Kaieteur News
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Friday May 05, 2017
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 Violence is part of our culture It seems that in today’s societal culture, corruption and stealing have become acceptable; extortion is defended, and violence, rape and murder are justified. Crime has existed since the beginning of time, and whether we like it or not, it has become a part of our culture. Many, including the police and those in authority, assume that only the wicked, poor and uneducated individuals commit crimes. This ignores the fact that violent and illegal activities are not only committed by criminals but also by those entrusted to manage the affairs of the country. Crime is being committed by people from all walks of life and from every class, ethnicity, religion, status or race. It has no boundaries. Against this backdrop, a crime plan must be developed to address all the cultural aspects of society. Culture is not limited to the manifestations of human intellectual and creative achievements, It encompasses the pattern of responses people develop over time to meet their everyday economic challenges. Culture is unique to every society; it encompasses dispositions, assumptions, beliefs, behavior, dress, norms and values. It influences what people find to be acceptable or unacceptable, right or wrong, important or unimportant in society. It is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. Culture is transmitted through social interaction by which new members learn to behave in ways that they believe society finds acceptable or unacceptable. The process includes observation of goings-on, such as what society rewards and what it does not; the public behavior of our national leaders, and the laws that are enforced and those that are not. The family, the church, the media, peers, public opinion and the school are some of the agents of socialization which sometimes can become dysfunctional. For example, some religious leaders flaunt conspicuous behavior; exploit the superstitions and fears of their followers for personal gain; publicly exalt themselves; and defend child marriages in the name of culture and custom or as a means of consolidating wealth in families. Over the years, many, especially youths have been rapidly losing confidence in a system that has worked against them and in favor of the rich and powerful. They are influenced by the behavior of Members of Parliament. They also realize that those with political affiliation can obtain taxpayers’ money for personal gains through fraudulent means without being charged. The wider public believes that the judicial system is oppressive because many who cannot afford a lawyer to defend themselves languish in prison for years waiting for a trial. The public perception is that the police force is corrupt, as a result, they interfere with the justice system by arbitrarily selecting the laws to be enforced, the violations to ignore and the cases to be tried by delaying critical final reports The education system can also be blamed for the dysfunctional behavior of youths whose modes of reasoning, beliefs and lifestyles are quite different to societal culture. Many are frustrated that year after year, the failures in the education system are swept under the carpet as no one else but they are being blamed. The challenge is for the authorities to take steps to reduce the negative socialization of youths and hence crime. Our leaders must reflect good and decent behavior, political decisions must not be self-serving, the church must return to its foundation of humility and service, the laws must be enforced fairly and consistently. A comprehensive crime plan must include these critical socializing forces if not, violence will continue to be part of our culture.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
The unpleasant truths in the life of Hamilton Green Dear Editor, Reading the recent article in the newspapers about ‘Hamilton Green on his pension’, I first discounted it as the utterances of a mentally confused octogenarian. But then when I read the feature ‘History will not be kind to Hamilton Green’ by Freddie Kissoon, I felt the need to add my ‘two bits’. I must commend Mr. Kissoon for being spot on in his article. He has spoken for so many Guyanese who are voiceless but who are very aggrieved over this vulgar raid on the Treasury. Mr. Kissoon was being frank, sincere and truthful. He was not politicking nor was he fallaciously attacking his friend Mr. Green. He was setting the records straight. However I think he stopped short as he was dealing with a Hamilton Green of the distant past and did not include the more recent actions of the man. Mr. Green speaks glibly about a period of drought for himself and his family of
almost 25 years, referring to the period from 1992 when he was ousted from the position of Prime Minister due to his party’s loss at the elections. What drought is he talking about? He seems to think that people are unaware of the facts. Since becoming Mayor in 1994, Mr. Green has lived a Cadillac lifestyle, one which no other Mayor in the world gets, but one that is more akin to the standard of serving heads of state and government, even though the Council always claimed to be cash strapped. Does Mr. Green consider as austere, all the bodyguards and security at his residence? His Gardeners, Cooks, Chaffeurs, Handymen and large Administrative Staff. Does he consider as a drought, jetting first class to the farthest away corners of the world frequently for 21 years a drought? Does he consider being provided with all expenses paid vehicles just being buoyant? Surely he could not
be serious. And all of this munificence was not provided by his wife, children and many kind friends as he is seeking to imply but by the poor ratepayers of Georgetown. And then he comes to the point of persons being crudely removed from office. And Mr. Kissoon spoke about persons that he was responsible for or had a hand in their removal whilst he was in government. But we need not go so far back, let us look at his recent sojorn at the Central Housing & Planning Authority which resulted in the departure of the CEO and so many other officials from that entity. And let us look at his days at the Council where he got rid of two female Town Clerks, an Engineer and so many others. Will the President due to his wisdom and sense of justice give them and their spouses the ‘fair deal’ that he has given to Green and his family? If indeed his wife was made to suffer because of politics then she should be given some recompense,
but so too should those who suffered under Green’s hand. Mr. Green talks about him finally being given a livable pension, but what about the thousands of other pensioners, don’t they deserve a livable pension also, or they needed to be loyal party hacks to even get a fraction of the nearly 2 million a month that he is getting. Will they ever get a pension at 7/8 of the current salaries of their successors in which ever position they held? And then he goes on to sing his favourite tune and that is to blame the PPP for all of his misfortunes. Should he not blame his party instead for removing him from parliament in 1992 and thus disqualifying him from a parliamentary pension? All in all, now Mr. Green is in the departure lounge I hope he donates most of his super pension to charity, and to the families that he wronged or destroyed as a sort of reimbursement for his misdeeds. Jason Howard
Minister’s May Day rally statement misleading Dear Editor: The parties in industrial relations-which are government, employer and trade union-are working w i t h i n t h e Tr i p a r t i t e Committee to find a mechanism that can assist in expediting resolution to grievances. Two areas that are currently being mulled are an industrial court or an industrial tribunal, where a determination is yet to be made as to the most applicable. As it relates to collective bargaining this is a process used to resolve differences between employer and workers. It requires engagement between and among the parties in the industrial relations system to work assiduously and finally arrive at an agreement. In the case of collective bargaining between the state agencies and trade union, particularly as it involves wages/salaries and working conditions, the imposition of these continue under the APNU+AFC government. Engaging the unions,
breaking off negotiations, and impositions of wages and salaries is not a feature of collective bargaining. For example, the public sector workers, both in 2015 and 2016, did not have the benefit of collective bargaining but rather wages and salary imposed. The absence of c o l l e c t i v e bargaining weakens the effectiveness of the trade union movement by taking away its ability to be engaged in determination, through negotiation, on the true value of labour and seeks instead to impose what government or the employer thinks they deserve. Denial of collective bargaining takes away the right of the worker to determine the value of their labour. And history has taught us what the employer thinks is best for workers is not necessarily in their best interest. In the market place of labour the denial of collective bargaining takes away the workers’ right to tell you what is the value of their labour.
