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Thursday June 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The audit findings and the inaction There have been a lot of revelations coming from the audits ordered by the Granger administration. These audits were forced by the many reports of corrupt transactions during the tenure of the Jagdeo and Ramotar administrations. The public sat and hoped for anything that would put the corrupt persons behind bars. Indeed, in the run-up to the elections, the politicians challenging for political power had the mantra, “We will jail them.” It was some months before the first audits were made public and indeed a lot of irregularities were uncovered. Large chunks of money seemed to have been moved around without the requisite authority; semi-autonomous agencies made loans to other agencies in much the same way commercial banks did. The auditors failed to find a paper trail in many cases. Contractors were fingered. Many were overpaid or were paid for work that they did not execute. But for all this, there have been no attempts - or so it seems - to have people prosecuted. In fact, the general populace is now saying that it is giving up hope of seeing anyone prosecuted. President David Granger, when asked about the findings of the audits, said that they would have uncovered facts, and that the police must now do their work. We are not sure that the police have the capability to cope with white collar crime. There is a legal adviser who is knowledgeable about the law, but we are not clear whether she has seen many of the audits. The audits uncovered evidence of over-pricing, yet there seems no way for the government to recover its money. One of the hotbeds of corruption seemed to be the programme that would have seen 90,000 households being provided with laptops over three years. It turns out that thousands of the laptops were stolen and thousands more were defective, suggesting that the supplier provided defective equipment. Why has no one been asked to provide explanations for the irregularities? We are aware that one of the first things that the previous administration did was accuse the present government of witch-hunting and being ever so conscious of accusations, the government may be reluctant to act, even in the face of the most dastardly crime, once it seems to have been committed by people associated with the previous government. This could only be seen as a case of trying to tolerate wrongdoing. The government is probably more aware of the fact that it came to office on the slimmest of majorities, and it therefore wants to safeguard that majority and at the same time, take measures that would win over opposition supporters. What it does not know is that given the political history of this country, there is unlikely to be any significant shift in voting trends. The result is that a government must do what it knows is right and let the chips fall where they may. And while the government is trying to avoid ruffling the opposition feathers, the very opposition is doing all it could to demean the government. There is constant reference to the campaign promises, one of which is the reduction of the value added tax. It matters not that while it was in government, the opposition had also promised that reduction. Three years later, when Donald Ramotar was ousted, there was no move in this direction. At present we are seeing some responses to the findings in the audits from people who claim to be maligned. They have also accused the auditors of being unprofessional for releasing the findings to the media. There is the insistence that the audits have failed to find corrupt transactions, a conclusion that we do not support. Given the expenditure, we would expect to see some serious movement to correct the anomalies that have surfaced. We also expect to see people made to repay monies that they wrongly ordered to be spent. The audits have exposed a lot and we want to see something for the money spent to have them conducted.
I am in disagreement with this viewpoint DEAR EDITOR: Allow me a few lines to comment on Freddie Kissoon’s column in Wednesday’s edition of your newspaper captioned “We never should have celebrated the 50th in such a big way.” At the outset let me make it clear that I respect the right of individuals to have and express views on issues, especially on matters pertaining to the governance of their country of birth and/ or residence. So Freddie has every right, as a widely read columnist to express his views and to help shape public opinion on issues of national import. That having been said I must point out that others have the right to disagree and to offer counter opinions and I disagree with Freddie’s position that “we never should have celebrated the 50th in such a big way”. I am not aware of anyone’s challenge of Freddie’s commitment to Guyana, notwithstanding some of his views that suggest that Guyana is a failed state and that we have nothing to celebrate, which views I do not share. I totally agree with Freddie and countless others that the flag raising
ceremony and the golden jubilee gala leaved much to be desired. I hope there is a cabinet review of these events and that there be lessons learnt from this experience that would prevent reoccurrences of such embarrassment. These unfortunate disappointments notwithstanding, the 50th anniversary celebrations, in my view reflected the pride, loyalty and commitment of the majority of Guyanese, at home and abroad, to their homeland. In my view these celebrations, big as they were, were necessary. I spent from May 10 to 17 and then from May 20 to 31 in Guyana during which time I interacted with people at all levels….from Bam Bam Alley to Berbice…..with comrades and concubines…..and what I discovered from these interactions was a “forgiving disappointment “ with the performance of the coalition government during its first year in office, yet great hope and enthusiasm for a better Guyana in the near future. Freddie questions whether the state of the economy and infrastructure could bear the burden of these big celebrations but never asked the question whether the economic impact of the spending by visitors and others would offset gov-
ernment spending and therefore reflect a positive contribution to the economy. He also makes reference to an incident at one of several shows held during the past month and compares it to an incident free Rhianna world tour. I am sure that Freddie is aware of several concerts in various parts of the world where there was violence and loss of innocent life. In Miami just last year there was a concert at which there was violence and loss of life. In my view, one of the most significant positives of the celebrations is that there were few incidents and just one tragic loss of life of a young man crushed by a truck. There were expectations among some of rapes and robberies but these were not to be. Even with the aggressive driving by Guyanese motorists I have heard of no major accidents notwithstanding the many “comebackees” who took to the road in rental cars and family vehicles. So my friend Freddie, whom I saw on at least two occasions at the fish shop on Drury Lane, hopefully enjoying the celebrations, like I did, might want to rethink his position on whether or not the celebrations should have been so big. Wesley Kirton
An appeal to the State and Trade Unions THE EDITOR; Sir, I’m appealing to all Guyanese, especially the President, the Minister of
Labour and our trade unions, please don’t let foreign entrepreneurs abuse our citizens or our country. Such firms include BOSAI Mining, RUSAL, Arora Mining (Guyana Gold Fields) and
Insult to our National Anthem DEAR EDITOR; These days of celebration of the Jubilee of the independence of this beautiful Guyana, we get to see and hear about our own national symbolisms by patriotic Guyanese and nonGuyanese. This is really a moment to celebrate our own heritage because we are worthy of our own heritage. It is heartening for me to see and hear this in our celebrations of Independence. We have a rich heritage and it is right that we showcase this so that our children learn to be patriotic. But allow me say some of the disheartening desecration of our national symbols. Our Golden Arrowhead is all over the place and is being trampled. This is really an insult for our flag. Our national anthem is sung in misappropriate manner. I heard a group of foreigners (non-Guyanese) signing the national anthem with off note screaming and of course let me not mention the posture they used to sing. I felt they were insulting
our national anthem. Pity is that they live in Guyana and insult the land that presently dwell. My question is; do we have a law against the people who intentionally insult or desecrate our national symbols? I know some of the countries have the law of imprisonment for a term of up to three years or fine. Jonathan Singh
Troy Resources. BOSAI Mining. They have their workers labouring in a lot of unfavourable conditions and their salaries aren’t so good. RUSAL: It fired several employees because they were outspoken against the poor conditions they were facing and the previous administration did nothing about it. I presume, the lack of response or lack of concern was because those employees are bauxite workers and not sugar workers. Sir, things to note: the Chinese and the Russians are two sets of people who have no regards for the industrial laws and labour in this country. Arora Mining: This Company got rid of employees like swatting flies off of a lunch table. How can they ill-treat people like that, without any consideration?
Troy Resources: The majority of employees are on a contract basis. Why? Are they running from a long term relationship with their employees, so that they don’t want to provide long term benefit to their subjects? To our trade unionist, please represent your workers quite diligently and don’t sell them out for 40 pieces of silver. Remember these workers elect you to represent them. They placed their confidence in you and please don’t betray it. Throughout the years in the history of trade unions in the mining industry, on many of occasions the unions and Labour Ministry sold out their employees that they supposed to represent. So I’m begging, PLEASE DON’T go down that road again. Derick Bacchus
Hemp production in Linden is possible DEAR EDITOR, Every day we hear about the country’s economy in shambles, high rate of unemployment and crime, and our major sectors rice, sugar and mining are in trouble. But I listened on Saturday last (May28th 2016) to an interview with one Dr. Doerga, President of Guyana Hemp Association on Radio Linden on the massive economic benefits our country can reap with the production of indus-
trial hemp. He spoke in depth of the opportunities the country can reap if it produces hemp. It can reduce poverty, provide massive employment and also develop communities on the Coastland and the Hinterland and Guyana as a whole. I urge President David Granger and his APNU/AFC administration to give the no objection to the production of industrial Hemp in the country so we could to build our economy. I call also on Dr. Dooerga and his group to immedi-
ately launch an awareness program to sensitive Guyanese on the prospects of hemp production. He spoke about a National Consultation to be held next month in Georgetown. Please arrange a Regional Consultation in Linden as early as possible. We have the Land in Linden and Region 10, as well as the manpower and other infrastructure to the push the production so we could develop our great Region and the town of Linden. Alfred Park
Thursday June 02, 2016
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Kaieteur News
The C.R.O.W. N. analysis The engineer responds to in the scheme of things the audit report DEAR EDITOR; The political life in Guyana has a distinct feature that does not gravitate to the general human population. After fifty years someone who has lived through these years can possibly determine the statistics and status of a nation. Demographics; the characteristics of a human population or part of it, especially its size, growth, density, distribution and statistics regarding birth [life], marriage disease and death- dictionary meaning. The statistics of this nation is the simplest of equation known to a Secondary school student; but the status of the nation speaks volumes of what we are made of,
in regards to prominence, integrity, moral standings, position, prestige and ambience of the nation. For the years that have gone by Guyana has been under the demographics radar. Yes, we have had many births and deaths in every era of national life; we have also seen life situation played out in the most unusual ways. For instance, we struggle as a nation to embrace a unique way of leadership that would transport us to our destiny. We seem to be a nation in distress, despair and discouragement. Our leaders have not step up to the task of nation building in the most excellent way, although we produced bril-
liant minds and top scholars. This indeed is a mystery only God Almighty can explain. But one thing is certain our purpose in reaching our destiny has not been fulfilled. The scheme of life, when carefully analyzed, reveals an amazing acronym with the word - CROWN. The ‘C’ speaks of Challenges. Yes the realities of Challenges - those every day trials, testing and temptations we face as Nation they are real, and it seems as though we lack the navigational skills or the inspiration to rally through the storms of life. The’ R’ speaks of Rewards. Yes, the dimensions or magnitude of rewards. This is the (Continued on page 23)
Jubilee Celebrations - Were there not Six races? DEAR EDITOR; The most awaited event in the history of Guyana has come and gone, in fact it can be now considered history. Sadly, there are still some painfully lingering questions present, ones that need to be urgently addressed if we are anticipating another 50 as a nation, and not a nay-shun. It is with some degree of grave concern that I read about the fiasco surrounding the seating controversy for the Opposition Members of Parliament. In addition there were also concerns expressed re: the absence of our Indian brothers and sisters at both the Flag Raising and the Float Parade. Kaieteur News, May 29, 2016: The missing link in the Jubilee Celebration. Both the incident and incidence speak volumes. Let us not be deceived, no set of statistics can fully capture the changes the country and its citizens have recently experienced. According to Martin Luther King Jnr. love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy toa friend.On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before 250,000 individuals of all races and colors stood a man with a dream. A man who had the dream of justice and equality everywhere , with a clear vision that someday we will all embrace each other with open arms
irregardless of the color of our skin. Now five decades later that fight still continues, not the fight of race only but rather the fight of love. We can theorize to the last “t” but currently in Guyana our problem is not so much about race, but rather the lack of unconditional love and respect we show to each other. Needless to say, I am left puzzled, to the point where I cannot help but wonder if taking into account 50 years of independence, have we progressed or regressed as a society. And if we have regressed what are the causal factors?.Could it be that as a people we have not seen enough struggle to create the progress required for change? What solutions are we aiming for? Are we aiming for love and peace or are we simply creating more division between all parties involved?” Helen Keller, the great American political activist said the only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision. As the country enters into a new era which brings with it a new 50th year era , again I cannot help but wonder if the government and its ministers have arrived
safely into the 50th year but have brought with them their own pre 50th year vision/ attitude etc. We have developed into a culture where more time is spent by both parties profiling each other on a daily basis. This has caused a resultant disconnect between what is right and what is wrong, thereby causing more harm than good. My firm belief is that as a nation the time has come to merge the separation that has been wedged between the two main races. The force that has kept us progressing for what is only right. As my native land looks confidently towards its postJubilee future, it is my fervent hope that this simple message finds its way into the souls and minds of the President, Ministers even of the Opposition, and the people that they may come to the mindfulness that a country divided will fall, but together will stand. Let us focus on doing the right things and not simply doing things right. In conclusion, permit me to once again quote Martin Luther King Jr., wherein he affirms, darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. Yvonne Sam
DEAR EDITOR; I have read Saykar Boodhoo’s audit report as it relates to the construction of GMC building and am greatly amused at the spurious allegations and baseless recommendations contained therein, most of which is based on poor analysis and ‘hear say’ information. Before I go into detail, the background of the project needs to be explained. GMC embarked on the process of constructing a new office building in 2009. I was employed by the ASDU Department of the Ministry of the Agriculture at the time and was asked to prepare the design and relevant documentation for the construction of the building. The budget for the project was 24M which was unrealistic based on the required size of the building. Due to the unrealistic budget, the project had to be tendered on three separate occasions between 2009 and 2010 before a contractor was identified to undertake the construction within the budget. The contractor identified on the third round of tendering was Constantine Engineering and Construction Services who was the lowest bidder as well as the only bidder within the budget. It was recognized that the contractor did not have the necessary experience however the Tender board decided to accept the contractor’s bid as GMC’s management did not want to go to tender for a fourth time. When the construction got under way I was asked to overlook the project however given my workload at ASDU clear instructions were given by the Director of ASDU that time should only be spend on projects for external agencies (such as GMC, NAREI, etc.) after 4:30 and on weekends. Given this limitation on supervision and an inexperi-
enced contractor it is obvious that the work would not have been of the best quality. Nevertheless every attempt was made to have the project completed satisfactorily although this did not happen. Defective work was identified and payments were withheld from the contractor which subsequently led to him leaving the job as he was unable to remedy the defects. The defects that I identified at the time were the leaking roof and the wrong type of wood used for the internal walls. This led to a sum of $1,633,772 being withheld from the contactor which was greater than the cost of the internal walls and the defective part of the roof. On no occasion was any old zinc used on the roof, a few of the sheets were placed badly and had to be removed and repositioned which led to holes in those sheets. With regard to the problem of peeling of the paint in
certain areas, no such problem existed at the time up to the end of the defects liability period, as such I cannot be held responsible for that. With regard to the flaking of concrete, the only area where this occurred that I know about is in the vicinity of the generator which was as a result of the generator exhaust being bolted to the masonry wall which was not designed for the vibration from the generator. With regard to the change in ceiling material, that was a decision taken from a technical standpoint in collaboration with GMC’s management. Clearly, if Saykar Boodhoo was worth his salt, he would have reviewed the background and factual information on the project before making spurious allegations and baseless recommendations. He is auditing a project and does not know what was paid for and what wasn’t for, and is going around tarnishing people’s reputation to gain cheap points with the Government. Hanniel Madramootoo
Appeal to GTT for land lines in this area DEAR EDITOR; Kindly allow me to use this forum to voice my concern about the lack of phone lines and consequently internet connection in certain parts of Region 3. I have relatives who live in the La Grange area just off the Demerara Harbor Bridge and am appalled that this area has been without land line phones for a number of years. This area is quite close to Georgetown and had phone lines several years ago, but due to some problem that GT&T experienced, the service became unavailable to residents. I do not know why
GT&T has never seen it fit to rectify this situation. It is possibly an oversight by them coupled with the fact that the residents have sat back and accepted this situation for several years without much complaints? They use their cell phones for all sorts of communication, which I may add is more expensive. I see this as totally unacceptable from a company that boast of their faster internet speed and progress. I am not certain how many households are affected but I feel that persons as far as Canal Polder have no land line. I trust that the company would see this letter and hasten to right this wrong. This is 2016. Juliet Hinds
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Thursday June 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Scrap Metal Unit audit…
Inspectors, others paid over $43M to do little A special investigative report ordered by the Granger administration into the Scrap Metal Unit has found poor monitoring of the trade, especially when it came to understanding how containers were packed for export. The report, prepared by Ram and McRae, and released last week by the Ministry of Finance, noted that this happened despite the hiring of a number of seasoned, ex-law enforcement workers. Shortly after the David Granger administration took office in May last year, there were concerns expressed over the operations of the unit which had been removed, under the Government of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), from the Office of the Prime Minister to the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. The trade has been suspended. In early 2012, via a Cabinet decision, it was then placed under Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), which fell under former Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali. Ali gave the unit’s operation under the authority of his right man at CH&PA, Director of Finance, Taslim Baksh. The discovery of almost $200M sitting in a Republic Bank account also raised questions after it was discovered that monies had been transferred from the Bank of Guyana. Monies were used to buy a pickup without any approval of the then Cabinet of Ministers with even a
- CH&PA’s Finance Director, Taslim Baksh, collected two salaries questionable case of payment to an advertising firm, Impressions, for Mashramani when the unit was not participating in the event. There were other payments for drinks ($500,000) for Minister Ali and $300,000 for a social event. According to the report, contrary to laid down procedures, there were instances where containers were packed in yards not legally approved. NO INSPECTIONS “We also noted that there is no inspection by any engineer attached to the unit.” The investigations found that the movement of scrap metal from collection yards to licensed ones was not being observed as is required. During the period of operation, 2011-2015, the unit made monthly payments to Inspectors, Enforcement Officers, Administrator and Drivers totaling $43.1M without any deduction of PAYE and NIS contributions. It is the obligation of the employer to deduct and remit the taxes and NIS contributions payable, the report said. “The act itself does not specify a subject Minister and it is therefore within the power of the President, acting through the Cabinet, to assign it (the unit) to a particular Minister.” The Minister has powers to prohibit all old metal, or any
There was very little monitoring of scrap metal yards by inspectors specified kind or description of old metal, from being shipped or otherwise exported from Guyana for a specific period of time not exceeding one year, if the Minister considers it necessary or expedient in the interest of preventing or curbing any illegal activity. According to the report, the function of the Scrap Metal Unit is not explained in any legislation. Rather, auditors received an unsigned, undated copy of a document outlining the functions of the unit. These include conducting daily inspection on scrap metal yards to ensure they are licensed and properly secured; the identification of
Former Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali illegal materials and making notes of shipping containers that may be present at the location at the time of inspection. The inspectors were also expected to, along with the Guyana Police Force and officials from Guyana Metal Recyclers Association, conduct investigations into vandalism, theft of scrap metal and verifying the type of metal being exported. Auditors found that inspectors were only partially observing the loading process of scrap metal into containers to ensure that there no illegal materials or substance are stuffed into containers for export. As a matter of fact, the team from the unit only does spot checks on the containers and metal being loaded into the containers and does not monitor the movement of scrap metal from collection yards to licensed yards. According to the report, there were 12 persons listed as employed by the unit. TWO SALARIES While the Administrator was Baksh, and who collected
Former CH&PA’s Finance Director, Taslim Baksh over $3.1M between 2011 and 2015, there was a Chief Scrap Metal Inspector- Muneshwar Singh. It would mean that Baksh collected two salaries- one from the Scrap Metal Unit and the other from CH&PA. The other Scrap Metal Inspectors were Solomon Merai; Andre Ian Wills; Quadir Khan and Mitchel Schwiers. The drivers/enforcers were Ravindra Teekaram; Gladwin Stuart and Dharmendra Lackan. The other workers, described as Enforcement Officers were Rajput Narine, Richard Baldie and Wayne Adams. According to the report, Solomon Merai is the former Assistant Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force who retired December 31, 2011. Rajput Narine was named as a former bodyguard of Anil Nandlall, Attorney General in the PPP/C Administration 2011 – 2014. He was fingered during the investigations into the killing of activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing. In its conclusions and recommendations, the report
by Ram and McRae noted that there was far too much uncertainty surrounding the trade while the law governing it is severely outdated. “There appears no consistent policy towards the trade with the Government opening and closing the trade at will.” The report questioned the decision by the PPP/C administration to transfer the scrap metal trade to CH&PA. “In our opinion there is a high probability of revenue leakage but because of the inadequate reporting, any estimate is merely speculative.” There also appeared to be a total lack of coordination between and among the four agencies involved- the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Business, the Scrap Metal Unit and the Guyana Revenue Authority. “The law and the trade need to be completely revamped after consultation with key stakeholders. However, the Government needs to put interim measures in place as the trade is at a standstill while export is temporarily banned.”
