Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Prince Harry’s revelations to the British press a few weeks ago that he had multiple mental health breakdowns have shocked the world because most people believe that the rich and the powerful are immune from such anguish. Almost everyone knows Prince Harry’s taste for globetrotting and having good times. Guyana has made it on his list of places where he visited and had a good time. His trip has brought us good things from his grandmother, the Queen. Prince Harry, the fifth heir to the British Throne, always seems to be happy, but his recent revelation that his life was a mix of bitter and sweet since his mother’s death on August 31, 1997 when he was only. The Prince admitted that he was filled with rage, grief and mental anguish and few knew how deeply he mourned and the pain he felt after he lost his mother. Prince Harry told the world that his mother’s death was his greatest loss and that he only managed to survive after he took counselling to help him deal with the emotional scars. The lesson one can learn from his story is that royalty or no royalty, pain and suffering affects everyone and being rich or poor or powerful makes no difference. However, Prince Harry was able to disguise the serious mental health challenges he had faced with excitement and glamour which follows him wherever he goes. As a result, the deeper challenges often went unnoticed. We in Guyana have been happy to see him, not only because he is a Prince, but for the global media attention the country receives from the visit. Indeed, Prince Harry’s visit to Guyana last year made the headlines in all of the major networks in the US and Britain. Over the years, Prince Harry attended several charity events to assist young people while battling with pain and grief like any ordinary person caught up in mourning. Sometimes we tend to get carried away with the belief that people of privilege do not feel pain or anguish like we do. However, the saying by a wise person, “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” is true in Prince Harry’s case. Prince Harry’s chaotic behaviour during his teen years and early 20s is well known, however, his revelation of his agony due to his mother’s death could have caused some of that chaos. The interview by the Royal Highnesses was graciously received and praised by mental health advocates and experts, who said that Prince Harry has done more in raising awareness of mental health in 25 minutes than they had done in 25 years. They believe that his candid public discussion of mental health and addiction problems should end the taboo and the fear of mental health problems. It shows that attitudes are changing globally with increasing numbers of high profile public figures speaking about their mental health struggles. Prince Harry has shared with the public the intimate details of how he coped with the pain and depression, and even though his vulnerability was not something he initially wanted the world to know about, sharing his story should place more focus on mental health issues. Nonetheless, tackling mental health issues is not going to be easy. There are still cultural issues at play when it comes to breaking the taboo. The World Health Organization reports that one in four people or roughly 500 million people in the world are affected by mental or neurological orders, thus placing mental illness among the leading causes of ill-health worldwide. In Guyana, it is estimated that one in three persons is affected by mental health which suggests that people should be more compassionate and understanding in order to de-stigmatize mental health issues. The more influential people like Prince Harry speak about their battles with mental health, the better.
Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
The incredible mistakes of Freddie Kissoon Dear Editor, My letter here has a theme and a sub-theme. The theme is the incredible mistakes of Freddie Kissoon. The sub-theme is the nature of the AFC. My arguments take up from a letter of keen observation by Tacuma Ogunseye on the political story of Freddie Kissoon. In his letter, “Freddie Kissoon is in a political dilemma, “KN, May, 7, 2017, Tacuma Ogunseye shows the incredible mistakes of our ultimate working class hero, Freddie Kissoon. But Mr. Ogunseye’s letter also explains the nature of the party Freddie helped into
power, the Alliance For Change. Mr. Ogunseye after detailing the journey of our working class boy with our unapologetic middle class o u t f i t , t h e A F C , M r. Ogunseye asks the question; how is Freddie Kissoon going to get out of his d i l e m m a s ? F r e d d i e ’s dilemmas are of his own making and they show the troubled mind of this patriot who has lost his way. But it is not too late from him to find it. But can he when chose to leave working class parties and join the middle class party, the AFC? No one knows the
evolution of the AFC more than the leaders in the Working People’s Alliance and Mr. Robert Corbin. Sheila Holder was contacted by Raphael Trotman to leave the WPA and form the AFC on the urging of the ABC ambassadors in Georgetown. The ABC countries did not favour the strengthening of the PNC under Corbin. The WPA was never on the ABC’s radar. The logical choice was Raphael Trotman and Trotman brought along Mrs. Holder who ditched the WPA for greener pastures. As they say; the rest is now history. The AFC was formed by
ABC money and finances from big business who wanted both Corbin and the PPP out. Those who are familiar with the discussions in those days would tell you that Corbin and the WPA came closer because both sensed that the ABC countries were planning against them. Corbin had the last laugh because he formed APNU. I say again, the rest is now history. Where was Freddie Kissoon, our ultimate working class hero when all this was going on? Tacuma Ogunseye’s letter describes for the Guyanese people (Continued on page 5)
Sunday May 21, 2017
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Chairman of Region 5 Council is serving a political agenda DEAR EDITOR, It’s about time I pen a letter on the present standstill to which the Regional Chairman and his colleagues are taking umbrage; as if they are on the side of facts. Many consider the “ringing of the first bell to be the bell of truth, but the wise will stay put and listen for the sound of other bells.” What is happening in Region 5 is not “a now situation.” Let me explain; ever since I was affirmed to the office of Regional councillor (almost two years ago) and Mr. Ramphal to the Office of Chairman, he was placed there because he is nothing more than a political favourite. He lacks complete knowledge of how the Regional government functions and certainly has no interest in coming to grips with such. He blunders and fumbles at almost everything when the house is in session, however Hon. Carol Smith-Joseph and I would correct the Hon. Ramphal and of course Miss. Joseph guides him since she sits to His immediate left and wants the council to look good as if all members are
honourable. (This speaks to our impartial conduct while in the council knowing that we are representatives of the people of Region Five and not party first). Mr. Ramphal is not in line as a Member of RDC nor as Regional Chairman because he lacks the basic competence as political leader of the region and is unwilling to be taught. As chairman of the RDC and Head of the Region he has shown partiality against the coalition members of the RDC openly and acts as if he was taken into a laboratory and someone had inserted a device to control his anatomy and physiology, which would have resulted in an excellent sitting in the month of April ending in a show. If one was present there during the first two hours, of the April month sitting, one could have said well done Mr. Chair (except for his usual tendentiousness against APNU+AFC members of the council to which we are accustomed) but, as soon as the control button was pressed Mr. Chairman went into a ter-
rible mood after Hon. Seetaram made his statement about the conduct of local representatives in the Bath/ Woodley Park NDC and their efforts to exploit taxpayers by using “public equipment for private gain.” To substantiate the statement Hon. Seetaram had photos. Even the REO of Region 5 told the Clerk of Council that he visited the location and had cause to instruct the operator to cease all works (for private use) which the Clerk reported to the Chair. Yet, the Chair did not feel that the clerk’s confirmation of Hon. Seetaram statement was not good enough for the House. Mr. Editor, the Chairman has a responsibility to “seek advice from the clerk and the advice must be recorded in the minutes” according to page 32 of the Orientation Training for Chairpersons, Vice-Chairperson(s) and Councillors of RDC. Page 24 of the said book, points out that “the Chairman must act in a responsible manner at all times, and should not do anything that can bring the House/RDC into disrepute.”
One may ask, where is the author of this letter heading? If the Chairman was qualified, he would have known that one of the rules of the council 16(7) states that “no member shall impute improper motives to any member of the House/Council.” Mr. Ramphal was irresponsible during the April sitting of the council, because he refused the advice of the Clerk, and he even went further to suggest that the Hon. Seetaram and the Hon. Clerk were fab-
class politics of Freddie Kissoon than the AFC. Ogunseye now describes the relation between the two as a love-hate one. This may be so but Freddie must answer Ogunseye’s queries as why the AFC and not WPA and APNU, seeing that Freddie is a working class hero. What does Ogunseye mean by love-hate? Whatever meaning you put to it, it still highlights the incredible mistakes of this fine Guyanese with a sincere commitment to liberation. Few could question that Freddie Kissoon has left his mark on Guyanese politics. I don’t
believe even Cheddi Jagan, as an Indian, enjoyed the affection of Black people that Freddie has. If he hates the AFC, that is understandable. The AFC is a pure middle party that cares little about the masses. His hate is indeed understandable. Freddie did pull votes away from the PPP when he campaigned for the AFC. People have said that Freddie Kissoon and the Kaieteur News removed the PPP from power. A slight exaggeration but with large grains of truth. Now we see that the AFC wants more power thus the request to re-
Be it resolved: APNU+AFC are ready to work with whoever is Chairman of Region 5, but we will not be bullied. We are in line and whoever is out of line must come in line. Be it known in local terms: “nah all who complain fus does be rite….” So to those who have become rabid in their expressions to the public in writing every day letters, GET IN LINE! Dolston Hutson Member of RDC, Region No. 5
Certain wild men, rabbits and elephants DEAR EDITOR, I was appalled that a former Attorney General, Mr. Anil Nandlall, would think it acceptable to rely on the advice of someone on how to hunt elephants! His letter in his response to Mark Benschop carried the insensitive caption “When hunting elephants, do not be distracted by rabbits”, endorsing the poaching of a critically endangered animal. Mr. Editor, I am shocked that a self-proclaimed
The incredible mistakes of Freddie Kissoon From page 4 where Freddie was. For this reason, Mr. Ogunseye’s letter is important in understanding the strange personality that Freddie Kissoon is. Someone like Mr. Ogunseye would know Freddie intimately; they were youths together in the WPA and remained good friends since then. Ogunseye puts Freddie in an unenviable position with his letter because Freddie is forced to ask why he chose the AFC and not the WPA or Mr. Corbin’s new outfit, APNU. Both WPA and APNU were far more oriented to the
ricators. Here is where he imputed improper motive against two members of the council and would have caused the council to be in disrepute. From day one of 2015 after Mr. Ramphal took office it was clear to all that he had no sense of direction and was placed there to create mischief (stop the business of central government). I believe it is time Mr. Ramphal makes every independent effort to redress the situation he created.
negotiate the Cummingsburg Accord. We will have to wait to see how that one plays out. If as Ogunseye says, Freddie still loves the AFC then that is incredible. Why would an activist who spent all his life fighting for liberation of the masses be in love with a misfit party like the AFC? Beats me and beats the Guyanese people, I say. There are all kinds of talk about a third party. It is based on the disappearance of the AFC. Freddie’s name is being tossed about with regards to this new kid on the block. I hope not. Morris Liverpool
“chatree” would choose to hunt elephants knowing that one of his deities, Shree Ganesh, bears the head of an elephant! I am sure that the intemperate Mr Nandlall would counter-argue that his hunting could not be literally interpreted. Mr. Robert Corbin could also explain that when he
referred to “certain wild men” he was making a classical allusion to drunken politicians who threaten journalists with armed attacks, unmindful of t h e o u t c o m e o f h o r r o r, terror, and death. Only such mad men would welcome such outcome since “wha come sah duh”! Kumar J. Persaud
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Sunday May 21, 2017
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Kaieteur M@ilbox City Hall has a “sardine” police not a City Constabulary DEAR EDITOR, With the Georgetown City Constabulary getting ready to celebrate the major milestone of the 180th anniversary of its existence, one can only feel a sense of deep disappointment when one looks at its record of achievements. A visit to its training complex in Water Street alone would reveal the degenerate mentality of the administration of the Council. The roof is leaking everywhere, most if not all of the window panes are missing. The dormitories are just a jumbled mess of old mangled bed frames and some grimy old mattresses, the training rooms are bereft of furnishing and educational materials, the archives shuttered, with all of the precious archival material left to rot, no one servicing the stores. Indeed the place is all but abandoned. What has happened to the plans made two years ago to rehabilitate the facility and place emphasis on recruitment and training? Plans were announced for a Basic Recruitment Course, refresher training for serving members to be done quarterly. What about
plans to contact the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Defense Force (GDF) to assist in several areas? And for training to be done through the Public Service Ministry, at the Critchlow Labour College and overseas? Were these just pipe dreams or part of a “carrot and stick” approach? Does the Council have a Human Resources Manager? And if so what is she or he doing? Why are the young bright officers of the City Constabulary not being given a chance to move up the ladder now that some of the older more corrupt ones have left? Why are they being penalized for speaking up and speaking out? The City Constabulary has to move from its present ‘Market Constable’ & ‘Sardine Police’ persona to that of a modern law enforcement agency, engaging in a broad spectrum of work, including key functions such as crime prevention, protecting property and limiting civil and social disorder. This is 2017 not 1837 when the Constabulary was established. Jermain Johnson
Kaieteur M@ilbox
The million dollar question about the oil refinery here DEAR EDITOR, Wasn’t Hartree Partners, founded by the HESS Corporation? Is the HESS Corporation a 30% stakeholder in the EXXON Project? Aren’t the foreign operators looking at the Guyanese oil as a source of raw oil to fill their own internal refining capacity gaps? So why should one of their related parties recommended otherwise - vis-a-vis - a new Guyanese oil refinery? This is the million-dollar question. Is this advice from Mr. Hass genuine and legitimate? It is just plain and simply absurd that a consultant will proclaim that the cost to construct such a facility would be some US$5 billion. Who advised the advisor that Guyana needs a 100,000 bpd refinery? Let the record show that Guyana needs a 30,000 bpd refinery similar to
Suriname with its 20,000 bpd refinery. The new technologies allow for modularly built refineries. There is always the possiblity for expansion incrementally if the need arises. Such a refinery with the ancillary facilities is more likely to cost about US$2 billion (US$0.7 billion for the refinery and the rest for the ancillary services). So it was extremely discomforting to have listened to that collection of recommendations made by this consultant. The way the deal is structured is that if the wells produce approximately 100,000 bpd, then EXXON will discount the daily depreciation cost for the original investment and the daily cost of running the operations. Let us assume for discussion sake that at an average selling price of US$55 per barrel,
that computes to 40,000 bpd in value? That would leave 60,000 bpd to be distributed between the investors and Guyana - 50/ 50. In such a scenario, the contract entitles Guyana to 30,000 bpd. That is our only concern – what to do with the 30,000 barrels of oil every day. The other 70,000 is EXXONs business and none of Guyana’s business. Thus this recommendation by Hartree Partners and Mr. Pedro Hass should be surgically scrutinized on multiple grounds, it fails to appropriately consider the merits of the oil deal, it does not take into consideration Guyana’s vested political and economic interest and most importantly, this is a one-sided suggestion that clearly shows bias towards the foreign operators. Is the game rigged against Guyana?
I must acknowledge the excellent push back from Minister Trotman; he did his job. He did not roll over on these recommendations, he hit the nail on the head by saying the final decision will be political. This is not an exclusive economic decision, but one also grounded in national development and our need to industrialize. In this day and age when refineries are active for more than 90 years, then this investment is very suitable for the long term investors like the international pension plans. Their only mandate is steady and long term payback. Everyone will win if an oil refinery is built in Guyana, the workers, the local private sector, the international long-term investors and the government and people of Guyana. So thank you, Mr. Hass, for your time but NO THANK YOU! Sase Singh
The country is without a Chief Education Officer DEAR EDITOR, It is very startling that this country’s education system has been without a Chief Education Officer since September 2016. The vacancy for a Chief Education Officer was advertised, candidates were interviewed and yet no Chief Education Officer has been appointed. What is the reason for this? What is even more befuddling is that Minister
Roopnarine was quoted in the press as saying that the current acting CEO, Marcel Hutson, is most likely to become the CEO. Has Mr. Hutson lost the confidence of the Minister? Now that the Commission of Inquiry into the education system has completed its preliminary report, it is vitally important that a CEO is in place to initiate changes and implement the recommenda-
tions. Additionally, the organizational structure of the Ministry of Education is significantly affected by the nonappointment of a CEO. The current acting CEO is a DCEO so someone is acting in his position while he is acting in another position. It seems the Ministry of Education has once again been relegated to the greatest theatre in Guyana.
Not too long ago, the same scenario took place with Mrs. Whyte – Nedd acting as CEO without being confirmed. The current Government, then in opposition, huffed and puffed about this great injustice. The huffing and puffing has stopped. I can’t even hear a whisper. Minister Roopnarine, please appoint a Chief Education Officer. Mohammed Hussain
How to determine the returns for the oil refinery DEAR EDITOR, The recent report by the Mexican consultant on oil refinery capacity shows the need for external oil sales. The data shared points to a 30 year supply for a local refinery based on the 1.5 billion oil find. With an accelerated or straight line depreciation model the payback on the investment can be determined if excess crude oil is sold. The challenge for the investment is long term projected oil prices. The 30 year plan for the Green Economy will inform
the decision as to whether this investment can overcome the risk. Our ability as a nation to transition away from Fossil Fuel dependence faster than other nations will aid us to eliminate the risk associated with oil prices. Given the energy agendas of high consumption countries and oil producing countries we are exposed to demand reduction and the associated price softness in the market. This leaves supply countries with increased market competition. The sensitivity and complexity of the
Venezuelan supply being offline has been sustaining market prices during a price favourable military climate. As the major military engagements end and the Venezuelan situation resolves itself, oil prices will experience increased downward price pressure in the market. Although this risk is built into current prices for the near to mid-term, the long term impact is beyond the futures market risk consideration. This will make it difficult to determine the rate of global
conversion away from fossil fuels and towards a greener energy economy. However, if a peaceful global climate is maintained and energy conversion targets are kept as outlined by countries at the climate summit, oil prices can be forecasted with reduced variation and increased accuracy. This is the base line scenario for determining the payback on the refinery investment. Jamil Changlee Strategy Consultant
Misguided and mischievous political agenda DEAR EDITOR, The Opposition owned by Bobby Ramrooop and Bharrat Jagdeo again tries to twist the facts in its obsession to tarnish the Coalition Government. The latest “twist” is its banner headline story “President Instructs AG not to apologise”. I have listened to every single word of President Granger, as he was speaking to the media. He said that the
explanations given by the Attorney General addressed ‘The Complaints’ which were sent to him regarding the exchanges in the High Court. Justice Holder was then presiding in a matter in which the Attorney General appeared for the Prime Minister who was named as a Defendant. At no time did I hear the President saying that he had instructed the Attorney General not to apologise to the Judge for remarks allegedly
made by the Attorney General. Even the article in the newspaper did not repeat the President making any such remarks which the headline falsely stated. The Opposition propaganda sheet also said the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, requested Justice Holder to recuse himself from the matter, and imputed that this was an interference with the judiciary. The Prime Minister is a party in the case,
and he is entitled to Counsel like all other citizens in any Court of Law. It is his right to make request for a judicial officer to recuse himself/herself when the judicial officer refuses to hear his Lawyer. This is the basic right of the Prime Minister to an Attorney. The newspaper is determined to abuse the freedom of the press in Guyana to promote its misguided and mischievous political agenda. Earl Hamilton
Sunday May 21, 2017
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GAWU must show what “Added Value” it brings to the partnership with GuySuCo DEAR EDITOR, With reference to articles published in the Kaieteur News on 17 May, 2017 and titled, ‘Business people, pensioners, taxi drivers join massive protests’, respectively; while on the one hand the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) would like to applaud the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) for its note-
GuySuCo wishes to remind GAWU that the core of its current business is to produce sugar and every other aspect of its operations must evolve around that understanding. Additionally, its engagements with stakeholders, such as Unions, in this instance, GAWU, must be based on the simple understanding that if and when sugar production is not the priority, then the Corporation’s ability to pay wages and salaries, pay creditors, provide health, drainage and
worthy ability to mobilize a large cross section of the public around issues in the sugar industry, the Corporation has strongly concluded that the Union has lost its way as a workers’ representative organisation and seems to have as its priority advocating and mobilizing around another cause. It is important to note that GuySuCo did not arrive at this deteriorated state overnight, this
irrigation, community development and other services, is severely impaired. An even more important point to note is that the Corporation has Customers who expect a reliable supply of sugar. Basically, in essence, the Corporation is a business. In this letter, the Corporation wishes to specifically address some of its challenges in managing its business many of which GAWU has contributed towards. Over the years, it has been grappling with numerous practices
is the result of years of decline in several aspects of the business and to which GAWU has and still is directly contributing to the decline of the sugar industry. For example, the table below shows that from 2001 to 2016 there were over 3,000 strikes, over one million Man Days lost and over G$ 2 Billion lost in wages to workers as a result of being influenced by GAWU to strike.
which are not enabling its growth and development, one of which is attendance at all of its estates. For the First Crop 2016 the Planters’ turnout at estates was: Skeldon 66.4%, Albion 66.67%, 65.33%, Blairmont 66%, 72.5%. For the Second Crop 2016, the percentages were as follows: Skeldon 68, Albion 71, 62, Blairmont 68, 73.5. Harvesters turnout for the First Crop were: Skeldon 50%, Albion 57.3, Rose Hall 59.5%, Blairmont 57.57%, Wales 65.33%, Uitvlugt 48.67%
Noise from an illegal rum shop affecting prayers in the churches DEAR EDITOR, It would seem that the adult son of a wealthy businessman is above the law with the presumptuous selling of alcoholic beverages in unlicensed premises in his home village Region Two. Serious public concerns have been raised regarding the illegal operations which can well be described as a nuisance to the neighbourhood. Despite complaints having been made officially to the police in the district and the Customs & Excise Department at Anna
Regina, it was just useless with only further aggravation to the already ugly situation. From this reaction, the question is being asked whether there are no proper persons in this district to protect the interest of the state. This illegal business premises is attracting more customers since it does not have to pay any licensing fees nor satisfy certain compulsory requirements, as compared to legitimate ones on whom charges to operate were increased by 100% in this year’s budget.
There is total disrespect for worshippers who attend a nearby mosque on a daily basis and several Hindus at their mandir. They are being disrupted with loud music and the use of expletives. As the saying goes “Money can do wonders” but is a slap in the face of the Government for such an illegality to continue unabated with detrimental effects to the nearby residents in an unfair situation when they deserve better to a comfortable living. Ameer Ally & others
while the Second Crop 2016 percentages were: Skeldon 56.33, Albion 63.33, Rose Hall 61.33, 65.33, Wales 64.00. It is ironic that on May 17, 2017 when the workers were protesting with GAWU, there was some 242 tonnes of sugar that could have been processed by the factory at the Rose Hall Estate; this was valued at G$17,000,000, all of which was lost/spoiled because the workers were on strike protesting with GAWU. The Man Days lost up to May 14, 2017 at that estate, is 2,542 and the corresponding wages that was lost is G$5,663.086 M. The Man Days lost from strikes on May 15 and 16, on the estate, was 617 and the wages lost was G$1,350.523, the total wages lost by those employees for the crop is G$7,013.609. All of the above are based on the direct involvement of GAWU. In March, GAWU encouraged the Cane Planters at the East Demerara Estate that they must not take up harvesting work even though the Harvesters turnout at that estate was 59 percent and it was lagging behind on achieving its target for the crop. The Uitvlugt Estate is being identified for upgrading and has a programme to increase its production from 20,000 to 40,000 of sugar annually, however, for this to become a reality, the estate is in need of planters and harvesters in order to increase its planting and harvesting programme. The Corporation has therefore endeavoured to transport its employees from Wales Estate to the Uitvlugt Estate but the GuyanaAgricultural and General Workers Union has encouraged some 375 Cane Transport Operators and Cane Harvesters that they should insist that the Corporation terminate their services and demand severance, this is despite that fact that if Uitvlugt does not increase its harvesting and planting capacity, it can be
closed. If this happens, the businesses, families and the communities which receive drainage, health, other community development support and the 1,750 employees would be affected. The Uitvlugt Estate is the largest business in West Demerara. With its present approach to the business of sugar, if this happens, GAWU will then seek to mobilize the West Demerara community against the closure as in the case of Rose Hall Estate. Hence, the Corporation wishes to urge sugar dependent communities, that at some point, the protest has to stop, and businesses, families members and other operatives in these communities need to get out into their communities and encourage the planters and harvesters to come go out to work and to work more than four days per week to ensure that their estates achieve its targets. We look forward to the support from residents, businesses, families and officials in the West Demerara communities to ensure that the Uitvlugt improvement programme is a success. On the point of the reorganizing of the Corporation, members of the public could not possibly think that there are no programmes in place to create new opportunities for employees from Rose Hall, Skeldon and East Demerara Estates and surrounding communities. Is it really possible for every plan that Corporation has for restructuring, not to be viable? Is really possible for the Corporation to not have developed a strategic programme to address employment and other matters arising out of the restructuring programme? Or is it that GAWU’s perspective is based on its motives and motivations? It has become clear that it is not within GAWU’s best inter-
est to inspire hope about the future of the industry even in the minute ways, and to ascribe some value to the re-organization programme for GuySuCo. In the least, it should allow our employees who are members of their Union some space and the freedom to at least merely listen to their employer with some objectivity. With the State Paper on the future of the sugar industry being discussed, an opportunity has been created for sections of the public to become engaged in discussions on whether the new structure for GuySuCo will result in reduction in foreign exchange earned? What are the plans for the use of excess land from estates? What could the finances which will no longer be required by GuySuCo be used for, some G$ 15 to 18 billion? And perhaps the most important question, what will happen to employees? The Corporation has concluded that clearly, GAWU has lost its way as a stakeholder that should be involved in workers’ representative and it seems to have assumed another role which is not in support of the sugar business. The behaviour of the Union has now become predictable and that is, to continuously criticize the efforts of the management of GuySuCo’s and resist any form of progress while creating instability in the Corporation Finally, the Corporation is of the strong view that the time has come for GAWU to show what is the added value which the Union brings to the partnership and its relationship with GuySuCo? And secondly, what added value do they bring to the table going forward? The Corporation will be disseminating information on the details of the reorganization programme over the coming weeks. Audreyanna Thomas Senior Communications Officer
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Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
Farmers, butchers engaged on laws governing animal slaughter The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) of the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday met with livestock farmers, butchers and law enforcement officers of Regions Five and Six. The purpose of the meeting was to have discussions on the Slaughter Act which governs the slaughtering of cattle in Guyana. The objective of this exercise was to identify existing legislations in Guyana pertaining to the slaughtering of cattle, and to enlighten farmers and butchers of their responsibilities with regards those legislations. Corporate Secretary of the GLDA, Monique Ifill, presented the basic facts that must be considered by the stakeholders once involved in this aspect of livestock agriculture. Extracts presented were taken from the Slaughter of Cattle (Control) Act Chapter 71:09, Cattle Stealing Prevention Act, Miscellaneous Licences Act, Produce Protection Act of Guyana, Georgetown Abattoir ByLaws and Animal Health Act. It has been recognised that the system of reinforcing these laws especially in the two regions are as a result of a number issues prevailing
Monique Ifill, Corporate Secretary, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, GLDA
with regards to management and support of laws. One of the main issues highlighted by the law enforcement officers was the limited compliance by farmers and butchers in the ‘B’ division. Other stakeholders noted that there is need for some of these laws to be reviewed since most of are out-dated and do not apply to modern day practices. Meanwhile, law enforcement officers said that butchers, as well as farmers, must become familiar with the laws and legislations applied to this particular sub-sector of
agriculture. Ifill’s presentation outlined the process for slaughtering cattle and specified that that not all cattle are slaughtered. The importance of cattle branding was emphasised. This is the marking of livestock as a means of identifying an animal and determining ownership. One of the challenges with this is that the Cattle Stealing Prevention Act specifies that cattle should be branded by the farmer within six months of its birth or 28 days after purchase. This is
to allow law enforcement officers to verify that cattle were not unlawfully acquired. “If you would have bought the animal from a farmer, you need to ensure that when you would have had your agreement of sale and so on and then decide to put your brand on; what you have to ensure is that your brand is placed in a distinct and separate area. You don’t put your brand over another brand,” Ifill told the stakeholders. Also the Act specifies certain parts of the cattle where a brand can be placed. Brand-
ing should also be approved by police officers within the respective divisions.” Other laws state that only certain types of cattle must be slaughtered. This gave rise to the question of reducing supplies to the market. One butcher said if they were to slaughter only bulls then they would not be able to meet the market demand. “According to the law, we should not slaughter all cattle, we should not slaughter cattle of the female sex, or cattle with less than one permanent incisor tooth unless you would have gotten writ-
ten approval from a veterinarian,” the Corporate Secretary added. Ifill said the purpose of this particular aspect of the slaughter Act is to serve as a method of preserving cattle’s sustainability. From time to time farmers and butchers do not comply with that particular law; however law enforcement officers repeated the need for either a revision of the law or more stringent enforcement measures. GLDA’s CEO, Nigel Cumberbatch said that since Guyana does not have a (Continued on page 12)
Sunday May 21, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Amelia’s Ward killer says wife’s infidelity triggered his rampage The repeated infidelity of a single mother he “took from the bush” to make his wife triggered Michael London’s rage, and led to him butchering his spouse, Shenika Elliot-London, in her Central Amelia’s Ward Squatting Area home last Saturday. That’s the excuse London, the alleged killer, has given police for his deadly rampage last Saturday, which left his
spouse with a slashed throat and multiple stab wounds. Police said that Shenika London, a mother of five, was stabbed at least ten times. The injuries included stab wounds to the throat, arms and left ribcage. London, who fled after dropping the bloody knife at the scene, was captured hours later in a forested area at Moblissa, Soesdyke/ Linden. He was shot in the left
Dem boys seh...
