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Grenade attack on Kaieteur News… Sunday Edition

AIETEUR Govt.’s commitment to

June 19, 2016

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All contracts and concession agreements should be made public NOT A BOAT! - This is a ready-made swimming pool for sale

Sibling BaiShanLin murder proposes P.3 rocks settlement with GRA Sophia

Man threatens wife then burns house

Expect arrests, extraditions in the drug trade soon Davina Seoparsan

- says outgoing US deputy chief

An ardent advocate for “sicklers”, Sabrina Kazim, is a ‘Special Person’

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Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

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BaiShanLin proposes settlement with GRA C

ontroversial l o g g i n g c o m p a n y, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. is seeking to iron out some of the kinks in its relationship with Guyana by seeking to settle its debt with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The debt was accumulated through what financial experts deemed a wonton distribution of tax concessions.

BaiShanLin has been granted $1.8B in fiscal concessions over the years.

BaiShanLin has persistently defaulted on the investment agreement it signed with the Government to establish a wood

processing plant at Linden. A promise to set up the wooed procession plant is what got BaiShanLin the chance to secure the concessions.

The investment agreement specifically states that if the machinery, equipment and materials for which fiscal concessions have been granted have not been used for the purpose(s) specified, the value of the concessions must be repaid to the Government.

During the period 20122015, Baishanlin brought in US$38 million worth of machinery, equipment and materials of which fiscal concessions amounting to G$1.8 billion were granted.

A few months ago, GRA

BaiShanLin Managing Director, Chu Hongbo seized two of BaiShanLin’s vehicles as part of the process to recover the outstand sum.

During a recent telephone interview with Kaieteur News, Chairman of the GRA Board, Rawle Lucas, confirmed that the company is looking to pay off its debt to avoid further seizures.

He said that discussions are continuing and the Authority is yet to decide a way forward. “None of the company’s proposals have been concretized as yet but indeed, BaiShanLin seems to be open to making the necessary payments.”

Lucas said that the Authority’s discussions are covering all issues relating to duty free concessions.

Lucas said that further

seizures will depend on the outcome of the discussions.

In the mean time, GRA is doing some investigations of its own. Lucas said that the Authority is looking to make sure that the amount quoted in the Audit report on the Guyana Forestry Commission represents BaiShanLin’s accurate debt amount.

He said that GRA wants to make sure that it is not being short changed in any way. “We need to make sure we know exactly how much this company has to compensate for. I am awaiting an update in this t regard.”

Further, Auditor, Anand Goolsarran, has reported that some of his work was stymied due to the absence of documents he requested from GRA. Goolsarran reported that GRA told him that there was some sort of system malfunction that led to the Authority not being able to produce the requested documents.

Lucas told Kaieteur News that he is also looking to solve that problem. He said that he was quite concerned that important documents could not be located. He said that he has asked that the documents be retrieved as there can be no proper excuse for improper

GRA Chairman, Rawle Lucas record keeping at such an institution.

Goolsarran had told Kaieteur News that GRA has every right to seize all of BaiShanLin’s materials, equipment and vehicles until it has recovered the full $1.8B in fiscal concessions that have been granted.

He said that as he commented on the fact that GRA had finally been allowed to seize two of the c o m p a n y ’s v e h i c l e s , Goolsarran said that it should not end there, since the Chinese company is in high debt because of its violation on agreements.

He said that instead of setting up the wood processing plant BaiShanLin bought five logging companies and has been involved in the

wholesale exportation of logs with impunity at a time when most tropical timber producing countries have either banned log exports or have severely restricted their exportation.

Goolsarran said that it is a situation of “an unadulterated raping of our forests and destroying the lungs of the earth”.

In his audit report, Goolsarran said that “according to information provided by the Guyana Revenue Authority, during the period 2012-2015, the Government granted Baishanlin fiscal concessions on a variety of machinery, equipment and construction materials with a CIF value of $7.464 billion, equivalent to US$37.320 million.

This was based on investment agreements entered into between the Government of Guyana (represented by the Minister of Finance) and Baishanlin for the construction of a wood processing facility in Region ten.

“The total value of concessions granted amounted to $1.827 billion.GRA indicated that it was unable to provide information relating to the earlier years because of (Continued on page 14)

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

Communicating with the public

Meeting with the Permanent Secretaries to draft plans for the various ministries suggests that the President is taking the bull by the horns. This is long overdue, but as the saying goes, nothing happens before its time.

The President seems determined to make the necessary changes needed to move Guyana into the 21st century and to fulfill his promises he made to the nation. Although some coalition partners are griping at his actions as to whom he should or should not invite to help make decisions, nonetheless, the President is on the right course.

He cannot allow partisanship or internal grumblings to derail his plans and strangle his government. As President, he is mandated by the electorate to lead the nation and not succumb to pressures from the opposition or those within the administration. However, some in the government seem to be making a terrible mistake that press releases and public statements would be viewed by the public as actions by the government. After more than a year in office, the government has not mapped out its priorities/plans to achieve economic growth, create jobs, reduce poverty and provide a better life for all as promised.

This has now become the highest priority for the government. It has already done a good job to clean-up Georgetown, build the Jubilee stadium, restore Merriman Mall and hold Local Government Elections. Now it must keep the nation abreast of its plans or vision for the country.

This should be communicated clearly to the people in order to get their support.

The government has inherited very poor, and in some cases collapsing infrastructure, decades of corruption, nepotism and partisanship which would take time to remedy but it must find creative ways to cure the ills in the country.

It has to initiate a process just as it has done with the forensic audits and the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) to prosecute those culpable of corruption; theft of the state resources; and to seize their properties to repay for what they have stolen as well as the imposition of hefty jail sentences.

No one should be above the law. It is unfair to the small man who is being jailed for petty crimes while those who steal hundreds of millions of dollars from the taxpayers are not even prosecuted.

The government has already been accused of witch hunting by the PPP but it must not allow such criticism to deter it from doing the right thing under the law.

It would also face public criticism and unpopularity if it imposes belt tightening measures to help reduce the size of the deficit in order to restore long-term prosperity to the country. But it has to do it. And while it tries to balance the finances, it must distribute the burden equitably. It must also strive to improve the structural gaps in the administration which have retarded efficiency in the public service and the development of the country.

The government has to communicate its achievements, goals, ideas and vision for the country directly to the public.

Speeches, statements in Parliament and the annual budget presentation will not do it. It has to invent new ways to communicate to the public to avoid any uncertainty. It can boost its image and improve its relations with the people by establishing a live television program in order to give the public a chance to speak directly to the President and members of the cabinet on any topic of their choice.

It would be a first in Guyana and would provide a forum in which local and overseas Guyanese who would otherwise not have the opportunity to interact with them to do so. It could yield positive results to the government because such a medium goes to the heart of openness, accountability and transparency in governance.

It will also allow the Government to consistently update the public, but more importantly allowing and acknowledging feedback and suggestions which could help to enhance the quality of life in the country.

Sunday June 19, 2016

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

Nigel Hughes can do it, not Freddie Kissoon DEAR EDITOR; I refer to a published letter in the Kaieteur News with the title, “will Glen Lall, Freddie Kissoon and Nigel Hughes do it?” in the edition of June 5, 2016. It was signed by a former army officer who chose not to be identified for reason he stated in his letter.

This person describes his visit to Guyana for the 50th Anniversary and from his what he saw and heard, it has caused him to question the future performance of the APNU-AFC Coalition. He prefers to see a Guyana being led by a new party with Freddie Kissoon and Nigel Hughes at the helm From reading this man’s letter, it is clear that he became despondent with his PNC friends who are now in power.

It does not appear that he cares much for

the AFC so he left it out of his thinking.

But the AFC is failing like the PNC and the performance of both of these parties should pave the way for circumstances to bring out a new party.

If you compare the performance of the APNU Ministers and the AFC, there is little difference if any. While I understand the army officer ’s frustration with APNU, I feel the same with the AFC. The failure of three AFC Ministers are alarming – Moses Nagamootoo, Khemraj Ramjattan and the Agriculture Minister, Mr. Holder I am an expatriate businessman who comes often to Guyana. I missed four years the past ten years. I did not come for three consecutive years – 2003, 2004, 2005. The crime situation was responsible for that. I did not come in

2013 because of business and medical reasons. I supported the AFC from its inception. I have given a couple of cents from time to time. But my cousin has been more generous. We come from Berbice and migrated long, long ago.

I can tell you this; when my cousin says the AFC is not performing then it is not performing because this man couldn’t see any fault in the AFC when it was born until it got into power Whereas the army officer sees the PNC as having failed Guyana after 2015, I see the same for the AFC. My biggest disappointment is the Prime Minister. I wake up each morning and read the newspapers and I wonder if Moses Nagamootoo isn’t ashamed at his performance. I ask myself time and (Continued on page 6)

Sunday June 19, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox SOCIETY MUST HOLD LEADERS ACCOUNTABLE DEAR EDITOR; Let me first wish outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy, Bryan Hunt all the best in his future endeavours.

Attention is now turned to some areas in his farewell speech that border on law, human relations and governance in this country.

It has become customary to see the fault line in the management of the nation’s business and divisions in society as the responsibility of a bad constitution.

Recognising in many instance standing alone on this matter, few, if any has been able to say to this nation, how

reform will bring respect for the people, laws and good governance.

The contention here is that even where the constitution enshrines articles to secure racial equality and accountability these are being observed in the breach.

To bring home the gravity of this situation facing the nation observations are made to Hunt’s comments and the evidence provided based in the constitution and the disregard for this instrument on the part of those responsible for enforcing same: 1. Divisions in the society:- The Guyana Constitution in its preamble acknowl-

Please help clean Bel Air Village DEAR EDITOR; I had hoped that with the hive of activities associated with Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, Bel Air Village would have been among the sometimes neglected areas targeted for a clean up.

Our hopes rose when a few months ago a host of city council workers, with tools in hand, descended on the community, ostensibly to clear the drains.

In between the elevated tones, punctuated by adjectives and verbs not found in the dictionary, some stuff was spaded and dumped at the side of the road rendering the narrow roads even narrower.

This stuff was never collected.

The workers, egged on by one whom I would describe as the ‘ring leader’, refused to remove the wild eddo plants from the drains claiming that the plants “itch we skin” and that a Hymac was

needed to clear the drains.

Day after day the men turned up and waited for a Hymac that never came.

I called and spoke to someone at Stone Depot who referred me to someone who took notes of what I described, and explained that my complaints would be passed on to the relevant authorities.

About three weeks later I called again and was assured that my complaints had been passed on...and months later, we are worse off than before!

The trenches are jampacked with wild eddo plants and grasses, and there is more grass growing by the roadside, fertilized by stuff thrown there from the trenches, that was never collected.

I am slapping mosquitoes as I write. Can the residents of Bel Air expect the project to be properly completed as a matter of urgency?

C. Heywood

edges diversity in the society, inclusive of race, and requires of the people to celebrate same. Institutions are enshrined in said instrument to achieve this as with the Human Rights Commission, Rights of the Child Commission, Women and Gender Equality Commission, Ethnic Relations Commission, Indigenous Rights Commission.

The non-functioning of some of these commissions lay not in the constitution but the non-establishment of them by those tasked the responsibility for their activation; 2. Inclusion in the political processes:- Article 13 in outlining the Principal Political Objective of the State mandates inclusionary democracy built on the involvement of groups in the management and decision-making processes of the State that directly affect their wellbeing.

This critical and vital article awaits legislation(s) to cement its benefits in all facets of governance.

3. Public accountability:the Integrity Commission, Public Procurement Commission, and Public Servant Appellate Tribunal are enshrined in the constitution yet they are still to be established; 4. Winner-take-all politics:-This approach to politics ought not to be given the constitution identifies the Leader of the Opposition under the Executive branch, where roles and functions are outlined. This in itself speaks to a responsibility and duty in the shared management of the day-to-day business of

government.

Respecting the spirit and intent of this partnership and oversight responsibility would see and allow for the opposition to support, propose, oppose, demand and receive information on governance, where necessary and guided by just cause. Yet this does not happen.

The Opposition seems more comfortable in the role of opposing for opposing sake, and dedicates tremendous energies ensuring the incumbent does not succeed in order to increase its chances at the next poll.

The Cabinet is inclined too to disregard any idea or proposal that comes from the Opposition even when it is sound, on the notion that ‘it is we time now.’ This is not the function of the constitution but that of thinking.

In regional and local governments since 1992 the diversity is becoming more pronounced yet it is being ignored by the Cabinet (Executive) and Legislative branches. Articles 75 and 76 allow for autonomy in the local democratic organs which includes the power to raise and dispose of revenue for the areas’ benefit and welfare.

What the named articles await are legislations to make things happen for the people.

Careful look at our regional and central government systems will see resemblance to the USA federal and state governments.

36 years after the constitution, the executive and legislature are content to oper-

ate solely with the caretaker Article 77 where the regions submit their plans and central government funds it.

This works for the politicians, either out of the absence of will and commitment to realise the devolution of power to the other tiers of government, or the sense of power they desire from controlling who gets what and how much within each region, which is used as sledge hammer or dispense as treats if the region is lost or won by them, or the desire for political control. Local government authorities are allowed to have their own bylaws and can make laws in pursuit of the developmental plan for their communities. There has been significant reform to the local government system.

The problems being witnessed today in this area of government, including that of the neighbourhood democratic councils that have tied votes and are not allowed to function because of political up-manship, do not lay in the constitution but a zero-sum approach rooted in my way or no way, or “is awe time.”

The Legislature according to the constitution (Article 50) is the supreme organ of democratic power in the country and allows in Article 171 (1) for any Member to bring a bill, motion or so forth before the House to be delib-

erated on and decision taken.

There are parliamentary committees comprising members from both sides of the House. The opposition is chair of committees such as the Public Accounts Committee which has oversight responsibility for the Cabinet/ Executive management of the government and state’s business. The disinterest to take these roles seriously is not the function of the constitution.

There is the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional Reform charged the responsibility for necessary review and adjustment (Article 119A). In that no one hears anything about this committee, whether it is established, who are the members and what work they are doing, would not be addressed with constitutional reform.

5. The media and people:Where the constitution (Article 146) expressly protects the right to freedom of speech, sharing of information, knowledge and ideas, the media and people have scope here.

The society has to arrive at a stage where ethics are driving force to informing and supporting public conduct, including the party or group voted for.

The conundrum this society faces here is that of a refusal to accept that the party (Continued on page 6)

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Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox Blocked culvert at Chateau Margot A deteriorating road at Victoria Kaieteur M@ilbox

DEAR EDITOR; We read from S.N that several villages within the Better Hope/La Bonne Intention (L,B.I) Neighborhood Democratic Council (N.D.C) were flooded as a result of heavy rainfall between Wednesday night and yesterday morning.

Editor, the cardinal reasons for the flooding in Chateau Margot in particular apart from the sudden and heavy rainfall that deluge this hamlet is that the authorities that be at the National Demo-

cratic Council at Better Hope are turning their faces the other way and blocking their ears not want to see and hear the repeated pleas of taxpayers here the a concrete culvert at Chateau Margot is blocked with tall bushes and sediment of sand and mud.

That culvert is the main drainage system for waste and rainfall water to the pump station which would discharge it into the Atlantic Ocean. We ask that the media investigate this anomaly that maybe deliberately inflicted

by the NDC here or the R.D.C which office is at Triumph on the East Coast of Demerara.

As a result of these floods children cannot go to school, building structure are affected kitchen garden are flooded out and destroyed cattle and poultry suffer but most of all mother with young children suffers too We now respectfully request that the authority/person that is responsible for the clearing and desilting that long and deep two thousand feet long concrete culvert to

immediately take action and translate verbal promises into action as not only the N.D.C. at Better Hope is responsible but also the R.D.C which office is at Triumph village but most of all it is the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority responsibility to dredge that block culvert.

As workers with shovel and cutlass only would find this blocked culvert beyond their strength, as it would be a herculean challenge for them.

Rooplall Dudhnath

Incident at Canje Secondary School DEAR EDITOR; Please allow me a space in your newspaper to highlight some of my concerns relating to an incident at Canje secondary School.

The incident involves the alleged pushing over a student on the stairway of the school. The name of the student is Joshua Lionel.

The student was hospitalized and now suffers from a broken femur, shoulder and injuries to the hip. Some details of the incident was related in press and also made the local news on the Berbice television stations.

My first concern on the incident is the manner in which the entire matter was dealt with. The parents in no uncertain terms said that the student was pushed over the rails by another student.

This information was only given to the parents after the doctors questioned the child .The parents claimed that they

were lied to by the teachers.

To my amazement no press release was given to the public by the head teacher of the said school or by any official of the Ministry of Education in Region six.

My second concern is the attitude of the head teacher towards the parents of this child. I don’t know if the head teacher has any children but on face value it looks like she doesn’t. Her behavior is unacceptable and really uncalled for. This is a very tender situation and she only made it worse by paying little attention to the matter.

She really doesn’t know what the poor parents are going through and if she had kids then she would have behaved differently.

I was very unlucky and unfortunate to encounter her on two occasions. The first was in relation to a school tour that my child was on.

I of course had a little thing to say to her. The next was when I visited the school during a lunch period to seek some important information.

I had to wait nearly an hour.

Her office was closed and there were loud voices. Perhaps they were praying because I heard mentions of the good savior’s name Jesus Christ. The bell was rung to end the break and they prolonged the prayer service for a while. The door suddenly

burst open and out poured the congregation.

My third concern is the attitude of the teachers. They are not hesitant in defending the head teacher although several males and a couple of senior female teachers were very straightforward and in my view gave a sound view on the attitudes of the head teacher and the ministry officials .On the other hand there is a very prominent religious leader who is a member of staff at the school. When I sought to have clarity on the alleged pushing incident, he quickly tried to defend the school.

I told him he should fear the God he is serving and be fair. He mentioned that he personally solicited help from members of the community towards aiding the injured child.

I have had the opportunity to encounter this teacher on numerous occasions.

He is normally cool and kind and is a likeable character who would always offer an encouraging word of advice.

His position on this incident though, has left me somewhat baffled. Some of the teachers seem to be hesitant in giving information. My fourth concern is the claim made by the mother that no one from the school or the Ministry has visited her or the child.

This is totally embarrass-

ing. I understand that a sum of thirty two thousand dollars was given to the parents as an initial help .I have personally donated money to the school and many others in the community have done likewise. I can’t understand why the head teacher can’t see it fit to get the remaining funds to the parent. Probably she wants the parents to go to the school and collect it.

My final concern dear editor would come in the form of some questions. These questions I hope can be answered by the relevant authorities whoever they are. Has anybody tried counselling the injured student and the other student who allegedly did the pushing? What can the Ministry do to assist the child, since the incident happened on the school premises? Do the regional engineers regularly check the school for health and safety issues?

Why haven’t any official from the Ministry or any teacher from the school visited the child? What will happen to the student that allegedly pushed Joshua Lionel over the rails? Will the head teacher behave in such a way if something like this happen again?

Thank you very much.

You will certainly see more letters from me Concerned parent

DEAR EDITOR; Please provide me a space to speak of this uncivilized and uncaring action of the Victoria people for their own infrastructure.

Editor it is enough that we have a main access road that is in a deplorable state that has deteriorated to the extent that it had been patched up by the taxi drivers with the help of a truck from the NDC. Now the road to the eastern end is being damaged by swimming children and adults. This road is used as a main access to the back lands for farmers, this same road once use by workers of the coconut industry that existed there some years back and also the students and workers of the agriculture school that our past president Burnham had established many years ago.

Nigel Hughes...

From page 4 time again, what is this man doing with his duties as Prime Minister? Even Sam Hinds had policy-making duties and he was all over Guyana trying. This is not meant to be personal. I admire the long contribution of Moses Nagamootoo.

But all of Guyana expected better. I want to remain anonymous in this letter but if I ever see him in the US, I hope we can talk man to man and I would ask him to explain what he has done so far for Guyana as Prime Minister From the way I see it, the call by the army officer in his letter is timely. Guyana needs to have another political party.

I cannot agree with his choice of Freddie Kissoon as presidential candidate. Idealists like Mr. Kissoon will never make good politicians. As the army officer wrote, Kissoon is

SOCIETY MUST HOLD...

From page 5 /group one supports its leadership can err, given none is God, and where an error or misstep has been made to make it known, demand, and ensure remedial action.

This requires a stronger and more vocal civil society, including the media, trade union, academia, religious and legal communities, et al, who will be the conscience of the nation, fearlessly and consistently pursuing this path.

There is convergence with Hunt’s view that on corruption “all political parties must adopt a zero tolerance policy for their officials and

elected representatives. We need to see parties holding their own accountable rather than defending or overlooking bad behaviour.”

And on realising a better society “that civil society and the media must be empowered though greater transparency in government’s financial decision making.”

This empowerment has to be taken not given because it never will be especially when it threatens the comfort of the politicians and powerful.

No constitution, however perfect or imperfect, will bring about desired results when even the good within is ig-

Victorians are destroying that road. To even travel on it, is a danger because the bottom to a great extent has been washed away by the constant splash and lash of water on it. I called on the village counsel to do something about this, or even the N.D.C. We cannot allow this to continue to happen.

A trench that is about 15 ft. wide at other points is now 50meters or more wide at the swimming spot.

I ask the people of this historical village to care what we have, for we know what we have, we don’t know what we will get.

I recommend that a swimming place be created for the people of the Victoria, Village ECD, a structure that can handle the lash and splash of water.

Samuel Gillis

nored by the political leadership and society fails to hold them to account and demands they operate consistent with the instrument, inspite of its shortcoming, which notably in ours also allows for reform after review, but the constitutional body remains inactive.

The preeminent absence of political will and commitment to understand and respect the constitution, coupled with the resignation and acceptance to hide behind an instrument even though it empowers the society to move the needle forward, has us in this morass today.

Lincoln Lewis

unique to Guyana in his multiracial activism and human rights legacy.

He is Guyana’s Don Quixote and should remain in that niche for the rest of his life. He was born for that time of work. As an Indian, I would support Nigel Hughes as the next President of Guyana Nigel Hughes has all the qualities that would make him a competent, caring president with ideas for changing Guyana. My belief is that if he succeeds, he will eclipse the legacy of Burnham and Jagan. I would urge this outstanding son of the soul to start thinking about the presidency. The vacuum will get deeper everyday and Mr. Hughes will need to prepare. I read about the parking machine fiasco and my mind went back years and years ago to Mr. Corbin and the electricity barge. Guyana certainly needs new leadership.

I wish Freddie Kissoon could do it but philosophical thinkers are too idealistic.

Nigel Hughes can do it and I await to see how things unfold next year because right now, Guyana needs good leadership Former AFC supporter

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

IMF Board Approves US$80 Million Drawdown For Jamaica The Gleaner - The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a US$80 million drawdown for Jamaica after considering the 11th and 12th review of its economic reform programme.

The latest disbursement brings to US$748.2 million the total amount received by Jamaica under the programme so far.

The Board met yesterday to consider Jamaica’s progress under its Extended Fund Facility.

IMF deputy managing director and acting chair, Mitsuhiro Furusawa, repeated the endorsement of the new administration’s income tax plan which was expressed by the Fund’s review team in Kingston last month.

He says the phased personal income tax reform is a bold step to shifting the tax system from direct to indirect taxation.

The IMF deputy managing director says proper execution of this reform is critical to ensuring revenue neutrality and safeguarding the

revenue base.

But Furusawa says strengthened and targeted conditional cash transfers will help mitigate the impact of the reform on the low-income population.

In the meantime, the IMF board says concrete reforms are needed to sustainably reduce the government’s wage bill, which continues to crowd out priority social and infrastructure spending.

It also says Jamaica’s growth remains weak and unemployment is still high.

According to the IMF, Jamaica should now focus on facilitating private sector development by expanding financial access and reducing financing cost, lowering energy cost, maintaining external competitiveness, reducing tax compliance costs, and improving public sector resource allocation.

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Sunday June 19, 2016

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Kaieteur News

AC TECHNICIANS WITH Guyana want see COCAINE IN RUM BOTTLES Dem boys seh...

nuff more change

Today is Father’s Day and dem boys mekking a pledge to Guyana to become more bold in de presentation of de news.

After all dem boys is already grandfathers, like Soulja Bai. And like Soulja Bai dem want to mek sure that dem see de change in Guyana during dem lifetime. Plenty people vote fuh a change and a year done and dem only see small change, like ten cents. Is only de small thief getting lock up Dem ain’t seeing a bab or two bab, like Brassington, Sharma, Marcie, Nizam, Myrna, Luncheon, Kwame wha everybody did expect.

Jagdeo, Irfaat and Ashni is hundred dollar bill. That is de real big change people want to see.

But nobody ain’t gone to jail and like nobody gun go either.

It shameful that Uncle Sam seh, expect arrests soon in Guyana and he seh when he arrest dem in Guyana he gun ship dem out like potato in bag and try dem in de States.

Dem, boys believe that some people under Soulja Bai who close to him telling him not to go down that road and he look like he want buy into it. That is because some of dem done going down de same path wid de PPP and others want to drive de same road.

Well dem boys pledge on this day, Father’s Day, today, to start a special section in this paper fuh people to lodge their complaint and to expose all de wrang doing wha dem see.

It could be dem bass, dem work mate or even Soulja Bai. Dem don’t have to put dem name. Even if you bass cuss yuh dem boys gun publish it. If dem thief, wuss yet.

Dem boys decide fuh do this because every day dem fed up wid people complaining bout dem bass tekking out spite pun people—pushing people in a corner fuh no reason.

Ann de Yellow do that de other day to a woman wid a degree. She got de woman at a desk doing nutten.

That type of behavior start under Jagdeo. If he don’t like you he pass instructions fuh send you to Monkey Mountain or ee tek way you desk and you secretary and leff you in a room wid de chair.

This is one culture Guyana develop under him and dem boys would use de pages of de paper to reverse that.

And this is a message to dem mothers. All dem fathers who lef you and didn’t send a cent fuh help wid de children, don’t fret, send a meal mix wid you know what.

Talk half and dem boys waiting fuh de second complain.

From Air Conditioning technicians to drug mules, the recent jail sentences given to two former airport AC technicians for trafficking cocaine in El Dorado 5 yearold rum should be a wake-up call for those thinking of joining the drug trade. But then again, it might not be.

Despite the wide publicity of the lengthy sentences and multi-million-dollar fines being given to convicted drug traffickers, the number of persons, primarily young people, being sent to prison for narcotic-related offences appears to be on the rise.

However, while is it easy to have sympathy for some of these persons who are sent to prison for these offences some of them are in full knowledge that it is against the law to use, cultivate, possess and traffic narcotics and the penalties awaiting if they get caught.

Chris Douglas, 26, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara and Loric Williams, 24, of Lot 57 Prospect, East Bank Demerara were jailed for four years each and fined $17,020,800 respectively after they were found guilty on a drug trafficking charge on May 30.

The men had assisted American citizen, Keon Brewster, with stashing the drug in his luggage.

It was 6.34KG of cocaine that Brewster was attempting to take out of the country.

Also, he was said to be the mastermind behind the drug deal gone wrong.

Douglas and Williams were at the time employed as AC technicians at the Cheddi

Keon Brewster

Loric Williams

Chris Douglas

Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri.

Court facts revealed that Brewster was scheduled to travel to the USA on May 29, last.

Airport officials discovered three bottles of El Dorado 5-year-old rum in his hand luggage and decided to perform routine checks on the bottles after the contents appeared peculiar.

The substance in the bottles proved positive for cocaine. A revision of CCTV footage from the airport by police showed the men leaving the washroom acting in a suspicious manner.

After Brewster was arrested by police he later implicated Douglas and Williams. Police were also able to obtain a confession from the men in relation to the drug bust.

A probation report was presented in court before the men were sentenced. The report revealed that Douglas

and Williams were very respectable in their communities and place of employment.

According to the probation report, news of the men’s involvement in the crime left villagers shocked.

Some even suggested that Williams might have been influenced by the wrong company.

In the probation report, Douglas maintained his innocence and said that he regretted being at the upper level of the airport lounge on the day in question.

Douglas graduated with five CSEC subjects from the Tutorial High School.

However, Williams was unable to complete secondary school due to financial constraints in his family.

But it was highlighted that both young men were able to pursue courses in Air Conditioning and were successful which led to them being gainfully employed.

The report also pointed out that Douglas’ mother was astonished when her son was charged as he never socialized. It also stated that the woman who is battling breast cancer is dependent on her son physically and financially.

On their first appearance before a Magistrate they all maintained their innocence.

However, on his second appearance, Brewster opted to plead guilty and stated that the drug belonged to him and that ne no longer wanted to waste the courts’ time.

This ‘B’ Field Sophia resident was also jailed for four years and fined $17, 020,800 on June 29, 2016.

The testimonies given to the court by Douglas and Williams in their defence were described as “unbelievable” and “fanciful” by the trial Magistrate who underscored that their stories only strengthened the prosecution’s case.

PAGE 10

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Man threatens wife, then burns house A labourer attached to the Skeldon Estate was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly set his house on fire.

The man, Sukraj Seepaul, aka “Bread” shared the two-storey concrete and wooden structure located at Lot 136 Grant 2767 Crabwood Creek with his wife, Nalini Seepaul.

According to the distraught women, the fire started around 18:20 hrs. She said that her husband, when intoxicated, would always threaten to burn

down the house.

“Whenever he drink and get drunk and suh, he would behave bad and seh he gon bun down this whole house and nobody can’t do he nothing”. The woman stressed that her husband was very abusive.

Neighbours disclosed to this publication that on Wednesday evening, Sukraj was heavily intoxicated when he threatened to beat his wife forcing her to hide in the bedroom for the entire night

before she escaped to her son’s home the following morning. She has been residing there since.

The neighbours also mentioned that Friday last, the man removed several items from the home and set them alight.

“He tek out the chair set, mattress and microwave and some other thing and bun all them up in front the yard”.

Seepaul’s immediate neighbour, Chandrawattie

A sugar worker is alleged to have set fire to his Crabwood Creek home Gulab, said Thursday evening, that she saw smoke coming from one of the bedrooms in the upper flat of the house belonging to the Seepaul’s. The woman stressed that she raised an alarm but by the time persons started to arrive to lend their assistance, the entire building

was engulfed in flames.

“Me smell smoke and when me come out me see the upstairs bedroom full a smoke so me start holler and people start come out but the place catch up quick, quick.

A whole house ketch a fire.

Them couldn’t save anything”.

According to the woman’s daughter, Devi Seepaul, her mother recently did renovations to the home to make it more comfortable.

The woman suffered millions of dollars in losses as nothing was saved.

Investigations are ongoing.

Bandits cart off cash, jewelry after terrorizing Corentyne businessman Four armed and masked bandits escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash and gold jewelry after robbing and terrorizing a Corentyne man and his family in the wee hours of Saturday morning. The man, who wished to remain anonymous, manages a popular service station on the Corentyne.

According to the man’s son, whose only name was given as Ally, he stated that at around 3:45 am, he awoke after hearing loud screams coming from outside his bedroom.

“When I heard the screams,

I knew it was bandits so I called my uncle and told him that there are bandits in the house; to send help”. Ally added that moments after making the call, one of the bandits kicked in his bedroom door.

“One of them come in and told me not to move and he said, ‘Take me to the money’”.

He said that they then ventured into his parents’ room where the bandits proceeded to ransack and remove whatever valuables they could find.

They left approximately five minutes after. Ally said that two of the suspects brandished small

guns while the others were unarmed. One of the bandits stood guard while the other three carried out the robbery.

Meanwhile,Ally’s father who was injured during the ordeal stated that he was outside preparing to venture to the Masjid when the bandits struck.

He said that he opened the back door to retrieve something from outside and one of the bandits struck him to the head with one of the guns.

The bandits escaped on foot through the backyard. No arrests have been made and investigations continue.

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

UG Vice-Chancellor wants Govt. to Review Tax Laws - Tax Act should offer deductions to individual donors Dr. Ivelaw Griffith, ViceChancellor of the University of Guyana, wishes for the government of Guyana to review its tax laws. He believes that amendments should be made to allow individuals to benefit from tax reductions, when making donations to the tertiary institution.

Griffith said that Guyana’s tax regulations do not offer such an incentive to individuals who give to the university, it is only accessible by companies. To offer individuals this benefit, it would require changes being made to the Income Tax Act of Guyana.

Tax deductible expenditure reduces the amount of income tax an individual would owe to the government. The scheme is designed to encourage or reward individuals or companies for acts they would have done which are deemed beneficial to the country’s economy or environment.

In his first press conference held last Friday in the Education Lecture Theatre on the Turkeyen Campus, the Professor informed the gathering that, “Our university as any mature university has to ask individuals and companies to give.”

These amendments would benefit the University since the institution plans to seek assistance from individuals who have expressed intentions of making donations to the university. Some of these persons will be a part of a

Dr. Ivelaw Griffith planned conference of education resource ambassadors. The event is scheduled to begin June 23, 2016 and culminate on June 25, 2016.

According to Griffith, the conference will be attended by 100 persons, 48 of which are overseas-based Guyanese. The contingent

will include professionals, non-professionals, academics and businessmen who have expressed interest in contributing financially and technically to the enhancement of the institution.

The Vice Chancellor said that most of the participants of the conference are alumni of the university. Griffith told the gathering of media personnel that he is “…bringing them to ask one simple question; how can you help this university to raise funds?”

He said that the university is in a nation with more needs than the government can provide for the national institution. The vice-chancellor therefore believes that the onus lies with the university to extend its perimeter to get resources.

The university needs to look to the alumni in and out of Guyana including also the civic and business communities. The professor stated that the intention is to create a broad

reservoir of resources.

The conference will be opened with a reception on Thursday June 23, 2016 at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel.

The next day the contingent’s first site visit will be to the university’s Berbice Campus at Tain, East Berbice Corentyne.

The physical visits will

provide the group with the opportunity to appreciate the challenges faced by the university. According to Griffith, when the members sit and discuss, they will have conversations built on their own looking, seeing, learning and appreciation of the realities which the university faces.

Funding for the conference will be shared between the overseas visitors, donations and the university. Griffith confirmed

that the international participants will be funding their own travel expenses to get here. Donations will be provided by participants, private donors and the Ministry of Education which has committed to underwrite the Thursday night reception.

The event will require the attendees to brainstorm on an agenda for immediate, short and long term assistance.

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Guyana experiences 50 % increase in Fatal Accidents - Traffic Task force reintroduced Citing driving under the influence as the major cause of some traffic accidents, Traffic Chief, Dion Moore, has revealed that the State is currently experiencing a 50 percent increase in fatal accidents.

The Chief told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that there has also been an increase in minor accidents by 21 percent. There was a reported 60 accidents for this year compared to 40

during the same time last year.

Speeding was listed as a major contributor to some of the reported fatal accidents as well as inattentiveness on the roadways.

Further, a total of 12,161 persons have been charged so far for speeding as speeding is the offence that police has issued the most tickets for, Moore related.

The Traffic Chief said that the everyday enforcement coupled with education

awareness across the country will be used to decrease traffic accidents. He also stated that the authorities will work along with all relevant stakeholders to curb this increase.

Also on the agenda is the collaboration between the police; the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC); youth organisations and vocational training programmes over the August holiday to conduct

educational programmes on road safety.

Sixty-one percent increase in non-fatal accidents Meanwhile, the Traffic Task Force has been reintroduced following a 61 percent increase in vehicular accidents for this year.

Following a recent interview with the state media, Traffic Chief, Dion Moore stated that the use of cell phones while driving and inattentiveness are among the

reasons for this increase.

He continued that the traffic department’s main focus will be to apprehend drivers who choose to drive above the prescribed speed limit; speeding in area there are traffic lights amongst other unlawful activities.

