Kaieteur News

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 STOP BLAMING TEACHERS Many believe that the education system in Guyana mirrors the pervasive culture which shifts blame by pointing fingers to others. On many occasions, parents have often blamed teachers for their children’s failure at school. But on the flip side, when a child succeeds at school, little is usually said about the contribution of the teacher. The accolades and the spotlight are always on the child’s success and rarely on the teachers who have nurtured the child along the way. While some teachers are overwhelmed by parents who have expressed disappointment in them for their child’s poor performance, others are frustrated to know that they are being criticized even for those students who performed reasonably well. And there are those parents who are quite calm or perhaps nonchalant even more so than their children, and seem to be angrier about having to consult with teachers than with the actual performance of their children. Some parents have essentially questioned the competence of teachers in the classroom. Most teachers are not pleased to know that parents assume that their children’s failure is as a result of their incapability to teach. Parents very seldom blame their children or cast any of the responsibility on them for their failure.Their actions have outraged teachers, many of whom are offended anddisturbed by the message parents are sending to their children. Not only do parents perpetuate the blame game culture on teachers, but they are saying to their children that the teachers and not them are responsible for their performance. Parents should stop blaming teachers for the failure of their children or tell their children that their lack of interest and low output rate have nothing to do with their mediocre performance. The fact that parents are hell-bent on casting the blame solely on teachers for their children’s failure clearly shows that they have lost their way. Teachers are not the only ones who should be held responsible for the success or failure of children, but also parentsand children. There is some truth that the success and or failure of children depends on the capability of teachers, but parents shouldinculcate a culture of accountability on their childrenso that they can grow-up to become responsible adults. More important, parents must stop being complicit with their children’s failure or success and demand more from them. It is not enough for parents to leave the responsibility of their children to teachers. To do so will not help in their proper development. We are not saying that teachers should not be held accountable for the academic performance of children, they should. However, we strongly believe that they also have a responsibility to foster an environment conducive to learning and to engage students in the classroom as much as possible. Nonetheless, the expectations placed on teachers are so enormous that they are being held to a much higher standard than parents. The standards teachers are called upon to maintain come from the government, but parents also do make some unreasonable demands of them. Many believe that it is ill-advised of parents to think that teachers have all the answers and that they have the magical powers to make children succeed or to make the kind of changes in attitude that parents would like to see in their children. Positive attitudes in children must come from the homes.While many parents have admitted that they cannot control the behaviour of their children, yet they expect teachers to do so, which suggests that they are absconding their responsibility. Children spend more time at home, therefore, no matter how hard teachers try, if they are not properly socialized to operate in their environments, they will not change. Parents must stop blaming teachers for their children’s failure.

Sunday May 28, 2017

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

Guyana lacks servant-leaders in every sphere of national life Dear Editor, We have only just celebrated the 51st anniversary of Independence which came 179 years after Emancipation in 1838. Hence, we have had a first transformation (emancipation which meant no other race would arrive in Guyana enslaved); a second transformation (Independence and the opportunity for selfgovernance); and now with the expectation of oil in 2020, a chance for a third transformation. To f u l l y b e n e f i t f r o m t h i s transformation, there are six key determinants of success, namely: - Building the institutions and governance of the resources sector

- Developing infrastructure - Ensuring robust fiscal policy and competitiveness - Supporting local content - Deciding how to spend a resources windfall wisely; and - Transforming resource wealth into broader economic development What Guyana lacks most are enough servant-leaders in our political parties, the private sector, civil society and our media. Part of this is because of the egregious and pernicious winner takes all Westminster Model of governance in our multi ethnic, multi religious, multicultural society. This model in which there are ethnic winners and losers in contradiction of our motto of “one

people, one nation, one destiny” promotes, nurtures and rewards racism as seen under President Jagdeo’s 12 years of ethnic domination and wealth accumulation among his mainly ethnic support base. Guyana desperately needs five transformational elements: (1) Constitutional reform, (2) a Government of National Unity, (3) a transformative economic platform, (4) national reconciliation and rebirth, and (5) the strengthening of National Institutions. Constitutional reform is a necessary perquisite for Guyana’s economic and social ascendancy. We need (Continued on page 7)

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Freddie Kissoon played a major role in Kaieteur News’ survival

Public employment addressed by COI in the Public Service

DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter written by Mr. Nigel Hinds that was published in both the Kaieteur News and Guyana Chronicle on May 25th, 2017 under the following captions, “Enumeration of Freddie Kissoon’s attacks on Jagdeo’s character” and “What are the benefits for Freddie attacking Jagdeo”. I am not surprised that Nigel Hinds has seen the need to jump to the defense of former President Bharat Jagdeo. He is compelled to do so. It is being touted in political circles that he is considered by Jagdeo as an acceptable African Guyanese Prime Ministerial Candidate on a PPP ticket to be headed by Jagdeo in the 2020 General and Regional elections. What amazes me is Hinds’ boldfaced belief that he can put up a credible defense of Jagdeo, given this ruthless politician’s known history. Any politician, in one of the more developed countries in the world, with a record similar to Jagdeo’s, would have been disgraced and imprisoned for the atrocities he is known to have committed

against his own people. Jagdeo’s record of corruption and abuse of power and his involvement with state sponsored killings are indefensible, and are equated with that of the most brutal and vicious rulers who bestrode the world’s political landscape. Where was Hinds when Fredrick Kissoon was singled out by Jagdeo and the PPP for special treatment, which included character assassination, political victimization and physical assault exemplified by the throwing of excrement in his face? Nigel Hinds is aware that this matter is still being addressed in one of the courts in Guyana. There is no public record of Hinds ever raising his voice in condemnation on any of the occasions when Freddie was being viciously attacked by Jagdeo and his cohorts in the PPP. Hinds’ letter is just another in the series of vicious attacks directed by PPP members/supporters at Freddie. Kissoon is morally and politically justified in reminding the nation and the world of Jagdeo’s and the PPP’s excesses. Nigel Hinds is fully

aware that Kissoon’s comments have been very impacting. His letter must be seen for what it is; a bold attempt on his part to (1) denigrate Kissoon and (2) reduce the impact of his comments. A renowned world revolutionary once told his comrades that when doing political work and the enemy ignores you, you are on the wrong track – when they engage you, you are being effective. Comrade Kissoon I say to you; keep firing your artillery – the enemy is feeling the pressure and is looking for a hole to hide in. I end by pointing to a more sinister aspect of Nigel Hinds’ letter. I refer here to his attempt to drive a wedge between Kissoon and Kaieteur News. Hinds, in his letter wrote, “How does such asinine commentary pass the print test at Kaieteur News?” Where was Hinds and his sense of justice and fair play, when Jagdeo had instructed that state ads should not be given to the Kaieteur News? It was Kissoon who played a major role in helping KN to survive Jagdeo’s vindictiveness. Hinds appeal for editorial restraint on Mr. Fredrick Kissoon must go nowhere. Tacuma Ogunseye

Memories of Carnegie School of Home Economics DEAREDITOR, How lovely to hear that the Carnegie School of Home Economics is still alive and well. The 2-year day student graduates were snapped up by the expatriate households and earned an excellent reputation in their jobs. I remember the evening courses I took at the Carnegie school in the 1950s, which served me well in later life. I took two cookery courses, and then a dressmaking course. Both of great advantage to me. In my class, at one ‘every day cookery’ session, we were introduced to the technique of adding a parched and ground spice to our curry dish. In my brown stew, usually made with beef, the mixed spices of parsley, celery and

thyme, produced a unique taste. Later on, when I ran my own household, visitors always commented on how ‘different’ my curry and brown stew tasted. I used both fish and meat to make the brown stew, using the same mix of spices. One evening during a cookery class break, a few of us nipped into the class next door and copied the “black cake” recipe from their blackboard. I have used this recipe every Christmas since. In London, in the 1970s, I used the recipe to make a Guyanese visitor’s wedding cake, and offered a slice to my next door “Brit” neighbour. She sang the praises of the cake to anyone who would listen for a long time afterwards,

In the exchange between Hinds and Kissoon, please note … DEAR EDITOR, I felt compelled to send this letter after reading the exchanges between Freddie Kissoon and Nigel Hinds. I am not surprised at Nigel’s attitude. I was very concerned when he functioned as an auditor on behalf of the current Government in power. If Freddie should investigate what happened while Nigel was an

Accountant at Iwokrama and/ or at the C a r i b b e a n Containers (formerly Seals and Packaging) they would realise the reason(s) for him being supportive of the former regime. Gebre Selassie

saying it was the best wedding cake she had ever tasted - she was twice my age and her husband was a baker! She asked what made it so dark (a mixture of molasses black treacle to the “Brits”) and stout. In Guyana, we used burnt sugar to darken the cake, but manufactured treacle was easier. Incidentally, I passed on the ‘treacle tip’ to fellow “Brit” tourists on one Caribbean holiday - now it is a regular ingredient in some stores’ dark cakes. I think the subtle difference in the Guyanese cake is that we grind the fruit before using. When my son was about 12 years old, one Christmas his Muslim classmate, with his younger brother, dropped in one afternoon to have a chat. My son offered them a slice of my black cake. They wolfed it down and asked twice for more. He obliged. Later back home, their parents could not understand why their boys kept falling asleep. They were not very pleased when they learnt about their “cake experience”. However, it did them no long term harm - they are now both Chartered Accountants! Well done, Carnegie. Geralda Dennison

DEAR EDITOR, The Report of the Commission of Inquiry in the Public Service (COI), 2016 addresses employment and related issues in the Public Service. The many recommendations from COI aim at fostering and developing a professional and neutral Public Service, a Public Service that is based on merit and non-partisanship. Inherent in the report are the principles of fairness and nondiscrimination in employment in keeping with our Constitution and labour laws. The COI Report noted the progressive decline of professionalism in the public service, which for decades now has been subservient to the political directorate in the management of public administration services to the public. The Report also refers to important statements by past Heads of Government, and quoted the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham’s statement in 1966 on the role and functions of the public servants as follows: “Governments, and their Ministers, come and go at the will of the electorate, but under the present system there needs to continue in being an experienced civil service which can carry on the routine of administration and constitute the skilled instrument for implementing the policy of the Government of the day. To bring appointments to public office under the aegis of ministers would create the danger of such appointments being subject to political considerations, with serious disruption of the administration with each change of the elected Government. The Constitution seeks therefore to ensure that a newly appointed Government finds at its disposal an efficient, impartial and experienced permanent staff, owing particular allegiance to neither the outgoing nor the incoming administration, and imbued solely with the aim of using its abilities in the service of the Government.” The then President Desmond Hoyte’s statement in 1989 on the roles of the Permanent Secretary and the Minister, affirmed as follows: “While the Minister exercises general direction and

control over his Ministry, it is the Permanent Secretary who is charged with the responsibility for supervising the Ministry (in that connection his reference was to Article 115 of the Constitution).Therefore, “the Permanent Secretary is accountable for the actual dayto-day management of the Ministry”. He is not a clerk but has a three-fold responsibility: (1) to manage his Ministry; (2) to advise his Minister; (3) to help the Minister in the formulation of policy.” Further President Hoyte stated: “No Minister has the authority to direct a Permanent Secretary to ignore or break the law or to breach regulations and directives governing the administration of finances, the use of government property, etc. Indeed, no Minister has the power to direct a Permanent Secretary to commit any other Act that is unlawful or otherwise irregular.” On 14 March 2016, President Donald Ramotar was quote as follows: “Modern democratic societies are based on the independence of three major institutions in society - The Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the government. These institutions are all very important because they act as checks and balance in the system and are a safeguard against excessiveness….” The foregoing are fundamental statements of principles in public administration for a professional and politically neutral public service. However, progressively over the years, many Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, to the neglect of their Constitutional and Statu-

tory duties, demonstrate professional weakness, and allow political alignments to influence their actions and decisions. This here points to general incapacity and unsuitability for such positions of high trust. Many Heads of Departments and Permanent Secretaries function as “clerks” and allow Ministers to get into day to day public administration and operational management of Ministries and Departments, and micro manage. Ministers must, in the spirit and intent of the Constitution and the applicable laws, learn, understand and practice their Constitutional and other statutory duties with prudence. Some Ministers throw their weight around essentially on account of their positional power, rather than demonstrating the capacity and skills required in their Ministerial responsibilities. The Constitutional stipulation of “fit and proper persons” to hold high public offices should include ministerial office holders. His Excellency, President David Granger may wish to reign in those Ministers who want to, or function also as Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, to hide their inability to discharge the higher their duties of their portfolios. This must be a source embarrassment to the President. With the forgoing back ground, reality and the need to restore public trust and confidence in the public service, the COI accordingly recommended: The enactment, as in other Commonwealth countries, of a Public Service Law, with related Regulations which could promote the effective management and (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur M@ilbox The alternative for the closure of Guyana’s sugar estates is HEMP DEAR EDITOR, I have has carefully looked at the situation which is now engaging the Cabinet and the members of the Hemp Association. We are literally at the crossroads on this matter. Hemp – from all credible research – is a plant of the cannabis family. It is true that marijuana is also a plant of the cannabis family. The quandary this and any administration will have in allowing for the local production of Hemp, is not the issue of the Hemp production but rather, the monitoring of the cannabis plantations. Hemp does not have the innate levels of Terahydrocannabinol (THC) (0.3% or higher), that marijuana has. The hallucinating ‘high’ which comes from marijuana cannot be achieved unless one smokes a substantial amount of Hemp.A crass comparison might be to equate Hemp to Banks Shandy and Marijuana to Banks Vodka. Can one get high from drinking Shandy? Sure. But it will take several shandies to get the

high that one shot of Vodka would immediately produce. The immediate concern for the government is therefore to determine if the benefits of producing Hemp, outweighs the negative effects of decriminalizing a known hallucinogen. And that determination cannot and should not be taken lightly. However, it should be noted that at some point and by some Guyanese government, Hemp production will become permissible. Therefore, what is need at this time is a candid discussion on the way forward. It must be noted that most, if not all, of the developed countries have already allowed for the production of Hemp. Hemp is now a multimillion dollar addition to the GDP of the countries in which it is planted, including China, Canada, and the European Union. Additionally, the byproducts of the Hemp plant are grossing in the billions of dollars. There are Hemp ropes, creams, pills, plastics, safety wear and devices, bat-

teries, etc. Reports are that over 2,000 products are now being derived from Hemp. The introduction of the production of Hemp is seeing a huge increase in the employment of those otherwise unemployed, in the areas where it is planted and where byproducts are produced. Hemp cultivation can be a viable solution in the diversification of the sugar industry and a utilization of those lands. To help reduce the complication of legalizing Hemp, the members of the Hemp Association are purporting that a body be formed and gazetted to be responsible for the monitoring and coordinating of the Hemp industry. Some of the challenges that the association and the government will have is the monitoring of the plantations. Constant vigilance would have to be taken to make sure that the laws regulating the Hemp production is followed. There will also have to be immediate efforts employed to facilitate the construction of factories that will see the local value added

benefits of Hemp. Editor, all of the members of the local Hemp Association and many of those backing its legalization are career entrepreneurs and business people. We have a duty to our country to suggest ways in which our stagnant, high, unemployment rate can be lowered. We also have a duty to seek to increase the salary scale of those who are already working. The legalizing of Hemp production fits well into theAdministration’s vision of creating the good life for all Guyanese. Finally, the URP thinks that the production of Hemp should not be made into a political football. The allowing for the production of Hemp should not be couched into political correctness. The administration needs to have those with the expertise within their fold take a candid look at the benefits of the production of Hemp and the decision to allow its production should not be made based on the political benefit or hindrance. Dr. Vishnu Bandhu

The many errors in the Norway-Guyana MoU DEAR EDITOR, Given that the NorwayGuyana MoU was for 20092015, a historical look backwards at a few of the many errors in that MoU and associated Joint Concept note is perhaps less useful and informative for KN readers than an article or several articles on ‘What can we learn from the performance under that MoU for future deals relevant to the Green Economy or Green State of Guyana?’ If dealing with Norway was difficult, dealing with Exxon Mobil is many times worse. 1. Transparency – this kind of bilateral deal is just as much a foreign direct investment (FDI) arrangement as one with Hauwei or Ansa McAL or Barama or Bai Shan Lin. All the FDI documents should be in the public domain, not just some of them.

2. Objectives - the objectives of each partner should be clearly stated, and accompanied by objectively verifiable progress indicators which relate directly and logically to the objectives. Objectives should be based on agreed desired outcomes, not specified as a series of activities. 3. Technical reports to be accompanied by plain-language summaries – it is not helpful if technical reports of hundreds of pages are not accompanied by plain-language summaries so that civil society in Guyana can understand what is and what is not happening and why. The Democratic Centralist control of information belongs in a past era. 4. Performance audits – auditors should have terms of reference which are exactly

linked to the stated objectives (not to a sub-set), auditors should have full access to all documents and datasets, all locations and all personnel. 5. Audit reports in the public domain – audits reports should be published without redaction. It is important that criticised agencies have a similar right of public reply. 6. Performance indicators – if either or both partners wishes to change a performance indicator, the reasons should be in full in the public domain. 7. Penalty clauses – the reasons for penalty clauses, the trigger events or facts, the process for penalty levies and the penalties paid should be fully in the public domain. 8. Risk management should be explained to civil

society in ‘kitchen terms’, not the complicated language of insurance. All these 8 points were poorly addressed and managed in the Norway-Guyana MoU and JCNs. Compared with other countries, Guyana is desperately low in capacity to deal with Baramas and Bai Shan Lins, let alone industrial behemoths of the Exxon type, and urgently needs to figure out what it can control itself and where and how it can find impartial advice. Dr. Janette Bulkan requests that you do not use the draft which you attached to your message; it would need considerable revision for publication. John Palmer Senior Associate, Forest Management Trust, Montana

The Puruni Road has become a virtual, living nightmare DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space in your column to express the distress and the plight of miners who contribute significantly to the G.D.P. of this country. We pay a lot of royalties to the GGMC, which are supposed to be for the purpose of enhancing the mining industry. Roads are very important to miners in gaining access to their work lands. The Puruni road being one of the major roads is in a deplorable state and monies have already been budgeted for this road. At this point, many miners have closed their dredges because it is very expensive and impossible to access their work ground. The

road is impassible, trucks are being covered in slush, bikes and cruisers cannot pass and people are being stranded. Miners do not know who is responsible for the repairs and maintenance of roads and bridges. But at this moment many of them need urgent attention. The syndicate body is appealing to the rightful authorities, to have these roads urgently dealt with because peoples’ lives are disrupted, vehicles are damaged and the journey that takes hours now takes days. This is a real nightmare and is unacceptable. Leon Moses Secretary National Mining Syndicate

Public employment addressed by COI in the Public Service

From page 5 administration of the Public Service and insulate and protect it from irregular and undesirable influences to enhance its status and productive capacity (R 1) That the Constitution and other applicable laws be appropriately amended to empower the Public Service Commission (PSC) to appoint Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers.(R 9) That all recruitment and appointments to positions in the Public Service be undertaken through open internal and external competitions to obtain the best from the labour market (R 10) That all appointments by the PSC be on the basis of merit and be free from political influences, and meet the essential qualifications and requirements for the

jobs to be performed.(R 11) That contract workers on all grades holding Public Service positions be absorbed into the pensionable Public Service establishment provided that they are suitably qualified to fill established positions. (R 13) That contracted employees/workers should be restricted to high level professional skills not available in the Public Service, and should be recruited and selected through open competition to obtain the best available candidates from the job market. (14). There is widespread support for these and other recommendations proffered by the COI. The public waits anxiously for the acceptance and implementation of the COI recommendations which can contribute to the transformation of the public service. Joshua Singh

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

Call for Minister Ramjattan to intervene in this situation

Guyana lacks servant-leaders in every...

