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AIETEUR NEWS

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More sexual assault allegations surface at CJIA... Sunday Edition

“Sexual assault

forced me out of a job”

June 23, 2019 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

- former employee

Price $140

CEO submits statement to police - lawyer Revision of Exxon-Guyana PSA...

Online readership yesterday 99,442

Pres. Granger might have been kept in WHAT HAPPENS the dark - Dr. Mangal WHEN OIL ENDS? Page One comment

Commissioned 'Liza Destiny' to set sail for Guyana next month

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger (centre) shortly after the dedication ceremony of the Liza Destiny FPSO in Singapore yesterday.

Renovated US$150M-plus airport has no in-transit area

T

he world's supply of oil is exhaustible. It will eventually run out. Some studies have predicted that with increased oil consumption, the world's oil reserves, even with new discoveries, can be exhausted within the next 60 years.

Guyana will soon become an oil producing state but our oil, too, will not last forever. Our oil boom will eventually come to an end. What happens then?

Our leaders have a responsibility to ensure that when our oil reserves are exhausted that our economy will not be extinguished. They must manage our natural resources sustainably for the benefit of future generations.

When the oil ends, our economy and people must have recourse to other sources of wealth. Many countries have failed to make provision for the end of oil and their economies and people have suffered as a consequence.

Trinidad and Tobago is a prime example.

Guyana is not short of natural resources.

Apart from oil, there are gold, diamonds, bauxite, manganese, other precious minerals and timber. These resources must be preserved to provide for future generations.

The government must safeguard these resources from the threat of over-exploitation.

The government should consider placing limitations or quotas on the exploitation of existing non-renewable resources so as to ensure when oil runs out, our future generations can turn to those protected resources.

Smuggle chicken seizure points to purchase rackets in army, prison service

Delay in enforcing relinquishment received more blocks provisions for Canje Block exposes Govt.'s than law allows incompetence - Petroleum Consultant

All oil companies

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Sunday June 23, 2019

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Sunday June 23, 2019

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Delay in enforcing relinquishment provisions for Canje Block exposes Govt's incompetence

By Kiana Wilburg

T

he more than three months d e l a y b y Government to enforce or activate the relinquishment provisions of the Petroleum Prospecting Licence for the Canje Block exposes just how incompetent it is, or even worse if on purpose.

Expressing this view during an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News yesterday was Oil and Gas Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal.

The former Presidential Advisor noted that this sort of inaction is not particularly new as similar issues most likely plagued all the other blocks, including the Stabroek Block.

Dr. Mangal said that since 1999, there were numerous obligations, which ExxonMobil as the licensed holder was required to meet.

“We need to be sure that all obligations were met, and appropriate areas relinquished. We need to look in detail at the period during which force majeure was claimed.

“The performance of a detailed review of all obligations and their implementation is a task I highlighted during my tenure as Presidential Advisor.”

Dr. Mangal added, “I made it clear that that this is

an area that the Energy Department needs to be focused on. I also said that we need to go through this with a fine-tooth comb with capable lawyers and be comfortable that all obligations for being in possession of these licences are met.

“If not, the government has grounds to take action...”

PSA DETAILS According to the Canje Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), the contractor is expected to carry out a minimum work programme in the initial four-year period of having the licence. That four-year period is divided into two phases.

Phase one consists of 18 months and requires the contractor to get all available geological data and conduct research at the local and regional level to better understand the complex features of the GuyanaSuriname basin. In addition to this, a minimum of 1500 line km of 2D seismic is to be

- Petroleum Consultant acquired, processed, and interpreted to define possible prospects.

Phase Two consists of 30 months. During this time, the contractor is expected to acquire, process, and interpret a minimum of 500 square kilometres of 3D seismic to identify drilling targets and complete a geotechnical/pre-drilling survey.

The Canje Block PSA states that at the end of the initial four years, the Contractor shall elect either to relinquish the entire contract area or relinquish 20 percent of the contract area which spans 6021 km.

That is comfortably more than two times the size of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

Mid-Atlantic, since acquiring the block in 2015, got several companies to buy into the block. The first to cut a deal was JHI Associates Inc. Like Mid-Atlantic, JHI has zero experience in the oil

industry. It has 17.5 percent interest in the Canje Block.

French oil major, Total, was able to buy 35 percent of the working interest.

ExxonMobil, which is the lead operator on the Stabroek Block, was able to get a 35 percent interest in the Canje concession too.

This works out in Exxon's favour as Canje is strategically located next to the oil-rich Stabroek Block.

Mid-Atlantic continues to hold on to a mere 12.5 percent.

It also must be recognised that there are individuals now working in key high-level positions in the Petroleum Directorate or Dept. of Energy who previously worked for MidAtlantic.

Recently, this newspaper contacted Janelle Persaud, Exxon's Public and Government Affairs Advisor to ascertain if the American multinational has been in contact with government on

How God created the father

W

hen the good Lord was creating fathers he started with a tall frame. And a female angel nearby said, “What kind of father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put fathers up so high?

He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping.” And God smiled and said, “Yes, but if I make him child-size, who would children have to look up to?”

And when God made a father's hands, they were large and sinewy.

And the angel shook her head sadly and said, “Do you know what you're doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats.” And God smiled and said, “I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day…yet small enough to cup a child's face in his hands.”

And then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders. And the angel nearly had a heart attack. “Boy, this is the end of the week, all right,” she clucked. “Do you realize you just made

Oil and Gas Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal how it will proceed with relinquishment as stipulated in the contract.

Persaud only said, “We have followed and will continue to follow, all processes as per our agreements, including relinquishment.”

Kaieteur News had also contacted Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison, on this matter. As far as he is

aware, there has been no relinquishment for the Canje Block.

He had acknowledged that indeed, the contract is up for renewal and the provision in question would kick in. Dennison had said that the Department of Energy should be able to provide more information, if needed.

Calls to the Department's Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe were unanswered.

Food for thought a father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?” And God smiled and said, “A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle, and hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus.”

God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain herself no longer. “That's not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without crushing at least three of the

guests?” And God smiled and said, “They'll work.

You'll see. They'll support a small child who wants to ride a horse to Banbury Cross, or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill.”

God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words, but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that saw everything, but remained calm and tolerant. Finally, almost as an afterthought, he added tears. Then he turned to the angel and said, “Now, are you satisfied that he can love as much as a Mother?” The angel shuteth up. [Erma Bombeck]

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

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

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

EDITORIAL

Election season and rhetoric Tuesday, June 18, was a busy day for politicians. It was not only in Guyana, where there was a renewed call for an election date following the CCJ announcements.

This was so also in Florida, where the US president kicked off his 2020 campaign for a return to the White House.

Things are off and running in Florida; here, there are some logistics and hiccups to settle first.

It is intriguing to hear the sounds from Orlando, Florida.

“The swamp is fighting back so viciously…” And “radical…opponents are driven by hatred, prejudice, and rage” (New York Daily News, June 19). That is from hot Florida, but it definitely sounds like hotter, more combustible Guyana.

Here the political swamp flows in both directions, and from every crevice. Most men and women (children, too) are proud to identify with the political and prejudiced tribal.

It is why a country of many tribes goes nowhere beyond the confines of self-serving narrow hunting grounds. Too much hostility; countless constraints.

In its own coverage, the sober New York Times of June 19 noted that proven, irresistible deviltry of politics anywhere through, “he whipped them up again by raising fears about immigrants.” In Guyana, campaigning politicians running raise fears about the motivations and intentions of the hated other. They are not “aliens” from elsewhere. They are neighbour and colleague and competitor. Enemy, too.

Further, the New York Times went on to share the all too familiar territory of campaign rhetoric that speaks of “a huge crowd of raucous supporters” through “dark messaging.” That is fertile soil here, where the rhetoric ranges from the mocking to the titillating to the inflaming to the embittering to the endangering.

Local political players have proven that they are well schooled in the trade of arsonists.

From USA Today also on June 19, came the loaded commitment of “I can promise you that I will never ever let you down -I won’t” delivered to “the cheering and chanting supporters.” Get ready for that here; except that promise takes on contours of the doubtful and sinister, given the harsh, taut contexts of Guyana.

And just as certain, would be reminders of “witch hunt” (corruption probes) and of “socialists” and “left wing” extremists. One group of contenders has struggled to perfume over (unsuccessfully) that curse of red ways and redder visions.

Unlike Guyana, there are no controversies in the US about chairman, no-confidence validity (both now moot here); but unlike the US, there are still raging, hanging chads of lists, a date, and a still-to-be finalized and named chairperson.

Thus, as always, the political wires are strung and stretched to breaking point. It promises to be an unnerving and scorching few months ahead, a probably lengthening few months, with no holds barred, and no quarter given.

Without missing a beat, powerful interventionists (in fact, led by the American representative of the Florida campaigner) have gone public, as reported by Kaieteur News on June 19, under the caption, “Respect CCJ ruling: find agreement on the way forward -Envoys urge.”

That demand disguised as exhortation “to find agreement” has the immovable weight and clout of being jointly issued by the diplomatic superpowers from A and B and C and EU. All the stops are being pulled out and publicly: signal and interest. There is a lot of reach embedded in those foreign voices and postures.

Let there be no going it alone. Get this thing done in the only manner possible. And get it done soon, as in now.

There is a problem. For that word “agreement” has been a damning, unacceptable one for political people here in Guyana. According to the Washington Post of June 18, the incumbent “broke little new ground.” New ground had better be broken here.

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

SELLOUT TO THE DEATH OF GUYANA! DEAR EDITOR, On June 17th, I wrote in your newspaper that over the next twenty-two years, over one trillion U.S dollars will be lifted from our seabed, and that Guyanese - the many, not the few - must get half of that, or five hundred billion U.S. dollars.

This was by way of stating that Bharrat Jagdeo, while speaking in Lethem during LG Elections, had selfsatisfyingly said that we’ll be getting four hundred million U.S dollars a year from our oil.

You’ll recall I had referred to that paltry sum as peanuts.

As if not to be outdone, in the race to serve their foreign ‘massa’ and one of that ‘massa ’s ’ plundering c ompanies, ExxonMobil, Winston Jordan, our Finance Minister, if you please, in Bartica, on the same day

the CCJ determinations were handed down, suitably reduced Jagdeo’s four hundred million to three hundred million. I dare say some new party might just reduce it down to two hundred million.

Local leaders, falling over themselves to curry favour and do their psychological duty to the foreign ‘massa’ via ExxonMobil, saying, “See! I’m doing more to help

you leave even less than the usual 2 or 3 per cent behind in Guyana than you’ve left in other poor countries”.

All this has nothing to do with the so called Dutch Disease Editor. That title might be fitting for Holland where it occurred in 1977 during their find of natural gas, impacting their economy negatively. It certainly does not fit our history of economics where plunder by

outsiders, ably assisted locally by sheer insane greed on the one hand, and the proverbial house slave mentality on the other, has brought us now to this sorry pass.

Might we yet get that new Jaganite, Dr. Frank Anthony, to develop our Guyana at last for every single one of us, staggeringly!

Yours truly, Eddie DaSilva

Guyana is traversing unchartered and possibly turbulent waters DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese are anxiously awaiting the consequential orders, which the CCJ will be making on June 24 following its landmark decisions on the issue of the no-confidence motion and the appointment of the GECOM Chairman.

It is almost certain that there will no convergence of views by the two sides on the

date for elections and the appointment of a new GECOM Chairman, which will then put the CCJ in the unenviable position of having to make consequential orders.

Ideally, it would have been desirable and a manifestation of political maturity had the two sides agreed on a way forward ahead of the June 24 deadline set by the Court.This (Continued on page 7 )

Sunday June 23, 2019

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Let’s not lose corn and husk

The CCJ’s decisions are above board

DEAR EDITOR, It’s amazing to see what the layman would consider two government entities, who should be working in the interest of the people undertaking government functions engage in a public argument.

What, if anything, this situation goes far beyond the temperament of two factions “fighting for the same good” supposedly.

Firstly, GuySuCo will be economically viable and that is the President’s commitment, though this will still have some welfare costs that the country must shoulder.

This commitment is vehemently pursued by Mr. HeathLondon, who clearly has the interest of the beneficiaries at heart. Why else would he be so concerned with the manner in which GuySuCo spends monies disbursed NICIL and which NICIL obtain from a $30 Billion syndicated bond? Why else would he seek out the assistance of PricewaterhouseCoopers who have investors waiting to advance the economic agenda of GuySuCo, subject to information emanating from GuySuCo? NICIL under Mr. HeathLondon has recognised the opportunities of business and expediency to bring relief to the small man wherever it can. For example, in Linden

house lots for land that laid there for years have finally been given out under his tenure. Watooka Guest House is under restoration to the benefit of all Guyanese including all government officials (incumbent and opposition) and the highest standards so much so that the current American Ambassador of the United States of America to Guyana visited and even recognized Linden’s potential as a heritage town for tourism.

This suggestion has brought to the fore the need to have Ms. BenjaminFauconier relocate the factory she intends to construct at another location in Linden. In fact, the news would make it seem as though NICIL is putting her and Linden out of opportunities, when in fact Mr. Heath-London is trying to optimize by accommodating her at another location and advancing the heritage town concept for tourism.

Kwakwani residents, who for years had no economic empowerment, are now for the first time getting their land ownership documents that they can be used in the banking system for economic leverage. It is also important to note that all these initiatives languished under the former head Mr. James, and only recently got traction.

We can go on to mention

that Mr. Heath-London has made accessible senior staff compound to all, for instance the Skeldon Heritage Resort that community residents enjoy. Not to mention the use of this facility for conferences, and other facilities never before available in this area.

There is now too the Berbice Inn in New Amsterdam, and the Rose Hall Guest House, never before accessible by the ordinary man in Guyana unless authorized or sheltered by ‘a big one’. NICIL has been effective to the extent that the PPP is unhappy that some needs of the Coomaka residents have been met by NICIL. What is wrong with these biases that seem to be getting so personal and unprofessional that it looks beyond the substance of what is being done and fought for; that ignores the gains made and the evidence of stakeholders’ benefits.

From the information circulating one would quickly rush to assume that Mr. Heath-London has not done anything that is commendable and in the interest of the Guyanese people, when in truth this is far from fact.

Please let’s not loose corn and husk.

Regards, George Williams

Our best bet is to hold elections when we can deliver a clean list of electors DEAR EDITOR, I write today on a topic that is very much in the news; the urgings concerning early elections. We must understand that successive governments have made short shrift of the GECOM body. This body is to the players just another football to be kicked hither, thither, and yon.

GECOM was never programmed to provide for early or snap elections. GECOM has been cultured to go along at pedestrian pace and this will not change. It is accepted by the combatants that the voters’ list is flawed and in urgent need of overhauling.

Nevertheless, they are bawling for early elections which is practically nigh impossible.

GECOM cannot make a credible list within 60 or even 90 days. It is best for all of us to wait on reasonable time for the authorities to develop a list acceptable to all parties.

There is an alternative to this, and this is a route through which Ghana was taken many years ago by Flight Lt. Jerry Rawlings.

That country was thus able to reassert itself and get rid of corruption and the cartels that had slowly developed and that were sucking the economic marrow of the

state.

To take this route successively, our joint services need to be proactive and take full control of the nation. A constituent assembly would need to be established with a clear mandate of rewriting the constitution within an eighteenmonth period, after which credible elections would be held and may the devil take the hindmost. But our men in uniform lack the fortitude to undertake any such venture.

Most of the officer class members are only interested in duty free perks and the like, and ensuring that they can be handsomely pensioned off.

Our best bet yet in the circumstances is to hold elections when we can deliver a clean list of electors. Anything less would just spell disaster. About the head of the

Commission, we need to attract Dr. Surujbally for one last heroic task.

Regards, Cyril Walker

DEAR EDITOR, The decisions of the CCJ on the matters of the no confidence motion and the unilateral appointment of the GECOM chairman is on par with the perception of all Guyanese who can raise their hands and say that they are not biased.

The CCJ not only declared that the NCM was validly passed and that the unilateral appointment by President Granger of the GECOM Chairman was flawed and unconstitutional, but also invited the two sides (government and opposition) to “present further submissions on June 24, on how the issue (appointment of the GECOM chair) could be rectified.” It was a decision that resonated with popular opinion.

The general public had watched in awe as the gains that had been achieved in our democratic processes had been threatened by the Coalition Government in no meagre way and was somewhat supported by our local legal system that was tasked to adjudicate on these two matters.

The CCJ decisions are above board in both ways since they are well substantiated by the written language of the constitution and the intent of the framers of the constitution were logically contemplated in their decision. Take for instance: the government had contested that the constitution did not allow for a motion of no confidence but rather only for a vote of confidence. The CCJ pointed to article 106 (6) which states, “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by

the vote of a majority of all elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” The logical conclusion here is that the eventuality of 106(6) had to be contemplated from a vote of NCM by the framers of the constitution. Ironically, it was the same APNU, the largest party in the Coalition Government, while in opposition, that was instrumental in the call for an NCM to oust the PPP government back in 2014.

How quickly perception in people change in politics!

In like manner, the CCJ dismissed all the frivolous contentions of the government on the NCM, including the ridiculous formula of half round up plus one in their attempt to concoct that 34 votes were needed to pass the NCM. On this, the CCJ had the least of explanation since any 10 year old can determine that 33 is greater than 32 on a number line consisting of 65.

The CCJ did not forget to remind us of the ludicrousness of the government and those who dealt with this contention before the CCJ by mentioning that, “one does not have to study law to appreciate that the word majority means the greater of two parts.” Shame!

The CCJ hit the final nail on this contention by asserting - “On the 21st December, 2018 we would venture to suggest that every member of the Assembly knew this. The Clerk certainly knew it. And so too, did the Speaker, who announced that, the motion had been passed.” That is the truth revealed!

The dual citizenship contention was dismissed as a

non-issue. Nevertheless, the CCJ reminded that, “Purely as a matter of interest, Mr. Persaud’s position was not singular.” The government and its supporters, in their biasness and their “drowning man clutches at any straw” mentality to hang on to power, never considered that more dual citizens MP’s voted on the NCM. To negate Charrandass’ vote alone, would have been obscene and provocative.

These two decisions by the CCJ will be heralded by future generations as the saving grace of our fledgling democracy.

After 53 years of independence, we have indeed been through turbulent times, induced by the ruling political class. Never has the foundation of our democracy (the constitution) been so tampered, so selfishly construed and so vagrantly violated to appease the whims and fancies of a group of political parties in government. Public discourse or opinion meant nothing to these transgressors.

Notwithstanding it was the very public who had supplied them with the power through the democratic process, at the heart of which is the constitution that they were out to treat with total disdain. The decisions of the CCJ on the NCM and the unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chair were greeted by the general public as a fresh breath of air. Once again, there seems to be some wind in the sails of our fledgling democracy. Hats off to the CCJ, they are the real deal.

Rudolph Singh

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HATS OFF TO THE CCJ; IT IS THE REAL DEAL DEAR EDITOR, “Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives” declares Article 9 of the constitution. Charrandass Persaud, who was selected to represent the persons that delivered a majority to the APNU+AFC in the last election, chose to flout this basic, fundamental democratic principle and deliver his vote to the PPP/C in support of its no-confidence motion against the government. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), just this week delivered a summary of the Court’s judgments that determined: that the no-confidence motion brought against the APNU+AFC administration was validly passed with the votes of 33 members (including Charrandass) of the 65 seat National Assembly; the process that was followed in the appointment of Justice Patterson as GECOM Chairman was flawed and in breach of Article 161 (2) of the constitution; and set a hearing, next Monday, June 24 for the parties to assist the Court in determining the consequential orders to be made and the costs to be awarded.

Clearly, the issues to be determined are not particularly complicated and relate to the status of the government; the timetable for elections mandated by the passage of the no confidence motion and

the correct procedure for appointing a Chairman of GECOM. Not unexpectedly, the positions of the two parties are poles apart and seemingly impervious to consensus. The Leader of the Opposition is adamant that the government must resign, and should have resigned since last December and that its continued existence is illegal and unconstitutional. He also insists, uncompromisingly, that elections must be held within 2-3 months of the CCJ’s ruling.

On the other hand, the administration led by President Granger is set to continue in office and the President has indicated that he will proclaim a date for elections when the Chairman of GECOM, which has constitutional responsibility for the general direction and supervision and the administrative conduct of elections, advises him of the Commission’s readiness.

Article 106 (7) of the constitution seems to be abundantly clear on this matter and does not invite political negotiations and accommodation to resolve the issues referenced above. It states that: Notwithstanding its defeat (in the no confidence motion) the government shall remain in office and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the next elections; and that elections shall be held within 3 months

of the passage of the no confidence motion OR such longer period as the National Assembly shall determine by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly.

This article, it is clear to me, does not support the positions of the Opposition Leader, and others, and stipulates that it is constitutional, and a requirement, for the government (including the President) to remain in office (there is no constitutional requirement for a caretaker, limited, restricted or barebones government, in fact Article 104 seems to preclude it) and for elections to be held outside of 3 months. It is constitutional for the National Assembly to determine a later date and since the rulings of the Court has made clear that members of the National Assembly have the ability, and right, to vote with, or against, their party as they chose it is quite possible, even likely, that a two-thirds vote could be secured in the National Assembly for an election date.

This would appear to be a matter of law, plain and simple, and not to be bartered away in an attempt at political accommodation, forced or otherwise.

GECOM has advised that there is no list of voters that can be used for elections at

this time as the Voters Registration List expired at April 2019 and has taken steps to create a new list through house-to-house registration.

It is very encouraging to see citizens of Guyana, who have seen their fundamental rights trampled upon and abused by the passage of the no-confidence motion (APNU+AFC received a majority of votes and seats in parliament following the last elections but are deemed to be defeated by fraud and conspiracy not prohibited by the constitution) beginning to resist further erosion of their rights by demanding a new round of registration before the impending general and regional elections.

Regarding the matter of the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM, the CCJ found that the President breached Article 161 (2) of the constitution since he had no authority to introduce new eligibility requirements and should have given reasons for rejecting the candidates submitted by the Opposition Leader. This judgment is not clearly understood since Article 161 (2) summarized, states the following; the Leader of the Opposition, af-

ter meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly, shall submit a list of 6 persons to the President who shall appoint the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission; the list shall include persons who have held office as a judge, or who are qualified to be appointed as a judge.

These persons should not be unacceptable to the President and should be fit and proper persons.

It is not clear what “new eligibility criteria” is referenced by the CCJ and the rationale that the President should give reasons for rejecting the Opposition Leader’s nominees.

Moreover, it seems to be accepted that since the PPP/ C is the sole non-governmental political party in the National Assembly the Opposition Leader is not required to consult with anyone outside the party that he leads and can, unilaterally, nominate 6 persons and is not required to present any information, other than their names, including information regarding their qualifications, experience, membership of, or association with, political or

social organizations to assist the President in making a selection as would be the case in a normal, transparent job application exercise. Maybe requesting this information is what is meant by “introducing new eligibility criteria”. If this is what is objected to, it seems to be unreasonable and blatantly discriminatory and unfair to then require that the President provide reasons for non-acceptance of such naked lists and a clarification should be necessary.

It seems that the CCJ interprets the constitution to place limitations that are not explicitly stated, on the President but none on the Opposition Leader who is, apparently, in control of this process. Both the President and the Opposition Leader have, since the CCJ’s ruling, committed themselves to ensuring the integrity and acceptance of the process for selecting a Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission so that elections can be held at the earliest opportunity.

Let us resolve these questions quickly and bring on the elections.

Sincerely Oscar Dolphin

PRIDEFUL POLITICIANS THINK THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING DEAR EDITOR, “Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” - Proverbs 16:18 I sat as a Member of the National Assembly and I listened to the boastful statements - “Bring it On”, “Jagdeo’s Motion is of nuisance value”, “God is fighting for us” and “Pharaoh you are rejected” - all utterances from the Government benches during the December 21, 2018 debate on the No Confidence Motion. The results were clear. The motion was validly carried.

I participated as a member of the delegation of the Leader of the Opposition that subsequently met with President David Granger in January 2019. Again, I saw a display of pride and arrogance, an unwillingness to humble one’s self, refusal to accept the results of the NCM of

December 2018 and comply with the provisions of Articles 106(6 and 7) of the Constitution of Guyana, the Supreme Law of the Land.

As a citizen, I read in the print media, listened to the electronic media, and followed carefully on social media, comments emanating from then who ought to by now be former senior government functionaries, acting in a manner of being indispensible, irreplaceable and exuding a tone that suggested that they had a divine right to perpetually rule Guyana.

In that mix of commentary was the loud and brazen damnation of all those who dared to oppose President Granger and his cabal, labeling such persons as evil and even likened them to the Anti-Christ.

The daily quotations of “no weapons formed against us shall be able to prosper”, splurged many quotes in all

media forms. Incidentally, there was no rebuke or call for sobriety from “Good Men”. The world is not the way it is because of bad people, but because of the inaction and silence of “Good Men”.

The day when the matters were ruled upon by our learned Chief Justice, this brigade with a ‘holier than thou’ attitude castigated and made all kinds of spurious allegations in an attempt to traduce her integrity. This trend of falsely projecting an aura of themselves as good and can do no wrong, and others as evil and unworthy, was indeed a travesty and troubled developments that went unchecked. I wandered for Guyana during that period.

Prideful politicians think they can get away with anything.

When their policies fail and their misdeeds become public, they shift the blame or deny wrong doings and train wrecks. I cringe at this type of behaviour and blind acceptance.

The Guyana Court of Appeal’s majority decision that upheld all of the Chief Justice’s rulings save and except for what can be considered a majority of 65 in the National Assembly, was viewed by some as the Urbanmiddle-class ensuring their (Continued on page 7)

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Patterson is an imposter at GECOM and must demit office if he has any integrity DEAR EDITOR, Justice James Patterson was illegally appointed as the Chair of GECOM, his appointment being unconstitutional.

It was not an illegal appointment by mistake, it was a deliberate contravention and assault on the constitution.

The President was fully aware he was acting outside of the constitution and he, nevertheless, persisted in an arrogant display of might. Justice Patterson knew also, after all, he is a man of the courts, a judicial officer, a judge for decades. To his credit, he did, after the fact, explained it was a “slip of his pen”. The fact is that Justice Patterson is experienced and knowledgeable to know the President exceeded his authority under the constitution when he was appointed.

Now that the highest court of the land, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), has ruled that, indeed, David Granger acted unconstitutionally and outside his authority in appointing James Patterson as the Chairman of GECOM, that appointment has been rescinded by the courts. For David Granger to insist his insertion of constitutional authority is not flawed and for him to refuse to immediately rescind his appointment of James Patterson is not just a grievous insult to the judiciary and, particularly to the CCJ, it is the highest public servant in the country breaking the law, the highest public servant in the country posturing he is above the law. No one is above the law, the law applies equally to everyone. The defiance of the CCJ, in this case,

confirms David Granger is comfortable being a dictator.

But as a man who was a judge for decades, James Patterson has no excuse to defy the CCJ. He ought to immediately resign. When the CCJ ruled he was unlawfully appointed, the CCJ definitively un-appointed James Patterson, the CCJ resigned him. His appointment had to be a consensual appointment, one made by agreement between the President and the leader of the Opposition.

Guyana’s constitution does not contain any provision allowing an arbitrary appointment of the Chairman of GECOM. The “Carter-Price” formula for the appointment was always based on a consensual, consultative process between the two leaders, including wide civil society consultation. That formula, enshrining a spirit of consultative democracy, was statutorized in the constitution. In an arrogant, authoritarian rejection of the consultative, consensual mechanism, and in an effort to have someone beholden to him,

Granger sidestepped the constitution. Now that the CCJ has definitively pronounced this illegality, James Patterson must immediately demit the office. Anything other than demitting office shows defiance of the CCJ and demonstrates Patterson has no integrity.The refusal to act in accordance with the CCJ ruling adds to Patterson’s despicable leadership at GECOM. His casting vote to end Vishnu Persaud’s tenure as the Deputy Chief Elections Officer might have been based on one of two reason: either because of Mr. Persaud’s ethnicity or because Patterson assumed that as an Indo-Guyanese Persaud must be a supporter of the PPP. The details in the ERC report relating to this appointment must trouble every decent Guyanese, especially since Patterson lied about phantom documents, as the ERC outlined. Mr. Patterson’s treatment of GECOM’s legal counsel is not just atrocious, unprofessional, but is proof he is not “fit and proper”. His treatment

Guyana is traversing unchartered...

From page 4 unfortunately is wishful thinking, especially in the context of statements made by President Granger on the issue of a new Voters’ List.There is no apparent sense of urgency regarding the need to find common ground ahead of June 24.

The fact that President Granger has signalled his intention to hold elections only after the compilation of a new Voters’ List is not particularly helpful in the search for a solution to the conundrum that the Government has found itself as a consequence of the CCJ ruling. This raises questions of compliance with the orders of the CCJ and the instruments available by that Court to give effect to the rulings and consequential orders that may emanate therefrom.Guyana is traversing uncharted and possibly turbulent waters. It is interesting to see how events will unfold in the days ahead.

Hydar Ally

of Ms. Dazzel, like his treatment of Mr. Persaud, is reprehensible. Whether it is based on misogyny or politics, the treatment of Ms. Dazzel is unacceptable. But Patterson did the job David Granger and APNU+AFC appointed him for. He was illegally placed as Chairman of GECOM to be a hatchet man and for that role he proved “fit and proper”.

In the meanwhile, the CCJ

has provided a ray of hope for the Guyanese people. It has made it difficult for David Granger to continue with this illegal appointment. His invitation to the Leader of the Opposition demonstrates that in spite of his arrogance and reluctance, he knows he will have to comply with the CCJ rulings. If he does not voluntarily comply in accordance with the CCJ ruling, he

will face consequential orders from the CCJ. James Patterson should spare his friend and comrade from being dictated to by the CCJ. Not that the CCJ has any desire to do so, but it is the law. If not for his friend, Patterson must show that he is not entirely devoid of integrity. He must do the right thing and demit office immediately.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Prideful politicians think they can get ...

From page 6 champion remains relevant. In my Budget Debate speech in 2015, I had described the APNU/AFC Coalition as an urban middle-class judo-Christian elite that has a façade of pseudo-spiritualism. Every wrongdoing that was highlighted by the opposition was excused, explained away and in some cases referred to as mere political propaganda. This was even when hard-evidence was presented as in the cases of the drug bond scandal, D’Urban Park fiasco and US$18M signing bonus that was hidden from the knowledge of the Guyanese people and not even mentioned until almost two years later.

Editor, I agonized having listened to our president denying he has done anything wrong even in the face of the decisions from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which stated that the unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chairman by the President was unconstitutional and flawed. It seems that the President is unwilling to even acknowledge that he is wrong by continuing to behave as if there was not a

definitive ruling on this matter. Is this a declaration of infallibility? As a country, we must first acknowledge wrongdoing. President Granger must be seen for who he truly is. He may be a good man, may I say, but certainly, a weak and reckless President. Truth needs no crutches. If it does, it’s a lie.

I call upon all of Guyana to be enlightened and awakened to the reality that when one thinks that he can do no wrong, more wrongs will be done. It will be done to you, your children, and your children’s children. This authoritarian, totalitarian and velvet dictatorship must be halted and a way to do this is through the democratic process of free and fair elections.Mr. Granger, you have been weighed in the balances and you have been found wanting. You have exhausted our Constitutional Courts, but now you are being judged at the mercies of the Court of Public Opinion.

Yours sincerely, Bishop Juan A. Edghill PPP/C MP

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 23, 2019

Sunday June 23, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Pres. Granger might have been kept in the dark -Dr. Mangal Revision of Exxon-Guyana PSA…

As the burning issue of Guyana’s oil contracts continues to be the su b j e c t o f much debate, Oil and Gas C o n s u l t a n t , D r. J a n Mangal, said in a letter published yesterday, that President David Granger might have been left in the dark as it relates to the signing of the highly criticised 2016 Guyana-ExxonMobil Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

His comments were in wake of a letter that was written by one Mr. Robin Singh who stated that, “We can certainly take a closer look at the actions of Dr. Jan Mangal who acted as advisor to the Government of Guyana during the Production Sharing Agreement negotiation period.”

“Strangely, during that period, Dr. Mangal was an unknown man, he was not

making public statements nor was he having much success impacting the negotiations.”

But Dr. Mangal, in his retort, stressed that there was a reason for him being unknown in 2016. “I did not start advising President Granger until March 2017.”

The official further stated, “Mr. Singh is trying to associate me with the 2016 contract for the Stabroek Block, a contract that I have consistently

Dem boys seh ...