Government sets the tone for the industrial relations climate in society and is expected to uphold the law of the land. When government fails to do so, it sets a bad precedence. It is no wonder employers such as the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated can engaged in exploitative acts against the workers. Since 1999 after a h a r d f o u ght battle by public service unions for a living wage, which culminated in the Armstrong Arbitration Tribunal, that saw workers receiving the largest remuneration package in decades, there has been no collective bargaining in the sector. This struggle resulted in many workers being shot. Minister Raphael Trotman, who represented President David Granger, in his address to the May Day Rally stated that collective bargaining was restored and an industrial tribunal established. I am not sure why the minister chose to make these statements but they are
misguiding to the public. Collective bargaining has not been restored and there is still a quest of the trade union movement to have this new government commit to doing same. There is no tribunal in existence in Guyana. What is taking place is a tripartite discussion on the issue. There is expectation that the minister who has responsibility for Labour will see the need for these two issues that are important to the industrial relations climate be addressed with some level of alacrity. It is for reasons like this, the trade union community, united in one voice, continue the call for a Ministry of Labour. Added to the concerns raised, the misleading information by Minister Trotman highlights the challenges the media face to ensure that the public has accurate information that would help in their understanding of events in society. Lincoln Lewis General Secretary Guyana Trades Union Congress
Friday May 05, 2017
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Justice must not only be done but seen to be done DEAR EDITOR, Assume that your child received physical injury after being given a sound spanking by a prefect for arriving late at school one day. In defense, the Prefect said he was instructed or permitted to do so by the Head Teacher (HM). Even if the HM did confirm that reprehensible arrangement, the HM could be easily sanctioned by the Education Ministry with resulting disciplinary action being taken against the Prefect for inflicting such punishment that caused your child physical injury. If it became a Police matter, charges of Assault causing actual or grievous bodily harm could be filed. In juxtaposition with the cited Prefect, the former Attorney General has implicated a former President’s as the giver of permission under some ‘oral’ agreement for him to be the beneficiary of Law books purchased with state funds. The Law books in question are (14 of) 15 Commonwealth Law Books/ Reports, paid for by the Ministry of Legal affairs (with YOUR taxpaid dollars) to the tune of almost $2.5 Million from 2012 to 2015. The supplier was a UK publisher. The Law books were declared missing from the Legal Affairs Library when the APNU/AFC Government assumed office in May 2015. Subsequently, the former Attorney General Mr. Anil Nandlall declared that the 14
Law Books were in his possession. The 15th Law book, which was already paid for in March 2015, was received from the UK supplier in June 2016 and is now in rightful safe keeping of the Legal Affairs Library. Controversy surrounding the custodian and ownership of those law books escalated after it became the subject of two main findings in the report of a Special Audit conducted by the Auditor General in January 2016. The Auditor General’s report was satisfactory, but contained a flaw; a flaw relevant to storekeeping procedures. The Auditor General’s report suggested that the Law books were not subject to storekeeping procedures. However, Section 18 of Store regulations of 1993 notes that “All goods purchased shall be taken to the store and shall be subject to store keeping procedures outlined in these regulations”. “The storekeeper shall make entries in the Goods Received Book in Form 4 and shall prepare goods received notes in Form 2, with appropriate remarks” Based on a response to the Auditor General’s report from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Law books in question were not taken to the Stores nor subjected to the relevant storekeeping procedures. They were instead delivered directly to the former Attorney General Mr. Nandlall, in direct contraven-
tion of the Stores Regulations. Although the Law books were indisputably purchased with public funds, it must be noted that findings of the Special Audit exposed an apparent breach in the payment procedure where the purchases were not done in accordance with such procedures governing the Fiscal Management Accountability Act of 2003. Such breaches raised suspicion that there may have been a collusion with, or circumvention of, the Head of the Budget Agency. The Ministry of Legal Affairs in its February 2016 response to the Auditor General also noted that it has no evidence of this (Law books) agreement between former Attorney General Mr. Nandlall and former President Mr. Donald Ramotar. It was based on the foregoing that the matter was given police attention. Police action further intensified after the breach of a gentleman’s agreement by the former Attorney General to return the Commonwealth Law books. Criminal charges were then filed against him. All other facts and details will most likely unfold during the judicial hearings. In this regard the citizenry should exercise greater patience and try to appreciate the intricacies of such investigations. It is fair to say that the Police did not act ‘Ultra vires’ or above and beyond its powers by arresting Mr. Nandlall, as some seek to suggest
through various missives. Mr. Nandlall held an entrusted position of the state and clearly abused the privileges and fiduciary responsibility so vested upon him by misappropriating the state’s assets (Law books bought with YOUR tax dollars) to his own use. The fact that Mr. Nandlall took the Law books discretely, without written permission of the state, is a form of questionable action and has resulted in the charge against him in the form of “Larceny by Bailee”. It is also fair to say that slothfulness of some officials in handling this and other matters seem to be manifest in them taking “an abundance of personal and juridical caution”, or by overwhelming intimidation of some who still wield fear and power thereby causing timidity in decision making by those now vested. From whichever angle one wishes to view this issue, in the discourse of common law jurisdictions, the principle of open justice is most frequently expressed in the form of an aphorism (pronouncement) attributed to Lord Chief Justice Hewart in his judgment in Rex v Sussex Justices Ex parte McCarthy 1923: (quoted) “It is not merely of some importance but is of fundamental importance, that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.” (End of quote). Orette Cutting (Mr.)
ACDA has not applied to the Government for lands DEAR EDITOR The National Toshaos Council (NTC) has threatened the President and State of Guyana that Amerindians will not vote for them in 2020 unless the government immediately repeals the Commission Of Inquiry (COI) on land. Vice President Lennox Shuman of the NTC even went further by indicating in his defiant speech to the President that ACDA received lands from the Guyana Lands & Surveys Commission. He is therefore indicating that it’s a cultural issue and not an issue of land and Guyana’s national security. ACDA categorically denies it has applied for lands at the Guyana Lands & Surveys or received any. This is a blatant lie for which the NTC should apologize. This lie shows the racist influence BharratJagdeo and the PPP has brought to the Land Titling process as the PPP again desperately tries to divide the country racially as a strategy to win the 2020 elections so they could continue to plunder and steal our oil revenues as they have done to other
assets over their 23 years in government. I personally know Toshao Lennox Shuman as we both serve on two committees and I have to conclude Toshao Shuman is totally incorrect because Jagdeo has been purposefully lying to him, the NTC and to American communities across Guyana as he continues to be the most bigoted and dishonest President the Caribbean and Latin America has ever seen. History is repeating itself. We now have a second Rupununi Uprising. This second Uprising has been nurtured by Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP in similar manner to the Melvilles who convinced the Wapishanas on January 2 , 1969 to rise up in treasonous form against the government over land in 1968. The Melvilles and their group of conspirators wanted to create the Essequibo Free State, because they did not want to be ruled by the PNC government that had won Independence just 32 months ago from Britain in 1966. Now Amerindians are being told by Jagdeo to
rise up against another PNC government because only Jagdeo and the PPP should rule Guyana. But what are the facts? Why are Amerindians resisting the Land COI? And why is Jagdeo again creating racial insecurities and promoting such? There are three reasons why Jagdeo is leading Amerindians to a second Rupununi Uprising. The first reason is that, Amerindians want more land that they have been legally granted. Amerindians have been quietly but forcibly holding the government hostage for an additional 10% of Guyana through the LCDS GRIFF funded Land Titling Program to provide titles to 161 communities covering 13.8% of Guyana. By having a formal COI, this demand for a total of 24% of Guyana will become publicly exposed and they do not want that. But is there any legal moral or just claim for 24% of Guyana. The answer is no. Parliament in 1976 through The Amerindian Act legally gave 13.8 % of Guyana to nine (9) Amerindian Tribes as
reparatory justice for being the First People of Guyana. This was considered more than fair compensation for lands lost during occupation by the Dutch and British from 1600s until Independence in 1966. Amerindians have been rightly called “The First Peoples of Guyana”. Indeed 6 of the 9 Tribes can be truly called First Peoples but three, the WaiWais, the Macushis and the Wapishanas, arrived (Continued on page 6)
What about the case of former Attorney-General, Justice Massiah? DEAR EDITOR; I have been charged for stealing books, the subscriptions for which were paid for by the Government of Guyana, which I specifically requested as a condition of my service as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and which was granted by the President of the Republic of Guyana. The market value for these books is about $420,000. Sometime in the mid 1980s, the then Chancellor of the Judiciary, Mr. Keith Massiah, was offered the position of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs by President Desmond Hoyte, upon his retirement as Chancellor. Chancellor
Massiah, indicated his willingness to accept the appointment only if he would enjoy the same remuneration package which he enjoyed as Chancellor. This package was more than double of what a Minister was paid at the time. Mr. Desmond Hoyte granted that request. Mr. Massiah was appointed Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and was paid that remuneration package for several years until they lost the 1992 elections. The total sum paid even then would have run into millions of dollars. Should Mr. Keith Massiah now not be charged with larceny? The Coalition Government as a collective sat (Continued on page 6)
I urge the Government to stand firm on the lands commission DEAR EDITOR; I read this week the Toshoas Council calling for the scrapping of the commission to deal with land issues even, threatening to vote against the Coalition in the upcoming 2020 elections. Well so be it. The commission was established to deal with land issues in general but to my surprise I read that the council thinks this would further incite cultural fears and anxieties rather than heal as the commission is mandated to do. I therefore urge Government to stand firm and not be blackmailed or back away from the original intent of the commission as it has done with Guysuco and a string of other issues in which it had the high ground. Land issues are like an albatross hanging around the necks of Guyanese. The fact that this Government has seen it fit to attempt to address this issue once and for all not only shows political