Priya vex because SOCU charge she friends Priya vex suh till she can’t vex no more. She was vex from de time SOCU call she about Pradoville but is when de same SOCU charge she six friends that she see red. Money disappear from de GRDB and six people get charge because instead of recording de money dem help it disappear either willfully or by accident. Priya had to go and represent one of de people who get charge fuh de rice board money. De passion fly when de magistrate put de people pun $500,000 bail. De money is no problem but since you can’t post you own bail somebody had to come wid de money. Dem boys see nuff people standing outside de court wid some big paper bag but dem didn’t know was money. De party people send round and ask everybody to pool. Jagdeo could have bailed all de people but he get selfish. He tell dem how he money is he own and dem got to find dem own money. He also tell dem that when people thief dem must know to hide money fuh strange circumstances. That is wha get Priya vex. She was always somebody who believe that she and Bharrat was to lead Guyana till dem dead. From de time Cheddi win de elections all of dem believe that dem gun rule fuh good. Even one of dem who dead did claim how nobody else can win any more elections. That get to Priya head so that when she party lose de elections she get sick. That is how she want people to stage a riot. Dem boys hear when she seh is time to call out she people fuh dem tek back dem country. Dem boys seh that nobody else ain’t own this country according to Priya. Well she got a shock coming. One man seh that dem gun commit suicide if Jagdeo and Priya try to run this country again. In any case, SOCU gun mek sure that dem don’t even vote because jail man can’t vote. Talk half and wipe Priya face.
- LINDENERS ATTACK SUSPECT AT HOSPITAL leg after allegedly attacking the police ranks who had cornered him. He was treated at the Mackenzie Hospital, where police ranks had to protect him after several angry Lindeners, including some who were reportedly armed with knives, converged at the hospital. He has since given police a detailed statement, in which he has reportedly portrayed himself as the victim of infidelity. Kaieteur News understands that London, a pork-knocker, claimed that he first met Shenika in the interior. At the time, she had four children, whom she was reportedly supporting singlehandedly. He claimed that he decided to “make her his wife”, but that after the marriage, London, who sold clothing in “the bush”, was constantly unfaithful to him. He alleged that she then wanted to end the relationship. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect and his wife were living on the East Coast of Demerara, but that Shenika moved to Amelia’s Ward, Linden. Her relatives allege that she moved to escape from her husband’s constant physical abuse. But Michael London is said to have claimed that he flew into a rage on Saturday and killed his spouse after she humiliated him about the paternity of the last child, which was said to be his.
The youngest child was reportedly present when London cornered his wife in the bedroom and stabbed her. None of the neighbours heard any screams, and some suggested that the killer pressed a pillow to his spouse’s face to muffle her cries. A blood soaked pillow was reportedly found in the house. Steve Simon, the victim’s eastern neighbour, said that he was in his bedroom when he heard loud banging on his zinc fence. He looked out and saw a woman drenched in blood. “At first I didn’t recognize her, because the blood was pouring like water from her neck and a child was running behind her crying, but then she come round by the gate and stoop downthat is when I realize was me neighbour and she was stooping down and was writing in the sand. I was so confused, but I run inside for a big sheet to help stop the blood.” In yesterday’s issue of the Kaieteur News, Steve Simon was photographed as the wife killer. In fact, his blood-soaked clothes reflected the assistance he gave to the injured woman. Kaieteur News has since offered him a public apology. Even as death stared her in the face, London, with her two-year-old daughter in tow, managed to write the word ‘husband’ and a phone number in the sand. It would be the last thing that she
Murder victim Shenika London and husband Michael London
Steve Simon, the man who tried to save the murdered woman. He was mistakenly identified as the killer. would do. Simon, 53, said that he “ran out and call de other neighbour who got a mechanic shop, and he come with de vehicle. We put she and drive fast to de hospital and she was alive all de time.” Simon said that London was still alive when she arrived at the hospital, but succumbed in the emergency room of the Linden Hospital
Complex. Close friends of the victim said that the killing was a tragic end to a life of hardship and abuse. A close friend of London’s said that she had spoken to the victim about an hour before the tragedy. “She was a very hardworking and nice person - always smiling. But she was in an abusive relationship.”
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Pandit shot in home invasion A pandit who recently returned to Guyana was shot to the chest by one of three bandits who invaded his Lot 3 Prospect, East Bank Demerara home during the wee hours of yesterday morning. Heeralall Doobay, 46, has since been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Kaieteur News understands that around
Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
02:00hrs, three bandits arrived at the premises on CG motorcycles. They reportedly gained access to the yard by scaling some very high zinc fences at the back of the premises. Once in the yard, they broke the front and side doors to the lower flat of the two storey building and went into the man’s bedroom. The bandits ransacked the home. It is suspected that
Doobay ended up in a scuffle with one of the men during which he was shot to the stomach. It is still unclear if the intruders carted off any valuables. When Kaieteur News visited the home, there was a pool of blood in the bedroom and trails of blood in the living room. There were also trails of blood inside the yard and on the parapet in front of the
building. A board that was ripped out from the front door lay flat on the ground. One of Doobay’s relatives said that he was not there when the incident occurred but two elderly women were asleep in the upper flat of the building. He said that the Doobay had returned from overseas about a week ago. He said that he was told that the injured man walked out of his home and onto the
parapet in front of the public road where he collapsed and was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre but was later referred to GPHC. The relative described Doobay as a “very good man” and said that he was always willing to lend a helping hand. One of the man’s neighbours said that she was asleep when she was awakened by noise coming from Doobay’s home. The woman related that her nephew then came and informed her that Doobay was lying on the parapet in blood.
The Pandit’s residence
SHOT: Heeralall Doobay
Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
Customs chief sent on annual leave - Auditor General to investigate his duty free concession transaction Customs chief, Lancelot Wills, has been sent on annual leave, days after questions were raised over the application process for a duty free concession from which he benefitted, according to an official of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday. The confirmation would come after scathing criticisms by Opposition Parliamentarian, Juan Edghill, who called on Wills and GRA’s CommissionerGeneral, Godfrey Statia, to both be placed on administrative leave to facilitate an independent investigation. This would be a major blow to the main tax collection agency of the state which had promised widespread reforms, under the new administration, to stamp out corruption and bring more transparency at the authority. The decision to send Wills on leave was reportedly taken on Friday. Wills reportedly shipped in a 2008 Toyota Harrier- a
Sports Utility Vehicle —that would under normal circumstances attract more than $6M in duties and taxes. The Customs head, who was promoted to that key post last year amidst a shakeup, however paid just over $180,000 in duties and taxes, instead of a $1.8M that he would have been required to pay had he been approved a duty free concession. This is similar to what remigrants pay when they are approved for waivers. The Toyota Harrier SUV, which was registered in January, was 2362cc (engine size). The “cc” or engine size is what GRA used to calculate the applicable taxes. However, there are questions over the transaction. Wills, as Customs head, was rejected for a duty free concession last year November by the Department of Public Service. The department’s Permanent Secretary, Reginald Brotherson, this past week explained that rejection was because the
Customs Head, Lancelot Wills vehicle was more than eight years old and it was also over the 2000cc (cubic capacity) engine size that Wills would have been eligible for. Under the laws, only Parliamentarians, judges and remigrants are allowed duty free concessions for vehicles over 2000cc. The Customs chief reportedly received the blessings of GRA for the duty free concession. On Wednesday last, the GRA insisted that it has some flexibility to grant permission for staffers.
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Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
Step-father denies giving laced Icee drink to children - samples taken from bottle sent for testing The New Amsterdam resident who is accused of poisoning his three step-children has refuted the allegations made against him. According to the Divisional Commander, Ian Amsterdam, as of now there is not enough evidence to charge the man who has been identified as Rafeek Rambarran. Rambarran told investigators during questioning that he did not poison the children and that the same “Iceedrink” he bought for the three minors, nine-year-old Anesha Leacock, a student of New Amsterdam Primary School; four-year-old Natalia Matheson, a student of the Savannah Park Nursery School, and two-year-old Atalia Leacock of Mai Mai Dam, Angoy’s Avenue in New Amsterdam, he also drank from it. He reportedly told investigators that he also took some bananas for the children to consume. He said that he talked with them like he usually would and left them in good condition. Amsterdam disclosed that samples were taken from the said bottle that contained the soda contaminated with an alleged poisonous substance. Investigators are awaiting the results of the tests conducted on the sample to determine what direction the investigation will take. The children have since been discharged from the New Amsterdam Public Hospital and are in the care of their mother. Shabana Leacock, 29, made a report at the Central Police Station, CID, that her boyfriend Rafeek Rambarran had poisoned her three children. The woman stated that herself and Rambarran had a misunderstanding that fu-
Step-dad, Rafeek Rambarran elled a heated argument and as a result of the argument she took her three children to their grandparents place of residence, the Amerindian Hostel in New Amsterdam. She related that she left her three children in the care of her mother. However, a short while after, Rambarran visited the hostel and allegedly gave the three minors a bottle of “Icee drink” which they shared among themselves while he talked with them as normal. It was minutes later that the grandmother noticed something was wrong when the children began frothing at their mouths. She immediately alerted the other occupants of the hostel and arrangements were made to transport the minors to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. A medical examination carried out by the doctors at the hospital confirmed that the minors indeed had ingested a poisonous substance. They were treated for poisoning and later admitted for observation.
Farmers, butchers engaged on laws governing... From page 8 recent agricultural livestock census, farmers are unsure of what the current cattle population is in the country. The Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme (SADP) which was launched earlier this year will seek to correct this issue. The SADP will facilitate the agriculture census, which will focus on Guyana’s vital agricultural sector; provide information to planners and policymakers who will have an understanding of the progress and future prospects of all agricultural industries and their products, and of farm practices “The slaughter permit Act came in as a result of the de-
crease in animal population. I think we need to recognise that if we don’t monitor the animal population, we will at some point in time find ourselves without any animals,” GLDA’s CEO explained. Other pertinent areas affecting stakeholders present at the meeting were highlighted. These issues included animal diseases, cattle rustling (stealing) which is rampant in Regions Five and Six, the importance of Livestock Extension and Government Veterinary Officers in the area and the need for greater collaboration among butchers, farmers and law enforcement officers to improve production in the cattle sub- sector. (Delicia Haynes)
Sunday May 21, 2017
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Kaieteur News
GRDB says Guyana not associated with ‘Fake Rice’ The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) says it has noted with great concern the presence of video recordings of plastic rice being circulated. The Board wishes to make it clear that there has been no confirmation of plastic rice on the market. The homemade video recordings being posted on social media, alleges the
plastic rice is labelled as “Product of Guyana”. The most recent case involves a video recording emanating from Trinidad & Tobago of packaged rice labelled “Product of Guyana”, packaged for Naisa Brand Products Ltd. Trinidad”. “The Guyana Rice Development Board states categorically that no rice mill in Guyana produces artificial
rice, and expresses grave concern about such rice being labelled “Product of Guyana”.” The regulatory body says it is willing to facilitate any verification of rice being produced at rice mills in Guyana and will be monitoring the situation closely. “The Ministry of Agriculture informs the
Driver killed after crashing into cows
The vehicle after the accident. A 22-year-old man was killed early yesterday after his vehicle reportedly crashed into three cows at Philadelphia, East Bank Essequibo. The accident occurred around 02:30 hrs. Dead is Reaz Khan, a caretaker of the Guyana Islamic Institute of Vergenoegen, EBE. According to reports, the driver and
four students from the Islamic Institute were heading to Parika early yesterday when their vehicle collided with the cows and toppled. The four students were taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital. Khan was pronounced dead at the said hospital. The investigation is ongoing.
public that any reports of fake rice being present on the market or emanating from Guyana are wholly false. Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, has since been in contact with the relevant
authorities in Trinidad and Tobago and a further update will be provided shortly.” Rice is among the three biggest foreign currency earners for Guyana, behind sugar and gold.
“Owing to the importance of Guyana’s market and commitments the country presently has, the Ministry of Agriculture hopes this fake report is an isolated incident.”
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Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
Making the Case for Financial Literacy in Guyana Ensuring that all Guyanese communities become financially capable is a key component in helping our Government build economic stability in the future. In fact, we must focus on exploring various ways of deepening financial capacity in Guyana. By this we mean thinking of ways of developing the financial infrastructure so that individuals and communities, including our indigenous and rural ones, have better access to a suitably wide range of financial services. The successful implementation of the Bank of Guyana’s financial literacy strategy during my tenure as Deputy Governor is not only in the interest of the consumers of financial services. The Government also stands to benefit from a population that is financially capable and therefore more productive. In addition, financial institutions benefit from increased uptake of financial services and the economy as a whole will benefit from a deeper and broader financial system. The Importance of Financial Literacy for Individuals and Families For individuals and families, the benefits of financial literacy are significant. The financially astute develop the skills and confidence to be aware of financial opportunities, to make informed choices, and take effective action to improve their
Dr. Terence Smith, Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana financial well-being. Financial literate people make better financial decisions, appreciate their rights and responsibilities as consumers of financial products, and generally understand and manage risks. For both poor and rich alike, financial literacy provides greater control of one’s financial future and reduce vulnerability to fraudulent schemes. In fact, more financially literate consumers increase the demand for, and responsible use of, financial services, help to unpin financial market stability, and contribute to wider economic growth and development. Equally important, with Guyana’s remote and isolated communities, financial literacy education has come to play an increasing prominent role in financial reform. In this regard, the literature seems to indicate that uneducated and financially illiterate households do benefit from such programs, in that providing such households with financial literacy education does induce them to open formal bank accounts. The Importance of Financial Literacy to the Financial System At times the lending behaviour of financial institutions can create
danger for over-leveraged borrowers and by extension, for the financial institutions themselves, especially if the economic downturn is sharp or prolonged. For example, during my tenure as a U.S. Federal Reserve Banking Regulator working out of the New York Fed we experienced a banking crisis in 2008. A huge part of the problem had to do with subprime mortgage lenders luring many consumers into risky mortgages they could not afford. It was quite clear that loans were made to borrowers unable to qualify for a traditional mortgage; the borrowers never fully understood the risks of borrowing this way. This crisis proved very costly for the US economy and for the global financial system. The existence of a stable financial system has much to do with the prudent management of risk by our financial institutions, for example credit risk; which is the risk of financial loss arising from the default of customers. Although, credit losses can never be eliminated completely, good internal controls and systems can help contain it. The Importance of Financial Literacy to the Economy Economic development is very
much about the successful channeling of domestic savings into productive investment opportunities. So, as we encourage households to save in our financial education series, it is not just good for them, it is also very much in the longer-term national interest. Similarly, promoting the sensible and prudent use of credit is both good for the individual households and for the wider economy. Used wisely, access to credit can provide households with a number of economic benefits. For example, it allows them to purchase goods and services, notably a home, much earlier than they could by relying on just their own income. This will help boost economic activity. Financial Literacy and Monetary Policy Some of my colleagues in the financial sector at times remind me about the limitations around financial education; that no matter how good our financial education programs, they will never do away with financial hardship within our communities. A review of the literature indicates that in every society there will always be some individuals and families who fall on hard times, often no fault of their own: job losses,
serious illnesses and innocent casualties of a breakdown of law and order. In my view, while some level of financial hardship may be inevitable, public policy can certainly do much to contain it. Central bankers, yours truly included, feel that we are playing an important role in minimizing financial hardship. There is also this idea that sound monetary policy and the maintenance of low inflation is one of the foundations of a prosperous society – one in which everyone has a decent shot at achieving a good standard of living. This is my hope for the Guyanese people. Conclusion For emerging economies like Guyana, financially educated consumers can help ensure that the financial sector makes an effective contribution to the real economic growth and poverty reduction. Financial literacy is very much about empowering individuals so that they manage their financial affairs and improve their standard of living. But it also makes an important contribution to the soundness and efficiency of the financial system and to the performance of the economy. Next week I will discuss another aspect of our strategy and need for financial education in Guyana. Please send your comments and suggestions to deputygovernor@ bankofguyana.org.gy
Sunday May 21, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Guyana burdened with US$43M Skeldon factory debt until 2033 By Kiana Wilburg Having saddled the nation with billions of dollars in debt, the opposition party has left Guyana with nothing to show for US$200M that was invested in the Skeldon Sugar Factory. In fact, for the next 16 years, Guyana will be repaying billions of dollars as loans taken for the industrial unit. By that time, the factory will just be another costly reminder of a PPP project that came with great promises and failed to do its job. This plant was to boost the sugar production figures of the industry; to essentially rescue the sugar sector from its ailing state. Instead, it turned out to be a contributing factor to the poor health of the industry. According to the Ministry of Finance, the government contracted two loans for the Skeldon project. These were from the Export Import Bank of China, the repayment period for which ends in 2025 and; the Caribbean Development Bank, the repayment period for which ends in 2033. On the two loans, the total amount that the government is paying (principal and interest) is US$3.8 million per
year. The outstanding amount to be paid is US$43,758,818. While the nation is burdened with these loans for several years, it has no choice but to divest the Skeldon Sugar Factory given the state of affairs that exist. The money made from the divestment of Skeldon is expected to go towards programmes for diversification in the sugar industry as well as to reduce some of the debt garnered over the years by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). GuySuCo officials also told Kaieteur News over the weekend that the decision to divest Skeldon is perhaps the best one for the nation. The officials reminded that since before the decision was taken, Skeldon was simply falling to pieces and it was pointless for government to even invest money to repair it. This newspaper understands that the deplorable state of the Skeldon Sugar Factory was well documented in a damning audit report. The report also provided numerous telling images of the bagasse-fired power plant within the factory. This was a main area
of concern and focus for the international firm that conducted the technical assessment of the factory. The auditors found that the entire insulation was missing for the plant’s diffuser resulting in major heat losses. The auditors were also left with no choice but to flag the plant’s boiler fuel feeders noting that it posed serious safety issues. The auditors said, “Frequency converters for bagasse feeder motors were missing and not working due to lack of spares. Further, the conveyer feeder junction box and connection boxes were in a bad condition.” Discovered as well, was the fact that exhaust gas leakages in the boilers occurred due to wrong furnace pressure. Broiler platforms were also deemed dangerous due to severe extent of corrosion. The auditors in their investigation of the $200M entity found that oil burners for the boilers were demolished and considered it to be a fire hazard. The auditors are of the firm view that the dreadful condition of the insulators for the boilers was also a health risk for employees there. During their audit, it was found that
furnace wall tubes need replacement and superheat tubes were damaged. The auditors were also alarmed by the fact that the mere lack of spare parts prevented crucial repairs of
certain aspects of the factory. Additionally, the auditors found alarming, the level of corrosion to various parts of the factory and the power plant. The auditors stressed
that the plant is in a very poor and dangerous condition for the operating personnel. They have since informed GuySuCo officials that major equipment damage and (continued on page 16)
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Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
Pres. David Granger’s tribute to former UNESCO chief, Carmen Jarvis President David Granger was among the mourners at the memorial service for Ms. Carmen Jarvis on Friday. The service was held at Smith’s Memorial. Here is his tribute. The 1920s were a most extraordinary decade in Guyanese history. The number of outstanding persons who could be called ‘great’ Guyanese was astonishing. The nominal roll of the decade’s ‘who’s who’ runs from Richard Allsopp, and includes Olga Bone, Forbes Burnham, Martin Carter, Enid Denbow, Rawle Farley, Gavin Kennard, Yesu Persaud, Bill Pilgrim, Shridath Ramphal, Balwant Singh and many others, each contributing a special talent and each occupying a special place in our annals. It is a source of wonder that so much was achieved by so many in such a short period of time. The economic circumstances and pervasive poverty of the post-World War I distress which degenerated into the ‘Great Depression;’ the social segregation in colonial Guiana which was tantamount to ‘apartheid’; the political exclusion which denied the franchise to the majority of the population;
President David Granger and mourners at the memorial service on Friday the cultural domination which suppressed local creativity and ingenuity were notorious characteristics of colonial British Guiana. Carmen Enid Jarvis, née Peterkin, born in 1924, was a child of the ‘twenties’ – a generation for whom hard
work, sedulous study, moral rectitude, religious faith, strong social bonds and high standards of work mattered. She transmitted those values throughout her life. She was intolerant of mediocrity, mendacity and sloth. She would not countenance
crassness or crudeness. Challenged by adversity, the generation of the ‘Twenties’ set high standards of cultural and intellectual performance and made excellence look easy. This generation’s role in Guyana’s transition from a plantation
Guyana burdened with billion-dollar Skeldon debt ... From page 15 accidents can occur at any time, which will result in a severe production loss for the sugar factory and electricity distribution. The auditors said, “Due to the bad condition of the process and auxiliary equipment, it is not feasible to continue repairing most parts of the plant.
Furthermore, the plant operating personnel’s current competence is not adequate to operate and maintain the power plant in a safe and reliable state.” They added, “There is even no concept for maintenance planning or spare part management. In this regard, there is a general lack of spares and tools at site concerning all areas e.g. mechanical spares,
electrical spares, normal hand tools, measuring equipment, safety equipment, etc.” The infrastructural problems plaguing the US$200M Skeldon Sugar Factory have left some viewing it as a ticking time bomb that will detonate soon; unless tough but necessary decisions are taken. Chairman of the Guyana
Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Dr. Clive Thomas, said, “The reality before us is that the factory has lots of faults; it is badly designed and poorly constructed.” The economist added, “The factory is just not properly built. The cost for the repairs needed is about, if not over US$60M ($12B). It is that big of a disaster.”
society to an independent nation is often underestimated and overlooked. It is when a close examination is made of the conditions in the colony nine decades ago that the distance we have covered could be appreciated. It is when, also, we see the plight faced by other former colonies in adjusting to the challenge of independence that the role of that generation in transmitting the values and standards of public life becomes evident. Former colonies have been torn apart by civil wars, genocidal massacres, mutinies, riots, partition and secession. Guyana fortunately, despite its
difficulties and disturbances, was able to avoid catastrophe and was be guided by men and women of good sense. Carmen, in private and public life, was no hot-headed revolutionary. She quietly, however, refused to be constrained by backward conventions which limited women’s achievement. She overcame those obstacles, driven by a calm but insatiable quest for knowledge and an irrepressible commitment to public service. Carmen’s style qualified her for the role of cultural ambassador. Her service as the Secretary-General of the Guyana National Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is a testimony of the national and personal cultural values she held dear.She has left an indelible imprint in Guyana’s social history. The Holy Bible reminds us, at Genesis 8: 22: “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” One of her last acts before her time on earth expired was to write the story of her remarkable and accomplished life. I was happy that, last October 2016, I was able to attend the launch of her autobiography entitled From Seedtime to Harvest. Seedtime for the generation of the ‘Twenties’ has become the harvest of today’s generation. Guyana honours the work and pays homage to the memory of Carmen Jarvis. Guyana, today, needs many more Carmens. May her soul rest in eternal peace!
Sunday May 21, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Those infrastructural challenges in the education sector By Sharmain Grainger There are some things we like just the way they are because they yield the desired results. Usually this means that something is effective without interference. These things can be evident in just about any aspect of human existence. But then there are other things that demand we remedy with urgency if we are to gain results of an acceptable level. Many times we procrastinate and often end up losing in the long run. From all indications that is if the Commission of Inquiry [COI] into the education system is to be accepted wholeheartedly - this is exactly what has persisted over the years in our public education system. While there are many laudable things happening, there are far too many that have been allowed to continue unhindered that have not served the system well. There have been many glaring instances that were highlighted recently by COI Chairman, Mr. Ed. Caesar. Caesar seems to have been an ideal choice to have led the process, as he has an in-depth and very comprehensive understanding of the public education methods having served for years in the system, even as a Chief Education Officer. He has been able to speak with clarity about the do and don’ts to enable the efficient functioning of the system and seems very optimistic that should the Education Ministry implement the recommendations that are provided by the COI, the system will be well on its way to recovery. A preliminary report has already been handed over to Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, and a final report, Caesar had said, was to follow shortly. There have been many ‘eyebrow-raising’ issues outlined in the preliminary
COI Chairman, Ed Caesar report. Many have showcased how taxpayers’ monies have been ill-utilised. Infrastructure challenges have been among them. Such issues have long been faced by the education sector, and it was certainly one that was amplified in many ways in the preliminary report. Based on the findings of the COI, taxpayers’ monies are sometimes spent to construct schools in areas where they are not even needed. This is evident by the construction of schools, for instance, in the Berbice River area, that accommodate a mere eight or 10 students. It is not at all surprising that millions would have, over the years, been allotted for the construction of schools in communities that barely have a handful of school-aged children. It is however very troubling. Who are the advisers behind such projects in a country that is still depending on loans and donors to undertake some developmental projects? Although we certainly cannot renege on our mission to achieve universal primary and secondary education, it absolutely must be done with critical
thinking on our side. According to Caesar, it has been found that “we are constructing school buildings, r emoving schools, so to speak, and renaming schools without them being gazetted...and pay sheets are being written in the names of these schools that don’t really exist.” Now this is tantamount to a higher level of lawlessness that has been allowed to continue for so long that, to many, it just might appear to be normal. The designs of schools have also been an infrastructural issue of grave concern. Again, based on the findings of the COI, there are schools that are constructed that do not benefit from proper designs, thus r e n d e r i n g them inadequate for the teaching/learning process. “There are schools that we have gone to [and] after a few minutes we were soaked. The best one, so to speak, the St John the Baptist Primary School in Bartica, [on] both walls of the schools there are eight or nine fans, on each side, and we had like four [more] behind us as Commissioners [but]... we were not [just] perspiring but sweating; we were drenched,” recalled Caesar. According to Caesar, the situation at the Bartica, Region Seven School is in fact not unique. However, he observed that even with unsatisfactory conditions, teachers and students are expected to function at an optimum. “That is the environment that we expect our young people to perform academically...how unfair or unreasonable are we?” questioned Caesar. “We must allow ourselves to understand where schools should be built. Let’s ask people, let’s ask the communities,” he stressed. For this reason, it has been proposed that much thought and wisdom be utilised when public schools are being con-
The Baccoo Speaks The pressure on some people actually causes them to do strange things. There is going to be a surprising twist to the protest against value added tax on tuition fees. One parent is going to seek some return for the tax only to be told that the government is to be blamed. However, it is to be found that many of the schools are not even transferring the tax to the government, choosing to use it as additional income. **
The recent murder in Linden is going to spark a further look at reports to the police about abuse. Some ranks actually ignore the reports given that many come from a
society in which abuse is accepted. However, social pressure is going to force the change, even to the point that some ranks are going to be disciplined. ** Another drug bust has been recorded and as is expected, there is going to be talk about an execution. Investigators are going to focus on a recent killing, linking it to the drug bust. The belief is that there is always an execution whenever there is a drug bust.
structed. Based on the information gathered by the Commission, Caesar said, the Commissioners have every reason to believe that there should be some agency or some section of the Education Ministry responsible for school designs and construction. According to Caesar, “we have got to be very careful how we do things.” He pointed out, for example, that “It is felt, based on statements made in the hinterland, when schools are to be built in the hinterland, people in the hinterland who know about ventilation and breeze and so on, must be involved.” Other infrastructural shortcomings have been linked to repairs and rehabilitation of schools. “If there is no such programme, where
are we going? We also have to look at dormitories... some of them for teachers and students are in dire need of repairs,” said Caesar as he pointed out, “We also have to look at who occupy the dormitories.” In a dormitory in Mahdia, Region Eight, for example, the best as far as the region is concerned, the most proficient Maths teacher is reportedly housed in a “2x2 room” punishing. “This is a teacher who we expect to perform in the classroom, and we are aware that he is inconvenienced...also other teachers are there wanting to be housed and can’t be housed, because persons who are not in the education system are in the building,” said Caesar. “There are persons who are not teachers and who
know to utilise other substances that are living in the dorms, in the best rooms! What are we doing? The Department of Education must take action,” asserted Caesar, even as he stressed the need for a great deal to be done. According to Caesar, the Ministry, even as he examines infrastructure issues, has to guard against constructing school buildings that do not cater to those who are differently able. “We must not build any school that doesn’t allow those who are physically challenged to enter. We have to give thought always to persons who may come with crutches, who may be in wheelchairs, who cannot see properly and so on. Let us prepare our schools so that those persons can also enter our buildings,” said Caesar.
