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: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
THE PROTEST CONTINUES The protest against City Hall over the parking meter contract continues for the fifth week. And it seems that the government is content to allow the duo at City Hall, the Mayor and Town Clerk to have their way. Many are appalled by the arrogance being displayed by the duo at City Hall. It has eroded support for the government. Even though the Mayor and Town Council have the authority to make decisions, installing the parking meters without proper consultation with the public was silly. As elected officials, they have an obligation to the people, and projects of this magnitude should have had inputs from a cross section of the society. Instead, the project which was shrouded in secrecy could have serious economic consequences for the City and the entire country. It was ill-advised and illtimed. As tempers continue to flare and the debate rages on, several groups, including Transparency Institute of Guyana, the Private Sector Commission and the Movement against Parking Meters have called on the government to scrap the project. Reducing the parking rates by 50 percent is a woeful attempt to save face. The groups contend that the contract is oppressive and one-sided. Many have claimed that benefits from the contract have flowed to some in the form of bribery. The public is demanding that a bi-partisan Commission of Inquiry be established to investigate the project and let the chips fall where they may. By admitting that the contract was not reviewed by a lawyer, the duo at City Hall has shown gross incompetence and both should resign. Who in this modern era signs a contract without having it reviewed by a lawyer? However, it has been alleged that there is complicity between the government and City Hall. They cited the City’s non-compliance with the procurement requirements as evidence of the complicity because the government did not oppose it. The fact that the contract was reviewed by the Ministries of Communities, Finance and Legal Affairs and by the Cabinet and was deemed unacceptable, yet City Hall was given the green light to proceed with the project. Indeed, City Hall is an autonomous body, but for the government to say that it cannot intervene is deceptive. It has cast the government in an untrustworthy light. Unless its hands are tied, the government should not have allowed the parking meter project to unfold in this discomfiting way. The government ought to know that the people are infuriated because of the secrecy surrounding the contract and the way the City has imposed it on them. Worse yet, the granting of monopoly to Smart City Solutions (SCS) for a lengthy period and that City Hall has agreed to absolve SCS of all financial liability is ridiculous. The fact that the duo at City Hall believes that the national outrage is driven by politics and not by their dictatorial style shows that they are in denial and lack the proper skills to govern. The suspicion that some public officials have been bribed seems real. And to add insult to injury, the government and City Hall have remained silent over the scurrilous remarks of Ifa Cush, a director of SCS who is also a signatory to the contract. There is no denying that the City needs money, but the parking meter project is not the answer.
Friday March 05, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Why do some magistrates think they own the courthouses? Dear Editor, I write in response to Magistrate Dylon Bess’s recent assault on the human rights of transgender Guyanese when he prevented them from entering “his” courtroom at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on March 2nd, 2017 and dismissed a physical assault case in which a transgender individual was victimized. This is not the first time Mr. Bess has demonstrated his hostility towards members of the transgender community. He previously instructed police at the gate of the Magistrate Court to deny entry to transgender Guyanese, even though they were compliant with the (female) dress code wearing sober colored, non-revealing clothing. Clearly, Mr. Bess has a personal prejudice against transgender Guyanese which is retarding his ability
to afford them equal treatment and access to justice. Mr. Bess’s treatment of transgender Guyanese also seems to beg the question to whom do the courthouses of Guyana belong. Are they the personal property of individual Magistrates who are free to impose their private moral codes, no matter how discriminatory, or are they public institutions mandated to provide justice to all citizens, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation? While much of the rest of the world has evolved a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the complex reality of gender (and sexual orientation), many in Guyana, like Mr. Bess, apparently still lack adequate comprehension and cling to outmoded, falsely simplistic, and oppressive
binaries. However, the fact is that transgender individuals have the exact same human rights as all other people and deserve equal respect, treatment, and protection under the law. Also, Guyana is a secular state, not a religious theocracy and magistrates are public servants who do not own the courtrooms in which they practice. To deny transgender persons entry into public facilities, especially places like courthouses, is a perversion of all that is just and it is a sad day when magistrates become human rights violators, instead of defenders. I call on the Guyana Bar Association to sanction Magistrate Dylon Bess immediately, and prevent him from committing any future assaults on the human rights of transgender Guyanese. Sherlina Nageer
Sunday March 05, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Mini-buses by law must have conductors
Oh, how I long for the good days at DEMBA!
DEAR EDITOR, I would like to bring to the attention of the relevant authority of the Guyana Police Force about a very disgusting and tiresome situation which commuters are faced with on a daily basis. It seems to be the new trend that drivers of mini buses who operate on a daily basis are doing so without conductors to which the police turn a blind eye . This situation is prevalent especially on the Kitty/ Campbellville and West Bank routes. Commuters are faced with the dilemma of opening and closing the door of the mini bus they embark on to travel.
Even after a hectic day we have to do the same thing, since the drivers just sit back and wait until someone opens the door to embark or disembark. Some of us especially the elderly may be suffering from pains etc, and it is a struggle sometimes to get the door open or close and to top it off the driver does not assist. I spoke about this uncaring attitude to many drivers and their response was that “before they have to kill the conductor for their money they rather work by themselves, because the conductors steal their money.” They have to deal with that situation because by law they are sup-
posed to have a conductor working with them. Another problem is that most of them that have a conductor, the attire and hygiene of those conductors leave much to be desired. Some of them smell horrible and when they overload the bus, they are forced to stand, leaving them to hang over the passengers who then have to endure that foul smell until they reach their destination. I will be very happy if the relevant authority of the Guyana Police Force could look into this situation as to bringing some relief to us, the passengers. 0. Andrews
This all-fancy, super rich miner is merciless DEAR EDITOR, Here is an incident of terrible exploitation of small miners by an all-fancy super rich miner. A small miner paid this allfancy, richest gold miner in Guyana and perhaps the largest landowner in Guyana (whose identity I am sure all Guyanese know) one million dollars in October 2016 to mine a parcel of land that was rented to him. He spent millions to prospect the land, and spent millions to move his equipment onto the land and then spent millions more to start mining the land. The small miner eventually ‘bore’ some gold and went and paid this allfancy, super rich landlord the amount of gold they agreed he would pay as rent, he also told the allfancy super rich landlord the amount of gold he was ‘washing down’. Before December 2016, this all-fancy super rich man forcibly evicted the small
miner from the land with the help of GGMC officers. A group of heavily armed men working for the all-fancy, super rich guy went to the small miner’s camp, forced him to stop his dredge and cut down his box. They then threw him off the land. This is despite the man paying a million dollars up front and then paying the all-fancy super rich man the agreed amount of gold per month. Small miners normally whisper about these incidents because they are afraid of victimization . We small miners depend
on large miners to receive land to work, so we could not speak out before, because the large miners would simply deny our request to work on their lands. Things are beginning to change now because we can now get land to work from the government instead. What actions shall the GGDMA take against this all-fancy rich landlord? Please note I used the term ‘all-fancy’ to indicate that this guy is indeed allfancy with the way he uses wealth and power, so the term “all-fancy’ is appropriate. Small Miner
DEAR EDITOR, On a Sunday in last year, I heard a radio programme on the Fire Service whereby a senior officer was saying that he paid a visit to Linden, and in examining and being informed on the type of system that was being used by the fire service many years ago when it was managed by the Demerara Bauxite Company as the ideal system they were contemplating to put in place. Then not so long ago in speaking with an elderly woman she began reminiscing about her early years when she first visited MACKENZIE; she immediately liked the place, there was order and system, the entire layout of the community as was run by DEMBA, all public utilities were up to standard and efficient, everything seemed so organized and worked clockwise, the community she said, looked so healthy and peaceful, it was the only place from all other parts of Guyana she had seen that fitted in with where she lived abroad. The well laid out drains, the lights came on at precise time, there were no mosquitoes, the fire service hydrants were all over, strategically placed. It seemed everything was well worked out, meticulously planned. Indeed those white folks did a fine job. And so long before her vocation was up her mind was made up
where she wanted to live, and of course that was over fifty years ago. Now, what that elderly woman spoke about is definitely not so any more. Mackenzie\Linden has made a complete turnaround. But as I observed, Linden is not unique with respect to” things falling apart.” This state of affairs is pervasive throughout this land. Almost in every area of service: the fire service, water supply, transportation, drainage and irrigation electricity, road construction, record keeping, health, postal service , education, the police service, judiciary, sports, the municipalities, natural resources, administration\ communications etc., gradually went under. When we took over from our colonial bosses we didn’t last very long; things ran adrift before they finally came to a halt, thus the chaos, confusion, frustration, sub standards, mediocrity and lack of professionalism became the norm. We are still struggling today to restore them. Just why so many of these institutions\ corporations that were functioning so efficiently buckled when they fell into our hands that made many
long for a return of what used to be? We wanted to be captain of our own destiny, fine! That’s what ambitious, progressive leaders advocate, a people\nation charting and pursuing their dreams, aspiration and at their own momentum. Thus we designed a beautiful flag, motto, pledge and anthem that enhanced our pride, self assurance, determination, endurance and dignity. And it goes without saying that when we replaced our former bosses we took over their portfolio, their status, their houses, the soothing emoluments, and all the other trappings that go along with the high position of command, and of course more than anything else that of self importance. But unfortunately what was not equally matched was the high performance of these entities. As mentioned above, the institutions that the colonials left us were in fine shape, very efficient and productive, one example is the Bauxite Company. When it came to efficient and proficient performance, I’ll say that DEMBA took the cake. At this industry, one witnessed (Continued on page 7)
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Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox I was never an employee of the former Bartica IMC DEAR EDITOR, In, Kaieteur News letter column dated 15th February, 2017, letter writer, Olg Fredericks captioned: “I am asserting there is no such company in Bartica.” Two reputable organizations namely, Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and The National Mine Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG) were on the receiving end of a public bashing. Unmerited, baseless and confounded allegations were leveled against the spokesman of the former and president of the latter organizations, Sherwyn Delano Downer. The attempted character assassination of myself and the integrity of the above mentioned organizations were called into question by someone called Olg Fredericks, an unknown person residing in Bartica. The two above mentioned organizations stand ready and willing to reply with a joint response only if and when the real individual, hiding behind the false name comes forward with their true identity. BCCI is affiliated to the Private Sector Commission (PSC) of which the chamber has one seat with voting rights on the PSC. NMWUG is a two year old
trade union with three applications pending in the Department of Labour, Social Protection Ministry, awaiting recognition. The writer alluded that I am a political activist more so a PPP activist and I was rewarded as spokesman for the former Bartica IMC. Mr. Editor, I don’t know if the invisible and unknown writer has the level of comprehension to know who or what constitute a political activist. As far as am aware, I am not even among the least of the known political activists in Guyana or Bartica. And even if that was the case, every citizen of Guyana has a right to his/her own political persuasion and should not be subjected to public or in private ridicule. As for me being a paid spokesman of the former Bartica IMC, it’s a lie, stretching as far as the east is from the west. It was a privilege then to be asked to speak for the IMC and it remains the same for the BCCI now. The office of the Bartica Town Clerk must make available to the public if there is any record of Sherwyn Downer being the recipient of a paid salary or much less an employee (Continued on page 7)
Kaieteur M@ilbox
At age 13, I stopped attending the Mash celebrations DEAR EDITOR, I may be wrong but two differences between the developed and the undeveloped (developing included) are critical analysis and actions arising from these analyses. Critics are influential. Their arguments can be imaginative or laced with evidence, either way they have opinions to share and these propel people to act or react. Guyana has persons who are critical, your newspaper carries some of their letters and columns daily. Why then are we lagging behind in development? To date, most of the population resides in Region 4; Guyanese are seemingly not attracted to our hinterland regions. A person currently living in Region 3, 4 or 10 will not happily migrate to
region 1 or 2. Why? Several reasons come to mind: no university, inadequate lighting, insufficient water supply, difficulty in getting from one place to another and the uncertainly of leaving one custom for another. Can these be addressed? Yes. They can. When our critics speak, some shun them and others become critics of those critics. We are failing miserably at acting upon the issues that many are critical of. One columnist has pointed out that Mashramani is now an Xrated event. However, this issue was raised years ago. Personally, I ceased to attend the celebrations at around age 13. The critics were from the church and
other organizations of worship. Many became critical of these critics and so they retreated and Mashramani continued as it did. Someone else is speaking now. We need to be active and give ourselves time-frames. Where critics have pointed out deficiencies and lack we need to address these. Our actions may not be right the first time but we need to act. How many of us can point out the wrongs in policies of the developed world. The World Health Organization sometimes makes statements, and people act upon these. Later new evidence emerges, the World Health Organization changes policies and actions change likewise. We are not perfect beings.
What does the evidence say? The parking meter project is opaque: cancel it. Start again (court proceedings take time and City Hall can address this issue internally to save time). We need a new GECOM chairman: publish the criteria for selection, submit another list. Fires are on the increase, and most are due to arson: highlight the penalties for arson, have a high index of suspicion, employ guards at suspicious places (may be too burdensome). Road traffic accidents are increasing and drunk driving is a major contributor: institute breathalyzer testing near rum shops and have temporary holdings for those above the legal limit (your ideas count too). Ayanna Isaacs
Years after, some judges are still to write their decisions DEAR EDITOR, It is incumbent to pass legislation in order to get judges to write their decision in a timely manner. The Bar association, with its usual passive character in responding to matters that affect them, including the requirement for Attorneys to wear black and white has failed to call upon judges to put their discussion in black and white within a reasonable time. Judges penalized litigants through their lawyers for not filing documents on time. I spend a considerable amount of time sitting and listening to cases in various courts and I gleaned that the Bench welcomes the new civil rules in a sense that some courts cannot wait to stamp heavy costs on lawyers who they see as contributing to the back log of cases while they themselves are the ones who also contribute to the back log of cases in a most frustrating
manner at the end of the juridical chain. It hurts to know your case has finally closed and you have to simply wait on judges who in a sense infringe on the constitution of Guyana without remorse by delaying the handing down of their decision for excessively long periods some reaching 5 years All the work that has to be done by lawyers in the form of submissions in writing, are rarely done orally these days and must be done by a given date. The judge just has to read, analyze and perhaps look at some other previous submissions made by other lawyers on the same issues and if possible add, alter or modify with research findings and pass judgment, but yet the waiting is long. Some people die, minors turn adult while other interested parties in the same case live without peace. I have been waiting for
over 4 years for my decision, which I appealed. I run so often to the staff at the Court of Appeal; wrote the previous Chief Justice (Ag), Mr. Ian Chang, who I am sure informed the particular court but to no avail. The Court of Appeal made endless request to the particular judge to write the decision in order to put together the records but same were ignored. I am not sure why the Court of Appeal cannot go ahead without the decision of a judge. There is now a judicial crisis at the Court of Appeal Should I succeed, the purchasing power of any money awarded to me would be diminished. My lawyer died waiting for this decision. I have to pay another lawyer and I am still waiting and the next thing you will hear is that Judge retired without writing the decision. Subject to correction, there is some requirement for
an outgoing judge to write all his or her decisions before leaving the bench, failing which their pension will be curtailed. There is however nothing to curtail a sitting judge from writing his decision in a timely manner. These judges must be deemed either incompetent or unfit and be removed by the Judicial Service Commission on that basis by law. As a matter of public interest, a list of all the cases waiting for decision in excess of 7 months should be published in the newspapers together with the number of the court whether Court 3 or 4 that is responsible for not writing the decision. It is time that all those who are affected with unwritten decisions including lawyers to voice their concern; that is only how justice is awarded in Guyana; sometimes it takes a picket also to get justice Concern Citizen/Litigant
Sunday March 05, 2017
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Guyana is a “frontier country” heading down the slope DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is on the path of having a Government with absolute economic and political powers. If you look at most “frontier countries”, which are countries that have vast wealth of untapped natural resources but lack the ability to extract and process those resources on their own; you will see these countries would then go into partnerships with multinationals, such as oil and mining companies. Guyana is deemed a “frontier country” and there are few things that happen to frontier countries that we must be aware of. All or most of the investments to extract and process our oil is coming from the oil company and not the state. This is an investment and therefore there must be a return on investment at a very high profit margin. This simply means that the oil company now owns most of the revenues coming from the oil and the country will get as very little as possible.
This works in favor of the company, since the country will remain economically weak while the company gains more strength. The political system must be at the disposal of the oil company at all cost, since it is crucial to the return on investment. If the government is not in full agreement with the company, the company will foresee the risk of losing leverage to a people empowered government and thus may be forced to give the state a bigger piece of the pie. This does not mean the government will not have power, but only the government will have the power. The people and its democratic system will be completely useless. The puppet government must remain in power for a very long time by any means necessary. This is done by ensuring that the government is fully financed and equipped to control the people by becoming the absolute economic and political power in the country. Therefore the
Oh, how I long for the good... From page 5 administrative\management artistry par- excellence. Everything fitted so well, so neatly into place. Every worker would be promptly informed in detail by letter of his\her state of affair or that of the Company and its intention. Now it appeared as if the company had a built-in DNA on its employees, every detail as it relates to their bio, very systematic and chronological, remarkably programmed. One of the most incredulous and ridiculous story I once heard bandied about by folks - not from the mining town- as they say was the reason for the company failing performance after the colonials left, was because before they departed they buried en-mass a set of earth moving equipment and destroyed documents, blue prints, etc. Now here we are today in 2017, and in spite of the leaping advancement in technology, new and better systems replacing obsolete ones, we have not seen a corresponding leap in higher quality performance of services within
the various entities, corporations, organisations, etc, except for a negligible few. The daily irritation, vexation and naked stress are so palpable that one wonders aloud just how do they keep functioning? People still get the royal run around, time consuming long agonizing waits, told to come back tomorrow, next week, next two\three weeks for a simple transaction like a slip or form to be signed or pick up, a document to be endorsed by a manager who is always at a meeting, goods posted, some kind of infrastructure to be done, or some sort of utility component to be installed in your home, a certificate to collect, and may heaven help you if it’s a check that must be endorsed. How many more years must it take before we can manage our affairs in a proficient manner like it once used to be having the benefit of advance technology. Can anyone say? Frank Fyffe
people are forced to depend on it for everything that means something to them. This is the theory of dependency that renders the people powerless and the few in control with absolute power. Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Papua New Guinea, Bolivia, Venezuela and many other countries have either gone through or currently going through this form of capitalist rapacity that have left the people in poverty while the few puppets to the company brand themselves demigods of the land. In the case of Nigeria, the military and the state apparatus joined forces to keep the people under control while serving the needs of companies like Shell. Shell has even been named in aiding the assignation of political leaders who have defended the rights of the people in Nigeria. In Equatorial Guinea, the country is led by a super elite family of the President and his children, controlling every aspect of the extractive sector and the state apparatus to ensure the oil company profits. Guinea boasts the highest GDP growth in Africa, while more than 75% of their people live below the poverty line. There is a large amount of natural gas in Papua New Guinea. T he people are forced off their lands that they lived on for thousands of years while getting little to nothing for their lands, while the Government gives big promises but nothing else. Guyana seems to be heading down that same path and the signs are clear; we see a Government rising to power with empty promises and pro-
paganda of division to remain in control. They expand taxes to drain the economic power of the people, therefore making them dependent on the state economic machinery. We are seeing the establishment of special units to conduct investigations supported by military resources. This will be followed by mandates in the future to suppress freedom of speech and people who are in opposition to their rule. You can see that by expanding the net of taxes across a wider range of economic activities, the Government will be in a position to suck back all the monies from oil and the correlating economic spin offs in the country. What is even more important to note is that Guyana is not seen as a partner of parity at the negotiating table, since they bring nothing of value to the company in their eyes. The company actually has positioned themselves as a superior entity in every way. Their negotiating skills are superior, they have the political and wealth capital to control Guyana, which means we are viewed merely as a piece of farm land with a few underlings to feed and keep quiet. There is a very small window to curb this potential disaster and that time is now. In a few years or less, we will lose any opportunity to gain back our rights to gain from our natural resources. Movements like the protest against the Parking Meters are where we need to build on to keep the pressure on or any future Governments from taking us down a path of hopelessness. Malcolm Watkins.
Reservations about some type of investors in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Most developing countries have policies to support local entrepreneurs and businesses to grow. Some countries even make it mandatory for foreign investors to have local partners. It begs the question, therefore, why in Guyana foreigners are given free rein to do business in all areas of the economy, with privileges that Guyanese do not have. In recent decades, we have seen an influx of Chinese businesses, which are dominating all sectors. They are in the restaurant, clothing, hardware, mining, logging and contracting businesses, among others. It is in the contracting business that they have done most damage to our economy, for example the poorly built
Skeldon factory. Another example is GPL, which is saddled with poorly constructed sub-stations and defective cabling from a US$40M contract done by a Chinese spare parts company. From press reports, it seems that the same Chinese company has been awarded another contract for US$23M for further work with GPL. Were our people not aware of the reports on the previous job the company did? Are our people so lax or are there dubious occurrences in this deal? Was it not possible for a local company to do this job so that the profits remain here in Guyana? The sad part is that the loans that financed these contracts have to be repaid by the people of Guyana. Robin Bynoe
I was never an employee of the former Bartica IMC From page 6 of the former IMC.I remain and choose to be part of the solution to the town of my birth and where I am still living and will continue to go above and beyond in bringing attention to and raising issues that is of concern to the masses of residence of Bartica. I do wish to thank a certain office for coming forward without having to request documents and information that Olg
Fredricks is a fake writer. I, Sherwyn Delano Downer, remain a testimony of how it is never too late to align your values with your behavior. We are humans and we rely on our courage to be there for us when we need it most. Sadly, the courage of the real person behind the name has failed him/her of being honest and true to oneself and for that I offer my deepest sympathy to the writer. Sherwyn Delano Downer
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Kaieteur News
Sunday March 05, 2017
18 Paramakatoi youths inducted into army Eighteen persons from Paramakatoi Village, Region Eight have been recruited into the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Basic Recruit Course for 2017. The six females and 12 males were up to late last month undergoing induction training. Recruitment was done in January, during a special recruitment drive by GDF in
the area. It is believed that this is the first time that such a large group of youths, particularly females, were recruited from there. Despite the challenges faced by the youths in that location, they were all well-educated and met the academic requirements for enlistment. According to the GDF, the recruitment team comprised
one officer, four ordinary ranks and civilian personnel of the force. They spent almost a week. Elders from the communities interacted with the team, and prior to the recruits’ departure for Georgetown, provided cautionary guidance and encouragement to them. The army foresees that more outreaches in remote hinterland areas will be done. The recruits were congratulated by Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West on choosing the GDF and wished them long and successful careers.
Some of the youths undertaking the recruitment process (GDF’s FaceBook photo)
Sunday March 05, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Loggers “reject” VAT on lumber; Trump setting up appeal for restoration of concessions Dem boys seh...
people to thief
Guyana was a place nobody didn’t know. When dem boys travel and people ask dem wheh dem come from, dem use to tell de people, “Guyana.” Right away de people use to ask, “Wheh that deh?” But de other day even Donald Trump learn wheh Guyana deh. He was de man who send Republic greetings to de country and didn’t know if it was in Africa or Asia. But he hire de man who help find de oil and when he and de man was talking de man mention this oil find in Guyana. That was a big mistake because as soon as he hear that Guyana got oil de man cripple a law which use to mek all dem company wukking in Guyana and tekking out thing like oil and gold had to declare how much dem paying de government. Now dem don’t have to do that suh it mean that dem can cut deals. Dem boys seh that Trump telling all of dem to thief and to cut deals. Whatever dem got or what dem find dem don’t have to tell nobody. That can only be a good thing when people got to hide. If dem have a corrupt head then de company gun pass a money to de government and don’t have to declare it to anybody. Nobody ain’t got to know. Dem boys seh that Jagdeo woulda been happy because even de people in he own country would never know how much he collect. In fact, even without that law he collect so much and people still don’t know. Dem boys see wha does happen in dem other country and dem want de same thing to happen in Guyana. De government getting help in tracking down some of that money wha dem hide away. De other day when de government announce how people gun get charge within a week, de noise that Jagdeo and he people mek dem boys believe that somebody dead. Is a good thing Soulja Bai put off de charge. But it coming. Talk half and watch how Trump setting up some people fuh thief.