De PPP, KFC and PNC hate dem boys Dem boys getting cuss up from some of the coalition idiots. Dem seh de Waterfalls paper turning towards the PPP side and away from the coalition.

Well let dem boys make it clear. Dis waterfalls paper fight fuh bring about a change, not an exchange.

And dat is exactly what people seeing now happening in dis Guyana.

Under the PPP rule, when de paper use to expose skullduggery thiefing and skampishness, the PPP use to go around saying how dah one Glenn Lall gat all dem black people cussing out and cussing down the PPP govt.

Dat cause some of de PPP supporters to hate de Waterfalls paper and dem never use to buy the paper.

Now, the coalition in govt doing and saying exactly de same thing wha PPP use to seh. Dem saying how dat one Glenn Lall gat a set ah black people cussing up and down all because we exposing the exactly the same skullduggery, thiefing and scampishness dat going on now.

Dem boys hear some of dem stop buying de Waterfalls paper just like dem in de past.

But dem boys want mek it clear, de paper is not or never was a paper dat belongs to the PPP, de KFC nor de PNC. Dis is a paper fuh all Guyana. It gon continue to expose the ills and de thiefing by all dem politicians.

Let dat resound in de minds of all dem who belong to de PPP, PNC and KFC.

Dem boys did not fight to bring about an exchange; dem fight to bring about a change, not a small change; but a big change.

And anything resembling skullduggery in dis land be prepared it will be on the front pages of de Waterfalls paper.

Dem boys seh, “How strange life can be, eh?”

Yesterday de PPP hate dem boys and the coalition did love dem.

Today de coalition hate dem boys and de PPP smiling wid us from a distance.

Think about it folks. What a situation one can find demself when dem trying to bring about decency in a country.

Talk half and have sympathy fuh dem mofos Losers letdown and low life’s

criticised as giving away US$60 – US$120 billion for no reason.”

Significantly, Dr. Mangal in his letter stated, “It was ExxonMobil who told me the contract was signed, not the Government.

President Granger himself seemed surprised that a new contract was a l r e a d y signed.”

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Mangal, some of the Ministers were ‘playing down the whole issue’, claiming that there was no new con-

tract, and just some tweaks to the existing contract.

He said, too, that none of the key Ministers wanted him advising President Granger and they vehemently disagreed with pretty much all of his recommendations, which included his suggestion for the government to publish the contract in question and disclose the US$18M signing bonus.

Dr. Mangal said he was essentially seen as a threat to their schemes and incompetence.

Oil and Gas Consultant, Dr Jan Mangal

PAGE 10

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Renovated US$150M -plus airport has no in-transit area -key repayment component is missing In 2011, the then Government of Guyana agreed for a Chinese company to expand its main airport, located at Timehri.

As part of the justification for the project, which included a brand new terminal building and longer runway, the government under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) made it clear that it is the intention to make Guyana a hub in the region.

According to then Minister of Public Works and Transport, Robeson Benn, the idea was to tap into flights from Africa.

“We want to develop a hub, not only a regional hub for South America and the Caribbean, but also for TransAtlantic flights from Southern Africa and other parts going out to the East,” Benn was reported as saying.

He also explained that there are a large number of flights from Latin America flying over Guyana’s territory and the implementation of the expansion presents an opportunity for them to land here and transfer passengers.

“So there’s a big opportunity we’re foregoing if we don’t do this project,”

The US$150M renovated CJIA is missing an in-transit area, a major component that would allowed the airport to become a hub.

the Minister had emphasised.

Back in 2013, it was said that on an annual basis, an average 4,000 international flights and 600,000 passengers arrive at the CJIA. These numbers are expected to double in the near future and by the year 2030, triple.

Fast-forward to 2019, the project remains incomplete, passing its deadline by more than three years.

A key component for becoming a hub, in keeping with modern airports, would have been the presence of an in-transit area for passengers.

Currently, the airport has no special holding area for intransit passengers.

Rather, passengers have to exit the plane and be rescreened with others who are departing Guyana.

It would be a major problem in later days if there is a dramatic increase in the number of flights and passengers, as is widely projected.

The in-transit area would have represented a key part of the modern airport to improve passenger flow and reduce congestion.

It was critical to help make the airport more competitive and raise revenues to repay that massive loan from China.

With the airport almost (Contiued on page 13)

Minister of Public Instrastructure, David Patterson

Former Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn

Smuggled chicken seizure points to purchase rackets in army, prison service Authorities are said to be investigating linkages between smuggling and purchases of chicken by the army and the Guyana Prison Services.

The probe which involves the police and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was sparked a few weeks ago after a known smuggler was nabbed with a large quantity of chicken.

He was processed at the Kitty Police Station.

According to sources, the man was unable to explain from where he sourced the chicken.

He was fined over $10M by the GRA for unpaid taxes.

Kaieteur News was told that during the course of their information gathering, the investigators found out that the man would sell to the army and to the Guyana Prison Service.

Investigators believed that something was wrong in the procurement process.

Reports of the Audit Office have over the years raised questions about certain aspects of procurement at the police and army.

In the case of this importation, Kaieteur News was told that investigators are looking into whether the businessman mixed local

Authorities are probing linkages between the smuggling of chicken and supplies to the army and the prison service. chicken with the smuggled ones to hide his tracks.

The chicken seized would have been valued over $50M. GRA has been recording more seizures in recent years with the majority of smuggled

chicken coming from Suriname.

GRA said it has been donating the chicken to the Palms and other places because of the cost for keeping it refrigerated.

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Groundbreaking court ruling has implications for mining agreements with foreign partners

I

n a pivotal ruling for the mining industry, Justice Fidela Corbin last week ruled to enforce a foreign arbitral award in favour of West Bank Demerara Gold Inc. against prominent miners, Chunilall Baboolall and Ramnarine.

The ruling said that a mining option agreement gave a company owned by foreign shareholders the rights to various medium scale and small scale permits.

West Bank Demerara Gold (“WBDG”) was represented

by Devindra Kissoon and

Andrew Pollard S.C. Ramnarine and Baboolall were presented by Neil Boston S.C. and Pratesh Satram respectively.

WBDG, a mining company, reportedly entered into an Option Agreement with Baboolall and Ramnarine, registered holders of certain mineral properties and the mineral titles in the hinterlands whereby it was granted an option to acquire the mineral rights held by the respondents over certain tracts of state lands comprising the mineral

properties.

The lands comprised medium scale properties, as well as several small-scale properties. Pursuant to the terms of the option agreement, WBDG, said to be Russian-controlled, paid the respondents sums in excess of US$2.1M. Over the course of several years WBDG explored and developed the properties.

However, a dispute arose between the parties. The dispute referred to binding arbitration at the London Court of International

Arbitration, under the terms of the option agreement.

The Arbitral Tribunal issued an award in favour of WBDG. However, according to court documents, when WBDG attempted to enforce the arbitral award in Guyana, the miners refused to comply.

They argued that the option agreement and arbitral award were void on public policy grounds.

Rather, they argued that Section 57 of the Mining Act only allowed transfers of permits to persons who were Guyanese citizens.

They also argued that since WBDG was owned by foreigners, the option agreement and arbitral award were void.

However, WBDG not only argued that the option agreement was valid pursuant to Guyana law, but that Baboolall and Ramnarine who received millions of dollars over a decade couldn’t simply not assert that the

Attorney-at-law, Devindra Kissoon

Attorney-at-law Andrew Pollard, SC

agreements were void, they being estopped from doing so.

Justice Corbin, ruling in favour of WBDG, stated, “I do not find that enforcement of the award … contrary to the act and thus public policy.”

Most importantly, Justice Corbin found, “I do not accept that any nominee of West Bank would be holding on behalf of West Bank in an effort to circumvent the provisions of the Act which

prohibits West Bank from holding medium scale mining and prospecting permits.”

The ruling would have implications on the mining industry, where a number of foreign mining companies place mining properties on trust with local persons, under sanction of the GGMC, so that they can invest with the view of developing largescale mining.

The ruling in essence would offer them some sort of protection.

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Overseas based Guyanese painter honoured by Mayor of Newark, New Jersey

By Alex Wayne “Hard work, perseverance and gritty determination certainly pay off in the long run,” and this may be exactly what Guyanese painter, Compton Babb, must be thinking, now that he has been honoured for his exploits by Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Ras J. Baraka.

In a recent interview he noted, “While the brush is in my hands, the focus is to inspire, to bring life through the canvas. I have the desire to see the mind of our youths by thinking different, thinking positively and by seeing the good in every bad.

“One must acknowledge that there’s always a good in every seemingly negative situation. Most times, we just need to change our perspective.”

He was of course referring to his many setbacks as a youth with a dream, and the fact that he never allowed disappointments to deter him.

Babb is particularly thankful to the Mayor, the Caribbean Commission, International Relations and Diaspora Affairs, Consul General of Guyana Barbara Atherly, and many others who have supported him in his exploits that has resulted in the honoree letter, which he received from the Mayor Baraka.

He said his honour is representation of every artist, and creative dreamer that he has made an impact on both locally and internationally.

He urges young artists not to be deterred by the competition and say they can’t do better, but instead to look at the competition and aspire to do it differently.

In the letter, the Mayor referred to Babb as an outstanding Guyanese-American artist.

Sections of the letter sent

by Mayor Baraka quotes, “You are an outstanding modern Guyanese-American artist who has been commissioned to do portraits for

Guyanese artist Compton Babb poses with Mayor of New York Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray, as she displays the portrait he painted for them.

Mayor William De Blasio of New York and Mayor Ted .R. Green, of East Orange, among other prominent figure.

“These awards define both their subjects and the creativity of yourself and the entire Guyanese-American community. You are a role model and an exemplar for future generations of Guyanese Americans and your work defines the strength, excellence, and resilience that is the City of Newark. It is a privilege to recognise you today” Artist Compton Babb’s “An Orphan’s Dream” won the Guyana Visual Arts and Craft Exhibition and Awards in the Drawing category for 2017.

Born in Georgetown on October 25, 1981, Compton is the elder son of a sign artist, Compton Desmond Babb Sr., and his wife, Yvonne Jennifer Babb. Compton displayed a remarkable talent for drawing

at a very young age. By the time, he was 16 years old, his portrait drawings and skill level had surpassed his father’s.

Soon he was attending the Burrowes School of Art, where he developed rapidly having to work with some of the best artists around.

Embracing various art forms and contemporary styles, he was able to get his work displayed in public and private art collections across Guyana.

He has also created several art pieces for Guyana’s Venezuelan ambassador, the Ambassador of the United Nations, and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. His works have been displayed at Burrowes School of Art 30th anniversary in 2005; at Carifesta IX in Trinidad in 2006; Carifesta X in Guyana in 2008, and shared in the winning award for the 50th Independence Day logo in 2015.

RenovatedUS$150M -plus ...

From page 10 ‘complete’ and ready to be handed over by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the contractor, it appeared that all hopes for Guyana to become a hub has all been abandoned.

Rather, the Coalition Government seemed content with a renovated airport.

Instead of a brand-new terminal, the old one has been gutted and refitted. A smaller building has been constructed for the arrivals area. Instead of eight passenger bridges, there are now four.Recently, it was reported that rains have been

flooding parts of the airport.

The contractor was not bound to build a new parking lot and a viewing gallery has been removed from the equation.

The original contract itself had been a major slap in the face of Guyana as it contained prices that were grossly inflated.

Even then, Guyana would have been satisfied to at least receive what it was promised.

Throughout it all, the government has not sanctioned the Chinese contractor, which has faced questions about the quality of its work.

The supervisors, CEMCO

and MMM Group from Canada, have been silent.

The contract was never tendered and according to the government, the previous administration did not ensure that critical studies were conducted.

Rather, China had offered the Caribbean funding for a number of projects and Guyana had grabbed onto the opportunity.

It appeared that Guyana was forced to accept CHEC. The airport scandal has pitted the Government against the Opposition, with the latter insisting that the Coalition erred by deviating from a fixed price contract.

Compton Babb is posed to create magic with his easel and paint anytime

PAGE 14

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Duo died from smoke inhalation, shock in West Berbice accident The two men that died during the horrific accident, which occurred Wednesday evening on the West Coast Berbice Public Road died from smoke inhalation and shock from burns that they suffered.

Those were the findings of a post mortem examination conducted on the bodies on Friday at Anthony’s Funeral home at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice.

Dhaniram Dhanraj called “Danny”22, of 359 Chester Village West Coast Berbice and Kelvin Aterly Ward , 25, called “Ajay” of Brittannia,

died after the car PVV 7792 ran off the road and burst into flames after hitting a coconut tree on Naarstigheid Public Road West Coast Berbice.

Another passenger, Permanand Arjune, 16, of Chester Village, West Coast Berbice, was seriously injured. He is hospitalised in the New Amsterdam Hospital, suffering from first degree burns and other injuries about his body.

He reportedly underwent emergency surgery and his condition has been listed as critical but stable.

The car was being driven

by Dhanraj a rice farmer. The others were his employees.

The men were reportedly returning home after some games of pools at a game shop at Bath, West Coast Berbice when the accident occurred.

The vehicle was reportedly proceeding west along the southern side on the Naarstigheid Public Road at a fast rate of speed where the driver lost control. As a result the out of control car cross the road and ended up on the northern side where it slammed into a coconut tree.

Police recover double barrel shot gun at Sand Hills Police investigating a murder that occurred between June 17 and June 18, last, at Sand Hills, up the Berbice River has recovered a double barrel shotgun.

The gun was reportedly seized from a man who is now a part of the investigation into the murder. The police during the investigation had ventured up the Berbice River to Sand

Hills where the murder had taken place.

The police, in company with the Deputy Toshao of the area, were able to conduct investigation leading to the suspect being arrested.

A shotgun, which was reportedly in the suspect’s possession was seized.

Investigations are ongoing.

Sunday June 23, 2019

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

Mother of Agricola teen killed by police speaks out after winning $28M lawsuit Agricola, East Bank Demerara teen, Shaquille Grant, was just one day shy of his eighteenth birthday when he was shot and killed by police ranks on September 11, 2012. The State recently conceded in the High Court that the police wrongfully killed the young man, and agreed to pay $28M to his mother, Shonette Adams, who had filed a lawsuit back in 2014.

Adams, during a recent interview on Benschop Radio aired on 107.1FM, expressed that although she has received justice nothing could ever replace the hurt and grief she still endures.

She has since showered all praises to heaven.

During the radio programme, Adams

KILLED: Shaquille Grant expressed, “It was back in the year 2011; it was on the 11th

of September my son was brutally executed by three members of the Guyana Police Force who claimed they received information on a group of teens planning a robbery.”

Asked by the moderator, Mark Benschop, to relate how she felt after she found out that her son had been shot and had died, Adams stated, “It was like…It’s not happening. It’s not real. Is like my entire tummy, your midsection… it wasn’t there. I was cold. It was like if I was crushed.

“I had wanted my son to wake up. But after realising that he would not wake up, I wanted to get justice. You wanted to know if these police were humans and whose orders they were

following. Until now, that pain is still there. The hurt, the grief…”

According to Adams, her

son was a very respectful and mannerly child. She said he was obedient and loved by everyone in the community.

The woman said, too, that her child was actively involved in sports and was a member of

the Rhythm Squad Football Team. She added that he was also a part of the basketball team in the community and was captain for his school’s cricket team.

(Continued on page 16)

PAGE 16

President invites Opposition Leader for talks President David Granger has invited Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss the political situation. Jagdeo was notified of this in a letter from Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, dated June 20, 2019.

The two are expected to meet tomorrow for talks in view of the fact that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), last Monday, ruled on the cases stemming from the No Confidence Motion.

The court ruled that the No Confidence Motion voted on, on December 21, 2018 was validly passed. The court also ruled that the appointment of retd Justice James Patterson, as Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), was flawed.

Jagdeo had responded favourably to these rulings. But the President, while maintaining that he respects the rulings, has said that he has had difficulty seeing how his appointment of Patterson was flawed. The two sides are at odds over several other critical issues. The Opposition Leader would like to see

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo [left] and President David Granger elections within three months, and the President prefers that House-to-House Registration happens in order to dissuade his worries about an Official List of Electors (OLE) he determined to be unclean. Supporters of the governing coalition have turned out countrywide to call for House-to-House registration, and the Peoples Progressive

Party (PPP) has kicked into campaign mode.

As the meeting is to be held on the same day when the CCJ will give the Consequential Orders on the No Confidence Cases, it is expected that this meeting will begin to bridge the political divide and bring consensual solutions to the issues the country now faces.

Mother of Agricola teen killed...

From page 15 Adams said that Grant received certificates for computer studies and catering.

Questioned by Benschop as to whether she felt sure she would have received justice for her son’s killing, Adams replied “Yes”. She explained that this was so because after her son was gunned down, she was visited by now President David Granger and prominent lawyer Nigel Hughes.

The woman recalled that she was also visited by Benschop.

She added that persons from far and wide attended her son’s funeral, and this assured her that the country was on her side. She said that she is a God-fearing person, and this helped her to withstand the tests of times.

During the interview, Benschop noted that Adams had been ignored by the previous government in her quest for justice.

The moderator asked the mother to express her views on this. She pointed out, “The way I feel then, I still feel the same way now.” In this regard, she went at length to scrutinise the then PPP/C government. She expressed that she was not confident of getting justice under that government.

Police ranks Terrence Wallace, Warren Blue and Jamal Lewis were subsequently

charged for the murder of Grant.

Wallace, however, faced a High Court trial and was acquitted by a jury. While Lewis remains on the run, in 2014, Blue was shot and killed by police during a botched robbery on a supermarket at Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

Commenting on Blue’s killing Adams noted, “I would have preferred him (Blue) to turn himself in and do some 65 so I could go to him and ask him to accept Christ, and try to show him certain facts of life and help him to turn his life around. And what was sad, this said officer who played a part in executing my child was caught in a robbery.”

The mother recalled that she had met with Jamal Lewis, and confronted him, and he told her he was following orders. Terrence Wallace, she added, also told her the same thing. Further, on in the programme, Benschop reminded Adams that the PPP and Police Force tried to tarnish her son by linking him to criminal activities, but eventually rendered a public apology.

Adding her voice in this regard, Adams said, “I was very much upset and angry. I felt as if they killed my child again. God is good!”

Adams was suing the State for in excess of $300,000 over (a) the wrongful death of her son,

(b) breach of his fundamental right under Article 138 of the Constitution of Guyana, not to be deprived of his life intentionally, and for (c) assault and battery.

For each of the abovementioned claims, the mother is asking for damages in excess of $100,000. She is also asking the court for (d) exemplary damages, (e) costs, (f) interest and (g) such further or other order as seen just by the court.

Grant, 17, formerly of Lot 110 Caesar Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, was shot three times after police ranks on mobile patrol swooped down on a group of youths in the community on September 11, 2012. Police in a press release said that on the day of the shooting, the ranks came under fire and they returned fire, fatally wounding Grant.

Police said a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver was also recovered at the scene.

According to the police, they had received information that a gang in Agricola was planning a robbery on a business entity located near the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara. After a lengthy trial before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Georgetown, a 12-member mixed jury acquitted Wallace of Grant’s murder.

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Sunday June 23, 2019

Coss Cutters brings brand to Guyana in over $500M supermarket The new Coss Cutters supermarket

CEO Anil Ally as he spoke with the media while shoppers fill the aisles

A

s soon as the ribbon dropped after being cut to the new Coss Cutters supermarket, supporters, especially new customers, pushed their way through the doors and into the aisles of the building.

The Trinidadian-owned company brought its name to Guyana in the form of its renowned supermarket. The new superstore which stocks basically everything, is located along the Farm East Bank Demerara Public Road.

Speaking with the media on Friday, Chief Executive

Officer, Anil Ally, stated that the whole initiative costs well over $500M. “As you can see the equipment installed is state of the art. Everything here is new. I can say the cost is plenty. I average that we spent well over $500M. It is a significant investment.”

The CEO stated that this is the first major venture outside Trinidad. Although the business entity is also known for construction, hardware, etc, it decided to stick with what it knew coming into a foreign country.

“We did a lot of market

research; we saw what was needed in the community and we moved forward. This is what we know best. We have been in the supermarket business for well over 31 years.”

In a choice of destination, Ally said that they have ties with Guyana by importing rice to Trinidad. He mentioned that they also took in account the growing economy of the country.

Ally said, “We have been looking to expand and Trinidad is very saturated in terms of how far we can expand our supermarket

brand. We have been looking for other developing countries where we can get in and really make an impact.”

In a careful choice of the area the owner stated that they selected Farm, East Bank Demerara Public Road because they released it was

developing at a very fast pace.

The supermarket is now the workplace to 65 permanent staff and this figure excludes a countless number of contracted workers.

The CEO hinted that in future as part of their short

term plans, they intend to open two more supermarkets in Guyana.

“This supermarket plans to open two more stores within the next year. As we get more involved with local businesses and the people, we will create long term goals.”

American-based businessman cops another prestigious award

O

n Thursday last [June 20, 2019], American based Guyanese, Dave Narine, the owner and founder of Dave West Indian Imports Inc. located in Ozone Park, New York, was the recipient of yet another prestigious award for his laudable business exploits.

The award, which came compliments of the Asian American Business Development Centre, is one that recognises 50 outstanding Asian Americans in business.

Moreover, the accolade is dubbed the '2019 Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award'.

At a Gala Award Dinner held at Cipriani Wall Street, situated at 55 Wall Street, New York City, Narine, and other awardees, received their tangible recognition.

The black tie affair, now in its 18th year, has become

one of the most prestigious events in the Asian American business community and is a night of celebration.

Traditionally, award recipients attend the event and participate at the Gala dinner to share this honour with family, friends and colleagues.

Moreover, the event is designed to enable the Business Centre, a nonprofit organisation, to host a spectacular event that acknowledges the success of each business recognised in the presence of their peers and among over 600 government, business and civic leaders.

Narine, who has been responsible for running all facets of his business for nearly three decades, has been supplying West Indian products from Guyana, and the Caribbean at large, to the US. He is credited with (continued on page 20)

The award presented to businessman, Dave Narine

Dave Narine at the recent black-tie event

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Sunday June 23, 2019

Tomb at Sarah Johanna mimics a heavy-duty truck

D

uring his lifetime, Stephen Jaisingh, was a skilful driver of a heavy-duty truck attached to his parents' business – De Emperor Trucking Service.

When he passed away recently, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Jaisingh, were not prepared to simply mourn losing him. Instead, they opted to celebrate his life by placing his casket into a tomb which best encapsulates how he lived his life.

The tomb, which mimics a heavy-duty truck similar to what Stephen drove, has turned out to be quite a spectacle for members of the public who pass the Sarah Johanna Cemetery.

In addition to his parents and other relatives, the 28year-old Stephen leaves to mourn his wife, Samantha.

A creative tomb idea

The dearly departed Stephen Jaisingh

American-based businessman cops another prestigious...

From page 18 leading design branding and implementation of all sales and marketing strategies to create a multi-million-dollar enterprise.

He opened markets in New York, then Maryland and across the US. His

products are sold in stores including Walmart and more recently Amazon.

Born to parents who were teachers, Narine migrated to the US in 1986.

He is married with two children. His prior jobs as an accountant and customs

officer prepared him for securing his dream of establishing his own business. It was in recognition of the fact that there was a lack of available Caribbean products that the idea of Dave West Indian Imports was born.

As an outstanding businessman, Narine was also the recipient of the Maryland Cornerstone Award for Local Business Excellence in recognition of his contributions to the state's economy. He has been giving back to society

evident by his sponsorship of many cricket teams and tournaments including the Joseph 'Reds' Pereira Cricket Foundation.

He has also been honoured by the Cricket Board for his contribution to cricket in Guyana and the

US, and is a member of the USA Cricket Association.

His charitable work also extends to hosting programmes to feed those housed at orphanages as well as sending food hampers to the elderly and less fortunate in the US and Guyana.

Kaieteur News

Kristal Inshan

Sunday June 23, 2019

This week’s feature is the gorgeous Mrs. India Guyana 2019 - Kristal Inshan. Her stunning pose was captured by one of Guyana’s most talented photographers, Saajid Husani.

Her outfit and jewellery were provided by Colours of India.

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 23, 2019

From beauty queen to sterling medical practitioner,

Nicole Moore-Clarke

By Sharmain Grainger

W

hen she flirted with pageantry life back in the day, Nicole Moore, now Clarke, was caressing the idea that maybe this was her forte. After all, the Miss Guyana crown was within reach and many were even ready to wage war to prove that she was deserving of it when she was adjudged merely first runnerup back in 1991.

But her discerning father, former Ombudsman Justice Winston Moore [God rest his soul], somehow knew this wasn't a fight his daughter needed to pursue. In fact, during an interview, Nicole admitted that her father, from the inception, was not fond of her decision to embrace a life of pageantry, and had indicated as much. He gave in to the pressure of others and most importantly, he probably did not want to deprive his eldest child and only daughter of an experience that would have eventually helped to mould her into a human being who had no doubt of her destined path.

After that controversial Miss Guyana pageant experience, Nicole knew without a doubt that pageantry wasn't her purpose, but rather, she was wired for the field of medicine.

Even as a young child, she had an ingrained passion for doctoring wounds she and her three younger brothers sustained. “I always wanted to be a medical doctor. I think from the age of probably 10, I liked pretending to be a doctor. When I sustained cuts and so on, I would try to clean it, and I would do the same for my brothers…if anyone got ill, I wanted to take care of them,” Nicole recalled.

FORMATIVE YEARS On August 15th, 1971 Justice Moore and his wife, Vera Romney-Moore, welcomed the first of their four children into the world.

is a 'Special Person' They named her Nicole Abosede Moore.

Although they both hailed from Berbice, as a couple they made Bel Air Park, Georgetown, their home. It was there that Nicole remembers growing up.

She attended St. Gabriel's Primary School, but by the time she was about eight, her father decided that he wanted to study law and decided to do so in Barbados. He was not prepared to leave his family behind, thus the Moore household, for about three years

mingle with your friends; life was not stressful at all,” Nicole recounted.

BEING MOULDED After completing her secondary education, Nicole headed to the University of Guyana to pursue a Science degree, which saw her majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. Immediately out of university, she was able to gain employment at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards where

“I always wanted to be a medical doctor. I think from the age of probably 10, I liked pretending to be a doctor. When I sustained cuts and so on, I would try to clean it, and I would do the same for my brothers…if anyone got ill, I wanted to take care of them.” relocated to Barbados, where Nicole continued her primary education.

Upon their return to Guyana, Nicole was able to secure placement at The Bishops' High School.

She has pleasant memories of her schooling years there and remembers well becoming Head Girl when she entered Sixth Form.

And given the fact that both her parents are from Berbice [father from Corentyne and mother from New Amsterdam], her young days were laced with many visits to the Ancient County to visit both her paternal and maternal grandparents during August vacations.

Easter holidays were no less exciting for the young Nicole, who recalls many kite flying outings at the Georgetown seawalls with her father, and the occasions the entire family would head to the National Park.

“Growing up was very fun and carefree…you would go to school, get home, play and

she was able to contribute to the implementation of the ISO 9000 standard.

It was while working at GNBS that Nicole was afforded an opportunity to travel to India, where she stayed for three months, in order to gain advanced knowledge of the role entrusted upon her by virtue of her employment.

It was sometime after her return that she would meet a young man, Paul Clarke, an aircraft pilot, who would later become her life partner and father of her two children – Zarah and Imani.

Reflecting on how life unfolded for her, Nicole recalled that although she'd learnt that her husband had lived in the same community of Bel Air Park in which she grew up, their paths had never crossed until years later.

Their meeting was through a mutual friend. “I did not know him at all growing up,” said a smiling Nicole whose exposure to the Miss Guyana Pageant, which placed her quite conspicuously in the limelight, might

Dr. Nicole Moore-Clarke is a 'Special Person' have been how she first caught his eyes.

Although she did avail herself to the pageant in 1991, Nicole confided that her entry was through no doing of hers, but rather, her name was submitted without her knowledge.

“People would ask me if I wasn't interested in the pageant, but I never really had the courage to do that on my own…so when the people [pageant officials] came to the house, it was a surprise. My father was reluctant, but in the end, he said that it was my choice and he would be supportive of my choice,” Nicole recalled.

Nicole entered the pageant as a favourite and many were confident that the Banks DIH-sponsored delegate was sure to easily walk away with the crown. But as fate would have it, the pageant ended quite controversially when another delegate was adjudged the queen and Nicole the first runner-up.

That exposure, however, caused Nicole to become the queen of the young pilot's heart, (continued on page 53)

A beautiful family

Feeling accomplished but always progressive

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 23, 2019

PAGE 23

In its infinite wisdom T

wo Ministers of the government have made some very strange comments in relation to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

While what they said is open to interpretation, just exactly what they meant, if left unclarified, may be interpreted, whether rightly or wrongly, as suggesting that the CCJ cannot decide when elections are held or that Guyana is not bound to comply with the ruling of the CCJ. The CCJ is not likely to indicate when elections should be held.

That is not how courts operate. Any orders granted by the CJJ will most likely only demand respect for the Constitution and the holding of elections in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution.

The Constitution itself stipulates that, following the successful passage of a noconfidence motion, elections should be held either within three months or such longer period as the National Assembly, by a prescribed majority, allows.

The CCJ did not immediately make any consequential orders. And the reason it did not is not only because it wants to hear arguments on the orders, but because it recognises that the period for holding elections can be extended by the National Assembly. As such, reports indicate, the CCJ suggested that the various parties meet to find consensus.

Quite bizarrely, the President decided that he would meet with the Leader of the Opposition after the orders and not before. As such, the CCJ is left with little indication as to whether the parties would agree to extend the life of the government.

The President should meet with the Leader of the Opposition before and not after consequential orders.

This would show good faith and also the resolve to find a way out of the constitutional crisis which now exists.

Make no mistake about it, the government is illegal unless parliament extends, through a constitutional amendment, its life in office.

And since this requires the support of the opposition, the President was shooting himself and his government in the foot by not seeking to reach a consensus with the Leader of the Opposition before the submissions on consequential orders commence tomorrow.

Instead, the government has taken to the streets to protest against itself. It is protesting for house-to house registration.

During those protests, comments were made in relation to the CCJ. It was said in one instance that only GECOM can determine when elections are held. That is not so.

It is the President who has to so decide, but his decision will have to be informed by GECOM's readiness. But GECOM does not decide on the date of elections.

The Court, however, can order by which date elections should be held.

And the Court in so doing can point to the provisions of the Constitution which dictate three months or such longer period as approved by the National Assembly.

It is not clear what that Minister meant when she also said that Guyana is independent, with independent laws. The

Minister should clarify whether she was implying that the government is not bound by any order of the CCJ. There was comment by another Minister that the government is sovereign.

Again, it is not clear what this implies in relation to the CCJ. The Caribbean Court of Justice may be resident in Trinidad and Tobago, but it is not, in terms of jurisdiction, external to Guyana. The CCJ is the highest court of Guyana, not our Court of

Appeal.

The CCJ is also part of Guyana's laws. By virtue of the Caribbean Court of Justice Act which was passed in the National Assembly on November 4, 2004 and given Presidential assent in the same month, the CCJ became incorporated into Guyana's laws.

And the said act gives to the CCJ jurisdiction as Guyana's final court of appeal, and jurisdiction to hear appeals from the Court of Appeal in criminal and civil proceedings and in

relation to the interpretation of the Constitution.

The government is bound by the decisions of the CCJ. The laws of Guyana say that any judgment or order which the CCJ makes shall be enforced in like manner as any judgment of the Supreme Court.

Tomorrow, the CCJ will begin hearing submissions on the consequential orders.

It is not likely to grant any orders tomorrow.

It would have been to the government's advantage if it was seen to have

commenced political talks with the opposition, prior to the commencement of submissions on the consequential orders.

But the government no doubt, in the exercise of Guyana's independence and sovereignty, and in its infinite wisdom, wants the meeting after the consequential orders.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Sunday June 23, 2019

OAS should promote systemic change in Haiti not an external agenda

By Sir Ronald Sanders

I

n w h a t i s increasingly becoming a pattern of ignoring established procedures and authority in the Organisation of American States (OAS), a delegation went to troubled Haiti on June 19 without any discussion or mandate by the Permanent Council, the o rg a n r e s p o n s i b l e f o r making and overseeing policy between General Assemblies.

The results of the unmandated OAS delegation to Haiti are left to be seen, but early reports by the US

public service broadcaster, the Voice of America (VOA), indicate a hostile response so far.

Over the last few weeks, massive protests have rocked Haiti with thousands nationwide demanding the resignation of President Jovenel MoÏse over fraud and corruption allegations.

