Kaieteur News
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Sunday March 17,2019
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Rusal took its position to the brink
F
or Rusal, sanity and a return to consciousness came late: what it had to do first, it is doing last. When all is considered, it is difficult to understand its thinking and tactics. From the get-go, there had to be a single consideration: does this place, this investment make sense? If neither does not, then time to go. But clearly, the Guyana bauxite investment and operations were not a basket case or a bleeding, losing proposition in terms of the visions of the Russian brain trust. That crucial hurdle required no last-minute examination of the real state of the books. Thus, all along the Guyana investment represented a place to stay, a place in which there was promise and of actually recording a favourable return. Thus, for Rusal to adopt a harsh stance at the beginning of this most recent phase of its relationship with Guyanese partners flies in the face of commonsense, business sense, and any management sense. It could have bought time by playing the usual corporate games. This included stonewalling by sending away its decision-makers for a vague but protracted period, and then dragging that out just to the point of exhaustion; or sheltering under some subterfuge related to consultations with the parent company for guidance; or meeting with the Department of Labour and making everybody on the other side sweat over that, while torturously reviewing proposals and options, and then repeating the same with any agreed upon union. To put differently, Rusal could have taken a page from the Guyanese elections manual and applied that to its industrial relations travails. But company chieftains decided to gamble through one stunt after another. Whether that was instigated or not; or just a product of European hubris will remain unanswered. Perhaps, the gamble was that, having gotten away with that precedent a decade earlier, the same strategy would succeed again. Unfortunately, it collided with some outraged workers, an incensed nation, and an equally determined government. The current government could neither back away nor afford to lose this particular fight and especially at this critical juncture. It had to stand its ground. The response from the Guyanese side was unequivocal, unbending, and unaccommodating. In the public relations battle, the company was losing face; in the ledgers, it was coming up empty: no workers, no operations, no money. There was no love, too. Something had to give; somebody had to blink. Rusal did so first. What it should have done in the first place, though not necessarily in a rush, it ended up doing last through this abrupt about face. The company now announces belated, definitely compelled, interfacing with the union. Good! Now, there must be an absence of craftiness, and only continuous manifestations of acting in good faith to resolve existing impasses. Let there be no ponderous negotiations on the thorny matter of money; and let the other reasonable demands of the workers be met. Some lessons are obvious. The first is that situations (be they industrial relations, or political relations, or domestic relations) not be allowed to degrade to the point of near death before reason takes hold and brings about the first traces of civility and practicality. Second, as is now undeniable, Rusal only came to this point, when it was either that or say ‘sayonara’ Guyana. The agency was forced to this point of capitulation against its will. Third, as was posited at the start, if this operation was failing, then it would have been a wiping of the dust off the feet and taking off for friendlier shores. There is one other consideration: it could be that homebound Russian powers, with an eye on Venezuela, see it as an asset in place: please stay, don’t go.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Let the ‘crisis’ come! It may be good for Guyana DEAR EDITOR, This writer is of the firm conviction that whatever causes a crisis to a people individually, or corporately as a nation, eventuates into something which can be for the common good. Let the crisis come! It may be good for our country. One thing common, though, among the leading politicians, sir, is their style of leadership and this is graphically illustrated below. Sometime ago a bridge was built across the Demerara river. It was called the l.f.s.b; the longest floating steel bridge. What is important to note is that, built into the bridge was a certain lifespan, to serve a people for a particular period of time. One day a disaster was averted, something which could have taken the lives of a busload of young Guyanese. That was caused because of crisis, a crisis of poor leadership. Thank God, there was no fatality, but you can guess what positives came out of the incident. Yes, there was a mad rush to repair the ill-used,
overused, old bridge to make it usable again. Some adjustments here and there, the renewing of bolts and nuts, replacements of old irrelevant material, and so on.The designers of that bridge meant that over time there had to be some evaluation to ensure adequacy , structural soundness, etcetera, etcetera. No one in the political hierarchy saw it fit to ensure its soundness, its safety standard, etc. Guyana is on its way, transitioning to become a showpiece in the world, yet we are experiencing a crisis, this crisis of poor leadership, fifty years as an independent nation! We are yet grappling with an issue which should not been in there in the first place. No one saw there was impending ‘danger’. No one heeded the call to reassess, to reform, to renew, to reevaluate our ‘bridge’. Concerning our ‘bridge’, couldn’t the crafters of our statutes, or couldn’t successive political leaderships, have seen the inadequacies therein and articulate one that can stand the test of time or should have they been made to
evaluate it from time to time to avert an impending ‘disaster’? Surely, our Guyana deserves better. One thing for sure, which is very common among the leading politicians is, their mouth water (they salivate) when it’s time for elections. When in office, however, they become comfortable with the battered, brokendown, irrelevant ‘bridge’. Our ‘bridge’ needs new
‘screws’, new ‘bolts’, new arrangements to function adequately and our current politicians have failed to give answers. The current breed of politicians, on both sides, have failed to give us the assurance it is time to charter a new course, to build a strong and united Guyana, a country which all can be proud to call home. God bless our country. Yours truly J. Atkinson
Unnecessarily expensive coffins create problems for crematoriums DEAR EDITOR Yesterday’s ( 16th March) media report titled a “ A Grave Matter” elaborated on the vandalization of graves which contain expensive items buried on behalf of relatives as expressions of various sentiments. In a similar manner, I wish to draw attention to the difficulties created for the attendants at the crematorium at Blairmont Estate (and I believe at other crematoriums) who are often forced by family members to put the dead bodies with the ‘ostentatious/expensive’ coffins on the pyre for burning; this causes much unnecessary hassles and untold difficulties for the attendants during the burning as well as afterwards when the ashes have to be collected the next day. I wish to take this opportunity to plead with patrons of the Blairmont Crematorium to desist from this practice; it will save them much unnecessary expenses and save the attendants much hassles to clear the remains after the cremation; a simple coffin is much more preferred and indeed will result in the better, cleaner burning of the deceased. Nowrang Persaud
Sunday March 17, 2019
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The ethnic security dilemma from of Indian attitudes to not dispute the gist of Yusuf’s experience core Afro-Guyanese were the ma- letter. In comparison to the
The PPP has been cooperative; Coalition still playing games
DEAR EDITOR I would like to add a reference to the frequently mentioned Ethnic Security Dilemma discussion so often engrained on the parameters of political discussions; I am not a politician so my reference will not be tapered within the political language. The article on Monday February 18, by Dr. Baytoram Ramharack ‘Ethnic Security Dilemmas underline urgent need for Government of National Unity’. I accept the concept of a State of national unity, as I do not think that Guyana has evolved a system of managing all our human expertise, as we should. However, the effort towards such a State revolves around the simple consensus of ‘Honesty’ on our profound different worldviews, values and the inherited philosophies beneath the guarded language we use in public discussions. There must be an exorcism of constituency based slogans that cannot be sustained in the court of history, that are prevalent in that letter from Baytoram’s mind. To clarify, in rebuttal the only group that can seriously claim justified ‘ethnic security fears’ is the AfroGuyanese community and Indo, Amerindian and all others not in agreement with the powers that be, under past and recent past PPP administrations, as I will clarify. It cannot be disputed that it was the PPP that launched a racial civil war from 1961-64 for power, exploiting the most vicious philosophies to justify murder and mutilations, more AfroGuyanese died in that period that others. Dr. Clem Seecharan quotes Dale Bisnauth, “At the
lign vestiges of caste thinking” thus a ready religious belief based platform for Political manipulation especially at the provincial unexposed areas” The PPP nor the others outside of the PPP devoted to cultivating racist victimhood, could put together A ‘DOSSIER’ covering the extrajudicial deaths [unreal] linked to the [real] intensified campaign of sabotage carried out by the PPP in the Sugar Belt etc. during the years 1966 to 1992. To this, I will add the burning of the Guyana Rice Board. I worked there and was on leave in 1977. There were rumours before on that possibility, I could remember the anger of Davidson when he approached a senior official to intensify security and was told that GRB was a ‘working class safe zone’ and the latter sounds familiar doesn’t it?, ey nevertheless burnt it down, and there were no arrests and disappearances of bodies from any of the West Coast Demerara villages identified as the origins of those suspected of that arson that threw thousands out of employment. The idea of the 1973 martyrs asserted by Baytoram has long been given clarity as the callous usage of youth in an illegal assault t o s e i z e guarded ballot boxes by senior political activists who would have anticipated the response from the DF ranks guarding them. Former Lieutenant and PPP activist Malcolm Harripaul and Mohamed Yusuf gave ins i g h t s t o t h at incident. Yusuf’s letter was allowed a response from Donald Ramotar that yielded obvious propaganda History but did
1961-64, then 1992 to 2010 period of PPP control, this country from 1838 to 2019 have not experienced outside of the periods of PPP control, such levels of internal racial strife. There is no alternative evidence for Dr. Baytoram to challenge that information. In reference the Afro-Indo Security Dilemmas, this I have explored in several articles on Guyana post emancipation to the present. However other areas in defining the ethnic security dilemma are misrepresented in Khemraj’s column, chronicled outside of the experiences of the ‘other’ and I am surprised this escaped the editor, because Stabroek News was in the forefront of the struggle against extrajudicial killings. To say that the rogue elements of the police force trace their roots to the ‘kick down door bandits’ is erroneous and clueless. Many of those people who were the kick-down-door bandits fled in the late 70’s and 80’s to places like French Guyana when the GPF hunted them down killing many under the PNC. What manifested in the years leading up to 1992 were drug and backtrack dealers who supported the PPP and with monetary gifts and infiltrated the policing groups. After 1992, these people usurped the police and recruited them offering them political protection. Many supporting criminals were even sworn in as rural constables. If you trace the firearm holders of that period, still active today, it would indeed be unexplainable. None of the political academics, some 80 percent (Continued on page 7 )
DEAR EDITOR, As the Coalition rushes towards illegality in a few days, Granger who refuses to hold regular press conferences, takes to the air and calls for “cooperation,” and says the current political situation should not cause “alarm or anxiety.” Granger’s government was defeated and he refused to hold elections in 90 days! Is Granger living in a parallel universe? Does Mr. Granger have so much contempt for the PPP and the nation, which he thinks his Plenary can illegally occupy power and the Opposition should just roll over and be trampled upon? Mr. Jagdeo said the PNC should be “chased out” after March 21, but most people in their own Guyanese way say they should be “kicked out,” given their history. In the 2015 campaign, the PPP warned that “Granger is danger,” and in barely three years, the Coalition proved that to be correct. After fighting for the restoration of democracy stolen by the PNC for 28 years in its first stint, we are back to having to wrest power from the Coalition. The PNC has shown that once it gets into power, it will not get out. At Vreed-en-Hoop, Granger, who thinks the Chief Justice’s ruling is her mere opinions and perceptions, told his supporters we ‘ain’t’ going anywhere. This should send fears
through the spines of all Guyanese, given the PNC’s sordid history of rigging, and its penchant for summoning its machinery to stay in power, or get power. Everything the Coalition has done so far is about maximum administrative delay (MAD), not rushing to comply with the 90-days mandate of the constitution. Granger has not set a date to meet the 90-day election requirement; GECOM has been twiddling its thumbs; GECOM says it is waiting on the President for a date, while Granger says he is waiting on GECOM. Mr. Jagdeo, in great magnanimity and in the national interest, graciously met twice with Granger, but as we are in the midnight hour before the PNC becomes an illegal government, Granger has not cooperated to meet the 90-day mandate of elections required
in the emergency setting of the no-confidence motion. While the Chief Magistrate throws out the lawsuit that the three PNC GECOM Commissioners have conspired to breach Guyana’s Constitution, the Coalition has brought in a foreigner, at a very great expense to Guyana taxpayers, to argue that 33 is not greater than 32 – and that’s not a frivolous lawsuit!!! The PPP must do all it can to remove the illegal government after March 21. I hope the ABC countries and EU would stop playing games too, and make a clear statement that the Coalition has once again violated the Constitution. The current problem is a Coalition-created problem. You cannot blame the PPP. Sincerely, Jerry Singh
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CAN GUYANA CRICKET BE SAVED? THE JUDICIARY, GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE MUST DECIDE DEAR EDITOR, I read with keen interest a letter from a Mr. Boston published in the Kaieteur News on March 10 2019 and Mr. Marvin Burns published in the same media outfit on March 14 and captioned “Why is Linden being shut-out of Guyana’s Cricket?”Editor, in my research, I find that this is a serious national issue when you read Dr. David Hinds narrating on several occasions as it relates to discrimination and cricket in Guyana. I would like to refer to his article dated July 8, 2018 published in the Kaieteur News and captioned “Dictatorship and Racism in Guyanese Cricket — Can we talk about this, Mr. Jagdeo?” This is what he wrote - One area in which this domination I am talking about is most evident is cricket—our national sport. Cricket administration in Guyana has been completely racialized in favour of
one ethnic group...What does this mean? It essentially means that the monies that go to the respective governing groups are controlled by members of one ethnic group. It also means that this group controls all decision making in relation to national cricket, including how and where the money is spent and who gets selected to represent Guyana. And so, Editor, this is indeed a worrying situation and should not be tolerated in this day and age! This is what Mr. Burns said in his letter - But to date, almost five years later, we are still swirling in the wilderness, with our players being totally shut out and our administrators and the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) not being allowed to participate in any function as stipulated by the law. Linden and/ or the UDCA seem to have been abandoned by all and
sundry. We have not received any funding from the relevant authorities and so we are left in the wilderness to struggle for survival, even with the law on our side. He went onto say that - We are simply begging those in authority (the Politicians on both sides, the Judiciary, the people of Guyana etc.) – please give the youngsters of Linden the opportunity they are entitled to by law. It is their civil right. You see Mr. Editor, this is a conversation that must take place and not to be dismissed as ‘TABOO”. Let us examine the issues at hand: 1.There are allegations that there are rigged elections at the level at the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). 2.There is one ethnic group that is in control of Guyana’s Cricket 3.Racial and other forms of discrimination are prevalent
and done in a particular manner to benefit the politicians. 4.The judiciary seems incapable or unwilling to bring this atrocity to an end 5.African Guyanese leaders have failed to address the racial implications of the cricket issue 6.The politicians believe cricket can be used as a political football In the case of Mr. Boston, he made some serious assertions and cast full blame on the politicians and also the judiciary. He said that there have been many court cases and injunctions in the cricket scene. He couldn’t understand why our cricket problems have not been resolved. I hope the Politicians, the Government, the Judiciary and the citizens of Guyana including those who live abroad make their voices heard if not all of us will be consumed in this cricket chaos. Let me list the last purported executives of Guyana Cricket Board which has been in place on the GCB Website since GCB. 1.Mr. Drubhadur – President
2.Mr. Fizul Bacchus – Vice president (Administration) 3.Mr. Anand Sanasie – Secretary 4.Mr. Virendra Chintamani – Assistant Secretary 5.Mr. Anand Kalladeen – Treasurer 6.Mr. Colin Europe – Competitions Chairman 7.Mr. Rajendra Singh – Marketing Manager 8.Mr. Andy Ramnarine – Public Relations officer 9.Mr. Rayon Griffith – Chairman of Senior Selectors 10.Mr. Nazimul Drepaul – Chairman of Junior Selectors 11.Mr. Anil Beharry – President Berbice Cricket Board Can the above gentlemen (nine (9) East Indian Guyanese and two (2) African Guyanese) tell the nation how were they elected and by whom? And since the passage of the Cricket Administration Act in 2014, who conducted the elections of the Guyana Cricket Board as is required by the very Act under section 17 that an Ombudsman appointed by the Minister shall conduct those
elections. And if this lawful process did not occur, how is it that these gentlemen are still in office when the law states clearly that the tenure in office is two (2) years. This makes the current Cricket Board Executives illegal. I reside in the USA and with the help of a relative we collected all the outstanding court matters concerning cricket from the registry. There are so many as it relates the DCB and the GCB of which all are related to fraudulent elections. What is more shocking is that they are languishing in the judicial system for more than ten (10) years, while this cabal is in-charge of Guyana’s Cricket. The more recent matter in a Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed in July 2018 by the Berbice Cricket Board, the Government of Guyana in a sworn affidavit (2018-HCDEM-CIV-FDA) had made two (2) shocking revelations. a. that the purported executives of the GCB have hijacked the Guyana Cricket Board b. that the purported executives of the GCB are invalid and illegal. So if a Government is saying so, how then are they still in charge of Guyana’s Cricket and are being allowed to vote at the up-coming Cricket West Indies elections on March 24, 2019?Now that the Government has made this bold declaration in an affidavit, the ball in now with the Judiciary. Yours faithfully, Dr. Archibald R. L. Adams - PhD, MD, FRCS.
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Kaieteur M@ilbox SHODDY TREATMENT AT SUPENAAM AND PARIKA STELLINGS DEAR EDITOR, Please permit a citizen of our dear land to vent a quite distasteful experience, which I had last Sunday (March 10, 2019) en route from Essequibo back to the ancient county. I arrived at the Good Hope/ Supenaam Stelling at 10:20 hrs with the knowledge that due to the tide, the vessel was scheduled to depart for Parika at 10:30am, promptly. Whilst making my way via the walkway, accessing the vessel with three fellow travellers who were in front of me, I realized that the gantry of the vessel was being raised by a T & HD staff who displayed an almost vindictive smirk on his face as he watched passengers make an about turn. Upon consulting with the three passengers who were in front of me, we agreed that the gantry was indeed raised prematurely at 10:20am, also, upon enquiring with staff in the office, it was confirmed that the scheduled departure time was 10:30hrs. When I questioned the staff as to the reason for the premature departure, I was flabbergasted by the weak and ‘substanceless’ excuse offered, the most bizarre that I have heard in my almost four decades of travelling from New Amsterdam to Essequibo, my birthplace, which was that the T & HD has in place a standing order which allows for departures of vessels at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time. I find it utterly ridiculous that such an arrangement is even in place. It would be much more acceptable for a vessel to leave later than its scheduled time and rather than earlier. It is highly uncouth to mislead the public who are paying for a service, many of whom on that and many days were forced to resort to the speedboat, a much costlier and
riskier venture. I also take several issues with the manner in which business is conducted at the Parika Stelling: 1) I, along with many of my Guyanese brothers and sisters who traverse this route have time and time again fallen victim to being pushed further and further down the queue of vehicles by so called “priority customers”, many of whom have all of a sudden become priority by passing a’ few dollars’ to the staff, in many instances in the plain view of passengers. 2) Why is there such a haphazard record keeping system in place whereby the contents of the book are continuously altered by staff as they see fit? Why is there not a sequential system in place whereby the records are numbered, done in multiple copies and adhered to by the relevant operational sections? Haven’t we stood by long enough and watched indiscipline devour every facet of daily life in this country? Mind you, I have no issues with the priority crossings; however, I am opined that there must be a limited number of such customers and a board containing a list of such customers placed in view of every passenger so as to foster transparency in this regard as was the case in the days of Mr. Stanley Gilkes. I’m appealing to the relevant personnel of the T & H D, many of whom I am acquainted with to put an end to the unjust and frankly inhumane treatment of our citizens at these ports, return some amount of good will and decency to the services offered and to reprimand those who are found culpable of infringing upon the rights of our people for a few extra dollars. R.A Matthews A son of the soil.
FLY JAMAICA REFUNDS DEAR EDITOR, On Tuesday, 5th March, 2019, Kaieteur News had an article titled ‘Passengers, travel agents impatient over Fly Jamaica refunds,’ That article revealed that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) had called in the company officials on the refunds issue. It was reported by Captain Ronald Reece, a principal of this company, that ‘Fly Jamaica is working to issue a statement,’ and is appealing for patience by those seeking refunds. Having said that, it appears to me that Fly Jamaica is not addressing the pertinent issue, which is the delay in paying refunds. As a practising accountant, my question to Fly Jamaica is - why it has to take over three months to determine the payment of refunds? Such a decision can be determined in a matter of days!
Mr. Editor, there was no mention that Fly Jamaica is experiencing a CASH FLOW PROBLEM. It is evident, that after 3 months and no payments are yet made to passengers, that there appears to be a cash flow deficiency. Instead of indulging in a ‘talk shop’ approach, Fly Jamaica needs to inform its passengers about its ability to pay. Further, the GCAA should be examining their recent Financial Statements to determine the extent of this financial problem and the way out. Captain Reece says that he is ‘working to issue a statement.’ I close by saying that such a statement is long overdue and yours truly is awaiting it, and one will expect a positive approach to this unacceptable situation. Also, GCCA needs, among others, to address the real problem(s). Sincerely John Seeram
The ethnic security dilemma from... From page 5 seeking to identify the root causes of socio-ethnic contentions have ever referred to our constrained economics, just politics, venom and speculations dominate, not one idea emerges to expand the ‘six sisters etc.’ The Copyright legislation proposal was thrown into the public arena, the Opposition leader denounced it, Stabroek and Chronicle supported it, the conversation ended there. A wider grass-root economy with protective legal frame works will address the Ethnic Security Dilemma. Our prob-
lems lie in the need for honest assessments and realistic initiatives. What we have now is what we have experienced. It is defined in simple language, the other comes in power; I lose my income, vice versa. Then there is the separate cultural platforms that define how we see things, the tainted ‘’Fat fowl’ no confidence vote and that one group is insisting we accept on its terms of normalcy, then the recent comparative utterances of the leader of the opposition, knowing and saying ‘this to be true’ at one time, and de-
nouncing it little over a decade later, as demonstrated effectively by Imran Khan, televised and across social media. Such a perverse callous declaration of deceit, of falsifications and no cultural cringe of guilt? This is beyond an Ethic Security Dilemma, isn’t it? Barrington Braithwaite
PAGE 8 This housing area at Aroaima, Region 10, was one of the properties that Rusal acquired under its management and bauxite purchase arrangements.
