Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210

Editorial

Dale Andrews Was The Emblem Of Journalism

The sudden passing of Kaieteur News Assistant Editor, Dale Anthony Andrews, on Saturday June 4, 2016 at age 47 has saddened his family, the Publisher, Editor-in-Chief and the entire staff of Kaieteur News. The latter were his extended family and colleagues. His untimely death will leave a void that will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill. The entire staff of Kaieteur News wishes to convey their sincerest condolences to his wife, children, mother, brothers, sisters and his wider family circle. The late Dale Andrews has left his indelible footprints in journalism, and was right up there with the best and brightest in the business. Dale joined Kaieteur News about 15 years ago as a reporter. Over time he rose to the rank of Assistant Editor. Those who have followed his journalistic career, especially those of an older vintage, will understand how astute and pragmatic he was in his writings, particularly on crime. Just as incomparable his Editor-in-Chief is in journalism, Dale Anthony Andrews became the undisputed writer on issues of crime and police reform. He did it with great passion. Like so many others at Kaieteur News with an intense love for their work, Dale, would have dreamt of doing nothing else or working for none other than Kaieteur News. Although he was a journalist at heart up to the time of his passing, he turned out to be far more adept at providing sound advice to colleagues and friends. His desire to be involved in journalism at the highest level was satisfied when he discovered at an early age his true calling as a writer and narrator. According to relatives, he was inspired by his father who wanted to be become a journalist himself, but settled for a highly respected public sector position. As an animated writer, his lean, yet stylish approach became the template for younger journalists in the country. No matter how much pressure Dale was under, and he was always under a lot since he had to meet deadlines, he seemed never to have written a misplaced phrase or an awkward sentence. His syntax was extraordinarily good. Blessed with a superb writing style as clear as crystal, Dale became one of those on whom Kaieteur News depended to get the news out to the public. Clearly, his tireless travels in, around and out of the city, thoughtfully and very professionally, allowed him to paint a much-needed and accurate picture of the news for the readers of Kaieteur News. Such was his love and understanding of journalism and people in general, that his skill as a writer brought to life even those news stories considered dull by some, he made them lively in such a way for everyone to read and enjoy. Though extremely mild-mannered, our friend and colleague, Dale was also so honest and straight-forward in reporting the news, that he sometimes ran afoul of some in his friends and many in the government. At times, he was pressed hard, yet he never wavered or backed away from completing his task. He has always maintained his poise and integrity, protected by his unquestioned professionalism.Just a few hours before taking his last breath, he was still writing and submitting reports. Dale was an avid sports fan. The games he loved the most were football, tennis, boxing, and his most valued cricket. However, his love for journalism, and in particular Kaieteur News, was foremost and genuine. He contributed immensely to journalistic fiber in Guyana, and will be sorely missed by his family, his extended family at Kaieteur News and the readers. It is sad that he did not live to see the prized contribution he has made to society which has certainly enriched and advanced journalism and in particular Kaieteur News. But his close family members can rest assured that his memory will live on forever.

Sunday June 05, 2016

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

Will Glen Lall, Freddie Kissoon, and Nigel Hughes do it? DEAR EDITOR; I have thought long and hard about writing this letter. I chose to remain anonymous because I know President Granger will call me in the US where I live to speak to me on the path I have taken here. I served in the army with the President and it was the realization of a personal dream when one of the soldiers I served closely with became the President of my c o u n t r y. T h e G u y a n a Defence Force, contrary to what people may feel about President Burnham, is one of the most professionally run armies in the world. I soldiered with David Granger and he was the e m b o d i m e n t o f professionalism Family pressure drove me to Region 11 but my heart is always in Guyana. I have

returned several times since I left including for the Golden Jubilee. Before I proceed I would like to congratulate my friend, Ivelaw Griffith on his appointment at UG. When David Granger became the head of the PNC, I had a transformation in attitude. I was now interested in the politics of the PNC. In the 2011 and 2015 elections, I was happy to make my small donations. I have a son and daughter who have done well in corporate America and through my persuasion, they have made their small contributions too for both elections I have just returned to the US from Guyana and based on what I see, what I know and the people I have talked with for the month I was in Guyana, I have had a change of heart. David Granger has

disappointed me. I hope the feeling is temporary but my visit opened my eyes so I doubt I would change my mind. The turning point was Joe Harmon and his controversy. I served with Joe and one incident in the army was a revelation. I am sorry I cannot recount it here because the newspaper would not publish it. Joe Harmon has remained the Joe Harmon I know. I have had confidential things told to me during the time I spent in Guyana for the Golden Jubilee about certain APNU big wigs. The people I have spoken with or I should say spoke to me have access to David Granger. If they can tell me why would they not tell the President? The future of Guyana doesn’t look good with our new government. I confess it

breaks my heart to say so. For me, there needs to be a new dispensation. For me this will necessitate a new political party. I would like to see a new political party with someone like Freddie Kissoon and Nigel Hughes in the leadership contesting the next election. The moving factor in that party should be Mr. Glenn Lall. Will Freddie KIssoon, Nigel Hughes and Glen Lall do it? Freddie Kissoon is unique in Guyana. I don’t think there was ever or ever will be soon in the future, a person that has so brilliantly succeeded in crossing the racial divide in Guyana. Afro Guyanese have claimed Freddie as one of their own. ACDA should follow in the footsteps of the NAACP and honour Freddie. The NAACP has awarded Whites for their contribution to the Black (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

The big jubilee celebration Poor defence of Joe Harmon was necessary DEAR EDITOR; I’m a regular reader of Mr. Freddie Kisson’s column, some of which I agree and some I disagree. In his column dated 2016-06-01 title “we never should have celebrated the 50th in such a big way” I recognised he, his wife and daughter never sought citizenship in another country. Mr. Kissoon, please be reminded if you are not aware, there are thousands of Guyanese including myself who never sought citizenship in another country. You also indicated that you worked twenty-six consecutive years at the U.G. I’m a Lindener, and my cousin, the late Mr. George (Sonny) Parris worked well over 50 years with the Demerara Bauxite Company Ltd. at Linden, Mr. Hugo Fields an ex-employee of the communication sector worker over 50 years with G.T.C and G.T.T and myself 46 years with the telephone sector also. While it is important to remain in a Government or private employ, it is our input that qualifies us as very good, good, etc, etc, etc. In your writing, I recognised Mr. David Hinds and you need to resolve your differences. Some of us feel freedom of speech qualify us to say what, how, when, where and don’t care a damn to who. I also read into your writing, that the P.P.P and the A.P.N.U-A.F.C Government have caused you pain and it is your intention to speak out if you are provoked. We have all contributed towards the

development of beautiful Guyana. The question of our elaborate Golden Jubilee Celebration, in my opinion, it was a necessity. A 50 years celebration is a once in a lifetime for many of us. People all over the world travel yearly to Trinidad Carnival, Barbados Crop over and U.S.A Labour Day to enjoy themselves. We have seen thousands of Guyanese and foreigners who paid their passages without your help to be with us to enjoy everything we offered. Mr. Kissoon, it seems you apparently attended some functions to recognise faults, but remember, all of us check our dictionaries to conform spellings and meanings of words, because mistakes can be made. There’s good in all men, but, there’s no perfect man. The poorest of men celebrates a mile stone in his own elaborate way. Guyanese of all races should be told of the history of the Queen Elizabeth Park now the Guyana National Park. It would have been wrong for us to celebrate our 50 years of Independence there knowing its history. The Providence Stadium must be preserve for its purpose. Durban Park was a horse racing field many decades ago. It be-

came a jungle in the center of our Garden City. It is now transformed into a beautiful centre with the assistance of overseas and local contributors. What was wrong with that? A quote from the Late President Mr. Cheddi Jagan 1993 Independence speech, “Lets move forward in unity and goodwill and confidence to make our Guyana more beautiful than we have found it”. A quote from the Late President Linden Forbes Burnham’s 1966 Independence speech. “After 150 odd years of British rule and in some cases misrule, we are now INDEPENDENT, but we harbour no bitterness”. Many of us continue to criticise the economy of Guyana, but we witness larger and higher buildings being constructed only to ask ourselves, why? The white British Ambassador to Kenya, who made the remarks about vomit on his shoes was lucky it didn’t get into his face, because the British took suffering to Kenya and other places. Mr. Kissoon, I do appreciate your observations, comments and criticisms, but, when the pomp’s and splendour of spectacular celebrations are on, please remove yourself from those activities which cause you to feel less of yourself. Winslow Parris

DEAR EDITOR; I refer to Jermain Hermanstyne’s letter “Don’t rush to judge Minister Harmon,” KN, June 4. Mr Hermanstyne claims to be a first time writer as if that appeal to your good heart would entitle him to publication. Really? His letter was obviously one to push support for Joe Harmon, but be that as it may, Mr Hermanstyne’s letter is fraught with inaccuracies: 1. He has clearly not read all the letters and reports of Joe Harmon’s odyssey and the apparent missteps 2. Is Mr Hermanstyne not aware that Joe Harmon baulked at holding a press conference and instead opted to issue a release through the government’s official organ? 3. Is Mr Hermanstyne not aware that President Granger was crowded in public by the Press and adroitly answered some questions the reporters put to him on the

Harmon fiasco? 4. Mr Hermanstyne proceeds to make some nebulous reference to natural justice, obviously not fully aware nor understanding what that means. Natural justice does not apply where the acts done were inexplicable as they appear to be well beyond the scope of assigned power and responsibility. But that is beyond the grasp of Mr Hermanstyne as he is clearly trying to add a pleading voice for forgiving fatal errors. 5. Does Mr Hermanstyne know what is meant by ‘the preponderance of evidence’, but he chooses to ignore this and rallies his support with trite remarks of “because the information has still yet not been revealed to the public by way of press Conference or a personal interview.” What poppycock is this? 6. Mr Hermanstyne believes that “our Ministers are likely to err or fall short at

times”, but not so Joe Harmon, an obvious personal interest in Joe Harmon for his infallibility and as is customary where support is blinded, there is an appeal for unity to build rather than divide. The logic in this defies sensibility as it seems to imply that serious missteps are to be ignored as being divisive. Mister Editor, I appeal to you to let the Harmon issue die. Harmon I suspect, has already been scolded and will toe the line, so let the matter no longer be part of your publication save and except if he again missteps for then there will be a resurrection. I have suggested that he be posted to Toronto as our Consulate Officer for we do need a competent one. He would be the right man for this job. We have a lot of ex-police men, and ex-soldiers to keep him company.Let Harmon’s missteps RIP. Carl Veecock

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Jubilee visitors saw the slow The Ministry of Finance replies service of GTT DEAR EDITOR; Rohan Singh asked recently “Can GTT explain why this is so?” Rohan penned his letter titled “Poor internet service.” He enumerated his issues - very poor and unreliable internet service; social chats such as BBM, Skype, Whatsapp are … a pain and disaster to endure; and “we cannot send/receive messages, pictures/images, videos or simply have a video chat.” Compounding his frustration is that he and so many others are subscribing to the DSL service e (Bronze plan – $5,000), but over the past five months, they have been robbed, cheated and made victims of a very weak and slow internet service, which GTT claims to be “high speed. He added that “We are paying for a service every month which we cannot enjoy and be satisfied with.” Let me add my bit in support of Rohan’s message. We need to remember that this is the age of rapidly advancing technology. The problems listed should have been teething issues, long resolved years ago. Other countries do not have these issues. If and when some negative anomaly comes up, the customers are refunded. I note that

GTT is very quick to disconnect their already ‘way under par’ service, but never willing to discuss refunding for not delivering. During the Jubiliee ‘mayhem’ many visitors were shell shocked at what we refer to as normal, that is –slow and intermittent service. I went through the futile customer service ordeal in front of a visitor, and she was aghast. The case was where I was not getting my paid service, and yet, after a lengthy delay, I was told that my service should be okay, as ‘nothing untoward was showing up.’ I was then referred to the DSL technicians and given reference numbers for three ‘broken down services’ that I was reporting at the time-one in Mon Repos and two in Annandale. That was like one week ago, and up to this point, I am yet to be contacted. That is vintage and quintessential GTT. So we either go to the court and sue for refunds and ask for compensation on breach of contract (Guyanese are very dormant (as most of us are just in-transit here-we are awaiting sponsorship maturity), or we endure. The next time I comment on this matter, I will list the numbers where the defective service is ongoing, as well as the reference ones I was given. GTT, for me, is doing guess work; they (their technicians) are doing what they know not Rayon Gafoor.

DEAR EDITOR; The Ministry of Finance read with deep dismay a letter written by Ali Hussain and published by your newspaper on May 30, 2016 “The WPA and AFC has failed to tame the PNC”. While we will not respond to the rambling generalizations that he has made regarding the roles of the WPA, PNC and AFC in the Coalition, we are constrained to respond to the allegation made against the Ministry of Finance that seems germane to his accusations against the APNU+AFC Coalition government. The allegation that “someone that (he) know(s) very well had a senior position for years in the Finance Ministry (and that ) two inexperienced Afro Guyanese were hired at salaries greater than hers to eventually fill her position (and) to top it all she was told to train them, ” is patently untrue. This reckless assumption

by Mr. Hussain is dangerous and inimical to the small strides that Guyana is making to overcome the spectre of racism which has been the Achilles heel of this country. N o t o n l y h a s M r. Hussain failed to produce any evidence of his allegation but you Mr. Editor, published this allegation without conducting any due diligence! The Fourth Estate must be careful that it does not promote in any way allegations that are within and of themselves dangerously speculative. In this case, the writer clumsily alleges racism in the hiring practices of the Ministry of Finance without providing a single shred of credible evidence except for hearsay. For the record, since the APNU+AFC administration came into office, only one senior Indian officer has resigned from the Ministry of Finance. The position she left is presently vacant. We’d also like to point out that all posi-

tions filled within the past year attracted highly qualified and experienced individuals. Mr. Hussain craftily indicates that "it is not (his) intent to stir up racial sentiments and (he) debated with (him) self whether (he) should write this letter or not. But (he) decided that the hiring practices themselves promote racial discord and someone has to speak up about it." Well, Mr. Hussain, you have stirred up racial sentiments. And you compounded it by concluding that the hiring process at the Ministry of Finance is tainted by racism without proffering any evidence. So perhaps you should not have written the letter at all, as your allegation is based on hearsay and nothing else! We hope that in the future, Mr. Editor, letters like this one will be carefully considered before being published. Not every letter is helpful or in this case truthful. Wanita Huburn

DEAR EDITOR; I hate to get into nationally controversial issues that provoke comments and attention from almost every angle. The thing in the air at the moment is the pardon of prisoners and please allow me to say this His Excellency the President of Guyana will not be deterred from his desire to pardon prisoners from time to time, so the next best thing is to trust his judgment and support his vision and the churches pray for the reformation of the pardoned individuals. Hot in the air is the campaign to name the selected prisoners. And I have debated this in my heart. Believe me I began by supporting the call for the naming process then as I listened to the views from other citizens on radio and television I found myself having a change of position and found myself going with the opinions of those who think that “no names” should be released. The reason for the change of heart are as follows: 1) once names are given it reduces the opportunity of the 2nd chance, 2) they will be stigmatized 3) they can become easy target for vengeance and spite and 4) their chances for employment and fitting back into society can be af-

fected in a big way. Whether we agree or disagree with His Excellency President Granger our duty as Guyanese is to support the integration of these pardoned prisoners and afford them opportunities in efforts on their behalf to play a meaningful role in nation building. We as Guyanese

must move away from the position of unforgiveness that has longed plagued our nation, and have engendered bitterness. We all must play our part in helping not only pardoned prisoners but help in our communities to keep our youths out of the jail house. Ivan John.

An appeal for better treatment Should the pardoned prisoners for our older folks be publicly identified?

DEAR EDITOR; Every single month at each post office in this country, from early dawn, one could witness long queues of old folks (senior persons / pensioners) queuing in an undignified manner waiting sometimes from six o clock, or half pass five in the morning for their National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and old age pensions: desperate ones in some cases. During the rainy seasons this is an undignified act and insult to the older folks of this country as matter of this nature are dealt with, as in other

countries in a more secure and dignified manner. Perhaps better shelter conditions or payment into a bank account could be considered. Editor, in these times we are living I think that older folks are vulnerable first to the inclement rainy weather and even to unscrupulous persons who may rob them on their way returning home with their tiny pension tucked in their pocket or under their skirt. We respectfully request of the authorities that they consider other method of paying old age pension and National Insurance pension

at the end of each month in a more secured way. Maybe in a personal bank account. If it rains one must stand in the rain. If the sun is too warm one must stay standing in a queue hungry belly. I saw someone faint waiting. This must be an undignified way to treat our senior folks after they have finished their summer days and now living in their winter days. Why can’t we end this undignified process and paid pensioners pensions into a bank account in the year 2016? The powers that be should give their best consideration to this vexed matter. Rooplall Dudhnath

Will Glen Lall, Freddie Kissoon... From page 4 struggle. Freddie has done just that in Guyana for Blacks. Freddie is a human rights perfectionist with a brilliant mind who lives an ordinary life and comes without any baggage at all. He is the perfect fit for a presidential candidate Nigel Hughes is what Guyana needs if we are going to make a future out of Guyana. I would rate Nigel as the best legal mind to come out of this country. He is respected and admired throughout this country. Nigel is more trusted by Guyanese than any APNU politician except the President. But I say this with a

heavy heart. After the Joe Harmon controversy, David Granger may have lost the confidence of many of his admirers. I would count myself among them I believe the key to a new party’s success lies with Glen Lall. What this man has done for Guyana cannot be compared with anyone who operates a newspaper anywhere in the world. Glen Lall brought back democracy to Guyana. He should have been given the Order of Excellence at last week’s ceremony. This did not happen and it will not do the image of the Government any good. Glen, whom I met briefly at the Palm Court

some years back, is instantly likeable. He holds the key to the success of any new party. It will not take off without him. I hope he gives it a try. For me the PPP needs to go away. I never appreciated the AFC. APNU is failing. Guyana is at the stage where it needs a new party. Guyana has the decent men and women to build such a party. I would include Dr. David Hinds, Chris Ram, Anand Goolsarran, Mark Benschop, Lincoln Lewis, Dr. Janet Bulkan, Sherod Duncan, Sherwod Lowe, Dr. Melissa Ifill. It will win a resounding victory in 2020 Former Lieutenant Guyana Defence Force

In need of certificate of competence DEAR EDITOR; Since January 2016, a young friend of mine has been engaging the police so she could be issued a replacement/duplicate of her lost certificate of competence for driving. A certificate of competence, I understand, must be presented to the Guyana Revenue Authority before that body can issue a driver's licence in the name of first time applicants. Resulting from our several visits and phone calls

to the police, we understand that they cannot, at this time, legally issue such certificates, inter alia. Various ranks appear adamant that the Ministry of Public Security is the defaulting party. It must be untenable that young professionals in particular, and Guyanese in general, are being denied several basic rights because the police are unable to legally execute some of their functions. Gavin A L. Houston

No action from the Labour Ministry DEAR EDITOR; This is a complaint against a security service. I am an employee by the said service which is located at Kingston. The ranks have to work under very hard and cruel conditions as management has us at times working twenty four (24hrs) and thirty six (36hrs) straight and in spite of complains we are not

getting any help. We are asking that you use your office and investigate this complaint and publish it before ranks fall down dead on the job. Please note that a complaint was made to the Ministry of Labour but we have had no success. And I’m also asking President Granger to look into this complaint. Security Ranks

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Kaieteur News

U.S. warns Islamist militants planning attacks in South Africa Reuters - The United States warned its citizens yesterday of possible attacks by Islamist militants on U.S. facilities or shopping malls in South Africa during the upcoming month of Ramadan, but the South African government said the country was safe. It was the second such warning in under a year from the embassy, which issued a similar alert in September in a country that has a significant expatriate and tourist population but has seldom been associated with Islamist militancy. The U.S. embassy said up-market shopping areas and malls in the commercial hub of Johannesburg and Cape Town, widely regarded as South Africa’s tourism capital, were the main target areas in the suspected planned attacks. “This information comes against the backdrop of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s public call for its adherents to carry out terrorist attacks globally during the upcoming month of Ramadan,” it said in a statement posted on its website. Last month, a new message purporting to come from the spokesman of Islamic State called on followers to launch attacks on the West during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins in early June. South Africa’s foreign affairs department said the

country’s security agencies were capable of ensuring the safety of its residents, noting that no incident or attack had taken place after the previous warning by the U.S. embassy last year. “The state security agency and other security agencies in this country are very much capable of keeping South Africa safe and everybody in this country, including Americans,” foreign affair’s ministry spokesman Clayson Monyela said. “The last time they did this, towards the end of last year, nothing came out of that advisory,” he added. South African police were not available to

comment. Following a similar warning in 2009, the U.S. closed its embassy and consulates in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town for several days.

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Sunday June 05, 2016

Sunday June 05, 2016

Dem boys seh...

Hope de coalition not doing de same You can’t control de wind but you can adjust your sails. That is a Yiddish proverb. Soulja Bai should tek note of that quote and it should wake him up. In fact, that quote should wake up all of dem in de coalition. Everything de Waterfalls paper exposed under de Jagdeo leadership and Donald Dumb platform tun out to be true. De audits expose everything in detail. It show how Jagdeo and Donald run de govt like if it was dem family business. Dem employ dem daughters, dem sons, niece and nephew, sister-in-law and son-in-law. Mother-in-law and father-in-law, ajee and ajah, naanie and nana, boyfriend and girlfriend, brothers and sisters, and even Kwame types. De audit expose de fat, fat, salaries dem use to get fuh doing nutten. Dem stories deh in de Waterfalls paper. On top of de fat, fat salary dem use to thief and produce fake bills and fake invoices to cover wha dem thief. For example, de goat man daughter get a job in OP and never tun a straw. One of dem sister who get retained as a lawyer get a retainer and still charge big money fuh a two-line letter. She even charge fuh just saying good morning to some of de Ministers. Polourie Joe had two sons wukkin in de computer factory and all one of dem coulda do was play video games pun de computer. De one at Hen See Hen give she husband $3 million in free advertising like if de place belong to she mudda. Shaik Baksh was a trader. When he get de big wuk he still believe he was a trader who had to submit invoice to Customs. Dem boys hear he just sit down at he desk and dream up invoice. He seh he carry people to dinner and even he didn’t go but he submit invoice fuh 10 people. Dem boys hope Soulja Bai don’t submit fake orders to de police to charge all of dem lowlife. Talk half and nuff more coming out.