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Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
Bullets for a banker -why did someone execute Thomas Orderson? By Michael Jordan If the man lying motionless near the white Mitsubishi Lancer had been some shady underworld figure, then it would have been understandable that he would have died the way he did. But the victim was Thomas Orderson; a respectable, law-abiding family man with a loving wife and four children. He was also an assistant manager at a leading bank. Bank managers don’t often end up dead on the seawall with bullets in their chests. Death was the last thing on the minds of the Orderson household on Sunday, December 4, 2005. It was still three weeks away from Christmas, but Thomas Orderson and his wife, Jillian, were already making preparations for the festive season. The couple did some shopping that morning, then returned to their Meadowbrook home at around 14:00 hrs. About an hour later, Mr. Orderson informed his wife that he was going out with some friends, one of whom was celebrating his birthday. Mr. Orderson himself had cel-
ebrated his forty-sixth birthday just a week before. The friends went to a Soesdyke/Linden Highway creek, before returning to Georgetown at around 21:00 hrs. According to one of the friends, they all headed home after that. Sometime during the night, Jillian Orderson called her husband on his cellular phone and he responded by saying that he would be home soon. But within an hour of that call, Thomas Orderson was a dead man. It was sometime around 22:30 hrs that police at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, received information that the body of a man was lying near the Kingston Seawall, just behind the National Insurance Scheme Sports Club ground. On arriving at the scene, detectives observed the corpse of a man of African ancestry, dressed in jeans and grey sweater, lying next to a white Mitsubishi Lancer, licence number PJJ 1221. Someone had shot him twice in the right side of the chest. One of the car’s windows had been shattered. Robbery was clearly not
Thomas Orderson the motive. The victim was wearing two gold rings, while his cellular phone and other items were intact. The detectives were left to conclude that this was yet another execution-style killing. A handgun had been used to carry out the act. The shots had apparently been discharged from outside the car. A bank card identified the slain man as Thomas Orderson, an assistant manager at Citizens Bank and Honorary President of the Georgetown Football League. Bad news travels fast, and the banking fraternity re-
ceived the grim news a few hours after it had occurred. Orderson’s colleagues all reacted with disbelief. One friend thought that he had received a crank call and hung up the phone. But just to make sure, he dialed Mr. Orderson’s cell phone. He realized that something was seriously wrong when Orderson failed to answer and the family’s land line rang out. The victim’s wife, Jillian Orderson, was awakened by her 14-year-old daughter to answer the phone. The caller informed Mrs. Orderson that someone had shot her husband and requested that she go to the Georgetown Public Hospital to collect his belongings. As the news of Orderson’s death continued to circulate, the question everyone was asking was: who would want to execute the assistant bank manager? Friends and colleagues all regarded Mr. Orderson as a hardworking and honest man who would help anyone who went to him for assistance. But many said that if Thomas Orderson had one fault, it was that he always spoke his mind. As Honorary President of the Georgetown Football League, he was frequently in verbal scraps with officials in the football fraternity, particularly when he felt that things were not being done to his standards. Detectives were told that one verbal dispute had led to a former member of the Guyana Football Federation issuing death threats against Orderson and his family. In a letter dated November 24, 2008 to the General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation, Orderson claimed that the GFF member told him: “I have people who will rape your family and burn your home…and it will only take four gunmen to take you out.” Police said that the threats were never reported to them. On Saturday, December 10, 2005, detectives questioned a former football coach, about the threats. The man denied killing Orderson or issuing the threats, and was released after giving a statement. In an interview with Kaieteur News, the former football coach conceded that he had had a verbal dispute
with Orderson at a football ground, but denied that he had issued any threats against the bank official. According to him, Orderson had “made enemies with a lot of people”, whom he did not name. ”I know that I ain’t kill he, and God know that I ain’t kill he,” the man said. In the initial stages of their investigation, the detectives even detained one of Orderson’s friends, after receiving information that the man’s car was seen on the seawall around the time that Orderson was slain. They soon concluded that this was a false lead and released the friend. EYEWITNESS? They then managed to track down a woman who appeared to have vital information about Orderson’s death. According to the woman, she was in the vicinity of the seawall that Sunday night with a male companion, when she saw a car drive up to Mr. Orderson’s vehicle. She said that the occupants discharged gunshots at Mr. Orderson’s vehicle before driving away. The woman alleged that she fled the scene and could not identify the gunmen or the car. Then the trail appeared to lead to New Amsterdam, Berbice. It was there that police arrested a man who was suspected to be involved in shady transactions. Their information suggested that the man had arranged Orderson’s execution. But after questioning him at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, the police were forced to release their suspect, since they had failed to implicate him. The detectives were now right back where they had started; with no clear motive, and no suspects. Detectives who spoke to Kaieteur News said that they are still no closer to identifying his killers. “One or two people were hinting that they knew things, but they were not coming forward,” one investigator said. In 2008, a police source said
that ballistics tests conducted on bullet casings found at the Kingston seawall area where Orderson was slain, matched those that police had retrieved from a robbery in the city involving a female victim. The police official said that the robbery occurred sometime before Orderson was killed. Nothing came out of that lead. So, the questions remain. Why was this respectable assistant bank manager executed? Who are his killers? What was he doing at the Kingston seawall that night? Did someone lure him there or trail him to the spot? Unanswered questions like these have taken their toll on the Orderson family, particularly on the victim’s father, Bertie Orderson. According to family members, Orderson’s father “went to great lengths” to find his son’s killers. However, he suffered a stroke and eventually passed away. Family members are convinced that the pain of losing his son affected the elder man’s health and eventually caused his demise. Jillian Orderson has told me she doesn’t believe that her husband’s killers will ever face justice. “Right now I have given up hope that anything will come out of it,” she said. “We are hearing different things, how somebody was paid to do it. Today you would hear it had to do with football, and tomorrow somebody will tell you something else, so you just let it go.” And despite recent police success in cracking several cold cases, another relative feels that it would be practically futile for family members to approach the present police hierarchy in an attempt to get to the bottom of this 12-year-old mystery. According to the relative, one reason for this reluctance is that reopening the investigation would only cause the family to relive the trauma of Mr. Orderson’s death. “I don’t think it would make any sense (us asking for the case to be reopened), but if they decide to do it on their own, I would co-operate.” If you have any further information on this case or any other, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street office or by telephone. We can be reached on telephone numbers 22-58458, 2258465, 22-58473, or 22-58491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : mjdragon@hotmail.com.
Sunday May 21, 2017
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Kaieteur News
We are nothing but shadow and mist Here are some of the lyrics from the theme song of the movie, “Last Tango in Paris,” definitely the second greatest existentialist film ever made after the Italian masterpiece, “La Dolce Vita.” “We don’t exist We are nothing but shadow and mist In the mirror we look as we pass No reflection’s revealed in the glass Don’t you know that the blood in your vein is as lifeless as yesterday’s rain? It’s a game where we come to conceal - the confusion we feel” This is one of my all-time favourite philosophical songs that so vividly inform the mind that everything in life is fleeting. Tennessee Williams put it so poignantly when he wrote in “The Milk Train Does Stop Here Anymore” that each step we take in the present immediately becomes the past.” People with power, status and wealth need to understand that les-
son of human existence. Everything in life is fleeting and one day fate turns you into a shadow. I wonder what is going through the mind of former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy. He was the ‘blingbling’ president that married a European superstar singer while he was president and hobnobbed with the wealthy French classes. He lost in his reelection bid, then, failed in the recent French primaries. The French hardly remember Sarkozy. In his ostentatious days, Sarkozy failed to bear in mind that we are simply shadow and mist. Megastar of the fifties and sixties, Elizabeth Taylor (incidentally she starred with her husband, Richard Burton, in the film version of the “The Milk Train Does Stop Here Anymore,” under the title “Boom!”) didn’t want to grow older. She grabbed on to the coattail of the younger superstars, of which Michael Jackson stood out. I remember watching Tina Sinatra on ‘60 Minutes’ speaking about her
father, Frank, another megastar of the fifties and sixties. She said Sinatra was an unhappy man because he didn’t want to grow older and couldn’t stop being in the limelight, so he performed until he got sickly and frail. She told 60 Minutes; “It is funny how you delude yourself.” I think of Hamilton Green, Bharrat Jagdeo, Kellawan Lall and others who like, Sinatra deluded themselves into thinking life is permanent and the sweet-smelling rose they wear on their lapel will never welter. I grew up in social activism with Hamilton Green as perhaps the country’s most powerful man. Whereas Forbes Burnham was the cultured face of the PNC Government, Green represented the strong arm symbol of PNC power. Green tolerated no criticism and anti-government protestors were reminded of that. It was an intriguing read to digest, with Green in 2017 lamenting his precarious financial standing since 1992 when the PNC lost power.
I remember when I came back from studies abroad in 1984, Mr. Burnham was still president, Green was still powerful, but the rising oligarch was presidential advisor, Elvin Mc David. Mc David’s power was almost equal to Green. Married to a white, Jamaican woman that he loved to parade to the public, Mc David was the custodian of PNC power. One afternoon I was jogging on the seawall in the vicinity of Subryanville. Mc David was strolling on the wall with a school of bodyguards. In his hand he carried a long black whip. This was your typical Latin American man on horseback. Mc David grew older and alone in his Queenstown home. He always requested that I come and chat with him. For some ungodly reason, Mc David would open up to me. Months before he died, he became obese and could hardly see. In chasing away some mischievous youths in his yard, he fell and his spectacles cut his eye and blinded
him. Mc David didn’t accept that we humans are just shadow and mist. I saw Bharrat Jagdeo in 2016 with Odinga Lumumba at the Oasis Café. No one looked at him. His face was directed downwards at the table while Lumumba spoke in hushed tones. This most powerful man in Guyana from 1999-2015 had become a figure that no one noticed. Kellawan Lall was as powerful as any PPP Minister. A few months ago, I saw him at the Bourda Green buying fruits. He had a bent, tiny frame; the shirt-jack was crumpled and besmirched. He could easily have been mistaken for a homeless gentleman. Finally, after leaving my mechanic in Bel Air village, I drove through the street where the parents of Khurshid Sattaur live.
Frederick Kissoon Khurshid was on the bridge, he came up to the moving car, held on to it and shouted to me. More on this in another column. *** APOLOGY; Mr. Robert Corbin called me to say he was never charged by the Hoyte Government. I regret the mistake; an apology is offered.
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Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
THIS GOVERNMENT IS PRO-UNION (This is the third and final segment of the speech delivered to the nation’s workers on Labour Day 2017 by Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman for the Government of Guyana. In the last segment he had said that the Government was
happy that “we have been able to fulfill many of the promises made in our 2015 manifesto under the heading “Industrial Relations and Labour Welfare”. He cited the restoration of Collective Bargaining with the Unions and raising the minimum wage
portfolio for the public and private sectors. Today we conclude his discourse. ) “The combined effects of these initiatives have positively impacted the lives of the nation’s workforce. Without doubt, trade unions have
a strategic role to play in every democratic society, and we believe that it is time to adopt a new approach in the conduct of union-government affairs. Having regard to the fact that Labour Day is Workers’ Day, these celebrations are
organized and executed by workers’ representative including the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUG). History has shown that the TUC has always played a critical role in these May Day observances. The TUC, as the record shows, was formed in 1944, and from 1951 it led the charge and maintained the focus of May Day observances every year. The theme which was chosen to mark today’s celebration, “Organizing: A necessary prerequisite in building a strong Trade Union movement” suggests that there is still work to be done. It tells us all that there is awareness that there is no time for slacking off. I believe that all reasonable and right-thinking Guyanese will join me in congratulating the trade union movement, more particularly the GTUC and FITUG, for coming together to have one unified rally for the second consecutive year after so many years of separation. Trade Unions are indeed the chief stakeholder in every initiative we have undertaken, but I am not sure that you have done all that you could to support and effect the level of change necessary for sustained economic development. Comrades, I submit that it is indeed time to re-organise in order that trade unionism could maintain it relevance in this 21st Century. There is an abundance of evidence which indicates that the influence and effectiveness of trade unions are declining at an alarming rate in North America, Europe, Australia, Canada and Guyana, among other states. Unions are looking for other means of survival instead of relying on union membership as an indicator of the relevance, and for sustenance. I find the following statement in the Canadian publication, the WINDSOR STAR, to be quite informative. Under the caption, “Rates of Unionized Workers falling; more women than men in
unions”, the author, Carolyn Thompson said: “Today a union member is slightly more likely to be a woman, and working in an office, school or hospital, while factory workers, miners and other blue-collar trades, have seen their union membership fall over the past quarter century”. These observations are neither unique nor specific to the UK. They are equally applicable to many countries, including Guyana, where women make up a significant portion of the labour force. In a short while, we celebrate womanhood and motherhood on Mother’s Day, so the Government of Guyana takes this opportunity to again salute our women in the workforce, and say “Thank You for your labours which never cease, from the home to office, from field to factory”. With more women joining the Labour force, particularly in areas which were traditionally dominated by men, trade unions have to prepare and align themselves to place and treat issues of gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace in positions of priority. These issues are all-important and they will not be side-stepped or swept under any rug. We are particularly pleased to recognize that the current President of the GTUC is a woman, and it is my sincere hope that in the coming years, we will find even more women in high leadership positions within the trade union movement. I thank you and may God bless the workers of Guyana, the Trade Unions and this dear and green land of ours.” Happy 51st Independence Day greetings from the Alliance for Change to every Guyanese citizen. It matters not that you live within these 83,000 square miles, or outside of it in the diaspora. The AFC’s most fervent wish is for your continued good health and fervent participation in the growth of our nation state.
Sunday May 21, 2017
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Kaieteur News
My column
Business is not bad. The businesses are moving out of Georgetown President David Granger is bent on pursuing a programme that would ensure a good life for all. In the face of talk about unemployment there is increasing employment. It may not be recognized, but more people are working. The unfortunate thing is that people are still refusing jobs under the pretext that they do not want “that job.� Many young people feel that they should all work in offices, even though they are not so qualified. So bent are they on getting what they want, that they do not take time to take what is available and work for what they want. Many do not even seek to enhance their qualifications. They seem stuck in what they have done. It is the same with the business community. Many continue to do the same thing in the face of dwindling response from the consumer. The result is that they contend that business is bad, that there is a slowdown in the economy.
Of interest is the growth of the country. In recent years there has been a major population shift away from the city. The development of new housing schemes is responsible for this. I am seeing massive growth in communities like Parika, Diamond, West Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara and parts of East Bank Demerara. In fact, the growth of business centres is so extensive that at first it passed unnoticed. I had the opportunity to travel along coastal Guyana and I was amazed at the number of people who now visit these new business centres. When the Demerara Harbour Bridge reported a six per cent drop in traffic, like many others, I blamed the parking meter system. The truth is that people simply decided to shop in their communities. And there is good reason. For starters, some of the prices match those in the city, and in some cases, the prices are lower. The range of goods is as wide as can be seen anywhere. To add to the situation
is the fact that there is often no need for expensive transportation. I also saw those with adequate mobility travelling to the business centres outside the city because of people’s need to visit other places if only for a change. Suffice it to say, those out of town businesses are doing fairly well, to the extent that some are expanding their operations. I would expect that the Private Sector Commission would reach out to these new businesses, but that is not the case at this time, because for decades, Georgetown was considered the place to set up business. I am aware of thriving businesses even at Charity. I have seen the crowds that descend on that Pomeroon community at weekends. This development was a long time coming. For as long as I could remember there was a move to expand the business centres of the country. There was even talk of moving the capital, but that was more because of geological
reasons. Georgetown is below sea level and the rising Atlantic was predicted. The view was that if the capital could be moved to high ground then the international community operating here would not have to worry about being flooded out. It is also not surprising that the foreign currency problem that was so touted a few weeks ago has all but disappeared. Those business centres outside the city had to ensure their continued existence, and they did what they had to do. They bypassed those institutions that threatened their very existence. Of interest is the creation of jobs for people in the communities in which these business centres operate. Georgetown is no longer the be all and end all of things Guyanese. It was once so prominent and perhaps it still is that people who live abroad, when asked where they were from, merely said GT. People understood that they were from Guyana.
Georgetown was Guyana. Now the price of land in the new business centres has risen to levels that once was reserved for real estate in the city. Guyana is changing for the better. It is therefore not surprising that the government, recognizing the shift in economic activity, is spending money on infrastructure in these new business centres. On Thursday when Minister Joseph Harmon held his press conference, he announced a raft of contracts in various parts of the country. Immediately I asked about the employment opportunities that these contracts would realize. That has long been my pet peeve. I always believed that if some work was being done in a given community, then the people from that community should benefit. Mr. Harmon said that the aim of such programmes is to help some communities to enjoy the benefits of the contracts, in addition to keeping an eye on the work being done. I am going to see mas-
Adam Harris sive infrastructure works in those parts of the country where the new business communities have sprung up. But there is more to all this, there is the acknowledgement that Guyana is growing at a good pace. I could only imagine the heightened tempo when oil comes. The money is not going to be concentrated in one part of the country. For example, the constructions are not going to be seen only in Georgetown.
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Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
National development for the benefit of all the people On May 16, 2015 His Excellency Brigadier David Granger was sworn in as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the coalition of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) entered office. The coalition came to office with a mandate to establish an inclusionary democracy, restore transparent and accountable governance while placing emphasis on national development for the benefit of all the people of Guyana. The Coalition promised to implement a sustained programme of healing, reconciliation and social integration of the nation, setting the nation on a path where all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity and geography, can feel fully motivated to be proud of our nation and afforded an opportunity to make meaningful contribu-
tions to the society, while successfully caring for themselves and family. The establishment of the Ministry of Social Cohesion signaled the APNU+AFC’s commitment to the creation of a Guyana in which all citizens can live productive lives free from the ravages of poverty, secure in their homes and in their communities, and enjoy the benefits of political, social, economic and cultural development. Over the past two years the coalition has been working assiduously to keep the many promises made, and by any measure we have been successful. When we came to office in 2015, Guyana was a country of unsolved crimes and non-convicted criminals. The coalition promised to confront serious crimes (both white and blue collar) and the latest statistics from the Guyana Police Force show that serious crime has decreased by four percent compared to the
same period last year. In our Manifesto we promised an increase in social assistance and old age pension for the elderly. Upon assumption of office in 2015, the coalition increased pensions from $13,125 to $17,000. In 2016, it was again increased from $17,000 to $18,200 and in 2017 this amount was raised to $19,000. In addition to the pension increase, the elderly have also benefitted from government’s exemption from paying travelling tax, when travelling overseas on a Guyanese passport. They are also now exempted from paying for a driver’s licence. Further, Budget 2017 also provides for the elderly to be removed from paying passport fees. Guyana is too large to be effectively or efficiently managed by a central government. Article 71(1) and 74(1) of our Constitution provide for devolution of power and specifically entrust the task of managing and devel-
opment of communities to their residents and their respective local democratic organs. On March 18, 2016, after an absence of over two decades, local government elections were held in Guyana. These elections will continue to be held as constitutionally mandated. Over the past two years the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has increased the access to reliable potable water to many communities. Many areas all across the nation are now receiving potable water for the very first time. Communities like Sophia now boast asphalted roads, lights and potable water for the very first time. During our 2015 campaign we promised to end the highly inequitable and unjust tax system and to implement tax relief by reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT); increase the personal Income Tax threshold (in a phased approach), reduce the toll for passenger vehicles on the Berbice Bridge and rationalize the VAT and excise duties on motor vehicles and on diesel. We also promised to strengthen and review the administration of fiscal concessions and end the concessions to privileged groups (simply because of their association with the government). So far, substantive action has been taken on all of these matters. VAT has been reduced to 14% and the toll has been reduced on the Berbice Bridge. With regard to public expenditure, we were convinced that there was need for better procurement measures and prom-
ised the early appointment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), strict monitoring and expenditure controls, greater bang for taxpayer buck and regular reviews of Public Sector Investment Programmes. In this regard, we have appointed a PPC and the economy is being managed in such a way so as to produce wider entrepreneurial and job opportunities and more equitable outcomes. In the industrial relations sector, we have restored collective bargaining throughout the public sector and Public servants have enjoyed an increase in their wages and salaries. In 2015 the minimum wage was raised to $50,000, an increase of between 17.1 percent and 26.4 percent, depending on whether the employee was receiving $39,540 or $42, 703. In December 2015 all public servants were paid a one-off, Tax-free $50,000. The government and the unions continue to negotiate further increases in emoluments. The way forward for the sugar industry in Guyana was an important plank of our 2015 platform, and as promised, we convened a Commission of Inquiry into the operations of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and met with all of the stakeholders. Based on these consultations a ‘White Paper’ was laid in the National Assembly outlining the future of the sugar industry in Guyana. The APNU+AFC promised to engage in urgent consultations for the develop-
ment of policies for the conservation of our fragile and unique ecosystems and environmental areas. President Granger has since signed the Paris agreement and has articulated the frame work for a ‘Green’ Guyana. A new department of the Environment has been established and two million hectares has been committed for conservation. In the legislature, several Acts have been passed over the past two years, all aimed at strengthening the system of governance in Guyana. These include the AntiMoney laundering and Countering the Finance of Terrorism Bill 2015, Constitution Amendment Bill 2015, Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Bill 2015, Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2015, Local Authorities (elections) Amendment Act 2015, Telecommunications Act 2016, State Asset Recovery Act 2017 and several others. The Coalition continues to work to bring a good life to all Guyanese, we now have a Youth Policy and a Cultural policy will soon be laid in the National Assembly. Passport services are now decentralized. Capital towns have been established in three regions and several more will be established in the coming year. Three Hinterland community radio stations have been established and several more are slated to be rolled out in the next six months. Over 140 locations have been connected and provided secure internet access, 86 secondary schools, three Regional Education Officers, three Cyril Potter College of Education branches, two University of Guyana locations, and six technical and vocational institutions now have reliable high-speed access to educational content in their computer laboratories. Over 51 ICT hubs have been established in regions all across the nation. Every country needs a professional and politically neutral public service to implement decisions and to advise the government of the day. Towards this end the Bertram Collins Public Service College was opened in November 2016. (“The APNU+AFC Coalition is the boldest step taken in six decades of our political history, a step to replace political hostility with unity; confrontation with cooperation; dictatorship with democracy. The Coalition has chosen hope over despair and faith over fear.”(David Granger, APNU+AFC Manifesto message)
Sunday May 21, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Anxiety Disorder: The missed illness
Dr. Zulfikar Bux By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Our mind can be our greatest friend and yet it can become our biggest enemy. Persons who suffer with anxiety disorders tend to be fighting their minds more often than anything else in their lives. The reality is that we all get anxious from time to time; when speaking in public for instance or during a personal financial difficulty. We tend to worry and become stressed and depressed. Then we get over our worries and move on with our lives. Unfortunately, for persons with anxiety it’s not t h a t e a s y. T h e i r m i n d s worry so often that it begins to take over their lives. How common is anxiety? We may think that it’s not a big deal and it’s not something we have to worry about. Anxiety is a true medical condition and affects 18% of the population in the United States. I am quite certain that we are not that far off here in Guyana. As common as it is in the U.S, only one-third of those suffering receive treatment. My worry is that quite a
number of persons in Guyana are not even sure that they have an anxiety disorder. Either they are not sure of what’s going on with them and blame another medical condition, or they are bewildered by their anxiety and abuse medications, drugs, alcohol, others, or sometimes become so overwhelmed that they commit suicide. SYMPTOMS/SIGNS OF ANXIETY Persons suffering from anxiety may have one or more of the following signs/symptoms: · Excessive worrying – this is the hallmark of anxiety. Persons with anxiety disorder tend to worry about everyday things, large and small, for most days of their lives. · Sleep problems – persons with anxiety tend to take their worries to bed regularly. They end up having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. · Muscle tension – anxiety sufferers tend to have near constant muscle aches and stiffness and are prone to muscle and ligament injuries during activity. · Chronic indigestion - anxiety sufferers are at risk of having irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by stomach aches, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and/or diarrhea. · Stage fright – The fear of addressing a group of persons is so strong in some anxiety sufferers that it overwhelms them. Even if they end up addressing the group, they worry about the event constantly after. · Self-consciousness – persons with anxiety disorder
tend to feel like all eyes are on them, and they often experience blushing, trembling, nausea, profuse sweating, or difficulty talking. · Constant panic attacks – a panic attack is a sudden, gripping feeling of fear and helplessness that can last for several minutes, accompanied by scary physical symptoms such as breathing problems, a pounding or racing heart,
tingling or numb hands, sweating, weakness or dizziness, chest pain, stomach pain, and feeling hot or cold. Persons with anxiety tend to have repeated panic attacks. · Recurrent flashbacks – someone with anxiety may constantly relive traumatic moments of their life and get depressed over it. · Self-doubt – Persistent self-doubt and second-
guessing is a common feature of anxiety disorders. · Feeling of not belonging – a person with anxiety disorder often feels they are different from everyone and can isolate themselves. Over time they may develop suicidal thoughts which if not addressed, can lead to them taking their lives during a stressful situation. We all may have one
or more of the mentioned signs and symptoms from time to time. A person with an anxiety disorder has to repeatedly experience these episodes, which often overwhelms them. If left untreated, anxiety sufferers can become a victim of their mind and it can lead to catastrophic consequences for them and their loved ones.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 21, 2017
matched that of the soldier. It is suspected that the soldier was the one towing the ‘trigger man’ at the time Alexander was gunned down.
