Wednesday March 08, 2017
No citizen has a constitutional right to stolen property DEAR EDITOR; Christopher Ram is an avid researcher as he quotes the British Proceeds of Crime Bill. He would then know that an impact study on civil forfeiture completed by the Council of Europe Economic Crime Cooperation Unit concluded that for civil recovery to work effectively the following international standards should be included: · The authorities must prove its case on a balance of probabilities; · Interim and final orders should be made by a Court. Although no particular crime need be identified or proved, the court must be required to satisfy itself that the property is the proceeds of, or traceable to, crime; · Any owner and any person claiming ownership must be allowed to participate in proceedings; · Considerations should be given to whether an innocent owner defence should be provided for. Contrary to the perceptions Christopher Ram is desperately trying to propagate, the SARA Bill meets with these international requirements NO ONE has a constitutional right to stolen property. Christopher Ram
knows that Guyana is a money laundering haven. From his position as one of the major accounting firms in Guyana he knows this very well. He is aware of the cocaine problem, the gold smuggling problems, the use of illegal cash to build large real estate properties in Guyana and the general undermining of our economy and smaller businesses by the scourge of financial crimes. If one were to calculate the value of 15,000 ounces of gold smuggled on a weekly basis this sums up to 750,000 ounces of gold per year and at an average value of just US$1000 per ounces (one must remember gold reached almost US$2000 per ounce during the peak years), this translates to US$750 million per year. Over a 10 year period, this is US$7.5 billion dollars. Guyana’s GDP is under US$4 billion per year. Guyana’s poverty rate would surely have been reduced if the Government had received its fair share of the royalties from this illegal act. Guyana’s 2017 budget is US$1.25 billion. Christopher Ram also is quite aware of Guyana’s compromised legal system in which criminal charges can be delayed in courts for many years while the stolen assets,
since they are not frozen, will be spent or disguised in the names of family and friends etc. Christopher Ram also money laundering resulting from the conversion of stolen state assets is a national security issue. The Bank of America, the largest correspondent bank in the United States of America dealing with local banks, cut ties with several commercial banks in Guyana at the end of August 2016. Does Ram know why the Bank of Guyana exited Guyana? He has relationships with some of the banks in Guyana. Perhaps Ram should share his knowledge of this crisis with his endearing public as he is the good Samaritan fighting a bad Bill. With an oil economy, the last thing Guyana needs is a compromised banking system with the proceeds of crime deeply embedded in the system. Indeed, the current situation in Guyana is one of crisis and is manifested in the shortage of U$ dollars etc. Just this week, US$175 million of drugs was found on a boat. Where does that money end up? Ram is fully aware the statement made by Professor Clive Thomas in his writings about the criminalization of Guyana State, namely: “There is the existence of a cabal or coterie
of persons comprised mainly, but not exclusively, of selective crime bosses, state officials, security personnel, elements of the criminal justice system and political bosses, advisors and other insiders. The combination is unique and derives from the particular historical antecedents as well as social, economic and political circumstances in Guyana. This group as identified wields enormous power as well as commands considerate economic wealth. As the ruling elite this group has placed itself above the reaches of domestic law while at the same time leading the political charge in Guyana for law, order, public safety and human security”. Ram, like the skilled lawyer and accountant he is, tries to segment the Bill to serve his own purpose. Is it to save face or to be smart with words? Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz shares with his students a strategy for successfully defending cases. If the facts are on your side, Dershowitz says, pound the facts into the table. If the law is on your side, pound the law into the table. If neither the facts nor the law are on your side, pound the table. Ram, stop pounding the table! Eric Phillips
Missing money that found its way into foreign accounts DEAR EDITOR; Those who are guilty of contributing to the precipice that Guyana almost found itself are increasingly aware that SARU’s scope, intelligence and international reach will expose their former schemes. That fact fuels their trepidation, and the thought of a fully constituted and functioning SARA is the last thing they would ever desire. The government and people of Guyana must remain resolute in their quest to recover stolen state assets and bring those who are directly responsible, their cohorts and abettors to justice. The State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) was set up by the Coalition Government to address State Asset abuses and concerns in Guyana. Its functionality is to ensure that stolen or misappropriated state assets
are traced and recovered. Fundamentally, assets of the state include tax-payers funded tangibles, land and finance. There is a hue and cry over some tax related aspects of budget 2017. But, the country cannot spend what it does not have. The Government has to find money from somewhere to effectively finance this country’s fiscal expenditures. That financing primarily comes from export earnings and taxation. I will not detail further economic factors, since I am no expert in this field, but wish to make the fundamental point that loss in revenues through the depletion of state assets over the years has placed a huge burden on this country and the average citizen as a whole. For example, Guyana lost over US$50 Million (GYD$10.2 Billion) in 2014 on log exports
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to just one major importer alone. Surely that money didn’t go towards our Mashramani, or building condominiums for aspiring University students. Indicators suggest that those funds found their way into overseas banks and investments, strengthening the economies of some insouciant foreign countries. Those countries will be able to improve their own infrastructure, fill the bellies and educate their children at our loss of revenues and expense. Research reveals that those proceeds resulted from ‘UNDER-PRICING’ on our log exports at this port of origin. Under-pricing leads to lower export commissions than the law provides, and on massive scales of exports the loss of revenue is considerably high. This government could have further reduced Value
Added Taxes (VAT) had that fraction of lost earnings (assets) found its rightful place into our Consolidated Fund. For this reason, the recovery of stolen state assets and their proceeds are of utmost importance. This country has suffered extensive losses in cash and kind. The State Asset Recovery Bill, once legislated, will result in the efficacy of an Agency that will have a concomitant positive impact on the country’s economy. Seventy-five percent (75%) of Continued on page 6
Fiasco over a simple interpretation of words DEAR EDITOR; On reading Christopher Ram’s letter in the newspaper on article 161 (2) of the constitution in relation to the eligibility criteria for the GECOM chairmanship and the meaning of the words, “any other fit and proper person,” the idea came to me to pen this letter. The debate on what “any other fit and proper person” means symbolizes how deeply entrenched political loyalties are in this land. But most of all, it is instructive of how the authoritarian garden becomes fertilized. People laugh at this country, notably our Caribbean neighbours. The West Indian intellectual’s disdain for Guyana must have deepened when they see how simple words we cannot understand in Guyana. The leaders in Government were insulted by Mr. Jagdeo when he submitted a list of plain nonstarters, minus Messrs Ram and Lutchmansingh, to be the next Chairman of GECOM. The Government fought back and tried to play hardball with Jagdeo. It said article 161 (2) means that only a judge or someone with qualifications to be a judge can be the GECOM Chairman. The government was playing politics here. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. What is wrong, reprehensible, immoral, deceitful, dangerous and completely unacceptable are educated people who in support of the government or out of their justified dislike for the PPP are barefaced enough to tell the world that “any other fit and proper person” also means a judge. This is where the authoritarian leverage of the leader is widened and authoritarianism begins to grow. This is the lesson humans should learn from history. It is when the
dictatorial path finds support from the educated mind in the society, then leaders grow bolder in their excesses. This is how dictatorship becomes possible. The historical record is mountainous with examples. Decent Germans who disliked the Jews embraced the abject nonsense Hitler was saying. Communists who hated capitalism supported the semi-literate outpourings of Stalin. That has been the story of the rise of the modern authoritarian government. Trump became President because those who disliked the American non-white population endorsed the nonsense Trump believes in. A high school kid does not have to be a genius to understand the words of article 161 (2). And there are so simple that it really calls into question the moral character of those who chose not to see the simplicity of the meaning. After stressing the qualities of a judge, it went on to state in language that was extremely ordinary that if you cannot find a judge, any other fit and proper person becomes eligible. No educated person who walked into a university and earned a degree in the humanities or social sciences should find it hard to comprehend what that article in the constitution means. Let me close by saying I perfectly understand the government’s insistence that the words mean you must be a judge to be GECOM’s Chairman. It is their strategy of countering Jagdeo. But how can someone belittle their education by seeing a plate and calling it a cup just because they support the government of the day. This raging fiasco over what some straightforward words mean tells the story of an ongoing tragedy named Guyana Frederick Kissoon
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Wednesday March 08, 2017
Why the negative attitude towards Surujbally’s attacks on GECOM the EITI by Clive Thomas? Commissioners are misplaced
DEAR EDITOR; Presidential advisor Dr. CY Thomas writing about the Extractive Industries Transparency initiative (EITI)offers a critical portrayal that due to space constraints I’m able to refer to only five critiques.” Almost a year ago Professor Thomas (CY) introduced his lecture on the EITI at a Conference at the Pegasus hotel by a similar statement that “his findings should not be interpreted as hostility towards the EITI (but)…viewed only as constructive, critical observation, in the hope that it would enhance the ongoing process”. Since he suffered no constraints of space on that occasion, the audience was treated to the full range of his caution, pessimism, scepticism, questioning and censure about the EITI, which left some wondering what hostility would look like. Identical views were reproduced yesterday in a long article in the Sunday edition of Kaieteur News (5/ 2/17). A constant feature of his critiques is the caution that the EITI “should not be treated as a panacea for securing all areas of governance” although those holding such extreme views are never identified. CY has every right to his views, but they would be more palatable to advocates of the EITI were he to indicate that many of them are to be found on EITI’s own website and are widely discussed within the EITI movement. Moreover, many of his criticisms are querulous or carping and refer to out-of-date versions of the EITI Standard. The absence of Brazil/ Russia/India/China/South Africa (BRICS) countries (all notoriously corrupt) from the EITI is something of an obsession with CY, as if Guyana should wait until they join the EITI before we take the same step. Another trivial critique is formulated in terms of “it is impossible to establish a cause-effect relationship” between EITI activity and what it achieves, a truth in relation to civic activism
generally, but why raise it in connection with EITI? CY’s fourth critique states that civil society capacity to drive the EITI “varies significantly among EITI implementing countries.” Since just about everything, starting with the weather, ‘varies significantly’ in EITI implementing countries, why is this a ‘critique’ rather than just a fact? A fifth critique that the Trump administration’s lifting of a reporting requirement on US companies ‘dramatically makes clear’ that the EITI “offers big corporations a safer alternative than mandatory regulation in their own countries” is incorrect. Reporting requirements of big US corporations operating in EITI compliant countries are not disturbed by changes in US domestic requirements. A final critique quotes the European Parliamentary Research Service, in its EITI Briefing in 2014 to the effect that, “Overall results to date have been uneven and partial.”However, the same source also noted “a positive correlation between EITI candidate countries with enhanced accountability and an improved business climate” which CY overlooks to mention. I am more curious why CY has such extensive reservations about a process which is still being fashioned in Guyana. In his earlier lecture he stated that Guyana must ‘avoid becoming a passive recipient of the EITI package’ – a caution he attributes ‘to participants in other jurisdictions (regional), as well as wider civil society analysts’. The truth is that any country that joins the EITI determines for itself what to include in its mandate and how to set up its Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG). Indeed, there is a growing feeling that given the enormous diversity of membership EITI now enjoys, it may need to introduce more uniformity rather than less. The great significance of the EITI for Guyana, in my view, is the tri-sectoral direction of the EITI by representatives from
government, industry and civil society. CY Thomas rather dismissively bundles the EITI along with a number of other initiatives such as the Stewardship Council, EUFLECT and others without appreciating the fact that the EITI is the only mechanism, to my knowledge, in which a legitimately elected government consciously and formally cedes power to a body in which it does not enjoy a majority. If the EITI can gain traction by achieving consensus on smaller issues and from that experience move to more significant issues, why would he want to stifle it? In the Guyana context, this mechanism offers a challenge, albeit small, even insignificant maybe, to the stark polarization of our national politics. As the Senior Advisor to the President on corruptionrelated matters, CY can hardly claim that his views on EITI are private and insulated from his formal advisory role. Indeed the issue is larger than the EITI. The Presidency has been generally lukewarm with respect to the NorwayGuyana Agreement, of which creation of the EITI is one of the terms of the Agreement. Despite the fact that forestry is the currency of the NGA, the Guyana Forestry Commission has been replaced as the lead Agency at COP21 by the Office of Climate Change; LCDS has been replaced by a ‘green economy and the professional REDD+ experts are marginalized by nonprofessionals. To what extent this generalized lack of interest and support for the terms of the Norway Agreement are influenced by the views of the Senior Advisor is difficult to say. His views on all things Norwegian, (in decidedly unacademic language it might be added) are still available on the UG-IDS website for public viewing. What the Norwegians make of all this is not known. What is of greater concern, however, is what kind of support can the EITI expect from the Presidency in light of this persistent negativity? Mike McCormack
DEAR EDITOR; The recent reports in the media on remarks and statements made by the past Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr. Steve Surujbally, on his demitting office, raises questions of concern as to whether he deliberately, or mistakenly, is on a mission of undermining the accepted view of the constitutionally determined composition of the body of which he was chairman for fifteen (15) years. Further, his statements at the press briefing, add to the criticisms of the quality of his stewardship of GECOM. Dr. Surujbally was quoted as stating that “partisan” commissioners were not good for Guyana – a position he has stated at commission meetings on some occasions when he was required to cast his vote when the commission was divided across the table on contentious issues. The Constitution provides for six commissioners three of which are appointed by the President, acting in his own deliberate judgment, and three appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. The Chairman of GECOM is appointed, according to Article (161) 2, “ The Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or has held office as a judge of a court…or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person.” I have several times pointed out to Dr. Surujbally that the Commission was bi-partisan in nature, as a result of the tedious and deliberate formulation of the “Carter Formula” which was one of the key adoptions in constitutional reform which allowed for a more democratic constitution and free and fair elections in 1992. The resultant makeup of the Commission necessarily took into account the political context of Guyana and the interests of the major national political stakeholders in the constitutional reform process. Therefore, in my view, Dr. Surujbally’s attacks on commissioners for “partisan” positions or actions in and outside of GECOM are misplaced and, are seemingly following an agenda which is scripted elsewhere adopting the course of which could lead to the bogging down of progress towards holding National Elections in 2020 as constitutionally mandated. The nominated commissioners of GECOM have the crucial role of bringing the
perspectives, viewpoints and experiences of their nominee, the nominee’s supporters, and those of the wider society (inclusive of adversarial positions from the ‘other side’) for consideration, deliberation and resolution to the table at GECOM. And so, one has to ask Dr. Surujbally, who is better placed to officiate at internal elections of their nominating party or grouping than a fair-minded, discerning GECOM commissioner? And who is better at engaging with stakeholder groups in relation to their concerns with respect to the operations of the electoral body? While Commissioners are expected and understood to be reticent, detached, discrete and dispassionate in their engagements one cannot ascribe mere “partisianship” to the role and every singled-out activity action of commissioners. And here, I want to categorically deny being on a PPP/C ‘platform” in Essequibo shortly after being appointed a GECOM commissioner. I partook in an outreach by the PPP/C on that coast where I had discussions and took information at private ‘bottomhouse’ meetings or at informal encounters at a number of locations where GECOM’S performance was unfailingly severely criticized. Surujbally appears to delight in propagating the fiction of the ‘platform’ which was inaccurately reported in the press. In any event, it is the Chairman of GECOM who, when put in the sometimes unenviable position of having to cast his vote in determining a matter that is divisive – partisan or not- who has to have the courage and confidence to so do in a manner that is viewed as deliberate, logical and standing the tests of integrity and transparency. Dr. Surujbally’s casting of his determining vote on the question of the CEO Lowenfield’s application to the courts to pursue the blocking of a hearing of the Ganga Persaud’s Election Petition does not meet nor allows for the standard of transparency and integrity required of an elections commission in any democracy and brings the electoral body to a new historically low point. Why should GECOM, through its CEO, stand in the way of the constitutionally mandated resort, which is intended to bring comfort on judicial scrutiny and determination, on the questioning of electoral integrity? Robeson Benn PPP/C GECOM Commissioner
Missing money that found its... From page 5 all recovered state asset proceeds will be paid directly into the Consolidated Fund. The Washington DC based Global Financial Integrity group, in their 2015 report, ranked Guyana at 102 of 149 listed countries on the Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries Index, with an average revenue loss of USD$285 Million (GYD $58 Billions) per annum between 2004 – 2013. Comparatively, the average annual illicit cash flow from Antigua and Barbuda, ranked 144, was USD$5 Million and United Arab Emirates, ranked 148, with less than a Million US dollars. The People’s Republic of China was ranked No.1, with the most illicit financial flows of USD$139 Billion. Guyana’s GDP for 2017 is pegged at approximately USD$3.7 Billion (GYD$750B). Based on those statistics, it is conservatively estimated that our country would have been losing 13 – 20% of earnings over time through illicit financial flows alone. Just imagine the positive impact if at least 10% of those funds were recovered and injected into our economy. Mind you, that is only derivative of illicit cash flows. Eric Holder, former Attorney General of the United States, stated; “[W]e must work
together to ensure that corrupt officials do not retain the illicit proceeds of their corruption. There is no gentle way to say it: When kleptocrats loot their nations’ treasuries, steal natural resources, and embezzle development aid, they condemn their nations’ children to starvation and disease. In the face of this manifest injustice, asset recovery is a global imperative.” (end of quote). Every elected Government in the World has a fiduciary duty to prudently manage, preserve and protect its state’s assets. Guyana is no exception, as the majority of citizens expect the government to ensure accountability; fairness and equitable distribution of the nation’s resources are basic tenets. If this country is to truly optimize its potential and enjoy all of its yields, there must be a united approach against the criminality that had so successfully woven itself within our public and private sectors, resulting in the horrendous loss and misuse of our State’s Assets. The government would have failed the people of Guyana if it doesn’t succeed in ensuring safe passage of State Asset Recovery legislation in a timely manner. Orette Cutting
Wednesday March 08, 2017
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Guyana and its EITI application…
Govt. confident ExxonMobil will cooperate By Kiana Wilburg Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge is “absolutely confident” that oil giant, ExxonMobil will cooperate with Guyana when it comes to the nation’s application for membership with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). He made this, among other statements, during a recent interview with this newspaper. Greenidge’s comments come in wake of the fact that the coalition administration has taken note of the recent action by U.S. President, Donald Trump to repeal a key piece of disclosure law which no longer strong-arms American companies in the extractive sector to divulge what they are paying to foreign governments. The Government has also acknowledged that Trump’s action will have an impact on all countries which are implementing the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). One of the key requirements of any country that is part of the EITI fold is to allow scrutiny of Government’s records of what it receives from companies in the extractive sectors. Guyana is currently applying to be part of the EITI. While Trump’s action could have an impact on Guyana’s application, and all countries implementing EITI principles and standards, the Government is saying that the impact would not be a “fatal one”. Greenidge who is advising Government on the matter said that he is sure the administration would have Exxon’s support when it comes to the EITI principles being implemented here.