Thursday June 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Islamic State faces major assaults on two fronts in Iraq, Syria (Reuters) - Islamic State insurgents faced major assaults on two fronts in both Iraq and Syria yesterday in what could prove to be some of the biggest operations to roll back their caliphate since they proclaimed it in 2014. In Syria, U.S.-backed militia with thousands of Arab and Kurdish fighters were reported to have captured villages near the strategicallyimportant Turkish border after launching a major operation to cut off Islamic State’s last access route to the outside world. In Iraq, Prime Minister Haider Abadi ordered his troops to slow an advance at the gates of Falluja, Islamic State’s closest redoubt to the capital Baghdad, to limit harm to civilians, two days after the army poured into rural areas on the city’s outskirts. Both operations are unfolding with the support of a U.S.-led coalition that has been targeting the ultrahardline Sunni Muslim militants, who proclaimed a caliphate to rule over all Muslims from territory in the two neighboring countries. The Syrian operation includes American special forces operating in advisory roles on the ground. In Iraq, the U.S.-led coalition has provided air support to government forces who are also assisted by Iranian-backed Shi’ite militia. While there is no indication that the two advances were deliberately timed to coincide, they show how a variety of enemies of Islamic State have been mobilizing in recent months in what Washington and other world powers hope will be a decisive year of battle to destroy the group’s pseudo-state. “LAST FUNNEL” The Syrian operation, which began on Tuesday after weeks of preparations, aims to drive Islamic State from the last stretch of the frontier with Turkey it controls. “It’s significant in that it’s their last remaining funnel” to Europe, a U.S. military official told Reuters. Islamic State has used the border for years to receive material and recruits from the outside world, and, more recently, to send militants back to Europe to carry out attacks. An 80-km stretch of terrain north of the town of Manbij is the only part of the Turkish frontier still accessible to the militants after advances by Kurdish fighters and President Bashar alAssad’s government elsewhere. A small number of U.S. special operations forces will
support the push on the ground to capture the “Manbij pocket”, acting as advisers some distance back from the front lines, U.S. officials said, discussing the plans on condition of anonymity. “They’ll be as close as they need to be for the (Syrian fighters) to complete the operation. But they will not engage in direct combat,” the first official said. The operation will also count on air power from the U.S.-led coalition, which pounded Islamic State positions near Manbij with 18 strikes on Tuesday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a group that reports on the conflict there with a network of sources on the ground, said Islamic State had been pushed out of 16 villages near Manbij. U.S.-led air strikes in support of the ground operation had killed 15 civilians including three children near Manbij in the last 24 hours, the Observatory said. The assault is being carried out by an alliance known as the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), which is composed of a powerful Kurdish militia called the YPG, and Arab combatants that have allied themselves with it. The group, set up last year, is the main ground force to receive U.S. backing in Syria, where Washington opposes Assad’s government and has had difficulty finding capable allies on the ground in the past. U.S. officials stressed that most of the fighting near Manbij would be carried out by Arabs, an emphasis apparently aimed at Turkey, which considers the Kurdish YPG to be foes. “After they take Manbij, the agreement is the YPG will not be staying ... So you’ll have Syrian Arabs occupying traditional Syrian Arab land,”
the first U.S. official said. However, the Observatory described much of the fighting so far as carried out by Kurds. The operation is taking place ahead of an eventual push by the U.S.-backed Syrian forces toward Raqqa, Islamic State’s de facto Syrian capital, which, alongside Iraq’s northern city of Mosul is one of two main objectives to bring down the caliphate. U.S. President Barack Obama has authorized about 300 U.S. special operations forces to operate on the ground inside Syria to help coordinate with local forces. In a reminder of the risks, one U.S. service member was injured north of Raqqa over the weekend, the Pentagon said. A five-year-long, multisided civil war in Syria, in which global powers back enemy sides, has made it impossible to coordinate a single campaign against Islamic State there. The U.S.-backed advance comes some weeks after Assad government troops, with Russian and Iranian support, recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from Islamic State. FALLUJA PAUSE In Iraq, where Abadi’s Shi’ite-led government enjoys military backing both from the United States and Washington’s regional adversary Iran, the decision to pause at the gates of Falluja postpones for now what is expected to be one of the biggest battles ever fought against Islamic State. “It would have been possible to end the battle quickly if protecting civilians wasn’t among our priorities,” Abadi told military commanders at the operations room near the front line in footage broadcast on state television. “Thank God, our units are at the outskirts of Falluja and victory is within reach.”
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Govt. to rid Guyana of ‘BaiShanLin syndrome’ - Natural Resources Minister ….Local loggers promised a level playing field By: Kiana A. Wilburg Just a handful of foreign companies operating within Guyana’s lush, rich forests have been able to benefit like kings mainly because they were granted concession packages worth billions of dollars. This had led to an outrage among local logging entities, some of which have noted over the years that there has been grave bias and discrimination within the forestry sector. But for Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, this state of affairs will not be allowed to go on any longer. Trotman said that the Ministry of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), will combine their efforts to ensure that a level playing field in the sector will be established. He said that this will be done in a number of ways, one of which includes due diligence exercises which, he said, will be carried out to ensure that the nation attracts “credible investors”. “And after we do, we will ensure that there is strict compliance with laws,
regulations and investment agreements where tax concessions are granted. Local logging companies will be held to the same high standards and in this way the field will be leveled.” Given all that took place with foreign companies such as BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc, the Natural Resources Minister also assured that he intends to do things differently especially as it relates to contracts signed with foreign companies. He said that the best way to address the so called “BaiShanLin syndrome” is to be constantly vigilant and to ensure better regulation. “Many people blame BaiShanLin alone but fail to recognize that right here in Guyana, others allowed many of the things complained about to transpire.” The Natural Resources Minister maintained that when he examined the sector upon taking office last year, he was concerned about the overall sense of a “free for all.” He assured however that the Government is working to bring order to the sector. Trotman said that there is no doubt that some foreign companies did not honour
Dem boys seh ...
Manager for BaiShanLin, Chu Hongbo
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman
their investment agreements and were given a “free pass” by the former administration. He said, “This again is something that we have put a stop to. However, we remain ready, willing and able to work with any foreign company that is prepared to respect our laws, the workers they hire and the investments agreements they sign.” The forensic audit report on the operations of Bai Shan Lin Forest Development Inc. had brought numerous worrying findings into the spotlight. It was noted for example that this very company was granted concessions for machinery, equipment and construction
materials which were just too excessive and in many instances, had nothing to do with its work. The data provided by GRA shows that during the period 2012 to 2015, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration granted BaiShanLin fiscal concessions on a variety of machinery, equipment and construction materials. These items carried a value of $7.5 billion, equivalent to US$37.3 million. The total value of concessions granted amounted to $1.827 billion. The report which was prepared by Chartered Accountant Anand Goolsarran, noted that GRA
was unable to provide information relating to the earlier years because of computer problems. The concessions for the equipment and other machinery was based on investment agreements entered into between the former Government and BaiShanLin for the construction of a wood processing facility in Region Ten. Goolsarran said, “A review of the list of items of machinery, equipment and construction materials for which fiscal concessions were granted indicates that many of the items were either unrelated to, or were significantly in excess of the requirements for the construction of wood processing facility.” The forensic auditor said that indeed, the evidence suggests that the fiscal concessions granted were substantially in relation to BaiShanLin’s ownership and or control of five logging companies which had Timber Sales Agreements (TSAs) as well as its proposed investment at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The Chartered Accountant noted that up to the time of reporting, BaiShanLin had not fulfilled its obligations under the investment agreements and was requesting an additional two years to
Jagdeo really bareface Prison COI recommends no more ... Jagdeo get bareface. This is de highest bareface can get. It can’t get higher than this. Dem boys seh imagine this man, Jagdeo, sit at de helm of this nation fuh almost 13 years. Wholesale thiefing start under his stewardship; dem boys expose everything that coming out in de audit and much more. Dem talk about de fat crook Brassington and NICIL. When he couldn’t tek it no more and when he realize dem boys closing in pun him he file 19 lawsuit in one day against de Waterfalls paper and run away to Miami. He was one of de main players in Jagdeo skullduggery. Name everything that Jagdeo plan and Brassington name on it. Dem plan begin wid scampishness, carry out in secrecy and end in full skullduggery. Dem boys talk bout de cable wha Dax and others mess up. In one case dem throw de cable pun de ground and throw sand over it. Dem boys talk bout de US$42M transmission line; dem boys talk bout Surendra de pump man, who Jagdeo love. Dem boys talk bout de one laptop, dem talk bout de radio and TV licence, de cable licence and de Berbice Bridge. Dem talk bout de Sanata complex wha Jagdeo give to Babbie fuh next to nutten; he talk bout de New GPC wha dem boys ain’t certain if he pay and all de drug deals wha run into trillions of dollars and in nuff cases drugs never supply. This is only de tip of de iceberg. Dem boys plan to publish a list on line so that de world can see that everything Jagdeo touch he get something and when he move he hand de project tun kaka. All Guyana suffer. And this is de same crook who saying jail people who de audit expose. He name deh at de top of every audit. De Pradoville One, dem tek it fuh next to nutten and de Pradoville Two, dem tek it fuh nutten. If dem audit de Palms Jagdeo or Uncle Eddie’s home Jagdeo name gun call. When dem do a count inside de prison, not only he name gun call but he will be present. And is not this jail alone dem boys talking about. Talk half and hope somebody tickle Soulja Bai.
From page 3 occurred on March 3, last, claimed the lives of 17 inmates of the Camp Street Prisons; the men were said to be burnt alive after a fire broke out at the Capital Block 'A' building. Following the deadly prison unrest, President Granger ordered that a COI be established. He appointed Justice James Patterson, Merle Mendonca and retired Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine as Commissioners to oversee the work. According to the rules of procedure, the panel was expected to render its report, findings and recommendations to the Minister of Public Security. Stakeholders whose
views was considered by the Commission may include staff of the Prisons and their representative unions, members of the Judiciary, prisoners accommodated within the Camp Street facility, functionaries in the Ministries of Public Health and Social Protection and any other stakeholder whose input would be deemed appropriate. President Granger subsequently ordered that an emergency meeting with officials of the Judiciary and members of the Executive be set up to discuss matters such the judicial backlog, which is said to be amongst the reasons leading to overcrowding of the prisons. Within the past two
months work was done to boost the capacity of the prisons. The Head of State said that the members of the Judiciary and of the Executive were instructed to look at issues affecting prison life. They were ordered to examine services geared towards providing rehabilitation for the inmates.
construct the long awaited wood-processing facility. The APNU+AFC administration is yet to say whether it will grant the Chinese company a two-year extension. Goolsarran said that it is important for one to remember that the company in a letter to the former Prime Minister, Sam Hinds, promised that the wood processing facility would have been completed since 2007. A further assurance was given in July 2012 in a letter to the former Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce that the facility would be ready by the end of 2013. The forensic auditor said that the investment agreements specifically provide for termination where there has been a failure to undertake the business proposal without providing a reasonable explanation. He said that when this happens, BaiShanLin is required to repay the value of all fisc a l c o n c e s s i o n s granted. Goolsarran said that despite the persistent failure by the Chinese company to honour its obligations under these agreements, and without reasonable explanations, no action has been taken to terminate the agreements under the previous regime. In addition, the Chartered Accountant said that the Guyana Revenue Authority and/or Go-Invest was/were required to visit the business premises and inspect assets that benefitted from the fiscal concessions. However, there was no evidence that this was done. Goolsarran has since recommended that the government terminate the investment agreement with the company as it has failed to honour any of its obligations to the nation.
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Thursday June 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Priya Manickchand and the dead man from Timbuktu I don’t have a Facebook account. Don’t know what happens in that sphere, but from time to time friends show me interesting posts. Yesterday, I was shown one such posting which I was told belonged to Priya Manickchand. It was a photograph of the long and winding queue outside the Passport Office. But that was only the beginning of the Manickchand post. A man from Timbuktu saw the photo from Manickchand and made a telephone call to Guyana to enquire about Manickchand. He was told that she is a member of the parliamentary
opposition. He thought this was a very radical politician in the Caribbean and he wanted to meet her. So enthralled was the Timbuktu guy that he took a straight flight from Mali and entered Guyana to meet the lady who made the news worldwide from the American Ambassador incident. He touched down at Eugene Correia Airport and on his way to meet the lady, made a stop at Congress Place. He was misled by the taxi driver who informed him that Congress Place is a political party office. He didn’t tell the visitor that it was the Head Office of the
ruling party. The Manickchand fan believed that he was at the Head Office of Manickchand’s party. Then the man got a rude awakening. PNC officials showed him a history of Manickchand as a part of the power structure of a party that held office for a few months shy of twenty-three years. He was shown the long lines outside the Passport Office when Manickchand was Minister of Social Services and old people from Essequibo and Berbice had to come way to Georgetown and apply for the document at that very office that appeared in Manickchand’s cynical Facebook posting. But the photo that really devastated the visitor was when he was shown the endless lines outside the Ministry of Education of
parents waiting for transfers and placements that they never got. By now the gentleman was told that Manickchand could be reached at Freedom House. He told the driver to take him to Freedom House. But before he left, the folks at Congress Place gave him photocopies of the long lines all over Guyana when Manickchand was Minister of Social Services and later, Minister of Education. The image that upset the gentleman was the long passages of old people waiting outside all the post offices in Guyana for their little pittance. The man from Timbuktu sat in the front seat of the car and kept looking at the photo of the old age pensioners. He asked the driver if the photos were genuine. The driver pointed out to him that they were photocopies from actual Guyana newspapers. He turned to the driver and said; “Is this, the person I travelled so far to embrace?” He intoned that he was disappointed that she
presided over the very depravities that she is now condemning. The taxi-guy reported that as the man kept talking about his chagrined feelings about Manickchand, his face turned a white shade of pale. Then he stopped talking. As the car pulled up outside of Freedom House, the man sat motionless, with head slumped to his right side. He was dead. Post-Mortem revealed he died from a grieving heart Anyone listening to Clement Rohee, Gail Teixeira, and Donald Ramotar would not believe that the first two have been Cabinet Ministers from 1992 to 2015; that Donald Ramotar was leader of the party in power from 1993 to 2011 and President for three years; that Bharrat Jagdeo was President for one dozen years. Let’s return to Manickchand. I saw students cry at UG after being in lines similar to the Passport Office queue she posted on her Faceboook page and that happened when she was Minister of Education. They were waiting to be registered. I saw how parents cried in the line after waiting a whole day to get a transfer to
Frederick Kissoon another school closer to where they live or work. And this was under Manickchand as Minister, and her mother as Senior Education Officer for Secondary Schools. I approached Manickchand’s mother for a transfer for a distraught mother but was turned down. This was the type of rundown system named Guyana that Manickchand presided over as Minister of Education. When I wrote about the irregularities of placements under Minister Manickchand, she called my editor and publisher and behaved the way she did at the American Ambassador’s residence. She probably thought she was magical and mesmerizing enough to get the newspaper to do what her government did to me at UG when she was the very Minister of Education.