SUNDAY RASUL’S GOLD DEALING LICENCE SUSPENDED Authorities have not renewed the licences for embattled Bartica gold dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul. Officials of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), last weekend, confirmed that several gold dealing licences have been given the green light for this year, but not for Rasul’s company, SSS Minerals Trading. This is because of money laundering accusations against the businessman for which there is an ongoing investigation. It means that Rasul will have no authority to buy, sell or trade in gold pending the outcome of the investigations. The officials indicated that the monitoring, to ensure that everything is above board, will be conducted by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), GGB and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). However, it appears from photo evidence this past week that Rasul’s operations were continuing at both his Bartica, Region Seven offices, and at the one in Kitty, Georgetown. Persons were seen going in and out. It is unclear where the gold purchased by Rasul and his company was sold. Rasul was arrested late March after the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) filed police complaints that he had allegedly defrauded them some $960M, said to be one of the biggest losses by a local bank in recent years. According to the bank, Rasul deposited several cheques drawn on his Citizens Bank account to the GBTI branch at Bartica. A GBTI manager, without carrying out the necessary checks on ensuring the cheques were cleared or had funds, authorized payment to the tune of $956M in a space of a few days in late March. Several of Rasul’s employees and business associates were held for cashing those cheques. Rasul had allegedly not told GBTI that his account at Citizens Bank had been closed a few days before because of suspicious transactions. The bank manager had been sent home and has been cooperating with police over the matter. Rasul was later slapped with several fraud charges and placed on $3M bail. MONDAY SOLVING OF HOMICIDES AT ALL-TIME HIGH AS… COPS CRACK 83 PERCENT OF REPORTED MURDER CASES FOR YEAR -CRIME CHIEF BLANHUM Continuing an impressive trend from last year, the Guyana Police Force has solved most of the murders that have occurred so far in 2017. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum released statistics last Sunday which revealed that investigators ‘closed’
COPS ARREST BUSINESSMAN OVER $550M COCAINE IN TIMBER - MORE LUMBER, DVR SEIZED, AS BIKER AND OTHER SUSPECT REMAIN ON THE RUN
a whopping 83 percent of the murders that occurred between January and May 12 of this year. Blanhum noted that homicide is one of the Force’s top investigative priorities from among the 11 categories of serious crimes. “For the period January 1 to May 12, 2017, unfortunately and tragically, 41 persons were victims of homicide, as compared to 55 for the same period in 2016. Comparatively, this translates to a 25 percent reduction, or 14 less victims for this year, when compared to the previous year, 2016. “Further, the statistics indicate a clearance rate for homicides for the year 2017 is at an all-time high which is 83 percent. This means that 83 percent of the murder reports received for the year 2017 were solved by the GPF. These figures represent a significant accomplishment for the GPF in achieving its mandate to detect crime,” the Crime Chief added. However, Blanhum acknowledged that “the reality is that these figures are no comfort to the victims who have lost their lives and the families of the victims who lost a loved one.” “Nevertheless, we are cognizant of our duty and obligation to investigate all reported cases of homicide with a view to ascertaining the facts of what exactly transpired during these incidents of unlawful acts perpetrated by both ruthless and violent criminals and also through interpersonal violence. The GPF has a duty to provide answers to the grieving relatives and to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested, charged and placed before the Court.” “The GPF will continue to rely on the public for their support to effectively prevent and detect crime, since we could not have achieved many of our past accomplishments exclusively.” Detectives literally had to dig deep to solve two gruesome murders. In late March, police unearthed the remains of 39year-old housewife, Lilwantie Balack, from a grave in the family’s backyard, some eight
months after she had vanished. TUESDAY JAGDEO’S DEFENCE OF PETROCARIBE FUND USE CONTRADICTS PUBLIC RECORD – CLAIMS US$115M TRANSFERRED WITHOUT LOAN AGREEMENT WASA GRANT; RECORDS SHOW IT WAS A LOAN At a press conference he hosted at his Church Street Office on Monday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government did nothing wrong when it transferred US$115 from the PetroCaribe to the Guyana Power and Light. In fact, he said that his government had the prerogative to spend, “all US$600M.” Jagdeo said that the money was not loaned to GPL, but was given to offset major projects that Guyanese continue to benefit from. However, the Public Debt Report that Minister of Finance Winston Jordan released last year indicated otherwise. That document stated that GPL was the only state-owned agency that benefitted from an onlent loan. It stated that the loan was sourced from the PetroCaribe fund. It also noted that as of the end of 2015, GPL repaid less than one percent of that loan. The content of that document was never before debated by the PPP. And while Jagdeo said that the money given to GPL was reflected in estimates, he took no proof of that to the press conference. SOLDIER CHARGED WITH SOPHIA BREAD VENDOR’S KILLING Twenty-year-old Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Private Shaqeil Grant was Monday remanded to prison for the murder of Sophia bread vendor, Andre Alexander, who was shot dead by bandits during a robbery at ‘C’ Field Sophia, Georgetown. Appearing before Magistrate
Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, Grant of 345 Section ‘B’ Turkeyen, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on May 5, last, he murdered Alexander. Alexander, of Lot 394 ‘C’ Field Sophia, died around 23:00hrs two Fridays ago during surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The attack occurred around 20.30hrs at the victim’s bread stand, which is situated about four doors from his home. Police said that Alexander was at his bread stand when two men rode up on a motorcycle. The pillion rider requested three loaves of bread and paid with a $5000 note. It was reported that while Alexander was in the process of making change, the ‘customer’ whipped out a gun and demanded cash. When Alexander put up a fight, the robber discharged two rounds, one of which struck the vendor in the stomach. The two men relieved their victim of his cash and also escaped with three loaves of bread. The murder accused will make another court appearance on June 8 at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Courts. Based on reports, the GDF rank was arrested after cops received a tip-off. The description the police received of one of the gunmen
Police ranks on Monday arrested West Coast Demerara businessman, Tazim Gafoor in connection with G$550M worth in cocaine that was discovered in timber on May 12 at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo. Gafoor was held while coming off a boat at the Parika, East Bank Essequibo stelling around 18:30 hrs. In a release Monday, the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) stated that Commander Leslie James of the Force’s ‘D’ Division and his ranks “ably arrested and handed over Tazim Gafoor to ranks of CANU.” CANU secured extensions of time to further keep in custody Nazim Gafoor and Hakim Mohamed pending further investigations. Tazim is the son of race car driver, Nazim Gafoor, who, along with Hakim Mohamed, was detained last Friday in connection with the massive bust. CANU has since secured extensions of time to further detain Nazim Gafoor and Hakim Mohamed, pending further investigations. ”Both Tazim Gafoor and his son Nazim Gafoor have retained Counsel and are not assisting in (Continued on page 33)
Sunday May 21, 2017
(From page 32) investigations,” a CANU release stated. In addition, the release stated that CANU also seized another batch of lumber, as well as a Digital Video Recording Device (DVR) which may hold crucial evidence. ”CANU has a Digital Video Recording device, retrieved from Nazim Gafoor at Vreed-en-Hoop, WBD, and hope to find material of evidential value after due analysis. ”There was a batch of related dressed wood from the very shipper that had already made it onto the wharf, same was retrieved by CANU and each board is currently being drilled by ranks in the compound, thus far no further narcotics were found on the ones examined.” CANU at the time was preparing to issue a wanted bulletin for bike racer, Steven Vieira and saw mill owner, Naraine Lall. WEDNESDAY JAGDEO LYINGABOUT GPL’S FINANCIAL POSITION “Totally incorrect,” said Chairman of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Board of Directors, Robert Badal. This was Badal’s response when asked to comment on the veracity of statements made by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo to the effect that GPL has $20B “sitting in an account.” At his most recent press conference, Jagdeo said that GPL has accumulated the sum “because they did not lower the price of electricity when the price of fuel fell on the world market, so they are reaping.” Jagdeo added, “They have collected from ordinary citizens, and our businessmen, some $20B more than they should have collected in two years from us, and it is sitting in an account at GPL.” This was not the first time Jagdeo made statements along those lines. Back in 2016, just after Minister of Finance Winston Jordan presented that year’s National Budget, Jagdeo told the media that GPL had $5B “sitting in an account”. Over the months the figures he quoted has grown and is now at $20B. Badal has come on record to, once and for all, put an end to Jagdeo’s bold assertions. The Chairman said that Jagdeo is “pulling figures out of the air.” In an invited comment, Badal said that GPL does not have that amount of money in any account. He also stated that Jagdeo’s utterances that GPL’s good cash standing exists only as a result of lowered oil prices and that the benefits of lowered prices have not been passed on to consumers, are also false and misleading. The Chairman said that soon after he was appointed, GPL’s Board, in April 2016, approved a 20 percent reduction in electricity rates in the form of 5 percent tariff reduction and a 15 percent fuel rebate. Badal went further to state that Jagdeo was being a hypocrite, as he knows very
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well that in years prior to the 2015 elections, no reduction was passed to the consumers, despite lowered fuel prices. The Chairman did not deny the fact that GPL has secured some amount of money as a result of the lowered prices, but said that he is not disposed to disclose GPL’s cash balance. ”GPL has achieved a significant improvement in its financial position and this will be revealed in its soon to be published annual report of 2016.” 20 YEARS FOR MAN WHO SET SON ALIGHT A 35-year-old East Canje man was on Tuesday sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment by Justice James Bovell-Drakes, in the Berbice High Court, for causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The act was committed on his son, who he set alight with methylated spirits two years ago, on May 7, 2015. Devendra Somwaru of 133 Gangaram Village, East Canje, was recently found guilty of the aforementioned charge and not guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder before a mixed jury in the High Court. Justice Drakes at Tuesday’s sentencing told Somwaru, that because of the extent of the burns received by the child, he accepted the doctor’s report on the injuries sustained. He further stated that he was saddened, because at no point in time during the trial did he (Somwaru) voluntarily admit that he was wrong, but instead made excuses. The judge further noted that the child did nothing; he just wanted to be loved, but instead got burnt by his father who is supposed to care for him. When the judge asked if it was his desire and resolution to quit consuming alcohol, Somwaru responded, “Yes Sir”. Before reading the sentence to Somwaru, the judge made a call to the accused to make a change during the time he will be spending behind bars. He told Somwaru to consider himself lucky, since
his actions could have resulted in the child’s death, with a stiffer penalty. Somwaru, who conducted his own defence, had told the court that on the day in question he had returned home after imbibing. He said that he had poured methylated spirits underneath his kitchen sink where there were cockroaches when his 11-year-old son Rickey Somwaru, who was sitting not far away attempted to put out the fire with his hands, when the fire caught hold of him, burning him in the process. The man and his son reportedly lived alone since the child had earlier lived with his mother, but after some infractions, he was sent to live with his father following a report by Child Care and Protection Agency. FAKE PANDITS RETURN His identification card from India says he is just 22. Yet his speech and confidence make him appear much, much older. He has the ability to put anyone at ease with his ready smile and appears right at home. Anand Kumar is one of several Indian “astrologers” operating in Demerara and he is guaranteeing 100 percent results for
his work. For several months now, television ads have been extolling the possibilities of solving serious issues from health and business problems, family and money matters, husband and wife challenges and even overcoming an “enemy” problem. It is estimated that the pandits are raking in millions monthly from the believers, who travel from all over the country, including Linden and the Essequibo Coast to even persons coming here from overseas. The Indian nationals have set up operations at Parika, East Bank Essequibo; Grove, East Bank Demerara; Fourth Street, Alberttown, and Craig Street, Campbellville. The presence of the “astrologers” has been attracting attention. In 2010, undercover work by this newspaper exposed one astrologer who was part of a group that took millions from unsuspecting persons, promising them to solve their problems. One day after being confronted, the man fled his David Street, Kitty apartment, with his “pandit” clothes, complete with beads and turban, later found abandoned in a hotel. They had taken an estimated $20M with them. The victims were too ashamed to talk about it.
THURSDAY BUST AT DIAMOND BOND…POLICE ARREST SEVERAL, SEIZE BUS LOAD OF PHARMACEUTICALS Eleven individuals, six men and
five women, were detained Wednesday evening following a police sting operation in the Diamond area. This publication was reliably informed that ranks from the Diamond Police Station, acting on information, were able to prevent a bus laden with pharmaceuticals from leaving the area. Reports suggest that over time, quantities of pharmaceuticals were found to be missing from the Bond, raising suspicions at the level of the Ministry of Public Health. Police were alerted to the situation. Moreover, police ranks were in sting operation mode on Wednesday and were able to observe when several boxes were removed from the Bond and placed into a facility in the compound. At the time, ranks were patrolling in a car and decided to park a street away which gave them a vantage point to observe the activities in the compound of the Bond. The ranks reportedly not only saw when the suspicious boxes were packed into a minibus but when a number of individuals boarded it too. According to reports, the police ranks were able to intercept the minibus before it left the Diamond area and the boxes were reportedly found packed securely under the seats of the bus. The boxes contained quantities of pharmaceuticals. This publication was not able to ascertain the types of drugs. All of the individuals were taken (Conrinued on page 34)
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activities etc,” the GRA said in its statement.
(From page 33) into police custody. CONFUSION SURROUNDS GRANTING OF DUTY FREE CONCESSIONS….GRA SAYS IT HAS POWERS TO APPROVE FOR STAFFERS
HUMAN REMAINS FOUND AMONG BURNT DEBRIS ON KURU KURU FARM – REMAINS SUSPECTED TO BE THAT OF MISSING FARM CARETAKER
Amidst questions over the importation and registration of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) by Customs Head, Lancelot Wills, earlier this year, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) broke its silence Wednesday, disclosing it granted the official permission. The entity insisted that it is a body corporate and semi-autonomous agency governed by a board, and that there is allowance for some amount of flexibility with the public service policy as it relates to travelling scales and allowances. However, GRA’s disclosure would raise serious questions, as it was Wills who had applied late last year to the Public Service Ministry for permission to import the 2008 Toyota Harrier vehicle. It would suggest therefore that he acknowledged at the time of application that it was the ministry that had the authority to first issue its approval before GRA could have gone ahead with the processing. The application for the 2362cc vehicle was rejected by the ministry, as not only was Wills deemed unqualified because of the 2000cc limit he would have been eligible for, but because of the fact that the vehicle was over eight years old. Guyana last year implemented new regulations which restrict the importation of vehicles – cars, SUVs and vans – that are over eight years old. But GRA appeared convinced
Detectives on Wednesday had their hands filled when they stumbled upon what seemed to be human bones, teeth and hair among burnt debris on a farm at Silicone Green, Kuru Kuru, on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway. It is suspected that the remains might be those of the farm’s missing caretaker, 63-year-old Bisundial Vasquez of Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD). While investigating, the police found a marijuana farm about 10 miles from where the discovery was made. It is suspected that the murder is linked to the marijuana farm, but this is yet to be confirmed. The father of three had been missing for about a week and it was during a second search that ranks made the discovery. Kaieteur News understands that the elderly man went missing during an alleged break-in at the farm early last week, when a boat engine was stolen. Ranks at the Timehri Police Station will be searching a creek located next to the camp where the elderly man was staying—he would usually bathe there. Just last Thursday (May 11), police ranks and Vasquez’s relatives went to the farm and found the man’s slippers, a shovel and salt bag next to the creek. If indeed the remains are those of Vasquez, investigators believe
that it had the authority and flexibility to grant the Customs chief the permission. The agency, which is tasked with collection of taxes for the state, did not on Wednesday refer or acknowledge the rejection of the application by the Public Service Ministry. Rather, it said that eligible staff who have three years of service remaining with the entity are qualified for tax exemptions on a motor vehicle which is four years and older. Those who have five years or more years of service remaining are qualified for tax exemptions on a motor vehicle which is under four years old. ”Mr. Wills is eligible and was so granted permission to import the said vehicle. The marginally higher “CC” permission was granted based on his responsibilities and job specifications which entails “all terrain” use, and which requires nightly and daily commute and monitoring of customs
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that there might be a bigger picture relating to the man’s death, and that he was not just killed during a robbery. ”Someone knew he was the only one on the farm, so they had time to discard his body, and the person went to great lengths to get rid of the man’s body,” a rank said. They believe that the 63-year-old man might have been killed while on the camp and his killer(s) used the salt bag to take the body to the creek where they burnt it. Vasquez had been working with the owner of the farm for more than two years. FRIDAY REGION EIGHT ENDURES SEVERE FLOOD … OVER 10 HOUSES WASHED AWAY, SEVERAL OTHERS UNDERWATER The people of Region Eight are in distress. Over 1000 residents are affected by flood. Waters have accumulated to as high as 15 feet in several communities. Houses have been washed away, some have submerged and others are half under water. Food is gone; clothing has been destroyed, animals—pets and livestock alike—have perished. Children, old people and pregnant women have no other choice but to wait it out. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to reduce the flooding. This is because the communities are located in valleys. To this extent, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said that the government is left to only offer food and clothing. The flooding is as a result of the overtopping of several rivers, including the Ireng River. Kaieteur News
is in receipt of photos showing the extent of the disaster being endured by the people of Region Eight. Men were seen in flood waters chest deep; women took refuge in boats and women and men alike were seen trying to save items. The villages affected include Kaibarupai, Sand Hill, Chenapau and Waipa. Minister Harmon has responsibility for the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the coordination of disaster response. At the post Cabinet briefing, Thursday, he gave details of the severity of the flood. Kaibarupai was reported to be among the most badly affected. Harmon told the media that the entire village was flooded. The water levels varied in different parts of the village between 12 and 20 feet deep. Kaibarupai has a population of about 100. Harmon said that a request has been made for food and clothing to be taken to that location. The village of Waipa is also in need of food and clothing. Harmon said that the Toshao of that village reported that approximately 95 percent of the village was under water between five and 15 feet high. That village has a population of 329 persons. Reports are that the water continues to rise at Sand Hill and Chenapau. At Chenapau, Harmon said, 10 houses were halfway flooded and one was swept away. This village has the population of about 600 persons who are in need of food clothing and drinking water. Harmon said, “Some of these communities are in valleys and therefore when the rains come down heavily the waters come down from the mountain and flood these villages.” The Minister said that the CDC has been activated along with the GDF and the RDC for Regions Eight and Nine. RICE BOARD PROBE … SIX CHARGED FOR FRAUD After months of intense investigation, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has charged six persons in connection with allegations of malfeasance at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). The six officials to face the court are People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Members of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall and Dharamkumar Seeraj; Badrie Persaud, former Managing Director of the Guyana Oil Company; Jagnarine Singh, former General Manager of GRDB; Madanlall Ramraj, former Deputy General Manager of GRDB; and Prema Roopnarine, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Finance, at the Ministry of Agriculture. According to officials at SOCU the six officials will be charged with failing to make a proper entry into a register of a company. The Rice Board is the same organization that Junior Finance (Continued on page 35)
Sunday May 21, 2017
(From page 34) Minister Jaipaul Sharma had said had the most clear instances of skullduggery and that it will be easy for the police to build cases against suspected offenders. GRDB is the authority charged with overseeing the rice industry throughout the country. Upon entering Government in May 2015, the David Granger-led administration immediately ordered a number of forensic audits to determine the health of the state agencies. Among them were GRDB, the Guyana Energy Agency and the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). Billions of dollars passed through these entities’ accounts. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, had disclosed that in all the cases, there were issues in these audits that warranted further investigations into “financial irregularities”. With regards to the GRDB report, Trotman noted that over a three to four-year period, more than US$500M from the PetroCaribe proceeds (Venezuela rice-for-oil deal) would have passed through the accounts of the entity. Among some of the “anomalies” found were loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes. There were other instances of persons in the agency using GRDB money to trade in foreign currency. BUST AT DIAMOND BOND … ONE IN CUSTODYAFTER ADMITTING TO ‘STASHING’ PHARMACEUTICALS One person remains in custody after police on Wednesday appre-
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hended a minibus with staffers of the Ministry of Public Health’s Bond at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. A quantity of pharmaceuticals was stashed in the bus. According to police information, six men and five women were on Wednesday evening taken into police custody after ranks were alerted to suspicious activities in the compound of the Bond. This publication was informed that person or persons employed at the Bond were seen earlier in the day stashing a quantity of pharmaceuticals in a washroom in the compound. Police, acting on this information, reportedly started to stakeout the location and observed when a minibus, in which the pharmaceuticals were eventually packed, left the compound of the Bond. At the time the 11 individuals were aboard the minibus. According to reports that had reached this newspaper, police ranks were able to intercept the minibus before it left the Diamond area and the quantity of pharmaceuticals, all property of the Public Health Ministry, were found. All of the individuals in the minibus were taken into police custody. Initially none of them accepted culpability for the pharmaceuticals. Reports reaching this publication suggest that each of the detained individuals was subsequently fingerprinted and the pharmaceuticals were thoroughly examined. By the end of a period of interrogation only one person remained in custody. The others were released on station bail. The person in custody is a male staffer who has reportedly admitted to concealing the
pharmaceuticals in the minibus. Based on reports that have reached this publication, police have been able to upset what is believed to be a pharmaceutical ‘pilfering ring’ at the Ministry’s Diamond Bond. Reports are that over time, quantities of pharmaceuticals were found to be missing from the Bond, thus raising suspicions at the level of the Ministry. PROBE CUSTOMS CHIEF DUTY FREE CONCESSION – OPPOSITION URGED Amidst recent allegations that a senior official of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) may not have followed procedures in the importation of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), the Opposition is calling for an im-
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mediate investigation. Opposition parliamentarian, Juan Edghill, is also calling for GRA’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, and Customs chief, Lancelot Wills, to be sent on immediate administrative leave to facilitate the probe. ”There should be no sacred cows when it comes to justice,” Edghill said. He is a former Junior Minister of Finance under the previous administration. He is also a member of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a body that has oversight on GRA. Wills allegedly imported a Toyota Harrier SUV., which was registered in January. It was reportedly 2362cc (engine size). The “cc” or engine size is what GRA used to cal-
culate the applicable taxes. Wills reportedly only paid over $180,000, instead of an estimated $1.8M in taxes had he been granted a duty free concession. Without the concession, taxes and duties on a Toyota Harrier similar to what Wills brought in would have attracted over $6M. However, there are questions over the transaction. Wills, as Customs head, was rejected for a duty free concession last year November by the Department of Public Service. The department’s Permanent Secretary, Reginald Brotherson, this week explained that rejection was because the vehicle was more than eight years old and it was also over the 2000cc (cubic capacity) engine size that Wills would have been eligible for. Under the laws, only Parliamentarians, judges and remigrants are allowed duty free concessions for vehicles over 2000cc. The Customs chief reportedly got the blessings of GRA for the duty free concession. GRA insisted Wednesday that it has some flexibility to grant permission for staffers. However, this argument by GRA is being hotly contested with a number of letter writers and other critics saying that the 2003 amended laws took the powers out of the hands of the Ministry of Finance and made it law under which circumstance duty free concessions for vehicles are to be granted. SATURDAY GRDB FORENSIC AUDIT PROBE… FORMER CHIEF, TWO PPP MPS AMONG SIX CHARGED Six former board members of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) were on Friday slapped with fraud-related charges and placed on $500,000 bail each for failing to make a proper entry into a register of a company with the intent to defraud $362M, from the entity’s Republic Bank account. The prosecution’s case, which was presented by Special Prosecutor, Michael Somersall, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, is that (Continued on page 36)
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(From page 35) between 2012 and 2015 the six officials committed the acts knowing that it was contrary to the entity’s standard operating procedures. They were not required to plead to the indictable offence. They were also ordered to lodge their passports with the police and report to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) every Monday at 9:00 hours. The matter will be heard again on June 23. The six officials hauled before the court are former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Jagnarine Singh; former Deputy General of GRDB and People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Member Madanlall Ramraj; General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Dharamkumar Seeraj; former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Nigel Dharamlall; former General Manager of the Guyana Oil Company Badrie Persaud and the Deputy Permanent Secretary Finance Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine. The prosecution is alleging that between January 1 and December 31, 2012 the six officials, with intent to defraud, omitted or concurred to be omitted, $77.3M from the general ledger of the GRDB’s Republic Bank account. Similarly, between January 1 and December 31 of years 2013, 2014 and 2015 with intent to defraud the entity, they omitted or concurred to be omitted from the said Republic Bank account, $9.7M, $130M and
Kaieteur News
$145M, for the three respective years. The prosecution was unable to move forwa r d with its case Friday due to ‘voluminous’ statements that have to be photocopied and filed. Prosecutor Somersall asked that bail be set a substantial amount due to the severity of the allegations. Appearing for Seeraj, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall in his submission for bail said that the 50-year-old father of two is a well known public figure and a member of the National Assembly, therefore he posed no flight risk. Nandlall also pointed out that his client has cooperated fully with SOCU. In addition, Seeraj and the other five officials have already paid a $100,000 station bail when the charges were first laid on Thursday. The former AG questioned why only six persons from the 15-member board were charged and said he will explain at a later date why this is so. It was the view of Nandlall
that the charges are selective and vindictive and that the six officials should be released on their own recognizance. The former Legal Affairs Minister also questioned the need for the weekly reporting at SOCU, a move he likened to a ‘throw back’ to school days. After listening to the submissions Chief Magistrate McLennan imposed the bail and set out the conditions of the bail. The six officials, who stood in the prisoners dock throughout the one hour court session, were then escorted down the stairs to the prisoners’ lockup and were placed with the other detainees in a cell to await the posting of their bails. The woman remained outside. Prema Roopnarine and Badrie Persaud were represented by Attorney-at-Law Sase Gunraj; Dharamlall and Singh were represented by
Glenn Hanoman, while Ramraj was represented by former Minister of Education Priya Manickchand. PORKKNOCKER BUTCHERS WIFE IN AMELIA’S WARD … CAPTURED IN MOBLISSA JUNGLE Drenched in her own blood, a young woman collapsed around 10.30 hrs on Friday, outside her neighbour’s house, where she wrote the word ‘husband’ in the sand. She later succumbed at the Mackenzie Hospital. That gruesome drama unfolded at Central Amelia’s Ward Squatting Area, when a 35-year-old porkknocker butchered his wife in the couple’s home. The victim, 37-year-old clothes vendor Shenika ElliotLondon, of 1206 Central Amelia’s Ward, was stabbed multiple times in the couple’s bedroom in the presence of one of her daughters. The mother of five died shortly after neighbours rushed her to hospital. Her husband and alleged killer, identified as Michael London, fled the scene, but was shot in the left leg around 16.45 hrs, after he allegedly attacked police ranks who had cornered him in the jungle of Moblissa, Soesdyke/Linden Highway. He was treated at the Mackenzie Hospital before being detained at the Mackenzie Police Station. Police retrieved a bloodstained knife from the murder scene. Close friends of the victim said that the killing was a tragic end to a life of hardship and abuse. From all reports, the husband, Michael London, stabbed his wife in the presence of the couple’s two-year-
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old daughter. Neighbours were unable to say what triggered the attack. It is also unclear whether the alleged killer had just returned from the interior. And while none of the neighbours heard any screams, a close friend suggested that the killer may have pressed a pillow to London’s face to muffle her cries. A blood-soaked pillow was reportedly found in the house. Steve Simon, London’s eastern neighbour, said that he was in his bedroom when he heard loud banging on his zinc fence. He looked out and saw a woman drenched in blood. “At first I didn’t recognize her, because the blood was pouring like water from her neck and a child was running behind her crying, but then she come round by the gate and stoop down - that is when I realize was me neighbour and she was stooping down and she was writing in the sand. I was so confused, but I run inside for a big sheet to help stop the blood.” But even as death stared her in the face, London, with her two-year-old daughter in tow, managed to write the word ‘husband’ and a phone number in the sand. It would be the last thing that she would do. The neighbour said that he “ran out and call de other neighbour who got a mechanic shop, and he come with de vehicle. We put she and drive fast to de hospital and she was alive all de time.” Simon said that London was still alive when she arrived at the hospital, but succumbed in the emergency room of the Linden Hospital Complex. Some residents at the other end of the squatting community recalled seeing “a man” heading into a bushy
area, but did not realize that a murder had occurred and that the “man” was a suspect. “We see this man passing through and we wondered about him, because nobody knew him, but it had to be him, because shortly after we hear police hunting for a man that kill his wife,” one resident said. “But he was so calm and collected you would never believe.” London had lived in a small house with her five children and her mother, June Allicock, who was in Georgetown when her daughter was slain. The two-yearold girl was the only one for her husband, whom she had only married a few years ago. The other children were from a previous relationship. A close friend of London’s said that she had spoken to the victim about an hour before the tragedy. “I sent her a gospel (text) this morning - “nobody greater than you” and she text back and said “Thanks friend.” “She was a very hardworking and nice personalways smiling. But she was in an abusive relationshipright now I’m a little mad at her, because I used to talk to her so much - I used to try to guide her and sometimes she would listen. She would even tell friends I was both a friend and like a second mother to her.” “She had a hard life, but she used to always tell me I gon surprise you. She was trying because she was building a bigger house so that she and her children could be comfortable. Now she gone.” Elliot reportedly met her husband in the interior where she would sometimes go to vend her clothing. The suspect reportedly hails from the East Coast of Demerara.