Sunday March 17, 2019
Kaieteur News
After 14 years and no profits... Rusal continues to enjoy sweeping tax concessions
A
decade and a half ago, the Govern ment of Guyana entered an agreement with subsidiaries of UC Rusal for the management of the Aroaima Mining Company (AMC) and for the development of the Kurubuka area. The company not only inherited assets, including equipment and housing units with infrastructure, but also operations, which were considered going concerns. Some 15 years later, in 2019, Rusal’s local subsidiary, the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) is still here. Up until mid-February, things were progressing well for the Russian management. There were over 500 workers. Bauxite by the boatloads was leaving the shores. In fact, even when sanctions were placed on Rusal last year by the US, the company in Guyana never eased its operations. It was stockpiling bauxite and when the sanctions were lifted, normalcy resumed. The company, however, is now in the spotlight because of a labour matter where workers have refused to leave Aroaima, a housing area in Region Ten under their control.
The workers were fired in February after objecting to a measly one percent increase in their pay. After weeks of tense backand-forth, the union and the company have finally agreed to have talks. One such meeting happened on Friday and another is set for Tuesday. The situation is not resolved with workers continuing to block the Berbice River, in Region Ten, not allowing bauxite ships to pass. The problem with Rusal/ BCGI now is that it is being reported that the company never declared a profit. With the Government of Guyana owning 10 percent of the company, the question that would be asked is which company operates without making a profit for a decade and a half. In fact, when the Government, in the mid-2000s invited Rusal to invest in AMC which was being operated by the state and which was experiencing declining production and sales, it was agreed that they would be granted tax concessions and other incentives. According to the Fiscal Incentives A g r e e m e n t , which was signed March 2005 between Guyana, the Bauxite and Alumina Mining Venture Limited, located in Cyprus; Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) and Guyana Trading Company Limited (GTC), registered in the British Virgin Islands, Rusal/BCGI enjoyed years of tax breaks. The Fiscal Incentives Agreement would be one of the many arrangements that the then government signed onto.
Among other things, BCGI was exempted from the payment of income, corporation, and property taxes for the period of five years commencing from the effective date of the management agreement. It was agreed also that the company will be exempted from the payment of Withholding Taxes on interest, dividends and lease payments to its affiliate for the whole period of existence of the arrangement. The company was given a free rein to import all items that it says is related to its operation. The deal includes exemption from payment of all and any duties, including Customs Duties, and taxes, including purchase taxes, on equipment, machinery, motor vehicles and supplies. With regards to the last, the Government agreed that the company would benefit from these concessions for how long Rusal/BCGI remains here. It was agreed, too, that the company would not pay any royalty for any bauxite produced during the first five years. After that, the government, under then President Bharrat Jagdeo, agreed that royalty shall be payable at the rate of 1.5 percent on the Freight On Board (FOB) value of shipments from New Amsterdam. The Guyana Government then, went further. It agreed that all preferences, privileges, and incentives provided by the agreement shall continue for the whole period of Rusal/ BCGI existence in Guyana, subject to JVC’s compliance with its obligations. The government also agreed that it cannot just make amendments to, and changes of applicable laws that can directly affect the financial position and or operations of the company, without its prior approval. Under the mid-2000s arrangement, Rusal/BCGI was supposed to manage the Aroaima mining area and facilities and to explore and develop the Kurubuka deposit. The arrangements with Rusal would raise questions about the negotiating capacity of the country’s officers, especially when it comes to ensuring that the country gets a good bargain. In this case, it seems that despite the many warning signs, like the continuous claims that no profits were being made, little was done.
Sunday March 17, 2019
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Jagdeo refused invitation for joint meeting with GECOM- Granger Finger pointing continues...
As the Coalition Government faces increasing pressure over an election date, the administration is insisting that the Opposition is doing everything to frustrate the process. In an escalating war of finger-pointing, Government yesterday said that Head of State, David Granger, had invited Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, to meet jointly with the Chairman and Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), but he, Jagdeo, refused. The statement would follow one on Friday in which the President addressed the nation calling for more collaboration to end the impasse. However, the Opposition, in turn, insisted that the President has abdicated his responsibilities by not naming a date and rather, is hiding behind the skirt of GECOM. Yesterday, the Government said it is rejecting the “baseless allegations” of Jagdeo that President Granger has treated with the issue of the no-confidence motion in bad faith. “That is farthest from the truth. In fact, President Granger has demonstrated impeccable leadership, despite consistent attacks from the Opposition, beyond a reasonable doubt given the current circumstances.” The statement said that it is Jagdeo and his team of Opposition-nominated Commissioners who have repeatedly frustrated the GECOM’s attempt to come to a consensus on a ‘work plan’ and getting ready to host General and Regional Elections (GRE).
“It is a fact that the repeated absenteeism by Opposition-nominated Commissioners have been disruptive, dilatory and counterproductive to the agreement of a ‘work plan’ that could assure the nation of the Commission’s ability to hold credible elections within the shortest time possible.” Since the passage of the no-confidence vote on December 21, 2018, the President consulted with Jagdeo twice. It was pointed out that in each of his statements afterwards, Granger maintained that constitutionally, he cannot name a date for elections without GECOM advising him that it is ready to deliver free, fair and credible elections. The government also insisted that there are no legal barriers to Government’s functioning and as such, the Government will continue to execute its functions to the citizenry. Confrontational According to Government, Jagdeo has taken a “high-handed and confrontational approach” in the current situation. “He has repeatedly discredited attempts by President Granger to consult with him stating in the media that “it is a waste of time” or a “charade” even before accepting invitations issued to him. He has sought to paint a harrowing picture to the nation without attending the meetings in good faith. “He has consistently used his weekly press conferences to attack the credibility of President Granger by calling the President and his administration illegal despite know-
ing that the President and Government remain legally in office until a new President is sworn in.” Meanwhile, the Opposition in a statement Friday evening said that it has noted the address of the President– an address that repeats the “fallacies and fictions” that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has been peddling since the December 21, 2018 passage of the no-confidence motion. The Opposition Leader said that Guyanese would have to go back to the night of December 21, 2019, where there was initial acceptance by President Granger and his Government of the consequences that were triggered by the passage of the no confidence motion. “The Coalition, in bad faith, then backpedalled on its initial comments. Fallacies and fictions, as well as excuses, became the new order of the day.” The Opposition said that many times the Government has backpedaled. This is true with the issue of funding for elections and the claims of Government that it respects the judiciary. “However, the January 31, 2019, Chief Justice’s (ag) ruling which made clear that that “Cabinet stood resigned” continues to be disregarded. The Chief Justice (ag) ruled: “I therefore find that Cabinet is not required to resign with all convenient speed, as the resignation under Article 106(6), in my view, takes immediate effect following the defeat of the Government in a vote of confidence by a majority of all elected
Dem boys seh ...
De foreign investors come without de condom
Some foreign companies does really tek advantage of good nature. Sometimes dem does even create conditions fuh dem own benefit. Guyana always open to foreign investment so it accept de offer from de Russians when de bauxite industry collapse. Jagdeo and Sam was so glad fuh anything dat dem agree to a contract which give de Russians de wife, de bed and even de condom. De Russians didn’t have to pay no interest pon any profit dem mek; dem get everything duty free and dem even get a chance to operate like if dem was a government. Nobody could talk to dem about a union to represent de workers. Is now dem boys checking de thing. Imagine de Russians come to look after bauxite but some of dem getaway and run into de gold bush. Dem got duty free concession fuh fuel. Don’t think dem gon bring in fuel fuh de bauxite alone. De gold bush gon get de same duty free fuel. Is only dat it gon be imported under de bauxite company.
De same thing happen wid every foreign company dat come to Guyana. But when Guyanese come back to invest, dem get de roughest time. Dem can’t get no concession. Is like if de foreigners got total control of all de leaders. Dem boys see how some leaders get corrupt. De foreign investor want some concession suh he gon visit de office wid a paper bag. Dem can’t use cheque because dat is a paper trail, suh de slip a small piece fuh no reason at all. “Hold on to dis small piece. Buy something.” De leader gon tek it. De foreign investor gon come anodda time and do de same thing. Is like when a man treating a woman to ice cream every time he and she meet. One day, he gon ask she fuh something and she gon shame fuh seh no. Dat is how de foreign investors treat we leaders and dat is how dem get de best of everything.Talk half and watch out fuh de gifts from farrin.
-President abdicated responsibility by not naming election date- Opposition
President David Granger meeting with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo recently. members of the National Assembly.” The Office of the Opposi-
tion Leader maintained that President Granger abdicated his responsibility to name a
date for General and Regional Election when he, without (Continued on page 73)
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Int’l expert to help with Natural Resource Fund –Finance Minister Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, has confirmed that as preparations for the implementation of the Natural Resource Fund get underway, an expert would be engaged during certain aspects with a view of having everything in place prior to first oil. The economist said, “We have started drafting the terms of reference for a number of the Committees and the Investment Advisor. We will begin, soon, drafting the request for proposals for the Fund manager, among others. We would need the dedicated support of an expert to assist us through this phase.” Jordan recently assured that capacity is being developed in the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Central
Sunday March 17, 2019
Kaieteur News
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan Bank, and his Ministry, so that their respective functions can be executed in relation to the Natural Resource Fund. In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, the Minister said, “The Ministry of Finance has worked to build capacity across key Government agencies with responsibility for collecting and managing revenues. We have put signal legislation in place – the Natural Resource Fund (NRF),
which became law when the Bill was assented to by the President on January 23, 2019 – to ensure funds are collected and transferred to the national budget in a transparent manner, while nullifying the destabilizing effects of volatile oil prices; allowing for the frontloading of development expenditure; and saving for future generations.” Minister Jordan added, “Capacity is being developed within the Ministry of Finance, the GRA, and the Bank of Guyana to execute their functions and responsibilities under the NRF Act. Moreover, the required institutional strengthening across the entire central government is being prioritized and championed by the Ministry of Finance.” The Minister pointed to the strengthening of procurement planning and expenditure management, which are critical to effective spending of resources, whether they are from oil or non-oil sources. He said that other examples include the Ministry of Finance updating the economic forecasting model to include oil resources, while the GRA is strengthening its cost oil audit capability.
Teachers’ salary increase gaining attention of high level committee
O
n Wednesday, the Guyana Teachers Union [GTU] was for the first time this year engaged by the governmentappointed high-level committee tasked with addressing a proposal for a pay increase package for public school teachers. The proposal was earlier this year presented to the Ministry of Education by the teachers’ union. Although reports had suggested that the meeting was slated for the Ministry of Education’s Brickdam, Georgetown office, a location at Waterloo Street was the chosen venue. While officials did not respond to questions on the meeting, a joint statement issued by the Education Ministry was dispatched to the media on Thursday. According to the statement, “The Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union [GTU] have commenced the negotiation process for the Union’s proposal on Terms and Conditions for Teachers for the period 2019 to 2023 on March 13, 2019.” It was revealed that the meeting was chaired by Ms.
Adele Clarke, Permanent Secretary [ag], of the Ministry of Education and it is considered an introductory meeting where discussions were held on how the process will move forward. Both parties, it was noted, were required to submit additional information within specified time lines which will aid the negotiation process. The process is being negotiated by a high level committee which was appointed for just this purpose. Those representing the Ministry/government side are Ms. Adele Clarke, Permanent Secretary (ag), MOE; Mr. Marcel Hutson, Chief Education Officer, MOE; Ms. Jacqueline Simon, Human Resource Manager, MOE; Mr. Jason Fraser, Ministerial Planner, Ministry of the Presidency; Ms. Gail Williams, Senior Personnel Officer, Department of the Public Service; Ms. Sonya Roopnauth, Director of Budget, Ministry of Finance and Mr. Jaigobin Jaisingh, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communities. The GTU team is represented by Mr. Mark Lyte, President, Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU); Ms. Coretta Mc Donald, A.A General Secretary, GTU; Ms. Sumanta Alleyne, Treasurer, GTU; Ms. Lesmeine Collins, First Vice President, GTU; Mr. Julian Cambridge, Second Vice President, GTU; Ms. Donnette D’Andrade, Regional Vice President, Berbice, GTU; Ms.
Carmel Williams, Regional Vice President, Essequibo, GTU; Mr. Collis Nicholson, Regional Vice President, Demerara, GTU; and Mr. Lancelot Baptiste, Field/Administrative Secretary, A.A., GTU. Another meeting is slated for April 19, 2019. In its proposal, the union is aiming for, among other things, a 25 percent across the board increase for public school teachers. The union is also proposing conditions for the re-employment of retired teachers; the need for grants for schools, which are often subjected to inadequate stock; incentive for teachers with additional qualifications and those qualified in areas of physical education and special needs education. “Some of the things we have fine-tuned. We still have things like duty-free concessions, continuation of the Whitley Council [leave]...we are proposing adjustment to Whitley Council; we have clothing allowances; we have house-lots for teachers still on the cards and we do have other things like class size issues. The class size for special needs schools, we are requesting a smaller number or in cases where the number cannot be smaller, we are recommending a teacher’s aide for the teachers so at all times, there will be two persons to the class,” said GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte shared.
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Guyana/Malaysia to commence reverse linkage project to boost rice industry ...trials to commence within the next two months A team from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and MAX Agri Commerce of Malaysia representing the Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI) recently met with officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). The meeting was to give an overview and update on the implementation of a Reverse Linkage Project between Guyana and Malaysia to further develop the rice industry. The project, which is jointly financed by IsDB, MARDI and the Government of Guyana was approved by the Bank in September 2018, and has two pillars, will see Malaysian rice experts bringing eight varieties of rice in three categories (high yielding, aromatic and salt tolerant) for adaptation trials at the Burma Rice Research Station within the next two months. Additionally, research on
Minister Holder is pictured with the visiting team from Malaysia and other officials from the MoA and the GRDB. downstream/value added products of rice will also be done. During the meeting, the team discussed the implementation of the project. A Joint Coordination Committee and a Project Management Unit were identified to ensure ef-
fective implementation of the project. While engaging the representatives, Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, said that projects of this nature are encouraged as they support the introduction of innovative rice varieties that have
proven to be more resilient and will significantly increase rice yields. The team also conducted site visits to a rice mill and GRDB’s Rice Research Station at Burma to get a clearer understanding of Guyana’s commercial rice products, to dis-
cuss future collaborations with local farmers and to identify possible project sites for the production trials. A start-up workshop was organised to develop a platform to finalize the details necessary to implement the project.
Officials from the Bank noted that the bank’s objective in Guyana is to facilitate the engagement between the Government of Malaysia through their private sector and the government of Guyana to promote (Continued on page 68)
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Child Care gets tough on parents abusing children cases reported to the agency. Thus far, for 2019, there have been 134. The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), under the laws of Guyana, has the au-
Members of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Region 4 In its continued fight to eradicate child abuse, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), met with various stakeholders to find solutions. The March 15 meeting saw participation from Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) attached to the S p a r e n d a a m , Beterverwagting and Cove and John Police Stations on the East Coast of Demerara; Region Four District Childcare and Protection Department, Medical Officers attached to the Regional Democratic Council, and Probation Officers attached to the Region Four Probation Office. Director of the CPA, Ann Greene, said the initiative aims to ensure everyone is a voice to report any abuse of children. “Too many times, persons see abuse and fail to report it, we need the churches
and youth groups, Education Sector, Health sector and the judiciary system to work together to put a stop to child abuse. We will take a stand to hold parents accountable. “Too many times, these sinister acts go unreported which can cause a child to become self-destructive if the appropriate measures and counselling are not taken seriously.” She added that persons must be aware of the laws that govern this issue and act upon them. Greene reiterated that persons must never be afraid to voice their concerns. Coming out of the interactive session, several police officers highlighted the importance of members of communities cooperating in order to have perpetrators successful prosecuted and the victims receive the justice they deserve.
“There is a gap that needs to be bridged. When there is a sexual offence, we take the victim to the sexual offences unit attached to the Police Station... Communication is vital to assisting the victim,” one of the law enforcement officers said. Matters such as thorough medical examination of victims and case referrals were also highlighted as areas that need improvement. “We at the agency do not want to come across as authoritative; we seek to build communication, a strong relation to eradicating child abuse. We work with parents through our Parenting Skills Training Programme.” Addressing the issue of child neglect, Green emphasised that this is one of the main reasons for children becoming vulnerable and exposed to all types of abuse. In 2018, there were 481
Guyana above regional statistics for treatment of HIV/AIDS Recent statistics provided by the Ministry of Education indicate that Guyana has a higher percentage of its HIV+ population on treatment than the total percentage of the Caribbean region. Of the 8,369 estimated to be infected, in 2018, Guyana successfully put 5,557 on treatment, 66 percent. The region has collectively reached 57 percent of all persons, estimated to be HIV+. The statistics for the collective Caribbean region is approximately 73-57-40 of all people living with HIV, according to PANCAP. The Public Health Ministry has credited Guyana’s success to a series of new initiatives implemented by the government, including ‘Treat All’. Though Guyana’s HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) prevalence rate rose from 1.4 percent in 2014 to 1.7 percent in 2017, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Campbell, said that this is not due to more people being infected, but more people living longer, due to treatment with Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART). While this is seen as commendable, Guyana, like the regional collective, is behind the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 Targets. The targets are a hopeful set of goals that purport to have, by next year, 90 percent of all people living with HIV know their status; 90 percent of all people diagnosed with HIV receive sustained antiretroviral therapy; and 90 percent
of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy achieve viral suppression. The Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) commenced the Seventh Meeting of National AIDS Programme (NAP) Managers and Key Partners in Port-ofSpain, Trinidad and Tobago last Monday, 22 months ahead of the 2020 deadline. At that function, Aldora Robinson, National AIDS Programme (NAP) Managers Representative on the PANCAP Governance Bodies, said, “We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect different results. We need to come together, NAP Managers and civil society, with purpose and innovation to accomplish results necessary to close the gap of the 90-90-90 targets; building on the successes and gains already made.” She implored managers to work more fervently to increase access to HIV and STI Testing for key populations, 50-year-olds and those who have retired. Ms. Victoria Nibarger, PEPFAR Coordinator, Caribbean Regional Program, Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Jamaica highlighted the recent case of a man living with HIV in London who had been “functionally cured” of HIV, following a bone marrow transplant from an HIV-resistant donor. She noted that more than 18 months have passed since the man last took ARVs, and there remains no trace of HIV in his blood. She said that it is a critical moment in the fight against HIV.
thority to look after the welfare and the wellbeing of children; to ensure that they reach their full potential and become free from abusive situations and become functional indi-
viduals in society. As such, the Ministry of Social Protection is seeking to raise more awareness of the dangers of sexual and other forms of violence.
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Kaieteur News
STARR Computer set to offer Lenovo technology to oil and gas sector
From Left: IT Consultant Matthew Mohan; President of STARR Computer, Michael Mohan; General Manager Rehman Majeed; Lenovo Product Manager Shunella Taylor; Lenovo Account Executive Mike Thorburn and Lenovo Manager Adrian Hooper. Having racked up a 14year partnership with Lenovo, a company which was last year ranked the world’s largest producer of computers, local technology giant, Starr Computer, has moved to further the relations. This latest development was announced on Thursday at a media briefing held at the Starr Computers Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters. Speaking at the forum,
company President, Mr. Michael Mohan, in the company of Lenovo Account Executive, Mr. Mike Thorburn, spoke of the plans embraced by the two companies to further enhance their strategic collaborations, which will even cater to Guyana’s fledgling oil and gas sector. Mohan, during his informative deliberations, noted that since solving the challenges of the oil and gas market, starts with harnessing the power to run complex simulations, data processing, and imaging, STARR Computer will be offering to this sector Lenovo computer technology in the near future. At the media briefing, Lenovo Account Executive, Mr. Mike Thorburn, explained that from exploration and production to transportation and refinement and everything in between, Lenovo workstations support the workflow.
According to him, too, the ability to quickly and accurately interpret critical data can mean the difference between success and failure in the oil and gas sector. He explained that as data acquisitions grow in size and complexity, computer workstations must scale-up to meet the increasingly demanding computational and graphical workflows. Further, Thorburn noted that by consolidating to fewer and more powerful Lenovo computers users can achieve real business benefits of reduced operating costs, reduced power and cooling costs and reduced software licensing costs. “You can improve utilization, improve application performance and extend data center life.” Lenovo, in 2018, was ranked the world most admired computer brand by Fortune 500. “This was due (Continued on page 71)
Sunday March 17, 2019
Kaieteur News
Customer base does not support rent hike imposed at Kitty Market - stallholders
The stalls being rented at Kitty Market The rent for occupying a space in the Kitty Market has increased noticeably. As a result, stallholders have been complaining bitterly that the move is not consistent with the flow of consumer traffic. Kaieteur News recently caught up with a few stallholders, who have returned to market since it closed for construction, some three years ago. While some vendors have started occupying spots in the market again; it does not come at a small fee. According to the stallholder, “The rent has been increased from $1000 to as much as $14,000 per month.”“So,
we have found ourselves in a conundrum because we do not want to lose our stalls. But the fee attached is heavy and many people are finding it difficult to sustain their business in the face of the increase and low consumer support.“We don’t have a big customer base flowing through the market so we are not making that kind of money here.” In some cases, stallholders depend on other ventures to help them pay the rent. “We love the environment at Kitty Market and we understand the need to increase the (Continued on page 71)
Teens to face judge and jury for watchman murder The two teens that were charged for the murder of a security guard in 2018 have been committed to stand trial in the next sitting of the criminal session of the Berbice High Court. The men are Carlos Bollers, 19, of Lot 119 Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, and Yuvraj Singh, 17, of Lot 23 Guava Bush, Albion, Corentyne, Berbice. They are on trial for the murder of Munesh Prem Ayasammy Munien, called ‘Tad,’ a security guard who was 52 at the time of his death. The incident was allegedly committed on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Rose Hall Town during the course of a robbery. They appeared at the Albion Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Renita Singh where a preliminary inquiry was conducted and it was found that a prima facie case was made out against the duo for murder. Police woman Inspector Althea Solomon prosecuted the case and called a number of witnesses. Munien’s body was found at the back of the Sukhram General and Agro Chemicals Store, at Rose Hall Town Public Road. He was employed there as the night guard. The guard had injuries to his head; throat and his legs were reportedly broken. Inside the store was ransacked and over $1.5M was reportedly missing. Monien lived with his sister at Clifton, Port Mourant.