A report, published on May 31, concerning misspending of monies from a PetroCaribe Fund implicated two companies closely connected to President MoÏse. While he has denied the allegations, protests have intensified.

In a May 2019 report on

Haiti, the US-based Institute for Justice and Democracy states that MoÏse's “administration has engaged in human rights abuses, flouted the rule of law, and mismanaged the economy in ways that disproportionately impact the poor.

In the long term, this administration's failures are enabled by years of flawed elections, a dysfunctional justice system and domestic and foreign economic policies that have impoverished the majority of Haitians”.

The usual response in the OAS to situations such as Haiti now faces, is that

countries, like the United States and Canada, backed by others, call for the establishment of a Working Group to monitor the situation in the country; demand the establishment of investigatory machinery; insist that the Government provide guarantees for safety of protestors; and stipulate that a supervised process of dialogue be instituted between all political parties.

Further the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights quickly produces reports that are used to rouse international pressure on governments.

This is what occurred in

relation to other countries, most recently Nicaragua, but oddly it is not what happened in relation to Haiti, even though the MoÏse government joined in OAS resolutions that condemned the governments of Venezuela and Nicaragua.

In fairness, I note that the delegation of Canada had weeks ago suggested to the Haitian representatives that the situation in the country be brought before the Permanent Council – a request that was resisted by Haiti's representation at the OAS. Instead of action being taken on the authority of the Permanent Council after due deliberation and decision, the visit of a delegation to Haiti seems to have been organised between the Ambassador of the United States, Carlos Trujillo, and the Secretary-General, Luis Almagro in response to a letter of invitation from the Government of Haiti that, most unusually, was not distributed to OAS member states as is the norm.

The Haitian letter, dated June 14 according to the Miami Herald newspaper, has still not been circulated to member states of the OAS up to the time of writing.

The first official inkling that any OAS member state had of a delegation going to Haiti came on June 17 in an announcement by A m b a s s a d o r Tr u j i l l o , unusually, in a meeting of a committee preparing for the OAS General Assembly and not in the right body, the Permanent Council.

Ambassador Trujillo stated that: “The United States is pleased to accept this invitation in representation of all Council members”. Thereafter, a team he headed that included Gonzalo Koncke, the Chief o f S t a ff t o t h e O A S Secretary-General, went to Haiti on Wednesday, June 19 with no prior mandate or authority from the Permanent Council.

It is most unlikely that, having not discussed, authorised or mandated the delegation to Haiti, and having never been made privy to the Haitian letter, that the entire Permanent Council of the OAS can embrace it, particularly as, according to media reports, the OAS was vilified by protestors.

The VOA reported a representative of

Sir Ronald Sanders one protest group as stating: “That's why we want everyone to know we do not recognise this (OAS) mission. Before they even arrived, we considered them persona non grata."

In the event, the visit by A m b a s s a d o r Tr u j i l l o ' s delegation which was always a risky endeavour because of its suddenness, does not appear to have assuaged the concerns that have motivated the recent riots in Haiti or to have promoted dialogue.

But time and events will better judge the efficacy of the effort.

Any OAS endeavour in Haiti required careful preplanning with dedicated time to consulting fully with all sectors of the society for as long as it takes. A one-day visit, while a bold attempt, might not have been adequate.

The external approach to Haiti's deep-seated problems is often rooted in the objective of stopping the thousands who flee its shores as refugees from its desperate poverty and in curbing the trafficking of drugs also occasioned by its abject poverty. The objective is less about helping Haiti and more about protecting the interests of others.

Ye t , H a i t i , w i t h a population of 11 million, has less than a million people in permanent employment; over 60 percent of the population live in extreme poverty; the level of literacy is 61 per cent (in the rest of the Caribbean it is an average of 92 per cent); and it is plagued by corruption.

In short, Haiti is a continuing p o w d e r k e g o f dissatisfaction.

That it has managed not to erupt in greater conflict is a tribute to the tenacity of its people to survive; it is also an indication of how beatendown and helpless the great majority feel.

Further, Haiti has been impoverished and kept in thrall to foreign occupiers for most of its existence since its revolution in 1804 to free its people from enslavement. Therefore, its people's distrust of foreign interposition, especially (continued on page 49)

Sunday June 23, 2019

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---

The Rule of Law is not an Abstraction: Stop hiding behind the Constitutional timeline

The CCJ has ruled on the constitutionality of actions by the other two branches of government. First, it found an action by the head of the executive—the unilateral appointment of the GECOM chair— to be in breach of the constitution. Second, it ruled that an act of the legislature— the passage of a No Confidence motion— was not in breach of the constitution.

In both cases the CCJ disagreed with at least one of the lower courts. It should also be noted that since in both cases the constitution was not explicit, all three courts have had to interpret what the framers meant. This latter point is quite instructive going forward.

Constitutions by their very nature tend to be short on expressed powers—those that are clearly stated in the constitution—and long on implied powers—those that are not clearly stated. It is for that reason that Judicial Review—the power of the court to review actions to determine whether they are in line with

the constitution—is critical.

I always felt that those who called for the instant resignation of the government following the No Confidence Vote (NCV) last December were in effect seeking to deny the government the right to Judicial Review. Judicial Review is not a delaying tactic; it is an important pillar of the judicial process. Can it be utilised as a delaying tactic—of course it can. But that is not a reason to bypass it in instances where the constitution is not clear on the matter at hand.

One of the problems I had with one side of the discourse on the NCV—it talked about the law and the constitution as if they were abstract constructs that had little to do with the politics and the society. They demanded that the government resign instantly and failure to do so made the rulers the enemy of the rule of law. Those demands ignored the complex politics of our society.

Toppling a government via a NCV is not a straightforward

issue. Faced with the threat of a NCV, the PPP closed down parliament and continued in office. It denied the constitutional right to debate the motion. The Coalition allowed the debate and the vote and when it lost, it resorted to Judicial Review. Both sides used the mechanisms at hand to delay the process. But the Coalition was demonised even by the PPP which only a few years ago employed the same tactics.

The second observation I wish to make is that the legal and constitutional process should not be discussed as abstractions—they are not.

Judicial outcomes have political consequences.

What do I mean? I was taken to task by a comrade for saying that the rulings represented a big victory for the PPP and a severe defeat for the Coalition.

My comrade retorted—”it was a victory for the rule of law.” Both of us were correct, but I felt that he completely ignored the political aspect of

The Baccoo Speaks Something happens to people at the strangest times.

And the silliest things happen on the roads. Young men want thrill through speed and they do speed losing control and crashing.

More of this will happen this week and the authorities will be at their wits’ end to put a stop to this. ** Petty criminals are at work as always, but on this

occasion, the scope for success is limited.

One group will attack a woman in the vicinity o f the main shopping centre. However, people

don’t always stand around and allow such things to happen. The people will nab one of the young criminals and administer a beating. ** There will be an electrocution due to fiddling with the electricity supply.

An illegal connection and the weather will conspire to shock a man with no experience in electrical work.

The community will say nothing to investigators.

what occurred. The Rule of Law is not simply a “feel good” slogan to throw around as a form of triumphalism as the PPP is doing. In the end, the notion of the rule of law and constitutionalism risk being hijacked for narrow partisan purposes.

The CCJ, however, seems to be cognizant of this problem when it asked the two sides to marry “principle with practicality.”

I read the court to be saying that while the constitution clearly states the timeline for elections following a NCV, consideration must be given to other factors that impact the process.

I would be surprised if the CCJ knowingly orders an election within the stipulated timeline that could lead to disenfranchisement of citizens and/or threaten the political stability of a fragile political environment.But this is what the PPP and some others are asking the court to do. For

them, that is what is meant by the rule of law. Maybe that is what it abstractly means. But for me, the rule of law is not an abstraction—it must marry the law with the situation at hand and the nature of the society in which it operates.

The rule of law should not, for example, be weaponised in ways that could lead to the disenfranchisement of some citizens and aid the potential for political conflict.

The courts have done their job. Now it’s time for the politicians to do theirs. But if the sole intent is to only reach for solutions that would overtly aid the parties’ chances of winning the next election, the efforts of the courts to mediate would be rendered useless.

For there to be any sensible solution to this impasse, the PPP needs to stop hiding behind the constitution’s timeline and the Coalition should stop hiding behind GECOM’s timeline.

Dr David Hinds More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news.

Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

PAGE 26

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Death came knocking at her door -a former Governor’s daughter mistakenly let her killer in

By Michael Jordan

W

hen I went prowling a r o u n d Quamina Street many years ago where she had once lived, not a single soul had anything bad to say about old Miss Dorothy King. She was kind, some said, she reached out to the less fortunate, others recalled.

But the cynics like to say that no good deed goes unpunished, and back in 1999, there was someone who had it in for 84-year-old Miss

King.

A lot has changed in Quamina Street since then.

For one thing, the huge, sprawling colonial-style house which was Dorothy King’s last home has been torn down. That old house had a certain touch of grandeur about it; fitting, I guess, for someone of Dorothy King’s background.

Dorothy Rosabelle Napleton King was born on March 22, 1913 and was the daughter of the former Governor of Her Majesty’s Penal Settlement, Mazaruni (now

the Mazaruni Prisons).

She spent most of her childhood there before heading for Georgetown, where she attended the Ursuline Convent School.

The young Dorothy King then attended school in London, England, where she was trained in ballet.

Returning to Guyana, King opened her own ballet school at the sprawling Quamina Street residence.

In 1942, she joined the teaching profession, becoming the Drill Mistress at The Bishops’ High School. King

retired from the teaching profession in 1977, but continued to live an active life. She had a keen interest in art and Guyanese history and ironically, it now seems, was also a member of the Guyana Human Rights Association.

Like I said, the old house had a touch of grandeur. But it was not the sort of house in which an elderly woman should have lived alone. From reports, some of Miss. King’s close friends had expressed concern about this situation, since that section of Quamina Street was crime-ridden then.

But Miss King brushed off these fears.

It has been suggested that Dorothy King’s days at Mazaruni had given her confidence to deal with criminals.

It was said that on many occasions, she had actually encountered criminals at her Quamina Street home - she would patiently speak with them, and sometimes even offer them a meal before showing them to the door.

The retired schoolteacher had established a certain routine that some of her neighbours knew of.

At 17:30 hrs every day, she would always close two side windows at the eastern side of her house.

But at 18:00 hrs on Wednesday, January 27, 1999, a neighbour observed that King’s windows were still open.

The neighbour called a guard who worked nearby.

The guard went over to Dorothy King’s house and noticed that her front door was slightly ajar. He summoned a friend and neighbour of King’s. The friend arrived at 19:05 hrs and, on entering the premises, almost immediately realised that something was terribly wrong.

Miss King’s broken spectacles lay on the floor a short

distance from the door. There were also spots of blood on the floor.

Summoning another acquaintance, the friend went further inside, and now the friend observed marks on the floor that led to the kitchen.

And that is where they found Dorothy King. She was lying face down on the floor, with her hands outstretched.

Someone had bashed in her skull. A piece of wood about 18 inches long was resting on her back. An autopsy would later reveal that she was also strangled.

Robbery was clearly the motive, since the house was ransacked.

A safe that had contained valuables was open, and the contents were missing.

There was no sign of forced entry, and it was surmised that King had opened her door for someone she had known.

King reportedly would look through her window when anyone rapped and then open the door, but only for people she recognised.

From the blood and the smashed spectacles near the door, it was believed that King was attacked as soon as she opened the door.

Detectives immediately began enquiring about any unusual movements around the murdered woman’s house. They learned that on the Wednesday evening that King was slain, a known sex worker was twice seen rapping at the elderly woman’s door.

The detectives surmised that King might have let the young woman in and that the woman, perhaps with an accomplice, may have murdered

King.

However, despite their best efforts, the investigators were never able to locate the ‘street walker’. Other sex workers reportedly went into temporary hiding for fear of being questioned.

There has never been an arrest warrant for Dorothy King’s murder.

I had visited the area over twenty years ago when she was slain.

I returned to the scene of Miss King’s murder a decade later because this was one of the cases that remains stuck in my memory.

One person in the area had hinted that the killer(s) might be from a neighbouring community. Pressed further, he said he had given a statement to the police back then and suggested that I check with them.

The killers were still around and he refused to say anything further, but gave the impression that he knew a lot.

Well, I guess I was hoping for too much. I guess that twenty years is too long a time to find out who entered that old house on that fateful Wednesday evening and killed a Governor’s daughter…

If you have any further information on this case or any other, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office or by telep h o n e .

We can be reached on telephone numbers 22-58458, 22-58465, 22-58482 or 2258491. You need not disclose your identity.

You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : kamarangnight@gmail.com.

Sunday June 23, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

The GRA and the philosophically dead leadership of APNU+AFC

B

oth Forbes Burnham and Walter Rodney, one day not far from this date, will climb out of their resting places with implacable rage.

Burnham will confront David Granger and say to him; “Do not continue to promote my legacy; you don’t understand a damn thing about how I approached economics when I ruled.”

Rodney will point his finger at Clive Thomas and Rupert Roopnaraine and intone; “You two have betrayed the post-colonial revolution that I paid the ultimate price for Guyana to have.”

From tomorrow, the Guyana Revenue Authority will have a one week auction of vehicl e s l e f t o n t h e wharves for what the GRA refers to as “Want of Entry.”

What that means is that the vehicles came in, sat on the wharves, no papers were processed, the rent for occupation wasn’t paid, and so after a period of time, the importers were in legal default so the GRA auctions off the stuff.

This is Guyana, so brace yourself for morbid corruption. I was there before at this auction thing, and what I saw

convinced me that the GRA and the rest of the State, under the PPP and now under APNU+AFC, are dancing to the stuck song of corruption.

In September 2017, I read where GRA was having an action for ‘Want of Entry’.

I needed a cheap, good car and here was the opportunity.

I jumped so high with joy that I got stuck while coming down.

Then I crashed down to earth and almost died. All of the good cars that I saw, as I approached them, I was told, “No, that is not on sale.”

It was a lie.

Those cars were on sale, but they were carved out through a corrupt system where certain business entities, certain used car dealers, certain business folks and certain moneyed people already had them c o vered, because money talks.

For my experience at that auction, see my column of Wednesday, September 6, 2017 captioned, “Lands and Surveys, GRA and my unchanging country.”

For the 2019 auction, here is what the GRA has stipulated. In your bid, your amount must include the duty the vehicle carries, the accu-

mulated rent for the time it was on the wharf, other related expenses, plus your payment for the car itself. But this is unconscionable, because you are buying a car that may end up being a junk.

Remember, the vehicle was sitting on the wharf for years.

There is no scientific way, a mechanic can look at the engine and other vital parts at the time you make your bid and pronounce them as fit and proper.

You have to put the car in functional mode then you will see if is fit and proper or unfit and improper. I took a mechanic to examine a second hand car for my daughter. He gave it a clean sheet, but when she put it on the roadways, the faults showed up.

The GRA head, Godfrey Statia let his Freudian mind slip when he said in relation to seized liquor and vehicles the GRA sold to certain people, that the GRA doesn’t check on the buyer and for the sake of confidentiality, GRA cannot disclose names.

The GRA will never reveal who these buyers are for obvious reasons.

Those vehicles on display today are all sold. Statia doesn’t make policy for the government, so he cannot

shape the auction.

That is left to the Cabinet.

Why sell these vehicles in a manner that allows the purchase to be manipulated?

Why not use the sale as a concession to those in the lower income brackets.

On the bid form, the bidder should state his/her place of employment, type of salary, family status and other related facts. For example, how long he/she has worked for the State.

What is his/her pension earning?

These are things that can easily be verified.

For example, you can check to see if a corporal in the police force has been in the service the past twenty years. Such a person should be given preferential access to those ‘Want of Entry’ stuff than moneyed people with formidable contacts with the upper tiers of the GRA. I am not going to the 2019 GRA vehicle auction. It is a waste of time.

There will be no reasonably priced vehicle on offer.

You may end up paying nuff money for a car that may breakdown on the Timehri road at an uncivilised hour. I swear on my parents’ graves

Frederick Kissoon that happened to me.

By the end of the week, money will talk and money will buy off the auction. Burnham is dead. Jagan is dead.

Rodney is dead and I am not feeling too well myself.

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Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Maintaining our identity and relevance is important

F

rom its formation in 2005 and more so in the national elections of May 2015, the AFC has asserted our relevance in this ethno-centric society. We are indeed the strongest ‘third force’.

We contributed significantly to reining in the PPP’s arrogance and corruption.

Before the historic elections in 2015, the AFC had won 7 seats in the 2011 polls, and 5 seats in 2006. Nowhere in the

The AFC hosted its 6th National Conference on Saturday June 15, 2019 and the theme centred around uniting and consolidating the strengths of the party, reiterating its relevance, and strengthening its identity in all Regions of this country. The feature address delivered by party Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan was the biggest influence for today’s column.

Caribbean has that ever happened with a third political party.

History has shown that the introduction of a third party into the political mix enhances the positive consequences of a two-party sys-

tem. It prevents gridlock; it increases voter turnout; it holds the governing party to its promises; and the third force ensures that the needs and interests of every racial grouping are catered for.

Although third parties

usually have little chance of winning elections by themselves, they do play a big role, especially in ethnic-based societies like ours, when it comes to bridging that racial divide.

In this particular context therefore, Guyana DOES need the AFC more than ever. This party has an irrefutable responsibility to keep promoting the interests of all the different groups in this society, and to enhance (ramp up) our nation’s chances for greater and more positive development.

The AFC is your true ‘alternative’ party that stands beside the two main parties that have dominated our nation’s history.

Among our functions is keeping the democratic process alive and well. With our grouping of qualified professionals now functioning as Ministers in areas that demand high levels of professionalism, the AFC is able to keep our Government’s developmental objectives all moving in the right directions, all catering for the people in this nation.

Guyana’s very imminent oil and gas (hydrocarbon) industry is on our doorstep and is already developing into a brand new sector in our economy.

The AFC in Government will not only provide keen scrutiny, but we will be able to help guide the trajectory of business development in this country, especially with so many downstream enterprises on the verge and ready to emerge in Guyana in the very near future.

On the issue of consolidating our strengths as a very viable Third Force, it has to be acknowledged that the AFC has been too miserly and modest in promoting our accomplishments over the past four years. In fact, it can be said that the biggest secrets in Guyana are the accomplishments and achievements that this Coalition Government has recorded.

In every sector, every sphere of life, production, development and achievements for our people, this government has done much better in four years than the PPP did in 23 years.

Having said that, we acknowledge that we have not done all that should have been done to tell the nation about these accomplishments, to lay out the real FACTS for the nation. We have been too modest, but here are some of those accomplishments:*To date, in our first term in office, this Government has held two Local Government Elections that fulfilled our promise to decentralise government, relinquish control over your community affairs, and allow you to manage them through your NDCs *We have improved Guyana’s ranking on Transparency International’s ‘Corruption Perception Index’. * Trafficking in Persons (TIP) is a very serious international crime. This Government has given it the serious

attention it deserves, first by acknowledging that it is happening in our country, instead of denying it like the PPP did for many years. We are still fighting the people who have been perpetuating this scourge, and we are slowly making inroads, but this is a long-haul fight.

Guyana’s efforts are being recognised, and in 2018 we went up in the global ranking, gaining Tier 1 status. *With respect to our citizens’ enjoyment of political and civic rights, Guyana has regained the respect and confidence of the international community.

Our record since 2015 is much better. We have not abused any foreign dignitaries in their own homes, or belted out feral blasts on our friends from the developed countries. *We did establish a Procurement Commission which the PPP wanted no part of because their Cabinet wanted to control the purchase of goods and services in every sector, including health and agriculture. *We carried a serious anti-corruption crusade even while in opposition and now, with our APNU partner, we are still fighting this uphill battle.

Maintaining our identity and our relevance are very important, just as important as doing the right and reasonable things, and speaking out frankly on issues.

The recent community public outreaches have shown us that we need to talk more about the good things that are being accomplished.

Our supporters and the public at large need to know what we are doing and why we act in certain ways, and we have an obligation to provide you with answers.

The AFC+APNU government is going into the upcoming elections with clean hands and a good progress report.

There is more to come.

Sunday June 23, 2019

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Kaieteur News

My column

We are making ourselves ill

I

have seen a lot of people who are suffer ing from hypertension and diabetes. It is as though almost everyone has developed these diseases.

When I was a young man the only people who seemed to have high blood pressure were those who drank a lot of alcohol and smoked excessively.

These were the middle aged men. But then again, people did not set much store by doctors. If they felt a twinge or out of sorts they resorted to herbal teas and medicines.

They would not tell anyone who asked that they were not feeling well.

Surprisingly, I did not see many victims of strokes. But then again, not many people lived very long.

They died a few years past seventy. But that was considered old age back then.

It was the same with diabetes. People learnt, at least the conversation said so, that their blood sugar was high when ants followed the urine.

The treatment was often herbal again. People used the karila (bitter melon) bush and other leaves that abounded.

Today medicine is playing an important role, but people still avoid going to the doctor. And there is a reason.

Unless one uses the public institutions, medical fees can be cumbersome.

People are less active these days. The experts all say that diet and exercise play an important role in health.

However, these days with a plethora of taxi services, people do not walk much. If they have to go anywhere, no matter how close by.

If they are office workers they sit most of the time, sometimes not even taking the time to get up and walk around.

The result is that many young people develop Type 2 diabetes. Their diet does not help.

There was a time when people walked with their lunches.

Lunchtime was when people shared what they had.

These days, people look for the office assistant to go to the nearest food vendor to buy whatever is on offer. Of course, there is the ever present bottle of Coca Cola, because most people seem to be addicted to that beverage.

All the literature talks about sugar and everyone knows that aerated beverages are loaded with sugar. Dangerous, too, are the energy drinks that so many young people seem to like. The result is that blood sugar levels go up and people suffer.

I have seen too many young people requiring dialysis. I was at the dialysis centre on the East Coast Demerara conducting an in-

terview. The doctor took me into the area where I saw girl no more than twenty-seven.

I suspected that her genetics had something to do with her condition. But there were the others just over forty.

And they are many. For starters, the initial diagnosis shocks them.

They take some care to preserve their health then revert to old habits.

Too many times I heard some of them say, “Something got to kill me.” But when the crisis comes it is another story.

I had a son who was hypertensive and diabetic. He was also alcoholic. I spoke with him on many occasions, but he always said that he had things under control.

Then his birthday came with death close behind.

I had friends who spoke of persistent headaches. Not long after they suffered a stroke. Just this past week I met a friend who had migrated. He too suffered from high blood pressure. He got a stroke. As he told me, he did not go overboard with his medication for the high blood pressure.

He was close to tears during the conversation we had.

He became philosophical and I could understand. We do not recognise what we have until we lose it.

Six years ago I recall having headaches. High blood

pressure was far from my mind until a doctor assured me that I was hypertensive.

For me, that was a death sentence. Worse was to come. I was in New Jersey for some reason or the other. It might have been for my mother’s birthday.

There is a street sign two doors from where my sister lived. I could not read it, but I thought that my sight was deteriorating because of old age.

I was exercising but I was eating everything under the sun. Then I got a serious giddy spell. I crawled home. I went to the doctor on February 15, 2012. I found that my blood sugar was over 400.

The doctor immediately ordered insulin, but I declined.

It was more than a week before my blood sugar went

down and it has stayed down at normal levels ever since. I shunned sugar, watched what I ate, and exercised like a mad man. That has helped. Junk food is a no-no and I routinely test both my pressure and sugar levels. I am alright.

In fact, my eyesight has reverted to what it was before that spike in blood sugar.

But my friends are not as disciplined as I am and I worry for them. Sometimes medication is not enough as a work mate informed me just hours ago.

As boys, we played like all boys should do. We ran, we swam, we climbed trees and were generally active.

That certainly helped once we continued being active as we got older.

Should so many young

Adam Harris people go after the fast foods? Then there is the rise in cancers. The armchair specialists blame this on the preponderance of fast foods.

Google is ubiquitous; all the information about these lifestyle diseases are available, but many do not even seek the information. There is nothing better than one’s health.

PAGE 30

(Excerpts from an Address by HE David Granger at the opening of the Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT), University of Guyana, June 20, 2019) Imagine a country in which children are educated in smart classrooms that are equipped with projectors and white boards and screens instead of blackboards and chalk, and in my days, slates and slate pencils with common pens. I don’t think people know what common pens are anymore.

Imagine a country in which children record their notes on tablets on which they can download, retrieve and store information at the click of mouse instead of in exercise books.

Imagine a country with teachers who can teach two classrooms simultaneously– one in Corriverton on the Corentyne and the other in the Karasabai in the Rupununi.

Imagine a patient in Hopetown being able to send medical tests results for interpretation across long distances or consulting with a specialist doctor in Georgetown, via the use of ICT.Imagine the police on the Brazilian border utilizing ICT to better map crime and match fingerprints electronically with his colleagues on our notorious back track routes on the Suriname border or retrieves data from a more comprehensive database or drones being used for the surveillance of frontier com-

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

munities and along the coastland.

Imagine our farmers and small manufacturers using the worldwide web to advertise their goods and services and securing markets via the information superhighway.

Imagine young people getting more jobs through the expansion of business processing outsourcing (BPO).

These are not wild imaginations. These are actualities in today’s world. I said last year – in addressing the Caribbean ICT Roadshow hosted by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union and the Ministry of Public Telecommunication – that “…the digital revolution has transformed the way in which citizens communicate with the state and with one another. The revolution is worldwide in scale, comprehensive in capacity and phenomenal at the speed at which it is growing.”

The digital revolution is transforming communities, transforming our country, it is transforming the Caribbean. It has the possibility of creating myriad new opportunities and augmenting the delivery of public services.

DIGITALSTATE Guyana is becoming a digital state. A digital state aims at establishing a network of connectivity, linking every person, every community and every government agency in the entire country. It will integrate Guyana, more fully, with the Caribbean. It will integrate the coastland with the hinterland. It will integrate

every neighbourhood with the region. It will integrate every region with the centre.

The digital state, by applying ICT to add value to our production and service sectors, will trigger economic transformation. It will spawn knowledge-based industries, diversify the economy away from overdependence on primary production, move manufacturing up the value chain and tap into larger external markets.

The digital state can deploy ICT effectively to promote productivity and competitiveness. It is an implementation of technology which will foster innovation and, consequently, economic growth.

The digital state will deliver quality public services all over the country. It will reduce the need, as the Minister has said, for citizens to travel outside of their regions of residence, in years to come, to access legal services, acquire passports, examine their academic and medical records, record births and deaths, receive social security benefits, register businesses, renew drivers’ licences, file income-tax returns and embark on trade and investment enterprises.

The establishment of capital towns in our ten administrative regions will allow for the realisation of ICT-enabled, one-stop government centres which can provide public services. These centres would minimise the need for citizens to visit multiple

government agencies to complete a single transaction.

The digital state will revolutionise the delivery of education, including distance education, by introducing technology-based teaching into our public education system thereby improving education attainment and allowing access to education by all, especially underserved, poor and remote populations. As you know, our Government places emphasis on ‘A’ students; students who have access and who can achieve a higher level of attainment at school.

The educational value of the digital state can be encapsulated in the legend –”log on, look, listen and learn.”

The digital state, in order to succeed however, requires a reservoir of highly- trained persons to drive the development of the ICT sector. It requires persons who possess ICT skills to lay the foundation for the establishment of knowledge-based industries.

The digital state demands a reorientation of our education system towards greater emphasis on science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM). ICT and STEM education will allow Guyana to develop a more a technologically competent workforce.

DIGITALDIVIDE Guyana, suffering from inequality along the lines of geography and infrastructural development, has peculiar challenges for ICT development. Many hinterland and some rural com-

munities are isolated and lack adequate infrastructure. The residents of these communities have to travel long distances to access public services. In fact, incredibly, you may not believe that before we (APNU+AFC) entered office if you were a businessman in Lethem, you had to travel to Anna Regina to register your business.

Ladies and gentlemen, Guyana is the largest state in the Caribbean Community but has the second lowest population density of about 4 persons per square kilometre, compared to 660 persons per square kilometre, in Barbados.

Scores of sparsely populated settlements of relatively few residents are scattered over vast distances which are likely to be divided by rivers, forest, grasslands and wetland. Robust communication networks are required, are necessary, to overcome the challenges of our demography and geography.

ICT REVOLUTION Developments in the ICT sector, both planned and in progress, will allow us to close the digital divide between our coastland and the hinterland and between Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean.

The smart phone is now ubiquitous; tablets are now being used for education and entertainment; the transmission of information has increased exponentially; the Internet is connecting people, businesses and societies across the country, across the Region and across the globe.

My words, here today, I’m sure, are being transmitted instantaneously within and outside the country and community.

The digital state that we’re creating will establish a network of connectivity, linking every person, community and every government agency and ministry. It will ensure that residents of Mabaruma for example, will not be isolated from residents of Mahdia.

Broadband access is being rolled out to hinterland and remote rural communities with the aim of promoting greater integration of the entire country. Increased broadband access is intended also to provide cost competitive connectivity options and to help to improve access to, and the delivery of, public services.

Broadband access has extended to a total of 116 government agencies and ministries, 9 student dormitories and hostels and three nursing schools with the aim of increasing citizen engagement

and promoting inclusion and social development.

Every court house, every hospital, every police station, every post office, every school and government building, eventually, will enjoy internet access. We have connected over 175 primary schools and 106 secondary schools and 34 technical and vocational institutions to support remote-access learning and online research to help students with their academic assignments and homework. Teachers have benefitted from the distribution of 8, 848 laptops under the One Laptop per Teacher programme.

Internet access has been provided through 171 internet hubs to residents in areas, including on the coastland and hinterland.

ICT technologies are being modernized. The existence of 4G Long-term Evolution (LTE) Wireless Network is being improved and expanded through the installation of more than 250 km of fibre optic cables on the coast and 120Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) in hinterland and remote communities.

ICT will improve the delivery of public services by: - expanding the coverage of the e-government network to better support the day-today functioning of state agencies, departments and ministries; - by extending government services online for citizens at home and in the diaspora; and by - maintaining a one-stop portal for government information and services.

Technology parks will be established to boost job creation. These parks will allow for the development of clusters of technology firms, including ICT start-ups and business outsourcing companies. ICT plays a central role in Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) by reducing our carbon footprint. ICT must drive the establishment of paperless agencies, departments and ministries. It must promote greater use of non-cash financial instruments. E-government must make public services more accessible; ebusiness must facilitate commerce, investment and trade.

ICT is a functional and practical response to the challenge of the digital deficit in Guyana. It will promote greater inclusion and innovation and provide information services and digital industries consistent with the Green State Development Strategy.

By any measure, this initiative must be allowed to continue over the next five years.

Sunday June 23, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Burning Mouth Syndrome: The distasteful and uncomfortable condition

By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine urning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes pain and discomfort in your mouth, lips, or tongue.

While it is not as common, it is very uncomfortable for patients that are affected by it. The feeling is often described as a burning, scalding, or tingling sensation in the mouth. It affects about 2-4 % of the population and women are more likely to be affected by it than men.

It is found more in women during or after menopause.

The cause of BMS can be hard to pin down. Some people may have symptoms for months or years and never know why.

Today we will see if we can shed some light on this bothersome condition.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME? Some people with BMS report symptoms appearing suddenly. For others, they may develop gradually over time. Typical symptoms of BMS include: · Burning feeling in the

B

mouth, tongue, or lips · Dry mouth · Bitter or metallic taste · Loss of taste BMS may occur every day, or it may come and go.

Some people wake up with pain and it lasts all day. Others wake up with little pain but it gets worse as the day progresses. Regardless of the pattern, the symptoms may last for months to years.

WHAT CAUSES BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME? The exact cause for burning mouth syndrome is unknown. Cases have been linked to: · Nerve damage · A dental procedure · Nutritional deficiency (such as iron, zinc, or some B vitamins) · Menopause or other hormonal changes · Certain medicines used to treat high blood pressure · Extreme allergic reactions · Acid reflux · Oral yeast infection (thrush) · Mental disorders such as anxiety or depression Many times, more than one cause is present. Sometimes doctors can’t find the cause.

You are at higher risk of

developing BMS if you are: · A woman · Post-menopausal · Over age 50 HOW IS BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME DIAGNOSED? There is no simple way to test for BMS. Your doctor will examine your mouth and ask about your medical history and symptoms.

This will help better pinpoint a possible cause.

They may perform tests to rule out other possible issues. This could include an oral swab to check for thrush.

