually large amount of IFFs relative to the variable of comparison receives a high rank, the report indicated. Further, these variables were chosen for their direct relationships to economic development. The data presented took a look at the 25 most affected countries in each category. According to information presented, Guyana ranked in the top 25 in six out of the nine categories under review. In two of these categories Guyana ranked in the top 10. The six categories which saw Guyana ranking in the top 25 were the IFFs to GDP (#13 with 17.3%), IFFs to total trade (#22 with 16.4%), IFFs to population (#5), IFFs to ODA+FDI (#20 Guyana at 108.4%),IFFs to public spending on education (#6 at 511.5%) and IFFs to public spending on health (#15 at 264%). Guyana did not rank in the other three categories. According to the GFI, domestic spending on fundamental social needs, such as education and health, are often overwhelmed by the amount of illicit money flowing out of the economy. The report indicated that with this illicit money domestic resources could be mobilized to address basic human needs.
About 40% of the 82 countries reviewed had illicit outflows that exceeded spending on education. A similar percentage had IFFs that surpassed health expenditures. Guyana is one. Furthermore, countries with high ranks in the ratios comparing to public spending on education and/or health are possibly those that could most benefit from curbing illicit outflows and applying the resulting increase in taxation receipts to these sectors of the public budget. The GFI also noted that in countries where inequality and poverty levels are high, the outflows of illicit finances are also high; when illicit flows are high, a country’s development score tends to be low, the report showed. Interestingly, the report noted a contrary relationship between the efficiency of customs department and IFFs; in this case, where efficiency is high, illicit flows are low. “This indicates that good governance (i.e. low corruption) in customs departments may be a way to
curtail illicit outflows,” GFI’s Managing Director Tom Cardamone noted in a release on the report. Additionally, findings revealed a “robust relationship” between high tariff rates and high levels of IFFs. “One reason for this may be that high tariffs could spur importers and exporters to resort to trade fraud to avoid the tariff,” GFI noted in the report. GFI also found that that 40% of the countries examined had illicit flows that were at least 10 percent of the country’s total trade value. “This finding may be a reflection of the fact that, over the last 10 years, approximately 80 percent of all illicit outflows use trade misinvoicing (i.e. trade fraud) as the method to move funds offshore,” the report stated. The GFI also made a number of recommendations in handling IFFs. One of these recommendations was concerted action by the international community in assisting not only nations with high levels of IFFs but also those that have huge percentages of their economic
foundation eroded by the phenomenon. Further, GFI recommended that all countries should, at a minimum, take steps needed to comply with all of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. “Regulators and law enforcement officials should strongly enforce all of the anti-money laundering laws and regulations that are already on the books, including through criminal charges and penalties for individuals employed by financial institutions who are culpable for allowing money laundering to occur,” GFI
suggested. For the report, four different sets of developing countries were combined to create a unified list of developing countries in particularly difficult development situations, GFI said. These country groups are heavily indebted poor countries, low-income developing countries, least developed countries, and lower-middle-income economies. According to GFI, the groups were chosen to highlight those countries most in need of development financing and/or domestic resource mobilization.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 07, 2015
New Govt. must address Telecoms liberalization reform - PSC ‌ President Granger mandates Economic forum By Jarryl Bryan Executives from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) met with President David Granger and Finance Minister Winston Jordan during which pressing concerns such as telecoms liberalization, tax reform and others were highlighted. The Commission was also given a mandate by President Granger to organize a National Economic Forum, one that would have special significance as Guyana stands on the threshold of becoming an oil-producing country. The meeting, held at Office of the President on Thursday also served as a platform to point the administration to the many matters left in limbo by
the previous administration. Some of these have a direct effect on the Private sector. According to the Commission, during the meeting the need to reorganize the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), as well as liberalizing the telecommunications industry, which has been faced with many allegations of being monopolized by a few, was raised. During the meeting, the PSC also highlighted the urgent need for legislation to combat money laundering, financing of terrorism and bribery. The Commission also confirmed its support for the Public Procurement Commission and the Integrity Commission, all state
PSC Executives in the company of President David Granger and Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, (third and second from right respectively). commissions designed to hold public officials accountable and answerable for illicit assets. The PSC also addressed certain projects, started by the
previous administration but left in abeyance by their sudden fall from power. According to a release from the Commission, the President was promised the body’s full support to complete the Amaila Falls Hydro project and the Marriott Hotel, as well as to hold the long awaited Local Government Elections. The PSC, who would have collaborated with past administrations in programmes such as the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), the National Development Strategy (NDS), the Poverty
Reduction Strategy (PRS), National Competitiveness Strategy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), also pledged to continue that tradition of developmental support with Granger’s administration. During the meeting, the body also suggested that Public-Private dialogue bodies established through the Competitiveness Strategy could be reconstituted to increase their effectiveness. Proposals for the organization of an economic forum aimed at formulating plans and establishing
priorities to grow the economy were also introduced. According to the Commission and the President such a forum would be inclusive of stakeholders from civil society, labour and religion. The National Economic forum has been an initiative between the Government and stakeholders held every year. Their plans for economical development have been outlined The forum, normally takes place at the newly renamed Arthur Chung Convention centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Having a Head Injury: Would you know if it’s serious or not? By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Our head houses our brain which functions as our main control centre. Every single thought and action that we perform is derived from this complex organ. It regulates the function of each organ in our body and without it there wouldn’t be life itself. It is for that reason that it’s housed in our head which protects it with a strong bony structure called the skull. We would have all hit our heads at some point in life, some more severe than others. For the most part, our skull absorbs the trauma, preventing injury to our brain. In events when there is brain injury, would you know what to look for? Today we will highlight the levels of brain injury and their presentations. MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury may include: · Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few
As if unlicenced guns are not enough to worry about, another young man is going to feel that he has reached the top of the world when he borrows a gun and attempts to hold up a city dweller. His foray is going to end horribly. Initially he will feel that he has achieved his goal but there are others who carry guns. The fallout will be sad.
minutes · No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented · Headache · Nausea or vomiting · Fatigue or drowsiness · Difficulty sleeping · Sleeping more than usual · Dizziness or loss of balance · Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell · Sensitivity to light or sound MODERATE TO SEVERE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as the following symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury: · Loss of consciousness from several minutes to hours · Persistent headache or headache that worsens · Repeated vomiting or nausea
· Convulsions or seizures · Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears · Inability to awaken from sleep · Loss of coordination · Appearing very confused · The victim is behaving very unusual. · Slurred speech · Unconsciousness CHILDREN’S SYMPTOMS Infants and young children with brain injuries may lack the communication skills to report headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe: · Change in eating or nursing habits · Persistent crying and inability to be consoled · Unusual or easy irritability · Change in ability to pay attention · Change in sleep habits · Sad or depressed mood · Loss of interest in favourite toys or activities INTOXICATED PERSONS This is a special group since they are more prone to injuring their head and when they do, it’s more difficult to
** An outing is going to go wrong for a group of young people. The weather is not
going to be helpful, so when with alcohol they will attempt to add speed, the crash will tax the medical facilities. Unfortunately, innocent people will also be hurt. ** Another murder is going to make the headlines. What started out as a casual encounter will graduate to a heated argument. This can be a dangerous continuation and in this case it will be.
determine their level of head injury. An intoxicated person can mimic signs/symptoms of head injury without injuring their head. It is therefore recommended that if an intoxicated person sustains trauma to their head, they should be brought for medical assessment once the mechanism of injury is deemed to be serious. WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR You should see your doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head or body that concerns you or causes behavioural changes. Once there is a person exhibiting any of the above listed symptoms/signs after injuring their head, they
should be brought for emergency medical assessment. The terms “mild,” “moderate” and “severe” are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function. A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis. We should all make strong efforts to protect ourselves and others from sustaining brain injury. It often happens in times of negligence. A world with
Dr. Zulfikar Bux less violence, no drug abuse, no drinking and driving and more thoughtful behaviour would mean a world with far less head injuries. Food for thought!
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 07, 2015
Another Women Entrepreneurship Support Workshop concludes The curtains closed last Thursday on the second Women Entrepreneurship Support Workshop - a collaborative project between the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG). A simple ceremony for the presentation of certificates was held in the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) building at Main and New Market Streets. The initial workshop aimed at working with 60 female, small business owners, within the confines of region three and four, in an effort to help increase the revenue coming into their businesses. Book keeping, Networking, Strategic Planning, Communication for businesses and key elements of Marketing were the main topics focused on at the workshop. There were four mentors who conducted the interactive sessions with the women, who will be further mentored until December. At the first workshop, 21 women participated, and for the second 39 were expected but 24 took part. However, the recent fourday programme was well received by those in attendance. Sopheina Lawrence, a
very vibrant young lady was grateful in her vote of thanks to the hosts of the workshop. The 34-year-old mother of three, who operates a hair retail business from her North Sophia home, said that the workshop was very informative and practical. She indicated that now she will be putting what she has learned into practice, to further enhance her business which is only a few months old. Felicia Dey, who has operated a salon at the Sleepin Hotel for over ten years, said that the workshop has taught her a lot. “It has thought me a lot about my long-term vision and how to spend my money wisely…how to separate my business money from my pleasure money so to speak.” Another participant, Lana Narine, a 33-year-old mother of three, owns a document centre which she has run for four years. She said that after two years in the business she was faced with some difficulties which forced her to shut down. It was only last December that she reopened the doors to her business, and now with the help of the workshop, she is now more confident about better managing her finance. Participants came as far as from Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, with the oldest being in her fifties. At the first workshop
The second batch of participants, after Thursday’s ceremony, pose with Ms. Inge Nathoo, Secretary- General, Guyana National Commission for UNESCO and Executive Director of the Youth Challenge for Guyana, Dmitri Nicholson sitting.
The group that participated in early April
which commenced on April 6, last, and concluded on April 10, the programme was also lauded by the 21 persons who took part. The responses from the women were essentially the same. Those women are owners of salons, catering
services, repackaging of food items, boutiques, confectionery stands, baby gifts and much more. Faith DeSouza, a cosmetologist for 12 years, described it as a very enlightening and edifying programme.
Tracey Bailey, who owns and has operated a salon for 15 years, said that the workshop has helped her to enhance her business, in terms of better management and transparency. From all indications, the women had developed camaraderie during the workshop, as they were seen jovially interacting with each other. There were hints by two of the women, of them teaming up for GuyExpo 2015. Executive Director of Youth Challenge Guyana, Dmitri Nicholson, related that ExxonMobil had previously sponsored a project to support women entrepreneurs, and based on the results from that project, YCG had solicited sponsorship from UNESCO and there was consent. As a result, the programme was launched. It is scheduled to conclude this year end. Nicholson expressed special thanks to UNESCO, and this was re-emphasized by YCG’s Education Programme Manager Chriseana Ramrekha, who asserted that the forum could not have been possible without the significant support. Ms. Inge Nathoo, Secretary- General, Guyana National Commission for UNESCO, was very
sentimental during her remarks. Being a singleparent who had to raise two children on her own, Nathoo said that she understands what some of the women would have went through. Now from a standpoint where she is able to empower other women, Nathoo encouraged the women to not let the programme be another one that just slips by. She urged that they keep working on improving their businesses and even getting their children involved. “Get your children to see and understand that there is a structure in everything… let them see you working and get them involved in little chores…” When UNESCO had made invitations for proposals, it was Nathoo who urged the YCG to write a proposal, as she had worked with them back in 2008 with a venture called “Volunteers teachers’ programme”, and the work was deemed as tremendous. After making the winning proposal, it was suggested to Nicholson by Nathoo that something be down to empower women, hence the Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Workshop was initiated. Nathoo reiterated that the women will be coached by mentors until December.
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Special thanks to David and others in the election campaign During an election campaign, you mingle with colleagues who if wasn’t for the campaign, you would never have come to know beyond the superficial level. In an election campaign, the people that hardly get recognition, if any at all, are your security personnel. These people deserve more credit than the popular names whose faces adorn the campaign bandwagon. It must be remembered at all times that these people are willing to risk their lives for you. These are the people that are always in the line of fire. If someone rushes up to you and takes a swipe at your head with a four by four, they will rush to confront your attacker. When the election campaign began, I knew security would be a nightmare for me. Two reasons account for this. The AFC would not have the personnel or the finance to cover me every night on the campaign trail. Secondly, I couldn’t afford my own security detail The point man in the structure of public meetings for the AFC was Leonard Craig. Before the planning of campaign meetings started, Craig and I lunched at Excellence Restaurant on Charlotte Street, and he said he would prefer me to speak in Indian districts. Naturally that meant far away from the safety and daylight of Georgetown. My nightmare grew larger when Charrandas Persaud requested that I be his weekly guest on his AFC television programme in Berbice. Always afraid to be out late at night in a country where state power does evil things, I was in a scary dilemma. The 2015 election was a thing the opposition
couldn’t lose, so I wanted to make my contribution so it could count towards the victory. There was absolutely no way I could not campaign for the coalition. But how was I to cope with going home after midnight? My first meeting was Charlestown. From there on, my placements were deep in Region 4 and beyond. My second meeting was in Diamond. Enter David Wren. David is a little fellow of five feet, one inch. He said he didn’t think I should come back alone for those meetings so he would accompany me. For two weeks David provided security for which I was grateful and for which I will always remember him. Special thanks go out to this little man (we call him “Small David” in the AFC office to distinguish him from David Patterson) for taking the time to provide protection for me. David had his AFC work to do, so he couldn’t go to Berbice and in Region 3. Lady Luck smiled on me. I got fantastic protection from three courageous AFC personnel – Leon Hunt, a good find for the youth wing of the AFC, and two seasoned fighters who gave yeoman service years ago to the PNC - Albert Cromwell (aka Bulldog - hereafter referred to as Bulldog, which is the name he would prefer I use) and Gordon April. Being on the road for two months with Bulldog and April cannot match any political experience I have had in the hustings of street politics. Bulldog is the most cantankerous, disagreeable, aggressive person I ever met in my life. But when it came to my security, Bulldog was one hundred percent competent. I had to buy liquor for Bulldog and April on every
trip I made to Berbice (I made several during the campaign) but never for a moment did the intoxicant make them oblivious to my security needs. The most hilarious moments with Bulldog and April were the four times the sister of Charrandas Persaud prepared meals for us when we went to the television station, Dave TV in New Amsterdam. I specifically requested of Charrandas to
have Gilbakka curry. After each meal, Bulldog would go up to Charrandas’ sister and say, “Mommy can I get a little bit more.” What was funny was that Bulldog could be the father of Charrandas’ sister, yet he called her “mommy.” Even after we left the television station, they would request I buy food in Berbice. I come from South Georgetown where the men folk could eat nuff food, but I
never saw people eat so much before as Bulldog and April. Moments of hilarity were interspersed with moments of dead seriousness as when a car began to follow us late into the night at Unity, Mahaica. And there was this open-back pick-up that began following us from Ogle at 1 a.m., with some men who had guns in their waist. On both occasions,
Frederick Kissoon Bulldog, April and Leon displayed immense courage. I cannot thank them enough for keeping me safe during the 2015 election campaign. Thank you so much guys!