Thursday June 02, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Recent mine cave-in...
GWMO reminds The law has not removed the Trotman, Govt of its Safety helmet - Acting Traffic Chief in Mining recommendations In the wake of another mining pit collapse, the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) said Tuesday, that it wishes to “remind” the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government of their safety in mining recommendations that were submitted to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, on November last. The Organisation, in its recommendation, had identified areas for improvement within the domain of safety in mining after reviewing the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Mining Pit Collapse Report, which was conducted after the demise of 11 miners in Mowasi, Potaro some time ago. After thoroughly reviewing the document, the GWMO said that it “noted well” the concerns of the CoI’s Commissioners. “One that dominated the report and was critical to the collapse was the lack of mining engineering knowledge by the excavator operators. This results in the
creation of weak mining pit walls. This risk is doubled in the rainy seasons. “The GWMO had recommended that agencies that provide excavator operation training, such as MACORP, Linden Technical Institute, Brian Tiwarie Inc. should be mandated to integrate mining safety and mining engineering into their curriculum.” Additionally, taking into consideration the excavator operators who are already in the field, the GWMO believes that the training of trainers approach would be best suited to reach that section of the mining population. “This will entail the training of a group of resource officers, who will in turn be mandated to execute a strategic plan to train excavator operators in the field, which should extend also to include operation workers and miners. This strategic plan must be executed upon completion of the initial training. Too many times persons are trained and not utilised
A section of the mine cave-in.
because there was no plan to do so, as such, the effort falls by the wayside. The inclusion of the miners and operation workers is critical to move towards having awareness and the change of attitude. No one can have greater value for life more than the men and women, whose lives are directly at risk.” Added to the mining safety, engineering and geotechnical training, first aid and other lifesaving medical techniques should be incorporated, the organisation asserted. “The first responders to any mining traders will be other miners, they must be knowledgeable on what actions must be taken to potentially save the lives of their colleagues. Utilising the handouts on safety issues in mining, available at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, and the production of this information on DVD explaining the material in the modules, as well as, demonstrating first aid and best practice to uncover (continued on page 13)
Motorcyclists are once again being reminded that riding on the country’s roadways without proper safety helmets is an offence. Once caught, charges will follow. This reminder is coming from Acting Traffic Chief, Boodnarine Persaud. During a recent interview at his Eve Leary Head Office, he stressed the importance of safety helmets to both riders and pillion riders. In the event of an accident, the acting Traffic Chief said that the helmets will offer some form of protection. “Riding without helmets is dangerous; they (motorcyclists) are always the vulnerable group because they are injured in the slightest collision.” “If you are driving on the road, you will see them (motorcyclists) pass you on the inside or on the outside and because of the congestion, you will hardly find them driving behind a vehicle. They will always try to pass through any little space,” Persaud stated. As of May 18, last, 16 persons were killed while on motorcycles. Of the total, four were pillion riders. Persaud said that most of the persons who were killed in accidents were not wearing helmets and while there were some who were wearing, it was not properly strapped so when the collision occurred, it flung off their heads and it
Acting Traffic Chief, Boodnarine Persaud
could not have protected them.” As a result of this, they died from brain haemorrhage and other internal head injuries. Apart from those who were killed, there were survivors also and this is mainly because they were protected by helmets. “There were people who suffered from broken limbs and survived,” Persaud pointed out. He added, “We have to bear in mind the traffic on the road and that without the helmets; they (cyclists) have no other form of protection.” Responding to questions about police ranks passing motorcyclists without helmets on the roadways and failing to stop them, the acting Traffic Chief said that he has not received any such reports and if indeed it
happens, then ranks need to ensure that the traffic laws are being adhered to. Only two Thursdays ago, motorcyclist Karamchand Singh was killed in an accident at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) while on his way home from a birthday party. The father of two collided with a motor vehicle. He was not wearing helmet and died as a result of head injuries. Also, On April 18, last, biker Rudolph Bess and his 16-year-old friend, Hansranie Persaud were killed during a three vehicle collision at Coverden, East Bank Demerara. Police believed that Bess’s helmet was not property strapped since his head was crushed and his brain was seen on the roadway.
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Thursday June 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Country’s financial system Shot waitress still to undergo … bullet passes through surgery healthy and sound windpipe; oesophagus – Central Bank Governor The country’s financial system is quite healthy, sufficiently capitalized and sound in terms of liquidity. This is according to the Governor of the Central Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga. “We have seen an economy with very sound macro-economic indicators, and confidence in the system to move forward,” Ganga said. The governor was at the time responding to questions on the state of the economy, at a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Finance. He explained that Guyana has seen an improvement in its “financial health” with increased output in the mining sector and some improvement in the manufacturing and service sectors. According to Dr. Ganga, inflation has been constrained and deflation for
the first quarter is estimated to be 0.5. Externally, there has been a net purchase of Foreign Exchange of approximately US$25m. This has resulted in a relatively unchanged Exchange Rate. The exchange rate is currently about $206.5 (Guy) to US$1, according to the Governor. Addressing the state of the country’s current account, Dr. Ganga said, there has been a change from a deficit of US$73.4m to a surplus of $51.5m. He also revealed that there is a surplus on the Current Account while the Capital Account has seen positive movement from a deficit of US$51.7m to a surplus of $14.8m. The country’s ability to pay for its imports is much improved with import cover now at 4.7% compared to 4% of total imported goods and services. The Foreign Exchange Reserves currently stands at approximately US$619m compared to US$598m for a similar period in 2015. Dr. Ganga also stated that there has been a marginal decline in the country’s External Debt and a marginal
Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga increase in Domestic Debt. It was explained that Domestic Debt is largely for the absorption and sterilization of liquidity in the financial system and is therefore technically not considered a debt. While there has been what the governor described as flat movement on the financial sector, there continues to be confidence in the economy with an almost 5% increase in credit to the private sector, mainly in the productive sectors inclusive of agriculture, mining, manufacturing, household and construction according to figures released.
The surgery which was supposed to be performed on 16-year-old Onika Luke to remove a bullet said to be lodged in her throat, has been further postponed mainly because of the position of the bullet. This newspaper was told that the bullet passed through the teen’s windpipe and oesophagus. The windpipe also called trachea is a tube that allows the passage of air. When a person swallows, the food passes through the oesophagus from the mouth to the stomach. Because of the position of the bullet, the teen is unable to eat or breathe making the operation complicated. “The doctor said that the oesophagus was damaged and her wind pipe is also damaged,” a relative said. She is still a patient in the Intensive Care Unit at a private hospital. The teen was shot when a lone gunman stormed the Better Hope restaurant and shot her when she failed to hand over the day’s sales. The teen’s left thumb was also shot off. The bullet passed through her chin and is lodged in her throat.
Onika Luke At the hospital, she reportedly identified her shooter as a tall man of African descent. He has a tattoo on his neck. She told the cops that the shooter had threatened to kidnap her a few days ago while she was walking on the road. She was able to do so
by writing. On the night of the shooting, her brother, Rickford Ranjee, explained that he was asleep when the owner of the Chinese Restaurant visited their home and informed relatives that Luke had been shot and that (continued on page 13)
Periwinkle Cancer Club keeps focus on a killer
Periwinkle Club members with cancer affected persons in Region 9 during an Awareness Outreach programme. The Periwinkle Cancer Club collaborated with the Ministry of Health to spread the message, “Early detection saves lives” through outreach programmes to Regions Four and Nine. During those outreaches it was found that cancer awareness programmes and educational sessions are sorely needed to help minimize the rising number of persons affected by cancer. The Periwinkle Cancer Club has been assisting
persons during the last six months in their fight against cancer by way of monetary donations which have amounted to several million dollars. This financial aid was used for much needed scans, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Members of the club also attend directly to the welfare of cancer patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital Inc. (GPHC), especially in the Paediatric ward where they
carry snacks and toys for children affected by cancer. In addition to these activities the Periwinkle Club also held a blood-drive at which members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) donated several units of blood. This month the club plans to distribute hampers to 35 cancer survivors and will conduct awareness outreaches in collaboration with the Guyana Society for the Blind.
Thursday June 02, 2016
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
Scrap Metal Unit officials neglected their Dried tomato project soon to begin in responsibilities - Audit Report finds Paramakatoi Officials of the Scrap Metal Unit (SMU) were not carrying out their responsibilities and duties for the period of 2012 to 2015. According to a key audit report by Ram and McRae Chartered Accountants; the controversial Scrap Metal Unit officials had a stipulated list of duties regarding scrap metal dealers and their day to day operations which were ignored or in some cases partially completed. These duties included daily inspection of scrap metal yards that entailed checking for licenses, accrued scrap metal records and any illegally acquired metals. The duties extended to observing the loading process of scrap metal into containers to ensure that there were no illegal materials or substance stuffed into containers for export, as well as to partner with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and officials from Guyana Metal Recyclers Association (GMRA) to conduct investigations into vandalism and theft of scrap metal. The listed responsibilities continued to SMU officials verifying the “type of metals Name Muneshwar Singh Andre Ian Wills Ravendra Teekaram Gladwin Stuart Quadir Khan Solomon Merai Rajput Narine Dharmendra Lackan Richard Baldie Wayne Adams Mitchel Schwiers Taslim Baksh
being exported i.e. Ferrous & Non Ferrous metals,” the checking for suspected vandalized metals e.g. manhole covers, electrical and telephone cables etc. and to ensure containers that were packed in the legally approved yards under the inspection of the Scrap Metal Unit were the said ones being shipped and ultimately the checking of “collection yards” for any suspected vandalized metals and observing the movement of scrap metal from collection yards to licenced yards. The glaring neglect of these duties was highlighted in Ram and McRae’s Audit Report. The daily inspection of scrap metal yards were supposed to be carried out by the Chief Inspector, an Enforcement Officer and a Driver, the audit report noted that they partially complied with this responsibility. Observational duties to ensure that no illegal materials or substances were stuffed into containers for export was also neglected as the team from SMU only did spot checks. The Auditors noted that
they were unable to state if partnership with the GPF and GMRA to investigate vandalism and theft of scrap metal existed, in one instance manhole covers belonging to Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) were found at a dealer on East Bank Demerara, the information of the dealer and his customer was handed over to GWI and the GPF. The packing of containers in legally approved yards under the monitoring of SMU officials were not always carried out as in the instance noted by the Auditors where Joseph Persaud packed containers in an unlicensed yard at Parika. The report went on to state that contrary to section 12 (1) (f) of the Old Metal Dealers act Chapter 91:08 which states “he shall not ship or export from Guyana any old metal unless it has been inspected in its original form by an engineer approved by the Minister who shall make out and deliver to the Commissioner General of the Revenue Authority, a detailed description of the article comprising such old metal, giving the weight, kind and variety of same”; no engineer
Position Chief Scrap Metal Inspector Scrap Metal Inspector Driver/Enforcer Driver/Enforcer Scrap Metal Inspector Scrap Metal Inspector Enforcement Officer Driver/Enforcer Enforcement Officer Enforcement Officer Scrap Metal Inspector Administrator
ever inspected the container. The complete neglect of observing movement of scrap metal yards to licensed packing yards was summed up in the observation by Auditors which stated that “This function was never carried out by the Unit. Inspectors and enforcers would visit unlicensed yards but we were informed that they do not observe the transfer of metals to licenced yards.” Ram and McRae’s report shows that there were 12 persons employed in the Scrap Metal Unit which included a Chief Scrap Metal Inspector, four Scrap Metal Inspectors, three Enforcement Officers, and three Drivers/Enforcers with Taslim Baksh as the Administrator. “Monthly payments to Inspectors and Enforcement Officers were paid without any deduction of PAYE and NIS contributions. It is the obligation of the employer to deduct and remit taxes and NIS contributions payable.” Table below reflects employees and their positions.
Date of Employment 2011.10.13 2011.11.31 2011.12.01 2012.11.01 2013.02.11 2013.04.15 2013.04.15 2013.09.23 2013.10.10 2014.04.01 2013.04.15 2011.01.01
GWMO reminds Trotman, Govt of ... From page 11 miners who are covered under land and emergency response steps for miners to follow; would be an asset for continued education among miners.” The GWMO notes the efforts of the Guyana Mining School, in realising some of the recommendations that the organisation had submitted to Trotman, in a meeting on November 5, 2016 and submitted via letter on the same day. The organisation said in its November submission, it also highlighted that in the execution of the outlined recommendations that the varying educational backgrounds of the miners and operators must be taken into consideration. “Some miners and operators have built financially secure lives for their families and/or workers from the sweat of their brows,
knowledge of the sector and taking the risk of investment, but cannot sit to write an examination. We will not support exclusion from the industry based on a person’s literacy level. As such, diverse teaching methods should be applied and oral examinations be made an option.” The organisation revealed that 2015 was the deadliest year for miners; it saw miners dying in pit collapse, accidents and robberies in the interior. In one specific incident, miners were submerged under soil for six hours. Raphael Trotman said that one life lost is one too many, we agree with this statement. “To this we recommend the creation of a Post-Accident Protocol that is public knowledge. In 2013 when the GWMO met with then Minister of Health, Mr. Bheri Ramsaran, we were informed
of the existence of emergency radio frequencies for miners to call for help. “The response to the call was outlined as free medical evacuation via aircraft. From all information collected from our inquiry into the status of the service, this service through Ministry of Public Health is no longer operational.” The GWMO recommends that this service be redesigned and revamped, that the frequencies be listed in the directory, along with 24hour telephone emergency number. “It would be beneficial to all involved parties to work together in order to get it operational. A response team, built by the Ministry of Public Health, in close partnership with GGMC to centralize the reports of these mining incidents; GGMC is currently overwhelmed and asking the agency to carry the full
burden of this program would not bear much fruit. “Thus, it would be more productive if a liaison is formed with the Ministry of Public Health so as to increase the efficiency of the programme. When a person is in need of medical attention in a city, town or village; they can call an ambulance, but what about the miners? Who do we call? Aren’t our lives just as valuable?” The GWMO extended sympathy to the family of Ramal Williams, “A young life lost far too soon”. Eighteen-year-old Williams, of 58 Miles, Mabura Road, was working in a mining pit at Konawaruk Backdam, Potaro when it allegedly collapsed on Sunday. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mahdia Hospital. A CoI was also ordered.
The residents of Paramakatoi, in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), will be launching a project that will allow them to grow, dry, package and market organic tomatoes. This project will be supported by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, through the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) and other partners. The project will hopefully solve the issue of employment in the community, and will boost the region’s ‘green and sustainable village economy’ initiative. Paramakatoi is a very remote village located in Region Eight, however, the area has very vast and fertile lands and the residents have long been producing organic herbs, greens and fruits. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, said that the Ministry, along with the IAST, has engaged the residents about the project and the farmers signed-up to plant the tomatoes. She explained that the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) have agreed to provide the seedlings to the farmers, and soon 100 will be handed over to each farmer. An agriculture officer, who is based in the region, will be monitoring the project. She noted that it is not economic to provide the tomatoes to Georgetown, because it is very costly to get the produce to the city. “Those are organic tomatoes and Guyanese will not buy
them, so we decided the North American and European market is best and so we came up with the idea of dried tomatoes, ship it to Georgetown and then train the Indigenous people to produce the salad dressing so we have great plans for that,” Minister Lowe explained. The Ministry also met with the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux who was very interested in the project, and is willing to provide some funding, through some of his associates. A training centre will also be established in the community to train the youths, who will spearhead the project. These youths are already being trained in the area of agriculture through the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) project. On a long-term basis, Minister Garrido-Lowe said that there are talks of having a branch of IAST in the region, where the youths can be facilitated in agroprocessing training. For the first time, through the 2016 regional budget, Region Eight was allocated $33.4M for its agriculture programme. A number of projects are on stream, including, training for farmers and staff of the regional office, along with the construction of three shade houses in Kopinang, Kato and Mahdia. The region also plans to expand its rice cultivation to facilitate an additional seven acres in Monkey Mountain. (GINA)
Shot waitress still to undergo surgery From page 12 she was at the hospital. “He told me to put on clothes and let’s go to the hospital. When I go there now, I see she ain’t only get shoot to her thumb but to her face and the bullet left in her throat,” Ranjee explained. The sibling revealed that he was informed that the shooter entered the restaurant and ordered half veggie fried rice. “When my sister collected his (gunman) money and put it in the drawer, he grabbed on to her jersey and pulled her towards the grill work. He told her to give him the money in the drawer but how he was holding her, there was no way she could have reached the money,” Ranjee related.