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IDB approves multi-donor trust fund SOCU head for asset recovery forum overseas to support sustainable project delivery The Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Assistant Commissioner Sydney James is slated to attend a meeting of the asset recovery interagency network for the Caribbean region to be held in Miami, Florida. The two day meeting will be held on June 28 and 29, and will bring together security officials from across the region to discuss and formulate strategies in dealing with asset recovery. The programme will be facilitated by the Department against Transnational Organized Crime of the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, in conjunction with the Organization of American States. The participants are expected to discuss a proposal by a group of experts to establish an asset recovery inter-agency network. It is hoped that the establishment of such an agency will enhance international cooperation both within the region and with asset recovery inter-agency networks worldwide. The APNU+AFC government has placed greater emphasis on issues in this regard, since it has long been the view of government officials, even when in opposition, that public officials were siphoning off state assets. In 2015 when the current
administration went into power, a number of forensic audits were conducted on numerous government entities to ascertain the financial health of those entities. Upon completion of those audits, 19 were sent to SOCU, because numerous financial and other irregularities were found and warranted criminal investigations. The most notable investigation with issues of ‘giveaways’ of state assets is the controversial Pradoville 2 investigation that SOCU is currently conducting. A number of former public officials and former government ministers were questioned by SOCU in relation to the same investigation. Investigators believe that house lot recipients at the Pradoville 2 scheme bought lands at a substantially lower price than what they should have paid. Recently President Granger assented to the State Assets Recovery Bill making it law. The opposition Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C) has vehemently objected to the content of the bill. It is the party’s view that the Bill gives too much power to the head of that entity. However government has indicated that assets will not be confiscated on a ‘whim’, since a court order will have to be granted permitting seizures.
SOCU Head, Asst. Commissioner Sydney James The Bill introduces legislation to combat unlawful conduct and corrupt practices in relation to property and other assets owned by the State, or in which the State has an interest. The Bill also provides for the establishment of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) which has as its primary function, the civil recovery of state property obtained through the unlawful conduct of a public official or other person, or any benefit obtained in connection with that unlawful conduct, by way of civil proceedings taken in the High Court for a civil recovery order.
WASHINGTON (CMC) – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved the NDC Pipeline Accelerator Multi-Donor Trust Fund (ACL), a new instrument to increase support for enhancing the planning, design and preparation of infrastructure projects and portfolios in Latin America and the Caribbean On Thursday, the IDB said that the ACL will help countries in the region align public and private-sector investments with their national commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement (referred to as Nationally Determined Contributions, NDC) and sustainable development objectives. The ACL has been initially funded with 10 million Euros from the Nordic Development Fund (NDF). The ACL, the second component of the recently launched IDB’s NDC Invest platform NDC Invest platform, will focus on supporting public and private partners throughout the project cycle, with an emphasis on upstream policies and planning and other pre-investment activities to integrate sustainability into project design and assessments. The ACL will cover the additional costs associated
with ensuring that projects are planned, designed and executed to be sustainable — in terms of low-carbon emissions and climate resilience, in addition to other social, fiscal and environmental sustainability objectives. Among other key activities, the IDB said the ACL will finance studies or action plans to incorporate sustainability in procurement practices; detailed engineering designs, climate risk assessments, resilience integration plans, and feasibility studies of technologies or financing schemes for sustainable projects or portfolios; and application of pilot approaches, tools, and sustainability standards. “Enhanced support mechanisms are an important foundation for efforts to increase the sustainability of investments,” said Bernardo Guillamón, Manager of the IDB’s Office of Outreach and Partnerships. “NDF’s partnership in this space is essential to facilitating the identification and planning of bankable projects, and will help to mobilize financial resources from global markets for advancing NDCs.” The new instrument forms part of the IDB Group’s strategy to help fund
investment to fill the region’s sustainable infrastructure gap, including innovation to leverage capital markets financing, a subject addressed in the recent report published jointly by the IDB and the leading global consulting firm Mercer, Crossing the Bridge to Sustainable Infrastructure Investing. The IDB said work on sustainable infrastructure within the Group is the joint responsibility of the Managers of the Bank’s Infrastructure and Environment and Climate Change and Sustainability Sectors, together with the Chief Investment Officer of the Inter-American Investment Corporation. The Group has an indicative goal of US$20 million for the first phase of the ACL, half already committed by the NDF, and is seeking partnerships to contribute towards that target. “NDCs represent a progressive global blueprint for limiting global warming and building climate resilience,” said NDF Managing Director Pasi Hellman, adding, “implementing this blueprint means transforming NDCs from targets on paper into a robust pipeline of projects as quickly as possible.”
Global Businesses using Climate Change for Investments BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Some multinational companies are beginning to benchmark national commitment to climate change resilience as part of decision-making when it comes to locations for new investments. Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland made the observation in an interview with CMC Friday on the margins of a three-day London conference on new climate change strategies for countries of the 52-member organisation. According to Scotland, global business leaders are coming to the conclusion that a sustainable ecological approach to development is among the best guarantees of stable, profitable investments. She reported that such a position had been advanced by Unilever CEO Paul Polman at the Commonwealth conference which has brought together leading environmental experts and
other stakeholders to discuss “an innovative strategy to reverse the human impact of climate change.” “Progressive, future business is going to have to look at delivering the sustainable development goals business,” Scotland said. “The sustainability agenda is the only agenda in the longer term which is going to deliver the real wealth.” The Commonwealth SG said the Caribbean has an advantage when it came to this, since the region “has been right at the forefront of this climate change fight, since the beginning.” “Climate change issues became most apparent in our region and indeed in the Pacific islands,” she said. “It was almost like if we were the canaries that are sent down the mines to see what is happening and if the canary comes back it is okay and if the canary does not come back the rest of the world is in trouble.” Scotland also advised
that the Caribbean has a distinct advantage in the “green and blue” technological markets “because we are the ones with the ocean … and we have smart people in our region.” She said governments need to understand that these are resources international businesses are looking at and that, in this respect, the region is “ahead of the game.” The conference follows a meeting last October which brought together over 60 scientists, academics and other climate change stakeholders. The experts considered, according to one Commonwealth press release, “cutting-edge approaches to reducing carbon emissions and addressing global warming, while boosting development and economic growth.” The Commonwealth SG has been an advocate of new technologies that can reduce the impact of carbon emissions and move from adaptation and mitigation to a “reversal” of their impact.
A “regenerative development” strategy was announced at the conference with a claim to being able to achieve this objective.” This approach, according to Scotland, promotes more research into innovations such as carbon absorbing bricks and other technologies to both reduce and absorb harmful industrial emissions. This week’s conference tabled the report of the expert group and discussed strategies to recognise climate changes as “not only our biggest challenge (but) also our biggest opportunity.” Scotland told CMC after hearing the submissions of the scientists and investors, she was confident that the small island member states of the Commonwealth, in particular, have the potential to take advantage of economic opportunities while grappling with the serious challenges of climate change. “We know that our countries need the money (and) we can together work
Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland on how we maximise opportunities to each of our small island states to get what they need, so that people understand that actually they are not small island development states alone in a big blue ocean,” she said. Last October, a Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub was launched in Mauritius to help
governments deal with the effects of climate change through funding from a global fund targeting up to $100 billion a year by 2020. The new Commonwealth strategy is expected to be discussed at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties in Bonn, Germany in November.
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Anglican Diocese announces new Human Rights & Social Justice Commission Anglicans are celebrating Anglican Communion Day today, and the Diocese of Guyana is introducing the newly formed Human Rights and Social Justice (HRSJ) Commission. The local body is a product of the Provincial Commission on Human Rights and Social Justice. It shall be the duty of the HRSJ Commission to keep under constant review, all matters relating to social justice and human rights in the Diocese of Guyana and to make recommendations to the Bishop on the development of strategies which will assist the Church in furthering its work on these issues. It was pointed out in a statement that Anglican Communion Day is “an appropriate observance to announce this very important body, as the intention of the Commission is to reflect the true significance of Anglicanism”. The HRSJ Commission is established to promote, encourage and support three of the five Marks of Mission of the Anglican Communion,
which are: To respond to human need by loving service; To seek to transform unjust structures of society; To challenge violence of every kind; To pursue peace and reconciliation, and To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. The HRSJ Commission intends to: develop among Anglicans the awareness of their obligation, as Christians, to respond to human need by loving service; engage in theological reflection on social justice and human rights issues facing the society and to provide well informed Christian perspective on those issues. It also seeks to raise awareness of human rights and social justice issues and encourage positive changes by facilitating training, workshops, seminars, meetings, discussions, debates and the production of IEC material; co-ordinate diocesan advocacy actions and assist parishes in their programmatic responses to social ills.
The Commission will also actively collaborate with government, civil society, private sector and other faithbased organisations to respond to human rights and social justice issues within society; work to ensure that basic human rights are respected within our communities, and keep the interest of marginalized groups in the forefront as well as spread awareness about the responsible use of creation and the care and protection of the environment. The church has a significant role to play in addressing pertinent social issues affecting its congregations. In light of that, it has been emphasised that the HRSJ Commission will work assiduously to confront urgent social issues related to children and youth, family life, education and employment, religious and spiritual beliefs, the environment and climate change, discrimination (racial, against persons living with disabilities, sexual orientation and gender identity and torture) human trafficking and sex trade, sexual and
No bail for man who allegedly stole boat, gun, cash from miner Twenty-seven-year-old Hemchand Hitlall was on Friday remanded to prison on a charge of break and entry and larceny, when he appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that on May 11, last, at Cuyuni, Essequibo, Hitlall broke into the home of Azeem Baksh and stole $311,000 in cash, 38.6 pennyweight of raw gold, twenty-four .32 rounds of ammunition, one .32 pistol valued $160,000, one outboard engine valued $245,000, one aluminium boat valued $500,000 and one Alcatel phone valued $25,000, at a total value of $1,726,000—all property of Baksh. Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail being granted to the defendant
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of the charge. The prosecution told the court that if the defendant was granted bail he would not return to court for the trial. Bail was denied. The father of two will make his next court appearance on May 22, when he will appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
Hemchand Hitlall citing the nature and gravity
reproductive health and rights, women rights, genderbased and domestic violence, gender policies, human sexuality, technology and its impact on the Caribbean and boarder advocacy issues, in accordance with the Anglican Alliance. Schemel Patrick, Media and Communications Professional and Human Rights Advocate, who was appointed by the Diocese of Guyana to sit on the Provincial Commission is the Chairperson of the local HRSJ Commission, she is expected to serve on the Provincial Commission for the next three years. The current membership of the local commission includes: Father Raymon Cummings (Clergy), Iris Tappin (Mother’s Union), Dionne Cush, Deon Williams, Deanna Walcott (Guyana Anglcian Youth Council) and Tracy Marks. The body will be officially commissioned at the Diocesan Synod in June.
Woman who allegedly supplied students with ganja gets High Court bail Suria Somaria, the 64year-old woman who was charged back in March with helping to supply students of the Kuru Kuru Training College with marijuana, has been released on High Court bail. Somaria, also known as ‘Sheila Gordon,’ on March 6, appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, where she was read a charge that alleged that between February 4 and February 9 at Kuru Kuru, on the Linden Soesdyke Highway, she aided a juvenile to supply other juveniles with a total of 28 grammes of cannabis. The woman pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to prison by the Magistrate. However, the woman’s lawyer secured bail for her at the High Court. She has to return to court on December 6, for commencement of trial. Kaieteur News understands that this long adjournment
date was given due to the high volume of cases at the Providence Magistrate’s Court. The Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU), in a statement, said that it found students with marijuana after being invited by the school’s administrator to conduct a search. CANU said that three students were found with the narcotics, and there were stories of recreational use of the drugs by students.A 15year-old admitted to being the distributor. Statements were taken from the students and Suria Somaria was identified as the person who, allegedly, was supplying the narcotics to the students. When CANU ranks searched the woman’s Kuru Kuru home, the reportedly found a large quantity of cash totaling $1.2M, cigarette lighters, wrapping paper for smoking, and tobacco leaves.
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Does drinking change your personality? Not so much, study suggests Whether we are using alcohol as an excuse for bad behavior or just think we are much more fun when we drink, most of us seem to believe that our personality changes drastically when we are intoxicated. However, new research suggests that this is not the case. Our “drunk” personality is not that different from our normal one, study suggests. Researchers from the University of Missouri in Columbia set out to examine the extent to which drinking alters our personality. The new study - published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science - suggests that drinking does not change our behavior as dramatically as we think. The first author of the study is psychological scientist Rachel Winograd, of the University of MissouriSt. Louis and of the Missouri Institute of Mental Health. Wi n o g r a d a n d c o l leagues gathered 156 participants who were asked
to fill in a survey detailing their typical drinking patterns and reported on how they perceive their “sober” and “drunk” personalities. Participants were then invited to the laboratory in groups of three to four friends of the same gender, where researchers took breathalyzer measurements at baseline, as well as weight and height measurements. A breathalyzer is a device that measures blood alcohol levels using a person’s breath. Then, half of the participants consumed alcohol over a period of 15 minutes. They drank vodka and mixers in combinations tailored to their body weight, designed to raise the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to approximately .09. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it is illegal to drive across the United States when BAC levels are .08 or higher, as this is the official level at which drivers are considered to be intoxicated. After 15 minutes, the
groups participated in a series of fun activities meant to engage certain personality traits and bring out specific behaviors. Participants had their personalities measured at two points during the study, while outside observers video-recorded their behavior. The recordings were later used to carry out assessments of each individual’s personality. Personality did not change that much according to external observers
The self-assessment carried out by the participants confirmed the usual signs of drunkenness. According to the participants, drinking changed their personality across all of the five traits as defined by the classic Five Factor Model: neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, intellect, and conscientiousness. The participants reported feeling less conscientious, less open to new experiences, and less agreeable, while they
felt more extroverted and more emotionally stable. However - and this is the interesting finding of the study - the outside observers saw far fewer differences between the participants’ sober and drunk “personalities.” The observers’ assessment and the self-reported one concurred on only one aspect: extraversion. Those who consumed alcohol received higher scores on three sub-aspects of extraversion: gregariousness, assertiveness, and activity levels. Lead author Rachel Winograd further details the findings: “We were surprised to find such a discrepancy between drinkers’ perceptions of their own alcohol-induced personalities and how observers perceived them. Participants reported experiencing differences in all factors of the Five Factor Model of personality, but extraversion was the only factor robustly perceived to be different across participants in alcohol and sober conditions.” While the study cannot
explain the cause for the results found, the authors speculate that the discrepancies between drinkers’ selfperception and the observers’ evaluation can be put down to a difference in perspective. “We believe both the participants and raters were both accurate and inaccurate - the raters reliably reported what was visible to them and the participants experienced internal changes that were real to them but imperceptible to o b s e rvers,” Winograd explains. The study’s first author also shares some of their directions for future research: “Of course, we a l s o would love to see these findings replicated outside of the lab - in bars, at parties, and in homes where people act ually do their drinking. Most importantly, we need to see how this work is most relevant in the clinical realm and can be effectively included in interventions to help reduce any negative impact of alcohol on people’s lives.” h t t p : / / www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/317556.php
Oxytocin: The ‘relationship crisis hormone’? Oxytocin is widely known as the “love hormone” due to its beneficial role in social bonding and sexual reproduction. According to a new study, however, oxytocin isn’t all about the good times; it is also at play during periods of relationship insecurity. Researchers have found that the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin increases in response to relationship insecurity. Researchers found that when an individual feels that their partner is losing interest in their relationship, levels of oxytocin increase. First study author Nicholas M. Grebe, Ph.D., of the Department of Psychology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and colleagues recently reported their findings in the journal Hormones and Behavior. Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized structure in the brain that is situated just below the hypothalamus. The role of oxytocin is vast. Not only is the hormone responsible for inducing contractions during childbirth, but it is also involved in mother-child bonding and sexual arousal. Its duties, however, may not end there. The study from Grebe and colleagues indicates that the brain releases oxytocin in times of relationship crises, possibly in an attempt to “fix” the relationship.
The researchers came to their findings by enrolling two groups of adults. One group was comprised of 75 couples from the United States, while the other group consisted of 148 individuals from Norway who had a romantic partner. “Participants in the study were asked to think about their partner and how they wish their partner would connect with them in the relationship,” explains study co-author Trond Viggo Grøntvedt, Ph.D., also from the Department of Psychology at the University of New Mexico. Subjects’ oxytocin levels were measured before and after the thinking task. The team found that participants who felt a strong personal investment in their relationship demonstrated an increase in oxytocin levels, which further supports oxytocin’s role in social bonding. However, the researchers uncovered an interesting result when assessing partners’ oxytocin levels simultaneously. Among couples in which one partner was more invested in the relationship than the other, the more invested partner showed a greater increase in oxytocin levels when they thought about their relationship. The researchers suggest that this heightened increase in oxytocin may be an attempt to rebuild a relationship bond.
“What’s implied here is a statement about what oxytocin is doing: it’s perhaps fostering attention to and motivation to ‘take care of’ the relationship,” says study coauthor Prof. Steven W. Gangestad, also of the Department of Psychology. Oxytocin may not be able to ‘fix’ doomed relationships However, the team found that there is a limit to oxytocin’s relationship-fixing efforts. Among couples whose relationship was heading toward breakup, the partner who was most invested did not show a significantly heightened increase in oxytocin levels. Overall, the authors believe that their findings support the “identify and invest” theory in relation to romantic relationships, whereby the brain identifies a vulnerable relationship and tries to strengthen it. “We think that viewing oxytocin in this way can help us understand why it plays a role in other kinds of interdependent social relationships - new romances, mother-infant bonds, as two examples. The idea is that emotionally salient relationships, especially when those relationships are vulnerable, are elicitors of the oxytocin system.”Nicholas M. Grebe, Ph.D. http:// www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/317556.php
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Katy Perry Reveals Meaning Behind “Swish Swish” Amid Rumors Song Is About Taylor Swift Jimmy Fallon asked Katy Perry the million-dollar question on The Late Show Friday—without naming names. “‘Swish Swish’—is that about anybody we know?” he asked, referring to her new song with Nicki Minaj. Many people have speculated the track about Taylor Swift , with whom the pop star is reportedly feuding. Swift has not commented about the song, although Orange Is the New Blackstar Ruby Rose, a member of her “squad” of pals, dragged Perry over it. “I think it’s a great anthem for people to use whenever somebody’s trying to hold you down or bully you,” the singer told Fallon, raising her eyebrows. “That’s kinda what this record is about, it’s just like 360-degree liberation,” she said, referring to her upcoming fifth studio album Wit-
ness. “[First single] “Chained to the Rhythm” was this political liberation, [second single] “Bon Appétit” was a sexual liberation and now, I think this is kind of, ‘Swish’ represents the liberation from
all the negative that doesn’t serve you.” Many people think Swift’s 2014 revenge anthem “Bad Blood” is about Perry. Swift told Rolling Stone that year that the track is about a fe-
Julia Roberts Paints an Accurate Picture of Parenthood for George Clooney Julia Roberts and longtime co-star George Clooney will soon share something special in common: He too will be a parent to twins. The actor’s wife Amal Clooney is pregnant with a baby boy and a girl, who are due in June. Roberts said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Friday that she has given George advice about parenthood but did not say what she told him. “It’s gonna be so fun. They are a great couple and I think they don’t need advice from me or anybody else,” she said. She did, however, paint a 100 percent accurate picture of what parenthood is like for the first few weeks. “ A l s o , y o u k n o w, nobody’s there with you at 3 o’clock in the morning when you’re just going, ‘What am I doing? Where did they come from and when are they going?’” she said. “And then you sort of, you get through it and you figure it out and everybody does and it’s a trial and error and a whole lot of tears and it’s amazing.” Roberts and husband Danny Moder are parents to twins Hazel and Finn, 12, and son Henry, who will turn 10 next month. “I have three incredible kids and to think about when they were teenytiny...it goes so fast,” the actress said.
E! News had previously learned the Clooneys plan on raising their children in the U.K., where Amal has lived for years and where the couple owns one of their homes. The couple has also decided that after the twins come home, they won’t hire a live-in or fulltime nanny and instead have a night nurse help set
a sleeping schedule. Amal’s mother, journalist Baria Alamuddin, has also expressed that she would like to help out. George has signaled diaper duty is something he can handle. “Hang on for a minute. I played a pediatrician on ER,” Clooney told E! News’ Marc Malkin in March. http:/ /www.eonline.com.
male artist, who she did not name. “For years, I was never sure if we were friends or not,” she said. “She would come up to me at awards shows and say something and walk away, and I would think, ‘Are we friends, or did she just give me the harshest insult of my life?’” Swift also told Rolling Stone that in 2013, the other
singer “did something so horrible.” “I was like, ‘Oh, we’re just straight-up enemies,’” she said. “And it wasn’t even about a guy! It had to do with business. She basically tried to sabotage an entire arena tour. She tried to hire a bunch of people out from under me. And I’m surprisingly non-confrontational—you would not believe how much I hate conflict. So now I have to avoid her. It’s awkward, and I don’t like it.” A day after the article was published, Perry tweeted, “Watch out for the Regina George in sheep’s clothing...” Minaj has not commented on the meaning behind “Swish Swish.” She and Swift got involved in short-lived feud in 2015. The rapper had vented online after it was revealed her “Anaconda” music video wasn’t nominated for Video of the Year at the 2015 MTV VMAs. “If your video cel-
ebrates women with very slim bodies, you will be nominated for vid of the year,” she said. Taylor was nominated in the category for, yes, “Bad Blood.” The video featured several members of her squad, including Victoria’s Secret models. She took Minaj’s tweet personally. “I’ve done nothing but love & support you,” she tweeted at her. “It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot..” Minaj responded and she had never said a word about her, adding, “I love u just as much. But u should speak on this.” Perry weighed in, tweeting, “Finding it ironic to parade the pit women against other women argument about as one unmeasurably capitalizes on the take down of a woman...” Swift later apologized to Minaj and the two ended up performing together at the VMAs. http:// www.eonline.com.
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Fake “Pandits” beat out, leave suitcases Some Indian nationals who posed as astrologers, bilking unsuspecting Guyanese of millions of dollars over the last few months, have disappeared. This would come even as authorities disclosed that they are checking to determine how the men entered the country, in the first place. The “Pandits”, from all indications, hurriedly left their city operations in Alberttown and Campbellville and the one in Grove, East Bank Demerara, in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, shortly after Kaieteur News would have posted a story of their presence and work here. It would appear from accounts of neighbours and others, that there was a gang of the Indian nationals operating here. The gang would meet regularly to compare notes. How they were able to operate in plain sight, even sponsoring televised IPL cricket matches and collecting millions of dollars from persons without catching the attention of authorities would remain a mystery. Yesterday, checks at the three locations found no signs of the men. At Alberttown, a stone’s throw from the Police Station,
Kaieteur News was told that the “Pandit” has not been seen since Wednesday. The cell phone of “Pandit Anand Kumar”, 663-4100, was turned off. So too were the other numbers being advertised. The apartment was fully furnished. It is believed that “Pandit Kumar” hurriedly gathered his documents and disappeared. His rent was paid to the end of the month. At Craig Street, Campbellville, the men were seen on security cameras leaving in a taxi around 3am Wednesday. They have not been seen since then. On some good days, there were more than 10 visitors. At Grove back street, behind “Times Square”, East Bank Demerara, a representative of the person that owns the building where another Pandit had been operating said that he received a call from the Pandit who claimed he was back in India. Three suitcases The man was forced to break open the door to gain entry to the building. Inside, it was clear that the occupants had hastily departed. The upstairs apartment was sparsely furnished with a two burner stove in the kitchen. The bed was unmade and
“Pandit Anand Kumar” is part of a gang of alleged Indian fraudsters who have disappeared there were three suitcases in the corner of a room. Outside, the fairy lights were still on around the many religious photos that adorned the wall in a corner. There were sheets covering the walls to keep out the sunlight and on the table, there was an altar, several limes, pieces of sugarcane and coconuts along with other articles. The presence of the pandits here has left scores of victims embarrassed and out-of-pocket. Many of them deeply believed the promises, that their love problems,
headaches with children and neighbours would be things of the past. On Friday, Minister with responsibilities for Citizenship, Winston Felix, disclosed that he had received reports of a number of men professing to be Pandits, and charging huge sums of money. He divulged that on Friday, officials had descended on the locations in Alberttown and Campbellville. “The information we got is that persons professing to be Pandits live at both buildings but they were not in the building at the time.” The Minister said that officials are on the lookout for the men but there is a “shortage of essential information to trace who they really are. We don’t have their identities.” Felix, a former Commissioner of Police, urged citizens to be careful about trusting individuals who claim to have certain powers to relieve them of problems. “I doubt the visa would allow them to perform such act. In the absence of identities, it is difficult to trace them.” The official explained that in the given situation, the “Pandits” would have been required to apply for
employment visas. “If so, there must be a local sponsor. However, there are no traces. It could be that a foreign High Commission granted the visa and in those cases we don’t get to check on the bona fides. But suffice to say, for someone to make a naked application, claiming to perform such functions, we would have had our suspicions.” Felix noted that over the past two years, the administration has introduced a number of measures to protect its borders and ports. However, he admitted that the wide, open borders are proving a challenge. There is no system anywhere in the world that is foolproof, he said. “There are always persons trying to beat systems and we have to constantly be on the alert especially with our porous borders.” He explained that on arrival, CARICOM nationals can be granted up to six months to stay with others up to three months. The Department of Citizenship has to be alerted when the stay is being extended. Last week, following complaints, Kaieteur News reporters went undercover to the Alberttown location of one of the pandits. He later produced an ID card purportedly issued by the Government of India which said his name is Anand Kumar and that he is 22. For several months now, television ads have been extolling the possibilities of solving serious issues from health and business problems, family and money matters, husband and wife challenges and even overcoming an “enemy” problem. $30M It is estimated that the pandits took over $30M from victims for this year alone. It is still unclear how long they have been here. However, one
Three of the suitcases left in a house in Grove, EBD, from where the “Pandit” fled
has even set up operations in Parika, East Bank Essequibo. People have been visiting them from as far as Crabwood Creek, East Berbice and even from overseas. In 2010, undercover work by this newspaper exposed one astrologer who was part of a group that took millions of dollars from unsuspecting persons, promising to solve their problems. One day after being confronted, the man fled his David Street, Kitty apartment. His “pandit” clothes, complete with beads and turban, were later found abandoned in a hotel. They had taken an estimated $20M with them. The victims were too ashamed to talk about it. The “pandits” are smooth. Their little rooms are often adorned with photos of Hindu gods and even of Jesus Christ. The lighting is usually dimmed to make the victims more comfortable. Victims include Guyanese from all walks of life. “Pandit Kumar” was not discerning enough to pick up the two reporters. Rather, he could “see” that the male reporter was a lucky man and that he and his “wife” could not get children as a scorned female had made some bad prayers. The “Pandit” insisted that he could solve the problem, 100 percent guaranteed. It would have required five prayers costing $22,000 each or $110,000. “The person who make bad thing for you…you played with their emotions. When I do some prayers, whatever problem you have…I can solve.” Confronted later, “Pandit Kumar” was smooth. He was willing to talk. He brought out several “ID” cards purportedly issued by the Government of India. He had come to Guyana and was granted a visa on arrival. He had come to see his ailing sister. He said he was at the Alberttown location for more than a month and had two months left on his visa. It is not about money, he insists. He likes to help people. Asked if he is registered anywhere, including at the Guyana Revenue Authority, the “Pandit” said no. He was most willing to provide any information, however he could not immediately point Kaieteur News to any website or Facebook account that could help. The “Pandit” made it clear that he is not connected to the Craig Street “astrologer” but knew from television ads that other persons were operating there, at Parika and at Grove. He said that no one was at the Regent Street location.