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 07, 2015
A wave of nationalism is sweeping the land “I feel like Guyanese again.” “Suddenly I feel as if this land is mine and I have a responsibility to nurture it.” These are only a few of the nationalist sentiments being expressed by citizens from every age grouping across this land. The national songs that were written and put to music in the early 20th Century were like a balm for bruised Guyanese psyches in 2015. The airwaves during the recent Independence observances and celebrations were filled with this singularly Guyanese music and folks out and about conducting their dayto-day activities were singing out loud the songs that some had heard for the first time. A wave of nationalism is now sweeping this land and people everywhere are reacting in the most positive ways. They are re-learning
the lyrics of our national songs and teaching them to their children who had no idea that Guyana had national songs. One or two have surmised that these songs may very well make their way back into school concerts and choirs in the not-toodistant future. This 49th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence neatly coincided with the inauguration of a bright new government that is fully committed to “redesigning” the fortunes of this bountiful land around the people of this land. When the late William ‘Billy’ Pilgrim penned the lyrics to “Let us Co-operate for Guyana” in the mid 1900’s, he certainly had not foreseen the pressing need to rebuild the entire nation, neither did Valerie Rodway, the highly acclaimed writer of “Oh Beautiful Guyana” and “Guyana the Free”, nor
Hilton Hemerding who wrote and sang nostalgically about the land just off the Atlantic, “Land of jungles, waterfalls and sweet scenery; Where poor people farm the lands and hunt the waters, And all live in peace and harmony”. The beautification of the landmark Independence Arch and its environs at Upper Brickdam for the Independence Day FlagRaising ceremony this year seemed to have heralded a tidal wave of nationalism. Few, if anyone, could have foreseen that it would be the precursor to a massive citizen-driven exercise to clean and beautify the capital city, the towns and villages. Several commentators on social media and one particular newspaper columnist who all reside overseas, just could not grasp the significance of this outpouring of support from
the business community, civil society, from young people and religious bodies. The columnist’s contention was that the people were cleaning the mess they made themselves. A long stretch of the imagination may find some rationale for this inane comment, but the short version points to the war of words and deeds that the previous government had waged for years on the city, town and village councils, depriving them of adequate funding and denying their proposals for self-raised funds; then devising strategies to deliver in 10-year intervals (a generous estimate) one-time clean-up projects at great expense to the taxpayers’ physical, psychological and financial health and social wellbeing. Some called this the Santa Claus syndrome, but placed
in Guyana’s context, it ‘boiled down’ to a diabolical way to garner political support. Now, however, is no time to dwell on past circumstances. We have a nation to re-build and a people to lift up from the clutches of degradation. Our survival is heavily dependent upon rapid-fire advancement across the board and our ability to participate and compete on an even keel in the international marketplace. Our people are already demonstrating their willingness to move this nation forward working sideby-side with their new untainted government. They are aware of their value to the new government’s nationbuilding programmes. They know that the coalition was founded on the collective belief that the people of Guyana are the most resourceful in this hemisphere, and with progressive, astute governance, will once again become the most literate and numerate. LIFTING UP OUR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES This wave of national fervour has reached the hinterland regions, but the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is facing an uphill climb to raise the standards of life and living of our First Peoples. The many tribes have worked for centuries to sustain their various cultures in the hinterland regions. The reality, however, is that they have been deliberately cut off from mainstream media which made them vulnerable to political manipulation. They had access only to the
newspapers and radio stations under the control of the PPP. During election campaign seasons, and not only in 2015, they were ‘gifted’ with outboard motors for their boats, the sole means of transportation for thousands living in riverain villages; ATVs for those in inland areas; solar electricity systems; imported food items and other consumables. Then those who supported other parties had their ‘gifts’ rudely taken away. Insidious threats were made and many were carried out. The new Minister and staff have now added another element to their expansive agenda. They are faced with the task of erasing the pictures of unthinkable horror that were painted on the psyches of some villagers by the now Opposition PPP/C during the last election campaign. The development programme will necessarily involve close interaction with village chiefs and villagers, collaboration, constant communication and the means for access to modern media. The rapidly growing hinterland population must be kept abreast with developments in the country and the rest of the world. The agenda also includes enhancement of cottage industries for craft items, preserved meats, fruits and vegetables, and indigenous root-based products. This of course, will require the intervention of professional agriculturists to guide them towards modern farming techniques including soil rejuvenation and produce handling. With the world of trade now shrinking into one (Continued on page 30)
Sunday June 07, 2015
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MY COLUMN
Granger needs to find the people’s money It seems as though there is no end to the disclosures. There was the discovery of a multi-million-dollar payday to a Canada-based Guyanese for work on the Rodney Commission-of-Inquiry. Needless to say, this created a shock, since the nation was not aware that the government had reached out to someone to do something in relation to the commission. What this signaled was that the government chose to reach out although it has a well-appointed state media apparatus. This seemed to suggest that there was no one capable of doing what the government hired Shaun Samaroo to do. And whatever he did was surely not outstanding enough to warrant attention. The end result is that I concluded that the government was doling out money to its supporters. And this can only happen when there seems to be no checks and balances. In other countries, such a venture to recruit Shaun Samaroo would have been made public. The various governments would have made an announcement, almost in the same way that there are announcements when contracts are awarded. The disclosures did not end there. We found out that the government had recruited some young men to sit and monitor Facebook, ghostwrite letters using the names
of non-existent people, and to attempt to hack into people’s computers. Hacking is criminal and if the government did approve of the actions of these young people, that was also criminal. But what about the expenditure on other things? The nation needs to know, so there will be forensic audits. This will provide a look into every nook and cranny. But why should this be? All my life I believed that Governments were to govern a country in a manner that everyone felt the benefits. Now I find out otherwise. I still remember 23 years ago when the PPP government came in with claims that corruption was rampant during the tenure of the PNC. I failed to recall one incident of undisclosed spending. More than that, I could not find one case of any Minister gaining so much from the treasury that he could build a mansion and own property all over the country. I saw what was considered the purging of the political types, none of whom were open advocates of the ruling party. There was access by all, even to employment. Once a person was qualified that person gained the job. For national projects the tenders went out. No one can point to a failed project. Constructions were sturdy and designed to last. It was a
case of money well spent. So once again the nation is preparing to go back to national development rather than development for a few. President David Granger spoke of professionalizing the public service and the process has begun. But of course, there are the few who believe that disruption is the order of the day. Take the case of Khemraj Ramjattan’s action against two policemen who were dragged before the courts for torturing a suspect. The government, perhaps rightly, contended that since they were not convicted they should continue. But a decent government would have parted company with the tainted. This is always the case. Now I took a look to the road ahead. The government must prepare its budget. I want to see development continue. We already have projects in the pipeline. The government is within its right to review these. President Cheddi Jagan did this. Of course it was so long ago that most people around today would not even know this. He reviewed the deal that
saw Omai Gold Mines coming to Guyana. He got international help and despite the promise that he would make the findings possible, he never did. Then he reviewed the Barama deal. In each case he found that these were the best the country could have got. There was no under-the-table exercise. There was no sharing of timber concessions for money in personal pockets. This is going to continue to be the order of the day. Woe betide if the administration should find that there were corrupt transactions in some of the deals. The people know that if they do something wrong they would have to pay the price. They expect the same thing for the high and mighty, because no one is bigger than the law. I would like to see what happened to the lotto funds. There were billions of dollars there. The Lotto Company,
when last it declared how much should have been in the fund, said that the amount should have been more than $6 billion. That money could have built the Olympic swimming pool without taxing the taxpayer. It could have also built the track and field facility. I would like to know how much is there and where the rest went. I want to know about the 20 per cent shares in Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company that was sold, they say, for US$30 million. I want to know where that money went. I want to see the inside of the deal to construct the Amaila Falls hydroelectric project. At last count the nation was expected to pay US$850 million. I thought that it was exorbitant, so I want to see what the real cost will be. I saw how the radio frequencies were distributed. I don’t expect them to be revoked, but some of the people who got the best
Adam Harris frequencies would have to lose a few. There was no tender for the frequencies, when that should have been the case and when the nation could have made money. There is work to be done, not only at cleaning up, but also at pushing Guyana forward. The foreign missions have all pledged their help and support. They knew what was going on and I get the impression that they wanted to see the back of the past Government. The people have spoken. It is now for the government to deliver.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 07, 2015
A wave of nationalism is sweeping the land From page 28 global space, our indigenous peoples now must be equipped and educated to accommodate the advanced needs (and demands) of the modern consumer, including tourists. Most indigenous communities have traditionally used the timber and other natural resources in their environs for their own sustenance and notably in a sustainable manner to ensure continuity for the generations to come. Beside their small-scale logging activities, they also utilize non-timber products as medicine, craft, food and tools which in most instances, do not involve the felling of trees. The Ministry is prepared to confront the destructive social issues plaguing some communities. These include alcohol and illicit drug addiction, joblessness and the young women’s vulnerability to sex traffickers (Trafficking in Persons). The youths and women require separate programmes that will facilitate their access to higher quality education. The plan is to tailor the circumstances, remove the need for children to travel many miles by small boat or on foot through narrow forest paths, and bring the educational resources to the villages. The empowerment programme for women will involve actual interface tutelage on basic economics, i.e. income generation and
sustenance of small businesses with food, fashion, utilitarian and decorative products that evolve from their own environments. One more high priority item on the Ministry’s agenda is land titling and boundary demarcation. They must now confront the complex issue of rights to natural resources that lie both above and beneath titled Amerindian lands and the waterways that fall within. For about a decade our Indigenous Peoples have been lobbying for the right to own as well the resources that lie beneath their titled lands. This right has always resided in the State and it will be addressed by this Ministry. Those communities have borne the brunt of the severe damage to their environments caused by mining and timber harvesting, and the concomitant destructive social changes introduced to their lives. The new ministry’s interventions will of necessity demand collaboration with the Ministries of Health, Education, and Natural Resources among others. This government is well aware of its duty to ensure that the rights of indigenous people are protected. In the past, the state had been slow and sometimes recalcitrant in responding to lobbies for protection, changes in policy and legislation, and the enforcement and monitoring of those protection policies. That will remain a thing of the past.
WAY DOWN DEMERARA R.C.G. Potter When your ship has passed the islands and the blue sea turns to brown, And the leadsman calls ‘Five Fathoms’ when he casts the lead-line down, And you see a long flat coastland and a smokeless wooden town, You can reckon you are nearing Demerara. Demerara, Demerara, you can reckon you are nearing Demerara. When you’re wakened in the morning by a cheerful kiskadee, And you see a sakiwinki by a mukka mukka tree, And the very homely features of the slimy manatee, You can know that you are down in Demerara. Demerara, Demerara, you can know that you are down in Demerara. When you spot an alligator who is waiting for a feed, And observe a salempenta (of the iguana breed), And you dodge the marabunta (ripe for any evil deed), You are somewhere, without doubt, in Demerara. Demerara, Demerara, you are somewhere, without doubt, in Demerara. When you sail up mighty rivers and you scarcely glimpse a hill, And you see the great Kaieteur (which perhaps you never will), When you pay your fare in shillings, though it’s dollars on the bill, You will boast that you’re at home in Demerara. Demerara, Demerara, you will boast that you’re at home in Demerara. Silvertorch.com
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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SUNDAY SPECIAL NICIL, GRA, 30 OTHERS FOR FORENSIC AUDIT – MINISTER JORDAN It appears that Finance Minister, Winston Jordan was not bluffing when he said recently that several forensic audits will be conducted to ascertain how the assets of the state were sold, disposed of or transferred under the previous administration. Preparations are already afoot for a series of rigorous audits on state agencies, national projects and funds which were deemed by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) to be tainted by some form of corruption. Jordan said that he has submitted a list of about 30 state entities; funds and national projects to the Ministry of the Presidency which he believes warrant an immediate forensic audit. He said that once Cabinet gives the green light, work shall commence. The special team will comprise “highly qualified and competent officials skilled in this sort of exercise,” the Finance Minister expressed. Kaieteur News understands that among the top agencies to undergo rigorous audits are the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). Jordan said that preliminary discussions were already held with NICIL’s head Winston Brassington and GRA Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur. Other funds slated for Cabinet’s approval of an audit include; the LottoFunds and the controversial account belonging to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). JUDGE LIFTS JAGDEO’S TRAVELBANAFTER “HUMBLE” PLEA Days after his well-publicized appearance in the prisoners’ dock at Whim Magistrate’s Court, Berbice, former President Bharrat Jagdeo is now free to travel after applying to the High Court for permission. Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang, agreed to lift the restrictions which Jagdeo, through his lawyer Murseline Bacchus, claimed would stop him from seeking medical attention and carry out his overseas commitments. In the ‘humble petition’, signed by Jagdeo and his lawyer, the former President said that he resides at Parcels 241 and 246 Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, and is
an adult and former Executive President of Guyana. ”Your Petitioner has a fixed place of abode at the above address and has been living there for a number of years. Your Petitioner holds an honorary doctorate and because of his activities has been named ‘Champion of the Earth’.” Jagdeo claimed that because of “international obligations”, he is required to leave Guyana regularly - as matter of fact he has done so on numerous occasions but has always returned. He said that on April 9, a private citizen- Christopher Ram- filed a private criminal indictable charge against him at the Whim Court. He was not served a summons to appear in court. On hearing about threat of an arrest warrant by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga, Jagdeo said that he appeared in court. The former President said that he was placed on bail on his own recognizance and was required to sign it. However, the High Court application argued that there were no conditions attached to the recognizance Jagdeo signed. MONDAYEDITION USA, GUYANA COLLABORATE TO ENSURE OIL WEALTH DOES NOT LAND IN PRIVATE POCKETS With promising indications that Guyana will soon become an oil-producing country, the newly inaugurated government has begun talks with the United States of America (USA) with an aim to adopt the most suitable measures to secure the wealth that will be derived. This was made known by United States Embassy Chargé d´ Affaires, Bryan Hunt during a recent exclusive interview with Kaieteur News. Hunt explained that the USA wants to ensure that
Guyana, “as a matter of priority,” becomes a candidate country for the Extracted Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The EITI is intended to ensure that all oil deals are transparent and the public is kept up to date with the wealth generated from such deals. Hunt told Kaieteur News that his country has had preliminary discussions with the Granger government on how Guyana might transparently manage the financial resources generated, not only from oil and gas but from minerals and timber as well. The Envoy said that the new government as well as the previous government was spoken to about the “need” for Guyana to become a candidate country for the EITI. The EITI, as explained by Hunt, is the global gold standard by which governments can ensure that its country’s financial inflows from natural resources extractions are transparent to the public. ”In this way everyone knows what you (government) are receiving, everyone knows the terms of the contract and then civil society can be able to hold the government accountable to make sure that those resources flow into the state coffers and not into private pockets. So getting Guyana into the EITI is something that needs to happen on a priority basis,” said Hunt. TUESDAYEDITION GOVT. SACKS 2 DOZEN ‘SECRET’STAFFERS More than 20 persons who were secretly working at the Office of President under the guise of being ‘Work Processor Operator’, but were actually doing political work under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, on Monday had their services terminated. According to sources within of the Ministry of the
Presidency, most of the staffers were being paid to write letters to the editors to the various newspapers, and to create fake profiles on Facebook and other social websites. It would be one of the most glaring cases that have emerged in which state resources were being abused under the previous Government. Almost a dozen of them had contracts with the National Communications Network (NCN), reportedly receiving salaries from that entity as well as from the Office of the President. Other state entities were used to pay salaries for the PPP activists. This is being investigated. On Monday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, confirmed that he had earlier in the day issued letters ending the contracts. ”They were not working in the interest of the state. They were basically doing party work. We can’t waste taxpayers’ monies like this,” the Minister said.
Williams divulged this information on Monday during an interview at his Carmichael Street Office. The Minister was reluctant to share the name of the journalist who benefited heftily from the COI, but noted that the individual was paid US$7,300 per month. This journalist has since been identified as Canada-based Shaun Samaroo. Williams said that Samaroo was handed US$80,300 ($16.8M) for his work which the PPP obviously found to be quite exquisite. Even when pressed to reveal the journalist’s name, Williams held out that the person’s identity will be revealed in due time. However, the Attorney General indicated that “he” was attached to a state media entity. Williams also noted that the entity is classified as print media, eliminating the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA).
PPP GOVT PAYS REPORTER $16M TO COVER WALTER RODNEY COI – TOTAL COST OF INQUIRY EXCEEDS $325M
LEONORA ‘TORTURE COP’ KICKED OUT OF FORCE – RAMJATTAN ALSO PUSHING FOR DISMISSAL OF COLLEAGUE
As he opined that the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) probably never envisaged defeat, Attorney General Basil Williams revealed that he has already discovered evidence of PPP careless utilization of the state’s financial resources. Williams noted that to date, the previous administration spent over $325M on the “witch-hunt” it disguised as a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the death of Dr. Walter Rodney. Of that amount, $150M has been expended on salaries for the three commissioners, two lawyers and “a certain journalist.”
Corporal Mohanram Dolai, who was found criminally liable for burning a teenage boy’s privates in the Leonora Station lockups six years ago, has been kicked out of the Guyana Police Force. Dolai was given his marching orders by Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, following instructions from newly-appointed Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. Ramjattan confirmed that Dolai was fired on his instructions, and indicated that he will be seeking to have Dolai’s colleague, Inspector Narine Lall, given similar marching orders, as he signaled that
WEDNESDAYEDITION
there will be zero tolerance for rogue cops, under the new dispensation. Ramjattan explained that Inspector Narine Lall, who was also found liable for the torture of 15-year-old Twyon Thomas, could only be dismissed by the Police Service Commission (PSC). ”I intend to write to the PSC, which is the authority (to rule on dismissal)… making the request that in the public interest that the Inspector (Lall) also be fired. You cannot have done this major misconduct and still be retained in the Guyana Police Force, and then be promoted.” Ramjattan, who was Thomas’ attorney, said that the argument that Lall was not criminally convicted is misconstrued, since Justice Roxanne George had found Lall and Dolai liable for being responsible for burning Thomas’s genitals while he was in custody at Leonora. THURSDAY EDITION MINISTRY SETABLAZE HOURSAFTERAUDIT LAUNCHED INTO $1B CLEANUP Mere hours after an investigation was launched into last year’s $1B “Clean up my Country” campaign initiated by the previous administration, an arson attempt was directed to the Audit Section of the Ministry of Communities, Fort Street, Kingston on Wednesday afternoon. The Ministry, formerly known as the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, had spearheaded the cleanup project under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government, which saw a $500M expenditure in the Georgetown area alone. The rest was allocated to various regional bodies. This newspaper understands that Wednesday the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communities ordered a special audit into the spending of the countrywide cleanup project. According to sources close to the Ministry, documents regarding spending in the project were subsequently requested by auditors within the Ministry. These documents would have provided records of the Ministry’s spending with regard to transactions. However, reportedly one hour after the request was made, Ministry staff members were alerted that a fire had started in the Audit Section of the compound. The fire was reportedly in a room immediately next to (Continued on page 41)
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(From page 31) where the documents were housed. The Minister’s office is also said to be located in the same section of the compound. Sources close to investigation, told this newspaper that the fire was contained to an isolated room. After the flames were reportedly extinguished it was found that two chairs and the walls of the room were scorched, while the carpet was discovered to be burnt. It is believed by investigators that the floor had been saturated with kerosene, hence the reason for the burnt carpet. FIRED: GUYSUCO’S BOSS, BOARD SENT PACKING Government on Wednesday fired the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the entire board of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), citing increasing losses and waste in recent years. An Interim Management Committee (IMC), to be headed by former CEO Errol Hanoman, will take the reins of what is the country’s largest single employer. Also tipped to return is former CEO, Paul Bhim, who will work under Hanoman in the IMC. The decision to dismiss CEO, Dr. Raj Singh, and ask for the resignation of the Board was taken by the Cabinet on Tuesday. A Government of Guyana statement said that on the directive of Cabinet, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, on
Kaieteur News
Wednesday issued the letter of dismissal to Singh. It took immediate effect. ”In addition, members of GuySuCo’s Board of Directors have been instructed to send in letters of resignation with immediate effect.” Explaining the decision, Government stressed that GuySuCo has been suffering increased losses over the years.
pertaining to the spending. The building is largely a wooden one. On Thursday, investigators reportedly viewed video footage from security cameras and noticed a male bearing what appeared to be a container heading into the room where the fire started. Based on investigations, the accountant was picked up, questioned and later arrested.