The Forest Products Association (FPA), an advocacy body whose members include some of the country’s biggest loggers, has expressed alarm over what they describe as an imposition of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on local products. “The FPA is very concerned and alarmed at the recent imposition of VAT on lumber at all stages in the production chain, be it intermediary or final sale. In addition, locally produced items including plywood is also subject to VAT. Previously there was no VAT on final sale of lumber and plywood,” the association said in a statement. The VAT will drive up local price for lumber, which is popular in construction. FPA noted that this latest challenge would come after the administration has also removed the VAT-free concession on equipment for forest-related activities.
Loggers are appealing to government not go ahead with plans to introduce 14 percent VAT on forestry products.
“Further the concession whereby if 50% or more of your products was exported you would have been exempted from VAT has also been removed. These measures are very punitive, anti-development and
frightening for the forest sector.” The association noted that its members who have been in possession of forest leases have for decades been good custodians of the forest resources.
“Today, our forest remains in a pristine form despite decades of forest harvesting. This is a true reflection of FPA members and the body as a whole practicing sound forest Continued on page 71
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Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
ExxonMobil no longer obligated to disclose oil payments to Guyana ...after Trump repeals disclosure law By Kiana Wilburg In the eyes of many, the coalition Government is making moves to shield the extractive industries from the ills of corruption. One of the ways in which the administration is seeking to insulate the industry is through application for membership with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). EITI is an international body that allows scrutiny of Government’s records of
what it receives from companies in the extractive sectors. These include oil and gas, mining and forestry, among other areas. The body also urges for the contracts of those companies in the sector to be made public, as well as other measures for guarding against corruption. The requirement disclosures are expected to bring a level of transparency and accountability in the extractive sector. But with the emergence of a multi-billion-
dollar oil sector, the Government of the day is of the belief that EITI is necessary. As such, it is doing everything possible to safeguard the earnings from oil and gas by working to fast track Guyana’s application to EITI. The Government’s action in this regard is spurred particularly by the declaration of significant oil finds by one of the richest American oil companies in the world, ExxonMobil. Should Guyana become a
Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman
EITI Chairman, Fredrik Reinfeldt
USA President, Donald Trump
member of EITI, it will be required to ask all companies in the extractive sector, including Exxon Mobil, to reveal what it is paying the government, among other things. It was in February that newly-sworn in President of the USA, Donald Trump, signed a Bill that killed a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule which required American oil and gas and mining companies to disclose in detail, the payments they made to foreign governments. The law was meant to promote transparency in countries riddled with corruption. Former CEO of Exxon Mobil and now US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, is on record as saying that the Obama-era rule which required such high levels of disclosure would put American companies at a disadvantage.
Since the law was repealed, it has attracted much criticism from anticorruption bodies, including EITI. In fact, Chairman of EITI, Fredrik Reinfeldt, has since spoken against Trump’s move. Reinfeldt said that the law which had allowed for American companies to disclose what they are paying foreign governments was a complement to the EITI disclosure requirements. He added, “I reiterate earlier held EITI positions on this matter. Our aim is to ensure responsible and transparent resource governance and this requires multiple efforts. The SEC took great care in drafting these rules in consultation with industry to ensure that they complement the EITI’s efforts and avoid unnecessary duplication. “I would urge Congress to consider this matter
thoroughly, and to ensure that any action does not undermine the hard-won gains in this arena.” GUYANA’S APPLICATION While there are a few more stages left to go through, Guyana certainly made significant headway recently as it relates to its application for membership to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative with the launching of Guyana’s very own EITI Multistakeholder Group (MSG). This is one of the requirements for Guyana to make it into the EITI fold. Speaking to the importance of the initiative, Dr. Rudy Jadoopat, National Coordinator of Guyana’s EITI Secretariat, said that EITI brings together a number of groups. He said that these include oil and gas companies, (Continued on page 16)
Sunday March 05, 2017
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Malware attack on GWI’s ICT system...
Systems up and running, investigation still ongoing After its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems suffered a malware attack in late January this year, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has announced that its systems are now up and running. In an advertisement in the Kaieteur News yesterday, the GWI stated: “The Guyana Water Incorporated wishes to inform its valued customers that its Information Communications Technology (ICT) systems, which were affected by a malware attack, are now fully operational. On January 26, the GWI called in cyber crime experts from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) after personnel – while performing maintenance duties – discovered that several systems were infected with malware. The experts engaged technical personnel at GWI and an investigation was launched to assist in the determination of causality and the restoration of the system. To avoid extended damage, servers were taken offline. The attack affected methods of billing and collections. However, alternative measures were
AG Basil Williams taken to continue revenue collection. Several banks, Sure Pay, GTT Mobile Money and Bill Express were listed as some of the payment alternatives. In yesterday’s ad, the GWI also advised customers to avoid disconnection and delayed reconnection, as immediate disconnections will be done as a result of indebtedness related to 2016. Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, told Kaieteur News yesterday that the investigation is still ongoing. Quizzed on when the probe will be completed, Dr. Van West-Charles said that the probe has at least one week more to be completed and upon completion, he will divulge the findings to the media. “Give me one week and by then, I will be able to give a definitive answer,” the CEO said. CYBERCRIME BILL 2016 Meanwhile, the Cybercrime Bill of 2016 was presented and read for the first time in the National Assembly last year by the Attorney General, Basil Williams. The Legal Affairs Minister also referred the complex legislation to a Special Select Committee, so that it can be properly perused and amendments made where necessary. Williams explained that the Bill seeks to combat
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cybercrime by creating offences related to it and provide for penalties, investigation and prosecution of the offences and related matters. The Bill sets out that a person commits an offence if he/she intentionally, without authorization or in excess of authorization, or by infringing any security measure, accesses a computer system or any part of a computer system of another person. The draft legislation also deals with child pornography and child luring. It says that a person who produces child pornography for the purpose of distribution through a computer system, or offers or makes available, distributes or transmits child pornography through a
CEO of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles computer system, commits an offence. It says, too, that a person who uses a computer system to arrange a meeting with a child with the intent of abusing or engaging in sexual
activity with the child or producing child pornography, whether or not he takes any steps to effect such a meeting, commits child luring. Another clause in the Bill addresses the publication or transmission of images of the private area of a person. It states that a person who captures, stores in, publishes or transmits through a computer system, the image of the private area of another person without that other person’s consent commits an offence. Additionally, the political opposition said that it is pleased that after some 15 months, the Government is actually utilizing the option of sending important Bills to a special select committee.
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Qualities required for GECOM chairmanship a tall order By Brushell Blackman
Former Chairman of GECOM Dr Steve Surujbally As the government and opposition continue to differ over the appointment of a new chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the qualities that are being sought in that person might prove elusive. According to the constitution, in Article 161 (2) the chairman should be a judge, former judge or a person qualified to be a judge or any other fit and proper person. Added to that, at a meeting at State House to appoint the Acting Chancellor and the acting Chief Justice, President Granger said that the chairman should also have integrity, impartiality and independence. Opposition member and former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, said that his party is seeking clarification on these qualities since they are subjective and open to different interpretations. He said that his party was assured that when President Granger returns from overseas the matter will be addressed. However, many observers believe that to find someone qualified as a judge or who can be a judge and then for them to have integrity, impartiality and independence may be a stretch too far. Nandlall said that the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP/C) is no clearer now than it was at the beginning of the appointment process of the new chairman. He is of the view that all of these stipulations can only serve to frustrate the process of appointing a chairman as GECOM continues to operate without a leader.
Opposition member Anil Nandlall Nandlall added that Granger himself was twice nominated to be chairman of GECOM but he did not fit the bill. He believes that this is an indication of how complex the process is and that simplicity should be at the forefront of this process. Former GECOM head Dr Steve Surujbally said that he hopes the issue is resolved swiftly in the interest of the country and considering the importance of the position. Dr Surujbally said the suitability of the GECOM chairman becomes even more important with elections due in 2020. The veterinarian said that both the opposition and the government will sway towards an individual that they feel will help in winning the next elections. When asked whether there are persons with those qualities required to be chairman Surujbally said that he hopes that good sense will prevail. He was optimistic that a chairman will be named by month end. Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo had submitted a list of six persons to replace Dr Surujbally but that list was rejected by the president on the basis that none of the nominees was qualified to be a judge. Since then there has been ongoing disagreements with the interpretation of the law as it regards the selection of GECOM’s chairman. Jagdeo has agreed to submit a second list but if that list is rejected by the president, observers believe that President Granger will unilaterally appoint a chairman since the constitution allows him to do such.
Sunday March 05, 2017
National Science Coordinator, Petal Punalall-Jetoo Guyana has not been taking Science for granted. In fact, Guyana through the expertise of its National Science Coordinator, Ms. Petal Punalall-Jetoo, has been playing a major role in enhancing knowledge in this regard not only here in Guyana but across the Caribbean. Punalall-Jetoo is attached to the Ministry of Education’s National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) which has been making considerable strides to advance science in the school system. This is particularly emphasised annually when the Ministry spearheads it national science fair which encourages both teachers and students country-wide to utilise their Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge to develop projects that can help to improve the environment. The Ministry’s moves in this regard have over the years gained considerable support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It was during the period
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National Science Coordinator helping Region to advance in field 2010-2015 UNESCO injected its support towards the implementation of Inquiry Based Science and Mathematics Education approach for selected primary schools in Guyana. It was during 2011 for instance that UNESCO trained a national team of science educators on its Global Micro-science Experiment Project. The Micro-science approach provides developed and developing countries with new teaching tools. The experimental techniques that can be covered on a micro-scale include everything from separating the components of mixtures to measuring rates of reactions between chemicals. Tasked with spearheading this venture has been Punalall-Jetoo. With her guidance, Guyana has been able to successfully pilot and expand this laudable initiative in secondary schools in an effort to support the improvement of the quality of science education and provide resources to schools with limited access to science laboratory facilities. The experiments have been linked to the Caribbean Examinations Council’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) requirement for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. With Punalall-Jetoo in the forefront Guyana has been able to develop a laudable science model and has been able to effectively implement it. Through the guidance of
the UNESCO Kingston Cluster Officer for the Caribbean, Guyana’s implementation model was shared with the rest of the Caribbean through a subregional project in 2015. Guyana, moreover, was given the auspicious opportunity to lead this subregional project allowing it to partner with Belize and St. Lucia. This project is now being expanded to the Caribbean territories including: Belize, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. Under the leadership of Punalall-Jetoo, too, Guyana also successfully integrated micro-science as a tool to infuse Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) and Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development (CCESD). The National Science Coordinator during the course of 2016 was able to train 618 teachers At the primary level, 12 workshops were facilitated by Punalall-Jetoo for teachers which exposed 244 of them to science training. These workshops included climate change education for sustainable development, content workshops for covering the physics component (magnetism, energy, forces) through the use of the micro-science kits. The exposure to the micro-science kits allowed teachers to be exposed to the practical science skills (process skills) which fosters the development of critical thinking skills. Workshops were held for
Regions One, Two, Four, Five, Nine, Ten and Georgetown. Training at the secondary level included 10 workshops
that were held, and 50 schoolbased workshops. These workshops focused on the performance of science
education, the use of practical activities to enhance learning of science. Continued on page 14
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National Science Coordinator helping... From page 13 The workshops also linked science education to sustainable development. In fact a blended approach with climate change education and inquiry based science education was shared. Micro-science experiments were shared at all of the workshops and 374 teachers were trained in Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine, Ten and Georgetown. Because of her ability to successfully facilitate these
science ventures PunalallJetoo has been tasked with coordinating the UNESCO sub-regional project. She currently holds the auspicious title of Regional Project Coordinator and trainer for the Phase II expansion of the project in the Caribbean. The expansion is being implemented under the guidance of the UNESCO Caribbean Cluster Officer in Kingston, Jamaica. Punalall-Jetoo was last year invited by President of
Emeritus of CARISCIENCE, Professor Harold Ramkissoon, who chairs the Caricom Science, Technology and Innovation Committee (CSTIC), to serve as a member until 2020. Other distinguished members of CSTIC include other renowned science experts including: Professor Ishenkumba Kahwa; Deputy Principal of the Mona Campus, University of the West Indies; Dr. Arnoldo Ventura, former Advisor to the Prime Minister of Jamaica;
Mr. James Husbands, Director of Solar Dynamics; Mr. Kent Mitchell, Scientist of Grenada, and Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States, Professor Cardinal Warde who represents the Diaspora. The Committee is one that has been mandated to, inter alia, swiftly promote the development of Science and Technology in Caricom as a tool for economic development by working closely with all Governments and scientific organisations in the region and serve as an advisory body to the Prime Minister responsible for Science and Technology in the Caribbean. Just recently Government
granted approval for PunalallJetoo to take her expertise to St. Kitts where a STEM Teacher training workshop is scheduled for March 29-30, 2017. The workshop, which is being organised by the Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF) and the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS), is expected to focus on having teachers better understand how students learn science. Punalall-Jetoo is also a member of the CSF-CSA teaching team and therefore has a significant role as a facilitator at these workshops. She typically delivers the portion of the syllabus concerned with inquirybased science and introduces participants to the UNESCO approved micro-science kits, Professor Warde explained in a correspondent seen by this
Sunday March 05, 2017 publication. This publication understands that in instances that the Chief Facilitator cannot be present PunallaJetoo assumes this role and effectively guides the participants through the workshop curriculum. To date the CSF and the CAS have collaborated to host five successful STEM teacher training workshops in St. Vincent, Antigua, Barbados and Jamaica which have been held in close collaboration with the respective Ministries of Education. The workshops have served to expand knowledge of STEM education and the nature of science, expose them to new methods of teaching STEM and serve to increase their confidence in the planning, teaching and assessment of STEM concepts.
Guyana to get 50% of oil or... From page 3 government has started the process of reviewing the contract in order to update it so that any future arrangement will be contemporary with what is prevailing in the industry. This process he said is being done by both local and foreign experts. The Minister informed that the contract which was signed in 1999 has maintained largely its original form. “We inherited the contract from the former government. Government took the decision to look at but avoided reopening the contract in its entirety for negotiations. “We didn't want it to go abroad that Guyana was a place where we didn't respect the sanctity of contracts entered into and we thought it best to preserve what we had found, it was not altogether a bad contract.” According to country manager of ExxonMobil, Jeff Simons, based on how the contract is written, Guyana will have its share, ExxonMobil will have its share and its partners, Hess and Nexxen Petroleum will have their share. “So there will be individual liftings that will go to the tankers and each has the right to move that oil to wherever they want to take it. All the partners have a share.” As it relates to making the contract public, Trotman said that government at this time is
of the view that full disclosure would not be in the national interest. To justify this position, Trotman made reference to the biblical story of Hezekiah, a king who had exposed the riches of his nation to the Syrians; after which the prophet Isaiah accosted him for exposing all his possessions, telling him that all will be lost. According to Trotman, Guyana has no army that can stand against a major aggressive force. The Minister was making reference to the border controversy Venezuela currently has with Guyana. “It (Guyana) has no air-force, it has no navy. We are proceeding this year in a very delicate year. We are possibly headed into a mediated process with a Good Officer appointed by the UN (United Nations) Secretary-General and if by the end of November it shows that there is no likelihood of a negotiated or mediated settlement, we are headed to a juridical settlement of a longstanding claim.” Trotman said that he would advise President David Granger not to be boastful of what Guyana has in the interest of full disclosure. He said that such information is being recorded and can be used against the government. However, Trotman assured that the government is prepared to share the salient points of the contract.
Sunday March 05, 2017
Moves afoot to make small miners independent - Min. Broomes As some small miners have complained about not having sufficient access to land for gold and diamond mining, the government is taking steps to address the situation to ensure all can have access to mining land. Minister Simona Broomes said, recently, that there is a large swath of land available which has been penned off and not being made available to small miners. She said that when she joined the Ministry, she was impressed to know that blocks of lands which were up for cancellation for several years were not being occupied. She stated that the amount of land at the time was well over 1700 blocks or 1200 acres. According to the Minister, persons were crying out that they could not get access to the land even though it was available. This was so since the land was in an area which was closed and needed the Minister’s signature before it could be awarded through the Closed Area Committees. “You have other areas that are just penned off there. I was surprised because you always hear there is no land available. There is land available that could meet the needs of the smaller person and that is exactly what this government is doing.” Broomes was at the time
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Junior Natural Resources Minister, Simona Broomes meeting with a number of representatives from the newly formed Mining Syndicates which were set up to allow small miners access to land which were previously kept out of their reach. The Minister said that the Syndicate project is a clear initiative from government to remedy the problem being experienced by small miners. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the group had come to Georgetown to protest against the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association for the position that entity has taken in relation to dealing with the new tax regime being implemented by Government in the mining industry. She debunked claims by the GGDMA that Government is trying to divide miners by pitting small miners against the
Association by saying the Syndicate program allows government to give miners their independence. The group was advised by Broomes not to go ahead with the confrontation against GGDMA and offered to speak with them. Following that meeting, one of the miners from the Upper Mazaruni/ Imbaimadai, Wallace Daniels, said that for the last 10 to 15 years small miners were subjected to ‘bullyism’ by larger miners over areas found to be rich in gold. According to Daniels, in some instances armed security attached to larger miners would show up, fire shots in the air and proceed to ‘wash-down’ the ‘sluicebox’ operated by the prospecting small miner, collect the gold claiming it as outstanding payments and leave the site. “GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission) did nothing about it. Half the time the Police didn’t do anything about it, just to say well we coming and investigate. So that is what people were putting up with all the time.” The GGDMA had accused Broomes of wanting to divide miners and put them against each other. However, according to the Ministry, it is absolutely not its intention or the Government’s to pit miners against each other or to ‘divide and rule’ in any way.
Islamic Trust launches awareness week
A section of the audience that attended the launching of Islamic awareness week at MYO. Under the theme “Islam a gift for humanity” the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) on Friday night launched the Islamic Awareness Week 2017 at the Muslim Youth Organisation, Woolford Avenue. Over 800 Muslims attended the function in which lectures were presented by Musab Yusuf, Aleem Rahim, President of GIT, Shafiullah Hackh, Shaykh Shaheed Muhammad, Mirza Muhammad MBA of Trinidad and Tobago. Bro. Musab Yusuf said this initiative by GIT is to spread the word of Islam the religion of peace so that the
people can see some light in Islam. He added that a different message is being portrayed around the world about Islam but Islam is a gift and this week is an opportunity to tell the world why this is so. “Sometimes people misconstrue the message of Islam so we see this as an opportunity to spread the right message with the hope that people will recognise that
Islam is the religion of peace, obedience and submission”, he added. Yusuf said that the public presentations, youth forums, TV programmes, Dawah (invitation) booth at City Mall and Giftland Mall and University presentations will be held in the coming week so as to enlightened the nation about Islam. GIT was established in 1979.
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OPR completes probe into strip-search report The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has completed investigations into an allegation of stripsearching a French Citizen against a police rank. Confirming this was a source from OPR, who disclosed that the file has been sent to Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, for advice. Guyana-born French citizen Kenneth Anthony Benn claimed that he was humiliated when a police rank stripped-searched him during an immigration search at Moleson Creek. According to him, this happened on November 20, 2016 while he was making his way to board the ferry to Suriname en route to French Guiana, where he has been living for two decades. Benn said he was ordered by a plain clothes police rank to remove his underwear and perform squats during the
search done in a room, where he was told to empty his suitcase. “He didn’t even identify himself to me. But I could recognize him if I see him again. He just lifted up the suitcase and turned it over. When he finished searching the suitcase he asked me if I was ever charged for any offence.” The man said he replied in the negative and told the rank he came to Guyana to visit his grandmother. He said the rank patted him down and insisted that he remove his pants and underwear. He said that he complied with the instructions and was then told to squat twice before given permission to repack his suitcase and leave. “He found nothing illegal on me.” He said he is still trying to come to grips with what happened and said that he was searched without
adequate justification. “I have travelled all over the world and this has never happened to me. Is this something normal for immigration in Guyana? I felt very uncomfortable with him (the rank) in that room.” “I’m not looking for a problem with police in Guyana. I just want them to stop doing this.” Benn added that he is sure other passengers have been subjected to these kinds of search and is calling on them to speak out. “I’m trying to highlight this. I want that rank to be disciplined.” Subsequent to the incident, Benn said he reported it to the Moleson Creek Police Outpost. When contacted yesterday, Benn said that it is very pleasing to hear that the matter is now engaging the attention of the Crime Chief.
ExxonMobil no longer... (From page 10) representatives of government, local and international stakeholders and assessment management companies. The National Director stressed that the objective of the EITI is to bring international and acceptable standards for transparency to the oil, gas and mining sector. The National Director said: “EITI creates opportunities for the building of trust among stakeholders and indeed the community at large. “Companies are required to disclose what they pay to government and the government must in turn disclose what receipts from the companies are made.” He added: “These figures are then compared to discover any discrepancies, and the information made public as a way to foster public scrutiny and greater accountability over natural resource profits earned by governments...” The Director said, too, that Guyana has already satisfied a number of requirements. However, there are still a few steps which need to be completed. These include adapting the terms of reference of the MSG, determining the materiality and scope, to review and finalize a draft work plan, to prepare a communication strategy and plan for it, to review and ensure the finalization of the scoping study which was commissioned and prepared by a consulting firm etc. The National Director
assured that the Secretariat will provide support to the MSG. THE GEITI –MSG Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, also provided an update on Guyana’s status thus far. He said that the GEITI –MSG is a primary body which will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the successful implementation of the global EITI standards. The Natural Resources Minister said that the body will provide and establish a framework to promote collaboration and consensus building in implementing the EITI accordingly. He said that the grouping is a true demonstration of inclusivity and transparency as all stakeholders are represented at the table. Trotman said that this includes government, civil society and industry. With four members and equivalent alternates on the MSG, Trotman noted that the Government will be represented by high level officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Revenue Authority. He revealed that the GEITI will be chaired by the Ministry of Natural Resources. “The Government has approached the EITI process with a commitment to transparency and openness as well as recognition, acceptance and a deliberate effort to foster the truth that the resources of Guyana belong to every Guyanese in equal measure,” said Trotman.
“This EITI initiative has the potential to bring significant benefits to the Guyanese economy through increased accountability and transparency, translating into more informed policy debates and guidance on managing our resource endowments.” He added: “It also has the potential to increase the potential of investor confidence and enhance Guyana’s reputation as a sound investment destination. This process joins a suite of initiatives that this government has committed to and is actively pursuing to strengthen public institutions and systems for managing resources and revenues from the extractive sector.” Trotman, the leader of the Alliance For Change faction of the Coalition Government, noted that efforts to find a suitable standalone location for the EITI secretariat have already commenced. Trotman added that hiring additional support staff for the Secretariat has already begun. He hopes to have a full staff for it before the end of the first half of the year. Trotman said, too, that in the coming weeks, there will be an outreach programme to engage the public on all matters of importance and interest within the natural resources sector. Oil has been seen as a major boon to Guyana, which has been described as one of the poorest nation in this part of the hemisphere. ExxonMobil’s find is estimated to be at least 1.4 billion barrels.
Sunday March 05, 2017
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The survivors’ wellbeing is not always guaranteed... By Sharmain Grainger It’s a gift from God they say. You’re blessed they say. But exactly what do you say to those women whose blessing of conceiving and giving birth turns out to be a living hell or worse. The reality is some of them never make it out alive, and some, although they survive, return to a life of impaired mental health [postpartum depression] which is sometimes compounded by other physical issues which can evolve to life-threatening proportions. Imagine a perfectly normal life turning into a medical emergency practically overnight. Exactly where in this lies the blessing and the gift? Yes, she would’ve paved the way for life to go on for generations to come, but what quality of life will she have? These are but a few of the searching questions that health sectors around the world may never be able to entirely answer. But these questions are asked, perhaps every day, by someone we know and love. It is usually never easy for families to recover from a maternal casualty which many health sectors, including our own, are stilling battling to reduce. But what about those who do survive but never really recover?