Carlos Bollers (left) and Yuvraj Singh
Slain security guard Munesh Prem Ayasammy Monien
Lalita Bollers
Bollers’s mother, Lalita Bollers, 43, of Lot 1E Ramphal Street, Corentyne, Berbice, was also charged in connection to the crime. She was charged with while knowing that Bollers and Singh, on
March 31, last, murdered Munien. Police had subsequently recovered some money at the home of the woman. She was earlier committed to stand trial in the high Court.
PAGE 15 The refurbished Kitty Market
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Public consultation on SWF labeled a façade
W
hile the Sover eign Wealth Fund (SWF) calls for notable public consultation, some sections of society believe that the efforts of Government, in this regard, leave much to be desired. It was Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who announced last year that the policy that is supposed to govern the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) will indeed benefit from
public consultation. Jordan noted that concerns were raised about the fact that there seems to be no consultation on the policy. Jordan told reporters that his Ministry is finalizing the green paper to go to Cabinet early next month. He said that legislation will have all the Santiago principles in it. The Santiago Principles consist of 24 generally accepted principles and practices. The Santiago Principles
promote transparency, good governance, accountability and prudent investment practices whilst encouraging a more open dialogue and deeper understanding of SWF activities. However, officials of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), an organisation with the largest business support organisations in Guyana, are amongst who believe that public input in the upcoming
SWF strategy lack depth. Commenting on the issue this week, GMSA Executive Ramesh Dookhoo noted that a report highlighting the concerns of the sector was forwarded to the Ministry of Finance since last year. Dookhoo said there was no further interaction with the Finance Ministry on the matter. He explained that the report was prepared and forwarded to the Ministry following a public forum held last year. “However except for an acknowledgement that the report was received, the GMSA had not further contact with the Ministry on the subject.” Last year, GMSA) that looked at the framework model for the SWF for the oil and gas sector was discussed extensively by an elite group of Guyanese professionals who made several criticisms and recommendations. The discussion surrounded the Green Paper that was recently laid in the National Assembly of Guyana. Outspoken commentator lawyer and accountant, Chris-
topher Ram and trade unionist, Lincoln Lewis. During the discussion, Lewis indicated that emphatically stated that sovereignty belongs to the people of Guyana and Article 13 of the Constitution guarantees the peoples’ rights to inclusionary democracy. Mr. Lewis questioned whether the Guyanese people had a role, or is envisioned to have a role, in the development of the Green Paper. He questioned whether there are any examples of the masses benefitting from oil revenues and posited that the management of the SWF cannot follow the status-quo. Instead, the revenues from the SWF should be directed to projects, which were identified in a national development plan, which has been created in consultation with the Guyanese people. He suggested that Guyanese people should be both direct and indirect beneficiaries of the revenues from the oil and gas sector. He recommended that the Ministry of Finance should consult with
the people of Guyana on the Green Paper and the development of the SWF. In the report, GMSA noted that it represents a membership of over 100 large and medium scale businesses from the agro-processing, forestry and wood processing, minerals, engineering and construction, fast foods, pharmaceuticals and services sectors. The GMSA recognizes the importance of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) as a key mechanism to manage revenues from extractive industries, and particularly, oil and gas. The design, establishment and implementation of the SWF, is therefore a key national issue, which can shape Guyana’s future development. In this regard and considering that there has been little if any civil society and private sector inputs or involvement in the shaping of the Green Paper, the GMSA said that it convened a forum on the SWF. The GMSA said further, that the aim of the forum was (Conttinued on page 72)
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---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
Why is it so difficult for our leaders to understand? Guyana is once again at the political crossroads—it must be. There is a permanency to our condition. The idealists in our midst hope that things were different. As we mourn the loss of three distinguished legal luminaries, one wonders where their replacements are. I reflected on the sad tale recently related to me by one of my longtime colleagues from the warrior days in the WPA, Andaiye, and I agonized over what to do about the deep political crisis we face. Andaiye is no longer active in the day to day politics of our country, but she is constantly thinking about how to navigate the very difficult political terrain we have inherited and cultivated. Her question has haunted me this past week—Is there a group of Guyanese that can be mobilized to articulate an alternative to the status quo. I told her of a small group of younger people that I am in touch with, but that I have little confidence that they have the courage to take a public contrary stand. She and I reflected on the fact that the nucleus of the revolutionary WPA, which Guyana was once in love
with, thought little of personal security. We sacrificed for what we felt was the good of the country, but as we move into the twilight of our earthly lives, we barely evade poverty. It is that outcome that I think prevents young people from taking independent positions—the price is far too high. And this in turn contributes to the political stultification that cripples our nation. As I read in the press that President Jimmy Carter is talking to the maximum leaders, I feel more than a tinge of sadness. I ask—is this what independence means? Carter was able to convince our leaders of three decades ago to agree to conditions that led to the return of credible elections, and here he is today playing the identical role. So, there must be something seriously wrong with a country in which its young people are scared to take public stands on anything political. And there must be something worse when our leaders are incapable of finding solutions to basic problems unless prompted by external
forces. One is prompted to ask if our independence is worth anything. Where are the leaders and followers with the vision and courage to put country before party and self? Why is it so difficult for our leaders to understand that implied in the constitutional directive that elections should be held ninety days after a successful No Confidence Vote (NCV), is that all arrangements are in place for credible elections? Why do our leaders believe that the constitution is so stupid that it would assume an election in which a credible voters’ list is absent? Why do our leaders not know that it is foolish to read one clause in the constitution in isolation from the rest of that document? And do they not know that in the absence of continuous registration, GECOM cannot be always ready for elections at the click of a finger? And why do they not know that GECOM cannot be the ultimate decider when it comes to the date for elections? Do they not know that the buck stops with the president in that regard? Do they
The Baccoo Speaks Tension is growing over the current political situation. The business community is jittery, especially because of the action by the Guyana Revenue Authority. Some businesses have cut back on exports. The other side of the coin reveals that exports are going up, but while this is good for the economy, it is not going to be good for the consumer at this time. ** The police are going to bust a human smuggling ring. They will visit a
location in the eastern part of the country where they will encounter a prostitution ring. They will make arrests. **
Crime is on the decline in the city, but there are those criminals who have come up with another technique to track victims. The technique involves one of their numbers entering a place frequent e d b y people and photograph them. The photograph would then be sent to a waiting colleague. An individual would see one such operation and inform the police. The resulting action would be interesting.
not know that GECOM’s job is to conduct elections, but the president’s job is to run the country? If anyone felt that elections would have been held 90 days after the NCV, then they knew nothing about Guyana’s political history and culture. And if anyone felt that the PPP would have remained quiet in the face of delayed elections, then they are strangers to our political reality. One of the faults of Guyanese political culture is the leaders’ inability to see beyond their cause. The PPP is so guilty of that sin that one
wonders whether they are sincerely interested in Guyana’s well-being. Guyana is up to no good; we are living on a political time bomb that would explode at the slightest irritation. The cry about constitutional crisis has lost its commonsense. And the dependence on a directive from GECOM has lost any real meaning. This impasse must be settled by political give-and-take. Unlocking complexity calls for creative intellect. Do our leaders have that? More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be
Dr David Hinds found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Sunday March 17, 2019
A reclusive lifestyle…a strange demise By Michael Jordan He apparently had no close friends. No women in his life…few photographs of himself. He seldom confided in anyone….not his family, not his colleagues. So no one could quite fathom how and why he ended up dead and naked as he was born, on a bushy dam. On Saturday, July 3, 2010, a man looking for bird-seed on a dam near D’Aguiar Housing Scheme, Ruimveldt, spotted something that made him hurry away from the area. He kept this information to himself until the following day, when he eventually confided in a friend. The friend went to the same area to confirm the report. He then contacted the police. Accompanied by the man, a police rank trekked down the muddy, bushy dam. After
walking half-way down the dam, the cop came face to face with what the other men had seen. Hanging from a low tree branch with a belt around the neck, was the nude body of a man. There was a cut on one of the victim’s hands. Acting on information they had received, the police contacted officials from the GEB Security Services. The officials accompanied some of the police ranks down the dam. They took one look at the dead man, and immediately confirmed that the victim was one of their employees. He was 43-year-old Lynden Collins, a company driver, and a resident of Princes Street, Lodge. Collins’ colleagues revealed that they had last seen him on Friday, July 2, 2010. At the time Collins was driving
one of the firm’s buses. But that very afternoon, some staff spotted the same vehicle parked near the dam where Collins’ body was eventually found. According to reports, the keys were in the ignition and a GEB uniform was in the vehicle. There was no sign of Lynden Collins. The GEB staffers took the vehicle to the security firm’s headquarters. But then they reportedly noticed bloodstains in the vehicle and took it to the Ruimveldt Police Station. Telus Collins, one of the victim’s brothers, said that he last saw his sibling on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. He was driving the GEB bus and did not seem to be worried about anything. The brother said that he was later told that Lynden left
for work on Friday night and failed to return home. He was later informed that the bus his brother was driving had been found. A worried Telus Collins said that he then checked at the Georgetown Public Hospital, but failed to locate his brother. Shortly after, he spotted a GEB vehicle and stopped the staffers to enquire whether they had any information about his missing brother. One of the staffers then informed him that Collins’ body had been found. He told me that his brother did not appear to have any problems. But he also revealed that his sibling seldom confided in anyone. Lynden Collins had fathered two children, but the brother had no idea there were any women in his life at the time of his demise. Around the same time that Collins’ body was found, police also found a corpse on the seawall aback of the NIS Sports Club. The body bore two gaping wounds to the throat. The victim was identi-
fied as 42-year-old Claudine Inniss, called ‘Ann’, of Leopold Street. At first, investigators wondered whether the two cases were somehow connected. There were also rumours that Inniss was seen entering a GEB minibus outside of a car wash on Hadfield Street on Friday, July 2, 2010. However, investigators eventually concluded that there was no connection. To date, investigators have found no leads which indicate that anyone murdered Lynden Collins. They seemed to have leaned towards suicide, but they have unearthed nothing to show why Collins would have taken his own life. One of the unanswered questions is this: Why would the security guard have re-
moved his GEB uniform, then proceeded to walk stark naked down a dam to hang himself? His family believes that someone murdered Collins. But because of his reclusive lifestyle, what happed to the GEB guard almost nine years ago may remain a secret that is never revealed. If you have any information about this or any unusual case please contact us. You can write to us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown location, or contact us on telephone numbers: 22-58458, 22-58465, 22-58473 and 22-58491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : kamarangnight@gmail.com or mjdragon@hotmail.com.
Sunday March 17, 2019
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
Forms of APNU+AFC governance that are less democratic On Thursday evening, in front of the AFC’s office, I was in conversation AFC parliamentarian, Audwin Rutherford and AFC’s General-Secretary, Marlon Williams, the contents of which, I will come to below. From the time APNU+AFC came to power, it earned a few critics whose credentials were formidable. I can think of two of them – David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis. The sermon of these men was as simple as any reasoning can get. It went like this and it continues like this. You cannot earn the support of the nation if you behave as the rulers you removed and once you behave this way, you will be the subject of criticism. Hinds and Lewis paid the price for such criticism. Their columns in the Chronicle were pulled. Hinds wrote that the job he had with a certain ministry was terminated. My position on the government of APNU+AFC is I think beyond the criticism of Hinds and Lewis. What I will write in the next few lines, Hinds and
Lewis haven’t gone in that direction as yet. I don’t know if they will. I am clear in my mind about four dimensions of politics. One – I will not vote for APNU+AFC again (of course I will never vote for the PPP). Two - APNU+AFC if they are reelected should not get even close to a majority. Three - all the leaders of the PNC and AFC have no leadership qualities whatsoever, are incompetent, and unconcerned about the poorer classes and the finer tenets of good governance and democracy. Four – I believe there are areas of governance that are less democratic than when the PPP ruled. I now return to what I said to Rutherford and Williams, both of whom are my friends, but they know I am not even a remote supporter of the AFC. I explained to both men that I am in possession of a trove of emails from the UG unions to their fellow academics, and If I showed them the contents, they would never believe these things are being said about terrible governance at UG in 2019, because the contents of these emails are as
follows – identical to the complaints made when the PPP controlled UG and in a number of areas, the dictatorial rule is worse than under the PPP government. I quote from Dr. Jewel Thomas in an email sent to her colleagues on how she has been treated as a woman by the leading male power-holders at UG. In my 26 years of fighting successive UG administrations, I never saw such atrocities under the Jagdeo/Ramotar reign. What Dr. Thomas has complained about makes for sick and sad reading. I can quote from her email because it has gone viral at UG. Here is what this scholar wrote about mistreatment at UG in 2019 almost four years after the PPP lost power; “When the (designation withheld) allowed me to speak in response to his attack on me - he raised his finger at me and indicated (voice raised - indicating that I was only being ‘allowed’ one minute to speak). He literally said he would allow me one minute to speak. I will say that in the context, I could not interpret
his statement that he knows I have a doctorate to be complimentary. He has never raised his voice at another Council member, and he has also never given anyone else ‘one minute’ in which to speak. This is the second time he has raised his voice in speaking to me. He is the third man in authority at Council meetings who has raised his voice at me. E. Nigel Harris did so, the (name withheld) did so, and now he is following them. I have never raised my voice, nor have I ever stood and banged on the table (other members of Council have done this). E. Nigel Harris apologized afterwards.
Neither the (designation withheld) nor the (designation withheld) has done so.” The nation would be shocked (not me; I know how terrible this incompetent government is) who the persons are that Dr. Thomas referred to. I went on to tell the two AFC big wigs that of the writers of these emails, only one is East Indian, and he campaigned for the AFC. The rest are African Guyanese academics, none of whom ever had even a distant relation with the PPP. Those who dislike criticism of APNU+AFC because it plays into the hands of the PPP and it could lead to the
Frederick Kissoon PPP returning to power, are essentially dishonest people. The truth, the wholesome truth, is that bad governance of the APNU+AFC coalition has emboldened the PPP. God is dead, Marx is dead, Mandela is dead and Guyana is dying.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday March 17, 2019
We will not return to the hard years of Govt. abuse BUSTED! In his characteristic finger-wagging style that he practiced even then, President Jagdeo spoke to the nation in 2005, well before the 28 August 2006 National Polls, explaining the reason(s) why as President, he could not set a date for National Elections. These are his own words: “Now, we said to GECOM … the Law says that GECOM shall define the form of verification … or may decide on what form it will take not the PPP, not the PNC, not any party … GECOM! That’s a constitutional body, independent just like the courts”. If it sounds familiar it is because H.E. President David Granger has been saying the same thing to the Nation since December 2018 when the Opposition staged a No Confidence Motion in Parliament. The Opposition Leader has since been haranguing the Government, demanding a
date for elections, threatening all kinds of mayhem, and worst of all, openly encouraging supporters to “chase out” any member of Government who enters their communities. People are wondering, what could be the reason(s) for the PPP’s desperation to return to office. Apart from the obvious, the prospects of a rich treasury, one other reason could be the fact that many citizens throughout the nation have been talking openly about the new developments that are making their lives easier. Even in remote villages and hinterland communities, citizens are very pleased with their new bridges, proper roads and other infrastructure; potable water, better electricity from solar panels, free Internet, markets for their farm produce, farming and sports equipment, and free transportation
to school, just to name a few. The Opposition does not like it when Drainage and Irrigation engineers go into farms in Berbice or Essequibo to fix the farmers’ dams; nor when a community comes together and takes control of their ICT hub with free computers that their children use to do their research assignments. The PPP doesn’t like the fact that citizens are not complaining anymore that the Government does not care about them. So Jagdeo takes to the podiums and screams at the people, essentially suggesting that they break the law. Do they believe that the population can forget in 3 ½ years the stress and strain, the shame and embarrassment we all lived under from 1992 to 2015? Let us take a brief look back: 2015: PRODUCTIVE FOREST CONCESSIONS
ALL GIVEN OUT Minister Trotman reported to Parliament that nearly 100 percent of the lands set aside for productive forest use have been given out by the PPP Government through “questionable joint ventures” and other arrangements. The nation was understandably angry because the same PPP Government had given a commitment to the world to avoid deforestation. Minister Trotman asked, “How could any responsible government just give up the nation’s wealth (incl. 40 million acres of untouched rainforest) without any regard for future generations?” Jagdeo had received the Champion of the Earth award for 2010, and he used the accolade to lure donors and investors into paying for the protection of Guyana’s forests through the sale of carbon credits or investments in eco-tourism and pharmaceutical discoveries. Guyana adopted the UN Reduced Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
(REDD) programme and we went on to encourage the rest of the world to see how protecting the forests is more economically prudent than cutting them down. But after all the commitments, he went ahead anyway and distributed large swathes of rainforest to private timber producers with no provisos for replanting those forests. But, like everything else, this Government is fixing that too. 2014: OMBUDSMAN’S REPORT EXPOSES REASONS BEHIND FIRING OF NBS MANAGERS A damning 2006 report from the Office of the Ombudsman concluded that the police had wrongfully charged the New Building Society’s CEO Maurice Arjoon, and two of his managers for allegedly defrauding the bank of G$69 Million. It turned out to be an act of spite. The Ombudsman had launched an extensive investigation following complaints by the accused NBS Managers that they were framed.
According to the Report, Mr. Arjoon had refused to illegally endorse a ‘loan’ of G$2 Billion to the Berbice Bridge Company. Instead he made the decision to lend G$350 Million. That decision changed the lives of three people, and not for the better. Thirteen years to the day he started working at the New Building Society (NBS), Operations Manager Kent Vincent, was told that he would be charged in connection with a G$69M fraud committed on a customer’s account. Vincent was reportedly one of the signatories to the cheques issued to a person who used a fake Power of Attorney to carry out the fraud. For the next seven years his and his colleagues’ lives became persecuted hell even though the court had dropped the case after the main witness - the account holder– stopped going to court. In 2006, Ombudsman, retired Justice Winston Moore’s investigation found that the police should never have arrested and charged the three men. His report described the case as a grave injustice and recommended monetary compensation for each man for the loss of seven (7) productive years. These are only 2 items on a long list of injustices committed on the citizens of this nation. This is not how any citizen expects Democracy to work for them, but this is what the PPP is demanding that we return them to office for – a life of fear. The nation has had enough of the PPP. Instead, we choose to build!
Sunday March 17, 2019
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Kaieteur News
My column
The ethnic dilemma at election time Politics sometimes force people into some corners and make them do things they would not normally do. I have seen this over the years and I am seeing this again. Friends are less cordial and gradually people graduate to groups of like-minded people. It is not that people have changed, but their attitudes sure have undergone change. In offices where people have been working and even socializing, this segregation is becoming more and more noticeable. What is worse is that many are even afraid to voice opinions for fear of offending someone who would normally have listened and rebutted. Indeed people would have different political views; they would be of different political persuasions, but this never interrupts relations in the off season. What is unfortunate is that a different political persuasion often translates into racial or ethnic displays. Just recently I happened to be discussing the cricket situation in the country with some former players who still happen to be involved in the game. They concluded that the best players are often not being selected to represent the country because of ethnic considerations. I wanted to know how this is possible. They said that the selectors are for the greater part of an ethnic persuasion and they tend to go for their
own, sometimes selecting people who would be hard pressed to make some club first divisions. I pointed to the reports coming from the clubs. Surely the scorebooks would indicate the leading performers. Then there are the trial matches. The former players said that the better players are not even called for trials. I remember when certain clubs ensured that their players got selected. In fact, that was said to be the case of the Georgetown Cricket Club, the Demerara Cricket Club and the leading clubs in Berbice. The result was that players from rural Guyana rushed to join these clubs. Perhaps it was not by accident that the late Stephen Camacho was selected to represent the West Indies ahead of fellow opener, Horton Dolphin. Camacho played for the Georgetown Cricket Club; Dolphin played for Queen’s College and Guyana Colts. Shivnarine Chanderpaul left Mahaica to play cricket in the city. He first played for Demerara Cricket Club then transferred to Georgetown Cricket Club, where he got his break to play for West Indies.
There are other issues that seem to be raising their heads at this time. The Bertram College for Public Servants recently came under the spotlight. It has been there for just over two years and has churned out more than 100 qualified public servants. As fate would have it, most of them are of African ancestry, giving rise to talk that the college is discriminating against people of Indian ancestry. Kaieteur News decided to investigate the allegations and found that overwhelmingly, people of African ancestry apply for entry into the college. The reporter asked about applications from Indo-Guyanese, and was told that race has never played a role in the selection process. Columnist Freddie Kissoon wrote that the government may wish to consider something similar to the affirmative action that once prevailed in the United States. This allowed certain Black people to be guaranteed places in certain institutions. The South Africa Cricket Board also adopted a similar course of action. Apartheid had been dismantled, but the team was overwhelmingly White. The decision was
taken that space be provided for at least two Black players. Today Black players make the team on merit but, along the way, White players felt discriminated against. I remember one player voiced the opinion that he was left out to allow for a less qualified Black player to make the team. I could not say whether this was the case, but the view was expressed. I know that the race issue is never far away. Back in 1992, Dr Cheddi Jagan saw that the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force were heavily skewed in favour of Black people. He decided to do something about it. He set up recruiting centres in Indian-dominated areas. To this day, more than twenty-five years later, the composition of these entities remains skewed and heavily so, in favour of Black members. And there is a reason for this. Most people of Indian ancestry are in no hurry to join
either the police or the army. But those who do enter, distinguish themselves, even reaching to the highest echelons. It was the same with the University of Guyana. Again, most of the students happen to be Black. The Jagdeo Government established a campus at Tain, Corentyne. The population of that campus is also predominantly Black. The fact is that people of various ethnicities gravitate to certain opportunities. The business community is predominantly Indo and now Chinese. Racism has nothing to do with this. But at this time people tend to see racial overtones in everything. In the market place there is a preponderance of Indo Guyanese, but the shopper does not make distinctions. He or she spends money where he or she gets the best bargain. I see the interaction and I wonder about this talk about racism. If it is there it is cleverly disguised.