FRIDAYEDITION ACCOUNTANT DETAINED AFTERARSONATTEMPT AT MINISTRY One day after an attempted torching of the Ministry of Communities in Kingston, investigators Thursday held a senior official of its Finance Department. Police sources confirmed that an accountant of the Ministry was detained after he was grilled. On Wednesday afternoon, shortly after Internal Auditors started a probe into last year’s spending of a $1B project to ‘clean up Guyana,’ staffers were alerted to smoke in the building which houses the Audit Office and the office of Minister Ronald Bulkan. What fire investigators found initially was startling. There was an obvious attempt to set the building on fire as evidenced from kerosene found at the scene. Two chairs and the walls were badly damaged. It was in a room not far from the Audit Office which reportedly held receipts and other documents
GINA DIRECTOR RESIGNS Director of the Government Information Agency (GINA), Neaz Subhan, has sent a letter of resignation to the Minister of Information, Moses Nagamootoo, while several others are expected to follow suit. Subhan sent his letter on Wednesday last. Beverley Alert, a former GINA employee, is tipped to replace Subhan. Alert is a member of the Alliance For Change (AFC) component in the new coalition government. Director of Public Information, Imran Khan told Kaieteur News Thursday that Subhan “has acted honourably” in submitting his resignation. Khan said that the construct and tone of Subhan’s letter of resignation was cordial and decent “I offered him kudos and my personal best wishes.” Subhan’s resignation has given the requisite one month’s notice as per his contractual agreement. Khan told Kaieteur News that
a decision is yet to be taken as to whether the government will allow Subhan to work until that month ends. SATURDAY EDITION GOVT. SUPPORTS BAILOUT FOR GUYSUCO - INTERIM MANAGERS TAKEHELM The new Government says it has approved the release of monies to help the sugar industry return to normalcy. The Ministry of Agriculture, on Friday, in the statement announcing the approval of the undisclosed amount, said that the release is a clear assurance of the Government that measures are being taken to ensure that the industry continues to be alive. Just after taking office last month, the new Government faced a major test after the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) announced, it would have to close the industry unless a major cash injection is received. A US$2M loan from a Jamaica bank was fast-tracked over the weekend, averting a
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crisis. This week, the Cabinet of Ministers refused to entertain a request by the corporation to help bridge this year’s $17B shortfall. Instead, the Cabinet terminated the services of the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Rajendra Singh, and sacked the entire Board of Directors, citing the dismal production and finances which have shown no signs of improvement. Singh was a candidate on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic list during the recent elections. According to the Ministry, nothing has changed in terms of the operation of the 16,000-plus workers strong industry. “Notwithstanding the recent change in the GuySuCo management, workers can rest assured that the industry is here to stay. In addition, all sugar factories will remain operable. To ensure that the Corporation continues to survive, an Interim Management Committee (IMC) has also been put in place. It is now working and has already been meeting with
management on the way forward for sugar in Guyana. The Commission will oversee the work of the Corporation for at least six months.” The IMC comprises former CEO, Errol Hanoman, and Paul Bhim, who reportedly started work on Thursday, one day after Singh and the Board was fired. According to the Ministry, its promised Commission of Inquiry (COI) will also be launched shortly to probe the affairs of the sugar corporation. “The Government wishes to assure workers that investing in sugar is investing in Guyana and as such, all necessary action will be taken to ensure its sustenance.” Meanwhile, GuySuCo’s largest union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on Friday, urged Government to speed-up access to almost $4.7B (Euros 20M) in assistance that has been held up by the European Union pending elections. The monies could not be released unless Parliament is convened. This is expected to happen this week.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 07, 2015
Restless Legs Syndrome
By Dr. Kumar Sukhraj Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common disorder that is experienced by many. It is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that causes an urge to move the legs. In many cases it also interferes with sleep and as such it is also considered a sleep disorder. People who are affected by this disorder have uncomfortable sensations in their legs (and sometimes arms or other parts of the body) and an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve the sensations. There can also be uncomfortable, “itchy,” “pins and needles,” or “creepy crawly” feeling in the legs. The sensations are usually bad when at rest, especially when lying or sitting. The symptoms are generally worse in the evening and at night, thus causing sleep disturbance. This disorder affects both sexes; however it is more common in women and may begin at any age, even in young children. Most people who are affected severely are middle-aged or older. The exact cause of restless leg syndrome is not known, however there is a strong suspicion that genes play a role. Nearly half of people with RLS also have a family member with the condition. Other factors associated with the development or worsening of restless legs syndrome include the following: • Chronic diseases such as iron deficiency,
Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy, often include symptoms of RLS. Once these conditions are treated it can offer some relief of RLS. • Medications. Some types of medications, including anti-nausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, and cold and allergy medications containing sedating antihistamines, may worsen symptoms. • Pregnancy. Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. Symptoms will usually go away within a month after delivery. • Other factors, including alcohol use and sleep deprivation, may trigger symptoms or make them worse. There is no medical test to diagnose RLS; however, doctors may use blood tests and other exams to rule out other conditions. Patient history plays an important part in the diagnosis of this disorder. Treatment is aimed at easing symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as beginning a regular exercise programme, establishing regular sleep patterns, and eliminating or decreasing the use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, may be helpful in the management of RLS. Treatment of an RLS-associated condition also may provide relief of symptoms. Other intervention such as leg massages, hot baths or heating pads or ice packs applied to the legs and good sleep habits can help to relief symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of RLS you need to consult your health care practitioner. Please feel free to send an email to kumarsukhraj@yahoo.com or call 6228032 for further enquiry and discussion on the topic. Patient education plays an important role in the diagnosis and management any illness. Please look forward for a continuation of the discussion on common health issues in the next publication.
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Sustained cleanup campaigns can help fight vector-borne diseases
Dr. Reyaud Rahman (From the Desk of the Vector Control Director, Dr Reyaud Rahman) We implore all Guyanese to get on board and continue the cleanup campaign that has gripped our country. These activities will not only beautify our nation, but make it much healthier by ridding breeding places for mosquitoes and other vectors that carry diseases. Only with behaviourial changes will we get positive results. We at the Vector Control Services Unit (VCS) of the Ministry of Health are focused on continuing our hard work to ensure that our country is protected from vectorborne diseases. And we expect that citizens will continue to do their part to help. Simply keeping your surroundings clean can help reduce the mosquito breeding sites, and by extension, reduce the mosquito population that can transmit infectious disesses. The VCS has ambitious
goals set out for 2015 and we know that these goals can only be realized with the help of the general public and the private sector. The VCS has made significant gains against vectorborne diseases over the past three years. We have employed techniques which are used worldwide, and placed the necessary efforts into ensuring that activities are carried out as specified with the professionalism and dedication necessary to ensure a job is done 100 percent of the time. Our main overall objectives are to ensure that prompt, accurate malaria diagnosis and appropriate, effective treatment are administered to affected individuals. The planning and implementing of selective and sustainable preventative measures, include vector control, coupled with anti-malarial health awareness and health education, detecting early to control or prevent epidemics, strengthening local capacity/ capability as per locality/region, including community participation and preventing the re-introduction of malaria to areas where it was eradicated, the coastland among them. We have stepped up efforts over the years and have done much more work in comparison to what was done in previous years. We have ensured that proper monitoring, supervision and surveillance were a priority, and were carried out
The Kigali experiment... (From page 35) and poor, informal settlements to be ‘reorganized’ into modern single-family homes.’ She noted that the attitude there toward development is reminiscent of a place like Singapore, or even Dubai. Now that’s some comparison! Compare what she says with what a Rwandan filmmaker said about the city in 1994. “It was the apocalypse. We thought it was at least …bodies were scattered everywhere; blood was everywhere; social order was nonexistent. Kigali was a broken city; a dead city.” Guyana is no Rwanda, and Georgetown at no time in its history could have come remotely close to what Kigali looked like 21 years ago. But there were some comparisons in terms of the natural beauty of both countries, the diversity of flora and fauna, the bewildering depravity of leadership incompetence, and the racial/ethnic division that threatened to destroy both countries. Recently, Kigali received the UN Habitat Scroll of Honour Award for its transformation into ‘a place to which people come from all corners of the world to see and learn how they can replicate the Kigali modernization and urban conservation model at home’. In 2009, the Rwandan government commissioned two overseas-based firms to design a conceptual master plan (referred to earlier) for the city. The plan seeks to redesign, and expand pre-existing and new neighbourhoods, as well as create conservation land and areas for tourism and recreation. Does the new administration have its own master plan for Georgetown, and the rest of Guyana? Judging from recent exercises and pronouncements, it would seem so. If this is true, it would probably be, as I said earlier, a good thing to look at the Kigali model, and maybe modify its most redeemable features to suit our capital city. To some of us this may seem like an experiment in utopian futility. To me it is an experiment worth whatever slim risk may be involved.
as expected to ensure that huge impact was achieved. Proven activities which have been stepped up, are the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets, indoor residual spraying, mass blood smears, training of new and refresher training of existing microscopists countrywide,
creation of health clubs and school committees and entomological activities. We have further ensured close monitoring of the antimalarial drug stock levels, training courses in nine of the ten regions in the use of fogging machines and safety with the handling of chemicals,
quality control of all malaria smears countrywide, sensitization workshops, and vector control services staff trained in fumigation by external trainers. Doctors and microscopists trained by external trainers on Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis disease (diag-
nosis and treatment), and doctors, health care workers and nurses trained on Filariasis management, (diagnosis and treatment). Conducted proficiency training on microscopists in regions 1,7,8 and 9 (ensuring that malaria microscopist are competent).
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Rainy season hinders fogging exercises As Guyana continues to experience its May-June rainy season, fogging exercises have apparently come to a halt due to the inclement weather. For months, fogging exercises had been on the top of the Vector Control Services (VCS) list of priorities. However, these were hindered by the onset of the rainy season. This is according to VCS Director, Dr. Reyaud Rahman who highlighted the constraints. “We haven’t been doing as much fogging around the city as we did before and that’s specifically because we have such a heavy rainfall,” Dr.
Rahman said. He explained that though the VCS had been instructed by Chief Medical Off i c e r D r. S h a m d e o Persaud to continue its exercises, it was not possible. “I know we are in the rainy season and because of the heavy rainfall and so we haven’t been able to do these things,” he said. He added that health concerns were a major factor to be taken into consideration. “We didn’t want to spray chemicals into the environment, especially with all this water around and so and we don’t want to cause
harm to the public when we’re supposed to be helping them,” he explained. He continued, “So that’s one of the reasons we haven’t done much fogging so far but as soon as the weather subsides and we get clear, sunny weather, we’re going to restart our fogging.” The VCS’s exercises had been particularly rampant during last year’s appearance of the vector-borne Chikungunya disease. Then, the VCS had established fogging schedules throughout the country, focusing particularly on sections of Georgetown and Region Six.
Coalition Govt. confidently ... From page 11 based on findings, after which all will be presented to the ruling administration for examination and action if necessary. NEWENERGY The Minister stated that “new ministers, with their new ministries, are taking up their responsibilities and that very soon all will be in full swing.” He referred to the fact that the “public is feeling a new energy,” based on the new faces, ideas and spirit of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change merger (APNU +AFC Coalition). Mr. Harmon explained that the coalition brought together “a sufficiency of manpower and skills necessary to take Guyana forward and to iron out any lingering difficulty of the previous administration.”
He expressly made reference to the coalition’s reservoir of “will, experience and enthusiasm that were brought to it.” He also highlighted that many Guyanese, here and overseas, are so imbued that they have offered “skilful and voluntary service” in the event they cannot be employed in official capacities. The Minister said that his desk is inundated with impressive CVs, but “all of this will take some time to sort out.” This is because currently as the ‘transitioning’ is unfolding, the new administration has to deal with ‘those who were and are still on the ‘gravy train’ and not doing ‘proper work’ but just being there to do ‘a party job’ and getting paid (wrongfully) for so doing.”
The Minister further stated that the expectation is that there will be a better work culture and ethic, as “only those who are actually doing government’s work will be viewed legitimately,” since the ‘gravy train’ has now come to a halt. ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY Quizzed on ‘irregularities and mal-practices’ unearthed thus far during the ‘transitioning’ period, Minister Harmon detailed that those who were exposed “did not result from any form of witch-hunting, as in any state, officers must be accountable and responsible.” He expressed the view that where mal-practices are concerned, that “anything and anyone inimical to the State must be looked at and they have been put on notice.”
Fogging exercises have currently been halted as Guyana experiences its first rainy season of this year
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Sunday June 07, 2015
Judiciary to see financial independence under new administration During the life of the Tenth Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan, a lawyer who once served as President of the Guyana Bar Association, said that as long as the government controls the purse strings of certain agencies, those agencies will never be fully independent. He made that point as he stood on the floor of the National Assembly seeking to convince People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) Members of Parliament to support a Bill to secure lump sum allocations for several fundamental rights agencies. Among those was the judiciary. But despite all the arguments, and despite the fact that the Bill was approved on the floor even without the PPP/C support, the then President, Donald Ramotar, refused to assent to the piece of legislation in order to make it law. Therefore, the previous administration continued to
treat the judiciary as a budgeted agency. But it is all about to be over. According to newly appointed Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration will ensure that the judiciary is allowed to function with full independence so it can feel secure enough to, at all times, act in the best interest of the people. During a recent interview at his Carmichael Street office, Williams told Kaieteur News that it is quite unfortunate that the judiciary had to be dependent on the previous administration for financial support per line item. He said, “They (the judiciary) suppose to be independent. They suppose to receive lump sum payments. It is not supposed to be a budget agency where
the Minister can cut line items.” Williams said that the Bills that were approved during the life of the Tenth Parliament but were not assented to will be returned to the Eleventh Parliament. He said that this one will be a matter of priority. When this Bill is passed, a lump sum allocation will be given to the Head of the Judiciary “and they then determine their priorities.” The Bill was piloted by the then shadow Minister of Finance Carl Greenidge, who is now Minister of Foreign Affairs. The agencies listed in the Bill to become “independent” are the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judicial Service Commission, the Public Service Commission, the Police Service Commission, the Teaching Service Commission, the
Public Service Appellate Tribunal, the Public Procurement Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Guyana Elections Commission. At the end of a fiery debate that the Bill attracted in the Tenth Parliament, the then Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, emphatically told the House that he would have advised President Donald Ramotar not to assent to the Bill. The government’s unwavering position as it relates to the Bill was that the administration has never been one to directly try to control or impose authority over any of the agencies and as such, sees no need to amend the constitution just to facilitate what the opposition is seeking to do, “as such we will not support this Bill.” Greenidge, back then, had cited the case of former
Attorney General, Basil Williams Attorney General Dr Doodnauth Singh whose benefits were withheld as a result of a problem he had with former President Bharrat Jagdeo. He also pointed out the case of former Justice Jainarayan Singh who had ruled that the government compensate the owner of
Toucan Suites after police and soldiers destroyed the building to get to seasoned criminal Linden ‘Blackie’ London. Also cited was the Major General (Ret’d) Norman McLean who recently sued the government for $7.9M in gratuity which he is owed for the past 22 years.
Probe into GPC drug contracts priority - Health Minister The awarding of contracts to the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company (GPC) by the Ministry of Health is slated for thorough investigation. This is according to recently appointed Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, who has intimated that this undertaking is listed on his priority agenda. Dr Norton made this disclosure even as he related that an investigation to ascertain the legality of contracts awarded to the company is seen as a requirement in the quest to restore credibility to the Ministry’s pharmaceutical procurement process. His remarks were forthcoming as he vocalised concerns about the questionable award of contracts to the company in question mere days before the holding of the May 11, 2015 National and Regional Elections. Valued at US$12.8 million (G$2,677,864,510), contracts were awarded to the company, which is owned by Dr Ranjisinghi (Bobby) Ramroop, a friend of former
President, Bharrat Jagdeo. Although the norm is for the supplying company to be afforded 25 per cent of the cost for supplying, the New GPC was granted 100 per cent of the sum. “There are so many things that happened in the past that needs to be looked at from a legal point of view and we can promise that we will do
will take these before the court; we will let the court decide.” “I see as a priority the investigation of the procurement and distribution of medical and pharmaceutical supplies,” said Dr Norton who shared his belief that the Ministry of Health has awarded many questionable contracts. “This has been
“We just can’t have sole sourcing; you need to give other companies the opportunity to come and present their cases to you and make it in such a way that the pre-conditions do not limit them from applying and that is what has happened in the past.” everything possible to ensure that we track all illegality,” asserted the Public Health Minister. He noted that while the recent award will be leading the list, he assured that contracts awarded “across the board” in the health sector will be closely examined as well. When asked what action will be taken if illegalities are found the Minister noted that “if we see misappropriation we
ongoing since 2005,” said Dr Norton as he alluded to contracts being awarded reportedly without even the knowledge of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Leslie Cadogan. “I had to bring (the award of a questionable contract) to his (Cadogan’s) attention not so long ago...and we only learnt of such an award through the Office of the President,” added the Health Minister.
According to Dr Norton too, who has been visiting public health facilities across the country, he has had cause to instruct the urgent auditing of a number of these including the Georgetown Public Hospital and the Berbice Regional Health Authority. The latter he informed has been found to be operating illegally. The Minister soon after being appointed informed that an issue of concern that will be gaining his attention is the system of procurement of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. And according to him, during his tenure he will be aiming to make sole sourcing of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to the Health Ministry a thing of the past. Sole sourcing he pointed out, meant that procurement from a single entity, the New GPC in this case, was done through a Cabinet order. But according to Dr Norton, “that is not the way to go. We have got to go through that method of having everybody on a level playing field by having a bidding process...it doesn’t
Dr. George Norton, Public Health Minister mean that these (contracts) will always be awarded to the lowest bidder.” This is in light of the fact, Dr Norton noted, that some cheap medications that are sourced in India, for example, are not of the high quality as some high priced medications that are sourced in Texas, United States. “My experience tells me that some of these high-priced medications are so much more superior than what we can get from Pakistan or Bangladesh or from India...so those are
some of the factors we will have to take into consideration,” asserted the Health Minister. Another factor that must be considered too is the need for healthy competition, said Dr Norton. “We just can’t have sole sourcing; you need to give other companies the opportunity to come and present their cases to you and make it in such a way that the pre-conditions do not limit them from applying and that is what has happened in the past.”