DEAR EDITOR, In the Amerindian community of St. Deny, Tapakuma, Region 2, a second meeting, to elect a chairman and committee of the newly formed Community Policing Group was recently held. This second round of elections, sir, was nothing more than a fraud. Let me expound a little. Firstly, based on investigation, it was discovered that the results of the first set of elections were purportedly overturned for the reason that there was no representatives present from Police High Command, even though

two(2) constables had attended. Secondly, the first election was overtly derailed through the intervention of a single individual to insert a chairperson to his/her liking. Just a single individual’s request, (a Regional Councillor’s) was granted at the expense of justice and fair play. Also, there was no police presence, quite unlike the first meeting, yet the new election results were upheld. How indecent, lawless and wicked can people become? Sir, it is hoped that Police at the Command Centre have

observed that the individual who is now chairman of the newly formed Policing Group at this location is under the community’s magnifying lens for not denying alleged involvement in certain things. Perhaps some of us will read between the lines why thi s g o o d l y gentleman was made head of an organization which is supposed to be an arm of the Police that must report on certain types of activities. Could Minister Ramjattan intervene, or in the least, order a fresh election? Amazed citizen

The Environmental Protection Agency does not protect victims DEAREDITOR, Can one of the media house pay a visit to the sawmills on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway? There have been reports that some of the employees at one of the facilities were taken to the Georgetown Hospital this week after complaining of feeling as though they were being choked. I do not want to mention the name of the owner as it has been claimed that the owner has big connections in the Coalition Government. I have been suffering at the hands of a neighboring sawmill for over two years, and to date the EPA of Guyana has been unable to bring an end to this problem. I lodged complaints about loud noise all the time, but the EPA maintains that they cannot go by my account alone. The EPA maintains that they have to catch the saw-miller in the act of violation. This is very difficult because Guyana is known as one of the most corrupt countries in

the region. Mysteriously the saw-miller would lower the noise moments before the EPA shows up. To complain about noise and dust earns you a very negative reputation in Guyana amongst the people at the EPA. They see you as someone who loves to complain. It amazes me how the people who are employed at the EPA adhere to high standards in their offices. I have visited the EPA office at Prashad Nagar on several occasions, and I have been impressed with the working conditions there. They work in a nice clean environment with tidy airconditioned offices. There are no supervisors pushing them - they work at their own pace. There are coffee breaks and no restrictions as to how many cups of coffee a staff member is entitled to, and some drink quite often. When I first visited the EPA a few years ago the first thing that came to my mind was WHITE PEOPLE. Yes, the EPA

staff work like White people. I would not even touch on the airconditioned high-end vehicles they have access to. However, their performance and execution of their duties in the villages where violations are rampant show another face of Guyana. Our villages are similar to those civil war countries. The other matter I would like to touch on is the NDC. In many villages all over Guyana, the NDCs no longer maintain the parapets and clear the drains. There are people who have been contracted by Central Government carry out these jobs that were previously done by the NDC. We all know that things were not well with many of the NDCs across Guyana, but to create parallel bodies to do the NDC’s functions is not the way forward, and I call on the media houses to look into this matter. Thieving and kickbacks still the order of the day. Fazal Gafoor

Why is Minister Trotman keeping this monstrosity alive? DEAREDITOR, I penned this letter with great concern as the President of the Karrau Mining Syndicate. In May 2016 we made application for some lands in Kurubrang. After much pushing around and many phone calls to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Permanent Secretary, the “closed area committee” eventually called us to a meeting in November 2016. The Karrau Syndicate endured expenses of over one hundred and sixty thousand dollars to attend this meeting which we were led to believe would resolve the issues concerning our land application. Instead we were asked a number of irrelevant questions of which two need to be highlighted (1) What do we want the

lands for? (2) What mining equipment do we have, etc? After answering we were told that we were the wrong “set of people” which they had called to the meeting, but we would still hear from them. This meeting was an absolute waste of time. As a matter of fact, the entire “Closed Area Committee” is totally corrupt. This was bureaucracy invented by the PPP Administration to manipulate the distribution of lands to the detriment of small miners. Everyone is now wondering why is Minister Trotman keeping this monstrosity alive? In March 2017, we attended a meeting between Minister Trotman, Minister Broomes, several GGMC officials and the executives of all the mining syndicates. During this meeting we

were informed that our land was approved for prospecting and published in the Gazette dated March 16, 2017 by a special order from The Minister. However, to date we have not received any formal documentation that would permit mining, which is required by law before we can start working. I assure you that all Syndicates are prepared to be compliant, but corruption continues to be the order of the day because of GGMC and its bureaucracy. Mr. Editor, the matter is urgent because while syndicates are waiting on GGMC to process our land applications, the said lands are being raided. If this is not resolved quickly the lands will be worthless by the time they are licensed to the syndicates. Judith Blair President Karrau Mining Syndicate

From page 4 constitutional reform so all ethnic groups are truly represented. This process should be such that anyone, regardless of political party, who stole state assets, been convicted of corruption or any other crimes such as money laundering, gold and fuel smuggling should NOT be allowed to run for political office. Such a process will provide our Youth the chance of a plural society that is multi-racial, multi ethnic and multi religious and a society in which there is economic equity We need more servant-leaders who have the courage to fight for justice regardless of the political price. We seem however to have inherited a win-lose model of public and private behavior. The racism and name calling we see in the discourses on Facebook are win-lose. Daily we see this mode of Guyanese behavior. Oil is the new win-lose conversation along racial lines. We have a billion experts most of whom from their Facebook conversations are functional illiterates seeing everything through the prism of automatic dissent because of whom is in power. Guysuco-GAWU has become the most visible win-lose conversation because of the ethnic manipulation of selfish politicians in our country. Guysuco is bankrupt and needs a win-win solution. GAWU knows Guysuco cannot continue to be subsidized

with G$1 billion per month. Yet its behavior continues to be winlose. The rest of Guyana cannot be taxed to subsidize Guysuco. There has to be a better solution that accommodates all parties and especially one that takes into consideration the humanity and livelihoods of the workers, regardless of race. Guysuco is the economic, financial, moral, ethical, social, cultural and development issue of our times. This means it has to be a priority of Government, Opposition, the Private Sector, Civil society and the Media. Many important voices in these groups have cowardly gone silent. Unfortunately, the politicization of Guysuco through misinformation and racial politics has left a lose-lose situation. This 51st celebration of Independence demands that all voices of reason step forward. On that score, I read where Christopher Ram will write on the emerging oil industry over the next 20 plus weeks. This will be a great service to the nation. I however believe this

should take a back seat Chris Ram offering a solution to Guysuco. Chris has correctly criticized some aspects of the White Paper. However, he has written before on Guysuco and presented to the Commission of Inquiry (COI). He is one of the few individuals who wouldn’t politicize the issue unlike GAWU, the political parties or Guysuco. I believe Guysuco is a greater and more immediate national challenge and hopefully Chris would see this as a more urgent and critical national service that demands his unique skills. Oil is at least 3 years away and Chris’s analysis of oil can only be descriptive whereas his recommendations on sugar and Guysuco can be prescriptive. Guyana needs courageous individuals to come forward and speak their truths. We have too many cowards hiding behind Facebook and fictitious names spouting untruths built around political allegiances. Eric Phillips

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Former Deputy REO in US custody despite no more jail time on drug charge There is no more jail time for a Guyanese regional official busted last year with drugs at a Texas airport. According to court records filed Friday, Ameena Hinds, a former Deputy Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, was sentenced to time served by Judge Sim Lake. However, the deal with Hinds will remain sealed as she seemed to be cooperating with US investigators. She was not fined and there were special conditions attached to her sentencing. Hinds will not be released to come back home right away or be allowed to travel freely in the US. It is unclear the extent of her cooperation as the court records will not be made public now and have remained sealed. Hinds, in a deal with prosecutors, pleaded to count one of the indictment– conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled sub-

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Time served: Ameena Hinds stance and would have faced up to 20 years had she gone through a regular trial and found guilty. She could also have faced up to a US$1M in fines and automatic deportation. In late October, Hinds was busted at a Texas, US airport with the cocaine hidden in her

suitcase. According to court documents, after her arrest, the Region Three official told security officers that she took a chance with the drugs after a number of persons she owed, came knocking to collect. She was supposed to receive US$2,500 for the job. The charges said that on October 29, at Harris Country, in the Southern District of Texas, Hinds knowingly and intentionally imported into the US over 500 grams of coke. The Deputy REO touched down at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport around 13:45hrs on a United Airlines flight from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She was singled out for a secondary inspection. Around 15:00hrs, her luggage was subject to an x-ray inspection and a strange rectangular shape was seen at the bottom between the suitcase wheels. That part of the suitcase appeared shaded on the x-ray machines when it was supposed to be clear. Officials later inserted a metal probe and discovered a white powdery substance. They field tested it positive for cocaine. Hinds was immediately

arrested and after the cocaine was weighed, it was found to be 1.49 kilograms (three pounds) in weight. The court documents said that Hinds was willing to answer questions without an Attorney present. She claimed that she owed US$5,000 in personal debt and persons were pressuring her to pay. In July, she met with an unknown man whom she described as “Mystery Man”. She was offered US$2,500 ($500,000) to take a suitcase with drugs to the US. However, the Deputy REO was nervous and it was not until in October when she was contacted again by the “Mystery Man” that she relented. She was given a ticket by a female and later flew to Trinidad. There, she met “Mystery Man” who gave her another suitcase. Her personal items were placed in this suitcase. She was told to travel to New York and to stay at a hotel where she would be contacted and paid, after the suitcase and drugs would have been handed over. In court, Hinds pleaded not guilty to her indictment and was held without bail.

Best friend ID’d as seaman’s killer

Ezekiel Edwards

Dead: Roy Rowland

Investigators probing the murder of 27-year-old Roy Rowland believe that the victim spent his final days with his alleged killer, Ezekiel Edwards, called “Kezie.” Edwards and Rowland were said to be best friends. Days before the seaman was executed, Edwards was at Rowland’s home in Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown. On the day of the killing two Wednesdays ago, the victim had informed his partner that he was going on a “spin” with Edwards and would be home late. His phone was subsequently turned off and his body with a gunshot wound

to the head was found hours later on Marigold Street, Roxanne Burnham Garden. Since the 27-year-old man was killed, his relatives have not seen or heard from his friend. The Guyana Police Force subsequently issued a wanted bulletin for the suspect whose last known address was listed as Diamond Housing Scheme. Investigators were able to make a connection between the execution-style killing of Rowland to that of a soured drug deal in Cayenne. The deceased had returned from that country just two weeks before he was shot and killed. It is (Continued on page 12)

Sunday May 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Govt. calls for transparency of Judicial appointments The APNU- AFC coalition has not changed its views when it comes to upholding the level of transparency needed in the various aspects of governance. This sentiment was expressed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. Williams was at the time making renewed calls for a more transparent, recruitment and selection process for appointing Judges. In the past, members of the Coalition had voiced concerns over the process employed to appoint persons to sit at the helm of the Judiciary. While in opposition the party had expressed discontent over what was referred to as secret appointments/handpicking of Judges to satisfy vacancies within the Judiciary. Instead of appointments “by invitation,” the coalition had called on the Judicial Service Commission, (JSC) to adopt a system which relies on publicly advertised notices of vacancies and open competitiveness so as to attract the best possible

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards

Attorney General, Basil Williams

candidates to fill the vacancies. In his most recent comments on the matter, the Attorney General, (AG) listed qualifications, experience, expertise, integrity and work ethic, among the issues to be considered in the selection of such persons. The AG noted that Judges are a special breed of people; therefore the medium used to employ Judges should be articulated by standards and competencies, and schemes to enhance the pool of

qualified applicants. “The process should not be a closed one because it limits the scope of ensuring that those holding judicial offices are selected solely on the basis of merit,” the AG posited. He further stated that it has always been the desire of the coalition to have the process of selection conducted in an open manner, so as to allow those holding the offices of Judges to undergo fair and open competition.

With recent appointments of Appellate Judges and impending appointments of more Puisne Judges, Williams noted it is still the wish of the government to see the procedure used by the JSC amended. “But we don’t want to appear as though we are imposing our will on the Judiciary. We will not impose. We can’t tell the JSC how to do their job but our position has not changed,” the AG stated. Shedding some light on the current process of employment for adjudicators, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards explained that the recommendations of the JSC follow a process of careful evaluation. Suitably qualified individuals are then invited by the Commission to apply for the position. “Those invited to apply are selected based on their conduct, competence, character, performance and qualifications.” “The applicants are then shortlisted and interviewed

Dem boys seh...

Knowledge and understanding is two different thing A lot of people including politicians and lawyers don’t know de difference between understanding and knowledge. Understanding is much deeper than knowledge. Many people know us but very few understand us. For example Basil de Willie and de Chat-3, two of a kind wid style and attitude, think dem understand dem boys. When dem boys talk bout Basil de Willie he does tun a Chinee name Sue. De same thing wid de Chat-3. He think he born a Chinee that name Sue. Both men Sue dem boys fuh frighten dem and mek dem shut dem mouth. Dem nevah tek time to understand dem boys because dem woulda know that dem don’t know how fuh done. Dem should ask Jagdeo, Brassington and others. Dem boys got a lawyer who know de difference between knowledge and understanding. He got a wife and 12 pickney. He had to move out ee house he rent in Republic Park because de contract come to an end and de owner want ee house. De lawyer was having a hard time finding a new house.

When he seh he had 12 pickney, nobody would rent him dem place because dem feel de pickney dem would bruck up de house. He couldn’t seh that he nah got pickney because he couldn’t lie. Everybady know that lawyers, except Basil de Willie and De Chat-3— cannot and do not lie. So, dem boys lawyah decide fuh send his wife for a walk to the cemetery with 11 of dem pickney. He tek the remaining one with him to see rental homes with the real estate agent. He fall in love wid one of dem house in Prashad Nagar next to de Chat-3 and the price was right — the agent asked: “How many children do you have? De lawyah seh: “Twelve.” The agent asked, “Where are the others?” The lawyer, with ee best courtroom sad look, seh, “Dem in the cemetery with dem muddah.” De lesson is it’s not necessary to lie. Just choose the right words. Jagdeo never learn that. And don’t forget, most Guyanese politicians are, unfortunately, lawyahs. Talk half and mek sure you understand lawyahs when dem talk.

by the JSC. Based on that process, the JSC would make recommendations to the President for judicial appointments.” The Chancellor nonetheless noted that while this has been the practice of the Judiciary for some time, “The issue is one of tradition that is not necessarily etched in stone.” While it is the practice of the JSC to invite applicants, Justice Cummings-Edwards asserted that there is nothing stopping suitably qualified individuals from applying to the JSC. “We have had such applications in past and they were taken into consideration by the Commission.” As it regards, advertising the vacancies, the Head of Judiciary said that she sees nothing wrong with amending the rules of the JSC to widen the scope of having the vacancies filled based on the basis of merit, through open competitiveness. “It would be something for the Commission to take

into consideration,” added the Chancellor. Among the most recent appointments of Appellate Judges were Justices Roxanne George-Wiltshire and Justice Dawn Gregory. During the swearing in ceremony, President Granger said that the Commission is empowered by the Constitution of Guyana to make appointments, remove, and to exercise disciplinary control over certain judicial and legal officers. He said that the government will support the efforts of the Judicial Service Commission in ensuring that vacancies are filled to ensure respect for the recommendations of judicial appointments, based on the objective criteria which have been prescribed. Meanwhile, the process is underway to have more Judges appointed to the court, as there still is an existing shortage. Four more persons have been tipped to fill the vacancies for Puisne Judges.

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Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

GFC still short listing Govt. should bite bullet and implement recommendations companies for logging lands of W. Rodney COI - Dr. Hinds - Cabinet to receive report by mid-June By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, thinks that the coalition government, of which his party is a part, is making a big mistake by not implementing the recommendations of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI). The COI was completed well over a year ago. In an invited comment, Dr. Hinds yesterday recalled some of the “good” recommendations of the COI. He said that the government should have no problems implementing these. He noted one of the recommendations that spoke to the strengthening of institutions, “But I think the government does not want to touch the recommendations because they are attached to the COI. “The PNC (Peoples National Congress Reform) was opposed to the COI, the WPA did not participate as a political party and the AFC was never interested in one way or the other.” Dr. Hinds continued, “There is no appetite to touch the recommendations because it is so politically sensitive.” Dr. Hinds recalled that the PNC did not want to acknowledge the COI because it was being used by the People’s Progressive Party as a tool to embarrass the party. Dr. Hinds himself acknowledged that there was

Dr. Walter Rodney

WPA’s Dr. David Hinds

a sinister plot behind the PPP’s decision to host the COI in the first place but said that the government should not allow that to take away from the importance of implementing the valuable recommendations. “It is a mistake; this government had an opportunity to do things better. The recommendations allowed them to put the issue to rest,” said Dr. Hinds. He continued, “If I were in Government I would have said straightforward that the COI was used as political football but these recommendations are reasonable and I will implement them. But Government is following the logic that implementing the recommendations is legitimizing the COI…that is the bind they find themself. But I think that it would be wise for the government to

bite the bullet and implement the recommendations. Dr. Hinds said that in this way, Government will be able to bring positive closure to the issues surrounding Walter Rodney’s explosive death, “But by not implementing any of the recommendations they are going against the motion which they supported for the examination of the report and the implementation of the recommendations.” The PPP/C had tabled a motion that resolved to have the government lay the COI report in the National Assembly. However, the motion was satisfied one day before the sitting. Hours after the report was laid, Teixeira submitted an amendment. The amendment was to have the report sent to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee for further examination. However, the Speaker told Teixeira that her motion cannot be debated. But Teixeira maintained that her amendment was in order. On that occasion, Teixeira said that examination of the report and its recommendation will help ensure that history is not repeated. “We can only make sure it never happens again by looking at the recommendations to better the GDF and police,” said Teixeira. In 2013, a whole 33 years after Rodney’s death, the PPP/C government announced a COI into the death of the famous Guyanese who was described as a scholar, historian, activist, formidable orator and, in his latter days, a politician. Dr. Rodney, co-founder of the WPA, was killed when a bomb exploded in a car in which he was an occupant. He was 38 years old at the time. Rodney’s brother, Donald (continued on page 57)

While the Board of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) continues to evaluate over 17 companies that have applied to make use of the 1.6M hectares of logging land previously occupied by Barama, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, is confident that Cabinet will be receiving a report on the matter within another two to three weeks. “I expect to be able to apprise Cabinet by midJune. We have a number of applications in and I should get the report with the recommendations for Cabinet’s consideration very soon.” Trotman said that both local and foreign companies remain highly interested. The Minister recalled that there are 17 different companies which submitted applications to benefit from the lands. “ We h a v e a s k e d t h e Board of GFC to do the narrowing down; it will then send to the Ministry its recommendations based on suitability and capacity and so forth, I will take the report to Cabinet; then we will make the final decision,” said Trotman. He recalled what was published to the effect that government will be redistributing the forestry lands that were allocated to Barama. The 1.6M hectares of land will not be redistributed as a single

block but rather will be divided into four blocks; one will be held reserved for conservation, one will be held for small loggers and two have been advertised for international companies. Previously Trotman warned that companies looking to capitalize on the available forest concessions will have to prove they employ sustainable forestry practices. He also told Kaieteur News that investors coming on board Guyana’s logging industry are going to benefit from a level playing field. They will only enjoy duty free concessions that are linked directly to their investments. In short, there will be greater scrutiny to the extent that neither Guyana nor the investors will be shafted. Last October, Barama announced its decision not to extend its forest concession agreement with the Government of Guyana. The company wanted to concentrate on downstream activities like sawmilling and its veneer and plywood factories. B a r a m a ’s forestry concessions were the largest by a single company in Guyana. The Malaysian-owned business came here in the 1990s and at the height of its logging and related activities had over 1200 workers. It had been engaging the new administration since last year

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman for a renewal of its licences but did not continue the negotiations this year after world prices affected operations. The company had operations in Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara and Buck Hall, Essequibo River. The company said that the relinquishing of its forest holdings will see employment losses of up to 500 persons. Many of the staffers have already been sent off. Barama was considered the biggest player in the timber industry and was one of the two biggest investorsalong with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company- back in the ‘90s. World prices for timber have fallen with a number of local companies continuing to feel the squeeze.

Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Production to come under the microscope with Agriculture census In an effort to fully understand the state of Guyana’s agriculture sector, the state is currently in the preparatory stage for its first agriculture census in over 65 years. Speaking with Chief Statistician of GNBS, Lennox Benjamin yesterday, it was explained to Kaieteur News that the Ministry of Agriculture will be playing a significant role in this process as the subject matter agency. “Our mandate is to assist them with the actual execution of the Agri (cultural) census; I know it has been reported that there hasn’t been an Agri census since in the 1950s.” He said that the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) would be involved in the process as well. He added that with the attendance of one their staff to a recent workshop in Trinidad and Tobago, the intention is to have a pilot or trial census between February and March of 2018. To ensure the census is done properly Cabinet had approved the attendance of Senior Statistician of the Guyana National Bureau of Statistics (GNBS), Ms Jacqueline Tull to a workshop on the World Census of Agriculture 2020 round. This event was held in Port-of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago beginning on May 22 and culminated on May 26, 2017.

According to a statement released by the government, the workshop is expected to bring together regional Statistical Officers and regional and international specialists. Further, the statement said that this workshop will facilitate proper planning and preparation for a successful National Agricultural Census in Guyana. Benjamin further explained that the complete census will be done some time in 2018 August. “So we are in the earlier stages of planning but essentially, that’s the intended framework for the execution of the Agri census at this point in time.” It was highlighted, recently, during a farmers outreach programme in Regions Five and Six by Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, (GLDA), Nigel Cumberbatch, that due to the fact that Guyana does not having an agriculture livestock census, farmers are unaware of what the current cattle population is in the country. However, he did say that the Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme (SADP) which was launched earlier this year will correct the issue. He said that the SADP will facilitate the census and will focus on providing information to planners and

Efforts are underway for Guyana to have an Agri Census after a 65 year hiatus policy makers who will then have an understanding of the progress and future prospects of all agricultural industries, products and farm practices. Based on the most recent figures on the livestock population in Guyana there are 210,000 cattle, 185,000 pigs, 120,000 sheep, 79,000 goats and 15 million chickens. In the mid-1980s, Guyana had imported the Cuban HolsteinZebu cattle in order to become

self-sufficient in milk production. The poultry industry has remained one of the single most important industries in the livestock sub-sector as it provides employment and contributes to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Based on the most recent figures, there are approximately 2500 pig farmers operating particularly in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six.

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Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

Tighter security at City Court in wake of violent attacks by prisoners The sharp rise in violent displays by prisoners from minor disturbances and death threats being hurled at police ranks has prompted tighter security at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. This comes following last

Monday’s attack on Police Inspector Ram by murder accused Donnel Trapp, who is on remand for the murder of re-migrant Agriculturalist, Anthony Breedy. It was shortly after Trapp and two other men were com-

mitted to stand trial at the High Court for murder when he hurled death threats at Inspector Ram before drenching him with water and tossing a trash can at the senior police rank. It is still unclear why the

prisoner launched the attack on Inspector Ram. Commander of Police ‘A’ Division Marlon Chapman met with officials at the court and additional security has been installed. Commander Chapman revealed that there is “more to come” since his primary concern is security of the “entire court.” ”There was an incident here (last week Monday) when three prisoners— I understand that they were committed to stand trial for the murder of Mr. Breedy on the Linden Soesdyke/Highway — behaved badly. Security of prisoners is something we (Continued on page 54)

Murder Accused Orin Arthur who taunted the police rank to shoot at him

Murder Accused Donnel Trapp who threatened to kill Inspector Ram.

Best friend ID’d as seaman’s killer From page 8 suspected that the drug deal occurred just before Rowland, called “Gangster Roy” returned to Guyana. His father, Rowland Bentham revealed that two Wednesdays ago he was sweeping his front yard when someone approached him and showed him the picture of his son’s body on a phone. “Right away I picked up my bicycle and go to Roxanne Burnham and I see him. After the police said that no one can go near the body, I went home and inform everybody,”

Bentham said. He added that he last saw his son around 21:00hrs on May 16, last when he (Roy) left home to go and spend the night by his wife. Bentham said the next time he heard about his son was when he saw the photograph of the young man’s body. Another relative said she was informed that after the man left his father’s home, he went to pick up his wife. ”He went to pick up his wife with the same taxi and like they (wife and taxi driver)

drop he (Roy) off by some shop and when they were passing back, they called, and he told them that he wasn’t ready as yet,” the relative noted. The woman further explained that as the young Rowland’s wife was heading home in the taxi, he called to inform her that he would be” making a spin” with a friend (name given) and as such, would return home late. Anyone with information of the whereabouts of Edwards can contact the nearest police station.

Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

CUSTOMS CHIEF VEHICLE PROBE…

Chairman: You will hear from us on the issue - insists GRA systems are working

An SUV similar to this is what has raised questions. The internal controls of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are working, Chairman of the Governing Board of Directors, Rawle Lucas, has assured. The official made the statements, yesterday, while speaking on the probe of the importation and subsequent questionable registration of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) earlier this year. “As I was reading some of the stuff, I realize unlike the past, the system is actually working…This is something that the people need to be aware of…that Guyanese people need to be aware of.” He was referring to an article published Friday in Kaieteur News which questioned the integrity of the database control system at GRA. Lucas explained that the tighter systems were as a consequence of the position taken by the Government on several weaknesses or “things” inherited. “I don’t want to comment (more) on the matter at this particular point in time. I think the best thing is to wait to hear from us,” he said. GRA, the state’s main revenue collection agency, has been under scrutiny these past few weeks. In the past, the entity has been dogged by allegations of corruption especially within its Customs Department. From under-invoicing to fake invoices

declaring bicycles when it is something else, the rackets have been many. The state lost billions of dollars annually, as a result. Since taking office in 2015, the David Granger administration has vowed a zero tolerance on corruption. But it is easier said than done. In the recent case of Customs head, Lancelot Wills, he has been sent home on his annual leave pending what appears to be a probe. GRA has been quiet on his future. It has also been quiet about whether a probe is ongoing. What is known is that Wills imported a Toyota Harrier, an SUV that was of the 2008 model. He applied to the Department of Public Service for a duty free waiver. However, in November, the department rejected the application, stating that the vehicle was more than eight years old, and in any case, Wills’ position does not qualify him for the engine size that the vehicle had- it was 2362cc (cubic capacity), more than the 2000cc limit he would have been entitled to. Under new laws, there are import restrictions on cars, vans and SUVs, that are older than eight years. However, in January, the Customs Chief ’s vehicle was registered. From indication, Wills was registered as a remigrant, and not a public servant. As a

result, he paid only a 10 percent rate of the vehicle’s value. He paid just over $180,000. The vehicle was valued at over $1.8M. When he received the registration and permission to clear the vehicle on January, GRA’s records would have shown a zero balance, which meant that all the necessary taxes would have been paid. A duty free letter was used in the process. H o w e v e r, l a s t m o n t h , s o m e o n e attempted to manipulate GRA’s record k e e p i n g s y s t e m , t h e To t a l R e v e n u e Integrated Processing System (TRIPS). Attempts were made to change Wills’s status from being a remigrant to a public servant with a duty free waiver. This was evident from the fact that he was now being asked to pay a required amount of more than $1.8M. This problem is that he was already turned down by the Department of Public Service. The estimated required tax and duties for a vehicle similar to the Customs head’s own is over $6M. The attempts to change GRA systems raised grave questions about the integrity of GRA’s TRIPS. There were even questions on whether the system had been manipulated before and it was never brought to light. GRA stated that it had the flexibility to grant its workers waivers. However, this would contrast sharply with 2003 laws which took the power of granting duty free concessions out the hands of Ministers and other officials. Rather, it was made law how persons can apply. In other words, once a person meets the criteria, there is no reason to turn down that person from being granted a waiver on duties and taxes that are due. Opposition parliamentarian, Juan Edghill, who sits as a member of the Public Accounts Committee, which has oversight on GRA, has demanded answers, noting that someone had to have signed off on the transaction.

Head of Customs, Lancelot Wills

GRA’s Chairman, Rawle Lucas

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Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

The Strategy and Framework for Financial Literacy in Guyana VISION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES To support consumers’ financial empowerment, governments and relevant stakeholders in many countries have established financial education initiatives as a complement to financial consumer protection and regulatory reforms, as well as policies aimed at reinforcing financial inclusion. In general, the national strategies are particularly designed and tailored to the financial literacy needs of individuals, including the most vulnerable. The vision of the Bank of Guyana’s Strategy for Financial Literacy is that Guyanese have the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their and their family’s personal finances well. But the ultimate aim is for Guyanese to behave in a financially capable manner. The strategy will take full account of international best practices. However, it will be firmly founded on the needs, culture and other circumstances specific to Guyana. In addition, the strategy will be kept under review and adjusted as appropriate in the light of new developments. GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURES The implementation, together with the future development, of the Strategy for Financial Literacy in Guyana is being led by the Bank of Guyana (BoG). A broad range of stakeholders will be involved in implementing aspects of the Strategy. The role of the BoG, as leader, is to spearhead the implementation and further development of the Strategy – not to attempt to do everything itself. Based on a review of the literature and consultation with some initial stakeholders, it has been decided that the Strategy should focus initially on: 1. Schools, 2.

Dr. Terence Smith, Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana Youth, 3. Indigenous and Rural Outreach, 4. Workplace, and 5. Media. Within these strands there will be particular focus on the disadvantaged, including those who suffer from a disability. THE STRATEGY’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES The guiding principles which will govern the development and implementation, of the Strategy for Financial Literacy in Guyana are: · Working in partnership with stakeholders and community leaders; · Working with other relevant institutions and connected to standards to promote financial literacy and public awareness; · Using a broad range of methods and channels; · Taking advantage of teachable moments; · Learning from other countries, other sectors and other disciplines; · Continually evaluating for effectiveness, including delivery; · Communicating effectively; and · Cost-effectiveness. As we move forward in formalising and coordinating the approach to achieving financial literacy throughout the length and breadth of the country our strategy will also be guided by the following precepts: · Financial education must start early. Children and young people must be a target group for financial education, they should be taught to use their resources properly at an early age, so as to avoid problems such as debt. Parents should engage in regular, constructive conversations about money matters to give children a solid foundation for financial wellbeing. · Teachers need the right training to provide financial

Dr. Terence Smith, Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana education. A survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that very few teachers believe they were prepared to teach personal finance to their students. Personal finance is an important life skill and equipping school children with this skill will not only help them to participate fully in society as they move into adulthood, but will also promote national development. · One size does not fit all. Financial literacy rates vary substantially by age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. For example, people living in rural areas are particularly vulnerable to bad uninformed financial choices. Their incomes are largely low and irregular, and thus any loss or impudent use of money has significant consequences for them. In many of the indigenous communities, even the most basic financial information is lacking. THE FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATIONALCONTENT STANDARDS

BoG’s Financial Literacy Strategy/Framework will include content standards that are considered best practices and used in many parts of the world. The content standards are as follows: 1. Money Management – Guyanese consumers will learn to manage money effectively by understanding and developing financial goals and budgets. 2. Credit and Debit Management – Guyanese consumers will learn to make informed decisions about incurring debt and will manage indebtedness to remain both credit-worthy and financially secure. 3. Planning, Saving and Investing – Guyanese consumers will learn to understand the value, features and planning processes associated with saving and investing and be able to apply this knowledge to long term financial security and wealth. 4. Becoming a Critical Consumer – Guyanese consumers will learn to use available consumer resources and make responsible choices by applying economic principles in their consumer decisions. 5. Community and Financial Responsibility – Guyanese consumers will be made knowledgeable of the personal and social impact of their own financial decisions within the family, the local community as well as understand the ethical and legal issues related to income, profit, and personal wealth. 6. Risk Management Guyanese consumers will understand the role of insurance in financial planning and be able to analyze and balance risk against benefits in financial planning. EXPECTEDAND INTENDED OUTCOMES OFTHE STRATEGY

Managing one’s finances is a complex set of challenges requiring a combination of skills, judgement and resources. Even the simplest of these decisions requires at least some basic financial knowledge and competency. The road to financial freedom including retirement planning requires practice and discipline. So, the intended outcome of the financial education is as follows: · Improvements across the Guyanese population with respect to making ends meet, keeping track of one’s finances and planning ahead; · Improvements in people’s understanding, and exercising, of their rights as regards their treatment by financial institutions; and improvements in people’s understanding of, and adherence, to their responsibilities to financial institutions; · Increased levels of personal saving and lower levels of overindebtedness; · Increased use of insurance by consumers; · Fewer people fall victim to financial frauds and scams. Our nation needs its citizens to be able to manage their financial lives well. To get there, we must make a commitment to raising the level of financial literacy among Guyanese. This strategy when complete will establish a roadmap to achieve specific and predetermined objectives within a set period of time for this is an issue with broad implications for our nation’s economic health. Next week we will discuss the importance of financial inclusion. This is the delivery of financial services at affordable costs to sections of disadvantaged and low income segments of society, in contrast to financial exclusion where those services are not available or affordable. Please send your comments to deputygovernor@bankofguyana.org.gy

Sunday May 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Politicians should have no role in GECOM - Carter Centre The elections watchdog, The Carter Centre, has recommended that there should not be political party representation on the Guyana Elections Commission. This recommendation forms part of the final statement by the Carter Centre on the 2015 General and Regional Elections in Guyana. The report said that as it relates to ‘Election Administration’, parliament and political parties should consider alternative models of election administration. The so-called ‘Carter formula’ which has been followed since 1992, provides for an Elections Commission with balanced representation of ruling and opposition parties. While adoption of this model was critical to the success of the breakthrough transitional elections in 1992, in subsequent elections it has allowed party interests to interfere with effective electoral administration.” The report said that as part of electoral reform efforts, Guyana should give careful consideration to alternative models thereby reducing or

eliminating political party representation and increasing the role of independent members of civil society and professional experts. “The Carter-Price formula for GECOM should be changed to ensure that GECOM is not divided solely along political lines. GECOM should be composed of individuals who are solely committed to carrying out a successful and transparent elections process and who have the confidence of political parties, but can also maintain independence.” The Carter-Price formula has been described as a consensusachieving process since there is no numerical advantage in the composition of the commission. The six Commissioners are chosen by the President and the Leader of the Opposition. Both sides select three persons. The Chairman of the Commission is chosen from a list of six names nominated and provided to the President by the Opposition Leader. In a 2005 report addressing the shortcomings of the Carter-Price formula done by former Chief Elections Officer of Jamaica,

Twelve years ago both parties knew of the need to quash the Carter-Price formula used at GECOM Carl Dundas, it was said that the erosion of confidence in GECOM is in part due to the failure of the formula to enable decisions to be taken on a timely basis and with a measure of consensus. According to that report, there should be an independent Electoral Management Body (EMB) which would fix all the issues which the Carter-Price formula fails to address. The report mentioned a number of countries which had adopted a successful EMB formula, which include Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The report said that the EMB approach in the context of Guyana is to construct a formula that avoids party nominees as Commissioners

and instead use a participatory format that entails three levels of screening before the names of independent individuals are submitted to the President for formal appointment. “The essence of the approach is to constitute, by Constitutional amendment, a panel of four eminent,

independent Guyanese citizens of highest integrity to receive nominations through advertisement (or otherwise) within a stipulated period of six weeks, from political parties, professional bodies, civil society organisations, private-sector commercial bodies, trade unions, the Judicial Services Commission and individuals.”

The panel would include personalities such as the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, the Chairperson of the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Head of the Women and Gender Equality Commission. According to the report, (continued on page 16)

PAGE 16

Politicians should have no role in GECOM From page 15 this panel will have to select not more than seven names from the list of nominations and submit them to a committee of the National Assembly, constituted by representatives of political parties in proportion to the

Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

number of seats held in the House. This committee within the National Assembly would consider the matter and submit three or five names to the National Assembly for approval of each name by two-thirds majority. Following

which, those names would be submitted to the President for formal approval. The Carter-Price formula was originally conceived by former United States of America President, Jimmy Carter and former Prime Minister of Belize, George Price.

Guyanese mom, 22, gets 3 years in Bahamas

Police officers escort Linda Reynolds (centre) into court Friday. (Ahvia J. Campbell photo) Bahamas Journal- A weeping young mother threw herself on the mercy of the court before she was convicted on drug charges on Friday. What was supposed to have been just a three-day first time trip to The Bahamas turned out to be more than two years. Linda Latoya Reynolds, 22, a native of Guyana, was arraigned yesterday before Magistrate Andrew Forbes on one count of possession of drugs with intent to supply and another count of importation of dangerous drugs. The charges stem from an incident on May 23, last, when Reynolds was searched at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). She had a connecting flight from Suriname to Jamaica and ended up in the capital.

During the search, officers discovered two pounds and 15 ounces of cocaine, packaged and taped under a stocking cap that was placed under a long wig on Reynolds’ head. Reynolds was subsequently arrested. The young mother pleaded guilty to the charges, but begged Magistrate Forbes to consider the fact that she is the mother of a four-year-old she left at home in Suriname with a friend. She said she tried hard to find a job and she had no food to provide for her child. This led her to ask a female friend to borrow money. However, the friend in turn told Reynolds that she had a job for her, which turned out to be trafficking cocaine to The Bahamas. Reynolds said the plan was for her to meet a female at Orange Hill in New

Providence to exchange the cocaine for $2,000. When asked by the magistrate if she gave any thought to the consequences of being caught here or in Jamaica, Reynolds said “no.” Meanwhile, her attorney Jairim Mangra asked the court to consider that his client was remorseful and had no previous convictions in this jurisdiction. He noted that she was used simply as a “trafficking mule.” Magistrate Forbes said he took all points into consideration, but that the mitigating factor was that the accused indulged in illegal activity. Reynolds was sentenced to 28 months at the Bahamas Department of Corrections and on the second count she was given 18 months, with both sentences to run concurrently.

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Kaieteur News

Bring back the compassion in nursing By Sharmain Grainger There have been many people gravitating to the nursing profession. However, we have repeatedly heard that becoming a nurse should never be viewed as merely an income-earning endeavour. Time and again, the nurses of yore have insisted that nursing must be a passion in order for an individual to function at his or her best. This is because nursing is not an insignificant role; rather it is a mammoth task that only those ready and willing should accept. Even a cursory glance at its meaning would give you the chills. In fact www.nursingworld.org has an especially detailed description of nursing that each aspiring nurse should internalise even before they consider joining the profession. It states: “Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, facilitation of healing, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.” Another notion that an aspirant should internalise before, and embrace once they join the profession, is the section of the nurses’ pledge that says: “...I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping, and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavour to aid the physician in his work, and as

a ‘missioner of health’ I will dedicate myself to devoted service to human welfare.” Now this is probably way too deep for some nurses already in the system, and it is therefore no wonder that some of them are accused, far too often, of being uncaring and negligent. Some nurses currently in our public health system are simply not up to such a gargantuan role; they are merely looking to take home a pay cheque at the end of the month. However, I was horrified when an individual closely linked to the nursing profession recently revealed that there are nurses within the public health system who demonstrate daily that they have little to no interest in the wellbeing of their patients. How is it even possible that a nurse could refuse to administer medication necessary for a patient’s healing simply because ‘the patient said he ain’t ready yet’ or ‘the patient say he ain’t got water’? But these have been some of the reports coming out from our public health system, even our premier health institution. Many nurses, it is said, are more interested in making a fashion statement and are not prepared to get ‘down and dirty’ in the quest to get those within their care better. There is no doubt, too, that some nurses simply do not have the necessary compassion to speak with their patients or their patients’ families. Just last week, a relative of a patient accused a nurse of being particularly insensitive. The relative claimed that the patient, who was admitted at a regional hospital, had to be taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for a service that the regional hospital could not offer.

The way I understand it, the patient was not transferred to the city hospital and therefore had to return to the regional hospital. But the relative claimed that the patient had to return on another occasion for another service offered at the Georgetown Hospital, and therefore a request was made for the patient to be transferred. The relative claimed that this request was based purely on the cost factor, since it was family members who had to foot the transportation bill for each trip to the city. It is alleged by the relative that a nurse in response to this request was particularly insensitive. To make my point, I will share what that relative related, although I know this does not by any means represent nurses as a whole in our country. In my paraphrased version, it is alleged that the nurse said that the patient was too old to get better health care at the Georgetown Hospital, and no effort was going to be made to transfer that patient because the patient in question, a woman, had already lived her life. It is alleged that the nurse went on to say that only younger patients would be given transfers if they needed it. The patient in question is in her 50s. Family members of that patient said that they are prepared to take that matter further. Although the foregoing may seem a tad unbelievable to some, far too many persons have experienced the worst at the hands of some nurses, and would have no qualms with generalising the notion that “nurses are uncaring.” It is moreover a rarity to find nurses who seem selfless and compassionate in how they

The Baccoo Speaks Guyana is attracting many people, but this is almost unnoticed because some of the people simply pass through. The police are going to uncover a smuggling ring involving people from across the Caribbean and South America. Even some foreign doctors are involved in this exercise and that is going to send shockwaves across the country. ** A drug bust would lead to a spate of executions. This

bust would be made in a Caribbean island to which the particular supplier was making regular shipments. His anger would be raised

because in this case he would have invested heavily. In the end, someone would name him, but because of a lack of information the police would be unable to arrest him. ** A triangular love affair would leave a prominent person dead. The husband is going to pay a surprise visit home only to find another man in his bed. His anger would blind him and actually contribute to his death.

carry out their duties. This suggests that there are but a few persons who actually enter the profession these days because they have a passion for patient care, which is in fact the crux of nursing. This, however, has not hindered an influx of persons to the profession over the

years. After all, those responsible for managing the country’s nursing programme have insisted that there is a minimum qualification for entering and so, whosoever is found fitting may come. As such, many feign an interest in the profession! Interviews, however, have reportedly been a crucial tac-

tic used to help sift out some of those who are not worthy. You certainly must have an interest in things health if you are desirous of joining the nursing profession. Moreover, if you are asked something as straightforward as ‘who is the Minister of Public Health?’ the answer should easily roll off of your tongue. But some applicants for the nursing programme, even with the necessary requirements, are oblivious to the goings-on in the health system, I have been told. Although some of them may be easily rejected if they fail an interview, there is so much more that has to be done to safeguard the profession. Thankfully this has been recognised and reports suggest that a deliberate process has commenced to bring back nursing. Dubbed a mentoring programme, the process is one that sees retired nurses bringing their flair of health care to the younger nurses in the quest to help improve the overall quality of nursing service offered.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 28, 2017

Sunday May 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Me, Sam Hinds and fleeting power Yesterday morning, I left my doggie in the car right in front of Bakewell and rushed in to get Danish for her. When I came outside, former Prime Minister, Sam Hinds was entering Bakewell. There was one person with him. I may be wrong but the person appeared to me to be his driver. I have been around long enough to know the “cut” of security men. As I was leaving and Sam was entering, we came in close physical proximity to each other. Two men accosted Sam and said, “Mr. Prime Minister, we need some construction wuk.” I can’t remember his exact response, but the next thing I heard was one of the men saying, ‘well if yuh kyaant find wuk, buy we a little something nuh?” I said; “c’mon, Sam, buy the men something.” Sam turned to the men, pointed to me and said’, “you don’t know this famous man, he got money, he could buy something for you.” Two things pierced my

mind with that encounter outside the doorsteps of Bakewell. First, for the time he was Prime Minister, (just short of twenty-three years), whenever I saw Sam, his entourage of security detail, other officials and driver never totaled less than seven. That sight always irked me. Each time I saw that school of attendants with the former Prime Minister, I would say to myself; “I need that protection, not Sam; who wants to hurt Sam Hinds?” I was outside Kaieteur News, and there was Sam with his school of seven walking along Saffon Street on the pavement outside of Kaieteur News. I was driving on Main Street and at the corner where Main Street meets Cowan Street, there was Sam with his designer running clothes and his school of seven. My wife was waiting one evening at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital to see Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey. Sam came in and was given priority treatment which was understand-

able and justified because, after all, that was the Prime Minister. I waited outside in the hospital compound because my wife was in a long line. Sam was finished, and said a few words to me as he neared his car, indicating to me that I could write that the Prime Minister visited a private hospital. And there was his school of seven waiting for him. I was picketing Sam’s office at Wight’s Lane when he was Prime Minister. The issue was the Marriott Hotel. It was raining heavily that day, so the picketers sought shelter under the car shed. Sam came down and engaged us. He put his hand on my shoulder and when he did that, the Stabroek News photographer snapped us. The next day the photo was in the Stabroek. What the newspaper did report was my anger at the Prime Minister for having one official in his school of seven holding an umbrella like a slave. We were under the

shed, no rain was on Sam, yet the man was holding the umbrella over Sam’s head and Sam never saw it fit to tell him to lower it. I was livid and demanded that he tell the attendant to close the umbrella. He did so. This was the picture of Sam Hinds I saw in those twenty-three years that he was Prime Minister. When I saw him alone with his driver, thoughts of fleeting power just flew all over my mind. But it was the adjective, “famous” that sent an emotional charge through me. He told the two men I was famous. If I am famous then I am a survivor. Wasn’t it the government in which Sam was the second in charge that terminated my UG contract? Am I still famous? I am no longer a university teacher. Am I still famous after two attacks on my life? Even if I had kept my doggie waiting in the car to stop and chat with Sam, I would not have brought up my survival or asked him why I was famous, according to

him. It would have been pointless. I know Sam Hinds, and he would have said he knows nothing about what happened to me back then at UG or the two nasty attacks. For all the nice man that people say Sam Hinds is, Sam Hinds would never issue an apology to people who his government mauled, violated and ill-treated. This is what makes me doubt the ultimate affability of people like Sam Hinds. They say he was the nice face among the bad guys in the bad PPP kingdom. But in that

Frederick Kissoon kingdom, he was second in charge. He bears responsibility for what the kingdom did.

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Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

“Never underestimate your ability to create your dream” Many decades ago, among several festivals and observances on the national calendar was National Youth Week. It was a time to inspire our youth, celebrate their achievements and literally lay the pathways for them to walk towards successful careers in technical/vocational fields,

the Arts, Law, Teaching, nursing and midwifery, and so much more. In fact, a long time ago, about 20 years or so, Guyana’s registered nurses and midwives, our teachers, carpenters, masons, mechanics and engineers (the skill list is long) were so highly

sought after by many countries all over the world, that some began to call Guyana “The Professional Holding Bay”. We lost so much of our productive workforce - people who had received top shelf training here in this country that the term ‘brain drain’ became a precursor to pain.