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Jagdeo renews calls for Granger to publish list of pardoned convicts President David Granger, in May last year, had pardoned 60 convicts between the ages of 18 to 25 who were found guilty of non-violent misdemeanours. This decision had come in for much criticism especially from the political Opposition. Recently, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo renewed calls for the list of convicts to be published. At a press conference last Wednesday at Freedom House, Jagdeo stated that the people of Guyana deserve to know who are these persons being released. Last December, Granger proceeded to pardon 11 mothers. He announced this year that he plans to pardon more prisoners as the country commemorated its 50th Independence. The Head of State has tried to quell concerns by asking the public to have confidence in the screening process used for the selection of those prisoners to be pardoned. According to Jagdeo, “We (PPP) have been trying for a very long time to get the list of people released by the President a year ago from the prisons.” Jagdeo continued “Our argument is that the President has the power to issue pardons but the country has a right to know who he pardons.” Jagdeo during his press conference, said that he

President of Guyana, David Granger

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

believes the matter is being treated as a “state secret”. He said that his party had raised the issue over six to eight months in hope that public pressure would have compelled the President to publish the list. After these efforts have failed, the Opposition, under

the Freedom of Information Act sought to approach the Commissioner of Information

hoping he would have been able to give them the information. The PPP was then told to seek the information from the primary source. The Office of the President was then written and has not responded. After all these efforts failed, the party went on to raise the question in parliament. However, the Opposition received a notice from Speaker of the House Dr. Barton Scotland, stating that he will not allow the question. Concerns regarding the pardoned youths were further heightened when Kelvin Bates, one of the 60 pardoned in May 2015 was involved in a robbery along with another in May this year at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne.

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Prison escapee jailed in Suriname Forensic audit reveals.... One of Guyana’s most wanted criminals for whom a wanted bulletin was recently issued is in jail in neighbouring Suriname. The authorities in Guyana were unaware of his incarceration in the neighbouring Republic. The man Rickford La Fleur called Rickford Williams or Rickford Sabola, Bragga or Rastaman, 41, is wanted in Guyana for two counts of murder. He escaped twice from the New Amsterdam Prison. He is also wanted for possession of a large quantity of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. La Fleur also had a number of addresses. He lived at Circle Street, Skeldon; Vryheid’s Lust Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara; Smithfield, New Amsterdam and Canje River. La Fleur first came to notoriety during November 2010. He is accused of murdering Cleveland Hetmyer called ‘Water Dog’, 33, of High Dam, Angoy’s Avenue. Hetmyer was shot to death reportedly during a confrontation with the suspect and another man at Silverballi Gutter, some 90 miles up the Canje River on November 4, 2010. The man’s body with bullet wounds to the leg and ribcage was recovered in a boat floating in the Canje River. La Fleur was nabbed at a back track cross in March

Wanted man, Rickford La Fleur 2011 with two kilograms of cocaine and 600 grams of cannabis in his possession. Whilst in prison awaiting trial for murder, narcotics and escaping charges, La Fleur was charged with murdering an inmate. It was alleged that between April 27, 2011 and May 4, 2011, he along with others murdered 24-year-old Sebastian Cleto, called ‘Short Man’, ‘Plato’or ‘Clato,’ of 42 Bent Street Wortmanville, Georgetown. The men were accused of while armed with wood and other implements beating Clato and another man who were both prisoners of the New Amsterdam Prison. Clato, who was rendered unconscious due to an injury to the head, was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital before being transferred to the ICU of the Georgetown

Public Hospital where he subsequently died. La Fleur subsequently escaped again in June 2011 along with three others. The others were Kevin ‘Long hair’ Narine, who has since been nabbed in Suriname and is serving time; Vijay Seenarine, of Little India, Skeldon, Corentyne; and notorious criminal Vindoo Gopaul who was another two-time prison escapee and was incarcerated for killing his father. They have all been recaptured. During the 2011 escape the men broke out from their cells at about 02:30 hrs. They used a cement strap to scale down the side of the wall before ripping a hole in the fence and making good their escape. That escape was captured on camera. The rope, it was revealed, was taken into the prison a few days before the escape and was given to one of the escapees. La Fleur is serving a fouryear sentence for robbery under arms in Suriname.

Media Monitoring Unit was for PPP family and friends

The daughter of a former Minister, the sister-in-law of a PPP Information Liaison, a family member of a PPP Parliamentarian and a favoured young woman who was on the PPP list of candidates were all selected to be part of a special media monitoring unit. This unit was established under the previous administration. The “special media workers” were paid over $20M from the National Communications Network for which they did not work. That just happened to be the way the payment system was organized. This was noted by forensic auditors attached to Parmesar, Chartered Accountants. In their detailed report, the auditors said that a total of 35 media monitors were employed by NCN during the period 2011 to May 2015 during which the state

Former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee

PPP’s Information Liaison, Kwame McCoy

company expended $28,813,756 on the said personnel. According to the report, these employees were contracted by NCN to monitor the transmission of television /radio programmes for content and providing report or analysis for each day of the

week on a 24 hour basis. They were also asked to prepare a report on the dates monitored which will be supported by the relevant tapes/reports for verification. The auditors said that while these employees were contracted by NCN, they (Continued on page 16)

MMA-AAD audit finds…

Staff and external parties colluded to steal $5.4M in spares A forensic audit and review into the MahaicaMahaicony-Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-AAD), for the period January 1, 2012 to May 31, 2015, has revealed that spares for machinery and vehicles were stolen accumulating to a total estimated loss of $5.4M. The auditors found this piece of information while they were examining the agency’s Board Minutes. The auditors relate that this loss was derived from

an alleged collusion between staff and external parties. The auditors stated that this indicated the poor security over the premises at that time adding that the issue would have cast doubts of integrity of the staff within the mechanical division. The auditors recommended that there should be daily reconciliation of inventory balances to ledgers and an increased number of security personnel. It is unclear whether these

recommendations were acted upon. Further, the auditors pointed out that there was no accurate updated record of the spares being held by the authority. The authority should establish a system for the recording and management of spares with regular physical counts being conducted, the auditors recommended. After receiving these recommendations, management stated that engagements between the

entity and the private security firm were already initiated while physical checks had commenced. Batteries including 17 and 13-plate types were removed from several machinery and vehicles between 2014 and 2015. The estimated total loss is $542,448. During that period also, the following were stolen: one dump pump valued at $225,000, four turbo chargers $1.3M; one fuel (Continued on page 72)

Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

PPP “proposes nothing, opposes everything”

Within the National Assembly, it is the expectation of the citizenry that matters of state will be discussed and debated by the elected representatives with diplomacy and a sense of political finesse. Such deliberations are to produce decisions on matters which have the best interest of the Guyanese people in mind. However, sentiments expressed by APNU-AFC Parliamentarian, Jermaine Figueira, during an interview with Kaieteur News, indicate that this level of governance is still to be desired on the side of the Opposition. Figueira said that the Opposition exemplifies a quote made popular by political commentator, James E. Tierney, who said that “The duty of the opposition is to propose nothing, oppose everything.” He continued, “The opposition is supposed to be the voice of the voiceless, but our opposition likes to hear its own voice.” The Parliamentarian agrees that a country’s Opposition “is supposed to represent and protect the society from the excesses and corruption that sometimes affect governments”. However, he does not believe the PPP can perform these functions ideally. He stated, “When you (the Opposition) had government, you left a paper trail…and the forensic audits amply address precedence and the claims of good

- Govt. MP

Government MP, Jermaine Figueira governance under the former regime.” Figueira even commented on instances whereby the democratic work of the National Assembly was impaired under the former administration. He mentioned as an example, the instance when the late APNU Parliamentarian Deborah Backer had brought a motion on the Untitled Lands in African Villages – asking for a Land Commission to be set up. He recalled that it was on that occasion that the former Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Frank Anthony amended all the resolve clauses, rendering the content useless. The Parliamentarian

further expounded on other encumbrances to democracy under the previous administration. Another such example he cited was the short sittings of the Assembly during 2006 to 2010 where there were 31 sittings of the House lasting no longer than three hours and a repeat in 2011 to 2014 where there were 16 sittings still not exceeding three hours. As recent as last Wednesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at a PPP press conference had accused the present administration of derailing parliamentary democracy. The former President intimated that the APNU-AFC government coupled with the Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland, had in a few instances sought to suspend the Standing Orders only to violate every parliamentary norm to have their way. He accused the Speaker of the House of following the lead of President David Granger by disallowing motions centred on pertinent issues, such as the rice industry and the closure of the Wales estate. While the Opposition Leader holds this view, Figueira made it clear in his

interview with this newspaper that based on the track record of the PPP, it has no morale or principled authority to speak or lecture anyone in this regard. The young APNU Parliamentarian categorized his experience thus far in the National Assembly as “good and interesting.” He considers the opportunity as an informative one since he can articulate the concerns of the people directly to the various subject Ministers who act accordingly to address those concerns. Figueira declared that his constituency, Region Ten, has benefited in several regards since the new government took office. He noted as one benefit, the presence of two Members of Parliament (MPs) hailing from Wismar, Linden. Secondly, he noted the return of local democracy which resulted in the election of a new Mayor and Councillors for Linden and the rehabilitation of many deplorable roads and also a renewed interest in business ventures in the community.

PAGE 11

Guyana Press Association saddened at passing of Dale Andrews The Guyana Press Association yesterday said it is saddened by the untimely passing of journalist Dale Andrews. He was 47. The body noted that the newspaper’s chief crime reporter started his journalistic career at the then Guyana Broadcasting Corporation in the early 1990s and in 2001 joined Kaieteur News, where he served as an Editor until his death. “Andrews would be remembered for his dedication to the profession and his colleagues have noted his deep and enduring passion for news.” According to GPA, Adam Harris, Editor-in-chief of Kaieteur News recalled that Andrews covered many stories over his tenure, notably the 2002 Camp Street jailbreak and countless stories that touched on crime and security and social issues. President of the Guyana Press Association, Neil Marks, pointed out that Andrews “treated every story with the same amount of excitement and dedication as if it were his biggest story ever”. “Andrews would also be remembered for his willingness to guide young reporters, giving advice whenever needed. GPA offers its sincerest condolences to Andrews’ immediate family, friends and colleagues.

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UK proposal for security sector…

Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Strengthening crime fighting mechanisms high on agenda - Pres. Granger President David Granger has reaffirmed government‘s commitment to strengthening the crime fighting mechanisms even as support for the nation’s security sector has been forthcoming from the United Kingdom,(UK). Speaking at a recent press briefing at his Ministry of the Presidency Main Office, Granger told reporters that emphasis on strengthening the work of law enforcement officers, particularly police crime fighting mechanisms, remains high on the agenda of the Government. The Head of State was responding to questions on the UK’s proposal for security sector reform in Guyana which was handed over on Tuesday last. During his recent visit to Guyana, Parliamentary underSecretary of State in the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office with specific responsibility for Caribbean relations,

James Duddridge, had announced that a proposal for security sector reform by the UK to the Guyana government was set to be handed over. The UK had offered a hefty sum for the SSRAP, but the previous government refused it on the grounds that the British law enforcement had too much of a big role in the implementation of the plan. Last year, the Granger administration approached the UK High Commissioner James Quinn, seeking to access the same Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP). On Wednesday, Granger told reporters that he met with British Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss the matter during a recent visit to the UK. As a result, the President said that a team of officials was sent to Guyana from the

UK to start the process. Asked specifically what the course of action may be like, Granger noted that it will definitely include strengthening security cooperation, improving law enforcement particularly police work in terms of interdicting gun running, narco -trafficking , execution , murders, and strengthening the overall work of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). During a recent press briefing, British High Commissioner, Gregory Quinn had indicated that a team would have looked at the Guyana Police Force to see what is lacking, identified the gaps, and then strategized as to what could be done to address those gaps. The original plan was developed in 2006 and was to be implemented in 2009; together with a three-year capacity building plan for a National Security Committee in the

National Assembly between 2007 and 2009 had described parliamentary oversight as being at the core of democratic governance and management of the security sector, and key to the success of the programme. Security Sector Reform was seen as a critical component for the attainment of good and democratic governance and was twinned with the Commonwealth Secretariat’s sponsorship of the needs assessment of the National Assembly conducted by Sir Michael Davies and the recommendations which flowed there from 2005. The inextricable link between governance and security was recognized, assessed, and addressed through the recommendations made. The SSRAP had highlighted that “Guyana remains dangerously close to tipping point. The consequences of

President David Granger failure – of the various stakeholders to seize the moment, to engage and initiate decisive action – may well be the transformation of Guyana into a failed state and/or haven for international criminality, with all the regional and interna-

tional implications that this may entail. This is a development that should be avoided at all costs and will entail some give and take and flexibility on all sides, in the interests of the long suffering people of Guyana.”

Sunday June 05, 2016

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Kaieteur News

GOVT. LOOKING TO ESTABLISH PUBLIC/ PRIVATE LOCAL LAW SCHOOL - AG - Guyana ready to sign collaborative agreement with CLE law school in Guyana. We’re still in the early stages of that.” Williams had come in for some criticism after stating last year that establishing a law school locally was not a priority, bearing in mind the economic costs that would be attached to the project. The CLE is the authoritative body for legal training in the Commonwealth Caribbean. It had threatened, since 2009, to

The Hugh Wooding Law School

With the current fee hike implemented at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) of Trinidad and Tobago, the Government is engaged in discussions about establishing a local law school, on a public/private partnership model. This disclosure was made by Attorney General Basil Williams during a recent press conference. According to Williams, while Government is carrying out engagements on this matter, it was still in its early stages. Williams stated that enquiries had been made from the Council of Legal Education (CLE) on whether such an institution would still be under the purview of the Council. He revealed that a response has not been forthcoming as yet. The Attorney General stated that since being written

to, the Council had stated that it would respond to him. That, however, has not occurred. He pointed out that the University of Guyana had a vested interest in seeing the issue resolved. “When the last Council met in January, that matter was referred to the subcommittee. I don’t know, from where I sit, whether the subcommittee has come up with any position on the matter and that is why I wrote the Chairperson of the CLE.” “So we are hoping that we get some response, because the University of Guyana is well, willing and able to sign the collaborative agreement. As you know, we would like our students to be assured a place at the Hugh Wooding Law School for the next school year.” He also spoke about the arrangement which saw

Guyana sending 25 students to the law school. Williams observed that the situation was inherited but is currently being addressed. “All we seem to have done is inherit myriad problems, sheer problems from the previous administration. And we are not going to allow them to blame us for those problems; we are going to work them out. As you know, I had to get CARICOM Heads of Government to intervene, in my first year, to get the students in.” “In the second year I had to intervene again to get them to pay half the fees that were increased tremendously. Pay half upfront and then half before they graduate…so we need to have these things settled. We are engaged on the question of establishing a public/private partnership

stop automatic yearly admissions for University of Guyana Law graduates to the HWLS. The CLE has been calling for the administration to pay an economic cost for Guyanese students attending the law school. According to HWLS documents last year, Guyanese students were required to pay just over TT$91,000, per year. This equates to approximately G$2.9M. Other students from Dominica, St. Lucia and St.

Attorney General, Basil Williams Vincent and the Grenadines were also required to pay this fee. Accommodation and living expenses were excluded from the total.

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Kaieteur News

JAYA MANICKCHAND COLLECTED DOUBLE PAYMENTS FROM NCN

It appears to be somewhat of a coincidence that Jaya Manickchand, the sister of the former Education Minister, Priya Manickchand,

- FORENSIC AUDIT was selected as the legal counsel for the National

Communications Network (NCN) which was previously

under the control of the then People’s Progressive Party/

Civic (PPP/C) administration. This, among other findings, was documented in an audit report prepared by Parmesar, Chartered Accountants. The auditors said that the company’s legal counsel is Ms. Jaya Manickchand whose office is located at the third floor of the Maraj Building, in central Georgetown. Manickchand’s monthly retainer fee is $150,000. Her service included letters, legal opinions and legal advice on NCN’s matters. The forensic auditors found, however, that the Attorney-at-Law breached her contract with NCN. They said that even though Manickchand’s contract states her retainer fees include letters, the lawyer was found to be charging NCN separately for letters to clients. This turned out to be a nominal fee of $15,000 per letter. The auditors expressed that during the period 2011 to May 2015 a total of $13,880,000 was paid in legal fees; $5,400,000 for

Sunday June 05, 2016

Attorney-at-Law, Jaya Manickchand

Former Education Minister, Priya Manickchand representation in legal matters and $8,480,000 for retainer fees and other services.

Grenade thrown at KN publisher’s vehicle Police were last night summoned to the Kaieteur News Saffon Street office after unidentified individuals hurled a grenade under a vehicle belonging to owner and publisher Glenn Lall. The incident occurred shortly after 22.00 hrs, and Mr. Lall’s vehicle, a Lexus, was parked on the western side of Saffon Street. Mr. Lall and other staffers were outside the Kaieteur News building participating in a wake for Assistant Editor Dale Andrews, when a security staffer heard an unusual sound near Mr. Lall’s vehicle. Thinking at first that someone had shattered one of the windows, the staffer checked the vehicle, but observed no damage. However, on checking the front of the Lexus, the staffer spotted the grenade lying near one of the front tyres. The police were immediately notified. At press time, demolition personnel were still to remove the device.

Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 16

Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Prison officers to access police training - Pres. Granger to enhance capability Prison officers will soon undergo training under the Guyana Police Force, (GPF) as part of plans to enhance the capabilities of the prison system. President David Granger made this disclosure during a recent press briefing at the Ministry of Presidency, Main

Office. The President explained that starting this year, prison officers will be trained in the Police Academy to raise the level of competence at the prisons. According to the Head of State, the number of prison officers at Mazaruni will also

be augmented to have a larger number of officers supervising the operations of the penitentiary. The President explained that this is towards having a unit in place in case of emergencies, so that prison officers will no longer need assistance from the joint

services. Additionally, Granger said that the government will also place emphasis on strengthening the Mazaruni Prison. He noted the process of redeploying prisoners from Georgetown to Mazaruni Prisons is continuing even as efforts to repair and upgrade the infrastructure at the Mazaruni Prison, continues. Earlier this week, President Granger was presented with a report of the Commission of Inquiry, (COI) into the recent disturbances at the Camp Street Prisons. The report, which comprised of a list of recommendations, was handed over to President Granger by Chairman of the Commission Justice James Patterson. Justice Patterson and Commissioners Merle Mendonca and Dale Erskine were tasked with investigating and reporting

on the March 3 prison incident which 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. According to the rules of procedure, the panel was expected to render its report, findings and recommendations to the President and Minister of Public Security. Following the handing over ceremony on Wednesday, Justice Patterson noted that concerns were specifically raised about the issue of overcrowding at the Camp Street prison. Justice Patterson said the government would need to urgently address the problem. The retired judicial officer also noted that the administration should pay more attention to reformation

President David Granger services offered to inmates. “When they come out they must be able to earn something. To alleviate the crowding aspect, we would want it to be considered as urgent, the improvement of physical and social facilities. We were concerned about the overcrowding and that concern is immediate. We want it done like yesterday”, Patterson asserted.

Media Monitoring Unit was for... (From page 10) were not located at NCN neither did they perform any duties for NCN or report to any official at NCN. The auditors found that the media monitors were reporting directly to PPP’s Information Liaison, Kwame Mc Coy at the Office of the President. Mc Coy would write to the NCN Human Resources Manager when changes were required. On a monthly basis, the auditors said that all employees were required to submit an invoice for payment to NCN. The auditors said that employees were required to uplift payments from the NCN Head Office.

FAMILYAND FRIENDS The report also noted that the media monitors unit employed several family members and friends close to the People’s Progressive Party. It was noted in the report that Renata Rohee, the daughter of former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee was also a media monitor who took home a handsome salary for several years. From 2011 to May 2015, her take home was $2.4M. Dekeisha Cumberbatch was also an employee of the Unit. She is said to be McCoy’s sister-in-law. Javed Mustapha, a family

member of Zulfikar Mustapha, also managed to secure a position at the media monitoring unit. Zulfikar Mustapha is a PPP Member of Parliamentarian. The forensic auditors also noted that media monitors were paid on a fortnightly basis with no other benefit. However, emoluments for Waheeda Saheed included gratuity and vacation allowance which is a complete exception from the other monitors. Saheed is confirmed as a close friend of the PPP and was even on the party’s list of candidates during the May 2015 elections.

Sunday June 05, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Dedicated educators and greening the nation’s classrooms By Sharmain Grainger It has been said time and again that in order for a country to succeed, the education sector has to play a crucial role. This, of course, is true too for our dear land of Guyana. Moreover, it has long been recognized that the success of the education sector is imperative if national development is to be realised. The need for success within the sector was during the past week emphasized by Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. In fact he made it quite pellucid that “for everything else to succeed, we (the education sector) have to succeed.” The Minister's utterance was forthcoming as he addressed a gathering of educators who occupied the auditorium of the National Cultural Centre. The occasion was a ceremony to honour 50 educators who have helped in the past or are currently helping to bolster the efforts of the education sector. While rewarding 50 educators was significant, since it was intended to be part of the 50th independence celebrations, we cannot for a moment run away with the idea that it was only these individuals who helped realised the gains made in the sector. But at the same time, we should not try to diminish the contributions the chosen educators made. Certainly theirs would have had to have been laudable enough to make them deserving of rewards. But I'm convinced that it couldn't have been an easy task to select 50 educators out of a pool of thousands and label them as the best. There must have been many who were unavoidably overlooked. That is, however, a matter for those within the sector to ponder on; after all,

an educator with laudable qualities will continue to perform admirably with or without reward or public recognition, and I salute them all. However, advancing the efforts already made in the sector would not only require dedicated educators, but a curriculum review is being touted as just as important. Based on recent disclosures of the Minister, a review is intended to not only ensure that the central items such as literacy, numeracy and the sciences are keenly addressed, but rather, he sees as equally important the “greening” of the nation's classrooms. “I want to green our classrooms,” Minister Roopnaraine proudly declared at the recent ceremony. But he didn’t flaunt the green notion as his own idea. Like so many other Ministers of Government, he credited President David Granger with touting the idea for the sector which falls under his purview. According to the Education Minister, President Granger has been talking about a green economy and a green Guyana but according to Dr. Roopnaraine “we can only green Guyana if we green our classrooms.” A green economy is defined as an economy that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and is one that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment. Essentially, the Minister preached that the green notion must first start within the school system if it is to truly materialise. Achieving this goal, according to him, “means that we would have to elevate climate change, climate literacy and environmental literacy...” “Some work is being done,

The Baccoo Speaks

The time has come when the media fraternity must say farewell to one of their own. Indeed the death will come as a shock but people must be resilient. However, a huge hole would be left in the office where he worked.