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Informant refutes police version of Diamond shootout From page 14 lost on Paul Grant and Anita Sebrene, the father and mother respectively of Alberto Grant and Paul Bascom, who have both been on a crusade to find out the truth about the circumstances that led to the killings at Diamond. But despite all the information they were able to gather, they were not able to put the pieces of the puzzle together; not until they happened to read an explosive report in the Kaieteur News a few weeks ago. Their efforts to find out the truth were renewed when they read that self confessed hit man, Lennox Wayne, called “Two Colours” admitted that he was a part of the police operation that resulted in the deaths of their two sons. Wayne had told this newspaper that he worked along with the police on a number of operations, including the one outside the K&VC hotel as well as the shooting in Diamond. He gave the names of the officers, who were on both operations and suggested that they did not happen the way the police said they did. “Dem ain’t had no shoot out,” Wayne had confirmed. He said he went to the scene on his motorcycle and when he stopped at the location, the police who were following behind pulled up
also. “By time I stop, all I see is dey (police) stop and start discharging rounds when they see de men coming out de yard. Me ain’t see de men dem fire nothing…it wasn’t an exchange of gunfire,” Wayne said. He explained that the police are familiar with most of the people who are committing gun robberies. “So when dem get shoot down, de police does always say that there was an exchange of gunfire,” he added. He could not say what Bascom and Grant were doing in the yard but noted that Bascom lived in the said area. “But I believe that somebody put dem on spot. You know people could put you pon spot fuh police shoot you,” Wayne told this newspaper. He said he did not mind giving a statement to the police so that the matter could be properly investigated. The dead men’s relatives believe that he is the key to any investigation into the matter and are appealing to the authorities to ensure that he is protected. “If they interview him (Wayne) now, they will get the full story and the policemen will definitely have to be charged for murder,” a relative of one of the Diamond victims said. The pain of losing his son took a toll on Paul Grant. He
said that he remained in is house for almost one year, trying to come to grips with the fact that the son who was closest to him was taken out in such a brutal manner. Grant and his son worked together in their construction business. In fact from the inception, he suspected that there was some foul play regarding his son’s death. “When I got the news it sound so very funny because when he left the house he asked me for $10,000 and I gave it to him,” Grant said. He was speaking publicly on his son’s death for the first time. It was not until later the following day that he learnt that his son was killed. Grant said that at the time he did not know the circumstances that led to his son’s murder, nor did he go to the mortuary to see his body—he sent his daughter. “When she came back she said, ‘Daddy, is true. Alberto died and I see he got some gunshots in his head, from the back. She said that she noticed that his hands were broken and his foot broken in two places,” Grant recalled. However, on the day of the Janaaza, Grant went to
bathe the dead and came face to face with the gruesome injuries his son’s body bore, which suggested the brutal nature of his death. He said when he looked at his son’s face, he came to the conclusion that his son was executed. “It was like if you put a little child on the ground and you shoot them in the head, because the back had two small holes and the front, the whole face tear away,” grant said. He also based his conclusion on the fact that his brother who was a former policeman had seen gunpowder residue on his son’s neck, just prior to the post mortem examination. He stated that his subsequent investigations led him to conclude that his son and the other man, Bascom, who were reportedly complete strangers to each other, were victims of extra judicial killings. For one, the house where his son was shot bore no signs of the 20-minite shootout that the police had claimed. Then, the yard is usually protected by some vicious pit bulls. Like everyone else,
Grant is questioning how his son and Bascom ended up in the yard where there were visible signs of a lot of blood. He spoke of other suspicious discoveries too numerous to mention, that has led him to conclude that the police were covering up the matter. For example, he said that the police involved in the shooting were overheard talking about it in a yard on Laing Avenue shortly after they had washed out the bloodstains from their vehicle on the West Ruimveldt Front Road. This suggested that although the men’s bodies were removed from the scene by the Lyken Funeral Parlour, they were transported in the police vehicle at some point in time. One resident said she saw police removing the bodies from the yard which gave the impression that the men were killed in the yard. The yard is however, surrounded by a fence which is approximately 10 feet in height with barbed wires lining the top. “The police investigators came to my house once and they never came back,” Grant said. Anita Sebrene told this
newspaper that with Grant’s help, she too had been trying to learn the truth about her son’s death. She did not know Grant before the killing. She admitted that her son had a previous brush with the law and was attending court when he was brutally cut down. According to Sebrene, her hopes of finding the answers she was seeking skyrocketed when she read in the newspaper about Wayne claiming to be an eyewitness to the shooting. She immediately contacted Grant and they began putting the pieces of the puzzle together. “The police never came to me for any investigation. In fact, I went to them but I got no satisfaction,” she stated. She said that with the new information that has emerged, she will get some justice for her son. “The police that murdered my son, I would like to see them charged,” Sebrene declared. Her sentiments were echoed by Grant who expressed confidence that there will be some form of justice under the new administration.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 07, 2015
Bourda market vendors peeved at conditions As heavy torrential rainfall continues to hit the coastland, vendors of the Bourda Market have expressed concerns about the despicable sanitation. They say that they are forced to work under severe conditions when heavy rainfall transforms the market into a river. Last Sunday, the market experienced massive flooding due to the heavy rains, garbage build up and clogged drains. Yesterday, many vendors and stall holders vented their frustrations at the state of the market, especially those conducting business on what was Bourda Green. The vendors explained that the market is nothing less than a dumpsite, since almost every morning they are greeted by piles of garbage. A Bourda greens vendor complained that vendors
conducting business outside of the market, vagrants and even persons selling along Regent Street, would bring their refuse and dump it in the market at nights when business is closed. A walk through that section of the market revealed that many drains were clogged with rotten fruit and vegetables, styrofoam boxes, card board boxes and other discarded items. The area was smelly because o the garbage piles. Almost at every corner there were small piles of rubbish attracting flies and stagnant water. Then there were dozen of vagrants, who could be seen rummaging through garbage piles. Over, at the other section of the market, the condition was fairly presentable despite the few flooded passageways, clogged drains and foul stench.
Soldier held on rape allegations in Berbice A 30-year-old soldier is in custody and is being interrogated in an allegation of rape committed on a 75year-old woman who is said to be a close relative. The act was allegedly committed on more than one occasion at Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam. The man who had disappeared after committing the act reportedly went back to one of the army barracks where he is based. After investigators learnt of his whereabouts efforts were made for him to be apprehended and brought back to Berbice. The situation was brought to light after the woman had confided in another relative what occurred. The woman was afraid to come forward because she was threatened that she would be killed. However after the situation became overbearing the woman decided to talk out. Investigations are continuing.
A clogged drain filled with all sorts of waste.
A businessman, who declined to give his name, said that after the market flooded, the municipality embarked on a clean-up campaign. He said that several piles of garbage were removed but insisted that the drains need to be cleared. He said that municipal workers would indeed clean the market but that it is not being done in a timely manner. He said that the municipality had promised to thoroughly wash the market using a pressure hose from the Guyana Fire Service; however, he said that they are still waiting for this to happen. Then there were the traders in the market who claimed that they are forced
to pay persons to remove their waste at the end of the business day. Some of them claimed that the market has no cleaners and in spite of this they say that they are mandated to pay their stall rentals. A few traders who were affected by the floods said that they have suffered major losses. Andrea Matthews, who operates a grocery stall, said that most of her goods stored on the floor were damaged. “All my things soak. I can’t sell that to people. I losing a lot here and nobody don’t come and check to see how much we losing”, she cried. She said that they are paying their stall rents with the hope of seeing improvements, but opined
that things are getting worse. Another vendor, who sells fruits, said that every time it rains a little heavy they are confronted with several inches of water. The woman lamented that every time the market is flooded there is a decrease in sales because many shoppers would refuse to traverse through the flood waters. When contacted about the situation at the market, Mayor Hamilton Green, said that a “special operation” has been launched by the Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine, to improve the sanitation standards of the market. Green detailed that the operation is currently
ongoing; the people in the operation are trying to clean the market channels. He added that many stall holders are onboard with the initiative. He went on to say that the municipality and several stallholders have agreed that vendors will place their garbage at a certain point of the market so that it can be disposed of. The Mayor said that he is looking to reintroduce a policy that was practised before. Green explained that the policy entailed all municipal markets being closed every fortnight, on Wednesday to the public. This will be to facilitate the cleaning, spraying and sanitizing of the markets.
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Minister Cummings visits East Coast schools to assess effects of recent flood Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings on Friday visited the Montrose, Chateau Margot and Vryheid’s Lust Primary, and Better Hope Nursery schools on the East Coast of Demerara that remained closed following the flood which occurred on May 31. According to the Minister who was accompanied by the Regional Chairman, Clement Corlette, and Education and Environmental officers, the visits were done to assess the environment in which the students have to dwell, when they return to school tomorrow. The Minister also interacted with teachers of the schools, who complained of the drains not being cleared regularly. Minister Cummings said that the plan is to collaborate with the Education and Community Ministries to ensure that the environment will be properly maintained, so as to avoid major disasters in these areas. “We need to continue to have inter-sectoral collaboration, because the Ministries that are involved are health, education and communities. So definitely we are going to go back to the drawing board and see how best we can work
CONSUMER CONCERN By Pat Dial
Unpunctuality by Public Officers
what can be done to remedy that situation. On Friday Guyana joined in celebrating World Environmental Day which was celebrated under the theme “Seven Billion DreamsOne Planet Consume with Care”. Minister Cummings said that the Ministry will be aggressively working to protect the environment, ensuring water ways are free of solid waste and the Guyanese population will be dwelling in a clean and healthy environment, in keeping with its 2020 strategy.
Most members of the public, at one time or another, have to visit governmental or semi-governmental offices to effectuate business. The usual time of work is from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. but in most offices there is no officer present at 8.00 a.m. and they mostly cease work long before 4.00p.m. And the telephones are very often left untended resulting in the public being unable to make contact with the office. Even when members of the public are lucky to meet an officer, they could nonchalantly be told “come again tomorrow”! Many of the persons who visit Government offices are the old and the weak. They go there at great pain and sacrifice. Some could barely afford their bus fares. Others are persons who have taken time-off from their jobs with limited time and cannot expect supervisors to allow them time-off repeatedly. These unnecessary hardships caused to the
Minister Norton, could have been essential in preventing a person from attempting suicide again. Minister Norton also said that Guyanese need to be more aware of the medication they use, as in the past he received reports of persons buying medication only to have them “turn to powder” or “change colour.”
“Be interested in the names of the pharmaceuticals you are using,” said Minister Norton, relating that such awareness could be vital in a person’s treatment. The health official added that living a healthy life style is essential to the well being of all citizens. He said that the country has to start focusing on nutrition and realise the benefits that natural/organic products have for one’s health. Also present at the ceremony was Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, former owner of the ECP new location. He said that he was proud to sell the property to Etwaroo, who he regarded as a man with exceptional qualities. “These days, we see big business going up all over the place. However, it is small businesses like these that provide the stimulus for young people to look at and admire. I know the Etwaroos have enhanced the environment,” said the Mayor. He added that the business must operate with a sense of justice and a fair mind.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings and Region Four Chairman, Clement Corlette and other regional officials during a visit to the Chateau Margot Primary School, East Coast Demerara together…we will speak with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to ensure drains will be cleared on a regular basis, to be proactive rather than being reactive,” Minister Cummings explained. She said what is ‘doable’ will be done to ensure that the environment be well protected. She said that the regional administration and health and environmental officers need to collaborate to see how they can work closely with not only the schools, but the community
as a whole. The Minister said that she was quite satisfied with the works that were done to clear the drains, however, she believes that more can be done because some of the drains are still clogged. At the Vryheid’s Lust School, there is an ICT tower in the compound that is blocking the water from escaping, and concerns were also raised about animals in the compound and clogged drains. Minister Cummings promised that she will engage the relative authority to see
Essential Care Pharmacy opens new branch on Mandela Ave.
In a venture to expand the pharmaceutical market, the Essential Care Pharmacy (ECP) opened a new branch at their Mandela Avenue, on Thursday, providing the services of a doctor’s clinic, laboratory and counselling facilities. In his address to those gathered at the opening ceremony, proprietor of the business, Deonarine Etwaroo, said that the facility will also provide physiotherapy and body massaging in the near future. “With my 25 years of experience in the field, I take great pleasure in serving this nation to the best of my ability,” related Etwaroo. He expressed his happiness at being able to extend the services of ECP to the local community. The Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, was also present at the ceremony and applauded the achievements of Etwaroo in contributing to the country’s local pharmaceutical market. Minister Norton commended the businessman on securing credible
Son of Deonarine Etwaroo, cutting the ceremonial ribbon at the opening of ECP Mandela location
pharmaceutical agencies such as Johnson & Johnson, Glenmark and Astra Zeneca among others, to provide the establishment with medication. He also lauded Etwaroo on his initiative in providing counselling services for the public, as it could help combat Guyana’s high suicide rate. “Nothing was more
pleasing to me than when I heard that a counselling service is going to provided free of cost,” said the Minister. The health professional explained that persons, who have failed in their first suicide attempt but were successful in later attempts, would have had no access to counselling. This counselling, according to
public by unpunctuality and insensitivity are unacceptable This culture of unpunctuality was not always a characteristic of Guyanese Government offices. There was a time when the public were attended to at 8.00 a.m and even after 4.00 p.m. Administration was more orderly and productive. Restoring the culture of punctuality is not an insuperable task since it was very much a part of our ethos. Many experienced senior administrators feel that the culture of unpunctuality has become so deeply engrained that to attempt to change or remove it would result in sullen resentment and resistance and that even supervisors and colleagues may not support them. This culture of unpunctuality and insensitivity in Government offices has to be eliminated if we are to enjoy a more friendly and efficient administration. A few suggestions which could be considered in this regard are: (i) An intensive awareness programme of the necessity of punctuality and positively addressing the public’s problems should be carried out in every government office. (ii) Ministers of Government must emphatically identify themselves with the programme. (iii) Managers/ supervisors must themselves set the example of punctuality so as to be able to effectuate it for the staff as a whole. (iv) Methods of checking on workers’ arrival and departure such as the resuscitation of Time Books could be introduced immediately.