fortitude, but wisdom and foresight of a kind which had eluded previous administrations, some quite conveniently and perhaps deliberately. The time for piecemeal approaches has long passed so I therefore urge authorities to proceed as planned as every single group in this Country would have a chance to have their say in a public, open and transparent process. This is not a situation where parcels of lands are being handed out secretly. This commission would hold public hearings, examine the history of land dating back to the first peoples, slavery, indentureship, the colonial era in general and the decades coming forward. I therefore submit that the work of the commission should proceed and groups which fear its mission, should simply organize themselves to make representation as the opportunity is open to all. Peter Joseph
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Raison d’etre of the Commission of Inquiry ignores these historical facts DEAR EDITOR The PPP/C administration, using the provisions of the Amerindian Act of 2006 and the Amerindian land policy which preceded it, addressed a large number of Amerindian land issues for new communities and extension of communities that already held Land Titles/Absolute Grants. As of 2015, there were 103 Amerindian communities awarded absolute grants of community titles of which 83 were in the process of being demarcated. Fifteen (15) applications for extensions were pending and 6 were awaiting title. Guyana continues to be internationally recognized for increasing the amount of land owned by Amerindian (Indigenous) communities from 6.5 to 14% in less than a decade. Up to recently, Guyana was second to none in the hemisphere when it comes to addressing Amerindian land rights and indeed Amerindian rights in general. This is why the recent appointment by His Excellency President David Granger of a Commission of
Inquiry into Lands, supposedly to address Amerindian and freed African and other lands, is as ill -advised as it is troubling. I am astonished at this action by the government for more reasons than one. This decision smack of gross disrespect and disregard for the history and recent developments of Amerindian/Indigenous land rights in Guyana and indeed around the world. It demonstrates a lack of understanding of the distinct nature of Amerindian lands, which is based on collective ownership, and more importantly, the relationship between Amerindians and land and the environment. Incidentally, the sanctity of our borders with Brazil were so decided by the fact that Amerindians consistently living there over hundreds of years. They have been not only the protector of our forests and environment but also the de facto protectors of our country’s borders. The raison d’etre of the Commission of Inquiry ignores these historical facts. Most noteworthy is the disregard of the specific in-
clusion in Guyana’s Constitution regarding Amerindian/ indigenous land rights ( see Preamble “Value the special place in our nation of the indigenous people and recognise their right as citizens to land and security and to the promulgation of policies for their communities”; and, Articles 142, which provides the state with the power to take away land and provide it for the benefit of Amerindian communities, as well as Articles 149 and 212S) and several international instruments such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which Guyana endorsed. Most importantly, it disregards the Amerindian Act of 2006 which clearly sets out a process of addressing Amerindian lands, and which, as mentioned before, has been used to do just that. It consequently, overrides the authority of the Minister responsible for Amerindian/Indigenous Affairs as stipulated in the Amerindian Act, in particular section VI, which details a process for addressing Amerindian land claims,
What about the case of former Attorney... From page 5 at a Cabinet meeting and made a decision to pay themselves a 50% increase in salary as part of their contract of service. The incredible rationale was that they were earning this level of income prior to their appointment. I challenge anyone of them, publicly, to prove that they were earning this level of income. This increase in salary is a recurring monthly expenditure on the treasury running into millions per month and hundreds of millions, annually. Should each of them not be charged with obtaining money by fraud or by false pretense? Additionally, at the same Cabinet meeting Moses Nagamootoo demanded that the Prime Minister’s salary, as a matter of principle, must be higher than that of the Attorney General. As a result, his salary was increased by a further few hundred thousand to make it higher than the Attorney
General’s. Again, this became part of his contract for service. I challenge the Prime Minister to show that he was earning $1.7M per month prior to his appointment. Again, this is a monthly recurring expenditure that is costing taxpayers over $20M annually. Should the Prime Minister not be charged for obtaining money by fraud? On top of this astronomical increase in salaries, I am aware that the Government is renting residential premises in which ministers reside at an average monthly rental of $500,000 -$1M. This is costing the treasury millions of dollars annually. These rentals are obviously part of these ministers’ contract of service. Should they not be charged with some fraudulent offence as well? Two ministers are currently on scholarships; this must be part of their contract of service. These two scholarships are costing taxpayers approximately $7M. Should
charges not be filed here too? By a Cabinet decision, this Government rents a house in Albouystown from a party crony for $14M per month to use as a drug bond when a property of similar size, condition and in the same neighbourhood can be rented for $150,000 per month and when they refused the same square footage of space offered to them in writing at the New GPC Storage Bond, a world-class storage facility for pharmaceuticals, at a rental of $1.3M per month. Taxpayers continue to pay this $14M in rent monthly. Why should the entire Cabinet not be charged for this criminal wastage of taxpayers’ money? As President David Granger said to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo recently, “I recognise that Governments change and the shoe is on the other foot.” Clearly, his Attorney General does not understand this reality. Mohabir Anil Nandlall M.P Attorney-at-law
both for communities without any legally recognized lands and those seeking extensions. To add insult to injury and indeed in spectacular form, the regime established this Commission without any consultation with the elected representatives of the Amerindian villages in Guyana, and then, through various operatives sought to justify why Indigenous peoples land issues should be comingled with other land issues. It might serve the public well to look at the recent history of addressing Amerindian land claims in Guyana. The PPP, even before taking office in 1992 had promised to address Amerindian land matters. A policy was devised and put in place early in the 1990s. The lessons from the application of this policy were both positive and negative. By 2001, the PPPC administration had approved a process of widespread consultation on a new Amerindian Act, to be led by the then Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues. The Amerindian land issue was one of the primary matters to be addressed in the new legislation. Following more than three years of consultation across the length and breadth of Guyana, it was time to draft a new Act. By this time, the administration had garnered immense experience on the ground, through the application of the land policy which
magnified the depth of the problem to be addressed. In addition to the experiences garnered through the application of the Amerindian land policy, the recommendations that were made during the consultations for the new Act and a review of the 1969 Amerindian Lands Commission Report, made it clear that a process for addressing Amerindian lands had to be elevated from policy to law. This was the only way that Amerindian communities would be able to have their land rights addressed and protected through a process that is transparent and fair. They clearly recognised that policies, unlike law, can be changed at the whims and fancies of the Government. As we are witnessing now with the APNU+AFC Coalition government ! With a mandate from the Cabinet, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs and the legal team defined the eligibility criteria and a process for addressing Amerindian land claims. This also was placed under scrutiny by consultation with Amerindian communities, civil society and state agencies. The Bill was then submitted to Parliament and sent to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee where it was again examined in further detail inclusive of hearings with civil society. The Amerindian Act was unanimously approved in October 2006 with the inclusion of a provision that is considered to be the most advanced for
addressing Amerindian land claims in the hemisphere. Noteworthy is that Mr. Vincent Alexander, former PNC M.P., and Dr. George Norton M.P among other PNC opposition members, were on the afore-mentioned Parliamentary Special Select Committee. They supported the provisions that dealt with addressing Amerindian land claims. In fact, at no point did they call for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry or a Lands Commission which their party advocated during the lead up to the 2015 general and regional elections. The first indication that Amerindian land rights would be questioned came from Presidential Adviser, Eric Phillips in March and April 2016 in a series of letters to the media. The comment by the same Mr. Alexander, Ministerial Adviser, on April 4, 2017 at the UG/Carter Centre forum on constitutional reform in response to Toshao Shuman’s comment on the Commission of Inquiry is instructive. He responded thus, “there can be no discussion on Amerindian lands that is not an integrated discussion on land, as we are all Guyanese and why must there be a separate treatment of Amerindian lands”!! He let the “cat out of the bag”! There you have the government’s justification for the Commission of Inquiry! I will have more to say in a follow-up letter Gail Teixeira, M.P., PPP/C Chief Whip
ACDA has not applied to the ... From page 5 in Guyana from Brazil 200 years (WaiWais) and 100 years (Macushis and Wapsihanas) after enslaved Africans were brought to Guyana. In 1838, there were 6-7000 Amerindians in Guyana and 84,035 freed Africans. The WaiWais, Macushis and the Wapishanas of the Rupunini Uprising fame were not here. A September 17, 2010 article in the PPP controlled Guyana Chronicle, in discussing the Indigenous groups of Guyana stated the following “They (the WaiWais) seemed to have moved into Guyana from Brazil during the early 19th
century and occupied the Upper Essequibo River.” The same article pointed out “the Wapishanas are recent migrants to Guyana, who are known to have arrived early in the 18th Century from the Rio Negro area in Brazil. Located in the Rupununi, they are described as the most reliable and industrious of all the Guyana tribes”. In 1994, Mr. JorgVereecke, UNDP’s Associate Expert on Indigenous People, indicated there were “nine indigenous tribes living scattered all over Guyana. These were the Akawaio (3,800); Arekuna (475); Arawak (15,000); Machusi -BrazilanMacuxi, 7,000); Wapishanas (6,000); Patmuna (4,700); WaiWai (198); and Carib (2,700)”. A total of 32,873. In 2002, the Guyana Census found that the Amerindian population numbered 68,675 and was the fastest growing in comparison to other ethnic groups, with a population increase of 47.3 per cent from 1991 to 2002 and representing an annual growth rate of 3.5 per cent.