Sometimes those who develop complications of both mind and body, sometimes silently, even subconsciously, wish death upon themselves. The chilling assertive phrase “life is so unfair” is not at all unexpected and can be aptly and easily embraced. How does a woman recover from this? What measures are even in place to rehabilitate her to her former self? These questions when asked seemed to stun a senior health official I spoke to recently. It immediately dawned on me that the major goal of the health sector when it comes to maternal health is to reduce as far as possible the mortality rate, but the ensuing quality of life is in fact a minor consideration. And tremendous effort is usually put into achieving a reduced rate of maternal deaths. In fact, the Ministry has plugged millions into measures to strive to women do not die from complications related to childbirth. Of course there are some unavoidable situations, but, according to health officials, more medical practitioners have been trained and facilities have been constructed and/or improved to aid this process along. Even more interesting is the fact that moves have been made to increase medical evacuations, since the Public
Health Ministry has adopted an initiative that all high risk pregnancies, even those from far-flung regions must be transferred to a facility that can cater to such needs, thereby reducing the possibility of maternal mortality and morbidity. For the year 2015, the Ministry recorded a total of 17 maternal deaths. The figure recorded last year was 12, and so far for this year the Ministry has reportedly recorded no deaths. But the Ministry, as far as I am aware, hasn’t put nearly enough measures in place to cater to other issues women have been known to develop after childbirth. In my humble opinion this should never be the case, especially when health, by its very definition, speaks to the wellness of the entire body. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. I recently engaged a few women who, a few months of giving birth, have certainly not returned to a complete state of health. In fact if health officials were to honestly pronounce on their respective conditions they will admit that their physical wellbeing is not intact for various reasons, all of which have been linked to
The Baccoo Speaks The political scene is going to be even more interesting, with the opposition calling on the government to remove certain taxes and protesting the actions contemplated in the sugar industry. The protests in the city at this time would be the catalyst for other protests, because the climate is such that protests should be tolerated. However, supporters would say enough is enough and would stage counter protests that would
become confrontational. ** A scandal is brewing in the media landscape. Bharrat Jagdeo’s fake news statement would spark a series of finger pointing at other sections that
actually manufacture information to suit the opposition’s political vendetta. ** Another road fatality would be recorded. A car would strike a pedestrian who was not observant enough. The car would emerge from a side street at speed and would hit the pedestrian. Things would get ugly when observers attack the driver who would turn out to be young and under the influence.
them giving birth. These have ranged from mental instability - which many have been known to hide for fear of being labelled “crazy” - and then there are sometimes other complications. Imagine a woman developing an abscess in the breast because her milk hasn’t flowed as it should and she is told surgical intervention is required. But after enduring that gruelling procedure she is told she is now predisposed to breast cancer. One official with the mere shrug of a shoulder said of a woman who experienced just this, “Oh a lot of women go through that, she is not the first and will not be the last.” There are even some individuals who are convinced that women allow themselves to become ill simply because of their train of thoughts and therefore their recovery could hinge on them thinking “happy thoughts”. While the mental and physical aspects of our being are indeed interlinked, these women should not be encouraged to suppress the reality of their condition rather than have it addressed. Although it could be true that an individual’s recovery could be fast-tracked if they are in
the right environment and frame of mind, sometimes there is simply no substitute for proper medical treatment and care. And it is just this that some women are denied once they would have journeyed through a delivery, made it to the other side, and are seen as another victory in the health sector’s quest to reduced maternal mortality. But all are not created equal! While some may have experiences that may have
them ‘raring to go again’, there are others who wish they’d never tried and need a bit more help on the road to full recovery. Moreover, focus on the possibility of the latter state of affairs should also be high on the agenda of the health sector, because we can’t expect to become the healthiest nation in the Caribbean region by overlooking some of our crucial citizens - women clinging to health after giving birth.
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Parfaite Harmonie residents fed up of burglaries - An average of five reported cases daily
Residents are pleading for street lights to be erected in the ever expanding scheme
The Redman family home was burgled in the wee hours of Thursday The beauty and potential that is La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara is being tainted by the daily trauma experienced by residents. Most the people from the community are unable to even get a good night’s rest, in fear of what they might wake up to find. Some persons go to bed with the fear of waking up to discover their doors sprawled and their houses empty. There are others who are even more afraid of opening their bedroom doors, only to find perpetrators standing on the other side, in the one
place where they were supposed to feel most safe their homes. Late Wednesday evening, the community’s people took another hit. There were at least three break and enter incidents, but only one was reported at La Grange Police Station. The Lot 3784 Westminster, Phase Two, La Parfaite Harmonie home of Neil Redman and his family was ransacked, with a number of appliances stolen, including a television set valued at $450,000, two cellular phones valued at
$20,000 each and close to $200,000 in cash. Redman, a Veterinarian, explained that his mother had just a few days ago, collected a “box hand” and was keeping the money in her purse. “Whoever did it carried away the purse with everything inside, make-up and so on,” the young man said. He explained that his sister, who usually works a night shift, was the last person to come home, around midnight on Wednesday. “She made sure she
locked the door before going to bed, but is when my mother wake up around four ‘o’ clock Thursday morning to cook, then she see the door wide open and the things missing,” Redman told this newspaper. The discovery resulted in the traumatised woman blurting out a loud scream that awoke neighbours, many of whom were too scared to leave their homes to ensure the woman’s safety. Redman told Kaieteur News that from all indications, the backdoor was broken into. “It looks like it’s one person that did it, and it doesn’t seem like they had enough time to carry away much more than what they did.” As the sun came up, the Redman family visited La
Grange Police Station, where the matter was reported and is currently being investigated. But this was not the only incident that happened on Wednesday night. There were two other break and enter incidents that were not reported to the police, but to this newspaper. Kaieteur News was told that in the area of Onderneeming, Parfaite Harmonie, a family’s yard and storage den was ransacked. “Dem carry away a wheelbarrow, a rake, a fork, a hoe, and probably some other things that we ent really check out yet. I fed up living hay. Is a nice place, but it look like when yuh come live hay, yuh got fuh prepare fuh keep spending yuh money to buy back everything that yuh wuk hard to buy in the first place,” a resident, Nandanie Brown said. She told this newspaper of the expenses that her immediate neighbour has to grapple with after bandits raided his car and minibus, removing their batteries. “It happened the same Wednesday night, but the man nah deh home right now.”
Asked why the two matters were not reported to the police, Brown said, “It nah mek sense. Is every day people getting robbed in here, and I feel like is the same set of boys that the police already know about, but they don’t do anything.” Another resident pointed out that while police ranks do show up sometimes to take statements, they never return to take fingerprints and search for other evidence that may link the neighbourhood’s “bad boys” to any of the crimes. “This is why when yuh go to the courts, the cases does be dismissed, because the police don’t come searching for proper evidence,” the resident opined. A police official told this newspaper that the force handles approximately five cases of break and enter occurring in the La Parfaite Harmonie area, on a daily basis. Contacted for figures, Divisional Commander, Leslie James said that only the more important cases like robbery under arms are reported to him. Residents are demanding the erection of street lights, since many streets are pitchdark after a certain hour. “Is only some people who can afford it does put up they own lights, otherwise, the place does be scary dark. When it pass seven o’clock, yuh got to tremble and walk down the road,” a young resident told this newspaper.
Sunday March 05, 2017
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Kaieteur News
The heart has its reasons, Mr. Persaud I would like to thank longstanding public servant, Mr. Nowrang Persaud for the kind words he penned on me in a letter to the newspapers. Mr. Persaud hopes that I continue my human rights activism. I don’t know Mr. Persaud. I don’t know what he looks like or ever saw him. I know about him by reading about his long service in the public service and the sugar industry. Though I acknowledge his kind words, I wonder if he knows how deeply flawed the ontology of this country is, that makes the struggle for betterment almost impossible. This is not your run of the mill land where things fall apart as in other places in the Third World, then, these nations pick themselves up and move on. Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad had moments like that. Few economists would describe Trinidad as a typical Third World place. Singapore is certainly not Third World. But let’s get back to human rights and the struggle for betterment. I am describing this column as a philo-
sophical education of Mr. Persaud. I hope he doesn’t object, because I honestly mean no insult. He is much older than I am, and I am way into my sixties, and he is as educated as I am. By an education, I mean trying to put a philosophical portrait on a country that I feel is so far gone that it may not be redeemable. Even with the flow of oil money, I do not think this country will become redeemable. Russia is the largest oil producer in the world yet since original times, from Tsar right down to Putin, the Russian people have never experienced true freedom. Soon in Guyana, oil money will flow, big state buildings will go up, oil money will be stolen, poverty will remain and the lack of concern for life will continue. Oil money will come to Guyana but not rationality, love for fellow humans, recognition of right over wrong and the values of civilization. Mr. Persaud suggests I continue my activism, but is this a country where activism can bring change? I have
been active since I was sixteen. If I am now in my sixties count the years and ask me what I have achieved for my country in the realm of rights over wrongs. It is outside the scope of a mere newspaper column to philosophize on the ontology of Guyana, but a brief note should suffice. My take is that Guyana’s conscience and the values that inhere in civilized society got lost in the result of the confrontation between Forbes Burnham and Walter Rodney. The society from thereon lost its psychic integrity and successive governments from 1980 to March 2017 have failed to generate the psychology of normal thinking in Guyanese. The fear I live with in this country is that no one places a premium on life and liberties. Human rights struggle in such a condition (which reminds one of vintage Thomas Hobbes) becomes a Sisyphean task; or to put it in poetic style, an impossible dream (which reminds one of vintage, Don Quixote). You
look at every realm of life in this country, and you see the loss of a nation’s collective psyche. Take court sentences. Less jail terms are handed down for gruesome homicides in which unspeakable violence took place than nonviolent crimes. I remember a man got 45 years for a nonviolent crime and the same judge sentenced a man to 12 years after he pleaded guilty to robbing and killing a businessman whom he followed from the bank. The GRA charged a working class man for not paying taxes for yearly dances he held in a village in Mahaicony. He went to court, flipped out, and
jumped to his death in the Mahaicony River. No one uttered a single word of disgust. Hundreds of billionaires pay taxes far less than what teachers and policemen pay. No one utters a word of disgust. An 18-year-old girl was sentenced to six months imprisonment for leaving Guyana with a speedboat to Suriname. Not one voice denounced such unspeakable punishment. Honestly, Mr. Persaud, this country named Guyana is not a viable one. For me, and I am entitled to my opinion, after more than fifty years of activism, I see this country as a dead zone. Maybe I am wrong. I hope I am wrong, but 50 years of
Frederick Kissoon activism tell me I am right. Again, I thank you for the kind words, but the heart has its reasons. I am riding out into the sunset to spend my remaining years with my family and two pets.
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Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Guyana was not ready then, but we certainly are now! Early last week the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph company (GTT) fulfilled a promise to Essequibians to bring them faster, easily accessible internet by June 2017. The company was able to complete installation of the necessary facilities four months ahead of their own schedule and they began selling the service to Essequibians in February. It was launched on Monday 27 February at Anna Regina, and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, took that opportunity to layout some of her Ministry’s plans for the region within the context of creating a technologically savvy Guyana. Below are excerpts from her address. The Ministry of Public Telecommunications couldn’t be happier that GTT has acted on its promise to provide faster internet connectivity to the people of Essequibo. This is long overdue and now you can look forward to new possibilities. Even before we assumed office in 2015, this government was very aware that Guyana was lagging far behind our Caribbean neighbours, and much farther behind the developed countries like the USA and China, in terms of our inability to provide better internet connectivity across Guyana. This situation has limited
our progress and prevented our citizens from getting involved in and benefitting from all that this technologydriven world has to offer. Before 2015, Guyana was nowhere close to being able to inspire our people to innovate; to create money-making businesses out of the produce that grow right in their environments. Our students, for example, had little access to the essays and theses written by world class researchers, and we were not ready when CXC announced in 2015 that ALL candidates must submit their SBA’s online. Guyana was not ready then, but we certainly are now! Our mission is to see to it that every single student anywhere in Guyana all have access to the same information at the same time. They could only do this when we equip Guyana with universal LTE and fibre optic networks. That is one reason why we are happy that GTT has activated this 4G LTE service. It is going to improve your lives and livelihoods, and it adds a fillip to our own efforts to digitize this nation. As soon as we came to government we began to devise a plan to provide an “enabling environment” for citizens to put their imaginations to work and earn export dollars for their products. This plan, from an ICT perspective,
has many parts - some lowhanging fruits and many long term objectives. Most of these objectives are already in progress:- Installing a modern LTE and fibre optic network along the coastlands, in the hinterland and inland regions - Providing computers and equipment to community centres, especially in poor and remote communities - Training community leaders to use the computers and in turn they would support and teach residents … remember, the goal is a technologically savvy population - In the last quarter of 2016 we conducted a Needs Assessment in several Poor, Remote and Hinterland communities across Guyana. That report was submitted at the end of the year and now we are close to finalizing plans for a massive spin-off project taking internet and other digital services to these rural communities. This project will begin by October 2017. - At midyear last year we began installing internetready equipment in secondary schools. To date there are over 101 schools, technical institutes, Regional Education Offices, the university campuses in Georgetown and Berbice, and the teachers’ training college, equipped with free access to the internet. Of course, this
comes with software to restrict the students’ access to unhealthy websites containing pornography, terrorismrelated material, and such. One very key item on our agenda is placing public services within easy reach of every citizen through the internet. We are still refining the process, and very soon you will not have to travel to Georgetown to join long lines just to submit your application for a passport. And this is just the beginning. The objective is to place every single public service online, including applications for birth and death certificates; drivers’ licences; business compliance certificates; land, housing, mining and forestry permits - every public service, and in time we will use technology to pay our pensioners. This is a good time to tell you that very shortly we will activate a plan to rehabilitate strategically placed post offices (most were allowed to deteriorate for decades into deplorable conditions). We will add internet-related services and convert some into ICT hubs. They will also offer a new service that was introduced recently - Swift Shipping for online shoppers and business owners. So with vastly improved internet capacity and speed, rice farmers in this region can now search online for spare parts for your combines and tractors; beauticians can source your hair and nail supplies and have it shipped to Guyana by Swift Shipping. Supermarket owners will en-
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes joy being able to buy new products online and have them on their shelves in no time. And most importantly, our entrepreneurs will have a ready-made export shipping route for our indigenous products, e.g. hammocks, high quality coconut water, coconut oil and other coconutbased cosmetics and foods, tamarind balls, guava cheese, etc. to the ready-made diaspora market. Allow me to offer a word of encouragement to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company. This nation will only move forward if the private sector continues to invest in our economy. We do appreciate your expansion into the Essequibo and we look forward to seeing the rest of it. We hope that your com-
pany will continue to fulfill the promises you’ve made to expand and strengthen the range of telephone and digital services. We see your participation as vital to the transformation of our nation. I ask you, the good people of Essequibo, to look for the opportunities to be successful entrepreneurs, put your skills to work and earn. There are many of you who are building great software applications, preserving and processing fruits and vegetables, and doing other innovative things. Just keep thinking outside the box and venture into new areas. With all that lies before us, e.g. a hydrocarbon industry and possibilities for developing numerous downstream industries, we have to believe that we can do it!
Sunday March 05, 2017
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Kaieteur News
My column
The hullaballoo over VAT on tuition fees Columnist Freddie Kissoon constantly says that Guyana is a land of misguided people who seem unable to comprehend what is good for them and what is needed. I do not always agree with him, but there are times when I must concur. Yet he himself goes off at a tangent to his argument—in fact, an about turn would be more accurate. At issue here is the application of the value added tax on the tuition fees demanded by private schools. There are more than 60 known private schools in the country, but only eight have registered for taxes. The reality is that taxes are paid by anyone or any institution that makes money. If the organization is a not-forprofit organisation like the churches and some non-governmental organizations, then it is exempt from taxes. But in keeping with the tax laws that are common to every country, that organization must file with the income tax agencies. However, either because of ignorance or because of any other reason best known to the people who manage these organisations, some simply do not file. Guyana is a place where tax-dodging is rampant; people simply avoid paying. The public servant is not so lucky, because his taxes are deducted even before he is paid. Business places, however, always seek to avoid
paying, largely by dealing in cash transactions. This is why many of them insist on cash transactions, although that makes them ready targets for criminals. Some of them lose more money than they would have paid in taxes. Some lowly public servants pay more taxes that many big businessmen, including lawyers and doctors in private practice. This is Guyana. But let any government try to correct this situation and that government would attract condemnation of the worst order. Some of the private schools are in the business for the money. They are helped by parents who cannot find the time to supervise the children. Many go to great lengths to find the fee, but they do not take the time to see if the education return is equivalent to what they pay. People say that the public schools are hopeless; that they do not produce academically qualified people. Yet the last time I checked, the public schools have been topping the country at the external examinations. I also realized that many people pay good money at the lower level for the children to qualify for the public schools like Queen’s College and The Bishops’ High School. The argument, here, is that the children go to private lessons but the school gets the credit. This may be
true but again, I know of high performing children who do not go to private lessons. Nothing is said about those children who go to the private schools and do not even qualify for the better public schools. Many believe that when they pay their children are guaranteed an education, but this is often not the case. A good child would perform excellently under any condition. No one speaks about those parents who pay for private schooling then pay for private lessons. This must be an indictment on the private school, but no one mentions these things. The contention is that if I pay then my child is going to be academically qualified. Back in the 1950s and 1960s there were private schools - among them Tutorial High, Central High, Cambridge Academy, BG Education Trust, Indian Education Trust College and many others. Yet the best children came from the public schools. Parents sent their children to these private schools because they were not good enough for the public schools on offer. The situation is pretty much the same today, except for some of the high flying private schools, but people need to check the results at the external examinations. They would be sorely disappointed and as a former teacher, I know. I also know
teachers in the public schools who are asked to help some of the children attending private schools. There is a shortage of certain teachers in the education system and the private schools are not exempt from such shortages. I wonder how many parents got a refund when the school failed to offer certain subjects that were supposed to be on offer. Those schools that are not-for-profit organisations, having paid the VAT, can seek a refund and some of them will. But will they pass on the refund to the parents who paid it in the first place? I am willing to bet that this will not be the case. And these schools will not absorb the VAT, choosing instead to pass it on to the parents. Education is big business for an enterprising few. The children feature very little in the scheme of things. Private schools have been around for more than two decades, but one would be hard pressed to find top performers in the world of work who came through the private school system. The aim of education is to prepare the child for work-life. But there is this hue and cry about the government
taxing education. Reason has fled to parts unknown. We are no longer rational. We do not examine the reality. All we have done is stop at the point that people are paying for education. We also say that the public schools are nonperforming, so the private schools are offering salvation. I remember top performers coming from the Essequibo Coast having attended a public school. It was the same with some children from West Demerara and the many from Berbice. I also must ask about the source of the teachers for the private schools. When last I checked these were teachers from the public schools that are so bad to the point of being hopeless. Many of them are retired, but the others are people who were trained for the public school system but who have moved on because of the promise of better pay. Many of these teachers are considered contract workers, and therefore their National Insurance Scheme contributions are not paid, so they would feel the pain down the road. Yet I say that is a matter for the school.
Adam Harris But I must return to the scheme of the taxes. The private schools use the services for which I pay. They use the roads and bridges and playgrounds. There is objection to the contention that people send their children to private schools because they can pay. That is a fact. In the society we have, people with money to burn and as I said, many of them in their private lives, do not pay taxes. Surely they can pay the VAT if the school chooses to pass it on to them. And for those who say that they are being asked to pay for the recalcitrant, that is true. The problem is that the recalcitrant are the very people you support.
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Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Institutions and the green state (Address by HE David Granger at the Launch of the Department of the Environment on March 1, 2017) The Department of the Environment is central to Guyana’s transition towards a ‘green state’. The transition to the ‘green state’ will require the collective action of all agencies, authorities, boards, commissions, departments and ministries of the State. The ‘Department’ is expected to play a pivotal role in national development. It must coordinate the work of all of those agencies which are concerned with the environment and sustainable energy-generation – two of the principal pillars of Guyana’s green agenda. The Department will also be required to work with the other agencies to ensure that the green agenda remains on course. CONTEXT Guyana is located in the centre of the Guiana Shield. The Shield is vast; it is spread over 2.7 million km². The Shield’s pristine forests, largely uncontaminated aquatic ecosystems and other
intact ecosystems also contain 15 per cent of the world’s freshwater reserves. The Shield is essential to enriching and replenishing the world’s biodiversity and, consequently, is essential to the planet’s survival. The Shield’s biodiversity provides ecosystem services such as food, freshwater, medicinal products timber and non-timber products. It aids in the regulation of climate, the water cycle, water quality and pollination. Its biodiversity reduces soil degradation and enhances soil nutrition. Its forests provide storage for carbon and mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Guyana’s environment, therefore, is important to the world. It is: - part of the Shield and a net carbon sink. Its forests envelop more than 85 per cent of its land mass, the second highest percentage forest cover in the world. Its forests sequester more carbon than that emitted by the country’s human activities; - part of the lungs of the earth. Its extensive forests and protected areas provide
environmental services to all of humanity. They store carbon and restore the balance of oxygen and humidity in the air. Guyana has committed to: - placing an additional two million hectares of its forests under conservation; - moving closer towards the goal of full renewable energy use; and, - taking specific actions to improve forest management as part of its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement on climate change. ORGANISATION The Department of the Environment has work to do. The environment – our grasslands, wetlands, highlands, coastal zone, mudflats, rainforests and rivers – are under stress, or worse, under threat. Guyana needs a strong permanent institution to conserve, protect and sustainably manage our biodiversity – our patrimony. This country possesses a powerful resource which, if it is to be effectively managed, requires national cooperation and coordination.
The Department of the Environment was established as a separate entity, so keep abreast with current global environmental conventions and regional and national practices. It is meant to project Guyana’s role and protect Guyana’s place within the Guiana Shield. We have given centrality to its role by making it into a separate department within the Ministry of the Presidency. The Department of the Environment will end the ‘ad hocery’ which used to characterise the environmental and sustainable energy sectors. We had a number of agencies without the means or mechanism to collaborate, coordinate and cooperate with each other. This led to disjointed environmental stewardship and energy development. The Department of the Environment will remedy this problem. It will allow for a sharper focus on the environment. It will facilitate all the institutions within the environmental and sustainable energy sectors working towards the objective of the creation of a ‘green state’. The Department of the Environment, in this regard, will enhance cooperation and coordination among and between the:
- Environmental Protection Agency; - Guyana Energy Authority; - Guyana Forestry Commission; - Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission,; - Protected Areas Commission; and, - Wildlife Management Authority. The Department of the Environment will work, also, with Office of Climate Change, the Project Management Office and the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development, to fulfil our national objectives. The Department, as I announced on National Tree Day, 1st October, 2016, will be tasked with the development of a plan of action to ensure the achievement of the green agenda. It will ensure that all the agencies concerned with the environment and sustainable energy generation play their part in Guyana’s transition towards a ‘green state.’ The ‘Plan of Action’ will guide the green agenda. INSTITUTIONS The Department of the Environment now has a home. This building will provide the physical accommodation to allow the Department to better execute its mandate. It will
become a hub for the heads of the agencies concerned with the green agenda. The Government expects that the agencies and nongovernmental organisations will cooperate with the Department of the Environment in the execution of its mandate. It is important that all agencies move forward together towards the objective of creating a ‘green state’. Guyana, in order to advance its green agenda, must: - invest in solar-, wind-, hydro-electric and bio-mass energy sources and introduce green transportation; - inaugurate a world-class International Biodiversity Institute at its flagship conservation site at Iwokrama; - increase the resources available for climate adaptation and intensify its efforts at protecting its biodiversity; and, - improve and expand the provision of waste disposal and sanitation services. Guyana, also, must develop a stronger eco-tourism sector. The country must continue to provide environmental services to its own citizens and the rest of the world. The country must advance regional and international action aimed at preserving protecting and promoting the environment.
Sunday March 05, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Meningitis: Difficult to detect; life-threatening consequences By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine On Friday last, I saw a child with this condition and he is very sick. It bothers me and I didn’t sleep much that night. He is very sick and I am worried for him. This condition took the life of a young person only a few weeks ago. In both cases, family members thought it was a persistent flu. That’s the dangerous thing about meningitis. It initially presents with flu-like symptoms and can cause delay in treatment which only worsens the patient chances. I have decided to write on it today because it is a deadly condition and one’s chances of survival lie in early treatment. WHAT IS MENINGITIS? Meningitis is a condition that can cause a fever, headache, and stiff neck. It happens when the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord (called the “meninges”) gets inflamed or infected. There are 2 main types of meningitis, depending on
which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria cause bacterial meningitis. Viruses cause viral meningitis. Both types of meningitis can cause similar symptoms. Today we will focus on bacterial meningitis since it tends to have more serious consequences. It is very important that doctors figure out what kind of meningitis a person has. That’s because bacterial meningitis is a medical e m e rg e n c y. I f i t i s n o t treated quickly, it can lead to brain problems such as hearing loss or learning problems or even leave you bed-ridden for life. It can also lead to death, especially if there is a delay in treatment. WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS? Symptoms of bacterial meningitis usually come on suddenly, so people can get very sick over a short period of time. Common symptoms include: - Fever – But some people have a temperature that is lower than normal instead of a fever.