Sunday May 21, 2017
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Kaieteur News
150 years of Dentistry By Dr. Neromini Fagu I recently attended the Ontario Dental Association’s Annual Spring Meeting which was hosted in conjunction with the Canadian Dental Association. It was an amazing opportunity to be a part of this historic event as the association is celebrating its 150th anniversary. That is quite a milestone for the profession especially seeing that this year Canada is also celebrating 150 years as a nation. The meeting was held over the course of several days and it provided an opportunity for dental professionals to learn from the best and brightest minds in the profession. There were over 90 internationally renowned speakers who covered a diverse range of clinical, practice management and personal development topics. The floor exhibits featured more than 300 companies showcasing the latest in industry trends, new technologies, and product developments. I will discuss two of the topics that were
presented during the conference. The Impact of Mouth Breathing on Oral and General Health was an interesting topic that highlighted that fact that mouth breathing does not look good and more importantly it leads to long face syndrome, sleep disordered breathing, attention deficit disorder, daytime fatigue, and a reduction in oxygen absorption. Mouth breathing can happen for a number of reasons, including a bite that may be off, or the position of the jaw and teeth may be such that when a person sleeps his lips don’t quite close. Ankyloglossia (tied-tongue), infant feeding and pacifier use, thumb sucking and tongue rest position may all influence mouth breathing. Children may also suffer from abnormally large tonsils, which can obstruct breathing. It is important to determine why the mouth breathing is happening before it can be corrected. If the cause is due to huge tonsils, then removing them might be an option. However,
if the problem is structural and a child can’t, for example, close his lips over flared front teeth, then the solution may be orthodontic treatment. Another seminar, Diagnosis and Management of Odontogenic Oral and Facial Infection, evaluated infections of the oral and facial region. These types of infections remain one of the most troubling and potentially dangerous challenges for health care practitioners. Dentists are often the first-line providers of care for the diagnosis and management of the patients. Despite advances in antiinfective medications, surgical techniques, infection control and improvements in hygiene, infections are still a significant clinical challenge for today’s dentists. Dentists require a sound understanding of infections, the diagnosis and management of them, as well as possible complications. Understanding the pathophysiology of an infection is important as well as being able to evaluate a patient for the appropriate treatment and, if necessary, referral. Ludwig’s angina is a bacterial infection that occurs
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
GNBS - Maintaining measurements for transport Yesterday, May 20, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joined other National Metrology Institutions around the world to commemorate World Metrology Day under the theme “Measurements for Transport”. Whether air, land or water related, it is a fact that the transport sector in Guyana has generally maintained the requisite systems to ensure that measuring devices in use are consistently accurate and reliable. The sector has relied on GNBS over the years to execute its mandate that ensures all devices used for the purpose of trade are verified (stamped). Nevertheless, as in the retail sector (markets, shops, supermarkets, etc.), consumers or those who rely on measurements to make their payments in the transport sector have a meaningful role to play which would guarantee that they are not overcharged or given inaccurate weights. The GNBS advocates that the following roles must be fulfilled by those who rely on the measurement system in the transport sector so they are given their monies worth:
1. Conduct business with those who are using verified scales and other verified devices. If used properly, approved devices give correct weights or measures. 2. Look for GNBS verification seals on devices. The affixed GNBS seals are one way of determining whether the device (scale) was verified. 3. Make sure the device used to weigh or measure your goods is clean and tidy. Dirty devices often give inaccurate weights and measures and can cause the contamination of goods. 4. Make sure that you can see the measuring indicator of scales. Ensure that the scale is positioned in a manner which will allow you to see the weighing process. 5. Query if you have doubts about your weight or measure.
6. Buy in metric quantities. Devices in use are generally in metric units and by requesting goods and services in metric quantities you are assured of your weights and measures. 7. Call the GNBS hotline or visit the Weights and Measures office in your Region and make your complaints if the need arises. The GNBS will continue to strengthen its efforts in ensuring devices used in all sectors are accurate and reliable through routine verification and surveillance activities. By doing this, the integrity of the national system of measurement will be maintained. For further information please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190069, 219-0065, 2190062 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
on the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. It often develops after an infection of the roots of the teeth, such as a tooth abscess or a mouth injury. It can be lifethreatening since possible complications include airway blockage, generalized infection and septic shock. Assessment should focus on any developing complications such as airway compromise, the spaces involved, the precise etiology of the infection, and identifying sepsis symptoms. If the swelling blocks the airway, you need to get emergency medical help right away. A breathing tube inserted through your mouth or nose and into the lungs may be needed to restore breathing. In more severe cases you may need to have surgery called a
tracheostomy that creates an opening through the neck into the windpipe. Antibiotics are needed to fight the infection and are usually given intravenously until symptoms of the infection go away. Dental treatment may be needed for tooth infections that cause Ludwig’s angina and surgery may be needed to drain fluids that are causing the swelling. There were many other interesting educational learning opportunities in the areas of orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics and cosmetic dentistry that captured my attention. The experience was very rewarding. Not only did I gain an abundance of knowledge but I also got to meet and make new friends. I was fortunate to meet the dentist representing the
Dr. Neromini Fagu Greater Dental New York Convention and I look forward to hopefully attending this event, the largest such event in North America, in the Fall. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Floor sanding & Lacquering, house plans, estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission. Call: 650-4362
Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) Clarke Kent Cabs, located at Kingston, exceptional services. Email: clarkekentcabs@yahoo.com. Call: 231-0800/ 231-0801
Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician, FB: Brian.Moe.165; Home and office visits at your comfort!!
TOURS Suriname City Tour: Independence weekend, dolphins, malls, casino, shopping May 25th -28th. Call: 665-5171/639-2663/6583758/223-7589
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages). Are you interested in learning to drive stick shift. Please call: 641-0572
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
FOR SALE
FOR RENT
Buying Wamara, TATABU, Koraroballi, Itikiborabali, fresh logs. Call: 664-5150
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
One land in Tuschen Phase 2 – Call: 642-1252
Prime Business Place to rent on Sheriff Street, for offices only. Call: 627-6740/227-8644
Experienced bus and taxi drivers at Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence. Call: 6165419/ 265-7076 One domestic worker to work in Trinidad. between ages of 25-35. Call: 1868- 683-1528 Workers and 1 cleaner to work at ice factory Meadowbank. Call: 642-9191 between 8am-1pm Monday-Friday
1 Male to look after layer birds in the Interior. Call: 6652514 1 Female shop assistant to work in the Interior. Call: 665-2514 Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Zeelugt and La Parfaite Harmonie Harmonie. Call: 642-1252 Admin Assistant/Marketing Personnel with atleast 5 CXC passes including English Language & Mathematics. Send resume to gtcareers592@gmail.com 1 Able-bodied male. Call: 2312029/616-5954
Landscaping & tree trimming. Call: 656-1326 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202
WANTED
1 Full time housekeeper. Call: 602-1447
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course. June 6th. The Trade of the Future. Make extra cash, easy! Abdul Electronics. Call: 226-6551/ 225-0391 Lessons Grades 1-6: Reading, Composition writing, Grammar, Maths, Science & Social Studies @ Queenstown, G/ Town. Call: 695-9625
1 Complete Sawmill at Yarrowkabra Linden Soesdyke Highway and 1 F66 – Clarke, Ranger Skidder. Call: 609-8041/ 644-1190 Office furniture, used computers, display racks & stands for store use. Call:2258066/624-6783 Lawn grass organic potting soil, supari Palm, foxtail, palm @ $1,000, Crotoon, Ashoka, Ficus, Exora. Call: 626-1044 1 90"x90". Call: 657-6179 Lincoln 225 10,000 watts welder, 1 Lincoln 140c powering, 1 Hitachi Hammer Drill and welding gloves. Call: 627-9825/ 657-2440 Property @ former South Central Hotel building, 218 South Road, Georgetown, prime location. Selling: Steel chairs & Tablets. Call: 6629755/686-0444
Experienced hairdressers & nail technicians needed to work in salon at prime location in Georgetown. Call: 628-4388/ 225-9423 Electronic/Technician to repair stand fans on permanent basis. Apply at R.Sookraj & Sons on Regent Street. Call: 223-6147
1 Small town ace bus. Call: 233-0269/ 616-3288 /690-8247
Aggressive Salesgirl to do outdoor sales. Apply at R.Sookraj & Sons on Regent Street. Call: 223-6147
WANTED
We buy land in Eccles, Providence, Farm, Herstelling, La Parfaite Harmonie, we pay in $US. Call: 684-5822/ 611-7223/ 629-2881
Two Dynamic Individual with communications & sales techniques, computer skill @ KeyFood, Mc Doom location. 1 Nanny/Tutor to teach & care for 22 months boy. Apply to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda. 1 Male cook to work in the Interior and experienced land dredge workers. Call: 685-0689
Handy boy, apply at Shanta’s, Lot 225 Camp Street.
American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
FOR SALE/FOR RENT
Sawmill – Call: 673-9401 Gold Properties for sale or rent. Call: 662-3131
One live in female housekeeper for Georgetown. Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605 GT Express wanted contract cars, Dispatcher. Tel: 2310316/ 231-0002 1 Live in domestic. Salary$80,000. Call: 677-4328
Upper flat house: 3 bedrooms/kitchen, toilets/ baths, AC/Garage, Hot & Cold @ Diamond Housing Scheme E.B.D. Call: 644-3600/ 216-3017 House to rent: Premniranjan Place, Prashad Nagar. Monthly rent US $3500. Contact: 610-0965 or 227-5416 Space for bond. Call: 6172859/227-6629 Large business place (formerly WOW salon), Durban Street. Call only between: 11am-3pm. Call: 602-7960/ 223-4238 Two bedroom at self -contained @ Tuschen - $50,000. Call: 6880087/ 633-8484 One apartment for rent @ First Street Mon Repos E.C.D. Call: 602-4105/614-0005
1 Nanny/Tutor to tech & care for 18 months boy. Apply to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street, Bourda Experienced sales clerk. Apply in person to Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda One general domestic must be able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply: Alabama trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda. 1 Experienced Bar-B-Q/Cook, day security guard, mini bus driver. Call:638-5303/227-7380 Professional cosmetologist @ Natural Beauty Salon & Spa located @ Grove Market Street, EBD. Call Ms Rashari: 652-5800 1 Female kitchen assistant & 2 male assistant with drivers license to work @ outdoor grill, weekend included. Call: 656-9313/675-2550 Vacancy for wait-staff, apply immediately to the Manager Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Street. Cook at Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Streets. Apply to the Manager. Second hand banquet chairs for inspection contact admin assistant @ Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose &Anira Streets.
One experienced cook to work in restaurant also knowledge of baking, preferably from West Bank. Call: 678-3400
1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com
1 Bedroom apartment @ Uitvlugt Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara $20,000 monthly. Call: 6982802/277-3033
VACANCY Welder/Fabricator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced with verifiable references. Call: 618-2020
DRESSMAKING Turn your flair for fashion into an exciting career or hobby, Canadian trained tutor. Call: 626-2629/ 676-6312
LAND FOR SALE 12 House lots 80X60 at Plantation Schoonard: water, light and roads, 1 min from Harbour Bridge. Call: 6152346/627-3443 1 House lot in #1 Canal 175X100 – price $3.5M. Call: 684-6048/694-4372 Providence (corner lot 100ftX50ft) - $4M, Farm -$3M, Uitvlugt -$2.8M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M. Call: 684-5822/ 611-7223/629-2881 Transported land @ Lot D Area N Land of Canaan E.B.D Eastern Half. Call: 592-226-8901/ 592-6259443/ 347-905-3312 Transported land @ Hope E.C.D, 2 Minutes away from Hope Bridge – price $2.5M. Call: 611-2414/ 220-4014 Transported land at Well Street Ogle, E.C.D -$12M (twelve million dollars). Call: 650-5462 VACANCY Clinic Assistant. Call: 6455010
CHEF AND ASSISTANT COOKCARNEGIE TRAINING OR GRILLING EXPERIENCE NEEDED. CALL: 225-7933, 173 SHERIFF STREET. Cook, Baker and articulated hauler/dump truck operator for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Cal: 618-2020 Exist for one male bond clerk, must be physically fit. Apply at Mike’s Pharmacy, Bel-Air. Cook (female) age 25yrs to 40yrs old. Tel: 226-1100 & 226-5380 8am to 5pm (Monday-Friday) ACCOUNTANT (Part-time): 2nd/3rd Level ACCA; QuickBooks POS & Accounts. 4hrs on Saturday, every fortnight. Email: spers@msn.com Lorry Drivers and Salesmen, preferably from East Bank Demerara. Salary Negotiable. 266 5569 Exist for 1 Kitchen assistant @ People’s Choice Café, strictly night shift. Call: 6583400; 231-3059 Continue on page 69
Sunday May 21, 2017
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Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
SAIJAN – THE MIRACLE TREE By PAT DIAL In this offering of Consumer Concerns, we had intended to touch on three foods cum drugs of the ancient world which are now being re-discovered by western science though they were very much still in use in the non-Western world. But each of them is so important with so voluminous a literature that it would not have done justice to our readers if we had tried to deal with all three. The one we will be considering today is the Saijan whose botanical name is Moringa Oleifera. Today, many people, even drug stores, have imported Saijan products which are called “Moringa” by foreign pharmacists, and local people have begun using the foreign name “Moringa” not being aware that it is their own Saijan. Many years ago, Dr. Ptolemy Reid, a Minister of
Agriculture in President Burnham’s Government, and an Agricultural scientist, had discovered the value of Saijan and had began to enthusiastically promote it for the benefit of the population. But Dr. Reid’s efforts at educating people as to the nutrition of and curative qualities of Saijan fell on deaf ears. Saijan was known and widely used by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians as a cure for a wide range of ailments. It is a tree which originated in the foothills of the Himalayas in India and about 5000 years ago become part of the Ayurvedic Therapy for an impressive range of therapeutic uses including its anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ayurvedic is of course the ancient system of medicine still in use today in India and South East Asia. Today, Saijan’s health benefits are widely
recognized. It has, for instance a rich blend of powerful antioxidants and is a beneficial treatment to many diseases some of which we will mention below:Edema: Its use has been effective against Edema and its root extract possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. Liver Protection: Eating Saijan Leaves (Saijan Bhaji) because of the effective phytochemicals it contains protects against damage by anti-tubercular drugs. Stomach Disorders such as constipation and gastroenteritis and also conditions such as diarrhea. It combats obesity because of its low fat qualities and converts food into energy rather than storing it as fat. It promotes healthy hair and skin; slows up premature aging. For this reason it is used in production of cosmetics and skin care products. Cancer: It is an AntiCancer agent and is much valued in tumor therapy. It has shown particularly effectiveness in certain types of cancer such as ovarian cancer. Neurodegenerative Diseases: The effectiveness of Saijan has been very valuable in the treatment of Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. Cardiovascular protection and diabetes: Saijan extracts are helpful in the protection of Myocardial or Cardiac damage, due to the presence of powerful antioxidants. They also exert anti-diabetics effects in the treatment of diabetes
mellitus. There are several other diseases which Saijan could be used to treat or counter but once one gets interested in Saijan, there is the internet to turn to for more guidance and information. In addition to its medical value, Saijan has great nutritional value and is used as a food. In Guyana, the young Saijan sticks are boiled in soups or in dhal or cooked in curries. The leaves are also used as a leafy vegetable (bhaji). As a food, it contains a great range and amounts of essential proteins and v i t a m i n s . Vi t a m i n s i t contains include: Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C. Its mineral wealth includes calcium. It also contains very low amounts of fats and offers no harmful cholesterol. In poverty stricken regions where malnutrition is endemic, it is promoted by various humanitarian organizations, one of the reasons being that it grows easily and rapidly. We u n d e r s t a n d t h a t NAREI is seriously cultivating and researching into it since it could be an important nutritional input to Guyana and could also be an important crop to export. Anyone could however easily grow a Saijan tree in his/her backyard. The effective curative and medical uses of the tree as well as its great nutritional value and its great versatility has resulted in the Saijan being known as “The Miracle Tree”.
From page 68
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Recently-built 2-Storey concrete building (1,245 ft2) Parfaite Harmonie $7.9M neg. Contact 231-9690 For details.
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501
Recently-constructed 2Storey concrete building (2,030 ft2) Tuschen $7.5M neg. Contact 231-9690 for details.
Nissan Pathfinder Jeep $1.5M, Toyota Ipsum 7 seater, fully loaded -$2M. Great deals! Must be sold! Call: 609-7766
Property at Annadale, East Coast Demerara. Call: 6787875/ 674- 6071
One Toyota Camry 5030 ,AC working, $625,000. Call: 6737991
Goat Creek, Riverfront , 75 Acres land -$7M, Lanaballi River Front, 50 Acres -$9M. Diamond -$7.5M Call: 6880087, 638-8484
1 Mercedes Benz c 200 Kompresso, PNN 6967. Call: 277-3033/698-2802/254-1801
Riviera Island: 145 Acres $30M, Tuschen property $5.8M, $6M, $15M. Call: 6880087, 638-8484 Tuschen 2 bedroom flat houses: $4.8M, $10M, $11M, land $2M. Call: 688-0087,6388484 Melani 2 bedrooms - $10M, Tuschen $11.5M & $25M, Canal #2 (15 acres) -$9M. Call:688-0087,638-8484 Hogg Island 15Acres - $9M, De William, 5 Bedrooms house -$50M, Hague -$15M. Call: 688-0087/ 633-8484 House & land at Mon Repos -$19M. Call: 645-8543
TO LET 1-3 Bedroom house @ Prashad Nagar -$600US monthly. 1-2 bedroom house @ Lamaha Gardens- $1,000 US monthly. Call: 231-4681/ 652-6565 Furnished 1&2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560 4 AC Rooms/ 1 extra room, for business/offices @ 21 Seaforth St. C/Ville, Georgetown. Call: 226-1877, 624-7436, 654-9350 2&3 Bedrooms apartment, free Wi-Fi @ Nandy Park. Call: 641-3318 A43 East La Penitence Market Square: renting one apartment -$35,000 monthly. Call: 693-9179
One two story property newly renovated. Call: 6771310 1 Business property for sale in La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 686-5083 10 Minutes away from Georgetown, you can own your own home, now in construction, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, concrete house. Call: 675-1510
Toyota Fielder PPP series, excellent condition. Call: 6659747/270-5302 Tractors Foreign Used: Massey Ferguson MF165 $1.7M, MF135-$1.2M & MF265 -$2.2M, MF 165 loader tractor -$2.4M. Call: 682-5230/628-9596 2005 Tacoma from Canada $2.4M Ford F150 sports $16M, Ford Ranger sports $1.5M. Call: 682-5230/6289596 One minibus RZI 2008$800,000. Call:682-3285 Unregistered Fielder 2010, dark interior, Nissan Pickup leaf spring, 2000 model. Call: 617-5536 Pitbull bus -$2,000,000. Call: 697-2550/ 613-1810 2011 Nissan Duke, fully loaded low mileage, lady driven - $2.8M. Call: 6667748/ 653-0018 2 Hilux off Road pickups, SVV #1 5L Diesel #2 3RZ Gasoline, both 4X4 with differential lock plus O.H.D – Call: 673-7876/ 233-6218
Aubrey Barker -$21M, Hadfield - $17M, Diamond$3.5M, Grove, Land of Canaan, Schoonord, Queenstown, Enterprise, Good Hope. Call: 231-7850/ 618-7483 PEN PAL Kitty 2 Storey 2 family concrete and wooden building upper 3 bedrooms, lower 3 bedrooms fully secured. Call: 227-6769
You deserve a relationship filled with love and excitement. Call Harmony Singles: 626-2629/ 676-6312
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Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
Neighbours assault disabled mom Pagan Thompson, of Lot 975 Hendy Block X, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara is pleading with the relevant authorities to sanction two of his neighbours for allegedly assaulting his disabled mother. His mother, 55-year-old Debra Thompson, who is deaf and dumb, is reported to have been the victim of physical assault by the neighbours--a man and his wife. Pagan Thompson says that several complaints made to the Turkeyen Police Station have gone without action. About nine months ago, prior to the incident they were living in peace and harmony. Thompson said that when the neighbours would leave their home unattended to work in the interior for several weeks at a time, he and his wife acted as security, ensuring that no one broke into their house. A few weeks later the neighbours began hurling insults at his family, including his children and his disabled mother. The man stated that the on December 6, last, the neighbour reported to the police that he was exposing himself to her. He said that he was taken to the Turkeyen Police Station where the officers listened to the matter
and instructed both neighbours to keep the peace. On February 8, 2017, he secured employment at a reputable geotechnical investigation firm and on his first day of work he was escorted yet again to the station where he was informed he was being arrested for verbally abusing the neighbours. He said that he was placed on bail. During the last two years his mother, Debra Thompson, has been living with him due to the death of her mother. Approximately two months ago the neighbours began making Debra the target of their insults. Thompson said that he and his wife would normally leave his mom home because they both worked. When he returned he would be greeted with complaints of the neighbours pelting bricks on the roof and at his mother when she went to the bathroom, which is located at the back of the house. The man said that the situation became so bad, he insisted that his mother bathe before he and his wife left for work and remain in the house, so as to avoid any contact with the neighbours. The matter came to a head on May 10, last, when his wife
took his mother to collect her social assistance benefit from the Campbellville Post Office, as she would normally do. Thompson said that his wife brought his mother part of the way back home on her bicycle since she was late for work, leaving Debra to walk the short distance to the house. But on that day the neighbours attacked the woman on the road when she was passing. According to other neighbours in the village the man and his wife grabbed the woman by her shirt and dealt her several blows. Thompson said that his younger brother would usually check on his mother when they are at work. The brother said that on the day of the incident while he was on his way to see his mother he found her crying on the road and when he inquired as to what was the matter, she indicated to him that the neighbours had pelted her and had assaulted her. He recounted that he then subsequently informed other relatives of what had transpired. They checked for injuries and took the woman to the Police Station to lodge a report, but were informed that due to her disabilities the police could not take a report
from her without an interpreter being present. The police instructed them to return the following day when they would try to have an interpreter available. Back home, upon entering the yard the neighbours began making remarks, suggesting that his mother was dumb and stupid and that was the reason the police would not take a report from her. The man and his wife took the woman to the Sophia Health Centre to have a medical examination done, which revealed she had a swollen hip (left hip) secondary to trauma. They then returned the medical report to the Turkeyen Police Station and were instructed to attend to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on May 19. When they arrived at the court on Friday they saw the neighbours sitting outside so they decided to sit and wait until they heard their names. After two hours of waiting
The disabled Debra Thompson
Pagan Thompson said that he enquired from the orderly whether the court had their
names, only to learn that their case file had not been sent across.
Dairy teacher died from hanging - PM The teacher whose body was found hanging from a roof in her Dairy, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home on Wednesday died from asphyxia due to hanging. This is according to a Post Mortem examination done on Friday on the remains of 26-year-old Tishauna Bess. Her boyfriend, who was held after Bess’ body was discovered, has been released. The teacher ’s body was discovered after numerous calls to her phone went unanswered. Kaieteur News was informed that the woman’s boyfriend spent last weekend at her home and it was after he left that her family members stopped hearing her. Reports are that the young teacher was being abused by her partner. Her body was found one week after she moved into the Dairy community.
Tishauna Bess
Pres. Granger urges Municipalities... (From page 17) country’s development he reiterated. For the vision of national development to be realized, the Head of State said that it is imperative that citizens must work together to contribute to the nation’s economic development. Members of the Opposition party were invited but none attended the event. The Mayors, Deputies and Councillors of the opposition controlled Municipalities were also not present at the conference. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan urged Mayors and Councillors to continue to think about their residents and their communities. He stated, “Remain focused and not give in.” The Minister also acknowledged the courage exhibited by the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Rose
Hall, who despite being warned not to attend the conference, turned up. Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of GAM and Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland, explained that many of the issues at local government levels are common in the different municipalities. The theme for the conference was ‘Positioning Municipalities as critical partners in National Development.’ It is in keeping with the government’s drive of having ‘capital towns’ in a budding green economy. As part of the forum, the leadership presentations were done by each of the Mayors. Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall discussed municipal development and a green economy. Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green talked about Roles of Municipalities. Mayor of Lethem, Carlton
Beckles, promoted Municipal Tourism – in keeping with Government’s tourism drive. Mayor of Mabaruma, Henry Smith discussed Diaspora Engagement and the Twinning Initiative. New Amsterdam Mayor Kirt Wynter looked at advancing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises’ (MSMEs) and strengthening the local economy. Rose Hall Deputy Mayor, Dave Budhu discussed Effective Legislation and Implementation. Mayor Holland explained that the government would like local government organs to be more self-sufficient. However some laws will have to change. Yesterday a Municipal workshop was convened at the Regency Hotel. There was also a Municipal exhibition to showcase the products of the various towns.
Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
Who ordered Customs Officers to release bullet - proof vehicle with fake number plate
- MP wants to know Contractor, BK International Inc., has agreed to pay $31M in duties and taxes for a 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser which was held and released under questionable circumstances two weeks ago. According to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) over the weekend, an agreement has been reached with the contractor to pay $31M. There were few details about what actions would be taken over the fact that the vehicle had false number plates when it was stopped, or whether the matter has been handed over to the police. Following a report of the stopping of the vehicle on Main Street by Customs officers, GRA had summoned BK to a meeting where it was agreed that the outstanding taxes would have to be paid. Under regulations, no vehicle could be used on the roadways unless the necessary Customs paper work is completed. There were no details yesterday if GRA had taken the vehicle into its possession pending the payment of the duties and taxes. Two Tuesdays ago, Customs officials reportedly stopped a vehicle that they had spotted. The pearl white SUV had PJJ number plates, which had been issued about a decade back. The Customs officials stopped the vehicle and the driver indicated that he is a relative of the contractor,
aBrian Tiwarie. The officials were reportedly preparing to arrest the driver and take the vehicle when they received a call. It was never disclosed who made the call. The vehicle and the driver were both allowed to go. It was found that the SUV, an armor-plated one, was brought just over two years ago, and released in a Customs process known as Permission For Immediate Delivery (PID). This meant no taxes were paid and paperwork was not completed at GRA. GRA, over the past year, has been cracking down on several persons who own high-end luxury rides brought into the country under duty free scams as well as smuggled. Many of the owners have reached a settlement with GRA rather than face a drawn-out, publicized battle in court. GRA had claimed much success in recovering taxes from this area. Having a false number plate attached to a vehicle is a criminal offence. Last week, Opposition parliamentarian, Juan Edghill, was highly critical of the incident. Edghill is also a member of the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which has oversight of GRA’s spending and operations. He said that based on report, an offence was commit-
ted when it was found that the vehicle had false number plates. “Any investigations will have to examine the circumstances under which the vehicle was allowed to leave a warehouse and who would made a phone call,” Edghill explained. He noted that when a vehicle is imported to the country, it is placed in a warehouse which is jointly controlled by both Customs and the importer. At no point can the vehicle be released unless both are involved. The MP also noted that investigators will have to check whether the number plates used on the SUV when it was stopped had been assigned. He said that specifically, the Customs officials will have to report who called them to stand down. If they cannot say, it can be deduced that maybe no calls came and maybe the vehicle was released because of corruption was involved. He said that if a settlement has been indeed reached, GRA must state why the vehicle has not been placed in the possession of the authority. If GRA and the Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, cannot say, then it can be concluded that the vehicle was deliberately allowed to go and corruption was involved, Edghill said.
PM defends decision to partner with private investors Jamaica Observer - Prime Minister Andrew Holness has defended Government’s decisions to partner with private investors on major developments arguing that within the right parameters this is the best way to maximise the development of the country’s assets”Divesting assets is not a bad thing for Jamaica if it is done correctly if you find the right partners, and if you have the right framework in place Jamaicans benefit. “[These are] assets that we would not be able ourselves to utilise because of the fiscal constraints that exist… and in the utilisation of those assets, Jamaicans get employed. So we have to put in place the framework with which private and public sector can work together to have the full utilisation of assets,” Holness told a press conference Friday at the offices of Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) following a tour of expansion works being carried
Andrew Holness out at the ports by the company, which is the local subsidiary of French shipping giant, CMA CGM. The prime minister said the US$456-million investment in the refurbishing and expansion of the port was significant as the Government would not have been able to provide those resources. “The Government of Jamaica made an investment in
building out this port 30 years ago (and) at the time… but a lot has changed in 30 years, and not only has the shipping industry changed and the size of ships that can carry cargo changed, but in the course of time the assets would have depreciated and needed reinvestment. We could not leave the asset there to become irrelevant as other ports are developed and the shipping industry moves forward with new technology,” he stated. Holness stressed that the divestment had been a “very intense and in-depth process” and that the Government had chosen “the right partner”. The Port Authority of Jamaica finalised a 30-year concession agreement with KFTL in July 2016 for the company to finance, develop, expand, and operate the island’s main transshipment port — Kingston Container Terminal — and then transfer the port at the end of the concession period.
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Decisively re-elected, Rouhani defies hardliners, pledges to open Iran Reuters - President Hassan Rouhani pledged yesterday to open Iran to the world and deliver freedoms its people have yearned for, throwing down a defiant challenge to his hardline opponents after securing a decisive re-election for a second term. Rouhani, long known as a cautious and mild-mannered establishment insider, reinvented himself as a bold champion of reform during the election campaign, which culminated on Friday in victory with more than 57 percent of the vote. His main challenger, hardline judge Ebrahim Raisi, received 38 percent. In his first televised speech after the result, Rouhani appeared to openly defy conservative judges by praising the spiritual leader of the reform camp, former President Mohammad Khatami. A court has banned quoting or naming Khatami on air. “Our nation’s message in the election was clear: Iran’s nation chose the path of interaction with the world, away from violence and extremism,” Rouhani said. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, whose country has had no diplomatic relations with Iran since 1980, said he hoped Rouhani would use his second term to end Tehran’s
Hassan Rouhani ballistic missile programme and what he called its network of terrorism. Iran denies any involvement in terrorism and says its missile programme, which U.S. President Donald Trump recently targeted with new sanctions, is purely for defence purposes. Although the powers of the elected president are limited by those of unelected Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who outranks him, the scale of Rouhani’s victory gives the pro-reform camp its strongest mandate in at least 12 years to seek the sort of change that hardliners have thwarted for decades. Rouhani’s opponent Raisi, a protégé of Khamenei, had united the conservative
faction and had been tipped as a potential successor to the 77-year-old supreme leader. His defeat leaves the conservatives without an obvious flag bearer. The re-election is likely to safeguard the nuclear agreement Rouhani’s government reached with global powers in 2015, under which most international sanctions have been lifted in return for Iran curbing its nuclear programme. And it delivers a setback to the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), the powerful security force which controls a vast industrial empire in Iran. They had thrown their support behind Raisi to safeguard their interests. Thousands of people gathered in central Tehran to celebrate Rouhani’s victory. Videos on social media showed young people clapping and chanting “We love you Hassan Rouhani, we support you.” Some youngsters wore wristbands in violet, the colour of Rouhani’s campaign. Others wore green, representing the reformist movement crushed by security forces after a 2009 election, whose leaders have been under house arrest since 2011. During campaigning, Rouhani promised to seek their release if re-elected with a stronger mandate.
USA’s trade rep brings ‘America First’ policy to Asia-Pacific summit Reuters - U.S. President Donald Trump’s new trade representative held his first face-to-face meetings with some key partners yesterday as the United States charts an “America First” policy that has upended the old global order and sparked fears of protectionism. Robert Lighthizer met ministers from Canada and Japan on the sidelines of a gathering of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, the biggest trade meeting since Trump took office. Its members account for over 40 percent of world trade. Lighthizer and Japan’s economy, trade and industry minister, Hiroshige Seko, agreed on strengthening bilateral trade and removing barriers, a statement from the U.S. trade representative said. “In particular, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation to address common concerns with respect to unfair trade practices utilized by third-countries,” it said. Lighthizer has in the past
criticized China for what he described as unfair practices, although Trump has dropped the anti-China rhetoric of his election campaign. The word “fair” has increasingly entered the U.S. trade lexicon alongside its old mantra of “free” as Trump seeks to do more to enforce or renegotiate trade agreements in the name of protecting American jobs - particularly in manufacturing. A draft seen by Reuters of theAPEC meeting statement to be issued today emphasised free trade and warned of the dangers of protectionism. But the different approaches were evident in Hanoi. Lighthizer was due to meet about a dozen counterparts there, including China’s representative, a U.S. official said. The veteran lawyer and Reagan-era trade negotiator was only confirmed in his new role earlier this month. China, putting itself forward as a global free trade champion in light of the U.S. shift, is pushing a free trade agreement to encompass the vast majority of
Asian economies. The Asia trade deal it favours is called the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Meanwhile, Japan is leading countries that want to persist with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal ditched by Trump in one of his first acts in office. TPP excludes China and covers a broader scope than the trade agreement favoured by Beijing.Negotiators from the socalled TPP-11 met to discuss how the agreement could be taken forward. Ministers from the group will take a decision early today. The greatest challenge is keeping on board Vietnam and Malaysia, which joined largely to benefit from better access to the U.S. market. Officials from both countries have said that without the Americans they would want to renegotiate. New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said he did not expect a big decision this weekend on how to go forward with the agreement, but hoped for a commitment on working out how to do so.
Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Under siege in Washington, Trump reaps Saudi arms deal, stronger ties
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud meets with U.S. President Donald Trump during a reception ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Reuters - Under political fire a t h o m e , U . S . President Donald Trump sealed a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia on Saturday on his
maiden foreign trip as he struggled to shift attention from the aftermath of his firing of the director of the FBI. The arms deal, plus
other investments that U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said could total up to $350 billion, was the central achievement of Trump’s first day
in Riyadh, first stop on a nine-day journey through the Middle East and Eu-
rope. Speaking to journalists after a ceremony to exchange agreements, Trump said it was a “tremendous day” and spoke of “hundreds of billions of dollars of investments into the United States and jobs, jobs, jobs. So I would like to thank all of the people of Saudi Arabia.” King Salman gave Trump a remarkably warm greeting, meeting him at the steps of Air Force One on arrival, shaking t h e h a n d o f T r u m p ’s wife, Melania, riding with Trump in his limousine and spending most of the day with him. But the political turmoil back in Washington consumed the headlines in the United States and cast a long shadow over the start of Trump’s trip, which will include stops i n I s r a e l , t h e Va t i c a n , Italy and Belgium. His firing of Federal Bureau of Investigation
head James Comey on May 9 and the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Trump’s 2016 presidential election campaign ties to Russia have raised the question of whether he tried to squelch a probe into allegations of a Russian connection. Fanning the flames was a New York Times report that Trump had called Comey a “nut job” in a private meeting last week in the Oval Office with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and ambassador Sergei Kislyak. The Times quoted briefing notes of the conversation. Amid a mood of frustration, officials on b o a r d Tr u m p ’s R i y a d h bound presidential plane scrambled to coordinate on responding to the story with staff in Washington and those who had just landed in the Saudi capital.
At least 22 dead in clashes over Central African Republic town - U.N. Reuters - Fighting this week between rival Christian and Muslim militias in the Central African Republic town of Bria killed at least 22 people, including 17 civilians, and forced some 10,000 others to flee, the country’s United Nations mission said yesterday. The clashes come amid a
week of intense violence between mainly Muslim fighters from the former Seleka rebel coalition that overthrew President Francois Bozize in 2013 and anti-balaka Christian militias who oppose them. “The fighting between armed groups in Bria and elsewhere in eastern CAR must stop,” Diane Corner, the deputy head of the
peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, said in a statement. “These appalling acts of violence committed by armed groups over the last week have killed scores of innocent Central African men, women and children, deprived families of their homes and citizens of their livelihoods,” she said.
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Int’l organisations join forces to advance agriculture in Latin America, Caribbean LIMA, Peru (CMC) — Two international agricultural and rural development agencies will join forces with the International Potato Center (CIP), to pool knowledge and experience on a variety of agricultural and environmental issues to benefit the Latin America and Caribbean region. This follows the signing of a framework agreement here between the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the International Potato Center (CIP). The agreement covers the design and execution of technical cooperation projects across various areas of agricultural research and technology. The two agencies also signed a letter of understanding with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) to identify areas for joint cooperation on roots and tubers development. Both the agreement and the letter of understanding were signed at CIP headquarters. IICA is a specialized agricultural agency of the InterAmerican System, which has been supporting the efforts of its Member States to achieve agricultural development and well-being for rural populations for 75 years.
CARDI is an institution of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) tasked with providing research services to further agricultural development, and promoting the coordination and integration of those services throughout the Caribbean region. A technical cooperation agreement already exists between IICA and CARDI to jointly address priorities and challenges of the agriculture and fishing sectors in the Caribbean, in particular those related to research on development and innovation. The letter of understanding signed between these two entities and CIP seeks to establish guidelines for technical and scientific cooperation between the parties; most specifically for the research and development of sweet potato, a crop of great economic importance in the Caribbean, but also to identify action pertinent to food security and quality of life for the people of the Caribbean region. The framework agreement signed between CIP and the IICA will enable collaboration on production technology, nutrition, advisory services for rural producers and cli-
mate change management. Some areas already identified for joint initiatives are: stimulating innovation and the competitiveness of root and tuber value chains, the development of root and tuber-based products, and improving access to and management of these crops’ germplasm. The agreement also factors in collaboration on research and generation of technologies that will contribute to solving environmental problems a n d t h e c h a l lenges of climate change, with emphasis on agrobiodiversity, its conservation and sustainable use. Barton Clarke, Executive Director of CARDI, noted: “each year, hurricanes impact at least one country in the Caribbean with devastating consequences. This joining together with IICA, which already has a presence throughout the continent, and with CIP which is not yet present in the region, will allow us to have access to a diversity of highly nutritious potatoes and sweet potato, resilient to climatic and soil changes, vital in any disaster situation”. “Developing countries
need projects like the one we are signing today because their producers need improved cultivars. Thanks to the genebank, they will have access to improved planting material, enabling them to develop new products and to improve their traditional existing crops making them disease free and resilient to climate change,” said IICA Director General, Victor M. Villalobos. “It is clear that with this agreement all the signatories, CARDI, CIP and IICA,
are winners. IICA supports CARDI by facilitating access to centers of excellence like CIP, and as we function as a bridge, so we also help the growth and development of the genebank. We offer material for agricultural impact, and a network of experts and international specialists, projects and practices,” added Villalobos For her part, Barbara Wells, Director General of CIP, said chronic malnutrition is a
reality. “Orange-fleshed sweet potato is an improved variety of the sweet potato we already know, which contains beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. It’s a great weapon in the fight against malnutrition, because of its high vitamin A content which is assimilated rapidly and is transmitted, for example, through mothers’ milk to their babies, avoiding blindness in children resulting from malnutrition”.
Youth Week officially starts today As Guyana celebrates its 51st Independence Anniversary this week, the government has set aside a one week agenda for the youths of Guyana. There will be a youth parade to kick off the week’s agenda. The procession will start at 3.00pm from the Parliament Building on Brickdam and will bring together Master Guides, Pathfinders, Majorettes, Scouts, Youth Groups and Schools according to Coordinator of the event, Aaron Blackman. This event was last held in 1991 and was an annual occasion organized by the Youth Services Unit of the
Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. Blackman is calling on the public to come out and join in the celebrations. This Parade will be followed immediately by a mega concert headlined by top Guyanese artistes. The venue is Main Street. There is the launch of the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPoG) at the Umana Yana on May 22, 2017, which will commence at 10:00hrs. On May 23, there will be a Youth Folk Day at Bladen Hall Mutilateral, ECD. There will be an evening of song, stories and music, which will be held at the Umana Yana on
May 23, 2017. More than 50 organizations involved in training young people will participate in this training exposition that will be held on the D’Urban Jubilee Park on Wednesday May 24, 2017 from 10.00 am to 3.00pm. Blackman has also coordinated a Career Exposition and Health Fair, which he deems very crucial to the development of the Nation’s youth and hopes that this training fair will be taken to all Regions targeting our young people A youth symposium will be held on May 25, 2017 at the Police Training Centre.
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Brazil preparing for possible mass influx of Venezuelan refugees BRASILIA (Reuters) Brazil is concerned about growing numbers of refugees spilling over its border from Venezuela and is creating a
plan to deal with a possible mass influx if the crisis in Venezuela worsens, Brazilian Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said last week.
“Evidently we are worried and our biggest concern is the humanitarian situation,” Jungmann told reporters. “We need to have a contingency
plan in place to handle this if things get worse.” More than 6,000 Venezuelans cross the border every day looking to buy food and medicine, and most go back but others stay and look for work, the minister said. Last month, Brazilians were shocked by the sight of indigenous women and children from Venezuela begging in the streets of Manaus, the biggest city in Brazil’s Amazon region. The government of the border state of Roraima has
said that 30,000 refugees have arrived since Venezuela’s political and economic crisis became acute last year. Federal police have put the number of refugees in Roraima’s capital Boa Vista at over 15,000 people. Roraima state Senator Telmario Mota told Reuters that Venezuelans seeking employment were being exploited in Boa Vista and young Venezuelan women had been forced into prostitution. The number of refugees in Boa Vista who requested to
stay in Brazil rose to 3,000 in the first three months of this year from 2,230 last year, with some 5,000 waiting to be attended, according to Brazilian authorities. A United Nations High Commission for Refugees mission visited Boa Vista this week to assess the situation. “We are here to familiarize ourselves with the situation, see the local response capability and help prepare to receive an influx of people if that were needed,” a UNHCR spokesman said.
Court orders stay in implementation of T&T property tax PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Government has been ordered to place a hold on plans to implement the property tax. After hearing the constitutional motion in the San Fernando High Court on Friday, Justice Frank Seepersad granted a stay of implementation and enforcement of the decision by Government that all property owners were required to complete and submit a Valuation Return Form. As a result, the June 5 dead-
line given to citizens to present their documents to the Valuation Division of the Ministry of Finance for the calculation of the property’s Annual Rental Value has been voided. Seepersad ruled the stay will remain in place at least until May 31, after hearing arguments from the lawyers for the claimants and the State. “On the application for interim relief, the court hereby orders that, with immediate effect, there shall be a stay of the implementation and/or enforcement of
the decision contained in a news release dated April 19, 2017, that “all property owners are now required to complete a valuation…”. The judge added: “In democratic societies, there should always exist a circumstance where the law creates a climate of certainty. However Finance Minister Colm Imbert – by way of a text message told the local television station late Friday that an appeal has been fixed for 9:00am tomorrow.
Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Crowned Kings of the Caribbean but... Vinales on pole in all-Yamaha front row in France (From page 75) many successes at the Cardin games staged in Cuba. Simply put, our administrators of that era must have been doing something right to have been able to facilitate such prestigious acclaims. President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle admits to being at his wits end in finding a solution to this troubling issue. He has begged, pleaded, borrowed and attempted numerous strategies to effect a turnaround of fortunes for the lads. The last venture, a walk from Corriverton to Georgetown did not even net enough to offset the expenses for the Barbados sojourn and efforts to procure enough for the just concluded tournament netted similar dismal results. What is the answer to this troubling state of affairs? To my mind this issue necessitates an input from every single affiliate, but Ninvalle must firstly attempt to engage in some house cleaning. The coaches have been successful to a certain extent with Sebert Blake re-
cently being promoted as an AIBA three Star and WSB coach; Terrence Poole had earlier secured an AIBA 3 Star position. Despite this, Wencel Thomas has been given the portfolio of national coach. It means that on paper Guyana has two qualified coaches and an experienced one in Thomas which should stand the boxers in good stead. The question is, are our coaches collaborating their efforts and knowledge towards a single progressive agenda? Is there any indication of distinct advancement of our boxers due to the combined input of our top qualified coaches or is there a double channel approach to their advancement. One cannot help but notice that despite his top achievement, Michael Parris does not form a part of the equation towards the improvement of the aptitude of our boxers. The Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Gym represents an important turning point in local boxing and is a gift to the boxers to hone their skills. One wonders who is responsible for its mainte-
nance. The facility lacks the requisite equipment and, to my mind, is underused and filthy and in need of a facelift coupled with readjustments to its purpose. Boxers utilize the ground floor for training purposes while the upper floor is most times locked with no kind of activity. This should not have been when the upper flat could be used for other developmental inputs for the boxers’ social and academic development. I would hate to think that the sport is receiving commiserate treatment with the thoughts of the powers pertaining to the social standings of our pugilists who are basically from among the proletariat. They say that a king is never honored in his own country. Hopefully, this theory will not find its way into our administrator’s thoughts and our boxers’ recent performances in Barbados and here in Guyana would be held high enough to obliterate what transpires at the Islamic Games and facilitate renewed thinking towards their development.
Sunday May 21, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You should be making plans to spend some time with the ones you love. Invite friends in for a visit. You need time to think things through. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Someone you work with may be withholding valuable information. You can't make things better if you don't know what to fix. You will have an inaccurate assessment of your status in society. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be prepared to lose friends or alienate other people if you insist on being stubborn. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Self-deception is likely. Keep an open mind when listening to the opinions of others. Take your time. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your interest in helping others may take you back to school. Unexpected bills may set you back. Read between the lines before you sign your name. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may want to make changes that will turn your entertainment room into a real family affair. You will be accident prone if you aren't
careful today. Take care of the needs of elders in your family. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You can't lose today unless you get involved in gossip or overwork to the point of exhaustion. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Spend time with your lover today. Enlist the aid of family members and consider the feelings of your mate. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) All your energy should be directed into moneymaking opportunities. Travel will promote new romantic encounters and additional cultural knowledge. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Be honest in your communication and don't lose your cool if someone backs you into a corner. Your financial situation may be draining and it's time to make some serious changes. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't let someone take the credit for a job you did. You can stabilize your financial situation if you make property investments. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You will gain valuable insight and knowledge through the experiences you have along the way.
(Reuters) Spaniard Maverick Vinales took pole position for the French Grand Prix at Le Mans yesterday with his Yamaha team mate and MotoGP leader Valentino Rossi qualifying alongside. French rider Johann Zarco will line up behind the two factory Yamahas in third place for the privately-run Tech3 Yamaha team at the Bugatti circuit in his first top three start. One tenth of a second divided the top two, with Vinales setting the best lap time of one minute 31.994 seconds and Rossi 0.106 slower. It was the Spaniard’s first proper MotoGP pole after the season-opener in Qatar, which was decided on practice times due to bad weather. Britain’s Cal Crutchlow was fourth on the non-works LCR Honda and ahead of the
Maverick Vinales of Spain took pole position ahead of teammate Valentino Rossi. factory bike ridden by Spain’s reigning world champion Marc Marquez. Ducati’s Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso completed the second row. Australian Jack Miller was lucky to survive unscathed from a massive crash in final
practice, with his Marc VDS Honda going off track and slamming into the tire wall. He returned to qualify 11th. Rossi leads Vinales in the standings by two points after four races with Marquez a further two behind.
CONCACAF’s Tonelli gives presentation of... (From page 79) interested in Domestic Licensing to also aim for a Regional License in the event that they qualify for an overseas tournament. He informed that every Club must have a youth team, a female team, a Head and Assistant Coach and have AGMs. Wayne Forde, President of the GFF said the Federation was focusing on the Elite League which has been expanded to 10 teams and has a relegation system. The last placed of the Elite League will automatically drop down to participate in the Association tournament, while the team that finishes in the penultimate position will have to win a play-off to remain in the Elite League. “It’s important to have youth teams since this will serve as feeder for the senior side and cost far less than buying players to replace injured or retired players. Having a female is also important and the clubs could go into schools in their areas and the communities to harness talent,” Tonelli advised. “At the U-13 and 15 levels it’s critical to have qualified Coaches involved since at this age they learn faster and are most receptive,” Tonelli added. He stressed the importance of a Marketing Officer who will draft, implement and execute negotiations and other actives with the objectives of providing incentives to both fans and sponsors to play an active role within the club. The requirements for a Domestic License are as follows: (1) Qualified Head Coach for first team, (2) Appointment of General Manager, (3) Media Officer, (4) Finance Officer, (5) Marketing Officer, (6) Proof of ownership
or Contract/Agreement for home ground, (7) Registration of First Team players and Coaches, (8) Submit budget for upcoming season, (9) Legal declaration by authorized signatory, (10) Submit Club structure an d c o n t r o l mechanism and (11) Submit Statutes or equivalent legal document. The requirements for Regional License include a club must have at least one youth
team of players between the ages of 10-20, (2) Have a Women’s programme, (3) Head Coach for Youth team, (4) First team players to undergo annual Medical Exams/ Medical Insurance, (5) Qualified Doctor and Physiotherapist, (6) Security Officer, (7) Audited Financials, (8) Inform players, Officials, Fans of Anti-Racism Protocol and (9) Written Contracts for all professional players.
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FF Jaro Talent Identification Initiative – Good character and attitude displayed
Guyanese players closer to European exposure as Coach Heames is impressed By Franklin Wilson Kristian Heames, Manager of Finnish club side FF Jaro has disclosed that he is impressed with the level of talent and attributes that have been exhibited by the National Under-17 youths currently participating in a Ta l e n t I d e n t i f i c a t i o n Initiative here. Heames, who is conducting the sessions along with Golden Jaguar and FF Jaro defender Walter Moore with assistance from National Under-17 Coach Brian Joseph and National Under-15 Coach Sampson Gilbert among others, have been taking the players through their paces at the #5 ground, West Coast Berbice where two sessions were held yesterday; the final one will take place this morning. Speaking with the media following the conclusion of yesterday morning’s two hours session, Heames and Moore were in agreement that talent abounds here and it is just a matter now of working out the modalities for a player or two to cash in on the European experience. The English born Manager informed that the players
Walter Moore during his session with the defenders yesterday morning at the #5 ground. have been very receptive and have displayed good attitude which is perhaps the most important attribute he looks for in young players. He noted that they are young and still have a lot to learn but have displayed really good character and attitude while their technical level and ability with the ball is also “nice”. Heams explained what yesterday morning’s session was about, “What I was trying to do today was to get them to think a little bit
differently and be more like a European team would. I understand that the climate here and the style of play is different to playing over there but I kind of wanted to do something that I do with the professional club in Finland to get them to think in that way and to get to adopt to some of the things we use in that style of game.” He related that there was a lot of counter attacking, switching on quickly and changing very quickly and even while the players took
some time to get used to it, which is natural, he was pleased in the end with how they {players}applied themselves. ”Some players really sharpened and grasped it straightaway and that’s pretty good.” Commenting on whether four sessions is enough to get a good appreciation of the level of the players with a view of selecting one or two for the European experience, Heames stated that what he has done with them would
LeBron lights up the Garden as Cavs crush Celtics BOSTON (Reuters) LeBron James lit up Boston’s TD Garden with a stellar display as the Cleveland Cavaliers crushed the Celtics 130-86 to race to a 2-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Friday. James racked up 30 points, four rebounds and seven assists before he was withdrawn at the end of the third quarter but the game was over as a contest long before his departure as the Cavs took a tight hold on the best-of-seven series. The reigning NBA champions poured in 72 first-half points to lead Boston by 41 at the intermission, the biggest post-season halftime lead since the shot clock was introduced. “He’s playing at an unbelievable level. He’s really setting the tone for us early in the games,” Cavs coach Tyrone Lue told reporters. “He’s able to get out in transition, getting to the
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in action against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) and forward Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports) basket, and when he’s getting his three-point shot, you’re in for a long night.” The Celtics had no answer to James, who amassed 22 in the first half, driving when the lanes were open and dropping jump shots when they were not. On the defensive end, he
had four steals and three blocks “When we’re blitzing and rotating and scrambling, he’s the best we can have on the back line,” Lue explained. “His chase-down blocks, the one he had on Av e r y ( B r a d l e y ) w a s unbelievable. They’re
game-changers for us.” Kevin Love chipped in with 21 points and 12 rebounds as the Cavs secured a 10th straight postseason win, and there appears little to suggest the Celtics can find a way to stop them when the series shifts to Cleveland for Game Three today.
give him a good idea but would have to speak with Moore about the defenders whom he worked with. The players were expected to be involved in a game yesterday afternoon at the same venue where Heames and team would have gotten an opportunity to see them in action for further assessment. ”I think there is really, really good potential, there are players here who straightaway show a lot of the professional traits that I look for. Football is a game of opinion so every coach would be different some might be looking more for making an impact on the pitch straightaway. I tend to try and look at the big picture and see if I think that a player would cope with the discipline and environment of a professional team; I think there are players in here who show that straightaway.” Manager Heames also shared that whilst talking, the players showed tremendous focus on what he was teaching them and tried to prac t i c e w h a t w a s t a u g h t r i g h t a w a y, qualities that were displayed by quite a few of the athletes, which is a great start. On if a player or two would be selected, Heames answered in the affirmative: “I would say definitely in terms of that. It’s just working out the mechanics of how it can be done. Finland is a great opportunity for that because the regulations allow for players outside of the European Union from
certain countries, Guyana being one to come a lot more easily. It’s a lot more freedom of movement like that but it depends of the age of the players.” It was emphasized that players over the age of 18 would have to be treated differently. Coming again, Heames noted, would depend on the GFF but said that he has enjoyed his time here, sharing that the welcome was very good. Moore, in summing up his experience working with the defenders said it was great but noted that at the start, the players struggled to understand why they did certain things including the positioning of their bodies. ”After explaining to them a bit, some grasped it right away. Their technique is good, they are skillful and it was a really good session. It is just to keep the focus a bit more. I am so happy that the guys have actually delivered and the coach is really impressed with what he has seen so it just now to discuss and see them in a final game and we are going to make a decision from there.” Moore is confident that with the current batch of players available to the GFF, the nation’s future at the higher level is very encouraging. ”If these kids continue in the way they are going right now and with the exposure they are getting, coaching philosophy and the camps that are being set up for them that they can be together and play games, I see Guyana being a threat in the Caribbean.”