So, Youth Week was recently back on the national calendar. The AFC will stand at the forefront of any programme that prepares our young people for the world they will encounter, and it is our responsibility to pave that pathway for them. In this Guyana’s 51st year as an independent nation, it was no coincidence that Youth Week activities were placed smack at the centre of Independence observances. In fact, youths took centre stage over the past week, and happily participated in their Youth and Health Expo – the first time they ever heard of it. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, with her exuberance for youth development, delivered remarks at the opening of the Expo at D’Urban Park. Here is an abridgement of her remarks:“Youth Fair and Exposition and Healthy Air, Good Morning. It is wonderful indeed to be here with you. Shout out to all you beautiful young people … Guyana needs each and every one of you. Today is another glorious day to give thanks ’cause it’s my birthday. What a beautiful way to start it … with you. When I was growing up, a day off from school was a celebration. It still is, I see, but I look back on similar events and opportunities like Career Fairs and other youth-centric activities during Youth Week, and I remember it was events like these that made me start to think, “What do I want to do with my life?” “What do I like to do?” How can I turn what I like to do into a career, an opportunity to earn money, to further my education to University maybe, or to a technical school to learn a skill, to help look after my family, or best of all, to start my own business? This was it; this was what sent me along the path I took. Let’s look at where we are. Today you could have been a child waking up in Syria to begin a new search for food amongst the rubble that used to be your neighbourhood, your home … or you could have been in Manchester at that Ariana Grande concert and may now be facing the loss of a family member or close friends. Why am I reminding you of these unpalatable things on this glorious day? It’s because you woke up this morning alive and well in this beautiful country called Guyana with endless opportunities spread around your feet in this resource-full nation. However you look at it, it will all come down to YOU. Only you could take advantage of the op-

that growing demand from Aruba, Trinidad, St. Maarten and other countries and cruise ships. Then there’s that young lady in the Essequibo making good money exporting tamarind balls. She has a Facebook page and that’s where the orders come in. These are the opportunities I’m talking about.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes portunities you have. So my questions for you are, “Are you taking advantage of the opportunities to learn new things, develop new skills?” “Are you preparing to be the best that you could possibly be, whatever that is?” I want to remind you all that we are living in exciting times. When I was in school we had no Google to do our research. I had to join the library and sit in a quiet room and search though hundreds of pages, writing notes, trying hard not to fall asleep. Today you can click-click on your phone and have a world of every kind of information right there. The question is: are you putting it to good use? So here we are, a long way from slates and slate pencils (actually you’re too young to know anything about that). In the last decade we moved from desktop computer with a mouse, to touchscreen iPads, Notebooks and smart phones; from face-to-face interaction to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. Now the world opens up a slew of opportunities that are available to you. You see, today’s technologies allow you the same advantages, the same resources as any student your age in New York, Sweden, Kenya, in Trinidad or Barbados. You now have the tools to create your own future, your own business right here in Guyana, and to sell your products to any market anywhere in the world. Guyanese farmers are now selling fruits and vegetables everyday to hotels in the Caribbean. They are exporting fish and shrimp to Miami (actually a few days ago I saw a box of shrimp labeled: “Wild-caught from Guyana” in a Florida market). A friend of mine living and farming in the Pomeroon, is bottling and packaging over 3,000 bottles of fresh Guyanese coconut water per day and exporting it, and her market is asking for more but she is unable deliver. She has an option of pooling resources with other coconut farmers along the river to meet

I want you to remind you of all the gifts that have been given to you, and to ask, “What will you do with them?” I’m talking about independence of thought; the importance of “old fashioned” concepts like Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Discipline and Care for those who have less than you. These important values you have received freely. American Jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes once said many moons ago, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies inside us”. So, please, never doubt your ability to shape your own lives and to be the best that you could be. You will be confident, strong and self-assured, but always remember, “To whom much is given, much is expected”. To achieve you have to reach way beyond the conditions around you. So I say your attitude most definitely determines your altitude! Your character will determine how many good persons extend a hand to guide you. The famous Nelson Mandela once said, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?” I cannot close without urging you all to learn everything you could about Information Communication Technologies. This field already has doors open for you in the world of work. If you’re technically inclined, learn how to fix and assemble laptops, iPads and cell phones. Study computer engineering and the world will be your oyster. If you’re a creator you will find a lot of work in the computer software industry – in programming, developing apps or creating children’s learning tools and games ... and you will have the means to establish your own businesses. Find what you love to do; never underestimate your ability to achieve your dreams; maintain strength of character, honesty, integrity and perseverance. As you continue to grow and learn I wish you great success. May your own dreams be your only boundaries.

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Kaieteur News

My column

Much has been done but has passed unnoticed It is amazing how some things just become a part of the landscape. People have forgotten the days when Georgetown was just a place where garbage was commonplace. I can still remember the huge piles outside John Fernandes wharf and aback of the old Guyana National Cooperative Bank. There were piles at every corner and the drains became large garbage bins. I have two nephews who served in the United States army. One of them, having come from Iraq, was allowed to come to Guyana to recuperate. He was away from the things that would have made him remember the horrors of what he faced while in Iraq. One day while driving along Saffon Street he encountered a pile of garbage and it had a horrible effect on him. He actually began to take evasive action in the car. I was stunned and hurriedly went on the brake. By then my nephew was breathing hard and had started to sweat. When he realized that there was no danger and had started to breathe easier he told me that in Iraq, piles such as the one we had just seen would signal an explosive;

that he had been caught in one of them on an occasion while riding in an armoured truck. Now after two years those piles of garbage are things of the past. People have actually forgotten how filthy the capital was. Even the waterways are better looking and people are more responsible with their garbage disposal. The streets which were once potholed are smooth. Many of us can vaguely recall driving on certain streets and having to break almost every second because of the huge holes. Those holes were the legacy of a government that recognized that it never controlled the city. The result was that it was never too keen to put money into the development of the city which is home to the embassies and most of the business centres. Today, we drive around the city with an ease that was not possible for decades. There are the criticisms of the government that nothing has been done. Those criticisms are to be expected. I recall when Dr Cheddi Jagan became president, the defeated Desmond Hoyte, as Opposition Leader, accused him of being presented with a

good batting wicket, now he was digging up the pitch. Most of all has been the complaint that jobs are not being created. In fact, I am not hearing much about this, because someone must have spilled the beans. For starters, many people were employed in the clean-up campaign that has the city looking so spic and span. Another large number were employed in the road rehabilitation programme and this was evident in the drastic decline in the number of people being accosted and robbed on the streets. Indeed these people were low level workers; people who were not academically inclined. But they had families to support and they were all given a chance to earn and at the same time contribute to the development of Guyana. But there was more. The public service has been expanded significantly. The previous government was more concerned with keeping the level of the public service down for so-called economic reasons. The truth was that many young qualified people were left on the breadline. Word is that the public service has grown by about 2,000. Nothing is being said

about this. Instead, the doomsayers are finding more to criticize. No one has taken time to recognize that crime has dropped drastically, because such reports are not in the best interest of some people. Crime was a political issue up to a few months ago. Suddenly there is a grim silence. With a will that must be applauded, the police have actually made the streets of the city safe, so safe that some criminals target rural communities. And even there they are being caught. Recently, it transpired that some of the robberies in Berbice were committed by people who came from the city with the support of those from the community in which the robberies would take place. Above all, I see many people involved in the housing industry. On Friday, there was the opening of the housing exposition. This is a far cry from the housing exhibitions that showcased what could be on offer. Here were actually houses. I visited Perseverance where these houses are, last Monday, and I was shocked. There were literally hundreds and the new ones were going up at a rapid rate.

I asked one contractor approximately how many people he had employed and he said about 20. There were many contractors and with each of them employing skilled and semi-skilled people, one can imagine the number of jobs created. While I was there people visited the site and at least two of them immediately made preparations to buy homes. I was impressed. These were not rich people but mere people who wanted a home built by people who had got jobs. I understand that more homes are to be constructed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority. This is a government at work trying to make life better for people. And as an aside, I thank the authorities for bestowing a national award on me. When I started working it was always to give the best I

Adam Harris could. If my good was such that I have been awarded I am grateful and humbled. There are many like me, all smiling and basking in the congratulations from every quarter. All of us have a few more years to keep giving, and to be recognized before our days are over says a lot for the people who thought that we did offer something. Thank you.

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Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

Independence, impartiality and integrity By HE David Granger The Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana – the supreme law – protects and preserves the independence, impartiality and integrity of the Judicature. Guyana is a parliamentary democracy, committed to the rule of law and to the protection of the people’s rights and freedoms. The supremacy of the Constitution, the legitimacy of government, the efficacy of political democracy and the safety and felicity of our people would be impossible without the existence of an independent judicature. The judicature is fundamental to good governance because it protects the people’s rights and prevents the emergence of autocracy. The Constitution recognises the separate roles and responsibilities of the

legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. The Constitution makes special provisions for protecting Judicature against the perils of executive domination and legislative encroachment. The Constitution proscribes interference in the work of the judiciary. Article 122A (1) states: All courts and all persons presiding over the courts shall exercise their functions independently of the control and direction of any other person or authority; and shall be free and independent from political, executive and any other form of direction and control. The Executive branch of government has no interest in interfering in the adjudicatory role of the judiciary. The Executive has taken steps to ensure that the judiciary does not feel beholden to the government of the day.

The enactment of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act of 2015 provided, for the first time, for the financial autonomy of the judiciary in accordance with the Constitution. Judicial independence means that the judiciary must be protected from both private and partisan interests, such as from persons or pressure groups, and from the influence and control of the other branches of government. Judicial independence is essential to ensure the integrity of the rule of law. The rule of law requires that everyone should be subject to the law and prescribes that no one should be above the law. Judicial independence acts to prevent the derogation from the rule of law. Respect for the rule of law is the foundation of a law-based society, one which can be sustained

only by an independent judiciary. The Government will continue to respect judicial independence. The Executive branch of government has no interest in interfering in the work of the judiciary. It seeks, only, the preservation of a judiciary which is unbiased, unblemished and unmindful of personal prejudices. The judiciary has a vital role to play in maintaining its own independence. Judicial officers must demonstrate the highest standards of impartiality. They must be rigorous in their research, conscientious in consideration of matters brought before them and cogent in their judgments. It is an ineffable principle of justice that decisions should be based only on objective criteria, rather than on the basis of bias, betraying improper preference for one person or one group of persons over others. The Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana empowers the Judicial Service Commission, inter alia, “…to make appointments…and to re-

HE David Granger move and to exercise disciplinary control…” over certain judicial and legal officers. The Commission is expected to be the fearless custodian of the highest standards of judges’ personal conduct. The Commission is obliged to ensure that its recommendations for appointments will be made only on the bases of clearly defined criteria applied in assessing the appropriateness of appointees. The people expect

that those recommendations will emerge only from a dispassionate and objective process. Judges and magistrates are expected to be exemplars of high moral standards and personal propriety. The Government will continue to respect the authority and dignity of the judiciary. The judiciary’s efficiency relies on there being a full complement of judges and magistrates. The Government will support the efforts of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in ensuring that vacancies are filled ensure respect the recommendations for judicial appointments based on the objective criteria which have been prescribed. The JSC is aware that an ethically-compromised judiciary can cripple the institutional mechanisms established by the legislative branch and enforced by the executive branch of Government. This installation ceremony of judges is an affirmation of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a judicial system that reflects the values of independence, impartiality and integrity.

Sunday May 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

“Sleeping Pills”: The dangers associated with their use By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine I am often faced with patients who are on sleeping pills and cannot come off. What’s worse is that they have become dependent on the drug and cannot come off it or sleep. Sleeping pills or anxiolytic (antianxiety) drugs slow down the activity of the brain. Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol) are the best known. Alcohol has some properties similar to the above drugs, but alcohol is so common that health experts classify alcohol-related problems separately. Regular use of these drugs often leads to “drug dependence.” That is, the body adjusts to them and it takes a higher and higher dose to achieve the desired effect. Dependence also can develop, meaning withdrawal symptoms will occur if the drug is suddenly stopped. Many of these drugs have legitimate uses. Benzodiazepines are a good treatment for anxiety and are also useful in sleep disorders. But they should be avoided as long term remedies. Combining any of these drugs, or using them with alcohol, can lead to dangerous effects. People often take these combinations to try to boost the feeling of intoxication or to counter unpleasant effects of other street drugs. ARE THERE SYMPTOMS OF SLEEPING PILLS DEPENDENCE? Yes. Symptoms of dependence on sleeping pills include: • A craving for the drug, often with unsuccessful attempts to cut down on its use • Physical dependence (development of physical withdrawal symptoms when a person stops taking the depressant) • A continued need to take the drug despite drug-related

psychological, interpersonal or physical problems. People with drug dependence eventually develop physical tolerance (the gradual need for greater amounts of the drug to feel the same effects). But addiction implies that the person is also craving the drug’s effect or relying on the drug for a reason other than the intended therapeutic uses of the drug. If the person suddenly stops taking the drug, the body’s accustomed internal environment changes drastically, causing symptoms of withdrawal: anxiety, tremors, nightmares, insomnia, poor appetite, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, blood pressure abnormalities, dangerously high fever and seizures. CAN THIS BE PREVENTED? To help prevent problems, follow any prescription directions exactly and avoid taking more of the medication than your doctor ordered. The biological, psychological and social forces that lead to addiction, however, are difficult to prevent. If you feel that you need the medication for longer than prescribed, consult your doctor immediately. Never take medication that has been prescribed for anyone else. Avoid using sleeping pills as a long term solution. WHATARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SLEEPING PILLS DEPENDENCE? The first goal of treatment is detoxification (withdrawal from the drug). Detoxification usually involves gradually reducing the dose of the drug or temporarily substituting a medication that has less serious withdrawal symptoms. The substitute medication, if used, also will be reduced gradually. Depending on the severity of the drug dependence and other factors (significant heart or lung disease, liver failure, high blood pressure,

a person’s age and general health status), detoxification may need to take place in the hospital. All addictions are complex and have multiple causes. A drug use disorder is usually not an isolated problem. Commonly, people with sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic drug addictions are also struggling with other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Thus, treatment is best tailored to the multiple needs of the individual. This should begin with a comprehensive evaluation (medical, psychological and social) to identify the variety of troubles that are fueling the drug use.

Counseling, behavioral therapies, and group programs can help a person address the addiction. Medications or psychotherapy can address craving or habits that could lead to relapse. They also are helpful for other symptoms or problems that are discovered in the course of evaluation and treatment. WHEN TO CALLA PROFESSIONAL It is best to seek help as soon as possible. Like alcoholism, sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic drug use disorder is a real illness, not a sign of weakness or poor character. Sometimes, if an addiction has caused problems at home,

at work, or with the law, an external push from family, employers, or the law can further motivate an addiction sufferer to seek treatment. Sleeping pills dependence is difficult to shake without support and without treatment for the root causes. Withdrawal is likely to be safe when the dose of the substance is reduced gradually. People who develop withdrawal symptoms that get bad enough to require hospitalization have a 2% to 5% risk of death, a rate similar to severe alcohol withdrawal. However, most people get help before reaching that stage. Since it is easy to overdo it with some

Dr. Zulfikar Bux of these drugs, the risk of accidental overdose is significant. In general, formal treatment is likely to reduce the risk of relapse (or returning to the addictive behaviour).

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SUNDAY GUYANABURDENED WITH US$43M SKELDON FACTORY DEBT UNTIL 2033 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

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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 bagassefired 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. WHO ORDERED CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO RELEASE BULLET-PROOFVEHICLE 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 Saturday if GRA had taken the vehicle into its possession pend-

ing 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, Brian 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 armour-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. AMELIA’S WARD KILLER SAYS WIFE’S INFIDELITY TRIGGERED HIS RAMPAGE -LINDENERSATTACK SUSPECT AT HOSPITAL 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 week Saturday. That’s the excuse London, the alleged killer, has given police for his deadly rampage, 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 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 chil-

Sunday May 28, 2017

dren, whom she was reportedly supporting single-handedly. 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. MONDAY ATTORNEY GENERAL CAUGHT IN VIOLATION OF CONSTITUTION …JSC REQUESTS EXPLANATION ON DISCIPLINING OF REGISTRAR OF DEEDS Article 199 (1) and (3) of the Constitution of Guyana, stipulates that

it is the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and only that body, that is empowered to make appointments, to remove and exercise disciplinary control over the acting or substantive Registrar of Deeds. However, Kaieteur News is in receipt of documents indicating that Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams, who is the Chief Legal Advisor to the Government, has himself violated the very Constitution he swore to uphold. The JSC has since asked Williams for a report on the matter. Documents indicate that strapped with instructions from Williams, Head of the Human Resources Department at the Deeds and Commercial Registry, Althea Abrams, directed the Registry’s staff to report to the Deputy Registrar of Deeds, Zana Frank. This was done without informing the acting Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh, who is currently ill due to pregnancy-related complications. Kaieteur News is in receipt of a memo which states, “It is directed that Ms. Azeena Baksh should not be signing off any official documents for or on behalf of the (Continued on page 41)

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(From page 32) Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority. These documents must be signed off by Ms. Zana Frank.” Further, the memo reminded staffers that unlike Baksh and Frank, they are Registry employees and as such, they are bound to follow the instructions of the Board and in the absence of the Board, the Ministry of Legal Affairs. Employees were cautioned that failure to act in accordance with the memo will result in “disciplinary action.” The memo stated that Baksh has been sent on Administrative leave. However, this newspaper was reliably informed that Baksh has not received any memorandum from the JSC. The Attorney General has no authority to send Baksh on Administrative leave. Baksh has been on medical leave for the last week, and is expected to remain on medical leave for another two weeks. Baksh has submitted her medical indicting the reason for her absence. However, this newspaper has been told that the locks to Baksh’s office have been changed to prevent her from gaining entry upon her return from medical leave. CHINESE COMPANY DOES NOT WANT TO PAY FULLAMOUNT OWED ON GTT SHARES – PRIME MINISTER – REMINDS GUYANAABOUT DRAWBACKS OF PURSUING LITIGATION The Chinese company that owes Guyana US$5M on the controversial GTT shares is not interested in clearing the debt in full. Hong Kong Golden Telecom Company (HKGT), the company that bought Government’s shares in GTT, wants to pay a reduced amount. This is according to Prime Minister and First Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo. The Parliamentarian said that a delegation from the Hong Kong Company was in Guyana and they acknowledged that the US$5M is owed. The Prime Minister said that the Hong Kong team held talks with NICIL and they placed on the table, an offer to pay “x amount.” The First Vice President said that while he does not know the exact offer, it is not the full amount. ”It is a reduced amount on the grounds that they were offered senior shares in the company. This was a side agreement with the previous government. I understand that the negotiation was near breaking point. NICIL representatives insisted that they wanted the full amount.” Nagamootoo, a seasoned lawyer, said that he asked the team if they had an addendum to the contract or something written to support the claims of a side agreement. ”But they didn’t answer that,” the First Vice President added. He noted however that the team will be returning to Guyana soon. Furthermore, the Prime Minister

Kaieteur News

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Order’ is made. He then asked Moore why it is that the total sum for the vehicle was paid to the supplier at the time of the order. The cost of the vehicle was $13.820M. The total sum which was appropriated for the vehicle was $22M. The balance was used to buy one Toyota Corolla motor car at a cost of $5.3M from Beharry and one motorcycle from Jialing Motorcycles at a cost of $200,000. Both automobiles were sole sourced. AUTHORITIES CHECK BANK ACCOUNTS FOR MISSING PETROCARIBE MONEY

reminded that the contract regarding the controversial GTT shares had stipulated that any arbitration or court proceedings as regards the agreement should be done in England. “The company’s fallback position is that if you had to go to trial, it will cost the Guyana government US$1.5 to take lawyers and so on and the court could make a judgment that would give them time. Therefore they are saying we are offering you upfront now. You don’t have to spend a lot of money and we can pay you as quickly as possible.” The Prime Minister said that the company is of the realization that “Guyana needs money” but his “private feeling” is that the costs to pursue the case should not deter Guyana from going after what it is rightfully owed. ”You can’t possibly approach the matter this way (thinking) that litigation may cost you. We could very well win the case and the court could award in favour of us.” Additionally, Nagamootoo is of the belief, that since the company is based out of China, there will be an inclination to “deal fairly” with Guyana. TAXPAYERS SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO CONTRACTS IF THEIR MONEY IS INVOLVED – TIGI HEAD If taxpayers’ moneys are involved in a national project, then it is only reasonable for them to be able to know the inner workings of the contracts governing the use of those moneys. This perspective was recently put forward by Head of Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI), Dr. Troy Thomas, in an interview with Kaieteur News. The anticorruption advocate opined that it does not make sense that government officials are able to know about these contracts and the taxpayers are left in the dark. He believes that this state of affairs needs to be changed. Some of the contracts which are

yet to be released despite several requests by the media in the past two years include those with BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc, Vaitarna Holdings Private Inc. and the contract governing the Sanata Complex deal and the Marriott Hotel. ”Our position on contracts is that we shouldn’t have secret contracts. You can make exceptions for security issues because those are sensitive but why should the Marriott contract be secret? Anything where taxpayers’ moneys are being used should not be subject to secrecy. Why are people in government so privileged to know about it and we, who are putting the money there and put them in the seat of government can’t know what it is? ”That does not make any sense. So that is an important issue for transparency. The more people are aware of these things, the more scrutiny a government can come under, and the less likely you are going to have certain things happening, corrupt acts happening.” ”I am not saying it is going to wipe it out but it is certainly going to make it much more difficult. So the refusal to release those things could be questioned,” the University of Guyana lecturer added. Dr. Thomas said that of course, the Government could say that the law does not require them to release those things. He noted, however, if one is really serious about such issues, moves would be made to address the laws which would support the release of contracts. It has been over two years, and the Government is yet to release a number of contracts and concession agreements which have been requested by the media. This is in spite of the fact that President David Granger had cleared the way for this to be done. TUESDAY IRREGULARITIES EXPOSED IN 2015 GOVERNMENT SPENDINGAT PRESIDENCY …VEHICLE, SECURITY CAMERASAMONG

QUESTIONABLE PURCHASES A number of financial irregularities were found to have taken place within the Office of the PrimeMinister and the Ministry of the Presidency for purchases and the financing of projects. These discoveries were made Monday during the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly on the Report of the Auditor General for the year 2015 There, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Ms Abena Moore, was questioned on a number of issues including the purchase of a New Toyota Cruiser Station Wagon GX for the Office of the Prime Minister. These issues among others raised would have had their genesis while former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Omar Shariff, was serving. Described as an interesting transaction, PAC member Juan Edghill asked Moore to tell the committee what system of procurement was used to purchase the vehicle. She told the committee that the vehicle was sole sourced. The vehicle was purchased from Beharry Automotive Limited. The reason given for the sole sourcing of the vehicle was that the auto dealer is the only company in Guyana that usually imports such vehicles. However, Edghill was not satisfied with that answer. He said, “Monies were appropriated through an Appropriations Act for the purchase of a vehicle for the Office of the Prime Minister. It didn’t say a Toyota vehicle. So after the monies were appropriated, you needed to go out and tender using some procurement process of where you will buy this vehicle from. So to tell me that only Beharry sells Toyota, is to tell me you decided to buy Toyota before the monies were appropriated.” Edghill pointed out that in the quotation of the purchase it was stated that 50 per cent of the price must be paid down when a ‘Firm

Investigators believe that during the reign of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration, there was extensive pilfering from the proceeds of the PetroCaribe deal. To this extent, investigators are ready to “follow the trail.” PetroCaribe was an agreement struck between the governments of Guyana and Venezuela where Guyana would receive concessionary prices for oil in exchange for rice. Monies received from the exchange deal would subsequently be transferred to the PetroCaribe fund, under the purview of the Ministry of Finance. When the APNU+AFC Administration took over, it transferred all the money that was left in the PetroCaribe fund into the Consolidated fund. Just about $1.9B was transferred. However, many, including Government officials, are of the opinion that much more money should have been in the PetroCaribe fund. The suspected method of stealing was through the allocation of the money. Investigators believe that the money recorded to have been transferred for the various projects was not the amount of money used to execute these projects. “(Pilfering) is often done under the guise of projects,” said one investigator. Further, sources say that it has been found that shipping of rice to Venezuela was far overstated. “It was almost 50 percent overstated, so the monies went into somebody’s bank account and it is being carefully investigated. We have to check to see if there were any unusual deposits in the accounts we suspect.” ALLEGEDAMELIA’S WARD WIFE KILLER REMANDED Alleged wife-killer Michael London was remanded Monday for the murder of his wife, 37-year-old Shenika Elliot- London, who succumbed to a brutal knife attack two Fridays ago at her Lot 1206 Central Amelia’s Ward home. The handcuffed accused made a brief appearance before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Wales Magistrate’s Court. He was remanded until June 27. The case has been transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that London, a porkknocker, inflicted at least ten (Continued on page 42)

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(From page 41) stab wounds on his wife, a mother of five, in the victim’s bedroom. He fled the scene, but was shot in the left leg hours later during a confrontation with police in a forested area at Moblissa, Soesdyke/ Linden. His wife collapsed outside a neighbour’s house, and died at the Mackenzie Hospital. A post mortem gave the cause of death as “multiple incise wounds.” WEDNESDAY FISHERMEN IMPLICATED IN DEADLY ‘PIRATE’ATTACK -SUSPECT’S BROTHER RESCUED TWO CREWMEN; LATER LEARNT SIBLING WAS INVOLVED As they consumed alcohol at a koker two Tuesday nights ago, Rose Hall, Corentyne fishermen ‘Rambo’ and ‘Antenna’, allegedly hatched a plot to rob some of their own friends who were out at sea. Armed with cutlasses, they reportedly then went out into the Corentyne River, where they attacked 51-year-old boat captain, Mahadeo Ramdehol, also known as ‘Chico’, of 146 Kilcoy Squatting Area, and his two crewmen, Arjun Permaul, 45, and Parmanand Nandan, 21. After allegedly relieving the victims of some fish and their outboard engine, and striking Ramdehol on the head with a cutlass, the attackers forced the victims to jump overboard. Ramdehol’s body was found the following day near the Rose Hall foreshore. A post mortem revealed that he had drowned. But in an amazing stroke of fate, the other two fishermen, Arjun Permaul and Parmanand Nandan, were pulled to s a f e t y b y t h e brother of one of the robbers, who had gone fishing a few

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hours later, and had no clue of his sibling’s murderous plan. That is the story that the two prime suspects, have reportedly told ranks from the Force’s Major Crimes Unit, after being transported from Berbice to Georgetown for questioning. They are among three suspects who are in custody and who are likely to face murder c h a rg e s s h o r t l y. Police identified the alleged ‘pirates’ by the aliases ‘Rambo’, a 51-year-old fisherman of Rose Hall, Corentyne, and ‘Antenna’, a 57-year-old from Rose Hall, Corentyne. The third detained man is ‘Davo,’ the 57-year-old brother of ‘Rambo.’ One of the suspects was detained last week Saturday, while the others were arrested on Tuesday. Investigators from ‘B’ Division, Berbice, recovered the stolen boat engine on Monday. A relative of the slain boat captain revealed Tuesday that the family knows at least one of the detained men. BK VEHICLE RELEASE SHOULD HAVEATTRACTED CRIMINAL CHARGES -LAW SAYS MAXIMUM $1M FINE, TWO YEARS JAIL The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) erred badly two weeks ago when it released a vehicle that had false number plates.The vehicle and its driver should have been impounded right away and in addition to the tax matters being investigated, the police should have been called in. The police involvement should have been automatic as under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2008- (Act Number 12 of 2008), an offence was committed. It attracts jail time and a hefty fine of $1M mandated for the guilty party.