He further revealed that because his sister could not have reached the cash, the bandit fired a shot, which struck off her thumb, hit her chin and is now lodged in her throat. He said that at the hospital, his sister wrote on paper and informed the cops that her shooter would normally frequent the Better Hope area. “She said she doesn’t know him but she does see him around and she could identify him. The same boy, she said, had told her that he noticed she walking late and that he would kidnap her,” Ranjee said. The teen attends St. John’s College and works at the restaurant after school. Police are still trying to locate the shooter.
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Thursday June 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Jagdeo defends PPP “walkout” during flag-raising ceremony Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference held at Freedom House yesterday, expressed what he considers clear misconceptions about his party’s actions at the national flag raising event. He defended his Members of Parliament who decided to leave the ceremony after enduring a delay in getting seats in the VIP section. He claimed that he is addressing the issue to clarify the several misconceptions regarding their actions that evening. “We arrived before some Ministers and before the Prime Minister and President arrived; we arrived on time.” Jagdeo discredited claims that the PPP members arrived at the event late, stating that they were required to arrive at the event at 9:45pm. To address the issue of finding parking at such a widely anticipated event, he
and his Members of Parliament agreed to charter a bus. They all assembled at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and left at 9:00pm thereby arriving at Durban Park around 9:25pm – 9:30pm. This is contrary to what was reported by Minister Henry in her issued statement which noted that the PPP contingent arrived at 9:55pm, Jagdeo said. Jagdeo said he had no intention as it is claimed, to upstage the arrival of President Granger and he found such a claim erroneous. He credited this rumour to the fact that his vehicle was circling the parking lot for a space, and thus would have given the organizers the idea that he had arrived. Jagdeo stated that the party had several concerns regarding the planning and execution of all national Jubilee events. Among those
concerns were the provision of adequate seating for the party’s MPs at the event. Jagdeo recounted that on May 23, 2016, PPP Chief Whip, Ms. Gail Texeira explained to him that there seemed to be some confusion regarding seating at the event. Acting on this information, he intimated that he approached Culture Minister and subject Minister for the Jubilee celebrations, Ms. Nicolette Henry, to query whether she had made arrangements for him and MPs to be seated in the VIP section on May 26, 2016. Jagdeo said that Minister Henry had assured him that seating for the PPP contingent will be provided. Jagdeo said that out of an abundance of caution, he asked Ms. Teixeira to raise the issue at a later date. He said that she received similar assurance.
Mr. Jagdeo stated that upon their arrival, he and former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds were offered seats. The remaining PPP contingent was forced to wait on seating to be provided. Jagdeo said that other individuals were given seats in front of the PPP MPs who were already present. In addition to the PPP MPs, there were other dignitaries including Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, left without seats. Jagdeo described the experience as being humiliating and unacceptable. He spoke to Minister Henry who told him she was aware of the situation but made no indication that she was in the process of arranging seats for those without. Jagdeo later said that he believes that the situation “…was designed to humiliate people, but at worst it was incompetence.” The PPP leader recommended that the
Gem Sanford-Johnson is new Bar Association President A number of Guyanese in the Diaspora who returned to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebration also took the time to check on properties they had left behind many years ago. Some were, however, surprised to find that they are no longer the owners of these properties although they claimed they were sending money regularly to pay the requisite rates and taxes. Several of these cases have gained the attention of new President of the Bar Association, Mrs. Gem Sanford-Johnson. Sanford-Johnson was elected during the Bar Association’s Annual General Meeting on Friday May 27, 2016. She will serve for a period of one year. And according to her yesterday, she intends to put on the front burner the issue of prescriptive rights. She said that persons are able to assume ownership by attaining prescriptive rights. Prescriptive Rights, essentially, is the process whereby an individual applies
- has plans to raise awareness about prescriptive rights for land they have been occupying that belongs to someone else because they have a desire to own it. And Sanford-Johnson related that this is not a very widely known fact. She, moreover, noted that “public education is very, very important because a lot of people came home for the 50th Anniversary (Guyana Independence celebration) and found they are no longer owner of properties.” According to her, “One family left over 30 years ago and came home looking for two pieces of land on the East of Demerara and it is no longer their property.” “They were sitting wherever they were – Canada or the States or whichever part of the world, feeling that they still owned properties. One of the things they have been saying is ‘I have been sending money to pay the
rates and taxes all these years’...,” But according to SanfordJohnson what they don’t know is that paying the rates and taxes would not disqualify someone from finding a way to gain prescriptive rights. “That is one of the main issues I would like to touch on during my presidency...apparently a lot of people are not well educated about prescriptive rights and families sit down and are very comfortable that they have family members who are occupying and hopefully looking after the property but some family members are looking after the property in their own interest,” Sanford-Johnson related. The newly appointed Bar Association President said that she plans on sharing her plans to amplify the
Mrs. Gem Sanford-Johnson prevailing issue with the media so as to ensure that persons are well aware. Sanford-Johnson, who had previously served as Vice President for a period of five years during the presidency of Joseph Harmon, Kashir Khan and Teni Housty, is the third female to be elected as President in the history of the Bar Association. The former female Presidents were Pearlene Roach and Avril Anande Trotman. According to SanfordJohnson, she has been working in the legal system for the past 42 years. “I started off as a lawyer’s clerk and then opened my own realty state business – Sanford and Son— and that was how I earned the money to go and educate myself as a lawyer,” related SanfordJohnson. The newly elected President who was admitted to the Bar in 2001 has also served as President of the Women’s Lawyers Association.
embarrassing situation could have been simply avoided if specific reservations were made for them. He added that half of those who were seated in the VIP section were mere revellers, most of whom he could not recognize. In their obvious discontent with the situation, the party membership decided to leave after the arrival of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and President David Granger. Minister Henry in her statement believed that the PPP wanted to create the embarrassing situation. Some critics of the now famous “Walkout” have posited that the party membership could have stayed at the event, despite the obvious confusion so as to show national support for their country and its people for achieving this
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo monumental milestone, 50 years of political independence and sovereignty. Jagdeo responded, “I couldn’t stay there as a leader and watch all of our MPs with their spouses, just standing there in the corridor, when you have a VIP area with a thousand seats, and you (organizers) couldn’t find seats for 25 of them.”
‘We are worried that our voices will be muzzled in Parliament’ – Jagdeo Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo is of the view that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, has deviated from established parliamentary norms. This view was expressed during a PPP press conference yesterday at Freedom House. The Opposition Leader spoke at length about the state of affairs within the walls of the country’s Public Buildings. According to Jagdeo, the Speaker of the House seems to believe that he has to take his lead from the President, instead of being accountable to the stewardship of the National Assembly. Jagdeo claims that both the Speaker and the APNUAFC have been working to ultimately derail the legitimate expectations of parliamentary democracy. Mr. Jagdeo gave several instances as examples of the current administration’s wrongs when it comes to the parliamentary norms and practices. He claims that when President David Granger refused to discuss the state of the rice industry within Parliament, the Speaker proceeded to deny the PPP’s motion to have the matter discussed. However, he said that this was later allowed when the motion on the matter was retabled. Jagdeo also used as another example the failure to have Wales Estate closure debated in Parliament. He reminded the members of the media that the House
Speaker did not allow the discourse, giving as his reason that the Government had already pronounced on the issue. Jagdeo also claims that the Government has suspended the Standing Orders of the House too often only to have its way. The former Head of State stated, “We have raised this (issue) with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association about the new norm of parliamentary matters in Guyana and how this APNU government sees p a r l i a m e n t a r y democracy…and we are worried now that our voices will be muzzled in Parliament”. The former President also gave a further example to support his claim in the instance of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo going against the established norms of the House, by making a presentation after Opposition Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali, debated at length on his motion regarding the future of the rice sector. He commented that it is the norm that the last person to speak on a motion is the presenter of the motion, in that case Irfaan Ali. Jagdeo is of the belief that this departure from the norm was as an act of fear, even calling Nagamootoo a “coward”. “It is this same fear that drives him (Nagamootoo) not to have to respect the convention at budget time where the Leader of the Opposition is the penultimate speaker.”
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VACANCY Cashiers for supermarketCall: 624-0033. 1 Cook & 1 maid. Call: 624-0033. Security In store (daytime) –Call: 6803863.Driver for water truck. Call: 680-3863 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.
Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 I.T Network Technician, Email CV to jobs@awngy.com Handyman between 30 to 45 years old contact 223-5274 Supervisor to work at Xenon Hotel Charity Essequibo email rtilak@adamantium holdings.com RA Soda Factory Rosignol, Berbice: bond & billing clerks, experienced accountants, machine operator with mechanical ideas. Call: 330-2399/623-5920
VEHICLE FOR SALE
FOR SALE
2005 Mazda RX8 -$1.7M negotiable, excellent condition. Call: 601-8612; 276-0006
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
2009 ALLION -$2.8M, 2009 RAUM -$2.2M, 2010 IST$2.6M, 2009 FIELDER $2.5M, 2011 AXELA $2.6M. CALL: 617-2891 1 Toyota Caldina Wagon, good condition. Call Benji: 612-3706 1 Mitsubishi Galant -$900,000, 1 Short based canter -$1.5M, 1 Long base canter -$2.3M, 1 Leyland dump -$500,000. Call: 604-6724 Honda Civic M/Car -$1.5M PSS, Kawasaki Ninja M/Cycle – 250cc -$375,000. Call: 696-2815 One 19 Seater pit-bull, high top minibus, immaculate condition. Call: 692-9374; 6434188
INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
WANTED
Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822
Experienced barman, 1 general domestic $2500 @ Hilton Crest , 12 Henry Street Werk-en-Rust. Call: 2259211; 223-6284
Hopetown Gas Station (Guyoil): Pump attendants for night and day shifts. Call: 330-2399
New RX8 (red) rotary 7 engine, new rims, music kickers, lambo doors. Owner migrating. Call: 261-5401; 6802095
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045
Republic Park family needs an experienced caregiver between ages 45-55, live in, 1 week on 1 week off-$13,000. Call: 667-2535
Nail technician, Must know to do airbrush @ Nalline’s Beauty Salon @ Vreed-enHoop Junction. Call: 2640034; 625-3899
Ford F350 4X4 35’rims + tyres, lift kit 2005, diesel fully loaded auto. Call: 610-5370
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic – Call: 223-7500 Monday –Saturday between 8:15am-4:15pm
One driver Expediter must have a lorry license contact # 223-5273
Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 Specialised in A/C installation, service, repair fridges, freezer & re-gas systems.Call:656-6708,648-3955
Contract cars and taxi drivers (salaries paid), also dispatchers. Call: 231-0002; 231-0316 Persons to sew. Call: 2254673; 666-3208 Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated and know to cook. Between 25-55 years. Call 1868- 683-1528
TO LET Fast food spot for rent at Ashmin’s Building, first month rent free. Call: 6837954
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
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Kaieteur News
General sales assistant/ porter, must be able to handle multi-tasking working. Apply @ Sparkle Trading, MetenMeer-Zorg. Delivery clerk between ages 25-30 years must have driver’s license & police clearance. Call: 223-0090 Responsible hire car Drivers and Contract Cars. Call: 2317200 Kitchen assistant, male/ female between ages 20-35 @ Courbane Park, Annandale, ECD next to Modern Grafix. Call Abdul: 687-3640 Male Live-in Caretaker for G/ town Location Age 45-50. Call 624-1737 M-F 9AM-4PM 1 Cook, 1 Assistant Cook, 2 Girls to work in Bar, 1 girl to work in internet @ Interior Location. Call: 665-5812; 2332186; 661-0532 FOR SALE/RENT American pool table - Call: 277-0578
Accounts Clerk 5 CXC, Maths, English & Accounting. Apply rtilak@ adamantiumholdings.com Experienced cleaner bartenders. Call: 225-8572 between 7:00-9:00AM Two experienced pastries maker, apply at Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd, 38 Ketley & Sussex Streets Charlestown. Call: 225-7864; 227-8607 Full time pharmacist for two weeks & part time pharmacist for evenings @ Pharma Choice Pharmacy @ Durban & Lousia Rowe. Call: 6613124 Site Engineer- experienced needed; safety engineerexperienced need, age 25-45, very good salary and conditions. Call: 261-2280; 261-2280; 668-7104 Operator (bulldozer) experienced needed, age 2545, very good working conditions. Call: 261-2280; 261-2280; 668-7104 Mechanic for TM and model M trucks contact 223-5274 Efficiency Taxi Service: vacancy for drivers and dispatchers. Call: 226-9500/ 226-9700 Security officers wanted by security company-Contact: 689-6225, between 8:00am5:00pm
EDUCATIONAL $20,000 Discount For CXC 2016 Student, 9 Course Diploma in Computers @ MicroGraphics; Vreed-EnHoop/Parika. Call: 264-3057 Computerized Accounting 4 Courses $35,000.00, PCRepairs $35,000, Graphics Courses $35,000@ MicroGraphics, Vreed-EnHoop/Parika. Call: 264-3057 I.A.E Classes for CSEC January/June 2017: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subject for Students, Adults & repeaters. Call: 683-5742 VACANCY Sales Representative (with license), Security Guards (with valid police clearance). Apply to: jkeshwani.alesi@gmail.com Experienced bartender, chef, live in/out waitresses & bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge @ Garden of Eden, E.B.D. Call: 652-0074 CCTV Technician with knowledge of fire & burglar alarm systems will work along with senior technician. Call: 261-5401; 680-2095 Live in/live out female bartender -$20,000 weekly; 3 waitresses -$16,000 weekly, 1 cook @ E.B.D. Call/ Whatsapp: 661-8802
Toyota HiluxVigo, ex cab 4WD, gas, 2700cc, 2TRAuto cc, 2006. Call: 616-5595; 674- 0434 Rotweiler pups - 622-6646/ 652-8511 One dump truck GMM series, reasonably price. Call: 220-3044 1 Houselot @ Crane Housing Scheme; 1 two storey house @ La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 626-4841 or 683-6674 Wooden pens & craft - Call: 223-0654 Six hole- 20” mag rims for Tundra/Tacoma, steering rock for tundra-Call: 6381829; 220-1630 Zinc Sheet, Spindle, shutters & grills. Call: 625-9358; 667-7512 One arch-welding set for sale. Call: 618-9010 1 Complete cabin cruiser, excellent condition also top catch seines. Call: 654-2817; 622-2958 Lovely terrier pups for sale. Call: 696-7467 anytime. Dachshund Puppies $15,000, de-wormed. Call: 216-0521; 694-3567 1-45 Leyland DAF (blue) $2.2M. Contact 260-4018/6619096 Cane Corso Pup. Tel: Tel: 6997077/619-6086 Husky Pup. Tel: 699-7077/ 619-6086
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 House & Land @ Uitvlugt $4.5M. Call: 642-1252 La Parfaite Harmonie -$6.5M, $20M, Tuschen -$10M, V/ Hoop -$16M. Call: 604-6724 4 Bedrooms house, Bel-Air Park needs repairs, asking price $45M. Call: 645-6498 Newly built property for sale, Block 8 MonRepos, E.C.D $14.8M. Call: 654-4312; 657-5530 House & land for sale @ Kuru Kururu. Call: 664-2576
LAND FOR SALE Houselots, gated community, West Bank of Harbour Bridge, concrete road, concrete pave & drain, light & water. Tel: 650-0402/ 260-4988 House lots, Blankenburg, Concrete road, concrete drain, light & water, also 3bedroom houses -$16M. Tel: 650-0402/260-4988 Houselots @ De Grout Scheme, Uitvlugt -$2.5M, Tuschen -$1.2M, Zeelugt$1.2M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M &1.2M. Call: 642-1252 20 Acres of lease land at Laluni with Egg Farm ($20M) . Call: 670-1293; 675-8264 (Continued on page 23)
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Clement Rohee versus the Commissioner of Police DEAR EDITOR, So the Commissioner of Police and former Crime Chief has finally raised his head, scampering off to Kaieteur News for cover. He appears to be quite upset and bothered by the call for Blanhum to be immediately promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police which is befitting of a Crime Chief of the Guyana Police Force. Further, he seems flustered by the comparison made between his years as Crime Chief and the current Crime Chief’s one year record. That is a burden he will have to carry. As regards “ducking” applications for overseas training for Police ranks. That is a complete falsehood. Numerous ranks went overseas for training under my watch. One example of the poverty of the Force’s approach to this matter would suffice; it took about four years for three Commissioners including Persaud to produce a five (5) year overseas training plan for ranks in the various branches of the Guyana Police Force. When the “plan” was finally produced it was worthless. The three Commissioners were advised during their respective tenureships that they should formulate a programme for overseas training, similar to that done by the Guyana Defence Force to ensure predictability and to guarantee funding from budgetary resources. I told each Commissioner that the plan should envisage in a futuristic manner, the various capacities the Force would wish to have for its
Branches five years down the road; meaning the number of ranks and the specific areas of training that would be required to build institutional capacity. The costing aspect would be left to the Ministry. Sad to say, none of the Commissioners were never able to accomplish this “herculean task”. Clearly, strategic thinking was lacking. Sometime later, I asked the current Commissioner whether the Force has an anticrime plan. He said “no”. I then requested him to prepare and submit one. One month later I received a “plan”. It was a rehash of what was being reported routinely to Central Intelligence Committee (CIC) and Defence Board, it made no sense. The persistent request for more and more vehicles was the plan’s main recommendation to fight crime. As regards “ducking requests” to send ranks abroad on foreign-funded courses, such requests require Cabinet’s approval since government is required to provide advances whether the courses are fully funded or partially funded. Invariably, the Force would receive the invitations late, in other cases Force Admin would sit on it, resulting in the internal decision being made late as regards it nominee or nominees. This in turn results in the late arrival of the Force’s correspondence to the Ministry for the preparation of a Cabinet paper for onward transmission to Cabinet office for inclusion on Cabinet’s agenda. Cabinet
had ruled that requests for approval to travel must reach the Cabinet office one week in advance of the request for approval not departure from the jurisdiction. Persaud should release those requests which he claimed were “ducked” since he would have a record at Force Headquarters of those fully funded courses. Persaud has assumed the mantle of the politician with his references to public trust, and in light of his comparative analysis between myself and Ramjattan. Public trust of the Force is still at an all time low – apparently Persaud did not read what the mother and others said in relation to his handling of the Babita Sarjou investigation. Her statement is a microcosm of what obtains nationally. It is interesting to note that Persaud visited the home of Sarjou’s mother but he spurned the suggestion that he should visit and meet Sheema Mangar’s parents. Persaud exposes himself when he referred to the Force being an “integrated organization” and that “support comes from all over” (the Force). If that is the case, how come Persaud, while Crime Chief did not succeed as Blanhum is? Why did he not get the “support from all over” to crack the many cases that piled up under his watch? Did that have to do with morale in the Force or was it lack of support for him by his ranks? Was it political, to make the PPP/C look bad? In case he does not know, all governments work in an integrated
The C.R.O.W. N. analysis... From page 5 realm of which I am somewhat mystified. One question stands out in my mind. How is it we did not reap a harvest of prosperity/maturity when our labour merited it? It seems as though the Creator who orchestrates the promotion of nations on the merit of their righteousness has held up our rewards. Then comes the ‘O’ which comes to my analytical mind reveals opportunities. Yes the dynamics of opportunities. The amazing thing about opportunities is, it is described as a set of circumstances that presents itself in a timely fashion, making it possible to do something positive or negative. It seems as if the opportunities over the years that presented itself evaded us when we opt to do foolishly or negatively. There are golden or glorious opportunities in the scheme of life.