It has been stated that the reintroduction of the traffic task force is expected to address all traffic violations and will consist of police ranks including inspectors – who will be conducting enforcement in all divisions.

Moore pointed out several

Sunday June 19, 2016 Traffic Chief, Dion Moore

challenges being faced by the traffic department with use of cell phones whilst driving being a “soreing issue”. He pointed that effectively charging persons with this violation is difficult since officers will first have to recognize the offense which will be later be contested by many drivers.

However, the police are being assisted by the surveillance cameras that are installed throughout the city.

These cameras have been assisting the police in bringing charges against drivers who breach traffic codes.

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Grenade attack on Kaieteur News…

Govt.’s commitment to press freedom will be tested by drive to find intellectual authors – US envoy

Outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt

BY KIANA WILBURG Finding the intellectual authors of the grenade attack on Kaieteur News some weeks ago will be an important test of Government’s commitment to protect press freedom, says outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt. He made this remark as he reflected on the incident which took place on June 4, when Kaieteur News staffers and publisher, Glenn Lall, were attending a wake for Dale Andrews, a staff member who died suddenly.

Hunt said, “Let me first of all offer my personal sympathies to Lall and the staff of Kaieteur news. What happened to him should not have happened to any civilian anywhere in the world whether one is associated in the media or not.”

“No one should be subjected to having a military grade weapon thrown at their vehicle.

We should all thank God for whatever reason the grenade did not explode and that Lall is still with us. We absolutely offer our sympathies. It was a heinous act.”

The US diplomat said that the Government has done the right thing in opening up an investigation, in making efforts towards trying to determine who were the persons involved in the crime and having them placed before the courts.

Hunt said that the government is correct

also in trying to ascertain who the intellectual authors of the crime are.

The top US official reiterated that the coalition administration is doing the right thing and stressed that, “It will be an important test to the government’s commitment to ensuring justice when it comes to people who threaten press freedom especially in such a manner.”

Since the incident occurred, the coalition administration has condemned it, deeming it to be a wicked and dastardly attempt by certain “intellectual authors” to cause grave harm and terror.

The government in a strongly worded statement said that it is alarmed by the act of domestic terrorism which was attempted against the newspaper and it stands resolutely in defence of press freedom in Guyana.

The government expressed its relief that no one was hurt or damage caused to any property. It said, nonetheless, that such a cowardly attack must strengthen the resolve of the citizenry that evil, in all its forms and incarnations, must not be allowed to prevail and must be relentlessly and uncompromisingly conquered.

The coalition administration said, “We do not believe that the dropping of a grenade, even if a fake device, alongside a newspaper publisher’s vehicle could be considered a joke or a hoax. It was grave and an undisputed act of terror designed to intimidate, harm and create fear.”

The APNU+AFC administration said that it is committing its full support to the Guyana Police Force as it investigates “this sickening attempted act” of terrorism.

“Kaieteur News is one of Guyana’s leading independent media organizations that has a proud and zealously guarded reputation for fearlessness in reporting government excesses, corruption and abuse of power, particularly under the previous administration.”

“Most recently, the newspaper has been at the forefront of aggressively and relentlessly reporting on the findings of the many audits of state agencies, the revelations that have oftentimes been explosive. This attack comes against the background that Kaieteur News, its staff and its owner have been subject to relentless assaults under the previous regime.”

The Government recalled that on several occasions, this newspaper had been a victim of terrorism under the previous regime.

It reminded that it was under the previous administration that five Kaieteur News

pressmen – Eion Wegman, Richard Stuart, Mark Maikoo, Shazim Mohamed and Chetram Persaud – were heartlessly slaughtered in August 2006 in what was the worst attack on the media in the history of this nation.

The government recalled that Kaieteur News’ leading columnist, Frederick Kissoon had faeces thrown at him in a case which recently had a major breakthrough with regard to identifying the long suspected perpetrators and intellectual authors.

The administration also recalled that the Kaieteur News publisher was targeted by the tax authorities and it was later exposed that the said authorities were under political direction to so do.

Vehicles attached to former Government officials were also seen casing or scoping and videotaping the Kaieteur News premises in the past. The government reminded that the former regime had at one time banned all state ads from being printed in this newspaper.

Also, the Government said that a former government official was heard on audio recording issuing threats of a violent and deadly attack on Kaieteur News.

The statement said that the nation has emerged from those times of oppressive press intimidation and attacks and all must ensure that Guyana does not plunge back into those dark and evil days.

PAGE 14

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

The ‘Jagdeo Initiative’ to be reviewed – Granger Head of State, David Granger, has said that the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) – commonly referred to as the “Jagdeo Initiative”, will come under review in an aim to make greater use of Guyana’s land space.

The President said that he refers to Guyana as the hinterland of the Caribbean since no other member state of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has the land space that the country possesses.

He stated that the Government wants to make greater use of the savannahs in particular, while at the same time,

- Govt. wants to make greater use of state land space increase efforts in the productive sector.

While indicating that there are some problems being faced by the sugar i n d u s t r y, President Granger said that “We are not coming out of sugar or rice, but at the same time we must diversify,” He also stated that the agricultural landscape will be transformed in the coming years and Guyana will be able to produce more food which can be processed and marketed in

the Eastern Caribbean – which is important.

Wi t h t h e C A R I C O M Heads of Government Meeting slated for July 4 to July 6 in Guyana, President Granger stated that CAP will not be featured on the agenda.

However, other issues will be addressed, particularly the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and Security. “ … We ’ v e h a d s o m e threats and the fact that

Trinidad and Guyana might face some threats of terrorism, so these are likely to feature on the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting agenda,” the Head of State said.

Based on reports, The Jagdeo Initiative was cited as a “practical instrument” to move forward the Regional Transformation P r o g r a m m e ( RT P ) o n Agriculture or its successor – CAP. The initiative began in

2002 when Bharrat Jagdeo, the former President now Leader of the Main Parliamentary Opposition led CARICOM Heads of Government for Agriculture, sought the assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Then in late 2003, he proposed that the region build on its past effort to develop a Common Agricultural Policy and

BaiShanLin proposes...

(From page 3) computer problems.”

He added that a review of the list of items of machinery, equipment and construction materials for which fiscal concessions were granted indicated that many of the items were either unrelated to, or were significantly in excess of, the requirements for the construction of wood processing facility.

“Indeed, the evidence suggests that the fiscal concessions granted were substantially in relation to BaiShanLin’s ownership/control of the five logging companies having TSAs as well as its proposed investment at Providence, East Bank Demerara. This is notwithstanding that the investment agreements were exclusive to the wood processing facility in Linden,” said Goolsarran.

Head of State, David Granger reques t e d t h e D i r e c t o r s General of IICA and the FA O t o s u p p o r t t h e CARICOM Secretariat in developing a framework for repositioning agriculture in the region.

Ten constraints to the success of the Jagdeo Initiative have been identified including limited financing and inadequate new investment in agriculture.

Others are outdated and insufficient agricultural health and food safety systems; inadequate research and development.

A fragmented and disorganised private sector; inefficient land and waterdistribution management systems; deficient and uncoordinated risk management measures; inadequate transportation systems, weak and nonintegrated information and intelligence systems also characterize the sector.

In terms of marketing, weak linkages and participation of producers in growth market segments; and lack of skilled and quality human resources were also identified.

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

Food and Drug Analyst granted extension to file response in Court action The Government AnalystFood and Drug Department, (GAFDD) has been granted additional time to file an affidavit in response to the court action.

The Department is currently embroiled in court action with a corporate entity over the release of several hundred cans of condensed milk. The matter came up before Justice Dawn Gregory at the Georgetown Supreme Court on Thursday.

The GAFFD was initially given a few days to supply a satisfactory explanation to the Judge on their reason to refuse entry to the large quantity of condensed milk

into the local market.

Lawyers representing the state entity have said that the department would need an extension of at least 21 days to file the response. However after consideration, the Judge granted the Unit 14 days to file the response.

Justice Gregory had previously granted an interim order quashing the decision of the department to stop the goods from entering the country. The Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari has also been issued to the GAFDD and the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Department (GRA).

The order was granted on

the grounds that the said decision is unreasonable, influenced by irrelevant considerations, in breach of the businessman’s legitimate expectation, capricious, arbitrary and ultra vires.

The Court outlined Food and Drugs Act, Cap 34:03, and regulations made thereunder, are unlawful, null, void and of no effect, unless sufficient cause is shown why the said Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari should not be made absolute.

The motion was filed in the Georgetown High Court by local importer and owner of Super Foods, Rafik Ahmad, through his Attorneys at

Pails of smuggled shrimp dumped by authorities Two suspected shrimp smugglers were on Thursday nabbed by ranks attached to the No. 51 Police Station with the help of the East Berbice Corentyne Agriculture Association (EBCAA) and Customs officers. This was after weeks of continued stakeouts at the No. 63 Beach.

Secretary of the EBCAA, Suedatt Persaud, told this publication that on Thursday, they noticed a suspicious boat pulling in at the No. 63 Beach. The occupants then started off-loading pails of shrimp.

“We see them come in and they started off-loading in total 17 pails of shrimp in a car that was waiting on them. So we decided to let them leave and we trail them till we reach like No. 58 and they stop the car and one of the men run out and get away”.

Persaud added that the car broke down which allowed them enough time to seek the help of the officers at the No. 51 Police station which subsequently led to the arrest of the

two suspects. The catch and the car were taken to the No. 51 Police station where the shrimp was inspected by a Public Health Officer who deemed it unfit for human consumption. It was later dumped.

Persaud added that the Surinamese Government did not issue “Authorization of Wholesomeness” for shrimp.

According to Persaud, smuggling has been a problem for more than 15 years. He believes that the law relating to smuggling should be immediately reviewed.

“This thing has been going on for years now and we need to address it. What would have happened if we didn’t catch dem guys and they end up and sell the nasty shrimp? Is everybody who buy it woulda sick cause you can’t use that.”

Commander of ‘B’ Division, Ian Amsterdam disclosed that the suspects have been released on bail while investigations continue.

Nandlall and Associates Law Firm. The motion seeks to overturn the decision of the State entities to detain the item at a city wharf. The confiscated goods; 1,325 cartons of Mewah Dairies sweetened condensed milk is said to be sitting in a 20-foot container at Muneshwer’s Wharf on Water Street, Georgetown.

The business is contending that although he supplied the authorities with the relevant documents the items were withheld without a plausible reason or explanation.

“Upon its arrival, my servants and/or agents were informed by the acting Director of the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department, that the labels on the milk appeared to her to be fake; she failed to specify the basis for this conclusion upon further queries.

“The milk is a perishable product and has been on the wharf since December, 30 2015, and unless the Orders prayed for are granted, the milk will expire.”

In an affidavit to support his claim, the businessman outlined that his company has

in excess of five years imported a number of household commodities including soap powder, food boxes, seasonings, drink mixes, spaghetti, sausages and luncheon meat without any issues He said that the items and foodstuff come from several countries, including Malaysia, Canada, Indonesia, Turkey, China and New Zealand.

“One of the products which I import consistently over the years is milk in various forms, including (continued on page 65)

PAGE 16

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Dr. Jennifer Westford for trial next month Parliamentarian Dr. Jennifer Westford, a former Minister of Public Service, will go on trial on July 6, in relation to charges involving the misappropriation of over $600M from the State.

However, the Member of Parliament is not facing the charges alone. Westford and her former Personal Assistant, Margaret Cummings are facing 24 simple larceny charges.

The charges allege that between August 2011 and April 2015, while being employed in the Public Service of the Government of Guyana, they stole the sum of $639.4M belonging to the

state. They allegedly received the money by virtue of their employment.

They have denied the allegations and were each released on $4.8M bail.

On Tuesday last, City Magistrate Judy Latchman announced that the 24 charges will be heard jointly since they arise out of the same circumstances. She explained that one trial will be conducted and she will rule on each charge individually.

Defence Counsel Dexter Todd and Police Prosecutor, Vishnu Hunt, had no objections to this being done.

The Prosecutor had indicated that two witnesses

were present in court but requested a short adjournment date to compile his file since he would need assistance from the investigating rank among others.

According to court facts, Westford of Lot 55 ‘AA’ Victoria Avenue, Eccles, East Bank Demerara, (EBD) was employed as Minister of Public Service from 2001 to 2015, while her co-accused was the Principal Personnel Officer of the Ministry.

Cummings of Lot 709 Section A Diamond, EBD was also in charge of the Ministry’s accounts department.

It was discovered that on 24 occasions Westford

signed memoranda amounting to $639,420,000 and sent them to the Office of the President for approval.

Approval was granted and cheques were prepared and encashed by Bank of Guyana.

The monies were requested to carry out various activities throughout the 10 Administrative Regions.

However, personnel from the various regional centres were contacted and denied ever receiving the cash.

Investigations were carried out but the monies were never recovered.

In addition, the former Minister of Public Service and her former Personal Assistant Margaret Cummings were charged last August for allegedly attempting to transfer eight state vehicles and forging documents for the purchase of the vehicles.

They pleaded not guilty

Dr. Jennifer Westford

Ms: Margaret Cummings to the allegations. Westford is currently facing four charges of attempted larceny in the Ge o r g e t o w n Magistrates’ Courts. She was released on a total of $800,000 bail.

The charges allege that between July 17, 2014 and

June 23, 2015, she attempted to transfer eight state vehicles to four persons. Margaret Cummings was also slapped with four counts of forgery.

Cummings is alleged to have forged documents for the purchase of the eight motor vehicles.

She has been released on a total of $1.2M bail. This matter is still engaging the attention of the court.

US University partners with NAREI, UG to bolster sweet potato production Sweet potato production in Guyana will be enhanced thanks to collaboration between the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), Partners of America (Local Chapter), the National

Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the University of Guyana.

A two-member team from UAPB comprising Dr. James Garner, Sweet Potato

Specialist; and Dr. Edmund Buckner, Dean of School of Agriculture, recently visited Guyana to initiate the project implementation activities.

They met with Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, and other key stakeholders including Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth.

Minister Holder expressed his gratitude to the UAPB team for selecting Guyana to be part of this important activity and pledged the Ministry’s full support for the project. The project duration is five years.

The project, which is being funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), will focus on improving seed quality in order to boost production and yields.

Emphasis will be placed on the development of superior sweet potato lines as measured by horticultural quality, reduced virus infection and increased yield and soil pest resistance.

Additionally, two local scientists would be trained in the areas of micropropagation and biotech procedures needed to establish a virus tested sweet potato foundation seed programme.

The successful implementation of this project will add to NAREI’s efforts in advancing sweet potato production. NAREI is currently conducting sweet potato trials at Mon Repos and Parika.

The aim of the trials is to determine whether the use of sprinkler irrigation would increase yields. Further, NAREI is also engaged in the multiplication of different varieties of sweet potatoes.

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

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Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Fedders Lloyd local boss quits …after being kept in dark

Signs of the times? - Nothing doing at the Turkeyen plot of land, East Coast Demerara.

Ajay Jha, country representative of Fedders Lloyd

O

ne day after news broke that “On my part, I immediately informed all Indian company, Fedders Lloyd concerned and left for India thereafter to Corporation Limited, has been terminate my contract with Fedders Lloyd on dropped as contractor for a this ground. I love Guyana more than my own planned Specialty Hospital at Turkeyen, its country and thus feel sorry for this local head, Ajay Jha, said that he has quit. unfortunate development. I thank everyone Jha, in a statement to Kaieteur News for all the support and co-operation. yesterday said he had no clue of the ban on “On my part I will continue doing the company. whatever is good for my beloved country “This is to inform you that I have Guyana. My apologies if any of my words or terminated all my contract with Fedders actions have hurt anyone (sic).”

Lloyd after I On Friday, was kept in Minister of “I love Guyana more than my own dark by the State, Joseph country and thus feel sorry for this Management H a r m o n , unfortunate development”- Ajay Jha of Fedders disclosed that Lloyd about the future of t h i s Wo r l d the Specialty Bank issue related to African Country.”

Hospital was in limbo after the contractor According to the World Bank website, was banned for four years by the World Bank.

Fedders Lloyd has been banned from any of T h e c o m p a n y, F e d d e r s L l o y d its contracts between April 6, 2016 and April Corporation Limited, an Indian contractor, 5, 2020. was selected late last year by the coalition The blacklisting reportedly had to do with Government as the alternate contractor after procurement breaches that Fedders Lloyd the previous one, Surendra Engineering committed in Africa since 2010.

Company Limited, was fired in 2014.

“Fedders Lloyd explained to me that this Fedders Lloyd was the second most issue in Nigeria was dragging since 2010 and qualified bidder for the US$18M project that they too were shocked when it was notified had been initiated by the People’s on 6th April 2016.They are going to appeal Progressive Party/Civic Government. against it,” Jha said in his statement.

The Specialty Hospital, which would The former Country Representative had have offered Guyanese special medical signed the contract last November on behalf procedures that normally would have to be on his company to build the Specialty done overseas, was to be funded from a Hospital on a corner plot of land located US18M line of credit from the Government along the access road of the University of of India through its Export-Import Bank.

Guyana.

However, in late 2014, Surendra which Jha said that he only learnt of the had been facing flak for delays in another debarment after he was informed by state contract involving US$4M in drainage contracts from the Government of India on pumps, was fired after government said that April 26, 2016, while in Guyana. the company submitted fake bank

documents.

Surendra was taken to court and a $900M judgment was handed down last year January.

According to Minister Harmon, earlier this month, the High Commission of India in Guyana wrote the Government informing that Fedders Lloyd had been debarred and was no longer eligible for the project.

Harmon disclosed that the Indian government made it clear that it wanted a fresh tender process to select an Indian contractor for the project.

“By this decision, the Specialty Hospital

is again put on hold pending the completion of fresh tendering to select an Indian contractor,” the Minister said.

According to Harmon, the Government of Guyana is worried about the US$13.8M balance as it is being significantly reduced by inflation, interest and other charges.

He said that as a result of these developments, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Public Health have been requested to “make certain enquiries” of the Indian government.

The findings, the Minister disclosed, will (Continued on page 64)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Sunday June 19, 2016

26 Barticians graduate from Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop

Mrs. Granger receives a token of appreciation from one of the participants, Ms. Dawn Hall. It is a hand crafted piece.

F

irst Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, on Friday, presented certificates to 26 women from the CuyuniMazaruni (Region Seven) area, who graduated from the sixth Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop.

The women were drawn from various communities from the Region — Agatash, Dogg Point, Batavia, One Mile, Four Miles, West Indian Housing Scheme and Central

Second from left: Facilitator, Mr. Yohann Pooran, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, Mayor of Bartica, Mr. Gifford Marshall, Deputy Mayor, Ms. Kamal Persaud and the 26 participants of the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop.

Bartica. The workshop, which aims to empower women to become self-reliant, is being initiated through the Office of the First Lady, with support from the Ministry of Social Protection and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’Affairs.

Mr. Wayne Barrow, Mr. Yohann Pooran and Ms. Crystal Baptiste of Interweave Solutions conducted the sessions. According to Mr. Pooran, at the end of each training

session, participants are empowered to manage a small business, develop small business plans and write grant proposals, among other skills.

Addressing the closing ceremony, which was held in the Boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council office, Mrs. Granger said that it is important for women to be able to enhance their business skills, adding that women have lots of skills that they may not

recognise could be marketable.

She said that it is always a delight to initiate and attend the closing ceremony for the workshops. ”I do believe that women are the building blocks of any society and successful women are going to strengthen that foundation even more because once you are sure and confident you are going to sure and confident (Continued on page 64)

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Meet the absolutely stunning Miss Davina Seoparsan. This belle currently resides in Virginia, USA with many titles already in hand one of which includes Miss American Junior Teen. Her ambition is to become a Juvenile Domestic Attorney.

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Sunday June 19, 2016

An ardent advocate for “sicklers”, Sabrina Kazim, is a ‘Special Person’ G r o w i n g u p w a s understandably very challenging “No human being should die for her. She knew from a young age and not contribute significantly to that something was very wrong humanity.” This is a popular notion with her since she was not allowed that has been shared by to even play in the rain as others her Motivational Speaker, Les Brown.

DIAGNOSED age group did. “If I did end up in the And this has been the maxim B o r n S a b r i n a P e r r y o n rain I would instantly start to that Sabrina Kazim has been living November 2, 1979, to parents cough, get a cold, get a fever, and by for many years. In fact it has Douglas Perry and Erlina Allen- would have to go to the hospital.” served as an inspiration to her from Joseph, she grew up at a domicile at Kazim recalled that she wasn’t a tender age, when she was told that Bishop Street, Werk-en-Rust, even able to participate in Physical she would not be able to conceive Georgetown. She currently resides Education activities at Richard and would die by the age Ishmael - the of 22. high school she “If you live by the motto to contribute She has essentially attended. The something significant to humanity, defied the odds. Today same situation it means that you will be spending she is a 36-year-old had obtained mother of a beautiful w h e n s h e your time in a very selfless manner, seven-year-old attended primary and in a manner that will be beneficial. s c h o o l y e a r s daughter, and has plans If you live your life like that you to see her grow into a earlier. progressive adult.

She recalled will have a lot less regrets.”

Sabrina Kazim has seeing her friends been making a major e n j o y i n g impact along her life’s journey as in Queenstown, Georgetown. themselves and wishing that she After several trips to the too could be involved. “I couldn’t part of her mission to make that hospital as a four-year-old, she was swim in pools or in the creek...” significant contribution of which Les Brown has spoken. It is for this eventually diagnosed with sickle She remembered how her reason that she has today been cell anaemia. “I remember I had mother would permit her to only frequent bouts of illness and had to enter the water once, and then chosen as our ‘Special Person’. s p e n d m a n y h o u r s i n t h e forbid her from entering again, for Kazim was born with sickle cell emergency room. The symptoms fear of her suffering a crisis. This, anaemia, a condition that has been described as a severe hereditary w e r e f e v e r, i n t e n s e p a i n , however, did not mean that her form of anaemia in which a sometimes throughout the body or sickle cell crises were fewer. mutated form of haemoglobin part of my body...it was so much Kazim recalled that they were so distorts the red blood cells into a that it caused my heart to many that she was forced to stay crescent (or sickle) shape at low palpitate...it would threaten to stop away from school many days. oxygen levels. She has suffered all my heart,” Kazim recounted.

Even as an adult, the sickle cellBy Sharmain Grainger

her life from excruciating pain that is commonly associated with the disease. She constantly requires blood and opium or narcotic-type drugs to help ease her pains.

In the company of other sickle cell advocates

related crisis has not remotely subsided.

“Sometimes I would go an entire month without any issues, but then there are times that I can’t get through a week w i t h o u t issues...there is no schedule for ‘Special Person’ Sabrina Kazim a sickle cell crisis,” Kazim always sick,” she reflected. related.

WORK STRONG-WILLED She disclosed that soon after Although unable to do many she graduated from high school, things that she desperately wanted she was able to gain employment at to, Kazim, even as a little girl, was the Guyana Revenue Authority simply not prepared to die. This (GRA). But because of her illness, was even after being reminded time many days she reported sick. But and again by medical professionals her career at GRA lasted from 1997 that because of the constant pain to 2007, at which time she was she suffered she would not be able forced to leave as medically unfit. to live many years into adulthood.

“I am not upset that I had to But she loved life enough and leave, as there were way too many believed unreservedly that the submissions of leave forms Creator would see her through, because of me falling ill. I accepted even on the rough days. She, that it was time to leave.” moreover, disregarded what was In fact, she confided that “I spoken against her life. really didn’t know how long I “I have always been a strongwould have been able to continue, willed person, so even when I went because you are working at a very into crisis state, I always believed busy government agency and you that the rain would stop at some had to be active....even if I wasn’t time and the sun would eventually physically active, my brain had to come out, and that is what helped to be, because I was keep me going,” said Kazim. dealing with Before conceiving her daughter taxes,” Kazim Zaara, Kazim was able to tie the related. blissful wedding knot. But this was She was, not before she ensured that her however, grateful soon-to-be husband was free of the for the work sickle cell trait. When Kazim was experience she was old enough to understand, it was able to gain there. explained to her that because both But according her parents had the sickle cell trait to her, it was only she was born with the disease. too clear that sickle There was simply no way she cell anaemia was would have allowed herself to a ff e c t i n g e v e r y conceive a child who would suffer aspect of her life. as she has.

“The choices you “With God and the support of make, work, my mother and my father I was able finances, family, to beat the odds...they have really friends. There were been there for me,” said Kazim. times friends who She pointed out that “sometimes I felt that I really am shocked that I have been didn’t like them allowed to live so long.” because I couldn’t But despite her will to stay hang out with alive, there were some gloomy them...they simply days. Kazim recalled when she couldn’t understand wished her parents hadn’t met and that I was actually (Continued on page 59)

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 23

Prequalification to clean a drain?

T

he Georgetown City Council is deservedly under a great deal of fire. The people are speaking out against the parking meter deal.

The matter is threatening to rip the Council apart, with some councilors publicly expressing their concern over the lack of information about the deal that has been entered into by the City Council with a foreign company.

The installation of parking meters is a revenuegenerating measure. The council is also proposing a container tax. The Council may be assuming too much when it comes to its right to institute fees for parking meters and for the use of the city’s roads and reserves by containers.

Concerns have been expressed that there is too little information about the parking meter deal. More importantly, there have been criticisms over the fact that there was no tender for the award of a contract for parking meters.

Explanations are likely to be given when top officials return from Mexico, but it is doubtful whether any explanation will reverse the perceptions over this deal.

It is left to be seen how the city’s fathers and mothers are going to extricate themselves from this deal, but there is another matter which is far more

important.

It has been reported in a section of the media that the Council has advertised for the prequalification of contractors for a variety of works, including the cleaning of drains.

Now why would the City Council have to enter into a prequalification of contractors for a menial job such as the cleaning of drains? Why go to prequalification? Why not simply tender and allow for the best contractor to get the job. Why prequalification?

Are there thousands of companies lining up to clean the drains?

The problem does not seem to be a case of hundreds of firms willing to clean the drains. The problem seems to have been a case where many workers were complaining that they were not being paid.

Prequalification for cleaning the drains will favour the big firms, which can be easily prequalified. It will be against the small contractors which have been doing a fantastic job in cleaning the city.

But why go to contracts in the first place for cleaning the drains in the city. Why does the City Council not simply employ persons to clean the drains on a regular basis and have these workers supervised, as was the case in colonial Guyana? Why does the City Council have to continuously be going to contracts for routine

cleaning of the city?

If the council cuts out the contractors and employs its own cleaning gangs, it will save millions of dollars each year.

Instead of having to constantly giving out multimillion-dollar contracts, it can do the job itself, using the machinery that was given to the Council.

The city should be able to do the job itself. It should have been able by now to collect its own garbage. But this too is not happening.

Instead private firms are still

being hired to collect garbage in the city.

There is no need for prequalification of any contractors. Give jobs to the ordinary man. Cut out the contractors. This will have the advantage of turning what should be major cleaning into routine maintenance, which is what is needed.

The Council has plans to sort garbage at one of its locations. This project will allow the council to earn revenues and to create jobs.

Well, if the Council plans to

do this, why can it not have its own cleaning gangs employed by the Council?

The City Council does not need to be giving out contracts. It should use contracted labour for major desilting of drains and then employ its own staff for routine cleaning.

Perhaps the Council envisages that it will soon be awash with money from the container tax and from the parking meters. The Council may be counting its chickens before they are hatched.

By the way, when will

the public learn about the names of the persons contracted to clean the city over the past few months?

How were these contractors s e l e c t e d ?

B y prequalification? What were the qualifications?

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Sunday June 19, 2016

Governments failed the OAS at its 46th Assembly

By Sir Ronald Sanders

T

he 46th General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS) was not a successful event. This judgement is in no way related to the government of the Dominican Republic (DR) - the organisers and hosts of the Assembly, that did a superb job.

The DR deserves every credit for demonstrating that one of the smaller and less welloff countries of the Hemisphere has the capability to meet international standards in conference organisation, including simultaneous interpretation in the four official languages of the OAS. Satisfyingly, the failures of the Conference were not due to the 14 nations of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) whose representative showed a remarkable cohesion in standing up for the subregion’s interests and in arguing for the strengthening of the OAS and the entire inter-American system.

The theme of the conference was “Institutional Strengthening for Sustainable Development in the Americas”. The OAS is the primary institution of the Americas; it is the only organisation that represents all the sovereign nations of the Hemisphere, except Cuba. But it is broke and unable to carry out the many mandates entrusted to it by its 34 member governments. That situation has been so for some time, and has remained neglected.

During my period of Presidency of the Permanent Council of the Organisation from January to April this year, I made addressing the critical financial circumstances a priority of my work.

Barbados’ Ambassador, John Beale, as Chairman of the Finance Committee, also did

sterling work in trying to focus the attention of all governments on the urgency of rectifying the financial difficulties.

In my statement on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda in the plenary session of the Assembly, I said: “We are at a defining moment in the history of the Organisation of American States. My delegation is aware that that statement has been made in the past in relation to other

million.”

I concluded the statement by saying, “If the OAS is to continue to deliver benefits for the peoples of its 34 member countries, its financial situation has to be addressed meaningfully and seriously”.

Regrettably, the majority of member states chose not to treat ‘meaningfully and seriously’ with this vital issue; the Assembly returned the issue to the

the Organisation. Not only did they continuously argue for the issue to be tackled urgently, at the Assembly they also offered to increase their own quota contributions as a model for others to follow.

Why did CARICOM countries go so far? This was my explanation at the Assembly in the DR. “The OAS is the only organisation in which all the remaining States of our hemisphere are Sir Ronald Sanders (left) and Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s members as equals, Foreign Minister, at the OAS General Assembly and in which we are able to address the issues that concern us individually and collectively. For a small state, such as mine, that is marginalised in the world because of our size and lack of military might and economic clout, the forum provided by the OAS is of immense value.

“Within the councils of the OAS, we can advance our interests through diplomacy and negotiation; by creating understanding; and by c h a l l e n g i n g misunderstandings and organisations. But, it is a Permanent Council which has no misconceptions. compelling reality for this capacity to commit the financial Again, for small states, such as Organisation, and it has all the resources of governments. mine, which are suffering from urgency of now.

“Therefore, this dire situation unfair trade practices by larger and “Were the OAS a company, it of the Organisation will continue more powerful countries, and would be declared bankrupt and put until June of next year when the whose economies are knocked by into liquidation. The budget on General Assembly will convene in harmful actions towards our which it currently exists is a fiction. Mexico. What will be left of the financial services, the development It needs $115 million to operate OAS by then is anybody’s guess, role of the OAS is extremely properly, but its budget is only $84 since the Secretary-General has to important. We would like to see million. In effect, the budgetary cut $14 million from the budget. t h a t r o l e e x p a n d e d a n d shortfall between what the As I stated to the Assembly, “That strengthened”.

Organisation should have to fulfil draconian cut is in flagrant contrast I concluded my statement on its many mandates and its income to the theme of this general behalf of Antigua and Barbuda by on paper, is $31 million this year assembly. We are not strengthening stating that contribution to alone. The situation is worsened the institution; we are weakening development “is the basis on which by the arrears due by a few member it”. the peoples of our countries judge states, totalling just over $27 CARICOM countries can this organisation and the benefits of a b s o l v e their tax dollars that governments themselves of invest in it. The Organisation must a n y make a difference to gaining responsibility for knowledge; to growing crucial t h e f i n a n c i a l sectors of our economies; and circumstances of ultimately to reducing poverty and

Sir Ronald Sanders increasing employment. If the OAS is to remain relevant to people; it must deliver for people”.

Inter-hemispheric politics and rivalries between some Latin American countries, mixed with the wider geo-political interests of the US and Canada, contributed to the paralysis on this matter. Two countries owe arrears of contributions totalling $27 million – almost the total of the present Budget shortfall. Some countries won’t commit to increasing contributions until those countries pay up.

But, it is clear that three things need to be put in place without further delay to allow the OAS to continue to play its essential role of promoting peace and development in the hemisphere.

Member states that owe arrears must make substantial payments; the contribution of each member state has to be increased; and the operations of the organisation have to be streamlined to make them more cost efficient and productive.

There can be no cherry picking of elements of that as a single solution. Each is intertwined with the other, and together they configure the doorway to the continuation of the OAS as an instrument for good in our hemisphere.

At the DR General Assembly, CARICOM countries apart, the OAS was failed by its member states.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States of America and the OAS. The views expressed are his own) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

A delayed email and an overseas visitor’s ‘Golden Jubilee’ account

By Sharmain Grainger Have you ever been convinced that you got a message from someone who left suddenly for the “great beyond”?

Well I haven’t, and I hope I never do. But for a split second during the past week I became concerned when I received an email from dale_crimechief@yahoo.com.

For those who don’t know, this email address was the one used by Dale Andrews our recently departed ‘chief ’ crime reporter. To say the least, I was briefly in shock when I got a notification on my phone of a new email and saw it was from this address.

There was no subject and I didn’t know what to expect.

But opening it instantly helped me to rationalise how I could’ve gotten an email from Dale.

You see a day earlier Dale’s cousin, Denise HarperBeaton, who came to attend his funeral, visited our Saffon Street, Georgetown office and asked that I take off a recording from a mobile device. The recording was that of an interview he’d done with her before his demise.

The interview she related was about her experience during the recently concluded Golden Jubilee celebration.

Dale had intended to write an article about this. He had used his Samsung mobile

device to record the interview. But try as I might on the day that HarperBeaton asked for my assistance, I wasn’t able to remove the recording from the device.

I tried WhatsApping and Bluetoothing the recording to my own mobile device, and I even attempted to email it about 10 times to my personal email address and Kaieteur News’s as well. On each occasion I got a message that the file was two big. I asked a few of my colleagues to help me remove the recording but they too tried in vain.

It was however interesting that despite the “file being too large” message, a single email of the recording came to my personal email the following morning; none went to the Kaieteur News email as far as I know.

I am unfazed by the development. In fact I am happy to have received the recording so that I could share Harper-Beaton’s story and essentially complete what Dale started.

Dale led off his interview by highlighting that HarperBeaton was one of the many Guyanese abroad who had since last year expressed enthusiasm to come home to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence on May 26, in grand style. Harper-Beaton has been living in Brooklyn, New York for 25 years.

The Baccoo Speaks Murders are on the increase. People seem unable to contain their emotions when confronted with any opposition, even if they are wrong.

In fact, a disagreement with the assailant being in the wrong would turn out deadly. The resort would be to kill the winner in the argument.

And not surprisingly, the assailant would flee the scene. ** The police recently reported a massive increase in non-fatal accidents. This is because many of the new drivers see their vehicles as a spade to shovel aside anything in their path. The weekend would see another such accident but sadly, this one would be fatal. ** Three robberies would

occur over the weekend and all would result in injury to the victim. The criminals would pursue a man whom they believe has lots of cash when the truth would be the opposite.

However, the active police action would result in two of the gangs being arrested. They would be back on the streets but the cause would not be surprising.

Denise HarperBeaton (second from left) at the Kaieteur Falls during her recent visit.

Based on the interview, she was planning for the celebration since last year.

Post-celebration, HarperBeaton confided that “it was a magnificent experience...I can’t even find words to explain.”

She has no regrets, although she did have a suggestion or two.

She recalled during the interview that since she boarded the flight destined for Guyana, she was sure that coming back to the land of her birth for the celebration was a good move.

Harper-Beaton spoke of returning on a “filled to capacity” Dynamic Airways flight and everyone aboard seemed anxious to reach their destination in order to be a part of the anticipated celebration. Although it was a midnight flight and many persons, herself included, appeared tired perhaps from the bustle of a full day’s work, Harper-Beaton shared “...I think that everybody was just

excited and wanted to get to Guyana.”