** The roads continue to be places of horror. Two people died in one day but that would not be the end of the story. Before the weekend is over there will be another road fatality. A pedestrian would become that fatality, but he would not be at fault. ** People are going to take City Hall to task over a proposal to install parking meters, not that parking meters are bad. The rate is what is going to be the problem. The police would be kept busy.

of this I have been assured,” said Minister Roopnaraine as he added that “I believe that we need to give climate change education a more central place in our teaching because it is only there, right at the beginning, that we are going to be able to, in effect, develop a population that is in harmony with what we are attempting to do.” The "greening" venture is certainly poised for support, some of which has already been forthcoming. For instance, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations, has already put out some programmes for what they call climate change education for sustainable development. What UNESCO is seeking to embrace with the programmes is that climate change education should be a more visible and central part of our global response to climate change. The Minister, quite understandably, seems excited about what the UNESCO, a partner of the education sector, has to offer. "We need to enhance and intensify the programme in the classroom to increase climate literacy among young people, and UNESCO sees the way that we can do this is by encouraging innovative approaches that would integrate climate change into the school," the Minister informed last week. He recalled that even at the annual UN spearheaded Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris France last year end, the greening issue was the primary focus. "The environment is on people’s minds," said Dr Roopnaraine as he spoke of COP21 which, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, sought to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C. Given the intricacies that could go along with the "greening" venture, Minister Roopnaraine spoke of the need to "build networks and we need to understand the work of greening the classroom and greening Guyana. It is going to be the most important work we can do in the years to come". Even as he considers the task ahead for his educators, the Minister keenly observed that "there is no profession that calls for a higher level of commitment...all other professionals need the expertise of teachers." "I believe that our work in

the classroom is the most crucial one," he added, while pointing out that teachers and Education officials alike must recognise the importance of the work of the Ministry, since effectively it is tasked with helping to guarantee the future of Guyana.

"We can guarantee this by doing our work in the classroom," said the Minister as he noted that "we are not going to achieve what we need to achieve in terms of development in the years to come without an educated population. This is the essence of

what the president has been saying". Essentially the local education sector requires the efforts of educators who are aware that their contributions are important to realize an educated population that can help fast track the highly touted green economy.

PAGE 26

The year of deadly carjackings - who was behind this lethal spate of attacks?

By Michael Jordan It was a sunny Friday in February 1998, that 22-yearold taxi driver Davo Narine left home to pay an electricity bill at the Guyana Power and Light’s Main Street, Georgetown office. He told his parents that he was going to make his taxi rounds after paying the bill. But Narine, of 193 Thomas Street, Kitty, never returned home. When he did not show up, his worried family began to search for him but to no avail. The following day, they informed the police and ranks joined the search. After three days, Narine’s car was found aback of the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, after the family received an anonymous call which informed them that it was there. The car had been stripped of its wheels, music system and battery. Scouring the area, detectives found the wheels and other missing parts from the vehicle. Suspecting that Narine had been kidnapped, detectives tapped the family’s phone in case the kidnappers called to demand a ransom. Meanwhile, detectives,

Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

family members and friends continued to search for Narine. The ransom call never came and the police were left with no leads or evidence to arrest anyone. Refusing to give up hope, relatives kept up the search for months. They were still searching for Narine when another taxi driver was reported missing. BLOOD ON CAR SEATS Kissoon Persaud, 47, disappeared on August 23, 1998 after leaving his Hadfield Street home for the Demico car park where he operated his

taxi. His crashed vehicle, with blood on one of the seats, was found at the junction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway shortly after. A sawn-off shot gun was also found in the car. An intense search involving police, concerned citizens, relatives and even tracker dogs was launched for the missing man. But Kissoon was not found. Then in September, a woman informed police that a male relative of hers, who was also a taxi driver, had been missing since August 20,

1998. She identified the missing man as 31-year-old Leroy Mentis, called ‘Tony’ or ‘Dougla.’ The woman urged detectives to seek assistance from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to solve the mystery and find the other missing taxi drivers. According to the woman, Mentis had left his home at around 09:30 hrs for his base at the Georgetown Hospital car park on Thomas Street and had not been seen since. It was reported that his car was found abandoned at the back of Friendship Village, East Bank Demerara, with the license plates changed. Relatives, friends and police searched for the missing taxi drivers day after day. Police began to wonder whether one gang was behind the disappearance of all three drivers. As investigations continued, police thought that they got a breakthrough in the case when, in mid-September 1998, a taxi driver came to them with a bizarre story. The driver, 20-year-old Haimwant Ramkissoon, alleged that he was driving near Linden when a man, who was in a police uniform complete with beret, stopped him and asked to see his documents. Ramkissoon claimed that the ‘policeman’ ordered him out of the car, and he then saw a woman and two men approaching. The driver said that the ‘policeman’ then sprayed something in his eyes that made him drowsy. Ramkissoon said that he was blindfolded and his hands were tied behind his back. He said that his abductors pushed him in a vehicle and drove for about 15 minutes. They then stopped the vehicle and robbed him of his valuables. He said that shortly after he was ‘chucked’ up a flight of stairs, at which time he

heard a male voice pleading to go home. According to Ramkissoon, someone broke a bottle and the voice stopped. He said during the time he was held hostage he heard several voices arguing about cars and about what to do with him. According to Ramkissoon, after three days, the kidnappers, who had kept him blindfolded, drove him to a deserted area and left him there. When he thought it was safe, he took off his blindfold and sought help. Ramkissoon’s damaged car was found at the Ruimveldt Industrial Site. His police report offered a glimmer of hope to the relatives of the missing taxi drivers. Police conducted searches in the area where Ramkissoon claimed the kidnappers had left him, but found no clues. By then, investigators had begun to question several suspects in the kidnapping. Relatives of the three missing men were offered a bit more hope when a wanted man who was the prime suspect in the kidnappings was apprehended in Suriname. The suspect was a young prisoner who had escaped from the Camp Street jail while serving a 12-year term for armed robbery and murder. The fugitive, along with two women, was arrested in Suriname for crimes that were committed in the former Dutch colony. SKELETON FOUND The two-month search for Kissoon Persaud ended tragically on October 1, 1998 when his skeleton was found in a sand-pit near the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. The remains were found at around midday about 400 yards off the Soesdyke/Linden Highway on the northern side, approximately one and a half miles from the Soesdyke junction. Kissoon’s wife, Lilawatie, who had spent many agonising hours searching for her husband, identified the remains by a gold tooth on the left side of his jaw, a wrist watch which was found partially buried in the sand some distance from the skeleton, his belt, and one of his shoes. The woman had also recognised her husband’s shirt which was also nearby, although it was quite faded from exposure to the elements. An autopsy revealed that he had been shot. Kissoon Persaud’s wife had said that the man who was arrested in Suriname confessed to shooting her hus-

band. Soon after, two men were charged with Kissoon Persaud’s murder. Their Preliminary Inquiry (PI) commenced at the Providence Magistrate’s Court. The matter was subsequently dismissed due to lack of evidence against the accused. Meanwhile, police and relatives continued to search for the other missing taxi drivers. BONES NEAR THE SOUTH DAKOTACIRCUIT In January 1999, some woodcutters were working in the forested area aback of the South Dakota Circuit when they came across some bones. They were not alarmed, but upon taking a closer look they realised that they were looking at the remains of a human. They quickly called the Timehri Police Station. After months of hopeless searching, the Narines got a call from the police informing them of the discovery. Narine’s father, Bob, went with the police to the scene where he identified the skeleton by some of the teeth. He also identified a checkered shirt, a pair of jeans and a pair of brown footwear near the remains. The father recalled that his son was wearing these same garments the day he disappeared. Police confirmed that Narine had been shot once between the eyes, with the bullet exiting the back of his head. The skeleton was found in the bushes about 200 feet from where Narine’s car was discovered. “He had his ways…He used to do the taxi thing for fun,” Narine’s brother, Sham recalled. “All de time we did searchin’, we never gave up hope that he was alive,” he added. His brother believes that a particular gang was behind the kidnappings and killings. He also believes that the people would kidnap the taxi drivers, kill them, and then use their cars to commit robberies. According to Narine’s father, investigators went to Suriname to question the prime suspect, who denied knowledge of the murders. The suspect was eventually jailed for 30 years in Suriname over a shooting incident. At the end of his sentence he will be handed over to Guyanese police. The question the Narines ask is what was the motive for those brutal killings? No one was ever charged with Davo Narine’s murder. Meanwhile, the body of Leroy Mentis was never found.

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Kaieteur News

The sugar apples I will never get to give Dale Andrews == THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Dale attending a security workshop in Barbados Last Wednesday, Dale Andrews didn’t come to work. I asked the deputy editor, Nigel McKenzie what had happened to him and immediately said to Nigel that we should start worrying about Dale. Yesterday morning at 7 a.m., Mark Benschop rang to tell me that Dale had just died. Four years ago, Dale complained of chest pain. I took him to the Caribbean Heart Institute where Dr. Pratik Soni pronounced that he had an enlarged heart and it would cost ten million Guyana dollars for an operation. I thought that the Ministry should foot the bill, so I went to see medical superintendent of the Georgetown Hospital, Dr. Sheik Amir. I was Freddie Kissoon, the government critic, so I don’t know if that played a part in Amir’s refusal to see me. I wrote that Amir should not hold that position he held and Amir threatened the newspaper with libel if I did not apologize. Adam Harris said I needed to use the words, “in my opinion.” I took Dale to Dr. Doobay of the Georgetown Hospital who dismissed Dr. Soni’s operation procedure as nonsense and has been treating Dale since then. Since those four years, Dale acquired an excessive amount of weight and each day it worried me. I would constantly tell him that he needed to do corrective things to get rid of the weight. For the past year, Dale has been on a strict diet. He had what needed to be digested for people who needed to reduce. It was cruel that he has been on that regime for more than a year now

then death came. In life we will never know what lies ahead. On Thursday afternoon, he was joking with me and I told him on Saturday (because he doesn’t work on Friday) I am bringing sugar apples for him. He loves sugar apples. I have three trees in my yard. The birds do not give the fruits a rest, so I covered five of them with black plastic bags; two for Adam and three for Dale. I will never get to give Dale those fruits. He is gone from us at the Kaieteur News and from my friendship forever. I met Dale Andrews six-

teen years ago when he started out at Kaieteur News. I immediately saw the talent. In 2005, there was a little quarrel with him and the then editor Gwen Evelyn, and that led to Dale departing Kaieteur News. Glenn Lall was out of the country and came back the next day. I remember the day vividly when I argued for Dale’s return. Glenn was on the land that I had just bought to build a home in Turkeyen, suggesting to me that he would ask his wife to design my home. I told him that there must be Dale Andrews at the

The ‘Crime Chief’ in the Kaieteur News archives

Kaieteur News because the newspaper would lose a very talented journalist. Glenn agreed for Dale’s return, and since then Dale Andrews has carved his name in the annals of journalism. I regarded Dale Andrews as a crime investigating journalist on par with any in this world, and I mean that to the bottom of my heart. I don’t care how powerful and prestigious the Guardian of London and the New York Times are, if you had put Dale at those newspapers he would have excelled. Dale Andrews was just naturally born for crime reporting. I cannot say I am familiar with his counterparts in the forties, fifties and sixties but I would say boldly, he is one of the best the Caribbean produced, and the best Guyana birthed. We shared sixteen years of a good friendship and there were hilarious moments, some were seriously thoughtful. One example from the hilarious and one from the serious should suffice He ran out of his medication for his heart one Friday afternoon and this female medical doctor at the Georgetown Hospital was rude, saying the clinic is closed. I implored that she write a prescription because she knows Dale’s condition, for she was the one that initially admitted him to the Georgetown Hospital. She refused again and I was livid. My decibels were plenty and my voice condemnatory. All I

Frederick Kissoon

Goodbye Dale. I will never forget you! know was Dale pulling me back from confronting the lady, with the words, “Freddie, you can jeopardize me.” The next day I wrote a column asking for her to be fired.

The hilarious incident occurred last month at the wedding of a staff member, Maya. As we were leaving, Dale asked Maya’s mother for a “take-away” for Adam. I said to him, “But Adam doesn’t work on Sunday night.” He said to me, “Freddie, I thought you had sense.” Then I knew what he was doing. Goodbye Dale. I will never forget you!

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Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

JUBILEE celebrations opened doors for international commerce Visitors to Guyana impact on agriculture, animal husbandry, meat and seafood production, planting and ultimately the reaping of vegetables, seasonings, fruits, ground provisions and of course, our rice staples. It therefore came as no surprise that food – authentic Guyanese cuisine – was the product mostly in demand during the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations. Our citizens must have figured it out quite some time ago, but the first tangible indication was the speed with which the food courts booths mainly at GuyExpo and the Jubilee Festival were taken up. In fact, the organizers had to create additional ground space and mobile food units to accommodate the extremely large number of Guyanese who were ready to show and sell the plethora of food they Guyanese offered home-style dishes like calalloo and salted shark/snapper; pumpkin with freshwater shrimp; bora and pork; saime with fried fish … and the tourists, mostly native Guyanese who had not come home in 30 or 50 years, could not get enough. The first-time visi-

tors though, were wowed by the delectable tastes and creative combinations of food that could only be had in Guyana. On the final day of the Jubilee festival at the National Stadium, “A Taste of Guyana” was on show – curried duck cooked by the national winners of the annual Duck Curry competition; Conkie, foo-foo and other African treats cooked by the African Cultural Development Association; pepperpot, cassava bread and other Amerindian treats prepared on site by indigenous people; Fried Rice, wantons, dim sum and other treats prepared by the Chinese Association; and the range of cosmopolitan dishes prepared by the chapters of the Rotary Club of Guyana. Some of the visitors have returned to their home countries and it’s as if they cannot stop talking about the amazing experiences they’ve just had in Guyana. Many were moved to tears, especially in the new Jubilee Stadium as the massive Golden Arrowhead was raised. They didn’t mind that the breezes that took the flag to ramrod

straightness this same time last year didn’t co-operate this year and we all had to be satisfied with just enough to unfurl this symbol of nationhood at a sedate pace. But to hear the visitors tell it in the streets of New York, St. Vincent, Barbados or the Dominican Republic, they had the time of their lives. They shouted, they played mass, they visited relatives in Berbice, Lethem, Essequibo; they travelled to the bauxite town, the former ‘party capital’ of the nation and lit up Town Week 2016. To the last man, woman and teenager, future Independence or Mashramani celebrations should take on the same tone, emphasis on nationhood and oneness. This they believe, will open up the possibilities for expanded business and markets in commercial products, agricultural products (even lemons that just grow along the Mahaica River), and services. The words of encouragement received from some visitors and the commitments others made to enter into partnerships with existing entrepreneurs, or establish new businesses to produce sec-

ondary and tertiary products, surely indicate that the still ongoing Jubilee has netted some gains, foreseen and unforeseen. ENHANCED POSSIBILITIES FOR TOURISM The tourism industry, led by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications with responsibility for Tourism, began in 2015 a studied campaign to boost the visibility of Guyana. It is not too early to toot some horns, but we already know that this campaign titled “Guyana – South America Undiscovered” has had measurable successes … and it has only just begun. We’ve been ‘selling’ our attributes to the World’s One Billon Tourists (figure provided by the World Tourism Council (WTC). Tourism, the WTC insists, is the fastest growing service industry in the world that is raking in Billions of dollars from the Billions of tourists who travel the world with a willingness to spend. The WTC has also determined that eco/naturebased tourism is the fastest growing segment of this global industry and Guyana with its vast potential for development of its natural products and attributes holds a distinct competitive advantage. Guyana’s visibility has climbed tremendously over the past year. The definitive numbers are still being tabulated, but the emerging pic-

ture indicates clearly that the Golden Jubilee celebrations alone brought thousands of pairs of feet onto our soil. Thousands of mouths were fed with Guyana’s tasty foods; thousands of feet walked into our business places; from thousands of pockets hundreds of thousands of dollars emerged to pay for goods and services; and thousands of people who were entertained in and outside of the city. Local businesses owners have established partnerships, some of which are intended to boost their product ranges and quality. Others will benefit from new international markets for their end products, from mettai, guava cheese and tamarind balls to mattresses and dressed lumber. The benefits for Guyana in the short to medium term cannot be over emphasized. While the productive sectors - sugar, rice, bauxite and gold, go through the rigours of reinvention and new market penetration, this tourism sector is delivering to the national coffers, with visits to Kaieteur Falls alone climbing approximately 220 percent between 2011 and 2015. World visibility for Guyana shot up exponentially during the Guyana leg of the 50th Independence Jubilee. Next week, Guyanese organisations all across the diaspora from New York to

Toronto, Holland to Sweden, will host commemorative activities to mark this awesome historical achievement in the country of their birth. The group in East Orange, New Jersey will host a flag raising ceremony, and there will be slew of gala events, literary fairs, lecture series and picture exhibitions. In New York, the activities include an interfaith prayer service, a UN reception, a flag-raising ceremony, a unity concert, a symposium, an art exhibition, a day of volunteerism, an investment conference, the President’s Soccer Tournament, a state dinner and the Mashramani festival and parade as a grand finale. The piece de grace is a special Investment conference at the Harvard Club in New York, to which several Guyanese Ministers of Government have been invited. With key support from GOInvest, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Public Telecommunications/Tourism Cathy Hughes, and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson are expected to highlight the ease with which potential investors may participate in the growth of a country led by a government with novel policies, offering attractive conditions that may include land leases, tax and duty concessions/ waivers on equipment and end products.

Sunday June 05, 2016

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Kaieteur News

My column

Death came too early for my friend and colleague I have heard repeated that life is full of uncertainties. I myself have had my share of uncertainties. Friday night when I spoke with Dale Andrews as he was filing a story, I would have been the last to believe that that was the last time I would be speaking with him. I last saw him Thursday evening as he was leaving for home, and while he said that he was a bit under the weather, we had known that Dale was not always in the best of health. Imagine the shock early yesterday morning when I got the call. I am not always at a loss for words, but I was yesterday. Why should I expect that someone like Dale would simply die so suddenly? Death has shocked me in the past. It was not so long ago, less than two years ago, that I got an early morning call that informed me that my son had died. As was the case with Dale, I saw him just a few hours earlier. Death must come, but when it does it is always unexpected, especially when the person was never bedridden. In death, people always try to say the best things possible about a dearly departed. I do not even have to try to say good things about Dale. For starters, he was my friend. To add to that friendship was the fact that he was an alumnus, a man who followed me in Queen’s College. The past fifteen years that we spent in the Kaieteur News editorial department were interesting. Sports on the television and Dale would be the expert on all of them. He was fanatic about cricket, so we clashed on many aspects. I remember when he almost got a heart attack cussing Darren Sammy for shifting the batting order and West Indies lost. He was a boxing fanatic and perhaps

there is some solace that he died the same day as his idol, Muhammad Ali. Was that part of God’s plan? He was equally fanatic about reporting. Many a young reporter felt the whip because they failed to do what should be natural-follow up a story. Forget about coming late. Many tried to seek support from others in the administration by complaining, but they got nowhere. You simply did not test Dale. In hindsight, one may be tempted to say that Dale was not as aggressive with his health as he should have been but I always say, one can only know the pinch of the shoe when one wears it. There was Dale in the office early every day, because he had to take his children to school in the city. Then he would leave late at night having put in a solid day at work. Besides, exercising is not something people do readily. It can be a chore, but when you get older it is a chore that must be undertaken. So it was that when Dale began to gain weight he made a decision to eat right and to exercise. He was conscious of the fact that his father had died about the same age. The affliction appeared to have been passed down. We went into the gym because Glenn Lall, with an uncanny sense of wisdom, installed one right at Kaieteur News. Dale headed for the treadmill and I did many other things. Then he stopped, at least so I thought until I learnt that he visited the gym in the mornings. Then he stopped again. Having said that, I must take the bull by the horns and declare that the editorial department is so much poorer. He was one of the people who would take up the slack and put the newspapers to bed. We knew that once he was there no story that broke on

East Coast Demerara would be missed. We routinely beat the opposition. He seemed to know all the buttons that had to be pushed in that part of the country. There was the case of Roxanne Winfield. I insist that he was almost single handedly responsible for her getting the home in which she now lives. Like a terrier, he hounded the authorities until she moved in, and I was there when that happened. I would get a call from Dale informing me that I should not worry about sending anyone to a location where there was a murder or a robbery. He would have got the news from the time of the incident and headed there. He knew the people at every police station, so we were never at a loss for information. He must have known something that none of us did. Last Sunday he told the editorial staff that he wanted to finish the paper early, because he wanted to join some old workmates from the Guyana National Cooperative Bank, who had come home for the 50th anniversary of independence. He had gone to no event because the work had us busy. We simply missed everything. The staff cooperated and Dale went to what turned out to be his last function that Sunday night. He was upbeat on Monday. That is why his death has hit me so hard. Could he have lived a bit longer? I have since learnt that his wife kept suggesting to him that he visit the hospital since Wednesday. He kept putting off the visit. Dale was

stubborn. Friday night when he was in major discomfort, again his wife suggested that they go to the hospital and again he postponed the visit. When they did take him it was too late. Yesterday morning she kept crying to me, “Dale killed himself. Dale killed himself.” I am now left with the memories of a man who shared his

rural life with me, often exchanging anecdotes. I will have the memories of a man with a great sense of humour, a man who would light up a room, and he did light up the editorial department. I am left with the memories of a man at 47, who died too soon. He was as old as my son would have been today. I am going to see that

Adam Harris empty chair for a long time to come, because I will allow no one to take that seat for a long time to come.