Fourthly, there is the ‘W’ which speaks of work. Yes the pleasure of work. Are we a lazy people? I would say no. but the distinct feature of our work is that many of us do not see or discern the pleasures that come with work. We created a mantra some years ago, and we connect to it, passing it on to each passing generation. ‘Hard work doesn’t kill’. Tapping into the concept, that some degree of pleasure should find its way into our lives when at work, will bring great satisfaction. Many working Guyanese find it unpleasant, tedious laborious and difficult going to work every day and not able to pay their bills. You often times hear people say.’ Dis wuk is stresses’. Finally, the key factor in the ‘CROWN’ analysis - the last letter ‘N’ Yes the ‘Now’ factor, means today not tomorrow nor next week. That
there is the need to be urgent; Now speaks of being inspirational, transformational, spiritual, and Biblical - being sensitive to what is before us, and knowing what is coming after, and Being diligent and thoughtful in making the right decisions on our feet. Doing it now and not later would change the way we think as a nation or individual. Understanding calculated risk and being audacious and bold in our deliberation and decisions will bring this nation into honor and riches. Being visionaries will move us faster and safer to our goals. Now the C.R.O.W.N. analysis in the scheme of life will work for any individual or nation as they travel along life’s pathway. Let us all, as Guyanese embrace this new concept and receive our C.R.O.W.N. Celebrate with the Lord Jesus our 50th ANNIVERSARY JUBILEE. Apostle Vanrick Beresford
manner, within the meaning of collective responsibility. Persaud met weekly at CIC, monthly at Defence Board, every week with the Minister and from time to time with the President on a bilateral level, so where is the beef? Insofar as Ministerial intrusion and political interference is concerned it is easy to cry foul in this matter as some bureaucrats are wont to do. However, as I said before I had requested in my last
address to the Annual Conference of Police Officers in 2015, that the Senior Management of the Force, submit to my office, all instances of Ministerial intrusion and political interference, they never did. Now that I am no longer their subject Minister there is no need to fear, (as if there ever was) this can still be done. Clement Rohee Former Minister of Home Affairs
A negative prediction about the Police Force DEAR EDITOR; Relative to Kaieteur News article “Police Force gets 50 new Inspectors” dated Sunday May 29, 2016 page 16 which in closing stated that “What we found is that some sergeants did not pass the required examination and that is why they have not qualified”, however they are many examples of Sergeants who have passed the requite examinations to hold the post of an Inspector or even an Officer, has no disciplinary matter in the recent pass and in some cases none for their entire tenure thus far in the Force and were still overlooked by the Commission with the most recent promoting list of Inspectors. Why? The list is also contradictory to a Kaieteur News headline which was Police Service Commission moving to end supersession in the force dated February 7, 2016 by Dale Andrews, where the Commission give an example which stated “for example you have an inspector being promoted above 30 Inspectors who have acquired that status before him, and the question must be asked why?”. My question to the Commission is why more than 3 of the ranks that where promoted to Inspector including the lone Corporal (who only attained that rank January 2016) on the list all of which have not served more than 3 years as a Sergeant or Corporal were allowed to supersede a number of more eligible Sergeants who are far more senior to them if we are to hold to the article by Mr. Dale Andrews? The only justifiable but yet disgraceful supersession was the promotion of a female junior W/ Sergeant to Inspector of Police, the supersession was justifiable because of the fact that she is the most qualified person on the list of ranks that were promoted and disgraceful because someone with the qualifications as now W/Inspector (name supplied) should have at least attained the rank of that of
an Assistant Superintendent of Police and if the Commission was only solely seeking to fill the void of Inspectors then someone else should have been given that opportunity and W/Inspector (name supplied) should be on the next promotion list as an Assistant Superintendent at least. The majority of the Cadets Officers were promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent in the recent past, most of which only acquired a sound secondary education and not so sound for many others but yet they are Assistant Superintendents now. My next question Mr. Editor, What is the Police Service Commission and the Guyana Police force doing or what do they have planned for the Junior Ranks (Constables-Inspectors) in the Guyana Police Force that are currently qualifying themselves at the tertiary level (Diplomas, Bachelor ’s Degree, Post Graduate or even Masters) and most importantly what are they doing for those that would have already added such qualifications to their names? Certainly it cannot be the disgraceful education allowance of GY$312 for a Degree and even further why should Ranks qualify their selves to the benefit of the Guyana Police Force and then are not promoted? Or are they too going to be subjected to ‘no Supersession’? What we foresee Mr. Editor is definitely an uneducated Guyana Police Force in the next twenty years or so because for those of us who have qualified ourselves we will definitely be moving on to greener grass and the next generation with academic ambitions will undeniably be daunted from enrolling as a serving member of the Guyana Police Force. Disgruntled Junior Police Ranks
continued on page 22
LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M, $1.4M, $2.5M, $1.6M, Leonora -$3M, Stewartville Public Road-$8M, Providence $5M, Eccles -$5.5M. Call: 604-6724 Transported land (size: 54X92) Bank’s Park, asking price $25M. Call: 645-6498 One houselot for sale @ Lot 30 First Street Craig, EBD. Call: 645-8862 Eccles -$6M, Herstelling (corner lot) 100ftX50ft), La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M & $2M, Bartica -$2.8M, Also Caribbean Land. Call: 6042207; 611-7223
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: church, office, lessons place, storage bond, private school, others -$20,000- Call: 603-6400 Apartments for rent @ ‘B’ Field Sophia, Denise Street Entrance, the street after King of King store. Call: 6020261 2 Bedrooms apartment @ 154 Middle Road La Penitence Upper flat. Call: 614-4697 Fully furnished 2 storey house with 3 AC bedrooms, security & sensor lights, etc at Gated Community. Call: 685-5845; 668-8714; 612-3400
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A Soldier of Valour Story ... From page 15 formed and ultimately in 1965 the Guyana Defence Force was formed. Campbell extended her thanks to Colonel Liverpool for affording her the opportunity to participate in the venture. She expressed hope that everyone
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Kaieteur News
would find the book an excellent source of invaluable information. Lt. Colonel (Ret'd) Compton Hartley Liverpool via video conference as he was overseas recuperating from heart surgery, noted that because of his recent illness he could not be here (in
Guyana) to witness “This momentous occasion” in the history of Guyana. He stated that he dedicated his book to every officer and rank of the Guyana Defence Force from the past, present and the future. He maintained that the book should be regarded as a “pamphlet” that shows the history, inner workings and day to day operations of the GDF. He also thanked his co-author, Ms Campbell, for her hard work over the past
three years. Liverpool is also visually impaired as a result of glaucoma. Former Chief of Staff Major General (Ret'd) Norman Gordon McLean reflecting on the career of Lt. Colonel (Ret'd) Liverpool, noted that his “squaddy” was the first soldier to be awarded the Military Service Medal (MSM) for valour in May 1970 when he sat in the nose of an aircraft and controlled a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) en route to the
Apoteri, Rupununi area to defend his country's sovereignty. Among the guests at the book launch was President David Granger, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister of Education Rupert Roopnaraine. In a closing gesture, co-author of the book, Ms. Khalilah MeganCampbell presented a copy of the publication to President Granger.
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Anyone found to be corrupt, Airport technicians to serve should be charged - Jagdeo jail time for cocaine in rum Bharrat Jagdeo, the former President and Leader of the main Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), stated that officials, who the audit report would have been found to be corrupt, should be charged and placed before the courts. Jagdeo made this announcement during a Press Conference at Freedom House, Georgetown yesterday. The Forensic Audits that were made public over the last months have highlighted various irregularities that were being portrayed by – but not limited to – the Heads of several Government agencies. The misappropriation of funds, the abuse of power, monies spent for events that were never held, the overriding of agency policies; etc. were some of the conclusions that the various auditing agencies had arrived at. “We’ve made it clear in all of the audits, that anytime you find anyone who is corrupt, or has broken the law, you should charge these people. The State should proceed to lay charges against them. They will have to use the mechanism of the court to establish whether they are innocent or not,” he said. The former President asserted that the PPP/C has a greater confidence in the court than in the government being “fair”. “...If you look at the audits, how they started, the partisan people were selected to do many of the audits,” he added. Jagdeo stated that due to this, it has created some concerns and the party is therefore requesting that foreign or “nonpartisan” persons or agencies carry out these investigations in the future.”
Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo
He added that auditors should give agencies and agency Heads a chance to respond to what he deemed as “allegations”. He continued that in many cases, agencies would have responded and no account was made in the reports of them doing so. Many were not given the opportunity to respond to allegations that were levelled against them. “There are many allegations almost on a daily basis...Now it’s time to prove these allegations – it’s put up or shut up and I have argued that one way of putting up was to agree to our motion in Parliament – let us make public our tax records and our assets we declared so the whole country will see it. “Another way is to launch an international investigation into former Presidents, all Members of Parliament (MPs), not just ours – everyone, so it’s seen as nonpartisan (for those who have assets abroad; bank accounts abroad,” Jagdeo stated. The motion that Jagdeo was referring to was an opposition motion that was sup-
pressed in Parliament as the party sought to have all Members of the National Assembly make public their tax returns to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) over the last 10 years. Meanwhile, several submitted forensic reports had recommended to have criminal charges laid against agency Heads. One example was the audit into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) where criminal charges were recommended against the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Winston Brassington, over a plethora of irregularities were revealed. The audit into the Guyana Marketing Agency (GMC) had called for the termination of an engineer, Hanniel Madramootoo, after he allegedly stood by as a foreign contractor defaulted on a construction contract. The auditor found that the payments for the construction vouchers were certified by Madramootoo. The auditor subsequently went on to recommend criminal charges.
Two former airport technicians who were convicted over two weeks ago for trafficking cocaine in rum were on Monday jailed by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, after probation reports in their favour were presented to the court. Chris Douglas, 26, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara and Loric Williams, 24, of Lot 57 Prospect, East Bank Demerara, were convicted for having 6.34 Kg of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking on May 29, 2015 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri. The cocaine was found concealed in three bottles of 5-year-old rum. Douglas was jailed for four years and eleven months while Williams was sent to prison for four years. In addition, they were each ordered to pay a fine of $17.2 million--three times the street value of the drug. Before passing sentence on Williams the Magistrate took into consideration the time he had spent on remand; Douglas had been out on bail. Another man, Keon Brewster, of Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, was also charged with the offence. However, he pleaded guilty at his second court appearance and was sentenced to four years in prison and fined the same sum as the other two. Brewster is an American citizen. He was an outgoing passenger on a Dynamic Airways flight, destined for John F. Kennedy Airport, USA. Airport. Officials conducted routine checks on Brewster and the three bottles of El Dorado Rum were found in his hand luggage. The rum was probed because the contents of the bottles appeared peculiar. The substance in the
Cops apprehend suspect who robbed former British soldier The police have arrested one of the two suspects who reportedly robbed former British soldier, Edward John Constant, of a gold chain and a ring at the Stabroek Market, Monday morning. The suspect, who has been identified as “Barker” of Kitty is likely to appear before the court today. Kaieteur News was told that ranks, acting on information, picked up the suspect yesterday morning. He was positively identified by his victim. Also making the identification process easier for the former soldier was a mark on
the suspect’s face. “When this man grabbed his (Constant) chain, Constant punched him in his face and he has a mark,” a police source said. Up to press time, the suspect was allegedly providing the cops with information as to where the victim’s valuables could be found. Seventy-year-old Constant was robbed of his cherished gold chain and a symbolic ring which was given to him by his late wife. The former soldier tried valiantly to retrieve the items but his young assailants managed to escape.
Constant, who is in Guyana to celebrate the country’s Golden Independence Anniversary in keeping with a pledge he made 50 years ago, said that on Monday morning, he left the city hotel he was staying at, to go down to a bank to exchange some foreign currency. He did not get to complete the transaction, so he decided to go sightseeing around the Stabroek Market area, where he began taking photographs. “The next thing I knew was that someone had grabbed my shirt from behind and pulled it,” he said.
In the process, the thief had grabbed his gold chain to which was attached a diamond-crested ring. ”As he pulled it, he came towards me and I hit him….it was more out of temper, because I saw his face for about a second and I just punched him to the side of the head and he was gone,” the former British soldier related. He ran after the fleeing man, shouting “Stop! Thief!” while chasing him towards the Stabroek Market. Constant gave up the chase after running over some wooden planks and being (Continued on page 26)
- fined over $17M
Keon Brewster
Loric Williams bottles tested positive for cocaine after field tests were conducted. As a result, Brewster was arrested and told of the offence. He later implicated Douglas and Williams. Police reviewed CCTV footage from the airport, which showed Brewster and Williams leaving the airport washroom area acting in a suspicious manner. They later provided police with caution statements admitting to the offence. The findings of the probation reports were read aloud in court. The probation report in favour of Williams stated that he was born at the Davis Memorial Hospital. It stated that his parents who were married for a number of years had their marriage dissolved when Williams was five-yearsold. It revealed that the convict attended the Stella Maris Primary School and later wrote the Secondary School Entrance Examination (SSEE) and was awarded a place at the New Campbellville Secondary School. However, the report stated that Williams only attended the institution for two years and later pursued an eight-month course in air conditioning. He then gained employment at the Guyana
Chris Douglas National Industrial Corporation (GNIC). The report pointed out that the father of one made attempts to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) while working but his attempts were unsuccessful. Investigations done in Williams’ neighbourhood revealed that he was a very respectful person. Persons in the community found it astonishing that he was before the courts on a drug trafficking charge. Persons at his place of work testified that he was a very hardworking individual who might have been influenced by the wrong company. As it relates to Chris Douglas, the probation report stated that his mother was surprised that he was charged and placed before the courts because he hardly socialized. According to the report, the defendant’s mother is dependent on him physically and financially due to the fact that she has been battling breast cancer for a number of years. It said that Douglas attended the Tutorial High School where he gained five subjects at the CSEC. In 2007, he pursued a diploma in air conditioning at the Government Technical Institute (GTI) and secured employment at the Antarctic Air Conditioning. The probation report pointed out that Douglas professed his innocence and regretted being at the upper level of the airport lounge on the day in question. In her ruling, Magistrate McLennan affirmed that Douglas and Williams’s intention was to assist Brewster with taking the cocaine out of the country. She added that the court was satisfied that cocaine was found in the three bottles of rum and that they had knowledge of it.