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CHANGE OR EXCHANGE? HEADS ROLLING AND SUBTLE WITCH HUNTING? By Ralph Seeram Three days after the current Cabinet of Ministers was announced, I gave the Editor of this newspaper three names that I felt will not last a year in Cabinet. How can I make such a prediction, when these people actually had not assumed office as yet. It has to do with human nature; it has to do sometimes how you treat people or family as you pass through this life. People will be waiting for that moment when you move
up to bring you down, or “kick you to the curb” when you are down. So it was when the names of Ministers were announced, people began sending me information on some of the Ministers. That is something most journalists experience when readers feel they can trust or confide in them. I had one relative of a Minister divulging “family secrets”. One of the names that I mentioned is Simona Broomes. As soon as her
name was announced I got this phone call from Guyana. Thanks to Facebook these calls are free. In the course of this conversation words like “pig”, “disrespectful”, “bully”, insulting and other adjectives dominated. Most people must have read of Broomes exploits in TIP (Trafficking in Persons) in the goldfields located in the jungle areas. Probably her attitude or disposition or aggression were suited for the “rough and tumble” jungle where there is little law to go by. Rescued some women she did. Whatever little law was there she got in confrontation even with the police. Never the less the woman has been praised by international bodies for her work, which personally I think has been overrated. Then we have Ann Greene, whose job was essentially trying to protect children from sexual abuse etc. Simona Broomes did not care or respect much for Ann Greene’s department. She actually said so. So here is the real conflict with these two. Ann Greene has to act within the law every step of the way and is answerable to superiors. Unlike Broomes, she cannot use the “law of the jungle” method. I observe the volume of people flocking to her department, mainly parents whose children may have
been taken away from them. I came away with the conclusion that the case load per social worker was much more than they handle. To make a long story short, they had more work and less money to do it. So if you believe that Ann Greene was sent on leave because of the “get to know you meeting” you got to be naïve. Her faith was decided the moment Broomes became her boss—two different personalities with the same objective. Officially Ann Greene is on leave, this administration would be making a grave mistake if they fire her. You have to wonder what it would do to the morale of those other non political professionals in the public service. While we are on this issue of professionals and public servants, quite a few heads have been rolling this week. I am the first to agree that when a new government comes in power, it needs its “own people” in certain key positions. This APNU/AFC coalition seems to be speaking “from both sides of its mouth”. First there will be no witch hunting, but subtle suggestions that resignations are welcome. One way or the other this new government is going to weed out people they perceive as
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
PPP supporters, despite statements to the contrary. The problem is especially so in government-owned media entities, employees write to please the person who signs the pay checks, which would be the government of the day. It has always been that way, so when Nagamootoo comes telling you no one will be witch hunted, you know it is a load of crap. GINA and NCN will have to slant their reporting to suit the government of the day, which in this case happened to be the APNU/AFC government. So what you getting, folks, is not CHANGE in these government entities, you are getting an EXCHANGE. The senior people of these government owned media outlets are going to be appointed by the government for their political allegiance and not for competency. Don’t look out for advertisement for these positions. Those below management will now have to write “singing the praises of the new government”. It has always been that way. I recall “back in the day” as a reporter, the then Chronicle was the mouthpiece of the PNC government, the independently owned Guyana Graphic which I was working for was taken over by the government and merged into the Chronicle. Moving to the then
Government owned Guyana Broadcasting Service (GBS) the news tended to be a bit more balanced, but deep down you know you have to do some self censorship, if your news items would see the light of day. The pendulum has swung again and GINA, the CHRONICLE, the national owned Television and Radio Station, will now engage in a different form of propaganda and self censorship. Now they have to sing the “praises of the APNU/AFC government”. Ironically soon you will hear the PPP complaining about GINA and government owned media coverage of the news. Yes folks it’s all an EXCHANGE not CHANGE, but have no fear, Kaieteur News is here to give you balanced and aggressive coverage, regardless of who is in power. I want to say thanks to all my readers who wished me speedy recovery on my surgery last week. A blood clot blocked one of my arteries triggering a heart attack. Fortunately I was in the vicinity of a hospital, within half hour of my pain I was out of surgery, clot cleared and so forth, remarkable time frame saving my heart from damage. Appreciate today folks, never know what tomorrow holds. Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: ralph365@hotmil.com and Facebook
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
1 Maid, 40years and older to work in SurinameContact: (+597) 322-5442; (+597) 651-6666
Advertisements; Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206
Driver- must have canter license & valid police clearance is also requiredCall: 592-609-8114 or 592-6120599
Your Dream Yard Today! Stunning designs, Assortment, colourful plant choices, Professional Landscapers Tel: 219-0468/ 648-1821 Balloon decorating for birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 EAGLE’S FRIDGE RE-GAS - $8,000 & WASHING MACHINE REPAIRS. PHONE: 697-2969, 6460966 Brian Moe @642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and office visits at your comfort!! K. Lakeram, building contractor: carpentry, masonry, drawings of plans, general maintenance – Call: 216-0671, 622-0267, 692-8464/ klakeram.construction@ gmail.com
Prime office space @ lot 239 Quamina Street, Central Georgetown, parking available in Private yard. Tel: 592-227-2913, 592-689-3033 Four storey building located on Robb Street next to Bourda market- Tel: 623-7731, 629-0636 Furnished executive one or two bedroom suites in Diamond. Ideal for foreigners- Call: 6092466 Apartments in Eccles & Rooms in Alberttown - Call: 225-3234 1 bedroom apartment with parking & other conveniences $30,000. For Christian working couple. (Available)Contact:672-1586, 218-3463 One bedroom apartment at Mon Repos, no ChildrenTel: 662-9043
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Unregistered fully loaded, Toyota IST $2M - Call: 6917475
WANTED
One cook to prepare breakfast- Please call: 6642805
One able-bodied male to provide customer assistance for bottle refilling- Call:6242391, 222-5990 Need an advisor to help with setting up a new Private School, email details to mozatart@yahoo.com One Ranger, must know to use GPS contact 223-5273/4 OFFICE CLERKS. MUST BE RESPONSIBLE, ON TIME, COMPUTER LITERATE, FASTATTYPING & DOING THE JOB - CALL: 231-8344, 231-8529 Staff for plant shop, Located in Georgetown, Plant knowledge an advantage. Tel: 643-4049 One maid must know to cook Indian dishes, wash & clean in Georgetown- Tel: 2235897, 614-3764, 653-2840 Live- in domestic 35-45 years. Light duties- Tel:227-1830 1 Diesel mechanic to work in backdam. Experience in repairing perkins, MWM, duetz, lister engines- Contact Kurt- 661-4265
TO LET
SALON
Female to work in prodcution department - Call: 644-5151 Urgently needed live in waitress-Tel: 693-4154 1 Maid to wash and clean @ E.C.D-Tel: 603-5416; 644-9802 Experience female accounts clerk- 4 years working experience. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry stelling Stabroek Experienced pastry makers, Roti/Puri & Curry, cook, cleaners, apply @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street. Mechanic trainee to work in workshop age 17-25 – Call: 660-1269; 616-6007 Attractive live- in waitresscall:228-5129, 604-8277 Contract cars and driversCall: 231-0002, 231-0316, 2310006 1 gas welder- Call: 628-1756, 228-5655
1 L-Touring Wagon, excellent condition - A.C Alarm & Remote start, flair kit, CD player, 16" mags, price -$1.3M - Tel: 626-2884 V8 Titan (2005) KIA SPORTAGE 2003 - Call: 275-1230
WANTED CANTER DRIVER AND SALESMAN, SECURITY GUARDS FOR LAND OF CANAAN, E.B.D BUSINESS. POLICE CLEARANCE REQUIRED. 266 4427 Wanted to Purchase One Toyota RAV 4 2000 CC – Tel # 600-5253. Experienced salesgirl @ Christine’s Variety store @ Lombard St.- call:626-8003, 227-8529 Salesgirls and porters, apply at 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville with written application. Two experienced welder, must know to operator torch and fabricate –Call: 222-3844 Attractive live in waitressCall:327-0252/674-4665 One nanny contact - 2235273/4 Truck drivers, security guard, office staff: 5 CXC subjects minimum & computer literate, to work in Georgetown - Tel: 218-5105 Four (4) General Managers for a hinterland operation. Attractive salary. Contact 223-5180 (2) Two men to operate a mineral crusher - two crusher operators - for a gold mining operation. Attractive salaries and benefits. General domestic maid at Diamond- Contact: 626-8003/ 227-8529 Eden Bar & Lounge in Garden of Eden, E.B.D. Looking for experienced bartenders & waitressesCall for appointment 694-6247 1 maid to wash, clean & press. 2-3 days only- Call: 6719715, 641-3687 1 cook & 1 assistant cook, also cashier. GeorgetownCall:627-5378
FOR SALE/RENT 1 Three Storey building, established business- Call: 227-1042; 601-3369 For Sale: Rush, household items: TV, etc. For Rent: house. Tel: 628-7884
Star Cars Auto Sales: In Stock, Premio, Vitz, Bluebird, IST, Alteeza, Benz C200, Spacio - Tel: 679-3140 1 Noah BSS excellent condition-$1750, 1 Noah recently registered, blue bird Sylphy 2006 (unregistered) – Tel: 652-0709; 614-4777 Toyota Hilux 5L Manual $2.350M negotiable –Tel: 684-1776; 617-8188 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Honda Accord 2003: 31,000KM, 2L, leather interior, touch screen TV, DVD, 6 CD changer & radioCall: 689-1194 Massey Ferguson 399 Contact: 601-9903 Car for sale: AE100 Sprinter (Toyota), price -$400,000 negotiable - Contact: 6606774 One Noah registered in BTT series, never used. Reasonable price- Call:6988617 Toyota, Honda 600RR, BB, AT192, AT212, Premio, Hilux Pick up, RZ minibus & Pitbull, Nissan Blue Bird –Tel: 644-5096; 697-1453 1 RZ BGG 6179 in good condition- $600,000 – Call: 601-3253 One Toyota Allion 2004 Model & 1 new & unregistered Mazda Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 649-0956 2004 Spacio -$2M 2008 Fielder (new shape) -$2.5M unregistered –Tel: 617-2891 Unregistered Nissan Bluebird 2006 for sale $2.650M negotiable – Contact: 689-7325/644-9277
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VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Prado, Price$4.4M Neg. Call: 643-2403 2002 Yamaha R6, in excellent condition, owner leaving country - Call: 661-2953; 6505500
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
One BMW X5 in immaculate condition- Call: 628-8777
One Mitsubishi freezer canter- GPP 4798- Call: 622-5717
Blow Out Sale!!! Unregistered Toyota IST $2,100,000- Bodykit, TV, Spoiler, Fogs, Alloy Wheels, Crystal Lights & Alarm – Call: 643-6565, 226-9931
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also. Call: 672-2566; 265-3232
Toyota Rav4 2012 model, 4WD in very good condition. Low mileage, alarm system installed- Call:665-5509
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call: 225-9032, 647-2943
One Toyota Corolla fielder, 18 months old $1.4M- Tel: 6116632, 664-3488 3000GT sports car, 3000cc 5 speed, 18 mag wheel & alarm. All $1.1M cash- Call:639-2000
Registered pure breed Rottweiler, first litter male & female (8weeks). Viewing of parents- call:231-5902, 2272958
Toyota BB 2007, 40,000km only, auto start, 18" rims, triple TV system, back-up camera $2.2M- Call:639-2000 Dodge stealth sports car, 3000cc, automatic, fully powered $975,000- Call: 6392000 Mercedes Benz S300, fully armored, fully powered, leather, 19"rims & more $1.1M- Call: 639-2000 Kawasaki Ninja Motor cycle 250CC, good condition $500,000 –Tel: 696-2815 Honda Civic Motor car, good condition- $1.8M –Tel:6962815
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/WWW. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Aidan’s Car & Pickup rental, cheap rate, low security - Tel: 698-7807
Sale! Best prices- Premio $2.250M, Fielder (sunroof) $2.2M, $2.6M, Bluebird $2.7M, Axela sports- City Motors - Call: 616-3413 Sale! 2007, 2008 Allion $3.3M, Bluebird Sylphy $2.6M, fully loaded Belta $2.6M, Tacoma 4x4 $3.8MTel: 639-4101
FOR SALE
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
One Tohatsu outboard 15HP for sale –Call: 656-9921 House and land at Diamond Housing Scheme, E.B.DPrice $9.5M - Contact: 6879107 For sale copra contact # 600-0540 One two stroke 90 Yamaha outboard, one 14ft aluminum boat, one 25 Yamaha 4 stroke outboard – Contact: 601-1138 DAF truck: flat rack, Perkins eagle turbo, 350LM, 12.17LT, 350HP, GVW 32,000KG, mileage 71,000kmCall: 676-9413, 223-0050 XBOX One, XBOX 360, PS2, PS3, PSP and Nintendo DS system, plastic barrels $6,000-Call: 603-8643; 6217497; 649-3277 One Toyota Forklift 2004, 10,000 lifting, 8ft fork, fuel propane 3 stages lift, sliding fork $4M neg. Call: 629-7444 15-15-15 fertilizer, going cheap-Tel: 266-2711; 609-4594 Sony PlayStation 4 (brand new factory sealed) $100,000. Offer valid while stocks last - Contact: 6934777 2005 Honda CBR 1000rr for sale with original paperwork. Front end crash $300,000- Call: 615-1091 1 miller bobcat welding generator 225 amps- Tel: 616-5424, 680-0378 New 16" Bore Tractor driven, trailer pump, new utility, 4 wheeler box, trailer low prices –Tel: 227-1830 1 farm, 2 boats and engine. Also 1 sound system (3m)Call:265-3586 One BMW X5 in immaculate condition- Call: 628-8777 One 15 Yamaha engine and 30ft boat. 300lb seinecontact: 660-8024, 693-6492 Continued on page 64
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Kaieteur News
Sunday June 07, 2015
Days after setting self on fire…
FOR RENT
LAND FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
10 Acres Kuru Kuru, High Way Roadside for Resort Business - Tel: 601-3369 or 227-1042
Office spaces 15 x 25 & 25 x 25 at Hadfield St. behind Brickdam Police Station- call Simone: 227-0501, 626-5317 GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 675-0767, 627-5098 3 Bedrooms house. Ideal for business, Chinese cook shop or supermarket. Located @ Bellwest Canal #2 W.C.D- Contact: 691-4591 Fully furnished apartment with 2 bedrooms, hot & cold, cable, A/C. 1 bedroom unfurnished apartment. Rooms- Call: 689-5877 Five bedrooms house, 107 Lamaha Gardens & Large Parking; AC Rooms Hot & Cold, Purified Water System Call: 661-8908, 335-3590 12 Offices @ 220 South Road G/Town –Tel: 227-1042, 6013369 2 Bedrooms unfurnished house in Bel-Air Park- Tel: 225-4658 Apartment in Prashad NagarCall: 225-7096, 683-4420, 6800072 3 bedrooms fully furnished apartment with A/C in Kitty. Internet and cable inclusive $200,000 neg- Call:645-6498 Two storey 3 bedrooms, 3 baths @Charlotte St. Garage, business downstairs. No agents please. $3200 USD/ month- Call: 695-1138 Vacation Rental: cool and comfortable fully-furnished 2 bedroom vacation apartment. Call: 678-6690 Prime business place on Sheriff Street to rent only for office. Call: 627-6740 MASSAGE Relaxing massage serviceCall: 674-8147
EDUCATION Register now with Alpha foundation for child care, care for elderly, cosmetology, dressmaking, cake decoration & more –Phone: 264-1052; 663-7930 CXC Adults classes: day & evening. Phonics class, grade 2,4,6,9 lessons- Call: 231-1209, 690-5008, 657-7398
From page 63
Commercial lots available at Eccles E.B.D $14M - Tel:592227-2913 or 592-689-3033 Parfaite Harmonie (80FTX50FT) -$2M, Tushen -$2M. We buy all low income land - Call: 611-7223 50 Acres titled farm land @ The Belle, Upper Dem, River Front -reasonable offer accepted, serious enquiries only! - Tel: 695-3493 Waterfront land at Eccles 7+ acres- Contact: 954-769-0576, email: 1belair@mail.com 76ft X 52ft land at Triumph railway embankmentCall:220-6799, 657-4969 At Cummings Lodge 40’x110’ near UG $12M negotiableCall: 647-5019 Professional Realty: we buy/ sell/rent/value your real estate –Call:694-3875; 6490535; 654-6198
VACANCY Cutter/straight stitch/ button tack/hole operators. Call: 222-2541 (8:00am4:00pm Mon-Fri) One male technician with complete secondary education, electrical knowledge & fluent in Portuguese, email: vacancy@gsatconnection.com One female clerk - Call: 2315171 Work from home, earn $5,000-$20,000 daily Call Monday-Friday 9am-5pm #233-6517, 638-0595 www.jobfairworldwide.com I N T E R N AT I O N A L EMPLOYMENT: NURSE, TEACHERS,CARPENTERS, ELECTRICIANS, COOK, WAITERS, BELL BOYS, HOUSEKEEPERS, STOREKEEPERS, SECURITIES. CONTACT: 231-6296; 650-9880/ www.plzrecruitme.com Live in housekeeper, to care for infant 30-50yrs, long term employment-Tel: 697-8797
FOR SALE Mannequins (full body)Call Simone: 227-0501, 6265317 Arrangements of floral on wood, looks really, really good!- Tel: 233-2182
Male security guards, male desk staff & male supervisorcall: 225-0198 or 233 South road, Lacytown
Full breed German shepherd puppies, black & brownCall: 682-5664
Salesmen, cashiers, salesgirl, porters- apply @ Survival lot 16 Duncan & Vlissengen road, with application & passport photo
Commercial water purification system retention tank, air water tank fiberglass. Ready to install. 1 chlorine pump (new)- Call: 684-8231 52" LED light bar for bush trucks & 4x4 pickups. 300 watts & 12/24 volts- Call: 6014640 One complete music systemTel: 699-5790, 221-2817 Ingersol rand compressor, mig/ark welder, roneo desk, generator steel cage, bottling machines, 220 motors essences freezer- Call: 2258183 2 family house on Aubrey Barker road. Upper flat 3 bedrooms, lower flat 2 bedrooms $25M neg Contact: 645-6498 3 bedrooms house in Kitty, fully concrete with study room & laundry room- $29M neg - Contact: 645-6498 Generator 30KVA, brand new, auto transfer switch, diesel. Super silent, single phase. From USA, sigma. $3M- Call: 695-1138
Handyman- Call: 600-7388, 225-7933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff Strett
Security- apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown ferry stelling 2 Office clerk: 5 CXC subjects, 2-3 years experience- G & J Phone Card Investment 171 Mandela Ave, Thirst Park. Accounts clerk/ office assistant: Maths, English, Proficiency in Excel & Microsoft Word. Technician (basic networking skills- Tel: 601-4697, 219-2226 1 Babysitter needed, salary $20,000 weekly-Contact: 2204031 FOR SALE Huge 3 bedrooms house in 3rd street Diamond 50x120$28M neg- Call:645-6498 Wood- used T-shore and 3/8 plywood, to cast decking, only used once @ half priceCall:695-1138 Pine cupboard doors 16"x27" $3,200. Also any size made on order- Call Singh: 621-1278
Annandale woman shows no sign of improvement Jasodra Mangoor, called ‘Shanta’, 58, 118 Corbin Park Annandale who is currently a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), has not shown any form of improvement from the third degree burns she received on 43% of her body. Acting out of frustration, she reportedly set herself ablaze last Wednesday night in her home. The woman’s action is believed to have been triggered by the constant verbal abuse meted out to her by her children, especially her 12 year- old daughter. Kaieteur News understands that the woman had freed herself of a very abusive relationship with her husband and had been working hard to make a better life for herself and children. However according to
PROPERTY FOR SALE Residential lots ad houses for sale at Eccles, E.B.D $7.5M. Tel:592-227-2913 or 689-3033 1 Flat concrete house 20X38 feet, land space: 100X200 feet. Tel: 694-1090 or 661-6073 Transported concrete property for sale at Lot 458 Block “8” Mon Repos, E.C.D, Top flat 2 bedrooms, bottom flat 2 bedrooms $20M. Tel: 625-1514 One corner property for sale with business - Tel: 223-5512 Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. FOR SALE IN CENTRAL GEORGETOWN: SPACIOUS HOUSE IN DESIRABLE BEL-AIR, NEWHAVENRESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. CALL: 647-8851 169 Thomas St. Kitty, double lot, vacant possession ideal for business or commercial purposes – Call Zeena: 2203348; 611-8222 Property at Agriculture road $15 million negotiable- Tel: 612-2522 Prime commercial property @ Cummings & Middle Sts, Alberttown, Georgetown, 3 Lots, 2 Buildings - $110M negotiable – Phone: 639-2000 Two storey 3 bedrooms, 3 baths @Charlotte St. Garage, business downstairs. No agents please. $80M nonnegotiable- Call: 695-1138
neighbours all she got in return was ingratitude from her children. Like any mother, Mangoor’s hurt was deeply aggravated by the disobedience of her youngest daughter. On the night of the incident it is unclear whether a misunderstanding between her and her children was the direct link to her action, but relatives and friends of the woman have contended that it is the initial cause. The woman’s sister-inlaw who shared a close bond with her was uncontrollable as she wept bitterly at the hospital on Thursday after seeing Mangoor’s condition. She described her brother’s former wife (Mangoor) as a very hard working person who worked tirelessly to cater for her six children. She disclosed the constant beating her in-law endured at the hand of her brother while the two shared a relationship. “He used to beat she… send she fa buy drugs and she used to do buy it… now she move for betterment and watch what she end up into.” In loud wails the sister-inlaw blurted out “Since meh see Shanta meh know she na gon mek it.” The woman cried “ow Shanta wa mek yo go and burn yaself… you could’ve come out the house fa ease
ya head…” One of the woman’s neighbours was in disbelief as he said that it was just earlier on the day of the incident that he had paid her for scrubbing his steps and she did not appear to be in any way depressed. Mangoor works as a domestic cleaner. According to reports, around 10:00pm last Wednesday Jasodra Mangoor showered herself with kerosene while in her kitchen, then locked herself in her bedroom and set herself ablaze. Kaieteur News understands that attempts by the woman’s daughter to stop her from carrying out the act failed. According the woman’s niece, Melissa, the child had held unto her mother’s hand in an attempt to stop her from dousing herself. Neighbours, after learning of the ordeal rushed to the woman’s aid. The bedroom door had to be broken down by a neighbour who assisted in rushing the badly burnt Mangoor to the GPHC. Kaieteur News has since learnt that welfare officers have stepped in to offer counseling to the allegedly uncontrollable 12 year- old. According to a source, the child has been placed into the custody of an older sister.