It may also include blood tests to check for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues, or mineral deficiencies.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS? There is no specific cure for burning mouth syndrome. The best thing you can do is address your symptoms. Treatment is based on your symptoms, their severity, and the underlying cause. Possible treatment options include:

· Products to produce saliva and relieve dry mouth · Vitamin supplements (such as iron, zinc, or vitamin B) to provide nutritio · Oral pain relief ointments · Depression or anxiety medicines to relieve pain and improve your nervous system If your doctor thinks a certain medicine is causing BMS, they might suggest switching to a new one.

If your doctor can’t find a cause, they may recommend trying oral thrush medicines, B vitamin supplements, or antidepressants.

These have been found to be effective in treating BMS.

Most cases of BMS improve on their own. Additional tips for easing your symptoms include: · Sucking on ice chips · Drinking plenty of liquids · Avoiding hot and spicy foods · Avoiding foods and drinks that are high in acid, like citrus fruit, soda, and coffee · Avoiding alcohol and tobacco products · Avoiding products that contain alcohol · Trying a new brand of toothpaste As you can see, BMS is still not as understood in the medical world.

Dr Zulfikar Bux If you have or suspect that you have BMS, your best chance lies in educating yourself about it so that you can collaborate with your doctor to give you the best chance of overcoming this distasteful condition.

Sunday June 23, 2019

From page 32 watched development was a motion for there to be a new Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections.

The motion was carried and a vote was put to the floor. The majority voted for Ramjattan to be the new PM candidate in the coalition with a mere five delegates throwing their weight behind Nagamootoo.

That prompted Nagamootoo to leave the congress even before the closing session.

The internal elections for the party would be critical at this time. On Tuesday, the Caribbean Court of Justice is set to decide on a number of court cases based on the December 21st no-confidence vote in the National Assembly.

The decisions by CCJ could see election being held this year.

MONDAY GRANGER NOT AGGRESSIVE ENOUGH WITH PPP, APNU+AFC CORRUPTION – DR. HINDS Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, is of the firm view that President, David Granger has not been as aggressive as he should be when it comes to the corruption that took place during the 23 years of the PPP regime as well as the allegations against members of his government.

During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News recently, Dr. Hinds reasoned that part of it has to do with the fact that Granger does not control the People’s National Congress (PNC) in its entirety.

The columnist said, “I think part of it has to do with the fact that even within the PNC, Granger is not the automatic leader. There is still opposition to him. He is not a Burnham or a Hoyte. Those fellas had total control of the party and he doesn’t, so he tries not to offend some party members…”

Further to this, Dr. Hinds posited that Granger’s approach may also be influenced by the APNU’s marriage to the AFC and the distribution of power based on the Cummingsburg Accord.

Dr. Hinds said that whenever there is an allegation of corruption against an AFC government official, the President appears to handle the issue with kid gloves.

Overall, the WPA Executive Member categorically stated that Granger has not been as

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Kaieteur News

aggressive as he should be.

In addition to this, Dr. Hinds said that the Head of State has made several mistakes as it relates to the management of the Coalition Administration. The political commentator noted that the Coalition is made up of small parties, one-man parties, parties with different ideologies, etc. “And sometimes, in that coalition, there are parties you would consider your historical enemies and you therefore need to have a particular set of skills to hold those parties together…I don’t think Granger has done a sterling job in that regard,” expressed Dr. Hinds.

The WPA Executive Member believes that Granger has, in a sense, let the ball drop when it comes to the management of the Coalition.

AUDITOR GENERAL MUST PURSUE SPECIALAUDIT OF UG’S FINANCES — DISREGARD DIRECTIVE BY EDUCATION MINISTRY TO DO OTHERWISE – RAM Auditor General, Deodat Sharma should disregard the directive of the Education Ministry to withhold its special audit into the spending practices of the University of Guyana (UG) administration. This is according to Attorney-at-law and Accountant, Christopher Ram. Back in April, the Ministry of Education had informed Sharma’s office of requests for an audit into the university’s spending practices by the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA).

These very requests came when Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, indicated his intention to have his contract renewed.

The unions advocated stringently for the Vice Chancellor to be evaluated for his contract renewal, as they had feared that his renewal would be considered without ample scrutiny of his record by the Council.

They had heavily criticised the spending practices of the administration, complaining that money was being disproportionately allocated to the Vice Chancellery.

Amidst all this, Griffith was busy outlining a 20-year vision for the development of the university.

He had responded to the unions’ protests, saying that, “the Administration welcomes the opportunity to clear the air on the allegations

and assertions by the unions and other individuals.”

The unions had raised concerns about misallocation of funds and excessive spending by the administration, bringing Griffith’s tenure at the university under heavy public scrutiny, and the administration’s handling of its successive increased annual subventions.

Last week, the VC rescinded his request to have his contract renewed.

In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Sharma said that the Ministry of Education wrote to his office, instructing that the investigation be put on hold. Sharma said, “I was already preparing to go do the investigation.”

Ram, who served as Chair of the Audit Committee under Griffith’s tenure as Vice Chancellor, had criticized Griffith, explaining that multiple attempts to audit UG’s finances were met with staunch resistance from Griffith himself.

SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONSAT CJIA…AIRPORT ERRED, FAILEDALLEGED VICTIM BY NOT CALLING IN RELEVANT AUTHORITIES – SENIOR POLICE OFFICIAL A senior official of the Guyana Police Force Sunday said that the management of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)

failed by not immediately calling in the cops on a case of alleged sexual harassment.

The window for an official complaint to the police remains very much open now.

The case is generating huge concerns after it came to light over the weekend.

A senior official at the airport is being accused of forcefully kissing and touching a female who works at one of the duty free concessions.

The alleged incident took place in the airport office of the senior official sometime at the end of July last year.

The woman reportedly made an official complaint to Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir, and officials of the Human Resources department. She even made a statement. She claims that several months passed but it was only recently after behaving “bad” to CJIA management that she received a WhatsApp message from the Human Resources Department saying that the matter was “addressed.”

It was not explained to her what that meant.

According to the woman, she went to the senior official to resolve an issue regarding her employer’s vehicle, which had been clamped in the parking lot.

She said while there, the airport official allegedly asked her out for a drink, saying it was his birthday. She was leaving his office when he allegedly blocked the door and kissed her. The woman claimed that she never consented to being touched

or kissed. The woman said she had a professional relationship to the senior official. She went back to her office and threw up, she claimed.

The woman told her bosses of the alleged incident and she was advised to do what she believes is the right thing. The complaint was made the next day to Ghir.

The CEO said on Saturday that the airport was aware of the incident and after an investigation, was unable to confirm that something happened.

Sunday, the senior cop said that sexual harassment is a criminal offence.

“I am, frankly, very surprised at this story. The airport would have strict guidelines on employees’ behaviour but this matter is a police one. You would not ask management to investigate a murder, would you? Same thing… I would advise this woman to immediately go to the Timehri Police Station and make a report. Mr. Ghir should know better than handling this matter in this manner.”

TUESDAY IMF MEETING WITH GOVT… CONCERNS RAISED OVER ABSENCE OF RING-FENCING PROVISION IN EXXONMOBILGUYANAOILDEAL One of the most worrying loopholes in Guyana’s Production Sharing

Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its two partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC/NEXEN, is the absence of robust ringfencing provisions.

This provision is important as it prevents the oil company from offsetting the costs incurred on an unsuccessful well, against one that is successful.

For example, ExxonMobil had spud two wells in the Stabroek Block called Skipjack and Sorubim. Both wells came up dry.

Exxon and its partners, however, have more than a dozen other discoveries in that same block. Because there are no ring-fencing provisions, Exxon has nothing to worry about as it can easily offset the costs incurred for the two unsuccessful wells on the profits made on any one of its successful finds. When this occurs, Guyana’s cut of the oil riches gets smaller.

This disturbing flaw of the Guyana-ExxonMobil deal was raised with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during its recently concluded Article IV Mission with the coalition government and other stakeholders.

The Article IV Consultation is conducted by the IMF with the intention of assessing the member country’s economic health while laying out probable (Continued on page 41)

Sunday June 23, 2019

From page 32 watched development was a motion for there to be a new Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections.

The motion was carried and a vote was put to the floor. The majority voted for Ramjattan to be the new PM candidate in the coalition with a mere five delegates throwing their weight behind Nagamootoo.

That prompted Nagamootoo to leave the congress even before the closing session.

The internal elections for the party would be critical at this time. On Tuesday, the Caribbean Court of Justice is set to decide on a number of court cases based on the December 21st no-confidence vote in the National Assembly.

The decisions by CCJ could see election being held this year.

MONDAY GRANGER NOT AGGRESSIVE ENOUGH WITH PPP, APNU+AFC CORRUPTION – DR. HINDS Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, is of the firm view that President, David Granger has not been as aggressive as he should be when it comes to the corruption that took place during the 23 years of the PPP regime as well as the allegations against members of his government.

During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News recently, Dr. Hinds reasoned that part of it has to do with the fact that Granger does not control the People’s National Congress (PNC) in its entirety.

The columnist said, “I think part of it has to do with the fact that even within the PNC, Granger is not the automatic leader. There is still opposition to him. He is not a Burnham or a Hoyte. Those fellas had total control of the party and he doesn’t, so he tries not to offend some party members…”

Further to this, Dr. Hinds posited that Granger’s approach may also be influenced by the APNU’s marriage to the AFC and the distribution of power based on the Cummingsburg Accord.

Dr. Hinds said that whenever there is an allegation of corruption against an AFC government official, the President appears to handle the issue with kid gloves.

Overall, the WPA Executive Member categorically stated that Granger has not been as

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Kaieteur News

aggressive as he should be.

In addition to this, Dr. Hinds said that the Head of State has made several mistakes as it relates to the management of the Coalition Administration. The political commentator noted that the Coalition is made up of small parties, one-man parties, parties with different ideologies, etc. “And sometimes, in that coalition, there are parties you would consider your historical enemies and you therefore need to have a particular set of skills to hold those parties together…I don’t think Granger has done a sterling job in that regard,” expressed Dr. Hinds.

The WPA Executive Member believes that Granger has, in a sense, let the ball drop when it comes to the management of the Coalition.

AUDITOR GENERAL MUST PURSUE SPECIALAUDIT OF UG’S FINANCES — DISREGARD DIRECTIVE BY EDUCATION MINISTRY TO DO OTHERWISE – RAM Auditor General, Deodat Sharma should disregard the directive of the Education Ministry to withhold its special audit into the spending practices of the University of Guyana (UG) administration. This is according to Attorney-at-law and Accountant, Christopher Ram. Back in April, the Ministry of Education had informed Sharma’s office of requests for an audit into the university’s spending practices by the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA).

These very requests came when Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, indicated his intention to have his contract renewed.

The unions advocated stringently for the Vice Chancellor to be evaluated for his contract renewal, as they had feared that his renewal would be considered without ample scrutiny of his record by the Council.

They had heavily criticised the spending practices of the administration, complaining that money was being disproportionately allocated to the Vice Chancellery.

Amidst all this, Griffith was busy outlining a 20-year vision for the development of the university.

He had responded to the unions’ protests, saying that, “the Administration welcomes the opportunity to clear the air on the allegations

and assertions by the unions and other individuals.”

The unions had raised concerns about misallocation of funds and excessive spending by the administration, bringing Griffith’s tenure at the university under heavy public scrutiny, and the administration’s handling of its successive increased annual subventions.

Last week, the VC rescinded his request to have his contract renewed.

In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Sharma said that the Ministry of Education wrote to his office, instructing that the investigation be put on hold. Sharma said, “I was already preparing to go do the investigation.”

Ram, who served as Chair of the Audit Committee under Griffith’s tenure as Vice Chancellor, had criticized Griffith, explaining that multiple attempts to audit UG’s finances were met with staunch resistance from Griffith himself.

SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS AT CJIA…AIRPORT ERRED, FAILEDALLEGED VICTIM BY NOT CALLING IN RELEVANT AUTHORITIES – SENIOR POLICE OFFICIAL A senior official of the Guyana Police Force Sunday said that the management of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)

failed by not immediately calling in the cops on a case of alleged sexual harassment.

The window for an official complaint to the police remains very much open now.

The case is generating huge concerns after it came to light over the weekend.

A senior official at the airport is being accused of forcefully kissing and touching a female who works at one of the duty free concessions.

The alleged incident took place in the airport office of the senior official sometime at the end of July last year.

The woman reportedly made an official complaint to Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir, and officials of the Human Resources department. She even made a statement. She claims that several months passed but it was only recently after behaving “bad” to CJIA management that she received a WhatsApp message from the Human Resources Department saying that the matter was “addressed.”

It was not explained to her what that meant.

According to the woman, she went to the senior official to resolve an issue regarding her employer’s vehicle, which had been clamped in the parking lot.

She said while there, the airport official allegedly asked her out for a drink, saying it was his birthday. She was leaving his office when he allegedly blocked the door and kissed her. The woman claimed that she never consented to being touched

or kissed. The woman said she had a professional relationship to the senior official. She went back to her office and threw up, she claimed.

The woman told her bosses of the alleged incident and she was advised to do what she believes is the right thing. The complaint was made the next day to Ghir.

The CEO said on Saturday that the airport was aware of the incident and after an investigation, was unable to confirm that something happened.

Sunday, the senior cop said that sexual harassment is a criminal offence.

“I am, frankly, very surprised at this story. The airport would have strict guidelines on employees’ behaviour but this matter is a police one. You would not ask management to investigate a murder, would you? Same thing… I would advise this woman to immediately go to the Timehri Police Station and make a report. Mr. Ghir should know better than handling this matter in this manner.”

TUESDAY IMF MEETING WITH GOVT… CONCERNS RAISED OVER ABSENCE OF RING-FENCING PROVISION IN EXXONMOBILGUYANAOILDEAL One of the most worrying loopholes in Guyana’s Production Sharing

Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its two partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC/NEXEN, is the absence of robust ringfencing provisions.

This provision is important as it prevents the oil company from offsetting the costs incurred on an unsuccessful well, against one that is successful.

For example, ExxonMobil had spud two wells in the Stabroek Block called Skipjack and Sorubim. Both wells came up dry.

Exxon and its partners, however, have more than a dozen other discoveries in that same block. Because there are no ring-fencing provisions, Exxon has nothing to worry about as it can easily offset the costs incurred for the two unsuccessful wells on the profits made on any one of its successful finds. When this occurs, Guyana’s cut of the oil riches gets smaller.

This disturbing flaw of the Guyana-ExxonMobil deal was raised with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during its recently concluded Article IV Mission with the coalition government and other stakeholders.

The Article IV Consultation is conducted by the IMF with the intention of assessing the member country’s economic health while laying out probable (Continued on page 41)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 34

Sunday June 23, 2019

COUNTRYMAN

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

Remembering Wilma Rudolph - an Olympian overcomer

By Dennis Nichols

A

r e c e n t Facebook reference to one of Guyana's former top female athletes, June Griffith, gave me the idea for today's piece. Now it has nothing to do with our c o u n t r y, o u r d i v i s i v e politics, or the recent CCJ ruling. Yet the real-life heroine featured may serve as a role model for young women everywhere.

In fact, that's exactly what she was, particularly in the United States; more so for black girls. Her name was Wilma Glodean Rudolph, and she was born on this day, June 23, seventy-nine years ago. Were she a Guyanese like Griffith, who celebrated her 62nd birthday one week ago, she would most certainly have been featured in this newspaper as a 'Special Person' par excellence.

Before there was Jackie

Joyner-Kersee, Flo Jo, or Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, there was Wilma Rudolph.

The 20th of 22 children on her father's side, she was born in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee, USA, in 1940, a few years before the start of the civil rights movement.

US history tells us that although the state was one of those less tolerant of slavery's abominations, it had its share of racial animosities, and indeed was the birthplace of the Ku Klux

Klan. It was certainly not the best of places for a poor, African-American child to grow up in.

Wilma Rudolph was not your typical carefree child.

At her premature birth she weighed less than five pounds. By the age of five, according to her biography, she had suffered from a number of early childhood diseases including pneumonia, scarlet fever, and infantile paralysis (polio) which nearly crippled her.

Because she was black, medical care was not as

readily available as it was for whites, so her parents had to take her to a historically black medical college 50 miles away in Nashville. This they did for two years while the young girl was forced to wear a leg brace and orthopedic shoe.

Following the hospital treatment, Wilma received at-home treatment in Clarksville, from family members.

Wilma recalled being told by her doctor that she'd never walk again. “But my mother told me I would. I believed my mother,” she is quoted as saying. Her parents and siblings would remove the brace and take turns at massaging her weakened leg every day, four times a day.

By the age of six, she could hop on one leg; by eight, she could move around without the brace, and by 11, she was playing basketball. In high school, she started her basketball career in the eighth grade, and in her sophomore year scored a record-breaking 803 points. They called her 'Skeeter' because of her speed. They should have called her 'Overcomer' too.

It was while playing there as a 14-year-old 10th grader that she was spotted

by Tennessee's state track and field coach. He saw a 'natural athlete' and although she'd had just minimal track and field experience, the coach invited her to join his summer track program at Tennessee State University.

(TSU) She had already competed at Alabama's Tuskegee Institute, and although losing her first major event there, was determined to continue. She went on to win all nine events she entered at an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) track meet in Pennsylvania.

Then at sixteen, the girl who once heard she would never walk; and still a junior at high school, went to the 1956 US Olympic Track and Field team trials in Washington, and qualified to compete in the 200m individual event.

At 16, Wilma was the youngest member of the US Olympic team at the Summer Games in Melbourne, Australia. What must have been her relative inexperience showed when

Dennis Nichols she was beaten in the 200m preliminary heat. However, she won a bronze medal as part of the US Women's 4x100 relay team, and in the process equaled the world record of 44.9 seconds (The Australian team won the gold in 44.5 seconds, just half-a-second faster).

Back in Tennessee, she showed her high school classmates the medal, and vowed to return to 'try and win a gold medal' at the 1960 Olympic Games. She did, and more.

Before the 1960 Olympics however, Wilma became pregnant in high school and had a daughter in 1958, after which she enrolled at TSU. The young mother then participated in the Pan American Games in Chicago where she won silver in the 100m and gold in the 4x100m relay.

She also won the AAU 100m title, and defended it four consecutive years. She then competed at the Olympic trials in Texas, qualified for the 100m dash and set a world record in the 200m. race. The “Overcomer” was overcoming big time.

Then came the watershed 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy - the first to be televised worldwide. (The US team included a brash young boxer named Cassius Clay; remember him?)

Wilma competed in three events – the 100m and 200m sprints, and the 4x100m relay, and won the gold medal in each.

She set a new Olympic record of 23.2 seconds in the 200m, a new world record, with her teammates, of 44.2 seconds in the 4x100 relay, and would have had a world record in the 100m (11 seconds) had it not been wind-aided.

She dedicated her Olympic victories to Jesse Owens, her inspiration, and before the Games were over (continued on page 49)

Sunday June 23, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Essential President and Opposition Leader meet soonest in light of CCJ's rulings

T

he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)'s rulings on the no confidence vote and appointment of GECOM Chairman necessitate urgent meeting between the nation's two principal political leaders.

Those rulings, which were handed down on Tuesday 18th June, and the nation made aware in real time, should have already seen engagement between President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, and arrival at a common position to take before the Court tomorrow.

Tomorrow the litigants are expected to make their submissions before the judges who will issue Consequential Orders.

It is not unreasonable or unrealistic these submissions should seek to arrive at an arrangement that put the interest of the collective first.

Neither is it too much for us as citizens to ask, in this period of uncharted waters and tension, our leaders to put forward a united position.

Some things are important enough to put nation above self and other partisan interest. This is one such. While both the President and Opposition Leader have signalled, via the media, their intent to write and seek engagement with the other on the issues, as at Friday which is the end of the work week, the nation is yet to know if this has happened.

The future of this nation is of importance to all. The longer these principals take to meet and send a message of political consensus, the more they will continue to aid the vacuum being filled by whoever wants to occupy it, including the extremists on both sides.

People will consolidate themselves into camps and the harder it will be to get through the din and allow reason to prevail. Every society, including ours, has its extremists, even under normal circumstances, cutting across class and interest.

I n u n u s u a l circumstances like this, they swarm like bees around a honeycomb. We know distorting history, playing to fears, and misrepresenting the role of institutions in

society, are not solely the purview of the lesser educated or less positioned in society.

The CCJ's rulings have created a bruise, though not unexpected. The rulings have opened the floodgates to claims of vindication, the casting of aspersions, charges of being cheated, speaking out of turn, and making untenable demands.

The leadership void is felt even more so here - i.e. a common position would have soothed, given assurance, and offered hope for the future of all.

Whereas over the years this nation has had its share of electoral challenges, giving the impression only one group/party is culpable, and therefore we should be forewarned, is not only untrue, but also aids the creating of unnecessary tension.

As citizens, ours is the duty to work towards and ensure the electoral system functions in a manner that will deny no eligible person the right to register, his/her name appearing on the List, in the district registered, he/she be allowed to vote in an environment free from fear, the vote counted, duly recorded and declared for the party/group/candidate of choice.

Our history has shown we are evolving. No group or party can make claim to conducting elections where all the stated standards have been met for the voter.

None. Where in our society political association tips in large part to racial identity there is need to be careful what is the message intended to be transmitted.

An egregious conduct is an egregious conduct. In an election where it alters the outcome, i.e. the will of the people, be it by one vote, one seat or more, happened during the stewardship of this or that party/group, there could be no claim to superiority or purity.

Running around the place questioning whether Guyana's sovereignty remains intact, having subjected ourselves to the rulings of a body we voluntary co-founded, helped write the rules and participate in, is not the best pursuit to arriving at workable solutions. These times call for clear thinking, deliberative decision-

making and cogent actions.

The void created by the absence of a joint position will see the continuous misleading of the public, and not enough truthful information to help Guyanese understand the implications of the rulings.

Both leaders needed to have given themselves adequate time to meet, discuss, and trash out a way forward consistent with the Constitution and Laws of Guyana governing the electoral process, day-to-day governance in the interim, and a common position on GECOM Chairman.

Even at this juncture, instead of coming together, all the society in the main is witnessing is grandstanding.

Ours can be likened to a

home where the parents have v a c a t e d m e n t a l l y, t h e children left unsupervised, and disorder reigns.

An address to the nation or press conference is not sufficient. Its insufficiency cannot be more pronounced when the first people the need is felt to directly engage are the external forces, rather than each other and the social partners. Priorities are being mixed up.

Why is this nation still subjected to feel that the primary obligation is to foreign forces rather than locals? Whereas the diplomatic community is working in the interest of their principals and would grant the courtesy of an engagement or seek one in furtherance of their national

interest, the first priority remains to the citizens, our national interest.

This nation must heal.

Everyday Messrs. Granger and Jagdeo fail to meet and make known a common position, they are failing the working class in putting Guyana first.

It is important to be labour the point, in 1926 when the trade union movement began the fight for one-man-one-vote (universal suffrage) and internal self-government, a principal aim behind our struggle, and remains so, is the right to selfdetermination, to chart our destiny.

It is to Guyanese best interest to do so in an environment of peace and

stability, which can only come from civility, pursuing and respecting legal justice, i.e. the rule of law, its spirit and intent.

Wo r k e r s d e m a n d a meeting of the two leaders with genuine efforts being put in arriving at a consensus position to take before the CCJ tomorrow, Monday 24th June. Even at this hour, it is not too late to make it happen.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 23, 2019

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

T

The Mantled (Alouatta palliata)

howler

he mantled howler (Alouatta palliata), or golden-mantled howling monkey, is a species of howler monkey, a type of New World monkey, from Central and South America.

It is one of the monkey species most often seen and heard in the wild in Central America. It takes its "mantled" name from the long guard hairs on its sides.

The mantled howler is one of the largest Central American monkeys, and males can weigh up to 9.8 kg (22 lb). It is the only Central American monkey that eats large quantities of leaves; it has several adaptations to this folivorous diet. Since leaves are difficult to digest and provide less energy than most foods, the mantled howler spends the majority of each day resting and sleeping.

The male mantled howler has an enlarged hyoid bone, a hollow bone near the vocal cords, which amplifies the calls made by the male, and is the reason for the name "howler". Howling allows the monkeys to locate each other without expending energy on moving or risking physical confrontation.

The mantled howler lives in groups that can have over 40 members, although groups are usually smaller.

Most mantled howlers of both sexes are evicted from the group they were born in upon reaching sexual maturity, resulting in most adult group members being unrelated.

The most dominant male, the alpha male, gets preference for food and resting places, and mates with most of the receptive females. The mantled howler is important to the rainforest ecology as a seed disperser and germinator. Although it is affected by deforestation, it is able to adapt better than other species, due to its ability to feed on abundant leaves and its ability to live in a limited amount of space.

The mantled howler's appearance is similar to other howler monkeys of the genus Alouatta except for coloration. The mantled howler is primarily black except for a fringe of yellow or golden brown guard hairs on the flanks of the body earning the common name "mantled" howler monkey.

When the males reach maturity, the scrotum turns

white.

Females are between 481 and 632 mm (18.9 and 24.9 in) in body length, excluding tail, and males are between 508 and 675 mm (20.0 and 26.6 in). The prehensile tail is between 545 and 655 mm (21.5 and 25.8 in) long.

Adult females generally weigh between 3.1 and 7.6 kg (6.8 and 16.8 lb), while males typically weigh between 4.5 and 9.8 kg (9.9 and 21.6 lb).

Average body weights can vary significantly between monkey populations in different locations. The brain of an adult mantled howler is about 55.1 g (1.94 oz), which is smaller than that of several smaller monkey species, such as the white-headed capuchin.

The mantled howler shares several adaptations with other species of howler monkey that allow it to pursue a folivorous diet, that is, a diet with a large component of leaves. Its molars have high shearing crests, to help it eat the leaves, and males have an enlarged hyoid bone near the vocal cords. This hyoid bone amplifies the male mantled howler's calls, allowing it to locate other males without expending much energy.

The mantled howler is the most folivorous species of Central American monkey. Leaves make up between almost 50% and 75% of the mantled howler's diet. The mantled howler is selective about the trees it eats from, and it prefers young leaves to mature leaves. This selectivity is likely to reduce the levels of toxins ingested, since certain leaves of various species contain toxins.

Young leaves generally have less toxins as well as more nutrients than more mature leaves, and are also usually easier to digest.

Mantled howler monkeys possess large salivary glands that help break down the leaf tannins by binding the polymers before the food bolus reaches the gut.

Although leaves are abundant, they are a low energy food source.

The fact that the mantled howler relies so heavily on a low energy food source drives much of its behaviour – for example, howling to locate other groups and spending a large portion of the day resting.

Fruit can also make up a

large portion of the mantled howler's diet. When available, the proportion of fruit in the diet can be as much as 50%, and can sometimes exceed the proportion of leaves.

The leaves and fruit from Ficus trees tend to be the preferred source of the mantled howler. Flowers can also make up a significant portion of the diet and are eaten in particularly (continued on page 52)

PAGE 37

Kaieteur News

PAGE 38

K O

BO

Book: Milwaukee Noir Editor: Tim Hennessy Critic: Glenville Ashby, Ph.D

M

ilwaukee Noir i s a compilation of frightening and distasteful tales. In this cesspool of misery, murder is the new normal that redefines the meaning of human existence. There are wrenching images of sadism and perturbing reminders that we are still enslaved by racial, religious and sexual bigotry.

Vi c t i m s u n l e a s h vengeance not because they are personally violated, but because they have turned hatred unto themselves.

Every retaliation is a fanning pronouncement on their own weakness, guilt and shame.

In Reed Farrel Coleman's 'Summerfest' '76,' antiSemitism, racism and homophobia consume a pitiful figure, a figure that finds relevance in projecting

Sunday June 23, 2019

A Stain On Our Collective Conscience

his self-loathing unto others. “...I should burn it down with him in it,” he screams at the man behind the counter, who in turn plots and carries out his murder. “I would have liked to kill him slowly,” the store clerk later ruminates, “so I could have savored the sound of his skull cracking. So I could have watched the blood and brains squeezing out of his eyeholes. But it was over in a flash, his limp body dangling from the stamp plate.”

A cold vengeful act that demonstrates that he's beyond the pale, more heinous than his abuser ever was. A daring political statement is penned in 'Transit Complaint Box' by Frank Wheeler Jr. Here, today's zeitgeist has turned victims into perpetrators and law enforcement has become a vile and villainous profession. Streets turn into killing fields for every misfit and sociopath whose main defence is racism.

In this side of Milwaukee, sanity is turned on its head and liberal

idealism is exposed for what it is - a political weapon to silence opponents. In '3rd Street Waltz,' by Matthew J. Prigge, we drudge through inanity. There is no real future for folks except for Janet, a courtesan who towers over a bunch of sots and infelicitous characters.

And Valerie Laken's 'Runoff' is a redemptive tale where humanity cranes for relevance amid the daring and self-destructive indulgences of children shuffling through life's vagaries.

Lucy and friends meander through sewers, lifting the covers off manholes, hunting for booty in garages to satisfy her indulgences. But there is some redeeming about Lucy, an adolescent well-seasoned in the maze of foster homes.

She is haunted by the image of “that thing in a cage, curled up, twisting its face towards her, searching left and right under its blindfold.

It was a man.”

Her humanity cries out and she assumes the daring role of heroine determined to rescue him.

Jennifer Morales' 'Cousins' delves into the convoluted, dizzying world of transgenderism. This is an

emotionally exhaustive narrative. It is an incendiary, searing tale stamped with many indelible comments, two of which tower over all others.

“God didn't give me a son, he gave me a daughter,” and “The army straightens out a lot of crooked lives, by God's grace,” or “Jesus forgiving me my sins by His indulgent proxy.”

'There's A Riot Goin' On,' is a Derrick Harriell portrait of the inner city, a bubbling cauldron of racial oppression, hopelessness and frustration. Violence is invitingly intoxicating, an unlikely panacea for generational trauma.

Hound Terrell is infected by the ills visited on his father by the excess of law enforcement, seen more as an occupying force than a p r o t e c t i v e a g e n c y.

Frustration bursts at its seams. “Chaos in the neighborhood had become nothing new. But a damn riot was, and it was something he had to see. He had to see a riot. He had to see a riot in the hood.”

Eventually rage consumes him, a victim of circumstances, a victim of his own fraught psyche.

I would be remiss if I fail

to mention the equally fine writings of Christi Clancy, Mary Thorson, Nick Petrie, Larry Watson, James E. Causes and Shauna Singh Baldwin. Their brilliance stand uncontested.

In Milwaukee Noir, evil seeks ablution for its own sake. Try it must, all the while festering and consuming everything in its path. Even behind the veneer of genteelism, evil is persistently present, deadly as it ever was, whispering and taunting the weak and

vulnerable, and even the strong. For as long as we live, we are at risk.

Milwaukee Noir delivers that foreboding message.

Milwaukee Noir Edited by Tim Hennessy (C) 2019 Akashic Books Available at Amazon ISBN: 978-1-61775701-3 Ratings: Highly recommended F e e d b a c k : glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 39

Kaieteur News

THE

PAGE 40

Sunday June 23, 2019

STORY WITHIN THE

Police corruption and sex in the office

By Leonard Gildarie

T

he past couple of weeks have been eventful. There were the rulings in the Caribbean Court of Justice regarding the no-confidence vote. Then news broke of a scandal at the Timehri airport regarding accusations of sexual assaults and harassment by senior officials. In the news also were some damning allegations against police ranks in Berbice and links to seniors in Georgetown.

I am gathering my thoughts on the noconfidence rulings. This will not go away anytime soon.

The country is deeply divided and for the next few months, the decisions that will be taken by the Coalition Government and the Opposition will speak volumes of who we are as a people of a developing country.

We must be responsible as a people and not be swayed by the actions and words of a few politicians.

While we are busy fighting, there are things happening.

Several foreign companies are here preparing for when we will be pumping oil‌we all know it is a matter of months.

We have to continue to up the pressure so that we can get a better deal. We own those oil fields, yet we seem to have little say. That is a very stupid problem to have.

Last week, there were reports in Kaieteur News about the accusations by a woman who works at the Timehri airport.

A supervisor at a dutyfree business of a concessionaire, she is accusing a senior official of the airport of kissing and touching her last year in his office without her consent.

For almost a year, she waited for a word from the management of the airport.

Reportedly, she received the courtesy of a text message telling her that the matter has been addressed.

Last week, the woman filed a complaint to the police. The airport responded by taking away her security pass and sending the senior official home. It was felt that the airport was vindictive as without the security passes,

the woman cannot work.

Later in the week, more women reportedly came forward accusing another official of sexual harassment.