The laws were specially amended in 2008 after numerous crimes were being committed. They featured getaway vehicles with false plates. The fines back then were a few thousand dollars and many persons were pleading guilty, opting to pay the pittance. In the amendment, an entirely new section- 106 A in the Principal Act, Cap. 51:02- was inserted to cater for cases of false number plates. This is what it had to say with regards to fraudulent imitation, etc. of identification mark (number plate) or Certificate of Registration: “Any person who fraudulently imitates, alters or uses, or fraudulently lends or allows to be used by any other person any identification mark or Certificate of Registration issued or deemed to have been issued on registration of a vehicle under this Act is liable to a fine of one million dollars ($1M) together with imprisonment for two years.”. The presence of the false number plates would raise several possibilities of a number of other traffic breaches, including insurance, fitness and even the road service licence.

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All have different charges. The case of the 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser has been generating anger. The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) reportedly arrived in Guyana in 2014 by BK but was never registered. It was released, purportedly by GRA, under what is known as Permission For Immediate Delivery (PID). These are granted for perishables and vehicles and equipment that are needed for urgent contracts and emergency use. It is unclear how the Land Cruiser qualified for PID and who under the previous administration green-lighted it. THURSDAY RICE BOARD FORENSIC AUDIT PROBE … GUYANATO SEEK EXTRADITION OF FORMERACCOUNTANT – SOCU … OFFICIAL NOW RESIDES IN CANADA One week after six former Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) officials were charged and bailed for failing to make a proper entry into a register of a company. The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) wants to question former accountant of the GRDB, Peter Ramcharran. This was made known by Head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner Sydney James. He added that his organization wants to question Ramcharran since investigations

have revealed that he has been heavily implicated with the six persons who were recently charged. The six officials charged are former General Manager of the GRDB Jagnarine Singh; General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association and former GRDB board member, Dahramkumar Seeraj; Former Deputy General Manager Madanlall Ramraj; Former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and former GRDB Board member, Nigel Dharamlall; Former General Manager of Guyana Oil Company and former GRDB board member, Badrie Persaud; and Deputy Permanent Secretary Finance Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine. They were all placed on $500,000 bail and ordered to lodge their passports with the police and must report to SOCU every Monday at 9am. According to James, Ramcharran was responsible for ‘signing off’ on a number of questionable transactions that were traced to the six officials charged and others caught up in the GRDB probe. This newspaper has learnt that Ramcharran who left Guyana for Canada moments before the GRDB forensic audit was commissioned has been speaking with SOCU agents. This newspaper has learnt that Ramcharran was asked to return to answer for his questionable financial decision-making. However he allegedly told SOCU agents that he was fearful of returning to Guyana since his life could be in danger. Confronted with such constraints SOCU is now sure that it will be approaching the Canadian government to assist in having Ramcharran extradited to Guyana to face the court. UP TO $15,000 IN FINES FOR NON-CONFORMING USED TYRES ON IMPORTED VEHICLES The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Wednesday announced that effective June 1, next, persons importing vehicles with used tyres, including the spare, and which do (Continued on page 43)

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(From page 42) not conform to the stipulated standards set out following the recently amended laws, will be required to pay fines for each tyre not in conformity. According to GRA, the category of motor vehicles for which the used tyres are restricted includes motor cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, pick-ups, buses and other similar vehicles. The restriction excludes heavy duty vehicles including trucks, lorries, vehicles used in the agricultural and industrial sector and special purpose vehicles. The restriction on used tyres became effective on April 1, last. However, according to GRA, it has been observed that vehicles are still being imported with used tyres. ”The standard set for used tyres to be allowed (once they are imported with the vehicle) is no less than 6mm in measurement.” This standard was set and is being monitored by GRA in collaboration with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). GRA also reminded that under new measures effective April 1st only brand new tyres shall be allowed into the country. Importers of used tyres on vehicles not in conformity with the 6 mm and over standard will be fined as follows for each tyre: CATEGORIES FINE (G$) - Motor cars $10,000, Vans $10,000, Mini-buses $10,000, SUV $15,000, Pickup $15,000. GRA said that it must be noted that importers of vehicles not in conformity will be required to pay the

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fines per tyre prior to the vehicles being released by Customs. ”GRA wishes to remind the public as well that the Customs duty charged on new tyres was reduced from 30 to 15 percent effective February 1, 2017.” SIX MORE FORENSIC AUDIT REPORTS HANDED OVER TO POLICE FOR INVESTIGATIONS – CH&PA, WATER CANNON PURCHASE, NIS, NDIA INCLUDED

Government has handed over six more forensic audit reports to the police for further investigations. According to the Ministry of Finance, the reports included the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Guyana Lotteries Commission, Scrap Metal Unit, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the purchase of a Water Cannon for the Commissioner of Police, by the Ministry of Home Affairs. On hand, Wednesday, were Jaipaul Sharma, Minister within the Ministry of Finance; Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, and Assistant Commissioner of Police and Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit, Sydney James. The handing over took place at the Commissioner of Police’s office, Eve Leary. FRIDAY CUSTOMS CHIEF’S VEHICLE PROBE… TRANSACTION REVEALS GRA’S SYSTEM WAS TAMPERED WITH The head of Customs was recently sent off by the Guyana

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Revenue Authority (GRA) on his annual leave. This followed news reports that something was highly irregular with a transaction involving a duty free concession that the official benefitted from. However, the matter is refusing to go away, as there are details emerging that raise serious questions about the integrity of the database of that state agency. That database, known as the Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS), which is supposed to be closely protected because of the sensitivity of taxpayers’ information, was supposed to have safeguards that make it difficult for entries to be deleted or even back-dated. Under regulations, pertinent shipping documents, including duty free letters have to be presented and entered, where applicable, before a vehicle can be released from the wharves or warehouses that Customs control. And even before the vehicle is released, the pertinent taxes and duties also have to be paid over. But from GRA’s records, it appears that efforts were made to tamper with GRA’s database to correct a number of errors made in January when the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) belonging to Wills was registered. GRDB FORENSIC AUDIT PROBE… DEPUTY PS SACKED The Ministry of Agriculture’s Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance), Prema Roopnarine, has been sacked by the Public Service Ministry. This action follows recent developments in relation to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). Ms Roopnarine was one of six persons slapped with fraud-related charges for failing to make a proper entry into a company ledger. She was placed on $500,000 bail. When contacted, Permanent

Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Reginald Brotherson, said Ms Roopnarine’s services had been terminated on May 22nd. He said that she was a contract employee and there are clauses within her contract that cater for the latest move the ministry has taken. The rice board has been under scrutiny after a forensic audit commissioned by the APNU+AFC government unearthed a number of irregularities at that entity. Currently SOCU is conducting 45 separate investigations into the operations of the GRDB. The most recent charges against former General Manager of the GRDB Jagnarine Singh, General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association and former GRDB board member Dharamkumar Seeraj; Former Deputy General Manager Madanlall Ramraj; Former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and former GRDB Board member Nigel Dharamlall, Former General Manager of Guyana Oil Company and former GRDB board member Badrie Persaud, are as a result of two of those investigations being completed by SOCU. FIVE FEMALE CONVICTS GRANTED PRESIDENTIAL PARDONS Five female convicts have been granted the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy by President David Granger, on the occasion of Guyana’s fifty-first Anniversary of Independence following recommendations by the Director of Prisons. The women are 22-year-old Jenny Henry, 56-year-old Neeta Shamlall, 35-year-old Margo Gordon, 32-yearold Cleva France and 44-year-old Nesha Rambaran. The recommendations were reviewed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, and granted in accordance with Article 121 of the Constitution (Continued on page 44)

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(From page 43) of Guyana, more particularly Articles 188, 189 and 190. The President granted free and full pardon to the five women, who were considered fit and proper to receive the Presidential Pardon. In February, Granger also granted Presidential pardons to nine female inmates during the observance of the nation’s 47th Republic Anniversary. SATURDAY CARTER CENTER HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR URGENT CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM Internationally recognized organization, The Carter Center, has once again documented the need for constitutional reform in Guyana. The entity repeated, among other things, that the current winner-take-all sys-

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tem is problematic. The organization said that the urgency of constitutional reform is made greater with the anticipated influx of oil revenue, “which has the potential to exacerbate ethnic and political conflicts.” The Carter Center highlighted, too, the need for reform, so as to allow individual candidates to stand for President. The constitutional rules in Guyana limit all candidature for the office of the presidency and for membership of the National Assembly to those who join party lists. The organization said that this is an unreasonable limitation on the freedom of association and on the right to run for election. The organization said that an amendment to the Constitution is necessary to effect this change, and this should be considered as a

matter of some urgency in order to allow independent candidates to participate in elections. In addition, The Carter Center noted that in light of the history of ethnic polarization, Guyana might want to consider preferred, or ranked, voting for president in which voters’ award votes ranked on an ordinal scale to all candidates in the race, and the winner is the candidate who wins the most total votes. “This places an incentive on candidates to appeal to voters across party and communal lines,” the report noted. HAITIANS USING GUYANA AS HUB FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING -MEDICAL STUDENT ARRESTED In a surprising turn of events, a Haitian medical student who would usually as-

sist local police by acting as a translator for persons from his home country has found himself in hot water after his name was linked to a human trafficking ring between the two countries. The man, who is said to be in his 20s, was arrested at his Eccles, East Bank Demerara apartment Friday. When the arrest was made, a Haitian woman and her child were found in his dwelling place. They recently came to Guyana. Kaieteur News understands that the cops have been monitoring the individual for some time and made the arrest after receiving sufficient facts. The police have received information of Haitians being brought to Guyana then taken to Suriname and later French Guiana, where some of them are being abused and forced to work. In Guyana, the medical student was the link be-

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tween human traffickers in Haiti and the other countries where these persons are taken. While on surveillance, the cops found out that the medical student had been receiving large sums of money from Haiti. The police believed that the cash the suspect would usually receive is his payment from the traffickers which was said to be his main source of income. “What we found out is that when these people come to Guyana, they don’t stay here. They travel to Suriname (backtrack) then they go to French Guiana,” the source said. He further explained that from the information they received, when the Haitians arrive here, family and friends are usually separated from each other. “When these people are separated, they are made to work and do what the traffickers tell them, and in

some cases, they are threatened that they would not see their families again,” the cop said. Meanwhile in another case, Jacque Village, the Haitian man who reportedly abandoned his two children moments after they disembarked a flight at the Cheddi Jagan International A i r p o r t o n We d n e s d a y, turned up at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The man’s two children were also at CID headquarters. Kaieteur News was informed that Village alleged that when he arrived in Guyana, he was informed that his children would have been separated from him. “He said that he knew once he reached to the designated area, he wouldn’t be able to escape and as such, decided to stop the vehicle and run away. He did this when he noticed people on the road,” the source claimed. According to information received, with the help of Guyanese, the man turned up at the CID. Investigations are ongoing.

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Kaieteur News

Forensic audits reveal true financial health of state agencies - Sharma

After spending more than $133M on a number of planned forensic audits, the APNU+AFC government has completed a number of forensic audits. Junior Minister of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, said that five audits were recently completed and are awaiting the perusal and discussion by Cabinet before they are released or necessary actions taken. Most recently, Sharma handed over six additional audits to the police for the attention of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) who have already been given 19 such audits to investigate. Sharma said that the audits of these entities were necessary since there was no parliamentary oversight of the budgets of these entities. It was for this reason that Sharma believes that the monies expended was for the greater good. He said that with the completion of the audits, Government is now in a better position to pronounce on the financial health of these agencies. The minister said that contrary to what has been peddled in the media and elsewhere, the audits were never intended to lock up anyone. Rather, it is the government’s intention to have a ‘stock taking’ exercise done in the form of the audits so that necessary steps can

be taken if shortcomings or loopholes are identified. The junior minister said that the agencies that were audited are those whose budgets are not scrutinized by the National Assembly. He said these agencies in the past only presented an annual report which many times were lacking in specifics that will allow for proper financial monitoring. On what garners SOCU’s attention, Sharma said that it is a collaborative effort between his ministry and the Guyana Police Force. He said many times when audit reports are completed irregularities are not always glaringly evident but with careful study of the document, anomalies are identified. On the most recent audits that were handed over to the police, Sharma said that there were a number of questions to be answered about the purchase of the water cannon that was never used. He said that of concern to him was the procurement process that was used to source the controversial piece of equipment. He explained although he has his concerns about that aspect of the purchase it is now left for security officials to determine if there was criminality involved in the purchase. Moreover, Sharma explained that although the audits are not geared at incarcerating anyone, Government cannot turn a

Govt. should bite bullet and implement recommendations ... From page 10 Rodney, who suffered injuries during the explosion, claimed that former GDF electronics expert, Sergeant 4141 Gregory Smith, had given the politician the bomb that killed him. It was alleged that Smith planted the bomb in a walkietalkie that blew up on Rodney’s pelvic region while he was on John Street, Werken-Rust, between Hadfield and Bent Streets, less than 100 meters from the Camp Street Prison. There have also been claims that Rodney’s assassination was set up by the government of Forbes Burnham, whom Rodney was opposed to. This was because his assassination came at the height of a planned civil rebellion against the Burnham-led administration. But Burnham’s party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), had firmly denied being any part of the bomb blast killing. Both the WPA and AFC had welcomed the

announcement for the official probe. In 1974, Rodney returned to Guyana from Tanzania. He was due to take up a position as a professor at the University of Guyana, but the Burnham government prevented his appointment. He became increasingly active in politics, founding the WPA, a party that provided the most effective and credible opposition to the PNC government at the time. In 1979, he was arrested and charged with arson after two government offices were burned. After his assassination, Rodney received several honours. In 1993 the government of Dr. Cheddi Jagan posthumously gave him the country’s highest national award, the Order of Excellence and the Walter Rodney Chair in History was established at the University of Guyana. Rodney’s death was also commemorated in a poem by Martin Carter entitled “For Walter Rodney.”

blind eye to any issue of misappropriation emerging from the audits. He also said that with the

completion of the audits the message is clear regarding Government’s seriousness to ensure that value for money

is always achieved. Just last week the Ministry of Finance handed over six additional forensic

PAGE 57 audits to SOCU. Those audits pertained to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS); National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA); Guyana Lotteries Commission; Scrap Metal Unit; Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the water cannon purchase.

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Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

Three guns, cocaine found in Duncan Street - wife who called cops also detained The woman who called the police after her husband allegedly threatened her with a gun has been detained,

along with her spouse, after three firearms and drugs were found in their Duncan Street, Campbellville home.

A release issued yesterday stated that ranks in ‘A’ Division acting on intelligence, conducted a

search at the house between 18:30 and 21:00hrs on Friday. They found 11.4 kilograms of cocaine; a .357 Taurus

Magnum revolver and six live matching rounds; two 9mm pistols and 36 live .45 rounds. A 32-year old man and his 31-year old spouse have been taken into custody and are assisting with the investigation. Kaieteur News understands that on Friday, the woman informed the

police in the Kitty area that her spouse was pointing a firearm at her. Ranks immediately went to the scene and arrested the husband. They then searched the property and reportedly found the firearms, as well as packets of cocaine in two gas cylinders.

Firearms and the drugs that were found

Sunday May 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Pocket Reduction Surgery – what you need to know By Dr. Neromini Fagu Gum disease exits in two forms, gingivitis and periodontitis. Most of us know we have gingivitis when we see our gums become puffy and bleed easily by the slightest provocation. If gingivitis is not treated, it may progress to periodontitis. This second stage of gum disease is not reversible. The word periodontitis translates to “peri” meaning around, “odont” for tooth, and “itis” for inflammation. The disease affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth and in its severe stages the teeth become mobile leading to tooth loss. Although periodontitis is common, it is largely preventable. It is caused by bacteria in our mouth which produce toxins that damage the bone and ligaments. It is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups can greatly improve

your chances of successful treatment of periodontitis and can also help to reduce your chances of developing it. A periodontal infection that can’t be fixed through ordinary periodontal therapy may require surgery. This periodontal surgery will likely fall into one of four categories: Pocket Reduction Procedures, Regenerative Procedures, Crown Lengthening and Soft Tissue Grafts. Periodontal Pocket Reduction Procedures When the pockets that surround your teeth become too deep to clean with daily personal oral hygiene methods and a professional care routine, a periodontal pocket reduction procedure may be recommended. Pocket reduction surgery, also known as gingivectomy, osseous surgery, and flap surgery, is a collective term for a series of several different surgeries aimed at gaining access to the roots of the teeth in order to remove bacteria and calculus. Pocket reduction surgery is a common periodontal

procedure which has been proven effective at eliminating bacteria, reducing inflammation and saving teeth. The goals of pocket reduction surgery are: Reducing bacterial spread – Oral bacteria has been connected to many other serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Oral bacteria can travel to various parts of the body from inside the bloodstream and begin to colonize. It is important to decrease bacteria in the mouth in order to reduce the risk of secondary infection. Facilitate home care – As the gum pockets become progressively deeper, they become incredibly difficult for the patient to clean. The toothbrush and dental floss cannot reach the bottom of

the pockets, increasing the risk of further periodontal infections. Halting bone loss – The chronic inflammatory response induced by oral bacteria leads the body to destroy bone tissue. As the jawbone becomes affected by periodontal disease, the teeth lose their rigid anchor. When the teeth become too loose, they may require extraction. Before recommending treatment or performing any procedure, your dentist will perform thorough visual and X-ray examinations in order to assess the condition of the teeth,

gums, and underlying bone. Most pocket reduction surgeries can be performed under local anesthetic with the additional use of oralantianxiety/sedation medication if necessary. During the procedure, the gums will be gently pulled back from the teeth and bacteria and calculus will be eliminated. Scaling and root planing will generally be required to fully remove the calculus from the surface of the tooth root. If the root is not completely smooth, a planing procedure will be performed to ensure that when the gums do heal, they will not reattach to rough or uneven surfaces. The final part of the surgery is usually the administration of an antimicrobial liquid to eliminate any remaining bacteria and promote healing. The gum is then sutured with tiny stitches that are left

Dr. Neromini Fagu in place for 5-10 days. In some cases a periodontal dressing may be applied to protect tissues while healing. Though the gums will be more sensitive immediately following the procedure, there will be a significant reduction in pocket depth and a vast improvement in the condition of the teeth and gums. 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.