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Scud missile fired at Saudi Arabia Venezuelan president cancels Rome as 38 Yemenis reported killed meeting with Pope due to flu
Yemeni children chant slogans during a protest against Saudi-led airstrikes Yemen’s dominant Houthi group and its army allies fired a Scud missile at Saudi Arabia which the kingdom said it shot down on Saturday, in a major escalation of two months of war. Arab air strikes and shelling after the attack killed 38 Yemenis in provinces near Saudi Arabia, according to reports in the Houthicontroled state news agency Saba which could not be immediately confirmed. In the first reported use of a ballistic missile in the conflict, the Scud was fired on Saturday morning at the city of Khamees Mushait in the kingdom’s southwest and was intercepted by two Patriot missiles, a statement by the Saudi military said. The area is home to the largest air force base in southern Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, but there are no oil facilities in the vicinity. Al Masira, the Houthi group’s official channel, confirmed the launch and said it targeted the King Khaled air base. An alliance of Gulf Arab nations has been bombing Yemen’s Houthi militia and allied army units loyal to powerful ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh since March 26 in an attempt to restore exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power. Yemen’s official Saba news outlet said Saudi shelling and air strikes hit a camp for displaced people, a
medical center and a school in the border province of Hajja, killing 28 people, and bombings elsewhere in the north killed 10 others. It was not immediately possible to confirm the reports among residents of the remote border areas, which are cut off from telephone lines and are often the scene of clashes between Houthi and Saudi forces. Saturday’s violence came despite progress toward United Nations-backed peace talks planned for Geneva this month, to which both the exiled government and the Houthis have agreed. The United Nations said on Saturday it would convene the talks on June 14, and renewed a call for a pause in hostilities. “This could also help create an atmosphere that is more conducive for peaceful dialogue,” a spokesman said. The coalition has said a main goal of its war effort is to neutralize the threat that rockets in Yemen pose to Saudi Arabia and its neighbors. The alliance’s spokesman, Saudi Brigadier General Ahmed Asseri, said in April that it had removed the threat from heavy weapons. He later appeared to step back from that assertion, saying that 80 percent of the 300 or so missiles had been destroyed - a figure he repeated on Saturday. “Praise God, we have air defense forces capable of
blocking these kinds of rockets, destroying them and thwarting attempts like this,” he added. The Sunni Muslim coalition states fear the Houthi movement, from a Shi’ite sect in north Yemen, will act as a proxy for their arch-rival in the region, Shi’ite Iran. Iran and the Houthis deny any military or economic links, and the Houthis say their seizure of the capital Sanaa in September and their advance southward is part of a revolution against a corrupt government. BORDER BATTLE Arab air strikes have pounded arms and missile stores in the capital Sanaa and other military bases in Yemen almost daily. The 11-metre-long (35foot) Scuds have ranges of 300 km (200 miles) and more. The Cold War era ordnance has been used in internal conflicts in Syria and Libya and was fired by Saddam Hussein’s Iraq at Saudi Arabia in the 1991 Gulf War.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Saturday he had canceled a planned trip to Rome, during which he was due to meet Pope Francis, because he is sick with flu. Maduro, a socialist, had been due to meet the Argentine Pope on Sunday. “Due to being hit by flu and otitis, doctors have forbidden me to get on a plane and make the journey,” he said in a broadcast on state television, adding he was seeking to reschedule the meeting. Otitis is an inflammation of the ear. Opposition leaders staged anti-government vigils on Saturday to urge the Pope to mediate in favor of their jailed colleagues. These form part of larger protests that include partial hunger strikes by jailed opposition leaders. Opposition heavyweight Leopoldo Lopez and former mayor Daniel Ceballos, both imprisoned early last year for their role in nationwide protests which left more than 40 dead on both sides of the political divide, launched their partial hunger strikes around two weeks ago. Two-time opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles wrote an open letter to the Pope earlier this week asking him to intervene in Venezuela, which is mired in a severe economic crisis. Maduro was also due to address at the United Nations’ Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Monday. He did not specify whether he was also calling off a planned visit to Brussels to attend a meeting between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) scheduled for June 10 and 11.
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro
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As Jamaica’s prime forests decline, row erupts over protection KINGSTON, Jamaica IPS – For Jamaica, planting more trees as a way to build resilience is one of the highest priorities of the government’s climate change action plan. So when Cockpit Country residents woke up to bulldozers in the protected area, they rallied to get answers from the authorities. On May 18, Noranda Bauxite Limited acted on 2004 mining leases and moved its heavy equipment into the outer areas of the Cockpit Country, ignoring unresolved boundary issues. Their actions reignited a simmering row between stakeholders and government over demarcation and protection of the biologically diverse area. Whilst the company denies that it has begun mining, its officials admit to prospecting. Noranda’s actions however, raised suspicions that government had reneged on a promise made in 2006 when several prospecting leases issued to Alumina Partners were revoked. Back then, authorities had promised residents that the Cockpit Country would be off limits to bauxite mining. Junior Minister for Mining and Energy Julian Robinson has reiterated his government’s commitment to preserving the area, but many continue to be wary. Michael Schwartz, director of the Windsor Research Station, is fearful that government will seek to “placate” the people with “a token boundary” which defines the Cockpit Country to an area “where there is no bauxite to be mined”. “My concern is that [the government] seems to be completely ignoring the
Julian Robinson Public Consultation Report, which they commissioned in 2013, and is going to come up with its own boundary,” he said in an email response to IPS. Schwartz’s concern seems valid. After all, bauxite was, until 2008, the island’s second largest earner of foreign exchange. That year bauxite earned US$1.37 billion and accounted for 55 per cent of Jamaica’s total merchandise exports and traditionally contributed around five to six per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Just prior to the economic fallout and closure of mining operations in 2009, the sector was the third largest foreign exchange earner. Bauxite mining is also said to be the single largest cause of deforestation on the island. Not only are large areas of forests destroyed to extract the ore, the cutting of haul and access roads opens the prime forests to further threats from loggers, yam stick traders and coal burners. Forest clearing is identified as one of the biggest threats to the island’s biodiversity and the
remaining forests. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2007) also identifies forest clearing as one of the top contributors to climate variation. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Robert Pickersgill confirms that changes to the forest cover have “significant implications” for Jamaica, given that is “highly dependent” on its environmental resources. At a press conference to announce the findings of the most recent forest assessment surveys on March 10, the minister said: “The open dry forests that now stand as bare lands have increased the country’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and increased our risk of desertification. The loss of our broadleaf forests has reduced the forests’ capacity to provide us with ecosystem services such as water and clean air.” “Cockpit Country is in relatively good shape today because of its topography, it has conserved itself, so to speak,” Schwartz said, pointing out that whilst farmers have been encroaching on the area for centuries, the difficult terrain had made access difficult thereby limiting the impact of their activities. Depending on which of the three proposed boundaries is used, the Cockpit Country is estimated to cover between 820 and 1099 square kilometres (between 510 and 683 square miles). The core boundary – primarily forest reserves and crown lands – totals just over 56,000 hectares (138,379 acres), a transition boundary of just over 80,000 hectares (197, 684 acres) and the outer boundary of 116,218 hectares (287,181 acres).
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Teachers advised to carefully examine new wage offer The Gleaner - President of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) Doran Dixon has challenged teachers to carefully examine the revised wage offer the government has now placed on the bargaining table. Accompanying the new seven per cent increase there will also be increases in ‘special increments’ being offered to teachers in an attempt to compensate them for the shortfall in the basic salaries. Dixon says the JTA’s claim consists of more than 30 items but focus on the basic salary is imperative because it affects every teacher. The JTA President also explained that he has gotten the government to improve the offer on protective clothing allowance which will have an impact on approximately 17,000
Doran Dixon
teachers. He says the duty allowance has seen a miniscule movement while senior teachers will also see an increased allowance. While Dixon concedes that not everyone will benefit from everything he says the government has been encouraged to create a level
playing field so that travelling officers are able to access loans of up to $800,000 to assist in purchasing vehicles for travel. He was speaking at a consultation in Clarendon Friday, which was one in a series to be held islandwide in the coming days.
Venezuela is not a threat, but a risk, says Dutch foreign minister WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — Venezuela is no threat to the former Netherlands Antilles, but it is a risk, according to Dutch foreign affairs minister Bert Koenders last Thursday after the debate on the tensions in the South American country. “The economic situation is very bad, even the political tensions are great,” he said. That is why the Netherlands should consider the deteriorating situation in Venezuela and any risk to the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles. He was reacting to criticism voiced by the Dutch political parties VVD, SP, D66 and CDA. They feel that the government is naive and in
their eyes barely acting on the explosive situation. But according to Koenders there are all kinds of consultations on the situation in Venezuela, with the country itself, with Cuba, the United States and the European Union. In Venezuela there are major economic and political problems. Poverty is increasing, as well as crime and insecurity, Koenders said in the debate. The country is close to the Leeward Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Venezuelans are facing a shortage of food and medicine. Criticism is not tolerated and opposition ends up behind bars. (Caribbean News)
Bert Koenders
Cayman Islands regulator called on to step aside in FIFA probe GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands — Cindy Scotland, the managing director of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), has been called on to recuse herself from all involvement in an ongoing review by the territory’s financial regulator into the activities of Fidelity Bank in the Cayman Islands, one of six Caribbean banks implicated in the FIFA corruption scandal. US prosecutors allege
bribery payments to former Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) president, Jeffrey Webb, were routed through Fidelity Bank accounts in the Cayman Islands, controlled by Webb’s attaché Costas Takkas. Prior to his election as CONCACAF president, Webb was a manager at the bank’s now closed money transfer centre.
CIMA said in a statement last week that it is monitoring the allegations, which include the funneling of bribe payments to Webb through Fidelity Bank. “The Authority takes these matters very seriously and in respect of the allegations relating to one of our licensees, we will act a p p r o p r i a t e l y , dispassionately and in accordance with our obligations under the law,” CIMA said.
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EU’s Juncker snubs Greek PM Don’t be afraid of Russia, Putin tells West after ‘absurd’ debt deal rebuff Moscow (AFP) - Russia is not a threat to the West, President Vladimir Putin insisted in an interview published on Saturday, saying he was still committed to a Ukraine peace deal after a fresh flare-up in the country’s east. “I would like to say there’s no need to be afraid of Russia,” Putin told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in an interview published Saturday, ruling out a major conflict between Russia and NATO member countries. “The world has changed so much that people in their right mind cannot imagine such a large-scale military conflict today.” “We have other things to do, I can assure you,” the Russian president said. “Only a sick person — and even then only in his sleep — can imagine that Russia would suddenly attack NATO.” The Russian president spoke ahead of his visit to Italy next week that will include a meeting with Pope Francis. Putin’s interview was released by the Kremlin just as Group of Seven leaders are gearing up to meet in the Bavarian Alps for a summit this weekend without Russia. In the interview, Putin stressed that Russia merely sought to defend itself from outside threats. He pointed out that NATO members have defence expenditures that are 10 times Russia’s military spending,
adding that the US military budget was the biggest in the world. To ensure a strategic balance, Russia will develop “systems to overpower antimissile defences”, Putin said. “We have made significant progress in this direction,” he added, without providing further details. Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine last year has jangled nerves in Europe, with Baltic and Nordic countries reporting an uptick in Russian military activity over the past year. Pentagon officials said on Friday that the United States was considering a range of moves to beef up security, including bolstering missile defences or even deploying land-based missiles in Europe. Speaking about the Ukraine crisis, Putin accused Kiev authorities of being unwilling to implement a European-brokered peace deal agreed in February in Minsk and enter into dialogue with pro-Moscow rebels. “The problem is that representatives of the current Kiev authorities do not even want to sit down to talks with them,” Putin said. “And there is nothing we can do about it,” he added, urging the West to prod Kiev into negotiating with the rebels. “We would like these agreements to be implemented,” Putin said, stressing that Kiev should ensure autonomy for rebelheld territories and implement
a law on municipal elections and on amnesty. “The leaders of the selfproclaimed republics have publicly said that under certain conditions — that is the implementation of these Minsk agreements — they are ready to consider the possibility of considering themselves part of Ukraine.” “I believe this position should be considered as a serious, good preliminary condition to start serious negotiations,” he said, urging the European Union to provide “greater financial assistance” to Kiev. Ties between Russia and the West have plunged to their lowest level since the end of the Cold War, with Moscow being accused of inciting a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine. -’NO MISTRESS’Putin said Moscow was ready to build an equal partnership with the EU and accused Brussels of pursuing relations based solely “on material interests”. “We never treated Europe like a mistress,” he said, using a metaphor suggested by an Italian journalist. “I speak absolutely seriously now. We always offered a serious relationship.” He accused the EU of rupturing Russia’s economic ties with fellow exSoviet nations, saying if Baltic nations joined the EU power grid, Moscow would have to fork out up to 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) to build new transmission lines.
Caribbean tourism records 17th straight quarter of growth NEW YORK, United States - Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) chairman Richard Sealy says the Caribbean has “bolted out of the gates” with a six per cent increase in visitor arrivals in the first quarter of the year, and predictions are that while some countries will do better than others the region will continue to perform well overall and surpass its 2014 performance. The Caribbean recorded a 17th straight quarter of growth and the fifth consecutive year of increased arrivals during the first quarter, with 7.9 million visitors between January and March. At a press conference at Caribbean Week New York yesterday, Sealy, who is Barbados’ Minister of Tourism, said the region continues its rapid growth rate from 2014 when arrivals grew by 5.3 per cent to 26.3 million visitors. “We’ve bolted out of the gates with a six per cent increase in arrivals over the first quarter of 2014, so I think it’s fair to say that we are well into recovery mode,” he said. The United States market continues to be the most productive, with arrivals increasing by 5.6 per cent. The Canadian market grew an equally impressive 5.4 per cent, with Cuba and
Dominican Republic among the destinations recording higher levels of arrivals. In the accommodation sector, performance indicators were positive. There was a modest increase of 1.3 per cent in the number room available in the first quarter, the largest increase for this quarter in the last seven years. Historical first quarters highs were also recorded for room occupancy (77.8 per cent), average daily rate (US$239.84) and revenue per available room (US$188.25). However, cruise passenger arrivals slowed in the first quarter. The Caribbean registered a 3.4 per cent rise, compared to a 4.3 per cent growth in 2014 over 2013. An estimated 8.6 million cruise passengers visited the region in the first quarter. The best performing destinations were Martinique (34.2 per cent), Puerto Rico (26.2 per cent), Antigua & Barbuda (18.6 per cent) and Jamaica (15.9 per cent). Sealy said the outlook for the remainder of the year is positive. Although growth is expected to be moderate and uneven among Caribbean countries, overall tourist arrivals are now anticipated to rise at least six per cent over 2014.
The European Union’s chief executive declined to speak to Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Saturday after the leftist leader rejected as “absurd” international creditors’ terms for a cash-for-reform deal to keep his country from default. An EU official said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who has tried to bridge the gap between Athens and its lenders, refused to take a telephone call from the Greek premier since there was nothing new to discuss. A Greek government official denied the report and said Tsipras held a conference call on the debt crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande. The unresolved debt impasse, which is weighing on financial markets and could hit the global economic recovery, will hang over a Group of Seven leaders’ summit that Merkel will chair in southern Germany from Sunday. A German spokesman said Tsipras was not invited. With time running out for a debt deal and Greece struggling to meet its payment obligations, relations between Athens and its European and IMF lenders have turned increasingly raw. A European Commission spokeswoman said in a text message: “I can confirm that there was a request for a call. President Juncker and PM Tsipras will certainly stay in contact in the coming days, as was said in the statement on Wednesday night.” Tsipras had been due to return to Brussels for more talks on Friday but, faced with a backlash inside his Syriza party, went to the Greek parliament instead and denounced the creditors’ conditions as a “very bad negotiating trick”. “The Greek prime minister requested a phone call for 1100 CET on Saturday, but Juncker declined because there has been no progress in the discussions, and proposals that the Greek side promised on Wednesday night to deliver on Thursday have not arrived,” the EU official told Reuters. “There have been no new developments so there was nothing to discuss,” the official said. European Parliament President Martin Schulz, who has been supportive of Greece’s cause, also voiced exasperation, telling the Passauer Neue Presse newspaper: “The stubbornness of the Greek government is
infuriating.” German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, a Social Democrat more sympathetic to Athens than his conservative coalition partners, warned in a newspaper interview that the mood in Germany was now for letting Greece leave the euro zone. Asked if he saw a deal soon, Gabriel said: “That depends solely on the Greek government. Europe has gone to its limits.” Greece postponed a payment to the International Monetary Fund due on Friday until the end of June, highlighting its precarious cash position and spooking markets. The move gave it a few extra days to negotiate a deal it wants linked to future debt relief. An EU diplomat said Tsipras would fly to Brussels on Tuesday before a two-day EULatin America summit, and that would be an opportunity for political talks on a solution, while experts from Greece and the EU/IMF lenders work on detail in parallel technical negotiations. EXASPERATED Brussels officials still believe Tsipras wants a deal but they are exasperated with Greek rhetoric and brinkmanship. Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis kept up that barrage on Saturday, saying that the proposal handed to Tsipras on Wednesday was “almost offensive”. “I cannot imagine they really meant this to be the basis for an agreement, it was meant as an aggressive move, to terrorise the Greek government. Without realising that this government cannot be terrorised,” he told Sunday’s Proto Thema newspaper. By focusing anger on two of the lenders’ key demands, the scrapping of an income supplement for the poorest pensioners and the hiking of value-added tax on electricity, Tsipras left open possible alternatives to those measures to clinch an agreement. French Finance Minister Michel Sapin told Reuters the creditors’ plan was negotiable, not an ultimatum, and urged Athens to offer an alternative to the pension benefits cut, to which he said Greek objections were “not without legitimacy”. Officials have said mid-June is the final deadline for a deal to secure ministerial approval and parliamentary backing for disbursement before Greece’s 240 billion euro ($267 billion) bailout expires at the end of the month.