- Greenidge
Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge The Foreign Affairs Minister said, “The point I want to make is that Exxon is a large multibillion-dollar company. It is a company which has commercial obligations in relation to its shareholders and to the market place. It also has responsibilities as a corporate entity. We are not starting from the assumption that they will not cooperate because they no longer find themselves in a position where they have a gun to their head from the USA to disclose certain information.” Greenidge continued, “We have a good relationship with Exxon. And given their activities here, we expect that it will be pretty profitable. From where I sit, we are not anticipating any malfeasance. We need to remember that they started working with us in difficult times. So in terms of the way forward, I am not worried. I believe we will continue to seek to have a cooperative and fruitful relationship and on both sides. We will respect best international practices.” Since the law was repealed by Trump, it has attracted much criticism from anti-corruption 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 (Securities and Exchange Commission) 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 With the emergence of a multibillion-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 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. While there are a few more
Chairman of EITI, Fredrik Reinfeldt
U.S President, Donald Trump
stages left to go through, Guyana certainly made significant headway recently as it relates to its application for membership to the EITI with the launching of Guyana’s very own 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, 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.” “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 (Continued on page 16)
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Wednesday March 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
SOCU arrests political witch-hunt - Jagdeo
Former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Roger Luncheon (with hands on desk) being read the details of his arrest by Superintendent Vieira at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. Also sitting is Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. By Murtland Haley “This is all a political witch-hunt, it’s as clear as day.” Those were the words used by Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, to describe the arrest of seven beneficiaries of land from the Sparendaam land distribution scheme popularly known as “Pradoville Two”. The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) arrested the persons yesterday as the entity continued its probe into the matter. Those arrested were Jagdeo, former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Roger Luncheon, former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo, daughter of former President Donald Ramotar
and General Manager of Guyana Gold Board, Lisaveta Ramotar, son of former Labour Minister Nanda Gopaul, Dr Gansham Singh, former Deputy Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Marcia Nadir-Sharma and former Minister of Natural Resources Robert Persaud. They were all accused of “Conspiracy to defraud the state of revenue”. Jagdeo expressed his views on the arrests at an impromptu press conference held at the Leader of the Opposition’s Office, Church Street, following the arrest of Luncheon who was seated in the boardroom. According to Jagdeo, the arrest is government’s way of
distracting Guyanese from its failings as an administration in every area in the country. Jagdeo said that as a result, the government is presently facing the wrath of PPP supporters and APNU-AFC supporters for not delivering on the many promises made during the 2015 election campaign trail. “It (APNU-AFC administration) can’t lead this country to a prosperous future. People’s welfare is declining, more and more people are protesting its action. You have people protesting its education policy, now the parking meters and the sugar workers. The country is in economic disarray and we’ve seen a steady and insidious move to Continued on page 29
Govt. dismisses political vendetta accusations, insists SOCU is independent Following the arrests and questioning yesterday of seven persons in the “Pradoville Two” land distribution case, by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), the Administration has dismissed claims that the actions were politically motivated. In a statement, government insisted that SOCU is independent and that the assets of the state “belong to the people of Guyana and under no circumstances will it condone or overlook any action which resulted in the improper, illegal or unjust distribution of same”. The statement from Government, in its entirety, is as follows: “The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has been informed of the on-going investigations by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). The Government has been informed that SOCU has conducted interviews with a number of agencies and individuals in relation to the ‘Pradoville 2’ Forensic Audit which was referred to the unit. SOCU, the Government has been informed, has conducted interviews with the Department of Housing, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Betterhope/Sparendaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Guyana Power and Light, Guyana Water Inc, National Communications Network and various other agencies and individuals in an effort to, among other things, determine
the market value of the Pradoville 2 complex. Interviews, the government has been informed, are on-going. The Government has further been informed that specific individuals were invited to the SOCU Office at Eve Leary for questioning during the course of this week and that some of the individuals complied while some did not. The Government has been specifically informed that in the case of two prominent former government officials – former President Bharrat Jagdeo and former Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon – they declined to visit the SOCU office for questioning and were arrested, questioned and subsequently released on their own recognizance. The Government notes SOCU’s meticulous, fair and independent work in investigating this immensely serious matter relating to state assets and looks forward to a thorough and comprehensive investigation and for the law to take its course and justice to be served. The Government notes spurious allegations of political vendetta and harassment and dismisses same as SOCU is operating independently and without any interference or direction. The Government reaffirms its stated position that the assets of the state belong to the people of Guyana and under no circumstances will it condone or overlook any action which resulted in the improper, illegal or unjust distribution of same.”
Wednesday March 08, 2017
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VAT ON CHILDBIRTH What took place yesterday at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and at the headquarters of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) was a contrived “pappy show”. The government has to satisfy its financers that it is going to jail leaders of the PPPC and therefore it is under severe pressure to do something, after a series of audits failed to establish the massive corruption which the APNU+AFC coalition said, had existed under the PPPC administration. The SOCU is now attempting to move civilly against leaders of the PPPC, most likely for malfeasance in office, on the basis that many of these leaders acquired properties from the State below market value. It is a most ridiculous state of affairs, but politics is a game of high comedy… and tragedy, sadly. What we are witnessing is political drama intended to provide entertainment, on the one hand, and dish out public humiliation on the other. It is intended to shame the Leader of the Opposition by having his name paraded in the overseas media that he was arrested. The PPPC, however, is
made of sterner stuff. It will survive whatever the APNU+AFC administration throws at it. It will cause party supporters to cuddle closer under the PPPC’s wing. When political leaders are being victimized and witchhunted, their support actually soars. APNU+AFC is looking for its own political boost from the so-called SOCU investigations. But it will find that the public is no mood for political theatrics at this stage. The public is hurting from the burden of the taxes which are now payable on electricity, water, visits to the doctors, medical tests, tuition fees for private education, internet and cable television services. Every child who is born at a private hospital in Guyana now comes into this world with a VAT tab. Childbirth at private hospitals now attracts VAT. This is how bizarre the tax measures of the government are. People are afraid to go to private hospitals. Even if the doctor can save you, the VAT on the cost of his services may cause you to get a heart attack. The public did not cater for these things. They have come like a thief in the night to steal away the
comforts of Guyanese consumers. The public is still waiting on the meagre 2% reduction in VAT to filter down to them. Prices in the markets have not decreased; on the contrary they are increasing. The parking meter issue has enraged citizens. Businesses are stagnating. Money is not circulating. There is a de facto 5 % devaluation of the dollar, with reports that some persons are being forced to pay more for foreign currency on the blackmarket because, despite what the government is saying, foreign currency is still hard to obtain from the banks. The economy is in deep problems; the tax burden is heavy. The government cannot even spend the money at its disposal. Just like when the PNC was in power, the APNU+AFC coalition has a dismal implementation ratio. The Permanent Secretaries are being made scapegoats for the failure of the political directorate and the favoured contractors who cannot fully execute the Public Sector Investment Programme. The arrests of yesterday are all part of an attempt to deflect from the deep crisis in
DEM BOYS SEH...
SOCU mek Jagdeo hide in toilet and Luncheon under sofa There is a saying that everything people do in this life, whether good, bad or indifferent, does come right back at you. You do good you does get good; when you do wicked things what you expect to get in return? Dem boys was de people who expose de Pradoville scheme. Dem also expose de hijack of our airwaves, de grabbing of de Santa complex and nuff other state asset including timber, mining, sugar and rice lands. Yesterday, de first bit of evil that Jagdeo, that scamp, do, come back to haunt him. He secretly join wid Brassington and nuff of dem scamp in he party hijack de land fuh next to nutten. He so greedy that he tek de biggest share and build a mansion although he still got a mansion in Pradoville One. He never sell it. He charge poor people $317 per square foot for swamp land in Tuschen, Diamond, La Parfaite Harmonie and all over; in fact in every housing scheme across de country. He go further. He charge dem remigrants $1,100 per square foot fuh the same cane field land.
But he and he kavakamite dem, tek Pradoville 2 which is prime ocean view property and pay $114 per square foot. Dem boys always know de evil gun come back to haunt dem and yesterday Soulja Bai and Clive Tommy arrest dem. Dem boys hear Luncheon try to hide under Jagdeo sofa in de office, and Jagdeo was hiding in de toilet. When SOCU tun up and haul him out de toilet Luncheon hear how dem handling Jagdeo, and he crawl out and holler, “Ow! Don’t shoot, I coming out willingly.” When he walk past dem boys on de road going to SOCU office, dem see de back of he pants has a rust-brown colour. Jagdeo pants front
was wet. That is how dem boys know something had to happen but dem didn’t know what until dem boys go to Clivie office and see Rob de Earth looking like dem pig wha he use to got at de Agricultural fair. Dem see Rumesh Dookoo crying like a bitch but dem didn’t see de goat man, Priya, Best and others. Dem boys barely see a man jumping up and when dem look dem see was Mingo bouncing up and down and shouting, “Is a good thing me cheque did bounce otherwise I woulda been bouncing in front of Soulja Bai and SOCU right now.” Dem boys can’t wait to see wha gun happen today. Talk half and Brassington better tek note.
the economy. The public is not going to be impressed, even though some of them will enjoy the sight of the humiliation which leaders of the opposition party are facing. The PPP has been down this road before. It plays to the objective of portraying their leaders as victims of a political witchhunt. The public do not want to know about who did not pay market value for house lots. The public wants to know who stole money, where the money is, and how soon we will get it back, if indeed it is stolen. The public is not interested in market value for house lots. Everyone who got a government house lot, got it below market value. Last year, the Ministry of Housing advertised a special deal in which it gave 50% discount to house lot owners as part of a promotion for Guyana’s 50th anniversary. Those who benefited from that arrangement had better be wary that SOCU does not pull them in an accuse them
of obtaining their house lots at half of the market value. This is the absurdity of any investigation about exgovernment officials and them not paying market value for their land. Thousands of home owners in Guyana received subsidized house lots from the government. Are they too going to be arrested by SOCU? This is all a pappy show. Except that no one is amused anymore. People want to know when they will get their increases in salaries from all
the billions of extra dollars which will now be collected because of the widening of VAT to certain services. Teachers want to know when they will receive their duty free concessions. Parents are worried about finding something to put in their children’s lunch kit each day. People are feeling the pinch while the government is persecuting the opposition.
Gas cylinder explodes, elderly woman dies in fire A woman, said to be in her early 80s, died on Monday after a gas cylinder exploded, killing her in her home at Morawhanna in the North West District. The victim has been identified as Pearl Savory. According to information received, the woman drank her pressure pills and went to bed, forgetting something on her stove. Residents reportedly heard a loud explosion and within minutes, the entire house was on fire. Her charred body was removed from the scene.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 08, 2017
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
Berbicians love their own version of Donald Trump Almost ninety-nine percent of the people who listened to Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar at Port Mourant last Sunday in commemoration of Cheddi Jagan’s death anniversary would have wished Hillary Clinton to win over Trump, because of Trump’s views on non-white immigration. Here is a piece of news that has not been reported. The US Embassy has cancelled about three dozen visitors’ visas of Guyanese whom they suspect to have used their visas to work in the US, and returned only to have repeated the pattern over and over. When I saw some of the
names I laughed. I wasn’t surprised to see who they were, meaning from which demography they came. I saw those names days before Jagdeo addressed his gathering. I wonder if those that sat in the audience and listened as Jagdeo lied to them are happy at what Trump is doing. But I wonder in the minds of that Port Mourant audience last Sunday if Trump is a bad president. If the answer is yes, why wasn’t Jagdeo a bad president? The report in the newspapers said Jagdeo’s speech was given wide applauses. Life is a bittersweet fruit. This was the man who wrecked the sugar
industry with the Skeldon factory, but Berbicians are rooting for him. I wonder, I really wonder if Granger says, ‘alright Berbicians I am going to subsidize the sugar industry’, will he get their votes in 2020? In 2020, I do believe Trump’s America will disappear and those voters in Ohio and elsewhere will leave Trump. Trump cannot bring back the industries and jobs in the South that he promised. Trump will fall in 2020 because white voters who wanted him to put white first will turn against him. They may even vote for a non-white presidential candidate. Sadly, long after Trump is
gone, Jagdeo will be waxing lyrical in Berbice about his non-existent record and the cheers, as they did last Sunday, will reverberate throughout Berbice. This is the extent to which Guyana is psychologically frightening. This is the man who banned the ferries and built a bridge with pensioners’ money in the NIS and commuters’ fare became a nightmare. Today, you can cross the river with a paid speedboat which was outlawed in Jagdeo’s time, yet the cheers were loud as he spoke last Sunday. Every time I go to Berbice, I get at least one complaint from a sugar worker about his pension which he cannot get. I wonder if such pensioners were in the audience clapping. Were there persons in that audience who gyrated with adulation when Jagdeo spoke last Sunday who had to travel to Georgetown to submit their passport application and had to wait five hours? I’m sure, there were. Were there persons among the wellwishers who came from Black Bush Polder? The Granger/ Nagamootoo administration
is making mistakes, but it wasn’t under their rule that Guyana became the suicide capital of the world. Guyana’s acquired that infamy from Black Bush Polder. The last time I checked, Black Bush Polder was in Berbice, right in the county of Berbice where last Sunday, Jagdeo regaled his audience with denunciations of a government that is less than two years’ old. Jagdeo’s rule lasted fifteen years. It would have been intriguing to ask each person at that event last Sunday how did their wellbeing fare from 1999 to May 2015 when Jagdeo ruled Guyana. How fascinating it would be to hear the answers from sugar workers and unemployed youths. They say people’s memories are short. If your memory is short, then, you are dancing with the Devil, because once you do not remember the past, it will come back to destroy you. The textbook on politics instructs you that once a leader is terrible, and a nation forgets his misdeeds, and votes him in again, his misdeeds, will multiply. It will multiply because the leader
Frederick Kissoon tells himself that he cannot be a bad man yet win his country’s support. We saw this with our politics in Georgetown. A candidate that didn’t perform in the City Council for over 20 years won the mayorship in 2016. She told herself she couldn’t be an incompetent performer all those years yet won the mayorship. Maybe Georgetowners are like Berbicians. Maybe Georgetowners and Berbicians are like other Guyanese – a nation that thrives on its own selfdestruction. Maybe Georgetowners deserve their mayor and Berbicians deserve their Jagdeo. The losers, of course, are the people of Guyana. But since when have the people of Guyana ever been winners. Maybe they will become winners when oil money comes. I am not too sure.