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Kaieteur News
Forensic audit reveals…
No position at OLPF was ever advertised It appears that the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Project was plagued by issues of unfairness and a lack of transparency from the get-go as forensic auditors have found that not a single position was ever advertised for the Project by those who were managing it. The auditors from Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, cited the position of the Project Manager as a glaring example. The auditors said that Ms. Margo Boyce was hired by the Office of the President on February 1, 2011 as a consultant to undertake the responsibilities of Chairperson of the ICT Hub, One Laptop per Family Initiative. The auditors noted that Boyce was tasked with a range of responsibilities and was required to report directly to the Planning and Policy Committee operating from the Office of the President. As Chairperson, her basic contracted salary was $150,000 per month but she ceased to be Chairperson on September 30, 2011. During her tenure as the Chairperson, the auditors found that the Project was managed by the then Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir, and Senior Project Manager, Sesh Sukhdeo. The forensic auditing team said that Members of the Planning and Policy Committee included Ms. Gita Raghubir, Kwame
McCoy, Anil Singh and Mr. Alexei Ramotar of the EGovernance Project, also under the Office of the President. The auditors said that on October 1, 2011 Ms. Boyce signed an agreement with the Office of the President to perform the duties of Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant. Her duties under the new contract included but were not limited to the implementation of the delivery of goods and services for the One Laptop per Family (OLPF); and the development of the Community Service component for Project. She agreed to a basic monthly salary of $400,000. However, the Project Manager, Sesh Sukhdeo, in a letter dated November 17, 2011 to Dr. Roger Luncheon, former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, stated that Ms. Boyce’s contract was amended and her new monthly salary was increased to $590,360 effective from October 1, 2011. The concerned auditors noted in their report that there was no documented reason for such an immediate salary increase. Nevertheless, on August 15, 2012, Boyce was appointed Project Manager at a basic salary of $700,000 per month until July 31, 2015, the effective date of her resignation. Also, it was noted that her principal qualification is a
Bachelor of Applied Arts degree. The auditors noted that Boyce also attended a number of short courses in supervisory management, institutional and organizational assessment, emergency operations centre management and operations, project identification and training and the project management skills course. They noted however that these were not sufficient for the level of responsibility and the skill requirements for the position of Project Manager. What was more damning in the eyes of the auditor is that there was no evidence of any advertisement or any application by Ms. Boyce for any of the positions in the OLPF. The forensic auditors also cited the position of the Deputy Project Manager. The forensic auditors said that Azariah Asim was hired by the ICT Hub, One Laptop per Family Initiative on April 1, 2011. His initial designation was IT Administrator responsible for the Information Technology Department. The Ram and McRae auditors said that at that point, Asim was paid a basic monthly salary of $160,000. He was then promoted to Deputy Project Manager on January 1, 2014 at a basic monthly salary of $450,000. The auditing team said that Asim had no professional
or tertiary academic qualification. They noted also that his principal qualifications were IT user applications including Microsoft Office, WordPerfect 6.0, and Corel Draw 7.0. The forensic auditing team made it clear that an IT administrator is responsible for maintaining the company’s IT network, servers and security systems. They said that this role is absolutely essential within any organization to ensure business continuity if an IT network fails as the impact on the day to day running of the business can be significant, sometimes catastrophic. They said that any individual appointed to function in the capacity of IT administrator is expected not only to possess general knowledge and basic software proficiencies, but to have extended knowledge and handson experience in hardware and software installation, troubleshooting and networking. The auditors expressed that the individual is also expected to possess adequate qualification(s) such as a degree in computer science, information technology, and computer engineering or information system management. The Ram and McRae accountants said however, that Asim did not have the neces-
sary qualification(s) or relevant experience to operate within his initial designated position and even less, as Deputy Project Manager. They said, “It is perhaps relevant to note that Mr. Asim is the son of former PPP Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Mr. Joseph Hamilton.” The One Laptop Per Family Project was a national initiative aimed at bridging the digital gap, by providing access to information technology, the internet, training and skills development to families across Guyana, which will enable citizens to become part of the global information and knowledge network.
The OLPF Project was officially launched on January 21, 2011 at the Guyana International Conference Centre. The Project was introduced by the then President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who mentioned that “the objective of the venture is to enhance Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and create opportunities for the beneficiaries of the laptops.” Based on statements made by Mr. Jagdeo during the Project’s launch, the Government of Guyana had initially planned to acquire and distribute 90,000 laptops to low income families in Guyana. However, the Project acquired only 55,145 laptops, of which 50,009 were distributed.
Cops apprehend...
Hi-tech equipment being used to locate bodies of missing fishermen Commander Amsterdam and other members of the Cops and Faith at Dhanpaul Ramphal’s residence.
Former British Soldier, Edward John Constant
As the days continue to slip away, hopes of finding three missing fishermen who were victims of last Friday’s pirate attack, are fading. Yesterday, a search of the area where the men were
reportedly thrown overboard came up empty handed despite the use of hi-tech equipment provided by authorities from neighbouring Suriname. Kaieteur News
understands that local police, who have five suspects in custody, took two of them out to sea where they pointed out the spot where the men were thrown overboard with anchors tied to their bodies.
“They used a seine and tried to recover the bodies but they did not pick up anything. We are getting full cooperation from Suriname though,” Police Divisional (Continued on page 29)
From page 25 barefooted, the task was onerous. He was sure that if the odds were a little better he would have caught the thief, who disappeared into the crowded Stabroek Market. ”I thought, I’ve still got my iPad, I’ve got my money, I thought it’s not worth it.” Fighting to hold back tears, Constant said that the stolen items mean a lot to him. ”My wife bought me the gold chain….she bought me a gold chain before she died and I put her wedding ring and her engagement ring on it and it’s gone,” the former soldier la-
mented. Although he spoke of one man, Constant said that he was told by the police that the perpetrators were two youths. He said, “A very nice taxi driver” came up and identified one of the thieves. ”He said ‘I know that man.” ….he said his (the thief’s) name was Quarter,” the British National recalled. He said that he eventually picked up his slippers that he left behind while chasing after the thief, and after putting them back on, he made his way to the Brickdam Police Station where he reported the matter.
Thursday June 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
French vessel detects signals from EgyptAir jet black box (Reuters) - A French search vessel has picked up signals from one of the black boxes of EgyptAir flight MS804, Egyptian and French investigators said, a potential breakthrough in efforts to uncover why it plummeted into the Mediterranean last month. Search teams are working against the clock to recover the two flight recorders that will offer vital clues to the fate of the plane that crashed en route from Paris to Cairo on May 19 killing all 66 people on board. Without the black boxes, say investigators and aviation disaster experts, there is not enough information to determine what went wrong or whether the plane was brought down deliberately. The recorders are designed to emit acoustic signals for 30 days after a crash, giving search teams fewer than three weeks to spot them in waters up to 9,840-feet (3,000 meters) deep, which is on the edge of their range. The Egyptian investigation committee said on Wednesday that the search was intensifying ahead of the arrival of another vessel, the John Lethbridge, from Mauritius-based company Deep Ocean Search to help retrieve the devices. That ship is expected to arrive within a week, it said. “Search equipment aboard French naval vessel Laplace ... has detected signals from the seabed of the search area, which likely belong to one of the data boxes,” the Egyptian committee said in its statement. France’s aviation accident bureau BEA confirmed that the signal had come from one
of the recorders. The Laplace has equipment from ALSEAMAR, a subsidiary of French industrial group Alcen, which can pick up black box pinger signals over long distances up to 5 km (3 miles) and was contracted by the Egyptian investigators last week. Egyptian investigators have said that the EgyptAir plane did not show any technical problems before taking off and the pilot made no distress call to air traffic control. There has been no claim of responsibility for the crash. The jet transmitted a series of messages in the minutes before it crashed showing a rise in temperature at the co-pilot’s window and smoke on board, but investigators say these shed little light on the cause. There are also conflicting reports of the plane’s last moments as it crossed from Greek to Egyptian airspace. The head of Egypt’s air navigation has told Reuters the plane disappeared suddenly from the radar while at a cruising altitude of about 37,000 feet. That conflicts with the account given on the day of the crash by the Greek defense minister, who said the plane swerved and dropped to 15,000 feet before disappearing from radar. The air disaster is the latest in a series for Egypt, complicating its efforts to restore tourism, which has suffered since the 2011 uprising ushered in a period of instability. In March, a man wearing a fake suicide belt hijacked an EgyptAir flight.
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Thursday June 02, 2016
French rail strike bites amid labour law standoff (Reuters) - Striking rail workers halted about half of French train services yesterday in a dispute over working time as a standoff between the militant CGT union and the Socialist government over a proposed labour law reform escalated. CGT members voted to start rolling strikes at the country’s 19 nuclear power plants from yesterday evening to press demands to scrap the labour bill, and airline pilots announced a work stoppage late next week in a separate dispute over pay curbs. That would coincide with the first days of the Euro 2016 soccer championship in France. Tension mounted between the CGT and the Medef employers’ federation, with the union urging energy workers to cut power supplies to the bosses’ Paris headquarters. The SNCF state railway said six out of 10 high-speed TGV trains were running, along with one-third of other inter-city services and half of regional trains. Eurostar trains to Britain were not affected, while 75 percent of services to Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland were running, and about 40 percent to Spain and Germany. Three of the four rail unions called their members out on an open-ended strike over a planned reorganisation even though the government has intervened to press SNCF management to protect train drivers’ weekends off. Managers say that concession could make the heavily indebted company uncompetitive when it has to open up to private competition in 2020 under EU rules.
SNCF said 17 percent of its staff were on strike, up slightly from a previous strike last week, and forecast similar levels of traffic for Thursday. The CGT is also on strike at oil refineries and one-fifth of petrol stations are short of fuel. The number two pilots’ union at flag carrier Air France said it would give notice of plans to stage a two-to-four day strike from the end of next week in a separate dispute over measures that will reduce some pilots’ pay. It said it would coordinate action with the main pilots’ union, SNPL. The airline declined comment. The nuclear plant stoppages will reduce output and force the EDF power company to import electricity from EU neighbours. “PERMANENT DRAMA” The Socialist government played down the disruption and stuck to its refusal to withdraw the planned labour reform, which is designed to make hiring and firing easier and to encourage negotiations on flexibility at company level. “France loves to give this image of itself as a sort of permanent drama, but that’s not the reality. France is not at a standstill,” JeanMarie Le Guen, secretary of state for relations with parliament, told Radio Classique. The government has pulled out its chequebook to settle a series of sectoral disputes this week in an effort to prevent them coalescing into a nationwide protest movement ahead of next week’s start of the soccer tournament.
Thursday June 02, 2016
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Hi-tech equipment being used to locate... From page 26 Commander, Ian Amsterdam told this newspaper. Authorities are expected to resume the search today. Still missing are Dhanpaul Rampaul of No. 67 Village, Corentyne; Dochand Sukra, aka ‘Bucher”, 54, of No. 55 Village, Corentyne; and Munesh Churram, aka “Boyo”, 26, who were aboard the “Rosanna 664” captained by Seepersaud Persaud. The captain miraculously managed to survive the ordeal while the body of another crew member, Hemchand Sukdeo, was pulled up in a fishing seine hours after the attack. It was the captain who gave investigators a description of the pirate’s boat which led to their capture. Kaieteur News understands that the suspects have identified one Ramchand Latchman, called Ramsingh, as the mastermind of the attack. This newspaper
understands that each of the five suspects has confessed their role in the attack. Local police have secured permission to detain the suspects beyond the mandatory 72 hours detention period, which expired on Tuesday. They will be seeking the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to instituting murder charges against the men in custody. They are more than likely to face charges relating to Sukdeo’s murder. A post mortem examination is expected to be performed on the body today. Commander Amsterdam said that he is hoping that the three other bodies are recovered soon so that all the charges could be laid at once. He along with some of his officers and members of the cops and faith organization visited the families of the victims on Tuesday.
Russia World Cup safe from economic threat - Infantino MOSCOW (Reuters) Russia’s economic difficulties will not affect the country’s preparations to host the 2018 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday. “We have received all the guarantees that the World Cup will be delivered as promised,” he told Reuters after a ceremony in Moscow to find volunteers for the 2018 World Cup and the 2017 Confederations Cup, a World Cup warmup event. “But in addition to this, I really believe that an event like the World Cup and the Confederations Cup the year before will simply help to boost the economy of Russia because the eyes of the world will be on Russia and Russia can shine to the whole world. The country has been hit hard by economic sanctions imposed by the EU and USA
Thursday June 02, 2016
over its role in Ukraine and remains in recession, although it is slowly recovering from the slump of 2015. “This will create a lot of business opportunities aside from the football event,” Infantino added. FIFA’s president also said the doping scandals in Russia revolving around the country’s track and field athletes would not affect the hosting of the World Cup. “It will not affect the country’s reputation and certainly not the quality of preparation for the World Cup,” he said. A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report in November alleging widespread state-sponsored doping in Russia led to a ban on the country competing in international athletics competitions. “From what I can see, Russia has done everything in this respect to move ahead in the right way and when it comes to FIFA and the World Cup, we at FIFA have our antidoping programme and it will be implemented in the same way, whether it is in Russia or anywhere else around the world,” Infantino concluded. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also attended the event, said he would make sure that all the venues for the 2018 World Cup were completed on time. “The preparations for the
ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) Abrupt action will cause difficulties with relatives. Concentrate on spending quality time with children. You like to stay busy and now is your chance to do just that.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Uncertainties regarding your love life will surface if you have neglected your mate. Your emotional life may be up in the air if your mate has been going through a change of heart.
TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) You must look into your options. Your partner may blame you for everything. Be prepared to take care of the issues at hand.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Be on your best behavior. Get thinking about prolonging longevity. Don't expect romantic encounters to be lasting.
Jamaica’s sprint great doesn’t ...
GEMINI (MAY22-JUNE 21) Get involved in the activities of children. Take a short business trip if possible. Be aggressive and colorful, and you will get your way.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) You can make a big difference to children if you are understanding of the difficulties they are experiencing. Outings with relatives or good friends will provide you with stimulating conversation.
From page 34 laughing. “How do you run so fast Usain Bolt?” another question was thrown at him. Bolt laughed. “I train hard, you hear, I train really hard”. McLean was curious about Bolt’s pre-race routine, which would normally include him gesturing a symbolic sign of the Christian cross. “Are you a Christian?” she asked. Bolt smiled. “I was brought up in the church”. She then touched on his role models and whether or not his shoes are specially made “because you seem to have big feet”. “I get my spikes specially made, but I think I have normal size [feet], I wear size 12,” Bolt noted, while adding that his father Wellesley, former 400-metre great Michael Johnson and Jamaica’s sprint icon Donald Quarrie are some of his role models. The sprint great then took pictures with the kids, signed t-shirts, pictures, books and anything they wanted him to put his signature on.
CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Be up front if you don't want to be embarrassed. Jealousy may be a contributing factor to your emotional ups and downs. Don't hesitate to come right out and ask for the pertinent information. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with. You have been going through a period of change that no doubt caused problems with your loved ones. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) It's hard to stay mad if the object of the anger refuses to react. You will have additional discipline that will aid you in your objectives.
CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Jealousy may be a contributing factor to your emotional ups and downs. You may be illtreated if you have to deal with institutional environments. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Come to your own conclusions rather than taking the word of someone else. Don't let your emotions get out of hand. Travel and communication will be lucrative for you. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Taking on too much won't help the situation. You will both have to bend if you want this union to work.
World Cup are going ahead at full speed,” said Putin. “Three stadiums — in Kazan, Sochi and Moscow (Otkrytie Arena) — have already been built. The other
nine are being built. All the construction companies say that the stadiums will be completed on time. I am sure that they will keep their promises,” he added.
India-Pakistan...