More than 2,000 migrants rescued in Mediterranean, operations ongoing More than 2,000 migrants were rescued from five wooden boats in the Mediterranean on Saturday and as many as seven other vessels have been reported at sea, the privately funded Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) and Italy’s coastguard said. “MOAS coordinated the rescue of over 2,000 people together with Italian, Irish and Germany ships,” the group tweeted. The migrants were packed onto wooden fishing boats in the Mediterranean off the Libyan coast. Italy’s coastguard, which coordinates sea rescue efforts in from Rome, could not confirm the number of migrants who had been saved so far, but said about a dozen different migrant boats had been reported and rescue operations were ongoing. “We have several assets at work,” a coastguard spokesman said. During the first five months of the year, there were 46,500 sea arrivals in Italy, a 12
percent increase on the same period of last year, the UN refugee agency said. Italy’s government projects 200,000 will come this year, up from 170,000 in 2014. The summer months are usually the busiest period for departures because the calm seas make the crossing easier. This year growing anarchy in Libya - the last point on one of the main transit routes to Europe - is giving free hand to people smugglers who make an average of 80,000 euros ($89,000) from each boatload, according to an ongoing investigation by an Italian court. MOAS, which is operating a privately funded rescue operation with Doctors without Borders, said its Phoenix ship plucked 372 mostly Eritreans from one boat. The Italian navy said one of its ships was still trying to remove about 560 from a wooden boat, while another navy ship has finished rescuing 316 from yet another.
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Guyanese Roy McArthur to debut Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend... as Referees Assessor in WCQ (From page 70) Floodlight Balls. Bearing, FIC Clutch & Break Former FIFA Referee now FIFA Assessor Roy McArthur is set to make his debut as an assessor in World Cup Qualifying on Wednesday when host Aruba take on Barbados in Round 2 of the CONCACAF qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, Russia 2018. According to McArthur, the other officials for the game are from the
USA and he is honored to be making his debut and looking forward to the challenge. The experienced McArthur, who enjoyed a successful career as a FIFA Referee as well as on the local scene, also officiated in that capacity back in 2006 in the Honduras v Netherlands Antilles match and will become the first Guyanese official to stand in the middle and
as an assessor in World Cup Qualifying. This will be McArthur’s fourth appointment as an Assessor for 2015 having also officiated in the CONCACAF Under-20 championship in Jamaica in January, CFU Club Championship Group 4 in Haiti in April and the CFU Club Championships Finals last month in Trinidad and Tobago.
Serena Williams fends off late comeback to... (From page 75) work. Her intensity level peaked as she broke Safarova to take the 4-2 lead. Carillo wondered out loud if she should be moving back downstairs. Williams held serve. 5-2. At 40-0, with a triple-break-point, triple-matchpoint opportunity, Williams let out her loudest roar of the day. As the final point went her way, Williams raised both hands. She let her racket drop from her grip. Her smile was tight, controlled, a far cry from the joyous, jubilent expression she displays after most of her U.S. Open and Australian Open wins. This one did not come easy. “I choked. Simple as that. I think you have to admit to it,” Williams told Carillo. “She took it to me.” “This is by far the most dramatic [Grand Slam win]. I didn’t even train yesterday. I’ve had the flu. It’s been a nightmare,” she added.
“She played great but I just needed to step it up. I stopped thinking and I started playing and I started doing and next thing you know I won.” This was the eighth time Williams has had to play a deciding set in a Grand Slam final. She’s now a perfect 8-0. Safarova’s title hopes are not completely diminished – she will play for the women’s doubles title with partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands on Sunday. Williams has now won the last three Grand Slams. She’s the first woman to win the first two Grand Slam events in the same year since Jennifer Capriati did so in 2001. The last woman to win all four slams in the same year was Graf, who did so in 1988. “Twenty is pretty amazing to me,” Williams said. But she won’t savor it for long. “Unfortunately I’m thinking about Wimbledon.”
Sunday June 07, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A temporary separation from a love partner might have you in a very gloomy mood, Aries. Attempts to reach your friend by phone might prove fruitless. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Expect to be frantic if you have to take care of something that's time critical today, Taurus. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Generally you avoid politics in any group you belong to, Gemini, but today you might get caught up in the fray in order to support a friend. This goes against your grain. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Changes you're making at home might necessitate your planning extra time, Cancer.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A business or romantic partner might be in a foul mood and not very likely to tell you why, Libra. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Have you been exercising beyond your fitness level, Scorpio? SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A goal you've recently been on the verge of attaining may suddenly hit unexpected setbacks. However major or minor they are, it's going to be disheartening. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You could be introduced to a new person today Capricorn. He or she may be someone who will play a very important role in your life at one point.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Are you involved in a search through every store for a particular item, Leo? You might be looking for a long time.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Is there a secret you're obsessed with unveiling, Aquarius? Something strange could be going on in your neighborhood, or it might be an intellectual puzzle.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you've given up on something you've lost, Virgo, you might get a real surprise tonight when a dream sheds light on where you might find it.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Various intellectual or humanitarian subjects you've been reading about have changed your value system, perhaps subtly, Pisces.
Winners $100,000 + Trophy, Runner-Up $25,000 + Trophy. For Females, Winner receive $50,000 + Trophy and Runner-Up $20,000 + Trophy. Player of the Series in all categories will receive a Trophy + $10,000. Player of the Match in Final will receive a Trophy + $5,000. The finals of this Softball Competition will be played on Sunday October 11th. Balls to be used by Males are the white GFSCA/Trophy Stall balls. Females will use the yellow
The Petama Enterprise/ Motor Trend Softball Competition serves as the perfect build-up for the fifth GFSCA International Softball Tournament, “Guyana Softball Cup 5” which will be held on October 30th, 31st& 1st November. Entrance fee for The Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend Tournament is $15,000 for the Male Categories, while the Females are free. Petama Enterprise are distributors for KYB Shocks, NPW Water Pump, Toyo
Product. Petama Enterprise Managing Director Petamber Maharaj and Motor Trend Managing Director Jailall Deodass are very enthusiastic about sponsoring this Tournament. This GFSCA managed competition is also co-sponsored by Trophy Stall, Ariel Enterprise, Mike’s Pharmacy, Romeo Oil Seal, Rohan Auto Spares, Ramchand Auto Spares and Gainmart producers of Powerline Battery Acid &Powerline Battery Waters.
Transformation of UG ... (From page 73) its resource base. The structure will give rise to Inter-Faculty competition from which the best will be selected to represent the University. Such a programme needs institutional support. Vincent Alexander tried to move in this direction when he was at the University, but his solo efforts were ignored. There must be a concerted administrative effort to resuscitate sport. The University of Guyana Students’ Society, of which a former 800m national schools champion, Joshua Griffith is President, should work with Fraser-Thomas in lobbying to have this as part of a policy at the University. Griffith has to invoke his passion for sports.The policy has to include the development of facilities at the University’s Turkeyen Campus. The previous Government missed an opportunity to show that they were serious about sport when they decided to construct the Synthetic Track and Field Facility at Leonora, as opposed to maximising the use of the massive land space that is available west of UG’s entrance. This same space can be developed to include cricket, track and field, football and rugby facilities. This should have been part of the $900 million that the previous Government claimed it spent on the development of grounds across Guyana. In addition, the tarmac, which was once a famous basketball court, must be reclaimed for exactly that purpose. It is used as a parking lot on Campus currently. The gym must be part of this project to develop sport facilities on campus. The University of Guyana must serve as a crystallisation for the concept of the ‘student-athlete’. Currently, the athletic ca-
reers of many otherwise gifted academics dissipate after entering tertiary education at the University. This brings into focus the need for sport to become part of curriculum at UG as part of a policy where credits are awarded for participation, and more so, performance in sports. As a point of reference, UG presently has national basketball player, Akeem Kanhai among some other national junior players as students. National distance runner, Cleveland Forde and sprint ace Elton Bollers are all students of the University.
These athletes should have gotten scholarships to the University where their tuition was paid and the credits awarded for their contribution to sports. They have represented Guyana and their entry to UG should have been on an ‘elite student-athlete’ basis. Notwithstanding, there was a commitment from the new Minister of Education, Dr. Roopnaraine to “pay particular attention to the University”. Fraser-Thomas and Griffith should join forces and ensure that sport gets some of that attention at the University of Guyana.
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Sunday June 07, 2015
“West Indies badly let down by selectors in Test No. 1 v Australia!” Colin E. H. Croft Contrary to obtuse thoughts, everything does start at the beginning. That debilitating three-day loss by West Indies in Test No. 1 to Australia in Dominica last Friday was prescribed by the final WI XI selected before a ball was bowled. Despite spirited batting from debutant Shane Dowrich and Marlon Samuels in WI’s 2nd innings, one particular selection made WI incapable of winning No. 1. Remembering that “common sense is not always common”, why did WI selectors Clive Lloyd, Courtney Walsh, Eldine Baptiste and Courtney Browne pick a third fast bowler, Shannon Gabriel, instead of what was needed on that well-known Warner
Park spinner-friendly pitch, a second full-fledged spinner in left-arm orthodox Veerasammy Permaul? Could it have been that Lloyd; 110 Tests; who captained a world-beating team with great fast bowlers, or Walsh; 132 Tests, one of those greats, or Baptiste; 10 Tests; another faster bowler under Lloyd’s captaincy, or Browne; 20 Tests; who was poor to spin anyway as a wicket-keeper, still do not know, appreciate or understand what is meant by “using horses for courses”? Even with fast bowling legacies, WI present selectors should have known the history of spin at Windsor Park. That blinkered omission of Permaul caused WI to lose Test No. 1. WI’s present faster
bowlers Gabriel, Jason Holder and Jerome Taylor do not compare favorably to Aussie fast-men Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Everything starts at the beginning, so due to four decades of involvement in several aspects of aviation, I mostly refer to that industry for examples for real life and sports too. Nineteen years ago; May 1996; a commercial flight, ValuJet Flight 592, a Mc Donnell-Douglas DC-9, burned then crashed into the Florida Everglades relatively close to Miami International Airport, ten minutes after take-off, killing all 110 persons aboard. That accident could easily have been avoided too but that flight was doomed even before it left the parking gate. There was nothing that
Independence Cup 2015
Defending champs Slingerz to face Ann’s Grove in Father’s Day final By Franklin Wilson Defending champions and host club, Slingerz FC overcame an early scare to comfortably ease into the final of the 2015 Independence Cup knock-out via a 3-2 margin in their semi final against Pele FC on Friday night at the Leonora Football Field. In the other semi final it was not as easy, despite going 3-0 up by the end of the first half, East Demerara’s Ann’s Grove had to hold on for dear life as the rampaging Fruta Conquerors pulled out all the stops but fell short as Ann’s Grove eked out a 3-2 win to earn the right to face Slingerz on June 21st at the same venue. It was a total all round effort from the Slingerz unit Coached by National Under23 assistant Coach Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson, an experienced tactician. Clearly the better oiled unit, Slingerz found themselves trailing from as early as the 3rd minute when Okene Fraser pounced on loose ball which was not grasped cleanly by custodian Simon Emanuel to rock the back of the nets. Despite giving up an early goal, Slingerz kept their offensive ambitions high and were the more dominant side, eventually firing in the equalizer five minutes before the half through a well orchestrated strike from the nippy, Gideon Payne. In the second half, Pele were not able to duplicate their first half form in terms of scor-
Gideon Payne ing and it was all Slingerz FC. Clive Nobrega who missed out on National team duties for Wednesday’s World Cup Qualifying game away to St. Vincent & the Grenadines owing to a red card in the Suriname friendly in May, handed Slingerz the lead in the 60th minute. The game was put beyond the reach of Pele when another national team selectee, Dwain Jacobs rocked the back of the nets in the 79th minute to seal Pele’s fate and secure Slingerz’ place in the championship game. Slingerz defeated East Bank’s Grove Hi Tech 2-0 in their quarter final game while Pele had taken care of business against Uitvlugt 2-1. Ann’s Grove, having won their quarter final game against Den Amstel 2-1, kept their winning ways intact and almost self destruct as they put away Fruta conquerors in a close battle. The East Coast side ran away to a 3-0 advantage for the end of the first half, compliments of a double off the boot of Kevon Barry (23, 26) and Andre Francis who
Kevon Barry opened the scoring in the 5th minute. The mountain was too high for Conquerors, one of eight Elite Club sides that will contest the Guyana Football Federation Elite League set to kick off in August, to climb despite their valiant effort in second half. They dominated proceedings even as Ann’s Grove looked very ordinary as they perhaps felt they had done enough in the opening half. Conquerors, through a Seon Hescott brace in the 51st and 62nd minute turned the game on its head for a period as the Ann’s Grove fans were kept on the edges of their seats, the Conquerors fans also found themselves in a similar position. Conquerors though, could have sealed the game but lapses in the attacking third denied them that win and it was Ann’s Grove that ended as the happier unit. Fruta Conquerors and Pele will now contest the third place game on June 21st which would be followed by the final between Slingerz and Ann’s Grove.
the two experienced cockpit crew, with a combined nearly 21,000 flying hours between them, could have done to save themselves and passengers, as unknown to them, the ground handlers had packed illegal-to-carry hazardous materials into baggage holds. Once airborne, the ‘Hazmat’ ignited. That was that! Last week, Windsor Park was hosting only its fourth Test overall, having hosted India in 2011, Australia in 2012 and Zimbabwe in 2013. Dominica’s first ever Test was drawn, but the latter two were won by deadly spin bowling from Australia and WI. In 2012, with Shiv Chanderpaul aboard – he made two half centuries Australia beat WI by seventy-five runs, courtesy of left-arm spinner and captain Michael Clarke’s second innings 5 for 86, coupled with off-spinner Nathan Lyons’ match figures 7-156. Permaul is a much better spinner than Clarke! Dominican WI off-spinner Shane Shillingford had excellent match-figures then too; 81.5-16-219-10; while WI’s part-time off-spinner Narsingh Deonarine also had three wickets. So, between Lyons, Clarke, Deonarine, Shillingford and David Warner, who had 1-21 with occasional leg-breaks, spin bowling accounted for 26 of 40 wickets taken in that game! When WI beat Zimbabwe in 2013 by an innings and
sixty-five runs, Shillingford had even more impressive match-figures with his offbreaks and ‘doosras’; 36.5-893-10. Marlon Samuels’ offbreaks contributed well too; match-figures 18.2-3-50-6. Further, Zimbabwe’s offspinner Prosper Utseya and right-arm leg-spinner Graeme Cremer, ala Davendra Bishoo, took five of eight WI wickets to fall in that game. So, in the last Test at Windsor Park before last week, twenty-one of twentyeight wickets to fall were taken by spin bowling! How could present WI’s selectors not know these facts or did they have yet another agenda? Were Lloyd and Co overridden by captain Denesh Ramdin and coach Philip Simmons, both of Trinidad & Tobago, in selecting T&T native Gabriel instead of Permaul, who, incidentally, was WICB’s 2015 four-day First-Class competition’s leading wicket-taker with 69 wickets? Does WI’s selection committee have something else against Permaul, as he was also overlooked in recent World Cup 2015, for Nakita Miller, and was only belatedly called up against England too? Permaul’s omission was costly to WI, especially when the only front-line spinner, Bishoo, bowled beautifully for 6-80 from 33 tantalizing but tiring overs. Permaul also bats infi-
nitely better than Gabriel. What is going on here? Bishoo needed Permaul’s partnership when Australia were depleted to 178-8 in 1st innings, after WI had made a paltry 148. That small lead was extended to 170 runs by Adam Voges’ tremendous initial Test innings; 130 not out, with the help of tail-enders! WI batting line-up before Test No. 1 v Australia has only two batsmen, Darren Bravo; 43.18; and Jermaine Blackwood; 50.36; with batting averages better than 40 runs per innings, so WI could not have hoped to frighten Australia with batting power. Therefore, the only way WI could have won Test No. 1 would have been to “bowl them out”; dismiss Australia twice, but WI did not have the bowling personnel to accomplish such! Maybe WICB President Dave Cameron will address these concerns in his next “Town-Hall” meeting in Guyana soon, but much of this makes no sense at all, at least not to me. Enjoy! E - m a i l Addressc.e.h.croft@gmail.com
Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend Auto Sales, Spares & Repairs Softball competition launched
GFSCA organiser Wayne Jones (center) with Jailall Deodass (right), Petama (left), along with other members of GFSCA during the launch. Petama Enterprise of 16 Delph Street, Campbellville and Motor Trend Auto Sales, Spares & Repairs of Old Public Road, Enmore are the newest sponsors of the next Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association organised Tournament. This Tournament will start June 28.