Wednesday March 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
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New nursery school for Hand-en-Veldt During the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday, contractors vied for the contract to construct a nursery school in Hand-en-Veldt, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. The engineer’s estimate is $22M.
Tenders were open for the construction and installation of Solar-powered bus sheds. The procuring entity was listed as the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). The engineer’s estimate was announced at $9M.
The Ministry of Public Health was listed as the procuring entity for contract to supply and deliver breast milk substitute. DeSinco Limited, with a bid price of $4.8M, was the sole bidder for this contract. The Health Ministry was also listed as the procuring entity for the procurement of two incubators and one hot-air oven for the Food and Drug Department.
Bids were submitted for the supply and installation of grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems on 57 government buildings. The GEA is also the procuring entity for this contract.
Finally, under the Ministry, bids were submitted for the procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for Regional Health Centres.
Tenders were open for the supply of uniforms, related materials and ready-made uniforms for the indigenous communities. The procuring entity is the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry. Tenders were opened for the procurement of one new Cherry picker (bucket truck). The Ministry of Presidency is the procuring entity.
The Ministry was once again listed as the procuring entity for the supply of outboard engines and all-terrain vehicles.
Tenders were also opened for the construction of the Ministry of the Presidency’s eastern fence located at Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown. The engineer’s estimate was announced at $25.4M.
Tenders were also open for the rehabilitation of seaming at the Mazaruni Dockyard. The procuring entity is the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). The engineer’s estimate was announced at $70M.
Bids were also submitted for the procurement of vehicles for the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the National Anti-narcotic Agency (NANA) and the Police Complaints Authority.
MARAD is also the procuring entity for the docking of the split barge at the Mazaruni Dockyard. The engineer’s estimate is $70.4M.
The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), is the procuring entity for the contract to upgrade Third Street to Back Road, Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara. The engineer’s estimate was announced at $23.5M.
Finally, a tender was opened for the supply of 5,100 tons of crusher run. The procuring entity is the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. BK International Incorporated, with a bid price of $37.8M, was the sole bidder.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 08, 2017
$$M to be spent again on Supenaam Stelling rehab The Supenaam Stelling in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) is once again, slated to undergo a multimillion-dollar make over.
Tenders were yesterday open at the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTAB), which saw a dozen contractors vying.
The procuring entity was listed as the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) and the engineer’s estimate was announced at $132.1M.
A damaged section of the stelling after M.V Sabanto collided with it last year. (File Photo) The Supenaam Stelling, has in the past, faced intense scrutiny after the $600M facility began suffering structural defects days after it was commissioned in 2010. This particular project, because of its cost, problems and importance, had sparked an inquiry involving the contractor, BK International, with neither the government of the day – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) nor the consultants taking blame. Millions were dished out to rectify the myriad problems that were experienced throughout the years. The stelling is a critical point linking for Government-owned ferries that take goods and passengers from the Essequibo coast to Parika, which links the city. In May 2010, the stelling ramp buckled under the weight of a heavy vehicle, days after it was open to ferry traffic. Ferries were forced to revert to the Adventure Stelling which government had hoped to abandon. This particular stelling had been in use for more than 100 years. Millions were spent here again. In September 2013 – three years after it was commissioned – a section of the deck
slab leading to the ramp that allows vehicles to load into the ferries collapsed, forcing transportation officials to restrict heavy vehicles and leaving rice farmers angry over the delays. The incident had triggered more questions of the quality of work on government projects. On July 6, 2016, the M.V. Sabanto collided with a floatation unit and cluster piles causing extensive damage. Rehabilitation was executed by the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation to the tune of $17M where corrective works entailed the removal of damaged cluster piles; driving of new clusters; changing of damaged components and re-aligning the span to its correct position. Additional works were executed to the Supenaam stelling such as: rehabilitation to the side-loading system where three piles were replaced; defective galvanize safety rails and lamp poles were re-installed; defective curb walls were re-cast; and sections of the driveway were covered with asphalt. These works were carried out by M. Sukhai Contracting Service.
Millions of dollars more to be spent on repairs to the Supenaam Stelling.
Wednesday March 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
GRA ‘Trusted Trader’ programme to speed up container processing
GRA’s ‘Trusted Trader’ programme will see businesses which qualify, experiencing less monitoring of their containers. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is launching a pilot to implement the Trusted Trader Programme, which is a variant of the World Customs Organization (WCO)’s Authorized Economic Operator (AEO). The programme in its initial stages will mainly target companies that have numerous transactions with the GRA for “Trusted Trader” status, the tax collection agency explained yesterday. Once deemed as a “Trusted
Trader” by the GRA, the company can benefit from a number of benefits. These include reduced processing, release, and clearance times for those eligible; reduced frequency or level of physical inspections and examinations and appropriate documentary and data requirements. The businesses that have qualified to be a Trusted Trader will be issued three-year compliance certificates. GRA yesterday also announced
that it can consider issuing yearly tax exemption letters for manufacturing purposes as opposed to the requirement for application on a shipment-byshipment basis. However, the criteria for the programme will be steep. Among other things, the business will have to show a turnover of $1B annually with total taxes annually at least $500M. According to GRA, while there would be companies who benefit from large volumes of tax exemptions
which may be considered, they will have to show that they have complied with requirements. Some of the compliance for businesses will include showing a history of filing timely tax returns for the last seven (7) years. “The applicant must also have satisfied his tax obligations under all acts administered by the Revenue Authority for all years and has satisfied the Commissioner-General that he/she has paid all taxes due and payable, or made satisfactory arrangements to do so, at the time of applying for Trusted Trader status.” GRA will also be looking to see if the businesses have proper audit history and no major issues with breaches with regards to false declarations. According to GRA, companies that have immovable assets owned by the applicant and not subject to floating charges will be considered. Some sectors that are considered critical, including companies that deal with medical supplies, will be given preference. “It should be noted that the Commissioner-General (Godfrey Statia) reserves the right to determine who will be deemed as a “Trusted Trader” for GRA’s purposes based on the level of risk to the revenues and in keeping with the laws and mandate of the GRA.
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GRA’s CommissionerGeneral, Godfrey Statia Companies meeting these eligibility requirements who are desirous of being deemed as “Trusted Traders” for GRA purposes are encouraged to make a formal application to the Commissioner-General with justification for consideration.” In the past, GRA had developed a system of making spot checks on containers that were coming for businesses that had a questionable history of under-declaration or under-invoicing. GRA’s Customs over the years has built up a reputation of corruption, with new management of the agency, in place since last year, vowing to clean up. In recent years, businesses have been clamouring for speedier processing of containers on the wharves, with a number of options being mulled by consecutive administrations.
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Wednesday March 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
No decision yet on where Guyana’s oil will be refined – Trotman The Ministry of Natural Resources says it has taken note of the article published by Kaieteur News and other news entities over Suriname’s inability to refine Guyana’s light crude oil. “While we do not dispute the statements emanating from the Suriname publication De Ware Tijd and republished by Demerara Waves and Kaieteur News, it is apposite to note that during Thursday’s March 2, 2017 breakfast engagement, Minister Trotman was speaking based on the best information available to him at that time.” A report this week in Suriname’s De Ware Tijd, quoted Rudolph Elias, chief of the state-owned refinery, Staatsolie, as saying that the facility does not have technical capacity to process Guyana’s oil. Trotman said yesterday that during the breakfast media meeting last week he had also pointed out that
Minister Raphael Trotman Government Ministers were i n f o r m e d o n Tu e s d a y, February 28, 2017 that Suriname had indicated a willingness to do refining for Guyana since their refinery is operating below full capacity. “The Minister said clearly that no decision has been made in terms of where Guyana’s oil would be refined. He reminded the journalists that Cabinet had approved a consultancy whose report will guide the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the way forward on the matter
of an oil refinery for the country.” Trotman noted yesterday that there had also been some recent overtures from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the refining of Guyana’s oil. He said he expects a formal proposal to be made from Trinidad and Tobago in this regard. Trotman pointed out that the current below-optimum operating positions of Suriname and Trinidad bring into stark focus the need for Guyana to be careful in considering whether or not to have a refinery. “Further, the question was asked during the breakfast engagement whether Trinidad or Suriname would have had to do any retrofitting to be able to refine the grade of oil Guyana will be producing. By virtue of this question being asked, and answer given, it is clear that there are still unknowns about the technical aspects of the potential refining arrangement between Guyana and its neighbours.” Oil in commercial quantities have been discovered offshore Guyana with ExxonMobil, the US company now planning for production by 2020.
Wednesday March 08, 2017
High gold declaration trend continues - prospects looking better than 2016 Good news for Guyana: Gold continues to perform exceptionally in 2017. Sources at the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) say that declarations in January and February of this year have already surpassed what has been recorded for the same period in 2016. Specifically, 44,468 ounces of gold has been declared for January of this year compared to 35,000 ounces last year. When contacted, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman declined to give figures, but confirmed that gold is already doing “even better than last year”. The Minister said that the amount of gold declared for January augurs well for the possibility of the sector surpassing last year’s historical declarations. He boasted of the successes for January and February “despite all the other challenges.” The challenges referred to by Trotman include small fallout that came after miners learnt about taxation measures introduced in Budget 2017. The Minister said that he is also impressed by the declarations, given that January is traditionally a “slow month”. Trotman exuded confidence that declarations will rise even more as the APNU+AFC administration buckles down on smuggling. He said that the Ministries of Public Security and Finance are working acidulously to minimize smuggling. Further, Trotman noted that Suriname has adjusted its royalty rate to 4.5 percent, “so the incentive to go over to Suriname (to sell gold) has diminished. He said that Suriname’s move to increase its royalty rate is rooted in the country’s desire to garner more revenue and an understanding between the Governments of Guyana and Suriname “that together we need to address this problem (smuggling)”. Last year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that the nation should be lucky that at least one sector is stepping up to the plate to hold the economy together. He said this as he addressed the contention that the outstanding performance of the gold sector is masking an economic decline. He said that the economy has always had lead and lag sectors. “They keep shifting. In the ‘70s it used to be bauxite which carried the economy and at that time I didn’t hear that it was a one-sector economy. Then there was a time when sugar carried the economy. So what is wrong if gold is stepping up? We are lucky that we have a sector to step up when other sectors have found themselves in difficulty.” While the Finance Minister held that view, the political opposition still insisted that the remarkable performance delivered by the gold sector thus far is masking the economic decline taking place in other core sectors.
UG student charged with harbouring wanted man
Shawn Neblett
CHARGED: Aliscia Dennelle Simon
Aliscia Dennelle Simon, a third-year Business Management student at the University of Guyana (UG) has been charged with harbouring a man wanted by police for trafficking narcotics. Simon, 23, of 2785 Community Lane, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown was indicted yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Particulars of the charge against her alleged that between February 2 and 8 at Community Lane, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, she harboured Shawn Neblett, whose name and photograph were published by police in connection with trafficking in narcotics. Simon who was represented by Attorney Tiffany Jeffrey in association with Keoma Griffith, pleaded not guilty to the charge. She was released on $100,000 bail and ordered to report to Superintendent of Police Wayne De Hearte, Head of the Police Narcotics Branch, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary. Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore did not oppose bail for the defendant. He disclosed that the prosecution intends to call a total of six witnesses. Simon was instructed to return to court on March 15, before Magistrate Dylon Bess.
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sophia teen charged with killing Top Cop’s brother He cried as he was being escorted from the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after a murder charge was read to him. The 15-year-old Sophia resident had just been remanded to a juvenile holding centre for the murder of Haymant Persaud, the brother of Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud. The teenager appeared yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on February 19,
at Stabroek Market Square, he killed 51 year-old Haymant Persaud. Persaud was with another man in the market area, when he was attacked and robbed by the teenager. According to reports, Persaud of Affiance, Essequibo Coast, was stabbed to death by the 15year-old who relieved him of his gold chain before making good his escape in a bus. The lad was arrested last week Friday at his Sophia home. He is reported to have confessed to killing the top
cop’s brother. Haymant Persaud’s body was left lying at the Georgetown Hospital mortuary for close to two weeks before being identified. Police had also sought help from the public with identifying the dead man. Based on reports, the teen, who was charged before with attempted murder and inflicting grievou s bodily harm, was positively identified as the perpetrator during an identification parade. This case will be called again on March 21.
Govt. confident ExxonMobil... (From page 7) 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. Trotman noted that efforts to find a suitable standalone location for the EITI secretariat have already commenced. He said 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.
Wednesday March 08, 2017
IMF returns to review Guyana’s economic health A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is currently in Guyana to check up on the country’s economic health. The team will be here until March 17. The visit by the IMF delegation is in keeping with its Article IV Mission. Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF usually holds bilateral discussions with members every year. During those consultations, the mission reviews the overall economic developments in the country, as well as its policy measures aimed at maintaining economic stability, ensuring a sustainable external balance and further liberalizing foreign trade. Upon the completion of the IMF mission consultations, the IMF Executive Board discusses the staff report and issues an assessment of the country’s economic situation and the adequacy of its economic policy measures, based on a comprehensive analysis of the overall economic situation and a wider fiscal policy strategy of the member country. The IMF is an organization of 188 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation,
secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. The last Article IV Executive Board Consultation was on May 9, 2016. In the IMF’s 2016 report, the relatively young APNU+AFC administration received high praise for steering Guyana’s economy unto the path of sustainable growth. The Directors, in their evaluation of Guyana’s financial system last year, commended the resilience of the economy, which continues to grow despite global headwinds. They noted, however, that challenges and risks remain, and encouraged the authorities to build up fiscal buffers, implement structural reforms, and strengthen the financial sector. The Directors noted that Guyana remains vulnerable to changes in commodity prices due to its dependence on imported oil and the concentration of exports on a few commodities. The Directors also stressed the importance of fiscal consolidation in order to safeguard debt sustainability and preserve
fiscal and external buffers while maintaining growth momentum. They recommended that fiscal consolidation efforts focus on moderating the growth of current expenditures, in particular transfers to public enterprises, so as to preserve space for public investment while protecting social spending. In their review, they encouraged the government to move toward greater economic diversification by advancing reforms to promote competition and improve the business climate. The Directors said that given that the high costs of electricity, transportation and telecommunications have been longstanding impediments to growth, they supported well targeted public investment and liberalizing reforms to lower costs and raise productivity. The IMF Members added that the largely concessional nature of debt contributes to resilience and should be preserved. They commended the authorities for taking a cautious approach in factoring in possible future oil income in their medium term fiscal plans.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 08, 2017
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Burglar escapes with almost $300,000 in cash, phone cards from pharmacy The pharmacy that was burgled
Pusmattie Bhigroog showing where the intruder entered. Poonai’s Pharmacy and Animal Health Care in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice was burgled yesterday morning after a lone intruder cut open the locks to the business and made off with close to $300,000 in cash and phone cards. Pusmattie Bhigroog, who stays with her son Poonai Bhigroog, proprietor of Poonai’s
Pharmacy, told Kaieteur News that they all retired to bed on Monday after closing up, like any other day, but during the early morning hours yesterday, someone passed and saw the pharmacy’s front door open. “In the morning when someone pass on the road they call on Mr. Poonai, my son, and they told him that his store is open…his shop
door is open, so the person ask if he close it, and he said yes.” The woman said that upon hearing this, her son and her daughter-in-law ran downstairs to check on the premises when it was discovered that all the locks to the front entrance had been cut open. According to her, the intruder managed to break the cashier’s booth, where it was
discovered that money that was left there had been removed. She also pointed out that on that evening the security systems failed them, since the alarm did not go off, “we have an alarm and if any little thing pass across it goes off, but it didn’t”. An estimated $250,000 in cash was stolen along with $30,000 in phone cards.