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Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Decentralisation and regional empowerment (Part 1) By Hon. Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities (Addressing the residents of the Potaro–Siparuni Region on Wednesday May 25, 2016) Fifty years ago the Union Jack was lowered and the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted for the first time. On that historic day our country was born. On that day Guyanese were given the op-

portunity to work together as one people, building one nation, charting our own destiny. On that day of political independence, we were handed the responsibility to shape our own future and make our country what we want it to be. My fellow Guyanese, forty-six years ago we became a Republic. This cemented the arrangement in which political power is held by the people, through their elected

representatives. Thirty-six years ago, our country was demarcated into 10 administrative regions, and with it the system of regional administration was introduced. Apart from independence itself, this may have been one of the most significant developments in our country’s history. On the occasion of introducing the bill in the National Assembly to create the regions, then Vice president,

the late Desmond Hoyte said, “The purpose of the current bill is to revolutionise the local government system.” He went on to say, “The New Constitution identifies the LG system as the foundation of the democratic organization of the state, to enable the massive involvement of the people in the task of managing their communities and developing the areas in which they live.” Our country has come a long way from the

Hon. Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities days of colonialism. However, we still have a lot of work to do. For too long our peoples have been divided. For too long we have argued one with the other, about things that don’t matter, instead of extending the hand of friendship and fellowship to our fellow Guyanese. For our country to develop, this has to change. In the general and regional elections of November 2011, Guyanese across the length and breadth of our country came out in their numbers and rejected the idea of winner-takes-all politics. Instead, Guyanese from all walks of life, embraced the idea of inclusive governance. They did this by giving one political party the right to form a government, but not a majority in the National Assembly. Regrettably, that opportunity was not grasped. On the 11th of May, 2015, the electorate chose a sixparty coalition –APNU+AFC – over a one-party candidate, to lead our country for the period 2015-2020. That event marked a new beginning – the possibility of a fresh start – the opportunity of creating inclusive governance as stipulated in Article 13 of the Constitution and a better life to which all Guyanese can look forward. The road ahead will not be easy; it will require dedication and hard work, but with our combined efforts we will achieve our aim of providing a good life for Guyanese, in whichever part of the country we live ; whether on the coast or in the hinterland. We will face many challenges, but we will do so side by side. Your region is blessed with abundant natural resources, yet, too many of you still struggle to make ends meet. This should not be the case. Your region’s resources should benefit you. Recently, in a message to the National

Assembly, President Granger said, “The disparities in development in households between the hinterland and the coastland must be reduced if we are to become a more equal nation.” Your government knows the issues which the people of his region face on a daily basis. You need better water supply, you need reliable continuous and, most importantly, affordable electricity, proper healthcare, you need a commercial bank, you need all-weather roads, all-weather airstrips; we know of those needs, and we are working to meet those needs. We know that you need mining lands. The Minister of Natural Resources has recently announced that one hundred and twenty blocks are soon to be made available to small miners in this region. President Granger is committed to developing a green economy, one fuelled by renewable energy. Here in subregion 2 of the PotaroSiparuni region, in the very near future we will ensure that the Tumatumari Hydroelectricity Plant is rehabilitated to provide the supply of electricity, mentioned. The administration is committed to having this facility rehabilitated. In the area of agriculture, the region’s initiatives are geared to provide food security. The programme, recently started, will supply inputs to the school-feeding programme and will provide many more sustainable jobs in the region. The RDC has developed a framework to stimulate economic ventures, this includes absolute ownership of the crops grown, processed, packaged and marketed. The region is also embarking on introducing shade house agriculture at Kopinang, Kato and Mahdia to grow crops such as lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, to name a few. Currently, there are three acres of rice growing at Monkey Mountain and four acres at Kopinang prepared for mixed farming and cultivation, including ground provisions, beans, etc. The RDC took the initiative to arrive at an innovative programme which could only be based on community participation with all financial and legal ramifications addressed. As relates to capital purchases, the RDC will be purchasing $13 million in agricultural equipment for irrigation, land preparation, and a smaller percentage for chemicals to control acoushi ants and other pests and diseases in the farms.

Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

TETANUS: A disease where vaccination is better than cure By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Tetanus is a serious infection that causes muscle stiffness and spasms. It is sometimes called “lockjaw” because muscle spasms can clench the jaw shut. Tetanus is caused by bacteria (germs) that live in the soil. They can get into your body through a cut or scrape. Most people are protected from these bacteria because they have gotten vaccines against them. WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TETANUS? The symptoms include: . Stiff jaw or neck muscles, which make it hard to move your jaw or neck normally . Strange-looking smile that does not go away when you try to relax your mouth . Tight, painful muscles that do not let go when you try to relax them . Trouble breathing, swallowing, or both . Feeling irritable or restless . Sweating even when you are not exercising or hot . Fever . Painful muscle spasms People who are very sick with tetanus can have muscle spasms that force the body into a “bridge” position. They might have: . Clenched fists . Back arched off the floor or bed . Legs stretched out . Arms moving back and forth . Trouble breathing – They might even stop breathing during a muscle spasm. Some people with tetanus have tight muscles and muscle spasms in just one part of the body. For example, they might have stiff, hard belly muscles. Tetanus in the head or neck can cause: . Trouble swallowing . Stiff jaw or neck muscles . evere pain in the face or head SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR? See your doctor right away if:

Dr. Zulfikar Bux . You get a puncture wound, for example from a nail that goes through your skin. . You get a cut, scrape, or other injury you cannot clean completely. . You have an injury that leaves something (like a nail or glass) inside your body. . An animal bites you and your last tetanus shot was five years ago or longer. You should also go if an animal bites you and you do not remember getting a tetanus shot. . You have diabetes, and get a sore on your foot, leg, or other place. . You have a stiff jaw or neck, other tight muscles you cannot relax, or painful muscle spasms. . You have trouble breathing or swallowing. IS THEREA TEST FOR TETANUS? No. There is no simple test. But your doctor should be able to tell if you have it by learning about your symptoms and vaccine history, and by doing an exam. This infection is most likely in people who have had an injury and who have not had the tetanus vaccine at all or not had the right vaccine boosters. IS TETANUS DANGEROUS? Yes. People with tetanus need to go to the hospital, and some people even die from it. The muscle spasms can stop your breathing. HOW IS TETANUS

TREATED? Doctors treat tetanus in the hospital, sometimes in the intensive care unit (ICU). Treatments include: . Cleaning cuts or scrapes to remove skin and tissue that could have tetanus bacteria on it . Giving medicines to fight the infection . Giving a tetanus vaccine booster . Giving medicine and other treatments to reduce muscle spasms, breathing problems, pain, and other symptoms . Using a ventilator (breathing machine) if you have trouble breathing on your own . Using a feeding tube if you cannot eat or drink on your own . Having physical therapy to help muscles recover CAN TETANUS BE PREVENTED? Yes. To reduce your chances of getting tetanus, do these things: . Get a tetanus vaccine. This is a medicine that teaches your body how to fight tetanus. Most children growing up in the United States get this vaccine as part of their routine childhood vaccines. . Get regular tetanus booster shots. Adults should get tetanus booster shots every 10 years. For bad wounds, you will need to get a tetanus booster shot if you haven’t had one in the last five years. If you have a bad wound and you haven’t received all of your tetanus vaccines or you are not sure if you have, you will need a tetanus booster shot and another shot to fight any tetanus bacteria that got in the wound. . Wash cuts or scrapes with soap and water and use antibiotic ointment on them. See a doctor or nurse if you cannot get all the dirt out or cannot see all the way into the wound. Ensuring that your vaccination schedule is upto-date is your best bet against this deadly disease.

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Kaieteur News

SUNDAY SPECIAL CHINESE SPARE PARTS TRADER AWARDED US$42M CONTRACT FOR TRANSMISSION LINES, SUB-STATIONS Consultants hired to supervise an $8.4B (US$42M) project to build new power transmission lines and seven sub-stations have written a scathing report on a Chinese contractor that was awarded the contract. The project was commissioned in December 2014 by the previous Government. There are questions about the quality of work. It was touted as a project to increase the efficiency of the inter-connected power system on the coastlands in Demerara and Berbice. However, there have been questions about costs and quality of the work. According to the final report by Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants, Inc. (CEMCO) which was teaming up with Canadian firm, SMP Engineering, to overlook the project, China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CMC) was awarded an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) package. However, that firm is not a construction company. Rather, it is mainly a trading company for the export of Chinese engineering products. The final report said that it appears that pre-qualification or post-qualification assessments were either not performed or inadequately performed during the tender and selection phase of the project. The evidence was clear that CMC was illprepared for what it takes to run a project of this magnitude. ”The contractor engaged other Chinese firms to perform all aspects of the contract save for purchasing of goods for the contract and even this aspect was not adequately performed, evidenced by shortages of materials and factory defects.” The report, which was seen by Kaieteur News, would come to light at a time when CMC has submitted bids for a major US$18M project with the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), the same state company worked with to build the sub-stations and new transmission lines. According to the report of the consultants, GPL benefitted from a US$39.6M loan to the Government of Guyana (GOG) from the Export-Import Bank of China, for an Infrastructure Development Project (IDP). This entailed the development and expansion of GPL’s high voltage 69 kV transmission lines and associated 69/13.8 kV substations; the interconnection of the Berbice Interconnected System (BIS) and the Demerara Interconnected System (DIS), and the installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to help control the network. CMC was contracted for US$33.9M together with a provisional sum of US$5.1M to cater for anticipated increases in quantities; the contract duration was set at 912 days. The contract was signed on October 28, 2009. ONLY HALF OF THE 90,000 LAPTOPS PROJECT…MP’S CHILDREN HELD KEY POSITIONS An ambitious project initiated in early 2011 by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration to distribute 90,000 laptops to poor families was fraught with management problems and questionable costs. The project fell short of expectations with just over 50,000 units or 55 percent distrib-

uted. According to a special investigation report by chartered accountants, Ram & McRae, into the financial operations and functioning of the One Laptop per Family (OLPF) Project, the initiative was officially launched on January 21, 2011 at the Guyana International Conference Centre by Jagdeo. The project was halted last year by the new coalition Government pending the investigation. In total, the project managed to acquire 55,145 laptops, of which only 50,009 were distributed. Initially, in 2011, the Government of Guyana signed an agreement with Haier Electrical Appliances Corp. Ltd to purchase 27,000 laptops at a cost of US$7,561,296 ($1.54B). Ram and McRae said that it found that the project was administered and contracted by the Office of the President. ”The scope of our engagement was limited by the fact that management was unable to provide a number of significant documents for our review. We also encountered the circumstance where the Project Manager, Ms.

Margot Boyce, and the Deputy Project Manager, Mr. Azariah Asim, resigned during the course of our engagement. In both cases, their last day for work was August 14, 2015.” The report concluded that financial systems and internal controls governing the project were generally weak. Another major issue that was flagged was the training for laptop recipients. It was intended that the OLPF programme would have facilitated 10 hours of training to all laptop recipients. ”However, the Project Manager, Ms. Margot Boyce, decided to cease the training aspect of the project during the last quarter of 2013. Our rough estimate is that some 14,138 laptops were distributed without the requisite training.” PIRATES THROW GUYANESE FISHERMEN OVERBOARD -ONE FOUND DEAD, THREE MISSING, CAPTAIN SURVIVES The body of a Corentyne fisherman was

Sunday June 05, 2016

pulled up in a seine while his three colleagues were still missing, following a brutal piracy attack on Friday night. The body of Hemchand Sukdeo, 44 of No. 55 village Corentyne, Berbice, was brought ashore in another fishing vessel, hours after the attack which occurred around 23:00 hours in Lower Shell area, Nickerie, Suriname. The captain of the ill-fated vessel survived the attack although he was thrown into the Atlantic Ocean by the pirates and was able to provide police with a description of the pirates’ vessel. Police detained at least five suspects and the boat believed to be the one used by the armed hijackers to carry out the attack was impounded. A press statement issued Saturday said that they are investigating a report that about 23:00 hours on Friday, boat captain Seepersaud Persaud, 43, of No.78 Village, Corentyne, and four crew members were aboard a boat in the Lower Shell area, Nickerie, when another boat with five men armed with cutlasses came up alongside. The armed men boarded Persaud’s boat and took away two 48hp outboard motor engines, tied up the four crew members and threw Persaud overboard. Seepersaud, relating to this newspaper the dreadful ordeal, stated that the hijackers came on board his boat and drove it ashore where they proceeded to remove the engine. He said that the men then tied up his crew and demanded that he throw them overboard. “One of dem start holler seh lemme throw dem overboard and me start beg and me beg dem and because me beg, them throw me overboard and go away with me crew,” Persaud said. He was subsequently rescued by the crew of another fishing vessel in the area after drifting for some time. Later, when the rescuers were pulling up their seine they found the body of Hemchand Sukhdeo, caught in the seine. The area was searched but neither Persaud’s vessel nor the other three crew members have been located. While at sea, Persaud managed to contact persons at the No.66 Fishing Complex and informed them of the incident and gave a description of the boat that was used by the (Continued on page 33)

Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

ernment of China involved. The grant was for ¥50,266,815 or $1.63B to the Government of Guyana. The contract was signed on May 30, 2012 by the Permanent Secretary at the Office of the President, Omar Shariff, and a representative from CNMIXC. The average price for one unit was $58,044. The grant came from three Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreements signed between the Government of China and the Government of Guyana on October 2, 2004, September 28, 2008 and December 23, 2009 respectively.

(From page 32) perpetrators. MONDAY EDITION 16 DEPARTMENTS, 133 EMPLOYEES…OLPF HAD MORE DEPTS. THAN GOVT. MINISTRIES …FORENSIC AUDITORS ALSO FOUND IT TO BE GROSSLY OVERSTAFFED There is just no way forensic auditors can fathom why the One Laptop Per Family Project (OLPF) required 16 Departments and 133 employees. Based on this newspaper’s perusal of past and current budget estimates, this project happens to be one of the few projects which had more departments than some Government Ministries. These would include the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism, which have at most six to nine Departments. Even the Ministry of Business for example, has less than 16 Departments and less than 100 staff members. The auditors from Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, said, too, that the Project Manager at the time, Margot Boyce, failed to justify why the project required such a huge staff size during the years 2012 to 2014, particularly since distributions were not carried out on a continuous basis and the procedures leading to distributions were relatively straightforward. During their investigations, the auditors found that the organizational structure for the project was one that did not allow for a Board of Directors or Board of Management. Instead, it only paved the way for management by the Department Heads under the Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager. Based on an examination of the Project’s personnel records, it was found that OLPF consisted of 16 departments which included; Information Technology, Training , Registry, Public Relations, Warehouse , Human Recourse, Project Support, Administration, Quality Assurance, Accounts, Data Entry, Documentation, Customer Service, Community Liaison, Verification and Data Audit. The auditors then identified a number of gross irregularities and unjustifiable circumstances within the various OLPF Departments. MAKING GUYANASAFE AGAIN… TOP COP CREDITS CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATION FOR INCREASED PUBLIC TRUST The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has in the past months seen significant growth in its capacity as well as an increase in public trust, leading to the reduction of crime at all levels and Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud has said that this is due to a change in the administration. With a 19 percent reduction in all serious crimes as of April this year, the evidence suggests that crime-fighting efforts are beginning to bear fruit. On his assumption to Office, President David Granger made the safety and security of citizens and visitors to Guyana a priority. He set up weekly security committee meetings with the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), along with other key security officials and has been actively leading the fight against crime. The President has acknowledged that more work still needs to be done but has spoken extensively on some of the changes that have been implemented. The Commissioner admitted though that

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VENEZUELAN MILITARY FIRES SHOTS AT GGMC OFFICIALS

up to 2014, the Force had been at a shortage of its expected quota of police officers. By next year, the Commissioner is certain that the Force will achieve its full complement. “We have more ranks now. We have had a big shortage and then we had an expansion in the establishment. We had difficulties recruiting but we no longer have that difficulty. We have about 1200 applications currently. Before there wasn’t much interest in the Police Force but as we go out into the communities and engage people and they see how they operate, there are people who realised that that is what they wanted to do and so we started getting a flurry of applications,” he said. HIJACKED FISHING BOAT RECOVERED, BUT STILL NO SIGN OF MISSING FISHERMEN The missing fishing boat in last Friday’s piracy attack has been recovered by the owner minus the three missing crewmen. Speaking to this publication, the vessel’s owner, Mohammed Hussian Arran stated that he located his boat at the No. 52 Foreshore. ”Me and some other people go out fuh search for de man dem and me boat but awe only find de boat and one ah de engine.” The brutal pirate attack carried late Friday evening resulted in the death of crew member, 44 year old Hemchand Sukdeo, whose body was pulled in the seine of another fishing boat. Sukdeo’s three other colleagues were reportedly thrown overboard by the pirates and they have not been seen or heard from since. The captain Seepersaud Persaud, who was also thrown overboard during the initial stages of the attack managed to stay afloat until he was rescued by another boat. TUESDAY EDITION FISHERMEN WERE TIED TO ANCHOR AND THROWN OVERBOARD—SUSPECT TELLS POLICE Police officials have made progress in their investigations involving the recent piracy attacks which resulted in one fisherman being dead and three others from the fishing boat, “Rosanna 664”, still missing. Kaieteur News understands that one of the suspects apprehended by law enforcement officers last Saturday has confessed to his

involvement in the act. Commander of ‘B’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, stated that according to the information disclosed by the suspect, the missing men were tied to an anchor and thrown overboard. Commander Amsterdam added that the confession also hinted at the involvement of a captain and the crew members of another fishing boat allegedly involved in the attacks. Dead is Hemchand Sukdeo, whose body was pulled up in a fishing seine hours after the attack. 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. Boat Captain Seepersaud Persaud, who was also thrown overboard, managed to survive the ordeal by drifting for hours until he was rescued by another boat. Police investigators have been able to confirm that three boats were attacked. However, the entire crews of two of the boats have been accounted for. COALITION GOVT ACCEPTS CHINA GRANT LAPTOPS AT DOUBLE THE PRICE A donation of 28,145 laptops by the Government of China in 2012 to Guyana was filled with technical problems, according to a special audit report. Former head of the One Laptop per Family (OLPF) Programme, Margot Boyce, told auditors that the Great Walls laptops had battery and keyboard failures, damaged LCD displays and malfunctioning of the motherboard. That donation was part of the OLPF Programme that involved the distribution of 90,000 laptops to low income families across the country. This Programme was launched in 2011 by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, but four years later, under another President, Donald Ramotar, the Programme was in deep trouble with only half (50,009) of the 90,000 laptops shared out. According to audit report prepared by chartered accountant, Ram and McRae, and released over the weekend by Government, the Great Wall laptops donation was a major component of the Programme with China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CNMIXC), in collaboration with the Gov-

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has expressed concern for the safety and security of officers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) following an incident involving Venezuelan military personnel in the Cuyuni River Monday afternoon. The GGMC officials were on a regular inspection exercise in Arau area and were returning to Eteringbang on the Cuyuni River when shots were fired across the bow of the boat they were travelling in. Kaieteur News understands that the incident occurred near a Venezuelan military checkpoint in the river, which is shared by Guyana and the neighbouring Bolivarian Republic. Reports reaching this newspaper stated that boats passing through that area in the river are normally stopped and checked by the Venezuelan authorities. Last Monday around 16:00 hours the GGMC officials were traversing the Cuyuni River when they heard gunshots. Police Divisional Commander, Ravindradat Budhram told this newspaper that based on the reports he received, the officials were forced to stop and after identifying themselves to the Venezuelan military personnel, they were allowed to continue on their journey. Fortunately no one was injured. The incident came at a time when the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela is raising its head again. ”My main concern is for the safety and security of the GGMC officers. They were on a regular inspection exercise in the area and returning on the Cuyuni River when shots were fired across the bow of the boat they were travelling in. I would expect that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and GDF would conduct investigations and lodge the necessary protests,” Minister Trotman told this newspaper. COI ORDEREDAS TEEN BURIEDALIVE INANOTHER MINE CAVE-IN Safety in mining operations has again come under the spotlight with the death of a teenager. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources Monday, it is with “deep regret” that it learnt of the unfortunate mining pit accident which resulted in the death of 18year old Ramal Williams. Police reported that about 18:00hrs on Sunday, Williams of 58 Miles, Mabura Road, was working in a mining pit at Konawaruk Backdam, Potaro, Region Eight, when it allegedly collapsed. The teen was trapped. ”Every effort was made to rescue and resuscitate Mr. Williams, but despite these efforts, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mahdia Hospital. Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Honorable Simona Broomes has been tasked by Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Raphael Trotman, to immediately visit the area to ascertain (Continued on page 34)

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(From page 33) the circumstances leading to the death of the miner.” The team will also include representatives from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). ”A Committee of Inquiry (COI) will also be launched to fully investigate the matter within 72 hours. The Ministry expresses its condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Mr. Williams.” WEDNESDAY EDITION US$42M GPL PROJECT…LACK OF VITALEQUIPMENTHELPED COMPROMISE TRANSMISSION LINES -CONSULTANTS SAY DEMERARA RIVER CABLE LINK DAMAGED BY FUEL SHIPS A report by supervising consultants into a multi-billion-dollar contract to build new transmission lines and sub-stations across the coastland, has blasted the Chinese contractor for the absence of vital equipment during the construction phase. As a result, there were some instances where the construction practices were compromised. The project was part of a number of initiatives by Government and the state-owned Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to prepare the latter for hydro-electric energy as well to modernize operations. The report, dated November 2014, was submitted to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) by Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants, Inc. (CEMCO), a local firm that had partnered with SMP Engineering, a Canadian outfit, to supervise the project. The US$42M Chinese-funded infrastructural project was awarded to China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CMC), a engineering spare parts company, to build a high voltage 69 kV transmission lines and associated 69/13.8 kV substations. It also involved the interconnection of the Berbice Interconnected System (BIS) and the Demerara Interconnected System (DIS), and the installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to help control the network. Citing scores of deviations from the agreement, the consultants disclosed that CMC used local contractors to construct the trans-

mission lines. The consultants said that they were of the opinion this was temporary as special equipment was being shipped. ”While the consultants were of the impression that this was to have been only an initial step to expedite the commencement of the construction activities as the CMC’s sub-contractors had not yet received their equipment from China, local contractors were retained to complete the entire construction.” The consultants said while the local contractor had the skills and experience in the type of construction, the lack of some of the specialized equipment needed proved a problem. “As a result of the lack of the equipment, there were some instances where the construction practices were compromised, mainly in stringing conductors which may have resulted in some damage to the conductor finish.” FROM 1994 TO MAY 2015…OVER 17,500 UG STUDENTS DEFAULTED ON LOANS – AUDIT REVEALS A forensic audit into the University of Guyana’s Student Loan Agency (SLA) has revealed that from the year 1994 to May 2015, some 17,567 or 69.4% of 25,335 student loans were deemed delinquent because students were not honouring their indebtedness. The report stated that during that period, the Government approved $9,489,453,973 through the National Budget or US$45.5M

using the current rate of exchange of G$210 to US$1. During the period – April 2011 to December 2014, $1,800,000,000 (US$8,571,429) was received through a process whereby the Agency Head is informed by the Budget Department that funds have been approved to be released to the Agency. Loans issued during the audit period (academic years 2011-2012 to 20142015) amounted to $1,581,422,277 of which $1,432,669,005 was issued to students at Turkeyen Campus and $148,753,272 was issued to students at the Tain Campus. The total number of students who would have obtained loans up to December 31, 2014 was 25,335 and the total value of the loans was $9,159,644,463. Of the total number of students who have received loans (25,335): 4,713 or 18.6% are recent graduates or are still students, 1,776 or 7% were able to repay their loans totalling $679,918,794 including principal and interest. Five students had their loans written off while 1,278 or 5 percent have been paying. However, they have not been up-to-date, the report showed. It was stated that this is a clear indication that the then Ministry of Finance and by extension, the Agency, did not pursue the defaulters with a view to recover their indebtedness. The Head of the Agency at the time when

the report was conducted, Rawle Sue-Ho, advised the auditors that he was never instructed to operate the Student Loan Fund as a “revolving one.” Sue-Ho further explained to the auditors that “Several attempts to have the Ministry of Finance/Government of Guyana address the high level of delinquency did not result in action. In addition, the Agency was/is not suitably staffed to pursue defaulting students. On the other hand, in excess of $12M is repaid monthly through deduction orders, the vast majority of which were implemented after action was taken by the Agency”. FIREMEN CAUGHT WITH STOLEN ITEMS FROM TRAFFIC CHIEF’S BURNT HOUSE Four firemen have been handed over to the police after they were implicated in the theft of items from the home of Traffic Chief Dion Moore, where they had gone to extinguish a fire on Monday night. The men were detained after a cellular phone that was stolen from the Traffic Chief’s house at Belfield, East Coast Demerara, was found under the seat of the fire tender they were in. For a while now, residents have been complaining that they have been losing items from their homes after firefighters would have carried out work there, but no one was actually found culpable. The suspicions were manifested Tuesday. Police Commander Marlon Chapman told this newspaper that firefighters were summoned to Moore’s house to tackle a fire. While there, they had to enter the building to carry out their work. When they were done and Moore examined the interior of his house, he noticed that two cellular phones were missing. He contacted the senior fireman at the scene and made enquiries. The firemen denied removing the items and were allowed to leave, thinking that they had gotten away with their nefarious act. However, soon after leaving the scene, their vehicle was stopped and searched and one of the cell phones was found under the (Continued on page 35)