Based on these facts, it is unlikely there could have been more than 4,000 Indigenous Peoples in the entire Guyana in the year 1630, or more than 7,000 in 1838, when at that time there were 84,075 freed Africans. The claim that 4,000 people in the year 1630 or that 7,000 people in the year 1838, were “stewards” of 83,000 square miles of Guyana, lacks historical validity. Lacks fundamental truth. Do Guyanese believe the Amerindian Act should be modified to give 24% of Guyana to Amerindians when indeed 472,000 Africans died during 200 years of slavery to build Guyana and having cleared 15,000 square miles or 18% of Guyana they still have received no reparatory justice as have the Amerindians through the Amerindian Act of 1969. In another submission to follow shortly, Mr. Editor, I will cite the other two reasons. Eric M. Phillips Executive Member ACDA Chair, Guyana Reparations Committee
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$70M spent on Ramson Govt. is aware of concerns with special prosecutors - Harmon with nothing to show - Critics say President should take action By Kiana Wilburg From 2013 to now, Guyana has nothing to show for approximately $70M in salary costs alone, to sustain Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Snr. $70M is actually more than enough to cover needed repairs at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, the Cyril Potter College of Education and Cummings Lodge Secondary School with a few millions left to comfortably pay for much needed road upgrades in the Essequibo Islands. However, there are no reports laid in the National Assembly to show the work he has done since his appointment. And the government in an attempt to rectify the issue is facing legal action initiated by Ramson. The matter is one that has left critics asking how soon a more “effective” person can be appointed to the position. Commentator and political activist, Dr. David Hinds, is one who believes that the Government should investigate this matter with some urgency while still exercising fairness to Ramson. Dr. Hinds who has ties to the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) said that there are two issues regarding the Commissioner of Information. The first, he said, has to do with the Commissioner’s failure to produce reports as prescribed in the Access to Information Act and the manner in which he has treated with requests for information from the public over the years. Hinds noted that the second problem has to do with the effectiveness of the office as a democratic medium. “By refusing to heed requests by the government to present statutory reports of his work, he is in effect thumbing his nose at the administration. This is part of the larger problem government faces with some State functionaries who are loyal to the PPP—these functionaries use their positions to frustrate the smooth operation of the government and to make it look bad. In my view, this is exactly what the current Commissioner, a known and outspoken member of the PPP, seems to be doing,” Hinds opined. The University Professor said that the Commissioner of Information is a presidential appointment; therefore, if the President is convinced that
Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Snr.
Attorney General, Basil Williams
Political activist, Dr. David Hinds
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo
the officer is not adequately carrying out his functions, he could revoke the appointment. “If the Commissioner is indeed refusing to produce reports and is not cooperating with the government, then the President should remove him and find someone more suited,” Hinds added. “My view is that citizens do not know that the office exists and as such cannot take advantage of it. This is not the Commissioner’s fault. The office of the Commissioner is located at his private residence—this is ridiculous. But again, this does not seem to be the Commissioner’s fault.” The Executive Member of the WPA believes that the president should set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into the matter to determine whether the present Commissioner is undermining the mandate of his office and the extent to which the government itself has sought to make the institution accessible to the public. The Office of the
Commissioner of Information is an important Sate Institution that if properly advertised and staffed, could enhance public accountability, Hinds said. In addition, he pointed out that too much money is being paid to one person for practically doing nothing. It has been noted in the Parliament that Ramson received about 1.2M in salary along with other benefits. Up to press time, Ramson still refused to answer any questions from this newspaper, stating that he has “closed the door” on the media outlet’s Editor-In-Chief, Adam Harris, Publisher Glenn Lall and First Vice President and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. The First Vice President who has responsibility for Information has since made it clear his hands are tied on the matter. He said that President David Granger is looking into it. According to Nagamootoo, the matter was sent to the Chambers of the Attorney General, Basil Williams for advice.
Minister of State Joseph Harmon at his weekly post cabinet press briefing yesterday said that government is aware of the concerns raised by the police legal adviser on the issue on non-cooperation by the Special prosecutors. Yesterday Police Legal Adviser, Justice Claudette Singh, SC, said that the prosecutors are “non-cooperative and that they were not pulling their weight”. Yesterday, Harmon explained that the six attorneys are not responsible for investigating any matters involving the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU); rather they are there to prosecute those cases. Harmon also said he understood Madame Singh’s concerns and he believes that her frustration stemmed from the fact that she wanted to ensure that the cases that are built are ‘water tight’. It is for this reason, Harmon said, that the lack of cooperation is now engaging the attention of Attorney General, Basil Williams SC. The police legal adviser yesterday advocated that Harmon and Williams should play a more active role in ‘pulling these officials in line’. She was of the view that the lack of cooperation was hindering the expeditious delivery of prosecution in many of the investigations that SOCU is conducting. She also said that had the (Special Prosecutors) been more involved in the building of the cases by SOCU, more would have been accomplished by this time. The retired Judge told this
…AG to address issue newspaper yesterday that a meeting was also planned for Wednesday with the six lawyers, Michael Somersall, Hewley Griffith, Lawrence Harris, Patrice Henry, Compton Richardson, and Trenton Lake. When Kaieteur News contacted the police legal adviser yesterday she said that the situation remained the same. Only one of the special prosecutors attended that meeting despite her concerns. She noted that she will continue to do her work and if the officials turn up to meetings that will be great going forward if not the work will continue in their absence. She explained that the behaviour of these officials will have to be addressed by the necessary authority and hopefully this will change. When the government appointed the six lawyers it was indicated that this move was necessitated to ensure that the state is adequately represented in many of the cases that are expected from SOCU’s ongoing investigations into alleged widespread malfeasance by former public officials. The government at the time of the appointments informed that $100M was set aside to offset payments to the prosecutors. One source said that it was unfortunate that there is a lack of cooperation by the lawyers although such a large sum was set aside for this exercise. The source also said that the ruling administration has
Minister of State Joseph Harmon to take a more ‘rigid’ approach in dealing with the prosecutors because the state runs the risk of cases ‘falling down’. Since the appointment of these officials a few months ago no one has been charged; this is despite two files been ready for prosecution by the police legal adviser who said that she needed to brief the officials on the way forward. Yesterday Liz Rahaman, the Communications Officer of the Office of the DPP responded to an article in Kaieteur News that stated 30 files were sent to the DPP and the police legal adviser, and none was returned. Rahaman said that SOCU sent seven files to that entity and five were returned with advice. The other two are still being perused.