- Headache - Stiff neck – This happens most often in adults and children. Babies might not get a stiff neck. - Nausea or vomiting - Acting confused, or being hard to wake up - Having light bother a person’s eyes - A rash that looks like red or purple spots on the skin that do not go away when touched - Seizures – Seizures are waves of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can make people pass out, or move or behave strangely. Babies can also have other symptoms, including: - Being more sleepy or fussy than usual - Not feeding well - A bulging soft spot on the skull SHOULD YOU SEEA DOCTOR? Yes. If you have a fever, headache, and stiff neck, go to the emergency room right away. If you think your child has meningitis, bring him or her to the emergency room right away. ARE THERE TESTS TO
DETECT THIS CONDITION? Yes. Your doctor will learn about your symptoms and do an exam. He or she will do tests to see if you have meningitis and find out what type of bacteria is causing the infection. The tests can include: - Blood tests - A lumbar puncture (sometimes called a “spinal tap”) – During this procedure, a doctor puts a thin needle into your lower back and removes a small amount of spinal fluid. Spinal fluid is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. He or she will do lab tests on the spinal fluid. - A CT scan of the brain – This is an imaging test that creates pictures of the brain. HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS TREATED? People are treated in the Antibiotic medicines that go into a vein through a tube called an “IV” – The antibiotics used depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection. - Fluids and other medicines that go into a vein
– These medicines sometimes include “steroids.” The steroids help protect your brain from the effects of the bacterial meningitis. They are different from the steroids athletes take to build muscle. CAN BACTERIAL MENINGITIS BE SPREAD FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER? Sometimes. It depends on the type of bacteria that’s causing the infection. Some types of bacteria can be spread from one person to another. CAN BACTERIAL MENINGITIS BE PREVENTED? Sometimes. Certain vaccines can help prevent bacterial meningitis. Vaccines are treatments that can prevent certain serious infections. To help prevent bacterial meningitis, make sure that you and your children have had all of the vaccines you need to prevent the following infections: - Meningococcus - Pneumococcus - Haemophilusinfluenzae type b, called “Hib” (for
Dr. Zulfikar Bux babies and young children) If someone in your home has bacterial meningitis, ask your doctor if you should take antibiotics. Sometimes, other people at home need to take antibiotics to keep from getting the infection. Plus, you can help avoid getting sick by washing your hands well before eating, and not sharing cups or silverware. The next time you or someone you know have symptoms that may look like the flu, keep an eye out for symptoms of meningitis. If you suspect any, do not hesitate to go to your doctor.
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SUNDAY SPECIAL FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS ELEVEN MAJOR LOOPHOLES IN PROCUREMENT SYSTEM STILL EXIST-GOOLSARRAN In the eyes of former Auditor General and Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, public procurement remains the single most important activity of the State. He said, recently, that it consumes the greatest portion of public expenditure, estimated at approximately 70% of the National Budget. Goolsarran said that with the Government’s budget of $250 billion for 2017, this works out to $175 billion. As such, he contended that there must be strict and elaborate rules to ensure competitiveness, transparency, proper accountability and good value for money, supported by strong and effective oversight arrangements. He said that various estimates, ranging from 15% to 20%, or from $26.25 billion to $35 billion using 2017 budget figures, have been proffered about the extent of leakages in Guyana’s procurement systems. The Chartered Accountant then
identified 11 major weaknesses or loopholes of the procurement system and posited that these are yet to be addressed and have essentially resulted in millions of dollars in leakages. The areas which have plagued the procurement system for the last 22 years include inadequate or wrong specifications of goods and services and the execution of works; poor selection of suppliers and contractors because of faulty tender evaluation and lack of expertise in doing so; faulty Engineer’s Estimates used as the main reference point for tender evaluation; leaking Engineer’s Estimates and other confidential information to favoured suppliers and contractors. Goolsarran said that other weak areas which require urgent attention include collusion with suppliers and contractors to inflate contract prices, resulting in possible ‘kickbacks’; targeting major infrastructure works where the quantum of such ‘kickbacks’ is large; inadequate monitor-
Kaieteur News
Sunday March 05, 2017
ing and supervision, resulting in defective work being performed; non-adherence to the requirements to submit valid bonds/guarantees for mobilization advances and to ensure satisfactory performance. The former Auditor General also noted the absence of penalties for unjustified delays in the supply f goods/services and the execution of contracts; failure to withhold a percentage of final payment until the defects liability period is over; and the short-delivery of goods and services, resulting in overpayment to suppliers to be other damning areas through which the state has lost billions of dollars. NICIL FRAUD INVESTIGATION…OPPOSITION PARTY SAYS THREAT OF CHARGES IS POLITICAL VINDICTIVENESS The opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) has responded to an article appearing in Kaieteur News of February 25th, which stated that “Former Ministers among those to be charged next week” by indicating that such sentiments are nothing new. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, told this newspaper on Friday that former ministers are among the lot that will be hauled before the court this week for suspected malfeasance in public office. Speaking on behalf of the opposition party, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall said that the current administration has pontificated multiple positions on the forensic audit of National Investments and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and on what the outcome will be. According to Nandlall, “The nation is well aware that this is nothing new. But, we note the inconsistencies in the utterances emanating from the government.” The former Attorney General said that President David Granger is on record on numerous occasions saying that the forensic audits have not produced evidence upon which criminal charges can be instituted. However, the governing administration had indicated that the findings of the audit would attract the attention of the Special Organised Crimes Unit (SOCU) if irregularities have been found and they will decide if criminal charges are to be brought. Nandlall went further saying that the Public Security Minister is putting forward a different position, “Khemraj Ramjattan, himself, has been quoted in the press only last month as saying that the forensic audits were merely a stock-taking excise. Now, the nation is being fed a different story.” Nandlall posits the view that the government is using this issue to distract from all the issues that the ruling administration has failed to address. He believes that the pressures that are being exerted on the administration have caused them to find a ‘juicy’ issue to distract the
populace. ”GuySuCo is collapsing; the parking meter fiasco is escalating; and the economy continues to contract, cost of living continues to skyrocket; criminal activities continue unabated. These and a number of other issues continue to go unchecked and the government seems starved of ideas to solve them. ”The Government appears impotent to deal with unemployment and a lack of job creation opportunities; massive laying off of employees in the private sector at Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and Barama as a result of the economic conditions further compound the situation”, Nandlall stated. The former government minister said Kaieteur News has pressured Ramjattan by dragging the ‘outlandish and extravagant’ statement from him. BERBICE CAMPUS LAWSUIT ENDS WITH $30M JUDGMENT AGAINST GOVERNMENT A $30M judgment was recently awarded by the High Court in Berbice against the Government of Guyana in a matter where the previous administration had taken away private lands on the Corentyne to construct the University of Guyana Berbice campus. The matter was filed in the High Court on November 6, 2001 by attorney-at-law, Mursaline Bacchus, on behalf of applicants -The Berbice Bharati Saywah Sangha, a public company whose registered office is at Lot 10 Johns Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, and other applicants - Jaikissoon Sukhdeo, Harold Lall Bahadur Singh, and Utille Burke, the Trustees of the Johnsville Senior Citizens’ Home. Attorney-at-law Bacchus based his application for redress on the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana, Chapter 1:01, citing the contravention of the applicant’s fundamental rights which is guaranteed by Articles 40, 142, 149 and 153 of the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana. The contention was in the manner of the compulsory acquisition by the Government of Guyana under the Acquisition of Lands for
Public Purposes Act, Chapter 62:05. The previous PPP government had taken away the land called area ‘E’ being portion of Johns, Corentyne Coast, in Berbice. The administration had confiscated the land and erected the Berbice Campus. According to application the land was defined on a plan by Sworn Land Surveyor, I.S. Mohamed, dated August 24, 1965 and deposited in the Deeds Registry, Georgetown, on August 10, 1973. The matter finally came up before Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Berbice High Court. It was first filed on November 6, 2001 and came up for hearing on the 28th day of September, 2016. The Judge after hearing Attorneys-at-Law for the Plaintiffs/Applicants and for the Defendant/Respondent and upon the evidence presented by the witnesses’ and after examination of the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Act Chapter 62:05, granted judgment to the Plaintiffs/Applicants on the 24th of January, 2017; which was entered on the 6th February, 2017. The judge ordered and found that the Plaintiffs/Applicants are entitled to compensation. They were previously paid $3 million, thus the court ordered that the Plaintiffs/Applicants be paid the sum of $17.8 million as full and final compensation for the compulsory acquisition of their property. It was also ordered that interest on the said amount at six percent per annum be paid from the date of filing until the said sum is fully paid and satisfied. The Government was further ordered to the pay cost to the Plaintiff/Applicants in the sum of $75,000. MONDAY EDITION BLOG ON TERRITORIAL DISPUTE FUELLING VENEZ. AGGRESSION – GREENIDGE – SAYS GUYANA COMMITTED TO PEACEFUL RESOLUTION Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge insists that Guyana remains committed to a peaceful resolution in the territorial dispute with Venezuela. His comments in this regard, are in light of a particular blog that was featured on the Huffington Post by
a Greenpeace representative. That piece, he said contains a number of erroneous allegations about the capacity of Guyana and its policies, as well as the massing of Venezuelan missiles and troops on the nation’s border in September 2015. The blog also speaks about the new US Secretary of State and former Exxon Mobil, CEO, Rex Tillerson and more importantly, about Guyana’s relations with Venezuela. In an invited comment, Greenidge said that what he found most worrying was the link made in the blog post between Venezuela’s militarization along Guyana’s border and its incursions into Guyana’s waters as if it is somehow Guyana’s fault for having agreed to give exploration licenses to Exxon Mobil and other companies to develop its offshore resources. ”The false assumption in the post is that Venezuela somehow has a valid claim over Guyana’s maritime space, a significant distance away from the internationally recognized boundary between the two nations. It falsely assumed that Guyana’s attempt to develop its own natural resources is a provocation against its neighbour.” Greenidge said that the Greenpeace author has no idea whatsoever that the border between Guyana and Venezuela was in fact delimited in 1899 by an arbitral award. ”He fails to understand that while the precise delimitation of a maritime boundary has not taken place, the maritime boundary follows the land boundary at Punta Playa and not the mouth of the Essequibo hundreds of kilometres away.” The Foreign Affairs Minister further commented that Venezuela’s absurd claim over two thirds of Guyana’s territory and maritime space is based on baseless assertions that the 1899 award is somehow “null and void”. COP SHOOTS ALLEGED ‘SERIAL’ ROBBER A 24-year-old man, who was wanted in connection with several armed robberies, was shot early Sunday, while allegedly trying to disarm a policeman at David Rose Street, Bagotville, West Bank Demerara (WBD). Mark Moore, called “Mark Apollo” is nursing a single gunshot wound to his right leg. He is being treated at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Investigators said that around 05:45 hrs Sunday, police ranks arrested the suspect in a house at David Rose Street, Bagotville, West Bank Demerara (WBD). As he was being escorted to a police vehicle, he allegedly assaulted the ranks and tried to disarm a cop. During the process, a rank discharged a round, hitting the suspect below his right knee. He is under police guard at the hospital. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect is said to be the (Continued on page 33)
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(From page 32) individual who has been committing armed robberies along the West Bank Demerara area, while armed with a shotgun. ”He has committed a number of robberies. We now have to place him on an ID parade. He only robs with a shotgun,” a source said Sunday. According to information received, the suspect was arrested after police received information that he was hiding out in Bagotville. Police have been on the hunt for him for quite some time. Reports are that he was one of the suspects who robbed a group of men at Canal Number One, WBD last month. PARLIAMENTAWAITS COURT DECISION ON NBS WRONGFULDISMISSAL MATTER The National Assembly is still awaiting a determination of the court, to make a pronouncement on the report of the ombudsman into the case for Maurice Arjoon, former Chief Executive Officer of the New Building Society, suffered wrongful dismissal. Arjoon and his colleagues, assistant Mortgage Manager Kissoon Baldeo, and Operations Manager Kent Vincent, along with other employees, were charged in a $69M fraud case at NBS in 2006. The money reportedly belonged to Bibi Khan. The case was in the court for a number of years before charges were finally discharged. The former CEO then moved to file a $2M lawsuit against the People’s Progressive Party Civic government for malicious prosecution. The suit was dismissed since the offence could not have been properly established.
When the charges were laid against Arjoon, he was on the verge of retirement and was dismissed. Arjoon has claimed that he was framed after he refused to illegally endorse the lending of $2B in 2006. The former CEO’s decision to only lend $350M in keeping with Guyana’s financial laws apparently angered former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who allegedly threatened to deal with the CEO. The trio then lodged a complaint
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at the office of the Ombudsman. In his report on the matter, Moore concluded that the men had suffered a “grave injustice”. The late Ombudsman Justice Winston Moore had also ruled on another controversial matter relating to the New Building Society (NBS). The Office of the Ombudsman concluded in November 2014 that police wrongfully charged the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and two of his managers of a massive $69M fraud at the New Building Society, in 2006. He recommended that the men be compensated for losing seven years of their lives. The matter was taken to the National Assembly where it was laid, but has been at a standstill. Contacted recently, for update on the status Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Issacs noted that the National Assembly is still awaiting the court decision before it can determine a way forward on the issue. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had explained that the Speaker of the House advised that the House should be mindful of the sub judice rule, which states that once a matter is engaging the attention of the court it could not be ventilated in the Assembly. The court case ended last June before Justice Brassington Reynolds. However, the court is still to make a determination on the matter. Notices are to be sent out by the court on the date of the ruling. TUESDAY EDITION
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ment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission.” The Opposition representatives were presented a copy of the Government’s response. “Mr. Nandlall has advanced the argument that the ejusdem generis rule of construction does not apply in Guyana. This position is erroneous. However, before refuting Mr. Nandlall’s misguided argument it is instructive to set out what is the ejusdem generis rule.” According to the AG, the ejusdem generis rule says that general words which follow two or more particular words in an act must be confined to a meaning of the same class as the particular words. ”The intention is to cover a wide range of similar circumstances by first creating a genus, category or class that is two or more examples, followed by a general expression which has the effect of extending the operation of the statute to all particular circumstances which are within the genus created. In this way, the statute does not need to list all relevant examples.” Williams cited a number of local and international cases to back his arguments. ”The rule is a facet of the principle of the latin maxim, noscitur a sociis, which contemplates that a statutory term is recognised by its associated words. Therefore, when general words are uxtaposed with specific words, general words cannot be read in isolation. Their colour and their contents are to be derived from their context.”
STALEMATE IN SELECTION FOR NEW GECOM CHIEFAS SURUJBALLY DEPARTS
MINISTERIAL TEAM VISIT…REGION 8 OFFICIALS TO MONITOR REPAIRS OF $1B UNFINISHED KATO SCHOOL
The search for a new Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is at a stalemate with another meeting between Government and the Opposition described as “futile” by the latter. GECOM, the body which overlooks the production of National Identification Card, and manages local and general elections, is facing some pressure with an ongoing audit into several questionable procurement transactions. Dr. Steve Surujbally is to officially depart today after more than decade at the entity. The announcement of his retirement last year saw a difference of opinion between the Government and the Opposition on the process used to select a new Chairperson. At the heart of the matter is interpretation of the Constitution with regards to the qualifications and merits of the candidates. A list of candidates submitted by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, was rejected by President David Granger. Meeting Monday were Minister of Legal Affairs, Attorney General Basil Williams for Government and Anil Nandlall and Priya Manickchand, on behalf of the Opposition. According to a statement from the AG Chambers, the meeting centred on Article 161 (2) of the Constitution with respect to the appoint-
A Ministerial team last week Saturday visited the Kato Secondary School in Region Eight, to get a firsthand look at the state of the building and what needs to be done to make it operational. The team comprised Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine and Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton. They were accompanied by their technical staff. The Ministerial team was accompanied by Regional Executive Officer, Raphael Downes, and a Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) representative. ”Upon taking a tour of the school that was constructed at close to $1B, it was very evident that sub-standard works were done. This was visible by the cracking walls, floors which were either being eaten by termites or with large holes, poor toilet facilities and faulty electrical wiring among others,” a government statement said. According to Minister Patterson, the building is in a much worse state since the second audit report, conducted in October 2016. However, the Minister noted that an independent consultant from GAPE
will detail the works needed to be done, in addition to what is identified in the two audit reports. ”We will be seeking from them (GAPE), their recommendations. If the consultancy has to be done by a structural engineer, then it is a must…I do think we need a mechanical engineer, and an electrical engineer. As you look around there is no electricity, and if you look around the pipe works are all exposed,” the Minister explained. Patterson added, “We are trying to find a solution, because it is unfair to the community if we do not try to find a solution.” Minister Roopnaraine said that after looking at the building, there is not much that is “redemptive”. The Minister noted, “There is a lot of work to do. There is a lot of shoddy work that has been done, and I think we have to go into major repairs and reconstruction.” ‘UNIDENTIFIED’STABROEK MURDER VICTIM IS TOP COP’S BROTHER A body that had been lying at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for two weeks was finally been identified as the brother of top cop, Commissioner Seelall Persaud. This would have been hours after the police issued an appeal asking for help to identify the male. It would have been difficult for the Commissioner, who has proceeded on retirement to know about
the police notice until it was sent out. The man, who was stabbed to death two Sundays ago at the Stabroek Market square, was identified as Haymant Persaud, from Affiance, Essequibo Coast. He reportedly worked on boats. WEDNESDAY EDITION SURUJBALLY’S GOODBYE WARNING: “PARTISAN” COMMISSIONERS NOT GOOD FOR GUYANA …BELIEVES A FIT AND PROPER PERSON, NOT NECESSARILY A JUDGE CAN BE CHAIRPERSON After more than a decade and half in the hot seat of the Guyana Elections Election (GECOM), former Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, is saying goodbye. And on the eve of his departure he called for urgent changes in the way commissioners are selected. Engaging the media Tuesday on his last day, Surujbally believed that the days of division and party persons being placed as commissioners is a recipe for “polarization” and “partisanship” and would only continue to serve to halt any “coming together” of the people. Under the laws, it is allowed for the appointment of six commissioners-—three members appointed by the President, acting in his own deliberate judgment and three (Continued on page 34)
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(From page 33) appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition after the latter would have “meaningfully” consulted the non-governmental opposition parties represented in the National Assembly. In media packages distributed Tuesday at GECOM during the media farewell, it was noted that the current composition is not the ideal situation. Bibi Shadick is a senior member of the People’s Progressive Party who has openly boasted of her loyalty. Robeson Benn, a former PPP/C minister in the previous Government, was on the PPP platform in Essequibo 16 days after he was sworn in as a Commissioner. Sase Gunraj, a lawyer, was clad in “PPP colours, accompanied former President (Donald) Ramotar as the latter visited polling stations on elections day (May 11, 2015).” Charles Corbin, according to the GECOM documents Tuesday, is the brother of former leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Robert Corbin. Another c o m m i s s i o n e r, Sandra Jones, was the returning officer when now President David Granger was voted in the leader of the PNCR. Vincent Alexander, another commissioner, was the director of elections for the PNCR during the 2006 general and regional elections. According to D r. S u r u j b a l l y, t h i n g s h a v e changed over the last decade and half. There is little tolerance for “us and them” sitting around the table at GECOM.
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The arguments for change to the composition of GECOM would be bolstered by the fact that following the May 2015 elections, a number of fake statements of polls (SOPs) somehow found their way into GECOM’s system. This immediately saw finger pointing. There were deep suspicions where those statements came from with Surujbally Tuesday refusing to name any political party or commissioner but noted that “empirical” data existed which could point in a certain direction. He insisted that the GECOM systems are robust enough to have weeded out the fake statements of polls. The media, he bemoaned, should have been more vigilant and should have raised questions about those polls. The matter was handed over to the police but nothing ever came out of the investigations, the former Chairman said.
Some of the questions the media should have asked were who would have benefitted from the fake SOPs slipping through? NEW GPC FINALLY COUGHS UP MILLIONS OWED TO NICIL New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC), which is owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop, has finally coughed up the millions of dollars it owed to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) on Government’s 10 percent shares in the said company. This is according to Officer in Charge at NICIL, Horace James. The sum owed was approximately $5.7M for the years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The NICIL official also stated that legal letters were sent to several Government agencies which owe NICIL over $200M. The issue of the outstanding sums owed to NICIL by NEW GPC
Sunday March 05, 2017
was revealed by a forensic audit that was conducted by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran. Goolsarran, in his audit, stated, “In relation to the New GPC Inc., by Cabinet approval of October 1999 and September 2001, the Government had sold 60 percent and 30 percent respectively of its shareholding in the predecessor organization, the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation, to Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. for $658 million. However, there was no evidence that the New GPC paid any dividends to the Government for its 10 percent stake in the company. Contrary to Goolsarran’s findings, NICIL subsequently revealed that since privatization, it had in fact received $6.9M in dividends for its 10 percent minority shares in New GPC Inc. NICIL said that for 2007 it collected $495, 000. The entity noted, too, that in 2010, it received $2,665,000. The auditor made it clear however that this information was never presented to him and as such he believes that NICIL should come forward and produce the evidence of the dividends collected. ”The big question is why? Why would anyone with God-given commonsense have a share in a company and simply be so lax with ensuring that they receive dividends? What is before us points to many corrupt things and Ramroop and the company’s former Chief Executive Officer, Winston Brassington, would have to explain this,” the financial analyst had expressed. NICIL SENDS CHINESE COMPANY FINALDEMAND LETTER FOR OUTSTANDING US$5M ON GTT SHARES The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has issued a final letter to Hong Kong Golden Telecom Company, demanding the outstanding payment of US$5m on the GTT shares. This is according to officer in charge at NICIL, Horace James. He said that it was last December that the State-owned entity announced that it would be pursuing the route of arbitration in the United Kingdom to recover the money owed. ”However, we have sent them a final letter before arbitration. The letter was sent to Hong Kong Golden Telecom, which owes the money. A letter was also sent to the company that signed as its guarantor, Golden Mabole, according to the documents we have here.” The NICIL officer is adamant that the US$5M was not written off as was previously claimed. He insists it is still owed to NICIL. He told Kaieteur News Tuesday that the matter is ongoing. James said, “We are in the process of executing all the relief measures that are in the sales agreement in order for us to get it back. We have engaged our lawyers in the USA.”