She fell asleep en route but awoke excitedly when the time came for the plane to touch down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

She’d previously returned to these shores 10 years ago. But based on her recent assessment she concluded that “Guyana is a very wonderful and interesting country. The experience I had was different from what I had the last time...the last time (there) was a lot of crime. I think they had the Lusignan massacre and that put a stain and a damper on my spirit.”

Crime no longer features prominently, Harper-Beaton considered as she spoke of being eager to return home ever since there was a change of government, the cleaningup of the city, and word that people were coming together in a loving way.

“I have not regretted one day. I have had such a

wonderful time,” said HarperBeaton of her stay in Guyana.

She reminisced on her time spent in the capital city where she stayed in a house with other family members. “”I felt very safe...” said HarperBeaton, as she recalled being apprehensive in the past about a daunting crime situation.

According to her, those who didn’t come home “they missed a great time.”

She recalled how she was reminded bright and early each morning, during her stay, about the purpose of her visit – to celebrate. “I woke up every morning to a ‘boom, boom, boom, boom’ (music)” which has since caused her to label Georgetown “the city that never sleeps.”

Her visit was not centred in Georgetown, as she revealed that she was even able to find the time to travel Moleson Creek, Baganara Island and Kaieteur Falls – tourist attractions – for the first time in her life.

Guyana, according to her, has the potential of being a thriving tourist destination, and she even dared to rate it nine out of 10 (10 being an ideal destination). She has already been selling Guyana on her Facebook page as a must-visit tourist destination.

“It was 10 days of no rest for me,” she reflected, as she related that she was entertained to the fullest every day, save one. “I was either at a party, a karoke, or an event at the stadium...I even went to two balls,” she divulged.

But there were some hiccups during her stay.

Primary among these was her experience at the Presidential Ball which was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. This event was a key jubilee activity that many overseas visitors were eager to be a part of, and they easily forked out its cost of US$50.

“I understand that they were trying to do a culture (continued on page 27)

PAGE 26

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

THE ‘BLUE MOVIE’ MURDER

- A fun-loving girl was strangled and dumped in an alleyway - Was she the victim of a pornography ring?

By Michael Jordan At six feet two inches in height, Albert Forde could easily pass for a hard-boiled cop in a movie script. But the burly, bespectacled Forde was no actor, and certainly no sleuth.

But in 1988, fate thrust the former trawler captain and minibus operator into the role of amateur detective, in pursuit of the men who murdered his daughter.

And before he migrated years ago, Forde was certain that he had finally closed in on his daughter’s killers who, he claimed, were members of a bizarre pornographic and drug ring, involved in the extortion, and possible murder of young women.

ONE-MAN CRUSADE Forde’s one-man crusade began on Thursday, December 8, 1988, when two schoolboys stumbled on the partly decomposed body of a young woman on a dam in North East La Penitence, Greater Georgetown.

The victim was lying on her back. The pants-suit she wore was pulled down to her knees. Detectives quickly surmised that she had been strangled.

A tattoo on the right thigh gave the first clue about her identity: she was Jessie Ann Forde, an attractive 20-yearold who lived about 100 yards from the murder scene.

Detectives established that Jessie had left home on Saturday, December 3, to

attend a dance. She visited a girlfriend in South Ruimveldt, and the two later went to the party. Jessie then returned to her friend’s home, where she stayed until Sunday evening, when she announced that she was returning home. From there on reports on her movements became sketchy.

A young man who knew Jessie told police that they both caught a ‘South bus’ that Sunday and Jessie came off at Mandela Avenue, at a junction which would have led her through North East la Penitence and to her home.

This report led police to suspect that she was attacked while walking through a desolate shortcut, known as ‘the dump’, about 100 yards from her home.

What is puzzling about this theory is that there was no reason for Jessie to have used this potentially dangerous short-cut at night

when a much safer route existed. And if she had been slain on ‘the dump’, why had no one noticed the corpse in the frequently traversed route until it had begun to rot?

But while detectives were puzzled over these leads, another report surfaced: Jessie had never headed home at all. According to persons who knew her, she had caught a bus after leaving her friend’s home, but had stopped near a popular South Ruimveldt disco.

It is this version that her father believed.

Albert Forde was at sea in Cayenne when he received the news of his daughter’s brutal death. He made it home a few hours before Jessie was laid to rest.

After the initial shock subsided, he joined the police in an attempt to hunt down his daughter’s killers.

But, dissatisfied with the

progress of the police probe, Forde hired the service of a close friend, and the two began their own investigations.

In 1990, the distraught father offered a $250,000 reward for information on the case.

“I fought them (the killers) with the only weapon I had…money,” Forde said.

Responses to his appeal were almost immediate, he recalled. After several false leads, Forde said he finally identified four men who were responsible for his daughter’s death.

PORNOGRAPHY RING Dismissing reports that Jessie had headed home that fateful Sunday, Forde believes that after the Saturday night dance, his daughter, encouraged by friends, stopped at the disco in South Ruimveldt. He said

he learnt that some people who frequented the disco were involved in a pornography ring, and also in the drug trade.

Forde says he learned from someone who knew the suspects, that the ring would entice young women into their homes, where the girls would then be forced to participate in various sexual acts which were video-taped.

The cassettes, the informant said, would then be distributed overseas, and also used to blackmail the victims.

“They would excite or lure the girls who wanted a ride in a big car… they’d buy them things and then take them to (their) base.”

He believed that Jessie’s trusting nature may have caused her to fall into the clutches of the alleged ring.

“Jessie had a weakness.

She never believed that people were bad. She had to suffer first to learn.”

Two years after Jessie’s death, Forde said that he was approached by a man who claimed he was a witness to the young woman’s murder at the base where the ring operated.

“He took no money from me. He told me he had daughters, and that the murder had been on his mind for a long time. He said he had remained silent because he feared for his safety, but was willing to speak now because two men who had killed her

were not around.”

‘BLUE’ MOVIE According to the former boat captain, the alleged eyewitness confirmed that Jessie had visited the disco four days before she was found dead. The trouble reportedly started when the gang attempted to force Jessie into sexual acts for a ‘blue’ movie.

“I learned that after Jessie realised what they were doing, she started to fight them,” Forde said. “She screamed and told them she would have them locked up.

After they couldn’t silence her, one of the men ‘locked off’ her neck. When he did that, she was close to death. They then attempted to revive her by placing her body in a tub of water.”

After they realised that she was dead, the men reportedly forced Jessie’s body in a car trunk where it remained for two days. She was then taken in the car, and dumped on a dam near her home, the ‘eyewitness’ allegedly told Forde.

“One of the suspects knew where I was living,” Forde alleged. He believes Jessie’s murderers placed the corpse near the short-cut to give the impression that she was slain while on her way home.

According to Forde, he made several cassette (continued on page 66)

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Why does Guyana have to be such a stupid country?

Everywhere I go I meet people who would come up, introduce themselves, talk about my work, then I would hear of their plans to return to Guyana. I had a lot of such encounters during the Golden Jubilee Week.

Wesley Kirton wrote that he saw me twice during the celebrations at Nicky’s Fish Shop on Drury Lane. I met many expatriates at Nicky’s who want to come back. For that week, I spoke with several overseas Guyanese in the National Park who want to return, including a medical doctor with a very specialist skill.

In my response to these folks over the long years, my attitude has been uniform, without even a slight diversion. I have advised

everyone who told me of a desire to return that it is an immense decision that should not be made lightly, because Guyana is a dysfunctional society and an unbearable country. I have never, I repeat, never discouraged or encouraged them. I simply paint the realities of a country which they would not be familiar with in their adopted homeland.

I remember sitting quietly in a corner with Carlyle Goring of the AFC, who is currently a City Councillor, at the wake of Benjamin Gibson. An elderly couple came in, recognized me, and a long conversation started. They told me they intend to remigrate and wanted my opinion.

I asked them about the

little, civilized services in life in their adopted country that citizens in every country receive, because that is how modern civilization ought to be. They looked puzzled. I said, “If you come back here to live, prepare to endure painful hassles on the little, basic services a country must offer its citizens”.

The horror show that is this country can be seen in the absence of most services that people all over the world take for granted. It is as if this country does not exist. Why do humans in any country have to face these horrible things?

Here is my ordeal last Friday. The Bharrat Jagdeo libel case resumed last Friday after a break of two years. I attended court, chatted with

A delayed email and an overseas ...

From page 25 event, but I don’t think it should have been called a gala/ball...it wasn’t elegant.”

She spoke of almost falling, tripping on her gown and heels because of unsuitable material placed on the ground, and having to use plastic ware as opposed to fine cutlery usually used at gala events. Moreover, the type of food prepared such as roti and curry and pepper pot, she noted, were not fitting.

Harper-Beaton also shared her thoughts on the flag-raising ceremony. It was undoubtedly an awesome, tear-evoking event but, according to her, when she attempted to find a place in the VIP stand for which she was provided a pass, the

warmth she’d felt elsewhere was dampened.

Decked in a three-quarter dress pants and blouse complemented by comfortable shoes, since she has a problem walking long distances in heeled shoes, Harper-Beaton recalled that she manoeuvred her way to the VIP stand, but was informed by an usher “you cannot go in to the stand like that”.

“I was very, very embarrassed....even if the usher had told me in a nice way to go to another stand (I would have understood); I wasn’t dirty, I was clean...”

But events such as the float parade were entirely pleasing to her. In fact she related that she would have been happy if she could have enjoyed more of the fun

jubilee celebrations. “Every day could have been jubilee, jubilee, jubilee,” said HarperBeaton in a thrilled tone.

She has had to return home to her family and her employment, but she assured that she will most definitely be returning to enjoy more of Guyana.

She, however, cautioned that it is important that efforts be taken to improve on the shortcomings. “Guyana has a lot to learn...whoever is planning these things they need to do research,” she asserted.

my lawyer Nigel Hughes after the adjournment, then left for the offices of the Guyana Revenue Authority to get a compliance form.

I entered the GRA and asked the receptionist for direction. She directed me to two glass windows with the sign – Compliance. There were many persons waiting to be served and the two wickets had customers. All I wanted was a form.

While waiting, it occurred to me that it was going to take several hours before I got a simple form. There were people in front of me that were being tended to. I could not wait hours, because I had to be at the funeral service of Naresh Singh.

Naresh’s wife and my wife go back over forty years.

Plus Naresh was kind to me to give my nephew employment when Naresh was the CEO of Guyoil.

I was not prepared to wait for hours just for a compliance application form.

I returned to the receptionist with a loud protest. She said the form is a very complicated thing that citizens cannot simply pick up like that. She volunteered to get me one. At the same time I saw Navin Sankar whom I knew well, and he went to get me a form.

Then he showed the compliance officials that I was at the window. Here is the part that is going to give you a heart attack.

There is nothing complicated about the compliance form. All it requires is that you state the reason for the application, your name, address and TIN. I was so disgusted with my country that on my way to Naresh’s funeral, I dropped in at Prime News’ offices and rested for a while.

Adam Harris asked me if I was sick. I told him I was just tired. But I was sick alright.

Sick at what Guyana is and always will be. I left Prime News and headed for Naresh’s funeral just around

Frederick Kissoon the corner. But I was late. A simple application form caused that.

Last Monday, after the Walter Rodney death anniversary event at Moray House was over, Dr. David Hinds and I stood next to my car and we were reflecting on our young days and how we are getting older.

David said something that made me sad. He asked my age, then told me his age, then said, “Freddie, you know all our lives we have been fighting to change Guyana. I am in my sixties, and still fighting. Is it really worth it?

I’m not sure!

PAGE 28

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

“The Enmore Five did not die in vain” Thursday June 16, 2016 marked the 68th anniversary of the slaying of the Enmore Martyrs, the five sugar workers – Pooran, Surujballi, Rambarran, Harry and Lallabagee - who were killed in 1948 by colonial police.

They were protesting, struggling for better working and living conditions, for civil and human rights.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo delivered a stirring message at the Enmore Martyrs Monument.

This is an abridged version “In 1948 the Enmore Martyrs were claiming the right to better their conditions of work and to join a trade union of their choice. It then became evident that the fight for industrial rights was linked to the fight for political rights, i.e. to have universal adult suffrage, selfgovernment and ultimately, independence.

Today they represent the fire at the top of the mountain that has led the way for an entire generation of freedom

fighters. It was their act of rebellion, their act of revolt, their act of defiance that entered them into the annals of Guyanese history, and influenced the actions of successive generations of men and women.

It must be of great comfort to their descendants that the Enmore Five did not die in vain. Their efforts paved the way for improved working conditions in the sugar industry, as well as in other sectors of the economy.

Their struggle resulted in statutory recognition of all trade unions, in collective bargaining for better wages and benefits with employers, and a broad menu of labour laws that regulate wages, holidays with pay, termination

of employment, old age pension, national insurance and social benefits.

The 1948 sacrifice ignited the fire that led to Independence from Great Britain; to Republican status; to Constitutional Reforms that enshrined superior rights for all working people in our multi-ethnic, plural society.

Our entire history has been one of struggle, from slavery through indentureship, in colonial as well as post-colonial times.

While our country has not yet found the answers to all of our social and economic issues, Guyana still has come a far way.

We know, however, that central to all we did, all we are doing and will do, sugar is the one constant. In 1636 there were about 400 sugar plantations. This was reduced to 238 in 1829. After free labour under slavery ended and the planters had to find paid, immigrant labour, there were widespread plantation closures.

By 1922 the amount of

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo laying a wreath at the Enmore Martyrs Monument sugar estates reduced to 39 then to 18 by 1967 and 11 in 1976. In 1978 it came down to 10. In 1986/7 the Leonora and Houston/Diamond factories were closed followed by the LBI factory in 2011.

This year GuySuCo plans to complete the merger of the LBI factory operations with Enmore, and the Wales factory operations with Uitvlugt.

This will reduce the number of factories to 7.

GuySuCo has explained that the cost of producing sugar has risen because both the Wales and Enmore factories were grinding at half capacity.

Here was the rationale: The cost of producing sugar at the Demerara estates rose from US30 cents (G$60.00) per pound before 2011 to US54 cents (G$108.00) in 2013. The selling price on the world market was US16 cents (G$32.00) per pound.

The sugar industry as a business has been making tremendous losses. In order to survive, it cannot rely on sugar alone.

DIVERSIFICATION The plan to diversify production in the sugar belt started to gain traction in the mid 1980’s. There were plans for other crops, for fish farms, for a dairy industry. The other option was privatization, and Booker Tate was brought back to prepare the industry for this.

Either way, diversification or privatization, employment in the sugar industry would be affected.

No one wanted, then or

now, to put any sugar worker out of work. However, we are at a crucial crossroad; we will be damned if we don’t do anything and damned if we do something.

But doing nothing will spell disaster.

This is the substance of the Inquiry into the sugar Industry which was commissioned in July 2015.

The Report is now before the Economic Services Committee of the National Assembly and we hope that all parties would consider the recommendations.

The 2015 COI has warned that if steps are not taken soon, not only will sugar perish, it could take the entire economy down with it!

Similarly, 20 years ago, advisers to the National Development Strategy (NDS) warned that the high cost of employment in the sugar industry was destined to bring the industry down.

GuySuCo was (and still is) running on credit. The sugar debt rose from $55.3 Billion in 1991 to $91 billion in 2006 and in 2014, it was $118 Billion.

Several strategic reviews and turn-around plans were proposed that promoted modernization and mechanization and the construction of a new factory at Skeldon. Guyana pumped some $50 Billion into the Skeldon factory which in 2016 is unable to heal the paralysis in the sugar industry. It is on life-support.

Every year since 2011, Parliament has voted for huge bailout packages. About $60 Billion from the National Treasury has been diverted to

pay wages to GuySuCo’s workers. In the last two budgets the Coalition Government allocated $21 Billion to bail the industry out.

There is no doubt that we must keep the best lands under sugarcane production but we must begin to manufacture value-added products like ethanol, refined and packaged sugar and larger amounts of molasses for the alcohol industry and export market.

We must modernize the factories to produce at lower costs. We must include peasant cane-farmers and agro-processors in any plan to divest sugar lands.

Today, with a new vision, we have to be bold and courageous like the Enmore Martyrs. My ancestors first arrived in British Guiana from South India in 1847. I was born here, on this soil, 100 years later. It is in their name, and due to the sacrifice of the Martyrs that I embrace this new vision.

My Government is ready to transform the sugar industry, to diversify plantation lands, and open up new opportunities in the sugar belt.

GuySuCo has a new board and it must intensify consultations with workers and related organisations.

We will find consensus on the new direction.

Today I invite all stakeholders – workers, unions, the political opposition, entrepreneurs and investors – to be part of this new vision, to be part of this new, vibrant Guyana!”

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

My column

The police have their work cut out The jubilee is over, but there were things that lingered. One of them is the focus on the government. In the run-up to the jubilee there was a focus on the things being uncovered by the forensic audits. There were gross irregularities, monumental embarrassments, and a casual display of irresponsibility when it came to public funds.

The wider public read about these things and wondered about the absence of prosecution. Deputy Chef de Mission of the United States embassy, Bryan Hunt, openly said that there should be prosecutions. He posited that if he were to fiddle with state funds and get away with it, then there was nothing to stop his successors from doing the same.

With this in mind, I opted to ask the government spokesman about the apparent absence of prosecutions given the findings of the audit. I learnt that the auditors may find something that may not necessarily be enough for a prosecution; that the police would then have to pick up where the auditors left off.

They are going to have to look for the details that would support prosecution.

I can understand that, but what I cannot understand is the length of time it is going to take the police to put the pieces together. I know that they are not heavy on resources. They have had to be involved in so many investigations.

The investigators are people who may not have finished at the top of their schools’ academic list. Had they done much better they would not have been in the police force, although there are people who did very well academically and who have opted to join the police force.

These are the people who have to undertake the criminal investigations, and there have been many. For one, there have been so many robberies (and high profile ones at that) that the police had their resources stretched very thin.

There was the robbery on the Princess Hotel Casino.

Fortunately, one of the perpetrators was captured and so paved the way for the arrest of the others. But there were other robberies that

tested the police. There was the faked robbery by a group of security guards. The police solved that one rather quickly, but again, manpower was demanded.

There were the cold cases that defied the odds. Six years earlier a woman named Babita Sarjou was killed. Her killers almost escaped because the police failed to find a clue. In comes the new breed of investigators, and in a flash, they cracked that case. All the while the forensic audits were being released.

It is against this background that the public wants the government to hurry up and add the finishing touches to the audit findings. Here I sympathise with the police, who I am sure do not have too many people with accounting skills. This is where Mathematics is so important.

All too often I run into people who say that they did not do well at Maths. These are people who are reporters, nurses, clerks, lawyers and of course, policemen. Some contend that they do not need Mathematics to do their job, but this is where they are wrong. The policemen who

are being called on to unravel the findings of the forensic audits now realize this.

Of course, I developed an even greater respect for the police when they kept the jubilee celebrations crimefree. I would say about 20,000 Guyanese who live overseas actually came home. They had come with the knowledge that Guyana was crime-infested.

For them to go back home without encountering any criminal activity must have done wonders with their heads.

Meanwhile, this brand new unit, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is not without resources. It is also an arm of the police. I have learnt that it has people who are good at deciphering figures, and they have already identified people who should be charged.

I now ask myself what might have happened if there was no change in Government. Mr Bryan Hunt identified the good things that the previous government did—and there were many.

However, when I see how much was pilfered from the treasury, I wonder about the level of development that the

nation missed.

One thing I hear people saying is that the economy has slowed; that no one is doing business. This is not true. There may not be many home constructions at this time, because those who were using the extra money they have, are now being ultracautious.

It could be that the antimoney laundering laws have got some of them very nervous. There have been people smuggling funds out of the country by way of jewellery. These would have been the people who used the money they got to keep doing things that made it seem as if the economy was doing so well.

The Central Bank says that the economy is doing well enough; the car dealers say that they are not doing badly and the business places say that shopping has not dropped so much. The job

Adam Harris market has not grown that much, although during the run-up to the jubilee, there were many working at the lower level of the society.

These were the people who cleaned the streets and avenues, built the stands at the D’Urban Park Jubilee Park, and who sold the momentos that the visitors simply gobbled up.

The government is riding on a high, but those disclosures by the audits must be acted on.

PAGE 30

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

The five challenges of Independence (Part 1) (Address by His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at the Dinner in honour of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, in New York) Guyana – a land of lakes, forests, mountains, mudflats, rivers, savannahs and waterfalls – is ours by birthright. Guyana belongs to every Guyanese, regardless of religion or race. Guyana is ours to own, control, develop and bequeath to future generations.

The words of our inspirational patriotic song: ‘Song of Guyana’s Children’ remind us that we were: “Born in the land of the mighty Roraima, Land of great rivers and far stretching sea, So like the mountain, the sea and the river, great, wide and deep in our lives would we be.”

Guyana was a colony of two empires for almost three hundred and fifty years. The Dutch Empire was the first to occupy our country and established the colonies of Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara.

The three colonies were eventually

ceded to the British Empire in 1814 and were united in 1831. It took 152 years of British rule before Guyanese finally won their freedom on 26th May 1966.

Our forebears came from the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe and encountered the indigenous people of the continent of South America. They laid the foundation for creating a unique, new nation. They yearned for freedom.

Some died for freedom.

Guyanese today are free, but that freedom had to be fought for. It was bought by the struggle and sacrifice of our forebears. Independence won for us the right we enjoy today to exercise sovereignty over our country.

Independence was the culmination of the historic quest for freedom from enslavement, indentureship and exploitation. The struggle for freedom was long and hard and the achievement of Independence was not a triumph of one person’s or one party’s will, but of the work of many people.

Independence was won in the minds of all those Guyanese for whom the flame of freedom never dimmed and whose ardour never diminished. It was won because of the spirit of resistance of our martyrs – labourers, peasants, workers and political leaders.

We, Guyanese, today, pay homage to our ancestors whose

resistance and rebellion reinforced their resolve to confront the greatest of adversities and overcome their most dangerous adversaries.

We, Guyanese, pay homage to all those who were part of this struggle.

We recall the martyrs of the Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo revolts during the dark era of enslavement.

We recall the martyrs of the protests at Leonora, Devonshire Castle, Rose Hall, Ruimveldt and Enmore during and after the era of indentureship. We recall the labours of our leaders which eventuated in national Independence.

The Union flag was lowered on 25th May 1966. The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted. Some celebrated. Some sulked.

The symbols, the parades and fireworks were necessary signs of nationhood.

They were not sufficient to transform a dependent colony into an ‘independent’ new nation. We needed to do more.

Guyana, at ‘dayclean’ on the morning 26th May 1966, was not a different place: - The Governor General of the new state was a foreigner; - The Governor of the Bank of Guyana; - The Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force; - The Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force; - The Vice-Chancellor of the

President David Granger University of Guyana; - The Bishops of the Anglican and Roman Churches; - The directors of the bauxite and sugar industries and of the banks … were all foreigners.

We are reminded of the deadly declaration of Lieutenant General Emile Janssens, Commander-in-Chief of the Force Publique in Congo. Congo was granted ‘independence’ on 30th June 1960. General Janssens, six days afterwards, summoned the noncommissioned officers and wrote on a blackboard the notorious words: ‘Avant

l’indépendance égal après l’indépendance.’ The Force Publique mutinied. The rest is history.

Janssens’ words continue to echo through the decades. They remind us of the need to ensure that Independence must mean that we cannot forever expect to be dependent on others to develop our country. Guyana’s road to Independence was not an easy one.

Consider the fact that 18 regiments of the British Army had to be deployed to British Guiana between 1953 and 1966.

Consider the road taken by former British colonies – Bangladesh, Cyprus, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and Uganda – since their Independence.

Consider the fact that Guyana was born broken. The colony had survived the deadly ‘Disturbances’ of 1964 in which scores were murdered, thousands had become internal refugees and communities were deeply divided.

The Independence constitution talks were boycotted.

Independence ‘celebrations’ were discouraged and the new National Assembly was shunned. Symbols of nationhood were disparaged. The omens were not good. The effects of political damage are still visible.

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It is a very common disease and is on the World Health Organization (WHO) watch list as a disease that will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.

In people with COPD, the airways (the branching tubes that carry air within the lungs) become narrow and damaged.

This makes people feel out of breath and tired.

COPD can be a serious illness. It cannot be cured and it usually gets worse over time. But there are treatments that can help.

You might have heard COPD referred to as “chronic bronchitis” or “emphysema.”

These are types of COPD. WHY DID I GET COPD? The most common cause of COPD is smoking. Smoke can damage the lungs forever and cause COPD. People can also get COPD from breathing in toxic fumes or gases or environmental exposures over time.

Consistent exposure to mosquito coils, pesticides/ insecticides, chemicals in industrial work, indoor air pollution etc., can lead to lung damage and subsequently COPD. In rare cases, COPD is caused by a genetic problem.

A blood test can check for this.

WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COPD? At first, COPD often causes no symptoms. As it gets worse it can make you: * Feel short of breath, especially when you are moving around * Wheeze (make a

whistling or squeaking noise as you breathe) * Cough and spit up phlegm (mucus) People who have had COPD for a while are also at increased risk for: * Infections, such as pneumonia * Lung cancer * Heart problems

pneumonia can be very hard on your lungs. It’s important to try to prevent them. * Avoid air pollutants!

Ensure that you are not constantly in environments where chemicals are used or released. Even in the home, excess inhalation of biomass fuel gas can lead to lung damage and COPD.

IS THEREA TEST FOR COPD? Yes. Your doctor can give you a test called “spirometry” to check for COPD. During spirometry, you take a deep breath and then blow out as fast and hard as you can into a tube. A machine connected to the tube measures how much air you can blow out of your lungs and how fast you can blow.

If the results of your spirometry are not normal, you will get a medicine in an inhaler to see if your breathing gets better. Then after a few minutes, you will repeat the spirometry. This will help the doctor or nurse find out if your problem is caused by COPD or another lung problem, such as asthma.

People with asthma usually get normal results after they use an inhaler. People with COPD do not.

HOW IS COPD TREATED? There are 4 main types of treatment for COPD: * Medicines – There are a lot of medicines to treat COPD. Most people use inhalers that help open up

IS THEREANYTHING I CAN DO TO FEEL BETTER? Yes. Here are 2 important things you should do: * STOP SMOKING! If you smoke, the most important thing you can do for your COPD is to stop smoking. It does not matter how long you have smoked or how much you smoke.

Quitting will slow your disease and help you feel better. * Get the flu shot annually, and the pneumonia vaccine at least once.

Infections like the flu and

their airways or decrease swelling in the airways. Often people need more than one inhaler at a time.

You might need to take a steroid medicine in a pill for a flare of COPD. This steroid medicine is not the kind that athletes take to build up muscle. * Oxygen – If the disease gets worse, you might need to use oxygen. Your doctor can test your blood oxygen to see if you need this. * Pulmonary rehab – In pulmonary rehab, you learn to improve their symptoms in new ways. You learn exercises and ways to breathe

that can help ease symptoms.

Even if you don’t do a pulmonary rehab program, staying active can help your breathing. * Surgery – rarely, people with severe COPD will have surgery to remove the most damaged parts of their lung.

This surgery can reduce symptoms, but it does not always work Breathing clean air is your best bet against becoming a COPD victim.

This should start at home where the prevention of pollutants use and adequate ventilation should be encouraged.

Dr. Zulfikar Bux

PAGE 32

SUNDAY SPECIAL GRENADE ATTACK ON KN…COPS DETAIN ANOTHER SUSPECT AS PROBE INTENSIFIES Police detained another suspect in last week’s brazen grenade attack on Kaieteur News, even as they spread the dragnet further to capture the main perpetrators.

Among those still at large is 20-year-old Shemar Wilson, called ‘Abdue,’ for whom police issued a wanted bulletin.

Wilson is said to be from Lot 43 North Sophia, Georgetown, and from Lot 51 West La Penitence, Georgetown. Police are said to be also looking for a close associate of Wilson’s.

NDIA HANDLED $12B IN FOUR YEARS; BUT HAD ONLY ONE INTERNALAUDITOR The state-run National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) reportedly spent over $12B in capital and revenue expenditures over the past four years but its Internal Audit Unit had only one person to monitor how monies were spent.

The report flagged the erroneous reporting of the Internal Auditor to the CEO who “showed little or no interest in the internal controls, generally. This was evidenced by the multiple breaches identified in this report.”

The forensic audit was one of several ordered last year into the operations of state agencies, after the David Granger government took office in May. Auditors found that NDIA never prepared its own accounts since it was incorporated by the Act of Parliament in the mid-2000s.

PPP/C GOV’T WAS DECEITFUL ON TRUE COST OF HOPE CANAL PROJECT Former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said in April 2015, during a brief interview, that he was unable to release the details about the final cost of the Hope Canal Project but insisted that the project was within its estimated budget – $3.6B. However, a forensic audit into the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) revealed that the cost for the project was actually over $4.1 Billion.

Dr. Ramsammy had stated that he was very happy that the project was finally completed and had emphasised that it was another testimony of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s commitment to deliver on its prom-

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

ises to the citizens of Guyana.

The Hope Canal Project was approved in 2009 but actual works began in 2010. After being plagued by years of delay, the project was finally completed in May 2015.

killer knew his victim and feared that the man would have recognized him.

He also told detectives that he had once worked as a labourer near to his victim’s home.

He was also aware that Baljit slept at night with his bedroom window open.

MONDAY EDITION

TUESDAY EDITION

GRENADEATTACK ON KAIETEUR NEWS…MAN WHO DELIVERED GRENADE CAPTURED

PARKING METER COMPANY SUBMITS FAKE MANHATTAN ADDRESS

Police have reportedly made a major breakthrough in their investigations into the grenade attack on Kaieteur News, with the arrest of a man that is believed to have handed over the fragmentation grenade and cash to the individuals who threw the device.

While investigators are reluctant to say much about the case, Kaieteur News was told that the individual was taken into custody Saturday. An individual who had borrowed the car that was used in the attack is also said to be among those detained. This would reportedly bring to three the number of suspects in custody.

Kaieteur News was told that investigators will approach the Police Legal Advisor for guidance on the possibility of laying charges against two of the suspects.

SOESDYKE MECHANIC’S MURDER…GIRLFRIEND LURES KILLER TO SEAWALLS FOR COPS Thinking that he was meeting his girlfriend, a 25-year-old man who had killed mechanic Pooran Baljit during a robbery rushed to the Georgetown seawalls on Saturday, only to find that he had a ‘date’ with the cops instead.

Police had been on the trail of the unemployed Timehri Squatting area man, who was the prime suspect in the murder of 25-yearold Baljit, who was stabbed to death in the bedroom of his Lot 57 Madewini, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara home.

Police said that after his arrest, the unemployed labourer admitted to killing Baljit, who had awoken to find him burglarising his home.

Police have recovered a mobile phone that the suspect dropped at the scene, as well as a bloodstained jersey belonging to the killer.

On Saturday, the suspect also took them to an area where he had concealed a bag with the murder weapon and a toque mask.

Detectives confirmed that the suspect sustained cuts to his right hand when Baljit awoke and put up a desperate fight for his life.

Kaieteur News understands that the alleged

A company that has been chosen to introduce parking meters in the city is starting off with question marks. The Mayor and City Councillors (M&CC) of Georgetown remain divided over the issue.

The company, “National Parking Systems” (NPS) is collaborating with another one - Smart City Solutions Inc.- to install solar-powered parking meters in critical areas in Georgetown.

However, there is critically little information available about NPS and its partner.

There have been no public consultations on the introduction of parking meters, which are proposed to see drivers pay up to $500 per hour.

The city is reportedly getting 20 percent of the fees.

Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, has already expressed misgivings about the two companies saying he was not consulted and that he had little information to work with.

The announcement of the parking meter project was made recently by M&CC’s Town Clerk, Royston King, who said that since November, the city had signed a contract with Smart City Solutions Inc. That company has invested tens of millions of dollars in preparatory works, including bringing engineers from its headquarters to determine traffic volume and occupancy, M&CC said.

It was announced Sunday at an M&CC meeting, that Mayor,

Patricia Chase-Green; Town Clerk, Royston King and Councillors, Junior Garrett, and Oscar Clarke, have travelled to Mexico to speak with the parking meter authorities there.

NPS itself seems to have very little information known.

Its listed address on its website, www.npsgreatcities.com, is 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016.

A staffer of Kaieteur News Sunday paid a visit to the building where that address is located. It is in a very upscale part of Manhattan where the rent is extremely high. The building that NPS claims as its address rents office space.

In the lobby area, officials there were very emphatic that no company named National Parking Systems has an office there. ”We don’t know if they plan to come here in the future…but we don’t know any company of that name.”

There is no website that could be found (Continued on page 33)

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

(From page 32) relating to Smart City Solutions Inc., the company that NPS and its Chairman, Ifa Kamau Cush, is partnering with.

Rather, the website www.npsgreatcities.com seemed as if it copied wholesale from others. There were a number of glaring examples of this.

GRENADE ATTACK ON KN…ONE WANTED MAN SURRENDERS, OTHER STILLAT LARGE A prime suspect in the grenade attack on Kaieteur News has surrendered to police, just a few hours after lawmen posted a wanted bulletin for him.

Joniel Howard, 30, called ‘JP’, turned himself in to ranks at the Ruimveldt Police Station Sunday evening.

A bulletin issued for Howard earlier in the day stated that the Lot 322 Section ‘C’, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown suspect was “wanted by the police for questioning in relation to ‘attempting to cause explosion,’ which occurred on June 06, 2016, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

But police are still to capture 20-year-old Shemar Wilson, called ‘Abdue’, for whom they issued a bulletin last Friday.

The fugitive is from Lot 43 North Sophia, Georgetown, and Lot 51 West La Penitence.

Police have stated that he was “wanted for questioning in relation to ‘attempting to cause explosion,’ which occurred on June 06, 2016, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts may contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-227, 225-8196, 2271149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest Police Station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Among the suspects now in custody is an individual who allegedly handed over money and the fragmentation grenade to the individuals who threw the device near to the vehicle of Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall.

He was detained on Sunday.

The suspect was implicated in a number of armed robberies, including one that was carried out at a private hospital in 2007. He escaped injury in 2009 when individuals shot at a vehicle he was driving. He reportedly traveled frequently to Suriname.

An individual who had borrowed the car that was used in the attack is also said to be among those detained.

But police say that they still don’t know for certain who gave the order for the attack.

ESTRANGED WIFE, SON REPORT DOCTOR FOR EXPIRED DRUGS, REAGENTS IN BOND Businesswoman, Cheryl Bassoo, is accusing her estranged husband and prominent Biochemist, Dr. Errol Bassoo, of malpractice at his laboratory at Cove and John on the East Coast of Demerara.

The woman told media operatives that she is part owner of the lab and had recently stumbled upon several irregularities at the facility.

She continued that having her name alongside her husband’s on the legal documents will prove detrimental to her, should the authorities discover the expired drugs and reagents that the Doctor currently has within their facility — Multitech Reference Laboratory.

Hence, she would like to distance herself from any negative spinoffs that may occur.

Dr. Bassoo also operates a medical School – Toucan University— which is also situated

at the same Cove and John location. Students supposedly utilise the same laboratory to carry out their studies.

The man’s wife said that she was with her son, Chris Bassoo, at the storeroom picking up supplies and noticed a stack of boxes on the western side of the bond. Upon investigating, she found that there were over a 100 cases of expired Metformin tablets and other drugs. She subsequently informed her son about what she had discovered.

Chris Bassoo immediately began taking photographs of the drugs.

He stated that since the lab can be accessed from the bond, he conducted a search of the facility and discovered vials of reagents that were years passed their expiry dates. Also, he stated that expired reagents were stocked in the lab’s cool storage under the caption, “In Use”.