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Friday May 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Govt. team to assess Coomacka flooding, erosion
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, chairing the meeting held yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency. The Government will next Wednesday deploy a team of engineers and other officials from various ministries to the community of Coomacka, located in Upper DemeraraBerbice (Region Ten), to conduct a final scoping mission for the planning and execution of projects to address impassable roads and frequent flooding during the rainy season caused by intense erosion in the remote farming community. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who has responsibility for the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and disaster risk reduction, yesterday convened a meeting at the Min-
istry of the Presidency’s Boardroom with personnel from key ministries. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, Harmon noted that a plan must be presented as soon as possible for works to commence in the area so that the plight of the residents can be addressed. “This matter arose at our last Platform [National Disaster Risk Reduction Coordination Platform (NDRRCP)] meeting and arising out of that meeting, we decided that we should have an inter-agency task force so that we can bring a solution to the problem
as we see it. We have to come up with a plan to deal with this matter. I was disturbed by what I heard and I think it is enough for us to take emergency action to address the issues affecting the residents in this region,” Minister Harmon said. Harmon noted that while there have been different approaches by the various agencies in the past; it is time for a more holistic approach to be taken so that long-term relief for the residents can be guaranteed. The government over the past few months, through the Ministry of
Government says it is taking steps to once and for all address flooding and erosion in Coomacka, Region Ten. Public Infrastructure, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the CDC have been conducting works and monitoring the community. “However, the problems are worsening at a rapid rate and as such, urgent action has been recommended. Based on the site visit, it is
expected that short and medium term solutions will be drafted and submitted to the Government for consideration and approval while a proposal for a long-term solution will be drafted.” Head of the CDC, Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources,
Joslyn McKenzie, acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Geoffrey Vaughn; Chairman of Region Ten, Renis Morian; Head of the Land Management Division at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Derrick Lawrence and Head of the NDIA, Fredrick Flatts all attended the meeting.
Attorney General- Justice Holder Saga… Chancellor orders continuation of Carvil Duncan trial before Justice Holder Despite the unresolved feud between Attorney General (AG) and the Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams and Justice Franklyn Holder a date has been set for a continuation of the Carvil Duncan trial at the High Court. According to information disseminated from the office of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings- Edwards, the case has been set for continuation on Monday, before Justice Holder. The statement which was released yesterday comes months after a verbal dispute ensued between the AG and Justice Holder during a hearing into the legal challenge by
Carvil Duncan over the tribunal, which was established to determine his removal from a number of State boards. Justice Holder filed an official report with the Chancellor, outlining what he termed as egregious and offensive behaviour on the part of the AG. The Judge, therefore, demanded an apology from Williams. However, the AG, on the other hand, refused to apologise. He instead asked that the Judge recuse himself from the Carvil Duncan matter. The statement from the Chancellor yesterday, outlined the facts relating to the issue involving Williams and
Justice Holder. Justice Holder‘s letter was forwarded by Chancellor to Williams for his information, response and guidance, “but to date, Williams has not directly responded to the letter.” Additionally, the release clarified that since Mr Williams holds the executive positions of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, a copy of Justice Holder’s letter was sent to the Head of State, purely as a matter of information and courtesy. “No complaint was made to his Excellency,” it emphasised. In the meantime, Williams (Continued on page 9)
Chancellor (Ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards
Attorney General Basil Williams
Justice, Franklyn Holder
Friday May 05, 2017
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Kaieteur News
A long march to save sugar jobs During the food crisis of the 1980s when ‘white mouth’ and malnutrition were increasing in Guyana, the Working People’s Alliance held a long march beginning from the eastern end of Guyana to the western end. It was not a big march because the WPA had by then suffered from a mass exodus of its supporters. The march was small; at times it was one person alone who was marching. But there was quiet supporting along the way because everyone empathized with the struggle for food. But not everyone was able to come out and support the march because they feared victimization, the trademark of the PNC. The march had moral support but this could never have been measured in a headcount because the WPA
was making a moral point, rather than a political statement, about the right to food. The long march has been discredited since as a tool of moral struggle. The PNCR made a colossal mistake when it organized a massive march from the East Coast into Georgetown. There was violence against non-PNCR supporters along the way and there was mayhem when the march reached Georgetown. There has not been a long march ever since to establish a moral cause for any cause. But perhaps it is time for a long march by the sugar worker of Guyana to highlight the plight they face. The government has already closed the Wales Estate and is now moving to close Skeldon and Rose
Hall in Berbice, the latter having a far superior productivity ratio than other estates which will be retained. The government will also close Enmore estate. Sugar workers from these estates have no alternative employment. The government cannot find jobs for these sugar workers. It means that these workers are being put out to pasture just as how the Barama workers have been put on the breadline simply because the government was prevaricating on renewing the leases for forest concessions for the company. The APNU+AFC government is playing games with the livelihoods of poor people in this country.
Chancellor orders continuation of... From page 8 continues to deny the contention of Justice Holder. In a letter to President David Granger, last month, the Attorney General contended that the Judge could not lawfully, almost two days after the incident in court, and by letter, purport to raise accusations of contempt against him for what he alleged occurred in his Court previously. It is alleged that during cross-examination of the confidential secretary to Duncan, Williams asked Justice Holder if a response that was given by the witness was properly recorded. The Judge took umbrage to Williams’ enquiry and reminded the AG that he was in charge of the courtroom and not Williams. Reports had circulated that the AG then said that a classmate who was then a Magistrate that cited him for contempt some years ago is now incidentally dead. Justice Holder in his complaint [sent to the Chancellor of the Judiciary] regarding the matter said that he felt disrespected by the Attorney General’s behaviour. Williams emphasised in his letter to the President that such a matter shouldn’t have even gained [the President’s] attention.
“I must inform your Excellency that recourse to your good self, from an alleged complaint of behaviour in a Court of Law on the part of an Attorney-at-Law, is unknown to our Jurisprudence,” highlighted Williams as he added “this is simply because, from time immemorial, the common law has granted the power to a Judge presiding in a Court to cite and punish persons for contempt in the face of the Court.” Williams further pointed out that in Guyana the common law principles of Contempt of Court have been reduced into law by Statute in 2010 namely the Contempt of Court Act Cap 5:05., Section 12. This Act, he explained, provides for: “Where in the opinion of the Court a person has committed a contempt in the face of the Court, that is, in the presence or hearing of the Court, the Court may cause that person to be brought before it, either forthwith or at any time before the rising of the Court on the same day, and shall – (a) inform him of the contempt with which he charged; (b) afford him an opportunity to put forward a defence to the charge; and (c) after hearing him in his defence and the evidence of
any witness he may tender…” Williams acknowledged that Contempt of Court is a criminal offence and added that Justice Holder was required under the provisions of the Act to inform him of the contempt with which he wished to charge him before the rising of the Court on the same day. Williams moreover, emphasised that “Justice Holder did not inform, warn or in any manner convey that he considered he was being contemptuous before he left the courtroom that day and was, therefore, functus officio.” It is, however, Williams’ belief that “this is exactly what Justice Holder has done.” Williams did not stop there. He also amplified that Article 144 (8) of the Constitution prescribes that “the conduct of a civil matter before a Judge to wit: 111- 144 (8) -Any Court…prescribed by law for the determination of the existence or extent of any civil right or obligation shall be established by law and shall be independent and impartial and…the case shall be given a fair hearing within a reasonable time.” He essentially requested that the Judge recuse himself from presiding over the case.