He continued, “And we are using the lawyer who was involved in the sales agreement process and who helped us to draft the agreement. They recommended a company in the United Kingdom to help us in the arbitration whenever that time comes and when we are going there.” The NICIL officer added, “It is important that we use a UK company because the arbitration will be held in London.” James emphasized that NICIL is not only going after the recovery of the US$5M, but also interest costs, legal fees, the signatory for the agreement and even the person who guaranteed it. He continued, “So that process has started and our lawyers have presented all the issues concerning the shares and said that it is a very good chance that we could get back the money.” James was reminded that Minister of Joseph Harmon, who is also a NICIL director had brought back some documents from his infamous China trip which he received from Hong Kong Golden Telecom Company (HKGT), the company that bought Government’s shares in GTT. In this regard, he confirmed that Harmon indeed submitted such documents. He said, “The documents basically said that the purchaser of the shares indicated that they had a discussion with David Dabydeen and were under the impression that they were relieved from paying it. But that is not so. NICIL sold you something and so you owe us. You made an initial payment and so the second payment has to be made. That is our major contention.” When Kaieteur News asked to see the document submitted by Harmon, James declined to share it, stating that it might be used as part of the arbitration proceedings. He does not want to make any more that would jeopardize the process. It was in 2012 that NICIL sold the Government’s investment in GTT for US$30M of which the sum of US$25M was received. The balance, US$5M, was to be paid within a period of two years. But there have been conflicting stories since that initial arrangement. At one point, the nation was told that Guyana’s former Ambassador to China, David Dabydeen, facilitated a debt write-off to HKGT. THURSDAY EDITION JUSTICE CUMMINGSEDWARDS NAMED CHANCELLOR (AG) -JUSTICE GEORGE-WILTSHIRE TO BE CHIEF JUSTICE (AG) Two women have been tipped to take up the two most powerful posts in the judiciary- that of Chancellor and of Chief Justice. Following a meeting late Wednesday between President (Continued on page 35)
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(From page 34) David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, it was proposed that Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards be appointed as the Chancellor (acting). A proposal was also taken by President Granger that Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire will be Chief Justice (acting). The Chief Justice functions were being performed by Justice Cummings-Edwards up to Wednesday. Confirming the decision Wednesday evening, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, disclosed that while Jagdeo was not in agreement with the decisions, the two judges will carry out their duties until a panel, that was established to interview candidates for the Chancellor and Chief Justice positions, submits its recommendations to the President. That interviewing panel includes Justice (retd) Claudette Singh, SC; Professor Harold Lutchman, SC; Justice (retd) James Patterson. Justice Singh, who heads the panel, is the current police legal advisor. Patterson was a member of the commission of inquiry into the deadly Camp Street prison fire of March 3, 2016. The two judicial posts are the most powerful positions and were never held by two women simultaneously before. According to Minister Harmon, the panel has to do its work. About five or six persons were interviewed for the Chancellor’s position. The Chancellor of the Judiciary is the chief representative of the judicial authority of Guyana. The appointments of the Chancellor and Chief Justice are provided for in Article 127 of the Constitution which says that “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the president, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.” Cummings-Edwards was appointed as Chief Justice (ag) in December 2015, following the retirement of Ian Chang, SC. Both women had emerged from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions, later becoming judges. Constitutionally Required Meanwhile, late last evening, the Ministry of the Presidency explained that President Granger earlier met with Jagdeo, as is constitutionally required, to consult on the appointment of a Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) and Chief Justice (ag). ”Following that meeting, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon announced that effective March 1, 2017, that Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who has been acting as Chief Justice will assume the responsibility of Acting Chancellor and Justice Roxanne GeorgeWiltshire will replace her as the new Acting Chief Justice.” Minister Harmon, who along with the Attorney General, Minister Basil Williams, accompanied the President at the meeting, said that discussions between the Head of
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CANU HEAD TOLD TO TAKE ACCUMULATED LEAVE -FMR. ARMY CHIEF TO PERFORM DUTIES
State and Jagdeo were ‘meaningful’ and ‘very frank and fruitful’. POLICE CORPORAL ARRESTED FORATTEMPTING TO SMUGGLE AK-47 – ASP AMONG SEVERAL FINGERED Police ranks Wednesday arrested one of their colleagues who allegedly attempted to facilitate the smuggling of an AK-47 assault rifle out of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Tactical Service Unit (TSU) compound at Eve Leary, Georgetown. The policeman has been identified as Shevan Marks, a Corporal stationed at TSU. He is said to be the brother of Andre James, the tattoo artist, who along with Jamaican, Rohan Johnson, was reportedly recruited to murder Leelawattie Mohamed at her Tain Settlement, Corentyne home. The Corporal and a civilian were taken into police custody while the vehicle, bearing registration number, PNN 795 was impounded at the Criminal Investigation Department. An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) was among several persons also fingered in the allega-
tion. According to information received, Tuesday night, the police corporal drove the vehicle into the TSU compound. Reports are that the Corporal, who worked Tuesday night, collected the weapon and placed it in the vehicle. On Wednesday morning, a civilian entered the TSU headquarters and attempted to drive the vehicle out of the compound but was stopped when the guards at the gate noticed him driving out given the fact he had walked in a few minutes earlier. The vehicle was subjected to a search and the weapon was discovered. Kaieteur News understands that before Marks was apprehended, ranks checked the civilian’s phone and discovered there were text messages between the corporal and him. There were also messages between the ASP and the civilian. The individual also had the numbers of several other ranks stored in his cellular phone and as such, they are questioning those who were identified. Ranks from the force’s Major Crimes Unit are questioning the ranks.
Government has asked the head of the country’s premier illicit drug fighting agency, the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU), to proceed on outstanding leave. The Ministry of the Presidency said that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, explained that the move is in keeping with the administration’s zero tolerance approach on public officers refusing to take their annual leave and instead opting for payments. ”Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon has said that in line with Government’s policy to ensure that officers do not accumulate annual leave and in turn request pay in lieu of such, Mr. James Singh, Head of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU), has been asked to proceed on leave effective (Wednesday),” the Ministry clarified. ”This is the practice that we have embraced since we came into office and, therefore, Mr. Singh, who had some leave accumulated, has been asked to go on leave with effect from today and Major General Michael Atherly will be heading CANU.” The ministry said that this has been communicated to the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who is the person responsible for CANU. ”…But public officers have always been encouraged to take their leave and we want to discourage this practice of accumulating large amounts of leave and then asking for payment in lieu. So we are trying to ensure that all public officers get their leave during that year,” Minister Harmon said. Major General (retd) Atherly was responsible for leading the review of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2014-2018. This review led to the development of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2016-
2020, which was launched last December. Atherly who was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on May 20, 1971, was appointed Chief of Staff in April 2000. FRIDAY EDITION VAT ON PRIVATE TUITION…FEES OF JUST EIGHT TOP PRIVATE SCHOOLS EXCEED $2BANNUALLY – FINANCE MINISTER – GRA BOSS SAYS HE’S GOING AFTER TAX-EVADERS When it comes to the contentious 14 percent value added tax (VAT) on private tuition, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan maintains that the tax is not unreasonable. In his view, citizens would acquiesce with this move if only they would take a step back and consider some crucial yet “startling” facts. At a press conference Thursday, Jordan revealed that there are only 54 private schools registered with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). But there are far more than this in and out of Georgetown. In fact, the 54 schools only represent 57 percent of the private schools that exist in the country. Of those 54 schools, Jordan said that only 20 percent or 11 are recognized by the Ministry of Education. Ten percent of those private schools are registered as non-profit organizations, while 14 percent are registered as profitmaking entities. Providing further statistics, the Finance Minister said that 26 percent of these institutions are registered for, and are already applying the VAT for some of their services and sale of zero-rated items. The economist said that both categories provide educational services at competitive rates and the tuition fees range between $144,000 and $300,000 depending on the grade level of the student. Jordan added that in many cases, it has been determined that the fees payable to the schools exceed those that are even charged by the University of Guyana. Significantly, Jordan said that the total tuition fees charged by the top eight of these private institutions exceed $2B annually. “So 14 percent of that top eight gives us roughly $280 million to $300 million in VAT,” Jordan explained. In this regard, the Finance Minister said that these fees do not include fees charged for other services offered by these institutions such as extra lessons, coaching fees, uniforms, books, lunch and after care. The Finance Minister maintained that at the end of the day, citizens still have a choice. He added, “And you can’t say that the Government is circumscribing your choice by putting a tax on private tuition. I don’t see how that can happen, you still have the choice…Even (Continued on page 36)
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(From page 35) if the government didn’t put a tax, by the end of this semester or the next, the fees go up…” HEALTH MINISTRY PS GETS MARCHING ORDERS -IN KEEPING WITH AUDIT RECOMMENDATION Days after making it clear that he wa s p a s s i o n a t e about his job in the health sector, Permanent Secretary (PS), Trevor Thomas, was given marching orders by Government. Sharing the details of this development Thursday was Minster of State, Joseph Harmon. Harmon was at the time hosting this week’s Post Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency. The disclosure was in fact prompted by a question posed to the Minister about an audit report which highlighted instances of mismanagement and financial irregularities levelled at
the Permanent Secretary, among other indiscretions at the Public Health Ministry. In response, Harmon unapologetically said “his service was terminated as PS.” According to the Minister of State, based on the report of the audit of the Ministry, cer-
tain courses of action were taken. He noted too that contained in the report was a recommendation that the PS be removed from that office and therefore from March 1, 2017 a decision in this regard became effective. ”There are several other
consequential recommendations that have been made and the [Senior] Minister of Public Health [Ms. Volda Lawrence] had actually started taking action on some of them,” Minister Harmon related. As part of her intervening efforts, Harmon said that “she [Minister Lawrence] has gone around to some of the units where procurement is taking place and has actually seen for herself what is happening, and we can expect some radical changes where those things are concerned.” It is likely that Thomas will be afforded another appointment within the public sector, but Harmon claimed he was not in a position Thursday to address specifics in this regard. He however informed that the void left by Thomas’s termination will be f i l l e d b y Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Public H e a l t h M i n i s t r y, M s . Collette Adams, until a substantive PS is appointed. But the Public Health Ministry is not likely to be the only Ministry to see such action. Harmon told media operatives Thursd a y, “ I n a n o t h e r f e w days you might see changes in many of the Government Ministries where Permanent Secretaries are concerned.” SATURDAY EDITION SERIOUS CRACKDOWN ON MISUSE OF CONCESSIONS UNDERWAY – GRA BOSS The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has commenced a serious crackdown on the misuse of concessions. This was revealed by GRA Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia. Statia said that the GRA is also working along with the Guyana Office for In-
Sunday March 05, 2017
vestment (GO-Invest) in this regard. He said that the two bodies have worked out a fresh set of rules that have been put in place, as well as a new “rationale” for how concessions ought to be granted. To ensure better accountability, the CommissionerGeneral asserted that persons who are in receipt of concessions are now required to submit a quarterly report to GRA. In addition to this, Statia revealed that physical checks are being done regarding the concessions granted, so as to ensure they are being used for the intended purpose. He emphasised that if the authorities recognize that concessions are being misused, then the relevant taxes which the items attract are instituted. “A few persons have actually fallen into that net; it is just that we do not publicize it. There are a few persons who were already requested to pay certain taxes regarding concessions they received. In some cases, we have seized articles that were given duty-free,” the Commissioner-General added. Statia said that on average, GRA was able to find about three persons on a monthly basis who were asked to pay taxes on items for which they got concessions or they were taken away. He said that in some cases, a few persons have paid. Statia noted that GRA has a formal unit which is responsible for monitoring all concessions granted. He said it is referred to as the Exemptions Unit. “And what we have found is that the smaller the exemptions, the higher rate of taxes you get. An analysis that we did shows this. We saw that companies with big exemptions give back way less to the country. By this I mean that those who get exemptions lower than $50M
give back a lot in taxes, but those who get hundreds of millions worth in exemptions give you back virtually little to nothing. It is about 5 percent you get back in taxes.” SECURITY CAMERAS RECORD MAN TORCHING BERBICE BUSINESSMAN’S VEHICLES Police in ‘B’ Division are hunting for a lone arsonist who set fire to two vehicles belonging to Berbice businessman Feroze Mohammed during the wee hours on Friday. According to reports received, the incident occurred around 02:30hrs at Mohammed’s supermarket at Main and Pope Streets, New Amsterdam. Mohammed was at home with his wife, daughter and his parents when they were awoken by shouts of fire from the security guard. Upon responding, the o w n e r, w h o w a s a w a k e watching movies at the time, saw both of his vehicles engulfed in flames. The man quickly removed the vehicles from under the shed where they were parked in an effort to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby gas bottles and the building. The vehicles, valued at an estimated US$70,000, were damaged beyond repair. It was disclosed that fire tenders responded 30 minutes after they were summoned but it was too late to save the vehicles. Surveillance footage captured the perpetrator dressed in a white shirt, blue pants and a white hat carrying a white bottle containing what is believed to be a flammable fluid, suspected to be gasoline. It was shown that the suspect threw some of the liquid on the man’s Toyota Camry (PNN 2263) and his Prado Land Cruiser (PKK 2035). The suspect then used a lighter to ignite the substance and made good his escape. It was then that the security guard awoke and alerted the businessman. According to sources close to the investigation, the police are looking at one suspect said to be the main culprit behind the act. Although the family remains tightlipped about the incident, this was not the first attack on Mohammed. In October 2015, bandits attempted to torch the businessman’s gas station but were thwarted. Investigations are ongoing.
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Bulkan to brief National Assembly on housing plans As the country continues to grapple with a major demand for housing, the administration has announced plans to brief the National Assembly of some of actions that are to be taken to reduce the number of applications. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, is set to table in the National Assembly, a white paper on the government’s new housing programme. According to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, the white paper will provide the National Assembly with a clear understanding of what the government is seeking to achieve with its new programme. The white paper will also provide information pertaining to the construction techniques, the method of payment for units, mortgage arrangement for recipients
Minister Ronald Bulkan
An artist’s impression of what one of the housing units will look like and the criteria for allocation. In the construction of the houses, the government would seek to focus mainly
using local contractors and indigenous materials, including local wood species. Harmon explained that
guidelines would be issued to the contractors, stating the government’s preference for the use of local building materials, taking cognisance of where the houses will be built. The government’s new programme, which has private sector involvement, has moved away from the allocation of house lots to providing actual houses in the form of apartments and
duplexes. Harmon explained that the housing programme inherited from the previous administration was “ineffective,” since it largely focused on the distribution of house lots to citizens. “The thrust by our government is to build communities, and this will be the focus of the housing sector development,” he said. Cabinet recently
approved the roll-out of the first phase of the new housing programme. Approval was given for $5B to be spent on the delivery and construction of 758 housing units in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. Minister Harmon explained that the construction of the houses and several other components of the housing programme are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2017. The government’s new housing programme targets particularly, public sector employees, youths and low income earners.
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Address perennial drug shortage
“We have had the perennial problem of dealing with the shortage of medicine in the system and I know that is a sore point and we have to get it right.” The foregoing
represented a part of the parting words of former Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Trevor Thomas. Thomas who was
speaking at the Regional Health Officers and Programme Managers meeting on Tuesday at the Regency Suites, Hadfield Street, Georgetown informed
- PS warns ahead of termination those in attendance that “part of getting [the medicine shortage situation] right, is getting it right at every level of the system.” Thomas was fierce in his assertion. “We cannot continue with a situation where people call the Minister or the Permanent Secretary’s office and say we have a shortage of this drug or that drug and we are running helter-skelter to buy it or to get it.” Thomas underscored that the shortage of medicine has long been linked to situations where these are bought and legitimately used or sometimes even misused. “There are still issues [in public health] where pharmaceuticals are not accounted for in the regions,” said Thomas, as he amplified the need for accountability measures to be developed and implemented. “It is important that we manage our resources. We cannot just be contented by saying we need to get more [drugs] without ensuring that what is given is properly utilised,” Thomas asserted. In
fact, he stressed the need for the health sector to build capacity to manage its resources, be it financial, material or human. He moreover urged the health officials to not only better understand their regions, but seek to revisit what was done during the past year, in hopes of improving during the course of 2017. Although the Ministry has recently been putting measures in place to tackle this challenge, there have been reports to substantiate that it has been prevailing for years. Former Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, in April of last year had denied reports that there was a massive drug shortage in the public health sector, and even went as far as lambasting the media for what he described as “bogus” reporting in this regard. But there were many reports that gave credence to a massive drug shortage on essential drugs at various hospitals and health centres across the country. The
Ministry strongly refuted such reports. However, shortly after demitting the office of Chairman of the Board last year, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, had related that the country’s main public hospital, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), was faced with a protracted drug shortage challenge. He had attributed the situation to political interference. Dr. Hanoman had further revealed that on the occasions that shortages of drugs were highlighted in the public domain, officials would wrongly assure that this was not the case. “Patients would accost me on the road and say they don’t have insulin or the hospital does not have this or that type of drugs…”Dr. Hanoman had divulged, as he pointed out that addressing the problem was not easy, given the prevailing interference. “I realised at that time that the hospital could not have been autonomous…decisionmaking processes were under the thumb of certain officials who felt they were ‘allpowerful’,” said Dr. Hanoman. He disclosed that his many efforts to address the drug shortage issue and other problems at the hospital were often to no avail.
Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
GWI moving toward 100% meter coverage by 2020 The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is aiming at achieving 100 per cent water meter coverage by the end of 2020. This will ensure that all customers pay for the water they use. GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard VanWest Charles, said that this would ensure that the infrastructure and operational improvement that the water company is undertaking across the country is being used by the persons authorised to do so. “There is no secret that it takes money to run the system, so we have to ensure that we can meter between now and the next three years, the entire country,” Dr. VanWest Charles said in a statement. Currently about 40 per cent of GWI customers are metered. Under a larger water improvement project funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the water company is currently undertaking metering in Uitvlugt in Region Three, Diamond in Region Four and Sheet Anchor in Region Six. GWI, with its own funding, has purchased over 16,000 meters and has
- 16,000 to be installed this year
GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles prioritised for 2017, metering on the East Coast, Georgetown and in Region Six, Dr. Van-West Charles explained. The meters being used are of better quality than those that were used in the past. Dr. Van West Charles explained that those old meters developed issues due to the then high iron content of the water, which also resulted in discoloration to white clothes, tiles, sinks and
toilet bowls. “We have introduced a new product which is making a difference (with the water quality) and that is a thing of the past, but the customer must realise that there is a cost attached to that, and so we are looking at how we would factor that cost into tariff,” the Managing Director explained. GWI’s efforts in metering may also result in the water company using less meter readers. Dr. Charles explained that the water company will soon be piloting a project which examines the use of ultrasonic flow meters across the country. The non-contact ultrasonic flow meter uses sound waves to determine the velocity of a fluid flowing in a pipe. “It would not require meter readers, one person can drive through the street and an electronic system would pick up the meter readings and forward them to us,” Dr. VanWest Charles said. He explained that the ultrasonic flow meter will be tested across the country within the next four weeks.
Education COI extended to March month end The Commission of Inquiry which is being conducted into the public education system, was supposed to have been completed by December last, and submitted to the Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. The Minister told this newspaper on Wednesday that the commission, which was supposed to have been completed four months after it commenced in April last year, would need some more time. “I’m giving it until the end of March…then we can perhaps expect the findings,” Dr. Roopnaraine said. After taking up the position as Education Minister following the 2015 General Elections, Dr. Roopnaraine had said that he wanted to get a detailed understanding of the systems and the mechanisms that were put in place by the previous government. Dr. Roopnaraine is of the belief that a reform of the education system is very much needed, if the country is to produce a brighter and better-rounded crop of citizens. But in order to effectively and comprehensively execute this, a study of the existing
system was deemed imperative. The Commission was tasked with reviewing the period - September 2010 through July 2014. The Minister has often said, “We will keep what works, and what doesn’t work, we will either stop it altogether, or make the necessary adjustments needed for it to work.” The findings of the COI are expected to set the stage for a number of issues affecting the education system, to be addressed, in an effort to upgrade the Education Strategic Plan. This includes tackling the decline of Mathematics at the level of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) Examinations. The Commission, which comprises a number of key stakeholder members, is being led by Former Chief Education Officer, Ed Caesar, who is the COI’s Chairman. Dr. Roopnaraine, during the launching of the COI, had explained that the inquiry is basically “one, a broad, multiphased strategy framework for national education reform and development; two, reconciliation of findings with existing internal policy operational strategy and
external consultancy recommendations; three, contextualisation within the Regional Education and HR Development Strategy 2030 and any other relevant multilateral strategies or policies; four, particular focus on the use of technology in education sector management and service delivery; five, particular focus on Hinterland Education Reform; six, consideration that the Ministry of Education operates within a framework of functional cooperation and areas of inter-lap with several other government entities; and seven, consideration that there is scope for specific functional cooperation on strengthening tolerance with the Ministry of Social Cohesion.” The Minister feels that the education system in Guyana will require comprehensive and farreaching reform if the system is going to prove capable of addressing the country’s developmental needs. Dr. Roopnaraine declined to comment on the findings of the inquiry so far, but noted that the completed document would be fully p ublicized and open for discussion.
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More Exercise, Fewer Pounds: Cut Your Heart Failure Risk Getting regular exercise and staying slim can lower the risk for an especially hardto-treat type of heart failure, new research shows. This specific type of disease is called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Ejection fraction is the amount of blood that’s pumped out of the heart. In many people with heart failure, the heart is so weak that it doesn’t pump enough blood out of the heart to meet the body’s demands. In HFpEF, the heart muscle becomes stiff and doesn’t fill up with enough blood. This causes fluid to build up in the lungs and the body, the researchers explained in a news release from the American College of Cardiology. “We consistently found an association between physical activity, BMI [body mass index] and overall heart failure risk,” said study senior author Dr. Jarett Berry. BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. “This was not unexpected,” Berry said, “however, the impact of these lifestyle factors on heart failure subtypes was quite different.” Berry, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, is an associate professor in the department of internal medicine and clinical sciences, and director
of cardiac rehabilitation. HFpEF accounts for up to 50 percent of heart failure cases. Treatment for the condition often doesn’t work well, which increases the importance of prevention strategies, the study authors said. For the report, Berry and his colleagues reviewed information from three previous studies that included more than 51,000 people. The researchers excluded anyone who had heart disease when the studies began. The investigators looked for information on how much exercise the participants got, as well as their weight. In addition, the researchers reviewed participants’ medical records to see if people had been admitted to the hospital for heart failure over the several years of the study. The study authors found that traditional risk factors for heart failure — such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and obesity — were less common among those who were more active. People who exercised more tended to be white, male and have higher levels of education and income, the findings showed. Meanwhile, people who carried more excess weight were younger, less active and were more likely to have risk factors for heart disease, according to the report. Overall, the researchers
identified almost 3,200 cases of heart failure. Almost 40 percent were HFpEF. Nearly 29 percent were heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which is associated with weak heart muscle that doesn’t pump properly. And just under 32 percent were unclassified. The study doesn’t prove a cause-and-effect relationship, but low levels of physical activity were associated with a 6 percent lower risk of heart failure than no physical activity. Those who got the recommended amounts of exercise had an 11 percent lower risk of heart failure. In people who got more than the recommended amounts of exercise, the risk of HFpEF was reduced by 19 percent. In addition, the incidence of HFpEF was significantly higher among those with excess weight, the findings showed. According to the study’s first author, Dr. Ambarish Pandey, “These data suggest the importance of modifying lifestyle patterns to help prevent HFpEF in the general population.” Pandey is a cardiology fellow at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The study was published Feb. 27 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. https://medlineplus.gov/ news/fullstory_163806.html.
Do You Need an Antibiotic? Hoping to lessen their misery, most people would like to know whether the respiratory illness they’ve got could be helped by an antibiotic. The key to finding out may lie in your nose. Or, more specifically, the mucus in your nose. Researchers from Duke Health in Durham, N.C., said they’ve identified a group of proteins that could be used to tell if an infection is caused by a virus, which triggers cold or flu. Antibiotics can only fight bacterial infections, not viral illnesses. When detected in specific quantities in the mucus of runny noses and inflamed throats, the proteins targeted in the new study were 86 percent accurate in confirming a viral infection, the scientists said. “In the past, science has focused on identifying the pathogen someone is infected with in the blood or other sample,” said study lead author Thomas Burke. He’s
director of technology advancement and diagnostics at Duke. “Our approach flips the paradigm of how we look for infection. Instead of looking for the pathogen, we study the individual’s response to that pathogen,” Burke said in a health system news release. For the trial, the researchers infected 88 healthy adults with a common strain of cold or flu virus. They also collected fluid samples from the volunteers’ nasal passages. Some participants didn’t get sick, but those who did had a distinct set of 25 proteins in their noses, the study showed. The researchers said their findings could lead to quick, noninvasive tests for upper respiratory infections that could be easily done in a doctor’s office. Senior author Dr. Geoffrey Ginsburg is director of the Duke Center for Applied Genomics & Precision Medicine. “Every day, people are
taking time off from work, going to emergency rooms, urgent care or their primary care doctors with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection,” he said. “Looking for these proteins could be a relatively easy and inexpensive way of learning if a person has a viral infection, and if not, whether the use of antibiotics is appropriate,” Ginsburg said. Being able to quickly diagnose a viral infection could help limit the unnecessary use of antibiotics, helping to prevent the rise of antibiotic resistance, the researchers said. Easier, cheaper tools to diagnose viral infections could also benefit those people with reduced access to health care, the researchers added. “The protein targets offer a faster, more cost-effective model for rapid screening and diagnoses of viral infections,” said Dr. Christopher Woods, a senior author of the study. He’s associate director of applied genomics.