In Berbice, a number of whistle-blowing cops spoke to reporters, including from Kaieteur News, leveling accusations against other cops for wrongdoing. The cops are being accused of being in league with criminals, of openly associating with criminals and even lending protection to drug shipments.

There were claims that police ranks were being forced to collect bribes from drivers and hand these over to senior officials.

N o w, t h e s e a r e n o ordinary accusations.

For cops to talk to reporters, giving details and with news that the numbers of their colleagues were in the phones of dead bandits, should raise red flags.

The business community in Berbice came out. The regional officials expressed alarm.

A number of the crime incidents in Berbice over the last few months were shocking. It appeared that the bandits were tipped off when police would move in on their locations.

On Friday, the police confirmed that its internal office was conducting investigations.

Let us stop here and examine.

In recent years, the country has been clamouring for more systems of transparency. In fact, it was this same Coalition Government which ordered a number of forensic audits to determine the health of our state agencies.

The Public Procurement Commission was constituted.

Then there is the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) for the mining and oil sectors and EU-FLEGT arrangements for timber.

In other words, we are moving to have independent review of our systems.

Claims that the airport took an entire year to get back to the woman should raise immediate alarm bells.

The airport is not supposed to investigate itself.

Police officials said that

Leonard Gildarie the matter should have immediately been reported to the police. The airport's Human Resources Department failed its mandate.

It is like the airport deciding to investigate a murder on its premises without calling in the police.

Another woman who came forward to accuse a senior official of demanding that she consider having relations with him or lose her job, claimed that she made a report to the police in 2012 but she did not hear back.

I know both men who are being accused. I guess that our relationship will never be the same again. That is okay.

The airport belongs to the people and frankly, my mandate is to the people of Guyana. There are so many things that is so wrong with the airport matter.

Does that airport have protocols in place for complaints of sexual harassment? Who investigates when a complaint is made? Now that one of the investigating officials is being fingered in similar cases, should the people of Guyana be worried?

Imagine sending your teen daughter or sister to work at the airport and you hear something like this?

There has been deafening silence from the airport's Board of Directors. Two of the airport's most senior functionaries are embroiled and there is little word.

In the meantime, the women involved are watching. The families are watching.

We should and must have an independent review.

The police are involved n o w. B u t h o w m u c h independence is there? If one woman complained in 2012 and never heard back, should the alarm bells be ringing about the independence of the police?

With regards to the police whistleblowers, this is even more worrisome. The police force is our premier domestic security force.

While over time it is a known fact that the people (continued on page 52)

Sunday June 23, 2019

From page 33 financial difficulties. The IMF in its statement that was issued Monday, said that its team was led by Mr. Arnold McIntyre. The IMF visiting team was in Guyana from June 3 to 14, last.

The IMF members met with Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Finance Minister, Winston Jordan; Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams; Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga; representatives from the private sector, banks, the opposition party, labour unions, and other stakeholders.

The IMF said, “The authorities have indicated their concerns that the absence of a ring-fencing arrangement in the Stabroek Production Sharing Agreement could potentially affect the projected flow of government oil revenues.

The rapid appraisal and development of multiple oil fields could affect the timing and amount of profit oil to be shared with the government from a producing oil field by allocating costs from various fields under development to the producing field.”

The Fund noted that the authorities are developing strategies to mitigate such a possibility. It said that this includes a national oil depletion policy to guide extraction and production and clearer ring-fencing rules for new investments.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT ALLEGATION AT CJIA… FEMALEEMPLOYEE FILES POLICE COMPLAINT A female employee at the Timehri airport has filed an official police complaint against a senior official whom she accuses of sexually harassing her last year.

Monday, the woman, an employee at a duty free concession at the airport, visited the Timehri police station, and gave a detailed statement. The police there were expected to also pick up and interview the senior official.

The incident was said to have taken place last year July with the woman claiming that after back and forth, she was only told recently, almost a year later, that the matter has been “addressed”.

She was not told what “addressed” meant.

Over the weekend, in confirming that the matter had come to the attention of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir, said that it had been investigated and that the airport could not confirm that

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anything happened.

However, the woman, a supervisor, is insisting that she was inappropriately held and kissed by the man in his office last July.

She claimed in statements that she went to the official’s office to appeal a case of the wheels of her employer’s vehicle being clamped in the airport’s parking lot.

The woman said that while she was in the man’s office, he invited her out, saying it was his birthday.

The man allegedly left his desk and hugged her and then kissed her.

Shocked, she turned around to leave but the official blocked the door and kissed her a second time.

The woman claimed that she threw up after leaving the office.

She met Ghir and a representative of the Human Resources Department the next day where she reported the matter and made a statement.

According to the woman, she was assured that the matter would be investigated.

However, weeks passed and on inquiring, she was told there were no developments.

The woman had claimed that there were cameras around the office area of the official which would have shown she was there and would have indicated her state of shock.

WEDNESDAY CCJ RULES NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION IS VALID – LAWYERS TO MAKE SUBMISSIONS TO COURT NEXT MONDAY ON CONSEQUENTIAL ORDERS Lawyers will make submissions to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), next Monday, June 24, in relation to consequential orders stemming from the rulings handed down by the regional court Tuesday.

The Court ruled that the Opposition-sponsored NoConfidence Motion (NCM) against the Coalition Government was successfully passed on December 21, 2018, having acquired a majority of 33 votes from the 65 members in the National Assembly. It also determined that the unilateral appointment of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson was flawed.

Delivering a summary of the landmark rulings was the CCJ’s President Justice Adrian Saunders who, along with Justices Winston Anderson, Jacob Witt, David Hayton, and Maureen Ragnauth–Lee, heard

President David Granger in Bartica, Region 7 marathon arguments in the consolidated appeals on May 09 and 10 at the court’s Trinidad-based headquarters.

The judgments of the panel were in most cases concurring, unanimous and in majority.

In ruling that the motion was successfully passed, the CCJ dismissed government’s contention that 34 votes were required. The CCJ rejected government’s formula which provided that the 65 members of the National Assembly had to be divided by two, which would result in 32.5, but since the .5 represents half and there is no half-member, that number needs to be rounded off to 33, and add one more, making it 34 votes –an absolute majority.

The CCJ held that, “The requirement for all the elected members of the National Assembly referred to the total number of votes or seats in the Assembly irrespective of the number of members who actually vote. In determining that the half plus one rule is not applicable, the court determined, “Since the National Assembly comprised an odd number of members, (that is 65), when all the members of the National Assembly are present and vote, all that is necessary is clearly in the court’s view, at least 33 votes.”

The CCJ said, “On the 21st December, 2018 we would venture to suggest that every member of the Assembly knew this. The Clerk certainly knew it. And so too, did the Speaker, who announced that, the motion had been passed. Since the Assembly comprised an odd number, there is no need to imply into the Constitution any formula

for defining a majority as being “half plus one”.”

GECOM CHAIRMAN APPOINTMENT PROCESS FLAWED – CCJ RULES The unilateral process undertaken to appoint Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was flawed, the Caribbean Court of Justice, (CCJ) said in a ruling Tuesday.

Delivering the Court’s summary findings via Audio/ Video link, CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders said that in making a determination, the Regional Appellate Court had to consider ‘the proper meaning’ of Article 161(2) of Guyana’s Constitution.”

That Article sets out the requirements for a person to be eligible for the appointment as GECOM’s Chairman. The Article also sets out the general process for selecting the Chairman.

Further to determine, the meaning of the Constitutional Provision, Justice Saunders noted that the Court had reviewed the drafting history of Article 161(2).

The CCJ President reasoned that while the Court found the decision of President David Granger to unilaterally appoint Justice Patterson was justified on several bases, the reasons proffered by the Attorney General Basil Williams and his legal team, lacked merit.

NO MERIT The Judge noted that in an attempt to defend his decision, the President had alluded to the discretional powers in Article 161 (2) granted to him.

Saunders pointed out that specific reference had been made to the Presidential immunity found in Article 182 (1) which empowered the President to act in his own deliberate judgment, when exercising such discretion.

The CCJ Judge said that after rejecting three lists of potential candidates for the position, the President decided that it would not serve the public interest to further delay the appointment of a Chairman.

“The President sought to rely on the provisions as well as the July 2017 ruling of the High Court in Gaskin against the Attorney General. The case had been decided after the second list given by the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was rejected by the President.”

Saunders said that these were among the reasons put forward by the Attorney General and his team.

The Judge noted nonetheless that the CCJ considered the submissions and objections of the Attorney General, and found that his objections had no merit and were rightly overruled by the court below.

He said too that it was decided that the propriety of the Chairman’s appointment was a matter, which could be inquired into by the Court given its inherent jurisdiction relating to the interpretation of the Constitution.

ELECTIONS CAN AND MUST BE HELD WITHIN 3 MONTHS – OPPOSITION LEADER Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is adamant that elections can be held within

three months, despite claims by the Guyana Elections Commission that the earliest possible date would be some time in November.

During a press briefing at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition Leader Tuesday, Jagdeo related that he is pleased with the rulings of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The court ruled Tuesday that the No-Confidence motion of December 21, 2018 was validly passed, and that the appointment by President David Granger of Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was flawed and unconstitutional.

“What we are happy about is that the Caribbean Court of Justice has just disclosed a victory for Constitutional rule in Guyana.” Jagdeo said.

However, he added that there is no room for “triumphalist gloating by the People’s Progressive Party”.

The move now by the PPP is to kick into campaign mode, he said, and that starts today.

He said that the ruling now means that there will be a “sprint” toward elections.

“Today the final Court has spoken and we will be intolerant about anything that has nothing to do with holding Elections.”

The Opposition Leader was asked whether the threemonth timeline he gave would be sufficient for the cleansing of the Official List of Electors (OLE) and the appointment of a new chairman for GECOM. He said that it would be sufficient, but did not explain how that would play out, (Continued on page 42)

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Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

From page 41 explaining that he wants to wait on the Consequential Orders from the CCJ to direct Government and Opposition on a principled way forward.

Those orders are slated to be made by the CCJ on Monday, June 24, 2019.

GRANGER: WE RESPECT THE CCJ’S DECISION – PRESIDENT SAYS AS MANY AS 200,000 INCORRECT ENTRIES ON CURRENT VOTERS’ LIST – WILL NAME ELECTIONS DAYAFTER GECOM’S RECOMMENDATION Hours after groundbreaking rulings Tuesday by the Trinidadbased Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the December 21st no-confidence vote in the National Assembly, President David Granger has made it clear that there will be respect for the judges’ decision.

However, there are immediate indications that the ruling Coalition is not inclined to rush into elections. Rather, according to the President, there are about 200,000 incorrect entries on the current voters’ list, which must be corrected.

The proclamation for general and regional elections will only come after advice from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the President said in an official statement.

He and his ministers were Tuesday in Bartica, Region 7, a mining town.

Granger and his Cabinet of Ministers are currently on a number of countrywide outreaches to bring the government to the people.

The Opposition, however, has been viewing those outreaches suspiciously as early campaigning for elections.

According to Granger Tuesday, the no-confidence motion in December 2018, and the independent legal processes in the courts that followed it, have been of utmost importance to him and the Government.

“We respect the legal process and the decision of Caribbean Court of Justice as well as the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

However, the President was quick to point out, from the inception, they did not believe that the noconfidence vote was valid, nor did it reflect the will of Parliament or the Guyanese people. “We will however accept, and abide by, the Court’s decision. It is now clear that the Guyanese people need certainty about the future and a way forward.

I want to outline a clear path.”

He said that it is essential that fair, free and credible elections be held.

THURSDAY IMF NOTES: 50 PERCENT INCREASE IN ASSETS DECLARATIONS FOR POLITICALLY EXPOSED PERSONS A recent routine visit by a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to gauge the state of the economy has found that there is an increase of public official and other exposed persons who are complying by declaring their assets.

The IMF mission team, in a recently released statement, disclosed that it encourages building on recent progress in strengthening transparency and governance.

It was explained that Guyana completed its first Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Report in 2019 and started implementing its recommendations to further enhance transparency in the extractive industry.

“In addition, the recent reestablishment of the Integrity Commission has resulted in over 50 percent of politically exposed persons (PEPs) and other required officers making declarations within the first year.

“Ensuring greater

compliance over time with the asset declaration regime would underscore the authorities’ support and commitment to the UN convention against corruption.”

In recent months, the Integrity Commission has been publishing names of public officials, including Regional Executive Officers, Permanent Secretaries and others who have failed to file their declarations on time.

The declaration is supposed to help determine whether public officials have recorded sudden rise in their wealth which could be as a result of corruption.

“The mission also welcomes the progress made in strengthening public procurement, and encourages the authorities to ensure timely compliance with existing regulations and take further actions to fortify the transparency of the procurement system,” the IMF statement from the team said.

The team was led by Arnold McIntyre. It visited Georgetown during June 3 to June 14 to hold discussions for the 2019 Article IV Consultation.

The team met with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Finance Minister Winston Jordan; Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams; Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, other senior officials, representatives from the private sector, banks, the opposition party, labor unions, and other stakeholders.

According to the IMF team, commendable progress has been made in strengthening the framework for anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing, based on the 2017 national risk assessment.

BP SCANDAL IN SENEGAL REMINISCENT OF WHAT TOOK PLACE IN GUYANA DAYS BEFORE 2015 ELECTIONS – GOOLSARRAN Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, is of the firm view that the $10B scandal involving oil and gas exploration off the coast of Senegal, West Africa, is quite reminiscent of the 2015 oil blocks fiasco that former President Donald Ramotar is embroiled in.

In his recent writings Goolsarran recalled, in detail, the $10B scandal in Senegal.

The transparency advocate noted that it was in 2011 that the Senegalese government granted two exploration concessions covering 6,700 square miles to an unknown company with no record of off-shore drilling.

The agreement was entered into on December 8, 2011, but the company, PetroTim Ltd., was not formed until six weeks later. Goolsarran said that the company’s headquarters in the UK could also not be traced as the address stated in the agreement contained apartment block buildings.

The Chartered Accountant noted that PetroTim is owned by a Romanian businessman, Frank Timis, who has a chequered past,

having been convicted in the 1990s for trafficking in heroin.

Goolsarran pointed out that Timis is also alleged to enjoy a close relationship with Mr. Aliou Sall, the brother of the Senegalese President, Macky Sall who, in his election bid, promised to deal condignly with corruption in Senegal.

On assuming office, the President ordered an investigation into the granting of the two concessions to Petro-Tim. The investigation recommended that the concessions be taken back, but the President took no action in this regard.

During the period 2012 to 2017, it was found that the companies linked to Mr. Timis are alleged to have paid the President’s brother a monthly consulting fee of US$25,000 as country manager, with a promise of us$3 million worth of shares, should Petro-Tim be allowed to keep the concessions.

Goolsarran noted that this was despite the fact that Mr. Aliou Sall has no training or experience in oil and gas matters. Additionally, an amount of US$250,000 purportedly representing the payment of taxes to the Senegalese government by Timis’s off-shore trust, was instead paid into the bank account of a company owned

by Mr. Aliou Sall.

Further to this, Goolsarran reminded that Mr. Timis did not have the wherewithal to undertake the exploration work on the two concessions.

The Chartered Accountant said it was therefore not surprising that in 2014, an American oil company,

Kosmos Energy, agreed to finance the exploration and to provide funds to Mr. Timis to help him develop the blocks.

FRIDAY CANJE BLOCK WAS UP FOR RENEWAL SINCE MARCH 4 -EXXONMOBIL SAYS IT WILLABIDE BY REQUIREMENT FOR RELINQUISHMENT The Petroleum Prospecting Licence for the Canje Block which was awarded to Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas Inc. on March 4, 2015, by former President, Donald Ramotar, is more than three months passed its time for renewal.

According to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), the contractor is expected to carry out a minimum work programme in the initial fouryear period of having the licence. That four-year period is divided into two phases.

Phase one consists of 18 months and requires the contractor to get all available geological data and conduct research at the local and regional level to better understand the complex features of the GuyanaSuriname basin. In addition to this, a minimum of 1500 line km of 2D seismic is to be acquired, processed, and interpreted to define possible prospects.

Phase Two consists of 30 months. During this time, the contractor is expected to acquire, process, and interpret a minimum of 500 (Continued on page 43)

Sunday June 23, 2019

From page 42 square kilometres of 3D seismic to identify drilling targets and complete a geotechnical/pre-drilling survey.

The Canje Block PSA states that at the end of the initial four years, the Contractor shall elect either to relinquish the entire contract area or relinquish 20 percent of the contract area which spans 6021 km. That is comfortably, more than two times the size of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Mid-Atlantic, since acquiring the block in 2015, got several companies to buy into the block. The first to cut a deal was JHI Associates Inc. Like Mid-Atlantic, JHI has zero experience in the oil industry. It has 17.5 percent interest in the Canje Block.

French oil major Total was able to buy 35 percent of the working interest. ExxonMobil, which is the lead operator on the Stabroek Block, was able to get a 35 percent interest in the Canje concession too.

This works out in Exxon’s favour as Canje is strategically located next to the oil-rich Stabroek Block.

Mid-Atlantic continues to hold on to a mere 12.5 percent.

SENIOR OFFICER FINGERED IN CORRUPT ACTIVITIES ‘HUNTING WHISTLEBLOWERS’ It has been nearly two weeks since several members of the Guyana Police Force took the chance and spoke to the media about irregularities and corrupt practices executed by some of their colleagues, as well as one of their superiors. A police source in Georgetown disclosed that the Office of Professional Responsibility is actively investigating all allegations made by ranks, and that were published in Kaieteur News.

Multiple ranks were called in to provide statements to the OPR over the past week and upon conclusion of their investigation, are expected to provide a detailed report of their findings directly to President David Granger.

Allegations made against a senior officer sitting at the hierarchy of the Force are reportedly also being investigated, but that senior officer is allegedly doing some investigating of his own and has since gone on a “witch hunt” for the ranks making the damning revelations against him and others he reportedly ‘covers’.

According to the source, the senior officer summoned two Constables from Berbice to his office shortly after the first story published, they were interrogated by the senior cop, individually, and

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Kaieteur News

asked why they were speaking to the media and “trying to taint his character”.

The source said the ranks relayed to the senior officer that they were not the ones spoke to the media and that they were in no way involved in what was being published about him, this apparently was not enough. The ranks were reportedly ordered out of the senior cop’s office and were threatened to be transferred.

“He told the boys that they were the ones that spoke to the media and that he has enough information that the two constables went to the media and that he has the power and will deal with them accordingly”, the police source disclosed.

ANOTHER CJIA OFFICIALACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT FOUR WOMEN RESIGNED IN 2012 As police continue to investigate a high-ranking airport official for alleged sexual crimes, there are details emerging now of other victims. In fact, another very senior official is being implicated.

Kaieteur News was told Thursday that four women walked off the job in 2012 after what they claimed is systematic pressure for them to have sexual relations with that one official.

One woman, a mere teen then, opted to resign in 2012 after she was pressured to have relations. She reportedly handed in her resignation, only to see it torn up in her face.

Three women who claimed they faced similar pressure, joined her in resigning in 2012.

The incident had affected the four women, leaving them traumatised.

These latest revelations would come after a senior employee of a duty-free business operated by a concessionaire at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) complained last week of a cover-up.

She claimed that she made a complaint that a very s e n i o r a i r p o r t o f ficial forcefully kissed her twice and touched her last year July while she was in his office.

The woman said she visited the official’s office to ask for him to intervene in removing the wheel clamps on her employer’s vehicle which had been over ‘nighting’ in the airport’s parking lot.

While in the man’s office, the woman said she was offered an invitation to his birthday celebration.

She alleged that when she was about to leave the office,

the man came from behind his desk and kissed her. Shocked, she attempted to leave.

However, the official, one of the most powerful at the airport, blocked the door and kissed her again.

The woman claimed she went back, traumatised to her office and threw up.

At the time, she was also dealing with the death of a cousin.

She claimed that she made a complaint to CJIA’s chief, Ramesh Ghir, who promised to get to the bottom of the matter.

SATURDAY CJIA CEO REFUSES TO COOPERATE WITH POLICE IN SEXUAL ASSAULT PROBE Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, (CJIA), Ramesh Ghir, has so far declined to supply police with a statement in relation to the sexual assault accusation brought against a senior airport employee.

Ghir had previously confirmed that the matter had come to the attention of the CJIA. However when he was contacted by the Police, for a statement, the Airport Chief refused to cooperate with the investigators.

Last week, a female employee of a duty-free business operated by a concessionaire at the CJIA complained of a cover-up.

She claimed that she made a complaint that a very senior airport official forcefully kissed her twice and inappropriately touched her while she was in his office. The incident took place last year July.

The woman claimed that she complained to CJIA’s chief, Ghir, who promised to get to the bottom of the matter. She said that she never heard

from the C J I A’s management about the matter again, until she decided to inquire about it, last week.

The alleged victim has since filed a report at the Timehri Police Station.

When contacted by Kaieteur News last weekend, Ghir claimed that it had been investigated but the airport could not confirm that anything happened.

Officials of the Guyana Police Force have said that the management of the CJIA failed by not immediately calling in the cops on a case of alleged sexual harassment.

The window for an official complaint to the police remains very much open now.

The case is generating huge concerns after it came to light.

In addition to notifying Ghir, the woman reportedly made a complaint to officials of the Human Resources department. She even gave a statement.

She claims that several months passed but it was o n l y r e c e n t l y, a f t e r behaving “bad” to CJIA management that she received a WhatsApp message from the Human Resources Department saying that the matter was “addressed.”

It was not explained to her what that meant.

Meanwhile, CJIA had announced that a senior manager accused of sexual misconduct has gone on leave amid a police investigation.

According to the airport, the official has proceeded on leave to make way for an ongoing probe of a complaint of sexual misconduct.

The airport said that its management also withdrew the airport security credentials of the woman who made the complaint.

EITI NOW DEMANDS DISCLOSURE OF TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL CRITERIA USED TO AWARD CONTRACTS Even though it is yet to be assessed since becoming a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Guyana and more than 49 other members of the international body will be required to follow new and improved rules that aim to significantly remove the opportunities for under-thetable deals in the award of contracts.

These new rules are fashioned into the EITI 2019 Standard which was launched at the recently concluded EITI Global Conference in Paris.

In the area of transparency for contracts, which is just one aspect of the 2019 Standard, implementing countries are required to disclose information related to all contract and license awards and transfers; provide a description of the process for transferring or awarding the license; disclose the technical and financial criteria used; offer information about the recipient(s) of the license that has been transferred or awarded, including consortium members where applicable; and release any material deviations from the applicable legal and regulatory framework governing license transfers and awards.

In cases where

Governments can select different methods for awarding a c o n t r a c t o r license (e.g. competitive bidding or direct negotiations), EITI members must provide the description of the process for awarding or transferring a license.

There must also be an explanation of the rules that determine which procedure should be used and why a particular procedure was selected.

Where there are gaps in the publicly available information, the 2019 Standard dictates that these should be clearly identified.

It also notes that any significant legal or practical barriers preventing comprehensive disclosure of the information set out above, should be documented and explained, including an account of government plans to overcome such barriers and the anticipated timescale for achieving them.

Where companies hold licenses that were allocated prior to the period covered by EITI implementation, implementing countries are encouraged to disclose the information on whether these licenses were awarded through a bidding process.

The government is also required to disclose the list of applicants and the bid criteria.

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Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

The Figs and Gold Coins

O

nce upon a time, there lived a wise and witty old man. He was so courageous and fond of nature. He celebrated his 100th birthday with his entire family. He had an amazing habit of planting a tree every year on his birthday.

He used to plant a variety of flower bearing trees and fruit bearing trees. He was having a massive garden in his home. To celebrate the century, he planted a fig plant, his most favorite fruit.

The emperor who passed by his home was surprised to see this old man planting a fig tree.

He asked his soldier to bring the old man to his court and enquired him! ' Dear old man, I was pleased and surprised as you were planting a fig tree! I wish you could have planted the fig tree when you were young.

I guess you are now in your 90s and there is no hope that you shall taste the fruits from this tree ' The old man replied, 'My Lord, yes I knew it.

I'm 100 years old now. I just planted the fig tree to celebrate by 100th birthday. And this is not the first tree I'm planting.

I have planted more than 1000 trees in my whole life!

I still have faith and hope that I shall live for a minimum of 10 years to taste the fruits borne by this tree after a decade. If not, I will let my tree to be enjoyed by my family! '

Junior page

The emperor was happy and hugged the old man. He said, 'You are such an adorable person. Just come back to me if you are alive after years with a basket of figs. I would love to see you again!'

The old man thanked the emperor and left the place.

After a decade, the fig tree started to ripe fruits.

The old man was happy and tasted the first ripen fruit. It was very delicious. The old man recalled the king's words and picked the choicest fruits, filled a basked and carried to the palace.

The king was informed that an old man came with a basket of figs. The king recalled the words he uttered to the old man and happily

Materials: Frames Paint Brush Chalk Chalkboard paint Spray paint (for frames)

welcomed him. He enjoyed the figs provided by the old man. The king ordered his minister to fill the basket with gold coins and asked his soldiers to drop the old man to his home. The old man was happy!

Hard work and hope will always be honored.

FUN WITH POETRY

Visit to the Zoo I love to visit the Georgetown zoo, And see the animals there, The lion, fox and spider monkey, The jaguar, agouti and deer.

The birds look so beautiful, In their colourful feathers so bright, The toucan, eagle and parakeets, Oh, such a wonderful sight!

There is so much to see here, So much to enjoy and learn too, I hope to make this my favourite place, Our Botanical Gardens zoo.

(BY UNCLE ROY)

Steps:1. Collect old art frames! Try & find frames that have elaborate & interesting details 2. This is optional, but you can take out the glass & art in the frames and paint them (or spray paint). I chose white because I felt it went better with

our home decor, but I was really tempted to leave them in their original brass/gold, maybe next time.

3. Chalkboard paint away! I painted about 4 layers of chalkboard paint onto the glass that came with the frames I picked up. It worked wonderfully! I waited 5-10 minutes inbetween each layer and a full half hour after the last layer before I used chalk on my new chalkboard.

4. Lastly, put all the pieces back together, and voila! You've got some gorgeous, original chalkboards to hang up in your home and spice up your walls.

DAISY Form 6 6-letter words using the letters in each Daisy petal PLUS the letter in the Diasycenter, A. The A may not be used as the first letter of these words.

Next, form a bonus 6-letter word using the first letters of these words and beginning with the centre letter.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 23, 2019

Prepare to make the best use of your time during the upcoming holidays The school holidays will soon be here, and students will find that they will have a lot of free time on their hands. If they are not careful and thinking about their future, they will waste a lot of precious time that could be spent usefully, both to improve themselves in various ways, to get things useful and important things done, and to utilise their special abilities to achieve success in the future.

Here are some tips to help you to decide on a programme for this time: 1.Try to get up early every day, just as you have had to do on school days.

This would not only make you feel better physically and emotionally, but would make your day more sufficient to do the things that would improve your

life. This would also enable you to help at home in the things that you could not do because of having to leave home early to go to school.

2. Exercise daily. Take some time every day to do some physical exercises, such as stretching, walking, running, and lifting some weights, making sure that you do not exceed your ability in each of these.

3. Try to plan a schedule for what you need to do each day, and also for the week ahead. When you place in your mind, and maybe on paper, what you should be working on each day of the week, you will find that you will be doing much more of what will benefit you, and wasting less time on unimportant things.

4. Take the opportunity to enjoy the things around

PAGE 45

A Cry for Peace

by Melissa Gordon The cries for peace echo in the air, While chaos continues here, there and everywhere; Why this turmoil, oh, nation once of peace and unity, After we toiled for years in love and harmony?

We worked together through the years to build Guyana, Don't let discord bring destruction to one another.

Oh, our beautiful nation, hear our cries for peace. you, e.g. the natural surroundings like the trees and other natural things that we sometimes do not bother to notice. Nature always provides us with the calmness and beauty which can be so enjoyable if we take the time to look around.

Make the holidays a

time when you fill your life with the things that you could not do during the school terms, and you will return at the beginning of the next school year much more refreshed, and willing and able to do much better in every way in and out of school.

The cries continue to echo in the air, Let us join hands and stop the madness everywhere; Oh, people, don't let racism destroy our reputation, Every Guyanese, take a stand, let's build our nation.

Malice and violence won't bring us prosperity, So let us cooperate, work together in love and unity.

Oh, people of Guyana, hear the cries for peace.

Time is the only resource we have that is not renewable. This means that time, unlike money, food and shelter, once wasted cannot be regained.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

CODEBrEAKEr

Each group of five letters is a word in a simple substitution code. The same code is used throughout.The clue next to each gives you one of the real letters. The ten clues give you the ten letters used toform all the words.

As a starter we'll tell you that P stands for A in all words.

Solutions to last week’s

Father’s day Crosswrod

Drop quotes "It is the eye of other people that ruins us. If I were blind I would want neither fine clothes, fine houses or fine furniture. "

PAGE 46

1. Do you have a date for Valentine’s Day? Yes, it is February 14th.

2. Why should you never break up with a goalie? Because he is a keeper.

3. What did one boat say to the other boat? Are you interested in a little row-mance?

4. What did the patient with the broken leg say to their doctor? Hey doc, I have a crutch on you.

5. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Olive. Olive, who? Olive you, and I don’t care who knows it.

6. My name is Microsoft. Can I crash at your place tonight?

7. I love everyone. Some people I love to be around, while some of them are people who I would rather avoid. And then there are some who I would love to punch in the face.

8. I love you with all my butt. I would say my heart, but it is just not as big.

9. You are like my asthma. You just take my breath away.

10. You are like dandruff because I just cannot get you out of my head no matter how hard I try.

11. You are like my dentures. I cannot smile without you.

12. You are just like my car because you drive me crazy.

13. Why do men like to fall in love at first sight? Because doing so saves them a lot of money.

14. The funniest joke of all time is my love life.

15. Falling in love is like going deep into a river. It is much easier to get in it than it is to get out of it.

16. Can I borrow a kiss from you? I promise you that I will give it back.

17. Never laugh at your significant other’s choices because you happen to be one of them.

18. I don’t know your name yet, but it must be Wi-Fi because I am feeling such a strong connection here.

19. There were two antennas who met on a roof and they fell in love and decided to get married. The ceremony was nothing fancy, but you could tell that they had a very strong connection.

20. Love is getting mad at someone, telling that person to go to hell, and hoping that they get there safely.

21. Are you familiar with that tingly feeling that you get in your body when you start to develop feelings for someone?

That feeling is actually all of your common sense leaving your body.

22. You can fall from the sky and you can fall from a tree, but the best way for you to fall is to fall in love with me.

23. We must both be subatomic particles because I feel this strong force between the two of us.

24. If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put the letters U and I together.

25. What happened to the two vampires who went on their first date? It was love at first bite!

26. Have you ever been fishing before? I only ask because I really think that we should hook up.

27. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Owl. Owl, who? Owl always love you!

28. I love you today more than I did yesterday. And that is because you really ticked me off yesterday.

29. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Pauline. Pauline, who? I think I’m Pauline in love with you.

30. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Honeydew. Honeydew, who? Honeydew you know how much I love you?

31. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Candice. Candice, who?

Candice be love that I am feeling right now?

32. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Juno. Juno, who. Juno that you’re the love of my life?

33. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Frank. Frank, who?

Frank you for loving me.

34. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Eyesore. Eyesore, who?

Eyesore do love you a lot.

35. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Halibut. Halibut, who?

Halibut a kiss for me?

36. Knock, knock. Who’s there? I love. I love, who? I love you too!

37. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Iguana. Iguana, who?

Iguana love you forever and always.

38. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Leena. Leena, who?

Leena little closer so I can kiss you!

39. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Olive. Olive, who? Olive you so, so much!

40. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Canoe. Canoe, who?

Canoe give me a big kiss?

41. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Orange. Orange, who?

Orange you going to kiss me instead of just standing there?

42. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Harry. Harry, who?

Harry up and kiss me!

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 23, 2019

Sunday June 23, 2019

Skincare Tips for When You re Sick Stay Hydrated This means for your body and your skin, replenish your skin barrier with ceramide-rich moisturizers and drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from within and prevent cracking around the nose and mouth that can increase susceptibility to infection.

Drinking water also helps hydrate your skin from the inside out, not to mention it helps you feel better and could aid in a quicker recovery by flushing out the virus.

Protect Your Skin You’re probably in no mood to head out to Sephora. Take some Tylenol and place an Amazon primed order stat. When searching for skincare products to help soothe the skin, look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. “These are helpful by rehydrating and protecting the skin barrier, especially when it is dried and irritated in flu season,” says Dr. Farber, who recommends products such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Neutrogena Hydroboost. Extra tip: Keep your skincare moisturizers in the refrigerator. Cold skincare products can help soothe skin even more as well as reduce redness by constricting capillaries.