Wednesday March 08, 2017
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Kaieteur News
“Don’t pressure your people; remove VAT on private tuition fees” - Group says in Finance Ministry protest
The group of protesters standing in front of the Ministry of Finance yesterday A small group of protesters yesterday lined the northernmost section of the Main Street avenue, in front of the Ministry of Finance, to express the displeasure with the recent announcement of value added tax (VAT) on private tuition fees. Several protesters disclosed that although they didn’t have any children in private school, they were standing in solidarity with those parents of children that “have to suffer this draconian judgment by the very politicians that they voted for”. According to one protester, “the amount of money the government is expected to make from VAT on education is three hundred and fifty million dollars, and when you compare that to our two hundred and fifty billiondollar budget, it is only 0.14% of the budget, which is such a miniature amount that the government doesn’t need to put its people under pressure for. I’m not saying that they don’t need it, but what I’m saying is that anything that provides only 0.14% of your budget is not a priority. There is other income that can provide more than that. I don’t understand how our Minister of Finance can say that this small amount of money is going to jump start our economy. I don’t know what sort of economy he is trying to run”. Even though President David Granger has made it clear that VAT on private tuition fees will remain the same for now, those protesting were optimistic that they will see a change. They said that the protest last week that was held in front of the Guyana Revenue Authority was “for the collectors, and this one is for our policy makers”. “I am appealing to our President David A. Granger. I think he means good, but there are some people that give him bad counsel. He first
says that there will be no VAT on private tuition, then he later changes his mind and says that there would be VAT. Mr. President, you need to listen to your people… don’t stay in the background and just listen to your advisors,” one male protester lamented. He added that the previous regime’s difficulties have not disappeared with the appointment of a new government, and sadly, what the new government has done is place added pressure on the people. “We are not against the government for anything; we are not politically affiliated. We are here today to send a message to the government that the Guyanese people are in pain,” the protester said. This is the second protest that the group has staged which stems directly from a statement Finance Minister Winston Jordan made - 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. Jordan added 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 Minis t r y o f Education. Ten percent of those private schools are registered as non-profit o r g a n i z ations, while 14 percent are registered as profit-making 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.
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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. Repairs to refrigerators washing machine, gas stove, all units. Call Lindon: 641-1086/ 694-2202 Repairs to washers, dryers, stoves, deep fryers, control system etc. Call: 619-0793/ 699-8802 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
ENTERTAINMENT Jubilee Resort: pool, water slide, boating, paintball, games, etc, open daily – 10:00am-6:00pm. Call: 2258915/623-7313
LAND FOR SALE Land @ Soesdyke, 6 lots measuring 135’X175’. Call: 627-3334/696-8935, email:fcranmore@guyana voice.com
1-Leyland DAF GRR Series; excellent condition. Call: 6804101 1 Mitsubishi box Canter for sale. Call: 679-9261/671-1568
Land for sale @ Dowden Street, Kitty 125’X57’. Call: 619-4152/ 227-1905
1 New model Vitz, press start, A/C, excellent condition $1.5M, good for bank purchases, 1 Toyota Verossa -$2.3M. Call: 639-2490
La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, Uitvlugt -$2.3M, $2M – Call: 642-1252
Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, Toyota Vigo pickup, great bargain. C all: 609-7766
1 Lot of land @ Yarrowkabra $950,000. Call: 672-5876
Toyota Passo PPP -$900,000 negotiable, Toyota IST PNN -$1.2M negotiable. Excellent condition. Call: 623-9121
Transported corner lot with approved building plan @ 90 Garnett & Republic Streets, Newtown Kitty. Call: 6016000/227-3305 Transported land for sale size 37X270 @ Coglan Dam, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.B.D. Call: 650-5644/677-9938
One Nissan Duke, lady driven in immaculate condition, PTT Series, low mileage, price -$3M. Call: 6530018/666-7748
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. One complete sawmill situated at Yarrowkabra Industrial Site Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. Call: 6441190/ 609-8041 1 14 feet Aluminum Boat, 1 15 HP Yamaha Outboard Engine (Short Foot), 1 Cummings-10 KVA Generator Call: 664-5807 CAT 215 Excavator, Leyland DAF 55 Tipper Truck, D4H CAT Bulldozer. Call: 2750538/ 683-7225 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 2 Leyland Dump truck (55210), 1 Caterpillar Backhoe, owner migrating, very good condition. Call: 672-5876 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 House for sale & removal at Campbellville 23ftX40ftContact Ganesh: 614-6202 1 Front building & a 2 storey building on 1 (lot) 180 Charlotte Street Bourda W30XL120 $55M negotiable. Call: 624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183 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
Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 XBOX 360 Console -$35,000, PS2 Console -$17,000, Dell Inspiron B130 Laptop $25,000 .Call: 621-9604/ 6941748
Berkley 6inch high pressure pump with 855 Cummings engine only 500 hours EX USA fire station, price -$2M. Call: 652-4540 Generator 855 Cummings only 700 house. EX USA standby 250KW, price $2.5M. Call: 652-4540
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIALOFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP, 9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FORAIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
ACCOMMODATION Secret Villa apartments fully furnished, hot & cold water, Jacuzzi, air condition from $20USD daily. Call: 225-6337/ 266-5244/668-0306 Harmony Inn: Furnished self contained apartments & rooms from $20USD daily. Call: 218-1400/ 694-7817
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Lot 14 Croal & Longden Street: 4 Storey building (infront Demico). Call: 6631876 Downstairs apartment @ Lot 148cc, Eccles Housing Scheme, prime business place @ Bagotstown, Public Road, E.B.D- Call: 233-2252/ 6623337/680-4375
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).
WANTED One driver/porter from Diamond, Grove area. Call: 2161043, 677-6620 1 Cook/pastry maker- Call: 231-4303/ 676-3541 Wanted land to buy at Tuschen, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, La Parfaite Harmonie, best price offered. Call: 657-9594 Mature couple to live in and work at a Resort in Parika. Call: 231-0363 between MonFri 9am-4pm
2 Experienced straight stitch Modern, private, self- sewing machine operator. contained furnished or un- Call: 627-9621 furnished one bedroom apartment for rent across 1 Gas/Arch welder @ Broad Zeeburg School. Call: 277- Street Charlestown, Fat man Welding Shop. Call: 223-5595/ 0397 643-9125 1-2 Bedroom apartment to rent fully furnished, including Urgently needed workers to internet, cable, TV, parking work at Ice Company @ available. E.C.D –Call: 667- Meadow Bank Wharf, training provided. Call: 231-1408/ 6422536 9191/ between 8am-1pm. Self-contained semifurnished apartments located Attractive live in waitressat Diamond Housing Scheme. Call: 327-0252/674-4665 Call: 679-8792 Caregiver between 4-6pm, part I Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: & II I.D.C.E Certificate, age 22office, storage bond, lesson 30, police clearance & 2 place, church -$20,000 per recommendations. Call: 684-3223 month. Call: 603-6400 3 Bedrooms upper flat located at Vreed-en-Hoop, 3rd Building in from Junction. Call: 673-3064 1-3 Storey building located at 128 Akawini and Sheriff Street. Call: 652-1504/ 2200365
TO LET Journey Inn apartments & Car Rental. 1&2 bedroom self contained. Call: 658-0927/ 233-2300/ 718-2301695 3 Bedrooms apartment for rent, bottom flat. Call:2258084/689-6001
Samsung tab 3 kids -$30,000, LG k7 smart phone- $50,000, Motorola Droid Max $35,000. Call: 621-9604/ 6941748
Salon Equipment. Call: 2653586 8am-4pm
CAR RENTAL
Wednesday March 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
2 Bedrooms apartment in Eccles New Scheme, rooms in Alberttown. Call: 225-3234 Fully furnished vacation home with all amenities Call during Female assistant, book- working hours 227-1218 keeper 25-40yrs @dynamic shipping, logistics & marketing co. @ Timehri, knowledge of VAT, PAYE & NIS. Apply @ josephbhaskaran@gmail.com VACANCY
Vacancy for one Driver / EDUCATIONAL Expediter contact Leonard- # Electronic Course: starting 14th 609-5123 March. Hands on training Receptionist, Male Security repairing all types of TV’s etc. guard age 30-45, 233 South Road Call: 226-6551/ 225-0391 Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 Now Registering! 9 Courses 1 Female cleaner for office in Diploma in computers Computerize Eccles and home. Call: 233- $40,000, Accounting, Graphics Programs 2745 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 FOR SALE/FOR RENT Large 3 Bedrooms house for rent or sale @ La Parfaite Harmonie, W.B.D, upstairs + downstairs -$40,000 monthly. Call: 690-5061
Visa Processing Centre: all visitors and students visa for USA & Canada. MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057
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Kaieteur News
Can gender parity be achieved by 2030? - W&GEC hosts roundtable discussion to determine possibility
Mrs. Sandra Granger delivering her remarks International Women’s Day is today. It is being observed under the theme, ‘Women in the Changing World of Work; Planet 50-50 by 2030’. Yesterday, the Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC) hosted a roundtable discussion to examine whether or not this is possible. Even with Guyana attaining a commendable 33.8 percent of female representation in the National Assembly, achieving gender parity still requires much more work. Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning of International Engagement, at the University of Guyana, carried out a very informative presentation. To put it simply, she said, “yes,” gender parity can be achieved, but first, “We need to ask, in what do we want parity...50-50...do we want it in voice? Do we want it in respect? Do we want it in pay? Or work? Or votes?” Dr. Reynolds, addressing a packed auditorium at the Carifesta Sports Complex, recognised that a woman verbalizing her opinions is the first step to achieving gender parity. “Obviously, not every opinion will carry sway, but unless we voice our opinions, we are in fact, doing ourselves a disservice and undermining the very principles and aspirations we hold so dear,” Dr. Reynolds said. She explained that even the accomplishments that have been made by women in the workplace have to be deciphered. She gave an example involving the Soviet Union. “The reason why so
many doctors in the eastern bloc and the Soviet Union are females is because the men have moved out of those fields and have gone into hard science.” Dr. Reynolds opined that because the men vacated something and the women moved in, there was nothing to celebrate about. She sought to bring the example much closer to home, by highlighting the large number of older Guyanese women working as security guards all across the country. “Someone said to me a few weeks ago, that it was great that we have so many security guards on campus, but you see, the reason we have so many female security guards is, one, they can’t find anything else to do, and two, the men have vacated the profession, so they can get money by going into the interior,” Dr. Reynolds said. She went even further to add, “Even when we think we have something to celebrate, we need to unpack it and understand, why is it we are where we are. It is not just what happens on the surface.” The educator also touched on parity in the home. She spoke specifically to the Members of Parliament attending the event, including Audwin Rutherford, Junior Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson and Chairperson of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indranie Chandarpal. Dr. Reynolds indicated that the home today is not just a mother, a father and children. It oftentimes comprises a single mother struggling to make ends meet, or a mother young enough to be regarded as a child. “Parity in the home has got to be unpacked...Parliament, in terms of gender budgeting, has got to take cognizance that the home is not a m o n o c h r o m a t i c structure...home is different things, to different people, under different circumstances, and all of this
must be taken into consideration.” Dr. Reynolds also lent her voice to the day to day issues plaguing Guyana, and how many of these may affect women differently than they affect men. The constant power outages became an example. “On Sundays, I wash a bundle of sheets and towels, and I run up and down the stairs, because of our wonderful change in climate...I pick up and I hang out, and I pick up and I hang out...but here’s the thing, I have a dryer, but I’m never sure when there will be electricity...So that work that was supposed to be lighter... When GPL (Guyana Power and Light) takes our light on Saturdays or Sundays, how are we going to dry our clothes?” Dr. Reynolds queried, taking into consideration, the unpredictable weather. “I work five days a week. I go to Church all day Saturday, and on Sunday, I do housework. I am a Guyanese woman, born and bred,” Dr. Reynolds declared. “I don’t have a problem with GPL per se. I’m just simply saying that in everything we do, we need to understand how it affects women differently from men.” Her points were supported by the second speaker, Lawrence Lachmansingh, Chairman of the Justice and Peace Commission and the Roman Catholic Church in Guyana. Meanwhile, First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger, in her address, shared her belief that gender parity can possibly be achieved by 2030. “I believe that with behavioural change, determination and serious concerted action, we can become a healthier, more educated, more confident and productive society. We can then achieve gender parity in not too distant future,” Mrs. Granger said. She emphasised the need to ensure that the access to
A section of yesterday’s gathering at the Carifesta Sports Complex
education is also equitable. “Our entire population must be educated to understand the long-term implications of gender disparity. We must be bold for change. We must speak up and speak out against injustice. A comprehensive countrywide campaign should be launched to socialise our women and
men, girls and boys so that they recognise and desist from behaviours, which harm us individually, collectively, socially and economically,” Mrs. Granger said. The discussions were decorated with cultural presentations including spoken word poetry from the Jazz and Poetry-on-a-stool artists.
UG’s Deputy VC, Dr. Barbara Reynolds
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Wednesday March 08, 2017
Woman of Substance...