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Demerara Shipping Company Limited (DSCL) spreads joy to special need organizations As part of Demerara Shipping Company Limited (DSCL)’s 23rd anniversary celebration, it hosted a blood drive given the dire need for blood in Guyana. This activity was started about 10 years. This company also brought joy to two special needs organizations on February 18, last, by making donations of hampers with school and food supplies. The Director of National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Dr. Pedro Lewis, emphasized that the National Blood Bank is grateful for this initiative as he stated that every drop of blood can save a life. He encouraged other companies to follow the footsteps of this shipping com-
pany as they continue to help those in need of blood. Furthermore, the faces of the residents at Cheshire Home and Mahaica Children’s Home were also marked by smiles as they welcomed representatives from the company who took the food and school supplies. DSCL Marketing Coordinator; Devica Jhagdeo highlighted that it is fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility by reaching out to the less fortunate and giving back to community. She said, “We are very happy to add value to the lives of the residents of both homes and a lot more charitable work is expected in the future. We would like to applaud the teachers and nurses
for the excellent work that they are doing in their respective fields.” Receiving the donation was the Administrator of Cheshire Home, Patricia Bailey. She thanked DSCL for its donation and affirmed that all items would be put to the best use for residents. Cheshire Home was established in 2000 by the Ministry of Health under a management committee, headed by current chairperson Joan Rodrigues and houses a total of 26 disabled residents with special needs. Mahaica Children’s Home Representative, Ms. December also expressed her appreciation for the items donated; the girls were very excited as they received their hampers.
Chris Brown Threatened Karrueche Tran’s BFF A week after Karrueche Tran obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order against ex Chris Brown, the R&B singer was ordered to also stay away from her best friend J.Ryan La Cour and two other pals. He obtained the new order against Brown Tuesday. He said the singer had shown up unannounced multiple times, made threats and caused a scene. La Cour said Brown “stated that no matter where we go, he will find us and shoot the place up.” “In the past, Chris Brown has threatened me and run up on me for not allowing him to bully Karrueche Tran in my presence,” La Cour wrote. “More recently, making threats to her saying that he will beat anyone that is friends with her.” Brown has not responded to La Cour’s claims. La Cour described one alleged incident in detail. He said he, Karrueche and another friend attended a 2017 Super Bowl party and Brown was there too. He said after two hours, two men told him he needed to leave or he was “going to have problems.” He said he and the friend decided to comply to avoid problems, at which the singer than approached him. “Chris Brown ran up to me, got in my face, saying, ‘It’s 2017, Ima f—k you up every time I see you. So you better get the f—k out of here before I lay your ass out,’” he said. He said he began to walk away and Brown followed him. The friend tried to intervene and the singer told her “Move, bitch, we ain’t friends” and threw a drink in
her face, La Cour said. “Then he told the guys he sent up to me that he wanted to walk me out himself,” he said. “At this point, I had found an exit and got away.” In February, Tran obtained a domestic violence restraining order against Brown, from whom she split in 2014, claiming had been harassing her recently and “threatened to kill me to others, threatened me via text messages and threatened to harass my
friends.” The model also claimed that years ago, Brown got physically violent with her, punching her in the stomach twice and pushing her down the stairs. The singer has not responded. Three weeks before Tran obtained the order, Brown had ranted about his love life on Instagram, insinuating that he acts like a stalker. http:// www.eonline.com.
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Manufacturing sector needs to take stock of itself - Finance Minister - says more can be done, urges innovation By Kiana Wilburg When sugar cake and plantain chips from other islands can reach local shelves and be sold out in days, it signals that Guyana’s manufacturing sector really needs to take stock of itself. This perspective was proffered by Finance Minister Winston Jordan during a recent press conference. There, the economist reflected on the times when the manufacturing sector was a 14 percent contributor to the economy. Today, the sector struggles to make a seven percent input. In fact, Jordan noted that sector is propped up by rice and sugar production. Kaieteur News subsequently asked the Minister to state what is needed to get the sector back to its glory days. He said that those in the sector will first and foremost claim that there are a number of reasons which are responsible for its sluggish performance - some will cite the environment as not being conducive enough or that the incentive framework is not right, among other troubles. “But I think that when you check our incentive framework, you would notice that it is far healthier than even when it was in the 1970s period. Some issues that may affect them now are like bank loans,” Jordan said. He continued, “Too many of our businesses don’t make use of the stock exchange, and tend to go to the banks for financing… and that can be expensive unless you have a development bank which would give you ‘cheap credit.’ But in the case of GAIBANK (Guyana Agricultural & Industrial Development Bank) that is what sunk it.” The Finance Minister added, “Some would claim the infrastructure is not there; that we have poor facilities, that electricity is expensive, that there are water problems and they have to filter it. Labour force is also an issue. There is a labour force available, but the quality and skill set that the manufacturing sector requires is another issue.” Jordan said that while his heart goes out to the small manufacturers who have emerged over the years, he is confident that the problems facing the sector can be overcome. Turning his attention once again to the matter of incentives, Jordan said that the framework is there. In this regard, he commented, “There is so
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan much. Both on the income tax side, customs side, you name it. Even regional incentives are there, so that is not much of a major issue... But to me, we have to see things in a more modern light…Our manufacturing sector has to take stock of itself.” He added, “We are here to help, but we have to be as innovative as the next person. When sugar cake and plantain chips can reach our shores and be sold out, it signals that we need to take stock of ourselves and ask whether it is things like infrastructure that are really barriers to our success or whether there are other underlying issues.” With regard to Government’s vision for the sector, Jordan made it clear in a previous interview that Guyana needs to attain higher levels of sustained economic growth in the medium term, to significantly impact prevailing unemployment and poverty. In order to facilitate investment and higher economic growth in the productive sectors of the economy, he said that the Government has set itself the goal of accelerating the process of diversifying and transforming the economy over the medium term, away from its dependence on primary products, by expanding production of higher value-added goods and services. The Finance Minister said that this process will be undertaken within the context of good governance and human safety in a green economy, taking account of the impacts of climate change and linking centres of economic development in the hinterland with those on the coastland. Jordan said that government is, therefore, seeking to develop a policy framework for its priorities in relation to creating the climate that can attract and retain local and foreign direct investment (FDI) into the
manufacturing and other sectors. The economist said that an improved investment climate is viewed as a key component of fostering high levels of economic growth and reducing poverty. Jordan asserted that high levels of economic growth can be attained on the basis of export expansion, through economic diversification of world class higher value– added production that are linked to Guyana’s natural resource base. In this regard, he said that the development of a world class jewellery industry, for example, could be achieved from the processing of raw gold, diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones. Jordan said that such an industry would require the engagement of global leaders and international experts to assist domestic stakeholders in shaping the industry, local and FDI investment in product design and production, promotion and marketing, specialised equipment and training, among other factors. An industry of this nature, he said, can produce high end value-added products for the export market, creating significant foreign exchange earnings and job opportunities. The Finance Minister said that a similar approach to the development of manufacturing industries and industry clusters producing value-added products will be pursued, including, but not limited to: wood products (plywood, furniture) agroprocessing (refined and specialty sugars, ethanol, dairy products, corn, coconut, soya-bean products, rice and rice products, fruit juices, jams, jellies, pepper sauces, alcoholic beverages, meat and fish products) minerals (alumina and aluminium products, petroleum and petro-chemical products including fertilisers, ammonia and methanol. Recognizing this, Jordan revealed that the Government has approached the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) for technical assistance to develop an Industrial Policy for the next two decades.
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Lawyers continue arguments over... From page 64 therefore inconceivable how any rational mind can argue that any part of this lease was not disclosed to or withheld from this Honourable Court. “Moreover, the principle and rationale underpinning the concept of material nondisclosure relates to some advantage that an Applicant derives by misleading a Court into granting him some order, ex-parte, because certain facts were deliberately withheld from the Court, ” Nandlall added. The test, he said, is whether the facts fully and frankly disclosed to the Court,
the Court would have made the order that it made”. “If the Court would not have done so, but for the nondisclosure, the Court would then vacate the Order because of the no disclosure.” The Attorney General had also contended that the proceedings challenge the actions of the President and that this Court has no jurisdiction to entertain such proceedings. In response Nandlall said, “The contention is as flawed, misconceived and erroneous as every other submission of the Attorney General. The Applicant/Plaintiff bases his case on announcement ema-
nating from the government information system that the President has instructed that the Lease be revoked.” Nandlall therefore stressed that there is no evidence before this Court that there has been any such revocation other than the unproven statement of the Attorney General. It will be hopelessly wrong for the Court to accept that as revocation of the Lease. The revocation must be done in writing. “No such document has been served on my client. In any event, the President is not the landlord; neither is he a party to the Lease. Therefore, I cannot conceive how the President can revoke the Lease. The Commissioner of Lands and Surveys is the landlord on behalf of the Government of Guyana.” Certainly, the lawyer said the President is not a party to these proceedings. “However, it is expected that at some point in time that the President's instructions will be carried out by the appropriate lawful authority. It is this likelihood that permits the Applicant/Plaintiff to launch these proceedings and gives the Court a jurisdiction to grant reliefs as per Article 153 of the Constitution.” he added.
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Visiting dental team By Dr. NerominiFagu For over a decade, a team of dental health workers has been making an annual pilgrimage to Guyana to provide much needed dental care to various communities. The team hails from Michigan, USA, and consists of dental surgeons,
dental student and over the years I have had the privilege of working alongside him and his team. The team is once again here in Guyana ready to work the many long hours to provide service and care to the Guyanese community. The months of preparations and coordination that it takes
Team Leader working on a patient. specialists, hygienists, assistants, and other volunteers. This remarkable team is headed by the equally remarkable, Dr. Scott Hodges. Dr. Hodges, an endodontist by profession, is the backbone of the operation. I first met him when I was a
to organize this endeavour is testament to the dedication and love of all those involved. It is no small feat; in the past there have been over 25 chairs in operation during the clinic days. The logistics of such an operation is also only made possible by the unwavering
sacrifice of locally- based Guyanese Pastor Andy and Kathleen Girwarnauth and the members of the Association of Bible Churches. These special people have opened their hearts and homes over the years to the team and have coordinated all the onsite logistics. It is remarkable to see how Pastor Andy and Kathleen and their team transform a place of worship into a space for service. The setup surely rivals many of the apparent clinics that are currently in operation throughout the c o u n t r y. I t c a t e r s f o r chairs for cleaning and polishing, simple and complicated extractions including third molars, fillings, and root canal treatment. Even though this is a mobile setup there are no short cuts; equipment is also set up for suction, sterilization and digital x-rays. Prior to their upcoming visit, I asked Dr. Hodges to reflect on past trips to Guyana and he shared some statistics from previous years - it is amazing how much has been accomplished over the years. Over 300 team members have graced these shores and some have never missed a year. They have treated over 7,500 patients for a variety of dental issues. From his modest accounts, Dr. Hodges has
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Role of the GNBS in the rice industry & guidelines for farmers The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is the National Metrology Institute (NMI) in Guyana that is responsible for the enforcement of the 1981 Weights and Measures Act, thus ensuring that all weighing and measuring devices used in trade are verified within specified periods and are operating accurately. As a result, the GNBS is responsible for the verification of all weighbridge scales, platform scales, laboratory scales and moisture meters used at rice mills, to ensure accuracy and transparency within the industry. The verification of devices is usually done prior to the harvesting of each crop or at least twice yearly during the periods of January to March and July to September. GNBS Inspectors also conduct regular impromptu visits to mills countrywide to observe how weighing and measuring devices are being used and make the necessary recommendations to farmers a n d m i l l e r s . Wi t h t h e i m p e n d i n g harvesting period for the first crop for 2017, farmers should ensure that they adhere to the following guidelines: · Be present at mills to oversee their interest or be properly represented by a suitable individual who is knowledgeable of the buying operations at mills. · Ensure that the indication on the scale and the moisture meter is at zero before weighing or measuring commences.
· Carefully observe the weighing of their paddy, by ensuring that the tare weight of their truck is taken after the paddy is weighed and off loaded. Subtract the tare weight of the truck from the total weight of the truck and the paddy previously obtained, to determine the actual weight. Record the value obtained. · Witness the determination of moisture content, by ensuring that the samples tested are those obtained from their truck/ trailer and record the value indicated on the moisture meter. · Ensure they carefully observe the determination of the dockage content of their paddy, by ensuring that the samples tested are the samples obtained from their truck/ trailer and record the value obtained. · Check the values indicated for the weight, moisture and dockage on the document given to them to ensure that they correspond with the values previously obtained and recorded. · Ensure that they are in full agreement with the values obtained for the weight, moisture and dockage before signing any document provided. Note: The determination of the moisture content and dockage contents must be done with a moisture meter and a dockage machine, respectively and should not be estimated. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
estimated over 5000 cleanings and polishings, 5000 fillings on close to 10,000 surfaces (remember I spoke about filling surfaces in last week’s column), 1000 pits and fissures sealants, 2000 extractions, and 500 root canal treatments. The cost for these services would have amounted to millions of US dollars, And, more importantly, the benefits to the patients of the various communities have been beyond value as many of them would not have been able to afford treatment, especially so for procedures such as root canal treatment. D r. H o d g e s a n d h i s team also do educational talks on taking care and keeping our teeth, which is
fortunate because in G u y a n a , u n f o r t u n a t e l y, there is a culture of extraction. Although the Ministry of Health has been making some strides with its oral health initiatives to try to reorient persons towards taking preventative measures for tooth loss, it will take time for the persons to move away from this mindset. It is always heartwarming for me as a dentist when I see parents bringing their young children for check-ups and teeth monitoring. Soon to be gone are the days when you should have to grow old wearing dentures. Dental health is an important component of our overall health and preventative measures are a cornerstone to keeping our
Dr. Neromini Fagu teeth for a lifetime. I am looking forward to once again being a part of the dental outreach mission of Dr. Hodges and his team. Welcome back to Guyana Dr. Hodges and team! 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.
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VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Premio, Blue Bird, IST, Honda CRV, Toyota Spacio, Fielder Wagon, 212 Carina, RZ & Pitbull bus – Call: 650-7501
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Building Contractor Estimates, house plan to be drawn give us a call: 2160671/692-8464/622-0267 Repairs to refrigerators washing machine, gas stove, all units. Call Lindon: 641-1086/ 694-2202 Veterinary Services, East Side Animal Clinic @ 147 Section ‘A’ Grove Block ‘Y’ East Bank. Call: 216-4144/ 681-7215 Do you know domestic wiring? Well if you do there is a job waiting for you. Call Urgently: 644-9084/ 6649635 Repairs to washers, dryers, stoves, deep fryers, control system etc. Call: 619-0793/ 699-8802
LAND FOR SALE Land @ Soesdyke, 6 lots measuring 135’X175’. Call: 627-3334/696-8935, email:fcranmore@guyana voice.com 1-5 Acres coconut and other fruit bearing, no chemical, lease or sale – Demerara River across Timehri docks. Call: 261-2988 Eccles (100ftX50ft) -$7M, Uitvlugt (100ftx50ft) -$2.8M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, Zeelugt -$1M & $2.5M. Call: 233-3006/ 651-1969 La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.4M, $1.8M, $1.6M, Farm -$6M, Uitvlugt -$2M, Diamond $4M, Herstelling -$5M. Call: 604-6724
Land for sale @ Dowden Street, Kitty 125’X57’. Call: 619-4152/ 227-1905 Farm (100ftX50ft) - $3M on the East Bank, Cuyuni Mining block -$2.5M. Call: 233-3006/ 658-5897/ 651-1969 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, Uitvlugt -$2.3M, $2M – Call: 642-1252 1 Lot of land @ Yarrowkabra $950,000. Call: 672-5876
GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
50X198 located in Friendship E.B.D –price $4.2M (negotiable). Call: 645-6498 Transported corner lot with approved building plan @ 90 Garnett & Republic Streets, Newtown Kitty. Call: 6016000/227-3305
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
1-Leyland DAF GRR Series; excellent condition. Call: 6804101
House for sale & removal at Campbellville 23ftX40ftContact Ganesh: 614-6202
1 Mitsubishi box Canter for sale. Call: 679-9261/671-1568
2 Storey house 35X45 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained @ 5th Avenue Diamond, H/ Scheme. Call:677-0583/664-5052
1 RZ minibus -$650,000. Call: 601-4929 One new model 212 series; HC - $1.050M negotiable. Call: 264-2954/ 664-1759 2005 Toyota Hiace (pit-bull bus) excellent working condition, owner leaving country -$2.5M negotiable. Call: 653-3187 1 New model Vitz, press start, A/C, excellent condition $1.5M, good for bank purchases, 1 Toyota Verossa -$2.3M. Call: 639-2490
1 Front building & a 2 storey building on 1 (lot) 180 Charlotte Street Bourda W30XL120 $55M negotiable. Call: 624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183 House/land with business- 5 bedrooms, 2 bath W.C.D, Anna Catherina. Call: 6142466 Property for sale @ Low lands Hope E.C.D; 4 bedrooms house upstairs and downstairs -$9M negotiable. Call: 647-0655 Two houses and land for sale at Agriculture Road E.C.D. Call: 642-9633
La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.3M, $1.8M, $1.6M, $1.1M, Herstelling - $5M, Uitvlugt $2M, Zeelugt -$2M, Zeelugt -$1.6M, all price negotiable. Call: 614-6802
East ½ 84 David Street, back lot for sale- Contact: 84davidstreet@gmail.com
TAXI SERVICE
Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
TO LET Journey Inn apartments & Car Rental. 1&2 bedroom self contained. Call: 658-0927/ 233-2300/ 718-2301695 Lodge apartments (Vlisssengen/Durban): furnished (visitors) USD$600-$1,000 monthly, unfurnished 1 bedroom $55,000, studio -$40,000 monthly- Call:668-7687/ 6779638/697-6421 Lodge (Vlissengen/ Durban): Professional/Office/ Business (no food retailing) space. Call: 668-7687/ 6779638/697-6421 PEN-PAL Need a Friend for a serious relationship. Call Mike: 6046211 (no texting)
Goat Creek, Riverfront , 75 Acres land -$7M, Lanaballi River Front, 50 Acres -$9M. Diamond -$7.5M Call: 6880087 Riviera Island: 145 Acres $30M, Tuschen property $5.8M, $6M, $15M. Call: 6880087 Tuschen 5,8,6,2 bedrooms; Hope- 2 bedrooms $7.8M, Hogg Island 20 acres $8M Call: 688-0087 Melani 2 bedrooms - $10M, Mon Repos -$30M; Mon Repos -$12M. Call: 688-0087 Property @ 715, 16th Street Diamond E.B.D. Call: 6909550 10 Minutes away from Georgetown, you can own your own home, now in construction, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, concrete house. Call: 675-1510
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
One complete sawmill situated at Yarrowkabra Industrial Site Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. Call: 6441190/ 609-8041
Lot 14 Croal & Longden Street: 4 Storey building (infront Demico). Call: 663-1876
1 14 feet Aluminum Boat, 1 15 HP Yamaha Outboard Engine (Short Foot), 1 Cummings-10 KVA Generator Call: 664-5807 Audi A4 Quattro S line, excellent condition. Call: 6104242 One Diesel welder on trailer. Call: 699-4300/228-2734 1 Big music set, owner migrating. Call: 690-5225
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
EDUCATIONAL I.A.E Classes for CSEC June 2017: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subject for Students, Adults & repeaters. Call: 683-5742 Electronic Course: starting 14th March. Hands on training repairing all types of TV’s etc. Call: 226-6551/ 2250391
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/6605257 The New Creation Unisex Salon: offering courses in cosmetology & nail arts design. Call Sandra: 616-6221
Downstairs apartment @ Lot 148cc, Eccles Housing Scheme, prime business place @ Bagotstown, Public Road, E.B.D- Call: 233-2252/ 662-3337/680-4375 2 Bedrooms upper flat apartment to rent in Eccles Scheme. Call: 233-2082/ 6631109
CAT 215 Excavator, Leyland DAF 55 Tipper Truck, D4H CAT Bulldozer. Call: 2750538/ 683-7225
3-Bedroom apartment at Festival City Entrance, 3Bedrooms top flat at 592 Tucville. Call: 225-6485/6653622/610-5437
1- CAT 320 BL Excavators, 428- CAT Backhoe, 1 CAT 930 Front End, 9 wheeled pneumatic roller, Double Steel drum compactor- Call: 2750538/ 683-7225
Modern, private, selfcontained furnished or unfurnished one bedroom apartment for rent across Zeeburg School. Call: 2770397
Generator Diesel 1100w, Generators/welder Diesel 1100w, water pumps – 3" Gasoline. Contact Wills: 2278176 ext 10
1-2 Bedroom apartment to rent fully furnished, including internet, cable, TV, parking available. E.C.D –Call: 6672536
For your packaging needs: Scotch tapes, strapping machines – manual, poly straps, shrink wraps. Contact Wills: 227-8176 ext 10
Apartment for rent @ First Street Mon Repos, E.C.D – Call: 602-4105/ 614-0005\
Sale! Sale! Sale! Seafood Mania!! Fish/Shrimp!! All types and different processes. Call M.Wills: 2278176 ext 10 2 Leyland Dump truck (55210), 1 Caterpillar Backhoe, owner migrating, very good condition. Call: 672-5876
MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Massage done by Tiffany, mobile services. Book appointment now! Call: 677-5465
7840 Ford Tractor, Rome plough chipper, NZE Corolla, complete music set- Call:2282551, 613-3175 Clean Garden Earth, builders waste, delivery to spots, also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call: 616-0617 or 663-3285
CAR RENTAL WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAPREATES, SPECIAL OFFERS! CALL: 690-6494
Bins/Tubs. Suitable for icing in all sizes. . Contact Wills: 227-8176 ext 10
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
ENTERTAINMENT Jubilee Resort: pool, water slide, boating, paintball, games, etc, open daily – 10:00am-6:00pm. Call: 2258915/623-7313 DRESSMAKING Learn to sew- Free Training. Also clothes made to order. Call Sharmie: 626-2629/6766312 Continue on page 69
Sunday March 05, 2017
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Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
No reason to increase landline phone rates by PAT DIAL The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co. (GTT) which has a monopoly of the landline telephones is now lobbying with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the responsible Ministry to have landline telephone rates steeply raised to between 40% to 50% in most cases and in some, the increase is even steeper as in the case of Directory enquiries which are now without charge but for which they intend to charge $120 for each enquiry! When GTT came here, it came as a landline company and began harvesting enormous profits from the Guyanese consumers and their relatives and friends who lived abroad, especially in Canada, USA and the UK. The international rates were set higher than what obtained in the rest of the world so that the company could subsidize the landline rates. (See page 6 of GTT’s Tariff1/14). No accounting was available of how much of this international overcharge was spent on the landline. The international rates have not fallen but the number of minutes of usage has fallen because GTT did not rouse itself to compete with the newer technologies such as Skype. Owing to this reduction in the number of minutes, GTT is claiming that it is not making the super profits as before and as such, is not able to cross-subsidize the landline and to honour their Contract. GTT was slyly trying to have the PUC increase their landline rates and so unwittingly alter their Contract. It may be mentioned that it is this same Contract that GTT is claiming the Government of Guyana has breached by passing the
Liberalization Act and hope to claim substantial damages therefor. GCA has consistently pointed out that GTT had breached their Contract in a number of substantive instances, one of the main ones being the failure to establish universal landline throughout the Coast and operate full landline services in five named Interior Locations, some of which are in the mining areas. It has also committed a number of other breaches such as their failure to print Telephone Directories on time and for two years not at all. It has voided their Contract a long time ago and cannot penalize the Government of Guyana on a void Contract. The Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) feels that GTT should not be allowed to wriggle out of their Contractual obligations to maintain the landline at affordable rates and has stated the following points in several memoranda to the PUC of which GTT have full knowledge:(1) T e l e p h o n e companies all over the world are facing the identical competition from the new OTT technologies such as Skype. What such telephone companies have done is to modernize their technology and meet the challenge in an adequate way. They have not attempted to surcharge the consumers for not being able to adopt the advanced technologies in good time. GTT, on the other hand, comfortable in its monopoly ivory tower, never felt the urgency of introducing cutting-edge technologies since they assumed the Guyanese consumer could always be surcharged for their failure to keep up with modern technology. This attempt to increase landline
rates is to surcharge the consumer for their failing. (2) When GTT claims they are not making enough profits, they are referring to the smaller regulated part of their business since the company as a whole remains very profitable. The greater part of their business is now cellular phones and DSL which are very profitable. Indeed, they have been astonishingly lucky to have had these services subsidized by Government who has allowed them spectrum, a valuable national asset worth millions of dollars. The ostensible reason for this allowance of spectrum was for them to establish 4G which is not so far functional in the countryside and many parts of Georgetown. The cellular and DSL are very profitable and could subsidize the landline and ensure that another breach in the Contract is not committed. (3) GCA in its memoranda to the PUC shared with GTT, has consistently pointed out that the landline is owed substantial sums which have been withheld by the Company and which, when paid, could have subsidized the landline into the indefinite future. Three of these are: (i) The fibre optic and copper wires belonging to the landline are used to transmit cellular and DSL traffic but
these pay no rental to the landline. We estimate this rental to be US$2. million per annum to be paid to the landline. (ii) The Undersea Cable costing over US$30.millions was transferred to a foreign company without the PUC’s knowledge and permission. A good proportion of this Undersea Cable money is due to the landline. (iii) GTT started as a landline operator and later the cellular business was grafted on to it. In establishing the cellular business, GTT used US$60 million generated by the landline. No bank loans were taken; landline money was paid for it. At 15% per annum, the annual interest on US$60 million would be US$9.million and for 10 years, it would be US$90.million which should be credited to the landline. It is clear that GTT could maintain its Contract and not try to increase landline rates since if monies owed to the landline were paid and a subsidy is accorded from the cellular and DSL, the landline would be self-sustaining and affordable to the less privileged. The landline is the poor man’s telephone and is used by the old, sick and those who do not have money to pay for cell calls which is ten times more expensive than landline calls. It is anti-social to attempt to increase landline rates in these circumstances.