Mind the Nose Area If you’re tissue box has become your best friend, chances are your nose area is paying a big price. First, rehydrate your skin with a thicker moisturizer or even apply Vaseline for cracks around your nose. Also use Vaseline inside your nostrils or for any areas where you are extra red to repair more cracked skin. If your skin is really red, a moisturizer with a slight green tint can help neutralize deeper redness. A cream formula that will last longer can be helpful for extra coverage.

Use a Humidifier The indoor air in the winter time is trying to get moisture from anywhere it can. Humidifiers are great for adding moisture back into the air and preventing skin from drying out, even when you’re not sick. Just make sure to keep your humidifier clean as these devices can be moldy if not adequately washed.

Ditch the Extra Products Less is definitely more when you’re thinking about how to take care of your skin when you’re sick. Stop using your exfoliating products until your skin heals. When you exfoliate, you’re stripping skin of natural oils that could aid in keeping it hydrated. You can also skip the masking session. Your skin could be extra sensitive during this time and could develop an irritation from a mask. Stick to a more gentle routine with a hydrating cleanser and cream moisturizer to repair cracked skin, then go back to your normal routine when you (and your skin!) are feeling better!

Avoid Acne Breakouts The flu can dry out your skin, which can lead to further skin issues. But Dr. Farber warns that using occlusive or heavy creams for dry skin for too long can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.

“Using gentle, non-comedogenic creams and skin products on flu ravaged skin is the best way to repair it to its normal state without breakouts,” says Dr. Farber.

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH

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13 Surprising Benefits Of Papaya (Pawpaw)

P

apaya or pawpaw is a cerise-orange col ored juicy fruit, which is not only fragrant and delicious but also very healthy.

It has been famous for hundreds of years and was once referred to as the “fruit of the angels” by explorer Christopher Columbus. Papaya is a natural source of vitamins and minerals essential for the normal functioning of the body.

It is famous for its luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics and can be eaten by itself, incorporated into a meal or consumed in a smoothie or milkshake.

Latex derived from the raw papaya fruit is used as a meat tenderizer.

Papaya is also used in the manufacturing of several cosmetic, skin, and beauty products, as well as certain chewing gums.

They are available for consumption throughout the year.

The whole fruit, including other parts of the tree, are beneficial to health in several ways.

Papaya in its raw form contains enzymes, which are used in the preparation of dietary supplements and chewing gums.

Papaya Nutrition Facts According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, papaya is rich in antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, flavonoids, and vitamin C, as well as some B vitamins (folate and pantothenic acid).

It is also a good source of fiber and minerals such as magnesium. Together, these nutrients help improve cardiovascular health and protect against colon cancer.

Health Benefits of Papaya Let us look into the amazing benefits of papaya below.

Aids in Digestion Papayas are commonly consumed for proper digestion. They possess anti-ulcerative properties. Also, the presence of papain, a diges-

tive super-enzyme and improves digestion by breaking down proteins.

This ensures a reduced conversion of protein into body fat. If the protein in our diet is not digested properly, it may cause arthritis, constipation, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other related health conditions.

Weight Loss Papayas are also good for people who are trying to lose weight naturally given the fiber, water, vitamins, and minerals that it contains. Having a bowl of papaya as a midevening or mid-morning snack is good for health.

Prevents Infections Papayas are effective for killing intestinal worms, thereby avoiding infections and complications associated with them.

Relieves Toothache A paste of fresh papaya roots can be rubbed onto the teeth and gums as a home remedy for toothache relief. The bark of the tree, primarily the inner bark, is also an excellent remedy for tooth problems.

Anticancer Properties Researchers have discovered that papayas are effective in the fight against breast, pancreatic, and other cancers.

A papaya leaf extract obtained from dried leaves produced anti-carcinogenic effects against tumor cells that were grown in the laboratory. It was observed in a 2010 study that the effects were stronger when the cells were given larger doses of papaya leaf tea.

The scientists exposed different types of cancer-affected cells to different papaya leaf extracts and found that the growth of tumors slowed down.

Another study suggests that the lycopene found in papaya is a strong antioxidant that helps to relieve the effects of cancer radiotherapy. According to research in the journal Mutation Research, the use of fermented papaya preparation may help reduce

oxidative stress and cancer risk in type 2 diabetics.

Skin Care Papayas can be great revitalizing agents, which is why they are used in many cosmetics and are even used in homemade face masks by many women.

The papain kills dead cells

terol takes place, it sticks to the walls of the blood vessels and forming plaque that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Vitamin E and vitamin C contained in papayas help in preventing the cholesterol from sticking to the walls, thereby keeping your heart healthy.

and purifies the skin. The beneficial properties and the healing enzymes present in papaya help treat sunburn and irritated skin. Lycopene present in papayas reduces wrinkle formation in postmenopausal women, according to a 2014 study.

A good facial massage using papaya is a fabulous remedy to remove dead cells.

If you are a person who spends most of the time outdoors, then papayas can be a great help, as papayas fight free radicals that age your skin.

The peels of papayas are also used to rub on the face and hands for healthy skin.

Papayas are also used to treat skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, and others.

Improves Heart Health The seeds of papayas are good for keeping your heart healthy.

Having three powerful antioxidant vitamins – namely vitamin A, C, and E, means papayas are helpful in preventing problems such as atherosclerosis and diabetic heart diseases.

The presence of pro-carotenoid phytonutrients helps prevent oxidation of cholesterol in the body.

When oxidation of choles-

As a good source of fiber, papayas also help reduce the LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Include papayas in your daily diet as a snack to keep your heart young.

Reduces Acne & Burns The latex obtained from papayas is used to treat the areas on the skin affected by acne. The fleshy side of the papaya skin can be used as a mask to cure acne.

A diet which includes papayas will help cure the condition internally, making the skin clear. Got a burn? Use papaya.

When the latex from the fruit is applied to a burnt area, it helps in reducing the marks caused due to the burn, making it effective in helping in treating sores, wounds, and ulcers.

Anti-inflammatory Effects The enzymes present in papayas, especially the papain and chymopapain, reduce the inflammation in different parts of the body, according to research published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.

Helps Prevent Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disorder in which the ocular cells degenerate, resulting in blurred vi-

sion and can cause blindness.

An antioxidant named betacarotene gives papaya its orange color.

Just as carrots help improve the eyesight due to the presence of beta-carotene, papayas are also known to be effective in reducing the effect of macular degeneration.

According to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, consumption of 3 or more servings of this fruit on a daily basis may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

Relieves Constipation The presence of folate, vitamin C, and vitamin E in papayas may reduce motion sickness by producing a tonic effect in the stomach and in the intestines.

Papaya juice and the ripened form of papaya also aid in digestion.

The fiber obtained from the fruit helps to increase bowel movements, says a study by a group of researchers from Austria. [2] Improved bowel movements help ease the passage of stool, thereby reducing the effects of constipation.

Papaya juice can be of great help for women with irregular menses. Consumption of green, unripe papayas can normalize the irregularity in one’s periodic cycle. Papayas are considered as a “hot food”, meaning that they produce heat in the body.

This excessive production of heat in the body is thought to stimulate the estrogen hormone, inducing periods in the females. Hence, papayas can be beneficial in handling difficult menses.

Prevents Arthritis Papayas have been known to be effective against rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In addition to the anti-inflammatory properties discussed above, one of the enzymes found in papayas, called chymopapain, has a significant effect on controlling rheumatoid arthritis and

osteoarthritis.

Quick Tips to Enjoy Papayas: · Pieces of papaya, when soaked with a bit of lemon juice and honey, are an absolute treat for the taste buds. · Blend papayas, strawberries, and yogurt for a cold soup treat. · Add a slice of papaya to a fresh fruit salad and have it as a snack. · Have a bowl of fresh, ripe papaya along with your breakfast to add calories that you require for the day.

Side Effects of Papaya Consumption of papaya in normal amounts is recognized safe by FDA. However, there are certain side effects of consuming papaya. · Pregnant Women: Papaya is classified as being harmful during pregnancy.

Latex, present in high concentrations in raw and semi-ripe papayas, causes uterine contractions which might lead to abortions. Avoid eating raw papaya if you are pregnant. · Gastrointestinal Irritation: Consuming too many papayas can cause a powerful laxative effect in the intestines.

Avoid eating large quantities of papaya, especially if it is in its raw form. Unripe or raw papaya can cause pain in the intestines or stomach and can sometimes cause esophageal perforations. · Seeds: The black seeds of the papaya contain traces of an enzyme called carpine, which is a potentially toxic substance. According to the International BioPark Foundation’s information about medicinal plants of the Peruvian Amazon, this enzyme can make the nerve centers numb, which could lead to paralysis or cardiac depression.

In some cases, the narrowing of blood vessels is also seen, which is caused due to carpine. (https:// www.organicfacts.net/healthbenefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-papaya.html)

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Pavement View Restaurant and Sports Bar presents six days of non-stop entertainment

Most night spots around Georgetown have their action-packed events slated only for the weekend. But the same cannot be said for the Pavement View Restaurant and Sports Bar located at Lot 41 Durban Street between Lime and Palm Street.

This down-to- earth, immaculate and cozy spot offers its customers far and wide, various entertainment activities almost all week.

Below is a guide that will help you select the event of your choice this and every week. *Mondays are usually closed unless there’s a holi-

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

day *Soulful Tuesdays –Pavement View opens from 2PM on this day and creates an atmosphere filled with love and passion via its enchanting lineup of soul music. *Mix Wednesdays-From country western to retro funk, the management of Pavement View aims to mix things up with their riveting selections of yester year, soca and even reggae. *Retro Thursdays-On this day, brace yourself to be transported to funky town with the best of retro music. *Fridays-After a long , hard week of work, Pavement

View invites patrons for its “free up time” hang which features the best in dancehall music. *Saturdays-If you are looking for the ultimate karaoke spot then Pavement View is where you need to be.

The event kicks off at 8PM with DJ Nigel. *Classy Sundays-After five days of upbeat tunes, the management of Pavement Views takes it nice and easy on Sundays with the best of Jazz from 3PM to 9PM. This is followed by the melodious classics of yester year for the enthusiasts of dance.

See you there!

KING OF D’ CROWD COMPETITION SET FOR JUNE 29 After eight weeks of screening, the crème featured at the show are Black Money, Joel, de la crème of Guyana’s disc jockeys have been selected but there can only be one king of the crowd. Come June 29, that decision will be made as the Mackeson ‘King of Di Crowd’ contest which is organized by Ansa McAl, will see eight DJs battling it out for the throne.

The event is being held at the National Sports Hall from 8PM. The DJs who will be

Kev, Chrome Sick, Pressure T, Dang, Gully prince and Selector Richie.

Kaieteur Entertainment understands that there is up to $1M in cash and prizes up for grabs for the winner with one year of bragging rights and a Mackeson Brand Ambassador contract. This is an event you wouldn’t want to miss. See you there folks!

Nicki Minaj Sounds Off on Miley Cyrus After Bringing Back Her Queen Radio Show www.eonline.com: Nicki Minaj seems to have some words for Miley Cyrus.

After releasing a fiery new tune and music video, “Megatron,” which stars her boyfriend Kenneth Petty, the 36-year-old rapper also dropped a new episode of Queen Radio. Her return to the radio airwaves comes nearly three months after her

queens,” the brunette beauty said. “She disrespected me in a magazine article for no reason.”

The New York native also referred to the recent Black Mirror episode the actress starred in. “Now you coming out with pink wigs, all you bitches wanna be Nicki.”

In the hit Netflix show, Miley’s character wears a

the 26-year-old singer said.

“Not to sound like a bitch, but that’s like, ‘Eh, I didn’t get my VMA.’ If you want to make it about race, there’s a way you could do that. But don’t make it just about yourself. Say: ‘This is the reason why I think it’s important to be nominated. There’s girls everywhere with this body type.’”

last upload, which is right around the time she took a social media break. But it seems the “No Frauds” singer is coming back in full force.

On her latest episode of Queen Radio, the Grammynominated star seemed to be airing her thoughts on Mrs. Miley. While she didn’t explicitly say her name, she mentioned a few things that referred to the 26-year-old singer.“Perdue chickens can never talk s—t about

short pink, purple wig.

Last month, the blonde beauty reportedly debuted three new songs while performing in England at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend show.

Her tune “Cattitude” raised eyebrows after many heard her lyric, “I love you, Nicki, but I listen to Cardi.”

The Black Mirror actress clarified that line while speaking on Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp.

“I don’t think there is beef now anymore,” she said when asked about the Cardi B and Nicki feud. “Actually, one of my songs says, ‘You want to know if we’re really beefin’?

There’s no beef. I’m a vegan.’”

She continued, “I think what they do is so different from each other.

That’s why they both get a crown.

They don’t have to share.

They don’t have to break it in half.

There’s no reason to fight over it.

They’re both queens. And anytime you want to feel powerful and strong, that’s my goto, Cardi and Nicki.”

Fans might recall that in 2015, the blonde beauty said some unflattering things about Nicki during a New York Timesinterview. She weighed in on the Queenrapper’s miscommunication with Taylor Swift over MTV VMAs nominations on Twitter.

“You made it about you,”

“What I read sounded very Nicki Minaj, which, if you know Nicki Minaj is not too kind,” she added. “It’s not very polite.”

During the awards ceremony, viewers and audience members alike clutched their pearls when the New York native called out Cyrus, who was the host that year.

“Miley, what’s good,” she infamously said on stage.

She later spoke to The New York Times Magazine to further explain the shocking moment and why she was upset with the “Wrecking Ball” singer.

“The fact that you feel upset about me speaking on something that affects black women makes me feel like you have some big balls,” Minaj told the publication.

“You’re in videos with black men, and you’re bringing out black women on your stages, but you don’t want to know how black women feel about something that’s so important?”

She continued, “Come on, you can’t want the good without the bad. If you want to enjoy our culture and our lifestyle, bond with us, dance with us, have fun with us, twerk with us, rap with us, then you should also want to know what affects us, what is bothering us, what we feel is unfair to us.

You shouldn’t not want to know that.”

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Sunday June 23, 2019

Can U.S. Immigration Officers force you to unlock your cell phone and digital devices before you enter the U.S.?

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram

Y

ES! Foreign travelers who are not U.S. citizens trying to enter the United States are not guaranteed entry into the United States.

Instead, foreign travelers (including green card holders) apply for entry into the United States and everything on them is subject to search when they

present their visa or green card at the airport (or port of entry).

The New York Times has reported that in 2015, U.S. Immigration Border Agents inspected 4,444 cell phones and 320 other electronic devices – 2016 statistics is unavailable.

Recently, many foreign travelers have reported that immigration and security inspections at the border/port of entry and airport have extended to

digital devices (including laptops and cell phones).

In this day in age, inspecting a digital device can be more intrusive than inspecting a suitcase. Most digital devices have access to personal emails, social media accounts, photos, videos, text, web browsing history, etc.

The bad news is that U.S. immigration officers can force a foreign traveler (nonU.S. citizen) to unlock their digital device (laptop, cell

phone, tablet, etc.) and if the traveler refuses then the digital device can be seized.

Also, U.S. immigration officers will most likely deny foreign travelers entry into the U.S. if they refuse to submit their digital device to inspection.

How can foreign travelers prepare digital devices for inspection?

1. Power down the digital device before entering the airport or port of entry.

2. Disable the touch ID and enable a passcode to turn on digital devices.

3. Clear browsing history from web browser.

4. Remove apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook messenger and other chat apps.

5. R e m o v e s o c i a l media app and passwords from cell phones, tablets and laptops.

6. Reduce the amount of data (including phone numbers) that are stored on your cell phones, tablets and laptops.

7. Encrypt all data on your digital device.

Attorney Gail Seeram,

Gail S. Seeram Gail@GailLaw.com FREE Consultation – Text or Call 407-292-7730 L i v e C h a t www.MyOrlandoImmigrati onLawyer.com Download our FREE App - Gail Law Copyright Š Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

The Mantledhowler From page 37 significant quantities during the dry season. The mantled howler tends to get the water it needs from its food, drinking from tree holes during the wet season, and by drinking water trapped in bromeliads.

Like other species of howler monkeys, almost all mantled howlers have full three colour vision. This is different from other types of New World monkeys, in which most individuals have two colour vision. The three colour vision exhibited by the mantled howler is believed to be related to its dietary preferences, allowing it to distinguish young leaves, which tend to be more reddish, from more mature leaves.

The mantled howler is regarded as "least concern" from a conservation standpoint by the IUCN. Nonetheless, its numbers may be adversely affected by rainforest fragmentation

which has caused forced relocation of groups to less habitable regions.

However, the mantled howler can adapt to forest fragmentation better than other species due to its low energy lifestyle, small home ranges and ability to exploit widely available food sources. The mantled howler is important to its ecosystems for a number of reasons, but especially in its capacity as a seed disperser and germinator, since passing through the monkey's digestive tract appears to aid the germination of certain seeds.

Dung beetles, which are also seed dispersers as well as nutrient recyclers, also appear to be dependent on the presence of the mantled howler. The mantled howler is protected from international trade under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). [Source: Wikipedia]

Police corruption and...

From page 40 had lost confidence in the force, there has been a marked attempt to reverse the sentiments. There have been changes in the makeup of the force with the appointment of new commissioner and a number of deputies.

Based on what is being reported in the media, it can be strongly argued that the internal mechanism of the police force is not the right body to investigate its own ranks. There is a very simple reason. The whistleblowers have reportedly implicated at least one very highranking police officer from Georgetown.

The president and the

Cabinet have reportedly been briefed. The county of Berbice is a critical hot-spot area where the Opposition enjoys significant support.

The Government must assure the people there that it is the government for all Guyana. This matter should spark an immediate inquiry.

What went wrong? Are the police involved in organized crime in Berbice?

The questions are many and need to be put to rest once and for all.

Both the airport complaints and the accusations by the Berbice whistleblowing cops will test our resolve to address burning issues that strike at our core.

Sunday June 23, 2019

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Kaieteur News

From beauty queen to sterling medical practitioner,

Qualified to care for patients

Nicole Moore-Clarke is a 'Special Person'

Some 'girls' time' From page 22 who was bold enough to ask to be introduced to her. The two met, and of course hit it off immediately, and about five years later, they were tying the knot. They soon after migrated to Barbados because of his piloting commitment.

PASSION FOR MEDICINE It was after giving birth to her two girls, that Nicole made the conscious decision to fully embrace her passion for medicine. Her younger daughter was still a baby at the time, but Nicole was prepared to do whatever was necessary to achieve this goal.

So even as she juggled being a wife and mother, she pursued her pre-clinical studies at the University of the West Indies' Mount Hope Campus in Trinidad. Nicole was able to complete her clinical studies in Barbados, and became eligible to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Surgery in the year 2012.

But according to Nicole, “Even as a I did my studies, one thing I said is that I would never compromise my children's childhood, in terms of them doing well. So they were able to maintain their top positions in school and were well rounded, c o m p l e t e w i t h extracurricular activities.

That was priority and was never compromised,” she disclosed with pride.

Nicole's first official exposure to medicine was at the Queen Elizabeth

Hospital where she also did her internship. She'd also worked along with some other doctors afterwards, but was recently able to open her very own private practice.

And like ants' inclination to flock sugar, many patients who were exposed to Nicole's personalised and keen services, have been gravitating to her private practice.

“Things just fell into place for me…it all started when a colleague of mine approached me and said this place is becoming available and enquired if I was interested.

This was something I knew I wanted to do, it was my end goal. Last year, I was toying with the idea, but it was something that I kept putting off,” Nicole shared.

With the availability of the location that now houses her office, Nicole's procrastination came to a screeching halt. “When I saw the place, I knew I had to

In the company of her proud parents make a 'now or never' decision, so I just bit the bullet,” Nicole joked, as she reminisced on the officewarming event which ushered in the start of her private practice.

The event was graced by close friends and family members, including her ever-loving and very supportive mother.

RIGHT PATH There is no doubt in Nicole's mind today that she made the right decision. And she certainly intends to fully indulge in the aspect of her practice that she enjoys the most - wound management which forces her to be very reminiscent of her young days when she was driven by a passion to care for the cuts and bruises she and her brothers suffered.

“Strangely enough, my colleagues say I have a gift to deal with wounds. People would come to me with all sorts of wounds and once I

take care of them, they heal quickly,” said Nicole. Her constant advice to her patients is, “strive for a healthy lifestyle to prevent non-communicable diseases…focus on living a quality lifestyle.”

But although she feels accomplished in her adopted homeland, Nicole continues to embrace the belief that there is always more that can be done to improve.

She certainly intends to continue to embrace a progressive path. Even as she evolves as a medical practitioner, she also enjoys family and personal time, as being a rounded individual is very important to her.

“I enjoy the beach…not necessarily swimming, but walking in the sand and seeing the sunset, there is something peaceful about that,” said Nicole. She is also an ardent reader of inspirational and motivational novels and autobiographies, and

disclosed that she can never get enough of things cultural.

Being the peopleoriented person she is, Nicole also holds the position of President of the Guyanese Association of Barbados, through which she is able to help many Guyanese who have migrated to that island nation.

“I help to look out for other Guyanese who are here and help to integrate them into the Barbados society…I am able to help them out in

times of need. That's my passion too; that's my way of giving back,” said Nicole, whose leadership of the Association has even seen the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation benefiting from a dialysis machine.

Even as she continues to be an ever-enterprising human being with a passionate drive for her fellow man, today we at Kaieteur News recognise Dr. Nicole Moore-Clarke as 'Special Person' of the week.

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Remembering Wilma Rudolph - an Olympian overcomer From page 34 was dubbed 'the fastest woman in history' as her popularity spread worldwide. The French called her La Perle noire (The Black Pearl) and the Italians 'La Gazzellanera.

(The Black Gazelle) She was also called 'Flash' and 'The tornado'. And she became the first American woman to win three gold medals at an Olympiad. The media hailed her accomplishments, beauty, and poise, and 'cast her as America's athletic leading lady, and queen' according to a Wikipedia post.

Following the 1960 Games, Wilma returned to a hero's welcome in Clarksville, Tennessee, with a parade and banquet in her h o n o u r. T h e c i t y h a d however planned separate activities for Whites and Blacks, but the honoree refused to participate, thereby forcing the planners to stage that city's first fullyintegrated municipal event.

As her fame spread, she began travelling all over the United States, and around

the world, while competing in several indoor track events where thousands would come to watch her run.

Her last races, and victories, were at a USSoviet track meet in 1962 where she won in the 100m and 4x100m relay. She retired that year as the world record-holder in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100 relay.

She also had seven AAU sprint titles to her name as well as the Women's Indoor track record in the 60-yard dash at 6.9 seconds.

After retiring, Wilma returned to TSU to complete her education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1963. She married the father of her child before travelling to several West African countries as a US Goodwill Ambassador. She visited schools, made guest appearances on radio and television, and attended the premiere of a USIA documentary film highlighting her track career.

Returning home, she took part in a civil rights protest to

desegregate a restaurant following which the mayor announced the integration of the city's public facilities.

There is much more to the Wilma Rudolph story than I have paraphrased here.

Google her name and read.

When she died in 1994 at the age of 54, she had been the recipient of numerous awards. Her image is on a commemorative US postage s t a m p , a n d h e r autobiography was adapted into a television docudrama.

She taught and coached, and established the Wilma Rudolph Foundation which trains young athletes.

In an interview she gave after retiring from track, Wilma observed that her start had always been a problem (because of her height, 5'11�) but she came to realize that her finish was her forte. In a way it seemed to parallel her life story given the problems she had to overcome as a child.

Pneumonia, scarlet fever, and Infantile paralysis can be fatal, but Wilma Rudolph was an 'overcomer'. Not all children are that 'lucky'.

OAS should promote systemic change...

From page 24 when they feel the purpose is not in their broad interest, is understandable and should always be considered.

No piecemeal response to Haiti's fundamental economic and social problems and their attendant political instability, and no lectures, promises and pressures will quell disquiet.

The Haitian people are owed a great debt for their historic struggle that ended enslavement in their own country and opened the pathways to end slavery in all

the Americas, especially as they continued to pay the price for almost two hundred years.

The OAS should address the situation in Haiti not in ad hoc ways, but by using its convening capacity, in association with legitimate representatives of the Haitian community, to bring together the institutions of the international community in the delivery of a comprehensive scheme to reform and transform the country in all aspects of the governance of its political,

social and economic systems.

(The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of To r o n t o .

The views expressed are entirely his own) Reponses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

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Kaieteur News

Sunday June 23, 2019

Sunday June 23, 2019

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Kaieteur News

STANDARDS IN FOCUS GUYANA RESTAURANT WEEK – MAINTAINING GREAT SERVICES WITH STANDARDS Throughout Guyana, restaurants and other fast food services engaged in demonstrating that they have the level of service that can entice their customers to ‘explore, eat and repeat’ as the industry celebrates Guyana Restaurant Week, June 21-30,

2019.

Through the implementation of the National Standard, restaurants can go beyond the week of celebrations meeting quality and services requirements that can guarantee that their customers experience the best all year around.

Customers, whether locals or visitors to the country, can enjoy the kind of service comparable to that provided by renown restaurants in other developed countries if providers consult the requirements of the Code of Practice for Quality Management in

the Restaurant Service (GCP 17:2003).

This national standard ensures that the foods prepared and services provided to consumers are wholesome, safe and reliable.

The implementation of this Code of Practice can be a major step towards efficiency and a commitment to satisfy (Continued on page 61)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 58

Sunday June 23, 2019

Grove Village Village: a busy settlement populated by joyous and jovial people

FOCUS

There is nothing like a cool water coconut to refresh you as you enjoy the Sunny Tropics.

By Alex Wayne

T

here was no burst of excitement in me about the village chosen for

me to visit.

I think it was particularly because it was just within a few miles from where I am employed. I was thinking there was not going to be a long bus ride, and there was not going to be anything really fascinating to see there.

But to tell you the truth, I was in no way even visualizing a quaint little village alive with the mirth of a people that seemed to exist in contentment in the simplest of ways.

Golden Grove, more popularly referred to as Grove, is on East Bank Demerara, and nestled cozily between the villages of Diamond to the north and Good Success to the west.

This village is located approximately some 13.6 km from the Garden City of Georgetown.

Touching Down in Grove The bus ride from the East Bank Minibus Park in Georgetown was smooth until we arrived at Providence; where a traffic jam slowed things up a great lot. The vehicular flow slowed to a turtle crawl. I began fussing because the

Alma Francois-Boville was very eager to provide a very informative insight on the village. bus was just humid; passengers were just sweating from the heat. To top things off, the driver was blasting music from a sizeable stereo box quite close to my seat, driving me almost crazy.

I knew it would be a mistake to ask him to turn the volume down judging from the way the passengers were swaying to the rhythm.

Soon we were rolling into Grove and I was instantly taken aback by the very busy state of such a small village. Residents of all shades and creed were patrolling up and down the main road, intent on completing one mission or another.

I was almost dumbstruck at the many shops and variety stores, and liquor

hotspots in such a small village. Barbershops could be found in almost every nook and cranny of the village, and almost everyone was overflowing with patiently waiting clients.

That village is also close to the three commercial banks just outside the village, in Greater Diamond.

Things are certainly looking up for residents of Grove and this can be seen in the constant economic bustle of the village, and its d e v e l o p m e n t a l infrastructure.

I stepped out of the bus and thought instantly, “Wrang bang Alex…wrong outfit… the sun is going to cook you in your thick camouflage track suit”.

I had adorned myself with that form of attire since

rain was falling when I left home earlier that day. But not long after the sun came out with great intensity, and already beads of perspiration were spurting from my pores.

Setting my discomfort aside, I proceeded down Jimbo Street, and became the instant target of three rather brazen school girls. What struck me as odd was the fact that it was only 10:00 hrs and they were in the street surrounded by six rather grown males.

Two of them swept me up and down with their eyes, and one stepped forward, mouthing, “Eh eh…dis is a face bai…But is wheh you going wid book and camera and all dat? Like you is ah reportha?”

Before I could respond,

Welcome to the picturesque village of Grove.

the prettiest of the two shouted, “ All yuh leave the man alone and leh we deal with dem Hotskulls dem dis hea”. She was refereeing to the men, some of whom were smoking cigarettes and staring at the girls rather suggestively.

One girl, on hearing the muffled conversation of two of the males, glared and shouted, “For your information dutty face, we ain’t things, so don’t address we as things. Tek a good look at we… I sure yuh women dem can’t look like we, suh know yuh place, right.”

I speedily left the scene and suppressed the strong urge to reprimand the young girls.

The last thing I wanted was to be engaged in a brawl with them. I however voiced my concerns to a welldressed woman I met in the street about the girls being out of school and she swore and responded, “Three young ones right mista? Is dem again… I going and deal wid them right now. Dem ain’t gon done till dem carry home belly to their mothers.”

Fuming, she marched up the street in the direction of the young girls. I did not stay around to see what transpired.

Grove was by far the busiest village I have ever been to with vehicle swerving dangerously close in their bid to avoid commuters.

The honking of horns and the deafening drone of sand trucks seemed to heighten the bustle of the location, even as residents

were screaming at the top of their voices to be heard above the commotion.

Chatting with villagers Chatting with residents, I found out that Grove now has over 20,000 residents, and before time, was predominantly occupied by people of East Indian descent. Many are gainfully employed at a number of taxi services, supermarkets, pharmacies, schools, restaurants, police stations, auto shops, or boutiques.

Persons also travel from nearby villages on the West Bank Demerara, and from Ti m e r h i , t o t r a d e i n groceries, vegetables and other items along the roadside on busy market days.

John Mangal who trades in vegetable, ground provision and water coconuts was eager to talk to me, and so after I enjoyed a cool water coconut at his stall, we began chatting like brothers.

“Grove is a very nice place and I have been living here for quite a while.

Everyone live here in peace and harmony, and in most areas, we operate like one big family.

In times gone by, it has been rumoured that there were political conflicts amongst different races here, but if there is much truth to that, such a situation hardly exists today.

“At present, people accept each other and respect the beliefs and customs of a brother or neighbour.

(Continued on page 59)

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 23, 2019

PAGE 59

Grove Village From page 58 Though we are a happy and contented people, we however have pressing issues that we would like the relevant authorities to deal with. “This trench along Jimbo Street is one of the main irrigation outlets in the village but the NDC and other bodies have been ignoring it for years. Look at this trench now. One has to look very close to see that it is a trench and not a dam that is now overgrown with trees, grass and bushes.

“Snakes and alligator come out of it in the nights posing danger to persons who traverse in that area. I am desperately hoping that Kaieteur News can highlight this, and force those responsible to do something about the state of this trench.”My next stop was to

was on my way to the Government Educational Trust Academic Institution.

In those days, Grove was always a busy place, and many residents were gainfully employed at the Diamond Sugar Estate.

Many employees were able to get loans from the estate and they built cottages, which saw the arrival of a housing scheme.

These houses had pit latrines and potable water was always a problem. We had to gather in groups at standpipes around the village.

“Sometimes the water was ‘rusty looking’ and we had to boil and strain it before drinking. The drainage was bad and in the rainy season, many areas became flooded. But as water rose in the trenches, it

The horse carts are still a very popular form of transportation in the village. young people were well behaved in those days and will consume only juices at parties. They were not allowed to consume alcohol like today. The Mc Koy Banquet Hall was the place

Blackman earns an honest dollar by selling pickled fruits and water coconuts in the village. visit elderly resident, Alma Francois-Bovell, who owns a very thriving day care centre at Samatta Point in Grove. At first, she was very camera shy but with much persuasion, she soon rushed off to change into her best outfit and matching sandals.

She even powdered her nose for the cameras.

In no time, she was giggling and beaming as she told a stirring tale of Grove in its yesteryear state in comparison to present day.

“It’s easy to picture Grove as a young girl, because the memories are still alive and fresh in my mind. I remember the days as we ran about in the streets, with mud about our bodies, laughing in the sunshine. I attended Grove Primary School, which was close to the Jimbo Bridge, then later moved on to Diamond Government School.

“After a special exam, I

made it easier for villagers to catch bush fish and shrimp which were found in the trenches.

“In my young days, Grove had a roadway made from burnt bricks, and was almost surrounded by cane fields. We used to wash our clothing at the roadside trenches and many were either employed at the Diamond Estate or earned a living by burning earth to make bricks.

“Market days in Diamond and Grove were the happiest times, since we got to meet vendors from Soeskyke and other areas.

We waited for late hours to shop, since this forced them to lower their prices.