Coretta McDonald – offering a great deal to society as an educator and trade unionist (Ms. Coretta McDonald is featured as one of our nation’s outstanding professional women as we commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) today.) Attached to her name is a number of auspicious titles including educator for more than two decades and outstanding trade unionist. But she is so much more. Her achievements are surprising, especially given the fact that she is barely 42 years old. She is Coretta McDonald. Many know her as the General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), but only last year she assumed the Presidency of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and she simultaneously holds the position of Third Vice President of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) in addition to Supernumerary Head Teacher of Smith’s Memorial Primary. This outstanding professional woman has for years delivered educational lessons to her charges without pride or prejudice, and has been able to efficiently balance her other portfolios along with her personal life with nothing short of laudable precision. She is able to do all this, looking as classy as a super model. But exactly how did she end up here? At what point of her life did she decide that education would be among her professional marks in this life? When asked the forgoing questions McDonald shared, “I never thought that I would be a teacher. Teaching was nowhere on my list.” Having seen her mother and several
aunts engaged in the profession barely having time for themselves, even during vacation time, McDonald simply was not intrigued. She was more inclined to the banking profession. But according to McDonald, “destiny has a way of catching up with you.” You see, as a young child she was rather brilliant and was able to skip at least two classes at the primary level, thus allowing her to move to the Common Entrance class at an unprecedented rate. She first entered the Common Entrance Class at the age of eight. Although she had three attempts, McDonald was successful at her first try. She was soon after on her way to secondary school, thus by the age of 13 she’d completed this level of her studies. McDonald was inclined to join the world of work rather than commence university at the time, but was too young to enter the banking field she had a passion for. But as fate would have it, by the time she was 14, she was given an opportunity to join the teaching profession. It was in fact the love for reading that caused her to notice a Ministry of Education advertisement in the daily newspapers seeking applications for persons desirous of becoming teachers. This all occurred at a time, McDonald recalled, when there was an existing shortage of teachers. “Lots and lots of teachers were just going off to the Bahamas, going off to Bermuda, and we had this brain drain situation...this was in the early ‘90s. I decided, when I saw that ad, that maybe I could use this as a stepping stone while I waited for the
Ms. Coretta McDonald age to become a bank teller...this was my fantasy,” recounted McDonald. This was in spite of the fact that her mother had given her the options of either pursing one more year study at secondary school or simply staying home to cook and clean. Although her mother was initially unaware that she had applied to enter the profession, she eventually
warmed up to the idea. McDonald’s first teaching experience was at the then David Rose Community High School in West Ruimveldt. Upon entry to the profession she was convinced that she was merely “killing time” until she would have attained the age to venture into a more preferable profession. She was however assured since then by an Education
Government reviewing immigration policy BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – The St. Kitts-Nevis government says it will carry out a review of the immigration policy in light of “certain evolving realities” while seeking to preserve the twin island Federation “as a friendly and welcoming country”. “We felt we needed to do a revisiting of the immigration policy that addresses these new realities in a more comprehensive way and yet at the same time we believe it is in the national interest of every country to protect its borders,” Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris said. He said there was need to discuss the movement of contraband “as we discuss issues related to the illicit movement of people and the international implications for human trafficking.” But Prime Minister Harris said that the Federation had to take into consideration realities in relation to the treaty governing the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs the 15-member regional integration
movement. Both treaties provide for the free movement of Caribbean nationals. “We have to be conscious about immigration policies. We want to hold something in the end that still preserves our Federation as a friendly and welcoming country, one that is responsible in that it provides a welcoming and supportive environment for people within the CARICOM region, and that consolidates the OECS Treaty and special arrangements that exist within the sub-region,” Harris said. Prime Minister Harris, who is also the Minister of National Security, said that the OECS grouping now have to cope with the large influx of immigrants from non-member states and CARICOM such as nationals from the Dominican Republic, a country which is a part of the broader forum of Caribbean States (CARIFORUM). He said that his government has signalled its intention to work with the Dominican Republic to engage in consultations and discussions “because reciprocity has to feature into what we will do.”
Officer that she would learn to love being a teacher. Twenty-seven years later and McDonald is still very much involved in the profession she entered at the tender age of 14. Like she was told many years ago, McDonald admitted during an interview that she has nothing but love for what she does. She spoke of the various experiences that she has had with her students and pupils over the years. “I wouldn’t trade this profession as a teacher for anything else; I have forgotten completely that I never wanted to become a teacher,” related McDonald as she added, “If I were to look at it by salary then I would have been out of teaching a long, long time ago; you get your satisfaction from the students you teach...when you teach and at the end of that lesson you see smiles on your children’s faces that suggest that they enjoyed the lesson, that gives you a deep sense of satisfaction.” Although she has since been seconded to the GTU because of her union involvement, she asserted that “I really enjoyed my stay in the classroom...I really enjoyed working with children and even now while I am not in the classroom I still find time to talk to young people...I would go to schools and have talks at schools.” According to the mother of one son, who has been able to balance her teaching career with trade union work, “I find quite a lot of joy in talking to children because many of our children are looking for direction. They are looking for someone
for direction, and if they don’t find it in the home then they look for it in school...when they don’t find it in the school then obviously they will look elsewhere [and] sometimes not the places we want them to go,” McDonald said. But despite “enjoying being a teacher and giving to children the kind of attention that they so need,” McDonald had long recognised that she had so much more to give. It was for this reason that she embraced the life of a trade unionist. Although she started off as a mere branch representative, she recalled that by 2006 she was elected the youngest General Secretary in the movement after competing against a number of seasoned trade unionists within the GTU. She has served as General Secretary under three union presidents - Colwyn King, Colin Bynoe and the current President, Mark Lyte. But she did not stop there. Last year, McDonald made history yet again in the trade union movement when she competed, yet again, against seasoned opponents and secured the place as President of the GTUC. This achievement saw her becoming the second woman to become president of this union. She also took her union involvement to another level when she was elected to serve as the Third Vice President of the Caribbean Union of Teachers. McDonald continues to prove herself a crucial asset and has plans to make major changes along the way that can be sustained by others who will follow in her footsteps.
Jagdeo, Luncheon arrested (From page 3) Pradoville 2 parcels; the ordinary citizens paid $317 per square foot for their plots while remigrants paid more than ten times the price Jagdeo paid for the same size house lot. They paid $1,111 per square foot. Other beneficiaries included Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar AliHack, former Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford; Compton Bourne, former Head of the Caribbean Development Bank and UG Chancellor; and Florrie Loretta Ramnauth also received houselots. Ali-Hack and her husband, Moeen ul Hack, a top figure in the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), paid $1,488,744 for a
piece of land. Former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee; former GWI boss, Shaik Baksh and former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, also received lots, paying just over $1.5M each. So too did former Army Chief, Rear Admiral Gary Best and sacked Chief Executive Officer of the embattled Guyana Sugar Corporation, Dr. Rajendra Singh. Also named in the list were Andrew Bishop, former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; Safraaz Khan and George Hallaq, said to be the country’s former Middle East envoy, and a company called Future Developers International Guyana Inc.
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Kaieteur News
Prisoner’s hand severed in block-making machine
What Trump’s latest H-1B move means for workers and business (CNN) The Trump administration’s decision to halt expedited processing of H-1B visas could abruptly disrupt the plans of thousands of immigrant workers in a range of businesses from technology to health care, immigration experts say. H-1B visas allow employers to bring in skilled foreign workers; about 85,000 will be given out this year. The visas are in high demand and given out by lottery. It can take six months or longer for an application to be reviewed.
But the government announced Friday that, as of April 3, it will suspend the “premium processing” option, which ensures an application will be reviewed within 15 days. It costs $1,225. Trump has accused companies of abusing the H-1B programme as a way to hire foreign workers who take jobs away from Americans, at lower salaries. The Trump administration says it’s doing away with quick-turn processing so it can sort through a large back-
log of applications and try to “reduce overall H-1B processing times.” Immigration lawyers said Saturday that the change will leave many people and companies in limbo. “The message specifically mentions they want to bring down the backlogged time, but I worry about my clients, employers and individuals who will be affected by these delays,” said Tahmina Watson of Watson Immigration Law. “This suspension is not good for American busi-
nesses by any means.” Watson said “I strongly suspect delays will continue.” H-1Bs are at the center of controversy as President Trump vows to deliver on campaign promises to reduce immigration. There are several efforts in Congress to change how the H-1B program works. One bipartisan bill would reform the program by instructing officials to grant visas on merit, rather than through lottery.
SOCU arrests political witch-hunt... From page 8 erode our constitutional rights.” Jagdeo said that Luncheon’s arrest will long be remembered as one of the greatest injustices Guyana has seen. The former President said that Luncheon was arrested for a house lot which he received in one of Guyana’s many housing schemes. He believes that the SOCU investigators have bigger issues which they can direct their attention to instead of investigating how house lots were distributed. “This Special Organised Crime Unit was set up under the police force with the purpose of supporting the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) because APNU claimed that our entire economy was based on drug money. “Today, one of their henchmen, Eric Phillips, spoke about billions of US dollars lost through the smuggling of gold, 15,000 ounces of gold per week, that’s close to US$1B per year. Yet we have not witnessed in two years of this government a single action taken by SOCU against any drug dealer, against any money launderer, against any person who would have smuggled all of these billions of dollars of gold, but we have seen today the arrest of Dr Roger Luncheon by SOCU, because the government believes that he got a house lot at Pradoville fraudulently.” Jagdeo explained that several persons were asked to report to SOCU Headquarters on Camp Road. However, lawyers responded, suggesting that the requested PPP members of Parliament would be present at the Leader of the Opposition’s office to facilitate questioning. Jagdeo said that despite
this, SOCU refused that suggestion and maintained that the persons go down to the Camp Road office. Jagdeo said that in different situations, persons were questioned at their homes. He believes, however, that the request for the persons to be at SOCU’s office was as a result of some political directive. “We have seen this police force…they have gone to people’s homes to take statements in criminal matters, serious criminal matters, but they are refusing in this instance, and I think SOCU has been directed by the Office of the President and (Khemraj) Ramjattan to take this course of action; to arrest several people in the PPP, hoping that they will break our will to fight them, taint the reputations of these people, and then send a message to Guyana that if you can arrest Dr Roger Luncheon, then who else will be safe.” Jagdeo said that the misuse of the police force and SOCU is one which will be dealt with in the future. According to him, persons will be privately liable for the misuse of their office. The Opposition Leader
was asked why a special privilege should have been given to his members as it relates to a different venue for questioning. To this he responded that there is nothing which states a person must go to a police location to give statements. “In light of the fact that we see this as a charade, a witch-hunt, that is why we wanted to make sure that it is done in an area where the people can see attempts to prosecute a witch-hunt against our members. We don’t want it to be done in the confines of a closed place; we want all the questions they asked be made public.” Further, Jagdeo said that when the PPP members were issued letters from SOCU they were not aware that there was an offence. “We were not told; it said you are invited for an interview at SOCU.” According to Jagdeo, Lisaveta Ramotar visited SOCU for the interview and was subsequently arrested. Jagdeo went on to say that some of the police officers are apologetic to the extent that they had called members of the PPP saying that the pressure is not coming from them but rather from the
Ministry of the Presidency. It was in October 2015 that the State Assets Recovery Unit completed a report which revealed that in 2010 President Bharrat Jagdeo and his Cabinet authorized the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to privatize state lands. It was reported that $200M was spent to prepare the Sparendaam seafront estate. Certain recipients reportedly paid a meagre $1.5M for one lot which is valued considerably higher.
A 21-year-old Lusignan Prison inmate had to be rushed to hospital yesterday, after his right hand was severed while working at a cement block-making machine. A prison official identified the injured man as Harley English, of Foulis, East Coast Demerara. The official said he was informed that English and other prisoners were working at the block-making machine when English attempted to remove some debris from the device. His hand was caught in the device, and severed at the wrist. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where, according to the official, efforts are being made to have the wrist re-attached. He was still in the operating theatre up to late last night. English is said to be serving two six-month sentences for larceny, and is due to be released this month.
Syrian army captures water station supplying Aleppo from Islamic State (Reuters) The Syrian army and its allies have captured the main water pumping station that supplies Aleppo in a sweeping advance against Islamic State that has brought them to the bank of the Euphrates, a group that monitors the conflict said on Tuesday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the army and allied forces made rapid gains east of Aleppo city, as Syrian and Russian planes pounded the rural areas. They recaptured the alKhafsa area on the western bank of the Euphrates River, where the water treatment and pumping plants are located, after the jihadist group withdrew the Observatory said. A Syrian military source had said earlier on Tuesday
that the army had advanced to areas “very close” to both. Aleppo’s main water supply has been cut off for nearly two months, and the city’s residents now rely mainly on ground wells or water purchased from private vendors. A military media unit run by Hezbollah, a Lebanese ally which is fighting alongside President Bashar al-Assad’s government forces, also quoted a military source as saying the army had advanced and regained the alKhafsa area. Islamic State is losing ground in northern Syria to three separate campaigns - by the Russian-backed Syrian army, by U.S-backed Syrian militias, and by Turkey and allied Syrian rebel groups.
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Kaieteur News
Below are messages to commemorate International Women’s Day, which is being celebrated today under the theme #BeBoldForChange. Happy Women’s Day 2017
BY UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR PERRY L. HOLLOWAY International Women’s Day is a globally recognized day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Observed since the early 1990s, International Women’s Day celebrates the collective responsibility of governments, NGOs, charities, corporations, academic institutions, and women’s networks in advancing women’s rights. Guyana has reason to be proud of advancing women in society. One-third of Guyana’s Parliament is women, putting it into the top 20 percent of the world. The mayor of the country’s capital is a woman, the Acting Chief Justice and the Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary are both women, and there are nine female ministers in the cabinet. All good indicators of progress, but more needs to be done because the goal should be to ensure that all members of a society are given an equal opportunity to contribute, so that the country
makes maximum use of all its human capital and not just half. Guyana is among the poorest nations in the hemisphere, but is on the precipice of becoming one of the richest nations in the hemisphere on a per capita basis. For the first time in its history, the Land of Many Waters may have the financial resources to address longstanding challenges in education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, the environment, and security. These challenges can, in great part, be addressed with money alone, but other challenges, like gender-based violence and discrimination against women, actually need more than just money. They need a commitment from the people and Government of Guyana. It will take the combined efforts of ALL men AND women to meet the societal challenges women face, as well as a myriad of other social challenges like suicide, discrimination over sexual orientation, and trafficking in persons.
CHAIRPERSON, TEACHING SERVICE COMMISSION, Ms. Leila Ramson On this day, International Women’s Day, I pay tribute to all our women, in Guyana and worldwide who make sacrifices and contribute so much to the well-being of their families, communities and their nations. I am a mother, full time wife, charity organiser, social activist and chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission, managing national education issues for over eighteen years. Today, on Women’s International Day, I implore on our women to move
forward, unite and remain strong in the conviction that women’s rights are human rights. This is endorsed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states, ‘’All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms”. These are rights for which you are entitled to live fearlessly and freely – Free of discrimination and gender bias. Women have made remarkable progress and since the last century has
seen a great expansion of legal rights and entitlements in the field of education and empowerment. It is important for you to have equal access to education, training, science and technology in order for you to elevate and empower yourselves. This is the pathway to your success. You have the power to achieve greatness and success in your talented field. Never allow poverty or adverse circumstances to shape your destiny. You are in control of that destiny.
WOMEN GENDER AND EQUALITY is particularly important that the leadership COMMISSION gender gap that exists in both the public and Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030. The foregoing is UN Women’s theme for this year’s International Women’s Day 2017. The Women and Gender Equality Commission is reminded that the Sustainable Development Goals calls for the attainment of Gender Equality by 2030. That is a mere thirteen years from now. Can we do it? This year UN Women is putting a spotlight on women in the changing world of work. To construct a different world for women and girls, the gender gap has to be bridged. It
private sectors be addressed. Leaders in the public and private sectors have a critical role in really driving gender parity. There is growing evidence that shows women in leadership roles benefit the institutions and people they represent. However barriers still exist that serve to limit women’s ability to move into and upwards towards positions of leadership. In order to foster economic growth and good governance, the private and public sectors need to collaborate to leverage the information and best practices that will drive more women into leadership positions.
GUYANA RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD ASSOCIATION (GRPA) Today, March 8th 2017, the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) salutes all women in Guyana and joins the rest of the world to celebrate the achievements of women, recognizing their work for gender justice and equality. International Women’s Day is also a time to reflect critically on the barriers that continue to impede women’s progress and society as a whole. This includes Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights, which is essential to the health and wellbeing of women and girls, and
for a fit and productive society. The struggle remains for women and girls to be empowered to make healthy and wise decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive lives, if Guyana is to advance in attaining its goals of sustainable, equitable development. It is time for a bold shift from this paradigm of power which supports gender based violence, adolescent pregnancy, poverty, suicide, trafficking in persons and a whole range of societal issues which have dire consequences for us.