The son said that he was “shocked” to see how old the reagents were. One had the year 2003 on it, he said. A report was made to the Food and Drug Department. He was subsequently referred to the Ministry of Public Health where he spoke to Shivanand Geer, the Acting Registrar of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board who invited Chris Bassoo to “come over”.

Chris Bassoo said that he was told by Geer that an inspection will be conducted the following day however — according to Bassoo, Geer along with another individual showed up some two days later where a ten-minute inspection was conducted. ”During the inspection I filmed everything and after it (the inspection) was completed, I asked him if it was serious and he said, ‘It was very serious,’ and he left.”

WEDNESDAY EDITION PAC FAR TOO TIMID IN PURSUING FRAUD, PROTECTING STATE ASSETS – CHRIS RAM The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) represents one of the most essential mechanisms of the Parliament which ensures the culpability of public money. It does this by scrutinizing the Auditor General’s Reports

which speak to how budgeted monies have been used by Ministries, Divisions, Corporations and other Independent and Semi-Autonomous bodies for a specified year.

However, many critics are of the view that the PAC has failed in its job to properly pursue areas of fraud and protect state assets when abuses by certain entities are highlighted by Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, in his reports.

One such critic is Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram. In an invited comment, the attorney-at-law stated that with respect to the audit reports coming under its purview, “the Public Accounts Committee has been far too timid to pursue the question of fraud, internal audits, and the protection of state assets.”

Ram added, “I am not satisfied that a parttime PAC can do the job in a corruption-tainted country, and it seems to me that their powers need to be expanded, and they need to be supported by a full-time, well-resourced secretariat.”

Furthermore, the PAC has been struggling for various reasons when it comes to the establishment of the crucial Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

In fact, the PAC is still at the same stage now in the Eleventh Parliament as it was in the Tenth, and that is at the selection of suitable persons for the Commission and the perusal of their applications.

Ram, like others, is disappointed with this state of affairs.

He is of the view that there does not seem to be any will or urgency in setting up the PPC, although it is a mandatory obligation set out in the Constitution.

However, after months of delays, the Public Accounts Committee appears to be making some headway when it comes to the establishment of the Commission.

This is according to PAC Chairman, Irfaan Ali. In a brief interview with this newspaper, Ali expressed that the committee has received a number of nominations and the applications of those individuals are currently being reviewed by a subcommittee. The two-member subcommittee includes Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence and the PAC Chairman.

He is hopeful that a shortlist of persons who best qualify to hold the post of Commis-

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sioners can be produced by June month-end.

‘CRIME CHIEF’DALEANDREWS LAID TO REST It was a fitting send-off for a man who lived as a larger than life character in the eyes of the many who interacted with him.

A veteran in the local journalistic field, Assistant Editor Dale ‘Crime Chief’ Andrews was laid to rest Monday while crowds gathered to say farewell.

Among those paying tribute during the service at the Trinity Methodist Church on High and D’Urban Streets were Vice President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall, as well as Veteran broadcaster and Andrews’ former colleague Francis Quamina Farrier.

Describing him as fearless and passionate in the work he did, Nagamootoo lauded Dale for persevering in a profession that is at times extremely dangerous. ”Adam said that Dale had presented him with his l a s t s t o r y t h a t h e r a n , ” Nagamootoo said. “But that was not his final story. Today is the last story. Dale Andrews interrupted a session of the Cabinet and he took away the chairperson to be here to say a few words.” ”I knew Dale Andrews. He became a reporter when I became a Minister in 1992. He developed into an investigator with a particular flair and appearance that linked him to crime fighting. But I know he has been a dedicated journalist.”

In an emotional tribute, Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall made it clear that with the loss of Dale Andrews, the country had lost someone who went out of his way to help others and play a role in developing an entire nation.

The Publisher, whose vehicle was targeted in a botched grenade attack on the night of the first wake held for Andrews, exuded fortitude as he called for Guyana to look for “more Dale Andrews”. He queried whether anyone was ready to take up the mantle of what Andrews stood for. ”The guy never stayed home. On his day off, he would walk into the office and sit down there. That was the passion, the loyalty, the (Continued on page 34)

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Sunday June 19, 2016

(From page 33) dedication that Dale had for Journalism.”

A man who frequently clashed with Andrews in the Kaieteur News newsroom, Editor in Chief Adam Harris eulogized his fallen colleague.

He spoke of Andrews’ dogged determination to always see a story through and also revealed the final hours of Andrews’ life, when he delivered a story almost with his dying breath.

Andrews was later interred at Le Repentir Cemetery.

EDUCATION MINISTRY SHUTS BRICKDAM SECONDARY DOORS ….TRANSFER LETTERS ISSUED TO TEACHERS, STUDENTS As part of the Ministry of Education’s plan to address the situation at the beleaguered Brickdam Secondary School, the ministry has decided to issue letters of transfer to the effect that teachers and students report to different secondary institutions, starting today.

Monday, ministry officials held a meeting with the teachers at 13:00 hours when they informed them of the decision.

Later in the day, at 16:30 hours, the same officials held a meeting at Saint Stanislaus College with the parents where they were then notified.

A parent speaking with this newspaper expressed that the plan may eventually lead to the break-up of the institution. She finds the move suspicious since only a few more weeks are left in the school term. They were told to uplift their letters of transfer today.

According to the information received, it had been suggested to the Ministry of Education that the students and staff be relocated to either Saint Stanislaus on Brickdam or Enterprise Primary School in D’Urban Backlands as a temporary solution, while a permanent fix is put in place.

Last Monday teachers of Brickdam Secondary stood firm in their position not to give instruction to the students of the institution.

They had been engaged in a sit-in protest since last Friday against the life-threatening and unhealthy conditions which they along with students are forced to work in daily.

Sentiments expressed to Kaieteur News upon visiting the institution on Monday last alluded to the fact that the school has reached a point whereby it is no longer conducive for learning.

This publication was prevented from entering the building but was approached by a representative of the staff who thereafter expressed the collective grievances.

It was highlighted, that there are only two washrooms available for the staff of 25 to use.

There are only four usable washrooms available for the some 400 students. This represents a ratio of 100 to one.

The individual declared the building unfit for learning since there is not a single classroom for teaching. Classes are reportedly separated by blackboards. The staff member commented that the washrooms designated for students are tainted with offensive odours and are clogged with sewage.

THURSDAY EDITION THREE REMANDED FOR KAIETEUR NEWS GRENADEATTACK Three men were on Wednesday remanded to prison when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer a charge in relation to a grenade attack on Kaieteur News which occurred on June 4, last.

Alfie Garraway, 36, of Norton Street,

Joneil Howard

Alfie Garraway

Leroy Williams

Lodge, Georgetown; Joneil Howard, 20, of Lot 322 Section ‘C’ Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara; and Leroy Williams, 25, of Lot 11 Durban Backlands, Georgetown were not required to plead to the indictable charge.

It is alleged that on June 4, last, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, they unlawfully and maliciously conspired together with other persons to cause explosion by way of grenade likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property. The men had no legal representation.

Howard surrendered to police shortly after a wanted bulletin was posted for him.

According to reports, on the day in question, a security staffer heard an unusual sound near the vehicle of publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, which was parked on the western side of Saffon Street. On checking the front of the vehicle, the staffer spotted the grenade lying near one of the front tyres.

This act of terror against the media house has been condemned by many including the Government of Guyana.

Video footage from the company’s CCTV cameras showed a grey vehicle slowing as it approached Mr. Lall’s vehicle. The driver accelerated after the explosive device was thrown.

Garraway- a trader; Howard- a labourer and Williams a clothes vendor will make their next court appearance on July 7, when the matter will be called for reports.

Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones, strongly opposed bail for the trio citing the gravity of the charge and penalty attached to the offence. The Prosecutor indicated that police have completed their investigations in the matter.

cifically with regards to the timely submission of information that had been requested. ”I think we had overcome that hurdle. The authority is moving in another direction. The Board is preparing to hear a major presentation this month end on the way forward. As you know we have many schemes, and many unfinished infrastructure and ongoing works.

We must have a clear vision and plan going forward.”

That plan is to be submitted to Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, before it goes to Cabinet for considerations.

in going the diplomatic route. Harmon undertook that task.

Dr. Odle said that NICIL suspected that Datang presented Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, with fake documents. This would have happened during the controversial trip that Harmon made to China a few months ago.

CH&PA CHIEF QUITS AMIDST GROWING QUESTIONS It appears that growing questions about the operations at Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) have spurred Myrna Pitt, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)’s decision to leave the entity.

On Wednesday, Chairman, Hamilton Green, disclosed that Pitt submitted a letter on Tuesday to signal her intentions not to seek a renewal of her contract which expired since last month.

Pitt, who has served as CEO of that critical government agency for over a decade, is expected to leave by July 13.

Green disclosed that indeed members of the Board of Directors have been expressing “disquiet” over the performance of Pitt, spe-

SALE OF 20% GT&T SHARES…NICIL SUSPECTS CHINESE BUYER PRODUCED FAKE DOCUMENTS The Board of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is still trying to understand the controversy surrounding the sale of government’s 20 percent shares in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company in all its components.

NICIL Chairman, Dr. Maurice Odle, told Kaieteur News that there is much to comprehend about the entire deal that seems to be growing more and more complicated.

He said that NICIL is currently in the process of trying to verify the veracity of a claim made by Hong Kong Golden Telecom to the effect that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government granted a US$5M waiver.

Hong Kong Telecom is said to be a subsidiary of Datang Telecom International Technology (Hong Kong) Company Limited, which is wholly owned by Datang Telecom International Technology Co., Ltd., PR China. Datang Telecom International Technology Co., Ltd. is listed as a second tier subsidiary in the Datang Group of Companies.

On August, 24, 2012, Hong Kong Golden Telecom bought Government’s 20 percent shareholding in GTT that was being managed

by NICIL. The sale was negotiated at a price of US$30M. However it was done on a hire purchase.

NICIL’s then Director, Winston Brassington, had agreed that the company would have paid US$25M at the time of the sale then to pay a remaining US$5M two years later. The remaining money was never paid.

The new government soon realized that its hands were tied in trying to receive the money as Brassington agreed for the UK courts to settle any financial matters.

Dr. Odle said that it was in an effort to avoid spending huge sums in the courts, NICIL decided to ask government to intervene

PARKING METER FIASCO…CITY MAYOR, TOWN CLERK REMAIN DEFIANT ON DEAL -BULKAN WANTS MORE DETAILS As top city officials remain in Mexico on a controversial trip, Government on Wednesday said that it is seeking a briefing on the plans to implement parking meters in Georgetown.

City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, Town Clerk Royston King; and Councillors, Oscar Clarke and Junior Garrett; are all in Mexico to learn about parking meters and other “innovations” to improve traffic management in the city.

However, the parking meter plans have been shrouded in controversy as the Mayor and City Councillors have remained divided on the issue. There have been no details on who funded the Mexico trip, among other things.

The Town Clerk has, since late last year, reportedly signed an agreement with Smart City Solutions which is partnering with National Parking Systems (NPS) to introduce the meters.

According to details, M&CC will be receiving a 20 percent cut in the parking fees which could see vehicles being charged up to $500 per hour.

It is unclear what criteria were used by King and his advisors to arrive at the 20 percent and what impact a parking meter system will have on the city.

There have been little details with the deal signed with some M&CC officials complaining that they have not even seen the contract.

Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, is demanding answers, saying that his research could find little details about NPS, owned by Guyana-born Ifa Kamau Cush, and its partner, Smart City Solutions.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, disclosed that the parking meter deal has been engaging his attention. ”I am aware that there are concerns by a number of Councillors in the Georgetown Municipality. They claimed that they have been asked to endorse or ratify an agreement or a (Continued on page 35)

Sunday June 19, 2016

(From page 34) contract that was entered into a long time ago for which they have not been provided sufficient details.”

In fact, Bulkan said, the Councillors have reported that they have not been given the contract. This is an unsatisfactory state of affairs because of the implications and there is the potential for a fall-out on M&CC if the implementation is going to take place under their watch.

FRIDAY EDITION THOSE WHO STOLE STATE RESOURCES MUST BE PROSECUTED – US ENVOY URGES …SAYS FINDINGS OF FORENSIC AUDIT REPORTS ARE “ALARMING” ”If I as a public servant can dip into the US Department of Treasury, then stick the money in my pocket, walk away and I am never penalized or convicted, then what’s to stop my colleagues from doing the same?”

This was the perspective posed by US envoy Bryan Hunt, as he sought to show how important it is for the Guyana Government to take action against those who stole or mismanaged state assets as documented in several forensic audit reports.

In an interview with this newspaper yesterday, Hunt said that he is indeed “alarmed” at the findings of the forensic audits which were launched by the coalition administration.

Hunt said that he is worried anytime he observes the level of deep-seated corruption and lack of procedures that apparently existed.

The Outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission, who has served in Guyana for three years, said that he is not going to take a view on who is responsible for the state of affairs. He

Kaieteur News

commented that that is for the courts and law enforcement officials to determine.

Hunt said, however, that the fact that the audits have unearthed so many irregularities is alarming to him, given that he represents a major international donor to Guyana. ”And I would hope it is alarming to every Guyanese taxpayer, because a lot of that is basically your money that went missing which should have been used appropriately to benefit the people,” the official added.

Hunt asserted that while Government needs to allow law enforcement to do their investigations, he is not suggesting in any way that the process of doing so needs to be rushed. The US diplomat said, “It has to be done systematically and the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) needs to do its investigations. We need to develop solid evidence that can successfully prosecute and convict those who were responsible for the irregularities and the missing money.”

Hunt added, “I mean, we love to use the word irregularities, but what we are really talking about is theft. We need to figure out who stole the money. We need to figure out where it is and prosecute those people and if you recover any money, then it is even better. I would love to see money brought back into the state treasury, but I think first and foremost you have got to convict those responsible. If you don’t, then there is no deterrent…”

CJIATHREATENS TO CANCEL C’BEAN AIRLINES’ LICENCE … OVER DUTY FREE LIQUOR QUARREL The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has threatened to cancel the operating licence of Trinidad-owned Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL), amidst growing complaints over duty free items being purchased in

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Trinidad.

PRESIDENT GRANGER SAYS ….I INTEND TO STAMP CORRUPTION OUT OF GOVT.

President David Granger Guyana, but not being allowed through the Twin-Island Republic.

CAL was written to this week by the airport corporation, with the Board of Directors now handling the issue, says Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. Patterson oversees the portfolio for air transportation in the country.

The matter, which has been simmering for a while now, spilled over recently when thousands of Guyanese from the diaspora returned home for the Jubilee celebrations.

Many of them were too happy to buy the El Dorado and XM rums at the CJIA duty free shops.

However, the operators have been complaining of a drop in business, especially for CAL passengers in-transiting in Trinidad and heading to New York.

Passengers from Guyana have been complaining over time that they are forced to deplane in Trinidad and go through security checks before continuing their journey.

They said that Trinidad authorities have been refusing them their liquor, claiming that it was over the quota, and in any case had not subjected to security checks.

On Thursday, Minister Patterson said that Government and CJIA have been engaging CAL on the issue for a while, but the situation has become worse, with growing complaints from passengers being noted. ”We have had complaints of angry passengers who broke the liquor bottles in Trinidad rather than to give it up. We have been requesting CAL to put some system in place where they either place the duty free items in the cargo or hold it for passengers until they reach their destination in North America.” ”It so happens, also, that the Guyana/ New York route is the most lucrative one for CAL. I understand that CJIA this week, after talks back and forth with the airline, have written them, and given them three weeks to fix the problem or a decision can be taken to review the landing rights permit.”

Trinidad airport authorities have been citing US air traffic regulations in their refusal of the duty free liquor.

The Minister noted that Guyanese have been suffering for some time now. ”This is an additional burden for Guyanese who are travelling with CAL. We are not asking for anything much, except for CAL to use an employee or two to fix this issue.”

Guyanese have been complaining about hassle at the Piarco International Airport in

President David Granger is determined to run the economic affairs of the country in an accountable and transparent manner. He insists that there is simply no room for corruption. In fact, the Head of State said that he intends to stamp it out of Government.

He made these remarks, among others, on the show, “The Public Interest,” during which he discussed the engagement of the Diaspora in Guyana’s economic advancement.

Granger said that his Government would be encouraged to offer some form of concession or incentive package to members of the Diaspora in order to encourage them to be part of plans for economic progression. He noted, however, that the shape and form the package might take has not been determined as yet. ”I have not committed myself to any concessions. But usually people search or ask for tax holidays; waivers on equipment and of course, the ability to repatriate their profits. I have no objections to those packages or to those items in packages, and we have offered those before to new companies.”

The Head of State said that he wants to give the potential investors from the Diaspora, a level playing field. In this regard, he asserted, “So nothing that is being offered to any foreign company would be denied to any Guyanese investor. At this point, no package is confirmed, but the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, is in negotiations with potential investors, and let us see what they are asking for.”

Granger suspects that the potential investors will obviously want access to land and other resources. He noted however that the investors must be committed to bringing items from the Diaspora such as transportation and of course, capital.

Kaieteur News asked the President whether the high crime rate and Guyana’s “third world systems of doing business” would serve as hindrances to his plans in this regard.

He responded, “I don’t know what you mean by high crime rate. Maybe it is too high for some people, but it has actually been lowered. It is 16 percent lower than what it was last year. There are some spectacular crimes like the grenade which was thrown at your publisher’s vehicle, but serious crime has actually reduced.”

MAN FINED FOR DEATH THREATS AGAINST JAGDEO, RAMOTAR AND OTHERS A 39-year-old self-professed coalition government supporter was on Thursday fined after he admitted to making death threats via Facebook to two former presidents, when he appeared before Chief M a g i s t r a t e Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

During the month of May, Tameshwar Beekham, of Corentyne, Berbice threatened, by way of writing on the social media platform, to murder Former Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, and People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s General Secretary Clement Rohee.

The farmer was remorseful for his action and was ordered to pay a fine of $75,000.

Failure to pay the fine will see him (Continued on page 36)

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Sunday June 19, 2016

Demerara, were convicted of robbing Pierre and her husband, Mohamed Chand, by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

The trio was also found guilty of unlawfully and maliciously wounding the Land Court Judge and her husband with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause them grievous bodily harm.

They were jointly charged with Premnauth Samaroo of Campbellville, G e o rg e t o w n a n d A n t h o n y D a v i d , o f Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

However, these two men had all the charges dismissed against them after the Magistrate found that there was insufficient evidence led to convict them for any of the offences.

The five men were all freed on a charge of discharging a loaded firearm at Ron Peters.

Sentencing for the convicts was deferred until July 23, after the Magistrate requested Prosecutor Nigel Hughes to report on whether they have antecedents.

(From page 35) spending six months in jail.

SATURDAY EDITION GOV’TAPPROVES COMMITTEE TO HEAR PUBLIC PROCUREMENT COMPLAINTS A special body that will hear complaints of breaches in the state’s tendering process is being established, Government announced Friday.

The three-man body had been one of the requirements laid out in the public procurement regulations, Minister of State Joseph Harmon explained.

The approval for a Bid Protest Committee

will come at a time when there have been delays for more than a decade and half now for the establishment of and appointment of members to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which is in limbo at Parliament.

There have been growing complaints of wrongdoing in the awards of contracts with little recourse for aggrieved bidders.

According to Minister Harmon, there have been concerns about the transparency of public contracts and the delayed Public Procurement Commission.

Last week, the Cabinet of Ministers received recommendations from Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, for the appointment of a Bid Protest Committee.

“This Bid Protest Committee is one of the

requirements laid out in the regulations for public procurement,” Harmon told reporters at the post-Cabinet press briefing Friday.

He said that the protest committee will deal with “alleged breaches of the Public Procurement Act by procuring entities”.

The committee will comprise three persons with a nominee of the Attorney General Chambers to be the Chairperson.

The other members are Archibald Clifton, a former senior manager of Guyana Te l e p h o n e a n d Te l e g r a p h C o m p a n y (GTT); Ewart Adams, an insurance official, and Colin Saul, a security company official.

Meanwhile, the PPC, when established, will monitor how state agencies, ministries, and regional councils procure goods and services and ensure that the process are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

THREE CONVICTED FOR ROBBING, WOUNDING LAND COURT JUDGE …TWO OTHERS FREED One of the country’s most talked about court cases came to an end yesterday. It was the case of the five men accused of robbing and wounding Land Court Judge, Nicola Pierre, at her home in the gated community of Felicity, East Coast Demerara.

Nicholas Narine; Damien Millington and Warren McKenzie all of Agricola, East Bank

FUTURE OF SPECIALTY HOSPITAL IN LIMBO AFTER WORLD BANK BLACKLISTS CONTRACTOR The future of a planned Specialty Hospital at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, has been thrown yet again into limbo, after the Indian government said it could not support a controversial contractor which was recently blacklisted by the World Bank.

The company, Fedders Lloyd Corporation Limited, an Indian contractor, was selected late last year by the coalition Government as the alternate contractor after the previous one, Surendra Engineering Company Limited, was fired in 2014.

Fedders Lloyd was the second most qualified bidders for the US$18M project that had been initiated by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government.

All seemed well with Fedders Lloyd and the Specialty Hospital contract until the World Bank debarred the company from participating in any work between April 6, 2016 and April 5, 2020.

On Friday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, disclosed that the Specialty Hospital issue was raised by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan on Tuesday during the weekly Cabinet meeting.

Sunday June 19, 2016

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COUNTRYMAN

Sunday June 19, 2016

- Stories about life in om and out of Guyana, fr ive a Guyanese perspect

A Salutation to Fathers who...

By

By Dennis Nichols Today is Father’s Day – a veritable afterthought to Mother ’s Day and its twenty-four hours of honour and homage; eulogies and encomiums. Mom is overwhelmed with roses, ribboned gifts, and

extravagant displays of love.

Dads do their part for beautiful and nurturing wives and mothers. Deep down though, stirrings of jealousy occasionally tug at the heartstrings because they feel that such expressions of affection will be muted when their day rolls around.

To love and be loved is a rg u a b l y t h e g r e a t e s t emotional need humans have. A family is supposed to cater to this need. Within the family unit it has traditionally been more the mother’s ‘role’ to express such emotional commitment. And just as

traditionally, the father is boxed in and settled in his part as a stern presence and discipline-enforcer-in-chief.

Poor dad! He couldn’t for a second appear weak, vulnerable, or teary-eyed.

But tradition is evolving, and dads are beginning to exhale.

My own father found it

difficult to do so, or maybe he just couldn’t find the time to be extrovertly affectionate. Wholly during Guyana’s colonial era, he worked as a school teacher and headmaster for forty years, without a break in service, while enduring almost daily headaches and related sinus problems.

When he did exhale, it was to a sudden, massive, but thankfully unprolonged heart attack.

This is a tribute to him, and to other fathers who …

Stay the course! (a) Although traditional marriage and family appear to be on the decline, aggravated by the absence of fathers and father figures, there are surprisingly still many men who wouldn’t dream of abandoning their children and/or spouse regardless of prevailing circumstances. These are men who place a premium on values like commitment and stability which are best instilled within the framework of a family unit or within a parent-child relationship, even outside of marriage Stay the course! (b) Like my dad, there are many fathers who realize that breadwinning is a noble and practical undertaking. And there is something definitely romantic about fulfilling an obligation to your family, especially with a domestic wife and young children to provide for. A father who measures commitment to work in terms of a corresponding commitment to family expresses a kind of love that is becoming increasingly rare and not easily recognized or appreciated; sometimes only after death.

Discipline their children!

Discipline, particularly in a country like Guyana is too often perceived as ‘licks’ with a tamarind switch, belt, or fist. But its spectrum is obviously much broader, and includes setting moral and spiritual examples, chiding, warning, (at times threatening, when it is warranted) and setting realistic boundaries for youngsters to explore within. When done thoughtfully, it is a kind of love that readily complements the normally more fervent and excitable

Dennis Nichols maternal sentiments.

Instill self-confidence in their children! Modesty and humility are pleasing qualities, but they are too often accompanied by doubt, fear, and unassertiveness. As a teacher, I observed marked differences between young children in the United States and the Bahamas on one hand, and Guyana on the other, in the way they related and interacted among themselves and with adults.

To o m a n y G u y a n e s e children grow up with low self-esteem, fueled by fear of expressing themselves with positivism and selfassurance. Fathers who themselves display these qualities are great role models for their children.

Aren’t afraid to display p u b l i c affection/compassion! At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, British 400metre runner Derek Redmond, favoured for the Gold, pulled a hamstring in the semi-finals and fell to his knee. But he got up and struggled on, hopping and grimacing in pain. A middleaged man suddenly ran on to the track. Brushing aside officials who tried to stop him, he held the athlete, now crying in anguish, and together they hobbled to the finish line just as the overwhelmed runner collapsed onto his shoulders.

That father-and-son drama has become one of the most iconic moments in Olympics history. And there are thousands of Jim Redmonds around the world, some no doubt right here in Guyana.

Make time to play with their children! Too many dads are embarrassed to unleash the child within each of us, preferring to hide behind a façade of toughness or belligerence. But with growing awareness of the importance of quality time and play-bonding, more and more fathers are rediscovering the joys of childish games, horseplay and pranking. An online guide to mental, emotional and social health notes that playing can be an important source of relaxation and (Continued on page 42)

Sunday June 19, 2016

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All contracts/concession agreements should be disclosed - Pres. Granger

By Kiana Wilburg

W

hen it comes t o t h e disclosure of contracts and concession agreements which were signed under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), President David Granger believes that these should be fully disclosed to the public.

During a brief interview with Kaieteur News, the Head of State was reminded of a promise that his government had made on several occasions - that certain contracts and concession agreements would be made available to the public, especially those which relate to the controversial Chinese l o g g i n g c o m p a n y, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. and the Marriott Hotel.

But it has been over a year since the APNU+AFC coalition has taken office and this promise is yet to be fulfilled. Kaieteur News then asked Granger if he intends to honour the commitment or if he has changed his mind.

The Head of State made it clear that he believes in full disclosure and has no intention of changing his mind. He told this newspaper that this is what the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the other branches of government should do make concession agreements public.

President David Granger Granger noted however that there are exceptions. In this regard, he said that the procurement of defence equipment should be kept under wraps. The President added, “In some situations in which equipment is supplied under the agreement of secrecy by foreign countries, depending on the nature of the equipment, we are of course not free to disclose, because you agree with another country that you would not do so.”

Aside from this, the President reiterated his belief that commercial agreements should not be treated as “state secrets” and that they should be fully disclosed.

This view is also one that is shared by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan.

He said that information regarding any aspect of the concessions granted to foreign and/or local companies under the past regime are not state secrets.

Jordan said that the media, or any member of the public for that matter, have a right to know how the nation has benefitted in this regard.

He reiterated that data on such subjects should not be treated as “state secrets”.

The Finance Minister said, “I have said it before and I will say it again, the public and the media have a right to know what is going on in the country. It is reasonable for taxpayers to want to know what the government of the day is doing in various sectors. It is even more reasonable for them to question how members within various sectors are operating, and operated during a certain period.”

Jordan added, “We need a society that questions what is going on and if the taxpayers ask for information, once it does not conflict with the laws of the land, then why should entities not make it known? I believe that they have a responsibility to do so. These things are not state secrets,

so make it known.”

Jordan said, too, that the ad hoc system which allowed investors to benefit from open-ended concessions will soon be a thing of the past. The politician said that the scheme is one that is no longer sustainable and as such, a much more beneficial and legal policy will be in place. He said that moves are already being made in this regard.

“For the foreseeable future, we will have to use an incentive regime to attract and encourage investors, but we will have to use a regime that is more sustainable.”

The Finance Minister added, “What was done before was that concessions were given out in an uncontrolled manner. You would see in some cases that concessions given to certain firms or persons were openended and not monitored.”

Minister Jordan said that his Ministry is hoping to define the manner in which the concessions are granted, while pushing to have the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), monitor the concessions in a much more

effective way.

He said, “Investors or businesses are supposed to file annual returns with the GRA, and this has not been done in almost every instance…so we need to move swiftly because not to do so is an illegal act. It also means that the relevant agencies are not doing their job.”

The Finance Minister emphasized the point that concessions must be capped.

Asked if this will affect the exorbitant concession deals granted under the previous regime to certain companies, Jordan said, “Any new system will change the way things are.”

He added, “I don’t want to be unfair but there are laws, and if they are not followed then the relevant agencies must move to enforce the laws or retract the concessions granted.”

The ad hoc system in which concessions were granted under the previous regime was heavily criticized by the coalition party on the 2015 election campaign trail.

These criticisms were brought to the front burner

when the PPP struck a handsome concession deal with a local contractor to repair the fibre optic cable from Lethem to Georgetown. This was part of the E-Governance initiative launched under the previous Government.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e APNU+AFC coalition spoke out against the controversial Marriott Hotel which has been the recipient of extravagant tax holidays and tax breaks similar to the cable arrangement.

G i v e n t h e aforementioned “concession-trend”, the APNU+AFC party had concluded that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) granted concessions in three packages — Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, had said that the gold package is the firstclass tax concessions that the former Government granted to family and best friends.

The silver package was for party members and the bronze package represents the tax concessions that were given to its supporters.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 42

Sunday June 19, 2016

Prisoners of our past!

K O

BO

Book: Race, Class, and the Politics of Decolonization: Jamaica Journals, 1961 and 1968 Author: Colin Clarke Reviewer: Dr Glenville Ashby

C

o l i n C l a r k e ’s doctoral thesis, Aspects of the Urban Geography of Kingston, Jamaica, demanded substantive research in that Caribbean island, circa 1961. Social dynamics were complex and multilayered spurring a political response that was understandably ambiguous and combative.

Never was there a time in Caribbean history so captivating and transformative as nations struggled to chart a new direction. Passion for independence stoked political embers; Caribbean integration was on the front burner; and in the case of Jamaica a fiery blend of religion and politics added an irresistible and combustible component to the social drama.

Clarke captures the onerous challenges besetting Jamaica, but we are never smothered with academic data. His journal allows access to his observations, musings and interactions as he takes us through the

populous thoroughfares of Kingston. Here, black dissidents jockey for a national platform, race and skin colour determine status and mobility, Marxism and Cuba’s nascent revolution fill the air, and political elites hold court.

Clarke is meticulous recording dates and locations of key moments and experiences. We read in one entry: “Desperate for funds, I caught the bus to Barclays Bank at Half Way Tree…The bank clerks are Chinese, Chinese-colored, light colored, or white but not black.”

Later, he shares one of several interactions with East Indians. “ I n d i a n s a r e c o n c e n t r a t e d i n We s t Kingston, especially Cockburn Gardens. Indians own shops, bazaars, and restaurants – and they are especially prominent in the jewelry trade. Indians do not employ their own as Chinese do, though the Chinese are forced to employ nonChinese by legislation. The Chinese, most of whom were not indentured, got a better start than the Indians. The Indians are trying to identify themselves as Jamaicans and their position is rather like that of the coloured people.”

He adds in another entry: “Most Hindus marry within group [and] I am told that if

an Indian man marries out of race, his wife and children are accepted, but this is not the case if a woman is exogamous.”

Edward Seaga’s economic diagnosis does not escape Clarke’s pen: “Eddie Seaga, the man I had heard speak at Papine dropped a bombshell in the Legislative Council by attempting to demonstrate that in recent years the gap between the rich minority and the poor masses…has got wider…The have-nots are, according to Seaga, 93% of the population.”

Another entry is sociologically significant.

Here, Clarke is told that the extended family “crystallizes as a social force where the need is greatest, and it always has latent potential [settling] family problems,” and that “it is fundamental to society.”

Revivalism is popular in soothing aching souls with its eschatological message.

Rastafarianism, though, is seen as a Fifth Column advocating resistance and ultimate migration to Ethiopia.

Of interest is the following log: “[I] went with Jean to celebrate [Slave Emancipation Day], the national holiday in Spanish Town…We walk through the empty and seedy streets to the cathedral, and are astonished at the apparent lack of any form of public celebration for such a momentous event in Jamaica’s history.”

Clarke observes a struggling sugar industry and expresses the need for a diversification as key to e c o n o m i c b u o y a n c y.

Bauxite, though, is faring well on the global market

and is Jamaica’s lifeline.

Squatting is an imposing problem and “the Housing Department are at odds over the way [it] should be treated – the planters think they should be re-housed, while the officials in housing think they should be thrown off the land.”

Clarke encounters hooligan elements in Trench To w n , a n e m b a t t l e d community known for prodigious, conscious music, and there is proposed housing development to ease overcrowding.

But ominous clouds are present. Jamaicans migrate to the UK in droves sensing that politicians are ill equipped to fix a broken society. Amid the growing disaffection there is little appetite for the West Indies Federation.

Clarke records, “….because of the lack of social mobility… there is a dog-eat-dog attitude among the working class. Solidarity only occurs when there is an outside threat.”

Riveting are his entries on radical elements in a society that sits on a powder keg. The Marxist-leaning People’s Political Party (PPP) established to “emphasize African culture and exclude the US and British,” and the volatile Black Man Political Part (BMPP), whose leader described the West Indies Federation “as a noose, and repression of the Ras Tafari and the poor in general.”

We get a glimpse of behind-the-scenes power struggles and we feel the desperation of the underclass as Clarke details his interaction with the PPP leader, Sam Brown. “I introduced the theme of

Jamaica’s social polarization and suggest that the middle class and the government can still save the day. Brown agrees, but seems to think that the middle class will not move fast enough (for him?)

Would he sell out for a good job? Sam concludes, ‘Democracy gives too little too late,’” Clarke evokes a feeling of déjà vu as his journal reads more like a lookingglass, stoking a slew of questions. Has Jamaica emerged from the social blight of the early 1960s?

Are Jamaicans better off today than they were on the eve of Independence? Are race and colour still markers of social status? Has the twoparty system brought

stability and prosperity to this Caribbean nation?

While no one expects a unanimously conclusive response, what is certain is that Clarke speaks to a region birthed by a wicked past. As painful as it is he invites introspection many decades after the last throes of colonial rule.

Race, Class, and the Politics of Decolonization

by Colin Clarke © 2016 Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan ISBN: 978-1-13754077-5 Available at Amazon Ratings: Essential F e e d b a c k : glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby

A Salutation to Fathers who...

(From page 38) stimulation, and additionally, a sure way to fuel imagination, creativity, and problemsolving abilities – a health package that all children can benefit from.

Teach their children the value of honest labour! This is a big one. In a country like

ours, children may be growing up with a warped notion of work ethic – the importance of work and its inherent ability to strengthen character. They find their innocence swiftly evaporating in an atmosphere of unprofessional compromise, corruption, and inefficiency.

Time-wasting, clockwatching, apathy, indifference, vulgarity, and rank disrespect for the public by public servants are seen as almost acceptable. So big up to the honest, hard-working men out there whose integrity is irrefutable. You are the models and heroes your children need, and deserve.

Plan to leave their children a worthy legacy! Yes, our

children’s future especially after we are gone, is something many fathers ignore or pay scant attention to. (And not only deadbeat dads) Granted that due to unfortunate circumstances, some fathers have little of material value to leave to their offspring. Sure, money and property are great inheritances, but intangibles like love, compassion, trust-worthiness, integrity, tenacity, optimism, and selfconfidence have no price list attached to them.

This tribute list is certainly not an exhaustive one. And obviously just as there are delinquent fathers who need to soberly consider and reconsider their paternal roles, there are many Guyanese dads to whom laudation is due, and overdue. These fathers understand and appreciate the virtues, the responsibilities, and both the

extraordinary angst and profound joy that come with being a good father.

And Father’s Day needn’t be just a day for praising and pampering Dad. Gifts, special dinners, text messages and Facebook/social media shout-outs are fine.

Let him have his day!