Like all GFSCA Tournament it will be played in 3 Categories, Male/Female Open and Male Masters. For the Male Masters, players qualified must born 1970 or before. However all Masters Teams can include a maximum of 4 players born 1971 and 1972 in their squad of 15 members.
Essequibo Zones will be handled by Khalid Baksh, Tel #: 618-1905 and Berbice and Demerara Zones will be handled by GFSCA Chief Organiser Wayne Jones, Tel#: 650-1790 and 685-6908. Prizes for the Male Open and Male Masters are (Continued on page 69)
Sunday June 07, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Elite League looks to inject life into Guyanese domestic football By Santokie Nagulendran One of the numerous casualties of the political turmoil that engulfed the GFF during the reign of former President Christopher Matthias was the indefinite suspension of the “GFF Super League”, Guyana’s premier division of club football. The league, made up of sixteen clubs from all over Guyana, had begun in 2009, taking over from the National Football League which ran until 2001. Unfortunately, there has not been any league action since May 2014, in the midst of all the battling to remove Matthias from office, the league was essentially forgotten and thus no premier domestic football has taken place in over a year now. The repercussions of the league’s absence have been widely felt: Guyana’s top footballers have had no consistent football in over a year, and have relied on tournaments such as the Mayor’s Cup and Kashif & Shanghai to get match action. Alpha United, in particular, have felt the effects of not having a
league: having won 5 titles in a row, the team, led by Coach Wayne Dover, managed to make history last year by becoming the first Guyanese team to qualify for the group stages of the CONCACAF Champion’s League, the region’s premier club tournament. Alpha’s efforts to qualify were aided by the fact that the qualification tournament, against the best teams in the Caribbean, was held during a time when the GFF Super League was taking place: therefore the Alpha players were fit and had experience of playing consistent 90 minute matches over the course of the year. Contrast that to this season; with no Super League, Alpha United players struggled to gain fitness, their only avenue to play games were through annual tournaments, which doesn’t provide consistency for the players. At one point last year, they even entered an indoor futsal tournament just to get game time, so it was no surprise to see them fail to qualify for next season’s CONCACAF Champions League, losing to
Trinidadian side Central FC, a team who have had the advantage of playing a full domestic season in Trinidad. Alpha’s loss was a blow for Guyanese football, as the Champions League provides a platform for Guyanese football to be shown to an audience of millions. The lack of fitness as a result of no league has also hampered the National Team, which features numerous players based in Guyana who have not had the benefits of playing league football this season. Coach Jamaal Shabazz of the National Team has repeatedly emphasised how much effort it is taking to get the players up to a required standard of fitness, so the absence of a league has also had a massive detriment to the country’s National team. However, that all looks set to change, with the GFF Technical Director, Claude Bolton, recently announcing the formation of the “GFF Elite League”, replacing the Super League, and consisting of eight teams. In a press conference this week, Bolton said, “You cannot have a
GFF name solid 21-man squad for away WCQ game against SVG
Guyana’s Golden Jaguars at training recently under the charge of Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz. With just three days away from their opening game in Round 2 of the CONCACAF/ FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has released their 21-man squad that will travel to the Caribbean Island tomorrow for their Wednesday afternoon encounter at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. Captain Christopher Nurse will once again lead the Golden Jaguars and will no doubt be eager to get past this first hurdle successfully against the ‘Vincy Heat’, a side that Guyana lost to in their last encounter. Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz had stated that the competition among the players had been very competitive indicating that there were two
players battling for every position. Some 38 players were called to trails. Shabazz, on his third stint at the helm of the game in Guyana (2005-2009, 20112012) stated that that each player showed commitment and worked hard for the right to be selected. Midfielder Clive Nobrega, who had picked up a red card in Guyana’s 1-0 defeat to Suriname in a May friendly in Paramaribo, will miss the first leg of the qualifiers. The second leg is set for next Sunday at the Providence Stadium from 19:00hrs. The squad: GOALKEEPERS: Akel Clarke, Derrick C a r t e r DEFENDERS: Matthew Briggs, Collin Nelson, Jamaal
Smith, Adrian Butters, Samuel Cox, Dwain Jacobs MIDFIELDERS: Vurlon Mills, Ricky Shakes, Brandon Beresford, Christopher Nurse (Captain), Kanata Manning, Trayon Bobb, Walter Moore, Eon Alleyne and Neil Danns FORWARDS: Emery Welshman, Sheldon Holder, Marcel Barrington and Daniel Wilson Technical staff: HEAD COACH: Jamaal Shabazz, ASSISTANT COACH: Wayne Dover, GOALKEEPING COACH: Andrew Hazel, EQUIPMENT MANAGER: Trevor Burnett, MANAGERS: Mark Xavier and Faizal Khan, TRAINER: Anson Ambrose, PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Duane Saunders and Beverley Nelson.
strong national team without having a league; it is proved that a league strengthens and better prepares national teams. This is why we are proud to have the Elite League which will develop Guyana’s football in the future.” The eight teams invited to form the league have all gone under CONCACAF Licensing procedures and they will begin games inAugust. What is interesting is not all the teams in the new league played in the previous GFF Super League: both Slingerz FC and Georgetown Football Club (GFC), teams covered in previous columns, have been promoted to Guyana’s top footballing division for the first time. The reason? They match the criteria of having a healthy financial standing, a CONCACAF License, and being deemed to have been competitive in results over the previous three to five years. Having eight teams in the league will improve quality and competition: a problem with the GFF Super League was that with sixteen sides taking part, there were frequently one-sided results which reduced the appeal of the league. It will be compelling to see if Slingerz FC, only
formed in 2013, can mount a challenge for the title against favourites Alpha United, having surprisingly defeated them in this year’s Kashif and Shanghai tournament. With Slingerz containing National Team players such as Vurlon Mills and Colin Nelson, it will be interesting to see how they fare in their debut league season. GFC are also another team which will be looking to impress in the league: whilst they lack the glamour of star names, the team has been built around youth, so we could see future National Team players arise from the team, such as Keron Solomon, a talented young defender who has impressed many. Ironically, Slingerz FC star player Vurlon Mills had served as coach for GFC, but with the team now being in direct competition with Slingerz, it is unknown if he will retain that role. Alpha United will be confident of being successful in the league, having been Guyana’s dominant club side for years under the guidance of Coach Wayne Dover. Teams such as Western Tigers and Riddim Squad, regular teams in the GFF Super League, may feel aggrieved they have not been included
Santokie Nagulendran in the Elite League, and it remains to be seen whether the GFF will create a league pyramid system that will allow teams to be promoted/relegated, or if regional associations will be asked to form their own leagues as before. Five of the eight teams chosen are from Georgetown, and there have been questions raised as to why teams from areas such as Linden have not been included. However, based on criteria, the eight best equipped clubs have been chosen to contest the inaugural season of the league, and hopefully, it will lead to a better future for Guyanese football. P.S Good luck to the Golden Jaguars as they play 2018 World Cup Qualifiers over the coming days!
Classy Barcelona claim fifth European crown with Juve win BERLIN (Reuters) Barcelona were crowned kings of Europe for the fifth time after beating Juventus 31 in a superb Champions League final at the Olympic Stadium yesterday, capping their magnificent season with a treble of titles. Goals from Ivan Rakitic in the fourth minute, Luis Suarez in the 68th and Brazilian Neymar at the end of stoppage time sealed the Catalans’ second treble, following their feat in 2009, after they also won the La Liga title and Spanish King’s Cup. It was a triumph for Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, the club’s former Spain international midfielder, in his hugely impressive first season in charge at the Nou Camp. “It’s incredible, a dream, something unique,” a delighted Suarez told Spanish television. “To win these competitions you have to suffer, if not it’s not worth it, and today we had to suffer to win the match.” It was the Italians’ who had the bitter taste, though, as Juve, who became the first
team in the history of the competition to lose six finals in total, having also now been defeated in their last four. “We believed we had a chance of pulling off this great feat but we didn’t manage it and the best team won,” said Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. “In football that doesn’t always happen but this time that was the case.” NERVOUS START Barca overcame a nervous start when a sublime combination, in which all 10 outfield players touched the ball, eventually saw Neymar feed captain Andres Iniesta, who picked out Rakitic to score the fourth fastest goal in a European Cup final. Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who won the World Cup in Berlin’s Olympic stadium in 2006 with Italy, denied Barcelona a second goal in the 13th minute with a superb one-handed save to keep out a Dani Alves shot. The 38-year-old stopper again came to the rescue three minutes after the restart and Juve then grabbed an equaliser against the run of play through former Real
Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. However, Juve’s joy was short-lived as Lionel Messi had an effort that Buffon could only parry to Suarez who followed up with an almost identical goal to the Italians’. Neymar then had a goal disallowed after his header bounced off his own outstretched hand to deceive the diving Buffon, much to the forward’s frustration. Juventus, the second oldest team in a European final with an average age of just over 30, fought bravely but ran out of steam as Neymar scored with the last kick in stoppage time. That goal took the tally for Barca’s Latin American trio of Argentine Messi, Uruguayan Suarez and Brazilian Neymar, known in Spain as ‘MSN’, to a stunning 122 this term in all competitions. It was also Xavi’s last game for the Catalan club while fellow midfielder Iniesta became the first Barca player to feature in four finals as he equalled Clarence Seedorf’s record of having played on the winning side four times.
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Kaieteur News
GSA/Digicel Woodpecker Products Junior National Squash C/Ship
Sunday June 07, 2015
Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ National Playoffs
Wiltshire sisters to clash G/town teams dominate opening night in final day showdown -B/ce Unruly Gang also impresses, finals set for tonight The remaining matches in the Woodpecker Products Junior National Squash Championships will take place today from 10:00 hrs at the Georgetown Club, where several exciting matches will determine the winners of each age category. The tournament, which was initially supposed to have been concluded last Sunday, was postponed due to flooding in the city, but is finally set to reach its climax with several key encounters and exciting matches expected to bring down the curtain on the competition hosted by the Guyana Squash Association in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel. In what is expected to be the feature final match, two of the most experienced juniors in the Wiltshire sisters- Akeila and Larissa, will battle for top honors. The shot selection and composure of the older Akeila may give her a competitive edge. However with notable agility and athleticism the younger Larissa should not be rated as an underdog. Both unbeaten during this tournament, the match will be an important one as the athletes prepare for next month’s Junior Caribbean Amateur Squash Association (CASA) tournament. The youngest WiltshireShomari, will aim to continue his unbeaten run to take both the Under 13 and Under 15 categories. Nyron Joseph is set to play Ben Mekdeci in what is also expected to be a high octane encounter between two of the more rounded juniors currently on the local circuit, in a decisive
Akeila Wiltshire
Larissa Wiltshire
under-17 game. Under 13 girls favorite Makeda Harding is set to play Abosaide Cadogan and Maya Collins, while the improving Rebecca Low plays her last game against Sarah Lewis. Brothers Anthony and Daniel Islam are also expected to produce an exciting match as the two developing players, who have shown impressive fight in their losses, meet to salvage some pride. Full List of Games: Court 1: Mohryan Baksh vs Wade Beckles, Nechemiyah Levans vs Shomari Wiltshire Geovanna DoSantos vs Beau Fernandes Liam Carpenter vs Gareth DaSilva Abosaide Cadogan vs Makeda Harding Aliyah Persaud vs Teija Edwards Matthew Phang vs Alec Melville Maya Collins vs Makeda Harding Court 2:
Shiloh Asregado vs Nathan Rahaman Gianni Carpenter vs Samuel Ince-Carvahal Paige Fernandes vs Haley Carpenter James Mekdeci vs Mashal Allicock Zack Persaud vs Demetrius DeAbreu Ethan Jonas vs Micheal Alphonso Daniel Islam vs Anthony Islam Court 3: Noah Rahaman vs Louis DaSilva Lucas Jonas vs Dominic Collins Kirsten Gomes vs Isabella Ramjohn Kamir Khan vs Jason Gomes Madison Fernandes vs Kirsten Gomes Rebecca Low vs Sarah Lewis Shomari Wiltshire vs Alexander Cheeks Akeila Wiltshire vs Larissa Wiltshire Ben Mekdeci vs Nyron Joseph
American Pharoah wins the Triple Crown (Yahoo Sports) ELMONT, N.Y. – American Pharoah accomplished one of the rare feats in sport yesterday, becoming the first horse in 37 years and just the 12th horse ever to win the Triple Crown. The heavily favored colt completed the quest by running away from seven rivals in the Belmont Stakes, three weeks after a rain-soaked dash in the Preakness and five weeks after a gritty, stretch-duel victory in the Kentucky Derby. American Pharoah’s name now moves into the history books alongside equine immortals like Secre-
tariat, Seattle Slew, Citation and War Admiral. And horse racing finally has the superstar it has hungered for – a fluid athlete with a massive stride who seems to float over the ground. The last horse to win all three of North America’s biggest races was Affirmed in 1978. Since then, 13 horses have come to this historic track having won the first two legs of the Crown. All had failed, raising doubts whether the quest was still attainable for the modern thoroughbred. In front of a roaring crowd, American Pharoah eradicated those doubts in stirring fashion, going wire-to-wire at the
Belmont, beating secondplace finisher Frosted by six lengths. The result gave triumphant closure to trainer Bob Baffert’s 18-year quest to win the Triple Crown. Three times previously, he had won the Derby and Preakness only to encounter Belmont heartbreak. In 1997, his Silver Charm was passed in deep stretch. In ’98, Real Quiet was nipped at the wire. And in 2002, front-running War Emblem stumbled leaving the gate and was never a factor. Now the 62-year-old Californian finally has his Triple.
Georgetown teams sent an emphatic message to opposing teams from the other four communities on opening night of the Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ National Playoffs which was played on Friday night, at the Pouderoyen Tarmac. Of the six teams which is currently representing Georgetown, five were in winners row with Festival City being the only one to lose, succumbing to a determined Melanie ‘B’ unit on sudden death penalty kicks after their encounter ended in a 1-1 stalemate. The playoffs, which were greeted with overcast conditions, got off to a rousing start with defending Georgetown champions North Ruimveldt putting on a clinic in their clash against Wisroc of Linden. Rickford Jones hit the target as early as the fourth minute, firing past the last defender into the left side of the goal. He returned three minutes later to net his second after receiving a pass from the right side, before slicing it into the empty goal. Despite Wisroc’s defensive posture, North Ruimveldt continued to find a few cracks and it was one such occasion that former national midfielder Travis Grant found and exploited beautifully to hit into the goal one minute after the resumption. Just as Jones had done,
Grant was back on the scoresheet three minutes later firing past the last stop to give his team a comfortable 4-0 cushion, before Wisroc’s Omeion Wills pulled one back four minutes from full time. Berbice runner-up Unruly Gang also displayed ominous form when they inflicted a 4-0 drubbing of West Side Ballers in the third game of the evening. Hot favourites West Front Road then crushed a depleted Berbice champions Manchester Boys 6-0 with Michael Oie and Darren Benjamin hitting in a double each. Sparta Boss the other favourite touted to go all the way duplicated nemesis West Front Road’s performance with a similar 6-0 thrashing of Patentia Streetballers. The efficient Sheldon Shepherd fired in a brace to lead all scorers. The night’s full results are seen below: Game-1 North Ruimveldt-4 vs Wisroc-1 North Ruimveldt Scorers Rickford Jones-4th and 7th Travis Grant-16th and 19th Wisroc Scorer Omeion Wills-26th Game-2 Globe Yard-1 vs Amelia’s Ward Russians Leon Roberts-22nd Game-3 Unruly Gang-4 vs West Side Ballers-0 Delroy Ferdinand-6th and 9th
Kevin Joseph-13th Lee DePollitter-22nd Game-4 West Front Road-Gold is Money-6 vs Manchester Boys-0 Michael Oie-2nd and 5th Darren Benjamin-23rd and 24th Randolph Wagner-20th Michael Pedro-27th Game-5 Leopold Street-2 vs Nabaclis-1 Leopold Scorers Akeem Rajkumar-4th Dellon Davids-17th Nabaclis Scorer Rickford Morrison-1st Game-6 Festival City-1 vs MelanieB-1 Melanie-B won 2-1 on sudden death kicks Melanie-B Scorer Ryan Seales-16th Festival City Scorer Daniel Favourite-23rd Game-7 Sparta Boss-6 vs Patentia Street Ballers-0 Sheldon Shepherd-6th and 8th Jerome Richardson-10th Devon Millington-16th Roberto Osbourne-19th Dennis Edwards-20th Game-8 Showstoppers-1 vs BV-A-0 Anthony Sancho-17th The competition was expected to resume last evening at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac with the finals set for today at the Demerara Park, Ruimveldt.
Bush Lot United Turf Club Horse Race meet set for Sunday 26 July The Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC) is expected to come alive on Sunday 26th July when that entity holds its first race meet for the year 2015 at their Sea View Park, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice racetrack. Seven races are carded for the day with close to $5M up for grabs including cash, trophies and other incentives. The Feature race will be for horses classified ‘C’ and lower for a whopping first prize of $1M and trophy over 1600M and a total package of $2M. There is an event for horses classified E 1 and lower over 1300M for a first prize of $400,000 and trophy. Horses classified G2 and lower will be running for a winners money of $350,000 and trophy over 1300M. The 1000M race for two year old Guyana and West Indies bred and born animals
The Bush Lot United Turf club, venue for the July 26th meet.
has a winning money of $300,000 and trophy. The H1 and lower horses will get their opportunity to race for the winning purse of $250,000 and trophy over 1300M. The final two races are for animals classified the J and lower and K and lower over 1300 M for winning takes of $180,000 and $150,000 and trophies respectively.
Interested persons can make enquiries with Coordinator and Treasurer Lakeram B. Sukhdeo on Number 2320558 or 672-0810 or Ramnauth on 337-5311 or 697-1979. The event will be conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse racing Authority. Race time is 12:30 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)