First of its kind farmers’ market gets positive response

STANDARDS IN FOCUS

CODEX – Established to provide food standards globally In 1962, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was born. Its purpose was to be the body responsible for implementing the Joint Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) / World Health Organisation (WHO) Food Standards Programme. At a Joint FAO/ WHO Food Standards Conference in Geneva, Codex was established as the framework for cooperation between the two agencies. All work of FAO/WHO and other regional and international bodies dealing with food standards were gradually incorporated into the Codex programme. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has 188 Members, —187 Members countries and one Member Organisation (European Union). Membership of the CAC is open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO and WHO that are interested in international food standards. Guyana is a member of Codex since 1970 and falls in the Region of Latin America and the Caribbean. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is the Codex Contact Point for Guyana and acts as the Secretariat for the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The GNBS is the major communication link between the CAC and Guyana and acts as the coordinating body for all Codex activities locally. To effectively coordinate the activities of Codex in Guyana, the National Codex Committee (NCC) was resuscitated in March 2014. This Committee’s basic function is to advise the Government of Guyana on the implications of various food standards and food safety issues which have arisen in the overall context of the work undertaken by the CAC and its subsidiary bodies. The NCC comprises of sixteen members from governmental organisations, nongovernmental organisations, consumer bodies, academia and the private sector who

work dynamically in ensuring that Guyana participates in Codex Committee meetings that are of priority to the country. Guyana’s capacity to actively participate in Codex discussions is being developed under the South-south project initiated by Chile. The South-south project is an integrated effort between the Chilean Food Safety and Quality Agency through the Chilean Agency for International Cooperation Development (AGCID) and the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The project aims to assist the Caribbean Region through capacity building to improve their national technical capacities to effectively participate in Codex activities. This will aid the Caribbean Region to align with Latin America. Five countries were selected to benefit from the project; namely, Guyana, Suriname, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. The expected outcome of the project is that the five selected countries would establish sound National Codex Committees; or strengthen the capability of their existing National Codex Committees. Strengthening the National Codex Committees would aid these countries in improving their participations and their ability to discuss topics of interest at different international Codex Committee meetings and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Over the years, Codex has facilitated the development of standards relating to food hygiene, fresh fruits and vegetables, pesticide residues, food additives and contaminants, etc; all of which have helped to improve many of our local sectors. For further information, please contact the GNBS on 219-0064 -66 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org

National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute’s (NAREI) booth at the Farmers’ Market. Several small business owners and upcoming entrepreneurs expressed their gratitude for being a part of the Farmers’ Market Day initiative. This event which was held yesterday, at D’Urban Park, is one of the many planned to ensure that the 51st Independence Anniversary This was made possible through the collaborative effort between the Ministries of Agriculture and Business and included specific opportunities offered by the Small Business Bureau (SBB). Dr. Simon Da Silva attached to the Ministry of Communities, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the event was aimed at creating a network whilst providing an opportunity for farmers, as well to generate added income. Dr. Da Silva added that the market was also to allow persons the opportunity to learn about the different stages and aspects of agro business. “What we (Ministry of Communities) are displaying here at the Farmers’ market is the government’s green agenda in keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that our President has placed much emphasis on. This displays the local level to the regional level and the national level that we must green up our communities, so

this market will help us to empower each other to do what is good for the country by working cohesively,” Dr. Da Silva explained. A representative of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) said that the response received by the persons who visited the market has been great, especially since persons arrived before the booths were opened. The GLDA’s booth sought to create awareness of the services offered at the agency and to provide information about livestock development. The booth displayed ducklings, chicks and even roosters, while brochures were also distributed. It was highlighted that most persons who visited the booth were considered as urban shoppers since they live in Georgetown. A representative from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) said that the agency’s aim for establishing a booth was to encourage Guyanese to get back to the place of having their own kitchen garden and also to use live decorative plants to boost a green environment. It was noted that persons would be given plants by the Ministry of Communities to start their own garden in keeping with the Government’s green agenda. (Neola Damon)

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WANTED One bartender, 1 room maid- Call or text- 621-9759 Sheik Samsair or Donald 664-7412 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 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 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Landscaping & tree trimming. Call: 656-1326

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) 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!! FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

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 Admin Assistant/Marketing Personnel with atleast 5 CXC passes including English Language & Mathematics. Send resume to gtcareers592@gmail.com Experienced hairdressers & nail technicians needed to work in salon at prime location in Georgetown. Call: 628-4388/225-9423 Two Dynamic Individual with communications & sales techniques, computer skill @ KeyFood, Mc Doom location. 1 live-in maid. Must be single and know how to cook creole food. Salary negotiable. Tel: 699-4878.

CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery also wedding dresses for sale. Call: 670-0798

Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course. June 6th. The Trade of the Future. Make extra cash, easy! Abdul Electronics. Call: 226-6551/ 225-0391

Wanted driver to sell water, must have lorry. Apply Nimbus Water. Tel: 2317002/ 6220445 Waitress and cook. Call: 6771248 Live in waitress to work in a bar- Call: 604-6606;692-4646

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

Solar Panel 300 watts, size 39X77. Call: 657-2304 A set of Benz GL series stock Rims with Tyres. Call: 225-2189. 48" Samsung TV, 2 full size beds, mattress & base, 2004 Allion, low mileage, lady driven. Call: 642-0243 Sawmill on 1.27 Acres of fenced land, portable mill, moulder, ripsaw, excellent condition, Linden: 673-9401 1 Kenmore fridge (black), double door. Dog pen, steel door. Call: 673-7883

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 BMW 318I -$2.3M, Never register. Contact# 592 6500402 / 603-1402 170 Corona. Call: 696-1355 1 Mitsubishi 7 1/2 ton Dump Canter, 1 Mitsubishi Fuso 7 1/2 ton Canter. Never Register!!! Contact#592 6500402/603-1402 Unregistered 1 Passo 2010 Black -$2.1M negotiable, 2 Vitz 2010 Pearl White & Pearl Pink -$2.3M negotiable each. Call: 649-7771/ 690-7155 Unregistered: 1 Nissan March 2010, Black with alloy wheels -$2.2M negotiable. Call: 6497771/ 690-7155 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501

Elevator very good condition, price negotiable. Call 231-1284 Property @ former South Central Hotel building, 218 South Road, Georgetown, prime location. Selling: Steel chairs & Tablets. Call: 6629755/686-0444 (1) 6 bass set R.C.F Q.S.C 44XT. Giveaway sale! Call: 611-3161 Office furniture, used computers, display racks & stands for store use. Call:2258066/624-6783

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

We pay in $US for land in Eccles, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Zeelugt, La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 6585897/ 651-1969

2 – 3 bedrooms bottom flat apartment, fully refurbished -$65,000 monthly with 2 months security. Call: 2201583 between 7am-5pm only.

Wanted land to buy anywhere on the West Coast or La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 657-9594

One clerical/office assistant to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-2301/ 225-6239 1 Live in nanny/domestic to take care of children & home, must know to cook various dishes 38-48yrs. Call: 6001898 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:154:15pm

WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Garbage trucks drivers, experienced drivers only &labours. Call: 670-7920 Wanted place to rent for restaurant or bar in G/town (no unfinished place). Call: 670-7920 Wanted to rent private car or SUV for private news long term paying - $70,000 monthly. Call: 648-4810 or text Person to under taking paneling, ceiling, also masonery, carpentery & plumbing. Husband & wife for live in . Call:227-1830

VACANCY Professional cosmetologist @ Natural Beauty Salon & Spa located @ Grove Market Street, EBD. Call Ms Rashari: 652-5800 Cook, Baker and articulated hauler/dump truck operator for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Cal: 6182020 ACCOUNTANT (Parttime): 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. 266-4427 Male & female workers: accountants, mechanic to look after drink machine. Call: 3302399 Male with experienced in poultry farming to work on chicken farm in the interior, age 25-45yrs. Call: 680-2702 One hairdresser and nail technician who knows to do everything. Call Melissa: 630-8152 Clinic Assistant. Call: 6450110

Prime Business Place to rent on Sheriff Street, for offices only. Call: 627-6740/227-8644

We need you, Males 18-30 years to work in the Plant Shop/Garden Maintenance in Georgetown. Tel: 648-1821

2 Canter lorry drivers, salesman to work on the West Coast Demerara $30,000 weekly. Call: 684-8231 CAR RENTAL WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Lawn grass organic potting soil, supari Palm, foxtail, palm @ $1,000, Crotoon, Ashoka, Ficus, Exora. Call: 626-1044

Furnished apartment $30,000 monthly. Newly renovated, self-contained room, water & electricity. 12 Sussex Street Charlestown- Call: 689-8757, 219-1951

Experienced Truck Driver. Call: 227-1717

CAR RENTAL

Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

One bedroom apartment, PVC ceiling, tiled floored, corner spot -$40,000, preferably couple. Address: 25 Craig St C/Ville. Call: 223-1332 Two bedrooms self -contained @ Tuschen - $50,000. Call: 6880087/ 633-8484 Rental@Ogle,4Masterbedrooms, luxuryhome-$5,000US.Call:6880087/633-8484 One apartment for rent @ First Street Mon Repos E.C.D. Call: 602-4105/614-0005 2 Bedrooms apartment to rent downstairs. Call: 668-8431 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993 Building with space and facilities for repairs for cars, trucks, fridges, etc. Charlestown Area. Call: 227-1830

TO LET 4 AC Rooms/ 1 extra room, for business/offices @ 21 Seaforth St. C/Ville, Georgetown. Call: 226-1877, 624-7436, 654-9350 Newly constructed apartment in a safe and healthy environment. Call: 698-6496/ 622-6512 One 2 bedrooms apartment at Eccles -$55,000 monthly. Call: 648-7004 One bedroom self-contained apartment in Grove E.B.E, preferably working couple. Call: 618-8878 DATING SERVICE You deserve a relationship filled with love and excitement. Call Harmony Singles: 626-2629/ 676-6312 Guyanese Canadian woman seeking husband, contacts must have Valid ID, proof of Address & police clearance. Call: 673-9778 PEN PAL Pen pals male needed from E.B.E between the ages of 33 and 50. Call: 625-7692 Continued on Page 61

Sunday May 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

CONSUMER CONCERNS

INDEPENDENCE DAY, 2017 - A building block for national unity By PAT DIAL In colonial Guyana the Governmental Authorities arranged it that in almost every month there would be a public holiday. The raison d’etre of these several holidays was religious such as Good Friday, socio-political such as Emancipation Day, political such as Empire Day and others without very much significance such as May Day and Clementi Day. The major reason for having fourteen holidays per year was to give working people two weeks leave annually since there were no Laws prescribing any obligatory leave. At Independence, the colonial Holiday Structure was revised and some of the holidays of little consequence were omitted and new ones introduced. Among the most important of the new

holidays were the nationalpolitical ones of Republic Day on 23rd February and Independence Day on 26th May. The number of Public Holidays per annum was kept at fourteen but new Labour Laws were passed giving every employee annual leave of two weeks. This caused the original reason for having fourteen public holidays to be forgotten. On Friday last, 26th May, Independence Day was celebrated. Independence Day, like Republic Day had a great deal of governmental input including flag-raising ceremonies countrywide, fireworks and military parades. Our leaders from both the Government and Opposition took the opportunity of addressing the Nation. Private individuals and groups also took the opportunity of organizing parties and fetes of various kinds.

Independence Day, like Republic Day, was subject to the injection of much party politics from their inception and this was inevitable since it reflected the milieu of the country. With the effluxion of time, however, party politics have begun to recede and the Day is emerging as one free of political and negative distractions. In planning future Independence Days, the Ministry of Education and Culture and other Government Agencies should work out detailed plans of how the entire population could be involved, the teaching of the meaning of Independence, its historical and cultural significance and making it as memorable to young children as the colonial Empire Day had been. Many older folk remember with nostalgia their childhood involvements with the

Sextuplets born in Virginia to couple who... (From page 20) helps one of the sextuplets. The crocheted octopus comforts the baby by reminding the child of the mother’s umbilical cord inside the womb, officials said. (Allen Jones/Courtesy of VCU Medical Center) Delivering that many babies was a challenge, with months of planning and pre-delivery drills, the hospital said. Their medical team included experts in fields such as labor and delivery, social work, nutrition and cardiology. They worked with the mother, providing support and encouragement, according to Ronald Ramus, director of VCU Medical Center’s maternal-fetal medicine division. “It’s not every day that parents bring home sextuplets,” he said. Their mother, he said, was

“eating, sleeping and breathing for seven.” The medical team also planned for months with delivery drills. “A typical labor and delivery shift includes one, perhaps two premature births, usually with time in between,” Susan Lanni, medical director of labor and delivery and a maternalfetal specialist at VCU Medical Center, said in a statement. But with this pregnancy, “we had to coordinate with our colleagues in the [neonatal unit] for six premature babies to be delivered simultaneously.” Sextuplets are rare. In 2015, there were roughly 4 million live births in the United States, and 24 of those were quintuplets or -higher-order births, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

celebration of Empire Day. All aspects of the Day need to be carefully planned so as to ensure they live on in the memories of the population. The celebratory aspects should never be left to chance. The streets and areas to be lit up should be carefully planned with the help of private businesses. Fireworks displays should be held in every county and should aim at being a regular and expected feature as the fireworks display at the Washington monument on the 4th July in Washington D.C. For several weeks before the Day, school children should learn to sing the National Anthem and other national songs and on the Day, should assemble at various important points in every county where they would perform and given refreshments of strictly local fare and mementos such as buttons. At such gatherings, the theme of fraternity should be stressed. At this season of Independence, the schools and other educational institutions should have talks on Guyanese History, letting the children know who they are. The plural nature of Guyanese society should be clearly explained and emphasized and examples of the country’s various cultural strands should be illustrated in whatever ways possible. This would help to bring knowledge and respect for the country’s various cultures and would result in greater national cohesion. The media, both the print and electronic, should be encouraged to carry features of the various cultures of the country, including the musical and religious. Independence Day should have a joyous celebratory aspect as well as a deeply educative one so that Guyanese people would begin to know who they are and build up mutual respect and fraternity resulting in greater unity. Independence Day 2017 did achieve some of the elements mentioned but the aim should be to make the Day a richer experience each year.

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

From Page 60

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. Recently-constructed 2Storey concrete building (2,030 ft2) Tuschen $7.5M neg. Contact 231-9690 for details. House & land at Mon Repos -$19M. Call: 645-8543 Aubrey Barker -$21M, Hadfield - $17M, Diamond- $3.5M, Grove, Land of Canaan, Schoonord, Queenstown, Enterprise, Good Hope. Call: 231-7850/ 618-7483

LAND FOR SALE 6 ACRES, HIGHWAY (CLOSE TO LINDEN) BAMIA CREEK, 7 SPECIES OF WOOD ETC. CALL: 609-8132/ 672-8569 (MAX) La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1.6M, $1.5M, $1.2M, Farm $3.5M, Uitvlugt -$2.7M, Tuschen:$1.2M, $5M, Herstelling-$3.5M. Call: 6662326 La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1.6M, $1.8M, Farm -$3M, Uitvlugt -$3M, Tuschen $1.2M, $5.5M, Herstelling $3M. Call: 604-6724 or 6869608

Property @ the corner of 172 20 Hora St. & Market St. Better Hope, East Coast Dem $12.5M neg. Call: 220-1583 between 7am-5pm only.

12 House lots 80X60 at Plantation Schoonard: water, light and roads, 1 min from Harbour Bridge. Call: 6152346/627-3443

2 Story building with extralarge land in well built $74.5M. Call: 220-1583 between 7am-5pm only.

Transported land at Well Street Ogle, E.C.D -$12M (twelve million dollars). Call: 650-5462

Property @ 934 Caneville Grove, E.B.D: flat house, 3 bedrooms (1 self-contained), concrete fence, negotiable. Call Ken: 682-3784/Jenel: 6045627

Farm (East Bank) -$2.6M & $3.2M, Providence (corner lot)- $5M, La Parfaite Harmonie-$1.6M, Uitvlugt $2.6M. Call: 658-5897/ 6511969

Goat Creek, Riverfront , 75 Acres land -$7M, Lanaballi River Front, 50 Acres -$9M. Diamond -$7.5M Call: 6880087, 638-8484

La Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen Phase 2, Zeelugt Phase 2. Call: 642-1252

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Mining is on the ‘up and up’ By Enid Joaquin Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, during a community outreach on Wednesday evening at the Mackenzie High School, told Lindeners that mining is “on the up and up” and that oil production is expected to start by 2020. This would see a new Commission being established-the Petroleum Commission of Guyana, Trotman said. He added that he would have introduced this Bill in Parliament recently, and that legislation is to be debated

- Minister Trotman tells Lindeners and passed to create the Commission which will take over the petroleum department of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The Minister also outlined areas of development in the other extractive industries, including the gold and mining sector, forestry and bauxite. In highlighting those, he emphasized the need for land reclamation. Trotman alluded to the old Montgomery mines, where there was no reclamation

and where massive erosion has occurred. This has resulted in the nearby community of Coomacka, becoming flood prone due to the sand and other aggregate that washed into the Demerara River and accumulated over time. Enthusiastic gathering Speaking to a very enthusiastic gathering, the Minister, with the aid of a projector, detailed what is expected to happen in the mining sector in the very near future, especially as it relates to the production of oil, and what it could mean for Guyana’s development. In alluding to the country’s huge oil find, Trotman said that the Liza field holds a minimum of 800 million barrels or possibly as much as 1.4 billion barrels of oil, a discovery which he said is worth upwards of US$50 billion, which he posited means that things are going to be looking up in Guyana. “We have been working overtime to bring ourselves into alignment. The preparation is a lot of work and we have started by strengthening our laws.” Trotman noted that there is a 1986 Petroleum Act, which is outdated, and so at present work is being done to update both the Act and regulations. He added that in some instances there was no legislation, to deal with the Sovereign Wealth Fund, or no Petroleum Commission in existence, and so new laws had to be created to complete the process of updating the Act (1986 Petroleum Act). “We are working as well to

hire persons to retain consultants and others; that work is ongoing, and I’ve mentioned the Sovereign Wealth Fund that has been drafted, and is now with the Minister of Finance.” Trotman expressed the hope that the final product will show some new features, and will also provide for budgetary support. Revenue He said that it was the aim of his Ministry to focus “much attention” on infrastructural development from the revenue that would be forthcoming from the oil sector. Highlighting a few of the projects, the Minister pointed to the road from Lethem to Linden, the bridging of the Essequibo at Kurupukari, and the establishment of a port somewhere in the Essequibo River. Trotman also disclosed that it was anticipated that there would be a major hydropower project, perhaps one harbour to supplement the major project. “We would like to ensure future generations that two or 300 years from now that Guyanese can benefit from this revenue that we don’t try to spend all of it in 20 or 25 years, but we put money into savings so that our children and children’s grandchildren can benefit from what we have now. Oil, like any other natural resource, except of course the forest, is non-renewable. Social programmes In highlighting other areas to channel some of the imminent oil revenues Trotman

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman cited the education and health sectors, which would ensure that every boy and girl would have access to the best education and health care in the world. As regards health care, that would be accessible to every Guyanese, young or old, he added. Environmental Protection Trotman said there will be established an environmental trust fund through the Environmental Act, which will ensure that a percentage of oil revenues go into a fund every year which would be for the benefit of every Region. “We are focusing that in as much as we will be extracting, we will be protecting the environment.” The Minister also spoke of opportunities for jobs and highlighted the need for residents, including the youths, to prepare themselves by acquiring the necessary skills and education to ensure their marketability. After his presentation, residents were given the opportunity to ask questions. Dexter Copeland who deemed the Minister’s presentation a good one, wanted to know what part of it applied to Lindeners. He said that after listening to the presentation which spoke

about some of our natural resources, he wanted to know ‘where do we fit in?’ He also wanted to know how residents ought to prepare, ‘how to get organized. “As a community we want to know the plans of the mining company so we as citizens can plan around that.’ Copeland also requested that a copy of the programme be made available for possible public perusal. Other questions concerned workers’ rights and unions for their protection. Concerns were also raised by environmentalist Samuel Wright who highlighted the current pollution of the local waterways by indiscriminate dumping and the building of houses too close to the Dakouria watershed. Most of the questions were addressed by the Minister but he promised to get back to those persons on a few issues that he needed to look into, such as the unavailability of certain drugsespecially those for the treatment of eye problems, at the Linden Hospital Complex. E a r l i e r i n t h e d a y, Minister Trotman and team had visited a few sand pits along the Soesdyke/Linden highway and the old Montgomery Mines.

Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

Venezuela protest seeks greater press freedom Caracas (AFP) - Protesters descended yesterday on the offices of Venezuela’s state media regulator, the latest in nearly two months of often-violent protests demanding the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro. Demonstrations that got underway in late March have claimed the lives of 58 people, as opposition leaders seek to ramp up pressure on Venezuela’s leftist president, whose already-low popularity has cratered amid ongoing shortages of food and medicines, among other economic woes. Yesterday’s protest in

Caracas was held to mark 10 years since the government shuttered a popular television station seen as having antigovernment leanings. The network, RCTV, was shut down by Maduro’s predecessor, the late populist leader Hugo Chavez, after more than a half-century on the air, for its outspoken criticism of his government. The move “was an atrocious act against freedom of expression”, Julio Borges, leader of the opposition-led legislature, said at the protest. At the time, officials said the move to close RCTV

aimed to “democratize” the airwaves in Venezuela. Since its demise, a state television broadcaster, TVES, was founded and has been operating in its stead. On Friday, riot police greeted throngs of protesters who took their demonstration to the complex of buildings housing the defense ministry in in Caracas. Demonstrators had hoped to sway the support of the armed forces against Maduro, who has been resisting opposition calls for early elections. Organisers said more protests are planned for tomorrow.

Jamaica hosts first Caribbean symposium on climate change and world heritage KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Jamaica will host the Caribbean’s first symposium on Climate Change and World Heritage at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston from tomorrow to Wednesday. The symposium, which is being held under the theme: Rallying for the protection of Culture and Heritage in SIDS un de r a sustainable 21st Century climate change agenda, will begin with an opening ceremony, starting at 9:00 am. The meeting is being hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and S p o r t , i n c o l laboration with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Cluster Office for the Caribbean, the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO (Participatory Programme) and the Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. Some 40 delegates from 12 Caribbean countries with existing World Heritage properties are expected to attend. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of

Dr Janice Lindsay Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Dr Janice Lindsay, said that the symposium aims to bring awareness to the threat of climate change among site managers and policy makers, as well as the main elements of useful management strategies to respond to climate change. Delegates are expected from Barbados, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, Belize, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. “These are persons who manage the sites. They

have major administrative roles. They are able to speak on how the sites function, but importantly we will also have policy makers who will be able to speak to the various government responses from the different islands,” she said. Lindsay said that participants will leave the meeting with some best practices “that will be shared with a wide crosssection of stakeholders.” Additionally, she said participants should be able to use the materials provided to produce publications that will be useful in schools, clubs and at the community level. As it relates to the impact of World Heritage on the local economy, Lindsay said the ministry will be continuing its economic opportunity workshop series which began last year. The ministry had staged a series of business opportunity workshops targeting residents of some 30 communities in and around the Blue and John Crow Mountains World Heritage site, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Correctional Officer Recruits Now Subjected To Polygraph Testing The Gleaner - Recruits to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) are now being subjected to lie detector testing. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) says the National Security Council was informed that the programme has been expanded to the department, noting that the last batch of recruits was tested prior to selection for training.

Currently, recruits to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) undergo polygraphing as part of the vetting process. Meanwhile, OPM says the Council was updated on the progress of the programme of polygraphing within the JCF. The programme started in the Police Area One, which covers the parishes of St

James, Hanover, Trelawny and Westmoreland. OPM says it was indicated that lie detector examinations and enhanced vetting of JCF personnel in Area 1 and the Marine Division continues with close to 200 personnel being tested. It says the programme is being supported by the Major Organised Crime and AntiCorruption Agency (MOCA).