Let him have his cake and eat it too!

Impossible? Well just imagine it’s not. But what about dads taking the opportunity to sit their children down and tell them in the most direct manner, what being a father is really, truly all about?

Dad, today could be the first day of the rest of your life as a father. Help make it a day as unforgettable for your children as it is for you. Make it a day to review past experiences and plot future direction.

Make it a day of renewal and avowal. In short, make it count. Happy Father’s Day!

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 43

Shaping a better future…

Stakeholder group convenes, drafts modernized copyright legislation

The group as it met to discuss formulating the draft legislation Artiste Tonieka Thompson state of readiness to adhere to its present obligations and pending regional and usicians and writers alike have international agreements. long lamented the absence of The group will also review all an updated Copyright law, documentation it deems relevant to drafting something that has impacted them the Bill and will also advise Government on economically. Creative minds are leaving REVIEW the process for the Bill. They will also present Guyana due to the lack of relevant cultural The review period of the process means the legislation to the Government, in the form policy. This has been a problem for years. the Working Group will review existing of the Bill. They will also make Things are, however, recommendations moving apace with the towards wider “Under the previous political administration, long-awaited Copyright intellectual legislation. A stakeholder property reform. responsibility for initiating and sustaining the process working group convened fell under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, as of June 11th and is THE PLIGHT specifically the Department of Culture. While there has looking at how to OF THE been intense, if fluctuating advocacy to update formulate the legislation, ARTISTE to make it more Last year, the copyright legislation over the past seventeen years, impactful than ever subject Minister of there has been little to no political will to move the before.

E d u c a t i o n , D r. process forward. In brief, the political will (now) This is according to Rupert Roopnaraine Advisor on Cultural had promised that exists to deliver strong, relevant, modern copyright Policy Ruel Johnson, modern intellectual legislation to Guyana,” - Concept note. who has oversight for property legislation the development of would be passed such a policy.

He within a year. In legislation, particularly within CARICOM, stated that meetings will be held on a regular as well as any draft legislation that might November 2015, Government, through the basis, with the working group. He also have been commissioned by the previous Ministry of Education, had launched a revealed the names of those who comprise administration. national consultation process on cultural the group, as well as the terms of reference. policy development. The initiative was seen DRAFTING Among those who will be involved are This component of the process falls under as a welcome step by many. renowned international singer Eddy Grant, the aegis of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, but Guyana has the Copyright Act of 1956, Government Parliamentarian Jermaine the particulars will be informed by the which many consider to be woefully Figueira, Businessmen Lance Hinds and assessment and review findings of the inadequate. This has been a Vishnu Doerga, Music Producer Burchmore Working Group. contentious issue for local Simon, artist Barrington Braithwaite and musicians especially, who CONSULTATION economist Nichole Haynes.

The draft legislation will be put into the have little to no protection for In addition, Business Executive Ramesh public domain, both in public face to face their work. Some artistes have Persaud and popular Bookseller Lloyd consultation as well as online. The inputs called for the tabling of more Austin will be a part of the group, along with from the consultation may, if indeed modern legislation.

Media Executive Ryan Kirton and Attorneys- necessary, lead to an adjustment of the draft.

There are a number of at-Law Teni Housty and Tuanna Hardy.

Guyana-born artistes who PRESENTATION According to the concept note seen by The draft legislation will be handed over have made their mark on the Kaieteur News, the group will be looking at to government, with the Minister of musical landscape of other legislation in other Caribbean Community Education or whichever parliamentarian he countries, though they have (CARICOM) countries. According to chooses, in consultation with Cabinet, never forgotten their roots.

Johnson, these countries will include presenting it as a Bill in the National Exposed to the system “Jamaica, Trinidad, Grenada, which Assembly. employed in other countries reformed their own outdated laws fairly and knowing the PASSAGE recently and Barbados, which has in place The Bill is then read, debated and s h o r t c o m i n g s f a c e d i n C r e a t i v e I n d u s t r i e s D e v e l o p m e n t presumably passed.

Guyana, they have much to Legislation”.

According to the terms of reference, the share.

ASSESSMENT Residing in Barbados, but group will also assess how well Guyana has The first component of the process, adhered to the Berne Convention and other born in Guyana, recording according to the note, is the assessment relevant treaties. It will also assess Guyana’s artiste Tonieka Thompson is

By Jarryl Bryan

M

period to determine, in a general sense, Guyana’s current capacity to enact and enforce copyright legislation in a timely m a n n e r, i n c l u d i n g i n s t i t u t i o n a l , infrastructural and human resource capacity.

one such individual. Thompson made the decision to return to her homeland in order to film the music video for a popular remake.

Using locations on the Soesdyke/Linden highway for filming, she has gone out of her way to give the video that Guyanese flavour.

She also stayed for the 50th anniversary Jubilee celebrations, performing at several venues around the country and rolling out her single ‘50th Jubilee’. In an interview with Kaieteur News, Thompson cited one avenue that artistes in the Caribbean have recourse to - the Copyright Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (COSCAP).

“There’s a place called COSCAP, where artistes are asked to register as an artist and also have their material registered,” she said.

“There’s a fee for it but not much. By doing that they are also paid royalties every time the song is played.”

She also noted that there are other copyright organizations in the Caribbean that artistes from anywhere can join. However, the bottom line, as Thompson put it, is that no artiste should feel cheated out of their rights to their intellectual property.

“It would be sad if a young, up (and) coming artiste were to write and record a song ... then to hear another artiste who’s more popular singing that very song and there’s nothing he or she can do about it.

There (would be) no way to make funds other than performing at shows.”

PAGE 44

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

The StoryWithin

STORY…

The

On the Hunt: A different kind of diplomacy

By Leonard Gildarie The country in recent times has been sending off its diplomats to take up their new overseas postings.

President David Granger, in his farewell messages, has been making one thing clear to these representatives market Guyana; represent your country and its products.

I could not help but again reflect on the importance of our overseas representatives this past week as Guyana says goodbye to United States Deputy Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt.

He has spent a mere three years here, but Hunt’s presence has been felt in so many ways.

His outspokenness seems to have broken the mould of what diplomacy is all about. His job here was clear…to further the interest of the US in Guyana.

How well have our own diplomats been working to further our interests?

I have said it before and will say it again - our overseas postings have to move far beyond appointing someone who has a nice house and allowance and issues a few passports.

We have services and products that we can sell.

Our rums; our low cost of labour; the vast lands for investments; the oil and gold sectors; the agro-industry the list goes on. We need to set targets for our diplomats in especially key postings like China, India, the US and places nearer to home like Suriname and Brazil.

In the past, save for a few agreement signings, one heard very little of their work. I am not saying that nothing was done. The Venezuela oil-for-rice deal would have been something that Guyana should have been thankful for while it lasted.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on his time here, Hunt more than hinted of the hard work behind the scenes to push for reforms.

The prorogation of Parliament in late 2014 that forced early elections was something that should not have happened, he says.

There would have been many late-night calls and behind-the-scenes twisting of arms to change the situation.

Of course, there has been debate and complaints, especially from the now Opposition, over what it perceives as interference by diplomats in the affairs of this country.

Hunt appears to be proud of the fact that there was a peaceful transition to a new Government and, shortly after that, the holding of Local Government Elections after a two-decade lapse.

Of course, the envoy does not want to take credit for the establishment of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) office here, but there is no doubt he played an integral role.

Guyana has been growing as a critical transit point for narcotics in recent years, enough so that the US was intent on establishing an office here. The increasing number of drug busts at the Timehri airport could largely be credited to the DEA’s presence.

The US diplomat was pellucid about the direction that Guyana has to take. It will have to involve more talking between the Government of the day and the Opposition. I could not agree with him more.

How often have we not heard that people are feeling alienated in this land of ours?

I am not sure what would change in a short while. The f act r emain s th at th e coalition Government barely scraped home with just over

Leonard Gildarie 4,500 votes. Do we consider that a victory for them?

I see it as an opportunity for this administration to also break the mould and bridge the gap that has been chaining us to the walls for over 50 years. In the past, the coalition, which controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat majority, has been complaining of little concessions coming from the Government of the day.

We have yet to learn the art of concessions. Give a little, take a little.

In the US, as is the norm all over the world, politicians make concessions all the time to each other. It is either giving up a position or passing a piece of legislation that is critical to the Opposition.

In Guyana, we have not matured enough to understand that negotiation involves a little of giving.

We have to…there is no other way to move our country forward. Politicians continue to make the same mistake over and over again.

We fail to listen to the voices.

We are looking at the next five years and how much political points we can rack up.

How about leaving a legacy? How about being proud of the work we do and putting our country first?

Jubilee celebrations are over. We did well. It is time to find ways to jump-start the economy and ignite investors’ confidence. Both the Government and Opposition have to find common ground to make it happen. We expect nothing less.

We need more Bryan Hunts and more genuine negotiators.

Sunday June 19, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Flattering Annual Reports vs. those Forensic Audit Reports…

THE WORRYING DISPARITIES

By Kiana Wilburg I am no financial expert.

But I don’t believe that you or I need to be one in order to see the obvious and worrying disparities between those damning forensic audit reports and the annual reports and/or financial statements that have been prepared over the years by other auditors for certain statutory bodies.

Take for example, the forensic audit report on the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). It was prepared by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran.

For years, APNU and the AFC have jointly and separately, bashed this company for being involved in corruption. And though at the time, they couldn’t point to a litany of cases to cement their arguments, they had enough evidence to justify their suspicions that there indeed existed more than a whiff of corruption associated this entity.

But the former administration denounced any and every such allegation made by APNU and the AFC. In fact, their favourite line suddenly became, “What on earth could you be speaking of?

This is a company that has received a clean bill of health for several years from the Auditor General.”

Years later, Goolsarran would provide the nation with a forensic audit report which exposed just how deep corruption ran within the veins of this company.

Immediately, it makes me wonder, just what was our Auditor General looking at when this company was given such an opinion? How could there be such a vast or significant difference in the opinions expressed.

This even led me to question how can I or the citizenry for that matter, have confidence that this office, (an office that is intended to protect the nation against the excesses of the Government of the day and bring accountability for the public’s money), will do its job fairly and truthfully in the future.

And if it occurred in this case, then how many times has the Auditor General given the “good health” stamp to other state agencies with financial irregularities of all sorts? It is a worrying and challenging position to be in as a tax payer.

This is a subject matter I had the privilege of discussing with two chartered accountants in Guyana - Mr. Christopher Ram and Mr.

Goolsarran.

In speaking with Ram, he shared with me that it is important to recognize the difference between a Financial Statements audit and a Forensic Audit.

The Chartered Accountant explained that the purpose of a financial statements audit (FSA) is to enable the auditor to state whether in his opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, an entity’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Ram said that for more than a century, auditors relied on an 1896 English case in which Lord Slopes famously said that the auditor is a “watchdog not a bloodhound”. The Chartered Accountant said that it took several decades before another judge, Lord Denning, stated that, in order to perform his task properly, the auditor must come to his task with an enquiring mind - not suspicious of dishonesty – but suspecting that someone may have made a mistake somewhere.

Even so, Ram said that the audit profession has remained reluctant to accept a higher responsibility for fraud detection. He expressed that it took the cataclysmic events that saw the collapse of the then leading audit firm, Arthur Andersen, to usher in some changes and new auditing standards which require a greater focus on fraud detection.

Ram said that that does not alter the reality that an audit comes after the fact and that management has the primary responsibility of preventing and detecting any fraud by setting up proper systems, including a system of internal audits.

Moreover, he said that with the increasing incidence of fraud, “forensic audit” or more correctly, “forensic accounting”, is becoming more prevalent, even as it performs functions different from the auditors of financial statements.

He commented that forensic audits are more investigative in nature, and the forensic auditor is more like a bloodhound, sniffing out fraud and criminal transactions from the financial records.

Ram said that external auditors rely on certain representations made by management and on the work of the internal auditors. The forensic auditor, he stated, starts by being suspicious of

everyone. He added that the audit report of an external auditor does not represent a clean bill of health since the external auditor also issues after each audit, a management letter pointing out the weaknesses and the non-material matters found during the course of the audit.

He said that that is not open to shareholders or to the public, leading to the conclusion that the auditor has given the entity a clean

bill of health.

The Chartered Accountant stressed, however, that responsibility has to be shared among the external auditors, the internal auditors, if any, (and there should be in any proper organization), regulators of the accounting and auditing profession, the directors and operations management.

Ram stressed that the external auditor has to be stronger in his recommendations

on the prevention of fraud, and should be willing to resign from the audit if the management is unwilling or unable to strengthen the system to prevent and detect fraud.

He remarked as well that the accounting profession has to stand up and accept responsibility for the failures of its members and of itself.

He said that selfregulation has failed the profession and the public.

Goolsarran shared similar sentiments to Ram. The former Auditor General in sharing his views explained that in addressing such a topic, one must bear in mind that the external auditors are appointed to examine and express an opinion on the fair presentation of the financial statements of an entity.

In doing so, he said, they carry out whatever tests they consider necessary to (Continued on page 46)

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Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

THE WORRYING DISPARITIES From page 45 express that opinion.

“If they uncover fraud and other irregularities they are required to probe them and quantify the extent to which they have occurred; and assess the implications for the organization. It is not the external auditor’s primary objective to search for fraud, though they are required to design their tests to uncover material misstatements, whether due to fraud or error,” Goolsarran noted.

On the other hand, the Chartered Accountant said that the primary objective of the forensic audit is to uncover fraud, mismanagement and other irregularities. Having said that, he explained that the results of the two types of audits ought not to be significantly at variance with each other.

He noted however, the forensic audit will be far more comprehensive and weighted more in favour of disclosure of mismanagement, fraud and other irregularities.

Goolsarran remarked that some external auditors tend to view their role in a very narrow way and carry out minimal tests to verify the accuracy of the amounts shown in the financial statements. He said that this perhaps explains the mismatch.

Goolsarran said, “Public sector organizations are generally service-oriented.

Their primary objective is not about profits. External auditors of these organizations therefore need to do more in order to provide the necessary assurance that

all is well with the organization financially, since in most cases taxpayers’ funds are involved. Indeed, the taxpaying public looks to the external auditors to protect their interest.”

On the other hand, he opined that the private sector is profit-oriented. Should mismanagement, fraud or other irregularities occur, profits will decline. And when this happens, Goolsarran said, the shareholders of such organizations know what to do. He stressed that the slightest adverse comment from the external auditor is likely to see a shake-up of the management.

Goolsarran noted that annual reports are prepared and approved by the Board of Directors. Because the Board provides oversight of the organization, and in many ways, are accountable for its performance, Goolsarran said that there is always the tendency to highlight the good things of the organization and its achievements.

He believes that the directors cannot be faulted for doing so. He said that it is mainly for this reason that external auditors are appointed to give an independent view, albeit somewhat restricted to financial management issues.

He concluded that perhaps Government should ensure that Internal Audit Departments pursue valuefor-money audits, while Ram recommended that those departments should ensure that they pay more attention to fraud detection.

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Cranberries help urinary tract infections, but not as juice

Dashing out for a bottle of cranberry juice when a urinary tract infection hits may not be so helpful after all. Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests it could just be an old wives’ tale.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect any part of the urinary system, kidneys, bladder or urethra. More than 3 million Americans, mostly women, experience a UTI every year.

Symptoms include frequent, painful urination, pelvic pain and traces blood in the urine. The infection does not normally last long, and most patients self-diagnose.

For many, the first port of call is a box of cranberry juice.

However, new research suggests that while cranberry capsules can help, cranberry juice may be little more than a panacea.

Dr. Timothy Boone, PhD, vice dean of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine in Houston, and colleagues wanted to know if cranberries can really help.

The team studied 160 patients aged 23-88 years who were undergoing elective gy-

necological surgery between 2011-2013. Normally, 10-64% of women undergoing this kind of surgery will develop a UTI following the removal of the catheter. Half of the patients received two cranberry juice capsules twice daily - the equivalent in strength to two 8-ounce servings of cranberry juice - for 6 weeks after surgery. The others took a placebo.

Cranberry capsules lowered the risk of UTIs by 50%.

In the cranberry treatment group, 19% of patients developed a UTI, compared with 38% of the placebo group.

So, how does it work? For a UTI to occur, bacteria must adhere to and invade the lining of the bladder. Cranberries contain A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), which interfere with the bacteria’s ability to the bladder wall, reducing the likelihood of infection.

However, the researchers point out that since a cranberry capsule provides the equivalent of 8 ounces of cranberry juice, a patient would need a lot of pure cranberry to prevent an infection.

Dr. Boone explains: “It takes an extremely large con-

centration of cranberry to prevent bacterial adhesion. This amount of concentration is not found in the juices we drink. There’s a possibility it was stronger back in our grandparents’ day, but definitely not in modern times.”

He adds: “Cranberry juice, especially the juice concentrates you find at the grocery store, will not treat a UTI or bladder infection. It can offer more hydration and possibly wash bacteria from your body more effectively, but the active ingredient in cranberry is long gone by the time it reaches your bladder.”

He also cautions that a UTI and an overactive bladder may show similar symptoms, and people should seek medical advice if any adverse symptoms appear, to prevent UTIs from developing into kidney infections.

Treatment of UTIs can be complicated. Approximately 20-30% of women have recurring UTIs, and concerns about antibiotic resistance mean that both doctors and patients may be unwilling to use such medication.

As a result, the researchers propose using probiotics as a safe alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of UTIs. Probiotics are “good” bacteria found in the digestive tract and naturally occurring in certain foods, such as fermented vegetables - including sauerkraut and kimchi and live-cultured yogurt.

Dr. Boone points out that there are many benefits of probiotics, although more research is still needed.

Our Knowledge Center article features more information about the health benefits of cranberries. Medical News Today has previously reported on research suggesting that painkillers may help to prevent UTIs. http:// www.medicalnewstoday.com.

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Daily chocolate intake linked to lower risk of diabetes, heart disease Could a doctor’s visit one day result in a prescription for chocolate? According to a new study, it is possible. Researchers suggest that consuming a small amount of chocolate every day may lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Study co-author Prof. Saverio Stranges visiting academic of the University of Warwick Medical School, United Kingdom, and scientific director of the Department of Population Health at the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) - and colleagues publish their findings in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Chocolate is often perceived as a treat that should only be enjoyed from time to time.

Given its high fat and sugar content, this is no surprise; overconsumption can lead to health problems, such as tooth decay and obesity.

However, studies are increasingly suggesting regular, moderate chocolate consumption may yield significant health benefits, particularly when it comes to dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate has the highest cocoa content, which means it has the highest levels of antioxidants - specifically, flavonoids - which are molecules that can prevent some forms of cell damage.

For their study, Prof. Stranges and colleagues analyzed the chocolate consumption of 1,153 people aged 18-69 who were part of the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk in Luxembourg (ORISCAV-LUX) study.

Data on chocolate intake were gathered from participants’ completion of a food frequency questionnaire.

The team set out to investigate whether chocolate intake is associated with insulin resistance - where the body’s cells do not effectively respond to insulin, raising the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

They also assessed how chocolate consumption affected liver enzyme levels, which is a measure of liver function.

The researchers found that 81.8 percent of the study participants consumed chocolate, with an average consumption of 24.8 grams daily. Compared with participants who

did not eat chocolate every day, those who did were found to have reduced insulin resistance and improved liver enzyme levels. The effect was stronger the higher the chocolate consumption, the team reports.

The findings remained after accounting for participants’ age, sex, education, lifestyle, and dietary factors that could affect the results.

Dietary factors included intake of tea and coffee rich in the antioxidants polyphenols, which the researchers say have the potential to spur chocolate’s benefits for cardiometabolic risk.

Cardiometabolic risk refers to a person’s likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.

Participants who ate chocolate were more physically active, younger, and more highly educated than those who did not eat chocolate, according to the authors.

Prof. Stranges and colleagues say their findings suggest that chocolate consumption may reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders by improving liver enzyme levels and protecting against insulin resistance.

“Given the growing body of evidence, including our own study, cocoa-based products may represent an additional dietary recommendation to improve cardiometabolic health; however, observational results need to be supported by robust trial evidence.

Potential applications of this knowledge include recommendations by healthcare professionals to encourage individuals to consume a wide range of phytochemical-rich foods, which can include dark chocolate in moderate amounts.”

However, Prof. Stranges notes that it is important to distinguish the difference between chocolate that contains natural cocoa and processed chocolate; the latter is much higher in calories.

“Therefore, physical activity, diet and other lifestyle factors must be carefully balanced to avoid detrimental weight gain over time,” he adds. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com.

Sunday June 19, 2016

Sugar: Should we eliminate it from our diet?

Sugar seems to have developed a reputation as the big bad wolf in relation to health.

Medical News Today has reported on numerous studies associating sugar intake with increased aging, cardiovascular disease, obesity and even cancer. Such research has led to many health experts around the globe calling for reductions in recommended sugar intake, with some saying we should cut out sugar completely. But is it really that bad for our health? We investigate.

Put simply, sugar is a crystalline carbohydrate that makes foods taste sweet. There are many different types of sugar, including glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose and sucrose also known as table sugar.

Some of these sugars, such as glucose, fructose and lactose, occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and other foods. But many of the foods we consume contain “added” sugars sugar that we add to a product ourselves to enhance the flavor or sugar that has been added to a product by a manufacturer.

The most common sources of added sugars include soft drinks, cakes, pies, chocolate, fruit drinks and desserts. Just a single can of cola can contain up to 7 tsps of added sugar, while an average-sized chocolate bar can contain up to 6 tsps.

It is added sugars that have been cited as a contributor to many health problems. In December 2014, MNT reported on a study in the journal Open Heart claiming added sugars may increase the risk of high blood pressure, even more so than sodium. And in February 2014, a study led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) associated high added sugar intake with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Perhaps most strongly, added sugars have been associated with the significant increase in obesity. In the US, more than a third of adults are obese, while the rate of childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents over the past 30 years.

A 2013 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggested that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages increases weight gain in both children and adults, while a review paper from the World Health Organization (WHO) notes an increase in the consumption of such beverages correlates with the increase in obesity.

In support of these associations is Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of California-San Francisco and author of the book Fat Chance: The Hidden Truth About Sugar, who claims sugar is a “toxic” substance that we are becoming addicted to.

A 2008 study by researchers from Princeton University, NJ, found rats used to consuming a high-sugar diet displayed signs

of binging, craving and withdrawal when their sugar intake was reduced.

“We need to wean ourselves off. We need to de-sweeten our lives. We need to make sugar a treat, not a diet staple,” Dr. Lustig told The Guardian in 2013.

“The food industry has made it into a diet staple because they know when they do you buy more,” he added. “This is their hook. If some unscrupulous cereal manufacturer went out and laced your breakfast cereal with morphine to get you to buy more, what would you think of that? They do it with sugar instead.”

In her popular blog, Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow cites sugar addictionas one of the reasons she decided to quit sugar completely.

“The bottom line is that sugar works the addiction and reward pathways in the brain in much the same way as many illegal drugs,” she writes. “Sugar is basically a socially acceptable, legal, recreational drug with deadly consequences.”

Statistics show that we are certainly a nation of added-sugar lovers. According to a report from the CDC, adults in the US consumed around 13% of their total daily calorie intake from added sugars between 2005-2010, while 16% of children’s and adolescents’ total calorie intake came from added sugars between 2005-2008.

These levels are well above those currently recommended by WHO, which state we should consume no more than 10% of total daily calories from “free” sugars - both naturally occurring sugars and those that are added to products by the manufacturer.

In 2013, however, MNT reported on a study

by Prof. Wayne Potts and colleagues from the University of Utah, claiming that even consuming added sugars at recommended levels may be harmful to health, after finding that such levels reduced lifespan in mice.

The array of studies reporting the negative implications of added sugar led to WHO making a proposal to revise their added sugar recommendations in 2014. The organization issued a draft guideline stating they would like to halve their recommended daily free sugar intake from 10% to 5%.

“The objective of this guideline is to provide recommendations on the consumption of free sugars to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases in adults and children,” WHO explained, “with a particular focus on the prevention and control of weight gain and dental caries.”

In addition, it seems many health experts, nutritionists and even celebrities like Gwyneth have jumped on a “no sugar” bandwagon. But is it even possible to completely eliminate sugar from a diet? And is it safe?

Biochemist Leah Fitzsimmons, of the University of Birmingham in the UK, told The Daily Mail: “Cutting all sugar from your diet would be very difficult to achieve.

Sunday June 19, 2016

Jay Z Breaks His Silence on Beyoncé’s Lemonade Like Beyoncé, Jay Z is letting his music speak for itself.

One month after his wife releasedLemonade and sent the Beyhive on the hunt for “Becky with the good hair,” Jay Z released “All the Way Up,” with Fat Joe,Infared, Rema Ma and French Montana. The group’s track hit the Internet Tuesday after making its debut at Yankee Stadium.

It’s the first time Jay Z has publicly commented on Beyoncé’s album, which exposed many of the problems in their marriage. The mention comes at the beginning of his verse.

Before he referencesTupac, daughter Blue Ivy Carter and his 21 Grammy Awards, Jay Z raps, “You know you made it when the fact / Your marriage made it is worth millions / Lemonade is a popular drink and it still is / Survival of the littlest.”

The latter lyric pays homage to Guru’s line on Gang Starr’s 1992 hip-hop classic “DWYCK”: “Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is / I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis.” Hov even gives Prince a shout-out, rapping, “Prince left his masters where they safe and sound / We never gonna let the elevator take him down.”

The last time Jay Z or Beyoncé mentioned an elevator in one of their songs was in 2014, when the pop diva referenced her sister Solange Knowles’ attack on her husband after the Met Gala. In her “***Flawless” remix with rapper Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé sang, “We escalate up in this b-h like elevators / Of course sometimes s-t go down when it’s a billion dollars on the elevator.”

Hours before its release, Fat Joe spoke to Billboard about how he chose his collaborators. “The world will know who’s on the remix,” the Bronx rapper teased. “I turned down some really, really, really big names for the remix.

Like, the biggest guys on Earth but I was just like, ‘Yo, I wanna keep it New York.’ So, hopefully I win on my roll of the dice, but I’m excited for the city.”

As for Jay Z, Fat Joe said, “It had to happen. It was something on my bucket list forever. God blessed us and it came true. I couldn’t sleep this morning because I’m so happy for the people.”

After Beyoncé premiered her latest visual album on HBO in late April, her marital issues with Jay Z captivated millions around the world. As

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Kaieteur News

‘Central Intelligence’ Spotlights ‘Terrific Chemistry’ Between The Rock and Kevin Hart Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays Bob Stone. When Bob was in high school, he was short, extremely overweight and liked to dance in the school shower.

The day school officials were handing out awards to high school seniors, Bob was accosted in the shower by some class bullies and thrown, naked, into the gymnasium, while Kevin Hart’s very popular Calvin, voted “most likely to succeed” by his classmates, was giving those classmates a pep talk. While everybody laughed at Bob, Calvin gave him his Varsity jacket to cover up.

Two decades later, and with his 20th high school reunion looming, Calvin is a forensic accountant - not nearly as successful as he wants to be. He even gets passed over for a promotion by his former assistant. But much to his surprise, Bob reaches out to Calvin.

Even more surprising, Bob looks like – well, he looks like The Rock, albeit The Rock wearing a unicorn T-shirt under a hoodie.

By the next morning, Calvin learns Bob is — or at least, was — in the CIA, and is currently wanted for treason and murder.

Bob’s hoping Calvin, the only person who was nice to him in high school, will help him decipher some codes that are the key to the whole thing, while the rest of the CIA, led by a tough agent played by Amy Ryan, is trying

a source close to the couple later told E! News, “They had been having problems for years. There was a constant commitment issue between them and in the end they were barely speaking.

Beyoncé didn’t fully trust Jay and it was hard for her to get past that.” And as for that elevator moment she sang about? It was a tipping point.

“The fact everything became so public, it was embarrassing, and [it was] the first time she had to really deal with some of the questions people were asking about her marriage.

It changed things,” source said.

“It was a pivotal moment.”

Through counseling and with time, the couple was able to work through their issues.

“They are both fully committed. They are over the worst,” a source told E! News.

“It’s been a long and hard process but they are in a much better place now.” But, according to another insider, Beyoncé and Jay Z’s marriage will never be quite the same: “They have love for each other and always will, but...they have their ups and downs.” http://www.eonline.com.

to kill them both. At its heart, “Central Intelligence” sets out to be relatable to those of us who, at one time or another, have been bullied. And thanks to its stars, it doesn’t need to have a good story or a particularly good script to be entertaining.

Which is fortunate, because this by no means is a good piece of filmmaking.

It’s not even a very good comedy. It’s a comedy that teams two of the most charismatic people in Hollywood: Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson. Four or five years ago, this movie wouldn’t have been as entertaining because Johnson hadn’t come into his own as a movie star. If he took a risk in a film, it wasn’t believable.

If he attempted to be dramatic, it wasn’t believable. He still mostly relied on his brawn and his striking looks. These days, however, Johnson is a much more formidable presence on screen. That helps balance Hart, who’s also needed time to come into his own.

“Central Intelligence” is Johnson’s most complete performance, and Hart does an admirable job letting his co-star get some of the movie’s bigger laughs. Their terrific chemistry is entertaining and overcomes some glaring weaknesses in a script that gets overzealous in its desire to balance heart with humor. http://abcnews.go.com.

Calvin Harris Is “Hurt” and “Blindsided” by Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston but Says “It’s All Good” Calvin Harris is still reeling from the news that Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston are dating. The world learned that T. Swift and Hiddleston became an official item after pictures of them kissing surfaced Wednesday, and no one was more surprised than Harris, who never cheated on the “Style” songstress. “Calvin was completely faithful to Taylor. He never looked in another direction. He was completely blindsided by this. He is hurt,” a source tells E! News.

In wake of the surprising news, our source adds that Harris is going to pay no mind to anything else other than his career.

“He is keeping a low profile and focusing on his music and the shows he is doing. He is not seeing anyone and isn’t rebounding. He just really wants to be alone,” the source adds. “He is still processing everything. He is angry. He never heard of this

Tom guy, but if that’s her type then so be it.” Another source told E! News that she abso-

lutely did not cheat, but an insider on Harris’ side shared that he still had his doubts.

“Calvin was very suspicious that Taylor was cheating during their relationship.

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 57

Interesting Creatures...

Muscovy duck

A White Muscovy Duck (Credit: Triante2009)

(Cairina moschata)

T

he Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is a large duck native to Mexico, Central, and South America.

Small wild and feral breeding populations have established themselves in the United States, particularly in Florida and the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas as well as in many other parts of North America, including southern Canada. Feral Muscovy ducks are found in New Zealand, Australia, and in parts of Europe.

They are large ducks, with the males about 76 cm (30 in) long, and weighing up to 7 kg (15 lb).

Females are considerably smaller, and only grow to 3 kg (6.6 lb), roughly half the males’ size. The bird is predominantly black and white, with the back feathers being iridescent and glossy in males, while the females are more drab.

The amount of white on the neck and head is variable, as well as the bill, which can be yellow, pink, black, or any mixture of these.

They may have white patches or bars on the wings, which become more noticeable during flight. Both sexes have pink or red wattles around the bill, those of the male being larger and more brightly

colored.

Although the Muscovy duck is a tropical bird, it adapts well to cooler climates, thriving in weather as cold as “12 °C (10 °F) and able to survive even colder conditions. In general, Barbary duck is the term used for C. moschata in a culinary context. The domestic breed, Cairina moschata forma domestica, is commonly known in Spanish as the pato criollo (“creole duck”). They have been bred since pre-Columbian times by Native Americans and are heavier and less able to fly long distances than the wild subspecies. Their plumage colour is also more variable. Other names for the domestic breed in Spanish are pato casero (“backyard duck”) and pato mudo (“mute duck”).

All Muscovy ducks have long claws on their feet and a wide flat tail. In the domestic drake (male), length is about 86 cm (34 in) and weight is 4.6–6.8 kg (10–15 lb), while the domestic hen (female) is much smaller, at 64 cm (25 in) in length and 2.7–3.6 kg (6.0–7.9 lb) in weight. Large domesticated males often weigh up to 8 kg (18 lb), and large domesticated females up to 5 kg (11 lb).

The true wild Muscovy duck,

from which all domesticated Muscovys originated, is blackish, with large white wing patches.

Length can range from 66 to 84 cm (26 to 33 in), wingspan from 137 to 152 cm (54 to 60 in) and weight from 1.1–4.1 kg (2.4–9.0 lb) in wild Muscovys. On the head, the wild male has short crest on the nape.

The bill is black with a speckling of pale pink.

A blackish or dark red knob can be seen at the bill base, and the bare skin of the face is similar to that in color. The eyes are yellowishbrown. The legs and webbed feet are blackish. The wild female is similar in plumage, but is also much smaller, and she has feathered face and lacks the prominent knob. The juvenile is duller overall, with little or no white on the upperwing.

Domesticated birds may look similar; most are dark brown or black mixed with white, particularly on the head. Other colours such as lavender or allwhite are also seen. Both sexes have a nude black-and-red or allred face; the drake also has pronounced caruncles at the base of the bill and a low erectile crest of feathers. The ducklings are mostly yellow with buff-brown markings

on the tail and wings.

Some domes ticated duckli n g s have a dark head and blue eyes, others a light brown crown and dark markings on their nape. They are agile and speedy precocial birds.

The drake has a low breathy call, and the hen a quiet trilling coo.

This species, like the mallard, does not form stable pairs. They will mate on land or in water.

Domesticated Muscovy ducks can breed up to three times each year.

The hen lays a clutch of 8–16 white eggs, usually in a tree hole or hollow, which are incubated for 35 days. The sitting hen will leave the nest once a day from 20 minutes to one and a half hours, and will then defecate, drink water, eat and sometimes bathe. Once the eggs begin to hatch it may take 24 hours for all the chicks to break through their shells. When feral chicks are born they usually stay with their mother for about 10–12 weeks.

Their bodies cannot produce all the heat they need, especially in

temperate regions, so they will stay close to the mother especially at night.

Often, the drake will stay in close contact with the brood for several weeks. The male will walk with the young during their normal travels in search for food, providing protection. Anecdotal evidence from East Anglia, UK suggests that, in response to different environmental conditions, other adults assist in protecting chicks and providing warmth at night. It has been suggested that this is in response to local efforts to cull the eggs, which has led to an atypical distribution of males and females as well as young and mature birds.

For the first few weeks of their lives, Muscovy duckling feed on grains, corn, grass, insects, and almost anything that moves. Their mother instructs them at an early age how to feed.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Kaieteur News

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Sunday June 19, 2016

Immigration INFO: Immigration News For Our Community

Establishing the Parent-Child Relationship

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram In current times, the dynamic of the family unit has changed. It is a norm to see children born to unwed parents and children raised by stepparents. In these situations, the U.S. Immigration laws impose requirements on proving the parent-child relationship when a sponsorship petition is pending.

The U.S. Immigration laws defines “child” as an unmarried person under 21 years of age who is a child

born in wedlock, step-child as long as the child was under 18 when steprelationship was created, child legally legitimated before 18, child born out of wedlock where a bona fide parent-child relationship exists, and child adopted before 16 and having two years legal custody and residence with adopting parents.

STEP-CHILDREN: In the situation where a step-parent wants to file a family-based sponsorship petition for a step-child, this can only be done if the step-

relationship was created when the step-child was under age 18. Thereby, the step-parent must have m a r r i e d t h e c h i l d ’s biological parent before the child reached age 18. If the child was under 18 when his/her biological parent married the step-parent, then the step-parent can file a family-based sponsorship petition for the child.

If the step-parent is a U.S. citizen, then a visa is available as the child is an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. If the step-parent is a lawful permanent resident,

then a visa is available under the 2A preference category and the backlog is at August 2010.