From page 68
VACANCY Cook/Baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced, for details call: 618-2020 Workers for portable toilet/ Janitorial Company - $2,000 per day- Call: 225-2618 Female assistant, bookkeeper 25-40yrs @dynamic shipping, logistics & marketing co. @ Timehri, knowledge of VAT, PAYE & NIS. Apply @ josephbhaskaran@gmail.com Salesgirls @ D. Singh & Sons. Call: 226-1316
WANTED One driver/porter from Diamond, Grove area. Call: 2161043, 677-6620 Experienced babysitter/ nanny to work weekends (stay in) -$6,000. Call: 638-9013 We pay immediate cash for land in Eccles, Herstelling, Bartica & Zeelugt. Call: 2333006/ 658-5897/651-1969 1 Cook/pastry maker- Call: 231-4303/ 676-3541 One cosmetology, one nail technician with clientele, Campbellville area, also one seamstress. Call: 616-6221/ 655-2142
Vacancy for one Driver / Expediter contact Leonard- # 609-5123
Wanted land to buy at Tuschen, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, La Parfaite Harmonie, best price offered. Call: 657-9594
One optical lab technician and ophthalmologist @ 79 Albert & Laluni Street Queenstown. Call: 231-7023/ 622-0445
Mature couple to live in and work at a Resort in Parika. Call: 231-0363 between MonFri 9am-4pm
Receptionist, Male Security guard age 30-45, 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 2250198
Drivers with mini bus & taxi licences for work with company. Telephone number: 664-0802
Barber. Call: 683-1534
Salesgirls and cleaners. Call: 225-7417
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Kaieteur News
Sunday March 05, 2017
Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Calypso Rose welcomes government’s offer (Trinidad Guardian) “PUT my name on the plane,” McCartha “Calypso Rose” Lewis said yesterday after hearing about plans government has for her which include naming a Caribbean Airlines aircraft after her and providing her with a Diplomatic passport. In a brief interview, Lewis said she felt thrilled, happy and thanked God to be alive to receive a Diplomatic passport and also to have her name written on one of CAL’s fleet or air planes. Asked if she would have preferred a monetary gift, Lewis said, “Put my name on the plane. My name will remain forever and ever in time to come. But when you get the cash ... the cash comes and go as everyone wants a piece of it. I am satisfied with their offers.” Lewis added, “When I got the
news yesterday (Thursday) I felt thrilled and was very, very happy about what government had plan to do. To know that my government will be giving me that prestigious award, I am happy.” She continued, “I always wonder why my government...why my people in Trinidad and Tobago don’t honour me in that way? But the time has come. I will say nothing happens before its time. I thanked God that I am alive and I will be receiving a Diplomatic passport and also I will like to thank Caribbean Airlines for what they will be doing for me. I want to thank them very much.” Lewis said she will continue to fly the flag for TT through her music. Asked if she would have appreciated or preferred getting a house and land from the
government, Lewis said, “No, no, no. I have enough house and land already. I am satisfied with the plane being named after me and getting the Diplomatic passport, I am truly satisfied.” (See Page 14A) At Thursday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, Dr Nyan Gadsby Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts said Cabinet made the decision to give Calypso Rose a diplomatic passport and to name one of Caribbean Airlines aircraft after her in recognition of her achievements. In February, Lewis was the first local artiste to win the French version of the Grammy’s - the Victoires de la Musique - after her platinum selling album Far From Home, was voted Album of the Year.
Loggers “reject” VAT on lumber;... From page 9 management and in keeping with national laws and guidelines. The forest sector is one of the most regulated sectors in Guyana following high international standards and the FPA has been in the forefront embracing these standards and in compliance.” This has resulted in Guyana receiving payments from Norway for keeping the local forests in pristine conditions. “Further benefits and in simple terms, the Success of Government Green Development Plan, rest soundly on good forest management compliance. The FPA embraces and support the GOG Green Development Plan.” FPA pointed out that payments received from Norway through good forest management is close to US$50M per year and this is used to support Government’s social services, and Amerindian Land Titling, among other things. The association noted that the forestry sector employs directly and indirectly over 20,000 local Guyanese. This accounts for annual production which ranges
between 400,000 to 500,000 cubic meters and export earnings of between US$40M and US$50M. The producers are also responsible for the construction and maintenance of thousands of kilometers of interior roads. These are not only used by foresters but miners, private sector, government and others. FPA insisted that the VAT introduction will have a number of crippling and negative impacts. “It would make our products uncompetitive and lead to a virtual shutdown of the sector, mass unemployment in particular Amerindian communities and of other persons living in the interior.” FPA said the VAT will also put at risk the Government Green Development Plan and the ability to access future funding from carbon schemes. It could also have the potential to increase illegal logging and deforestation and forest degradation and thus endangering the Green Development Plan and access to future carbon funds. With reduced activities, hinterland roads and other infrastructural maintained by
forest operators will be threatened also. The VAT introduction will also see a reduction in production and export earnings leading to a foreign currency shortfall. FPA also complained about the rise in the importation of pine lumber which has been sending a negative signal to the international community about the country’s standing forest. “The FPA is urging its members, concession holders, small producers, loggers, saw millers, lumber yard operators, furniture manufacturers, workers, suppliers, private sector, the business community, house building consumers and all Guyanese to join forces with them to engage Government for the removal of VAT on lumber, and other forest produce and restore other concessions relating to VAT exemptions,” the release from the association said yesterday. Last year, the forestry sector contracted over 30 percent, principally as a result of Barama halting the production of logs and the UK’s restriction on greenheart logs originating from Guyana.
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UN envoys plan Paris conference to aid Chad N’Djamena (AFP) - UN envoys on a mission to the Lake Chad region said Saturday that a conference would soon be held in Paris aimed at easing the humanitarian crisis gripping Chad. The country is one of several battling the Boko Haram jihadist insurgency, which has driven thousands from their homes and plunged areas into hunger and poverty. “The int e r n a t i o n a l community must respond to the moral and political obligation to support Chad’s efforts,” Francois Delattre, France’s permanent representative
to the UN, said in the capital, N’Djamena. Senegal’s UN representative, Fode Seck, said Chad “has been on the front lines when it comes to helping Mali or fighting against Boko Haram.” “It’s normal that the Paris Conference, which we are all preparing, comes to Chad’s aid.” The 15 envoys from the UN’s top decision-making body began their mission in Cameroon, and also plan to visit camps in Nigeria sheltering some of the 2.3 million people displaced in the Lake Chad region. Chad, a country of 12
million people, has imposed austerity measures to cope with the economic strain from falling oil prices and the cost of foreign military operations. “Chad has committed its own resources against jihadists in Mali, and against the Boko Haram sect in Cameroon, in Niger and in Nigeria,” Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke told the envoys after a meeting Saturday. “Chad is being confronted with these social difficulties because it is bearing these military costs and the care of refugees,” he said.
Obama denies Trump claim he wiretapped him during campaign WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A spokesman for Barack Obama on Saturday rejected claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that the thenpresident had wiretapped Trump in October during the late stages of the presidential election campaign, saying it was “simply false.” Trump made the accusation in a series of tweets, without citing evidence, just weeks into his administration and amid rising scrutiny of his campaign’s ties to Russia. “Neither President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any U.S. citizen. Any suggestion otherwise is simply false,” Obama spokesman Kevin Lewis said in a statement. Trump hurled the accusation in the tweets sent early on Saturday morning. “How low has President Obama gone to t a p p m y phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/ Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!,” Trump wrote in one tweet. “I’d bet a good lawyer could make a great case out of the fact that President Obama was tapping my phones in October, just prior to Election!” Trump said the alleged wiretapping took place in his Trump Tower office and apartment building in New York, but there was “nothing
found.” U.S. intelligence agencies concluded last year that Russia hacked and leaked Democratic emails during the election campaign as part of an effort to tilt the vote in Trump’s favor. The Kremlin has denied the allegations. Trump has accused officials in Obama’s administration of trying to discredit him with questions about Russia contacts. Lewis also said that “a cardinal rule of the Obama administration was that no White House official ever interfered with any independent investigation led by the Department of Justice.” The statement did not address the possibility that a wiretap of the Trump campaign could have been ordered by Justice Department officials. The White House did not respond to a request to elaborate on Trump’s accusations. Trump was spending the weekend at his Florida seaside resort, Mar-a-Lago. He was scheduled to have dinner on Saturday with Attorney General Jeff Sessions and other top officials, including Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, adviser Steve Bannon and White House Counsel Don McGahn, the White House said. On Thursday, Sessions announced he would stay
out of any probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election but maintained he did nothing wrong by failing to disclose he met last year with Russia’s ambassador to the United States. A Trump spokeswoman said the president spent part of Saturday “having meetings, making phone calls and hitting balls” at his golf course in West Palm Beach. Trump’s tweets caught his aides by surprise, with one saying it was unclear what the president was referring to. Members of Congress said Trump’s allegations require investigation or explanation. U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, called Trump’s assertion a “spectacularly reckless allegation. “If there is something bad or sick going on, it is the willingness of the nation’s chief executive to make the most outlandish and destructive claims without providing a scintilla of evidence to support them,” Schiff said in a statement. Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat, tweeted, “Either FBI is talking to the subject of an investigation or Trump is making it up. Either way Americans deserve explanation.”
Jordan hangs 10 for attacks linked to Islamic extremism Nahad Hattar, the writer, had been on trial for posting a cartoon deemed offensive to Islam on social media when an assailant killed him outside the courthouse. The shooter was a former mosque prayer leader motivated by anger over the cartoon, officials said at the time. (AP Photo/ Raad Adayleh) AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Jordan on Saturday executed 10
prisoners with ties to Islamic extremism who carried out five shootings and a bombing since 2003, the government spokesman said. It was the largest round of executions in the kingdom in at least a decade. Among those killed in the attacks were a British tourist, an outspoken Jordanian critic of Islamic extremism and members of the Jordanian security forces. Saturday’s executions were the first since pro-Western Jordan launched a crackdown on Islamic militants two years ago, in response to the killing of a captured Jordanian fighter pilot by the Islamic State group. Jordan is a part of a U.S.-led military coalition against IS, which holds territory in Syria and Iraq. The prisoners were hanged at dawn Saturday at Swaqa Prison, about 75 kilometers (47 kilometers) south of the capital of Amman, said government spokesman Mohammed Momani. All had links to Islamic extremism, he said. Momani said the executions
signal that “those who commit terrorism and threaten our national security will find the same destiny.” Five others were hanged Saturday for other crimes, including incest, Momani said in a statement carried by the state news agency Petra. The assailants executed Saturday for terror convictions had been involved in six different incidents, from a 2003 bombing attack that killed 19 at Jordan’s embassy in Iraq to the September 2016 shooting of local writer Nahed Hattar on the steps of an Amman courthouse. Also listed were a 2006 shooting attack on a group of tourists at a Roman theater in Amman in which a 30-yearold British man was killed; a December 2015 shooting attack that killed two police officers; a March 2016 shootout between police and IS militants at their hideout in which an officer was killed; and a June 2016 attack by a lone gunman on an office of Jordan’s intelligence agency that killed five.
Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Canada: No plans to clamp down at border to deter migrants ORONTO (Reuters) Canada will not tighten its border to deter migrants crossing illegally from the United States in the wake of a U.S. immigration crackdown because the numbers are not big enough to cause alarm, a government minister said on Saturday. Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said the issue had not risen to a scale that required hindering the flow of goods and people moving across the world’s longest undefended border. Hundreds of people, mainly from Africa and the Middle East, have defied winter conditions and walked across the border, seeking asylum. They are fleeing President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, migrants and refugee agencies say. It is not common to have so many asylum seekers in the United States looking for refuge in Canada over such a short period. The influx poses a political risk for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who faces pressure from the
left, which wants more let in, and from the right, which fears an increased security risk. “We are concerned and we will deal properly with the extra hundreds (crossing illegally),” Goodale told reporters at a televised news conference in Emerson, Manitoba. “But the full border deals with 400,000 people moving in both directions every day. It also handles C$2.5 billion in trade every day. “It is critically important for us to make sure that it is strong and secure. At the same time, it needs to be efficient and expeditious.” Emerson, on the North Dakota border, has been overwhelmed by the migration and appealed for more government help to handle the influx. Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba say 183 people have walked across that border in sub-zero temperatures since Jan. 1. Goodale said the pace has picked up in recent weeks. On Jan. 25, a White
House executive order temporarily banned visitors from seven mainly Muslim countries and also expanded immigration enforcement action domestically. “The current accelerated rate started in the first week of February and we’ve been following this very v e r y c l o s e l y, ” G o o d a l e said. Canadian and U.S. officials are working on a plan to tackle asylum seekers crossing into Canada illegally, with American officials keen to discover how they entered the United States in the first place. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly is to visit Canada this month for talks on the border. Goodale said it was important for both countries to have the same data and information about the migrants “to fully appreciate where the flow began and all of the factors – and it’s not just one factor – that are contributing to the migration.”
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Sunday March 05, 2017
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Points to consider on location of... (From page 76) Liliendaal. If Government puts down such a facility, it will ensure that it is at least a main stakeholder in the administration of the facility. This must alleviate the fear of some that the current management of MSC will be allowed to dictate that administration of the facility if it is given that opportunity. This is a simple matter that a Memorandum of Understanding between MSC and Government that will allow the latter to become a main administrative stakeholder of the venue will resolve. The MSC is on record of stating that they have no problem with such an arrangement. The Bayroc venue in Wismar is a spacious enclave. This however, is its only advantage in this debate. It is in a basin, which would present an immediate challenge to construct a synthetic facility that will gain international certification. We must bear in mind in this argument that the goal is not just the laying of the facility, but one that the International
Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) will accept for certification. The laying of the track at Bayroc with the monies available means that there will be a facility with no other basic amenity, including building for call room, fencing, stands and more importantly, windbreakers so that times can be acceptable. These are just some basic technical considerations that go into the construction of a synthetic facilities. For example, before the construction of a north-eastern stand at Leonora, the facility struggled to record accurate times because the breeze came heavily from that direction and significantly aided athletes. It would not be prudent for Government to lay a facility in an enclave with no other basic infrastructure to ensure its proper function and certification. What we believe is right for Bayroc is a velodrome for cycling. The leaders within the community should be championing the cause to have such a facility built in Bayroc so that Linden has two major sport facilities
to develop separate sports. What should not happen at this critical junction is a division of Linden. The community should be aware of the fact that whether it’s Bayroc or Mackenzie, the facilities belong to Linden for the benefit of all. Linden needs to come together and make the best choice so that this project that we have personally sacrificed to procure for the region comes to fruition. Any rambling within the two communities that forces further delays represents gross irresponsibility. It must be noted that without hesitation, New Amsterdam identified its location. The leaders in Linden will have to take full responsibility if Government decides to move ahead with New Amsterdam, which is certain about its location and await a resolution from Linden, which seems uncertain on what should have been a foregone conclusion. Respectfully, Colin Boyce and Edison Jefford
Sunday March 05, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is a turning point. You will be able to make favorable changes in your living quarters. Do your chores and get on with the things you enjoy doing.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You will get great satisfaction from your efforts. You haven't been watching your spending habits and you may have been neglecting your duties.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Social activity should be on your agenda today. Social evenings at your place will be highly successful. Concentrate on home improvement. Small details will make a difference.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Controversial subjects should be avoided at all costs. You will be able to dazzle others with your obvious charm and your outgoing nature.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Put your efforts into job advancement. You can prosper if you invest in property or mutual funds.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You will enjoy the interaction with youngsters and take great pride in the projects you've completed. Resist the temptation to gamble. Risks will not be profitable.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You can make headway if you share your intentions with someone you care about. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't spend more than is necessary on travel or friends. You can count on getting a pat on the back for your efforts. You'll stay out of trouble if you pick projects that will benefit the whole family. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. Be careful to avoid wrong doings. You need to challenge yourself.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Don't bend to the pressure. Travel and creative hobbies will be your best outlet. Your energetic nature and ability to initiate projects will add to your popularity. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You can complete any projects efficiently, especially if you put the effort in yourself. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your mate may not be too sure about your intentions. You haven't been totally honest with yourself and it's time to review your motives. Don't be too hard on yourself.
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WI scrap as England search for knockout... (From page 78) to suggest that one of the three men who passed 50 for England on Friday is under pressure - but that is the case for Sam Billings, who is attempting to hold on to his billeting as a makeshift opener while Alex Hales recovers from a hand injury. Billings has two fifties in three ODI outings at the top of the order but the sense here was of an opportunity missed after he had made it through the tricky initial stages against the new ball. Morgan has described Hales as a “very formidable player in our side” and Billings may
need to produce something spectacular if he is not to drop straight back into England’s very competitive pack of white-ball reserve batsmen. Team news - The XI West Indies selected in the first ODI probably did enough to warrant another outing together. Rovman Powell offers another all-round option, while Alzarri Joseph offers extra pace with the ball. West Indies (probable) 1 Kraigg Brathwaite, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Kieran Powell, 4 Shai Hope (wk), 5 Jason Mohammed, 6 Jonathan Carter, 7 Jason Holder (capt),
8 Carlos Brathwaite, 9 Devendra Bishoo, 10 Ashley Nurse, 11 Shannon Gabriel England are also likely to stick with the same side, although Hales could return at Billings’ expense if passed fit. The teams did not train on Saturday but Jake Ball is not thought ready to play after injuring his knee in a warmup match. England (probable) 1 Jason Roy, 2 Sam Billings, 3 Joe Root, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Jos Buttler (wk), 6 Ben Stokes, 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Liam Plunkett, 11 Steven Finn.
Pakistan to play two additional T20s... (From page 77) Trinidad coming out and cheering our team on to victory.” The additions to the itinerary comes after the West Indies Cricket Board snubbed an offer from the Pakistan
Cricket Board to play a twomatch T20 series in Pakistan later this month. Pakistan had also been invited by the WICB to play a similar series in Florida at month end. Outside of the
Flour Power National... (From page 74) of the net. Grove Hi-Tech defender Ackel Forde also suffered a dislocated shoulder during the match. Their second fixture against Martinique was another evenly-balanced clash, which saw the junior Jaguars growing in confidence individually and as a unit, but ended 21 in favour of the hosts. The team defended well, particularly against set pieces, and goalkeeper Copeland put in a dominant display with a string of fine saves. In attack, Ferreira led by example throughout, scored with a fine strike, and was a permanent menace in front of goal. Another late penalty, which could have gone either way, was all that separated the two teams. ”Captain Ferreira and Copeland in goal have been inspirational and, most importantly, the boys are playing really well together as a disciplined, professional unit – building on the tactical, technical and set piece improvements we were able to make during the training camp,” Greenwood said. The squad in Martinique prepared for the tournament with an intensive, week-long Guyana Football Federation camp in Berbice, and features
two players from the Under-15 ranks – Paiomak Wa r r i o r s ’ D a n i e l s a n d B u x t o n U n i t e d ’s Tr o n i Semple.
amended T20 series, the remainder of the tour remains unchanged with three OneDay Internationals in Guyana from April 7-11 and three Tests – carded for Jamaica, Barbados and Dominica – from April 22 to May 14. Last year, West Indies played Pakistan in a full tour in the United Arab Emirates. They suffered 3-0 clean sweeps in the T20 and ODI series and lost the Test series 2-1.
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Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Flour Power National U17s overpower Haiti The “Flour Power” National Under-17 Boys’ Te a m b e a t C a r i b b e a n
powerhouse Haiti 3-1 at the International Tournoi Paul Chillan in Martinique
yesterday after an encouraging start to the competition involving two
closely fought defeats against the hosts and a strong Guadeloupe side. The commanding victory against Haiti underlines the rapid progress Guyana’s youth teams are making under the new national football philosophy, and points to a promising future for national teams. Goals from 14-year-old winger Orvil Daniels of Paiomak Warriors in the Rupununi, Eastveldt’s Zian Gray and Fruta Conquerors’ Jeremy Garrett sealed a memorable win for the team. The squad is participating in the tournament because the Guyana Football Federation wants to expose its national youth sides to stronger competition from the French-speaking Caribbean, including those that have the full support and financial backing of the French Football Federation in order to accelerate the development of Guyana’s best young players.
Tournoi Paul Chillan International Tourney “This is a fantastic result for the team today – they dictated the game and all their hard work over the last week has really paid off,” said GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood. “ We h a v e b e e n s o pleased with the way the boys have handled the challenge of playing against this kind of strong opposition from the Frenchspeaking Caribbean. The other team delegations have also been extremely impressed with the progress Guyana has made in such a short space of time.” Daniels scored in the first half with a curling free kick from the edge of the area. Gray doubled the lead with a peach of a finish after latching on to an inch-perfect pass from USbased Captain Joshua Ferreira.
Haiti pulled one back after a defensive mix-up, but Garrett sealed a memorable victory following a stunning free kick in the dying minutes of the game. Fruta Conquerors’ Cecil Jackman defended aggressively throughout with Milerock keeper Jonathan Copeland once again a commanding presence in goal. Progressive Youths’ Ferreira and Garrett bossed the midfield battle, while Daniels offered a constant attacking threat from wide positions. In their first match, the team put in an impressive performance to hold their own against a tough Guadeloupe team, only to lose 1-0 after a late penalty following an individual error in defence. The junior Jaguars created a number of goal-scoring chances during that game but were unable to find the back (Continued on page 73)
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Campbell and McCalman book semi final spots; Downes, Suban, Osborne also win Asif Suban, Cristy Campbell, Grace McCalman,Anthony Downes and Benjettan Osborne have all recorded victories as play in the Rebel Tennis Club Championships heats up at the Harry Panday’s Court which continues to provide a haven of tennis enthusiasm. Asif Suban edged to a close win from the left hander, Surendra Khayyam 6-4, 6-4. It was a grueling two hour contest between the two competitors. The pendulum of momentum swung back and forth with many deuce games. Khayyam quickly took the lead in the first set 20. Asif found calmness and competitiveness to level and secured the first set. The two players traded breaks in the first six games before Asif held and broke to secure the win. Last year’s runner up and second seed, Cristy Campbell played a solid match against Fiona Bushell to book a spot in the
Anthony Downes semifinals against Grace McCalman. Bushell who has a consistent and flat striking style fell to Campbell, 6-0, 60. Despite the score, Bushell took her game to Campbell but with great composure Campbell saved all 5 break points and took 6 out of the 11 break chances on Bushell’s serves. Anthony Downes out gunned Philbert Clarke in 28 minutes. Downes surrendered
just 6 points in the first set. Clarke was on the verge of making things interesting in the second set when he raced to 40-0 lead, but Downes was in no mood to extend his stay on court, he quickly ended the match 6-0, 6-0. Benjettan Osborne who has made his mark in the top 5 of the Men’s singles had rallied to beat Harry Panday in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 and secured a place in the quarterfinals. This is the second time the two competitors have faced each other in the past month and the tactical game of both players were heightened. Osborne, who appeared shaky in the first set managed to break Panday in the sixth game to take a one break lead for 4-2. Panday consistently rallied to return the favour by breaking at love to go back on serve. It was evident after the changeover that Osborne was not going to relax. S e n s i n g H a r r y ’s determination to make this match competitive, Osborne turned up the heat and went on to win eight of the last
nine games to secure the match. Al Razick of Canada moved into the round of 16
after Raymond Callendar of the USA failed to show up for his match.