The sugar workers at Rose Hall estate had a protest action last week against the closure of their estate. But sugar workers will not get anywhere unless there is greater visibility and media coverage of their protests. The majority of media houses in Guyana are not going to send reporters to cover a sugar protest. The sugar workers are hurting. They need greater v i s i b i l i t y. T h e y n e e d people to understand that their jobs are on the line and that their job security must not be confused with the financial state of GUYSUCO. The sugar company has assets to cover its liabilities which are being over represented. The sugar workers have no assets on which to borrow so to provide alternative income when their estates are closed. The protests of the sugar workers outside of their estates in Wales and Rose Hall are not going to have a moral impact. The sugar workers need to engage in a long march
from Skeldon to Charity so as to highlight their plight. The long march does not need to be a big one. It can be small as the WPA food marches. The issues are the same - bread and justice. The sugar workers will remember when the APNU was in opposition and was threatening to join with the AFC, also in opposition, to cut the subvention which the PPPC government had been proposing for the sugar company. The only reason why the APNU and the AFC reversed themselves was because the sugar workers came to the city to protest. Coming to the city gave the sugar workers greater visibility. The sugar workers must galvanize public opinion on their side. They must highlight this attack on their jobs as an assault on their right to earn a livelihood. They should make a moral case for the retention of the sugar estates which the government plan to close. The sugar workers should launch a peaceful and orderly long march. It
should be small but symbolic of the struggle which is being waged to save their jobs. The strike weapon has been rendered useless. APNU+AFC do not care if the entire GUYSUCO goes on strike. That will just give them an excuse to shut the industry down. But if the majority of the Guyanese people can be sensitized to the injustice which is being meted out to sugar workers, then there is hope that the jobs of sugar workers can be saved and their families will not have to suffer. A long march will make a moral point about the right of workers to earn livelihoods rather than the right to save the sugar industry.
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Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The modernization of the East Indian Guyanese Today marks the anniversary of the arrival of the Indian indentured immigrants. It comes at a time when the majority of sugar workers will be facing a bleak future. One is emotionally lacerated at this tragedy. But let us be honest, sugar is a king that once dominated the land but its time has passed. I was walking next to Khemraj Narine, the vice chairman of the university’s workers, in the May Day rally and I told him if we are going out of sugar, let us give the vast lands that the sugar canes once stood on to sugar workers. This country is very poor. It has endured 60 years of economic and political stagnation but one of the great human features that makes this country stand out against all others in the world is its genetically driven resilience. A majority of nations around the world would have regressed into Hobbesian madness if it had to face the
long flame of economic and political fire that has extinguished the sun in this land. But not Guyana. I don’t believe we have achieved any greatness as a nation except that phenomenal resilience. Sugar may have died but you give those fields to our former sugar workers, you will see that unleashed spirit of perseverance. This is what Guyanese have been good at. I don’t think for a moment that there would be economic stagnation if we share out untold acres to former sugar workers. Those hard-working souls will turn those lands into fields of gold. Tacuma Ogunseye told me that the PPP is peddling a myth that thousands of workers will be unemployed with the miniaturization of the sugar industry. I don’t know if he is correct. I did tell him if that is not so then the government has to counter that cheap propaganda by the
PPP. I believe strongly that if we are closing sugar estates and those lands will be left unattended then unemployed sugar workers must be given these assets. As we are talking about lands, I am an inflexible supporter of any commission to look into the delivery of African ancestral lands. This country is so large that it is idiotic to juxtapose land right claims of East Indians, Africans and Amerindians. But people are doing it and all it does is culturally deform us as a people in deeper ways and it sociologically caricatures our collective mind. After nearly two hundred years of occupation of Guyana, the ontology of Guyanese East Indians torments my psyche. I simply do not understand this ontology. I have seen and met Indians all over this world and they seem a less racially oriented people than the Guyanese Indians. I know of countless cases of Guyanese Indians in New York who did not want Barack Obama to be elected. This was unthinkable among Indians in the US from Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad etc. What is wrong with an Indian Guyanese that can live in a post-modern city like New
York yet retain an old psychology that they grew up with in the era of Burnham versus Jagan? And it is frightening to note that this mental anachronism can be found in Guyanese Indians who hold professorship in universities around the world. The list includes professionals in every conceivable area of knowledge. If I have met ten Indian greeters since the APNU+AFC came into being then nine of them do not want the Coalition Government to remain in office. I will ask my readers to forgive my little expression of chauvinism – I meet this type every passing day. I mean each day. If I meet ten African Guyanese who discuss the Coalition Government with me, five
would be for and five against. This was not what I found among Indians when the PPP was ruling. How does one explain this peculiar attitude of the Guyanese Indian mind? It is a very inscrutable dilemma. You can literally count on your fingers the Guyanese Indians who can do a plausible, scholarly explanation of it. For the moment I can think of perhaps only two persons whose analysis would be deadly accurate. There is Moses Bhagwan, formerly of the WPA who lives in New York. I have a deep appreciation for the keenness of Moses’s mind. The other is Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. I end with the optimism that as rural Indians become more attached to
Frederick Kissoon modernized values, mores and institutions, they will leave old psychic graveyards behind. It has to happen. Despite this strange frame of mind, Guyana is a better place because of the arrival of the Indian people who have made invaluable and priceless contributions to this territory.
Dem boys seh ...
Hay Heff See now checking de marriage certificate Teeth and tongue must bite. At de same time when it happen wid other people it does look bad. A man got he wife and people hear dem quarrelling, even if is de first time, de very people gun claim how de two of dem always quarrelling. Hap New and Hay Heff See get married pun Valentine’s Day. Dem sign de certificate which dem call Herdmanston Accord. De honeymoon barely done and Hay Heff See want to check de certificate. Of course is a same sex union suh it ain’t a case of husband and wife; is a case of who beg fuss. Dem boys hear that some people was probing de Hay Heff See to mek life
hard fuh Soulja Bai because dem got a problem wid him ever since SOCU arrest Jagdeo. Rum Jattan and Trotyman corner Moses and dem decide to ask fuh see de Accord. De only reason that happen is because things ain’t going right in de camp. Somebody feel that things ain’t sharing even. For s t a r t e r s , M o s e s ask wha happen wid de money that dem collecting from de private tuition. When Soulja Bai ask him if he want put he hand pun it he get vex. Then Trotyman seh that de oil people might offer him a job. He using that to threaten everybody. He tell Moses to go easy wid de
marriage contract because is that mek him tun a Prime Minister and travel overseas free. Of course, Jagdeo was de one who push de fire because he claim how Moses ain’t got no power. He do till Moses tek crank and that is why he want to review de marriage certificate. He want to see if he can change something and mek Jagdeo shut ee mouth bout de rubber stamp thing. Rum Jattan only grumbling. He done tell dem that this marriage is fuh keeps and even if de Accord got a li’l glitch nothing is perfect, not even a Victoria Secret panty. Talk half and watch out fuh more grumbling.
Friday May 05, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Private developers must play more Guyana pushes for transitional integral role in housing policy arrangement to cushion BREXIT blow Private Developers have been called upon to play a more integral role as the government pushes to provide affordable housing to the populace. This call was made by Minister Joseph Harmon, during the post-cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, Georgetown yesterday. Harmon said that a White Paper has been laid in the National Assembly outlining some of the initiatives to be undertaken to provide housing to Guyanese by and beyond year 2020. “That document will embrace the use of lands by the state; the use of lands by private developers; and the use of lands by individuals. There will be a holistic look at the allocation of lands. What we had said when we came into office, was that we were not keen on just allocating house lots without anything else, we were looking at building communities... “We did not want to give people house lots and then they go and build a house and there
is no light, there is no water, there is no road. What we wanted to do w a s t o e n s ure that the infrastructural developments take place in an orderly way,” Harmon said. The Minister stressed the importance of private developers in the overall development of housing in the state noting that they “do have a place”. “I just want to make that clear that private developers have a place and have an important role to play in the housing development of this c o u n t r y. I w a n t t o e n courage private developers to come forward and start to take action on lands which you may have for development. Let us get this housing project going and so forth,” he said. The call by Harmon would come at a time when the state is engaging developers, – many of whom would have been sold large swathes of land across Guyana by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration. Many of these developers are yet to fulfil their contractual obligations to the state in delivering qual-
ity and affordable housing to the populace. The intention by the former regime was to sell the lands to the developers in order to aid the government in providing homes to citizens since the backlog of applicants had risen to an all-time high of over 25,000. These lands were sold below market value. However, there were instances where developers sold these lands to other private entities making massive profits. Newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CH&PA, Lelon Saul, told Kaieteur News recently that the authority is now in the process of engaging some of the private developers to find out what some of their challenges are. Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan, told Kaieteur News yesterday that the issue is still a cause of concern for the administration however, due to the legal aspects of these arrangements between the State and the developers; advice is being sought from the Attorney General (AG)’s Chambers.
Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU), commonly referred to as “BREXIT”, will have implications for Guyana, particularly in the area of trade. The government is currently in discussions with the United Kingdom (UK) with hopes of having a transitional arrangement in place to somewhat cushion the blow. This was according to Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Carl Greenidge, during a press conference hosted at his Ministry in Georgetown, Wednesday. Greenidge last week, accompanied Guyana’s President, David Granger, to the UK where discussions were held with UK representatives regarding a range of important pertinent issues. BREXIT and its implication on the Caribbean, was listed as one. It is the view of the Foreign Affairs Minister that neither party in question – the UK and the EU – has a “complete picture” of what is to evolve since the proposal has to go through a phase of negotiations. He, however, noted that the visit was not to find out the nitty-gritty of the negotiations but rather, to indicate
to the British Government some of Guyana’s concerns. “Our (visit to the UK) was not so much (to) find out what they are negotiating but more to indicate to the British Government where our concerns lay, where our interest lay, to ascertain from them, whether in terms of timetable or (during) their negotiation whether they had anything they think we should know. “And perhaps, most importantly, to ask them to address the question of the transition from Britain in the EU, to Britain out of the EU.” That transition has implications, the Minister warned, for those who supply the UK with products such as sugar and for those who purchase goods from the UK. The Minister predicated that once Britain is out, there
will be tariffs of some type. “Guyana as a country selling products to Britain will have to face such tariffs…We will have to now deal with Britain as a new arena into which we want to get products. Therefore, we have to see with them what can be done maybe about the tariffs. “That is what we are discussing, to have a transitional arrangement so that not only Britain, but the entire Caribbean can have a soft landing as a result of these changes,” the Minister said. During the visit to the UK, the President and Minister also met with members of the Guyanese Diaspora at a public meeting at the Classic Banqueting Suite, Caribbean Fusion Restaurant in Tooting, London.
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Diabetic retinopathy threatens sight of over 4000 persons
Minister Volda Lawrence addresses the participants of the seminar Of the 18,630 persons diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, a total of 4, 658 of them can become blind. This was the informed disclosure of Consultant Ophthalmologist of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC], Dr. Shailendra Sugrim, who also heads the Ophthalmology Department. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease which is seen as the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and the leading cause of vision impairment
and blindness among working adults. It essentially affects blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue called the retina that lines the back of the eye. The number of persons already diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy represents 6.25 per cent of the Guyana population. But there is a chance to reverse the blindness trend that has become synonymous with the disease. This is according to Coordinator of the Guyana Diabetes Care Project (GDCP), Dr.
Brian Ostrow during a oneday seminar held at Project Dawn, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Dr. Ostrow pointed out that pregnant women, among other members of the Guyanese society, are screened at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Eye Care Clinic. For this year, 3,000 diabetics were screened for retinopathy and 300 cases were referred for laser treatment. But under the GDCP plan, local patients will benefit from
laser treatment, a service which was previously only available at one private hospital. Following the unveiling of the plan at the seminar, a hike in awareness is expected. It will provide detailed materials on diabetic eye problems and complications among primary health-care workers and the general public. A manual for diabetic retinopathy (DR) will also be developed and implemented and will be used by health care professionals to help them better understand and screen for the diabetes-influenced disease. Through the Diabetes in Pregnancy (DIP) component, guidelines for diabetes care in pregnancy have also been developed which highlights the importance and methods of screening, treatment and training of diabetes educators. This service is expected to be tested and implemented through universal screening at the GPHC and its two associate health centres – Enmore Poly Clinic and Campbellville Health Centre – and health centres in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and Four
Dr. Brian Ostrow in (Demerara/Mahaica) respectively. Dr. Judy Hung, final year Resident in obstetrics and gynaecology in her presentation at the forum said that thus far, some 265 women have been for DIP and 68 are receiving treatment. “Metformin replaced glyburide as oral treatment and patients are now doing self-monitoring of blood sugars,” Hung said Other components of the GDCP initiative include the use of Metformin [a medication used in the diabetes fight] as a first line treatment; developing a way to detect patients with undiagnosed diabetes and supporting the Ministry of Public Health’s outreach activities. Under the plan there will also be support for crafting specific modules of the Guyana Health Information System (GHIS) and the developing appropriate arrangements for project management. Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, acknowledged and expressed gratitude to “all those involved in the project, which, though fledgling in exist-
ence has impacted significantly on the diabetic front.” The project was first introduced in June 2016. On the issue of the DIP, Lawrence noted that there is mounting evidence that poor maternal health increases the risk of diabetes for both mother and children creating “a vicious cycle of susceptibility for this chronic disease for future generations. “Once again, educating our mothers become crucial; if any significant impact is to be made with gestational diabetes, they must be schooled in eating healthy, in engaging in healthy activities, in approaching the clinic for screening to arrest the disease.” The Minister said, “There is urgent need for extensive training of our health practitioners in all our communities to diagnose and manage diabetes in pregnancy and diabetic retinopathy (and) to be equipped with the tools for screening for risk for diabetic foot ulcers, so that in turn, this can be effectively communicated to all concerned.”
Legal Affairs Ministry to be bolstered with Ministerial advisers The Ministry of Legal Affairs will soon be bolstered by the establishment of a Ministerial Council of Legal Advisers. This was announced by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at the post cabinet press briefing held at Ministry of the Presidency. He said that Cabinet has approved the council’s establishment. The Minister said that the functions of the council will include providing legal analyses and advice on the development of the justice sector and the government’s legislative agenda and litigation matters. Harmon added that the Council will also have an input in legal policy design and engage stakeholders with an interest in the justice sector where appropriate. He explained that the members of the council will be former Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Duke Pollard; former High Court Judge, Justice James Patterson; Justice Claudette Singh, Professor Harold Lutchman and Professor Harold James. He said that the council will be assisted in the execution of its mandate by support staff
from the Ministry of Legal Affairs. Moreover, Senior Parliamentary Counsel at the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Joann Bond, will represent Guyana at a Technical Advisory Group Meeting for Legislation and Drafting to be held in Castries, St. Lucia. According to Harmon, the conference will be held on May 11, 2017. It is sponsored by the Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) Project. He said that the event will provide a forum for participants to discuss IMPACT’s activities for the next year and will focus on the legislative agendas of the government and how the project can assist in the areas of legislation and treaty drafting. IMPACT Justice is a five-year regional justice sector reform project which is being implemented from within the Caribbean Law Institute Centre, UWI, Cave Hill Campus. Since the project began in April 2014, it has facilitated mediation training in Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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CH&PA opens new Regional Housing Office in Linden The Central Housing and Planning Authority opened a spanking new building on Tuesday in Crabwood Street, Linden. The building was constructed at a cost of $6.4M. Minister of Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson said, Linden and Region Ten were looking forward to a new building for a long time, ever since she was a councilor under the leadership of Mr. Mortimer Mingo. It took her as Minister to achieve that feat, she said. Also present were staff of the CH&PA Georgetown, CEO CH&PA Lelon Saul, Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland and other representatives of the various entities in Linden. The Minister said that during her consultations in Region Ten, particularly Linden, she was stymied to some extent because after taking office in January 2016 the space was so cramped
Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson addressing the forum
she couldn’t meet all the people. She thanked the staff for enduring the crib and told them that her expectations of them are high. “I am thankful to the RDC for providing that office space, but when I visited the former office I realized that the crib was too small. All the staff was in there; senior officers
from town come to visit and had to huddle there and had to take the public one at a time, and when I am here somebody got to stand up. “We had outgrown that space so we had to move on. It is bigger and better. I was amazed to see the girls fetching water to flush the toilet. Rain fell and they had to have a bucket to catch
Repeated offender gets three years on break and enter charge Twenty-one-year-old Avinash Insanally, of Lot 405 Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was on Wednesday sentenced to three years imprisonment on a break and entry charge. Insanally was sentenced by City Magistrate Dylon Bess in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. On October 7, 2016 at Diamond Housing Scheme, Insanally broke and entered the dwelling house of Zulpiticar Husain and stole a quantity of household appliances and gold jewelry. Insanally on his first appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, pleaded not guilty to the allegation but changed his plea to guilty yesterday when
JAIED: Avinash Insanally he appeared before Magistrate Bess. Insanally was recently sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment by city
magistrate, Leron Daly, for an attempt to commit a felony. The court heard that on February 2, Insanally attempted to break into the dwelling house of Rayan Thomas of Lot 1105 Section ‘A’ Block X Great Diamond with the intent to commit a felony. Insanally was also previously sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after City Magistrate Annette Singh found him guilty of having in his possession five grams of cocaine at the conclusion of the trial in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The court heard that on February 3, at Grove, East Bank Demerara, Insanally had in his possession five grams of cocaine.