Adam Harris The nursing profession and the teaching profession also reveal a certain trend. I suppose people would want to claim that there is also selection based on ethnic preference, although this is certainly not the case. And nurses and teachers do not discriminate on the job. They see people rather than ethnicities. When the elections come and go, life would be back to what it should be. The tension would be out of people and life would go on as it should. Until then, I suppose people must tread carefully.
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Sunday March 17, 2019
Kaieteur News
Beware of the ‘wild-men’ In the coming days Guyanese can expect to hear a lot of ‘wild-talk’ from the usual ‘wild-men’ as they try to stoke fear and anxiety for their own political benefit. However, facts and the law are stubborn things that cannot be brushed under the proverbial rug for political expediency. For example, the Peoples Progressive Party – PPP - narrative that the government is using the judiciary as a delaying tactic, so as to stay in office is ludicrous. We must not forget how we got here. After the December 21 vote in the National Assembly, it was the Speaker of the
National Assembly, Honourable Dr. Barton Scotland, who said that after the vote, he had received information, supported by case law and practice emanating from other jurisdictions which raised doubt as to whether the No-confidence Motion was carried and properly so, by the margin of vote. Further, there was the issue of the conduct of Member, Charrandass Persaud, whether or not he was qualified as a citizen of a foreign country, to be a member of the National Assembly. Noting that certain and finite answers to these questions were necessary, the Speaker said;
“Full, final and complete settlement of these issues by a court of competent jurisdiction will place beyond doubt any questions which may exist and serve to give guidance to the Speaker and the National Assembly for the future.” Thus, the matter was taken from the legislature to another co-equal branch of government the Judiciary, to be interpreted, adjudicated and settled. The High Court has already given a decision on this matter and an appeal of that decision is now engaging the attention of the Guyana Court of Appeal. However, disregarding
the fact that this matter has not been settled legally, the PPP still rants and raves that the No Confidence Motion was properly carried, knowing full well that until the final appellate process is exhausted, a determination cannot be established. Secondly there is the legislature. The provisions of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana makes allowance for discussion between the government and the opposition to find the most favourable manner in which effect can be given to Article 106(7) which states “notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and they shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.” The government and the opposition have met on two occasions. Since that time the Opposition Leader has said that the PPP will not return to the National Assembly and therefore there will be no resolution as mandated by 106(7). It is for the PPP not the government to say why this legislative provision was aborted. In the coming days you will hear the call by Jagdeo and the PPP, for the President to name a date for the holding of General and Regional elections. The ‘wild-men’ are aware that elections are supervised by an independent Constitutional agency – GECOM. Article 62 of the Constitution of Guyana states that “Elections shall be independently supervised by the Election [s] Commission in accordance with the provisions of Article 162.” The Constitution of Guyana states unequivocally
that GECOM is an independent, autonomous body responsible for the hosting of free, fair and credible elections. President Granger cannot interfere in GECOM’s work. He has to be advised by the Commission of its readiness to host elections. The President has repeatedly over the past few weeks said that he is committed to holding credible elections in the shortest possible time, this year. The ‘wild-men’ are aware that the President has to be advised by GECOM on the Commission’s readiness to hold elections. It is only when the President is armed with that information that he can name a date. The PPP and Jagdeo know this, but the truth is not convenient at this time. What is clear is that the PPP, through their nominated Commissioners, is purposely creating a situation where GECOM will be unable to do its work. On Thursday February 28, 2019, the Commission met but could not do its work because the PPP Commissioners walked out. On Tuesday March 5, the Commission met but could not do its work because the PPP Commissioners walked out. On Tuesday March 12, the Commission met for a third time but could not do its work because the PPP Commissioners walked out. This is a clear orchestrated pattern of rendering GECOM impotent. Placed side by side with the PPP refusal to go back to the National Assembly, one can see that the intended effect is nothing more than political mischief. There is no provision in the Constitution of Guyana which requires the President to resign or demit office following the passage of a no confidence motion. Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George, on January 31, 2019, in the case of Attorney General v the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition de-
clared that while the no confidence motion against the Government prompts the resignation of the Cabinet and the hosting of elections, it does not dissolve the Parliament, which comprises the National Assembly and the President. The ‘wild-men’ will mischievously and maliciously proclaim that the President must resign and that after March 21 there will be no government; they are advised to listen to their attorney. Attorney for Bharrat Jagdeo, Mr. Anil Nandlall submitted to the Court of Appeal that there must be government. Referring to Article 106 (6) and Article 106 (7), Nandlall submitted that while the first article provides for the resignation of Cabinet including the President, the Government remains intact until a new president is sworn in. As such, he put to the Appellate Court that the President remains the President, and the Ministers remain Ministers of Government. In the coming days the ‘wild-men’ will attempt to bombard the populace with misinformation with a clear intention of causing anxiety and public hysteria. This is all part of a well-coordinated plan to destabilize the government. However, whatever happens, the President and the government will stay in place, for without a government there will be anarchy; that is why, to quote Mr. Nandlall: “The framers of our Constitution were so careful that they ensured that the President…remains in Office so there wouldn’t be a vacuum in the constitutional order of the executive, and only when the other president takes the oath of office, that the President and the government shall resign, so that there is a fluid transition from one executive government to another,”
Sunday March 17, 2019
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Kaieteur News
A look at ‘simple remedies for the flu’ By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine The “flu”, or influenza as it better known, is certainly not an eagerly anticipated episode in one’s life. It is a few days of debilitating illness which can leave you bed-ridden or in rare cases be fatal. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It has a variety of symptoms which include: · Fever or feeling feverish/chills · Cough · Sore throat · Runny or stuffy nose · Muscle or body aches · Headaches · Fatigue (very tired) · Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. There are simple remedies that can be done at home which may prevent a Doctor’s visit or even shorten the course of the flu. KEEPHYDRATED The flu can make you dehydrated from the fever or vomiting and diarrhea. Regularly using water, sports drinks such as Gatorade and fruit juices rich in Vitamin C, can help to improve your hydration and ultimately your condition faster. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is important since they will dehydrate you and can worsen your condition. REST Your body is “taking a beating” from the influenza virus. It is using a lot of energy to fight off the virus. By
resting, your body can dedicate its resources primarily to fighting the flu. USE SOME SOUP We have all grown up to our parents and grandparents offering us some soup during an illness. Turns out there is some evidence to support “using the soup”. A study published in the journal Chest showed that chicken soup may help with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections like the flu. Maybe it’s the evidence or just the good feeling of knowing that someone cares for you by making soup that helps. BREATHE MOISTAIR Breathing moist air helps to sooth a sore throat and ease nasal congestion. Indulging in steam showers several times a day or inhaling some steam from boiling
water or a humidifier may help. SUCK MINTS Regularly sucking cough drop or regular mints helps soothe the throat and ease coughing. GARGLE Regular gargling with salt water can help to break up thick mucus collecting at the back of your throat, as well as ease congestion and coughing. IRRIGATE YOUR NOSTRILS By regularly irrigating your nose with salt-water or saline, you can ease nasal and sinus congestion and even prevent sinus infection. The best way to do it is to pour the saline/salt-water through one nostril and let it run out the other. USE FEVER REDUCERS/ COUGH SUPPRESSANTS There are numerous fever
reducers and cough suppressants or even combinations of same available. Your Pharmacist may be able to advise which is best for you. WHEN TO VISIT YOUR DOCTOR The following may be signs that you should visit your doctor: – Persistent fever – especially for more than 3 days – Persistent vomiting and diarrhea – especially if you cannot hydrate yourself fast enough. – Unrelenting cough with chills – You feel more sick than is usual for a bout with the flu – You are not sure if it’s the flu you’re having – You have tried all the remedies and your condition is not improving It’s a difficult time when
Dr. Zulfikar Bux you’re down with the flu. Some of us have to tough it out by ourselves, while others have help. In life, when we are all grown up, we feel we don’t need the help of our parents and we can take care of things by ourselves. Then comes the flu and it’s amazing how fast our feelings change.
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Sunday March 17, 2019
Kaieteur News
SUNDAY Going forward … GECOM will have to be more vigilant on dual citizenship status of candidates – Commissioner Alexander Commissioner on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vincent Alexander, has noted that the independent body will have to pay closer attention to the issue of dual citizenship. During an interview with this newspaper, Alexander said, “I think that GECOM may have to pay greater attention to that issue. Basically, when someone comes forward, that person comes forward as a Guyanese. “So we do not on the face of the documentation observe someone to be a dual citizenship. The issue here is one of declaration and if the declaration is proven to be fraudulent then I suppose the person could be sanctioned.” Alexander then reiterated that GECOM has to pay closer attention to the dual citizenship requirement while acknowledging that there are examples which demonstrate that one cannot rely on persons to declare their status truthfully. Early last month, attorneyat-law Christopher Ram lodged a formal complaint with Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, regarding possible violations by Members of Parliament and their dual citizenship. Ram named four ministers and three Opposition Members of Parliament who he said likely made a false declaration as part of the process to be
sworn in, back in 2015. The four government officials are Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; and Minister Rupert Roopnaraine. The MPs for the People’s Progressive Party are Adrian Anamayah, Odinga Lumumba and Gail Teixeira. In his statement to the press, Ram had said, “I have lodged with the Commissioner of Police a formal complaint of possible violations of the laws of Guyana by members of the National Assembly who hold dual citizenship. Rusal has history of disrespect in third world countries-decision time this week on impasse UC Rusal’s track record in a number of countries is painting a picture of strongarm tactics by that Russian company. Coming to Guyana in 2006, it acquired 90 percent of the Berbice operations at Aroaima and Kurubuka, in the Kwakwani, Upper Berbice area. Since then, it never declared a profit. Strangely, Guyana seemed never to be too concerned it was getting little. Maybe it was because the local operating company, Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI), owned 80 percent by Rusal, had hired as its advisor former Chief Labour Officer, Mohamed Akeel. In 2009, the company fired 57 workers, a number of them supervisors, for protesting for better working conditions and pay. Ten years later, the
Minister Raphael Trotman with workers and others at the Kwakwani waterfront company, again took the ultimate step…to terminate the services of 91 workers. For three weeks now, scores of workers are at Aroaima, a housing area for Rusal staffers, are refusing orders of the Russian managers to vacate the premises. The stalemate has got Government in the act now with a decision likely this week that could seal the fate of Rusal in Guyana, unless the company accedes to demands of the unions to reinstate workers. Government is examining the legal implications of Rusal sending home workers. Rusal has been refusing for a decade now to recognize the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union, the bargaining unit that is acknowledged by the trade union regulator. Going back, Rusal, said to be the second largest aluminium company in the world, does not have a flattering track record. In fact, there are two prominent cases- in Guinea and closer to home, in
Rusal workers and residents lit a bonfire to galvanise support against defiant Rusal
Jamaica, which would shed light on the behaviour of the company. Recent board appointments are unlawful- Datadin Attorney At Law Sanjeev Datadin is of the opinion that recent Board appointments are unlawful. This is mainly because the “ministerial plenary” took over a role that is not prescribed in the constitution. The Official Gazette of March 9, 2019 notes that appointment of boards and committees. The appointments of the Board for the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Prison Service Sentence Management were noted. Appointments for the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Committee and National Tripartite Committee were also made. Saturday, in an invited comment, Datadin said, “The position is quite simple. Everybody knows Article 106 which is the foundation of everything going on. Article 106 says that Cabinet shall resign.” Datadin said, too, that the effect of the Chief Justice ruling is that Cabinet is resigned. He said that Article 107 however keeps the government in place. Datadin stressed that there is a distinction between Cabinet—which is executive authority—and government. “All the civil servants work with the government and they do not change, or should not change when a different party takes control.” He said that the power exercised by the ministerial plenary which “approved” the appointments is actually an exercise of executive authority. Datadin said that such powers ought not to be exercised now because the effect of the no confidence motion is to bring executive authority to an end. “Government must run, people must be paid, and taxes must be collected, but executive powers must
cease,” said Datadin. The lawyer said that the so called ministerial plenary acted unlawfully. Further, Datadin was keen to note, “The life of boards can go several years. What this government is appearing to do is load the boards with their personnel so notwithstanding whatever happens with an election they are going to have their persons in control of state boards.” MONDAY Constitutional Crisis is being engineered, and Jagdeo is its mastermind – GECOM Commissioner Alexander A constitutional crisis is being engineered by those who do not want to accept the role of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in rendering advice on when elections is to be held. The mastermind of this crisis is none other than Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. This assertion was made by GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander during an interview with this newspaper. Alexander said that the GECOM Commissioners representing the Opposition’s interest, namely Bibi Shadick, Robeson Benn and Sase Gunraj, can also be seen as mere instruments in Jagdeo’s plan. Alexander said his opinion in this regard, is premised on the very behaviour of the said Commissioners. Alexander said, “…On one hand, it is double standard for Jagdeo to accuse us, Government nominated Commissioners of taking instructions from Congress Place , when in fact it is glaringly known that his commissioners are tied. The PPP Commissioners have press conferences at Jagdeo’s facilities and have not, in any way, distanced themselves.” The GECOM Commissioner continued, “Jagdeo makes a statement before the Commission meets
and they (Shadick, Benn and Gunraj) come and they parrot everything that he says. He talks about letters to the GECOM Chairman being fraudulent and they come and say the same thing…” He added, “…Let me say this, we are not known to vacillate. Bibi very early in this process was the one who had said we can’t make 90 days. And she sought to have it captured in the minutes of GECOM. And then (she) comes back and takes a different position…Why do they vacillate? (It is) because when they go and they get directions, they have to come and fall in line. And there is evidence of this…” Alexander also pointed to the walkouts of the PPP Commissioners. He said that the first time it was done, one can see it as a walkout, but the second time, it was more on a technical issue. He said that the PPP Commissioners wanted to discuss the schedule for elections the second time around, and since that was not being discussed, Shadick and Benn asked to be excused. As a result of this behaviour, Alexander explained that there is no longer a quorum. Jagdeo blisters Grangerled Coalition Government for failed promises – during Babu Jaan memorial address People’s Progressive Party General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo was in his customary full attack mode at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant Sunday, labeling the Grangerled Coalition Government as “Judases,” for what he said were failed promises to the nation. “Who is a Judas? Who is a Judas? Who are the biggest Judases in Guyana? They betrayed all of the people of the country,” Jagdeo told the large gathering of supporters at the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Site. He also made references to former Member of Parliament Charrandass (Continued on page 33)
Sunday March 17, 2019
From page 32 Persaud’s vote in the National Assembly on December 21, Jagdeo argued that when the former Alliance For Change MP voted ‘yes’ on December 21, changing the political landscape, he was immediately called a “Judas” by fellow party members and supporters of the government. But according to Jagdeo, “they betrayed all, Charrandass looks like a patriot in comparison to these Judases, because he saw the failed promises and the hardships on the lives of the people who live in his community (Canje) and these two Judases and many others; in fact, it is a government of Judases because they promised the Amerindians to accelerate land title and they failed them. Sidney Allicock, he is a Judas too and they promised jobs in Linden and many parts of the country so, Granger is a Judas too”. His words were met with loud cheers from the gathering. He continued, “imagine Ramjattan and Nagamootoo calling Charrandass a Judas, Charrandass lives in Canje, he use to campaign with the AFC, he walked through Canje and helped them to make many of the promises that they told the people in Berbice and across the country”. The former president noted that although promises were made, they were not fulfilled but because Charrandass Persaud realised at some point that his fellow villagers were suffering due to the closure of the estates, he made a choice to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion. TUESDAY Jagdeo’s threats at Babu Jaan inflammatory – Govt. files complaint to ERC – PPP, in turn, asks Commission to probe Coalition Government
has
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condemned as belligerent and “inciting” what it says are inflammatory statements made by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, Sunday, at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six). The Opposition Leader was at the time addressing residents of Region Six who gathered to commemorate the birth anniversary of late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan. However, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), in Opposition, has denied that the statements are inflammatory and insisted that the Government is running scared. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, Jagdeo is quoted on Sunday as saying: “Here in Berbice and right across Guyana when the ministers or [President David] Granger or [Prime Minister Moses] Nagamootoo come here after the 21st of March, you say to them, chase them out…” “The Government deems as irresponsible, the call by Mr. Jagdeo for citizens to “chase” President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo or any government official. Mr. Jagdeo’s inciting can result in a breach of the law and must be condemned as unacceptable, malicious and mischievous.” The Government said that Jagdeo has a “history” of wanton utterances and his most recent at Babu Jaan has serious implications on peace, race relations and national security, particularly in an election year. “The Government notes that any call to violence or a breach of public order must be deplored. All Guyanese can be assured, that law enforcement agencies will take action against anyone who engages in unlawful behaviour and any attempts to “chase” the President, Prime Minster or ministers of the government out of any region of Guyana.” Meanwhile, a released letter indicated that Barbara Pilgrim, a parliamentarian for
PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo
A section of the gathering
the A Partnership For National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) has written Lloyd Smith, Legal Investigations Officer of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), complaining. Pilgrim said that at a meeting held at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, Berbice on Sunday, Jagdeo made the following statement: “We are going here in Berbice and right across Guyana. When the ministers or Granger or Nagamootoo come here after the 21stMarch, say to them, walk behind them, chase them out. They’re gonna be illegal”. Pilgrim said that she believes that the statement runs counter to the country’s values of ethnic relations and social cohesion. “This statement will only serve to create ethnic tensions and confusion in Region Six where I reside, and can be interpreted to mean that government and other persons not connected to the People’s Progressive Party Civic PPP/C must not be allowed in this region. Press Association threatens boycott of Jagdeo Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent attack on President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Raghubir, has prompted a stern statement from the GPA threatening boycott. GPA Monday condemned the continued attacks on media professionals by Jagdeo. The association said that it views the continued attacks as encouraging threats to the lives and livelihoods of media professionals. GPA said that it has been documenting the attacks made by Jagdeo over the last
few months. These are consistent with attacks he made in the past as a sitting Head of State. These were and are not limited to referring to journalists as “Carrion crows and vultures” and as “opposition media” and singling out media houses. GPA noted that over the months, Jagdeo has referred to private media outlets as “fake news”, “biased news”, or “government aligned news”. He is on record saying that he will call on his supporters to boycott one newscast and its parent company. He has singled out the privately owned Kaieteur News, state owned Chronicle and former GPA President Gordon Moseley with accusations of being “government aligned”. GPA further noted that Jagdeo’s comments are complemented by equally vitriolic and dangerous statements carried on his personal and party social media pages. In two recent posts, a news entity was referred to as “fake news” and a journalist as a “propagandist”. Both of these have attracted negative and threatening comments. GPA said that it “recognises that the hierarchy of the Jagdeo’s party supports these attacks as we note its continued silence on Jagdeo’s attacks on the free press and freedom of expression. We wish to remind this Jagdeo-led party that a free press whose work is done without hindrance and attacks is among the the basic tenets of democracy that the party preaches about.” Further, the association said that it will hold Jagdeo accountable if any harm is brought to media workers in keeping with his attacks.
GPA said too, “If these attacks continue we will not hesitate to call on our members to boycott press events involving the Leader of the Opposition. Additionally, we stand by editorial sanctions media houses see fit to take in response to any continued attacks on the press. Fight erupts as boyfriend walks free on manslaughter charge Three weeks after Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan ruled that a prima facie case was established against the boyfriend of the teen, who allegedly jumped from a moving car, the said magistrate Monday discharged the matter. Rick Sewcharran, 21, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was the subject of a preliminary inquiry having been charged for manslaughter. Particulars of the charge against the young man had alleged that on June 10, 2018 he unlawfully killed 19-yearold Sasia Adams, his girlfriend. Adams, formerly of East Street, Georgetown, was employed at the Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The charge was recommended by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), after the police completed investigations and forwarded a file to the chambers. Monday when the matter was called in the Chief Magistrate’s courtroom, the Magistrate ruled that after perusing the evidence she was not satisfied that the prosecution was able to prove their case against the young man, hence, the charge was discharged. Magistrate McLennan
ruled three weeks ago that a prima facie case had been made out against the young man for the offence; hence he was called upon to lead a defence. Monday, the Magistrate reversed her decision and told the court that the prosecution was unable to lead sufficient evidence in the matter. Sewcharran was seated in the prisoner’s dock. Upon hearing the ruling, he turned to his family who was seated in court and began to laugh. The relatives of the deceased who were also seated in the courtroom began crying. Soon after both families exited the courtroom and made their way down into the compound. While in the court compound, the mother of the deceased was crying uncontrollably when she grabbed on to Sewcharran and began shouting, “You kill my daughter and walk free of the charge.” The woman and Sewcharran fell to the ground but were quickly picked up by family members. WEDNESDAY Orinduik wells will be relatively cheap – Eco Atlantic CEO Gil Holzman…says partners have enough cash to now drill three Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eco Atlantic, Gil Holzman has confirmed that there is enough cash in hand to support the drilling of two wells in its Orinduik Block, while noting that a third is very possible. In a recent interview that was posted to his company’s website, Holzman noted that the Orinduik partners, being Eco, Tullow and Total, have contracted the Stena Forth (Continued on page 34)
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From page 33 drillship for the job. The Eco Atlantic CEO also disclosed that the first well will be drilled in first week of June at its Jethro Lobe prospect. He said that the second well will be drilled right after. Holzman said, “We are at the drawing table with Tullow and Total trying to identify which of our many targets we are going to drill second. And hopefully for me, for our shareholders, in four-five months from now, we will have a big oil discovery.” So far, the CEO said that the partners have US$20M at its disposal. This money was had from allowing Total to acquire a 25 percent interest in the block. He explained, “The way we structured it is that we included all the cost of the mobilization of the rig, the demobilization of the rig …the well heads, we included everything on the first well. The first well was budgeted very conservatively. We estimate over 40 days of drilling…So the first well, in December, we quoted it at US$7.6M net to Eco.” However, since then, Holzman said that Eco managed to make some modifications and secured some deductions. Eco, he said, is now looking at a US$7M ticket. He said, “However, if we manage to drill it in a few days less, it would probably (cost) a bit less. The second well, we will use the same drill ship and we already amortized the mobilization costs and it is probably going to be much cheaper. On average going forward, and from the experience we have seen from ExxonMobil, we (All the Orinduik Partners) could probably drill wells of US$35M each in our block.” EPA, Energy Dept. show room exists to amend Exxon contract – This contradicts govt.’s nonsensical approach – Dr. Mangal While the APNU+AFC government has taken a position that it will not trouble the “strangling” provisions of its contract with ExxonMobil, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy have taken steps that are tantamount to amending some of the provisions that are deemed stacked against Guyana. According to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between Guyana and ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the Minister, through his duly appointed representatives, must give
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the company seven days notice before making a visit. EPA would be categorized as one of those “duly appointed representatives”. However, that agency has refused to be relegated to such long notices. EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams is on record as saying, “I am aware that the agreement calls for seven days notice, but the EPA will not be bound by this. The agency has the authority to visit the site and they (Exxon) have agreed that our designated officer will be granted entry at all or any time(s). This provision was included in their permit for Liza Phase Two. This is not something out of the ordinary for regulators of the sector. In fact, it is in keeping with international best practices, which Exxon is very much familiar with. So when we put it to them, there was no objection from Exxon, they said they understand.” Dr. Adams, who has years of experience in the business, holds the view that the element of surprise is paramount when executing functions as an oversight body. He said that with seven days notice, the government would be giving oil companies—in this case EEPGL—ample time to make things appear to be well in order. That is not the only change. Currently, the ExxonMobil-Guyana contract allows the oil giant to selfinsure. This means that the company has given the nation some level of assurance that it will handle the liabilities that come with any possible oil spill. But, the Energy Department has initiated discussions with Central Bank to ensure oil companies comply with the nation’s laws on having a recognized insurance policy. This was confirmed by Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe. He said that there will be no approval from the Department of Energy for companies to self-insure. Criminal charges filed against GECOM Chairman, Coalition Commissioners A vote in favour of a motion can land the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and three coalition commissioners in jail for one year. This could be the case if attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin wins a case that was filed Tuesday. Datadin filed the charges with the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on behalf of Civil Engineer and businessman Marcel Gaskin.