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Police issue photo of Manchester attacker, believe bomb made in city apartment Reuters - British police yesterday released a photograph of Salman Abedi on the night he killed 22 people in a suicide bomb attack in Manchester and said they believed an apartment in the city centre was where he put together his device. “We know one of the last places Abedi went was the city centre flat and from there he left to make his way to the Manchester Arena,” Greater Manchester Police Chief Con-

stable Ian Hopkins and Neil Basu, Senior National Coordinator UK Counter Terrorism Policing said in a joint statement. “The flat is highly relevant as a location which we believe may be the final assembly place for the device.” Hopkins and Basu said they had gathered significant information about Abedi, a 22-year-old Briton born to Libyan parents, how his

bomb was built, his associates, finances, the places he had been and the wider conspiracy. However, police needed any information the public might have about his movements from May 18 when he returned to Britain. They said the investigation was not slowing, with some 1,000 officers involved, and the priority was to determine if more people were involved in planning the attack.

Trump son-in-law had undisclosed contacts with Russian envoy: sources Reuters - U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and close adviser, Jared Kushner, had at least three previously undisclosed contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States during and after the 2016 presidential campaign, seven current and former U.S. officials told Reuters. Those contacts included two phone calls between April and November last year, two of the sources said. By early this year, Kushner had become a focus of the FBI investigation into whether there was any collusion between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin, said two other sources - one current and one former law enforcement official. Kushner initially had come to the attention of FBI

investigators last year as they began scrutinizing former national security adviser Michael Flynn’s connections with Russian officials, the two sources said. While the FBI is investigating Kushner’s contacts with Russia, he is not currently a target of that investigation, the current law enforcement official said. The new information about the two calls as well as other details uncovered by Reuters shed light on when and why Kushner first attracted FBI attention and show that his contacts with Russian envoy Sergei Kislyak were more extensive than the White House has acknowledged. NBC News reported on Thursday that Kushner was under scrutiny by the FBI, in

the first sign that the investigation, which began last July, has reached the president’s inner circle. The FBI declined to comment, while the Russian embassy said it was policy not to comment on individual diplomatic contacts. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Kushner’s attorney, Jamie Gorelick, said Kushner did not remember any calls with Kislyak between April and November. “Mr Kushner participated in thousands of calls in this time period. He has no recollection of the calls as described. We have asked (Reuters) for the dates of such alleged calls so we may look into it and respond, but we have not received such information,” she said.

South African president Zuma facing no confidence vote in ANC Reuters - Senior politicians attending a top meeting of South Africa’s ruling ANC tabled a motion of no confidence yesterday against President J a c o b Z u m a , News24 reported on its website. Citing four unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), News24 said the motion of no confidence was proposed by a senior NEC member and supported by the current health minister and his deputy, among others. The ANC’s spokesman Zizi Kodwa, who earlier in the week denied a Bloomberg report saying Zuma’s removal would be discussed, was not immediately available yesterday evening. Earlier the ANC’s secretary general, Gwede Mantashe, told reporters that Zuma’s removal was

Jacob Zuma not on the NEC agenda. “ We a r e r e a d i n g i n newspapers that there is going to be blood on the floor. We have not seen that blood on the floor, yet,” Mantashe said in comments broadcast live on eNCA television. Zuma has been under increasing pressure to step down from party veterans and members of the African National Congress’s communist and union alliance

partners, as a series of scandals threaten to erode the ruling party’s dominance before the 2019 general vote. The Public Protector, an anti-corruption watchdog, published a report in November that alleged Zuma was influenced by the Guptas, a wealthy South African family with business interests ranging from mining to media, in making government appointments. Zuma resisted calls to resign over those claims, which both he and the Guptas have denied. The ANC stood by Zuma at a similar meeting in November in a debate about whether he should step down, and analysts discounted suggestions that he might be ousted or might quit before his term as party head ends in December. The NEC discussions continue today.

Sunday May 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

CDB Ready to Lend Economically Troubled Barbados a Helping Hand BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Barbados may not have to look as far as the Washington-based International Monetary Fund for assistance. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has served notice that it’s on standby to bail out the island’s troubled economy if necessary “We are ready when they are ready to proceed,” CDB president Dr. Warren Smith told the Nation newspaper. However, the offer comes with conditions. According to Smith, the Freundel Stuart administration would first have to get in line with its requirements These include lowering the country’s spiraling debt and introducing measures to correct government spending while boosting revenues. “The task that faces Bar-

bados is to bring the fiscal deficit down and bring it down substantially so that the debt dynamics of the country can move in the right direction,” he said. Smith revealed that the Bridgetown-based regional financial institution and Barbadian authorities have explored the possibility of a policy-based loan for some time now, but no decisions have been made. “We don’t think the conditions are right just yet to be able to finalize that,” he added, although assuring it was a strong option. Dr Smith declined to give a figure, but said it was feasible and that Barbados could receive the appropriate amount of money it needed. The financial official urged the country to tackle its financial woes head on, and

Dr. Warren Smith quickly. “The reality is that if that is not done, stability will not return to the country,” he warned. (Caribbean360)

Panama cuts stays for Colombians, Venezuelans and Nicaraguans PANAMA CITY – Panama says it’s halving the maximum time for tourism visits by people from Colombia, Venezuela and Nicaragua to 90 days. President Juan Carlos Varela’s announcement of the plan Friday comes amid concerns that many visitors have been staying on in Panama after coming as tourists. Panama will also seek to verify that people seeking to enter as tourists have sufficient funds.

While there has long been immigration from neighbouring Colombia, many people are now arriving from crisis-wracked Venezuela. Many of the migrants stay and work under the table. Some have been linked to crimes, angering some Panamanians. There are no figures on illegal immigration, but about a quarter million people from the three countries gained residency in Panama since 2010. (Fox News)

Cayman Opposition brokers agreement with Independents to form coalition govt. GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (CMC) — In a dramatic turn of events that has struck out a deal brokered on Friday between the two major political parties – opposition leader McKeeva Bush is set to become premier of the Cayman Islands.According to Bush – a former Premier – at the 11th hour he formed a “government of national unity” with the independents. The Cayman Compass reports that shortly before midnight, Bush made the declaration, stating that he had already written to Governor Helen Kilpatrick to rescind the agreement that was signed only hours earlier with the leader of the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM), Alden McLaughlin. “This has been a long and tedious election campaign with plenty of ongoing discussion happening to select who will govern the country for the next four years,” Bush said in a statement. “After numerous calls from my West Bay constituencies and from voters across the wider eastern independent representa-

tive districts, I, William McKeeva Bush and my colleagues have therefore withdrawn our support for the PPM to form the next government and have agreed to form the next government with the independent candidates. He said the fact that the people had chosen more independent candidates meant they had a mandate to make a change for the “beloved nation”. The coalition creates an 11-person government with Bush and his Cayman Democratic Party colleagues joining with eight independent members. Only hours earlier Bush and McLaughlin had publicly confirmed a deal to join forces. That agreement would have allowed McLaughlin to remain as Premier, with Bush taking the speakers role fellow CDP member, Bernie Bush becoming deputy speaker. McLaughlin and Bush both posed for a photograph signing the deal and a joint press statement was issued. However Bush now says the deal is void. Following news of the deal, McLaughlin told the Cayman

Compass that he had done his best to form a government. “I am going to stand back and watch this train wreck of a government happen. I have done my best to form a good stable government but the unelected Premier Dr (Steve) Tomlinson (who had backed most of the independents in the general election) has brokered another deal that serves McKeeva’s ambition but will also allow the good doctor to stand outside cabinet and dictate policy,” Bush said in a written statement. “It is going to be one hell of a ride. We should not expect this government to last very long. Brace for a period of great uncertainty in this country.” As was seen earlier in the day, such agreements are not legally binding, and the possibility remains that the Progressives (or any other group of elected lawmakers) could seek to make an alternative agreement before the governor appoints the new premier as formally supported by the majority of the Legislative Assembly,” McLaughlin said.

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Tsonga warms up for Roland Garros ‘Devastated’ Hamilton seeks answers to... by winning first claycourt title (Reuters) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga polished his preparation for the French Open in style by claiming his maiden claycourt title, beating Czech Tomas Berdych 7-6(2) 7-5 in the Lyon Open final yesterday. The second-seeded Frenchman, who was playing his first final on the red dirt, held serve throughout and broke decisively in the last game to clinch his 15th ATP title. Tsonga’s victory on the eve of the claycourt major raised hopes that he may finally end the country’s 34year search for a homegrown male champion at Roland Garros. Yannick Noah was the last Frenchman to lift the Musketeers’ Cup in 1983. Tsonga had gotten off to a poor start in the claycourt season, withdrawing from his second-round match at the Madrid Masters before skipping the Rome Masters with

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (REUTERS/Eric Gaillard FILE PHOTO)

(From page 71) Formula One race win on a day of struggle for Hamilton, made it all the more galling. “At the moment it is a big unknown but a lot of analysis will go into trying to understand it. It is a tyre issue, I didn’t get the grip from the tyres,” said Hamilton. “We had a little bit of a similar scenario in Sochi, particularly on my side.” Hamilton said it was baffling how one car could have the tyres working and the

other not, and hoped Bottas could win on Sunday to limit the damage on a track where overtaking is extremely difficult. The rules have changed this year, with wider cars and fatter tyres, and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff described the Mercedes as a “bit of a diva” when it came to getting into the performance window. “You can see that on his lap, the car drops in and drops out,” he said. “Unfortunately

mostly out of it.” Hamilton had said earlier in the week that he liked the challenge of a car that was difficult to drive and that he likened to a bull or bucking bronco. “It’s the same kind of feeling when you get in this car. It’s not easy but it’s a challenge,” he had said. “There are cars in the past that have been beautiful to drive and have been a lot easier to set up. I like that this is a challenge.”

Elaine embraces hectic season schedule a shoulder injury. He seems to have recovered well as he produced a solid performance against third seed Berdych, who never found the key to the Frenchman’s service. The Czech had to set points at 5-4 40-15 on Tsonga’s serve, but like he did all week, Tsonga played the big points perfectly.

“It was a very close match. I had a very big chance at the end of the first set when I had two set points, and I think that was the key of the match,” said Berdych. “To win the set, it would put me in a completely different position, but Jo was able to save that, hold that, and I didn’t really create many chances after that.”

Sunday May 28, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This will not be the day to have minor surgery. You will take on too much if you aren't careful. Stick to basics. Take care that arrangements to spend quality time together are made in advance. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Concentrate on your career and on making money. Don't make any drastic changes or begin new projects today. Rethink your motives and make the necessary changes to yourself. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't overspend on entertainment, on children, or make poor investments. You can make financial gains through your unique and creative approach to business. Minor health problems may lower your vitality. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't tell others of your plans. You may find that you are a little lucky today. Romance could develop through social activities or short trips. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't let friends convince you that you should contribute to something you don't believe in. Don't take offense at comments made by coworkers. Be prepared to overcome frustrations and obstacles at work.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You will learn a great deal from the foreigners you meet. You may have a problem dealing with elders. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't let your personal partner hold you back. Relatives may play an important role in your personal life. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Involve yourself in group endeavors. You will make new friends through physical activities. Any difficulties with peers could be unnerving. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Try not to jump to conclusions. Deal with the needs of children and get into groups that deal with self awareness. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Don't settle for less than the best. Be tactful if you see flaws in someone else's work. Be careful not to sign your time or your cash away. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Take your time; do not make any decisions in haste. Go out with friends or family. You must use discretion when talking to others. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Limitations will set in if you haven't followed the rules. Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable. This day was meant for love.

(From page 68) Championships. Last year, however, Thompson competed in both events in Rio, taking gold medals in both. Last Saturday, Thompson told reporters she was not

sure when her next race would be, but she is scheduled to run a packed 200m race today at the Prefontaine Classic where she will clash once more with Schippers. Asked by the Jamaica Observer whether she had made

any adjustments in her training for the additional meets, Thompson said, “No adjustments, I just came back and got in the work, I can’t think about being tired as I have to go out and compete to the best of my ability.”

Arsenal deny Chelsea double as Ramsey... (From page 70) today.” Underdogs Arsenal enjoyed a dream start although there was huge debate about whether Sanchez’s effort should have stood. When his initial attempt to chip the ball into Chelsea’s area was blocked, he appeared to knock the rebound forward with his arms before running through and shooting past Thibaut Courtois despite Ramsey standing in an offside position. Confusion reigned as the goal was initially disallowed but after consulting with his assistant Gary Bewsick who had raised his flag, referee Anthony Taylor awarded the goal. Chelsea never properly recovered from that body blow and Arsenal could have been out of sight before halftime. Mesut Ozil had a shot back-heeled off the line by Gary Cahill while Chelsea had an amazing escape when Danny Welbeck’s header thumped against the post and Ramsey bundled the ball back against the same upright. Despite being all at sea Chelsea did threaten with Costa denied by a perfectlytimed tackle by Per Mertesacker who was making his first start for Arsenal for 13 months. Arsenal keeper David Ospina also bravely denied Costa, receiving a blow to the head for his troubles. Chelsea started the second half with more tempo and Footballer of the Year N’Golo Kante warmed Ospina’s fingers with a deflected drive from distance before Moses brought a fine save from Ospina after Costa played him in.

Chelsea were required to play the last 20 minutes a man down after referee Taylor’s second big call of the day, deciding that Moses had thrown himself to the floor under no obvious contact from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Just when it seemed their double hopes were slipping

away, Costa equalised when his weakly-hit shot brushed off the excellent Mertesacker and past the diving Ospina. But Arsenal had the last laugh when Chelsea’s defence went AWOL again, allowing Ramsey the freedom of the box to head substitute Olivier Giroud’s astute cut-back past Courtois.

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Stokes, Wood shine as England snatch win from South Africa (Reuters) Ben Stokes smashed a blistering century and Mark Wood bowled an excellent final over as England beat South Africa by two runs in the second one-day international in Southampton yesterday for an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. After Stokes’s heroics with the bat had helped England score 330 for six in their 50 overs, South Africa needed 10 runs from the last 10 balls of their innings with five wickets remaining, but an excellent final over from Wood that cost just four runs sealed victory. One worry for England ahead of the looming Champions Trophy starting on Friday is that Stokes managed to bowl only three overs in the South African innings having injured his knee in the first ODI win, but he remained on the field. “Those are the sorts of games you really want to win,” England captain Eoin Morgan said at the postmatch presentation at the Rose Bowl. “You learn a lot more. The game got away from us quite a lot. Woody

Chris Morris and David Miller were crestfallen at falling so close to a record-breaking run-chase, England v South Africa, 2nd ODI, Ageas Bowl, ©Getty Images was awesome.” The visitors won the toss and elected to field, reducing England to 80 for three in the 16th over when Joe Root (39) was run out at the non-strikers’ end. But Stokes (101 from 79 balls) put on 95 for the fourth wicket with Morgan (45) and 77 for the fifth with

Jos Buttler (65 not out) before he became a maiden ODI wicket on debut for South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Opener Quinton de Kock (98 from 103 balls) led the South African reply before he was caught by wicketkeeper Buttler off Moeen Ali.

Captain AB de Villiers pitched in with a fluent 52, but the innings looked to be faltering until Chris Morris (36 not out from 22 balls) joined David Miller (71 not out from 51 balls) in the 44th over. The pair added 62 in 39 balls for the sixth wicket and looked as though they had

England’s players celebrate a thrilling two-run win at the Ageas Bowl, England v South Africa, 2nd ODI, Ageas Bowl, ©Getty Images

won the game when they needed seven off the final over bowled by Wood (0-48 in 10 overs). But the England seamer produced an excellent over of short-pitched slower balls and the pair could only manage four singles to see victory slip away. “I can’t be unhappy, we

fought right to the end and probably had it in the bag for most of that last half hour,” De Villiers said. Scores: England 330 for 5 (Stokes 101, Buttler 65*, Morgan 45) beat South Africa 328 for 5 (de Kock 98, Miller 71*, de Villiers 52) by two runs.

CA rebuffs MoU mediation, writes to players ESPNcricinfo - Cricket Australia’s decision to rebuff the players’ calls for mediation to end the escalating pay dispute has been accompanied by another attempt to deal directly with some of the nation’s highest-profile players. CA’s chief executive James Sutherland and his Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) counterpart Alistair Nicholson are set to cross paths in London over the next week, and it is clear a sharp change of course will be required to take the heat out of a dispute that is creeping perilously close to the June 30 expiry of the current MoU without any resolution in sight. After a week’s deliberation, CA chairman David Peever wrote to his ACA counterpart Greg Dyer

on Friday to reject the mediation request while maintaining his view that the players’ association had not yet started to negotiate. It also emerged yesterday that the team performance manager Pat Howard had written to Steven Smith, Meg Lanning, David Warner, Alex Blackwell, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Ellyse Perry to again press the board’s case. Peever’s letter to Dyer emphasised CA’s refusal to countenance any form of fixed revenue percentage model while accusing the ACA of not attempting to negotiate. “This is a regrettable approach because CA’s proposal features substantial increases in player payments while allowing greater flexibility to address the

underfunding of grassroots cricket over the next five years,” Peever wrote. “You indicate that the ACA has offered flexibility within the negotiation process around certain issues. However, this does not address the significant problems with the current player payments model from CA’s perspective. While we fully respect t h e e n o r m o u s contribution made by the game’s elite players, it is also true that player payments have grown by 63 per cent for international men and 53 per cent for domestic men over the past five years.” These words were echoed by Sutherland in a column in The Australian newspaper, which also reported Howard’s approach to key players, which he said insisted CA’s offer was fair while also questioning whether the players had read its financial details for themselves. “During the player period at the NCC, it became

clear to me that very few players have actually read the CA offer,” Howard wrote. “As leaders of Australian cricket, you need to review the actual offer and ask questions. My view as leaders of the game is that your duty is to cricket, not CA, not ACA, but cricket. “This year players will benefit from $79m, our offer next year is $91m. This is a pay rise of over $12m or over 15 per cent. I heard from some quarters that Cricket Australia was ‘screwing us’, as you can see, that is not the case. These are like-for-like numbers and include all male and female players. “BBL salaries will go up 6 per cent every year. Yes, we are trying to put a lid on big increases to state cricket; however, both BBL (6%) and state (1.4%) are going up. I don’t apologise for putting international players ahead of domestic players. (Under) our offer, Australian cricket wages are the highest in the world for males and females and the highest for

any team sport in Australia. Something we are proud of.” Howard also expressed discontent that he had been unable to communicate more directly with the players about the pay issue, as distrust grows on both sides of the argument. In response, the ACA said the board was continuing to play “word games” while also questioning how the game’s grassroots could be so underfunded when CA retained 80 cents out of every dollar in the game’s revenue. “These are the word games and evasions of the last six months, and a window into the negotiations over the same period,” an ACA spokesman said. “The CA strategy is to refuse to deal with the ACA and go directly to individual players to try and break the model. This is despite the players’ repeated insistence for CA to respect their request and mediate with the ACA. To refuse mediation at a time when it’s the only sensible way forward shows

a clear lack of common sense. “CA takes 80 cents in every dollar that comes into the game: that’s 80% of revenue, yet blames the players for under expenditure on grassroots. CA’s grassroots argument therefore has no factual basis. What CA forget is that the players themselves are the ones that have invested around $10million of their own money in to delivering grassroots programs. The most often asked question in this current climate is the right one: Where does all the revenue go?” The board’s public emphasis on the need for more grassroots facilities funding formed only a part of its formal pay offer to the players. That document also pressed the case for an expanded media production unit and game development staff to rival those of the AFL, and a desire to invest in “other projects” capable of generating more revenue for CA.

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Raikkonen takes Monaco pole on Ferrari front row as Hamilton qualifies 14th MONACO (Reuters) Ferra r i v e t e r a n K i m i Raikkonen rolled back the years and upstaged his championship-leading team mate Sebastian Ve t t e l t o t a k e p o l e position at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix yesterday. Ve t t e l q u a l i f i e d alongside the 37-year-old Finn on the front row, with Ferrari’s pace making them clear favorites for a glamour race the Italian team last won in 2001 with Michael Schumacher. The pole ended a nineyear drought for Raikkonen whose last was at the June 2008 French Grand Prix, 129 races ago when he was the reigning world champion and German Vettel had yet to stand on top of a Formula One podium. “I’m really happy for Kimi because he deserves it. The champion is coming out,” said Ferrari team boss

Maurizio Arrivabene after Raikkonen put in the fastest lap ever around Monaco of one minute 12.178 seconds. “Sebastian made a mistake in Turn Five but having two cars up there means I’m happy.” Britain’s triple champion Lewis Hamilton, six points b e h i n d Ve t t e l i n t h e standings after five races, suffered a major blow when he failed to muscle his Mercedes into the top 10 and qualified only 14th. The triple champion will move up to 13th after compatriot Jenson Button’s 15-place grid penalty is applied, however. Button, standing in for Fernando Alonso at McLaren while the Spaniard c o m p e t e s i n t o d a y ’s Indianapolis 500, qualified an impressive ninth. WARNING FLAGS Hamilton’s hopes of one last quick lap to make the cut and reach the final session

Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas (L) and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel wave after setting the pole position in qualifying session. (REUTERS/Max Rossi) were scuppered when Belgian rookie Stoffel Vandoorne smashed his

McLaren into the wall at the exit to the Swimming Pool complex.

Members mandate investigation in shift of Mexico WC game to USA Congress held as GFF denies being served Court Order Sports in Guyana continues to be riddled in controversy and Football is not excluded as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) held its Congress yesterday at Park View Hotel at Farm, East Bank, Demerara despite allegations that a Court Order was served on the Federation to prevent the Congress from being held. At the completion of Congress, GFF President Wayne Forde conducted an interactive session with the Media and stated that the GFF was unaware of receiving any such Court Order. “I am not aware of any Court Order being received by the GFF,” claimed Forde in response to a Journalist who asked if a Court Marshal had not given a GFF member the Order which the Journalist had copy of. Five of the 22 members were absent yesterday and Forde informed that there was mandate from the members to have an investigation conducted by an Independent body in the issue regarding of the shifting of the World Cup

Qualifying group ‘B’ match between Guyana and Mexico in October 2012. The game was initially slated for the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, but was subsequently shifted to the United States. Acting President Franklin Wilson, who replaced Colin Class after he was forced the step down, confirmed that the match was set for the BBVA Compass Stadium, in Houston, Texas. Several questions were raised after the switch of venue, like upon whose instrumentality was the decision taken to shift the match? Was it a collective executive decision, that was unanimous (2/3 majority)? Further, was any executive meeting convened? And if there was a record of minutes, accompanied by a Financial Statement, outlining income and expenditure. Wilson, one of the five absent yesterday, had said that the main reason for the switch, which was “unavoidable” and was in

the best interest of football in Guyana as the revenue will be used to pay off outstanding debts and other expenses the Golden Jaguars have incurred. “Guyana’s Football needs closure and we have obtained funding to launch an investigation into the matter. That investigation should start shortly but you can never give a time-frame for the completion of any investigation,” Forde informed. Alpha United, Slingerz FC, Pele and Georgetown Football Club (GFC) withdrew from the GFF Elite League and Alpha and Slinger have now sued the GFF for a large sum to compensate for their disqualification from participating in the CFU Championships they had already qualified for. Although the two teams were in bad standing with the GFF which resulted in them being banned from the GFU Championships, Forde informed that GFF wants see as much players playing as much Football as possible.