GUYANA ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS As the women of Guyana and the world observe International Women’s Day, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers congratulates the three women who created history in our country and for the legal profession with the conferral of the accolade of Senior Counsel. Notwithstanding it being long in coming, the association records its pride in the fact that in 2017, women who have long been a part of this noble profession, and many of whom had and are still ably acquitting themselves, were placed on equal footing with public acknowledgment of excellence. The appointments of Hon. Madam Justice Yonette
Cummings – Edwards as Acting Chancellor and Hon. Madam Justice Roxane George as Acting Chief Justice, also provide justification for pride among women at the confidence reposed in both judges to ably hold the mantle of leadership of the judiciary while the necessary constitutional and administrative processes are undertaken. Undoubtedly competent lawyers who later deservedly were promoted to judgeships, these judges are known to be hard workers, and thus we at GAWL are confident of them satisfactorily proving that the confidence reposed in them is not misplaced. Both of these judges are also following in the footsteps of role model, leader and
mentor, Hon. Madam Justice Desiree Bernard, our association’s founding President, and also Hon. Mesdames Justices Claudette La Bennett and Claudette Singh, the former of whom is also a former association President. This year, 2017, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in April and will embark on a series of activities during the months of April and May. These activities will include essay competitions for secondary and primary school children, activities with youths and adolescents, and the elderly, a television programme, seminar on legal topics and a health fair.
EUROPEAN UNION The European Union stands by women in Europe and around the globe today, as it did at the time of its foundation. In 2017, there are more women in work, more women graduating from universities, and more women active in politics or in top positions than ever before. Within the Commission, women represent 55% of the total workforce. And yet, too many women, especially single mothers, are still struggling to reach economic independence. The rate of women’s employment in the European Union reached an all-time high of 65.5% in 2016 and yet there is still a big difference with the 77% rate of men. Much more must be done both inside and outside of Europe.
Women are often among the most vulnerable, in conflicts, in situations of migration and displacement, and where poverty and climate change hit the hardest. In addition, there is an exponential growth in the numbers of female victims of trafficking arriving in the EU in the current migration context. Intolerance against women and misogyny manifest themselves in the public sphere as well as behind the cowardly anonymity of the Internet. Attacks on women’s rights are on the rise. Too many Europeans still think sexual intercourse without consent can be justifiable. Women are also on the frontline of discrimination and violence, especially in conflict areas around the world.
WOMEN FOR CHANGE On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2017, Women For Change takes the opportunity to call on all citizens including our political leaders, members of the public and private sectors, academia and all civil society, to take action to support gender inclusivity. WFC notes that that while legislative measures guarantee that one-third the number of members of the National Assembly shall be women, in so many other spheres women are underrepresented. In this context, the WFC again applauds the appointments of Madam Justice Yonnette CummingsEdwards and Madam Justice Alison Roxane George, to the positions of Chancellor of the Judiciary Acting and Chief Justice Acting, respectively As we observe IWD 2017, under the theme, “Be Bold for Change” WFC calls attention specifically to Sustainable Development Goal No. 5:
‘Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’ and urges actions to ensure women are afforded opportunities to rise to the highest levels in their chosen professions. Likewise, actions must be redoubled to prepare our girls to assume leadership positions across all strata of society. WFC notes that some of the more troubling challenges remain the high incidence of teenage pregnancy, human trafficking and domestic violence. Probably our greatest challenge remains violence against the female, be it spousal abuse or abuse of the girl child. With increasing regularity, social media sites and traditional media forms highlight acts of aggression where females are the victims. These acts leave lasting marks, many visible, more not visible, but equally detrimental to the well-being
of the female. All too often, these acts of aggression result in the disfigurement of the female or the loss of life. WFC applauds the work being done by the Office of the First Lady, the Ministries of Education, Public Health, Social Protection, Public Security, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, and Public Communications to get more girls involved in ICT, other ministries, agencies and departments of the Government and NonGovernmental Organisations, to improve the lives of females, to prevent teenage pregnancies, domestic abuse and to offer opportunities for the holistic development of our women and girls. IWD 2017 must not be only a time for celebration of women but a time for action. If we, each of us commit to one act that will advance the cause of women in our society, then our country would be a better place. Be bold for change!
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North Korea bars Malaysians from leaving, in ‘diplomatic meltdown’ (Reuters) North Korea barred Malaysians from leaving the country on Tuesday, sparking tit-for-tat action by Malaysia, as police investigating the murder of Kim Jong Nam in Kuala Lumpur sought to question three men hiding in the North Korean embassy. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak accused North Korea of “effectively holding our citizens hostage” and held an emergency meeting of his National Security Council. The United Nations called for calm between Malaysia and North Korea and urged them to settle their differences through “established diplomatic practice.” The moves underscored the dramatic deterioration in ties with one of North Korea’s few friends outside China since the murder of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s estranged half-brother at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 13. Malaysia said the assassins used VX nerve agent, a chemical listed by
the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction. Police have identified eight North Koreans wanted in connection with the murder, including two of the three believed to be hiding in the embassy - a senior North Korean diplomat and a state airline employee. The only people charged so far are a Vietnamese woman and an Indonesian woman, accused of smearing the victim’s face with VX. He died within 20 minutes. North Korea’s foreign ministry issued a temporary ban on Malaysians leaving the country, “until the incident that happened in Malaysia is properly solved,” state-run Korea Central News Agency said. “In this period the diplomats and citizens of Malaysia may work and live normally under the same conditions and circumstances as before.” HOSTAGE-TAKING Najib denounced the travel ban in a statement as an “abhorrent act” that was
in “total disregard of all international law and diplomatic norms”. He said he had instructed the police “to prevent all North Korean citizens in Malaysia from leaving the country until we are assured of the safety and security of all Malaysians in North Korea”. Najib returned from Indonesia and held an emergency meeting of his Na-
tional Security Council. There was no statement after the meeting, but the prime minister addressed Malaysians’ concerns on social media. Euan Graham, Director, International Security at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, called the latest events “a classic own goal of North Korea’s making”, triggered “by the most outrageous public murder that
you can image, using a chemical weapon in a crowded international airport. “You’d have to go back a long way for this kind of wholesale diplomatic meltdown.” The Malaysian murder and the four ballistic missiles North Korea testlaunched on Monday “creates a more supportive clim a t e f o r even tougher
rounds of sanctions and coercive measures” against Pyongyang, Graham added. Before the murder, North Korea could count Malaysia as one of its strongest friends. But Malaysia has since stopped visa-free travel and on Monday it expelled North Korea’s ambassador for questioning the impartiality of the murder investigation.
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Report claims young children looking to gang leaders as role models
Labour Minister Stephenson King CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – A two-day International Labour Organization (ILO) workshop on child labour has been told of a breakdown in law and order in St. Lucia with young people turning to gang leaders to find a “positive” role model. Labour Minister Stephenson King called for urgent action to address the social problems as he addressed the workshop which focuses on apprenticeships, including school-to-work transition, as a response to child labour issues. He told the conference that an October 2016 ILO rapid assessment report on child labour in St. Lucia “found that children and youth turn to local gang leaders as role models, after struggling to find positive role models in school and the community.” King, a former prime min-
ister, who read excerpts of the ILO document, said for years he has personally analysed and assessed the deterioration in this country’s social fabric in which families are disintegrating, while others are simply dysfunctional. “Parental guidance is withering away and seems to be a thing of the past while our young men resort to the block, blaming the system for failing them – a reflection of their behaviour and shortcomings,” he said, adding that increasingly, there has been a break down in law and order. King said there is a school system which, though focused on the pursuit of academic excellence, has been struggling and accused of failing the youth in the design, ability and capacity to produce disciplined, competent, ethical and patriotic citizens
enriched with spiritual and moral values. King said those were key values for building a strong and dynamic society. “This trend must be arrested and calls for serious social intervention through research, re-engineering and social action,” he said, noting that the conference is a commendable initiative towards addressing one element of what he described as ‘this social malaise.’ The second phase of the workshop sponsored by the government of Brazil will be held in the Bahamas over two days from tomorrow. “This is the first of several planned missions within the framework of a regional capacity-building project for the Caribbean countries that are members of the ILO’s Regional Initiative Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour,” the ILO said in a statement. “The exercise will also be used to explore and identify other specific opportunities for the countries to receive targeted technical assistance from the Government of Brazil in the area of school-towork transition,” it added The visiting delegation comprises experts and officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Ministry of Education of Brazil, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC); and the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean and ILO Brazil.
Police officer reject wage freeze offer ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Chairman of the Police Welfare Association (PWA), Jefferson Drigo, on Tuesday said that police officers will meet on Friday to discuss the Dominica government’s offer of a zero per cent for the period 201518. The lawmen are seeking a 15 per cent wage hike, but Drigo said they are extremely disappointed with the government’s offer made during the latest round of negotiations on Monday. “We were disappointed and dissatisfied at the
government’s proposal. The government yesterday proposed a wage freeze for the triennium. We were not expecting that, we are very surprised at the proposal by the government and we are going back to our membership on Friday to discuss the government’s proposal”. He said the meeting will “discuss the way forward” and that “police officers …are very committed, very hard working, very dedicated and we will continue to be. “However we are expecting something better from the government. We are to meet
again on March 21 and we expect that the wage freeze they are asking for will be changed by then and they will offer something similar to what we are asking for. “We remain at 15 per cent we are not moving…we are standing our grounds, we are not moving,” Drigo said, adding that the PWA is also considering the non-salary benefits as outlined by the government. “But we are still hopeful the government will have a change of heart,” he said. Meanwhile, the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) has announced plans for a rally next week after it too had been offered a zero per cent wage increase. DPSU general secretary Thomas Letang said last month that the union does not support the wage freeze that had been offered. The PSU has made proposals for a salary increase of 15 per cent for the period 2015-18.
Wednesday March 08, 2017
Kaieteur News
Trump Russia dossier author Christopher Steele speaks out (CNN)The former British intelligence agent who compiled a dossier of allegations President Donald Trump’s ties to Russia has spoken for the first time since his report reverberated around the world. Christopher Steele, a former officer with MI6, the UK’s foreign intelligence service, returned to work in London Tuesday, almost two months after CNN first reported on the dossier. His file contained claims that Russian operatives had compromising personal and financial information about Trump. Trump always denied the claims, dismissing them as “phony” in January. “I’m really pleased to be back here working again,” Steele told the UK Press Association outside the office of his firm, London-based Orbis Intelligence. “I’m now going to be focusing my efforts on supporting the broader interests of our company here.”
Trump dossier author Christopher Steele has returned to work in London. Steele was named as the man behind the report days after CNN first reported that Trump had been briefed on its contents as President-elect in January. “I’d like to say a warm
thank you to everyone who sent me kind messages and support over the last few weeks,” Steele said. “Just to add, I won’t be making any further statements or comments at this time.”
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GAPF salute female powerlifters on IWD (From page 39) Barbell Training? I started it to get into shape and to escape the situation I was dealing with. 2. What (Who) inspired you to start Barbell Training? I love the feeling of getting stronger and its therapy. 3. Explain the impact you would like your participation to have in your sport. My impact on this sport is to inspire other females that it is ok to do barbell training. E. Tyrell (GAPLF-volunteer) 1. Why do you engage in Barbell Training? I have been lifting weights for nearly 20 years but it’s only recently that I decided to-by my standards-lift heavier weights. I’ve noticed that this has improved my fitness level as well as improved my mental self. I guess what I’m trying to say that it has helped me to love myself more-even with my flaws. I am 40+ and I can honestly say I’m in better shape and stronger than I was 10 or even 20 years ago, this is an
empowering perspective that I feel has helped me approach other aspects of my life in a much more productive way. The fact that weight training also has an added benefit of reducing loss of bone density-which is a serious issue for older women - is the icing on the cake. I actually think of strength training as an investment for my 70 year old self. But I’m benefiting in the here and now too. What can be better than that!? 2. What (Who) inspired you to start Barbell Training? A few persons who powerlift competitively, have encouraged me try out heavy lifting and although I personally do not have the competitive spirit. I have felt that ‘rush’ that one gets when they have achieved some goal either, squatting, bench pressing or especially, deadlifting. It is intoxicating. I. Meckdeci (GAPLF-72kg) 1. Why do you engage in Barbell Training? I started lifting because I wanted to get fit and strong. My bestie was
into fitness and she was an inspiration. But mostly I did it for me. 2. What (Who) inspired you to start Barbell Training? My best friend, moreover I like feeling strong. Lifting makes me feel empowered. 3. Explain the impact you would like your participation to have in your sport. I’d like to encourage more women to lift, so that we can all be healthy and happier. If they see me competing they may be inspired to try. S. Nicholas (GAPLF-63kg) Why do you engage in Barbell Training? Exercise, strength, stay healthy, fit body and great from my bones also “I like it”. 2. “What (Who) inspired you to start Barbell Training? I was working out to lose weight a few years back and one of the trainers observed my commitment and progress and suggested I try the sport. Omar Hope. He Coach up to a point, then suggested I find Andrea and then I was introduced to Martin.
Wednesday March 08, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You should get out and enjoy social events where you are likely to meet new potential mates; however, don't over spend.
disagreement.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Problems with fire, gas, or oil may cause disruptions and annoyances. Get on with business. You need to look into some private matters before you can proceed with your plans.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You will get out of shape easily if you don't keep on top of things. Be prudent and don't be led down the garden path. Stay calm and focus on things that will help you understand the situation better.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Too much talk will lead to disputes. Your fight for those less fortunate is not likely to end in sweet victory. Get out and get active.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Opportunities to get together with people in powerful positions could help you get ahead. You may overspend if you travel today; however, the trip will be one to remember.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Travel will be favorable. You will have additional discipline that will aid you in your objectives. They will not be in the right frame of mind to put up with tactless comments. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Travel will be favorable. You can gain knowledge from dealing with foreigners. You may find that your generosity has been taken for granted. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Get busy trying to make more money. Control your temper by getting immersed in your work. Look out for those wanting to push you into a
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Talk to an older, established individual about your present situation.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Invite friends in for a visit. You can help other people with their financial problems by setting up a budget for them. You can help sort out problems that friends are facing. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't take your frustrations out on loved ones. Be prepared to deal with groups and organizations of greater magnitude. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You can accomplish the most if you travel for business purposes. Offer love and affection instead of conflict and rejection.