The respondents are the three commissioners Charles Corbin, Vincent Alexander and Desmond Trotman and the Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson. The particulars of the offence state that the chairman and the commissioners conspired to breach Article 106 of the Constitution which provides for the holding of elections in 90 days after the passage of a no-confidence motion. On February19, the Commission voted on three motions in the name of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Commissioner, Charles Corbin. The first motion considered was one calling for President David Granger to be informed that GECOM cannot be ready for elections within the 90 days that the constitution prescribes in the event that a motion of noconfidence is passed against the government. Second, the Commission considered a motion that resolved to let it be registered that GECOM is not financially able to hold elections in the short term. Third, the Commission considered a motion that gave direction to the GECOM Secretariat for it to continue with its work programme for 2019, as it was before the passage of the no-confidence motion. The third motion would see GECOM preparing for house-to house registration as was called for by APNU and the Alliance for Change (AFC). In this period, until a contradictory decision is made, GECOM will not act in accordance with any work programme that responds to a call for elections in the short term. APNU commissioners voted in favour of the motions and so did Patterson. This newspaper spoke to Datadin last evening. He said, “The passing of a no confidence motion by the National Assembly on the 21st December 2018 meant that General Elections had to be held in 3 months. The government had fallen. The obligation to get Guyana ready for an election is GECOM. It is a full time body charged with functions under the constitution. Instead, its leadership gave excuses and explanations what this could not be done.” THURSDAY Granger, Jagdeo meeting ends without election date President to engage GECOM commissioners A critical meeting Wednesday between Government and the Opposition did not bear fruit,
with President David Granger stating that he will be meeting with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to be advised on a date for polls. The meeting was later described by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, as a futile affair. (See related story on page 7) With the diplomatic community warning that the current delays in finding a solution are hampering investments, and the business community complaining over what they say is a sharp drop in business, there is not good news…there appears to be no imminent end. Shortly after the meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency, President Granger and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who was also part of the team that met with Jagdeo and his group, issued a statement, describing the meeting as “fruitful”. It was a sharp contrast to what Jagdeo said later. “I am happy to say that the engagement between the Government side and the Opposition side was very useful and very fruitful. Both sides are working towards the solution of the issues which now confront us and I think we had a very positive approach. As you know there are four processes taking place; one is the importance of the National Assembly; second is the judicial process; third is the executive process and fourth is GECOM (Guyana Elections
Commission),” the President asserted. According to Granger, the engagement Wednesday morning, focused largely on the role of GECOM, because it is an independent agency, which could determine when elections would be held. Jagdeo tells Granger: I am calling for sanctions after March 21 Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has described Wednesday’s meeting with President David Granger as an exercise in futility. The Opposition Leader also said he informed the President that he would be calling for sanctions on the Coalition Government, after March 21, 2019. He said he reminded the President that he would be invoking the same sanctions which Granger, as Leader of the Opposition, had called for in November 2014. “The President has not given the Guyanese people any assurance that the imminent danger the country faces will be averted. Instead, the Parliamentary Opposition could only conclude that the President and his Government have and will continue to act in bad-faith, and, that the President is willing to subvert and violate the Constitution to suit his Government’s objective of staying in power beyond March 21, 2019,” the Opposition said in a statement after the meeting Wednesday. The meeting at the
Ministry of the Presidency was supposed to find a solution on the ongoing situation following the December 21 no-confidence vote, which was deemed to be legal by the High Court, but is now being appealed. One of the government parliamentarians, Charrandass Persaud, joined with the Opposition to vote yes. Under the Constitution, the carrying of the vote has triggered early elections – within 90 days, which is supposed to end on March 21. However, while Government insisted that the status quo remains until the court matters have been decided, the Opposition is holding its ground insisting that it will be an illegal government in place after March 21. According to the Opposition Leader ’s statement, the APNU+AFC (A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change) Coalition Government becomes unconstitutional, illegal and illegitimate, after then. “One would have expected that President David Granger, having invited the Leader of the Opposition to a meeting, on the eve of a constitutional crisis, after March 21, 2019, would have come to the meeting prepared to avert the impending constitutional crisis.” Major step in telecoms liberalization as Govt., GTT sign Memorandum of Understanding Major headway appears to have been made with plans to open the telecoms sector by allowing competition in the mobile and internet field. With the so-called liberalization process dragging on for seven years, Wednesday the Coalition Government and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) announced that they have inked an agreement. While the Memorandum of Understanding is nonbinding, it will spell significant advancement in the ongoing negotiations. GTT, a US-controlled company that has been here for 28 years, taking over the crumbling state-owned Guyana Telecommunication Corporation in the early 1990s, has been insisting on a number of concessions, including more spectrum, and reportedly tax breaks, to give up its monopoly on landline and international calls. Several companies have been applying to operate (Continued on page 35)
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From page 34 internet TV, mobile services, and the landing of submarine cables to bring data. However, the ongoing talks have stalled the processing of the applications. Wednesday, a joint statement was issued by Government and GTT. “The Cooperative Republic of Guyana (GoG) and Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the GoG’s planned liberalization of the telecommunications market.” The statement noted that the agreement, while “nonbinding”, represents a major step toward fully liberalizing G u y a n a ’ s telecommunications market. FRIDAY IDB bemoans effects of GRA’s cumbersome tax system on local businesses The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) believes that there is room for Guyana’s tax system to become less cumbersome, less complex, and more efficient along with improvements in tax administration that can reduce noncompliance by local businesses. It made this known in one of its reports titled, “Strengthening Guyana’s Fiscal Framework in Anticipation of an Oil Boom.” It was prepared for the Bank by Jeetendra Khadan and Sasha Baxter. In that report, the IDB said that tax administration is currently hampered by relatively low capacity of the Guyana Revenue Administration (GRA), with inadequately skilled human resources, limited use of information and communication technology (ICT), and inadequate use of technology to capture common and relevant information. Moreover, the IDB said that tax administration shows up as a major constraint for Guyanese firms. To pay taxes, the Bank noted that firms must spend 256 hours and make 35 payments annually compared to 195 hours and 25 payments annually by firms in the Rest Of Small Economies (ROSE). In addition, the Bank said that the Ease of Doing Business index shows that profit tax (percent) in Guyana is much higher than the average for the ROSE: 21.3 percent compared to 14.3 percent. Nonetheless, the Bank said that Guyana has a better ranking than ROSE in labour tax and contribution,
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other taxes, and total tax rate (percent of profit). Notwithstanding these challenges, the IDB said that the country has benefitted from advisory services from the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) and has seen vast improvements post-global financial crisis (GFC). It said, “The semiautonomous organization, Guyana Revenue Authority, has benefitted from successive reforms and training to strengthen its organization, functionality, and efficiency. However, despite years of reform, tax compliance is still relatively low.” It added, “For example, the on-time VAT filing rate is 43 percent compared to the regional average of 62 percent and below international standards of between 70–90 percent (IMF, 2017).” On a positive note, the financial institution said that Guyana is adopting policies to broaden its tax base and reduce noncompliance. It said that the introduction of the VAT in 2007 greatly widened the tax base and increased revenues, capturing businesses that previously were noncompliant or were in the informal sector. Muslim scholar gets 45 years jail for rape of boy, 9 Muslim scholar, Neezam Ali was Thursday sentenced to 45 years in prison for the rape of a nine year -old boy some nine years ago. He was sentenced to prison by Justice Navindra Singh following deliberations of a mixed 12-member jury at the High Court in Georgetown. Ali was indicted for raping the child in 2011. The charge alleged that Ali, between December 5, 2011, and December 31, 2011, engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 17 by abusing his position of trust while being an Imam at the Turkeyen Masjid. According to reports, the victim, then age nine, was attending Arabic and Quran classes and Ali was his teacher. It is alleged that Ali raped the child in a storeroom located in the Turkeyen Masjid and then took him home. The 44 year-old man, who was represented by Attorneys-at-law Stanley Moore and Latchmi Rahamat, had denied the charges, claiming instead that he could not have committed the act since he is impotent. The case was presented against him by State Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy, Abigail Gibbs and Tariq Mohammed.
The mother of the victim noted her family had waited long for justice. NRGI urges Guyana, Suriname Governments…Do your homework and scrutinize the right oil activities closely Suriname and Guyana are CARICOM sisters who are adjusting to life in the spotlight on the global petroleum stage. As the governments of the respective countries hurry to strengthen systems for the looming wealth, the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is urging that the policy leaders do the required homework and scrutinize oil companies’ activities where it matters most. NRGI is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving countries’ governance over their natural resources to promote sustainable and inclusive development. The headquarters of NRGI is based in New York. NRGI said that Suriname and Guyana find themselves at different points in their life cycles as prospective oil producers. The Institute said that Guyana has already made large discoveries, while Suriname is at a more speculative stage of offshore exploration. Institutionally, NRGI said that Suriname has developed a small but capable administrative and commercial body—
Staatsolie—as a result of its years of small-scale production, while Guyana is just beginning to build its administrative architecture in response to the discovery. NRGI said that both countries have small populations and small economies. It said, “Suriname’s GDP is USD $3.6 billion, placing it 158th in the world. Guyana, which has a population just shy of 800,000, has a GDP of $3.4 billion, placing it 159th. This means that significant oil production could have a massive impact on these economies. If managed correctly, successful oil projects could mean a major boost to the development agenda of either country.” NRGI noted however that the potential for negative distortions—including budget volatility and the disruption of other sectors— is high if risks are not managed effectively. In this regard, NRGI said that Guyana and Suriname would be wise to pay attention to some key areas. SATURDAY Despite tampering of bid documents… System working to counter corruption – Finance Minister Government says it is steaming ahead with an internal probe of alleged tampering of bid documents at the National Procurement and Tender Administration
Board (NPTAB). According to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, a report has been completed and is being addressed by the Finance Secretary, Michael Joseph, and Minister within the Ministry Jaipaul Sharma. Jordan admitted that “some irregular activities” occurred. Asked about whether he is worried about the breaches after the Coalition Government had vowed to clean up things at the Tender Board, after being voted in May 2015, Jordan was clear. “You will always be worried. As we said, no system is fool proof but luckily we had a system here that actually caught some irregular activities.” He said that there is evidence that some “irregular activities” happened at “irregular times”. A report has been produced and is being handled by the Finance Secretary and Minister Sharma. According to Minister Jordan, while he is not sure whether the police are actually dealing with the matter as is reported by Kaieteur News, ultimately that may be the direction. It was reported that a Senior Procurement Officer of NPTAB, who has been there for years, was sent on administrative leave two weeks ago. This was after he was reportedly caught on camera taking bid documents from a secured room at NPTAB,
located at the Ministry of Finance office, Main Street. It was reported that two weeks ago, NPTAB, which oversees the opening of bid documents from contractors and suppliers, processed a number of them. The documents were then stored in a special room. Copies were reportedly also in the custody of a senior manager. Hours later, the staffer asked permission to enter the room, something that is unusual. Rather, under the control system, the officer should have requested documents and sign for them. He reportedly stashed the documents in his pockets and later left the NPTAB compound without returning it. According to officials, an internal probe found that two tender documents were raised by $15M. However, the attempt to tamper was discovered after a staffer talked and checks revealed that a copy of the bid document in the custody of the senior manager did not have the new figures. The contract, a road project, was said to worth over $100M. DDL launches $1B-plus warehouse -3mw solar farm for Diamond The Demerara Distillers Limited Group is continuing to roll out investments in keeping with a US$50M (Continued on page 36)
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from page 35 modernization and expansion programme. On Friday, the beverage giant, which boasts over 1,200 staff members, launched a 42,000 square foot warehouse at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, for its subsidiary, Distribution Services Limited, announcing that it is readying also to commission a modernized blending plant later this year. The commissioning of the warehouse is clear testimony of the high confidence in the economy, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan said.
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He was among a number of dignitaries at the launching. Also there were Minister of Foreign Affairs and Prime Ministe r ( a c t i n g ) , C a r l Greenidge; Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin, and former Chairman of the D D L g r o u p , D r. Ye s u Persaud. A c c o r d i n g t o D S L’s General Manager, Bryan Prittipaul, the operations of the subsidiary started 25 years ago, becoming sole distributor of Johnson and Johnson, Nestle, Pepsico and Baron Foods. Since then, the
company has evolved with four Cash-and-Carry outlets, reaching 2,300 retailers with products. However, the limited storage space has hampered growth. The 42,000 square foot warehouse is located in the area acquired by DDL from the old Diamond sugar estate, where staffers’ homes were located. A few of those colonial homes are still standing. According to Prittipaul, the warehouse will boast four cold rooms and chillers with four
containers’ receiving docks, smart lighting and water faucets- all built by Nabi Construction Inc. for over $1B. A c c o r d i n g t o D D L’s chairman, Komal Samaroo, the project would represent a major step in diversification of the group. He recalled when Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin, visited the Diamond operations more than a year ago, it was announced that the group would be embarking on a US$50M expansion. Already, a 30,000-barrel bond has been commissioned and a blending plant is slated for later this year. There will be major
expansion of the Demerara Shipping, a subsidiary and to Topco, its juice-making facilities. According to Samaroo, DDL, makers of the worldrenowned El Dorado rum line, is constantly seeking opportunities to diversify, with a young team of professionals on board. Samaroo tagged the planned Diamond to Ogle roadway as key to its market expansion plans to the East Coast and Berbice. Later, a three-megawatt solar farm is on the cards, he disclosed. According to Jordan, who gave the feature speech and a message from President David Granger, the investment is a clear testimony of confidence in the climate of Guyana.
He said that the real growth rate will go up to between 3.6 -3.9 percent, up from the 3.4 percent given. The investments will come in a world where the hostilities are increasing, and in which new anti-money laundering laws, and political instability are in the backdrop. However, prudent management and low inflation from Government’s policies have helped. He pointed to a recent mining forum in Canada where a packed room spoke of high interest in Guyana. He lauded DDL for an increase in profits by 26 percent and noted that government will continue working on the reduction of taxes.
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Region Five schools to benefit from school feeding pilot - Grades I to II and Nursery School pupils to benefit from daily breakfast Pupils in nine schools across the West Coast Berbice are identified for a pilot school feeding programme, scheduled to be launched by the Ministry of Education in Region Five, Mahaica-Berbice at the start of the next school term. The pilot will provide free breakfast to children in Bath Primary and Nursery Schools in Bath Settlement, We s t C o a s t B e r b i c e ; Blairmont Nursery and Primary Schools at Blairmont, West Bank Berbice; Ithaca Nursery and Primary schools at Ithaca Village, West Bank Berbice and Rosignol-Shieldstown and Liberty Nursery and Primary schools, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice. Students in Grades I and 2 in the identified nursery schools will receive free breakfast meals. The nine schools represent the first phase of the School Feeding Programme for schools in Region Five. The objective is to implement the pilot and monitor
DREO of Region 5, Sherwyn Wellington it before determining when the programme will be put into action in other nursery and primary schools in the region. Each meal will comprise items from the foods rich in protein and carbohydrates, accompanied by a calcium drink and fresh fruit. Deputy Regional Executive Officer of the Region
5, Sherwyn Wellington, disclosed that the regional administration will manage the programme. The contracts for caterers for the school feeding programme will be awarded by the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board (RPTAB) while the Education Ministry will provide the funds for financing and managing the programme. The ministry’s breakfast feeding programme was piloted in Georgetown in Region Four, DemeraraMahaica and on the East Coast of Demerara and in R e g i o n T h r e e , We s t Demerara-Essequibo Islands in 2016. The programme is in keeping with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Two, which calls for the eradication of hunger and malnutrition. The objectives of the school feeding programme include building more community participation in schools and improving children’s human development outcomes, such as student enrolment and attendance, nutritional status and learning outcomes.
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Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke Says Dany Finally Meeting Sansa Felt “Exhilarating” At this point, we care less about who ends up on the Iron Throne than we do about the fact that finally, all the different factions of Game of Thrones are coming together. Mostly, we’re talking about Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), who finally gets to hang out with the Starks. We’ve seen glimpses
of her meeting with Sansa (Sophie Turner) as she finally comes to Winterfell, feeling, as Clarke says, “pretty cocksure and confident, and then stuff happens.” It sounds like the moment was just as significant for Clarke as it will be for the show. “It’s really surreal,” Clarke told Harper’s Bazaar of what
it was like to bring Dany to Winterfell. “I mean, you play into what it feels like for the character as well, because it’s new and it’s odd, and you’re coming into someone else’s turf and you’ve got a lot of actors that you know really well, who were like, ‘This is our home.’ Then you come in and you’re like, ‘I know this
only from the television; I’ve never been in this space here before in my life.’” “But also I must admit for the character, I felt it,” she continued. “I felt with every one of those moments that obviously the show is packed to the gills with. I felt for her. I was like, ‘Yes! Here we are! We’re in, we’re speaking with
Sansa, we are that much closer.’ It felt great. Very, very exhilarating.” Clarke says she’s really good friends with Turner, so there was a moment where they had to remember they were acting. “It was very fun, it was very silly, it was very then like, ‘Oh, we’re doing this now, we’re having like an actor discussion,’ as opposed to just me and Sophie. With all of those scenes meeting new people, it felt like every day was a little party.” Dany also gets to wear some new outfits this season, which Clarke says is very much a sign of the character’s journey. “Michele Clapton, our unbelievably talented costume designer, really takes each character’s journey and reflects that in the clothing,” she explained. “Every single piece that I put on made sense
for the scene that I was in, and made sense with the place that the character’s in at that time. There’s a real throughline for this particular season, there’s a real arc and I feel like fans, like hardcore fans, will clock what’s happening within the reflection of the clothing. There’s definitely a story to tell there.” Clarke told the site that after long days on set, her days always end with “taking off your goddamn bra and getting into your pajamas,” so after the end of the series, there was a similar feeling. “I think ending it was just the mother of all releases,” she said. “It was just the metaphorical undoing of the bra, except it’s like a 10-year experience.” She said she had intended to make a speech after her final scene, but she couldn’t get through it.