“The four clubs who withdrew have been relegated to in their Associations so that the players can still play Football, no team has been promoted to the Elite League which has been EXPANDED to 10 teams,” Forde explained. Forde disclosed that the GFF has drafted a developmental plan as a road map to qualification to the 2026 Football World Cup. “Our focus is on youth development programmes but plans are just words on a paper and we strive to bring those words to life as we move forward. We want the Associations to play as much youth Football as possible and the GFF will play a greater role in helping to m a n a g e t h o s e competitions,” said Forde. Forde became Guyana’s newest GFF President on November 13, 2015 when the Businessman and President of Fruta Conquerors defeated attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes 12-10 to become the second Bartician to head the GFF.

That brought out yellow warning flags, forcing other cars to slow with only seconds left on the clock and Hamilton behind him on the road in a car that looked a real handful out of the corners. At one point, as the barriers loomed at Massenet on the approach to Casino Square and he snapped the Mercedes back into shape, he shook a gloved hand in relief as if to say ‘That was close”. “I can’t pinpoint the p r o b l e m . I t ’ s disappointing,” said the Briton, who lost a minute of the session when he had to stop at the weighbridge towards the end of the second session as he came into the pits. “ I t ’s a l i t t l e b i t unfortunate with the yellow flag at the end. That lap may

have got me into the top 10 but I think I’d have struggled to be in the top five. “Valtteri’s lap shows we’re not terrible here so we need to know what happened,” he said referring to Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas. Bottas, who replaced retired 2016 champion Nico Rosberg in January, was third and two hundredths of a second off Vettel’s time of 1:12.221. Red Bull’s 19year-old Dutch driver Max Verstappen joined him on the second row. “That was everything we had today. The red car was just too fast,” said Bottas. Austra l i a n D a n i e l Ricciardo, on pole in the M e d i t e r r a n e a n principality last year for Red Bull, will start fifth and next to Spaniard Carlos Sainz for Toro Rosso.

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Xtreme Clean & Maintenance / GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament

Sparta Boss sends ominous warning to pretenders Futsal juggernauts Sparta Boss sent an ominous warning to all pretenders that dethroning them will not be easy following an emphatic 4-1 win over West Back Road as play in the inaugural Xtreme Clean & Maintenance / GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Tournament kicked off on Friday night, at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. Appearing in the final game of the night, the Bosses, rightly regarded as the best team in the shorter version of the game, took the lead after seven minutes through talisman Devon Millington, who unleashed a fierce right-footer from the right side that blew past a surprised West Back Road custodian. However, West Back Road riposte was almost immediate as Josephus Charles gained the equaliser one minute l a t e r, f i r i n g p a s t t h e advancing goalkeeper from a long ball just before the half time. In the second period, Sparta Boss were at their clinical best as Millington, Gregory Richardson, Eusi Phllips and Solomon Austin dominated possession and everyone knew it was just a matter of time before they scored. Phillips it was who scored from long range, beating the goalkeeper on the near post in the 14th minute, before Millington completed his brace three minutes later, reaching on to the end of a beautiful exchange between himself and Richardson. Not to be outdone, Richardson netted one minute before full time to formalise a comfortable victory and a place in the round robin segment. However, there was no luck for visiting teams as Linden’s Dave & Celena All Stars fell to Sophia in an

Xtreme Clean & Maintenance Shanai Gomes (2nd left) presents one of the ladies with her prize in the presence of other winners. exciting encounter, while We s t D e m e r a r a ’s Showstoppers and East Coast Demerara’s Beterverwagting both exited following losses to Tiger Bay and Agricola Champion Boys respectively. In other results: Broad Street Bullies scraped past a stubborn Kitty unit 2-1 with Darren Benjamin and Jimmy Gravesande on target for the winners, while Simon Emanuel netted for Kitty. Another six knockout games were scheduled to be played last night, while the round robin stage is set to commence this evening. Twelve teams have been divided into three groups with the top two from each and the best two third placed finishers moving on to the

quarter-finals. The quarter-finals will be played on June 13, while the semi-finals and final are scheduled for June 15 and 17 respectively. The winning team takes home $500,000 and a trophy, while second, third and fourth placed teams will collect $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 in that order. Meanwhile, four lucky ladies won themselves a total of $13,000 after successfully hitting the target in a shootout to goal. The night’s full results: Game 1- Kitty 1- Broad Street 2 Broad Street Bullies Darren Benjamin 3 Jimmy Gravesande 12 K

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GSCL Inc Independence Cup concludes today at Everest The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc annual Independence Cup will conclude today at the Everest Cricket Club. Following an intriguing first day’s play on Friday an exciting climax is anticipated in both the Open and Masters categories.

Regal All Stars and Speedboat have one win each and will play each other in the final preliminary round; their places in the final are almost secured. In the Masters segment, Regal have two wins, while Savage and Ariel have one each. While Regal Masters

place in the final is certain, the race for the remaining spot is still open. Regal Masters will play Ariel and Savage will take on HS Masters in the final preliminary round games starting at 09:30 hrs. The trophies are been sponsored by Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.

Simon Emanuel 9 Game 2- Agricola Champion Boys 5Beterverwagting (BV) 4

BV Reon Hopkinson 4 Akim Curry 13, 20 Delroy Deen 19

A g r i c o l a Domini Garnett 5, 7 Roy Matthews 6,17,18 Game 3- Sophia 3- Dave and Celena All Stars 2 Sophia Dwayne Lowe 7 Desmond Cotton 9 Joshua Kamal 17 Dave & Celena All Stars Sean Brewley 3 Kenard Simon 11 Game 4- Albouystown Ballers 1- Festival City 0 L e n n o x C o r t 5 Game 5- Tiger Bay 5Showstoppers 2 T i g e r B a y Deon Alfred 4, 16 Orin Moore 8, 11, 19 Showstoppers Dexroy Adams 3 Martin Joseph 9 Game 6- Sparta Boss 4West Back Road 1 S p a r t a Devon Millington 7, 17 Gregory Richardson 19, Eusi Phillips 14 We s t B a c k R o a d Josephus Charles 8 Buxton 5- Camp Street All Stars 1 (qualifier) Buxton Martin Cromwell 4 Kerron Assaye 7 Jermaine Castello 12 Pierre Joseph 17, 18 Camp Street All Stars Isiel Ward 5

Elaine embraces hectic season schedule (Jamaica Observer Elaine Thompson, the most dominant sprinter in the world this year, male or female, is on a mission and she can’t allow a hectic schedule to slow her down. A few months into the new season and Thompson has sprinted to the top of the IAAF performance lists in both the 100m and 200m, while also racking up impressive frequent-flyer miles after competing at meetings in the Bahamas; Philadelphia, USA; Doha, Qatar; and Shanghai, China before returning home last weekend to run a season’s best 22.09 seconds at the 14th Jamaica International Invitational at the National Stadium. “It’s been a hectic season... I just came from Shanghai to come here and run another fast time, but I have to stay focused and put in the hard work,” she said, when asked about her schedule. It has been a packed early

Elaine Thompson season schedule for the Rio Olympic Games doublesprint gold medallist after she was eased into competition over the last two seasons by coach Stephen Francis. In 2015, Thompson was expected to run the sprint d o u b l e a t t h e Wo r l d Championships in Beijing, China, after running a series

of fast times, including a then world leading 10.84 seconds at the Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. She, however, opted for just the 200m at the National Senior Trials and went on to take silver behind Dutch runner Dafne Schippers at the World (Continued on page 65)

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Professional boxing taking the mandatory 8 count on the ropes Dexter Marques scores with a crunching right to the body of Zarraga who fought bravely all night before losing a majority verdict to the Guyanese. (Sean Devers Photo)

Imran Khan (right) misses with a left upper cut as Keeve Allicock covers up at the Giftland Mall. (Sean Devers photo) By Michael Benjamin When Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis pounded American James Page into submission and relieved him of the World Boxing Association (WBA) title he succeeded where a multitude of Guyanese pugilists had previously failed. Since then several other Guyanese pugilists, female boxers, Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil, Shondell Alfred and Pamela London and their male counterparts, Wa y n e ‘ B i g T r u c k ’ Braithwaite, Vivian Harris and Gary ‘Superman’ St Clair, have emulated the feat. Before Lewis broke the jinx, many other Guyanese punchers had valiantly attempted to win world titles but failed at the last hurdle. Patrick Ford had suffered losses to Salvadore ‘Baby Face Assassin’ Sanchez and Eusebio Pedroza, while Lennox Blackmore lost to Aaron Pryor. Several other Guyanese had also been unsuccessful in world title bids; Wayne Harris against Reggie Johnson, Anthony ‘Pearl’ Andrews against Jorge Castro, Terrence Ali against Harry Arroyo, Juan Luis Ramirez and Julio Caesar Chavez, Andrew Murray against Ike Quartey and Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman against Bernard ‘The Executioner’ Hopkins and then William Joppy. Many projected the view

that legendary promoter, Don King, was extremely instrumental in Lewis’ success and later, ironically, played a pivotal role in Lewis’ downfall. This might have been so, which can endorse the belief that a boxer’s auxiliary staff is of vital importance to his successes. Today, all of the male pugilists have lost those titles while it is uncertain whether O’Neil and Alfred still holds the prestigious accolade after prolonged absences from the ‘square jungle.’ In the case of Alfred, she had defeated Corrine Degroot for the WIBA title but later, had to abort a world title fight in Mexico against home girl, Zulina Muñoz, for the World Boxing Council (WIBC)

Guyanese Lawrence Heywood was pounded into submission by T&Ts Keron Bourne in their MMA Bantamweight clash at Giftland Mall. (Sean Devers photo)

female Super/flyweight championship belt after she was detected pregnant just days prior to her ring engagement. The late President of the WBC, Jose Sulaiman, had assured her that she would have been retained in the top rankings pending her pregnancy. Life is unpredictable and Jose Sulaiman has since passed on, with his son Maurice, taking over the reins. That assurance given to Alfred by the senior Sulaiman certainly cannot be valid after Alfred’s long absence from the ring. If one remembers clearly, Lewis’ inaugural defence had been against Larry Marks and there was much talk about a possible matchup with Shane

Moseley to unify their titles. A win against Moseley, at that time considered a hot commodity, would have propelled Lewis to the top of the rankings not to mention the enormous income to be garnered from future engagements. Lewis’ dreams came crashing down after he irked the mighty Don King, who w a s t a b b e d f o r instrumentally crafting Lewis’ demise through Nicaraguan, Ricardo Mayorga; the first fight ended in a technical draw before Lewis surrendered the second encounter by knockout. Lewis went on to lose another title bid against Mexican, Antonio Margarito for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title before returning to Guyana where he engaged ‘Dangerous’ Denny Dalton and Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman before losing some and winning some. ‘Vicious’ Vivian Harris also wrangled against the ‘administration’ and ended up losing his title. The ‘administration’ had ‘Vicious’ lined up for a clash against British fighter, Ricky Hatton but Harris had other plans and signed up against Columbian, Carlos Maussa; he suffered an embarrassing knockout which was decisive in his advancement in the sport. Harris’ attempt to return to the limelight failed just a few days ago

when he dropped a controversial decision to DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley. Back home in Guyana, the situation is not as glamorous as it used to be. Our brightest world title hope, Clive Atwell, incurred a head injury against Dexter Gonsalves that put paid to his aspirations. Now Gonsalves seems to have taken a Sabbatical after losing to Corley. Dexter Marques, another prospect has only just notched up a win against Venezuelan, Luis Alberto Requena but there has been no definitive forward movement for his career. Then there is Kwesi Jones, the local light/heavyweight champion who started out full of aspirations but is now wondering when he will engage in his next fight after some two years of inactivity. The Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) is the sole entity that administrates over professional boxing. A few years ago, in an unprecedented move, those administrators started promotional activities after the crop of local promoters encountered difficulties acquiring the requisite funds and funding for their cards. The GBBC has tried everything in its power to create the environment for corporate and audience support to the cards. There was the Guyana Fight Night promotion that eventually

dwindled for the want of adequate corporate support, hindered by lackluster performances by the boxers, to some degree. R e c e n t l y, G B B C administrators attempted to blend boxing cards with MMA fighters in an effort to improve on audience and corporate support. There has been no indication that this initiative has borne fruit. Boxing is often touted as an individual sport where the two combatants are battling mid-ring for honours. However, despite popular heresy, boxing is a team sport with viable inputs from manager, promoter, coach and the administrative body, the GBBC. The promoters have all reclined into the corner, licking their wounds after suffering huge losses in their investments. The few coaches that are persisting, despite the vicissitudes, seem unable to inject that special ingredient into their boxers to foster thrilling action packed encounters. Only the (GBBC) organizers can say how well the MMA initiative has supported their objectives. Obviously, there is a need to come up with real strategies to deal with a troubling situation. At the moment, boxing has taken a knee with the referee tolling away the mandatory count. There must be collective thinking and action to curb the decline before the referee waves the proceedings off.

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Warriors favoured over LeBron and Cavaliers in the Finals

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) handles the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the third quarter in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) (The Sports Xchange) LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers open their title defence as underdogs against the Golden State Warriors as the NBA Finals get underway next week. The 2016 champion Cavaliers and the 2015 champion Warriors will battled for the crown for a third straight year in the best-of-seven starting at Golden State on Thursday. James scored 35 points and passed Michael Jordan to become the NBA’s alltime playoff scoring leader as the Cavaliers routed the Boston Celtics 135-102 on

Thursday to claim their third straight Eastern Conference title. Both teams dominated throughout the playoffs — the Warriors made history by going an unprecedented 120 through three rounds in the Western Conference, while the Cavs lost just one game to the Celtics to cap their dominant run. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook installed Golden State as a minus260 favorite, with Cleveland at plus-220, meaning a $100 bet on the Warriors would win $38.46 and the same bet on the Cavaliers would win $220,

according to ESPN. The Warriors are listed as seven-point favorites for Game One at home, according to CBS Sports. “I’m going to be honest,” James told reporters in Boston on Thursday. “I’m not in the right mind to even talk about Golden State. It’s too stressful, and I’m not stressed right now.” The Cavaliers and Warriors split their two meetings this season, both winning at home. Cleveland won by one point on Christmas Day and Golden State prevailed by 35 points on Jan. 16. It will be James’ seventh

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the second half in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. (Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports) straight trip to The Finals and eighth overall. “I’ve been very blessed the last few years to be a part of this league and play on the big stage,” James said. “But we’re going to enjoy this for a couple more days before we have to lock in on that juggernaut out west.” Golden State led the league with a 67-15 record this season and is 27-1 in their last 28 games, including the playoffs. “Playing in this league, you can’t take anything for granted,” Warriors guard Stephen Curry said after the Warriors beat the San

Antonio Spurs 129-115 in Game Four on Monday. “Thirty teams suit up every year trying to get to this point, and only two teams do. So you have to appreciate it.” While James is going for his fourth ring, Warriors forward Kevin Durant will be trying to win his first. Durant signed a two-year, $54.3 million contract with the Warriors last offseason. Durant’s only other time in the Finals was 2012 when he was with Oklahoma City, but the Thunder lost to the Miami Heat in a series that made James a champion for the

first time. “It’s a little different, definitely. I can’t lie,” Durant said when comparing the 2012 Finals trip to this one. “I went when I was 23 years old, and it felt like the Western Conference Finals was almost like the championship. “So it’s a little different now, obviously. We have a bigger goal in mind.” James called the Warriors, “the best team in our league the last three years. And they’ve added an unbelievable player in Kevin Durant this year. “We have to be ready for the challenge.”

Arsenal deny Chelsea double as Ramsey seals FA Cup LONDON (Reuters) Arsenal salvaged some silverware from a traumatic season as they beat Premier League champion Chelsea 21 in the FA Cup final at Wembley yesterday thanks to Aaron Ramsey’s late winner. Chelsea had been hot favourites to complete a remarkable debut season for manager Antonio Conte but were not at their clinical best as Arsenal, who finished fifth in the league, lifted the Cup for the third time in four seasons. They have now won it a record 13 times while manager Arsene Wenger, who is yet to say whether he will be extending his 21-year reign, is now the most successful manager in the history of the competition with seven wins. Chelsea made a woeful start and were behind after

four minutes thanks to Alexis Sanchez’s controversial opener but when Diego Costa levelled in the 76th minute it seemed they would complete a memorable season. Conte’s side had to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men after Victor Moses was dismissed following a second yellow card for diving. Ramsey’s header in the 79th minute knocked the stuffing out of Conte’s side and Arsenal could even have extended their lead in the closing stages as Chelsea finally buckled. Wenger, who failed to finish in the top four for the first time since taking charge in 1996, celebrated with his players in front of the massed red ranks of Arsenal fans at the end. “We had an outstanding

Chelsea’s Diego Costa scores their first goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup Final. (Reuters / Andrew Yates) performance from the first minute onwards,” the 67year-old Wenger said.

“This team has suffered. They’ve united and responded. I said last week

this team will be in the championship with one or two good buys. They showed

strength and unity and played spectacular football (Continued on page 65)

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HEINEKEN UEFA Champions League Final Viewing Party set for Giftland Entertainment Strip HEINEKEN’s Union of European Football A s s o c i a t i o n ( U E FA ) Champions League Finals Viewing Party in Guyana has been set for Giftland Entertainment Strip on Saturday when Real Madrid tackle Juventus for the title. HEINEKEN is the official global sponsor of the Champions League and distributed in Guyana by Ansa McAl Limited. The viewing party was held at 704 Lounge last year and packed all the levels of the facility to capacity. In a press release yesterday, the HEINEKEN indicated that the 2017 promotions has seen several of the brands loyal

customers winning limited edition prizes along with tickets to the grand finals scheduled for Giftland Entertainment Strip. “Six Heineken consumers were chosen to participate in the Ultimate Heineken Race after having to successfully complete the Heineken/UEFA knowledge test. O’Neil Powers proved that he was the ultimate Heineken/UEFA fan,” the release said. Powers won the grand prize in the launch of the Champions League promotion. He received an allexpenses paid trip to Trinidad and Tobago to attend the Heineken

‘Devastated’ Hamilton seeks answers to tyre mystery

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton leaves the pit during the qualifying session. (REUTERS/Andrej Isakovic/Pool) MONACO (Reuters) Lewis Hamilton declared himself ‘devastated’ yesterday after failing to qualify his Mercedes in the top half of the grid for the Monaco Grand Prix. The disappointment of setting only the 14th fastest time, even if he will start the race in 13th place, was crushing on a sunny afternoon when the Briton’s Ferrari rivals swept the front row. So much so, that he stayed in the car long after it had been pushed back into the team’s garage at the end of the second session. “I get over things relatively quick but I was devastated after the session,” the triple world champion, who is six points behind Ferrari’s championship leader Sebastian Vettel after five races, told reporters. “To the point that I couldn’t get out of the car. “Everyone’s working back at the factory so hard and they rely on me to get it together and today somehow I wasn’t able to,” added the two-times Monaco winner. Hamilton, whose team mate Valtteri Bottas qualified third behind Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and Vettel, said he had been unable to get the tyres working in the required temperature window. The fact that Bottas had clearly managed to do so, as was the case in Russia where the Finn took his first (Continued on page 65)

Champions League Finals party there. “Promotions continue throughout the week, giving HEINEKEN/UEFA fans the opportunity to win more great prizes along with tickets to the Finals viewing party at Giftland,” the release from the official Champions League sponsor said. Those who wish to attend the Viewing Party can also win tickets to this exclusive event by going to www.logograb.com and champion the match. The massive Finals Viewing Party will feature soca international sensation KES performing live after the game.

HEINEKEN Brand Manager, Darshanie Yussuf (centre) shares a photo opportunity with winner of the Ultimate Heineken Race, O’Neil Powers (right) and one of the runners-up, Randy Deochand.

Chespol loses shoe, then roars to second best steeplechase EUGENE, OREGON (Reuters) Kenyan teenager Celliphine Chespol, after temporarily losing a shoe on the penultimate lap, recovered to run the second fastest women’s 3,000 meters steeplechase ever at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting on Friday. The 18-year-old needed to stop and reattach the shoe with about 550 meters to go, then roared to victory in eight minutes, 58.78 seconds. Only Bahrain’s Ruth Jebet, whose world record is 8:52.78, has run faster. “It was difficult but I try my best,” Chespol said. “I’m happy of course.” The world youth and under-20 champion improved her personal best by almost six seconds. She had run 9:05.70 three weeks ago in Doha. Compatriot Beatrice Chepkoech claimed second in 9:00.70 with Jebet a trailing third almost three seconds adrift of Chepkoech. Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba ran away with the women’s 5,000 meters but was well off her sister Tirunesh’s world record, which she had hoped to break. Dibaba, running solo for nearly half the race, finished in 14:25.22, far behind Tirunesh’s 2008 record of 14:11.15. “I’m happy that I won but

Celliphine Chespol (KEN) wins the women’s steeplechase in 8:58.78 during the 43rd Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) I’m not happy about the time,” Dibaba said through an interpreter. “The pace was real slow and I’m not happy with how we started. “We lost time in the first 3,000 meters and it was hard to come back after that.” Kenyan Lilian Rengeruk took second in 14:36.80 with Dutch Sifan Hassan third in 14:41.24. Rio Olympic silver medalist Brittney Reese

delivered the first sevenmeter leap of the outdoor season to win the long jump. Reese, the London Olympic champion, hit 7.01 meters on her second attempt to outduel fellow American and Rio winner Tianna Bartoletta, who leaped 6.83 meters. “I was really pleased,” Reese said. “The goal was to come out and jump seven meters. I feel like I’m headed

in the right direction.” The meeting continues on Saturday with British double Olympic champion Mo Farah running the last track race of his career in the United States when he faces a high-quality field in the 5,000 meters. Farah, who trains in nearby Portland, will concentrate on the marathon a f t e r A u g u s t ’s w o r l d championships in London.

t r o Sp Members mandate investigation in shift of Mexico WC game to USA Congress held as GFF denies being served Court Order

GFF President Wayne Forde (middle) at yesterday’s Congress at the Park View Hotel at Farm East Bank Demerara.

Xtreme Clean & Maintenance / GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament

Sparta Boss sends ominous warning to pretenders

Part of the action between Sophia and Dave & Celena All Stars which the former won to advance to the round robin stage.

Sparta Boss’s Devon Millington takes a free kick in their clash against West Back Road on Frirday night at the National Gymnasium.

Raikkonen takes Monaco pole on Ferrari front row as Hamilton qualifies 14th Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210