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(From page 34) driver’s seat. Of course the actions of the firemen have caused great embarrassment to the Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle and the rest of his ranks. Gentle in an invited comment expressed disgust over the incident, especially since the actual firefighting work was done excellently. ”They have tarnished the work that they went to do at the traffic chief’s house,” Gentle said. He explained that after the phone was found, the matter was reported to the fire service and the ranks placed into the custody of their superiors, who conducted an internal investigation. ”We have finished our internal investigations and we are handing them over to the police,” the Fire Chief stated. Gentle confirmed that there were four firefighters on the truck in which the stolen phone was found. THURSDAY EDITION ANYONE FOUND TO BE CORRUPT, SHOULD BE CHARGED – JAGDEO 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 on Wednesday. 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.” 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. HI-TECH EQUIPMENT BEING USED TO LOCATE BODIES OF MISSING FISHERMEN As the days continue to slip away, hopes of finding three missing fishermen who were victims of last Friday’s pirate attack, are fading. On Wednesday, a search of the area where the men were reportedly thrown overboard came up empty handed despite the use of hitech 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 Commander, Ian Amsterdam told this newspaper. 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. FRIDAY EDITION 65 ACRES ALLOTTED FOR COMMERCIALLANDSAT PROVIDENCE…FORMER MINISTER, HONORARY CONSUL RECEIVE ALLOCATIONS Under the previous Government, more than 16 plots of lands in the last five years, totaling 65 acres, were allocated at Providence, East Bank Demerara, for commercial development. The developments, according to proposals submitted for the lands, included an auto service centre, a call centre, fun park, a computer assembly factory, university and hardware store, among other things. Not all of those lands have been devel-

oped in keeping with conditions to build. Rather, many of them are lying idle. The call centre has been constructed by Qualfon. Texila University is constructing the university complex. The situation would mirror another involving with housing lands, where hundreds of acres of prime lands between Providence and Diamond were also allocated to developers, but with little monitoring to ensure compliance with the conditions under which they were allocated. According to documents of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), one of the plots of land – two acres of it – was allocated to Telecor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc., a company that was linked to former Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud. Telcor may have been sold, because its radio station has been sold to Ansa McAl while its electronic newscast has been sold to Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop. It is believed that the land has been sold, too. That company had been one of several that were controversially granted radio licences and multiple frequencies by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, weeks before his constitutional two-terms in office ended back in November 2011. Telecor bought two acres, based on a lease agreement dated April 15, 2011, for $14M. Another name that has popped up is Ramzan Roshanah Ali, Guyana’s Honorary Consul to Miami, Florida. He too received a two-acre plot based on a 2013 lease for $14M. The biggest single plot went to Qualfon Guyana Inc. – 10 acres- based on an agreement of sale in April 2011. Qualfon purchased that piece of land for $70M and has built a call centre based on its proposal to the Guyana Office For Investment. There were a number of Chinese companies that benefitted from those commercial lands also. These include BaiShanLin International Forest Development Inc., Fun Time Family Park Inc., Haier Guyana Inc., China Jiahao Corp Inc., and Quick Auto Service Centre Inc. BaiShanLin, Fun Time and Quick Auto are all related and have under their control more than 21 acres. Companies like R. Maye Guyana Inc. and Hits and Jams have established operations, with the former establishing a hardware store and the latter, a water park.

“FORESTRY BAN WAS JUST AND NECESSARY” “…GIVEN THE WANTON AND WILD WAY LOGS WERE BEING SHIPPED OUT” – MINISTER TROTMAN According to statistics provided by the Ministry of Finance, the forestry sector performed poorly in 2015 and has remained on the decline curve since the beginning of this year. In fact, forestry production for January 2016 totaled 25,733m3. This represents a decline of 18.6 percent compared to January 2015 when 31,638m3 was achieved. The Finance Ministry admitted that the low production levels resulted from Government’s temporary ban on timber exports. In a previous interview with this newspaper, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had said that the forestry sector’s performance for 2015 was disappointing. “This sector had one of the hardest hits in recent times. We expected it to pick up, but it did not.” On the other hand, Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, insists that the ban was “just and necessary”. He admitted that forestry production fell short of expectations, but he refrained from expressing that the industry performed “poorly”. ”Indeed the restriction on the exports of some logs would have contributed to a reduction in revenue from exports, and we believe that this restriction was just and necessary, given the wanton and wild way trees were being cut and logs were shipped,” Trotman asserted. He further contended, “Also, many logging concessions had to be closed down for four to five months because of unusually heavy rains last year. Finally, the slowing of Asian economies, particularly China’s and India’s, led to a downturn in demand for commodities, including timber. These three factors led to the decline.” Trotman said that “the good news” is that Guyana’s forests are still standing and there is value in them “so we are not worse off.” According to the Finance Minister, work is presently underway to stimulate greater foreign and local investment in the forestry sector, especially in value added activities. He said that sustainable management of the forestry resources will continue through community training and capacity building, which will target over 400 (Continued on page 36)

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(From page 35) persons. GNBA IGNITES PLAN TO NULLIFY EXISTING BROADCAST LICENCES – CHAIRMAN The Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has finally set in motion a plan that will see all broadcasters having to reapply for licences to operate. Even before the new Board of the Authority was appointed, the APNU+AFC government had said that it will make good on its promise to regulate the Broadcast industry and revoke all those radio licences that former President Bharrat Jagdeo had granted days before demitting office. Today, the licences remain valid. GNBA said that it was caught between a rock and a hard place when it tried to maneuver ways and means to revoke the licences without legal implications. The new GNBA board was appointed in September. Leonard Craig was named Chairman. In April, the GNBA held its first press conference. At that forum, strong statements were made to the effect that the Board intends to act forcefully in the best interest of Guyana. The media was told that within two to three weeks it would have received information about the way forward with regards to revoking the radio licences. Nothing was heard. However, Thursday Craig said that the Board has been working despite not announcing the strides made. He indicated that all the glorious plans previously announced by the Authority cannot be implemented unless the necessary regulations are in place.

Craig said that a few weeks ago, the Board wrote Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo informing him of the “critical” changes to be made in Broadcasting as the Board sees fit. These included proposed rate structures and mechanisms for zoning. Craig said that the Prime Minister, finding no issues with the proposals, has since written to Attorney General Basil Williams, communicating the need for legal input. Craig said that the Attorney General’s Chambers have since undertaken the task of crafting the regulations in legal language. The Chairman indicated that he made contact with the Chamber earlier this week and was told that the first draft of the regulations is well underway. Craig said that the Attorney General’s Chambers commu-

nicated with him that the draft may be ready within a week. SATURDAY EDITION FIVE PIRATES CHARGED WITH HIGH SEAS MURDER Five men who are accused of high seas piracy have been charged with murder. The men are accused of murdering Hemchand Sukdeo, 46, a father of five of No. 55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, during an act of piracy. The pirates who are all fishermen are Ramchan Latchman, 23, married and a father of two of No. 65 Village; Ganesh Naidoo, 41, of No71 Village; Ramesh Singh, 53, of Liverpool Village, a father of two, Stephen Leon Leacock 19 of 366, No. 77 Village and Leon Sammy, 29, married and father of one of Lot 1 No. 75 Village, all of Corentyne, Berbice. They are accused of between May 27, and May 28, in the Corentyne River, murdered Sukdeo in the cause of piracy.

While all the men said that they were never charged for any offence before, the police indicated that Sammy was previously before the court. A post mortem examination conducted on the body of Sukdeo on Friday at Fort Wellington by Dr. Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as blunt trauma to the head and asphyxia due to drowning. The men were charged with the capital offence of murder under the hijacking and piracy Act. They appeared on Friday in No. 51 Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Charlene Artiga and were not required to plead. The men had allegedly thrown their victim overboard and left him to drown after clobbering him on the head. Sukdeo was part of a five-member crew aboard the fishing boat “Rosanna 664.” Still missing are Dochand Sukra aka ‘Bucher”, 54, of No. 55 Village, Munesh Churram, aka “Boyo”, 26, of No. 60 Village. Churram is a father of two, aged two years and five months. Dhanpaul Rampaul a father of one of No. 67 Village, Corentyne and Dochand Sukra aka ‘Bucher”, 54, of No. 55 Village, Corentyne were the other victims. Boat captain Seepersaud Persaud, who was also thrown overboard, miraculously managed to survive the ordeal by drifting for hours until he was rescued by another boat while the body of 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. On Tuesday and Wednesday a team of police officers from Guyana led by a Senior Superintendent travelled to neighbouring Suriname and joined with police from the neighbouring Republic to search the waters for the three missing men. Two of the pirates who are reportedly cooperating with the police were taken out to sea where they pointed out the spot where the men were thrown overboard with anchors tied to their bodies.

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Understanding Guyana’s Securities Council By Kiana Wilburg A securities market is fundamental to the expansion, improvement and vigour of a nation’s economy. It supports commercial initiatives, funds the use of new thoughts and assists the management of financial risk. Since retail investors are placing an ever-increasing amount of their cash in reciprocated finances and other combined asset schemes, it is therefore understandable that securities markets would evolve to such a state that it has become indispensible to individual wealth and retirement planning. But confidence and integrity in this process must be maintained at all times, and it is here we see the need for the securities council. Such a council exists in Guyana. This autonomous body was established through the Securities Industry Act 1998. This piece of legislation provides for the registration of securities brokers and dealers, selfregulatory organizations, and issuers of securities. It also paves the way for the regulation of securities issuances; with the purpose of encouraging capital formation and the growth of efficient securities markets, while protecting purchasers of securities and promoting ethical behaviour in the securities industry. The functions of the Council in Guyana are many. They include advising the Minister of Finance on all matters relating to securities; maintaining surveillance over the securities market and ensuring orderly, fair and equitable dealings in securities. The Council also has a secondary mandate as a Supervisory Authority under the Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009. Section 22 (c) of the AML/ CFT Act 2009 gives the

Council the responsibility as a Supervisory Authority for reporting entities which perform the business activities specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Act, which include trading for own account or for account of customers in money market instruments (such as cheques, bills, certificates of deposit), foreign exchange, financial futures and options, exchange and interest rate instruments, and transferable securities. The Council conducts training sessions for its Market Participants under the Securities Industry Act and its reporting entities under the AML/CFT Act, annually. These training programmes are highly beneficial to the stakeholders involved, as they increase the awareness of the requirements to ensure compliance with the various pieces of legislation, as well as to identify any risks that may exist in their operations, and how they can mitigate those risks. The agencies which benefit from the Council’s training are all the stakeholders of the Securities Industr y, i n c l u d i n g a l l Market Participants. The Reporting Issuers are also invited to attend. Other agencies that are invited are the Bank of Guyana, Guyana Police Force, Special Organised Crime Unit and the State Asset Recovery Unit. The Council is also a member of several organizations within the region, namely the Caribbean Group of Securities Regulators (CGSR), the Council of Securities Regulators of the Americas (COSRA) and the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC). These organizations host several meetings and workshops annually, which the Council is required to participate in. Among the issues being discussed at this point are the Regional Choice of Law and Rule of Law

Guidelines. Additionally, the Council in September 2005, applied to become a member of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The IOSCO Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Consultation and the Exchange of Information (the MMoU), provides a global framework for enforcement co-operation between securities regulators, thereby helping to ensure effective global regulation and to preserve the strength of securities markets. It is a critical IOSCO workstream, and is rightly regarded as the benchmark for international co-operation in enforcement matters. The main impediments preventing Guyana from becoming a signatory to the MMoU are as follows: The Council does not have direct access to bank records. Additionally, Guyana’s legislation is not specific with respect to how to acquire information from banks. The Bank of Guyana is also limited in its sharing information, depending on the Finance Minister or any lawful order of Court for obtaining the information. The MMoU envisages that signatories will provide to each other, comprehensive assistance in the investigation and prosecution of securitiesrelated crime and misconduct. In increasingly globalised markets, the ability to obtain information and exchange it with overseas counterparts, as facilitated by the MMoU, is critical to Regulators’ success in this field. MMoU signatories, and the markets to which they belong, benefit from international recognition, in that they adhere to robust standards in the investigation of cross-border crime, and that they are participants in a global enforcement regime, which contributes to maintaining fair and efficient markets.

Haiti: No moving out and... From page 24 external parties to move on. For, in truth, they will not move on if chaos is the consequence of a final election based on a flawed first round. It is far better that properly conducted and supervised new elections be held soon. To do so, the election process in Haiti must be strengthened. The UN, the OAS and key governments in the Americas, including those of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) should provide the Haitians with the tools they need to do a proper and effective job.

The provisional electoral council has said that a new electoral calendar will be published on 6 June. The UN, the OAS, CARICOM and others should hold the administration of the interim President, Jocelerme Privert, and the electoral council to that date, and to organising the new elections as early as practicable. They should also provide the technical and other

assistance that are required. The inter-American Community cannot move out and move on. (The Writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States. The views expressed are his own) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

That recognition may inform the perceptions of international organisations involved in global regulation. For example, the Financial Stability Board and other standard-setters use the MMoU as a benchmark when conducting their own assessments. Moreover, whether or not a jurisdiction is a signatory to the MMoU may influence the perceptions of international

investors as to market credibility. There are now 91 signatories to the MMoU, representing approximately 94% of the world’s securities markets, and IOSCO is determined to ensuring global coverage. It is therefore becoming essential for all regulators to sign the MMoU, not only to ensure effective international enforcement, but for their reputation, and the economic

health of the jurisdictions to which they belong. Currently, becoming an ordinary IOSCO member is conditional upon signing the MMoU, a pre-requisite of which is the ability to obtain, and disclose to other regulators, certain specific information that may be critical to enforcement cases. Very often, acquiring that ability may require significant Continued on page 49)

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(From page 45) legislative change within an applicant’s jurisdiction. However, the benefits of becoming an IOSCO member are numerous. There are reputational advantages and,

for example, other international organisations such as the IMF and the World Bank refer not only to the IOSCO MMoU, but to the IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities

Regulation and the IOSCO Assessment Methodology when conducting their own jurisdictional assessments. Domestic markets may experience more tangible benefits, such as increased

capital flows, which will derive from increased investor confidence. In addition, there are hugely significant benefits in terms of the IOSCO Education and Training Programme, and

other IOSCO capacity building initiatives. All Securities Commissions were required to be IOSCOcompliant, however this benchmark has been shifted to Country compliance.

This condition should be satisfied by the re-write of the Securities Industry legislation, and the possible amendments to the Financial Institutions Act to allow for the sharing of information.

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Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

WHAT ARE Kidney Stones? There are several different types of kidney stones, but each of them can cause a lot of pain. Kidney stones are small chunks of solid material that can form in your kidneys, a pair of organs that filter your blood. The "stones," which are usually yellow and brown, vary in size and shape. For instance, some may be jagged and as small as a grain of sand, while others may be lumpy and the size of golf balls. A stone may stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract - the body's waste and excess-water drainage system - and get stuck, causing severe pain in the belly or side of the back. Other symptoms may include nausea, chills, and blood in the urine. Prevalence and Demographics of Kidney Stones Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract, resulting in more than a million visits to health care providers and 300,000 emergency room visits each year in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Kidney stones affect both men and women, though struvite stones are more common in women and uric acid stones are more common in men. Overall, however, the prevalence of kidney stones is higher in men than women. Kidney stones are also more common in obese people than non-obese people, and less common in non-Hispanic African and Mexican-Americans than in non-Hispanic Caucasians, according to the European Urology study. What Are the Kidneys? Part of the urinary system, your two kidneys are fistsized, bean-shaped organs, located just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. They have a number of important functions, mainly filtering the blood to remove waste and excess water, resulting in the formation of urine, which is stored in the bladder and emptied from the body through the urethra. THE KIDNEYSALSO: • Balance the body's levels of electrolytes, including

sodium, potassium, and phosphate, to maintain the body's balance of acids and bases • Produce hormones involved in regulating blood pressure, producing red blood cells, and maintaining bone strength • Prevent the buildup of waste and fluid in the body • Development of Kidney Stones Kidney stones develop when the concentration of normal kidney substances (especially calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus) increases substantially. This process sometimes known as nephrolithiasis - can be due to various factors, including low fluid intake, diet, or medications such as diuretics and calcium-based antacids. A number of issues can increase a person's risk of developing kidney stones, including: • A family history of kidney stones • Medical conditions that affect the levels of urinary substances • Urinary tract blockage • Digestive problems • Recurrent urinary tract infections • Types of Kidney Stones There are four main types of kidney stones: calcium, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones. Calcium stones, of which there are two forms calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate - are the most common type of kidney stone. In most cases, calcium oxalate stones form from high levels of calcium and oxalate in urine. But if there are high levels of urine calcium and the urine is alkaline (has a high pH), calcium phosphate stones may form instead. Uric acid stones develop from overly acidic (low pH) urine. This can result from a diet high in purines, substances that are broken down to form uric acid and are found in high concentrations in animal protein. Struvite stones, sometimes called infection stones, are made of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate, and typically form in alkaline urine. They develop from upper urinary tract infections, including kidney infections, when bacteria produce urease, an enzyme that helps convert urea (a compound in urine) into ammonia and other products. Cystine stones result from a genetic disorder that causes cystine, an amino acid, to leak into the urine from the kidneys. http://www. everydayhealth.com.

Sunday June 05, 2016

“THE ART OF WAR” DJ Competition slated for a comeback

Empire Media Inc. is expected to stage its second event dubbed “The Art of War” come July 23, 2016 at the GFC Ground Bourda. The event is a DJ competition featuring five of Guyana’s best DJs battling for $500,000 and bragging rights. The Art of War intends to reignite this art form in Guyana in the most dynamic way, while putting our local selectors and DJ’s on the map both regionally and internationally. The competing individuals are: Selector Face, DJ Magnum, DJ Killer, DJAntz Man and DJ Platinum. It promises to be an explosive one with fans for every DJ coming out to show their support.There will be four rounds in the competition: Round 1: Introductory Round- 15 minutes (no elimination) Round 2: Engage the enemy- 10 Minutes (elimination round) Round 3: Dead artiste-7 Minutes (elimination round) Round 4: Tune for tune final round A Promo Round/Cyber warfare will also be included before the competition begins. This will take the form of a recorded studio clash where each DJ/selector will play three (3) songs on a specified theme. The clash will be placed online and members of the internet audience will vote for the best round. A minimal prize will be awarded for this round. The Art of War DJ competition will be judged solely by the fans. Empire Media Inc. hopes to include regional and international acclaimed sound systems and DJs in the future. Music will be provided by Pier One, DJ Dellon, DJ Ice and DJ Energy. Early bird tickets are $1,000 and regular tickets $1,500. For more information on this and upcoming events you can like the Facebook page- ‘Empire Media Inc’ or call DJ Dellon on 662-7270 or Eusi on 862-233-0494.

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Sunday June 05, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Forensic audit report...

No qualifications on file for MMA/ADA Gen. Manager, other top officials A forensic audit conducted into the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) has revealed several unsettling findings with its employee database. The auditor, Ramesh Lal, a Managing Partner of TSD Lal and Company, noted that requisite qualifications could not be found for the Authority’s incumbent General Manager, Aubrey Charles. All the auditor could verify was that Charles had some experience as a surveyor. Also flagged was the agency’s Administrative Manager, Bernadette Petterkin; Chairman of the Authority’s Board of Directors, Rudolph Gajraj and Hansraj Bishram, a mechanic. For them, the auditor could find no evidence of their competence in their files to justify the jobs they held. The auditor was able to verify the competence of individuals such as Mahendranauth Ramjit, Manager in charge of Drainage and Irrigation. According to the auditor, Ramjit possessed qualifications in Technology and Civil Engineering, in addition to working for some six years as an engineer. Finance Manager Simone Edwards was shown to have Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)

MMA/ADA General Manager Aubrey Charles qualifications and experience as an Assistant Supervisor. However, in one instance the Manager of Land and Surveys for MMA/ADA, Kawall Bharat, was red flagged for having a Diploma in Land Surveying but no experience. The Authority’s Mechanical Manager, Shilendra Singh, was shown to have no formal qualifications but six years of work experience as a mechanic.