In the same light, a stepchild may file a family-based sponsorship petition for a step-parent if the step-parent m a r r i e d t h e c h i l d ’s biological parent before the child was age 18.

An immigrant visa would be available for the step-parent as the step-parent would be considered an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen.

For purposes of obtaining automatic citizenship, a step-child is precluded from

receiving citizenship through a naturalized stepparent.

LEGITIMATED CHILDREN: The issue of legitimation arises where a child was born out-of-wedlock or born to unmarried parents.

Legitimation is the act of putting a child born out-ofwedlock in the same legal position as a child born in wedlock.

The U.S. Immigration laws provide that a child born out-ofwedlock can obtain immigration benefits through a natural father if a bona fide parent-child relationship existed when the child was under 21 and not married.

In the case where a natural father is a U.S. citizen of permanent resident and wants to file a family-based sponsorship petition for his child (born out-of-wedlock) then the natural father would have to prove an active concern for t h e c h i l d ’s s u p p o r t , instruction and general welfare.

Such evidence to prove legitimacy may include money order receipts showing father’s financial support, medical records, school records, notarized

Gail S. Seeram affidavits from family and friends, correspondences between the parties and photos. Typically, when a father submits a familybased sponsorship petition for a child born out-ofwedlock, the U.S. Immigration will ask for such documentation to prove that the father legitimized the child before the child was age 18.

In both cases, proving the step-relationship and the legitimacy of a child require complying with specific statutes and regulations. It is advised that you speak with an immigration attorney if you need further advice on these issues.

For more information, contact Gail Law Firm: E m a i l : Gail@GailLaw.com Phone: 1-877-GAILLAW or 407-292-7730 www.MyOrlandoImmig rationLawyer.com FREE in-office consultation – FREE Live Chat

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

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An ardent advocate for “sicklers”...

(From page 22) conceived her, since the outcome was her experiencing constant bouts of severe pain that sometimes caused her to be on what seemed like the brink of death. “Sometimes I would pray so hard for a chance at a normal life without the whole sickness involved.”

WORST EXPERIENCE But one of her worst sickling experiences might have occurred when she was married and living with her husband at Montrose, East Coast Demerara. It was in March of

With her daughter Zaara

2007 and they had just returned home.

A mild pain started in her left hand and she didn’t even suspect that a crisis was about to unfold. Before long both her hands were in pain and then her feet too were in equal distress. The pain swiftly started to spread throughout her body and Kazim was

convinced she had finally met her end. It was quite a task for her husband to get her to a city hospital to seek help. The crisis lasted 24 hours.

Kazim recalled that although she desperately needed opium to appease the debilitating pain, she got none. “The attending doctor was one of the skeptics who thought that I was just a drama queen for the medication. I was crying and begging; I felt that I was going to die,” recalled Kazim.

Since no help was forthcoming she decided to discharge herself at her own risk.

Her husband, moreover, sought the services of a doctor who treated her at home for the following three months.

FACES Kazim was overwhelmed by the thought that m e d i c a l practitioners viewed her condition as not very serious, even when she suffered excruciating pain.

In fact she would come to realise that many of them saw sicklers in general as merely “drug seekers”.

But it was after yet another d a u n t i n g experience last year, at yet another medical facility, that she simply could not tolerate the treatment meted out to her and others inflicted with the disease. She decided that she needed to take drastic action.

Essentially she started to network with persons, sicklers and advocates, in order to put measures in place to start FACES. FACES is a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) with a mission to fight against the stigma associated with sickle cell.

The support of a number of organisations including the Ministry of Public Health and

the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was forthcoming.

FACES was established in April of last year with Kazim proudly at the helm.

“It came about because of a sense of having no choice, because having experienced many instances of discrimination and stigmatisation and abuse (denial drugs) at the hands of medical people, both at private and public (facilities), I thought that something had to be done,” said Kazim.

Since being established, FA C E S h a s h e l d a successful blood drive as, according to Kazim, in Hospitalised during one of addition to needing opium her sickle cell crises to help quell constant unbearable pain, sicklers also have a steady need for But even as she strives through FACES to blood. ensure that the rights of sicklers are not In fact the organisation she spearheads infringed upon, Kazim has been instilling in has been able to work closely with the many sicklers, particularly those still in National Blood Transfusion Service of the school, that they too could make a Ministry of Public Health to create an meaningful contribution. account designated for sicklers. But the “I have a WhatsApp group for sicklers mission of FACES doesn’t end there. This is and some of the persons are teenagers still in in light of the fact that it was established to school...I let them know that we are going to fight stigma and discrimination. have some good days, and those are the ones Moreover, Kazim revealed that her that we have to focus on,” Kazim asserted. organisation has been working closely with “If you live by the motto to contribute the relevant organisations to create a suitable something significant to humanity, it means medical protocol for the treatment of sicklers that you will be spending your time in a very and to ensure that it is utilised. Added to this, selfless manner, and in a manner that will be the organisation has been spreading beneficial. If you live your life like that, you awareness about sickle cell anaemia so that will have a lot less regrets.” the public could get a better understanding of Kazim has also been calling on sicklers to the disease. ‘let go’ of their past experiences where they But of course, those within the medical were treated in a less than desirable manner profession have been the main focus of the and focus on a future where people better awareness efforts. understand the disease and improved “We had a workshop in February where medical attention is available. we specifically focused on bridging the gap Intense awareness efforts about sickle between the sicklers and the medical people. cell anaemia will continue today and Kazim It was mainly doctors and nurses and is expected to be in the forefront. Sickle Cell phlebotomists and sicklers, where we Awareness Day is celebrated around the identified the things that we go through and world on June 19 and FACES is collaborating the way that it affects us,” Kazim disclosed. with the Ministry of Public Health and other Just last week a similar awareness workshop entities to have a walk and run, starting at was held at the GPHC. 16:00hrs (4pm) at the National Park, to ADVICE commemorate the day.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 61

Sibling murder rocks Sophia The Jules’ Shop

The bloodstained spot where Dexter Jules collapsed and reportedly died.

Murdered: Dexter Jules

‘

I know Orin woulda kill somebody in that house,” were the words of a bystander at the scene of yet another murder in Sophia.

Orin Jules, 28, who is no stranger to the police, at approximately 9:00hrs Saturday morning, fatally stabbed his younger brother, 23-year-old Dexter Jules, at their Lot 634 “D” Field, Sophia home.

According to Wayne Jules, another brother, Orin is a marijuana addict and had the habit of terrorizing the family almost on a daily basis.

He described his brother, Orin, as a “miserable person.” Wayne noted that even his mother had to migrate to the USA to escape the torment of his older brother.

The family has a shop at their home which the suspect is not allowed to enter.

Wayne told this publication that Dexter was preparing to go to the market to restock the shop when the stabbing occurred.

He stated that he was entering the shop when Orin barged in behind him. Upon seeing this, Dexter immediately reprimanded him saying; “Orin you’re not supposed to be in here.”

Upon the reprimand, Orin reportedly became infuriated and had to be taken out of the building by Wayne. Once on the road, Orin started making threats of burning the shop down and chopping his siblings.

Wayne said that he tried to calm his brother down but to no avail.

Dexter at the time was standing a short distance away from the building at the road side when his older brother (Orin) rushed him with a knife and stabbed him in the chest.

Upon seeing this, Wayne related that he shouted “Run Dexter! Run!” He continued that Dexter ran a short distance before collapsing just a few metres away from their

home.

When Kaieteur News visited the scene of the crime, the murder weapon, a kitchen knife was still lying in the grass a short distance away from the Jules’ home.

A neighbour said that he heard someone shouting “That man gon kill he!” and rushed out of his house only

to see Dexter lying on the road bleeding profusely.

He stated that he saw Wayne running out of the yard and Orin running up the street.

He said that he and another individual started chasing the suspect, who subsequently “stashed” himself in a clump of bushes.

The neighbour said that they surrounded the area while others called for the police.

The suspect was eventually apprehended and placed under arrest. He was then taken to the Turkeyen Police Station. Commander of ‘C’ Division, Calvin Chapman, when reached for

The murder weapon where the suspect dropped it. a comment, told Kaieteur News that a post mortem of the deceased will be done on

Monday after which the suspect is expected to be charged.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday June 19, 2016

The Venezuelan crisis: Offers of help from neighbours

By Odeen Ishmael

M

u c h h a s already been written about the political, economic, financial and social crisis e n g u l f i n g Ve n e z u e l a .

Despite having one of the world’s largest oil reserves, the country has been in crisis since the onset of the decline in oil prices on the world market.

The most pressing impact is the severe shortage of consumer goods, particularly food items and medicine, in all parts of the country. Added to this are the escalating violent crime rate, economic recession, hoarding of consumer goods by some big merchants, looting, power-cuts and water rationing.

The contraband trade in consumer items is rampant and the black-marketing of these goods has pushed prices to skyrocketing levels — a situation compounded by currency controls, an inflation rate of over 700 percent, and the steadily rising “informal” exchange rate of the US dollar and

Odeen Ishmael other foreign currencies.

Prices are routinely determined by this informal exchange rate and they continue to rise, since the currency has declined drastically in the past month to 1,000 bolivars per dollar.

The government currently maintains three official rates of 6.3, 13.5 and about 200 bolivars per dollar for authorized purchases of “essential” items.

THE GUYANESE ENCLAVES In the eastern states of Bolivar and Delta Amacuro, many among the thousands of Guyanese migrants who

settled there during the Guyanese economic crisis of the 1980s, currently face intense suffering and some are contemplating returning to Guyana. While food items to that region are smuggled in through Brazil and Guyana across the porous borders, residents complain that members of the Venezuelan National Guard routinely seize most of these goods, unless they are paid off by the smugglers.

Guyanese nationals in the municipalities of San Felix and Puerto Ordaz (in the city of Ciudad Guayana) say that their regular diet is sardines, ground provisions and vegetables. Many of them, like those in Delta Amacuro, maintain kitchen gardens and rear poultry and therefore do have some additional food resources on which to subsist.

Generally, there is a shortage of supply of food items — a situation that has jacked up prices by more than 400 percent since January on unsubsidized items in supermarkets. At the same time, due to this scarcity, black-market items

Map showing the location of Puerto Ordaz available in local markets may be obtained at 10 to 15 times more than their normal price.

I n t e r e s t i n g l y, t h e government does not admit that there is a shortage of consumer goods and, therefore, does not welcome humanitarian aid. With respect to food items sent by private sources from Guyana and elsewhere to individuals and social organizations, a reliable source in Puerto Ordaz explained further: “It’s very difficult to get goods coming into Venezuela; all the borders are under strict customs check and goods coming in large amounts are confiscated, even if they are coming legally, e.g., through a shipping service.”

RE-MIGRATION AND REFUGEES Some Guyanese nationals have indicated that they want to re-migrate to Guyana. At the same time, it is felt that many other Venezuelan citizens in the border regions may move into Guyana, Colombia, Brazil and Trinidad as refugees. But President David Granger has firmly stated that Guyana is not currently considering accepting refugees, but would welcome returning Guyanese.

According to a Kaieteur News report on May 20, Granger said Guyana has special interest because of the territorial question between the two countries. He was adamant t h a t t h e Ve n e z u e l a n economic crisis could affect the security of the region, and thus Guyana was hoping for an orderly resolution to the situation.

He also expressed concerns over the involvement of the Venezuelan armed forces

in the current crisis — an action Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has explained as a means to deal with the growing crime situation and protests.

One week later, on May 27, Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge amplified on the president’s statement by expressing the view that Guyana would be prepared to lend support to Venezuela should the need arise. He explained that Guyanese would, if they deem it necessary, try and provide humanitarian or other assistance to Venezuela. He a d d e d t h a t G u y a n a ’s concerns over the Venezuelan crisis “extends to the point where Guyana would try to ensure that it does not contribute to the problems, including through comments which are inimical to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.”

With regards to Guyanese residing in Venezuela, he said that if some Guyanese decided to return home “we have an obligation to accommodate them.” However, he did not feel that there would be an i n f l u x o f Ve n e z u e l a n refugees into Guyana and stated that “the people on the border are not the ones chronically affected by the shortages; those people are in the city, and they will find it easier to go to either Trinidad or Colombia; so that doesn’t worry us.”

HELP FROM TRINIDAD Meanwhile, President Maduro has been making some efforts to garner economic support from within the region. On May 23, on a visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Keith Rowley agreed to supply manufactured consumer and food items to eastern Venezuela trade

through the creation of a “ r o t a t i n g ” Ve n e z u e l a n US$50 billion fund. Rowley hoped that this arrangement could provide “some significant relief to the people of Venezuela.”

The Trinidad Guardian later reported that food items such as chicken, black beans and ketchup were among the items that Venezuela had requested. The paper added t h a t t h e Ve n e z u e l a n government was also expected to send a request for “eight priority items” which would be shipped as soon as they are ready.

Many people of Trinidadian heritage reside i n e a s t e r n Ve n e z u e l a , particularly in the state of Sucre, and during this year, arrivals in Port of Spain from there have been an unusually high.

EFFORTS TO REACH POLITICAL COMPROMISE While these efforts are being made to alleviate the food problems in Venezuela, diplomatic endeavours are underway to reach a compromise in the political crisis gripping the country.

On June 1, the Organization of American States (OAS) approved by consensus, a declaration in which the member states made an offer to Venezuela “to identify, by common accord, a course of action that will assist the search for solutions to the situation through open and inclusive dialogue” among political and social actors in the country “to preserve peace and security in Venezuela, with full respect for its sovereignty.”

The declaration also offers support for the initiative of the former presidents José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero of Spain, Leonel Fernández of (Continued on page 63)

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 63

The Venezuelan crisis: Offers of help from...

(From page 62) the Dominican Republic and Martín Torrijos of Panama, to mediate an effective dialogue between the government and the opposition, a process which has already started.

The opposition coalition currently controls the National Assembly by a huge majority, while the government of President Maduro continues to oppose legislative actions passed by the assembly.

A similar declaration supporting the work of the three mediators was issued

by the summit of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in Cuba on June 4.

And on June 14, United States Secretary of State John Kerry announced highlevel talks to ease tensions between his country and the Venezuelan government. He added that the talks would also be aimed at fostering dialogue between the Maduro government and the opposition.

Significantly, Kerry announced also that the United States would not support a push by OAS

Secretary General Luis Almagro to suspend Venezuela from the OAS for alleged violations of the organization’s democratic charter.

At Almagro’s request, the OAS is expected to convene an “emergency” meeting later this month to initiate the process aimed at suspending Venezuela from the hemispheric body.

But Almagro’s action has isolated him from the great majority of the members, with even right-wing governments opposed to Maduro in the hemisphere

refusing to support his proposal. His action is widely regarded as part of a personal vendetta against Maduro, and there is a general feeling that he could have better used his position to mediate a compromise between the Venezuelan government and the opposition.

A political compromise and understanding can surely assist to ease the pressures on the Venezuelan people. In the present circumstances with no side willing to be flexible, diplomatic mediators will

definitely encounter a stiff challenge to reach their objective. How long this task will take is anyone’s guess.

In the meantime, the crisis continues to the detriment of the entire nation.

(Dr Odeen Ishmael, Ambassador Emeritus (retired), historian and

author, served as Guyana’s ambassador in the USA (1993-2003), Venezuela 2003-2011) and Kuwait and Qatar (2011-2014). He actively participated in meetings of UNASUR from 2003 to 2010 and has written extensively on South American integration issues)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

26 Barticians graduate...

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger presents one of the participants with her certificate

(From page 20) in all the little things you undertake,” she said.

Mrs. Granger told the women that the experience and skills gained at the workshop, can lead to opportunities, which will only serve to develop the communities and villages.

“With your experience, you can build communities because at the end of the day, what we are hoping to build are stronger, more vibrant communities and in my opinion, strong women lead communities,” the First Lady said.

One of the participants, Ms. Carol Fredericks, who delivered an overview of the workshop, noted that the programme is a timely intervention for the women of Bartica.

The programme modules of the workshop were divided into 13 units and spoke particularly to planning, legality of business operation, products, marketing, quality of life plan, community action plan, personal paperwork, business paperwork, projections, promotion, process and

review.

“The experience and skills will certainly boost our confidence and finance.

Twenty-six women are today richer, stronger, more effective, more efficient, and productive and empowered to develop our business, communities and families,” Ms. Fredericks said.

Ms. Latoya SchultzNurse, another of the participants, said that the workshop will change the way business is done for her.

“I think this is a very great workshop; very timely for us now seeing that we are transitioning from a community to a town. If we apply what we have learnt here at the workshop to our businesses, I think it will be awesome and we wish more of this, not only for Bartica but throughout Guyana.

L e t ’s e m p o w e r t h e women. I was so empowered in this workshop, and I know when I apply these things to my business, my business will bloom,” Nurse said.

Budding entrepreneur,

Ms. Luanna Ambrose, praised the initiative, noting that its impact on women cannot be underestimated.

“This is a very, very important initiative and it is having and will have a great impact on the women in this country,” she noted.

First Lady, Mrs. Granger also used the opportunity to answer questions from the participants on their business plans and methods and sought to give advice on how current businesses can be expanded.

Interweave Solutions is a non-governmental organisation that helps local organisations and congregations in developing countries to determine their own destinies by providing them with the necessary training to implement and promote their own business plans.

To date, more than 130 women have completed the programme and are on their way to establishing themselves as successful business people.

Fedders Lloyd local boss...

(From page 19) inform Cabinet on a definitive course of action on the Specialty Hospital.

Harmon also disclosed that the Attorney General’s Chambers is pursuing legal means to recover its $900M court judgment.

Other than some foundation works, and a few containers, not many activities have been going on at the Turkeyen site. A few piles have been driven and the security hut stands in the corner among the bushes.

Sunday June 19, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Food and Drug Analyst granted extension to file response in ...

From page 15 powdered milk and sweetened condensed milk of various descriptions and types.”

However, on December 30, 2015, the proprietor said the shipment of milk which arrived at Port Georgetown

encountered some problems.

He said that the consignment was accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis, a Free-Sale Certificate from the Ministry of Health of Malaysia, a Certificate of Freedom of State

from Disease and a Veterinary Health Certificate, Department of Veterinary Services, Malaysia.

“Normally, upon the arrival of these products into Guyana, and before they are cleared by Customs Officers

of the Guyana Revenue Authority, these documents are produced and copies are retained by the Customs Officers, and the goods are permitted entry into Guyana after the payment of the assessed customs duties and

taxes.”

Ahmad said that on this occasion, the aforesaid procedure was followed except that no duties and taxes were paid, but a sample of the milk from the container was provided to the

Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department.

He said that the items continue to be detained without an explanation despite several attempts by him, staff and agents to get the matter sorted out.

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Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Quest for the sunken slave ship which claimed 664 lives Experts believe they are close to locating the final resting place of a slave ship which sank in what has been described as the biggest single tragedy of the Atlantic slave trade.

Even in the annals of the slave trade, it was a chapter which was particularly horrific. Laden with her human cargo, the slave ship, Leusden, ran aground in an estuary off the coast of Suriname, South America, near to the end of her transatlantic voyage on New Year’s Day 1738.

As she sank into the murky depths, the captain ordered his crew to send the slaves below deck and for the hatches to be nailed shut to keep them there. While he and his crew sailed off in two smaller boats, the vessel foundered, taking with her 664 African men, women and children entombed within, in what was the greatest single tragedy of its kind in the slave trade.

Now, after almost three centuries, a team of British and Dutch explorers believe they are close to pinpointing

the ship’s wreck, and the final resting places of those who had been on board.

They have already managed to establish the relatively small area where the ship went down, near the mouth of the Maroni River, and initial surveys have provided several strong clues as to her precise whereabouts.

A more extensive survey is now planned for when weather conditions will be more favourable.

The search is being led by Leo Balai, a Dutch academic, who has written a book about the vessel, which is being translated into English.

“It is a difficult story, but one which must be told. It is unique in the history of international slavery,” he said. “The wreck would be of great archaeological and historical importance, but it is also a resting place for the people who were murdered there.”

Dr Balai, who is originally from Suriname, believes the ship may have sunk while largely intact and believes it could be an unparalleled

archaeological find.

Only a handful of slave ship wrecks have ever been located and only two have been fully explored, neither of which was carrying slaves when they sank.

The team, which includes students from Plymouth University and a specialist underwater search company from Norwich, have identified the area of the estuary most likely to contain the wreck.

During survey work last year they identified items of submerged metal which could be detected to give the exact location.

They hope to return there for a search of the sea bed using a side scan sonar system.

The waters there are too dangerous for divers because of the strong currents. The device, which is fitted to a boat, will allow those on the surface to see a clear image of the shipwreck, and indicate its condition.

The 111-foot ship, owned by the Dutch West India Company, started her final voyage at Elmina, in what is now Ghana, on Nov 19, 1737.

She had spent six months at the African port, waiting for enough slaves to be taken on board to make the journey economically viable.

She initially enjoyed fine weather, but as she neared the end of the voyage, ran into strong winds and driving rain.

Jochem Outjes, the Swedish captain, decided to navigate the ship towards the coast, where they found themselves at the mouth of an estuary.

Uncertain whether this was the Maroni or their destination, the Suriname River, the third mate was sent out in a small boat to investigate.

A strong tide, however, dragged the Leusden towards land and she ran aground.

The captain hoped that the next high tide would raise the ship off, so he allowed his captives out of the slave quarters to have their meals on deck.

At that point, the rudder, resting on the river bed, broke off and water started to pour in. The slaves were sent back below, into their increasingly flooded quarters and the hatches nailed shut.

The crew was then ordered to sit on the hatches to ensure they could not be opened. They remained there throughout the night, listening to the sounds of the slaves dying below. The next morning, with no prospect of the ship being saved, the 73 crew all escaped, in two smaller boats.

They took 16 slaves with them, who — when the party arrived at Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname and their original destination — were sold, for 4,140 Dutch guilders.

None of the crew members were punished for the deaths of the slaves and some were rewarded for managing to save a box of gold from the stricken ship.

Much of the remainder of the ship’s contents went down with her. Explorers have used this fact, as well as a detailed account of the

sinking by the captain, to aid their search.

The vessel was carrying 12 guns on board, which along with other metallic items, such as anchors and ballast, manacles, collars and chains, should show up on search instruments being used to scour the sea bed.

From her maiden voyage in 1719 up to her sinking in 1738, the Leusden made 10 slave-trading voyages, initially to Sint Eustatius, in the Leeward Islands, and Berbice, now in Guyana, and then Suriname, both in the north-east of South America.

During her seventh passage, a revolt broke out on board, in which five of the crew were killed. On the ninth, an infection took hold and only 226 of the 689 captives reached Paramaribo alive.

In total, over her 10 (continued on page 72)

until they are brought to justice.”

Questioned about Forde’s bizarre story, a police official denied the existence of the recorded statement by the alleged eyewitness.

The source confirmed that Forde had approached two former government officials with what he claimed was information that implicated four persons in his daughter’s death, after expressing dissatisfaction with progress of the police probe.

However, after perusing documents related to the investigation, the officials, including personnel with a background in criminal investigation, concluded that the probe was a thorough one.

One of the officials also confirmed that a man claiming to be an eyewitness to the crime was also questioned.

“But his story didn’t quite ring true. Most of what he said could not be verified, and we couldn’t use it as evidence,” the official said.

The man’s story about the alleged pornographic ring was however investigated, but no evidence surfaced to indicate that the story was true.

Police, another source confirmed, had initially investigated reports that Jessie Forde was last seen alive at a South Ruimveldt residence at which a ‘blue film’ was being made.

The owner of the home, who reportedly knew the victim, was detained several times and grilled. His home and car were also checked for evidence, but nothing was found to link the suspect with the young woman’s death. In addition, the police questioned several persons who claimed that the South Ruimveldt resident was at a boxing match at the National Park, and later at a dance on the East Coast of Demerara on the night Jessie Forde was slain.

Other persons, including a young man Forde claimed was a suspect in his daughter’s death, were also questioned, the source said.

The police official said detectives had begun to question several young men in the North East La Penitence area where Jessie Forde had lived, but claimed their investigations were frequently hindered by Forde.

“He wanted to do the investigation himself,” the source said.

But if Forde is wrong, who was it that killed Jessie?

In 1995, shortly after I published a story about this case, I received a call from a woman who said that she had information that could possibly lead to Jessie Forde’s killer.

We met shortly after, and the woman revealed that she had lived in North East La Penitence at the time when Jessie was murdered.

According to the woman, the night before Jessie’s body was discovered, she

was disturbed by a splashing sound outside her house.

She peeped outside and saw a male neighbour coming through the muddy shortcut near ‘the dump’.

The very next day, Jessie’s body was found in the same shortcut.

The woman distinctly recalled that all the residents in the immediate area had attempted to see Jessie’s corpse—everyone, that is, except the man who she had seen near the track the night before.

Instead, she recalled, the man had paced up and down the street, while saying uncomplimentary things about Jessie Forde. But at no time did he attempt to take a look at her body.

Unfortunately, because she feared for her safety, the woman had never passed this information on to the police.

By the time she contacted me, some seven years after Jessie Ann Forde’s murder, the man who she suspected might have killed Forde had migrated. As far as I know, he has never returned to these shores.

THE ‘BLUE MOVIE’ MURDER

From page 26 recordings of the conversation he had with the alleged eyewitness, in which the suspects were identified.

Mr. Forde subsequently allowed me to listen to a cassette in which a man - reportedly the same informant - claimed that he had witnessed Jessie Forde’s murder.

The man on the tape gave details of how the alleged killers disposed of the corpse.

I subsequently tracked down the alleged informant, but he was reluctant to speak with me.

According to Forde, a copy of the recorded confession was handed to senior police officials. A security official under the former government was also reportedly informed.

He said the alleged eyewitness also gave a written statement about the murder to senior police officials.

Forde said that after receiving the statement, the police intensified their probe into Jessie’s murder. But by then, two of the main suspects had already slipped

out of the country.

Both suspects were reportedly given lengthy jail terms in the United States; one for murder, the other for drug trafficking. Nevertheless, he was bitter that they have managed to slip through the hands of local police.

“I WILL NOT REST UNTILTHEYARE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE” “It was a brutal murder. I relive the moment over and over again. But I believe that my path and the killers’ path will cross again. I will not rest

If you have further information on this case or any other, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office or by telephone. We can be reached on telephone numbers 2258465, 225-8491, or 225-8458.

You need not disclose your identity.

You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s mjdragon@hotmail.com.

Sunday June 19, 2016

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Kaieteur News

STANDARDS IN FOCUS....

Accreditation supporting public policy World Accreditation Day (WAD) was commemorated on Thursday, June 09, 2016 under the theme “Accreditation – A global tool to support public policy”.

WAD is a global initiative jointly established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation-related activities.

Standards, conformity assessment and accreditation are all market-based tools that can be used by Governments to deliver better regulation, environmental protection, public safety, fraud prevention, fair and efficient markets and public trust.

Indeed, policymakers can use services provided by accredited institutions and other Conformity Assessment Bodies to promulgate confidence in the results that influence their actions, especially if these actions are regulatory.

Being the highest level of impartial quality assessment of Conformity Assessment Bodies, such as testing, inspection and certification bodies, accreditation allows confidence in the results, findings, and decisions made by regulatory institutions.

Hence, these institutions are better able to monitor their

stakeholders and protect the populace.

In addition, regulators derive greater recognition from accreditation through the adoption of mechanisms to deliver multi-discipline solutions that can support or act as an alternative to legislation.

Accreditation also helps to shape Government policy in relation to the trade of goods across borders, especially in complex and highly competitive marketswhere exporters need to demonstrate to their buyers that their products are meeting established requirements. Governments and Regulators have to recognize and advocate the use of credible accreditation programmes that are based on internationally-recognized standards to allow the ease of import/export business transactions.

Despite the growth, influence and use of accredited services across a wide range of economies there are still many more policy areas in which accreditation could be introduced as an alternative to regulation ranging from healthcare, health and safety management, education, and waste management, to name but a few.

World Accreditation Day provides an excellent opportunity for the

accreditation community to extend its influence and demonstrate how accreditation can be applied to a wide variety of assessment, approval or evaluation tasks that can be used to address a wide range of Government requirements.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has, over the years, spearheaded the National Committee for Conformity Assessment, which comprises of a number of Regulators to encourage their use and provision of accredited inspections and testing services.

In addition, as the National Accreditation Focal Point, the Bureau has been providing support in the form of technical assistance to both public and private institutions that are interested in vying for accreditation.

So far, these efforts have borne fruits as there are now two accredited laboratories in Guyana namely, Guyana Rice Development Board Central Laboratory and the Eureka Medical Laboratory Inc. This number is expected to grow as quite a few laboratories are considering taking the similar path of becoming accredited.

To conclude WAD activities for 2016, the GNBS has planned a symposium for Senior Public Sector Representatives on Wednesday, June 22, at the

Impeccable Banquet Hall, Brickdam Georgetown where accreditation and its benefits to the Public Sector will be

two of the main features up for discussion.

For further information on this subject, call the

GNBS on Telephone number: 219-0065 or 219-0066 or visit the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org

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Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Expect arrests, extraditions in the drug trade soon US drug enforcement officials working with local authorities are beginning to have a better understanding of who the players are.

The country can expect some arrests of big fishes with extraditions likely, says outgoing US Deputy Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt.

Hunt is the embassy official who has been outspoken during his threeyear tenure. He was questioned about the presence of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office here.

The office, stationed at the US Embassy, has been responsible for a string of drug busts at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport as well as in the US. According to Hunt, there can be no question that busts are significant ones as intelligence is being developed about how the network operates in Guyana.

There is no doubt that there has been a rapid decline, in especially areas of the drug mules.

The official noted that in

- says outgoing US Deputy Chief recent years, the US had started to recognize that Guyana was becoming an important cog in the wheel of the international drug trade as a preferred transit point.

While not taking direct credit for the DEA office being established here back in February, Hunt disclosed that his work was laying the groundwork for the cooperation that was necessary with agencies like the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

A lot of work had started under former US Ambassador, D. Brent Hardt.

In July 2014, former President, Donald Ramotar and Brent Hardt, announced the establishment of a local DEA office to fight the drug trade. This was following the approval of the DEA office in Guyana by the US Senate.

The diplomat disclosed that when the Government

changed last May as a result of early general elections, there was not much to be done to convince the new administration of the importance of a DEA office.

This was because the former Leader of the Opposition and now President, David Granger, had been briefed fully on the “concept” and there was no need for a lot of “sales”, with the Government in some way “natural allies”.

According to Hunt, when monies for local DEA operations became available from the US Congress, rapid moves were made to have the office established.

Already, there have been significant seizures in both Guyana and the US. However, the diplomat is remaining realistic about the uphill task in the drug fight, noting that it will be impossible to shut supplies off.

DEA and its local partners are beginning to

have a better idea about the financing, logistics and the “facilitators” in Guyana, he said.

“We are in a better place than we were before.

Hopefully we will be able to say that Guyana is no longer a preferred transit route to anywhere.”

Hunt, questioned about the success of the arrests so far, noted that currently the ones being caught are the ones who are doing the actions. Progress, he said, are being made to identifying the “moral authors” who are supporting and directing the activities of the smaller players.

Questioned about the DEA’s confidence in CANU and its head, James Singh, Hunt said that there has been

no reason to question his work.

Of course, there have been bad eggs and this will continue to happen in all law enforcement agencies and there have been successes in identifying some of the corrupt officers.

With regard to the confidence of the US in the Guyana Police Force, the embassy official admitted there have been complaints but there is good news- the current leadership and even Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, have vowed to clean up, with zero tolerance for illicit behavior, corruption and human rights violations.

According to Hunt, things will not get better overnight but there are changes happening that will become more evident overtime.

With regard to Guyana’s

Outgoing US Deputy Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt importance to the drug trade, Hunt disclosed that shipments are more to Europe and Africa than to the US. However, the incidents to the US are by no means insignificant.

DEA has been collaborating with other countries to share information to help curtail the trade.

Minister Harmon hosts meeting to draft community development plan for Mocha Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, met with representatives from several ministries and Government agencies on Thursday, to discuss a multi-stakeholder approach towards the completion of a developmental plan for the Mocha-Arcadia community.

Dr. Richard Van West Charles, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI); Mr. Frederick Flatts, CEO of the National Drainage and Irrigation

Authority (NDIA) – Ministry of Agriculture; Mr. Leon Castello, Personal Assistant to Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure; Ms. Annette Ferguson; and Mr. Victor Wilson, Mocha resident and Advisor to the community, attended the meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The meeting is a follow-up on issues relayed to the Minister earlier this month, Continued on page 71

Sunday June 19, 2016

By Dr. Neromini Fagu Around the world today is a special day that is dedicated to fathers. Some fathers play a dual role of both parents. These single dads sometimes are so busy taking care of their children that they tend to neglect their own self and this includes their dental health.

In general, men are more reluctant than women to visit the dentist and will mainly wait to do so until it is absolutely necessary. Of course, this dental visit is usually prompted by some amount of discomfort or pain. The following are some points you should be aware of: Missing Dental Visits According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), men are less likely to

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Kaieteur News

Dental Health and Dads visit a dentist than women.

Most men tend to forego regular dental check-ups and preventative treatments and would often visit their dentist when they develop a serious problem.However, men should be aware that they are role models and if they are reluctant to go to the dentist the impressionable youngsters around them may take a cue from them.

Insufficient Brushing Research by the American Dental Association (ADA) has found that men are less likely to brush their teeth twice a day than women.

Most of the time brushing is done in the morning. However, skipping the nightly dental hygiene routine is a recipe for dental disaster. The acids and sugars from the foods and drinks that are

consumed during the day and before going to bed will speed up the tooth decay process and also cause plaque to build up and harden to tartar. This can cause irritation to the gums and lead to gum disease.

Higher Risk of Dry Mouth Reports from the AGD suggest that the quality of men’s dental health may be associated with heart disease, and high blood pressure medications that can cause dry mouth. Saliva helps to wash away food particles and keep a balanced pH in the mouth. It also helps to remineralize the tooth enamel.

When there is a decrease in saliva flow, the chances of dental problems will increase.

Your dentist can advise on how to help prevent dry mouth.

More Dental Replacements Some published statistics have shown that elderly men have fewer teeth than women by a certain age. This means

that they are more likely to need dentures. With proper personal and preventative oral care you may be able to keep your natural teeth for a lot longer.

Higher Use of Carcinogens (cancer causing products) Twice as many men as women develop oral cancer, often from smoking, chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol.

Each of these habits involves the use of carcinogens which put men at a greater risk for cancer.

Not chewing food properly They say that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. However, many of our male counterparts do not take the time to chew their food. It is important to chew your food properly for good digestion. However, if you have dental issues this might not be such an easy thing to do.

If you have missing teeth, wear dentures or partials, or have issues with bite and alignment, all of these can

directly affect your ability to chew and digest your food.Not being able to chew well can also affect your food choices, with many men avoiding foods high in fiber and other nutrients which can lead to serious digestive issues.

Better “dateablility” What do single folks look for in a male dating partner?

Is it rock-hard abs, a full, manly beard, or big feet? You may be surprised by the answer – nice teeth and a great smile. It seems that healthy teeth are more important on dating apps like Match.com and Tinder, because a man who takes care of his smile is likely to take care of his whole body.

The best way to keep your smile healthy is to keep up with your home oral hygiene routine which includes brushing for two minutes, twice per day, flossing at least once per day, and seeing your dentist for a regular checkup

Dr. Neromini Fagu and cleaning every six months. When it comes to your health - and your confidence - your smile can make all the difference in the world.Have a happy Father’s Day. 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

PROTECTING AND DEVELOPING CHILDREN PAT DIAL Over the last week the issue of the Rights of the Child was given some media notice.