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14 Surprising Health Benefits Of Wine http://www.lifehack.org: You pop open the cork after a killer day at the office, and the luscious wine flows in mellow drops into your shiny glass. Then this voice whispers in your e a r . “Should I be drinking wine?” You try to make healthy food choices and go to the gym and yoga a few times a week. Are you negating your efforts with a few sips? You know that over-indulging is a health no-no, but what about a glass of wine a few times per week? Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve surely heard of the heart-healthy benefits of red wine. But this is not your big concern; you already exercise and eat pretty well. Prepare to be amazed. More than just being heart-healthy, wine has a slew of surprising health benefits, many of which stem from resveratrol. Some plants make resveratrol to fight off bacteria and fungi, or to withstand a drought or lack of nutrients. Red and purple grapes, blueberries, cranberries, mulberries, peanuts, and pistachios are sources. Resveratrol may be the wonder ingredient responsible for many of wine’s benefits. Isolating the resveratrol does not yield the same powers, indicating that a constellation of forces act together to protect the body. Most studies focus on the benefits of red wine
because white grapes do not contain resveratrol. Prepare to be amazed and relieved. You’re about to learhow your wine-drinking ritual can be a powerful health elixir. Check out the following fourteen benefits of wine that go way beyond heart healthiness. 1. Live longer That’s right. On the island of Ikarios, a recently discovered Blue Zone, people live longer than anywhere else in the world. Daily wine consumption is part of a dietary pattern that encourages long life through eating fewer animal-based foods and eating more plant-based foods. You’ll find the long-lived residents of Crete and Sardinia sipping dark red wine, a part of their anti-aging lifestyle. A 2007 study suggests procyanidins, compounds found in red wine tannins, help promote cardiovascular health. Wines produced in areas of southwest France and Sardinia, where people tend to live longer, have particularly high concentrations of the compound. Researchers at Harvard Medical School uncovered evidence that resveratrol directly activates a protein that promotes health and longevity in animal models. Resveratrol increases the activity of sirtuins (longevity pathways), a group of genes that protects the body from
diseases of aging. 2. Get smarter Resveratrol may help improve short-term memory. After just 30 minutes of testing, researchers found that participants taking resveratrol had a significant increase in retention of words and showed faster performance in the portion of the brain associated with the formation of new memories, learning, and emotions. 3. Banish breakouts with wine Resveratrol is able to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria longer than benzoyl peroxide. And it works even better when combined with benzoyl peroxide. So far, drinking the antioxidant is the best way to benefit from its properties. Topical application in creams has not been proven as effective – so imbibe your antioxidants in wine, fruits, and veggies rather than buying expensive creams. 4. Wine may beat trips to the gym Would you rather drink wine or slave away at the gym? Scientists at the University of Alberta in Canada found that resveratrol improves heart, brain, and bone function; the same way these parts are improved when you go to the gym. Now imagine the benefits of doing both! 5. Say goodbye to the blues
You know wine helps you relax…but depression? Researchers in Spainfound that men and women who drank two to seven glasses of wine per week were less likely to be diagnosed with depression. Even when taking into account lifestyle factors which could influence their findings, the reduced risk held strong. 6. Reduce (not increase) your risk of liver disease This study challenged conventional thinking about alcohol and liver disease. Modest wine consumption, defined as one glass a day, may decrease the prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Modest wine drinkers, as compared to teetotalers, cut their risk of NAFLD in half. And compared with wine drinkers, modest beer or liquor drinkers had four times the odds of having suspected NAFLD. 7. Promote healthy eyes Resveratrol stops out-of-control blood vessel growth in the eyes, according to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. This may help with treatment of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Note that these studies were done in mice, so the dose for humans is not yet clear. But this is a great start.
Story of Holika and Prahlad
T
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Kaieteur News
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here was once a demon king by the name of Hiranyakashyapu who won over the entire earth. He was so egoistic that he commanded everybody in his kingdom to worship only him. But to his great disappointment, his own son, Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Deity Narayana (Vishnu) and refused to worship his father. Hiranyakashyapu tried several ways to get his son to worship him. But all his efforts failed and he ordered his servants to kill Prahlad a number of times but Deity Vishnu rescued him every time. Finally, Hiranyakashyapu turned to his sister Holika. Holika had been blessed by a boon which made her immune to fire. So her brother asked Holika to enter a fire with Prahlad in her lap. The demon king was sure
that there was no way Vishnu could save Prahlad from death now! Holikasat on a pyre and coaxed young Prahlad to sit in her lap. She then ordered her attendants to light the pyre. Legend has it that Holika had to pay the price of her cruelty with her life. Holika was burned to death because her boon was that she would be untouched by fire if she was alone! Prahlad, who kept chanting the name of Deity Narayana all this while, came out unharmed, as Deity Vishnu had blessed him once again for his unwavering devotion. Thus, Holi derives its name from the burning of Holika. And, is celebrated as a festival of victory of good over evil. Dear children, now that you know why we celebrate Holi, will you pledge to celebrate Holi as per our ancient customs? Remember that this festival signifies the triumph of good over evil, so avoid mischief like throwing dirty water balloons or synthetic dyes/colours etc.
Junior page
Making HOLI powder ~Celebrate Holi with a Colorful Powder Recipe~ What You Will Need to Make Holi Powder 1 cup flour ½ cup water (give or take) Food coloring Instructions 1.Mix the flour and water in a large bowl until it forms a thick paste. 2.Add your favorite food coloring to the paste and mix it in with your hands. (You may want to wear gloves!)
3.Scoop the paste from the bowl and form it into a ball with your hands. 4.Use a rolling pin to flatten the ball into a disc that is about 1/4 inch thick. 5.Let the disc sit overnight, until it hascompletely dried. 6.Use a coffee grinder to crumble the disc b a c k i n t o p o w d e r . Notes – Warning: this recipe gets messy!
Holi Word Search
FUN WITH POETRY
by Uncle Roy
Help others and you help yourself I know I feel nice when someone gives me something, And when others help me in some way; I know it feels good when people smile at me, And tell me words that make me feel gay. This means that I should also try To do the same for others what I can, I should not only seek to get for myself, But do my best to help everyone. First I must obey my parents at home, And try to keep brothers and sisters happy, Next do what I can for my friends, And then seek ways to help anybody. The great thing is that when I try To help others and make them feel the best, I find that I myself gain so much That it makes me feel the greatest.
Sunday March 17, 2019
Kaieteur News
Realise a true sense of identity by developing effective interpersonal relationships Many young people, because of the present environment in which most of them live, which encourages them to start getting into serious relationships with a special person even before they have acquired proper skills in communication and relationships with the other important people in their lives, spend too much time, thought and energy looking for that special boyfriend or girlfriend. This haste to develop that special relationship can also arise from the need for love and acceptance that may be lacking at home due to various unfortunate circumstances. But it can happen that this special urge to form romantic unions can make people neglect their home responsibilities, one of the most important being to keep connected with parents and siblings. And this is what may lead to not getting along with the people who are most important in your life, i.e. your immediate family members. It normally leads to a lack of experience in
communication and dealing with the other people in their lives, and can affect them adversely in achieving success at their studies, later on at their work, and in their community. Instead, it has to been seen as worthy of some effort to develop the ability to respect and get along well with all other citizens of both sexes. Also, not to focus on one relationship will help in the creation of lasting friendship with others close to you, who will be there for you, to show you love and acceptance, assist in your own development, and be a source of help in the times of material need, loneliness and sadness. Take some of your time and energy to focus on the relationships you have with those who should matter the most in your life, and you will reap immense benefit in feeling secure and able to deal later with that special one-on-one connection that will come when the time will be most suitable for this.
St. Patrick's Day Word Scramble Instructions: Unscramble the letters to find the St. Patrick's Day words from the list below.
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Family First by Uncle Roy (from his book “Shape Up Your Personality”) While each person living on this earth Owes some commitment to all humanity, It remains an individual's foremost obligation To give priority to his own family. So that all members fulfill this sacred duty, Each need have respect, trust and patience, Being also open-minded, loving and kind, Willing to appreciate what others experience. They must together strive to create a community of support, In all aspects of their development, Each being sensitive to what the others feel and need, Providing for their special flaws as well as talents. They should have fun, eat and pray together, Love one another and express this regularly, Celebrate the significant occasions each hold dear, Building memories to sustain them through difficulty. They will need to share the responsibilities In building a home of solace and happiness, Never hesitating to go the extra mile, In making up for any member's weakness. Relationships must take a leading place In all aspects of our family affairs, Ensuring we nurture and maintain our bonds, Creating a harmonious haven against all fears. Most imperative is the need for formation of goals, Both for each and the whole, Planning together for the short and long term, Working together to achieve these for all.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Take the time to communicate and develop relationships with all with whom you associate and you will always feel secure
Solutions to last week’s Clover maze
Cross Blocks
1. PU/L/SA/TE; EX/PL/ICI/T; SP/ECI/AL/TY. 2. CH/OI/C/E; D/ES/TR/OY; PA/R/TN/ER/; S/PR/O/UT. 1. BONUS: PUBLICITY 2. BONUS: CHESTNUT
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1) Girl: Dear, today is the day when we met first.. Boy: Oh, Let us stand in silence for two minutes.. •2) What is the difference between a woman and a magnet? Magnets have a positive side! 3) Hey have you seen that lady…? She is so fat, when she walked into a room, someone said, “Woah! Was that a solar eclipse or did Free Willie just walk in? •4) Two girls, First girl: we girls don’t like study too much!! Second girl: why?? First: think...think more... o.k., because.. We know someone; somewhere would be doing study for us... Poor boys!!! 5) What do you say to a woman with 2 black eyes? You don’t, you’ve told her twice already! 6) Q: What do you do when a lady throws a pin at you? A: Run like hell....she’s got a hand grenade.. 7) A girl phoned me the other day and said, “Come on over, there’s nobody home.” I went over. Nobody was home •8) What is the thinnest book in the world? What Men Know About Women. •9) How are ladies and high school phone policies similar? Because they can be seen but not heard. 10) Yesterday I went to a park for jogging in the evening. A man was arrested for dressing up like a girl. What was he charged for? He was charged with male fraud. 11) Why can’t women drive? Because there’s no road in her house. 12) Yo I met a lady at the shopping mall; the funniest thing about her was that She was so fat that her picture weighs 10 pounds and she also invented the low-rider! 13) When another girl steals your guy do not worry; there is no better revenge than to let her keep him 14) Why do women get married in white? So they match the kitchen appliances! 15) Usually boys believe in what they see and girls believe in what they hear, that is why .... Boys lie and girls wear make up 16) Q: What is the difference between a wife and a girlfriend? : About 45 pounds!! ‘The trouble with practical jokes is that very often they get elected.’ Will Rogers ‘In archaeology you uncover the unknown. In diplomacy you cover the known.’ Thomas Pickering • I believe that people would be alive today if there were a death penalty. Nancy Reagan • When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer ‘Present’ or ‘Not guilty.’ Theodore Roosevelt (Could have been any number of presidents since) • Today’s public figures can no longer write their own speeches or books, and there is some evidence that they can’t read them either. Gore Vidal On my arrival in the United States I was struck by the degree of ability among the governed and the lack of it among the governing.’ Alexis de Toqueville • ‘Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy’. Ernest Benn • There’s no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you’. Will Rogers • ‘Politicians make strange bedfellows, but they all share the same bunk’. Edgar A. Shoaff • ‘You can fool all of the people all of the time if the advertising is right and the budget is big enough.’ Joseph Levine • Will and Guy think that this is the best website for the latest political news. • ‘Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build bridges, even where there are no rivers’.
Kaieteur News
Sunday March 17, 2019
Sunday March 17, 2019
Waxing Your Eyebrows with Paraffin Wax
S
et aside the necessary supplies. You will need microwaveable grooming wax, tweezers, a makeup brush or Popsicle stick, a brow comb/brush, brow shading powder or pencil, a pair of small scissors, and strips of cotton fabric (from an old t-shirt is fine).[1] 1. Rinse your face with warm water in order to open the hair follicles, which helps it be less painful. Next, prepare to do the upper region of one brow. Only wax one brow at a time so that you can concentrate on what you're doing. You don't want any of it to get in your eye! If you feel jittery at all doing it yourself, then stop and have someone else it apply it for you. 2 Outline your eyebrow with loose powder to mark the areas you are going to wax.This will ensure that you don't remove more hair than you intended. Use a small makeup brush to apply the powder to your face. - Alternatively, you can trace over the brow with an eyebrow pencil to create a stronger line of demarcation. You should make sure that the starting point, end point, and arch of each brow are clearly marked before beginning. You can do this by making dots with a makeup pencil. 3 Microwave the container of wax, uncovered. Only microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, 5 to 10 seconds if less than half is in the jar. Don't let it come to a boil, though, which it can easily. Stir to make sure it's evenly heated. (It should be the consistency of warm honey.) 4 Dip into the wax using the Popsicle stick. Quickly but carefully, while the wax is still warm, glide the wax on the hair that you want removed between your brows or below the brow. You should apply the wax in the direction that the hair grows. Next, place a strip of fabric over the area, press firmly and rub over it going in the same direction that the hair grows. Let it set for a few seconds. Then pull your skin taut with your non-dominant hand and pull off the strip in the opposite direction than the hair grows. But don't worry! It only grabs the hair, not the skin, so it shouldn't be painful.[4] Avoid pulling up and back, as this could result in pain. After you remove the strip, press your fingers onto the skin with firm pressure to minimize stinging. You should only wax under and between your brows, never over them. Waxing above your brows can result in an unnatural look. Repeat the procedure on the opposite brow. Take your time. You want it to match as perfectly as possible to the other brow. Otherwise, you'll have eyebrows with two different shapes! Put soothing lotion onto the areas when you're finished. Brush the eyebrow with your brow brush. Then, using the comb side, gently comb the hair upwards. Trim any excess and long hairs (only the ones sticking over the comb) by cutting straight across with the scissors. Be careful to not cut into the actual brow. [5] Put vitamin E lotion or another moisturizing product onto the areas. You don't want to skip this step, as it reduces puffiness and redness in just a couple minutes. Wait a few minutes, then wipe off. [6] Shade both brows in lightly using brow pencil or powder. No one's brows are perfect, even after waxing. This helps make them look more symmetrical. [7]
SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH
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Sunday March 17, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Inner Wheel Club reviews fundraising programmes as it celebrates 34 years With one of its primary aims being to promote true friendship, the Inner Wheel Club of Georgetown had its genesis back in October 1984. Its founder President, Mrs. Mayleen Davis, has been credited with ensuring that the Club started on a firm foundation. The club currently has Ms. Santosh Bera as its President even as it celebrates 34 years of existence. According to Bera, “I am humbled and honoured to have been elected as the president for the year 2018-2019. Chairing an Inner Wheel Club is a great responsibility. My contributions over the years have varied. However, I know that this responsibility must be undertaken with both seriousness and pleasure.” Because of the seriousness of the contributions of the club, Bera is convinced that it will continue to leave a lasting impression and the world a slightly better place. She added that in keeping with this year’s theme: “Empower and Evolve”, she has been reviewing the entity’s fund raising programmes. This theme, she said, also complements the objective of the club, which is “To Promote True Friendship. We should seek to empower others and evolve as a club by
growing in our membership.” “Making a change must come from within if we hope to make a change in our communities and nation. We must make a true effort to strengthen our own membership for the longevity of the club. Our club must also evolve to meet the challenges of a changing world,” Bera asserted.Over the years, the club has accomplished several projects. Bera recalled, “During my tenure as President, it is my hope that we will together be able to implement projects to empower persons by improving their quality of life through a dental and medical outreach programme.” “In empowering others, I would also like us to assist one impoverished community through some kind of project. These are just a few ideas that I have at this time but with the help of my fellow members hope to put our heads together to make this a meaningful and successful year.” Guyana, she noted, now more than ever, needs all to unite and pool their energies and resources so that “we can make a difference to those in need and to be able to bring harmony in our society. I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all the organisations, individuals,
friends too numerous to mention, the Rotarians, Rotaractors, who have contributed to the success of our projects over the years.” Governing the operation of the club, there are a number of aims and objects. Aside from the promotion of true friendship, it also seeks to encourage the ideals of personal Service and to foster international understanding. To accomplish these, the organisation is tasked with fundraising for charitable purposes.Among organisations, it has assisted over the years are The Red Cross Convalescent Home; The Cheshire Home; Uncle Eddie’s Home; The Gentlewomen’s Home; The Trinity Methodist, Sacred Heart; St. Andrew’s Feeding Programmes and Red Cross Meals on Wheels; Kids First Fund; The Main Street Drop In Centre; Mothers Union and YMCA Day Care Centres; The Guyana Cancer Society and The Periwinkle Breast Cancer Support Group; The Guyana Relief Council, Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club; The Rotary Flood Relief Project; Yearly Christmas Cheer to various Schools; and the Guyana Society for the Blind. Other areas of service include the delivery of hot meals to some elderly, needy and
shut-ins, visiting Senior Citizens Homes and taking the residents on trips for entertainment. Needy families identified by members are provided with monthly food hampers or a stipend and the club has also been known to help individuals, groups, churches, schools, among others with day to day needs, medical treatment and maintenance of their physical environment. The club has also sponsored medex students and given out scholarship assistance for tertiary education in the fields of medicine and education. Added to this, it has also been involved in the rehabilitation of the Peter’s Hall
Nursery School, with the help of Futures Fund, and continues to lend support towards it maintenance. In 1994, the club raised $211,205 from its take away lunch fundraiser, which was donated to the Palms Restoration Fund. Its major project for the year 1995/96 was the repair and refurbishment of the burnt out section of the Holy Family Home at a cost of $1,388,186.00 and during the year 1997/98, its largest project to date was the refurbishment of the play area at the National Park. On April 30, 2008, a joint agreement was signed with Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company for the con-
Current Inner Wheel Club President, Ms. Santosh Bera. tinuation of the project. The club has also conducted Dental Outreach to Little Baibu and major work in the Promenade Gardens.
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Sunday March 17. 2019
Kaieteur News
Extradited GRDB accountant released on High Court bail One week after, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded Peter Ramcharran, a former accountant of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to prison, Ramcharran’s lawyer was able to secure bail in the sum of $390,000 from the High Court. Bail was granted by Justice Navindra Singh on Friday. Ramcharran, 39, of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, who was extradited by the Canadian courts, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on March 6, last where he was slapped with 39 fraud related charges and remanded to prison. Ramcharran was charged for fraudulent conversion and misappropriation of funds that allegedly took place between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015, and involving tens of millions of dollars. The total is said to be over $400M, and he was not required to plead to the charges as they were all indictable. This was after Guyana asked for his extradition to face the charges pertaining to his duties at GRDB, which was the executing agency for a major oil-for-rice deal worth billions with Venezuela. That deal ended suddenly in 2015 by a hostile Venezuela after this Coalition Government came into office. On Ramcharran’s first court appearance before the Chief Magistrate, he was asked to explain why he had been evading the courts. In his response, Ramcharran stated, “I was not informed by any official of Guyana about these charges.” His attorney moved to give context, as he stated his client learnt of an arrest warrant being issued for him through the public media. “My client had to learn of these charges and arrest warrant being issued by public media. After learning of this, Mr. Ramcharran had no other option but to take conditions to prepare himself.” However, Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) Prosecutor Patrice Henry told the court that Ramcharran was very much aware that he was wanted in Guyana. His lawyer, Sase Gunraj in an attempt to get bail for his client had asked the court to treat his client like his other co-accused. Prosecutor Henry had objected to bail being granted to the defendant on the ground that investigations are still ongoing, which may see other charges being brought. Hence, the Chief Magis-
Charged: Peter Ramcharran trate after listening to both sides remanded Ramcharran to prison on the ground that he had evaded the court, and as such, posed a flight risk. He is expected to make his next court appearance on March 25. Ramcharran is jointly charged along with former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Jagnarine Singh; former Deputy General Manager of GRDB Madanlall Ramraj; General Secretary of the Producers Association (RPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj; former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall; former General Manager of the Guyana Oil Company Badrie Persaud and the Deputy Permanent Secretary Finance Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine. In Canada, Ramcharran had first applied for refugee status. After he was turned down in December, he sought a review of his extradition process, but this was recently turned down. In 2017, the Chief Magistrate had issued an arrest warrant for him. The Government of Guyana in turn had asked the Canadian authorities to send Ramcharran back. The GRDB found itself in the spotlight after a forensic audit of that entity revealed among some of the “anomalies” found were loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes. According to information, the former accountant is heavily implicated in the probe concerning the six former GRDB board members who have pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Ramcharran had reportedly been studying in Canada, when authorities swooped down on him in June 2017 following a request for his extradition. A forensic audit, one of several ordered by the Coalition Government, had found (Continued on page 68)
Sunday March 17. 2019
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Kaieteur News
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
CELL PHONE DEALERS ARE TO CONFORM TO NATIONAL STANDARD As Consumer Protection bodies culminated a week of activities to commemorate World Consumer Rights Day 2019 last Friday, March 15, under the theme “Trusted Smart Products�, the time is appropriate to remind dealers of cellular phones in Guyana that there is a National Standard for these smart gadgets. Conformance to this standard will help businesses to address the needs and expectations of consumers during and after purchases. The Guyana Standard Requirements for Cell phone Dealers (GYS 49:2016) was developed by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) because of numerous complaints made by consumers relating to poor quality products, accessories and after sale services offered by some dealers. For every product monitored by the GNBS, there must be a National Standard, which offers guidance and requirements for monitoring, and hence this standard was necessary to commence the monitoring of cell phone dealers. Based on the scope, the standard specifies the labelling requirements for cell phones and stipulates the sale and after sale services of cell phone dealers. According to the general requirements, cell phones shall be sold in the appropriate package with required accessories, such as compatible charger (in relation to output voltage, amperes), compatible battery and a printed or electronic user manual, written in English. Cell phone dealers shall
offer warranties during sale. They shall specify the conditions of the warranty, in accordance to Section 19 of the Consumer Affairs Act of 2011. The standard makes reference to cell phones that are sold as new, refurbished or used and clearly advised that at the time of sale, phones must be labelled in this manner accordingly. Refurbished cell phones offered for sale shall be free from functional defects and such phones may not be sold in original packaging and shall have a minimum of six (6) months warranty. Importantly, cell phones sold to consumers shall be tested at the time of purchase and consumers shall be sensitized on the features of the phone, and the correct manner of usage. In addition, consumers shall be given the opportunity to properly examine their cell phone before the transaction is completed. Cell phone dealers shall ensure that their sales staff are properly trained and are competent to advise consumers when making purchases. In addition, they should be capable of addressing consumer complaints relating to the quality of cell phones offered for sale, in the absence of dealers. The standard clearly recognises the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as the authority to monitor cell phone dealers for compliance to the requirements therein. As a result, Inspectors of the GNBS have been routinely conducting surveillance inspections at sales outlets
across the country to ensure conformance to stipulated requirements. In addition, dealers are required to register with the Standards Body an-
nually, and a significant number of them have already done so for 2019. Dealers who have not acquired a copy of this National
Standards from the GNBS are encouraged to do so and to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to conform to requirements.
For further information, please contact the GNBS on Tel: 219- 0066 or visit our website: www.gnbsgy.orgor like us on Facebook: gnbsgy
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Sunday March 17. 2019
Kaieteur News
Guyana/ Malaysia to commence...