There were two cases where other officials in critical positions- William Ross, Manager of the Information Technology (IT) section and Godfrey Woodroffe, Senior Supervisor, were qualified. Ross had a Degree in Computer Science while Woodroffe had qualifications in Mechanical Engineering. Neither, however, had any experience recorded on file. IMPLICATIONS “No evaluation system was in place, thus, appointments may be biased,” the auditor noted. “Some positions were held without staff being qualified and/or experienced. This revealed severe deficiencies in the administrative and human resources function.” The auditor stated that because of this situation, he was unable to ascertain whether the controls governing hiring and promoting staff were operating effectively. The auditor also stated that many of the personal files did not contain integral information such as employment

contracts, approved increases in salaries and approval for promotions. RECOMMENDATION The auditor recommended that the employee files be updated with these items, including an evaluation of the employees’ personal performance. This, he said, was so that their competence could be assessed in relation to their positions. To the auditor’s observations, MMA/ADA management could only respond that its Human Resources personnel were

directed to ensure that all personal files were updated. Management also stated that the MMA/ADA Board was looking at putting systems in place for staff evaluation exercises. The management then went on to dispute the auditor ’s observations, stating that files are in place for all employees and are available for the Auditor to check. AGENCY’S SCOPE Formed in 1978, the MMA/ADA is a semiautonomous agency under the Ministry of Agriculture. It not only manages, operates

and maintains drainage and irrigation works in Region Five, but it also bears responsibility for state lands allocated between the Berbice and Mahaica rivers. A testament to this agency’s strategic importance is the fact that the Region it supports is responsible for nearly half of the Guyana’s rice production, 30 to 35 percent of livestock production and a quarter of national sugar production. From this years’ budget, the Authority was allocated $237M under the Ministry of Agriculture.

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Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

FAO hosts confab to strengthen Guyana’s FNS governance framework The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday, held a national stakeholder consultation on strengthening the governance framework for Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) in Guyana. The event which was held at Cara Lodge, which attended by representatives from various Government Ministries, United Nation’s Agencies, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) etc. The event was also organised to share with stakeholders, the preliminary findings of the Inception Report on Governance for Food and Nutrition Security and sought to establish a technical working group to support the work of the consultant. Justifying his call for the involvement of all at the national level, FAO’s Country Representative to Guyana, Reuben Robertson, stated

that the framework is essential in the process to achieve Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Number 2 – which speaks to the elimination of under nutrition, food and nutrition insecurity by 2030. Robertson pointed out that the achievement of food and nutrition security is dependent on the four pillars; food availability, access, utilisation and sustainability. The Ministry of Agriculture’s Permanent Secretary (PS), George Jarvis, stated that Guyana recognises that a large section of its population depends on the agriculture sector for both food and income. This he said, has led to the government continuously increasing investments in agriculture; expanding safety nets and social assistance programmes; and enhancing job creating activities for both rural and urban citizens. The PS pointed out that in 2007 to 2008, Guyana experienced food, fuel and financial crisis which resulted in an economic downturn in 2009. He continued that by

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

2011, food prices had skyrocketed. “Commitments were taken in this direction in 2009 at a summit. 2010 saw the first decline in the number of nourished people in the world after approximately 15 years. That number dropped to 925 million from 1.023 billion the previous year,” Jarvis said. “The Guyana Food and Nutrition Strategy 2011-2020 was developed and officially launched in 2011. Its aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of all citizens and enhance food security. The Ministry has been working to effectively implement this strategy through various initiatives,” the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. “Many of us in Guyana take food for granted and do not consider nutrition…you eat because you hungry and that’s it,” Jarvis said during his remarks. He stated that the Ministry of Agriculture would also like to utilize the forum to resuscitate the council and shortly thereafter, invite all the heads of various agencies, bodies, and ministries to collaborate and continue the work that was started in 2011.

Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday June 05, 2016

STANDARDS IN FOCUS....

GNBS joins in commemorating World Environment Day (WED) 2016 World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated globally on June 5, to create awareness of environmental issues and encourage action from all levels of society. This year is no different. Today, we will

celebrate WED under the theme: Go Wild for Life. Let’s just imagine that for one second if all of us were to go wild for life and practise the common phrase “wild meat is the sweetest

meat we eating”, what would happen to all of our wildlife (the various animal species)? Imagine if everyone cuts one tree every day to roast wild meat or address other needs, what would happen to our precious ecosystem? Nippily, the natural ecosystems would reach a breaking point where all our resources would be consumed. The simple truth is that the illegal trade in wildlife products is eroding earth’s precious biodiversity, robbing us of our natural heritage and driving many species to the brink of extinction. Smuggling of wildlife is also undermining economies and ecosystems, fuelling organized crime, feeding corruption and insecurity across the globe. Our adverse impact on the environment is increasing, there’s no denying that. Therefore, we need to quickly come to consciousness and make a desperate effort to better understand and manage our impact on the environment. In this regard, every effort must be made to counter the illicit trade of wildlife including the implementation of targeted policies; we need to increase awareness campaigns and investments in community conservation and law enforcement. Many species remain at risk and it will take a dedicated and sustained effort by each and every one of us to turn the tide. How can we do it? Citizens need to understand the damage illicit wild life trading and overindulgence are doing to our environment, livelihoods, communities and security. We must change our habits and behaviour so that demand for illegal wildlife products falls. Through increased awareness and action, push governments and international bodies to introduce and enforce

tougher laws to combat those still willing to engage in illicit activities that would jeopardize our environment. On the other hand, it is time we recognize the critical role standards can play in preserving the environment. The ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System (EMS) standard, for example, contributes significantly in reducing environmental impact even as it enlightens users on the effect the environment has on businesses. Implementing the requirements of this international standard is an important step towards preservation since it covers all environmental challenges related to water, air, soil, waste, biodiversity, ecosystem services and climate challenges. The standard helps organizations to manage all aspects of the environment in a holistic manner. As society struggles with issues such as natural disasters, deforestation, wildlife extinction, climate mitigation and adaptation, companies are continuing to recognize the need to manage their environment. Achieving certification to the ISO 14001 standard certainly delivers commercial value to organizations, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and streamlined waste management systems, as well as providing a better handle on business risk. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) will continue to support the care of the environment by promoting related standards so as to help stakeholders to take actions that will reduce environmental degradation and encourage preservation for future generations. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0069, 219-0065, 219-0062.

Sunday June 05, 2016

By Dr. Neromini Fagu Tooth decay is considered the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults but it is also very preventable. In addition to proper brushing, flossing and regular visits to your dentist, we also need to look atour diet. We all know that sugary foods contribute to tooth decay but for most of us giving up these foods is not an option. Researchers are constantly looking at alternatives to traditional sugars and one such alternative is Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener extracted from berry-type fruits, the fibrous parts of plants such as corn cobs and even hardwoods. It looks and tastes just like the table sugar we have grown to know and love. Xylitol is also produced naturally by the body in breaking down carbohydrates and the average adult produces about fifteen grams per day. Unfor-

Kaieteur News

XYLITOL - The Sugar Substitute tunately, this process occurs in the gut, so we do not get any oral advantages. Research has shown that the use of xylitol has many applications. In the medical industry, the addition of xylitol to various products have been shown to be more effective in helping to prevent ear infections in children, sinus infections in adults and asthma and allergies in both young and old. Xylitol works by preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the various tissues. Xylitol is also a healthy alternative for diabetics as it has about a third of the calories as table sugar and the body does not require insulin to metabolize it. Xylitol has been used as a sweetener in the food industry since the 1960’s. The Finnish Dental Association officially endorsed the use of Xylitol in 1988, followed by the Swedish Dental Association in 1989, the British in 1990 and several states in the US

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Dr. Neromini Fagu

in 2008. Dental Benefits of Xylitol In order for tooth decay to occur certain factors must be present including a substrate (sugar) and bacteria. Most of the carbohydrates we eat are made up of simple sugar units such as fructose and glucose. The tooth decay causing bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, use these units as a food source. The process of tooth decay begins when bacteria in our mouth break down the sugars and produce acids which can eat away at the

enamel on the teeth. This “acid attack” causes tooth decay and cavities to begin to form. Some of the benefits of Xylitol are: · Prevents Plaque BuildUp - Xylitol is not a good food source for S. mutans because it is not digestible by the bacteria. Because bacteria are not metabolizing the xylitol, they will die and break away from the biofilm and not stick to the teeth. · Repair damaged enamel - Xylitol promotes the flow of saliva which contains enamel repairingcalcium and phosphate. · Stimulate saliva flow -

Saliva also helps to wash away food particles and bacteria from the teeth and also prevents dry mouth which is a contributory factor for tooth decay. · Increase pH level - When the pH is above 7, calcium and phosphate salts in saliva start to move into those parts of tooth enamel that are weak. There are many products available that contains Xylitol. These include toothpastes, mouthwashes, breath mints, tooth whiteners, chewable vitamins, and candies. For Xylitol to be effective in

reducing tooth decay, research shows that how often you use it is more important than how much you use. However, as with most things, moderation is the key and too much Xylitol can have unpleasant gastric side effects. It is not possible to completely cut outsugar in our diets but we can try to limit the amount we consume in order to maintain good oral health. We can also explore the use of products with sugar substitutes that can have a positive impact on our oral health. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu @hotmail.com.

CONSUMER CONCERNS

Parents can ensure children pass CXC Maths and English at no cost PAT DIAL Consumers and members of the public in general who have children attending secondary schools are worried that their children would not be able to pass Mathematics and English at the CXC Examinations. Passing Maths and English is a necessity, for if the child does not pass those subjects, he or she would be unable to find decent employment or would not be able to proceed further in higher education. The University of Guyana, for example, would not admit an applicant except he/she has obtained a minimum of Grade II in both subjects. Very often parents and others, including teachers, tend to conclude that the reason why the child is not doing well in the two subjects is because the child has no aptitude for them. This conclusion is completely erroneous in more than 90% of the cases. It is the school system on which the blame must squarely rest and not on the child. A child who has achieved an ‘A’ grade in one or more subjects but does badly in English and Maths, does so, not because of poor aptitude, but because of poor teaching

at both the primary and secondary levels. At Queen’s College and Bishops High School, for instance, at the time they did the British General Certificate in Education (GCE), both schools achieved as a norm nearly 100% of passes in Maths and English because of proper teaching. The secondary school system today needs to have early remedial classes in both subjects and older and experienced teachers should conduct such classes. Indeed, the school may well recruit retired teachers of proven competence to teach such classes. One of the main subscribing causes of the poor results in English and Maths, and indeed other subjects, is the Education System condoning “lessons” out of school hours. These “lessons” are given by private tutors or by the very class teachers. These “lessons” are charged for by the hour and are quite expensive and many parents are unable to afford them and thus their children are neglected. This “lesson system” causes many class teachers not to teach during working hours; they do their teaching at “lessons” with only those who

could afford to pay attending. There is the case of an English teacher in one of the most expensive secondary schools in Georgetown who never teaches her class but spends the whole class period browsing her IPad. She confidently expects the parents will engage English tutors for their children. And if any of the parents raise the issue of the lazy and inept English teacher with the Principal, she points to the fairly good CXC English results which are attributed to the teacher. Such results were of course due to the private tutors’ efforts. As soon as the remedial system is established in any school, private lessons must forthwith be banned in that school. It should be mentioned that all of the very few schools which

do not permit private lessons perform extraordinarily well in all subjects and a very notable example is Swami Aksharananda’s Sarswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) at Cornelia Ida, W.C.D. But parents do not have to sit by helplessly waiting for the School or Education System to solve their own problem and so ultimately their children’s problem. They hold the key to success in their hands and must use it: The key to success is simply this: The base or foundation of CXC Maths is Arithmetic. Arithmetic is usually badly taught at the primary level and when the child begins secondary school Maths, he/she does so on a very weak foundation. He/ she is unable to fully understand what is being taught and this becomes much more apparent when he/she is in the CXC class. Most parents know enough Arithmetic to be

able to help their children at the primary level. They would be able to teach them basic Arithmetic and drill them in the Addition and Multiplication tables to 19. Once children have a good foundation in Arithmetic they would both easier understand and perform better in Algebra and Geometry and Modern Maths. Reading is neglected at all levels in the School System. Parents must ensure that their children begin reading at a very early age. They could begin with Fairy Tales and Greek and Roman Mythologies as well as Indian mythology. They would then be introduced to the various children’s books and later the

classics. Reading develops their personality and knowledge of human beings as well as expanding their vocabulary and writing skills. CXC English would then no longer be a bugbear and children would approach the subject with enthusiasm and pleasure. Parents have to introduce their children to the public library system, and for those in the countryside, the available travelling library. The Internet also offers children’s books and the classics. If parents were to make their own efforts to help their children in Arithmetic and Reading at the primary and early secondary years, there would be no fear or worry of CXC Maths and English.

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SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES

WANTED

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

Experienced barman, 1 general domestic $2500 @ Hilton Crest , 12 Henry Street Werk-en-Rust. Call: 2259211; 223-6284

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 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 Ramdass Visa application & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!! Visa! Visa! Visa! Need help filling your visa application forms? Contact: 231-9484; 602-8569 – Mon-Fri 08:0004:00

Earn a certificate in cosmetology; enroll now at Artee’s Beauty Salon & School of cosmetology. Call: 275-0267; 680-0156

Republic Park family needs an experienced caregiver between ages 45-55, live in, 1 week on 1 week off-$13,000. Call: 667-2535 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic – Call: 223-7500 Monday –Saturday between 8:15am-4:15pm FOOD WHOLESALE COMPANY LOOKING FOR SALESPERSON WITH EXPERIENCED AND VEHICLE, POLICE CLEARANCE A+. CALL: 231-8529/ 231-8344 Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated and know to cook. Between 25-55 years. Call 1868- 683-1528 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 Kitchen assistant, male/ female between ages 20-35 @ Courbane Park, Annandale, ECD next to Modern Grafix. Call Abdul: 687-3640 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 1 Male to cook in the Backdam. Call: 678-0565 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 One male cook for the Interior. Call: 681-3801 Are you living in the interior? Can u build Nibbi sets? Call & get immediate cash. Call: 651-1969; 681-8897 Need an evening babysitter or caretaker for few hours of part/full time. Call: 601-4250

Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery; also edible images and Wedding dresses for sale. Call: 670-0798

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 6895997

FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Toyota Hilux Vigo, ex cab 4WD, gas, 2700cc, 2TR Auto cc, 2006. Call: 616-5595; 674- 0434

Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: church, office, lessons place, storage bond, private school, others -$20,000- Call: 6036400

Rotweiler pups - 622-6646/ 652-8511

1 Houselot @ Crane Housing Scheme; 1 two storey house @ La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 626-4841 or 683-6674 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 Newly built property for sale, Block 8 MonRepos, E.C.D -$14.8M. Call: 6544312; 657-5530 House & land for sale @ Kuru Kururu. Call: 664-2576

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 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.Contact260-4018/661-9096 ROAD TO BELWASA & A DIP AT THE SANGAM. AVAILABLE @ AUSTIN’S BOOK STORE- TEL: 2267350/7 & AT LATCHMANSINGH DRUG STORE. TEL: 226-5053

Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities -$41M –Call: 6629335; 612-3244

Muscovy Ducklings-Call: 602-7203

Well built 2 family houses at Lot 32 Ann’s Grove H/ Scheme. Call: 623-5423

German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix pups for sale. Call: 6411771 or 654-0388

2 Storey house, 5 bedrooms semi-furnished, 65 Palmyra Village, East Canje Berbice, price negotiable. Call: 6706688; 621-2066 Enmore: Hope West, 1-two storey 3 bedrooms wooden building, overlooking FoulisCall: 602-2818; 649-1434 1-3 rooms flat concrete house, fully grilled, large shed 20X15 @ Belle West, Canal #2, price -$10M negotiable. Call: 643-0202 (Vet) One roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop, ground excellent for restaurant or other business –Call: 6540779

I.A.E Classes for CSEC January/June 2017: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subject for Students, Adults & repeaters. Call: 683-5742

FOR RENT

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

One dump truck GMM series, reasonably price. Call: 220-3044

EDUCATIONAL CAKES & PASTRIES

Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

518C CAT Skidder tyres 95% winch working, CF Hauler triple axel trailer, Bedford TL dump truck, JCB 4X4 Forklift. Call: 626-0352 1 Boat for sale 50’X13’X6’ steel cargo boat 671 GM engine. Call: 691-5104; 6093447 Bedford Model M Truck with Winch GRR Series, 1 Complete 6" dredge with extra engine & generator. Call: 655-2385; 600-3518

Apartments for rent @ ‘B’ Field Sophia, Denise Street Entrance, the street after King of King store. Call: 6020261

Cashier 6am-3pm & 3pm12pm. Submit application to Shell Station Providence E B D , shellramsburg@gmail.com Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 I.T Network Technician, Email CV to jobs@awngy.com

Fully furnished 2 storey house with 3 AC bedrooms, security & sensor lights, etc at Gated Community. Call: 685-5845; 668-8714; 612-3400

1 Experienced baker, 2 experienced pastry makers and 2 security personnel, apply at Humphrey’s Bakery. Tel: 225-7864; 227-8607

2 Bedroom apartments to rent in Diamond for couple or single -$35,000 – Call: 6417369 (on Sunday call after 1pm)

RA Soda Factory Rosignol, Berbice: bond & billing clerks, experienced accountants, machine operator with mechanical ideas. Call: 330-2399/623-5920

2-2 Bedrooms apartment for rent @ Eccles. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 One apartment for rent at Mon Repos, Market Street, E.C.D –Call: 220-7330 Rooms to rent @ 11 Charles Street, Charlestown, preferably elderly bachelor. Call: 223-4060 1-2 Bedrooms apartment in close proximity to University of Guyana & Teacher’s Training College. Call: 6859127

Hopetown Gas Station (Guyoil): Pump attendants for night and day shifts. Call: 330-2399 One driver Expediter must have a lorry license contact # 223-5273 Accounts Clerk 5 CXC, Maths, English & Accounting. Apply rtilak@ adamantiumholdings.com Experienced cleaner bartenders. Call: 225-8572 between 7:00-9:00AM Full time pharmacist for two weeks & part time pharmacist for evenings @ Pharma Choice Pharmacy @ Durban & Lousia Rowe. Call: 661-3124

FOR SALE Golf clubs/ tote bag, like new, also 1 box of 84 balls -$23,000 or nearest. Call: 663-9443 1- Cat 320 BL excavator, 1 Cat 428 Back Hoe, 1-930 Cat loader, 1-Cat D44 bulldozer. Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 1-Pneumatic Roller 9 wheels, 1-55 Leyland Daf Truck. Call: 275-0538; 683-7225

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 Carnegie trained chef/ cook. Call: 600-7388; 2257933 or visit us at 173 Sherriff Street. Experienced bartender, chef, live in/out waitresses & bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge @ Garden of Eden, E.B.D. Call: 652-0074

Beautiful and low cost prefab homes for the Caribbean, especially the Cayman Islands, Turks & Caicos. Call: 592-611-7223; 592-604-2207 One 6 base music set with QSE amp, RCF speaker. Call: 221-2817; 699-5790 125 Yamaha Riva Scooter, 1 Fridge, 1 Stereo set. Call or Text: 668-9180; 618-9035 Pure bred German shepherd puppies for sale. Call: 6253918

VACANCY Female housekeeping staff, male security guard. Call: 2250198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown.

TO LET Fast food spot for rent at Ashmin’s Building, first month rent free. Call: 683-7954 1 Bedroom bottom flat located at 1st Bridge Diamond, Grove H/Scheme E.B.D, Couple or Single $35,000 –Call: 685-8513

Exist for porters, cashiers, salesgirls; apply @ Lot 16 Vlissengen & Duncan with application & passport size picture. Hair/nail & barber stations for rental, discounts for new comers @ New Market St. Call: 638-1106 Continued on page 71

Sunday June 05, 2016

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From page 70

VEHICLE FOR SALE 2009 ALLION -$2.8M, 2009 RAUM -$2.2M, 2010 IST$2.6M, 2009 FIELDER $2.5M, 2011 AXELA -$2.6M. CALL: 617-2891

Ramjattan reassures worried Berbice fishermen amidst piracy fears M i n i s t e r o f S e c u r i t y, K h e m r a j Ramjattan yesterday led a team including Dr. Verasammy Ramayya; ‘B’ Division C o m m a n d e r, I a n A m s t e r d a m a n d representative of the Office of the Prime Minister, Gobin Harbhajan to meet with worried Berbice fishermen and their families on the recent piracy attack. The meeting at the No. 66 Village Fishing Complex says numerous concerns were raised by fishermen.

The Minister assured the gathering that justice will be served. Five persons were charged last week after a deadly piracy attack on a Guyanese fishing boat in Suriname waters. The crew members were tied to anchors and dumped overboard with only the captain being found alive. The body of one fisherman was found caught in nets. The five persons charged on Friday were fishermen from Corentyne.

Gold Runx Car, HC series, price negotiable. Call: 6920335 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 New RX8 (red) rotary 7 engine, new rims, music kickers, lambo doors. Owner migrating. Call: 261-5401; 6802095 Ford F350 4X4 35’rims + tyres, lift kit 2005, diesel fully loaded auto. Call: 610-5370 Pit-bull BRR, owner leaving country -$2.2M. Call: 2258365; 695-4308 Unregistered new model Toyota Spacio -$1.9M- Call: 227-5950; 681-7117 Reduce Prices- unregistered 2005-2007 Allion $2.3M$2.7M, 2003 Sports Model Mazda -$2.3M, 2006 Bluebird -$2.250M. Call: 626-7478

Minister Khemraj Ramjattan (2nd right) and team meeting with the worried fishermen and their families yesterday.

West Dem motorcyclist dies in early morning accident The police are investigating an accident which occurred early yesterday at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and resulted in the death of a 21-year-old motorcyclist. Shawn Patrick, of Lot 89 David Rose Street, Bagotville, WBD, died while returning home from a lime at Pourderoyen. According to reports, Patrick was riding a motor cycle CH 8338 proceeding south at a fast rate when he overtook a motor car on a turn and ended up hitting the left side of a motor lorry and then slammed onto a utility pole. He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the motor lorry is in police custody assisting with the investigation. The young man’s mother,

DEAD: Shawn Patrick Abiola Patrick, said that she last saw her son Friday night just before he left home to go to a ‘lime’, a few villages away from his home. “Every Friday night, it does have a ‘lime’ at Pouderoyen and he left home to go there,” the woman

noted. She said that Patrick was the eldest of her six children and worked as a porter to assist in the home. According to the woman, she was asleep when someone called and informed her that her son was involved in an accident. “I went to the scene and I saw him on the road. His face was crushed, his brains crushed and his neck seemed broken. He was crushed. Everywhere looked broken, his hands and foots,” the woman stated. She explained that someone told her that her son rode into a truck. Police believed that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident since persons reported that he had been drinking at the ‘lime’. A Port mortem examination is expected to be performed on the remains of Patrick on Monday.