M a t c h e s will continue today from 10:00hrs.
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Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond champs, 2016 to be crowned tomorrow Mackenzie High School and Wisburg Secondary will collide tomorrow with the winner being crowned the
2016 champions of the annual Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Under-18 football championship.
Facing off in the third place match before the final will be Linden Foundation and Christianburg Wismar
2017 edition to kick off on Wednesday Secondary. The 2016 final is only now being played as a result of the death of the Organising Secretary, James Craig during the course of the competition. The Edward Richmond Foundation now under a new structure and management is led by Coordinator Kevin DeJonge who disclosed that all the players who were eligible for third place and final matches last year will be eligible to play tomorrow for their representative schools. DeJonge reported and for this year ’s tournament players must be born on or after January 1st, 1999. Tomorrow’s opening ceremony will begin at 15:30hrs while the first game between Linden Foundation and Christianburg Wismar will get cracking at 16:30hrs to be followed by the championship match at 18:30hrs.
The other members of the new committee are Curtis Gravesande (Logistics), Kevin Thompson, Sonia McKinnon (Treasurer) and Dwalon Farrel. At this year’s launch which was held at the Mackenzie Sports Club Lounge, De Jonge said that there will be steps to improve on what the late Craig has achieved during his tenure in the past eight years noting that there would be a special award handed out this year in memory of the late Craig. The championship trophy and replicas will be at stake for the champions while the loser would also be presented with a trophy and replicas. Individual awards will go to the players being adjudged Best Goalkeeper, Best Forward, Best Midfielder, Best Defender
while the Best Coach will also be recognised. Meanwhile, the 9th edition of the tournament is set to start on Wednesday with a double header at the Wisburg Secondary School ground from 15:30hrs when C h r i s t i a n b u rg Wi s m a r Secondary match skills with Harmony. The feature game from 16:45hrs will see Linden Foundation Secondary facing off with Linden Technical Institute. T h i s y e a r ’ s championship match will be contested on May 12th at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. The competing schools a r e L i n d e n Te c h n i c a l Institute, New Silver City Secondary, Christianburg Wi s m a r S e c o n d a r y, Harmony, Wisburg and two private schools, Marcia Craig Institute and Linden School of Excellence.
Letter to the Sport Editor Points to consider on location of synthetic facility consultation in Linden D e a r E d i t o r, Please permit us space to pontificate on some important points to consider on the issue of the synthetic track to be laid in Linden. After all, we were at the forefront of lobbying Government to have this facility constructed in Linden for reasons well known to all – Linden continues to be a successful community for athletics development and an area of remarkable athletic talent. Wi t h t h a t s a i d , a f t e r convincing Government on the need for this facility, we have read that Government is now awaiting Linden’s choice of where the synthetic track should be laid – the choice is between Bayrock Community Centre in Wismar and the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground in Mackenzie. We want to point out from the onset that the only thing that should be allowed to continue to divide these two communities is the Demerara River. Nothing or no one should be allowed to set Wismar against Mackenzie and vice versa as it relates to where this facility should be laid. Wherever the track is laid, it
is our view that it will benefit Linden. However, there are significant technical and pragmatic points to consider between the two venues identified, which distinctly set them apart. The ongoing community consultations is a step in the right direction, but we must be careful as to not allow these mechanisms to force unnecessary delays in the commencement of construction of this muchneeded facility. The issue for some with the MSC is an absence of space, but a feasibility study has shown that a 400m track can be laid at the MSC taking into consideration the space behind the northern fence, which is a creek-way and Government reserve. On the issue of parking, there is a huge land space opposite the Mackenzie High School in the Retrieve area. This land can be appropriated to parking with just about 100m to walk to the MSC venue. The park and walk system was very successful in Guyana when the Caribbean hosted the 2007 World Cup. It is a system that is used in many developed countries that cramp mega sport facilities
into the heart of main metropolises. So then, venue and parking facility being totally disconnected is nothing new. This offers some insight into the arguments of space and parking at the MSC Ground should the facility be laid there. It is also important that stakeholders take into consideration that the monies budgeted for this facility is just about $210 million. This amount is just enough to have the track laid. It cannot suffice to have stands and other important infrastructure constructed. It therefore means that the venue with the leading existing infrastructure should be headlining the consultations on where the track should be laid. There is also an issue with regards the current management of MSC, which is a deterrent to many in the community. It must be pointed out that Government will not construct a facility of this magnitude without having the necessary administrative oversight as is the case with the Synthetic Track at Leonora and Olympic Size Pool at (Continued on page 73)
Sunday March 05, 2017
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Brigadier Patrick West is new GuyanaNRA President; other Exco members re-elected
Brigadier Patrick West Brigadier Patrick West has taken over the reigns as Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) President following their Annual General Meeting last Friday at the Police Officer’s Mess. The AGM which was postponed from the previous
GuyanaNRA Executive 2017 Thursday due to lack of a quorum, started half an hour later at 19:00hrs as stipulated b y t h e a s s o c i a t i o n ’s constitution. The majority of members were returned unopposed to serve for another year. The full list of executives are as follows:
Vice President Richard Fields (SC),Vice President ACP (ret’d) Paul Slowe, Ex Officio President Police (to be named), Ex Officio President GDF (to be named), Honorary Secretary Ryan Sampson, Treasurer Lt. Col (ret’d) Terrence Stuart, Assistant
Milo Round Robin Schools Football Competition
Sir Leon Lessons continues path of destruction; Four more matches on today
Part of the action between Richard Ishmael and Carmel Secondary yesterday. Sir Leon Lessons continued to dispatch opponents with consumate ease, Brickdam Secondary becoming the latest victim of their onslaught after suffering a lop-sided 13-0 drubbing in latest action of the Milo Round Robin Schools Football Competition which resumed yesterday, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. Playing in the third of four scheduled games, Sir Leon Lessons was led to victory through goals from Adrian Aaron, who netted in the 3rd, 27th, 32nd and 66th minute, while support came from Meshach Barratt in the 1st, 33rd and 42nd, Amonick
Muir-6th, Richard Rayside26th, own goal-40th, Shamar Carrington-44th, Dante Yannick-47th and Dexter Blue in the 64th. In the day’s full results: Game-1 - Christ Church-2 vs Queenstown Secondary5. Queenstown Scorers: Jermaine Padmore-54th, 56th and 67th, Daniel Ross5th, Shaquan Stephens-30th. Christ Church Scorers Patrick Joseph-21st, Andre Paul-68th. Game-2 - South Ruimveldt1 vs Cummings Lodge-0.
Godfrey Weekes-34th. Game-3 - Sir Leon Lessons13 vs Brickdam Secondary0. Adrian Aaron-3rd, 27th, 32nd and 66th, Meshach Barratt-1st, 33rd and 42nd, Amonick Muir-6th, Richard Rayside-26th, Own Goal40th, Shamar Carrington44th, Dante Yannick-47th, Dexter Blue-64th. Game-4 - Richard Ishmael2 vs Carmel Secondary-5. Carmel Scorers: Shaquille Baptiste-9th, 15th, Randy Roberts-45th and 47th, Stefan Duke-18th. Richard
Secretary/Treasurer Hemant Narine, Fullbore Captain M a h e n d r a Persaud, Fullbore Vice Captain Dylan Fields, Smallbore Captain Dale Hing, Smalebore Vice Captain Gordon Richards, Committee Members – Lennox Braithwaite, Dr. Yohan Da Silva, Sherwin Felicien, Auditors – Murtland Smith, Leo Romalho, PRO – To be appointed at first Council Meeting. The meeting which was chaired by Fullbore Captain Persaud accepted reports that were presented by the Fullbore and Smallbore Captains, Treasurer and the Honorary Secretary, all giving an account of their stewardship for the past 12 months. The Secretary reported that in early 2016, a c o m p r e h e n s i v e developmental plan of action was drafted for the development of the Timehri Rifle and Pistol Ranges and is a collaborative effort with the Guyana Defense Force. The rifle range has been expanded from fourteen targets to twenty-four. The whole area for the target mechanism has been reengineered along with a safety area. The area for the administration of the hosting in October of the West Indies Fullbore Championship and the 150th Anniversary celebrations of the GuyananRA would also be renovated. A large area will also be prepared to house tents for the Admin office, medical, cafeteria, and relaxation area. The small bore range will see berms being erected to facilitate four stages of shooting taking place simultaneously. This new improvement
will see much benefit to the Guyana Defense Force and Guyana Police Force along with other entities that utilise the ranges, Sampson reported. The major works on the range should be completed by May. The TSU ranges had monthly competitions using the .22 and 9mm caliber firearms. This was coordinated by the Smallbore Committee, chaired by Mr. Dale Hing. The Secretary reported that the new Patron of the Association is H.E. Brig. David Granger and that they will work closely with him in promoting the sport of shooting in the country. Over the last year, the Secretary reported that many donors made contributions towards the Fullbore and the Smallbore sections. Gratitude was expressed for their continued support and more so in 2017 during our hosting. The meeting was informed that the association is now a signatory to the GOA’s Anti-Doping Policy and the marksmen shortlisted selected for the Commonwealth Games have been submitting their
monthly whereabouts forms. T h e a s s o c i a t i o n ’s performance over the year included the Fullbore Team defense of the Short Range trophy, which now means that Guyana have won it in all the shooting territories of the West Indies. Lt. Col Terrence Stuart submitted a Motion for the conferral of Life Membership on Brig. Mark Phillips and Brig. George Lewis. This motion was unanimously approved by the members. These two members now join other distinguished members who have been conferred with this honour, notably, Major General Norman Mc Lean, Major General Joseph Singh and Mr. Neville Denny. The Presiding Officer of the elections was Attorneyat-Law Leslie Sobers. The new President now has the task of leading the association in preparing to celebrate its 150th Anniversary in October, with the hosting of the West Indies Full Bore Shooting Championships which will see over 100 shooters descending on these shores from as far as the Falkland Islands.
Pakistan to play two additional T20s on Caribbean tour St John’s, Antigua, CMC – Two Twenty20 Internationals have been added to Pakistan’s tour of the Caribbean later this year, with the two sides now set to face off in four-match series. Kensington Oval in Barbados will host the first T20 on March 26 with the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain now hosting three games instead of two, on
March 30 and April 1 and 2. ” Tw e n t y 2 0 i s a n exciting format and this is another opportunity for our fans to indulge in the thrilling atmosphere that surrounds these matches,” said WICB cricket o p e r a t i o n s m a n a g e r, Roland Holder. ”We look forward to fans in Barbados and (Continued on page 73)
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Paul replaces Barnwell; Griffith says Guyana team not short of practice By Sean Devers Manager of the Guyana Jaguars cricket team Rayon Griffith says despite the a d v e r s e w e a t h e r, t h e National side is not short of practice heading into the second half of the Digicel Regional First-Class tournament, since they have been practicing at the indoor facility at LBI and the concrete surface at GYO in Woolford Avenue. The Jaguars have made one change from the team that played in the first half of the tournament with West Indies U-19 Vice-Captain Keemo Paul replacing Christopher Barnwell. The team leaves for Jamaica on Tuesday where they face the Scorpions from Friday before traveling to Trinidad and Barbados. The Jaguars return home for their last two matches after the completion of the three-match Pakistan ODI series in Guyana from April 7-11. Despite having their practice match washed out last week, Griffith explained that many of the 50 overs players are also in the fourday team and would have had match practice in this year’s Regional Super50 tournament in Barbados. ”Since we returned for Barbados we have had net sessions at the indoor practice facility at LBI and the batsmen have been facing the bowling machine on the concrete pitches at GYO so I won’t say the team is short of practice” the
Kemo Paul former Guyana pacer said during yesterday’s session at GYO. ”The surface here (concrete) is ideal preparation for the harder pitches that we are expected to play on, in our three overseas games” Griffith added. However, a source in Jamaica informed that the pitches at Sabina Park have been dug up and Guyana’s sixth round game has been shifted to Chedwin Park where the track is more favorable to spin. While the Jaguars finished second in the first half of the tournament on 64.6 points, 3.2 points behind leaders Jamaica Scorpions, the two-time defending Champions were not as convincing as they were in the previous two seasons. Barbados (47.2), Windwards (41.6), Leewards (40.4) and T&T (35.6) follow in that order in the points standings. The Jaguars have only won two of their five matches this season in which
their 18-match unbeaten streak was broken in St Kitts when the Leewards Hurricanes successfully chased down a 33-year-old record 369 to win after a sporting declaration on the tiny Warner Park left them to get the runs in 115 overs. Everyone in the Jaguars’ top seven has scored fifties but only Shiv Chanderpaul, the oldest player in the tournament, converted his into centuries. Chanderpaul who made 91 against Jamaica in the opening round at Providence and 81 not out against the Leewards Hurricanes before getting an even 100 against Barbados and 143 against T&T’s Red Force, is the only Jaguars’ batsman with 300 runs (447). Jamal Hamilton, the leading run-scorer with 485 runs and Chanderpaul are the only batsmen with two centuries. The inability to turn good starts into hundreds was a reason Guyana failed to get more batting points; while shot selection when well set and the number of catches dropped should also be areas of concern. Griffith indicated that the team has been working to improve those aspects. Jaguars squad: Taignarine Chanderpaul, Shemron Hetymer, Leon Johnson (Captain), Vishaul Singh, Shiv Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Romario Shepherd, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Rajendra Chandrika, Kemo Paul.
CONCACAF President to visit Guyana, commend work of GFF FIFA Vice-President and Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football President Victor Montagliani will visit Guyana between the 13th and 15th March, and has praised the new leadership of the Guyana Football Federation for the progress it has made so far in moving football forward. The CONCACAF delegation will follow hot on the heels of FIFA Director of Member Associations and Development for the Caribbean and Africa Veron Mosengo-Omba, who spent two days in Georgetown last month to show support for the work of the GFF and to
Sunday March 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
meet with government. ”As part of our One CONCACAF vision, it’s important to visit and encourage our member associations,” CONCACAF President Montagliani said. “To that end, I look forward to my visit to Guyana, a federation that has shown significant progress in developing the game at all levels over the last year through its leadership.” Montagliani was elected as CONCACAF President in May 2016, with a mandate to reform football across the region. ”We are delighted that CONCACAF President Montagliani is coming to Guyana,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.
Victor Montagliani “The Guyana Football Federation is fully committed to working with CONCACAF to reform and develop football, both at home and regionally.” Guyana is one of the 41 member associations of CONCACAF, which is responsible for competitions, governance and football development in the region, as part of FIFA’s global structure for the administration of football.
Anamayah Memorial Basketball
NA Warriors claw back to beat Hopetown Steelers
Action in the match between NA Warriors and Hopetown Steelers at the Vryman Erven Basketball Court, New Amsterdam. A timid New Amsterdam Warriors took some time to settle down before asserting themselves against Hopetown Steelers whilst clawing their way from behind to claim victory when play continued in the 3rd Annual Anamayah Basketball Competition in Berbice. Playing at the Vryman’s Erven Basketball Court on Tuesday last, NA Warriors won the match 55-45. The Steelers was fast out of the blocks and were all over the disorganised Warriors as
they ended the first quarter leading 13-7. It had seemed like the Steelers were in for another upset win as they outscored their opponents for a nine point lead (14-25) by the end of the first half. However, as the action further heated up, the Warriors fought back and completely turned the tables on the wearing Steelers. They {Warriors}poured in 22 points to their opponents’ 14 to reduce the lead by three points by the end of the third quarter, 3936. In the final quarter, the
Warriors were all over the Steelers, tipping in 19 points whilst limiting the Stealers to just 6 to claim the win in the end by a 10 point margin, 55-45. Leading the fight back for New Amsterdam Warriors were Kwesi Mickle with a game high 18 points, Jaun Vandestopp 11, Kevin Thom 10, Shamar France 9 and Ralone Fogenay, 8. For Hopetown Steelers, Jarrel Allen, Kellon Webster and Elvis Thompson had 12 point apiece and Ruel Edwards 8.
WI scrap as England search for knockout today If the first ODI was a boxing match, England would have scored a TKO in the final round. The result was pretty much as expected, with a few notable displays in England’s largely workaday performance, but West Indies will have been encouraged by pretty much going the distance. A 45-run defeat was certainly not the mismatched mauling some may have feared. Shannon Gabriel’s newball spell had England in trouble, while Ashley Nurse did a decent containing job in the middle overs; then with the bat, Jason Mohammed led the resistance after West Indies looked to be in trouble at 39 for 3. Mohammed and Jonathan Carter combined composure with power particularly in the case of the latter - and perhaps only the difficulty of chasing on a slow surface undermined them towards the end. Stuart Law, West Indies’
new coach, will surely feel he has some ingredients to work with as he tries to marshal a rise from No. 9 in the rankings and secure a u t o m a t i c Wo r l d C u p qualification. Narrow defeats are not worth any more ranking points than heavy ones, however, and immediate improvement could be required as the tourists warm to the conditions and the task at hand. England may not have blasted away their opponent in the opening rounds but they did show some improved ringcraft. Eoin Morgan’s hundred showed the savvy that has not always been so apparent in the hardhitting approach favoured by this side; Ben Stokes, too, applied himself to the situation and England were therefore able to grind their way to the brink of 300 without overreaching. A more ruthless performance with the ball
will be on Morgan’s tick list for the rematch. In the spotlight - Jason Mohammed had only played two ODIs for his country spread over four years and yielding six runs - before making his maiden halfcentury for West Indies in Antigua. After a strong Regional Super 50 for Trinidad, in which he was fifth on the run-scorers’ charts, Mohammed has been preferred in the middle order to the younger, more dynamic Rovman Powell. He showed the value of his experience in the first match, during partnerships of 69 and 82 with Shai Hope and Carter respectively, and almost single-handedly milked Moeen Ali’s offspin, scoring 30 of the 37 Moeen conceded to keep West Indies in the hunt. At 30, now is his chance to demand a run in the side. I t m i g h t b e counterintuitive (Continued on page 73)
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Kaieteur News
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Bel Air Lions Club / Supligen Domino Competition -over $500,000 in prize monies up for grabs launched
Supligen Brand Manager Michael Gomes speaking at the official Launch of the Bel Air Lions Club / Supligen Dominoes Tournament said the Company’s confirmation of support for the upcoming twoday event was always going to be made without hesitation. Gomes in his address at the special occasion told the gathering of Lions officials and the media stated that because of the purpose for which the tournament is being held, they found it easy to offer their support to the venture that has been organised to help the lesser fortunate in the society. He added that Supligen is proud to be associated with such an activity and shortly before wishing the organisers and teams well, urged that a large turnout of teams from the fraternity and the Private and Public Sectors is seen during the competition. President of the Club Matthew Langevine in his presentation said they were indeed happy to be partnering with the Supligen brand, informing that it was not the first time that they had done so in addition to having similar relationships with other organisations as well, especially to generate funds to assist the lesser fortunate. He disclosed that the Company (Beepats) is plugging substantial funding into the Project and the Club
Supligen Brand Manager Michael Gomes (4th right) shakes the hand of Bel Air Lions Club President Matthew Langevine as a symbol of agreement of the entity’s support in the presence Lions officials and members of the GDA on Friday. is extremely appreciative of the effort. Also coming in for special commendation was the Georgetown Domino Association (GDA), who’s President was lauded for offering technical assistance and personnel to ensure that the undertaking is a huge success. Langevine promised that all proceeds from the tournament will help fund community projects the names of which will be announced following the completion of competition. G D A Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t Rodwell Phillips in his remarks said his entity was happy to be on board once again, citing their involvement in a similar event not so long ago.
He pointed out that the competition fits perfectly into their plan which is to spread the sport through the length and breadth of Guyana and at the same time assist the Lions in its quest to reach out to communities and persons in need. He too called on interested groups, Private and Public Sectors to come out and support a worthy cause. GDA Special Events Co-ordinator Orin Boston in his presentation said the aim is to get a minimum of thirtytwo teams to participate, but early indication seems to suggest that they will surpass that figure which according to him is good for the tournament. Boston revealed that
over $500,000 in total prize monies will be up for grabs and teams could uplift registration forms from the following locations and individuals. Entrance fee is $12,000 per team and the Most Valuable Player will receive $10,000 and a case of Supligen. Interested teams could contact Ray’s One Stop Auto Parts on Sheriff Street or officials from the GDA. Registration will be conducted on March 25 from 14:15 hrs and double sixtime is 15:00hrs. The tournament is scheduled to end on March 26, at the Bel Air Lions Den, Section ‘K’, Campbellvile. All trophies were donated by Ray’s One Stop Auto Parts.
STAG Elite League resumes today with potentially mouth watering leaders clash
G u y a n a ’s p r e m i e r football competition, the STAG Elite League, restarts today with a potentially tantalising League Leaders Tournament double-header at the Tucville ground, before the full resumption of the second half of season two on 19th March, next. The League Leaders Tournament brings together the top four clubs from the first half of the STAG Elite League Season 2 in a special play-off competition aimed
at increasing fan engagement and showcasing some of the best talent in the league. After a large number of player transfers during the January window, football fans will be treated to a series of top class games today, featuring many of Guyana’s top players, including Anthony Abrams, Pernell Schultz and Kareem Knights. Victoria Kings and Buxton United compete in the first match, kicking off at 16:30hrs followed by Fruta Conquerors and the Guyana Defence Force at 19:00hrs. “Football is all about the players and the fans, and this League Leaders Tournament is going to be an exciting showcase for some of the best talent in Guyana,” said Guyana Football Federation President Wayne
Forde. ”We want to encourage all our football fans to come out and show their support for some of those players who did not have the opportunity to compete in the first half of the season, but are now eager to showcase their skills in the top flight as they aim for national team selection this year.” The semi-finals of the N a t i o n a l Wo m e n ’s Development League are scheduled to take place this Thursday with Paiwomack taking on Fruta Conquerors and the Guyana Defence Force competing against St. Ignatius. The League Leaders play-off match between the winner of today’s first clash and the loser of the second match will also take place on Thursday.
The finals of the League Leaders Tournament and N a t i o n a l Wo m e n ’s Development League are scheduled for Sunday next. Fans who attend matches in the second half of the Stag Elite League season two will have the chance to win a range of prizes. Stag will offer $5,000 cash vouchers and Gillette Value Packs, and conduct a Skill Ball Competition at each match. Automotive Power Parts have donated a Jialing motorcycle as a one-off prize for one lucky fan, as well as t-shirts and caps for fans at each match while Church’s Chicken will offer coupons for family meals; Impressions will give away branded paraphernalia, and the GFF will also offer jerseys and caps.
NSC Mashramani Badminton Tourney
Mangra and Ramdhani cops Men’s and Open Ladies Singles Titles
Jonathan Mangra and Priyanna Ramdhani Jonathan Mangra and Priyanna Ramdhani emerged as the Men’s and Open Ladies champions when the first half of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Mashramani Badminton Tournament concluded on Friday last at the National Gymnasium. The second half of the said competition which will see rivalry in the Under-11, 13 and 15 sections served off yesterday at the same venue.
t r o Sp
Flour Power National U17s overpower Haiti
y e n r u o T l a n o i t a n r e t n I n a l l i h C l Tournoi Pau Guyana’s U17 Junior Jaguars
CONCACAF President Rebel Tennis Club Championship heats up to visit Guyana, commend work of GFF WI scrap as England search for knockout today
STAG Elite League resumes today with potentially mouth watering leaders clash
Paul replaces Barnwell; Griffith says Guyana team not short of practice
Cristy Campbell (file photo).
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