There was, for instance, the worldwide commemoration of World Day Against Child Labour on Sunday June12, and a seminar on Wednesday June 15.

The latter was arranged for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Rights of the Child Commission (ROC) headed by Ms Aleema Nasir. It dealt with the role of the Police in protecting children.

Ms Nasir incidentally comes from a family, who for the last two generations, has been deeply engaged in charitable, religious and humanitarian work including protecting the welfare of children.

We felt, however, the media could have given more coverage to the Rights of the Child since it was such an important social issue but it always seemed to have been elbowed out by topical political and crime stories.

Protecting the Rights of the Child is of fundamental importance to the Guyanese Nation and this involves many spheres of activities.

There is the issue of child labour; children in the Law Courts and in the hands of the Police; the health of children; homeless children; children’s education; and children in the family. These issues all relate to each other but they could not all be addressed in a short article.

Child labour prevents the functioning of a well-organized and well-regulated labour market; its elimination helps to create an economy with long-term stability. In 2015 a sample survey of child labour was done in Georgetown and other population centres along the coast as well as at Ituni and Kwakwani.

The age-groups were divided into three categories 15 years and younger; 15 to 16 years; and 16 to 18 years.

It was found that more than half were engaged in selling and agriculture, with smaller numbers suffering from inju-

ries and illnesses caused by lifting heavy loads, operating machinery, and being exposed to chemicals, pesticides, and gases. Some were involved in prostitution activities.

As a result of these findings, it was announced that a special unit would be established in the Social Protection Ministry to deal with the issues of child labour. The unit still has to be established but as an immediate strategy, the Ministry will be enforcing the child labour laws, removing working children off the streets and ensuring that they go to school and appointing more labour inspectors.

With regards to children the Police and the Courts, the Police are being sensitized that they must never regard or treat children the same way as adults nor must they punish or torture them. And in the Courts, they should not

be compelled to give evidence and should always be provided with legal representation from the time they are apprehended by the Police and on their appearance in Court.

In this regard, the ROC is calling for the establishment of Public Defender’s Office for children. Particular cognizance must be taken of the plight of disabled children.

There is a great deal that could be done for assisting children to improve their education as for example, the proper teaching of English and Mathematics and the use of the computer. The Education Authorities as well as many parents are aware that the ubiquity of private lessons after and before school hours is an extremely negative trend in the Education System: It is an encouragement to the teachers not to

teach during school hours; it takes away the child’s childhood.

It is an oppressive financial burden on parents; and it discriminates against poorer parents and children who cannot afford to pay for private lessons. The main opposition to the abolition of this widespread system of private lessons and the return of normal school hours for children are the comparatively few persons who are making money from private lessons.

But probably the greatest help that could be accorded children to prevent abuse, to allow them to live a normal and happier life and to allow them to develop and manifest their innate talents, the greatest help lies with parents and guardians. Parents need to be socialized as to their roles and as part of their socialization, they have to learn the basic psychology of children.

The media, the various electronic educational programes and parent-teachers associations could greatly help in this regard.

Parents must realize that children are not identical to adults and that at the various ages before adolescence, they are very different. They must learn to treat their adolescent children with patience, tolerance and understanding, They must develop an empathy with their children which would allow them to grasp how sensitive and how deeply hurt they are by any slights, insults and ill-treatment. Many parents are unaware of the deep disappointment and hurt they cause their children by their omission and neglect to give a word of praise and appreciation for any achievement or good or positive thing their children may have done.

PAGE 70

- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc.

- Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000.

Call: 647-1773/660-5257

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

Register now for summer courses in cosmetology and nails between 2nd -25th August – Cost $15,000 Call Abby:619-7603

Lot 133 Diamond New Scheme Housing Scheme, EBD Call: 678-7186 or fhamid121@gmail.com

SALON

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

FOR RENT One nail station in mall, prime area, call: 647-1773 PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Lower 2 bedrooms apartment @ Paradise Public Road, E.C.D. Security Deposit required -$40,000 monthly.

Call: 625-9939 SELF CONTAINED: FREE WI-FI, ELECTRICITY, CABLE @ RESIDENTIAL LOCATION, OPPOSITE THE HARBOR BRIDGE$35,000-CALL: 643-8080; 600-5775 1 Bedroom bottom flat apartment at 174 Triumph E.C.D- Call: 220-7987 One apartment for rent at Mon Repos, Market Street, E.C.D –Call: 220-7330 2 Bedrooms apartment in Diamond for couple or single -$35,000 –Call: 641-7369 after 1:30pm

Guy Tech Repairs Service & Spares: Solar system, deep fryer, pizza oven, etc. Call: 684-2119; 680-2377

FOR SALE 1 Boat for sale 50’X13’X6’ steel cargo boat 671 GM engine. Call: 691-5104; 609-3447

Guy Tech Repairs Service & Spares: treadmill, washing machine, refrigerator, pressure pump, air condition, etc. Call: 684-2119; 680-2377

Two -20ft Container chassis for sale- price $1,260,000 each for information call: 623-1615

American pool table – Call: 277-0578 CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 6435122, 656-0087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO. COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807

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

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

2-Daf 45 10-Ton Flatbed Truck, 1-Kobelco Sk160 Excavator-4D34 Engine.

Contact #661-9096

Hello the doctor is back!

Have your gas stove repaired and serviced. Call: 601-0595; 220-4073

FOR SALE/RENT

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

Cat 928F Loader, Cat 3116, 3406 and Cummins L10 Engine, Miller Welder, Light Tower. Contact # 661-9096

Ramdass Visa application & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295

Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!!

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

9 Stalls 64 to 72 (47feet long x 7 feet wide) @ La Penitence Market Albouystown, Also 80 Mannequins @ $800 per piece- Call: 225-4410; 218-4837 1- 1999 Suzuki sidekick, 4 doors, good condition. Call: 655-1965 1-DX 225 Doosan Excavator, very good condition. Call: 610-0001

New Arrivals! Handbag set, wholesale quantities available fragrances paradise: (inside triple ‘N’ Supermarket, Pouderoyen, W.B.D - Call: 600-1559

Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities–Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 House & land 150X100 @ 6 Good Hope EBE, Double Lot @ 41&44 Vergenogen E.B.E, Double lot (business spot) @ Zeelugt. Call: 642-6642 One large family home 4 bedroom, 21/2 bathrooms @ Enterprise – Call: 617-7845 One 2 Flat concrete - 1-6 bedrooms house (transported) large yard space, in Strathspey E.C.D - $14M negotiable Call: 689-5103 One flat house 2 bedrooms at Grove New Scheme 2nd Bridge, large land space -$11M. Call: 626-1263/ 680-9593 La Parfaite Harmonie -$20M, $25M, $6M, New Road -$17M, $2.5M, La Grange Public Road $18M. Call: 604-6724 Zeelugt-(2)storey concrete building, Good Hope(2)storey concrete building, Tel:231-9690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri).

1 Complete high volume, 3stage water purification systems, UV light, water tanks, freezer, reasonable , owner migrating – Call: 649-8430

Parfaite Harmony-(2) storey wooden & concrete building.

Prices negotiable. Tel:2319690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri).

Lot 32 Princess St. Wortmanville, GeorgetownCall: 621-8767

2 Storey 5 bedroom (2 selfcontained) wooden & concrete, with concrete fence, garage (space for 6 vehicles). Call: 614-0107; 6928923

One model M Truck- call: 622-4386 Sale on black leotard & tights from $3000 up @ Roxie’s Fashion, 301 Church & Thomas Streets.

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

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

Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

One 6 base music set with QSE amp, RCF speaker. Call: 221-2817; 699-5790

CAR RENTAL

Republic Park Ph1: 2 flats 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, well maintained, including yard $51M-Call: 609-6516; 6170758; 645-2580 Property for sale in prime commercial location in Rose Hall Town, 2 lots for $6M (50X120)- Call: 683-5629

1 Front building & 1 -2 storey back building @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda (30X120), price negotiable- Call: 226-5183; 227-6817; 624-7341 House & land at 422 Fourth Street, Herstelling E.B.D price $10M negotiable – Call: 677-0792 Enmore: Hope West, 1-two storey 3 bedrooms wooden building, overlooking FoulisCall: 602-2818; 649-1434

VACANCY Welder / Fabricator must have experience-Contact 223-5273/4 Autocad Technician to draw parts and components contact 2235273/4 Hair/nail & barber stations for rental, discounts for new comers @ New Market St. Call: 638-1106 Delivery Boys/office assistant within Georgetown –must have motorcycle license. Female office staff for Georgetown office – Call: 619-6215 Truck Porter to travel in and out of Interior. Call: 618-2020 Exist for cashiers and salesclerks @ Nirva Supermarket, apply in person with written application. Call: 227-5771 One male janitor/cleaner, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.

GME Realty is seeking agents -$50,000 + commission with experienced & $20,000 inexperienced until qualify.

Text:648-2345/ email: gmereal estateagency@outlook.com

WANTED Live in waitress –Call: 645-4543 Experienced professional cook/pastry maker, cashiers with computers skills @ Annabel Bistro, 36 Public Road La Grange W.B.D –Call: 678-3400 Hallow Blocks maker- Call: 233-2767 Business partner to manage farm –Call: 695-0007 Live in waitress to work in a bar @ Berbice- Call: 6046606; 692-4649 1 Cleaner to work in snackette & bar. Must know to cookbetween ages 20-35 -Call: 647-7432/ 223-5798 One experienced sales clerk between ages 18-28 – apply within- Call: 225-8831 Driver & Porter to sell water on East Coast. Apply at Nimbus Water Tel # 231-7002 One driver –Call: 611-1586 Live-in experienced waitress 18-25yrs, boarding & lodging free, salary $70,000-$80,000 monthly – Call: 610- 5043 Bus Driver- 40 years & older –Call: 665-2619

Accountant: CAT level 2 ACCA and 2 yrs experienced, office located in Wales. Call: 651-1106

Waitress must be living in the vicinity of Leonora to Parika – Call: 642-6664

One Spa specialist with knowledge of acrylic nails, pedicure & massage. Call: 696-7337 for details.

Experienced Driver apply in person with handwritten application @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St.

One Experienced Hauler driver, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.

Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665

Porters apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.

Sales Representative (valid driver licence), Marketing Executive, Industrial Mechanic & Electrician. Apply to: jkeshwani.alesie@gmail.com Call: 269-0058 Experienced sewing machine operators.Apply in person @ R Sookraj & Sons 108 Regent Street (OPP. GBTI) Marketing Representative between ages 25-35years old, must have driver’s License.

Call: 223-0090

Waiters for new restaurant opening @ Giftland Mall; shift -6:30-15:00hrs & 15:0023:30hrs, training will be given. Call: 688-3617 WATCHMAN FOR COMPANY IN RUIMVELD WITH POLICE CLEARANCE & FLEXIBLE HOURS, (WEEKENDSAND NIGHTS). CALL: 231-8529; 231-8344 FOOD WHOLESALE COMPANYLOOKINGFOR SALESPERSONS WITH EXPERINCED & VEHICLEPOLICE CLEARANCE A+.

CALL: 231-8529; 231-8344 Girls to work in bar @ E.C.D location- Call: 612-2522

TO LET New self-contained 3 bedroom house, upper flat, security cameras; security lights, window screens @ Diamond, E.B.D. Call: 2260880; 603-0067 1 Bedroom apartment @ Middle Road La Penitence $27,000 monthly – Call: 6669534 or 226-6374

Needed one female cleaner to work in bond, apply in person to Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling.

Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, Eccles & also vehicles.

Call:604-6724 TO LET Rooms in Albertown –Call: 225-3234 (Continued on page 71)

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 71

Kaieteur News

Firemen who sustained injuries during Gafoor’s fire presented with cheques From page 70

LAND FOR SALE High value transported land and small newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 684-7234 25 Acres land for sale @ Linden Highway –Call: 6831521

The firemen with representatives from Gafoors.

A little over one month has elapsed since the massive fire at Gafoor’s Houston Complex on May 9, in which six fire fighters were injured as sections of the building collapsed on them during attempts to extinguish the massive blaze.

One fireman had reportedly stopped breathing but was successfully resuscitated via CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation), while all had to be treated for smoke inhalation and lacerations. Another fire fighter sustained a fractured neck.

Injuries varied from persons’ eyes being affected by gas from the building, to cuts from broken glass.

Four other firemen had to be treated at the Georgetown

Public Hospital and sent home, while one had to seek treatment at a private city hospital. The fire fighter with the fractured neck was kept at GPHC for observation.

Gafoor’s presented the six firemen with cheques ranging from S75, 000 to $100,000 during a ceremony at the refurbished section of their Houston complex.

Five of the six firemen were present as one was still at home recuperating. The six were Fireman Greene, Fireman Cumberbatch, Fireman Moore, Fireman Haley, Fireman Roydon, and Fireman Patterson.

The cheques were donated in recognition of their bravery beyond the call of duty a spokesperson for Gafoor’s stated.

Minister Harmon hosts meeting to draft...

Herstelling (100ftX50ft) corner lot, land fill La Parfaite Harmonie with foundation (25ftX30ft) -$1.2M, Bartica $2.8M – Call: 611-7223; 6042207 Land situated at 33 area F Zeeburg South W.C.D, size: 150X55’. Call: 615-1594; 6683293 Tuschen -$2.2M, $1.4M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.1M, $1.6M, $2.5M, $1.2M, Eccles -$5.5M, New Road V/Hoop $17M, $30M. Call: 604-6724 1-Houselot for sale @ Lot 5 Bel-Air Village, First Street.

Call: 680-8936; 671-7312 DRESSMAKING We specialize in making working uniform etc, also classes in designing & sewing. Call: 626-2629; 6766312

VEHICLE FOR SALE Honda Civic M/Car PSS $1.4M, Kawaski Ninja 250cc M/Cycle -$375,000 –Call: 696-2815 Toyota AT212, AT192, LTouring Wagon, Solid Def pickup 4X4, RZ, Runx, Canter, Honda CAPA. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 Mazda RX8 – Call: 602-6024 One silver colour RAV 4 J PNN 6469, excellent condition – Call: 625-2323; 254-0530 1 AT 212 New Model Toyota Carina PMM series, lady driven -$1.3M –Call: 6177845 1 Long base canter -$2M, 1 short base Canter -$1.2M, 1212 car -$1M, 1 RZ bus $1M, 1 Galant - $800,000 – Call: 604-6724 Toyota Raum, automatic, power steering, AC, music, full body kit. Must be seen @ a bargain! –Call: 616-0427 Mitsubishi Jeep, automatic, power steering, A/C, 4X4, mag rim, good value, very nice. Call: 616-0427/ 689-3612 One 4 wheel drive, automatic, extra cab, Toyota Hilux, GSS series. Call: 6140107; 692-8923

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property situated at Lot 25 Public Road No. 7 West Coast Berbice, 32 ½ x 237 feet. Price negotiable.

Contact 667-1376.

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon meets with Mocha Arcadia community representatives and government officials at the Ministry of the Presidency.

From page 68 when he met with some Mocha residents, including the Chairman of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council. Minister Harmon noted that despite the hardships Mocha has persevered. The meeting “aims to co-ordinate work in a small community where we can help to make an impact on issues affecting residents.”

He specifically asked the meeting to identify projects that can be extracted from plans that have already been catered for in their budget to draft a community development plan for Mocha.

The Minister noted that the community was challenged

by land distribution and land use issues, electricity and water woes and dilapidated roads. However, he pointed out that the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission is already addressing the matters related to the land issues.

Dr. Van West Charles said a group from Barnwell, Mocha Arcadia had approached the utility a few months ago about access to potable water and the company is in the process of installing some pipelines.

Nevertheless, he said, “We can take a close look at any resident, who is having difficulty and try to address them because we’re trying to interconnect the system so even the well at Providence

would be able to supply them, shortly.”

Mr. Castello added that the Public Infrastructure Ministry recently installed 52 streetlights, which will be activated next week. Minister Harmon reminded that any new projects should be sustainable, in keeping with the Government’s green agenda.

Mr. Wilson, who said that he moved into Mocha in 1994, remarked that communities north of Barnwell North and at Prosperity have no electricity and that “The kind of farming that the people have been advised to do there; they will need power… power for water, animals, for their children”.

Mr. Flatts said the

Agriculture Ministry embarked on a comprehensive drainage and irrigation plan in Mocha since July 2015. A bulldozer truck and long-boom excavator have been stationed there and, to date, has bulldozed 18 miles of dam and cleared 20 miles of drainage channels.

He also noted that plans are in train to access funds from the CARICOM Development Fund and from the 2016 National budget to augment those works next year.

Jeremy Douglas, Engineer at the NDIA, Mr. Renford Homer, Deputy CEO of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), also attended the meeting.

Toyota Voxy/ Noah unregistered, 2008 model $2.5M. Call: 603-9700 Town Ace 11 seat minibus BGG 624 (engine lately overall), stick gear -$400,000 negotiable. Call: 646-7339 2001 Tacoma, 4 Cylinder, 3RZ engine, AC, very good condition- $1.6M negotiable –Call: 617-7113

ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: clean, comfortable & affordable apartments/rooms, long & short term – Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817 NOTICE Splashmin’s Resort has m o v e d . We a r e n o w located at 52 Hadfield Street behind GT&T- Call: 223-7301-3 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997

EDUCATIONAL I.A.E Classes for CSEC January/June 2017: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subject for Students, Adults & repeaters. Call: 683-5742 Summer classes for children age 5-17yrs, Form 1-5, CXC classes. Call: 690-5008; 6602152

PAGE 72

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Ambulance with patient crashes into lumber truck

The occupants of an ambulance transporting a patient from New Amsterdam to Georgetown, were lucky to escape injuries when the ambulance

crashed into a lumber lorry on the Hopetown Public Road, West Coast Berbice, at approximately 17:30hrs yesterday.

According to eyewitnesses,

the ambulance was forced to swerve to avoid a collision with a speeding vehicle.

The speeding car ended up in the lane of the ambulance, forcing

it to crash into the lumber projecting from the tray of the lorry.

Authorities were forced to summon another ambulance to transport the patient to Georgetown.

Quest for the sunken slave ship which ...

From page 66 voyages, 6,564 slaves embarked, 1,639 of whom did not survive the passage.

Before their sale, another 102 captives died in the slave barracks, bringing the death toll to 1,741, 26.5 per cent of those taken from Africa.

The Netherlands formally abolished slavery on July 1, 1863. Britain had done so 30 years earlier and had abolished the slave trade almost 60 years earlier.

The sinking is thought to be the greatest single loss of life of its kind in the Atlantic slave trade, with a death toll almost five times that of the next-largest tragedy: the 1781 massacre of 132 slaves thrown overboard from the Zong, a British-owned ship that was transporting slaves from Africa to Jamaica.

The project comes at a time of heightened focus on the slave trade created, in part, by the Oscar-nominated film 12 Years A Slave, and amid continued calls from some for reparations to be made to the descendants of slaves.

(By Jasper Copping)

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

London protest as France blocks migrant aid convoy London (AFP) - Protesters rallied outside the French embassy in London yesterday after an aid convoy intended for migrants was turned back

by French border police.

After gathering near parliament in London, the convoy of around 250 vehicles, including a 38-tonne truck full of aid, set off for the southeast English port of Dover.

The truck was allowed through but most of the accompanying cars were turned back, convoy organiser John Rees said told AFP. The convoy, staged by a number of left-wing campaign groups including the People’s Assembly and the Stop the War Coalition, was prevented from boarding ferries across the Channel to the northeastern French port of Calais.

After returning to London, demonstrators let off flares and waved socialist party placards reading “refugees welcome”, “open the borders” and “fight racism and Islamophobia”.

Protesters also held up banners reading “stand up to racism” and “students wel-

come refugees”.

Bags of aid were laid on the floor outside the embassy.

Around 4,000 migrants, mainly from Afghanistan and Sudan, live in the Jungle camp in Calais, according to an official estimate from April.

Local authorities in the Calais region took out a public order injunction against the convoy on Wednesday.

French police justified the ban citing security concerns, pointing to the major deployment in place for the 2016 Eu-

ropean Football Championships and the demands of counter-terrorism.

“Kent Police has received notification from the French authorities that they have taken a decision to refuse the convoy entry to France,” the local police force in Dover said in a statement.

“No agency within the United Kingdom has any grounds to challenge this decision. The refusal of entry to France is a matter for the French authorities,” it added.

PAGE 73

PAGE 74

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

Amid melting Arctic ice, Kerry sees looming climate catastrophe Reuters - Standing near Greenland’s Jakobshavn glacier, the reputed source of the iceberg that sank the Titanic over a century ago, U.S Secretary of State John Kerry saw evidence of another looming catastrophe.

Giant icebergs broken off from the glacier seemed to groan as they drifted behind him, signaling eventual rising oceans that scientists warn will submerge islands and populated coastal region.

Briefed by researchers aboard a Royal Danish Navy patrol ship, Kerry appeared stunned by how fast the ice sheets are melting. He was struck by the more dire warnings he heard about the same process underway in more remote Antarctica.

“This has been a significant eye-opener for me and I’ve spent 25 years or more engaged in this issue,” Kerry said on the deck of the ship with Danish Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen during a two-day visit that ended late on Friday.

Kerry made his first visit to this part of the Arctic to witness the effects of climate changes and press the need to implement the Paris climate accord. He has called it “the world’s most fearsome weapon of mass destruction”.

The United States chairs the Arctic Council, a forum created in 1996 to tackle issues arising from increased Arctic activity.

The landmark Paris agreement included commitments by most nations to reduce carbon emissions contributing to climate change but lacked any enforcement mechanism, leaving open who will pay costs that will rise into

the trillions of dollars.

Current U.S. targets for cuts in greenhouse gases by the Obama administration for 2025 fall far short of what scientists say is needed to rein in rising temperatures.

“What we did in Paris ... is critical now to be implemented, but it’s not even enough,” he said. “We have to all move faster in order to embrace new energy policies that are sustainable, that are clean, all of which are there for the using if governments and private sector make the right choices.”

U.S. Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump has said he would renegotiate America’s role in the climate agreement if he becomes president.

By visiting Greenland and the Arctic research post at Ny-Alesund in Norway’s farnorth, Kerry focused on some of the most visible impacts of climate change.

“There is no mistaking that we are contributing to climate change, we human beings have choices that can undo the damage,” said Kerry. “There is profound change throughout the Arctic.”

Jakobshavn is one of the world’s biggest glaciers and the most active in the Arctic, where ice sheets are melting at a rate faster than ever before.

David Holland, a New York University scientist studying changes on Jakobshavn, explained that the glacier could retreat by about 62 miles (100 kilometers) over the next 100 years if the thawing of its ice sheet continues at its current pace.

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 75

Kaieteur News

Egyptian court hands ex-president Mursi another life sentence Reuters - Egypt’s former president Mohamed Mursi was handed another life sentence yesterday, after a court found him guilty of espionage and leaking state secrets.

Mursi, leader of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, has already been sentenced in three other cases, including the death penalty for a mass jail break during the 2011 uprising against former president Hosni Mubarak and a life sentence for spying on behalf of Palestinian group Hamas.

The court yesterday also said the death penalty had been approved for six others accused alongside Mursi, including three journalists sentenced in absentia. Two other defendants who had worked in Mursi’s office were sentenced to life in prison.

The sentences are the latest in a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood since an army takeover stripped Mursi of power in 2013 following mass protests against his rule.

Prosecutors argued Mursi and his aides were involved

in leaking sensitive documents to Qatari intelligence that exposed the location of weapons held by the Egyptian armed forces.

All of the defendants can appeal the verdicts to the Egyptian Court of Cassation, the country’s highest civil court. Relations between Qatar, a Gulf Arab state, and Egypt have been icy since July 2013 when Egypt’s thenarmy chief Abdel Fattah alSisi overthrew Mursi.

Qatar sharply criticized the ruling yesterday and said

it was not based on fact.

“This ruling is baseless, unjust, and not based on facts. Its misleading claims are at odds with Qatari policy towards its neighbouring states, including Egypt,” said a spokesman for the Qatar foreign ministry.

Qatar had supported Mursi, who is in jail along with thousands of Brotherhood members, many of whom have been sentenced to death on separate charges.

Sisi says the Brotherhood poses a serious threat to security despite the crackdown, which has weakened what was once Egypt’s most organised political group.

Mohamed Mursi

Polls give boost to Cameron’s Iraqi forces open second front fight against Brexit south of Islamic State-held Mosul

Members of the Iraqi army gather in central Falluja, Iraq, yesterday.

REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron poses with a campaigner as he makes a joint appearance with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during their launch of the Britain Stronger in Europe guarantee card at Roehampton University in West London, Britain. REUTERS/YUI MOK/POOL Reuters - The campaign to keep Britain in the European Union regained its lead in two opinion polls published yesterday, giving a boost to Prime Minister David Cameron who is battling to avoid a historic “Out” vote in Thursday’s referendum.

Another survey also showed a change in momentum in favour of the “In” camp and Cameron got the backing of a leading newspaper when the right-leaning Mail on Sunday urged its readers to vote to remain in the EU. “We are now in the final week of the referendum campaign and the swing back towards the status quo appears to be in full force,” Anthony Wells, a director with polling firm YouGov, said.

Financial markets around the world are on edge ahead of the June 23 referendum. A string of recent polls showing the “Out” camp in the lead pushed down on the value of sterling and helped wipe billions of pounds off stock markets.

A YouGov poll for the Sunday Times newspaper showed support for Britain staying in the EU had restored a narrow 44-43 percent lead over the “Out” campaign. That poll was based on interviews conducted on Thursday

and Friday, but the Sunday Times said the shift did not reflect the fatal attack on a British lawmaker on Thursday which has led to the suspension of referendum campaigning.

Instead, the bounce in support for “In” was more a reflection of growing concerns among voters about the economic impact of a so-called Brexit, it said.

Another YouGov poll reported yesterday but based on surveys conducted a bit earlier in the week - on Wednesday and Thursday showed the lead of the “Out” campaign narrowing to two points.

A third poll yesterday, by polling firm Survation for the Observer newspaper, gave the “In” campaign a three-point lead, reversing a similar lead for “Out” in a Survation poll published as recently as Thursday.

But a fourth poll, by Opinium for the Observer newspaper, showed the two camp were running neck and neck with 44 percent support each.

While the Mail on Sunday came out in support of “In,” its rival The Sunday Times, which sells around half the number of copies as the Mail on Sunday, said it was backing the “Out” campaign.

Reuters - Iraqi forces opened a second front yesterday in preparation for an assault on the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul, a day after government troops declared victory over the militants in Falluja.

Elite counter-terrorism forces and two army divisions, backed by U.S.-led coalition air strikes, advanced from a northern refinery town towards an airfield seen as key for a move to retake Mosul, security officials said.

Mosul is Iraq’s largest northern city and Islamic State’s de facto capital in the country.

Government troops cleared two villages and pressed around 20 kilometres (12 miles) along a desert route west of Baiji, the first advance past the town since its recapture in October, the security officials said.

Defence Minister Khaled al-Obaidi said the assault marked the launch of operations to push Islamic State out of Qayara, about 115 km (70 miles) north of Baiji, where an airfield could serve as the staging ground for a future offensive on Mosul, a further 60 km north.

Army troops on a separate

front pushing west from Makhmour for the past three months have made only halting progress on the opposite side of the Tigris river.

“The launch of operations to liberate Qayara will not give the terrorists a chance to catch their breath,” Obaidi said on Twitter alongside a picture of Humvee military trucks snaking down a desert road. Iraqi forces entered the centre of Falluja, an hour’s

drive west of Baghdad, on Friday morning after a fourweek operation that sent its tens of thousands of residents fleeing to overwhelmed displacement camps nearby.

Prime Minster Haider alAbadi had declared victory in Falluja by evening, but police sources said on Saturday that government troops had not yet entered several northern districts held by Islamic State and were still clearing southern areas.

PAGE 76

Many state contracts illegal says PM Trinidad Guardian - Government has encountered “a whole landslide” of improperly awarded contracts amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars that require careful scrutiny before any public money is paid to contractors, Prime Minister Keith Rowley revealed Friday.

“The exercise of verifying what is owed by the State (to contractors) has turned up some very shocking actions on the part of public officials who have been fast and loose with public monies,” the PM added in Parliament.

Rowley detailed the information, responding to Opposition queries on recent reports about non-payment of hundreds of millions of dollars outstanding to contractors. Last Sunday’s Guardian had reported that about $2 billion was owed.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert, acknowledging the report, had said Thursday that the Government in recent months had been in the first stage of auditing contractors’ debts to determine if they genuinely deserved payment and to ensure no fraud was involved. The clear outcome is that some of the debts may not be paid, if the agreements underpinning charges for services are determined to be fraudulent.

Friday, Rowley shed more light on that matter when questioned by the Opposi-

tion. He conceded that the administration had been somewhat “delinquent” in paying contractors on time, and would be giving more “positive responses.”

However, he said they needed to perform careful checks on the contracts.

“Hundreds of millions” owed to contractors have to be audited to ensure “we’re paying millions of dollars for work done and contracts properly executed,” the PM said.

“The matter has attracted the attention of many agencies and I can tell you the exercise of verifying what is owed by the State has turned up some very shocking actions on the part of public officials who have been fast and loose with public monies.

“However, wherever it has been determined monies are well and duly owed to contractors and others, those monies are recognised by the State and we do recognise that substantial sums are owed to contractors. As far as those sums have passed muster as I just mentioned, they are due to be paid for goods and services provided.

The Finance Ministry has been and continues to ensure

Haiti officials schedule vote next week on interim president PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s legislative chiefs have scheduled a parliamentary session next week to decide whether to extend an interim president’s mandate or pave the way for another provisional leader.

A National Assembly meeting is now scheduled for Tuesday.

Senators and deputies ignored calls to convene last week as they tried to negotiate a solution. The vote potentially could extend interim President Jocelerme Privert’s

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

expired mandate.

The opposition argues that Privert is unlawfully holding onto power.

Privert insists he will stay in office until Parliament makes a decision.

In February, a majority of lawmakers elected Privert to be caretaker leader for 120 days amid suspended elections and an institutional vacuum in the presidency.

The international community is urging Haiti’s Parliament to swiftly clear up the leadership muddle.

Dr. Keith Rowley

we can discharge our liabilities in a timely manner.”

He continued: “We concede that because of T&T’s financial situation we’ve been a little delinquent in discharging our liabilities to contractors but we want to give contractors the assurance, with the recent progress made at the Finance Ministry, much more positive responses are underway.”

Opposition MP Fuad Khan told the PM the situation had caused some CEPEP contractors to become indebted to suppliers and they were starting to lose assets— cars, houses, etc—as they were being taken to court. He asked Rowley to look into this to see what relief could be given to them.

Rowley responded: “I’m not going to assume Finance’s responsibility, but I can say, in so far as verification has shown these monies are owed, I have every confidence the Finance Minister, within our straitened circumstances, will seek to bring relief to those who qualify for these payments.

“But I must also say, in a plethora of areas there’s a whole landslide of improperly awarded contracts amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars that require careful scrutiny before any public money is paid...and I trust that doesn’t apply to small contractors. “...Because it should be of concern to the public, where there are contractors who could be telling T&T they are owed hundreds of millions of dollars from agencies that didn’t have any money to pay them...Because it raises immediately what kind of procurement processes were used where agencies could have contracted the State in that way, and now leave liabilities of hundreds of millions of dollars. Meaning that contractors were bankrolling the country to that tune, (so) we have to check and verify before we pay.”

Government eyes empty buildings The Gleaner - Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said the Government is seeking to provide incentives to encourage private-sector investment in unoccupied buildings in Kingston.

He said that there are many vacant buildings across the municipality and it is critical that the Government provides regulatory and incentive support for their restoration. These structures, he pointed out, could be remodelled and upgraded for commercial use and provide much-needed space for the business process outsourcing industry. “It is now time for us to take a general look at the

city of Kingston and engage the private sector as to what the Government can do to support them in investing in these buildings for commercial use. That must be part of the economic growth and job creation strategy,” he said.

The prime minister was delivering the keynote address at a dedication ceremony for the new premises

Andrew Holness

of the Ministry of Justice, located at 61 Constant Spring Road, St Andrew, on Wednesday.

The ministry was relocated after its Oxford Road offices were ordered closed earlier this year due to air-quality issues and the effect on the health of the staff. A sum of $100 million was approved

by Cabinet for the move.

Trinidad judge dismisses US request to join Warner extradition case Jack Warner

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — On Friday, Justice James Aboud delivered his ruling in the Port of Spain High Court in Trinidad, refusing an application on behalf of the United States to join the extradition proceedings against former FIFA vicepresident Jack Warner as an interested party.

Warner is wanted in the United States for a series of fraud-related and corruption charges that allegedly took place between 1990 and 2011 while he was vice-president of FIFA. Subsequent to being charged, extradition proceedings against Warner commenced at the Port of Spain Magistrates’ Court; however, Warner’s attorneys were successful in obtaining permission from the High Court to challenge the legality of the proceedings against him by way of judicial review.

Justice Aboud, the presiding judge, had granted Warner leave on two of the three counts mounted by his legal team.

In April, Warner’s attorneys filed an application to

disallow the US from becoming part of the proceedings after, at a previous hearing in January, the US had indicated through the Central Authority it was applying to become an interested party.

The three arguments put forward last December by Warner’s attorneys challenging the proceedings, which have yet to begin before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar, were: some of the provisions in the local Extradition Act did not conform with the Extradition Treaty between this country and the United States; that he was denied the opportunity to have his attorneys present arguments to the attorney general; and also

apparent bias.

On the last ground, Warner alleged that the attorney general, before signing the authority to proceed (ATP), received legal advice from attorneys representing the United States through the Central Authority Department.

Justice Aboud granted permission to challenge the proceedings on the first two grounds but did not allow it on the third, stating that Warner’s attorneys failed to provide any evidence to suggest that the attorney general did in fact receive advice from those attorneys representing the interest of the United States. (Caribbean News)

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Slingerz and Alpha tangle...

(From page 78) Philbert Moffat, Andrew Murray, goalkeeper Richie Richards are the experienced players along with the younger brigade, D a n i e l Wi l s o n , D e l o n Lanferman, Colin Nelson, William Europe and Alex Murray will lend support to Alpha’s challenge.

Slingerz, which will hope that their fans will come out in their numbers to urge them on, will rely on the likes of Captain Tichard Joseph, Trayon Bobb, Vurlon Mills, Devon Millington, Domini Garnett, L e s C h a r l e s C r i t c h l o w, Kestor Jacobs, Murilo B a r b o s a , Wi n s l o w M c Dowall, Kithson Bain and Gideon Payne to deliver the

crown for them. The loser will be rewarded with $2M. The third-place clash between Pele and Fruta Conquerors is anticipated to produce much fireworks as the final with cash prizes of $1M and $500,000 at stake for the winner and loser.

Conquerors will be disappointed that the momentum that propelled them earlier in the Finale dipped somewhat in the latter stages but will be seeking to end the season on a high.

Pele on the other hand will be pumped up with the news that three of their main weapons, Gregory Richardson, Travis Grant and Omalo Williams have been cleared by the Disciplinary Committee of the GFF to play today.

Match these players with

Captain Konata Manning, Shemroy Arthur, Jermaine Fordyce, Runnel Gordon, Shemroy Arthur, Mark Mc Lean and Tevin Crawford, Pele can be a destructive bunch on the day and will certainly be going all out to cut down Conquerors tonight.

Conquerors though, have shown the knack to put away the best of the best and once they are 100% fit, that task would not be beyond them.