PEN PAL Overseas (US) based Guyanese male seeks female friend for serious friendship 25-40yrs & possible LTRText: 668-9180; 618-9035 American citizen, 40, Indian, looking for female 21 – 40, for relationship, marriage, send photo to johnnysingh952 @yahoo.com

Sale: CAT 324, Doosan 175 Excavator Dump trucks TM & Scammell 8X6, Crusher, jackhammer, wash plant, conveyors- Call: 626-7478 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 1 Leyland DAF LF HIAB truck 5 ton HIAB new, hardly used GTT 2960 -$4M. Call: 622-6746 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pit-bull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 1 FUSO Crane GTT 20 -$4M; 1 HINO ranger wrecker GVV1890 -$4M, 1 HIAB Canter GTT 7140 -$3.5M. (negotiable) Call: 622-6746

LAND FOR SALE Houselots @ De Grout Scheme, Uitvlugt -$2.5M, Tuschen -$1.2M, Zeelugt$1.2M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M &1.2M. Call: 642-1252

2 Unregistered new Model Tacoma, Mag rims, crash bars, step, etc, Tacoma Parts for sale. Call: 695-6461; 6397758

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 Efficiency Taxi Service: vacancy for drivers and dispatchers. Call: 226-9500/ 226-9700

20 Acres of lease land at Laluni with Egg Farm ($20M) . Call: 670-1293; 675-8264 La Parfaite Harmonie $1M, $1.4M, $2.5M, $1.6M, Leonora -$3M, Stewartville Public Road$8M, P r o v i d e n c e $ 5 M , Eccles -$5.5M. Call: 6046724 One houselot for sale @ Lot 30 First Street Craig, EBD. Call: 645-8862 Eccles -$6M, Herstelling (corner lot) 100ftX50ft)-$3M , La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M & $2M, Bartica -$2.8M, Also Caribbean Land. Call: 6042207; 611-7223 Lease or for sale: 5 acres organic fruit bearing land on Demerara River Timehri (coconut). Call: 261-2988/ GZPLAYTER@AOL.COM Land at Tuschen Scheme, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 2 6 1 - 2 9 8 8 / GZPLAYTER@AOL.COM 10 Acres of Agri land @ Long Creek, New Town Soesdyke, Linden H/Way-$350,000 per acre negotiable – Call: 6112537

Toyota AT212, AT192, LTouring Wagon, Solid Def pickup 4X4, RZ, Runx, Canter, Honda CAPA. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 1 Toyota Runx, 16" mag flair kit, excellent condition $1.250M, PMM series. Call: 626-1423; 220-8350

VACANCY Sales Representative (with license), Security Guards (with valid police clearance). Apply to: jkeshwani.alesi@gmail.com

VEHICLE FOR SALE TM Truck with Winch & Led light, as is -$3.5M negotiable.Call: 616-7635 Toyota Cami – excellent condition, metallic silver, very clean -$1.3M or best offer. Call: 663-9443

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL:CARS&SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494 Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807

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Staff and external parties concluded... (From page 10) pump valued at $600,000; an alternator, $80,000; angle grinder valued $54,000; a computer box, $900,000; three starter motors, $310,000; four 4 gang with disc harrow complete, $600,000; heavyduty 15-inch tubes estimated at $444,000; one “complete set�, $141,500; a cutting torch, $50,000; and a Husky three gallon 125 Psi 2,4 sc fm oil lube compressor valued at $91,067. MMA/ADA was established in 1978 by Act No. 77 of 1977. The Authority was formed as the executing agency for the construction of all drainage and irrigation works in Region No. 5, (Mahaica/Berbice) on the north-eastern Atlantic sea coast of Guyana. The agency is also responsible for the allocation of State Lands between the Berbice and Mahaica Rivers.

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US says Trinidad taking steps to address terrorism Daily Observer - The United States says Trinidad and Tobago is taking steps to address the challenge of foreign terrorist fighters by forming a National Counterterrorism Working Group, chaired by the country’s Chief of Defence Staff. In its Country Reports on Terrorism 2015, the US Department of States noted that the Trinidad and Tobago working group has drafted a strategy, taking into account international and domestic commitments in countering terrorism and the specific nature of the terrorist threat to the twin-island republic. The report said the Government of Dr. Keith Rowley has identified the “priorities, principles and key assumptions” infighting terrorism. “Elections on September 7 resulted in a new Prime Minister and a new government that appears to be focused on national security, particularly in the areas of crime and counterterrorism,” the report

said. It noted that Port of Spain continues to cooperate with the United States on security matters. This includes participation in the US Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance programme that addresses counterterrorism training for police and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) programme that focuses on training and the professionalization of the police and military forces “in order to ensure citizen security,” the report said. It said Trinidad and Tobago is reviewing its legislation to address foreign terrorist fighters and their possible return, “an area not addressed in the 2005 Anti-Terrorism Act.” The State Department noted that the Trinidad and Tobago Counterterrorism Working Group, which includes both Defence Force and law enforcement officials, is still in its initial stages. The report said the pro-

posed counterterrorism strategy was not approved by the country’s Cabinet in 2015, adding that police or military units that have a counterterrorism mission had not been identified. But the report said Trinidad and Tobago, with the assistance of certain police units and government sections, continues to identify and monitor persons that raise terrorism concerns. It said the government maintains a list of nationals who travelled to Syria or Iraq to fight with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The report said more than 70 nationals of Trinidad and Tobago are believed be fighting with ISIL in Syria. The State Department said there is limited interagency cooperation and coordination, and limited information-sharing due to allegations of corruption amongst different agencies. It said prosecutors are consulted on an adhoc basis with regard to criminal cases.

Sunday June 05, 2016

Gas price hiked by $10 from today The Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) is to hike gas price by $10 today as world prices continue to rise. According to the state-owned entity yesterday, in justifying the hike, the world market price for oil has demonstrated positive indications that there is an upward trend in the acquisition cost for fuel, which from all indications may continue its upward path. “The Caribbean has not been insulated from this movement which was demonstrated recently by movement in acquisition cost from our suppliers in Trinidad.” GuyOil stressed that it has always sought to make petroleum products available to the Guyanese population at prices better than the competition, which has once again been demonstrated in its delayed price review. “However, consistent with the trend in the world market, Guyoil wishes to announce a movement in prices at its pumps with effect Sunday June 5, 2016…”

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Shaik Baksh collected GWI cash after submitting fake... From page 3 invoice dated 05/09/14 M. Ramgoolan for “hire of taxi Piarco – POS San Fernando Chaguanas/ POS”. This was to clear advance of $105,000 taken on September 4, 2014. The reason was for a visit to the Water Authority of Trinidad and Tobago by Baksh. This was a problem, according to the auditors. “We were informed that neither the Board of Directors nor senior management was aware of this visit.” Another case had Baksh submitting bills dated December 4, 2014 totaling $200,000. “These were proven to be fictitious as security logs showed that the Chief Executive was at Head Office instead of the locations claimed.” Auditors also said they flagged an advance Baksh took days before the General Elections, on April 30, 2015,

for $300,000. It was for visits to Upper Pomeroon Region and Santa Rosa and Villages in Moruka Sub Region. However, one of the bills presented totaled $245,000 for hiring of speed boat from Charity to Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa to Moruka return and Santa Rosa to Mabaruma return was dated May 11, 2015 – Elections Day which was declared a public holiday. According to the audit report, there were other instances where questionable bills were presented. For example, Baksh's employment contract dated September 17, 2012 does not provide for compensation for medical expenses. However, an instance was noted where monies were reimbursed for a “claimed” on the job accident. “This accident was never reported to the Occupational Health and Safety Officer or the Human Resources Department nor was there any accident report prepared to justify payments. The total value amounted to $29,000 which was approved by the Management Accountant, S. Tiwari and paid on April 24, 2015.” There were other “medical” bills submitted by Baksh. On February 3, 2015, he claimed for $85,000 for a MRI cervical spine; while on March 4, he claimed $50,000

for “medical treatment”. On March 19, 2015, the chief took $20,000 more for “medical expenses”. There were other instances where Baksh received refunds for entertainment. On December 19, 2014, he hosted a team from Solaris, Barbados with the bill at $13,200. Three months prior to that, on October 16, 2014, he “purchased meals” for a team from Brazil for $32,983. On April 29, 2015, there was a team from Trinidad with the chief claiming $27,095. The problem with these “expenses” is that only Baksh seemed from have known about the groups he entertained. “We were unable to determine whether other GWI officials were present on these occasions,” the audit report said.

Fake invoices

A taxi bill (purportedly) in Trinidad that only Shaik Baksh knew about.

Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Contador plans to carry on for two more years Alberto Contador is planning to continue cycling for two more years, the double Tour de France champion said yesterday. ”This year will not be my last. I can confirm it 100 percent,” the Spaniard told reporters on the eve of the Criterium du Dauphine, a one-week warm-up race for the Tour. “The plan is to go on for two (more) seasons.” Before the start of the 2016 campaign, the 33-year-old said he wanted to ride for just one more year. Contador’s contract with his Tinkoff team, who quit the sport at the end of the season, expires at the end of 2016. Asked which team he would ride for next year, he said: “I only know with 20 percent certainty”, without elaborating. Contador, one of only six men with titles in all three grand tours, which also include Italy and Spain, last won the Tour de France in 2009. (Reuters)

Tinkoff-Saxo rider Alberto Contador of Spain. Reuters/Benoit Tessier

Muguruza dethrones Serena again in Paris to win French Open (From page 76) yesterday. ”She’s world number two after this, only one more step to be number one... she’s going to win many more grand slams,” 1994 Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez said of the new title-holder.

”She’s a great player on any surface. Spain is very lucky to have this unbelievable tennis player.” Muguruza has a history of leaving Williams feeling ill at ease in Paris as the Spaniard is the only woman to have beaten the American there

Sunday June 05, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Be creative in your efforts. Travel and communications will not run as smoothly as you had hoped. You are best to be accommodating for the time being. Sudden romantic infatuations won't be lasting. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Think twice before eating spicy foods; you may have problems with your stomach. Property deals look good. Make plans that will take you to exotic destinations. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your sensitivity toward those you love will capture their hearts Losses are likely if you have left your financial affairs in other people's hands. Residential moves will be in your best interest. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Keep important information to yourself. You may find acquaintances being deceptive. You may need to lend an ear to an old friend.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Get together with friends and catch up on reading and letter writing. You may think gifts will win their heart, but it could add stress from lack of funds. Travel will enhance romance and adventure. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Organizations may cost you more than you can afford. Residential moves will be favorable. You must consider yourself for a change. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Family may not want to get involved but an entrepreneur will. Your personal life will be under the gun and you may want to avoid the questions your lover is going to want to ask you. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Quarrels will erupt if you get into philosophical debates with friends. Your intellectual charm will win hearts and bring opportunities that you least expect.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. You may be frazzled today. Don't press your luck with your loved ones.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Think of joining a health club that will benefit your physical appearance. Arguing won't help. You have two choices; Get out on your own, or bend to your mate's whims.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Get into some activities that will help you in making new friends. You need some rest. Hobbies will be good for your emotional well being.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Visit someone who hasn't been feeling well lately. Pamper yourself today. Travel or short trips will probably be your best outlet.

since 2012. That 2-0 record includes a 6-2 6-2 second round win two years ago — the heaviest defeat of Williams’ 339match grand slam career. On the eve of yesterday’s final, Williams said she had “learned a ton” from that defeat as it had propelled her “to many, many, many wins after that”. While it did help her to win 30 of her next 31 major matches to complete a second “Serena Slam” at last year’s Wimbledon, where she beat Muguruza in the final, the lessons were not enough to carry her over the finishing line yesterday. ”So many holes (in my game). I could have served better. I made a lot of errors,” said Williams, whose bid to draw level with Graf’s professional era record of 22 grand slam titles has hit the buffers since last July. ”I didn’t play the game I needed to win. Garbine played unbelievable.” After one of the wettest weeks on record in Paris, Williams was forced to play a fourth match in as many days. She did not look as listless as she had 24 hours earlier, but when she surrendered her serve to Muguruza in the fifth game by firing three backhand errors and a double fault, the signs looked ominous. A match dominated by a barrage of heavy hitting from the baseline was not one for the purists but it was clear from the start that Muguruza planned to take Williams on at her own game. A thundering backhand down the line left Williams chasing shadows as Muguruza bagged the first set and even when the Spaniard missed four match points on Williams’ serve in the ninth game of the second set, it did not fluster her. Only a few minutes later she produced the lob that had the umpire — albeit after a few seconds hesitation — announcing “jeu, set et match Mademoiselle Muguruza”. (Reuters)

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Winner takes all in mega soccer shirt deals Manchester United’s Phil Jones, Matteo Darmian, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Wayne Rooney, Memphis Depay and Ashley Young during training. Reuters / Craig Brough Livepic A battle between Adidas and Nike for dominance of the global soccer gear market is driving a steep rise in sponsorship payments to elite clubs - and cutting into the two manufacturers’ profits. Shirt deal inflation is reinforcing the advantage of about a dozen clubs with a global fan base - among them Barcelona and Real Madrid, the two Manchester clubs and Paris Saint Germain. These same clubs benefit from bigger revenues from broadcast rights, helping them pay for the best players. The clubs’ gain comes at Adidas and Nike’s expense. Nike stock dropped this week after Morgan Stanley downgraded it to “equal weight”, primarily on concerns the firm is losing U.S. market share to Adidas and Under Armour, but also citing a profit squeeze from the rising cost of sponsorships. ”At the top, it is a pure power struggle between Nike and Adidas,” said Peter Rohlmann, a marketing consultant who advises clubs and federations on such deals. “The costs don’t play a role. They want to keep their competitor out.” Under the terms of sponsorship deals, the brand pays the clubs for the license to sell replica jerseys and other merchandise. The clubs usually receive a fixed fee, kit for the team, plus royalties of some 10-15 percent of the merchandise sold and performance bonuses if the team wins major trophies. Only the highest-profile clubs, and a few national

sides like Brazil and Germany, can shift the millions of shirts that justify deals now worth as much as 100 million euros ($111.58 million) a year. Spanish champions Barcelona are market leaders, selling 3.6 million shirts last season, according to Euromericas agency, followed by Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United. This top four has negotiated new kit deals with Nike or Adidas in the last two years worth double or triple what they were previously receiving. Champions League winners Real Madrid are demanding a big hike from Adidas. Competition has intensified since Nike took the lead in the market for soccer shoes in 2014, prompting Adidas - long the world’s top soccer brand - to shift strategy to focus its spending on fewer top teams and players. Its biggest win was to oust Nike at Manchester United in a deal worth 75 million pounds ($110 million) a year over a decade. Nike, slipping in the U.S. market after it lost singer Kanye West to Adidas and basketball star Steph Curry to Under Armour, is now retaliating. Its new deal with Barcelona last month hit a new record of up to 155 million euros ($173.66 million). Nike declined to comment for this article. Brand president Trevor Edwards has justified the Barcelona deal by saying the club has millions of fans worldwide, adding that the relationship “extends Nike’s leadership position in soccer”. Nike has also trumped Adidas at Chelsea, more than doubling the value of the contract. “We think Nike ... is will-

ing to sacrifice margin to keep its stars and sign new ones,” Morgan Stanley analysts wrote, noting that deals for Nike and Under Armour are up about 70 percent since 2013. Adidas could be forced to stump up almost half a billion euros a year for its top five soccer deals - almost a quarter of its marketing budget - if it yields to demands from Germany and Real Madrid for more. ”Clubs are becoming increasingly sophisticated,” said Glenn Lovett, head of global strategy at sports data firm Repucom. “Soccer is the most global sport and this is where you need to be if you want to be a global brand.” Adidas says the high media profile of top teams and players shifts merchandise - particularly in Asia and also indirectly helps sales of training and running gear. The next tier of clubs are having to make do with much less, opening up opportunities for firms like Puma, Under Armour and New Balance. Puma faces demands for a hike from Leicester City after a fifteen-fold jump in demand for its shirts due to its surprise victory in the Premier League, although the contract - worth just 1 million pounds a year - runs until 2018. With the European championships and Copa America about to start, Nike and Adidas are also competing for national sides. World Cup winners Germany are pushing Adidas to leapfrog Nike’s record contract with Euro 2016 hosts France worth 43 million euros a year. The brands are also bidding to sign top footballers, with Adidas poaching France and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba from Nike in March for at least 4 million euros per season. Such deals allow the brands to reinforce club contracts, or undermine those of their rivals: B a r c e l o n a ’s L i o n e l Messi wears Adidas shoes with his Nike shirt, while R e al Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo does the reverse. (Reuters)

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WI bowlers with 6 or more wickets in an ODI Septic shock from Winston Davis to Sunil Narine caused boxing

Today, Statistician Charwayne Walker looks back at the best bowling figures by West Indian players in One Day International matches. Winston Davis - Playing in his debut World Cup Match in 1983 at Headingley Leeds, England, Davis shocked Australia with the then World Cup best figures 7-51 in 10.3 overs. Scores in that historic match 33 years ago that West Indies won by a 101 runs. West Indies 252-9, Larry Gomes 70, Faoud Bacchus 47, Michael Holding 21. Bowling for Australia Geoff Lawson took 3 for 24, Dennis Lillee took 2 for 55. Australia 151 for 9, David Hookes 55, Graham Yallop 21. Bowling for the West Indies: Winston Davis took 7 for 51 from 10.3 overs. Colin Croft 6 for 15 versus England at Arnos Vale Playing Field, St.Vincent 1981 West Indies won that thriller by 2 runs. Scores: West Indies 127 all out in 47.2 overs. Everton Mattis 62, Desmond Haynes 34. Bowling for England; Graham Gooch took 2 for 12 from 6 overs, G. Stevenson 2 for 18 from 8.2 overs. England 125 all out in 48.2 overs. Ian Botham 60, David Gower 22. Bowling for the West Indies; Colin Croft took 6 for 15 from 9 overs, Michael Holding took 2 for 30 from 9 overs. Patrick Patterson took 6 for 29 versus India December 2nd 1987 - Patrick Patterson 6 for 29 from 9.4 overs West Indies versus India Nagpur, December 8 1987. Result: West Indies won by 10 runs. Scores: West Indies 203 for 8 in 50 overs. Carl Hooper 57 not out, Gordon Greenidge 36, Winston Benjamin 31, Desmond Haynes 20. Bowling for India: Maninder Singh took 3 for 48 from 8 overs. Ravi Shastri 2 for 24 from 10 overs. India 193 all out 44.4 overs. Kapil Dev 87, Kiran More 33, Ravi Shastri 20. Bowling for West Indies: Patrick Patterson took 6 for 29 from 9.4 overs. Vivian Richards 6 for 41 versus India New Delhi, Nehru Cup October 27nd 1989 - Result: West Indies won by 20 runs. Scores: West Indies 196 for 9 45 overs. Richie Richardson 57, Skipper Vivian Richards 44, Malcolm Marshall 27. Bowling for India: Chetam Sharma took 3 for 46 from 9 overs, Arshad Ayub 2 for 55 from 9 overs. India 176 all out in 41.4 overs. Raman Lamba 61, Mahinder Amarnath 23, Ravi Shastri 20. Bowling for the West Indies Skipper Vivian Richards took 6 for 41 from 9.4 overs. Anthony Gray 6 for 50 versus Australia, Queens Park

Oval March 9th 1991 - Result: Australia won by 45 runs. Scores: Australia 172 for 9 in 34 overs. Dean Jones 67, Steve Waugh 26, Geoff Marsh 23. Bowling for the West Indies: Anthony Gray took 6 for 50 in 9 overs. West Indies 127 all out 31.1 overs. Desmond Haynes 45, Skipper Vivian Richards 27, Philip Simons 13. Bowling for Australia: Craig McDermott took 3 for 29 from 7.1 overs, Mike Whitney 3 for 41 from 9 overs. Mark Waugh 2 for 6 from 2 over. Fidel Edwards 6 for 22 is the best figures by any bowler on One Day International Debut versus Zimbabwe 2003 at Harare Sports Club - Result: West Indies won by 72 runs. Scores: West Indies 256 for 3 45 overs. Wavell Hinds 127 not out. Chris Gayle 51, Ramnaresh Sarwan 47. Bowling for Zimbabwe, Heath Streak, Garey Brent and Sean Ervine took a wicket each. Zimbabwe 150 for 7 in 32 overs. Tatenda Taibu 66, Sean Ervin 38 not out, Bowling for the West Indies: Fidel Edwards took 6 for 22.

Sunil Narine 6 for 27 from 9.5 overs. West Indies versus South Africa National Stadium Providence - Result: West Indies won by 4 wickets. Scores: South Africa 188 all out 46.5 overs. Riley Rossouw 61. Skipper A B Devillers 31, Quinton Decock 30. Bowling for West Indies: Sunil Narine took

6 for 27 from 9.5 overs, Carlos Braithwaite took 2 for 38 in 8 overs. West Indies 191 for 6 from 48.1 overs. Kieran Pollard 67 not out, Johnson Charles 31, Daren Bravo 30. Bowling for South Africa: Aaron Phangiso took 3 for 40 from 10 overs, Imran Tahir took 2 for 41 from 10 overs.

Cycle race, cross country on in Berbice today as part of Jubilee Independence celebrations As part of the Country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations the Mayor and Town Council of Rose Hall Town in collaboration with the Flying Ace Cycle Club of New Amsterdam (FACC) have organised two cycle events for today on the Corentyne Highway. Whilst one is a forty miler the other is a sprint event. The 40 mile race is expected to ride off from Independence Arch Road at Rose Hall Town to the No. 51 Police Station and back to its place of origin. Prizes will be presented to the first six finishers, the first three Under-16 and first two females; eight sprint prizes will also be at stake. At the completion of that event a sprint race will be held from Alness to The Independence Arch. Prizes will be awarded to the first two finishers. A cross country event around the two of Rose hall Town will follow the cycling events. Mayor Vijay Kumar Ramu is expected to be on hand to start the events and assist in the distribution of prizes. (Samuel Whyte)

legend’s death

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali died of “septic shock due to unspecified natural causes”, his family has said. The three-time world heavyweight champion one of the world’s greatest sporting figures - died on Friday night at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. The 74-year-old had been suffering from a respiratory illness, a condition that was complicated by P a r k i n s o n ’s d i s e a s e . A public funeral will be held for the boxer on Friday in his hometown of Louisville in Kentucky. ”He was a citizen of the world and would want people from all walks of life

to be able to attend his funeral,” said the family spokesman, Bob Gunnell. Former US President Bill Clinton is among those who will give a eulogy at the service, and was one of many prominent global figures who paid tribute to Ali yesterday, saying he lived a life “full of religious and political convictions that led him to make tough choices and live with the consequences”. The legendary Brazilian footballer, Pele, said the sporting universe had suffered a huge loss. ”Muhammad Ali shook up the world. And the world is better for it,” said US President Barack Obama.