SERVICES
FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
1-45 Leyland Daf truck without engine & gearbox $800,000, 1-60 Kva generator (English made) with Perkins engine $2M Contact#6500402/603-1402
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Jay’s Welding Est specialized in: Grills, Gates, Rails, Fencing, Razor wire, Repairs etc. Tel#698-0501
Ride back & labrador blue mixed pups for sale. #678-5137 7 weeks old. 1 CAT 215 Excavator, 1 Honda 450 Atv, 2 8-cu yds Mack Mixer Truck, 1 Pneumatic 9 wheeled tryre roller #275-0367/ 683-7225 1 Double Steel Wheel Roller, 1 CAT 428 Back-hoe, CAT 215 Excavator spare parts, 2 Bitumen spray kettle. #2750367/683-7225 1 ready to work 6x6 Bedford TM, comes with extra engine and gearbox, price $4.5 Million. Contact# 684-1201
REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, Parfaite ten year up 2.2M 1.9M FREEZER, SALE OF AC’S. Province 6M Farm 3.5M Parfaite front 6M Tuschen TEL#629-4946,225-4822 1.5M Call 666-2326 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 HOUSE PLAN TO DRAW UP OR ESTIMATES? GIVE US A CALL 216-0671, 6928464, 622-0267 LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109
1 Mercedes Benz, White Moto car C200 PNN6967 call: 698-2802/276-0400
Parfaite Harmonie $1.6M Dairy- with Foundation & Fence $2M Schnoord $4M Farm (East Bank) $3.5M Tel#656-0701/651-1969 TO LET Lodge Apartments (Vlissengen/Durban): Unfurnished studio $40,000, Two bedroom $60,000, Furnished studio (For visitors) US$600 p/m #6779638/668-7687
WANTED
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750
1 Male cook to work in interior. $90,000 monthly. Experienced land dredge workers. Tel# 629-8280. Call btw 8:30-5:30pm
Spacious 2-bedroom apartment in Festival City. Asking $70,000 monthly. Call 619-2141
Boat for sale- 1 Steel hull cargo boat 50’x13’x6' with GM671 marine engine165 HP.Contact#603-1445
Nighthawk Black Pearl Honda Accord 2400cc American Automatic for sale $3M Contact #346-818-0822 FOR SALE/RENT Vacant land for rent 58ft x 122 ft, Georgetown #661-2828 HEALTH HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924
1 General domestic (housekeeping) Ages 30-45. Tel 673-5300
Surveyor Technician. Must know to use GPS. Contact 2235273/74
(1) Captain to fly from Georgetown-Bartica. Contact#650-0402/603-1402 1 welder to work in the interior, interested persons contact tel# 625-5136 Monday-Friday from 8am-4-pm
Cashier. 2 Shift - 7am-3pm & 3pm-11pm. Apply to: Shell Service Station Providence or Shellramsburg@gmail.com
1 three bedroom fully furnished, 1 two bedroom full furnished in Diamond #2162299/672-1906/617-2666
Security Guards to work with Private Firm in G/town & Interior, must have Military Background. Contact#6656082
Body work Technician to work in Georgetown to spray truck #227-1717
1 Bottom flat, two bedroom apartment in Goedverwagting, suitable parking #222-2514/684-4178
Porters. Apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville
(1) Four bedroom upper flat house, fully grilled with garage, in First St Herstelling. Contact# 265-3844/662-2687
1 domestic between 35-40 yrs. Must know to cook and wash. Contact 673-1131
Self contain rooms for working couple/single person $32,000 monthly light & water, S/ Riumveldt. Call: 623-0076 Barber & hair dresser stations to rent in nice large, clean & spacious salon. Call 227-4075, 227-1509
1-1 Bedroom apartment, 573 Uitvlugt Housing Scheme. Call: 698-2802/276-0400 Fully furnished apartment in South (AC, Cable & Internet) #691-1918/223-4390
Seamstress. Contact: 684-1345 Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm
Truck Driver to work in Georgetown. Tel#227-1717 Tutor/Nanny to work from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street One cleaner. Apply at Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street
Minibus Driver for Route 42 #664-0802
Hotel cleaner at Crimson Bat Hotel. 633 Industrial Area Mckenzie Linden. Tel#4442102
Experienced Cashier, Counter servers, Roti/Puri cook, Cleaners, Apply Hacks Halaal with H/written application
One male Janitor, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda
One experience attractive waitress 18-25 yrs, living around ogle. Salary $20,000 wkly. Contact #610-3974
Employment opportunity! Great opportunity for anyone over 18! Request information Email: caribbiz@gmail.com
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
VEHICLE FOR SALE
(1) Manager to work @ a hotel, restaurant & bar located in Charity on the Essequibo Coast. Contact 665-6082
Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 5024002/683-8765
Second hand Tacoma Parts in good condition. Contact Felix Perry on Tel#266-2367 at Grove
Land for sale at public roadside. 161x45 feet. Call/ Whatsapp: +597-862-9044 House lots at Middle Rd, La Penitence G/town, Enterprise and Paradise ECD. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685
FOR RENT
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 Fabs Rental, Beterverwagting ECD Cars from $4000 #604-0883
Drivers for Taxi #646-8748 LEARN TO DRIVE LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561 VACANCY Experienced salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Senior Accounts Clerk, 2 years experience, Apply to info@bettencourtsfoods.com or call #231-1368/223-1938
PROPERTY FOR SALE House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc. Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 Norton street $16M, Atlantic Ville $17M, Roxanne Burnham $18.5M, Diamond $14M, Stewartville, Campbellville $40M, Durban. 231-2199, 6187483 House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657
General domestic with cooking experience for East Bank. #614-4358
2 storey building, Broad St (Business area) Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685
Accounts clerk. Apply in person at Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street, Bourda
Well kept 3 bedroom home, Melanie ECD. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685
(From page 12) South-South Cooperation modality. Guyana became a full member of the Islamic Development Bank in 2017 and the 2018-2020 work programme was agreed to when a mission from the Bank visited Guyana in 2017. The visiting team comprised Mr Aminuddin Bin Mat Ariff, Regional Coordinator (Asia), Reverse Linkage Country Partnerships and Cooperation Islamic Development Bank, Mr Zalman Yaacob bin Zulkifli, Representative of MAX Agri Commerce Sdn. Bhn., Mr Zulkefli Mohamad, Chairman, Technical Committee on Halal Management System under Standards Malaysia and Mr Muhammad Hawari Hassan, Senior Assistant Director, Malaysia Halal Council, JAKIM. Also present at the meeting were GRDB’s General Manager, Nizam Hassan, Deputy General Manager Allison Peters and Chief Technical Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis.
Extradited GRDB accountant released on... (From page 66) several alarming things at GRDB. From about 2009 to 2015, Guyana, under the administrations of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, had entered a multi-billion-dollar oil-for-rice arrangement where GRDB was clearing out for farmers. However, millions of dollars of those monies were reportedly siphoned off via third-party arrangements including rental of ships and other sweetheart deals for a few millers. SOCU is investigating other aspects of the audit report. With regards to extraditions, it is not often that Guyana is successful in its quests from especially North American countries. The extradition of Ramcharran would be seen as a huge plus for authorities here who have been insisting that it is a tool in the fight against crime, particularly of the white-collar variety.
PROPERTY FOR SALE 2 storey concrete property 11 (classey) self contained rooms, Broad St, Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685
Sunday March 17. 2019
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CONSUMER CONCERNS
HEAVY MEDICAL COSTS CAN BE AVOIDED By PAT DIAL Today in Guyana, the greater part of the population trusts in and would use only Western Medicine which is practised and offered at all the hospitals and health centres. This contrasts with the mode of treating the sick in the 19th century when there were few Western-trained doctors or hospital facilities in the country. Today, if anyone suffers from a cold or influenza or other common ailments like measles, indigestion or diarrhoea, that person would immediately consult a doctor. Many people would go to private hospitals where the consultation fees and other medical costs are very expensive but they incur such expense, which they could ill afford because they are conditioned to think that if they did not seek such help, it could result in serious repercussions. This is especially true of children and babies, where at the least discomfiture they suffer, parents are usually overcome with fear that worse is to come and they consult doctors. This contrasts with the situation in the 19th century where there was less fear and more knowledge of common ailments and most families used a variety of homeremedies quite effectively. Until after World War II, the vast majority of Guyanese did not depend on doctors or hospitals when they suffered common or minor disorders. If they suffered from ailments, which required surgery such as appendicitis or broken or fractured bones, they would consult a doctor or go to a hospital. They treated most common ailments at home. Sometimes, they would consult a trained nurse who would often do the procedures, which only doctors do today (There were many nurses practising privately, many of them returnees from America). There were also a number of chemists and druggists who practised privately and who owned drug stores. Most important, all mothers knew how to treat their babies and children and such knowledge was propagated by the nurses, the druggists but more especially by housewives among themselves. Further, books on home nursing and first aid were widely available and most families would have one or two of these. In every home, no matter how humble it may be, there was always an area, which was converted into a sick room which was kept spotlessly clean and smelt of a disinfectant usually, Jays Fluid, and of Bay Rum or Limacol. Bay Rum was the Barbadian
equivalent of Limacol. The medications kept at home were the usual basic ones used at the hospitals. The home nursing tradition throughout the West Indies was influenced by the teachings of Florence Nightingale. During World War I, Sulphur drugs were discovered and put into universal use. Patients began to treat themselves and the sick room culture gradually faded away. Just at this time, the large number of OTC medications became available and this also led patients to treat themselves. Just at this time, also, doctors began to prescribe the patent drugs sold by drug stores (OTC- over the counter drugs) and moved away from prescriptions, which had to be compounded by a druggist. During World War II, Penicillin and later on a number of other antibiotics were discovered. Antibiotics were one of the greatest discoveries of Western Medicine and were used for most ailments. Though antibiotics were strictly prescription drugs, many persons acquired them without prescription resulting in many persons developing immunities from misuse. At all Government-controlled institutions hospital treatment, consultation and provision of drugs used for the more common ailments are free. This system of Socialist Medicine is a boon to the population. Unfortunately, one has to wait for fairly long periods for consultations and treatments at the Governmental health institutions; these institutions also do not have equipment to do certain tests or enough equipment for certain procedures such as dialysis. These deficiencies of the public health system have led to the growth of a number of private hospitals. These Private Hospitals provide a generally good service but their charges are extremely high since profit-making seems to be their main focus. The majority of patients who use the private hospitals do so because they had been unable to use the public hospitals for a number of reasons since the charges with which they are faced demand very great financial sacrifice and could impoverish many people. Consumers and other members of the public could avoid being burdened with heavy medical costs by: firstly, keeping one's self in good health by eating properly, exercising, and avoiding stress by realizing that both future and past do not exist and only concentrating on the present. There are a number of books on good health easily available as well as
many sites on the internet. Secondly, use well-tried home remedies, knowledge of which could be easily obtained from
numerous publications on home treatments and first aid and from the internet. Thirdly, use the public
hospitals whenever possible since they are free. The Georgetown Public Hospital is being computerized and
greater orderliness is being instituted ensuring that there is quicker access to doctors and treatment.
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Broad Street fire victims receive house lots Two weeks after a fire left more than a dozen homeless, the distressed residents were given a relief as the Central Housing and Planning Association distributed 20 house lots to some of the families of Broad and Lombard Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown. The event was held, yesterday, at Ketley Primary School. The beneficiaries were selected by way of a lottery to determine their lot
numbers. Excited residents filled the auditorium of the school early as they anxiously awaited the event to begin. Bright smiles were plastered to the faces of everyone. Some fidgeted in their seats as the longawaited experience of becoming a homeowner had finally arrived. When Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with the responsibility for
Housing, Valerie PattersonYearwood arrived around 09:30hrs, the event began. A member of the community, Phillip Chase, in a welcome to the event, stated, “We the members of this community were getting frustrated because it has been a lengthy period of waiting but, today we can finally say we are getting a piece of the pie.” The lottery was done in two segments, the first half
being the priority victims — persons who lost their home in the recent Broad Street fire. The next half was for persons with children 16-years-old and younger. Family names other than the priority ones were pulled from a bag to gain their house lot numbers. They are to be allocated their house lots in Prospect, East Bank Demerara, while the remaining families will be allocated their house lots in Cummings Lodge, Georgetown. Minister Patterson-
Yearwood indicated that CH&PA will be partnering with Food for the Poor to have homes completed on the lots. “There is a brighter future on the way so prepare for what is coming. Don’t sit down with your hands folded. Don’t be like Lot’s wife who looked back from where they came, look ahead.” CH&PA and Food for the Poor is looking to complete the houses by June. The initiative will begin next month. Moreover, they were given the go ahead to start infra-
structure works in Cummings Lodge for the other families. Minister PattersonYearwood stated, “We were given the go ahead to start infrastructure at Cummings Lodge, therefore the other families that are not chosen today, please be patient and bear with us to have that in place for you.” In the upcoming week, the new homeowners will meet with CH&PA where they will be sensitized about homeownership, learn about (Continued on page 72)
A section of the residents at the event.
Members of the head table at the event
Sunday March 17, 2019
Kaieteur News
Customer base does not support rent ... From page 15 rent but not by so that amount.”The stallholders claim that the newly rehabilitated spaces are much smaller than they are used to. “Not only are we are paying a bigger rent but the spaces are much smaller,” the vendor said. Another vendor explained that in addition to the increased payments to the City Council – some vendors have been taxed a daily rental to vend on the road corners, and a monthly fee to safeguard stalls in the Kitty Market for its reopening. Meanwhile, city officials noted that approximately 70 percent of the work on the entire Kitty Market has been completed. “The upper flat of the market houses the rates and taxes office, and has other spaces up for rent,” officials said. The restoration of Kitty Market is estimated at $250 million. The project, which is being executed by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has been faced with numerous delays due to cash flow among other issues. Central Government intervened to rescue the rehabilitation of the Kitty Market when it awarded a contract of $25.1 million to BML Construction Services. This essentially took the remaining project works out of the hands of the City
Engineer’s Department that started rehabilitation project on February 12, 2016. The Council has since been receiving technical assistance from the Ministry of Communities to complete the project. Last year, Councillor Oscar Clarke, who as head of City Hall’s Finance Committee, visited the site. He explained that the delays were partially due to an engineer from the Ministry who was instructed that external works be completed before the internal works are done.The M&CC had been adamant about pre-
serving the architectural design of the 19th century structure, as well as ensuring that the original vendors are not displaced were among the priorities for the municipality. It was stated that the rehabilitated Kitty Market would feature a traditional health centre, offices for payment of rates and taxes, and a space for community councillors. Shortly after the works started, the Council encountered difficulties. The work was reportedly stymied by the inability to procure materials and because the Council had owed contractors.
STARR Computer set... From page 14 to its embedded Technologies and the introduction of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the 900 Think Series. AI Computers support from dynamic digital imaging and construction robotics to global food supply,” Mohan shared. Over the years, he said, Lenovo had been very good to STARR Computer by providing from low priced high valued computers to fulfill ‘Back to School’ programmes to its Enterprise Solutions. With its economy tablets going forward, Mohan added that STARR Computer will get leverage to accelerate its new “Kids Discovery”
department scheduled for opening next month. “A few years ago after being trained by Samsung to run Smart classrooms on an android platform, and, later realized that G u y a n e s e preferences were Windows platform, STARR decided to recreate an acceptable virtualized solution using a Lenovo Server to create a S TA R R S m a r t L ab,” he explained. He disclosed, too, “Today by further combining Lenovo with other laser technologies, we have developed a new Modern Classroom solution. So, Lenovo is and will remain a strategic business partner of STARR in the future.”
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Morning Glory cereal now features ... From page 20 itself is manufactured from 99.5% locally sourced ingredients...” Dr. Narine said that there is not a single foreign consultant involved in this project. He noted that it is staffed almost entirely from staff coming from the Essequibo Coast and from the IAST. In fact, the facility employs 18 people from the Essequibo Coast currently and this could grow in 2019 to between 30 per cent and 35 percent. He said, “When we have fully penetrated the market
and can run three shifts, this can grow to 200 people employed. I believe that the production of Safe and Nutritious Food will be our sustainable source of competitive advantage in the future, not petroleum. So this project for me is much more than cereal.” Going forward, Professor Narine said that a continued and expanded focus on the utilization of local products in state entities or state funded projects is vitally important. He said, “I am rather upset that despite our best efforts, we have not been able to
Public consultation... From page 16 to bring together a wide cross section of civil society and businesses to discuss the Green Paper and the SWF. Specific objectives of the discussion forum included facilitated a presentation from the Ministry of Finance on the Green Paper; to provide a forum for keynote experts to offer perspectives on the guiding principles of the SWF on oversight and management, the modalities and mechanisms, and the role of civil society and the private in the sector.
Broad Street fire victims... From page 70 taxes, and take care of their gaps.Two weeks ago, an early morning fire blazed through several homes at the corner of Lombard and Broad Streets, Georgetown. It left many homeless and nowhere to turn to. The compound is home to well over 200 persons.
Initial reports indicate that the fire was allegedly set by one Ian McCalman, a 30-yearold unemployed individual of the said compound. He is said to be of unsound mind. A close relative confirmed that McCalman is mentally disturbed and was twice admitted as a patient of the Berbice Psychiatric Hospital.
supply the Guyana Defence Force with cereal, nor the Guyana Prison Service nor the Georgetown Hospital. For sure, we will be redoubling our efforts to do so in 2019. But it would help if state agencies and organizations, which benefit from state subventions, are mandated to utilize local products.” Professor Narine continued, “Now, obviously, those local products should meet the nutritional, safety and relevant standards and protocols and must be price competitive. But I cannot understand how in this day and age we can condone the use of for example wheat flour based products which in many cases are nutritionally poor compared to products such as Morning Glory cereal in state agencies.” “If we are so foreign minded that we cannot consume our own products, we only have to look to our Caribbean neighbours to understand our fate: the English speaking Caribbean imports more than US$4.5 billion annually in food.” The IAST head said he is making just one, recommendation: start at home, start not only consuming local products, but start to demand that those products are competitive in quality, nutrition, packaging and cost. And all boats shall rise, he concluded.
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Massy in advanced technology joint venture Massy Technologies (Guyana) Limited has announced that is partnering with Schneider Electric., to offer local businesses a new suite of products and services aimed at improving reliability and lowering the operating costs of IT (Information Technology) Infrastructure and facilities operations management. The announcement was made during a cocktail reception at Marriott Hotel, Friday night. Schneider Electric, which is a multinational corporation based in France, is a global specialist in the digital transformation of energy management and automaton, according to Jason Sahai, General Manager of Massy Technologies (Guyana) Limited. A release from Massy Technologies states, “Following recent announcements regarding Massy Technologies (Guyana) Limited’s expansion
of IT solutions into managed services and cloud solutions, [the two companies] can now offer higher levels of service and efficiency.” The partnership is expected to benefit Guyana in sectors such as healthcare, construction/engineering, manufacturing,&&& professional services, tourism, entertainment and facility management. Massy Technologies, through Schneider’s ITD Channel Partner Programme, recently achieved Elite Partner Status by meeting a set of prerequisites. The certification allows it considerable access to the corporation’s suite of technologies. Schneider’s Sales Director for the Caribbean Region, Manuel Rodrigues, said that the two companies had, in their deliberations, an initial alignment of vision on what the real needs for Guyana are, in the whole, and how their partnership can support
[from left] Manuel Rodrigues, Sales Director for Caribbean Region , Schneider Electric, and Jason Sahai, General Manager of Massy Technologies (Guyana) Limited.
Jagdeo refused invitation for joint meeting... From page 09 constitutional cover, hides behind GECOM and says that it is the Commission that must determine an elections date. GECOM subservient “GECOM is subservient to the Constitution. The President talks about “collaboration” but has not acted in good faith when engaging the Parliamentary Opposition.” The office reiterated that the life of the Coalition Government can only be extended by a two-thirds vote in the National Assembly. “If there is no such vote, the life of the Government ends; the maximum timeline set by the Constitution (three months after the passage of the no confidence motion) will have expired.
“The clock has been ticking since December 21, 2018, and there has been no stay of that timeline by the Court. After March 21, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government becomes unconstitutional, illegitimate and illegal. Sole responsibility for the impending constitutional crisis rests with President Granger and his government.”The Opposition, which lost power in 2015 after 23 years of continuous power, made it clear that the President’s failure to address the fundamental issues has been addressed by the Parliamentary Opposition, repeatedly. “The Guyanese people have witnessed the disparity between the platitudes offered and the actions of the Granger-led Government.”
those needs. By extension, the partnership spans all English-speaking markets in the Caribbean region, from a business courtship which has been in motion since mid-2018.
Rodrigues explained that the company is in the business of providing transformative technology innovation that could help businesses in Guyana conserve on energy and get the best value for its
resources. “How do I automate? How do I achieve greater power efficiency and control? Massy Technologies are offering our entire line of solutions for the IT business as well as non-IT
environments where power control protection and management are necessary,” said Rodriguez. “We are solutions provider and we are like minded in our thinking.”