They will hope that Jahall Greaves, Trevon Lythcott, Shaquelle Agard, Derrick Carter, Eon Alleyne, Adrian Adonis, Reshawn Sandiford, Jermaine Junor and Delon Williams can deliver a final win and in style come this evening from 19:00hrs.

The Ramlal family finding stronger...

(From page 76) Daigaku.

However this is not all for the Ramlal siblings in karatedo, but rather they also have been making Guyana proud with Rachael and Rebecca becoming gold medalists at both the Caribbean and the South American Karate Championships in team kata, Bunkai and enbu. Additionally they became gold medalists at the World Karate Championships in team Bunkai and bronze medalists and in team enbu at that tournament held in Toronto, Canada, whilst their brother Jonathan was a kata bronze medalist at the South American tournament and excelled at the World Karate Championships, winning gold in team Bunkai and team

GBTI IJO 2016 Open...

Sunday June 19, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Let go of the past in order to progress. Look for professional guidance if it will help unite the family. Put some energy into getting back into shape. Listen to reason.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Resist secret affairs that could be detrimental to your reputation. Try to include the one you love in your plans today. Travel will promote romantic connections.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can change your living arrangements. Your mate could get on your nerves if he or she backs you into an emotional comer or puts restrictions on your time. Put your efforts into making constructive improvements to your environment and to your state of mind.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't count on getting any help from those you live with.

Your philanthropic contributions will bring you praise.

You can change your living arrangements.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Abrupt changes in your home may send you for a loop. Love could develop at social events that are work related. Your intellectual charm will entice new love interests.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You might not be as reserved on an emotional level as you'd like. Don't expect others to live up to their promises and you won't be disappointed or find yourself stuck with delays.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Changes in your home will be positive. You need to be active and spend time with friends you enjoy. Channel your energy into passionate interludes with your lover.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Avoid friends or acquaintances who drink too much. You may have a problem at work with a female coworker. You may find that you can be the recipient of valuable information if you're willing to be a good listener.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't expect the whole family to be overjoyed. It might be time to do some of those chores at home. Try to curb overindulgence today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Be careful not to hurt someone's feelings. Communication must be open, precise, and honest. You can expect to face opposition on the home front.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You will be relentless when it comes to getting yourself back into shape. Don't let children hold you back from doing things you enjoy. Don't make promises that you can't possibly keep.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You'll be pleased with the results if you take the time to decorate your home. You should be on the road. Be careful not to exaggerate when interacting with your lover.

PAGE 77

(From page 79) haul to clinch the set at 6-3.

Daly was clearly exhausted at the start of the third set which gave Gentle an opportunity to easily dominate the third set winning at 6-0. Afruica Gentle overall winning score of 5-7, 63, 6-0 throws her into the finals against Nicola Ramdyhan the daughter of Coach Daly, a must-see rematch of last year’s final.

Overall results are as follows: Men’s Open Doubles Quarterfinals: A. Downes/ H. Panday def D. Lopes/N. Glasgow 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 Men’s Over 35 Singles Finals: Leyland Leacock def Godfrey Lowden 6-1, 60 Ladies Open Doubles Semifinals: N. Ramdyhan/ A. Dey def K. Fraser/C. Pooran, Ladies Open Singles Semifinals: Afruica Gentle def Shelly Daly 5-7, 6-2, 6-0

Kata, a silver in individual kata and a bronze in team enbu, and individual kumite.

The Ramlals are convinced that the benefits they have derived from Karate-do go beyond their outstanding achievements in the martial art as Rachel, Rebecca and Jonathan have all been excelling academically with continuous A+ performances at their school and with the girls also involved in ballet, music, and chess, whilst their brother Jon is an avid table tennis, chess and music enthusiast.

Impressed with the physical and mental benefits associated with karate training which includes increased fitness, focus, and self confidence, all of which extends across the lifespan of a practicing Karateka, Nadia their mother decided in 2015 to join the dojo herself and now proudly carries the rank of a purple belt or 4th kyu and will be grading in another few weeks for her brown belt or 3rd kyu rank.

Nadia is convinced that there are also family strengthening properties associated

with training together as a family, as it is more than just an opportunity to be together in time and space, but also a chance to explore and enjoy a shared interest, and in so doing contribute to a sense of closeness within the family.

It is the unwavering opinion of the Ramlal family that many more young people should get involved in the martial art of karate-do, especially young girls, now that bullying and domestic violence has become so perverse in our society.

By providing benefits such as confidence, discipline, respect, self-control, leadership, stress relief, and self-defense; martial arts helps persons of all ages including the children who are being bullied, and women in situations of domestic violence.

The world of karate was traditionally a male dominated environment. However, a new wave of enthusiasm for female martial artists has been surging through the world, including Guyana.

PAGE 78

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

NAMILCO/GFF Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U-17 League

Eastveldt maul Pele 9-0; Mahaica swamp Plaisance 6-0 for biggest wins in GFA and EDFA The future stars of Guyana’s football continued to make their presence felt when competition in the GFF/ NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association Leagues continued yesterday across Guyana.

Playing at the Tucville ground in the City, Eastveldt marched to a huge 9-0 win over Pele thanks to a hat-trick off the boot of Shemar Babb who blasted the nets in the 6th, 27th and 44th minute.

Pele did not trouble the Eastveldt back four and goalie as it was all action in their {Pele} defensive third, which was the scene of relentless offensive maneuvers by the Eastveldt s i d e . B a b b found able support from Calvin Peters (8th, 62nd) a n d T i o n Va n K e n r i c (63rd, 69th) who both netted a double each.

Isaiah Nero scored in the 35th while an own goal in

the 12th minute competed the rout for the winners.

Fruta Conquerors took full points in their match against Santos, blanking them 3-0.

The juice boys got their goals from Joel Yhap in the 21st minute, Nicholas Mc Arthur three minutes later with Malachai Adonis sealing the deal in the 69th minute.

Alpha United won by a similar 3-0 margin over Order of Discipline; this win was orchestrated by goals from Julian Bamfield in the 24th minute, Daniel Augstus in the 38th and Cleon Robertson in the 69th.

GFC, on account of strikes from Kellon Blue (20) and Willison De Santos (38) blanked the Campbellville based Camptown, 2-0.

Up on the East Coast of Demerara, The East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) continued matches at the BV ground.

The Referee (2nd left) points to the middle following Mahaica Determinators 4th goal and first of two from Gary Jardine (4th right) in the 18th minute. (Franklin Wilson photo) Mahaica Determinators continued their winning form with a big 6-0 win over Plaisance Panthers, five of those goals coming in the first half as Plaisance proved a sturdier opponent in the final 45 minutes.

Nigel Mansfield opened with a double in the 12th and 14th minutes while teammate Julius Hamilton made it 3-0 in the 15th minute.

Plaisance, in their first match was clearly overwhelmed by the boys from Mahaica who were not done just yet. Gary Jardine got into the goal scoring with a brace of his own in the 18th and 29th minutes as the half ended 5-0 in favour of Mahaica which had trounced BV Triumph United 4-0 one week earlier in their opening match.

A much more composed Plaisance only allowed one more goal in the second half which was netted by Orland Adams in the 59th minute, Mahaica prevailing 6-0.

In the afternoon’s opening match, Golden Stars on the back of a double, one either side of play from Stephon Raymond defeated Bachelor’s Adventure/Paradise 2-0.

Raymond hit the network in the 31st and 47th minute.

Two more matches will be contested today at the same venue from 13:00hrs.

Buxton Stars will match skills with Victoria Kings in the feature game at 15:00hrs, opening play pits the home team, BV Triumph United and Ann’s Grove.

(Franklin Wilson)

Battle for top prize... Republic Bank renews sponsorship of RHTYSC

(From page 79) matches battling for a place in the finals which takes place at the GFC Ground along with the third place playoff on Sunday July 24.

The teams are competing for the Mayor’s Cup and a first prize of $700,000 donated by Aruwai Resort, second $300,000 and the Ansa McAl trophy, third $200,000 and the John F e r n a n d e s t r o phy and fourth $100,000 and the Ministry of State trophy. Ricks and Sari has also donated hampers which will go to the

winning team.

The tournament’s top goal scorer will get a three piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon Furniture Store.

Sponsors on board are Top Brandz of High and Broad Streets Charlestown, distributor of the popular Interstate batteries, Aruwai Resort of the Essequibo River is one of the main contributors to this tournament with notable help from Ansa McAl, Minister of State Joe Harmon and his ministry, John Fernandes, Ricks and Sari and AH&L Kissoon.

Claire Fraser-Green is...

(From page 75) champion was crowned in the form of Raymond ‘Steely’ Newton who covered the distance One Hour 55 Minutes 42 Seconds, comfortably winning from Andrew Spencer (silver) and Shameer Baksh (bronze).

The female competitors were presented with their medals

by National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohamed who also presented Fraser-Green with

her Time Trials and Road Race championships jersey’s which have been donated by the Guyana Cycling Association of North America (GCANA).

Riders will have a few days off before attention is turned to the Time Trials on Saturday at the same Mahaicony Circuit for juveniles, juniors and veterans who will compete for 1 Lap each (5.3 Miles) while the seniors will be tested over 2 Laps (10.6 Miles).

holiday Camp for 11th consecutive year Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd has renewed its sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S annual August Holiday Camp for the 11th consecutive year. The Bank on Friday last renewed its sponsorship at the cost of $160,000 for the 2016 edition which would cater for 60 students drawn from Primary Schools in the Lower Corentyne area. Secretary/CEO of the RHTYSC, Hilbert Foster at the simple presentation ceremony stated that the camp’s main objective was to ensure that primary school students make a successful transition to Secondary School, while at the same time making sure that they understand the importance of an educational background and involvement in sports as an alternative to a life on the road.

The Camp would be conducted by experienced educators who would tutor the students in Maths, English, Social Studies, Integrated Science, English ‘B’ and basic Spanish. The students would also be involved in several lectures on topics of importance to them including Peer Pressure, Choosing friends, Personal Discipline, Personal Hygiene, Suicide, Drug Abuse, Importance of Education, Manners in the Class-

Theresa Foo of Republic Bank hands over sponsorship to RHTYSC Executive Member Mark Papannah in the presence of other staff. room, Table Manners, how to properly use Facebook, Value of Research and the Importance of Research. The students would also be coached on the basics of playing cricket by the Club’s coaching staff.

The long serving Club Secretary/CEO hailed the long standing and highly successful relationship between his Club and Republic Bank, stating that the support of the financial institution is one of the reasons why the RHTYSC, M.S is widely regarded as Guyana’s leading

youth and sports organisation. He expressed total confidence that the 2016 summer camp would achieve all of its objectives and that all 60 students would make a successful transition to Secondary School when school reopens in September.

Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd is one of the RHTYSC, M.S biggest sponsors and every year co-sponsors the Club’s annual awards ceremony, annual youth magazine, Cricket commentary and Charity programmes among others.

Foster expressed gratitude to the staff of the Rose Hall Branch especially Manager Harry Dass Ghaness, Theresa Foo, Samantha Leitch and Seema Brijlal. The Camp would be organised by the Club’s Over 35 Section and Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Female and Gizmos and Gadgets Under 21 and First Division cricket teams under the supervision of the Club Secretary/ CEO.

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Thompson smashes Inniss 100m record at AP Invitational

PAGE 79

GCF National C/ships 2016

Claire Fraser-Green is TT & Road Race Queen; Cornelius, Khan, Niles and Newton are Road Race Kings

By Franklin Wilson

USA’s Phil DeRosier (right) out-leans his rivals to win the Digicel 4G Men’s 100m race at the National Track and Field Centre yesterday.

By Edison Jefford Guyanese Olympicbound and Texas A&M elite athlete, Brenessa Thompson smashed Jennifer Inniss’s long-standing 100m record to continue her fantastic form yesterday at Aliann Pompey’s (AP) Invitational Meet at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

Thompson ran 11.14 seconds for a new personal best and national 100m record, which erased the 11.26s Inniss had. Trinidad and Tobago’s, Reyare Thomas ran 11.22 seconds while United States of America’s, Tawanna Meadows recorded 11.37s for second and third respectively in the Fly Jamaicasponsored race.

Thompson also won the Digicel 4G 200m in 23.08 seconds ahead of Kadecia Baird (23.38) and Meadows (23.45) in that order.

Split seconds kept Guyana’s Rupert Perry off the podium in the Digicel 4G Men’s 100m race that USA’s, Phil DeRosier won in 10.25 seconds. Trinidad’s, Kyle Greaux and Bermuda’s, Tre Houston tied for second in 10.28 seconds.

Perry finished fourth as a result in 10.29 seconds, which was his fastest electronic time to-date and a personal best

on synthetic surface.

World 400m youth silver medalist from two years ago, Baird won the Women’s 400m in 52.26 seconds ahead of British Virgin Island’s Ashley Kelly (53.24s) and Guyana’s US-based, Aliyah Abrams (53.53s) respectively.

Another Guyanese Olympian headed to the Rio Games, Brazil, Winston George loss on the line in the 400m. USA’s Spratlin Brycen ran 45.84 seconds to edge George (45.85s) in a showdown that excited enthusiasts. USA’s Chris Geisting (46.00) was third.

However, George returned to take the 200m in 20.76 seconds ahead of Brycen with Guyana’s Davin Fraser (21.26s) third.

The AP Invitational will be credited for brining the second largest crowd for an athletics event to the National Track and Field Centre. Since its opening last year, the 2015 Inter-Services Annual Athletics Championships (ISAAC) commonly known as JointServices has the record for the biggest crowd at the facility.

Devaun Barrington won the Men’s 800m in 1:52.48 ahead of Trinidad’s Paul Sterlen (1:53.30) and Guyana’s Anferne Headecker (1:57.86).

According to the official result sheet, Kezra Murray won

the female race in 2:16.74, while Andrea Foster (2:22.94) was second and Assata Eastman (2:38.46) third in the all-Guyanese event.

Cleveland Forde settled any doubt as to whether he is still the local distance king with a dominant performance in the Men’s 5000m. Forde won in 15:53.62 ahead of Winston Missengher (15:57.93) and Cleveland Thomas (15:59.20).

Claudrice McKoy won the Women’s 1500m in 4:53.68 ahead of Eastman (5:12.81) and Ashanti Scott (5:18.96) as Guyanese routed the distance races. USVI’s Eddie Lovett took the Ramada Princess Hotel’s 110m Hurdles in 13.39 ahead of Josh Thompson’s 13.58 and Trinidad’s Rueben Walters (13.80). Trinidad’s Janeil Bellille won the Women’s 400m Hurdles in 58.02 ahead of Guyana’s Jenea McCammon (58.59) and Bahamas’ Jaivairia Bacote (1:01.10) respectively.

The Men’s 400m Hurdles only had two competitors.

Haiti’s Jojo Petit-Homme won in 51.04 ahead of Kelto Cumberbatch (52.41). USA’s Donald Scott leaped to the Guysuco Men’s Triple Jump with 17.02m, while Jamaica’s Damon McClean (16.42m) was second and Suriname’s Alante Dowell (15.66m) third.

Guyana’s United Kingdom based female cycling queen Claire Fraser-Green was unstoppable as she rode to convincing wins in both the Time Trials and Road Race when the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) 2016 National Championships pedaled off yesterday at the Mahaicony Circuit in blistering sunshine.

Fraser-Green was not tested in either event as she won the Time Trial (5.3miles) in 13 minutes 02 Seconds well ahead of the time achieved by 2nd placed Christine Matheson (15:13) of Trojan Cycle Club of Berbice and 3rd placed Ronella Samuels (15:30).

The female Time Trials was the first event of the day and like she did, Fraser-Green repeated in the final event which was the female Road Race (4 Laps -21.2 Miles) which she won in One Hour 02 Minutes 06 Seconds, leading from the start of the race as she powered away all alone.

The day’s action which is the first of three that the national championships will be contested over saw the juniors, juveniles and veterans under and over-45 battling for the title as road race champions.

This Mahaicony circuit was ideal for arriving at your national winners in the premier event on the GCF calendar and tested every rider to the hilt, many who was not up to the task dropping out along the way.

In riding to glory and brag-

Raymond Newton crosses the finish line unchallenged (Franklin Wilson photo) ging rights for the next year as the junior Road Race winner, Christopher Cornelius did so in grand style.

The Alanis rider was up against some of the best youths in the country including the likes of Romello Crawford, Andrew Hicks and Raphael Leung.

The level of hunger displayed by Cornelius in powering to victory in One Hour 48 Minutes 04 Seconds in the 8 Laps (42.4 Miles) contest, leading from the start to the end, was commendable.

Leung did not complete the race, while Crawford and Hicks did not show any de-

sire to be competitive as they tucked in at the back of the peloton tagging each other.

Nine (9) juniors faced starter’s orders.

Deeraj Garbarran and Brighton John claimed the 2nd and 3rd place for juniors and will receive silver and bronze medals.

The juvenile race, which was also a 4-lap contest, ended with the title going to Zaman Khan in One Hour 01 Minute 01 Seconds; Kenyn Collins was second.

The Under-45 veterans field was reduced by four cyclists to six following the disqualification of the quartet of Lear Nunes, Ralph Williams, Everal Mundy and Steve Ramsuchit who were not at the starting line when the race was about to take off.

While the riders were visibly upset, the organisers informed that all the cyclists were informed to be at the starting line after the female time trials, since staggered starts were going to be employed for the road races that were carded for the remainder of the day.

When the dust settled early mid afternoon, Team Coco’s Junior Niles retained the gold medal and have bragging rights as the best for another 12 months, deservedly so. Niles completed the 8-lap course in One Hour 54 Minutes 22 Seconds outmaneuvering Stephen Fernandes and Paul Choo-Wee-Nam who had to settle for the silver and bronze medals.

A new Over-45 Road Race (Continued on page 74)

CPL and Guardian Group announce 3-year contract extension Lucky fans can win cash prizes at all 34 CPL matches (CPL) The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) are delighted to announce a new three-year extension with the Guardian Group who will remain as an Official Partner of the biggest party in sport until 2018, a CPL release informed.

Guardian Group will also provide support through its support of the “CPL Volunteers Programme”, which aligns with their strong Community transformation ethos around the Caribbean through committed and engaged staff voluntarism.

In addition, through the “Guardian Catch for Cash” competition all 34 CPL games, a clean one-handed catch by a lucky member of the crowd will win the catcher USD $1,000, the second catcher in the game $2,000, the third catcher $3,000.

Commenting on the deal, Mr. Jamie Stewart, Commercial Director of CPL, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to welcome Guardian Group as CPL Partner for three more years. Guardian were one of the very first companies to support CPL

when it was just an idea on a page and it is gratifying to have them continue with us for three more years.

“As a reflection of their Community focus they will continue to support our Event Volunteers programme and fans will no doubt be excited to learn that catching a ‘six’ during the forthcoming CPL will earn them an instant cash reward and global fame as part of the celebrated “Guardian Catch for Cash”.

On behalf of the CPL, and all our fans, I would like to

thank Guardian for helping make this landmark event possible.”

M r. L a r r y O l t o n , G u a r d i a n Group Vice President, Integrated Marketing Communications, reaffirmed Guardian Group’s commitment to what ha s become the most anticipated and exciting sporting event in the Caribbean. According to the Group VP, “this event c a p t u r e s t h e d i v e r s i t y, excitement and passion of the people of the Caribbean and brings the rest of the

world to our shores.

M r.

Olton congratulated the CPL on the growth of the league and entry into the US market and emphasized that “like the Hero CPL T20, Guardian Group is also committed to the growth and transformation of our communities through sport, and we are proud once again, as a founding Official Partner, to continue to build on the successes of the tournament, and the inspiration it provides to our young athletes.”

The Hero CPL 2016 will be played between June 29 –

August 7 at venues across seven territories - Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and Fort Lauderdale in the USA. Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 90 million and this year is set to be even higher as fans across the world continue to be drawn to the high quality action on the pitch and the unique party atmosphere off it.

To purchase tickets for CPL 2016 visit www.cplt20.com.

PAGE 80

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

ESSEQUIBO CLUBS RECEIVE VOLLEYBALLS Volleyball clubs on the Essequibo Coast, which were established by the Guyana Police Force, on Friday received volleyballs from the president, of the local organization Imran Baskh.

The presentation was done in the Anna Regina court hall. In attendance were commander of “ G” Division, Mr. Kevin Adonis and his deputy as well as other senior ranks and members of the various clubs in the region.

Adonis said briefly that the police force has plans to engage youths during the August holidays.

Sergeant Clerk of “G” Division, who also acts as treasurer of the Essequibo Volleyball Association, said the organisation is willing and ready to get volleyball up and running.

President of the EVA, Imran Baksh handing over a volleyball to Commander Adonis.

Youth involvement is critical Clerk added and that’s why focus is centered on the youths Meanwhile, president of

the Essequibo Volleyball Association, Imran Baksh said while the EVA was active years ago, it was in March of this year the

Former middle distance star gives -promises to offer more back assistance to local athletes Former national middle distance track star Waveney Benn continues to remember her native country and remains fixed on giving back.

Benn, who resides in the United Kingdom, is currently in the country of her birth and while the Guyana’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, was her focus over the period of her stay she still found the time to make a presentation of athletics clothing and other related materials to Coach Leslie Black at her residence in North Ruimveldt on Friday.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Benn, who at one stage in her career ran barefoot spoke of those days and her parents’ inability to buy her running shoes, adding that that is the kind of situation she does not want any young athlete to endure right now.

“I know what is was to not have and because Ifaced that situation I do not want any other athlete to go through that kind of hardship,” she told this newspaper.

Benn, who represented Guyana at the regional level and performed with

Former middle distance star Waveney Benn (left) hands over some of the items to Coach Leslie Black at her residence on Friday. distinction said she is willing to concentrate on helping a couple of athletes pertaining to their development, but cautioned that they must exhibit the d e d i c a t i o n a n d commitment necessary to reach the highest level of the sport.

“I have a lot of connections in the athletic fraternity back in London and I am willing to pull some strings to get things done should two

promising athletes demonstrate the kind of discipline required to reach the top,” she stated.

Been, who has extended such benevolence whenever she returns promised to continue to do the same in the future.

She also promised to do everything possible to get a top Olympic Gold Medallist from Britain to come to Guyana for a short stint with local atheletes.

organisation was resuscitated under his stewardship and since that time fifteen clubs were established in the region.

Th e o r g a n i s a t i o n h a s persons between the age of 9-35 and Baksh is enforcing that his team is w i l l i n g a n d ready to

challenge teams from Demerara and Berbice as early as the 23rd, of July at Lake Mainstay.

(Yannason Duncan).

The Ramlal family finding stronger bonds through Martial Arts With families in Guyana increasingly becoming caught in a “time squeeze” just as their counterparts in many other countries, such as in the United States, so too did the Ramlal family with the parents Nadia and Paul Ramlal finding themselves working longer hours, and taking less vacation time with their young children as they sought to balance the many demands of work and family.

However in January of 2 0 11 , a f t e r t h e i r t w o daughters Rebecca and Rachael expressed an interest in martial arts, they decided to enroll them in the Guyana Karate College, one of the finer karate institutions in the country.

At that time Rachael was a very petite six years old in Prep A with Rebecca just a little older at eight years old in Primary One, both attending the prestigious Marian Academy. The following year in September 2012 their brother and youngest sibling Jonathan, decided he wanted in as well, and joined the GKC at a mere five years old whilst in Nursery Two at the same Marian Academy.

Karate, the Ramlals found, was a fun way for all three to achieve fitness and focus, teaching them selfdiscipline and socialization skills.

For three days in each

Rebecca, Jonathan and Rachel Ramlal at the World Karate Championships in Toronto, Canada week they practiced this martial arts’ particular skills, which included kicks, punches and blocks, each requiring concentration and strict attention.

Progress was marked by the belt system, which took them from a white belt through a variety of colors until black, with testing for each new level, being done every four months by Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai 9th degree black belt and Chairman of the world karate organization, the International Karate Daigaku, with both Rebecca and Rachael earning the

coveted black belts (shodan rank) on November 15th 2013.They both went on to attain their 2nd dan black belts (Nidan rank) two years l a t e r, w h i l e J o n a t h a n achieved his shodan black belt, on November 29, 2015 at eight years old. It should be noted that Rachael presently a 2nd Dan black belt (Nidan Rank) which she earned on 26th June 2015 at just 10yrs 6 months, is currently the youngest female 2nd Degree black belt across the globe under the umbrella of the world karate organization the International Karate (Continued on page 73)

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 81

EL Dorado Trading Cup at stake in upcoming GSSF Shoot The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation in commemoration of its 2nd Anniversary will be hosting its Anniversary Tier 1 Steel Challenge Shoot in June, 2016.

The match which has once again been exclusively sponsored by El Dorado Trading is expected to be eagerly contested by all of t h e G S S F ’s t o p s t e e l challenge shooters.

During a simple sponsors cheque handover ceremony held at the headquarters of El Dorado Trading, in Young Street, Kingston, President of the GSSF, Ms. Vidushi Persaud, in accepting the kind sponsorship, conveyed thanks to both Misters Ta m e s h a n d P a v a s k y Jagmohan of the company and expressed her delight at the usual unhesitating support El Dorado Trading continues to give towards building sport shooting in Guyana. Managing Director of the company, Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan, reiterated his support to the Federation and said he is happy to be a part of making this an annual event.

He noted that as before, this is a much anticipated handgun shooting event amongst both veteran and new pistol shooters alike.

One of the attractions of this particular competition is that the competitors shooting full power handguns in the Limited Division will be competing for the privilege of lifting the El Dorado Trading Steel Challenge Cup. The event challenges the shooters ability to focus on accuracy but speed is also equally balanced to come out with good scores.

Chair of the Steel Challenge Committee, Dr. Pravesh Harry noted that the El Dorado Trading Cup is a Challenge Trophy which will be on the prize table at this annual match held in the month of June to commemorate the Guyana Sport Shooting F e d e r a t i o n ’ s anniversary.

After every match the winner’s name together with the year will be inscribed on a plaque attached to the Cup. In 2015 Ryan McKinnon emerged victorious and as such will have his name etched into the trophy as winner in that year. He will no doubt be seeking back to back wins and is one to watch out for in the 2016 event.

The Match will see shooters competing in two SCSA Divisions: Wildcat and Limited.

The prizes up for grabs will be awarded to the top three overall in each division. Wildcat Division will have competitors using .32ACP and any other calibre lesser than a 9mm, while those in the Limited Division will shoot 9mm or higher calibre hand guns according to the rules of the USA based, Steel Challenge Shooting Association.

As an affiliate of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association, a sister body of the United States Practical Shooting Association, the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation has been organising matches following their strict safety policies.

This simple, yet actionpacked shooting sport attracts Guyanese pistol shooters from all around the country on a regular basis.

Steel Challenge Shooting is considered to be the fastest practical shooting competition in the world.

T h e u p c o m i n g competition promises to be an exciting one which will consist of three (3) d i ff e r e n t stages where competitors will shoot at 5 individual steel targets per stage.

Shooters will be scored using an electronic timing device, penalties of added time are applied for any misses after the designated stop plate is shot and the total time taken is the score: all while being closely monitored by the Federation’s Range Safety Officers.

The shooter with the lowest time to hit all the plates overall in the match will be declared the winner.

(From left), Managing Director of El Dorado Trading, Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan and Mr. Pavasky Jagmohan hand over sponsorship funds to GSSF President, Ms. Vidushi Persaud. On her left is Asst.

Secretary/Treasurer, Mr. Ryan McKinnon and GSSF’s Steel Challenge Chairman Dr. Pravesh Harry.

PAGE 82

Sunday June 19, 2016

Kaieteur News

Guyana claw past T&T to win RAN Zone Rugby Championship

Guyana Rugby players and a few supports celebrate following their victory. (Photo: Noelle Anyika Smith) The team selected by the Guyana Rugby Football Union to represent Guyana in its RAN Zone Championship clash against defending champions

Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o yesterday in the Twin Island Republic turned in a stirring performance in an intense contest to win the 15’s championship.

The scoreline highlighting the closeness of the encounter, 22-18 in favour of the ‘Green Machine’, who had to dig deep and kept it late in the

contest to triumph.

According to reports out of the Twin Island Republic, Claudius Butts opened the scoring for the Guyanese, Ryan Gonsalves Scored penalty kick to end the scoring for Guyana in the first half which ended 8-5 in favour of Guyana as T&T

responded.

In the second period, Australian based Kevin McKenzie scored a try, while Lance Adonis converted.

Tr i n i d a d responded and fought back to take the lead at 18-15.

Ossie McKenzie then powered to score a try and

Lance Adonis sealed the game with a conversion to herald celebrations by the Guyanese and their band of supporters.

Congratulations are truly in order for this stand out team that continues to stamp their mark on the regional game.

STAG Elite League FINALE Final

Slingerz and Alpha tangle today for title; Conquerors collide with Pele for third

By Franklin Wilson It will be a battle of wits and experience with some younger minds in the mix when the inaugural Stag Elite League FINALE final is contested this evening between GENESIS winners Slingerz FC who is chasing the double when they oppose Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United from 21:00hrs at the Leonora Track and Field Facility football field.

Alpha, the last league winners and Guyana’s most successful club at the Caribbean and International level have indicated through their Head Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover that they are not just yet ready to give up their status as local champs and will be going all out to spoil Slingerz party tonight.

While Head Coach of Slingerz Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson is more reserved in naming who will make up his starting line-up for this big clash which will see the winner pocketing $4M, Dover has indicated that he will be throwing out a

Anthony Abrams

Trayon Bobb

Jahall Greaves and Gregory Richardson mixture of experience and youth while relying on his tested, tried and proven players to deliver the big prize.

The likes of Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams, Captain Dwight Peters, Dawin Jacobs, Kris Comacho, (Continued on page 73)

Kaieteur News

Sunday June 19, 2016

PAGE 83

East Coast Zone Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition

New champion will be crowned tonight Defending champion BV ‘A’ were sent crashing out of this year’s East Coast Zone Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition after going down to Haslington North in their quarter-final matchup on Friday evening, at the Haslington Market Tarmac.

T h e o n C a r r ’s 1 0 t h minute strike simply means that a new champion will be crowned tonight at the same venue which will host the semi-finals and finals.

It also means that North Haslington now setup a showdown with former champion Melanie-A, who squeezed past Golden Grove South 1-0 through a Sherman Fraser 22nd minute goal.

The second semi-final will be between Plaisance ‘B’ and BV ‘B’ following their quarterfinal successes against Nabaclis and Paradise respectively.

Plaisance ‘B’ eased past Nabaclis 2-0 through goals from Vincent Thomas and Chris Cox in the ninth and 20th minutes respectively, while BV ‘B’ needled Paradise 1-0 courtesy of a Threon Petri goal in the third minute.

Earlier, in round of 16 action, Plaisance ‘B’ beat

Part of the action in the quarter-finals which was held on Friday night at the Haslington Market Tarmac.

Victoria Church Yard 1-0.

Kelvin Bowen netted in the 16th minute.

Company Road All-Stars went down to Paradise 3-2 on penalty kicks after normal and extra time ended 1-1.

Lancelot Griffith scored in the 18th for Company Road, while Quincy Adams responded in the 20th minute.

Nabaclis edged Team

Battle for top prize intensifies in Annual Mayor’s Cup football competition After several weeks of intense and exciting action the teams that have distinguished themselves with winning performances are preparing to throw down the gauntlet when the A n n u a l M a y o r ’s C u p football competition resumes at several venues in Georgetown and its environs.

Starting Sunday July 3 activities shift to the West Coast at the Den Amstel Community Centre Ground where Pouderoyen take on Camptown at 17:00hrs. Two hours later, Uitvlugt tackle Police and later in the evening, at 21:00hrs, Den Amstel play Riddim Squad.

One day later the action shifts to the GFC Ground Bourda for a double header where Santos FC play Beavers FC, while Western Tigers tangle with Eagles out of Linden. The action commences at 18:00hrs.

The players rest for a few days before entering the quarter-finals stage on Saturday July 9 when Cougars will take on the w i n n e r o f t h e Uitvlugt/Police encounter, while Ann’s Grove battle with the winner of the Den Amstel/Riddim Squad duel.

These matches will be played at the Victoria Ground ECD. Another quarter finals fixture is billed for Sunday July 10 when Federal Winners’ Connection tackle the winner of the Santos/Eagles shindig shortly before the winner of the Western Tigers/Eagles affair will take on the winner o f t h e Camptow n/P ouderoyen match.

The semi finals commence on Sunday July 7 and will see the respective winners of the quarter finals (Continued on page 74)

Diamond 1-0 through a Quincy Juene effort in the 18th minute; BV ‘B’ defeated Young Jiggers 3-2 on sudden death penalty kicks after normal and extra time finished 2-2.

Gerald Whittington and Clifton Bacchus scored for the winners in the seventh and 26th minute respectively, while John Jordan and Stefan Bailey

were the players on target in the 16th and 22nd minutes respectively for Young Jiggers.

M e l a n i e ‘ A’ b e a t Portmore United 1-0.

William Europe scored in the fourth minute.

BV ‘A’ coasted to a comfortable 3-1 triumph over Bare Root ‘A’ with Akin Curry burying a hat-trick in the 12th, 25th and 26th

minute, while an own goal in the 13th minute accounted for Bare Root’s goal..

Golden Grove South upset Melanie ‘B’ 2-1. Deron Skeete and Shamar Kingston netted in the 15th and 17th minutes respectively. On target in the loss was Odel Gulliver in the 18th minute.

North Haslington downed Plaisance-A 3-1.

Theon Carr booted in the

eighth and 20th minutes, while Sherwin Skeete added in the 19th minute.

Warren Gilkes in the 15th minute strike was the lone response for Plaisance ‘A’.

The winning team will take home the championship trophy and $250,000, while the runners-up, third and fourth placed teams will receive $150,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

GBTI IJO 2016 Open: Gentle trumps her coach in semifinals Afruica Gentle got her heart’s desire when she clashed with her lifetime coach Shelly Daly, in the Ladies Open Singles semis.

In an invited post-match comment, the young player recounted looking up to her coach and role model with the hope of being able to play tennis like her.

The match kicked off with Gentle looking very focused and breaking Daly’s service game to lead 1-0.

Gentle then held her service twice and broke Daly once again to go up 4-0 with heavy grunting to accompany her powerful ground strokes.

Serving at 0-4, Daly held serve to win her first game of the match.

Shockwaves were sent to Gentle as Daly secured yet another game by breaking Gentle’s service game at 2-4. Consistency

and experience aided Daly to win 2 more games to equalize at 4-4. Determined to maintain her dominance, Gentle held serve to go up 54 after which Daly held serve to even the games at 55. Daly then settled into tactical play to break Gentle and hold to capture the set at 7 5 .

With the first game of the second set lasting some twenty minutes, Gentle broke Daly’s serve and held serve to go up 2-0.

Unaffected by this play, Daly sought to even the games by holding her serve to bring score to 1-2. Gentle and Daly traded service holds as Gentle rose to 3-1, with Daly holding at 1-3 to bring games to 2-3.

The gears of the match shifted as Gentle’s power and resilience rewarded her by winning a three game (Continued on page 73)

Afruica Gentle (left) and Coach Shelly Daly

t r o Sp

Thompson smashes Inniss’ 100m record at AP Invitational

Brenessa Thompson (left) takes the Fly Jamaica Women’s 100m yesterday in a record breaking performance.

GCF National C/ships 2016

Claire Fraser-Green is TT & Road Race Queen; Cornelius, Khan, Niles and Newton are Road Race Kings

UK based Claire Fraser-Green didn’t let up as she is about to cross the finish line to repeat as 2016 Road Race Queen for the 4th year in a row. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Proud Moment! GCF Female Time Trials and Road Race top three. Winner Claire Fraser Green flanked by Christine Matheson (left) and Ronella Samuels, 2nd and 3rd in both events.

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