And we used to party just like the young people nowadays.

“We would often dress up in our mini dresses and cork heel shoes and attend bottom house parties. The

for our excursions and everyone anticipated these events.

In August month, it was wild celebrations in the village with residents flouncing to flutes and drums in their traditional African Emancipation costumes. The youths in those days were well behaved and did not loosely use profane language like today.”

Present Day Grove Much development was seen in Grove in the early 1970’s and around this time, the village saw many persons planting gardens during the reign of the late President, L.F.S Burnham.

Today, the location has developed greatly and called by names Market, Post Office, Sarran, Santoo, Times Square, Station Street, and of course, Reid’s Avenue.

That aside, there are

Jimbo Street, Burial Ground Street, Niles Street, School Street, Campbell Street, Tank Street, Downer Street, Squatting Area, Grove Scheme with extension of Grove Scheme that includes Samatta Point and Kaneville.

Resident farmer, Randolph Williams, said that Grove has a football field and the best football team, on the East Bank of Demerara.

However, he feels that the village has much more scope for additional recreational opportunities.

He feels that Grove should get more streetlights in certain areas for the security of residents.

Golden Grove is not only busy during the day but is as much the same at nights because of the thriving businesses, and the entertainment packages they offer.Mashuri Singh, a teacher, vowed that the village was a great one to live

in but like many other locations had its fair share of mishaps. While she said that crime was on a rise in years gone by, she noted that that stigma has been greatly reduced by sustained police presence.

She however made mention of a recent incident that had unsettled the community later when the dead body of a villager was found.

“In this same year, Rohan Kanhai Persaud was found dead with a gash on his abdomen.

His intestines were protruding through the wound and it was a horrible sight. His T-shirt was also rolled up around his neck while his back bore marks of violence.

“We heard rumours that the suspect had moved into the dead man’s home after he had misunderstandings with his brothers. However, while there, he reportedly started a relationship with the dead

man’s wife.

This led to numerous arguments between the man and his wife and she moved out of the home.

An argument between the deceased and the accused resulted. It is said the accused used a stingray (fish) bone and dealt the man one stab wound to his abdomen.

That incident aside Grove present day is a village that is holding its own against many other developing locations.

Come visit this location on a sunny day, and you will see in this village you will want to stay. Grab a rod, bait and a hook, and you are guaranteed there will be lots of bush fish to cook. Come bask in the touching camaraderie of the residents.

And you will never regret the comfy time you have spent.

Join us next Sunday as we take our cameras to Berbice at Ithaca.

PAGE 60

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

GUYANA RESTAURANT WEEK ...

FOR RENT

WANTED

VACANCY

Seamstress. Contact: 6911918. Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm

Pump attendant & Cashier, shift rotated weekly (6am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) send to shellramsburg@gmail.com

SERVICES

FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

1 2B TOYOTA ENGINE & GEAR BOX COMPLETE. CONTACT #626-1403

Position in Puruni River & Cuyuni River. Contact #6714239

30x48 Sash windows, black & white (Regular size) casement and awning windows. $12,000 each.

Tel#679-3325

Hair Stations/ Makeup/Nails & Barber, Available for rental, New market street. #699-6505

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

Welding and power tools, Welding machine, cylinder press drill etc #684-1247

1 Bedroom apt for working couple/single person $35,000 monthly. Light & water included. Lodge. Call 6230076

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

(1) Excavator CAT 315BL (1) Roller/Compactor CAT CB434C (1) Skid steer CAT 277B. Call for information, Rayman #615-2346/500-1600/ 628-0200/652-8505

3 bedroom fully furnished apartments for rent in Providence. Call:682-6238 or Whatsapp #1-246-833-9739

Eagle’s re-gas AC, Fridge, Washing machine & computer repairs, Gas stove, Plasma flatscreen, Electrical installation & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Professional Repair Service: Computers, Tv’s (LCD & LED), Cellphones & Other Electronics.Ph#629-6470/ 696-2843.

Email: akinscott@outlook.com HOUSE PLAN TO DRAW OF IF YOU NEED ESTIMATE. CALL: 2160671/692-8464/622-0267

2 - 6 Ton Ice Plant with holding room turnkey operation with spares, Lot V1,V2 Houston Estate EBD. Unused imported corrugated clay tiles.

Contact Herdmanston Lodge, Peter Rose & Anira St All in one buy, entire boutique closing down, sale all ladies clothing JL bland, over 2000 pieces #225-0571/600-5076 PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657/ yasharabhola4@gmail.com

Bottom flat apartment, 2 bedroom. #691-7844/674-0524 One 3 bedroom bottom flat to rent at Diamond. Tel#609-4365 /602-2563

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’sPER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM

1 Industrial Electrical to work in Georgetown. #227-1717 Porters,Drivers,Cashier.

Tel#231-7002 Dishwasher. Apply Shanta’s 225 Camp St

1 Live-in domestic. Salary : $65,000 monthly Call: 695-1229 1 Truck Driver, 1 Sales girl from EBD #223-9677 1 Male able-bodied clerk.

Contact# 231-2029, 616-5954

Wanted experienced hire car drivers at Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel. Contact 6165419, 265-7075

Allion, primo, spacio, allex, noah, RZ pitbull bus, mazda axela, bluebird, 192 fielder wagon. 650-7501

Salesgirl wanted $30,000 weekly, 1 male security guard $40,000 weekly, 1 Domestic worker 4 days per week $20,000 Tel# 617-5700

1-Toyota Tundra 4 wheel drive $2.2M, 1-BMW 318 $1.6M, 1 Audi convertible $2.9M, 1-Honda S2000 $2.5M Contact#650-0402/603-1402

Toyota Platz PMM series Good condition, price negotiable. Tel#616-2297/2760563/668-0204 located on the WCD One unregistered Toyota Tacoma 4x4, White, crashbar, step, Visor, Back-up cam. Call: 695-6461

Waiter/Waitress & Chef preferably carnegie trained.

Contact #225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St Accounts clerk to work in Charity. Contact# 771-4180/ 654-7162 or email barry @adamantiumholdings.com Experienced Male Porters & Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 One Male Janitor, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda

@

New model premio, pearl white 2009 registered, Toyota Vitz 2010 Black not registered.

Tel#223-5615/627-9600

Newly constructed 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, house overlooking the sea for sale #675-1510/613-7964

Private Customs Brokerage Training Certificate Course, Asycuda World & Trips July 2019-Register Now. Call: 6948322 or 690-4225

Cook, Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp St

1 Welder, gas welding & arc.Age 25-40.Apply@ 21 Broad street, Fat Man Welding shop.223-5595/643-9125.

Old model Ford Pickup, price $500,000 neg. Call: 6841247

EDUCATION

Security to work in and around Georgetown, Experienced firearm holder, training would be preferable. Call: 223-7165

1 Honda CRV. includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series (First Owner) Contact #6490956

Honda CRV, Low mileage, PWW series, year 2012, excellent condition, price $5.8 neg. Contact# 638-5828

DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM

1 apartment or house to rent for one Christian couple, No kids. Call: 672-9606 Ms Keisha

VEHICLE FOR SALE

1-3 bedroom concrete house, Diamond, EBD. Contact#6992060

CAR RENTAL

One certified crane operator, attractive salary is offered, three years experience would be asset. Call: 665-1141

Experienced Waitress 18-25 years from ECD. #610-3974 Live-in Domestic, must be good in cooking 25-45 yrs. #610-3974 Crane operator/crane porter/ office clerk. please call: 6166988 LAND FOR SALE Prime land on Farm main road (East Bank) Good for business (105ftx67ft) $7M Tel#648-1635 Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M Dairy with foundation & fence $1.8M Schnoord (100ft x 50ft) High Income $3.6M Tel#6560701

ACCOMODATION

Fiat van, include new parts, white. Tel# 687-8288/ 603-6860

Farm road front E.B.D. Behind Park Vue hotel. High income land. Tel#669-5781, 696-7777

Fully furnished air conditioned apartments to rent daily. $5000 and $6000 per day. Call/Whatsapp #6785827

1 NZE Toyota Fielder Wagon PSS series $1.5M neg & 1 AE 91 Toyota Sprinter PGG series $300,000 neg. Both cars stick gear. Tel#616-6620/641-5470

Foundation, Column & Curb wall already bulit 57ft x 30ft for 2 storey house Lot 1402 Westminister, WBD. Call: 6825813

Vacancy exists for experienced barman, waitress and cooks.

Contact# 618-2249 NAIL TECHNICIAN. Contact#223-5273/223-5274 VACANCY FOR DAY/ NIGHT SHIFT HOUSEKEEPR TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT SHERIFF STREET. CONTACT #2190158 Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied.Key Food McDoom Village.

Diesel Mechanic. Contact #223-5273/74 Security Guard. Apply at Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira St Driver, Bond Clerk, Factory worker, must have CSEC. for more information, please call: 223-0090 Experience Goldsmith needed at Jacob’s Jewellery and Pawnshop. Address 16 Pike St, Kitty Georgetown.

Tel#227-8748/622-4970

From 57 the needs, wants and expectations of customers. Overtime, this would widen the gamut of reputable restaurants and fast food establishments available locally.

Specified in the code of practice are managerial requirements necessary to ensure the efficient running of any restaurant establishment which seeks to ensure quality in the sight of its customers.

As such, restaurants implementing this standard will consistently satisfy their customers, have high productivity and their services will become more competitive at the local and international levels.

As a requirement in the standard, businesses must establish a quality system which mainly focuses on marketing to understand the wants and expectations of customers, and the design and preparation of the food and service delivery to customers.

The Code of Practice also addresses many other requirements which can prevent service inefficiency and unreliability, and foods that are undesirable and unsafe for consumption. These requirements include personnel, material resources, internal and external communication, training, system of checking, contractual arrangements, advertising, design and development of new products, quality control, documentation and data control, purchasing, process control, corrective and preventive actions, handling, storage, packaging and delivery.

As we conclude Restaurant Week today, restaurateurs and owners of food establishments are encouraged to acquire a copy of this Code of Practice from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and implement the requirements therein to ensure that they have viable and sustainable businesses.

For further information on this subject, please contact the GNBS on Telephone Numbers: 219-0065, 2190066 or website: www.gnbsgy.org TO LET

Watchman to work and livein, must be 60 years of age or older. $35,000 monthly. Call: 265-7550

Office space to let.74 Brickdam opposite GT&T, 2 Floors fully Air conditioned, Generator, parking available.Call:226-6771/2264537.

Cook #624-0033, Driver for water delivery canter #6803863, Customer service assistant #624-0033. Call or whatsapp

Tolet 3 bedroom, 2 toilet & bath house located in Herstelling New housing scheme. Call Farah #684-8223

Vacancy: Restaurant staff, must have food handlers’ certificate, experience operating deep fryers would be an asset. Tel#690-4722

VACANCY One experienced domestic, 34 days per week. Excellent Salary and conditions. Call: 500-5519

Sunday June 23, 2019

PAGE 61

Kaieteur News

CONSUMER CONCERNS

CONSUMER CONCERNS

BUSH MEDICINES SAFER WITH CONTROLS

By PAT DIAL Today Western Medicine is regarded worldwide as the most effective system of physical healing. This was not always the case. In the Middle Ages, Eastern medicines, medical techniques and doctors were regarded as far more effective and sophisticated than which existed in the West.

During the Crusades, for instance, when King Richard the Lion Heart was ill and on the verge of death, Salahudin, the Kurdish Muslim general who was fighting Richard, sent him his personal physician whose treatment was able to restore Richard to health.

The Eastern Civilisations had developed their own complete systems of medicine which influenced each other and whose pharmacopias were all based largely on flora.

The main systems in the ancient world were the Arab System, the Chinese System and the Ayurvedic System in India and they were all respected worldwide and had numerous successes.

But with the great scientific progress in the 19th and 20th centuries and with the detailed study of the human body western Medicine deservedly earned a universal trust and acceptability which none questioned.

From about the middle of the last century, however, the Western Scientific community recognised the validity of the Eastern Systems and that much could be learnt from them in enriching their own System.

Thus many Ayurvedic herbs and spices were rigorously tested and analysed and found to be medicinally helpful.

Among these were tumeric, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, neem and other herbs came to be adopted in secondary Western

pharmacopia, And so have techniques such as Yoga and Acupuncture.

In Guyana, Western Medicine has continued to predominate, and the population has an unshakable belief in it.

Yet, underground, there has always existed a body of folk medicines called by various names such as “bush medicines”, “tree medicines” and “alternate medicines”, which drew its source from the medicines and medical practices used by the Amerindian peoples, and the African and Indian slaves and indentured labourers who populated the country between the 16th and 19th centuries.

This corpus of folk medicines and practices has a wide clientele who use both Western as well as “bush medicines’ as they are generically called. These bush medicines could be obtained everywhere but especially in the markets.

These vendors were immortalised in the “Weed song” sung by Bill Rogers in the 1920s where he names some of the bushes sold: Man peeyaba, woman peeyaba Taan-taan fall back and granny backbone Bitter tally, lime leaf and turu Putagee Bumba, Conga Lana and twelve o’clock broom Miniroot, gullyroot and the ocean iron weed ...

If one visits the Stabroek and Bourda Markets, the vendors are still there, but the names they use for their bushes are less colourful than when Bill Rogers sang. The vendors sell various herbal teas for various disorders as well as specific bushes to cure specific diseases such as blood pressures, early breast cancer, diabetes, kidney and urinary problems, digestive problems, fevers, pains and so

on.

The bushes on offer would include carilla bush, sweet sage, saijan seeds, mint, toyo, lemon grass, sour grass, pear leaf, sweet broom, various kinds of barks like capadulla for sexual prowess.

Almost all vendors now have mixtures or extracts of the various bushes bottled.

Over the years, several persons have organised groups of bush medicine practitioners and bush medicine vendors into groups but the most well-known are the ‘Guyana Association for Alternative Medicine Institute’ run by Dr. Iamei Aomathi and an Amerindian group known as Medicine from Trees.

Despite individuals claiming that they have been cured or relieved from many diseases by bush medicines, no comprehensive research has been done into how many people have been cured over a specific period, the type of diseases, the actual bush used, periods used, etc.

Accordingly, using bush medicine could be a risk to health since the user would lack basic knowledge of many things he/she should know about the bush before ingesting it.

In the last quarter of last year, Dr. Joseph Haynes, a well-known practitioner of both Western and Alternative Medicine, gave an interview to one of the dailies. After emphatically reminding that most of the drugs in the world were formulated from plants, he spoke of some of the pitfalls of using bush medicines without proper direction and controls: “You don’t use bush like that and call it medicine . . .all persons practising bush medicine must be trained, certified and monitored so that the right dosage, age group and other criteria are considered . . .

GNBA Head says Stabroek News failed to meet requirement for radio licence uyana National Broadcasting As -Editor-in-Chief claims sociation, (GNBA) has refuted reports that it willexplanation flimsy fully denied the Guyana Pub-

G

lications Incorporated, (Stabroek News), a radio broadcast licence.

In response to an article published by Stabroek News last Sunday, GNBA Head, Leslie Sobers, noted that the GNBA is obliged to grant licences to persons or entities, which qualify or meet the criteria for broadcast.

Alluding to Stabroek News claims, Sobers noted that the GNBA has no reason to deny any suited candidate a licence. He said however that the newspaper failed to

satisfy grounds for granting the licence.

He said that the GNBA scrutinised the application and recognised that there were a number of requirements that the entity failed to meet. GNBA officials said, too, that by that time the frequency management unit made the discovery that all the primary frequencies on the spectrum had been distributed.

Sobers said it is important to note that Stabroek News

only became fully compliant for radio licence by October 6, 2018.

The GNBA Head noted that the newspaper corporation, inter alia, needed to establish a separate company, to satisfy the requirement. He said that Stabroek News belatedly met the requirements.

According to Sobers, the processing of licences and the assessment of applicants take some time.

Sobers noted that the (Continued on page 64)

“We don’t know under what conditions these medicines are prepared; we don’t know the water they use to extract the drug from whatever bush they are using; we don’t know the combination of how many leaves they are using. . .

“And further, we don’ t have regulations in place that

would have had the medicine tested, certified and proven that it will work for whatever condition it is said it will work for.” In other words, there is a risk in using bush medicines in the present uncontrolled conditions.

There is certainly immediate need for some Regulation of the bush medicine trade.

Far more fundamentally, there is need for scientific research into the drugs the bushes contain, the methods of extraction, the quantities to be used by a patient and the effects on the patient before Government were to give its recognition and imprimatur on bushes and bush medicine practitioners.

PAGE 62

Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Health Ministry to Sign MOU with GDF for Aircraft Use The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is hopeful that within another week or so it will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), to utilise their aircraft to facilitate the transport of drugs to hinterland regions.

Minister Vo l d a Lawrence said, “One of the things [that will come out of] working with them is

that we could use their aircraft for some of those far flung locations, to ensure that our people get their items directly.”

The Minister went on to say that when you talk about Guyana, unless you live in the country and went to certain places, you wouldnt understand the challenges.

She also encouraged the Ministry of Communi-

ties to forge ahead and build bonds in the respective regions so that at least three months worth of medication can be delivered and stored, so that they can be timely in distributing items to the various health facilities.

The Minister added that that would in turn save the residents the hassle of coming to Georgetown and collecting

part instead of the entire quantity because of space in the vehicle and so on.

The problems are many; sometimes the supplies dont get where they are supposed to be on time; sometimes the lists do not include everything.

Dependency on the region for transportation to the city is another issue faced. When the vehicles are dispatched, they are not only coming for drugs, they have to visit other Ministries as well. By the time, they get to the bond limited space means that drugs will be left behind.

Minister Lawrence said, “What we are working on is [to use] in flights, so instead of sending the drugs to [maybe] Bartica, which is the centre [of Region Seven], for Upper Mazaruni and Middle Mazaruni, we will be chartering flights to drop off their [supplies] specifically.

“So if it goes to Kamarang, [it] will supply the surrounding areas.

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence.

That s how were going to work for Regions Seven, One [and] Eight. Sub-Region One, we are not going

to send to Mahdia, were going to send directly to Kato and the distribution will be done.”

Sunday June 23, 2019

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Sexual assault forced me out of a job - former airport employee

More sexual assault allegations surface at CJIA ...

A

former female staffer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has come forward with disturbing details of sexual assault and victimisation, which she allegedly endured at the hands of another top official of the airport.

The incident, which dates back to 2012, is being highlighted one week after another female employee at the facility complained of an unprovoked sexual encounter she endured at the hands of another senior airport official.

Recounting the ordeal, the second victim to come forward said that she was exactly seventeen years old when she was hired as a customer service representative at the airport.

“As part of my job, I had to interact with customers and ask them about their flight and so on. My boss would find fault with me, saying I was lacking in some way or another.”

The woman (name given) said that her employer would

regularly call her into his office to reprimand her about her work.

“He would call me into his office to talk, and he would lock the door.”

The woman said that she only became suspicious of her boss after he contacted her on her mobile phone.

“He probably got my number from a (mutual) friend who had the number, and he called me.

He started telling me things like he has been watching me from long; that I’m a pretty girl and those kinds of things,” the former CJIA staffer added.

She said that she then enquired from the official how he got the number.

“But he didn’t tell me. So, I went to his office the next day and told him that I don’t like the idea of him calling me.”The woman said that the rejection further incensed her former boss.

“I think he felt more annoyed. So, he started to find fault with my work, and pick on me even more. And he would always call me to the

office, over some issue.

“Whenever I go there, he would lock the doors and, like, touch me on my arms, and I would ‘ginch’ [flinch]. Then one time, he came in front of his desk and sat on it while I was sitting on a chair facing him.

“And he would come in, touch my right breast, then touch my leg and rub my thigh.”

The former employee said that the encounter frightened her.

She said her boss even asked, “If I was scared and I said yes I am scared.”

The victim noted that she felt violated and didn’t know what to do at the time. She said that when she finally mustered the courage, she told her former boss that his actions are inappropriate and that she doesn’t like it.

“He started telling me that he could make my life better; he could help me get my visa; he would buy my ticket; he could buy me a vehicle and all kinds of things.

“But I told him that I was not hard up for those things,

Airport CEO submits statement to police in sexual assault probe – lawyer Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, (CJIA), Ramesh Ghir, has provided police with a statement in relation to the sexual assault accusation brought against a senior airport employee.

Ghir’s Attorney, Andrew Pollard, confirmed that his client gave a statement to police on Friday evening.

Ghir had previously confirmed that the matter had come to the attention of the CJIA. However, when he was contacted by the police, for a statement, the Airport Chief was slow to cooperate with the investigators.

Last week, a female employee of a duty-free business operated by a concessionaire at the CJIA complained of a cover-up.

She claimed that she made a complaint that a very senior airport official forcefully kissed her twice and inappropriately touched her while she was in his office.

The incident took place last year July.

The woman claimed that she complained to CJIA’s chief, Ghir, who promised to get to the bottom of the matter. When contacted by Kaieteur News recently, Ghir claimed that it had been investigated but the airport could not confirm that anything happened.

The woman had said that she never heard from the

- Cops yet to contact other corroborating witnesses

CEO of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, (CJIA), Ramesh Ghir CJIA’s management about the matter again, until she decided to inquire about it, last week.

The alleged victim has since filed a report at the Timehri Police Station.

Kaieteur News has learnt that at least two other corroborating witnesses in the matter are yet to be contacted by the police investigators.

The window for an official complaint to the police re-

mains very much open now.

According to the airport, the official has proceeded on leave to make way for an ongoing probe of a complaint of sexual misconduct made by an employee of an airport concessionaire.

T h e a i r p o rt said that its management also withdrew the airport security credentials of the woman who made the complaint.

and my mouth is not white. I told him I didn’t even need to work because I was just seventeen. I was only working because I finished writing exams at fifteen and wanted some experience.”

The woman said that her bold stance caused her superior to become increasingly annoyed.

“He continued to find fault with my work until, one day, he called me and said that I needed to take up the offer or he will fire me.”

However, instead of being fired, the young woman said that she decided to resign.

“I wrote a resignation letter and took it to his office. He took it, read it, tore it up and threw it in the bin.

Then he started saying things like, he would ensure that I don’t get another job anywhere else.

“He said that I was ruining my life and the opportunity he is giving… I said that I preferred it that way and I left.”

The woman said three other female staffers followed suit.

“Apparently, they were also subjected to his mischief.”

She then reported it to the Timehri Police Station and the media.

The woman said, however, that nothing came out of the matter because her boss is well connected.

Her nightmare did not end there. She said that her former employer made good on his promise of ensuring that she was not employed elsewhere.

“Whenever I would apply to places and they enquired about my work reference, it became apparent that he was shutting doors for me until one person called me

back and decided to hire because it became evident that I was being victimised.”

In addition to that rumours were spread although she’s now married, the woman said that the experience still haunts her to this day.

The woman says she still has nightmares about her ordeal with her former boss.

“Until now, I have insomnia; I take pills to sleep because I had really loved my job and the experience was disturbing…”

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Commissioned ‘Liza Destiny’ to set sail for Guyana next month Liza Destiny set to sail

Officails look on The Liza Destiny, the first oil production vessel to be placed in Guyana has been officially dedicated by First Lady, Sandra Granger.

In keeping with tradition and naming protocols, the dedication is performed by a female who is called the “godmother of the vessel” to bestow good luck and divine protection over the vessel and all who sail aboard.

While delivering remarks in Singapore, Mrs. Granger recognised the importance of this project and industry to

Guyana.

“I hope this ship will bring to us, the people of Guyana, not only prosperity in a physical sense but greater cohesion, greater development and of course the sustainability of our country.”

ExxonMobil’s Upstream President, Liam Mallon, recognised the correlation between the name of the floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, the “Liza Destiny”, and ExxonMobil’s intent to

partner with the country over the long term.

“We are committed for a long voyage. We first signed an agreement to explore for hydrocarbons in the Stabroek Block in 1999; we drilled the Liza well in May 2015, and this FPSO has been designed to produce oil for decades. It will provide value to Guyana and ExxonMobil for the long term.

“Our destinies, therefore, have been and will continue to be linked to Guyana in the future,” he expressed.

Mallon indicated that Liza

Phase 1 is a global project with significant local participation as more than 1000 Guyanese are involved. This project involves completion of the FPSO and four subsea drill centres with 17 wells.

The ‘Liza Destiny’ was converted from the oil tanker, “Tina”, a VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. The contract for its conversion was awarded to SBM in July 2017.

For the company, the completion is a moment of

pride and honour as indicated by Chief Executive Officer, Bruno Chabas.

“Our objective was to safely deliver the Liza Destiny FPSO on schedule in partnership with our client and safety always remained our number one priority on the project,” he indicated.

The naming ceremony marks the final stage for the Liza Destiny as it readies to set sail for Guyana next month. Final work items are being completed and a series of checks will be performed

over the next few weeks.

The Liza Destiny has a production capacity up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day and an overall storage volume of 1.6 million barrels.

During normal operations, there will be at least 80 persons living and working onboard the vessel.

Twenty-four operations and maintenance technicians, who are currently being trained in Canada, will return in 2020 to support work on the Liza Destiny.

GNBA Head says Stabroek News failed...

From page 61 newspaper article gave a one-sided account of what transpired.

“The chronological detail in that article cannot be denied in terms of when letters were sent and dates so forth.

However the details do not address actions and circumstances from the point of view of the GNBA.”

The GNBA official noted that there is a list of persons who had applied for broadcast licence long before Stabroek News Stabroek News applied for broadcast licence for the first time in February 2016 and the current board was not in place.

Sobers noted that there are a number of persons and entities who have applied for broadcast licences long before and have been on the waiting list because they, too, have not met the criteria.

He stressed that the GNBA operates at a professional level.

“We will not purposefully exclude anyone from obtaining a electromagnetic spectrum to broadcast. The spectrum belongs to the Guyanese people.

We are the merely caretakers of it.

“We are merely in a regulatory position to ensure that all our people benefit from it, in the best possible way. It is not GNBA property, so we don’t deny Guyanese or local firms access to the spectrum.”

Sobers emphasized, too, the GNBA does not issue frequencies.

“The GNBA only authorises broadcasts. The frequencies are managed by the National Frequency Management Unit, (NFMU) or its successor, [the new telecoms agency).”

Stabroek News Editor in Chief, Anand Persaud, was quoted in the newspapers as

saying that he not convinced by the reasons given by the GNBA for not granting the licence.

The newspaper reported that Persaud found the explanation flimsy and pointed to the fact that the company had applied for a licence since 1993.

Last Sunday, Shaleeza Khan, General Manager of Guyana Publications Incorporated (GPI), the publisher of the Stabroek News and Sunday Stabroek newspapers, reported that the company has been treated unfairly by the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), which recently denied its application for a primary zone radio licence.

Khan’s comments were made following the receipt of a letter from the GNBA informing her that the company’s application for a radio licence for the operation of a station in the primary zone, which includes Georgetown, could not be processed.

The letter, which is dated May 7, 2019, and signed by the GNBA’s Board Secretary, Rianna Bowman, acknowledged that in 2018 the company applied for a Radio Broadcasting Licence to operate a radio station within the “Primary” zone.

The primary zone covers Georgetown, Region Three up to the Essequibo River, all of Region Four and Region Five east of Region Four to the Abary River.

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Kaieteur News

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All oil companies holding more blocks than law permits ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is not the only firm, which is holding way more blocks than the law allows. In fact, research conducted by this news agency indicates that almost all the oil companies holding an offshore prospecting licence were awarded, and conSPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES When the GuyanaExxonMobil PSA was first released, the size of the blocks awarded to the American multinational was a major issue of contention. The firm was awarded approximately more than six times what the law caters for.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that he has no apology to make for what his party did. He said there were special circumstances that justified such generous awards being made.

The PPP General Secretary had told this newspaper that in 1999, when former President Janet Jagan awarded the PSA to Exxon to explore such

tinue to hold, way more blocks than they are legally entitled to.

Guyana’s oil laws state that oil companies are only allowed 60 blocks per licence, which is equivalent to 5073 km2. Attached to this article, is a graph showing how much each licensed holder offshore Guyana was granted. a large concession, it was based on the challenges faced at the time to attract investors to explore the unrisked basin.

As for the current administration, which failed to correct this anomaly, it said that ExxonMobil was allowed to hold in excess of 60 blocks as it puts Guyana in a strategic position against its neighbour, Venezuela, which continues to stake a claim on Guyana’s territorial waters.

But transparency advocates locally and regionally lend no credence to the excuses made by the current and past administrations. Specifically, Transparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI) states that the discretion con-

ferred upon the Minister in the law to grant an oil company more than 60 blocks, should not be used to such an extent that the very Constitution, which calls for the fair and transparent award of the nation’s resources, is flagrantly breached or disrespected.

Berbice River chain saw operator was murdered …Murder weapon other implements recovered A post mortem examination performed on the body of Elvis Benedict, 40, a chainsaw operator of Sand Hill, Berbice River, showed that he died from shock and haemorrhage resulting from multiple injuries. The post mortem was conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan, at The New Amsterdam Hospital.

The man was reportedly killed between 17:00hrs on Tuesday 18th and 07:00hrs on Wednesday 19th at Sand Hills, Berbice River.

Benedict was reportedly last seen by a resident of the area around 17:00 hrs on Tuesday, fixing a tractor.

However about 07:00hrs, the following morning, he was found alive by a truck driver with multiple injuries about his body, lying at the side of the road, some two miles from where the alleged incident took place.

Benedict had subsequently told his brother, Eron Benedict, that he was injured by one Roy Glaston, a resident of the area. .

The badly injured man was picked up and taken by boat to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.The body had visible marks of violence including lacerations to the left lower back, the centre of the back, the left hand and the left upper jaw. There were also multiple scratches and bruises and abrasions about the body.Gladston, 28, of the said village was subsequently arrested by the Deputy Toshao and brought to New Amsterdam and handed over to the police.The man subsequently told police that two men had attacked him and it was the other man in trying to chop him had missed and chopped Benedict. The police subsequently ventured up the Berbice River where another man who was said to be with the deceased was arrested.

A cutlass and other implements said to be used during the incident were recovered.

Investigations are continuing and charges are likely soon.

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Centurion Popp leads Germany into World Cup quarter-finals

Germany’s Alexandra Popp celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates against Nigeria. (REUTERS/Emmanuel Foudrot)

Sunday June 23, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may feel like you're coming up against a brick wall, Aries. Your emotions are a bit stifled and you may find that you're more stubborn than usual.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There may be a battle between old and new in your world today. A reserved and old-fashioned perspective has a strong hold on the prevailing sentiment.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Smile at the world today. Be thankful for the things you have and the people around you. Amplify the cozy, warm feeling inside and spread this love to others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) People may seem a bit stubborn today. Your powers of adaptation may be put to the test. The people around you are likely to call on your tender, sympathetic nature.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today isn't the best day to play practical jokes, Gemini, so put away the disappearing ink. Stick close to home.

Find security in doing things you know how to do best. Hang a painting and cook a scrumptious dinner.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) When you go up a flight of stairs, take one step at a time today. Skipping up the staircase two at a time could result in you falling back to the bottom.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) There may be a great deal of opposition in your way today, Cancer, but try not to dwell on it. The key is to stay levelheaded and maintain a positive outlook.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The pieces of today's puzzle may not fit into place, Leo, and it's possible that you have no idea why. Don't stress over something you don't quite understand. The key to making things work out is listening.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today can be an extremely productive day. You're in a good space from which to work and this will aid you in all your endeavors. Today is also excellent for looking at some of the long-term trends moving through your life now.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today is a terrific day for taking the plunge or making an investment, Capricorn. Luck and prosperity are in your favor, and you have the opportunity to make some very profitable financial decisions. Your intuition is right in line with what you need to do.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The key to being successful today is to maintain an air of stability. If others see you as too flighty and off the wall, they will hesitate about putting their trust in you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today is a very expansive day for you, Pisces. Your emotions can lead you into favorable situations with others. The pace of the day may seem a little slow, but this can be used to your advantage.

GRENOBLE, France (Reuters) Double champions Germany, inspired by skipper Alexandra Popp, continued their unbeaten run at the women’s World Cup by beating Nigeria 3-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals yesterday.

Popp, winning her 100th cap, and Sara Daebritz netted in quick succession in the first half with Lea Schueller wrapping it up late on to set up a meeting with Sweden or Canada.

Popp headed home after 20 minutes and Daebritz doubled the tally with a penalty seven minutes later, with VAR being used for both goals. Schueller added the third on 86 minutes as the African champions ran out of gas.