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Hamilton takes pole as Mercedes speed stuns rivals MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton blazed to a record-extending eighth pole and sixth in succession at the Australian Grand Prix yesterday to lead Valtteri Bottas to a Mercedes sweep of the front row of the grid. Hamilton struggled with a brake problem during the frenetic final session at Albert Park but edged his Finnish team mate by 0.112 seconds with a searing second lap of one minute 20.486 seconds that set a record at the lakeside circuit. The one-two punch by Mercedes left Ferrari and their championship rivals stunned, with Hamilton’s chief challenger Sebastian Vettel,
who qualified third, more than seven-tenths of a second off the five-times champion’s pace. “Oh man, I’m shaking it was so close out there,” Briton 34-year-old Hamilton said after extending his pole record to 84 on a warm, sunny afternoon in Melbourne. “Coming from winter testing, we had no idea where we would be. We were hoping to be where we are ... Valtteri did an exceptional job out there, it was very close.” Hamilton matched Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher for the record number of poles at a single race track. Senna took his eight at Imola, with Schumacher
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during practice for the Australian Grand Prix. (REUTERS/Edgar Su) dominating the Suzuka circuit. Four-times champion Vettel, bidding for a third successive win at Albert Park, was separated from his new team mate Charles Leclerc by
Sunday March 17, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you might decide to host an impromptu party, and a lot of merry and interesting people could attend. You will have a lot of fun, blow off steam, and feel pleasantly exhausted when it's over.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A strange conversation could take place with someone you don't know well, Libra. He or she could be an acquaintance from work or someone who's just arrived from far away.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A long phone conversation could take place between you and a romantic partner, Taurus. You could discuss philosophy, current events, the weather, and your opinions.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Learning is apt to be your primary concern today, Scorpio, probably metaphysics, philosophy, history, or some other division of the humanities.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) - Creativeworkcould require more focus and concentration than usual today. You might need to do some in-depth research, intricate detail work, or another type of intense process that could strain your eyes and overstimulate your mind.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some intense conversations could take place between you and a group of friends. These people may not be close friends when you meet up with them
CANCER(June21–July22) Some young visitors may come to your home today, Cancer. You could unexpectedly find yourself called upon to entertain them.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Today you might concentrate on some very close work, Capricorn, perhaps a drawing or painting, sewing, jewelry making, or creating a new recipe.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you might receive intense telepathic communications from someone you don't know very well, Leo. This might be symptomatic of strong ESP abilities
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This morning , you could see nothing but piles of papers that you have no use for. You might go through them like a house afire, wanting to clear out as much clutter as you can.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some intense work you've done in the past that you might have forgotten about could have caught the attention of someone in authority. Some long-overdue rewards for that work might come your way today. This should definitely prove a very pleasant and welcome surprise.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A study of a philosophical or metaphysical concept or perhaps an ancient or foreign culture could take up a lot of your time today, . Your mind is especially sharp and penetrating now, so you should notice morelearn more quickly, and retain more of what you read.
fourth placed Max Verstappen of Red Bull. It would have felt like ‘deja vu’ for Ferrari, having trailed Mercedes by nearly seven-tenths of a second in qualifying at last year’s race. “Certainly Mercedes are the clear favorite,” Vettel told
New Cricket Ombudsman... From page 81 has also been informed that the election for the Guyana Cricket Board has been fixed for January 2020. It is hoped that this would result in a closure to the many court cases filed against the current cricket administration in Guyana. When contact was made with the Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, Mr. Anand Sanasie, he declined to comment.
Briton John commanding... From page 80 Evolution Cycle Club’s Segun Hubbard who put away two stalwarts in this class, Junior Niles and Raymond Newton. For his efforts he won $20,000 with Niles and Newton pocketing, $15,000 and $10,000. There were a number of races for cyclists in Bartica, results to follow in tomorrow’s edition. Mayor Marshall has expressed profound gratitude to all and sundry for making yesterday’s inaugural Bartica Cycling Challenge a ‘huge success’. Whilst extending thanks to the Commander and Ranks of the Bartica Police Station for a classy job in controlling traffic which led to an incident free day on one of the busiest day in the Town, Mayor Marshall thanked the following entities and individual for partnering with the Town Council to pull off an event that certainly is the first of many more to come; Regional Democratic Council, Speed Boat Association, Lions Club, Hopkinson Mining, Pooran’s Waste Disposal, Limpy Lotto, RMB Investment Inc., and Gary Young.
reporters with a touch of resignation. “I’m certainly surprised (by their pace), I think everybody is, probably even themselves.” While Verstappen’s pace was encouraging for Red Bull on the debut of their Honda partnership, Toro Rosso graduate Pierre Gasly was eliminated in Q1 and will start 17th on the grid. Renault, meanwhile, had a bigger reality check, with neither of their cars able to reach Q3. Their expensive new recruit Daniel Ricciardo, who transferred from Red Bull in the off-season, qualified 12th behind his 11th-placed team mate Nico Hulkenberg. It was a joyful day for the youngest man on the track as 19-year-old Briton Lando Norris qualified eighth behind the two Haas cars in a boost for McLaren. The debutant outshone
his senior team mate Carlos Sainz who will start 18th, having been knocked out in Q1 and blocked during his last flying lap by Williams driver Robert Kubica. Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen, 20 years Norris’s senior, will also start one behind the Briton despite a solid debut for Alfa Romeo, the team formerly known as Sauber. Toro Rosso’s Anglo-Thai debutant Alexander Albon made it through Q1 to secure 13th on the grid in an encouraging start. Kubica’s first F1 qualifying in over eight years was forgettable. He suffered a right rear puncture and ended up skidding over the grass on his final effort in Q1. The Pole will line up last on the grid behind his 19thplaced rookie team mate George Russell, the Williams team proving well off the pace after their off-season troubles.
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Sunday March 17, 2019
GABA/Let’s Bet Sports knockout B’ball
Trojans and Eagles win; double blow for Sonics Three games were scheduled for last Friday’s opening night of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association’s (GABA)/Let’s Bet Sports’ first, second and Under-23 Division Knockout Tournament. Pepsi Sonics’ poor form from last season continued with a double defeat in the First and Under-23 divisions, while Eagles earned a
walkover against Kobras in the Under-23. In the feature first division match of the night, Sonics had a close game with University of Guyana (UG) Trojans, and after having already been defeated by the students in t h e n i g h t ’s U n d e r- 2 3 division opener, Sonics put up a sterner challenge. At the end of the first half, Sonics were leading 34-28, but
consistent shooting from Darrol William (3 threepointers), Jonathan Mangra and Shaquille Eversely completed the comeback for the scholars who eventually won 70-62. In the opening Under-23 clash, Kadeem Peterkin was the star of the game with an incredible 33 points as Trojans trounced Sonics 82-60. (Calvin Chapman story and photos)
Pepsi Sonics’ Schultz (no. 7) leaps among three Trojans’ players to win a rebound during his team’s 70-62 defeat in the 1st division Friday night.
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PMTC 1 win Aswell Mohabir, Foreign Links sponsored Volleyball Competition in Berbice The annual Aswell Mohabir and Foreign Links Inter Club Volleyball tournament organised by the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) was once again successfully held. The tournament which was played
at the Blairmont Community Center, West Bank, Berbice, was played in three categories. There was play in the senior male category, B Division male and females. In the senior male
category Port Mourant Training Center 1 (PMTC 1) defeated Rollers of New Amsterdam in a two best in three finals 25-19, 25-22 with No 47 Challengers third. The first and second place trophies were presented to PMTC 1 and Rollers. The best setter on show was adjudged to be Hellond
The outstanding participants pose with their silverware along with organisers and sponsors.
Diamond New Scheme Masjid overcome Cornelia Ida/Hague Jamaat Diamond New Scheme Masjid defeated Cornelia Ida Masjid by five wickets and four balls to spare when play in the Muslim Youth Organisation Inter Jamaat 15-over softball competition continued recently at MYO ground. Batting first, Cornelia Ida/Hague Jamaat managed 133-9 with Nazim Azim scoring 30 and Naeem Khan 20; Keisho Ramsarran claimed 3-15 and S. Mohamed 3-20. Diamond New Scheme Masjid responded with 135-5 in 14.2 overs. Ajay Kishun struck 51, while Ameer Khan made 20 and Rawle Reid 16. The competition continues today at MYO. At 09:00hrs MYO will play New Amsterdam, New Mosque will take on New Amsterdam at 11:00hrs and at 14:00hrs LBI will battle Diamond New Scheme.
Keisho Ramsarran
All set for Courts Furniture store and FACC cycle road race today in Berbice All the top cyclist in the country are set to don their cycling apparel and head to Berbice today as all is set for the annual Courts Furniture Store cycle road race in the Ancient County. The 50 miles event, which is organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC), will see the riders taking off from in front of the Courts Furniture Store at Main and St Ann’s Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, at 13:00 hrs. The riders will proceed to Nand Persaud Business Complex at No36, Village, Corentyne before returning to finish at its place of origin. Prizes will be awarded to the first six
finishers in the open category, the top three veterans the top three juveniles. There will also be prizes for the first two cyclists from the FACC to finish the race. There are eight prime point prizes up for grabs. The event will be the 20th annual race sponsored by the Furniture giants. Manager of Courts Berbice Branch Stanley McKenzie is expected to start the race, whilst he and other officials are expected to be on hand to assist with the distribution of the prizes. Romello Crawford is the defending champion. (Samuel Whyte)
Singh. The Best Spiker – was Glenroy Clemence. The best Libero - Montel Denny with Shemroy Ross being adjudged the Most Valuable Player. In the B Division segment Guysuco Training Center turned back the challenge of No 47 Challengers 30-27 in a
close encounter to take top honours with No 56 third. Levi Nedd Jnr was adjudged the MVP. In the female category: The first place was taken by Port Mourant females who came from behind to defeat Castrol Females 2-1 in three closely contested games 21-
25, 25-23 and 12-15. The winning and runner up trophies were subsequently presented to the top teams. The best spiker was Philana Simpson with the best setter being Amesha Mohabir. Candacy Mentore was adjudged the Most Valuable Player. (Samuel Whyte)
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Woodpecker Products Women’s Hockey League The dominance of GBTI Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) women’s hockey team was asserted yesterday after they were crowned champions of the Woodpecker Products Women’s Outdoor League 2019, moments after they
Sunday March 17, 2019
Kaieteur News
GBTI GCC crowned 2018 champions
crushed B side; Bingo Spartans, 5-0 at their home ground, GCC, on Shivnarine Chanderpaul Drive. Although Spartans suffered a heavy defeat, the team is young and there are signs that they will be the team to beat in the not so
distant future, a sentiment which is shared by the head of the Guyana Hockey Board, Phillip Fernandes. On the score sheet for GBTI GCC yesterday afternoon were Carina Moller, who was tied with skipper Sonia Jardine as the league’s
top scorer with eight goals, Gabriella Xavier, Shebiki Baptiste and Sandy Roopnarine. Despite the women’s championship coming to a conclusion, the Men’s League which is sponsored by Farfan and Mendes will conclude this afternoon and it will have an interesting finish. Pepsi Hikers that were leading Bounty GCC by two points fell to the home team in the feature games yesterday 3-2 and now are in second place, trailing GCC by one point. Earlier in the day, two other men’s league matches were played with GCC Vintage defeating Old Fort 4-1 and Supernova thrashing Saints 8-2. A very likely win by Bounty GCC today against the rebuilding Old Fort team will guarantee them the Farfan and Mendes 2019 league title. (Calvin Chapman)
Carina Moller (left) and Sonia Jardine were tied with the top tally of eight goals scored in the league.
Barbados take on Leewards in opener GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Reigning Super50 champions Barbados are heavy favourites to make a winning start to the defence of their title when they take on Leeward Islands in the opening match of the 50-overs Women’s Championship which gets underway here today. Barbados will be led by West Indies allrounder Hayley Matthews and boasts the likes of international star Deandra Dottin, along with the twin Kycia and Kyshona Knight and the Windies new-ball pair of Shamilia Connell and former captain Shakera Selman. Leewards, meanwhile, are a lot less starstudded and much depends on their captain and pacer Shawnisha Hector. The contest at Everest is one of three on the opening day which will see Guyana host Trinidad and Tobago at the National Stadium, and Jamaica clashing with the Windward Islands at Bourda. Teams will play five rounds of matches, with the winner the side with the most points after the last round scheduled for March 25. The T20 Blaze will then bowl off on March 28, featuring title-holders Jamaica up against the Windwards at the National Stadium – the venue for all fixtures. For the first time this year, there will be live video coverage of the
tournament as the four Super50 matches set for the National Stadium, along with each game of the T20 Blaze, will be streamed on www.windiescricket.com. “As we continue to invest more in the women’s game and especially after the excitement and success of the Women’s World T20, we’re ensuring fans have the opportunity to see the region’s women cricketers battle to be champions and push for selection to the Windies women’s side,” said Cricket West Indies commercial director, Dominic Warne. “It is an exciting time in West Indies Women’s cricket and we at CWI are committed to fostering all possible developments and improvements in Windies Women’s Cricket.” Matthews, leading Barbados for the first time, said she was also thrilled by the new development. “This is quite pleasing to see that CWI has really stepped up the support and improvement for the women’s tournament this year,” said the 20-year-old. “It shows that we have the backing as players from the board to improve our game on the field while the board grows the sport off the field.” The championship wraps up April 3 with the final round of the T20 Blaze.
Barbados and West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews.
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Sunday March 17, 2019
Toucan Distributors Junior Skill Level
Ince-Carvalhal beat Verwey in entertaining Squash By Sean Devers With a day to go, it’s approaching the business e n d o f t h e To u c a n Distributors Junior Skill Level Tournament as the intensity of the competition heightened at the Georgetown Club on Friday night. In the ‘A’ Category, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal and Nicholas Verwey took to the Court in the final game of the Night but for those who remained to the end it was well worth it as the pair produced some captivating Squash as they went head to head in intense battle to the delight of those present. Both players executed some great shots; with powerful rallies and breathtaking retrievals highlighting their riveting contest. Verwey demonstrated total commitment as he dived full length on the hard floor to reach InceCarvalhal’s well placed clinical drop shot before springing up to reach the back of the court to keep the ball in play to earn a stunning point to raucous applause from the fans. With two games each, it was anybody’s match but a desperate push in the final stages from Ince-Carvalhal as he found his targets paid off for a 3/2 victory. At the end of the hard fought and competitive match the scores read, 12/10, 7/11, 9/11, 12/10, 11/8 in favour ofInce-Carvalhal. In the other Category ‘A’ contest, Michael Alphonso held off Gianni Carpenter who showed pleasing form and took the second game with a level-headed approach which earned him a win. At 1/1 Alphonso came out to dominate and carried it through to the fourth for a 3/1 triumph of 11/5, 7/11, 11/5, 11/8.
Nathan Rahaman and J o s h u a Ve r w e y demonstrated much improved squash in category ‘D’ with Verwey’s accurate serves giving him a run of points before Rahaman drop shots earned him some crucial points as he moved ahead in the first game to 11/7. Verwey answered with 11/6 in the second and reached 10/7 before Rahaman came back fighting to win the third 13/11. Despite spirited efforts in the close fourth game Rahaman triumphed 12/10 ending at 11/7, 6/11, 13/11, 12/10. Dhiren Persaud and Rayad Boyce remained unbeaten in Category ‘F’ as they approached the two sessions of play, which were set for yesterday before the finals which commences at 11:00hrs today. Results: Category ‘A’ Samuel Ince-Carvalhal defeated Nicholas Verwey 12/10, 7/11, 9/11, 12/10, 11/8 Michael Alphonso defeated Gianni Carpenter 11/5, 7/11, 11/5, 11/8 Category C Louis DaSilva defeated Shiloh Asregado 11/7, 12/10, 11/4, 11/2 Category D Nathan Rahaman defeated Joshua Verwey 11/7, 6/11, 13/11, 12/10 Lajuan Munroe defeated Beau Fernandes 11/2, 11/8, 11/3 Category E Arvin Seelall defeated Angel Rahim 11/6, 11/9 Lucas Persaud defeated Dhiren Persaud 2/11, 11/4, 12/10 Category F Safira Summer defeated Malia Maikoo 13/11, 11/4 Grant Fernandes defeated Mailia Maikoo 11/5, 11/2 Christiana Fernandes defeated Matthew Spooner
Joshua Verwey and Nathan Rahaman in action on Friday night.
11/6, 11/7 Kaden Pynaendy defeated Noah Rahaman 11/9, 12/10 Category H Mathew Daby defeated
Nichloas Sawh 11/5, 11/5 Solomon Ince-Carvalhal defeated Jnae Singh 13/11, 12/10 Tianna Gomes defeated Jnae Singh 11/7, 11/7
Samuel Ince-Caravlhal misses a back hand shot before winning a competitive match against Nicholas Verwey on Friday Night. (Sean Devers photos)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 80
Sunday March 17, 2019
Bartica Cycling Challenge
Briton John commanding in historic triumph; Gopilall, Hicks, Collins, Boodram and Teixeira also ink names in history books By Franklin Wilson What has been hailed a resounding success with the community already yearning for more, saw United We Stand Cycle Club’s Briton John recording a commanding win in the feature 35-lap (42 mile) race yesterday when the historic/inaugural Bartica Cycling Challenge Road Race was contested. A total of 38 of the nation’s best athletes in the business faced starters orders and were sent on their way by Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall in the presence of Director of Sport Christopher J\ones and President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Horace Burrowes, among other officials just outside the Bartica Police Station. What turned out to be a challenging route especially a 150m (in distance) hill that is situated on 8th street with a gradient of between 7% to 8% resulted in most of the
starters being unable to master the climb thus, fell out of the reckoning, only eight (8) including the Different Able Walter GrantStuart inked their names in the history as completing the distance. For his sterling and gutsy performance, Grant-Stuart was presented with a special cash reward from the People of Bartica. On a sun drenched day which saw hundreds of Bartcians and visitors to the Town from Berbice, Linden and the City, the youths in their saddles stole the show, Nineteen-year-old John stopped the clock in the feature race at 2 Hours 22 Minutes 52.86 Seconds to win with over a minute ahead of Curtis Dey (Trojan Cycle Club), Rastaff Oselmo (Linden Bauxite Flyers CC), Michael Anthony (Linden Bauxite Flyers CC), Paul De Nobrega (Evolution CC) and M a r c u s K e i l e r ( Te a m Coco’s) closing out the top six.
Top Junior Ajay Gopilall being rewarded by Director of Sports, Christopher Jones. Ralph Seenarine is at left with David Hicks, right. John pocketed the first place prize of $150,000 with $70,000, $40,000, $30,000, $20,000 and $10,000 going to Dey, Oselmo, Anthony, De Nobrega and Keiler, respectively. Such was the dominance and grit of John that he lapped De Nobrega and Keiler in storming to victory watched by his mother. Setting the day off to a
The top six senior riders pose with Mayor Marshall (right), Deputy Mayor Aretha Embleton, Director of Sport Chris Jones (2nd left) and GCF President Horace Burrowes, left after receiving their prizes.
breathtaking start was Trojan Cycle Club’s Ajay Gopilall who stormed to victory in the Junior class, the manner in which he wrapped up the win was as commanding as John. The 17 year-old Gopilall mastered the climbing of the same hill and many who saw him said he did so with consummate ease given his wire-like frame. He won his category well ahead of Ralph
Female winner, Shenika Teixeira being rewarded in the presence of Deance Welch (right) and Selena Stevens. Seenarine and David Hicks. The three were each presented with cash in the sum of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Ruling the roost in the Juvenile category was David Hicks of United We Stand CC, he timed his sprint to perfection to win from Sherwin Sampson and Steve Bhimsen. Trojan Cycle Club’s Shenika Teixeira was
the top female in their race, crossing the line ahead of Deance Welch and Selena Stevens of Bartica. The Mountain bike contest went to Shane Boodram of Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club who relegated Ozia Maculay to the 2nd place with Jamari Sharpe, third. Ruling the roost in the Masters division was (Continued on page 75)
Director of Sports Christopher Jones presenting the Veteran winner, SEgun Hubbard with his cash prize.
Kaieteur News
Sunday March 17, 2019
PAGE 81
Milo Schools’ football tourney
St. Cuthbert’s and Cummings Lodge qualify for round-of-16 The penultimate day of the Milo Schools’ football tournament saw St. Cuthbert’s Mission and Cummings Lodge Secondary, both of group D, qualifying for the knockout s t a g e s o f t h i s y e a r ’s tournament after comfortable victories. In the feature match of the day, goals from Calvin Richmond (57th) and Emanuel Evans (34th) allowed Cummings Lodge a 2-0 victory over East Coast boys; Golden Grove Secondary.
Meanwhile, St. Cuthbert’s defeated Uitvlugt 4-2 in a highly entertaining penultimate contest. Mike Taylor was most influential on the result after bagging a hat-trick, while his teammate Romalo Simon was responsible for the game’s opening goal. Malcolm Dainty and Darien Agard scored once each for the losers of the sixgoal thriller. In the opening match, Ann’s Grove fell to St. John’s College 2-1. Dornell Trim (40th) and Teon Forde
New Cricket Ombudsman Appointed
GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie Stephen Lewis After almost five years of the enactment of the Cricket Administration Act of Guyana, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. George Norton announced the appointment of Mr. Stephen Lewis as Guyana’s s e c o n d C r i c k e t Ombudsman. The first Ombudsman, Dr. Winston McGowan resigned without commencement of the job. Mr. Lewis who served as President and Vice President of the Everest Cricket Club for a number of years and as an Attorney-at-law, may be best suited to perform this duty since there have been many court actions filed by varying factions within Guyana’s cricket
8
administration. T h e C r i c k e t Administration Act controversially came into effect during the previous government and requires the Minister with responsibility for Sports to appoint the Ombudsman and fix the date for the GCB elections. This has now completed the involvement of government. Kaieteur Sport was reliably informed that Cricket West Indies and Minister Norton have been in continuous consultation since the launching of the Women’s World Cup in Guyana and have finally agreed on the appointment of Mr. Lewis. Kaieteur Sport (Continued on page 75)
(50th) were on target for St. John’s in the comeback victory after Mark Roberts had given St. John’s the lead in the 13th minute.
Play between Cummings Lodge and Golden Grove (on the ball) yesterday afternoon. (Calvin Chapman photo)
t r o Sp Bartica Cycling Challenge
Mayor Gifford Marshall, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and President of the GCF Horace Burrowes take a photo with the prize winners following the presentation.
Briton John commanding in historic triumph; Gopilall, Hicks, Collins, Boodram and Teixeira also ink names in history books
Briton John wins the feature race yesterday in the historic Bartica Cycling Challenge.
Woodpecker Products Women’s Hockey League
GBTI GCC! Champions of the Woodpecker Products Women’s Outdoor Hockey League 2019.
GBTI GCC crowned 2018 champions
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