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Crowned Kings of the Caribbean but are our boxers treated with requisite royalty at home? Asks Michael Benjamin After three nights of fistic fury Guyanese boxers managed to lift the coveted title that distinguished them as the best in the Caribbean when the curtains were drawn in the 2nd edition of t h e C a r i b b e a n Schoolboys/Juniors/Youth championships at the national Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. The feat marked the second time in a year that our local punchers have clinched a major title, close on the heels of their senior counterparts carting off the lion’s share of gold medals at t h e C a r i b b e a n Developmental Tournament in Barbados. The senior boxers left quietly but returned to great fanfare when they were met at the Eugene Correia International Airport by a delegation that included Junior Minister within the Ministry of Education, with responsibility for sports, Nicolette Henry, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and President of the GOA, K A Juman Yassin. Each of those officials expressed delight and pride at the achievements of the youngsters coupled with promises of support. Even though they managed to accrue the largest portion of medals (6 gold and four bronze and two silver), in the just concluded tournament, the junior boxers were unable to totally dominate that tournament after boxers from Trinidad, Barbados and St Lucia,
represented their countries with distinction. L o c a l b o x e r s commenced on a disappointing note and lost both bouts, Shemar Morrison to Tevin Brewster (Bar) and Akeel Mounter to Nickel Joseph (T&T) on the inaugural night. The fact that they were able to regroup and turn the tide in their favour by the time the curtains were drawn, is testimony that our boxers possess the skills and aptitude necessary for competition in the international arena. However, flaunting their wares among their Caribbean counterparts could hardly be considered the litmus test for the acquisition of legitimate international acclaim among boxers out of more developed territories like Europe and North America among other power nations. Minister Henry has boasted of increased expenditure in the national budget for sports development but she did not touch on the issue of disbursement. The Minister did not specify whether allocation would be discriminatory based on the performance/achievement of the associations/federations. M r. N i n v a l l e h a s indicated that he has submitted documents to officials of the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Olympic Association detailing an estimate of required expenditure for the fiscal year; he is still to receive a
T&T’s Abdul Taylor takes a pounding from Guyana’s Richard Howard seconds before he was knocked out. (Sean Devers photo) response. Indeed, though the increased expenditure may sound like a hefty sum, the piecemeal sums allocated for the boxers’ development is hardly sufficient to procure accolades at the Caribbean level much less among pugilists of the more developed countries. Guyanese sports and government administrators bemoan the inability of local sports stalwarts to procure prestigious international accolades but it is imperative
that they understand the level of sacrifice, commitment and monetary input necessary for the acquisition of such lofty merits. A source informed this writer that the losses suffered by two of our pugilists at the just concluded Islamic Games have redounded negatively on the sport and officials are examining the viability of the investment. It is unclear if the final presumption will reflect negatively on future allocation to boxing. If
Guyana’s Omar Pollard stopped T&T’s Edwin Felex inside a minute into the first round to win by TKO in 54kg Final. (Sean Devers photo)
indeed there is any truth to this then one can only marvel at the hypocrisy of those officials to allow the failure of two boxers to overshadow the success of more than a dozen. The hopes of winning the coveted Olympics gold medal seems to be drifting further into oblivion on a daily basis and one wonders if the administrators are seriously devising strategies to move from dream to reality. Our boxers have
always displayed the propensity and appetite to mesh with top notch counterparts of the more developed countries and it is really a pity that group discussions lauding the accomplishments of local boxers date back to the seventies and early eighties instead of present day. Of course, that was the era of Winfield Braithwaite’s Commonwealth Gold medal, Michael Parris’ Olympic bronze and the (Continued on page 73)
National selector resigns due to discrepancies in GCB By Sean Devers National Selector and former Guyana batsman, Rohan Sarjoo, has become the latest GCB official to resign. The 38-year-old Sarjoo quit as a selector due to what he claims are discrepancies in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). A Vice-President of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA), Sarjoo played a single FirstClass match for Guyana in 1997 and lamented that the worsening relationship between himself and GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie, who Sarjoo accused of being dictatorial, were among his reasons for resigning. The former Demerara
batsman who also played one Regional 50-over game, disclosed that his resignation letter will be sent the GCB tomorrow, while adding that his attorney is presently drafting a letter to the Court withdrawing his signature supporting GCB on all Court issues. Sarjoo’s signature was signed in 2014 on behalf of the EBCA when was at helm of that Association. “I have been on the inside and know what goes on in the Board and if required I am willing to tell the Court the truth about the Raj Singh faction of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB). I am calling on the Attorney General (Basil Williams) to seek an early
hearing on the (Guyana Administration) Cricket Bill (Act) since not doing so means that the GCB or the DCB cannot hold elections,” Sarjoo explained. After a challenge to the Guyana Cricket Administration Act 2014 by the GCB, the then Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang issued an order that prevented any elections of the GCB and its membership until the substantive matter is heard. The Sports Minister Nicolette Henry and the Attorney General are the defendants in the Guyana Cricket Administration Act Court case and could press for an early hearing or to have the injunction quashed.
“I am also pulling out of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) and the EBDCA is joining with the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) to fight the injustices from the GCB. All of the East Bank clubs expect Eccles, are supporting me on this,” Sarjoo informed. Sarjoo said that he had a meeting with GCA members and informed them of his willingness to join forces with them. “As a last resort, I am thinking of mounting a peaceful protest outside President David Granger’s office with members of the teams on the East Bank and the GCA. I know there are clubs on the East Coast and even a few in West Demerara
who are opposed to the GCB who would join in,” said the businessman. After five years as EBCA President Sarjoo was replaced by Anand Kalladeen but was kept on as a Vice-President. EBDCA Secretary Mohammed Baksh told this newspaper that he fully supported Sarjoo. According to Sarjoo and Baksh, Kalladeen has consistently been absent from EBDCA meetings. Sarjoo, also a Demerara selector, said that he was recommended by the other Demerara selectors (Anil Persaud, Orin Bailey and Dhanpaul) to be the Manager of the Demerara Under-19 team, while
Bailey or Dhanpaul were recommended as Coach. However, the GCB appointed former Test pacer Reon King as Coach with Dhanpaul as his assistant, while Omar Hossain was appointed Manager. Sarjoo, who made 113 against Barbados in his last game at the U-19 level in St Kitts in 1993, was told that the selectors only recommend the Captain and Vice-Captain and it was the role of the Administration to select the Manager. “For the past three years the selectors recommended the M a n a g e r, ” S a r j o o countered, adding that he had never heard of Hossain in the cricketing fraternity.
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Independence 5K Health & Fitness Walk on today 98-year-old athlete Hilton Lewis will not compete All is set for the eagerly anticipated second annual Independence 5K Run and Health and Fitness Walk which is organised by the Rising Star Track Club in collaboration with Office of the President and Guyana Community of Service starting and finishing at the Square of the Revolution today. The race starts from Square of the Revolution, proceeds up Hadfield Street, round Mandela Avenue, into Homestretch Avenue and back to the starting point and commences at 16:00hrs. A Wheel Chair category has been added to the list of events and Uttamkumar Isurdeen will start as a
Hilton Lewis favorite to win in that category. Athletes who enter for the 5K run, which for both Males and Females, will pay a registration fee of $200, while anyone can enter the Fitness Walk over the same
distance with no registration fee required. All Participants will receive a souvenir Medal and T-Shirts. Former High Jumper 98year-old Hilton ‘Champ’ Lewis who competed in the 2016 US Masters games indicated to Kaieteur Sport that he will not be competing as was stated in a previous article. Lewis said the organiser of the event had spoken to him but he did not confirm participation. Registration can also be done before 15:30hrs today. Athletics Coach Leslie Black, who is the organiser said significant cash prizes will be at stake in the race aspect of the event.
RHTY&SC Cricket teams to Organise Rose Hall 175th Anniversary Celebration
Hilbert Foster
The eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S along with its Social Development Committee would be hosting a series of activities to mark the 175th Anniversary of the purchase of Rose Hall Village by 57 free slaves. The slaves bought the village of Rose Hall from European planter, John Baird on the 20th of August, 1842 and laid the foundation for the township of Rose Hall which is now considered the commercial district of the ancient country of Berbice. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who would be spearheading the planning of the almost one month long celebration from the 19th of August to 15th of September, stated that the main objectives would be to honour the 57 former slaves, to educate residents on the history over the years, to promote social cohesion among residents and to inspire residents to work harder for more
Sunday May 21, 2017
Kaieteur News
development. Rose Hall To w n i s t h e s m a l l e s t township in Guyana and is the home to numerous business entities, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club M.S, the Central Chambers of Commerce and the International award w i n n i n g S T. F r a n c i s Community Developers. The Cricket teams of the RHTY&SC are very proud to be representatives of the township. Foster stated that the teams in 2016 spearheaded the 46th anniversary celebration of Rose Hall status as a town. The activities included a 40 page booklet on the town’s history, construction of a family recreational park, Television documentary, t o u r i s t p o s t e r, Yo u t h C a r e e r F a i r, M e d i c a l Outreach and Military parade. The RHTY&SC, Foster disclosed, would not be involved in this years’ 47th anniversary but instead
would concentrate on the 175th anniversary of the purchase. The celebration would start with a religious service on the 19th of August and would conclude with a Military Parade. Among the activities planned for 2017 are a Health Fair/Medical Outreach, Evening of Music, Yo u t h C a r e e r F a i r , Community Project, Day of Sports, Tourist Posters, Public Exhibition, Annual Yard Fowl Competition, feeding of the Poor and Decoration of the township. The events would be held under the Patronage of the Club’s Patron H.E President David Granger. The Club hereby invites all former and present residents of Rose Hall Town to join hands with the Club to make the historic anniversary a memorable one. The Mayor and Town Council under the leadership of Mayor Vijai Ramoo at its General Meeting for May approved the RHTY&SC to spearhead the anniversary celebration and Foster expressed gratitude to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and To w n C l e r k f o r t h e i r cooperation. The teams organising the 175th Anniversary programme would be the Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Female and Gizmos & Gadgets Under 21 and First Division.
Cloud Computing wins the 2017 Preakness Stakes in stunning fashion
Javier Castellano aboard Cloud Computing races past Always Dreaming with John Velazquez during the Preakness Stakes. (Photo: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports) Yahoo Sports - In a stunner, Cloud Computing won the Preakness Stakes, spoiling Always Dreaming’s bid at a Triple Crown. The 142nd Preakness was billed as a head-to-head battle between Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming and Classic Empire, who was looking for revenge after a rough ride two weeks ago at Churchill Downs. And for threequarters of the race, that’s exactly what it was, with Always Dreaming running in the lead, and Classic Empire on his right hip the entire way. But as they rounded the final turn and headed down the stretch, Always
Dreaming began to fade, ceding the lead to Classic Empire, who was, it appeared, home free. But out of nowhere came Cloud Computing, who entered the race at 13-1 odds. The three-year old ridden by Javier Castellano had run third for most of the way, but at the top of the stretch blew by Always Dreaming and eventually caught Classic Empire just a few feet from the finish line, beating him by a nose. Always Dreaming finished eighth. Was this expected? No. No. No. Always Dreaming won the Derby as the favorite in somewhat easy fashion. But that was a bit
misleading. Classic Empire might as well have been a cofavorite, but his Derby got off to a brutal start when he got side-slammed right out of the gate. That took him out of contention and eliminated Always Dreaming’s main competition. So while Always Dreaming went into the Preakness as the 6/5 favorite, Classic Empire was right there at 2/1 – essentially a cofavorite again. Hence, the pre-race billing, and the relative anonymity of the rest of the field, including Cloud Computing – the sixth favorite in a 10-horse race. W h a t ’s n e x t ? T h e Belmont Stakes on June 10.
Walter Moore to come out of retirement to aid Golden Jaguars By Franklin Wilson Former Golden Jaguar and standout defender Walter ‘Boyd’ Moore has disclosed that he has considered the need for his experience to aid the cause of the Golden Jaguars and is set to return to international duty for his nation. Moore, who had retired after 17 years and 103 internationals at every level from Under-15 last October after Guyana went down to Jamaica 2-4 at the Leonora Stadium in the 2016/17 Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup, made his intentions known yesterday at the #5 ground, West Coast Berbice. Guyana Football F e d e r a t i o n Te c h n i c a l Director Ian Greenwood at a
press conference hosted by the GFF, Moore and his FF Jaro Coach Kristian Heames on Friday at the Pegasus Hotel had said that he was of the view that Moore has a few more years left in him at the international level. Asked to comment on the TD’s statement yesterday by this reporter, this was M o o r e ’s r e s p o n s e : ”I’ve actually been thinking about it and the youngsters still need somebody to help, my good friend Charles Pollard is also on the coaching staff for the senior Jaguars and we had a very good conversation and he asked to come back and help and I’ve decided that I will.” The FF Jaro defender posited that he would be back to assist in every aspect that he can, underlining his
love for youths which he had stated when he had announced his retirement l a s t O c t o b e r . Moore has played to date in 18 World Cup Qualifiers for Guyana and was also a member of Caledonia AIA’s CFU Club Championship title-winning side in 2012 as well as a member of the side that had defeated Bermuda, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago’s Soca Warriors to move into the third round of the CONCACAF qualifying competition for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. It was the farthest Guyana has ever advanced in the competition. He pledged his continued support towards pursuing opportunities for Guyanese youths on the European circuit.
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Twenty-one GAPF athletes preparing for Pan Am and South American Championships
Nadina Taharally
Britny Mack
Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation athletes are aggressively preparing for the annual NAPF/Caribbean and N A P F / F E S U P O P o w e r l i f t i n g Championships from the July 3-8 next in Orlando Florida. Team Guyana 2017, under the auspices of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) in conjunction with the North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF), will once again compete in the Equipped and Classic divisions in both Championships. Twenty-one (21) athletes were shortlisted this year to compete internationally including four females. The Guyanese team, which has been a force to
reckon with in the Caribbean and further afield, will be fueled by the energies and strength of stand-out Junior, SubJunior, Open and Masters’ athletes some of which are new comers to the international stage. The likes of Romario Gonsalves 59kg, Demetri Chan 74kg, Arif Immamdeen 66kg, Carlos Peterson and Nadina Taharally are some of the athletes set to make their debuts. Moreover, the ‘strength’ of Team Guyana 2017 will be reinforced by the participation of a number of seasoned campaigners who are also regional and international medalists including Erwyn Smith 93kg, Britny Mack 47kg, Winston ‘Little Master’
Four-member team to represent Guyana at Pan Am Karate C/ships The Guyana Karate Federation (GKA) will be represented at the 31st Pan American Karate F e d e r a t i o n Championships in Curacao from May 22-27 , by a four member team. Sensei Amir Khouri and Sensei Christopher Chaves will participate in the Referee, Judge and Coach courses. The athletes are Shaqueel Amin and Keith Beaton who will compete in the Kumite th
and Kata events, respectively. The Pan American Karate Federation (PKF) is the Regional body of t h e Wo r l d K a r a t e Federation (WKF), the recognised Olympic Body for Karate. The GKA is extending thanks to the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) for their generous assistance towards the athletes and officials, participation.
Stoby 83kg, Vijay ‘AntsMan’ Rahim 74kg, ‘Big’ John Edwards 120kg and Nairjanjan Singh 83kg, among others. In the past, Team Guyana has enjoyed numerous successes at these Championships, copping the ‘Best Team’ title in 2010 and 2012 in addition to garnering numerous individual top-three positions and regional records. Last year, Karel Mars competing in St. Croix, captured Caribbean Records in the Squat and Deadlift. According to the GAPF, the athletes have satisfied all of the IPF’s criteria for selection and participation in these championships. The federation is particularly pleased by the fact that these individuals are all strong medal contenders in their respective categories with a number of them being unofficial Caribbean Record holders. This year’s dynamic mix of experienced regional and international competitors, alongside new energetic and eager competitors, serves up the opportunity for another team title at this level. Importantly, the GAPF recognises the valuable contribution of Government and Corporate Guyana over the years in delivering Powerlifting locally to the delight of many. Exemplary acts of generosity by key affiliates of the Federation including Jamie McDonald of Fitness
Vijai Rahim in deadlift mode
Express, Max Massiah of Maximum Sports Combat & Strength, Ryan Shivraj o f B u d d y ’s G y m a n d Trophy Stall’s Ramesh Sunich can never be o v e r l o o k e d . The GAPF has noted that through the continued partnership of sponsors w i t h t h e b o d y, m a n y athletes are able to participate regionally and internationally. This year, the federation is anticipating similar outpouring of kindness through sponsorship for Te a m G u y a n a 2 0 1 7 , particularly from new entities that are now encouraged to support this worthwhile cause for our athletes. Persons interested in supporting Team Guyana 2017 in their quest for
success at these upcoming championships, can contact Members of the Executive v i a e m a i l : Powerliftingguyana@yahoo .com Further information on the NAPF/Caribbean and N A P F / F E S U P O P o w e r l i f t i n g
Championships can be obtained by visiting the official IPF website http://www.powerliftingipf.com/championships/cale ndar.html; or through the GAPF’s official Facebook P a g e https://www.facebook.com/ groups/478315539024142/
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Kaieteur News
Xtreme Clean & Maintenance Company ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament
Teams excited about increase in prize monies Te a m s i n v i t e d t o participate in the Xtreme Clean & Maintenance Company ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament which is scheduled to commence on Friday, May 26 at the National Gymnasium have all expressed excitement to be part of the competition. Speaking with a number of the teams’ representatives shortly after the Launch on Thursday last, they said that with the paucity of tournaments in the traditional format it is good that a Company has come to their rescue in an effort to keep them busy and at the same time earn some much needed cash. Hubert Pedro of West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ in an invited comment said they were looking forward to competing in the tournament and will be commencing preparations immediately with the aim of winning the title. A rep from Sparta Boss echoed similar sentiments to that of Pedro and pointed to the increase in prize monies as added incentive to train event harder for the
-Fans to be rewarded every night
Part of the action in a previous tournament and this popular format provides lots of excitement for the fans. impeding showdown. The enthusiasm among the teams was reflected in the large turnout of representatives who all welcomed the increase in remuneration for the winners. The tournament has prize monies and trophies totaling in excess of $1million and will be played over eight
days on a ‘win or go home’ (knockout) format on the first two days, before the survivors enter a round robin phase with the top two automatically advancing in addition to the best two third placed teams to the quarterfinals. The winners are set to receive $500,000 and trophy, while second, third and
fourth placed teams will take home $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. The other playing dates are May 28, June 6, 8, 13, 15 and 17. Meanwhile, it was announced that every night two lucky fans will have the opportunity to kick to win one pennyweight of gold each or its equivalent, while
several other novelty events will allow patrons to win prizes. The teams invited are: Sparta Boss, Bent Street, Sophia, West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’, Broad Street Bullies, Tiger Bay, North East La Penitence, West Back Road, Back Circle, Campbellville , Dave & Celena All Stars (Linden),
Melanie ‘B’ (East Coast), S h o w S t o p p e r s ( We s t Demerara), Agricola Champion Boys, Kitty, Tucville, North Ruimveldt, Festival City, Albouystown ‘B’, Alexander Village, Plaisance ‘A’, Globe Yard, Future Stars and BV ‘A’. Meanwhile, the fixtures for the first two days of competition are seen below. Friday-May 26th Agricola vs BV-A19:00rs Festival City vs Albouystown-19:30hrs Sophia vs Dave and Celena All-Stars-20:00hrs Showstoppers vs Tiger Bay-20:30hrs Broad Street vs West Back Road-21:00hrs Sparta Boss vs Kitty21:30hrs Saturday May 27th Tucville vs Melanie19:00hrs Plaisance vs Alexander Village-19:30hrs Bent Street vs Campbellville-20:00hrs North East La Penitence vs Future Stars-20:30hrs Gold is Money vs North Ruimveldt-21:00hrs Back Circle vs Globe Yard-21:30hrs
Publik on board with support for the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation is pleased to announce its plans for a Steel Challenge Match sponsored by The Publik Wing and Burger House. The GSSF, an affiliate of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA), continues to promote this simple, yet action-packed shooting sport to local pistol shooters by organising such matches on a regular basis. Steel Challenge is considered to be the fastest practical shooting competition in the world. All matches comply with all rules and regulations stipulated by the SCSA. Chairman of the SCSA
Committee, Dr. Pravesh Harry reported that three exciting stages are being planned where competitors will be shooting at 5 steel targets which are arranged in preconfigured positions. Scoring will be done using a timer which records the time taken for a shooter to complete engaging all 5 targets. The shooter’s time is his/her score, with time added for targets not hit. Scores are entered into a specialised software, and the shooter with the lowest overall time wins the match. Participants will fall under two divisions, Limited, and Wildcat. The limited division caters to shooters with 9mm or higher calibre handguns, while
Wildcat represents the .22 and .32ACP shooters. Prizes will be awarded to the top three shooters in each division courtesy of its latest sponsors, Publik. At the small ceremony at the Publik’s location, Mr. Sean Major- the founder of The Publik reiterated his commitment to the GSSF and safe sport shooting activities. The Publik Wing and Burger House has two locations: One at Lot 5 Duncan Street, Bel Air Park inside the Bella Vista Mall and second inside the Food Court of the Giftland Mall. This Guyanese made franchise is definitely a “must-visit” destination. The Publik can be contacted on 226-1545 or 653-9200 for more information. More information on the GSSF can be found on its w e b s i t e : www.GuyanaSportShooting .com.
Mr. Sean Major (right) Founder of The Publik Wing and Burger House hands over the sponsorship to GSSF’s SCSA Chair, Dr. Pravesh Harry.
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Kaieteur News
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Banks DIH Powerade 11 Race NP Cycle Meet
Smart riding by Warren McKay delivers #1 place in feature race
Banks DIH Powerade Rep. Errol Nelson presents the 1st place prize to Warren ‘Forty’ McKay. Smart riding by Warren ‘Forty’ McKay saw him taking the first prize in the feature School Boys and Invitational 35-Lap race when the annual Banks DIH Powerade 11 Race National Park Cycle Meet came off yesterday at the Mecca for the sport. The main event, which was dominated for the most part by the trio of Paul De
Powerade winners pose with officials of Banks DIH and Race Organisers yesterday at the National Park following the presentation.
Nobrega, Jamal John and Christopher Griffith who had separated themselves from the pack from Lap 3, saw the experienced Mc Kay capitalizing on poor tactics by the leaders to ride away with the top prize. Such was the dominance of De Nobrega, John and Griffith that they held the lead until the final lap with 400 meters to the finish line.
Mc Kay who had been hot on their wheels from Lap 17 finally made his move after the leaders decide to play the cat and mouse game leading up to the line. Like a thief in the night, McKay, still a strong sprinter breezed past the trio to claim a memorable win in One Hour 21 Minutes 45 Seconds. De Nobrega had to settle for 2nd with John 3rd,
Griffith 4th, Alanzo Ambrose 5th and Mario King, 6th. John won 5 of the 8 sprint prizes on offer with De Nobrega taking 2 and G r i ff i t h , t h e o t h e r. Nigel Duguid won the juvenile 10-lap race in 23 Minutes 29 Seconds from Briton John and Marcus Keiler. Junior Niles continues to
rule the roost in the veterans Under-45 category with yet another victory in the 5-lap contest over arch rival Lear Nunes and Ian Jackson in that order. Kennard Lovell took the Over-50 category from Linden Blackman. The top spot in the Mountain Bike race went to Sean Budhan with 2nd and 3rd to Ryan Canterbury and Wayne
N u r s e , i n t h a t o r d e r. David Hinds won the 12-14 boys and girls race and was followed to the line by Jonathan Ramsuchit and Brandon De Nobrega. The Boys 6-9 BMX race went to John Niles ahead of Jason Rodrigues. Zab James won the BMX 9-12 3-lap race while John Christian was tops in the 1214 segment.
Football Club licensing seminar
CONCACAF’s Tonelli gives presentation of requirements By Sean Devers In an all-day session which was broken for Lunch just after noon yesterday at the National Racquet Centre o n Wo o l f o r d Av e n u e , CONCACAF Development Coordinator Cristhian To n e l l i p r e s e n t e d a n edifying power point presentation on the requirements needed for Club Licensing for local Football teams for 2017 season. Representatives of the nine Associations and their clubs of the GFF were present during the interactive workshop and their questions were answered by Tonelli and G F F ’s C o m p e t i t i o n ’s Director Ian Alves. The Media was allowed to be present during the seminar
CONCACAF’s Development Coordinator Cristhian Tonelli gives a power point presentation at the National Racquet Centre yesterday. and make suggestions but was not allowed to conduct interviews. Alves informed that local
Football clubs were required to fill four on-line forms (General, Infrastructure, Youth Programmes and
Financial) when applying for a 2017 Domestic or Regional Club License. Tonelli explained that there
were 11 additional requirements that Clubs must meet for them to qualify for a Domestic or
Regional Club License. The CONCACAF official advised the clubs (Continued on page 73)
t r o Sp National selector Walter Moore to come out of resigns due to retirement to aid Golden Jaguars discrepancies in GCB
Rohan Sarjoo has resigned as a National Selector.
Walter ‘Boyd’ Moore (right) with GFF TD Ian Greenwood and FF Jaro Head Coach Kristian Heames.
FF Jaro Talent Identification Initiative – Good character and attitude displayed
Guyanese players closer to European exposure as Coach Heames is impressed
Manager Kristian Heames working along with the players yesterday at the #5 ground, West Coast Berbice.
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