From page 34 group. “The ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is not just an ODI competition, it carries a great deal of value since it is being played just three months before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 qualification cut-off date,” Richardson said. “As such, every point earned here could be crucial.” England are hosting the Champions Trophy for the third time; they made the finals of both the previous tournaments at home, losing to West Indies in 2004 and to India in 2013. Groups and schedule · Group A: Australia (1), New Zealand (4), England (6) and Bangladesh (7) · Group B: India (2), Pakistan (8), Sri Lanka (5) and South Africa (3) · June 1 - Eng v Ban, The Oval · June 2 - Aus v NZ, Edgbaston · June 3 - SL v SA, The Oval · June 4 - Ind v Pak, Edgbaston · June 5 - Aus v Ban, The Oval · June 6 - Eng v NZ, Cardiff · June 7 - Pak v SA, Edgbaston · June 8 - Ind v SL, The Oval · June 9 - NZ v Ban, Cardiff · June 10 - Eng v Aus, Edgbaston · June 11 - Ind v SA, The Oval · June 12 - SL v Pak, Cardiff · June 14 - Semi-final (A1 v B2), Cardiff · June 15 - Semi-final (A2 v B1), Edgbaston · June 18 - Final, The Oval . June 19 - Reserve day
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Kaieteur News
Rewind to 1999 and the last time Australia played an ODI in Guyana A blast from the past!
Steve Waugh
By Sean Devers When Australia team bus arrives at the GCC ground today for the team’s first practice session in Guyana ahead of the tri nation series which starts tomorrow, the players might not be aware that on the very ground, 17 years ago an ugly crowd invasion resulted in a controversial end to an exciting contest which was to be Australia’s last ODI on Guyana’s soil. I watched that game as Journalist and could not believe what unfolded before my eyes. It was a shocking spectacle and ended an era when spectators were allowed to run onto the ground in cel-
ebration when their team registered victory. That incident played a pivotal role in the implementation of stringent security measures being put in place to prevent fans getting too close to the modern day players. Head Coach Phill Simmons and Stuart Williams are a part of the think tank of West Indies team which participates in the tri-nation series, which also involves South Africa and number one ranked ODI side Australia. Both former West Indian players participated in the match the last time Australia played an ODI in Guyana. The contest was adjudged a tie after a second crowd inva-
sion in seven balls with Australian Skipper Steve Waugh unbeaten on 72 from 95 balls with five fours and three sixes at the crease. Shane Warne, on 19, was the other batsman in the middle when pandemonium broke out. Carl Hooper, Shiv Chanderpaul and Umpire Eddy Nicholls were the Guyanese involved in that unforgettable contest. The capacity crowd of over 10,000 had patiently waited for three hours and 25 minutes for the game to finally commence. Rain and a wet ground caused a delay until 13:00hrs and the 50-over game was reduced to 30 overs per side. Ridley Jacobs (33) and Sherwin Campbell (41) put on 83 for the first wicket before Bret Lee removed them both in the 14th over in the space of a run. Warne then got rid of Skipper Jimmy Adams (7) and Hopper (8) before Lee dismissed Chanderpaul (27) in the 29th over. Simmons joined Williams and they added 20 runs from the last 11 balls with Simmons clobbering two massive sixes in 15 from just five balls and Williams making 30 with two fours and a six to take the West Indies to 173-5. Australia, who won the toss, were set 174 to win and Adam Gilchrist smashed seven boundaries which included a couple of sixes before he was run out for 44 to delight of the screaming partisan crowd. Simmons took two crucial wickets and when Mervin Dillon, who had dismissed opener Mark Waugh returned to send back Tom Moody (2) at 119-7, the mood was elec-
Phil Simmons, Roddy Estwick & Stuart Williams tric with the fans dancing in the Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, Kenny Wishart and Rohan Kanhai double Decker stands. But with 55 to get in seven overs and the Aussie Captain was batting brilliantly and tearing Hooper’s off spin to shreds, the game was not over yet. A section of the crowd which was behind the scoreboard to Eastern side of the ground started the drama. When Waugh stroked Courtney Walsh to long-on for one and the delirious crowd stormed the field and ecstatically pulled out the stumps under the assumption that it was the last over and West Indies had won. As thousands of people began pouring onto the ground from all directions, the bewildered Australian bats-
men and the 11 West Indians watched as Police officers and Umpires Nicholls and Billy Doctrove tried desperately to disperse the multitude of spectators off the sward. After 15 minutes the game resumed with six required to win from the last over bowled by left-arm spinner Keith Arthurton. The first ball produced a couple to Williams at long-on leaving four to get from five balls. The two deliveries were hit back to Arthurton while the fourth was a swish and a miss by Waugh and successive dots were recorded in the scorebook. With four to win from two balls, Waugh could only manage an under edge onto his pad and the Australians needed four from the last ball and raucous crowd were rock-
ing the fence in the ‘sun bun’ uncovered stand. Waugh pulled a short ball to Williams at long-on and scampered two by which time the crowd again swarmed the ground even as Waugh attempted a third run as the fans again disturbed the stumps and to be forced away from the players by a sea of police officers which included those from the mounted branch on horses and helmeted ranks from the riot squad. It was alleged that Waugh’s gold chain was snatched from his neck in the confusion and the game deemed as a tie. On Sunday Australia, who have never played in any of the 14 ODIs at Providence, oppose the West Indies for the first in an ODI since that day at Bourda on April 21, 1999.
Four Horsemen promotion express thanks for support in Jubilee Horserace meet
Replace the Heat with Kevin Paul turning on the heat in the L class event during that meet.
The organizing committee of the “Four Horsemen Promotion” who recently held the 50th Anniversary Independence Cup horserace meet is extending their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the below sponsors, the members of the public and the various media houses in Guyana who contributed in one way or the other in making their one day horserace meet a success. The event was held on Sunday May 21st at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne Berbice. The members of the management Committee would like to say a big thank you to the Government of Guyana, especially Director Of Sport Christopher Jones, Beverage Giants Banks DIH Limited, Delmur Trading Company, P&P Insurance Investments, Minister Joe Harmon,
Latchman Mohabir, R.N Poonai, Ministry of Sport, Youth and Culture, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and racing Stables, Lancer Auto Sales, Atlantic Marine Supplies-the home of all fishing equipmemt, Peter Williams Construction, Potaro Fuel Supplies, Assuria Insurance Incorporated, Southland Incorporated, Sankar Auto Works, Valvoline, N S Mattai, Ghansham Singh Engineering Service and Saw Mill of No 6,West Coast Berbice and Cordel of the USA and the Thunderbolt Sounds System among others. According to coordinator Colin Elcock, despite the inclement weather, the activity was well organized and incident free. The committee would also like to say a special thanks to Commander B Division Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam and ranks of the Guyana police force and to all for their unstinted support and look for their continued patronage for the next race meet.
Thursday June 02, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Different Government same attitude towards sports By Sean Devers Guyana endured 21 years of Sports being ignored, grounds overgrown with bush, buildings constructed on playing fields, lack of interest in putting qualified Coaches in Schools, insufficient funding to send National teams overseas and the general unimportance that sports was viewed by the PPP/Civic Administration. Many who voted for the Collation Government was hopeful that the things that occurred during the past two decades would change for the betterment of Sports. But after a year in power this Government has done nothing much for sports and little have changed. Many of those who voted for change, including me, remain disappointed. The collective cry by those in the sports fraternity is ‘different Government same attitude towards Sports. Nicolette Henry, the Junior Minister responsible for Sports, quickly shot down the concept of naming the Stands at the Providence Stadium, Guyana’s only International Cricket venue. She claimed she did not want to spend the next five years defending the names. Director of Sports Christopher Jones promised to revisit the idea which could have been done during Jubilee month when those being recognized are still alive. Every other International cricket ground in the Caribbean has names attached to their stands unlike Guyana where the stands are named Green, Red and Orange. Very few would have a problem with names such as Clive Lloyd, Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, Colin Croft or Shiv Chanderpaul, being on the stands while the Media Centre could have been renamed the Reds Perriera Media Centre. The 77-year-old Perriera, a former advisor to Sports Minister Shirley Field-Riddle in the Forbes Burnham PNC Government, feels Government, which changed the name of the Ogle Airport and plans to rename Carifesta Avenue, is not doing enough for Sports. Minister Henry seems unaware of the importance sport plays in reducing crime, uplifting the social skills of young people and building unity in Communities among many other positives. Not a single National Award was presented to anyone for their contribution to Sports and that alone emphasizes the lack of
Education Minister Rupert Roopnarine
Minister Nicolette Henry
Director of Sports Christopher Jones
respect or interest this Government has for Sports. Guyana Olympic Association Head K Juman Yassin, Sports Journalist Alan LaRose, Boxing Promoter Herman Harris and former West Indies cricketer Clyde Butts are among those concerned by the lack of recognition for sports by Government. There are many who feel the same way but because of fear of victimization remain silent. The Guyanese mentality is one which dares not challenge Authority which is inherited from the days of slavery, indentured servants and the various post Independence Governments. Many ‘sit on the fence’ and refrain from publicly condemning that which is wrong without understanding that bad things continue because good people do nothing. For Sports to improve locally we need more International standard facilities and more funding to pay coaches and provide our national teams with the exposure and experience of participating in more overseas events. During the first 25 years of Independence, Sports was a ‘big thing’ with the staging of
the annual Guystac and Guymine games while national athletes were never denied time off from their jobs to train or represent their country. National and former National athletes were sent to Coach in schools by the NSC which was then located in Brickdam. The State owned Guysuco grounds were well maintained venues in Skeldon, Rose Hall Canje, Blairmont, LBI, Versailles and Uitvlugt but under the previous Government they were allowed to fall into disrepair and it seems the present Administration is not interested in seeing them rehabilitated. It is widely felt that too many persons mandated to ‘run’ sports are square pegs in round holes, including Minister Henry, who would have been better off in the Health Ministry because of her strong Medical background. The Guyana Cricket Bill was supported in Parliament when the APNU-AFC was the opposition yet Minister Henry said she was unaware of the progress of the Bill or the status of Pastor Winston McGowan. The first three ODIs in the Tri-series set
for Providence and the state owned Station (NCN) has only acquired TV rights. This is the first time an International cricket match in Guyana will not broadcast on local Radio. Correspondence was reportedly sent to Marketing Manager of NCN Raymond Azeez, informing him that the Government would not pay the US$25,000 for Radio Rights since the onus is on NCN to acquire sponsorship to cover that cost. When contacted Azeez declined to comment expect to confirm that there would be no radio commentary. The US$25,000 would have covered the tri-nation series, the four India Tests and the entire CPL t20 tournament. Government spent hundreds of millions on the Jubilee celebrations with tax payers money but can’t spend a small fraction of that to ensure that Guyanese have the opportunity to hear matches in the Tri-Nation series. Grand Slam Sport has already assembled a radio commentary team to broadcast the games which will be heard throughout the Caribbean and further afield.
Kendall/Union cricket club reaches out to the elderly for Independence The celebrations of Guyana 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations has indeed taken on significant importance in Guyana with persons and organisations in every sphere of Guyanese life making use of the opportunity to celebrate the noteworthy achievement. The Kendall’s Union Sports Club of (the No 19) East Coast Berbice area recently joined with the Kintyre-Borlam NDC to host a successful senior citizens day at the club’s cricket ground on the 26th May, 2016. The inaugural activity saw some 60 senior citizens given food hampers and treated to a grand lunch. The chairman for the NDC Mr.
Basant Singh Persaud in opening remarks welcomed everyone present and commended the club for hosting such a significant event. The Club’s President Mr. Albert Budhoo stated that they were very excited and happy to be a part of such an event, to celebrate Guyana’s Jubilee Independence Anniversary and to show appreciation to the senior citizens. He thanked the invitees for their presence at the function and stated that the senior citizens are mostly forgotten and are not treated with the love and respect they deserve. He added that the club will make it an annual event and this is just one of the many
Some of the senior citizens that were treated by the Kendall’s Union Cricket Club. community projects for the club in 2016. The invitees expressed their gratitude to the club and the NDC for such a wonder-
ful gesture, expressing their pleasure to being a part of something that signifies Guyana’s Jubilee Independence celebrations.
They stated that the event was the first of its kind for the community and wished the organisers well in their future endeavours. Mr. Budhoo also
used the opportunity to express thanks to all the various entities that assisted in making the venture successful. (Samuel Whyte)
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Thursday June 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
Serena stifles contest to reach Omar Adams performs creditably at 25th Aquatic Centre Int. Invitational Roland Garros quarters - Achieves PB in 50M Fly
PARIS (Reuters) It would be unfair to blame Elina Svitolina, for so few have what it takes to bring the best out of Serena Williams. Never mind that this was a grand slam fourth round match, or that Svitolina was the 18th seed. Once again, the champion swept past an opponent while barely breaking sweat. The American’s 6-1 6-1 scoreline to reach the French Open quarter-finals on Wednesday tells its own story; and it was a tale deserving a better stage than a sparsely populated Roland Garros center court. A certain type of genius had been on show. Not the sort of shot-playing, mesmerizing genius conjured when two superstars of the sport lock horns; but genius nonetheless. The type that allows a player to out-think, outmanoeuvre and out-gun their opponent — all with the minimum of fuss. Year, after year, after year. Not for nothing is Williams ranked number one in the world. While few had expected Svitolina to see off Williams, many might have expected a better fight, if only by virtue of her top-20 ranking. Svitolina soon learned, though, the more you throw at Williams, the more you get back. That is how she has amassed 21 grand slam singles crowns, and four Olympic golds. Each time Svitolina thumped a ball harder, Williams slid into place and clattered it with timing and a power her opponent could only dream of. The stands slowly filled, and Williams slowly turned the screw. “I didn’t play my best in the third round and I really wanted to come out and do a lot better,” Williams said, by way of some explanation. Empty green seats outnumbered raincoatclad fans by around five to one on the Parisian showcourt, and heavy slow balls offered
little artistry to entice greater numbers. But those willing to brave the chilly, sodden conditions were treated to a display of utter dominance. She spluttered from time to time, but always did enough to neuter her scurrying opponent, and will play Yulia Putintseva for a spot in the semis. The bare statistics tell their own story. Both players made a similar number of unforced errors — this was never a display of perfection or sublime shot-making — but Svitolina made far more forced errors, highlighting the pressure throughout. Serena’s serves were consistently faster, both first and second. She won the lions’ share of break points on offer, and almost all the points when venturing to the net. In total, Williams won almost twice as many points as her opponent, 64 to Svitolina’s 35. Was she twice as good? She was - and the rest. “I feel it was a better match for me. She’s a really good player. She gets a lot of balls back. So it was really good for me to play that.” As it happened, Svitolina didn’t get nearly enough balls back, and Williams finished her off in a smidgeon over an hour. As big sister Venus headed for the exit, having lost to Timea Bacsinszky, Serena returned to the changing room, another challenger looming, another practice session ahead, another round to play. Her tired smile as she exited the court perhaps suggesting even she may one day tire of shooting fish in a barrel. While that may be the case after almost 20 years at the cutting edge of women’s tennis, neutrals should hope that time is a little way off. Those tiring of Williams’ dominance might well consider the bleak landscape without her star quality.
BBC Sport - Andy Murray eventually found his form to get the better of home favourite Richard Gasquet and reach the semifinals of the French Open. Murray lost the first set from 5-2 up and let a similar lead slip in the second before taking the tie-break, and going on to win 5-7 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 6-2. The Scot, seeded second, will face holder Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in the last four on Friday. Third seed Wawrinka beat Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-2 6-1 7-6 (9-7). Murray has now won his last 10 matches, having won the Italian Open last month, and is through to his fourth French Open and 19th
Grand Slam semi-final. In the other half of the draw, rain delays mean the quarter-finals between Novak Djokovic and Tomas Berdych, and David Goffin and Dominic Thiem, will be played on Thursday. Gasquet lets chance slip in tie-break Murray had won all four previous Grand Slam meetings with Gasquet but gave the Frenchman every opportunity to improve on that record. The Briton earned a 5-2 lead before his early success with drop shots disappeared, and double faults at key times helped Gasquet run through five straight games. A similar pattern followed in the second set, as Murray again failed to serve out from 5-2 and fell 3-1 down in the tie-break, but he gathered himself to finally take control with six straight points. The Parisian crowd had been hoping their man could emulate Yannick Noah’s title-winning run of 1983, but Gasquet’s challenge faded dramatically in the third set. After the first two sets took well over two hours, Murray raced through the third in 27 minutes, and a sharp forehand volley gave him the decisive breakthrough early in the fourth. “Stop it!” shouted Murray after his fourth double fault of the afternoon but it did not signal another collapse, and the world number two reeled off 13 of the last 15 games to win in three hours and 23 minutes.
in Barbados
Omar Adams - Dorado Speed Swim Club competing in Barbados. Dorado Speed Swim Club’s Omar Adams turned in creditable performances when he represented his club last weekend at the 25th Annual Aquatic Centre International Invitational, May 27 – Event 50M Fly 50M Free 100M Free 100M Fly 200M Fly 400M Free
29 in the Land of the Flying Fish, Barbados. Held under the auspices of the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association (BASA), the event which was an Approved Qualifier for the
Time 28:19 **** **** **** 2:30.87
Place 3rd (bronze) 7th 4th 3rd (bronze) 3rd (bronze - Swam this event for the first time) 4:39.90 4th (PB)
Olympic Games, RIO- BRAZIL saw Adams capturing 3 bronze medals including a Personal Best (PB) in the 50M Butterfly with a time of 28:19. He contested a total of six events in the Boys Open category during the three days of competition. Following is the full list of events Adams contested. The 18-year-old Adams placed joint 22nd with 31 points in the Boys Individual Scores out of 67 competitors and was the first over 18 swimmer.