3. Explain the impact you would like your participation to have in your sport. For women I hope they can use me as good example. I would love to see more women in the gym using more and more heavy weights to get healthier no matter the age, achieving a healthy mind and body leads to a fit and productive nation of women. That being said more women in the sport would be awesome also. C. Rodney (GAPLF-93kg) 1. Why do you engage in Barbell Training? Because it is a challenge and I’ve always loved being challenged. 2. What (Who) inspired you to start Barbell Training? My trainers and now fellow lifters; particularly, N. Taharally. Lisa Oudit (GAPLF-84kg) 1. Why do you engage in Barbell Training? To become better. 2. What (Who) inspired you to start Barbell Training? Health. 3. Explain the impact you would like your participation to have in your sport - impact that I would like my participation to have on myself is improved mental health such as my mood and the ability to concentrate on the different tasks and responsibilities assigned to me daily. Also reduces stress and depression, in a way to help build my selfconfidence and mostly to have and maintain a healthy weight. N. Taharally (GAPLF – Executive Committee Member – 72kg) 1. Why do you engage in Barbell Training? I use barbell training to stay fit and strong. 2. What (Who) inspired you to start Barbell Training? Fellow lifters; Demitri Chan and Feroze Hussein. A. Smith (GAPLF –General Secretary – 63kg) 1. Why do you engage in Barbell Training? As a natural progression (added support) to the sporting activities I was involved in at the time; I was an avid runner and played badminton regularly. 2. What (Who) inspired you to start Barbell Training? People; A. (1) A visibly energetic woman (Massah Pratt); an active aerobics instructor who always advocated the necessity for both ‘free weights’ and barbells to be a part of any female’s training regime. She was the first female I observed squatting 135lbs (‘in the bucket’). b. (ii) A Militant Man (Now my Coach) who displayed an orderly/structured approach to training that suited my personality. He taught me not to be afraid of a loaded barbell. 3. Explain the impact you would like your participation to have in your sport – I’d like my participation in powerlifting to have a positive impact on other females; I’d
like to foster a legacy which enables the contributions of female powerlifters to become both prominent and comprehensive (on and off the platform). I’d like to contribute to creating a new appeal for powerlifting that would encourage any female to participate. Smith shares some additional thoughts on Female Powerlifting in Guyana Where we are today. * There has been an increase in the number of females participating in powerlifting (for various reasons); though positive for the local Guyana scenario, this number that is still comparatively small regionally and internationally. * Thanks to improved e-media channels, females now readily have access to information on various training methodologies/ modalities; females are now acutely aware of the benefits of proper health regimes (diet and exercise). * As a support to the sport on a whole, social media feeds (youtube, Instagram, facebook) are showcasing females engaged in various forms of barbell training; and because of this females are seeing for themselves that they too can engage in this form of exercise; their perceptions are changing, they are becoming encouraged. * The fairer (female) side of powerlifting is very malleable for improvement if the
sport as a whole is marketed relevantly to this cause; through:- Sharing of accurate information to re-informed skewed training ideologies e.g. “barbell training will not turn you into a man” “lifting weights will not make you unable to conceive” - Promoting past and current local female lifters; and also regional lifters. * Females should be reminded and encouraged by the fact that there are additional girls in their categories) lifting/competing proudly. - Promoting the true reality of powerlifting; (i) It isn’t a ‘one-off sport’ like any other sport, training dividends come with time, consistency, effort and discipline. - Fostering community (empowerment). On a positive note this small number of females powerlifters, lends itself well to the fostering of community among female lifters, in which they can share their individual experiences and encourage each other; - Promoting additional aspects of the powerlifting in which females can participate, and shatter the glass ceiling (multiple times over) e.g. Accredited Referees and Scorers. An example of a past local female referee is Ms. Dawn MaCalmon-Barker, former national and regional powerlifting champion. (Franklin Wilson)
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IOC’s Fredericks steps down as 2024 Games bid chief (Reuters) International Olympic Committee member Frank Fredericks stepped down yesterday as head of the team evaluating bids to host the 2024 Olympics, as an IOC ethics commission investigates alleged payments to him before the awarding of the 2016 Games to Rio. Namibian Fredericks, a four-time Olympic sprint silver medalist over 100m and 200m, denied any wrongdoing and said he was
moving aside so as not to be a distraction in the investigation, announced last Friday. On Monday he had stepped down as head of a task force at the international athletics federation (IAAF). “I categorically deny any direct or indirect involvement in any untoward conduct and confirm that I have never breached any law, regulation or rule of ethics in respect of any IOC election process,”
Fredericks said in a statement. As head of the IOC bid commission, he had been due to lead an inspection visit to 2024 candidate cities Los Angeles and Paris in April and May and draft a report. He said he would now not attend a July briefing for IOC members on the 2024 bids, and would not take part in voting for the host city, due to take place in Peru in September.
Mendis’ ton puts Sri Lanka on course for big total
The IOC ethics probe follows a report by French newspaper Le Monde that prosecutors were investigating payments made shortly before the vote in 2009 that awarded the 2016 Olympics to Rio. The paper said Papa Massata Diack, the Senegalese son of disgraced former IAAF President Lamine Diack, transferred about $300,000 to a company linked to Fredericks. Fredericks told Le Monde the money was paid for work he did to promote athletics in Africa at the time.
“The articles do not only target me, they target the integrity of the International Olympic Committee bidding and elections process for host cities,” he said. The elder Diack is under investigation in France for corruption, while the son is the subject of an Interpol wanted notice, issued at the request of French authorities, for alleged corruption and money laundering. Papa Diack has denied the allegations and said both he and his father are innocent. “I believe in the integrity
of the election processes of the IOC and never noticed anything untoward to make me doubt this. I reiterate that I was never involved with any vote manipulation or for that matter any other inappropriate or illegal practice,” Fredericks said. “Nonetheless I have personally decided...I step aside as chairperson of the 2024 evaluation commission, because it is essential that the important work my colleagues are doing is seen as being carried out in a truthful and fair manner.”
Ibrahimovic handed three match ban for violent conduct
Kusal Mendis crunches one through the off side, Sri Lanka v Bangladesh, 1st Test, Galle, 1st day, ©AFP (Reuters) Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 166 and combined in a fourthwicket partnership of 196 with Asela Gunaratne to put Sri Lanka on course for a big first innings total against Bangladesh on the first day of the opening test at Galle yesterday. Sri Lanka reached 321 for four in the first innings at stumps after captain Rangana Herath won the toss and opted to bat in the first of the two-test series against their South Asian rivals.
At close, Niroshan Dickwella was unbeaten on 14 with Mendis. The hosts got off to a false start when paceman Subashis Roy bowled out opener Upul Tharanga for four, bringing the 22-yearold Mendis to the crease. Bangladesh also managed to dismiss Dimuth Karunaratne (30) and Dinesh Chandimal (five) to reduce Sri Lanka to 92 for three. That brought Mendis and Gunaratne together and the duo put the Bangladesh
bowling to the sword. The touring side had their only other success of the day w h e n p a c e m a n Ta s k i n Ahmed bowled out the 31year-old Gunaratne after Bangladesh had taken the second new ball in the 81st over. It was the second test hundred for Mendis, who hit 18 fours and two sixes in his 242-ball knock. Scores: Sri Lanka 321 for 4 (Mendis 166*, Gunaratne 85) v Bangladesh.
Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. (Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff) (Reuters) Manchester United for w a r d Z l a t a n Ibrahimovic was handed a three-match ban with immediate effect yesterday after admitting a charge of violent conduct and accepting the standard
penalty, the FA said. The charge followed an incident just before halftime in Saturday’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings landed on
the Swede’s head with his studs and Ibrahimovic caught Mings in the face with his elbow soon afterwards. The clash was not seen by the match officials at the time but was caught on video.
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Sammy hopes PSL final help’s country international return
Peshawar Zalmi captain Darren Sammy celebrates winning the final of the Pakistan Super League on Sunday in Lahore. LAHORE, Pakistan, CMC – Former West Indies captain Darren Sammy
hopes the successful staging of the Pakistan Super League final here Sunday, can help
in the country’s push to return to the international calendar.
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The PSL final between the Sammy-led Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators was the first high profile game featuring foreign players to be played in Lahore, since terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009, resulting in the death of security personnel and injury to several players. While all of Gladiators’ foreign players refused to play the final owing to security concerns, Sammy had his full complement available, and he said he hoped playing had made a difference to Pakistan
cricket. “All the boys just made a decision. We are part of something … that’s for a good cause,” Sammy said. “I’ve said it before, fans here deserve to see their players. They have not seen them in a while and having the finals here in Lahore, I’m glad I came. I’ve enjoyed it. “It was like playing a cricket game in any other place. I have even enjoyed the security guys as I have never seen something like this before. “So hopefully it’s a step in the right direction, where things could happen. It’s small steps you have to take to get to the places you want to go.” Sammy was joined in the f i n a l b y We s t I n d i e s teammate Marlon Samuels and Barbados-born England all-rounder Chris Jordan who was one of two Englishman, along with Dawid Malan, who opted to play. Their fellow countrymen Kevin Pietersen, Luke Wright and Tyman Mills all returned home after helping to guide Gladiators into the semi-final last week. Trinidad and Tobago allrounder Reyad Emrit, Zimbabwean Sean Ervine and South African Morne van Wyk were all drafted in
by Gladiators as last minute replacements for the final. Sammy told reporters he had felt a commitment to represent Zalmi in the final and was further assured after getting the backing of his family. “When you’ve not been a place, you always have your little doubts. You get different views, different opinions,” said the two-time T20 World Cup-winning skipper. “But like I said, Javed (Afridi), Shahid Afridi are my family. When I spoke to my Mom she just said ‘boy just go and play, I’m on my knees praying for you.’ My wife said the same.” He added: “What I can tell you is I’ve been here and it’s felt like playing in St Lucia, felt like playing in India, felt like playing anywhere else in the world and like I said at the toss … cricket was the winner.” In a final played under heavy security at Gaddafi Stadium, Sammy smashed a Man-of-the-Match unbeaten 28 off 11 deliveries as Zalmi beat Gladiators by 58 runs. No international side has toured the country in eight years, with the Pakistan Cricket Board forced to host ‘home’ games in United Arab Emirates.
Former world champion Fury says will fight again in May
CEO of Leading Edge Sports store Christopher Barnwell (right) presents the trophy to Dexter George. Leading Edge Sports Store located at Robb and Albert Streets Georgetown has supported Dexter George and Tevin Imlach f i v e - o v e r Ta p e b a l l tournament set to commence Saturday at D’Urban Park. CEO of the entity Christopher Barnwell presented a trophy to George at a simple ceremony at Demerara Cricket Club on Monday. Barnwell lauded
the George and Imlach for staging such a tournament at a time when little cricket is being played mainly due to rain, while George expressed gratitude to Barnwell for his input. Entrance fee is $10,000 and at stake are trophies, hampers and cash incentives for outstanding teams as well as individual performances. During the finals, which will be played Sunday at the
said venue, fans will be able to witness three females in a bowl out competition which will see the champion winning credit to their proposed network. Interested teams can contact George on 671 0458 or Imlach on 688 7982 for information on registration which will be closed Thursday. All registered teams are asked to be at the venue at 09:00hrs to facilitate a prompt start.
( R e u t e r s ) B r i t a i n ’s former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has said he will make a comeback against an unnamed opponent in May, even though he is under a provisional suspension from the sport. “Breaking news. Return of the MAC. May 13th, working on an opponent, more news to follow,” he tweeted on Monday. The 28-year-old has not fought since beating Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko to become world champion in November 2015, subsequently pulling out of a rematch twice. He vacated his WBO and WBA belts last year, revealing he was seeking medical help, after telling Rolling Stone magazine that he had taken cocaine to help his depression. Fury’s licence was “suspended pending further
Tyson Fury celebrates winning the fight against Wladimir Klitschko. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee SmithLivepic/File Photo) investigation” by the British Boxing Board of Control. He was also charged with a rule violation by UK AntiDoping after a urine sample from February 2015 showed traces of the banned
stimulant nandrolone. He has denied any wrongdoing. A provisional UKAD suspension was lifted on appeal but Fury faces an anti-doping tribunal, though no date has been set.
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Wednesday March 08, 2017
Much still at stake in Oval ODI, reminds Estwick BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – West Indies may have already conceded the three-match one-day series to England but bowling coach Roddy Estwick has warned there is still much at stake in tomorrow’s final encounter at Kensington Oval. We’re still playing for points,” Estwick emphasised to reporters here yesterday. “We’re still trying to qualify for the World Cup so every game is very, very important, so we still have to go out there and look to win the game. “Even though the series is gone it doesn’t matter. We need points and we need them badly so we have to come out on Thursday and
West Indies bowling coach Roddy Estwick put a good performance in.” West Indies currently languish at number nine in the international ODI rankings, one spot outside the automatic qualifying places for the 2019 World Cup in England.
ECB congratulates Paul on National team selection
If they will fail to make the top eight by the cut-off point of September 30, they will be forced to go through a qualifying tournament involving ICC associate and affiliate teams. Last weekend in Antigua, the Caribbean side suffered two setbacks in the attempt to boost their ranking, losing the opening ODI to England by 45 runs and the second by four wickets. But despite the defeats, Estwick believes there is no
gulf between the quality of the two teams. “We’re not that far away from England,” the former Barbados pacer said. “If you look at the two games, we didn’t play the big moments very well but once we can get those critical moments right, I’m sure we can come up with a win.” With most of their experienced stars missing, West Indies have fielded an inexperienced line-up, with rookies like Jason Mohammed, Shai Hope,
Jonathan Carter and Kraigg Brathwaite carrying the burden of the batting. Combined, the quartet has managed just 38 ODIs, with captain Jason Holder the most experienced player in the current side with 51 matches. Estwick pointed out that West Indies were currently in a rebuilding phase involving young players but said once the learning was complete, he expected the side to challenge. “All of these boys are 23,
24 … [they] don’t have 173 One-Day games between [them] so they are learning every day,” he noted. “The key thing is to learn and the key thing is for us to keep teaching them because once teaching takes place then learning takes place so that’s what we’ve got to keep doing. “They’ll make mistakes and they’ll be inconsistent because they’re inexperienced but as they continue to grow I’m sure we’ll be alright.”
Zouks rebranded St Lucia Stars for new campaign CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – St Lucia Zouks have undergone a name change for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League season, with the franchise now rebranded St Lucia Stars. Franchise owner Jay P a n d y a , w h o s e Philadelphia-based Royal Sports Club purchased the Castries-based outfit last October, said the new name would reflect all the characteristics of the idyllic Caribbean country. “We wanted the identity to represent St. Lucia and anyone who supports the team associates with the traits of being St. Lucian,” Pandya said. “When we were making the decision to bring this change and we were looking for inspiration, we just had to look within and bring out the spirit of St. Lucia. They are stars in every might and proud to be Born Lucians.” The new logo of the franchise has been designed to reflect “a new bold and vibrant identity” and is
Franchise captain Darren Sammy.
comprised of three different elements – the iconic Piton mountains, the colours of the St Lucia flag and the cheer of the St Lucian people. Captain Darren Sammy said St Lucia Stars would be aiming in the upcoming season to reflect all the changes embodied in the franchise name. “We definitely want to live up to what the logo represents and play like stars
as we look to win the CPL this season,” the former West Indies captain said. “Hopefully, this change will bring in good luck for us. To be “Born Lucian” means we take pride in what we do and we do it wholeheartedly. And we want this to resonate with our fans and make them feel proud.” Zouks had one of their best seasons last year when
they reached the playoffs for the first time in the fouryear history of the competition. They managed to attract the likes of Australians Mike Hussey and Shane Watson, along with South Africa David Miller, and proved one of the more entertaining sides. The competition this year runs from August 1 to September 9.
BVA to represent Guyana in U19 goodwill tournament in Trinidad Keemo Paul The Essequibo Cricket Board had extended congratulations to all-rounder Keemo Paul on his selection to the Guyana Jaguars team for the upcoming engagement against Jamaica Scorpions. A release from the board stated that Paul is a committed cricketer and his elevation will motivate the youths in the county. “Paul definitely has the ability to excel at the highest level and we would like to wish him well,” the release went on. Paul, who plays for Noitgedacht SC in Wakenaam, was the vice captain of the West Indies U-19 team that won the ICC World Cup in Bangladesh last year.
The Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA), which is touted as one of the most active associations in Guyana, will be undertaking an overseas trip to the twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for its U19 volleyball players. T h e B VA w i l l b e undertaking the trip to participate in an international tournament from the 9th to the 13th March as a result of an invitation by the Trinidad
and Tobago Volleyball Federation (TTVF). Whilst in Trinidad the BVA U19 team is expected to participate in matches against teams from the Twin Island Republic and Barbados. Although they haven’t participated in the competition in successive years, this is the fourth time they will be taking part in the competition, having won the competition on the three previous occasions they
participated. A 17 man team led by President of The BVA, former national Captain and present national coach, Levi Nedd-who will serve as manager coach, will be representing the BVA at the annual tournament. A n u m b e r o f organizations have come forward to assist the team with sponsorship including Director of Sports Christopher Jones and the National Sports
Commission, Department of Culture Youth and Sports, St Francis Community Developers, Balram Shane General Store, Poonai Pharmacy and Unicell Phone Shack among others. The team is expected to depart Guyana around 18:00hrs tomorrow and return on Tuesday Morning. The tournament will also be used in preparation of the upcoming Inter Guiana Games later this year. (Samuel Whyte)
Wednesday March 08, 2017
NSC Mash Badminton winners collect prizes The Guyana Badminton Association held the presentation for the winners for the National Sports Commission Mashramani Badminton Open & Junior Tournament on Monday last at the National Gymnasium. Director of Sports Mr. Christopher Jones and the executive members of the GBA made the presentation of trophies and medals to the respective winners along with the opening and closing remarks. The GBA would like to thank the NSC for their support in the development of Badminton.