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Sunday June 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Presidential aspirant with grandmaster objectives - Frankie Farley aims for Chess Federation Presidency By Michael Benjamin Despite the fact that chess cannot claim a top spot as a spectator sport, there has been notable improvement among its affiliates that gives them the right to boast of progressiveness. Concrete evidence of such progress can be seen in the advancement of several top players the likes of former National Junior and Senior champions Taffin Khan, Anthony Drayton and the current (senior) National Champion, Wendell Meusa, all attaining the coveted Candidate Master title after sustained glorious performances at FIDE rated tournaments. Female player, Maria Verona Thomas stands alone in the distaff department after achieving a similar honour as her male counterparts in Barbados recently. These players have achieved these accolades

under the stewardship of President of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), Irshad Mohammed and the latter individual is satisfied that his tenure, which commenced approximately 2 years ago, has been somewhat fruitful. The constitution of the GCF allows for a one year term before elections are due but it has been 2 years since Mohammed has taken over the reins from his predecessor, Shiv Nandolall. He has since indicated his desire to hand over the reins to another individual when elections are held within a few months time. In fact, the Annual General meeting was due on May 15 but was postponed until a date to be announced. Mr. Mohammed indicated that the current executives are currently engaged in the regularisation of the fraternity to facilitate a smooth transition. As such, his team of

executives is currently engaged in an audit process, a necessary prerequisite, which Mr. Mohammed said is being conducted by an auditor out of the Fields, Hughes and Stoby Law Firm in Hadfield Street. While the current executives are paving the way for a smooth transition, two aspirants, Wendell Meusa and Frankie Farley are mounting campaigns to occupy the helm. Kaieteur Sport engaged Mr. Farley and he seems very enthusiastic and confident that once he is elected he could make notable changes towards the continued development of the sport. “I’ve been involved in chess for approximately three decades and feel competent to pronounce that the sport has deteriorated dramatically,” declared Mr. Farley. He feels that the migration of most of the key players over the years has had a negative impact on the

Muguruza dethrones Serena again in Paris to win French Open For a split second Garbine Muguruza stood wide-eyed and open mouthed as she seemed to have no clue if her lob had landed in — but as she turned towards the VIP Box, the wild cheers proved she had dethroned Serena Williams to win the French Open title. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who produced a pristine performance for an hour and 43 minutes yesterday to deny Williams a 22nd major trophy with a 7-5 6-4 victory, was soon covered head-to-toe in clay after collapsing on to her back to celebrate her maiden grand slam triumph. Her shirt, arms, white sweatbands, cheeks and hair were all caked in red dirt but Muguruza did not care a jot as she became the first Spanish woman to hoist the Suzanne Lenglen Cup since Arantxa SanchezVicario in 1998. ”It (match point) was really weird. Serena was in front of the ball so I didn’t know if it was in or out,” said a beaming Muguruza, who

Frankie Farley sport. He noted the efforts of Mohammed saying that he had done a commendable job in keeping the sport alive. However, the veteran player noted the absence of a broad based effort to develop the sport over the years and blames this on the reluctance of sponsors to input into any developmental programme. “I have a comprehensive plan that will aspire to change all this,” he assures. He spoke of a chess hall to centralize activities and his intention is to approach Government for assistance. Indeed, the GCF had

once enjoyed such a facility in Main Street, South Cummingsburg, but the previous administration has since reclaimed that building for other purposes thus creating a void. The Presidential aspirant feels that there is a need for a revamping of the infrastructure to facilitate players’ advancement. “We will also pay keen attention to the management structure since a lapse in this department could cause a collapse in every other department, opined Mr. Farley. H o w e v e r, t h e constitution does not cater for an en bloc voting process and Farley is of the view that there is a need for some measure of constitutional reform. “I have a few names in mind to comprise the executive and I’ll be approaching the elections with the right people to fill the respective positions,” said Mr. Farley. He will also document a yearly plan that highlights a proposed itinerary which will encompass broad based inclusion of affiliates within all ten administrative regions.

Farley intends to put all the modalities in place to enhance the sport and he spoke of a chess academy, modernization of the sport using digital boards and speeding up the technological process to facilitate online tournaments. He feels that there is a need to enhance the (monetary) prizes offered to players which could serve as a fillip to improved performances. “But we must firstly do some house cleaning for only then can we seriously approach sponsors for much needed support,” he said. Amidst all the grandiose objectives and projections, Farley’s overarching objective is to create an incubator to ultimately produce a (local) grandmaster. As such, he will also be incorporating members of the distaff group as well as children in the developmental mix. ”It may sound like a pipe dream but with proper administration it could be achieved,” declared Farley. “I am seeing talent that I could work with,” he assures. Kaieteur Sport will next engage Meusa to garner his projections and plans.

GAPF / Fitness Express Claude Charles Mem./Intermediate C/ships on today Trophy Stall donate Best Lifter Trophy

Garbine Muguruza and Serena Williams pose with their trophies. Reuters/Benoit Tessier was presented with the trophy by American great Billie Jean King. ”I looked at the umpire and he doesn’t want to say anything. I was like, ‘did I win Roland Garros?’ “When he said, ‘game, set, and match’...it was like ...no way. I won. It was amazing.” Incredibly, the Caracasborn player had never claimed a claycourt title before winning what she called “the perfect final” yesterday. If she was the

superstitious kind, she would have chosen not to flick through the record books — as the last time a woman contested her first claycourt final in Paris, she got walloped 6-0 6-0 by an incumbent world number one. Not only did Muguruza avoid suffering the same fate as Natasha Zvereva, who was humiliated by Steffi Graf in 1988, she did not even allow the current number one to win a set (Continued on page 73)

The scene is set for what is anticipated to be fierce battles when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) / Fitness Express / Claude Charles Memorial and Intermediate championships are held at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue. Athletes who have excelled at the Novice level will now be aiming to shine at the Intermediate level while the master’s athletes the likes of Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby, ‘Big’ John Edwards and Farouk Abdool will all be taking on each other with the intent to be crowned champion in their respective categories as well as be in line for the overall accolades a t s t a k e . Among the young brigade on show today will be Romario Gonsalves, Arif

Trophy Stall Sales Representative hands over Trophy to GAPF Official Imamdeen and Carlos Peterson among others. Meanwhile, long time supporter, Trophy Stall has sponsored the Best Lifter Trophy in support of the sport and its continued development. The federation has noted that Trophy Stall has been a faithful corporate partner and has renewed its commitment to the sport.

Competition time today is 10:30hrs and fans are encouraged to support. Novelty events for spectators will be part of the day’s activities with the winners to receive gift vouchers compliments of Fitness Express. Other sponsors on board are Buddy’s Gym and Ms. Kathleen Paul.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 05, 2016

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Muhammad Ali ‘The Greatest’ dies at 74; Obama hails ‘man who fought for us’

Brutal: Ali stands over fallen challenger Sonny Liston, shouting and gesturing shortly after dropping Liston in a 1965 fight. Muhammad Ali, the former world heavyweight champion whose boxing feats, showmanship and political activism made him one of the best-known figures of the 20th century, died on Friday aged 74. Ali, who had long suffered from Parkinson’s syndrome which impaired his speech and made the once-graceful athlete almost a prisoner in his own body, died a day after he was admitted to a Phoenix-area hospital with a respiratory ailment. H i s y o u t h f u l proclamation of himself as “the greatest” rang true until the end for the millions of people worldwide, who admired him for his courage both inside and outside the ring. Along with a fearsome reputation as a fighter, he spoke out against racism, war and religious intolerance, while projecting an unshakeable confidence and humor that became a model for AfricanAmericans at the height of the civil rights era. Stripped of his world boxing crown for refusing to join the U.S. army and go to fight in Vietnam, Ali

returned in triumph by recapturing the title and starring in some of the sport’s most unforgettable duels. ”Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest human beings I have ever met,” said George Foreman, who lost to Ali in Zaire in a classic 1974 bout known as the “Rumble in the Jungle.” ”No doubt he was one of the best people to have lived in this day and age. To put him as a boxer is an injustice.” Ali enjoyed a popularity that transcended the world of sports, even though he rarely appeared in public in his later years. As the first black president of the United States, Barack Obama said Ali was “a man who fought for us” and placed him in the pantheon of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. “His fight outside the ring would cost him his title and his public standing. It would earn him enemies on the left and the right, make him reviled, and nearly send him to jail. But Ali stood his ground. And his victory helped us get used to the America we recognize today,” Obama said in a

Ali with Martin Luther King in 1967. As well as a boxer, Ali is seen as an important figure in the US Civil Rights movement. statement. A l i ’s d e a t h w a s confirmed in a statement issued by his family spokesman late Friday evening. ”I am happy my father no longer struggles. He is in a better place. God is the greatest,” his daughter Maryum said yesterday. Few could argue with his athletic prowess at his peak in the 1960s. With his dancing feet and quick fists, he could - as he put it - float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. He was the first person to win the heavyweight championship three times. But Ali became much more than a sportsman. He spoke boldly against racism in the ’60s as well as against the Vietnam War. During and after his championship reign, Ali met scores of world leaders and for a time he was considered the most recognizable person on Earth, known even in remote villages in countries far from the United States. A l i ’s d i a g n o s i s o f Parkinson’s came about three years after he retired from boxing in 1981. He struggled with the disease for three decades,

Number 1 fan: Proud Ali stops for a photograph after watching his daughter Laila win a Super Middleweight title.

but carried on making public appearances including at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, stilling the tremors in his hands enough to light the Olympic flame. He also took part in the opening of the London games in 2012, looking frail in a wheelchair. His influence extended far beyond the sport. He became the unofficial spokesman for millions of black people and oppressed groups around the world because of his refusal to compromise his opinions and his willingness to stand up to white authorities. Tributes poured in from across the world of sport, entertainment and politics. ”We lost a giant today. Boxing benefited from Muhammad Ali’s talents but not nearly as much as mankind benefited from his humanity,” said Manny Pacquiao, a boxer and politician in the Philippines, where Ali fought arch rival Joe Frazier for a third time in a brutal 1975 match dubbed the “Thrilla in Manila.” Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson said on Twitter: “Let u s p r a y f o r @MuhammadAli; good for America, world boxing champion, social

transformer & anti-war hero. # T h e G r e a t e s t . ” Flags were flown at half staff in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where he will be buried and where his modest childhood home at 3302 Grand Avenue has been turned into a museum. “His journey from Grand Avenue to global icon serves as a reminder there are young people with the potential for greatness in the houses and neighborhoods all over our city, our nation and our world,” Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said at a memorial service. “There is no limit to what our kids can do if we help them realize their full human potential.” In a realm where athletes often battle inarticulateness as well as their opponents, Ali was known as the Louisville Lip and loved to talk - especially about himself. “Humble people, I’ve found, don’t get very far,” he o n c e t o l d a r e p o r t e r. His taunts could be brutal. “Joe Frazier is so ugly that when he cries, the tears turn around and go down the back of his head,” he once said. He also dubbed Frazier a ‘gorilla’ but later apologized

and said it was all to promote the fight. Once asked about his preferred legacy, Ali said: “I would like to be remembered as a man who won the heavyweight title three times, who was humorous and who treated everyone right. As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him ... who stood up for his beliefs ... who tried to unite all humankind through faith and love. “And if all that’s too much, then I guess I’d settle for being remembered only as a great boxer who became a leader and a champion of his people. And I wouldn’t even mind if folks forgot how pretty I was.” Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on Jan. 17, 1942, as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., a name shared with a 19th century slavery abolitionist. He changed his name after his conversion to Islam. Ali is survived by his wife, the former Lonnie Williams, who knew him when she was a child in Louisville, along with his nine children. (Reuters)

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Kaieteur News

Ballr Cup Tri Nations ODI Series

Windies battle ODI World champs Australia today By Zaheer Mohamed The West Indies got off their Ballr Cup Tri Nations ODI Series campaign on a positive note with a fourwicket win against South Africa on Friday. Now the home team turns their attention to the world’s number one ranked Australia when they clash from 13:00hrs today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. While Jason Holder’s men are brimming with confidence, Head Coach Phil Simmons admitted that there is room for improvement; a predicted full house will hope that the West Indies maintain their unbeaten streak in Guyana. A lot will depend on the experience of Sunil Narine who took a career best 6-27 in the opening game and the exciting Kieron Pollard who returned to Windies colours

Head Coach Phil Simmons speaks with Johnson Charles during yesterday’s net session. with an unbeaten matchwinning 67 if the West Indies are to come out victorious against the more formidable Aussies.

The pitch is expected to favour the spinners and while Narine can be more than a handful, he will need similar support which was

skillfully provided in the first game from Carlos Brathwaite, Jason Holder and Jerome Taylor to restrict the Australians. Simmons will hope that Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels and Denesh Ramdin who needs another 66 runs to achieve 2000 runs, lay the foundation for Pollard and company to capitalize on in the later stages. While the West Indies have opted not to play Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo, the Aussies have included Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh who have all recovered from injuries and will want to prove that they are fully fit. Australia’s line up of recent included three allrounders, four specialist batsmen and three bowlers, but taking into consideration

the nature of the providence pitch, they may be forced to field two specialist spinners in Nathon Layon and Adam Zampa. Fast bowler Starc needs another 10 wickets for 100 scalps in ODIs while Zampa who made headlines in the IPL may find the pitch much to his liking. David Warner who led Sunrisers Hyderabad to IPL triumph spearheads a powerful batting lineup which includes Captain Steve Smith, Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja. Gates open from 11:00hrs. West Indies: Jason Holder (capt), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Shannon Gabriel, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Marlon Samuels and Jerome Taylor.

Australia Captain Steve Smith Australia: Steven Smith (capt), David Warner, G e o r g e B a i l e y, S c o t t Boland, Nathan CoulterNile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Tr a v i s H e a d , U s m a n Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade (wk), Adam Zampa.

Carving a positive legacy in local football

It takes a big heart for one to take on the challenge of investing in developing young people in a professional setting in Guyana with virtually your own funding with the hope that corporate entities will see the need to support. This vision and has been playing out ever since the formation of Slingerz Football Club (SFC) based at Vergeenogen on the West Coast of Demerara on January 30, 2013. They have rapidly taken on the position as the number one club in Guyana, no mean feat in such a short period. SFC’s rise has come at a time when the football landscape in Guyana is not at its best but there are good signs that better days are ahead. The club has been the flagship team for the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) and has been the team in the inaugural Guyana Football Federation organised STAG

Elite League having won the Genesis and are the current leaders in the Finale; on track for the double. The chief tactician of t h e c l u b i s experienced National Coach Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson who is a T e a c h e r b y profession, no doubt he has been able to quietly put together a bunch of players who have established themselves as the best in Guyana and will be aiming to transfer this form when they play in the Scotiabank Caribbean Football Union club Championships next year. Following is a brief on the achievements of the club to date. STAG ELITE LEAGUE GENESIS - Played a total of 13 matches winning 9 and drawing 4. - Scored a total of 29 goals; Conceded 6 goals. Stag Elite League Finale (still to be completed) - Played 14 matches winning 13 and drawing 1, against Alpha United. - Scored a total of 44 goals; Conceded 9 goals. - Has scored a total of 72 goals in the Genesis and Finale Round-Robin phase of the Stag Elite League. - Conceded a total of 17

Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson goals in the Genesis and Finale Round-Robin phase of the Stag Elite League. - SFC scored the most goals in both the Genesis and Finale and conceded the least amount of goals during both phases. Over the course of the past two years the club has engaged in three (3) nationwide and four (4) constituency tournaments apart from one Goodwill tourney. SFC has also played a total of twenty-five (25) friendly matches against other leading clubs in Guyana winning twentythree (23), drew one and lost one. - Played twenty-seven (27) competition games in 8 KO tournaments and one league. Won twenty-three

Slingerz Football Club (23) including five (5) championship matches with four (4) loses in 3 nationwide tournament finals and the Vision Sound Goodwill International Tournament. - Won 7 tournaments as f o l l o w s : W D FA 2 0 1 3 L e a g u e ; We s t S i d e Mashramani KO 2013 and 2014; Banks Cup 2013 and 2 0 1 4 ; W D FA J o s i a h Memorial KO 2014; Mayor’s Cup KO 2015 and the Prestigious Kashif & Shanghai 25th KO tournament 2015. GFF/Stag Elite League Genesis, both round-robin and KO phases and currently leading the points table of the Finale to date.

- Lost 3 as follows: Mayor Cup KO 2013 (Runners-up), Vision Sound International Goodwill Four 4-team series, Runners-up 2013; NAMILCO KO 2014. - Played twenty-five (25) friendly matches winning 23, drawing 1 and losing 1 to New Amsterdam United. - Scored a total of 176 goals over the period and conceded 30 goals in same period. - SFC has revitalized community interest through its successes whilst developing a cross section of supporters from across all villages in West Demerara and Guyana’s football fraternity as a whole.

- SFC has an unbeaten winning streak that spans from March 2014 after losing 0-1 to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in the NAMILCO KO 2014. - SFC after acquiring New Head Coach Mr. Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson in October 2014, has never lost a game or tournament. The attitude of winning started under Player/Coach Vurlon Mills who led the club in its revenge game against the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in the Guyana Festival celebration game at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence before Wilson took over the leadership up to present.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 05, 2016

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Soldiers Powley, Perry march to national 100m titles Bright breaks six metre barrier to win Long Jump Rupert Perry (left) out-leans GDF team-mate, Akeem Stewart to claim the Men’s 100m title at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora yesterday.

Aniquah Powley (centre) grimaces as she powers through the finish line to claim the Women’s 100m race yesterday. By Edison Jefford Soldiers, Aniquah Powley and Rupert Perry marched to national 100m titles yesterday when the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held its National Senior Championships at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora. Powley cracked the 12second barrier, reportedly electronic, for the first time in her career to win the Women’s race in 11.99 seconds ahead of team-mate,

Natrena Hooper, who posted 12.07 secs and Toyan Raymond (12.52s) in that order. Perry then stormed to victory when he out-leaned his Guyana Defence Force (GDF) team-mate, Akeem Stewart to win in 10.40 seconds. Stewart ran 10.46 secs and Guyana Police Force, Kevin Abbensetts (10.63) for second and third respectively. The soldiers dominated the marquee sprint events on day one of the two day event. However, the Police Force

swept the 400m Men with Winston Dummette winning in 48.02s. Arenze Chance (48.24) and Kareem Purch (49.47) finished second and third. Running Braves’ Avon Samuels won the 400m Women in 58.54 ahead of Flames Running Club, Alissa Grant (1:00.42) and Mercury’s Assata Eastman (1:02.09). Running Braves also swept the Men’s 1500m race. Winston Missengher continued his good form with 4:01.30 for first in the

race ahead of Anfernee Headecker (4:02.10) and Cleveland Thomas (4:06.40). GDF’s Andrea Foster won the Women’s 1500m in 4:57.00 ahead of Claudrice McKoy (5:00.80) and Ashanti Scott (5:24.01) respectively. Meanwhile, Guyana’s double CARIFTA Games silver medalist, Linden’s Chantoba Bright leaped to a stunning 6.09m mark to win the Women’s Long Jump, breaking the six metre barrier. Natricia Hooper (5.58m)

and C i n d y F r a s e r (5.37m) were second and third. Emmanuel Archibald was also outstanding in the Men’s Long Jump with a remarkable 7.53m mark to win the event ahead of Damon Williams (6.89m) and Lloyd McCurdy (6.58m) in that order. Leslain Baird won the Men’s Javelin Throw with 57.12m ahead of Clarence Greene (53.14m) and Tramaine Beckles (52.24m).

Chantoba Bright

Bobb, Shakes & Abrams blast doubles as Golden Jaguars trounce USVI 7-0 Guyana’s Golden Jaguars restored some pride in their Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup campaign with a solid 7-0 whipping of the United States Virgin Islands in their final Round 2 match that was contested at the Adelita Cancryn Playing Field, St. Thomas, USVI, yesterday. Playing on a below quality surface that should be the standard at this level, the Guyanese players under the guidance of Captain Samuel Peter Cox did not allow the conditions to deter their focus as they kept the focus as Assistant Coach Wayne Dover had stated before. Trayon Bobb opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and the Jaguars never looked back, it was the first of his double as he scored again in the 75th minute. Ricky Shakes (25, 44) also netted a brace of goals as did substitute Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams(68, 88). Devon Millington also added his name to the score sheets on the half hour. Commenting on the result, Dover congratulated his charges for sticking to the game plan and delivering. ”We knew this game would provide opportunities for us to score some goals and give us the chance to advance. While we missed a couple, I think Anthony Abrams came in and showed his experience and he was very clinical for us.” While the win was good especially coming after defeat to Curacao in their first match of Round 2 by a 25 margin on Wednesday, Dover admitted that the journey is a long way from over. ”We have a lot of work to do to bring the locally based players up to that level of urgency required at the international level.”Guyana’s Starting X1 - Richie

Richards (GK), Quincy Adams, King Solomon Austin, Kester Jacobs, Walter Moore, Ricky Shakes, Brandon Beresford, Samuel Peter Cox (Captain), Trayon Bobb, Sheldon Holder, Devon Millington. Reserves - Alex Murray (GK), Colin Nelson, Dwight Peters, Anthony Abrams, Adrian Butters, Daniel Wilson, Eon Alleyne. Emery Welshman and Pernel Schultz were unavailable for the game.

Guyana’s Golden Jaguars with some supporters following their 7-0 win over the USVI yesterday.

t r o Sp

Muhammad Ali ‘The Greatest’ dies at 74; Obama hails ‘man who fought for us’

Muhammad Ali - Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, 17 January 1942 61 fights over a professional career lasting 21 years; 56 wins including 37 knockouts; 3 times crowned World Heavyweight Champion; 1 Light-heavyweight Olympic gold medal; 31 straight wins before being beaten by Joe Frazier. (BBCnews)

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