The only team along with the U.S. not to concede a goal in the tournament, Germany have now reached the last eight at every women’s World Cup. “That first goal gave us some safety, but then we allowed Nigeria to get back into the game a little bit. After

the break, we were very dominant,” said player-of-thematch Popp.

Dzsenifer Marozsan, recovering from a foot injury, started on the bench but the Olympique Lyonnais player was confident she would soon be ready to play.

“Now I might even be able to come back. It will remain painful for weeks, but I am not scared,” she said.

“I probably cannot play an entire match but I was happy I was not needed today.”

Germany controlled the midfield against the Nigerians and were quickly rewarded.

Popp broke the deadlock from Lina Magull’s corner, the goal being awarded after a VAR review ruled there was no offside.

Magull was then brought down by Evelyn Nwabuoku and VAR confirmed the penalty call before Daebritz

coolly converted.

Nigeria offered more of a challenge after conceding the second goal and came close to reducing the arrears early in the second half when substitute teenager Rasheedat Ajibade burst down the left flank in impressive fashion only for Desire Oparanozie to just fail to connect with the cross.

Forward Popp dropped down to midfield as Germany protected their lead and Schueller intercepted a poor back-pass to make it 3-0 with a clinical finish eight minutes from time.

“I think we showed the whole world that Nigeria have a team that has improved a lot,” said Nigeria coach Thomas Dennerby.

“Of course you’re not satisfied to go out but you also have to recognize where we came from – and we’re just not ready yet.”

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St Mary’s triumph in Windball final The Al Sport & Tour Promotions National Sports Commission 22nd annual end of school y e a r “ E d w a r d Cobenna Memorial” Primary Schools Windball Cricket Champions Trophy Region 4 tournament played at the National Gymnasium continued with St Mary’s winning the girls title for Region 4 Schools.

Organised by sports officer A. Munroe, St Mary’s batted and scored 78-1, with Vashanie Raghoo 32. Timehri replied with 75-1, with Yoons Persaud 28.

St Mary’s then scored 870, V. Raghoo 60(6s-6) and Tonya Raghoo 16, while Supply ended on 87-3, Lorline Trotman 39 and Nikiya Layne 18 to tie the contest.

In the Super over, Supply made 24-0, Allison Allicock 16.

St Mary’s responded with 270, Varsha Raghoo 26 to win.

East Bank zone finals: St Mary’s 83-2; Varshanie Raghoo 72 (6s-10) while Anasatcia McPherson took 2 wkts for New Diamond who were held at 72-2, Omethia Rouse made16.

The Region 4 third place match resulted in Clonbrook reaching 33-3, Nikesha Noble

The winners Capt L. Trotman receives the trophy from Clanise Cobenna as her teammates share the moment.

16. Supply hit 35-1 in reply; A. Allicock 14, L. Trotman 12.

In the final, Mahaica rattled up 70-1; Junita Lynch

17, Juwana Gresande 16.

St Mary’s reached 73-0 in

response with Player of the tournament Vashanie Raghoo

42 (6s-5) and Donyelli James 32.

Barty a win away from world number one Room’s record-breaking night (Reuters) - Ashleigh Barty will become the first Australian woman to be ranked world number one in more than 40 years if she beats her doubles partner Julia Goerges in the final of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham today.

The 23-year-old, fresh from her maiden Grand Slam triumph at the French Open, has not dropped a set all week and an 11th successive victory will see her displace Japan’s Naomi Osaka in top spot and emulate Evonne Goolagong’s feat from 1976.

Barty sent down 11 aces and fired 24 winners yesterday to dispatch world number 51 Barbora Strycova from the Czech Republic 6-4 6-4. “I have to try and do what I can do and that is prepare and do as best that I can tomorrow and try and play a good tennis match and if I win, it’s a bonus,” said Barty, who is seeking her sixth WTA tour title at an event where she was runner-up to Petra Kvitova in 2017.

“There are all things that come with it. But Australia’s Ashleigh Barty celebrates winning her semi final match against Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova. (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine)

those things are certainly not what I’m worried about. It is not going to change the way that I sleep at night, if I don’t get there or not. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”

Should she win, Barty will join select company as the only other female players to win the singles title at Roland Garros and their next event on British grass courts have been Serena Williams, Steffi Graf (four times), Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Margaret Court.

But Goerges has also hit rich form and beat Petra Martic 6-4 6-3 in the other semi-final.

Barty and Goerges, who has yet to win a title on grass but last year reached the Wimbledon semi-finals, have a 1-1 head-tohead record but the Australian won their previous clash en route to claiming the Zhuhai crown last year.

If Barty loses the final, she will be two points short of catching Osaka – the smallest margin between the top two ranked players since WTA rankings began.

helps Curacao to historic win

goldcup.org HOUSTON, TEXAS – Eloy Room came away with a Gold Cup record 15 saves to help Curacao to its first ever Gold Cup win, 1-0 against Honduras at BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The previous mark was held by Belize goalkeeper Woodrow West, however his 12 saves came in a 4-0 loss to Cuba.

“Good,” is how Room characterized his night with the biggest grin on his face. “ E v e r y o n e ’s h a p p y that we won the game and especially for the fans of Curacao and our island.

We win the game and I’m proud of our team and I helped so that’s nice.”

On top of the 15 saves against Honduras, Room also recorded five saves in the 1-0 loss to El Salvador to open Curacao’s 2019 campaign in the tournament.

After the match, Manager Remko Bicentini was asked about Room’s performance to which he sarcastically responded, “Eloy Room is a bad keeper.” “ N o , h e ’s a s t r o n g , g o o d k e e p e r, ” a d d e d Bicentini. “He win this

Eloy Room came away with a Gold Cup record 15 saves to help Curacao to its first ever Concacaf Gold Cup win on June 21 against Honduras at the BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas. (goldcup.org) game for us. He picked up a bit of chances from H o n d u r a s b u t h e ’s a goalkeeper and he must stop the ball.”

While spirits are high in the Curacao locker room, the focus now shifts to the final group match against Jamaica – a rival Room knows well after helping his national team to the 2017 Caribbean Cup over the Reggae Boyz.

The win keeps Curacao’s hopes alive of advancing to the next round of the Gold Cup to continue making history.

“We have always the confidence to go through, only we didn’t win, we didn’t score but now we have the confidence and if we win this game against Honduras then we can beat, also, Jamaica,” concluded Room.

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Concacaf Gold Cup

Neil Danns scores double as Golden Jaguars lose to Panama 4-2 - Coach Johnson disappointed with performance Cleveland, Ohio: Thirtysix year-old Neil Danns scored Guyana’s first goal and a double at the Concacaf Gold Cup in Guyana’s debut appearance at the tournament in the 33rd and 90 +3 minute, both from the penalty spot, after Jordon Dover was brought down and a handled ball in the area.

But the Golden Jaguars’ robust and brave performance was not enough as they ended up going down in consecutive matches, this time to Panama, 4-2. The match was # 311 in Gold Cup history and Panama’s 40th (39 GP: 13W-15D-11L (55GF-46GC) in the tournament, overall.

Guyana lost its debut match in the tournament against the USA on June 18,

while Panama got past Trinidad and Tobago by a 2-0 margin on the same day in the Group D opener and have punched their ticket to the quarter finals.

The Golden Jaguars, urged on by their faithful supporters decked out in their yellow national team jerseys and waving the Golden Arrowhead with pride, rallied on their team as they rivaled their Panamanian counterparts chant for chant.

Panama had taken the lead in the 16th minute following miscommunication in the Guyanese defensive third, Abdiel Arroyo tucking the ball into the back of the nets.

Continuing to match their rivals, Guyana, on the back end of another promising run

into the attacking third of their opponents, drew a penalty when Dover was brought down.

Neil Danns inked his name in the history books by sending goalie Luis Mejia to his left while blasting in the ball to the right for the nation’s first goal at this level much to the delight of the fans.

While it was Guyana’s first match at this venue, it was Panama’s second having defeated Martinique there in the 2017 Gold Cup, 3-0 in a Group B match, Panama has played 11 times against Caribbean teams at the Gold Cup and only lost once, against Guadeloupe in Group C of 2009; they have racked up five wins (before this match) and

GFF-KFC National U-20 Independence Cup

Dynamic FC and Botofago book semifinal spot East Demerara Football Association’s (EDFA) Dynamic FC and Botofago of Linden each scored three goals in contrasting wins yesterday at the National Training Center at Providence, as quarter-final play in the historic Guyana Football Federation (GFF)-KFC National Under-20 nationwide Independence Cup knockout tournament kicked off.

Dynamic FC, which is coached by former national striker Dwain Jacobs, fired three unanswered goals past New Amsterdam United. NA United were competitive in the first half as both teams squandered golden opportunities to go ahead and it was until the 78th minute that the first Dynamic FC goal was buried. On target for the Golden Grove based club were Abguyl Henry, Shemar Dublin and Keon Williams.

In the other quarterfinal played yesterday, a stoppage time strike from Leon Jones allowed Botofago FC to edge East Bank Football Association’s (EBFA) Timehri Panthers. The first half of that feature clash at the NTC finished 1-0 in favour of Botofago after Andre Mayers had found the back of the net in the 42nd minute.

One goal each from Panthers’ Ernest McClean (66th) and Shannon Samnauth (72nd) allowed the EBFA side to take the lead for five minutes before goalkeeper Jamiane Kingston banged home the equaliser.

Today, Santos FC will tackle Potaro Strikers of Bartica, while arguably the most exciting clash of the entire tournament will see tournament favourites Fruta Conquerors FC pitted against Buxton United in the other quarterfinal.

The star studded Conquerors side that is based in Tucville has players with experience playing for the National side in different age groups inclusive with players with senior caps, including their skipper Jeremy Garrett.

Conquerors steamrolled Cougars FC with an 8-0 thumping on Sunday last in their quarterfinal, while Buxton defeated Queenstown 8-2 in their match.

At the culmination of the tournament, there will be a grand presentation of prizes to the top three (3) teams to the tune of: 1st - $500,000 + Trophy + Medals, 2nd - $300,000 + Trophy + Medals 3rd - $200,000 + Trophy + Medals.

(Calvin Chapman)

Play between Dynamic FC (offence) that are through to the semifinal round and New Amsterdam United, yesterday at the National Training Center.

Action between Guyana and Panama in their Gold Cup encounter in Cleveland yesterday. a similar number of draws, scoring 21 goals and conceding 12.

After Guyana fought back and brought parity to the score (1-1), Panama retook the lead fortuitously so when Terrence Vancooten, in attempting to clear the ball, knocked it past Akel Clarke in the 40th minute.

Following the first half which ended 2-1 in Panama’s favour, the winners further increased their advantage in the 51st minute from a penalty which was controversial; Eric Davis scoring on the second attempt after Clarke brought off a brilliant save to deny him. Referee, Daneon Parchment from Jamaica deemed that Clarke came off his line even without the assistance of VAR. Panama scored again in

the 86th minute through Gabriel Torres to make it a 4-1 game. But Guyana never gave up and was awarded their second penalty in the 90+3rd minute, Neil Danns blasting the nets again as Mejia had a sniff of a chance to deny the Bury FC player.

Final score Guyana 2, Panama 4.

Coach Michael Johnson, who now has a record of 3 wins and 4 losses as the head tactician of the Golden Jaguars, voiced his disappointment with the performance of his charges.

“If I’m looking at effort and commitment, the performance of the team was of a different class, again they gave everything. What I was disappointed with was the way we utilized the ball, we

weren’t efficient with it, we weren’t careful with it and the final goal started with a bad pass from us in a comfortable possession with the ball.”

Johnson lamented the fact that the first penalty was not even a penalty and felt harshly done by it. He questioned the Referee deciding to call for a retake without the assistance of VAR. “But generally we’re pleased, I mean look, we could have passed the ball better but I think first half we showed what we can do. But it is just disappointing because we gave away goals and we are not good enough to give teams three, four goals head start, we are not good enough and until we start tightening up, this will happen.”

El Salvador and Jamaica share the spoils in Group C scoreless affair goldcup.org - OUSTON, TEXAS – El Salvador and Jamaica battled to a scoreless draw on Friday night in front of a sellout crowd of 22,026 at BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The first half was a tightly contested affair with both teams combining for five total shots and three shots on target.

Jamaica held more of the ball in the first half and had over 100 competed passes than their counterparts.

The tempo immediately hit a different gear in the 46th minute but it would be Jamaica still with the better opportunities.

El Salvador defender Roberto Dominguez made a crucial clearance inside the box to cut a pass to Jamaica’s Junior Flemmings in the 51st minute.

Things got just as tense

on the other end of the field as a Gerson Mayen corner led to back-to-back opportunities for El Salvador in the 62nd minute.

Darren Mattocks, the highest scorer on the active roster and the national team’s 8th top scorer all-time, entered the match in the 66th minute to debut in his 3rd Gold Cup. El Salvador goalkeeper Henry Hernandez was called upon for a crucial save in the 76th minute, clearing a rocket from Shaun Francis.

A Nelson Bonilla free kick opportunity in the 89th minute had the hearts of

Salvadoran fans racing before Andre Blake took care of the situation.

Leon Bailey would have a free kick of his own in stoppage time but that attempt was headed away

by Roberto Dominguez.

Jamaica would have two more attempts but the El Salvador defense would hold on for the first nil-nil scoreline in a Gold Cup match since Canada vs.

Honduras on July 14, 2017.

The result leaves the top of Group C up for grabs heading into the third match day of the group stage.

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Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Shami final-over hat-trick steals India win over Afghanistan SOUTHAMPTON, England (Reuters) - India’s Mohammed Shami claimed a sensational final-over hattrick as Afghanistan just missed out on major World Cup upset yesterday.

A day after Sri Lanka stunned England in Leeds, an even bigger upset looked on the cards only for India to sneak home by 11 runs after strike bowler Shami’s lastgasp heroics.

Afghanistan made the most of a slow wicket to restrict India to 224-8, their lowest total of the tournament, but then struggled themselves.

Needing 16 to win off the last six balls with three wickets remaining, they were all out for 213, slumping to their sixth successive defeat.

Shami dismissed Mohammad Nabi, who topscored for the Afghans with 52, Aftab Alam and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to complete his hat-trick. “Shami was really good today. He was making the ball move more than anybody,” India captain Virat Kohli said of the quick, who was playing his first match of the tournament.

“This game was way more important for us, because

things didn’t go as planned.

That’s when you need to show character and bounce back.”

Having bled 397 in their previous outing against England, the spin-heavy Afghan attack had earlier redeemed themselves against India’s vaunted batting lineup.

Off-spinner Mujeeb drew first blood in the fifth over when he bowled the in-form Rohit Sharma for one after India opted to bat.

India, known for preserving wickets and accelerating later, managed only 41 runs in the first 10 overs.

Kohli batted with trademark fluency, though, making up for a lack of boundaries with smart running between the wickets during his breezy 67.

He forged two halfcentury partnerships, first with KL Rahul and then Vijay Shankar, to steady the innings. Replacing the injured Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order, Rahul made 30 before attempting an unnecessary reverse sweep and gifting his wicket.

Shankar did not convert his start either and made 29

before falling leg-before to Rahmat Shah.

Nabi then struck the biggest blow in the 31st over when he had Kohli caught at point.

India still had enough firepower in their batting lineup but the unerring Afghan spinners straight-jacketed them. Mahendra Singh Dhoni made a laboured 28 and Hardik Pandya could not reproduce his trademark power-hitting.

Kedar Jadhav (52) hit the only six in the India innings but the expected late burst did not materialise.

Rashid Khan, whose figures of 9-0-110-0 against England were the worst in World Cup history, bounced back with 1-38 in 10 tidy overs.

Afghanistan wobbled early in their chase, losing Hazratullah Zazai in the seventh over but they made slow, steady progress even after Gulbadin Naib fell for 27.

Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Rahmat Shah (36) and Hashmatulla Shahidhi (21) during a two-wicket maiden to drag India back into the contest.

Shami conceded a boundary off the first ball of the final over but struck with

India’s Mohammed Shami celebrates taking the wicket of Afghanistan’s Aftab Alam. (Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs) his third, fourth and fifth deliveries to finish with 4-40.

“The total was not that much (to chase) but in the middle we needed some 80s and 100s because 20s and 30s aren’t enough against a team like India,” Afghan captain

Naib said.

“When chasing around 220 you need some batsmen to take responsibility and go longer. “We have lost four games very badly, but the last two games we have played really well. This is tough

cricket against high-ranking teams, and you have to fight your best.”

Scores: India 224 for 8 (Kohli 67, Jadhav 52, Nabi 2-33) beat Afghanistan213 (Nabi 52, Shami 4-40) by 11 runs.

Hamilton on pole in France, Vettel only seventh L E C A S T E L L E T, F r a n c e (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton seized pole position for the French Grand Prix in track record time yesterday as Mercedes, chasing their 10th successive win, swept the front row of the grid in dominant fashion.

The Formula One world championship leader and last year ’s race winner was 0.286 seconds quicker than team mate Va l t t e r i B o t t a s o n a n o t h e r searingly hot afternoon at Le Castellet in the south of France.

The front row lockout was the 63rd for Mercedes, a Formula One record.

F e r r a r i ’s C h a r l e s L e c l e r c qualified third with team mate S e b a s t i a n Ve t t e l a d i s t a n t seventh on a distinctly off day for the German.

The pole, won in a time of one minute 28.319 seconds, was a record-extending 86th of Hamilton’s career and his third of the season.

The time was 1.7 seconds faster than the lap he did last year to take the top slot.

“The first lap was fantastic, really, really happy with it,” said the five-times world champion.

“The second run, I was on for one of the best laps I have done for a long time.

And it’s crazy; it never gets old, it never gets easier and it’s always such a challenge, regardless of what position you are battling for.”

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during qualifying. (REUTERS/Vincent Kessler) Hamilton lost time at the end, a gust of wind blowing the back of his Mercedes out of shape, but he was still comfortably quickest.

The Briton is 29 points clear of Bottas after seven races, all won by the pair. Hamilton also triumphed in the last two of 2018.

Bottas was fastest in the first two phases of qualifying, after also leading final practice, but c o u l d n o t m a t c h H a m i l t o n ’s sizzling pace when it mattered in the final top-10 shoot-out.

“The wind changed direction and there was a couple of

corners my line didn’t work and I had to work it out but Lewis had a better lap,” said the Finn.

Mercedes have looked to be in a class of their own all weekend at a circuit suiting the characteristics of their car, with Hamilton or Bottas fastest in every practice session.

Leclerc, rather than Vettel, has consistently been the best of the rest.

Vettel struggled, backing out of his first hot lap and then failing to string together all the sectors smoothly on his second attempt.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates pole after qualifying with second place Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas. (REUTERS/Vincent Kessler) “I don’t know what happened, I lost so much momentum there was no point to finish that lap,” said the German, who starts behind the Renaultpowered McLarens of British rookie Lando Norris (fifth) and Spaniard Carlos Sainz (sixth).

“Some laps it felt good and others it didn’t. I didn’t get the best out of the car but it was difficult for me, some laps I didn’t have he grip I had before.”

Vettel’s time of 1:29.799 was eighth tenths of a second slower than Leclerc’s best.

McLaren’s performance was

their best in qualifying since 2016, when now-retired Jenson Button qualified third in Australia.

Leclerc, who starts with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen alongside, asked the team over the radio to get Vettel to speed up, worried he might run out of time for a final quick lap.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo starts eighth for Renault and Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly lines up ninth — outqualified by Verstappen for the seventh time this year — for his home race.

Italian Antonio Giovinazzi starts 10th for Alfa Romeo.

Sunday June 23, 2019

Mix Up claim Father’s Day dominoes title Mix Up were crowned champions of the Father’s day four-game dominoes competition which was held recently at Turning Point.

Led by 10 games each from Gilbert Mendonca and Rawl Peters, Mix Up marked 55 games to win the final ahead of All Season’s Angels with 48 and Turning Point on 41.

Barbara Marshall and Andrea Welch made 11 games

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Kaieteur News

each for the runner up side, while Sandra Welch scored 10 and June Watts nine for Turning Point.

All Season’s Angels won the semi final encounter with 52 games, while Turning placed second on 46 games and Royal Kings finished third on 40 games.

All Season’s Angels were led by Nickie October with 11 games while Watts made the maximum 12 games and Eon

Peters nine for Turning Point.

Selwyn Prescott and Orin Favourite were Royal Kings top players with nine games apiece.

Mix Up pocketed a trophy and $70,000, All Season’s Angels received $50,000 and Turning Point $20,000.

The competition was organised by senior organising secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association Mark Wiltshire.

Friday GBTI Open

Lewis/Daniel Lopes win Men’s doubles

Daniel Lopes stands at front court as Gavin Lewis plays backhand in the Men’s doubles against Andre Lopes and Gregoire Vincent (blocked by Lopes) on Friday Night.

The victorious Mix Up team

Brazil crush Peru 5-0 to reach Copa America last eight SAO PAULO (Reuters) Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory yesterday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals.

Looking like their imperious old selves, the host nation went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro nodded home after a goalmouth scramble and Roberto Firmino made it two seven minutes later after keeper Pedro Gallese made a hash of his kick out.

Firmino charged down the kick and the ball rebounded off the post but Firmino picked up the rebound and rounded the keeper to roll the ball into the empty goal.

Man of the Match Everton added a nice third after 32 minutes when he cut in from the left and unleashed a low shot that sneaked inside Gallese’s near post and Dani Alves made it 4-0 eight minutes into the second half when he finished off a neat team move and lashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Substitute Willian made it five with a vicious strike from outside the box in the final minute, before Gallese made up for his earlier error by saving a spot-kick from

Brazil’s Roberto Firmino, Willian and Gabriel Jesus after the match against Peru. (REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino) Gabriel Jesus in stoppage time. The result, combined with Venezuela’s 3-1 win over Bolivia, means the hosts top Group A and will play one of the two third-placed teams at the Gremio arena on Thursday.

Second-placed Venezuela will face the second team in Group B on Friday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, while Peru must wait

to see if their four points are enough to earn them a place as one of the two best thirdplaced sides.

“It’s not up to us now, that’s the uncomfortable situation,” Peru coach Ricardo Gareca said.

“They were better than us from start to finish. Brazil had lots of chances in their other games and never took them.

Today they took them.”

As the tenth annual GBTI Open Tennis tournament heads for a conclusion with what is anticipated to be an entertaining Final of the M e n ’s S i n g l e s , a c t i o n continued at the GBTI Courts on Friday night with the pair of Gavin Lewis and Daniel Lopes winning the Men’s doubles title.

Played under overcast skies, the 22-year-old pair of Lewis and Daniel Lopes beat Daniel’s uncle 56year-old Andre Lopes and 24-year-old Gregorie Vi n c e n t , 7 - 5 , 6 - 1 u n d e r floodlights to claim their first GBTI Open title.

The first set was tight with neither team letting up on opportunities and trading breaks of serves.

Vincent/Andre Lopes took the break and went up 4-3 and Lewis/ Daniel Lopes broke back to tie and 4-4. Both sides held serve to 5-5 and Lewis/ Daniel Lopes took the next two games in tight deuce points to take the set 7-5.

In the second set, Vincent and Andre Lopes were outplayed as Lewis/ Daniel Lopes hardly let up points and forced the errors from Vincent/Andre Lopes to clinch a 6-1 second set and the men’s doubles final to win the match.

Alvin Doris & Simone Boucher got a walk over in Novice Medley final on Friday.

Earlier, in the Novice Medley, Alvin Doris and Simone Boucher got a walkover from Dorothy Kalekyezi and Christine Daly to win the title in that division.

The Mixed doubles was sched uled for last night, while Lewis is favoured for this Evening’s Men’s Singles final before the Medal presentation is held. (Sean Devers)

Dominoes Action set for Turning Point today Senior Organising Secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association Mark Wiltshire will be hosting a competition starting at 14:00hrs today at Turning Point.

Entrance fee is $10,000 and the winning team will pocket a trophy and $130,000, while the runner up will take home $60,000 and third place $20,000. Interested teams can contact Wiltshire on 659 8672.

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Sunday June 23, 2019

Kaieteur News

Brathwaite ton in vain as New Zealand win Windies thriller AFP - Carlos Brathwaite hit a stunning century but just fell short of leading the West Indies to a remarkable victory as New Zealand won a World Cup thriller by five runs yesterday.

The West Indies were all but defeated at 164 for seven, chasing 292 to win after New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s career-best 148 helped take the Black Caps to 291-8.

Inspired by Brathwaite’s remarkable hundred, the West Indies nearly secured an incredible success at Old Trafford.

But with six needed from seven balls, Brathwaite launched Jimmy Neesham for what he hoped would be the winning hit, only for Trent Boult to take a superbly judged catch just inside the long-on boundary.

Brathwaite sank to his knees in despair after falling for 101 off just 82 balls, including five sixes and nine fours, having dominated a last-wicket stand of 41 in which he scored all the runs.

Victory saw New Zealand return to the top of the table and all but secure their place in the semi-finals as a heartbreaking defeat left the West Indies on the verge of elimination.

“A tough game at the end.

I’m proud of the guys, especially Carlos Brathwaite,” said West Indies captain Jason Holder.

“Getting so close I guess it does make it tougher to take.”

But he refused to blame Brathwaite for the way he got out with an over still remaining.

“We wouldn’t have gone down to the penultimate (over) if it wasn’t for Carlos as well. He’s been playing excellently well up to that

unable to cling on at midwicket.

Gayle’s luck ran out when he hoisted Colin de Grandhomme to the long-on boundary where Boult held a safe catch.

Shimron Hetmyer made 54 but couldn’t press on and when Kemar Roach wqs caught behind, the West Indies were 211-8.

But then came a dramatic rally, with the game turned on its head by a stunning 48th over from Henry that yielded 25 runs.

Brathwaite, whose 37 previous one-day internationals had yielded just one fifty, flat-batted a straight six.

Next ball he hit an extraordinary one-handed six over backward point despite breaking his bat in the process.

Brathwaite then smashed

a full toss straight for another six with his new bat, but even his heroics were in vain.

Earlier, Sheldon Cottrell removed New Zealand openers Martin Guptill and Munro for golden ducks in the first over of the match.

But Williamson’s second successive World Cup hundred, after a matchwinning 106 not out against South Africa on Wednesday, took New Zealand to a competitive total.

Scores: NEW ZEALAND 291 for eight off 50 overs (Kane Williamson 148, Ross Taylor 69, Jimmy Neesham 28; Sheldon Cottrell 4-56, Carlos Brathwaite 2-58).

WEST INDIES 286 off 49 overs (Carlos Brathwaite 101, Chris Gayle 87, Shimron Hetmyer 54; Trent Boult 4-30, Lockie Ferguson 3-59).

Elaine nips Shelly in worldleading 10.73 to cop 100m ...Briana Williams breaks national junior record again West Indies’ Carlos Brathwaite is consoled by New Zealand’s Ross Taylor after the heartbreaking loss. (Action Images via Reuters Lee Smith) point,” Holder said.

Meanwhile, Williamson was relieved by the way his side had just held their nerve.

“The West Indies are incredibly dangerous, even down their order. Credit to them, but credit to our side for getting a competitive total,” Williamson said.

“It’s a great game of cricket, good to be on the winning side. It’s been a great learning curve for us.”

Veteran opener Chris Gayle threatened to make New Zealand pay dearly for

dropping him three times during a typically blistering 87 off 84 balls that delighted a near-capacity crowd.

But he eventually holed out during a collapse that saw five wickets lost for 22 runs in 28 balls.

Shai Hope, batting up front after inured opener Evin Lewis was not allowed to partner Gayle, having being off the field injured for most of New Zealand’s innings, played on to Boult for just one — the first wicket of an excellent 4-30 for the pace

bowler Gayle was first dropped on 15 when Boult floored a desperately difficult chance off Matt Henry as the ball dropped over his shoulder.

Gayle responded by hitting paceman Henry’s next two balls for six.

- Luck runs out He was next reprieved on 58 when Henry dropped a routine chance at deep square leg off Mitchell Santner, with the spinner again denied Gayle’s wicket in the same over when Colin Munro was

Jamaica Observer Double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson brought the house down with a scintilating world-leading 10.73 clocking to win the 100m just ahead of two-time Olympic champion ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce, who was second also in 10.73 at the JAAA Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships at the National Stadium Friday night.

Thompson, who started slowly got into top gear and caught the fast-starting Fraser-Pryce close to home for the second year running.

Seventeen-year-old Briana Williams was third in 10.94, and for the umpteenth time, she has lowered her national junior record and became the first Jamaican teenager to dip below the coveted 11-second barrier.

Meanwhile, Yohan Blake won the men’s 100m in 9.96 ahead of Tyquendo Tracey in 10.00. Rasheed Dwyer was third in 10.10 with Senoj-Jay Givans fourth in 10.13.

Earlier, Christine Day was the quickest into the semifinals of the women’s 400m with 51.47. Chrisann Gordon won heat two in 51.91, while Stephenie Ann McPherson outbattled Shericka Jackson

to win heat four in 51.97.

Jackson, with the World Championship bronze medallist jogging the first 200m and was second in 51.98 and has a lot more in reserve.

American Shamier Little won heat one in 51.48, but won’t be able to participate in the final. Anastasia LeRoy was second in 52.45 and through to the semi-finals.

A depleted looking men’s 400m already without Akeem Bloomfield and the injured defending champion Christopher Taylor, saw Nathon Allen failing to turn up for his heat, along with the promising Karayme Bartley, who had a 45.80 clocking this season.

Terry Thomas of Racers Track Club won heat hree in 45.83, which is the fastest heading into the semi-finals.

Sean Bailey, the brother of Veronica Campbell Brown, won heat two in 46.08, while Javon Francis was second in heat four in 47.36 running out of lane eight. Wayne Lawrence won in 47.15.

National record holder Rusheen McDonald looked good and won heat five in 46.67 ahead of Demish Gaye with 46.77. Former Calabar High star Anthony Carpenter, now representing Akan, was fourth in 48.16.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 23, 2019

PAGE 73

GMR&SC Drag C/ship round 2

Team Mohamed’s White GT-R ready for today’s action

T

Team Mohamed’s Principal Azruddin Mohamed and Driver Terrence Cox (left) (www.ackeemthomas.com)

eam Mohamed’s white Nissan GTR is tuned and working perfectly fine ahead of today’s highly anticipated explosion of speed for the second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Drag Championships at the South Dakota Circuit’s Drag Strip.

The rain may have curtailed a full day of practice on Friday, but it gave the Team ample time to ensure their beast, dubbed one of the fastest in the world, is mechanically ready to thrill the numerous fans.

At the last meet in March, the car did not compete due to mechanical issues, but according to the driver Terence Cox, it’s a different ballgame this time around.

“We are ready to go. We did a burnout this morning (Friday) and everything worked well. Every issue we had last time we have already gone over and rechecked and we don’t have any issues

Team Mohamed’s white GTR is ready to set the Timheri Drag Strip on fire today.

now so we are ready to go out and make some passes in this car,” he explained.

“We worked all day, we worked from like from 10 in the morning to 3 at night and tuner Wayne Potts has been doing all the work. He replaced every single wire harness in the car, replaced all the ECU [Electronic Control Unit] in the car and put a power distribution into the car. We placed a little bit bigger tyres on it, but that is all we did different for this

trip,” he further noted.

With the black GT-R, Goliath, also in their arsenal, Team Mohamed’s holds the track record at the new quarter-mile strip, a blistering 8.584s. On the previous 1000ft strip, the car held the record with a time of 7.52s.

“We want to come out and prove we are the best and anytime anyone starts to come anywhere close to us we are immediately buying new parts to go faster, we are

always trying to make these cars go quicker,” Cox explained.

The team is yet to taste defeat, and many have tried, with the rail-car from Trinidad and Tobago making a run and the constant efforts of Shawn Persaud and his Toyota Caldina and now Balram Mechanics and their Trans Pacific Altezza along with Peter Daby’s collection of RX-7s. Admission to the South Dakota Circuit will cost $1000; kids $500.

t r o Sp

Brathwaite ton in vain as New Zealand win Windies thriller

West Indies’ Carlos Brathwaite almost inspired an incredible win over New Zealand.

(AFP / Dibyangshu Sarkar)

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson led his side’s recovery against the West Indies.

(AFP / Dibyangshu Sarkar)

Concacaf Gold Cup

Neil Danns scores double as Golden Jaguars lose to Panama 4-2

Action between Guyana and Panama in their Gold Cup encounter in Cleveland yesterday.

- Coach Johnson disappointed with performance

Panama’s Fidel Escobar (#4) on the left, seeks for the ball against Neil Danns of Guyana group D game of the Concacaf Gold Cup at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland Ohio on June 22, 2019. (goldcup.org)

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