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Gabriel out of Oval ODI BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel will take no part in tomorrow’s third One-Day International against England after sustaining a side strain in the second game in Antigua last Sunday. The right-armer underwent scans here which confirmed the nature of the injury, leading to him being ruled out of contention for the contest at Kensington Oval. West Indies are yet to
name a replacement but Barbados seamer Miguel Cummins is expected to come in. Gabriel has been impressive so far in series, bowling with pace and hostility. He claimed two wickets in the opening ODI at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium last Friday which West Indies lost by 45 runs but took just one in the second game before limping off after sending down three overs. West Indies went down
Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel. by four wickets to concede the series. The 28-year-old Gabriel has taken 16 wickets from 10
ODIs, since making his debut last June. West Indies trail 2-0 in the three-match series.
Guyana Cup Fever Horserace meet 2017 set for Easter Sunday at Port Mourant The Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and racing stables, who are the organizers of the annual Guyana Cup, Guyana Cup Fever and Guyana Cup rematch horseracing events, is reminding horserace fans that the Guyana Cup Fever meet is set for Sunday April 16th, Waster Sunday, at the Port Mourant Turf Club. The organisers are in the final stages of finalizing their programme for the Easter Sunday meet. So far eight races are listed for the day with close
to $8M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs with the feature event slated for horses classified C and lower for a winning purse of over $1.2M and trophy. The organizers are taking their time with the finalization of the programme so as to cater for all the top horses in the country. Top horses, stables and jockeys will be awarded with trophies compliments of Ramesh Sunich, Managing Director of the
Trophy Stall of Bourda Market. A number of added attractions and incentives including free kites will be given away on race day. There will also be bouncy castle, trampoline and other attractions for children. Among some of the rules that will be enforced on race day are -The Organizing Committee reserves the right to cancel/reframe any of the races. In the event that there are less than five (5) horses entered for any event the Organizing Committee
reserves the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money after notifying the horse owners. Seven horses must start or no fourth prize will be paid. Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 232-0633), Irshad Mohammed on 6641650. The coordinator is Nazrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohammed Jr. (Samuel Whyte)
Camara elected to FIFA council after opponents unexpectedly withdraw
CM Wendell Meusa... (From page 37) respectively. Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Chess Federation lauded Meusa on his continued progress in the game. He also noted the growing competitiveness where several of the competitors finished on similar points. The GCF boss also extended profound gratitude to the proprietor of Trophy Stall and officials of the National Sports Commission for their contribution to the success of the tournament. He also singled out several of the junior players that have shown remarkable improvement. They include Joshua Gopaul, Nelisha Johnson, and Andre Jagnandan.
(Reuters) Almamy Kabele Camara of Guinea has been elected unopposed to the council of FIFA, a week before African elections for the post were to be held, after both his rivals pulled out hours before FIFA announced the results of background investigations on prospective candidates. Camara was one of three candidates for two places in the open category of the African elections, which also have other categories for the continent’s various language groups. But both Danny Jordaan, president of the South African Football Association, and Chabur Goc Alei of South Sudan withdrew without explanation. That leaves a vacancy that will be filled by a supplementary election, officials said yesterday.
If either Jordaan or Alei had stayed in the race, he would also have been elected unopposed to the council of world soccer’s governing body. Attempts to contact both on Tuesday were unsuccessful. The Confederation of African Football and FIFA were notified of their withdrawals on Monday, just hours before FIFA announced that the 10 candidates in the race had all passed integrity checks. Camara will now fill one of the seven seats reserved for Africa on the FIFA council. Ly d i a N s e k e r a o f Burundi is guaranteed another as the continent’s female representative. The other five will be determined by elections at the CFA’s congress in Addis Ababa on March 16. Former African Footballer of the Year
Kalusha Bwalya of Zamba had already pulled out at the weekend as campaigning continued in the most animated CAF election for decades. Long-standing CAF President Issa Hayatou faces a challenge from Madagascar’s Ahmad, who uses just one name, for the organ i s a t i o n ’ s
presidency and an automatic place on the FIFA council. Africa’s other FIFA council seats will be determined by races in t h r e e l a n g u a g e categories – Arabic, English and French. Two c a n d i d a t e s a r e contending for a single place in each category.
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Wednesday March 08, 2017
Ashwin spins India to series-levelling win B E N G A L U R U ( R e u t e r s ) O ff - s p i n n e r Ravichandran Ashwin picked up six wickets to lead India to a dramatic 75-run victory over Australia in the second test yesterday, the win enabling the hosts to level the four-match series at 1-1. On a M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch offering unpredictable bounce for the pacemen and sharp turn for the spinners, Australia were bundled all out for 112 in their second innings late on the fourth day after being set a victory target of 188. India’s hopes of squaring the series looked all but dead when they were dismissed for 189 in their first innings but the world’s top-ranked side fought back to keep Australia within reach and then batted resolutely to set a testing target. Ashwin’s five-wicket haul was the 25th for the world’s top-ranked bowler, who finished with figures of 6-41 in an enthralling test match that witnessed four different bowlers pick up six wickets for a first time. “It is a great feeling to
beat Australia, the way things went in the first innings and the way we came back, it was a memorable test match for all of us,” India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara said in a post-match interview. “Anything about 200 was almost impossible to chase but once we crossed 150, we all believed we could defend this total and once we had 188, we definitely believed it.” After dismissing the free-scoring opening batsman David Warner for 17 in his first spell, Ashwin returned before tea to send back Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Wade. Peter Handscomb was Australia’s last hope but he too, fell to Ashwin in the final session, as did Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon as the off-spinner took five wickets for just nine runs in a devastating spell either side of the interval. Fast bowler Umesh Yadav also chipped in, getting the big wicket of Australia captain Steve Smith, who was out leg before to a grubber that stayed so low it almost hit his
boot. Smith was out for 28 and also angered the Indian fielders when he appeared to look towards his dressing room for advice before opting against a review of the decision. Umesh also dismissed Shaun Marsh leg before for nine, when he padded a delivery outside the off stump. The batsman would have been saved if he had reviewed the decision with replays showing the ball was missing the wicket. HAZLEWOOD’S HAUL Josh Hazlewood earlier picked up career-best figures of 6-67 to rip through India’s batting on the fourth morning and remove the hosts for 274 in their second innings when it appeared they would score much more. Smith started with spin from both ends to try and break the fifth-wicket partnership between Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane but when the new ball was available after 80 overs, he handed it to his pacemen. Left-arm quick Mitchell
R Ashwin celebrates with team-mates after closing out the Test, India v Australia, 2nd Test, Bengaluru, 4th day, ©Associated Press
Starc was erratic at first but then made a key breakthrough by dismissing Rahane leg before for 52 with a full inswinger that ending a vital partnership of 118. Starc then rattled the stumps of Karun Nair with his next ball and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha only just survived the
hat-trick delivery. The 26-year-old Hazlewood, who had taken three wickets on Monday, took up the gauntlet in the following over and struck a major blow to India’s hopes by dismissing Pujara for 92, caught at gully. Ashwin was also out in the same over for four to the right-arm paceman and
U m e s h b e c a m e Hazlewood’s sixth victim as India lost five wickets for just 20 runs in 19 deliveries. Scores: India 189 (Rahul 90, Lyon 8-50) and 274 (Pujara 92, Rahane 52, Rahul 51, Hazlewood 6-67) beat Australia 276 (S Marsh 66, Renshaw 60, Jadeja 663) and 112 (Ashwin 6-41) by 75 runs.
GCB/MOM/DMLAS National Combined School’s cricket
Rain saves Highway Combined at Bayroc By Sean Devers At the Bayroc ground, the only functioning cricket facility in Linden, the lack of covers which were promised to the club by the GCB over three years ago, resulted in the GCB/MOM/DMLAS National Combined Secondary School’s 50-over cricket League encounter between Highway Combined and Linden Combined starting over four hours late yesterday. Pacer Kevin Ferreira (318) and Alden Kattow (3-29) were the architects of destruction as the home team were bowled out for 115 in the truncated game which was reduced to 22 overs. Omar Pollard, a talented boxer who fights out of Pocket Rocket Gym, top scored with 17 from 30 balls with a single boundary but only Fung-Kee-Fung, who smashed two fours in 13, Emmanuel La Rose (12*) and Shaw Samuels (11) of the other batsmen, got into double figures. Highway Combined were 8-2 in four overs when another shower sent the
Jonathon Copland flicks for four off Kevin Ferreira who had 3-18. players off the field for the final time as the game ended in a no result. Linden Combined elected to bat in overcast conditions and were quickly on the back foot when Kevin Ferreira ripped out two wickets in the same over. After being flicked for four, Ferreira had National U-17 Goalkeeper Jonathon Copland (6) taken at short cover and induced Vashau
Browne (0) to drag one onto his stumps to leave Linden on 14-2. Things got progressively worse when Brian Culpeper was run out for a duck a run later as the newball pair of Ferreira and Skipper Mark Clenkian peppered the batsman with several short balls which reared from off a good length on the ‘up and down’ track.
Vashan Browne under edges one onto his stumps off Kevin Ferreira yesterday at Bayroc in Wismar.
The multi talented Pollard, who also plays Football and Volleyball, batted with a level head and added 27 for the fourth wicket with Romel Ross (9) before Ross was bowled by Alden Kattow at 42-4. Kattow again struck when he removed Fung-Kee-Fung after he was struck for consecutive boundaries to post the 50 in the 11th over. Samuels then hit Keon
Kattow back over his head and then disdainfully pulled him for boundaries in the 17th over before he was caught and bowled at 92-8. The tail wagged a bit with La Rose being left unbeaten with 1.5 overs remaining. Probably inspired by the presence of the Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland at the ground, La Rose had Elymos Williams caught
behind by Copland for a duck and three runs later Linden Griffith had Attoffio Bernard (1) well taken at mid-on as Highway slipped to 3-2 much to the disappointment of their supporters who had travelled from St Cuthbert’s Mission. Keon Kattow (1) and Joshua Sawdwell (2) were at the crease when rain ended the contest.
Wednesday March 08, 2017
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CM Wendell Meusa is best Rapid Chess Player following remarkable display He is touted as the best in the longer version of the game but Candidate Master (CM), Wendell Meusa, proved to be proficient in another department when he carted off the spoils in the Trophy Stall FIDE Rapid one day Chess tournament last Saturday at the National Resource Center, Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, Georgetown. Meusa turned back a strong challenge from CM Anthony Drayton, in what was regarded as his toughest challenge, and went on to play unbeaten to chalk up 7
points, while his nemesis finished in the second place with one point less. Meusa is currently rated at 2047 points. Chino Chung continued his upward trek among the top guns and assumed the final podium position with five points after surrendering games to Drayton and Davion Mars. The competitiveness of the tournament was apparent after several other players completed the day on 4 points each. They included Junior Champion, Saeed Ali, Davion Mars, WFM Maria
Varona-Thomas, Andre Jagnandan and Joshua Gopaul. Roberto Neto amassed 3 ½ points, while N e l i s h a a n d Wa v e n e y Johnson, Jayden Taylor, Akili Theophil, Sophia Singh and Joshua Singh all finished on 3 points apiece. Rashad Hussain and Isaiah McCalman ended the day on 2 ½ and 1 point (Continued on page 35)
CM Anthony Drayton, CM Wendell Meusa and Chino Chung (back row) shared the podium spots.
PAGE 42
Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 08, 2017
Bogut breaks leg on Cavs debut, season likely over
Cleveland Cavaliers centre Andrew Bogut on the floor after being injured during the first half against the Miami Heat. (Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports) (Reuters) Australian centre Andrew Bogut suffered a fractured left tibia just 58 seconds into his Cleveland Cavaliers debut on Monday, with the team reporting that he could be out for the rest of the season. The 32-year-old, a former champion with the Golden State Warriors, signed as a free agent with Cleveland for the remainder of the campaign last week and joined the team before Monday’s game after resolving visa issues. However, with 11:38 left in the second quarter, Bogut ran out to the perimeter to guard Miami’s Okaro White and the pair made contact, with the Australian landing badly on his left ankle and hobbling before falling to the court. His new team mates helped carry him to the locker room and the Cavaliers later said X-rays revealed a fracture that could end his season. “It’s very deflating,” Cleveland forward LeBron James told reporters after the Cavaliers’ 106-98 defeat. “As soon as the collision happened, I heard a break. When I went over to him and he said it, I already knew, I heard it crack,” he added. When he was carried off, it was like the air had been sucked out of the building and the Cavs seemed to be distracted by the incident after talking with Bogut in the locker room at halftime before he was sent to the hospital. “How would you think his spirit’s like? He played 58 seconds,” James added. “And to have an injury like that to take you out for the rest of the season, possibly, and you really, there’s not much you can say.”
Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 08, 2017
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GAPF salute female powerlifters on IWD 2017 Theme: Be Bold For Change In a sport that has been traditionally dominated by men with the so called view that it’s not a woman’s place to be lifting heavy weights; powerlifting on the distaff side has been encouragingly shifting with more females being attracted to the sport, for varying reasons. From having no females at all to one, then too and n o w n u m e r o u s , powertlifting is lifting off with more females in our society taking to the platform. Recently elected General Secretary of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting
Kimberly Mars
Federation (GAPF) Andrea Smith, herself an active athlete in her wisdom along with her President, Ed Caesar and executive, have sought to highlight the contribution of women to the sport by seeking their input on a few pertinent questions pertaining to their involvement. International Women’s Day 2017 is being celebrated under the theme: ‘Be Bold For Change’ with a call for the masses to help forge a better working world - a more gender inclusive world. Well, the powerlifting
federation is seeing to forge a better world in their arena and is encouraging more females and women to get involved in the sport which can enhance your outlook to life, generally. Smith recently did a poll on the federation’s facebook page to garner feedback on the following questions. 1. Why do you engage in Barbell Training? 2. What (Who) inspired you to start Barbell Training? And for all the competitors: Explain the impact you would like your participation to have in your sport? Following are the
Chitra Ramlochan
Andrea Smith responses of the individuals who participated in the poll. L. Ahamad (GABBF General Secretary) 1. Why do you engage in Barbell Training? I engage in barbell
training to gain strength and tone my body. 2. What (Who) inspired you to start Barbell Training? My best friend got me into weights and helped me to find
Tracy Shamsudeen
strength levels I didn’t know I had before. V. R a m p e r s a u d ( G A P L F - 7 2 k g ) 1. Why do you engage in (Continued on page 31)
Nadina Taharally
t r o Sp GCB/MOM/DMLAS National Combined School’s cricket
Ashwin spins India to Rain saves Highway series-levelling win Combined at Bayroc
Top scorer Omar Pollard sways his head away from a nasty lifter like a boxer evading a left hook at Bayroc yesterday. (Photos by Sean Devers)
R Ashwin took his 25th five-wicket haul in Tests, India v Australia, 2nd Test, Bengaluru, 4th day, ŠAssociated Press
NSC Mash Badminton winners collect prizes
NSC Mash Badminton winners display their prizes with Director of Sport Christopher Jones (centre back row) after the presentation.
GAPF salute female powerlifters on IWD 2017 Theme: Be Bold For Change Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210