GAPF Claude Charles Andy Murray fights back Memorial/Intermediate & to beat Richard Gasquet Masters on this Sunday
Curacao down Guyana 5-2 in C’bean Cup fixture Curacao defeated Guyana 5 goals to 2 in the second round of the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup Football Tournament played in Curacao last evening at the ERGILIO HATO STADIUM. Sheldon Holder in 42nd and Brandon Beresford in the 77th with a header off a Walter Moore freekick were the scorers for the tamed Jaguars. Full details on the match in tomorrow’s edition. The Golden Jaguars next face the US Virgin Islands at the ADELITA CANCRYN PLAYING FIELD on Saturday hoping for better fortunes.
Buddy’s Gym & Sports Masseuse Lifter in the Raw (Unequipped) is expected to repeat Kathleen Paul support category and likely better his previous Athletes are all focused on this weekend’s Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) Annual Claude Charles Memorial / Intermediate and Masters Competitions as are many corporate entities. Helping to provide the necessary funding to ensure the athletes are rewarded on Sunday at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue are Buddy’s Gym and Sports Masseuse Ms. Kathleen Paul who is located in Crown Street, Queenstown, the latest to lend valuable support apart from main sponsor, Fitness Express. According to a release from the federation, Buddy’s has also shown interest in continued collaborations with the entity with regards to fitness events as well as being the Gym of Guyana’s
National Team which is currently preparing for the 14th IPF/NAPF Regional Powerlifting Championships. The federation is informing that the registration process for Sunday is complete and patrons can look forward to an action packed day of lifting from Guyana’s veteran lifters, the likes of Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby, ‘Big’ John Edwards and Farouk Abdool who will be competing in the Masters category. The upcoming strongmen and women will be testing each other in the Intermediate division where Sub Junior Power House Romario Gonsalves of Life Gym and Novices Best Lifter Arif Imamdeen of Total Fitness Gym in Berbice will battle each other for top honours. Carlos Peterson the Best
performances. The women in attendance will not be left out of the limelight and they have promised to put in some impressive performances. Veteran bodybuilder Nadina Taharally of Interline Fitness, Lisa Oudit and Novices Female Best Lifter Melissa Tucker of RIP HIT Fitness are some of the ladies that will be on show this Sunday. Athletes are reminded that the weigh-in and equipment inspection will commence at 07:00hrs and concluded at 09:00hrs; there will be no late weigh-ins. Competition time is 10:30hrs sharp; an entrance fee of $500 will be charged while novelty events involving patrons for prizes compliments of the main sponsor, Fitness Express will be done.
Thursday June 02, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition...
Improved preparations, increased exposure makes tournament wide open By Rawle Welch Now that most of the activities related to Guyana’s 50th ‘Golden Jubilee’Anniversary have eased, it is now time for the nation’s young ballweavers to focus their attention on getting ready for the start of this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition on Friday, June 10. Digicel had reported that this year could see a 9% increase in schools participation and this is a clear indicator of the growing popularity and development benefits that are being derived from the staging of the tournament. It also means that major stakeholders such as
theMinistry of Education / Sport, teachers, scouts, clubs and the Guyana Football Federation are obviously satisfied with the achievements accumulated to date. The intense rivalry and the mounting success of teams such as Christianburg / Wismar in this particular competition and Chase Academy in other tournaments is what have instigated the kind of rigorous preparations that we see now. Schools are now seeing the true worth in investing the time necessary to do well because the benefits can be enormous for the winners in terms of the financial rewards that go towards a project (s)
of their choice. Already we’ve seen the two finalists from last year Christianburg / Wismar and Chase Academy go at each other in the undercard of the recently held Guyana versus Canada game and while it was just a friendly encounter, one could have determined the seriousness in which the two teams took the engagement. It was a precursor for an anticipated showdown against each other should it materialise so coaches and supporters used the opportunity to make their own assessment. The reverberations from that friendly game were felt both in the Georgetownbased community that Chase
Academy is domiciled and the Mining Town of Linden, home to Christianburg / Wismar. Chase Academy won that friendly skirmish by a 2-1 margin and the early prognosis from their camp is that they are confident of reversing last year’s result should the two meet in this year’s final. On the other hand, the defending champions revealed that they fielded a weakened team, preferring to more or less experiment with some of the new players who will be showcased in this year’s competition and while they have the utmost respect for the opposition, they were unfazed by the loss. What has been estab-
lished is that they are a resilient team, accustomed to the underdog tag, so one is tempted to believe what they said about not being unduly worried about the loss. There is no doubt that Chase Academy has improved immensely since that last meeting so it could be an interesting battle should they make the final. However, the two reaching the final is not a done deal, a number of other schools are no doubt putting in the necessary preparatory work to give them the best chance of making it to the championship game and this year could very well see many of the established teams hav-
ing to fight hard to stave off elimination. Teams such as Waramadong, Dolphin, Lodge, Berbice High School, Uitvlugt, Mackenzie High School, New Amsterdam Technical Institute and Annai could all have a say in this year’s edition. Every year the all-round quality of play shows significant improvement due to enhanced preparations and combined with the proclivity of clubs to expose its young players, this tournament could provide a treat for all. Hopefully the rain doesn’t rob us of seeing the players display their skill and ability during the tournament’s duration.
Joseph “Reds” Perreira NSC/GKF host ‘50 Shades hosts interactive session of Sports’ Junior Karate Riana Narine and with journalists championships Doodnauth
Reds Perreira (right) and local boxing Legend Lennox Blackmore at a previous event. Legendary Guyanese broadcaster Joseph “Reds” Perreira yesterday held an interactive session with Jour-
nalists at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) secretariat. The 77-year-old broadcaster, who hails from
Pomeroon in Essequibo but now resides in St. Lucia, was very happy to share ideas and give tips to journalists, especially to younger ones to assist in the quality of their reporting. He stressed on the importance of not just carrying press releases ‘as is’ and finishing there but to follow up on possible areas because what you can get out of it, is important. He also reminded journalists to be more involved in the particular sport being covered, to be present at games and to not always depend on gathering of information by phone calls. He also noted that the public prefers to see the journalists at events. He encouraged television companies to record as much of the game that is possible because it is important to capture the events that would lead to the final results. Interviews with coaches and parents, especially mothers of athletes was also high on the agenda of the former Georgetown Football Club (GFC) goalkeeper who made his first division debut for the club at only 16 years old. The former football coach also touched on the importance of building personalities by urging journalists to place emphasis on not only teams but on players, coaches and officials. Perreira talked about his autobiography “Living my Dreams” and also credited the GFF for making the session possible.
Jairam are best female and male Karatekas Riana Narine and Doodnauth Jairam emerged as the best female and male competitors when the National Junior Karate Championships sponsored by the National Sports Commission (NSC) under the ’50 Shades of Male 6-8 Years – Kata 1st Pratush Deokinandan 2nd Mario Hodge 3rd Nigel Clarke Female 6-8 years – Kata 1st Aarti Ramgolam 2nd Pooja Lam Male 9-11 years - Kata 1st Doodnauth Jjairam 2nd Matthew Gurahoo 3rd Clint Jones
Female 9-11 years - Kata 1st Riana Narine 2nd Aminata Diallo 3rd Jasmin Hodge Male 12-14 years – Kata 1st Seon Wesley 2nd Mekhi Proffit 3rd Sruti Jairam
Female 15-17 years – Kata 1st Chelcia Benjamin Male 15-17 years - Kata 1st Avinash Ramgolam 2nd Andru Rambarran 3rd Charles Benjamin
Sport’ banner in observance of Guyana 50th year of Independence and hosted by the Guyana Karate Federation (GKF) was held on Sunday last at the Cliff Anderson sports Hall. Following are the full results:
Male 6-8 years – Kumite 1st Nigel Clarke 2nd Jeremy Betton 3rd Amar Jairam Female 6-8 years - Kumite 1st Aarti Ramgolam 2nd Pooja Lam Male 9-11 years – Kumite (40kg) 1st Doodnauth Jairam 2nd Owen Betton 3rd Xavier Henry Male 9-11 years - Kumite (40+kg) 1st Shaquan Norville 2nd Clint Jones Female 9-11 years - Kumite 1st Jasmin Hodge 2nd Riana Narine Male 12-14 years - Kumite (45kg) 1st Mark Crawford 2nd Jonathan Ramsuchit 3rd Dominic Wharton Male 12-14 years - Kumite (45+kg) 1st Sruti Jairam 2nd Orlando Giddings 3rd Mekhi Proffit Female 15-17 years - Kumite 1st Chelcia Benjamin Male 15-17 years - Kumite (55kg) 1st Tulsidas Hira 2nd Christopher Ramkissoon 3rd Michael Crawford Male 15-17 years - Kumite (55+kg) 1st Andru Rambarran 2nd Antuan Headley 3rd Mortimer Giddings
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Thursday June 02, 2016
Kaieteur News
South Africa, Windies practice washed out
Heineken UEFA Finals Viewing Party packs 704 to capacity
No local Radio Commentary for Tri-nation series Both the morning and afternoon practices sessions scheduled for yesterday at the Providence Stadium were washed due the heavy rain. South Africa were set to practice from 09:00hrs to noon, while West Indies, who had a ‘net’ and fielding drills under lights on Tuesday evening, were scheduled to practice from 14:00hrs to 17:00hrs. Providence is the fastest drying International cricket venue in the world and unless there is rain during ‘playing hours’ there will be play. If however, it rains all day and no play is possible, fans receive a full refund. South Africa and West Indies clash for the first time in ODI cricket in Guyana tomorrow from 13:00hrs at Providence in the first ever Day/Night International game to be played here. Gates will be opened from 11:00hrs. Tickets for the Party Stand cost $2,000, Orange ($3,000) while $4,000 gets you into the Green and Red Stands. Children under the age of 12 will be admit-
ted free but those who purchase Tickets and are desirous of taking children to the games are reminded to ask for a ticket for the child. Tickets are also being sold on-line Tickets for the Green Stand for Sunday’s game between West Indies and number one raked and five times World Cup Champions Australia have already been sold out. The final game of the Guyana leg is fixed for Tuesday and involves South Africa and Australia. All games commence at 13:00hrs. Meanwhile, local listeners will not be able hear live radio commentary on the any of the games in this series since the state owned NCN could only afford to pay for the Television rights. Guyanese Insurance Agent and Cricket Umpire, Matthew Kissoon is set to make his international debut on Radio in tomorrow’s game. International Commentators Andrew Mason from Barbados, Inderjeet Persaud and Sean Devers are also a part of the Sports Radio team doing the ball-by-ball play.
Bolt’s big fear Jamaica’s sprint great doesn’t want to lose at a big championship
Usain Bolt (red shirt) poses with these children during the launch of the Digicel’s Bring The Beat campaign which will be a series of activities leading up to the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil. (Bryan Cummings) Jamaica Observer - Usain Bolt is the fastest man in history. He is the greatest sprinter of all time. A living legend. But he has a phobia losing at a big championship. Bolt, who teamed up with Digicel to launch the company’s “Bring the Beat” campaign - which is geared towards a series of activities leading up to the Rio Olympic Games in Brazil - was peppered with questions from several youngsters from the Caribbean aged between six and 10 years old in an interactive session that lasted for approximately an hour.
The event was hosted by nine-year-old Naleighna-Kae McLean, who asked a series of questions before opening the floor to her fellow young Bolt enthusiasts. At times, it appeared Bolt had to dig deep to find answers. “Good afternoon Mr Bolt, what is your greatest fear?” was one of the questions. Bolt, dressed in a red tshirt and gray pants, took a deep breath, as he shuffled back into his seat. “My greatest fear is actually losing at a championship, that’s my greatest fear, like
losing at the Olympics,” Bolt revealed to a packed room. “Usain Bolt… a lot of journalists say Asafa [Powell] is physically fit, but not mentally prepared. I was wondering are you mentally prepared?” asked the young boy. Bolt paused. Once again he looked taken aback. “A very good question. I think… I don’t know how to answer this question correctly,” said Bolt. While Bolt was still pondering, “Can you run faster than a cheetah?” “Yes,” he answered, (Continued on page 29)
Football enthusiasts and patrons packed into the second floor of the 704 Bar and Lounge to get a glimpse of the Heineken UEFA Champions League Final last Saturday. (Yura Stephen photograph) Heineken’s Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League (UCL) Finals Viewing Party packed 704 Bar and Lounge, Albert and Lamaha Streets to capacity last Saturday as football enthusiasts and patrons turned up in their numbers. Amidst mid-afternoon glitz, glamour and aura of three levels of party, more than three thousand turned up at the popular spot to witness Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League title for a historic 11th time on penalty kicks against Athletico Madrid. The numbers doubled last year’s Finals Viewing Party in all facets. “This promotion was really good. We doubled the amount of consumption, and the participation, from last year,” Heineken Brand Manager, Robert Hiscock told Kaieteur Sport. Distributors, Ansa McAl Limited launched the 2016 Heineken Promotion at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel in February. Thereafter, hundreds of patrons across Guyana partici-
Robert Hiscock pated for several weeks in a foosball competition at selected bars. Foosball is a table assimilation of football and was part of Heineken’s UEFA Series Promotion at the bars; the promotion attracted many curious fans and participants at the various locations with even women winning the diverse prizes that were up for grabs. The prizes ranged from miniature foosball tables,
Heineken-branded wrist watches, UEFA Gym bags to other paraphernalia. Hiscock believes that football enthusiasts brought a fitting end to the promotion at the 704 Entertainment Complex. “People had a really good time. This is an annual thing now and the people were anticipating it a whole lot more than before. I think part of that has to do with the fact that football is becoming a bigger culture in Guyana,” the Heineken boss indicated. Heineken is a long-standing sponsor of the Champions League. This year’s promotion ended in a massive Finals Viewing Party, which presented three international DJs on the three levels of 704 Entertainment Complex. The three flights were packed to capacity. The Finals Viewing Party was the biggest to-date given the special significance of Guyana’s 50 th Anniversary Celebrations; the purchase of buckets of Heineken a selected bars gave patrons the chance to win tickets to the Final Viewing Party.
India-Pakistan, Australia-England bouts in 2017 Champions Trophy ESPNCRICINFO - Two of cricket’s traditional rivalries will be on show in the 2017 Champions Trophy, with hosts England and Australia in Group A, and India and Pakistan in Group B. Group A also contains New Zealand, which means a trans-Tasman clash as well in the first round. The opening game of the tournament is between England and Bangladesh on June 1. Cardiff, The Oval and Edgbaston are the venues for the event, which comprises 15 matches in 18 days, with the final at The Oval on June 18. The ticket ballot opens on September 1 and closes on September 30. The remaining tickets will go on sale in October. The top eight sides in the ICC ODI rankings as of September 30, 2015 qualified for the event, with West Indies and Zimbabwe being the two Full Member countries that
failed to make the cut. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals in Cardiff and Edgbaston on June 14 and 15. India and Pakistan have met in the group stage of every ICC tournament - five of them since the 2011 World Cup, where they had met in the semi-final. When asked if this was a coincidence, the ICC chief executive Dave Richardson said it wasn’t. “What we try and do is make sure that when you add up the rankings of the different groups that they all add up to the same number of points. You can do that in a number of ways: zigzag, you can go sort of like a snake … No doubt we want to try and put India versus Pakistan in our event, it’s massive around the world. It’s probably no coincidence that the two keep ending up in the same (Continued on page 29)
Kaieteur News
Thursday June 02, 2016
PAGE 35
Minister of State receives courtesy call from WICB President
Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon (centre) is flanked by WICB President Mr. Dave Cameron (left) and Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board and Director of the WICB, Mr. Anand Sanasie.
G
eorgetown, Guyana – President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Mr. Dave Cameron yesterday paid a courtesy call to Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency.
M r. C a m e r o n w a s accompanied by Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board and Director of the WICB, Mr. Anand Sanasie and discussed matters related to the functioning of the WICB. Minister Harmon also
inquired about preparations for the Tri-Nation Series that will be held in Guyana on June 3, 5 and 7 at the Guyana National Stadium. Mr. Sanasie announced that approval has been granted for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary
logo to be placed on the field of play. The Logo will be visible internationally during the broadcast of the matches. The West Indies, South Africa and Australia cricket teams have already arrived in Guyana.
t r o Sp Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition...
Improved preparations, increased exposure makes tournament wide open
Part of the action between reigning champion Christianburg / Wismar and Uitvlugt Secondary School in Linden last year.
GAPF Claude Charles Memorial/Intermediate & Masters on this Sunday
Buddy’s Gym Representative hands over their contribution to GAPF Secretary, Ms Melissa Tucker.
Andy Murray fights back Serena stifles contest to reach to beat Richard Gasquet Roland Garros quarters
Murray is through to his fourth semi-final at Roland Garros. (Reuters)
Serena Williams of the U.S. returns the ball to Elina Svitolina of Ukraine at the French Open at Roland Garros, Paris, France. (REUTERS/GONZALO FUENTES)
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