File on activist accused of teen rape sent to DPP A 62-year-old political activist who found himself in the spotlight a few weeks ago after allegations of rape surfaced is still under investigation. Divisional Commander, Ian Amsterdam, told this publication, that the file against the political activist representing the AFC is completed, and has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution for advice. Reports reaching this publication states that after a report was filed against the accused that he had sexually assaulted a teenager, he turned himself in. It was later revealed that this was only done based on
advice from his “police contacts” after he contacted them. He has since been released. The 62-year-old man who sometimes calls himself “the King of Queens” is being accused of sexually assaulting the teenager, after allegedly promising to wed her.
In a statement given at the Albion Police Station it stated that the 19-year-old claimed that she was touched inappropriately. She also related that she was raped on three occasions but because of her family’s strong religious beliefs she tried to keep the alleged rape from her parents due to the fear of embarrassment.
water. That is not the image of CH&PA.” The Minister said those reasons caused her to change the location of the office. Linden will soon be having a driver and a vehicle allocated before the end of the month so that the staff in Linden will be able to serve the people more effectively and efficiently. “I want to beg of the people of Linden to support them, they will have some challenges and not every problem you have they will be able to respond to right away. However, I promise you with the enhanced customer service you are going to get your response. Time will be much shorter.”
She told the small gathering that she will upgrade all the regional offices of CH&PA but, “Charity begins at home so Linden first.” According to Minister Patterson, the land clearing will begin in another week or two in Amelia’s Ward. “We are building duplexes, town houses and soon to come condominiums. Linden will have 40 duplexes built in Amelia’s Ward. They will be starting very shortly and twenty will be built in Wisroc. Each of these buildings will cost $11.8M. “So very shortly we are going to start the land clearing exercise in Amelia’s Ward. I have a plan; I have decided and I am very strong on this – whatever work we are doing in the regions the contractors in the region will benefit and the people of the region must benefit from employment. “We are building duplexes and town houses in 10 areas in six regions; so I’m sending the alarm to the contractors –we got your back and once you put yourself in order work will be given to you.” The Minister noted that the Coalition Government has started a journey towards achieving a good life for all
Guyanese. The President is still committed to making his dream a reality. Patterson said the government is up to the task and will face every challenge with grit and determination. She said that applicants can now apply and be interviewed on the same day. They are working to have the applicants sign their agreement of sale same day and the road in Phase Two in Amelia’s Ward will soon be built. Regional Chairman, Rennis Morian, said he was a bit nostalgic as he looked at the beautiful edifice that is now the office of the Housing Department in Linden. Morian claimed that as a councilor a number of years ago they were planning to have a decent building to house Housing and all matters relating to people getting housing lots. The Regional Chairman said that there is a culture of gaff in Region Ten. “We have too many gaffers in Region Ten. Kudos to the Minister who has been working.” The office was built by Yearwood General Works and Consultancy (Civil Works) and the Electrical works was done by Elliot Contracting Services.
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Parking meter consultations… Bulkan tells M&CC they can quash original parking meter contract The Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, has expressed Government’s position that the Georgetown Mayor and City Council is free to negotiate a new contract concerning paid parking or make changes to the already existing contract. Bulkan made this clear to members of the subcommittee yesterday at the M&CC Chambers. He was invited by the committee to provide clarity on what is government’s position on the issue. According to Bulkan the committee is expected to proceed with its consultations as though a contract never existed. He explained that with this approach, the committee does not have to return to the already existing contract but is free to negotiate a new contract with a different company. Bulkan said that Government has recognised the need for a solution to address traffic congestion in the City. He also said that government recognised the need for the M&CC to raise revenue and as such can implement a system that takes both points into consideration. The Minister acknowledged the absence of those who would have negotiated the original
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan has informed M&CC that it can quash the original parking meter contract contract in the subcommittee. He said that this signals the council’s willingness to adopt a fresh approach in moving forward with the project. At this juncture, both the Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Town Clerk Royston King excused themselves from the meeting. He added that he is also pleased that the composition of the new team comprises a much wider make-up more so that it is chaired by a councillor from the minority. The Chairman of the committee is Councillor, Malcolm Ferreira, a member of Team Legacy. Bulkan explained to the
team that Cabinet had deliberated on the parking meter project for quite some time and this was in view of the fact that there was significant vocal resistance and objections to the initiative. “It was felt that the benefits that will accrue as a result of this project will disproportionately favour the concessionaire or the contractor.” He added that following the suspension of the bylaws disallowing the project to move forward, he had conveyed the decision to the Mayor and simultaneously conveyed the concerns of Cabinet via a letter. “In my correspondence
to the Mayor, I pointed out that the tariffs were considered to be too onerous to users especially for all day parking, with the penalties for non-compliance considered to be too high. “There was the issue of the initiative encompassing gazetted public roads which could not be possible. There were concerns about certain areas around schools and hospitals.” The Minister said that he also took the opportunity to point out that the reviews done by the Ministry of Finance and the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers were submitted to council, and it was felt that the recommendations from those two reviews were not adequately addressed. He said that now is the time to correct that situation. Moreover, the Minister explained that one of the major concerns was that the initial contract did not have a sufficient ‘buy-in’ from the majority of councillors. The Minister added that there was not enough transparency and discussion prior to the conclusion of the original contract. “I think that is the central defect of efficiency, because
it is essential that there is full internal democracy and that whatever contract emanates in relation to any initiative or activity, that there is full confidence at the level of the council and that all, not only a majority, but all can take pride and ownership in that initiative.” He said that it is that defect which allowed a lot of the bad publicity to be generated. Bulkan urged that in going forward the council should not consider itself to be bound exclusively to the contract with the original concessionaire, Smart City Solutions. “I don’t think that anywhere in the discussions to date, that that has been laid down, that renegotiation or a new contract can only be as a result with the original party. From where I sit or stand I believe the council has a free hand to look at this thing from new levels. “At the end of the day it can make a determination that if it is desirous of proceeding with an initiative such as this the majority of the council have to be convinced that whatever contract, is one that you are convinced will bring maximum benefits.” He reminded the council
that it is currently cash strapped and does not have financial resources. Bulkan said that central government is not in the position to foot the bills. He acknowledged that the council is empowered by legislation to be able to institute revenue earning measures, inclusive of parking meters. Bulkan said once there is a formal agreement on whatever solution emanates from the consultation process; the council will receive Government’s support. He said that this should be a paramount objective of the negotiating team. He was asked whether Government would be willing to give an extension for the committee to conduct proper consultations since one month has gone without work being done. To this, Bulkan said that he would be willing to extend the suspension to ensure that proper work is done. As it relates to the legal implications which may arise from the council quashing the contract with SCS, Bulkan said that the council can seek the assistance of the Attorney-General’s chambers, noting that the AG is a former city councillor and as such would be more inclined to help. The seven-member Committee was elected by the M&CC to begin consultations and negotiations with the relevant stakeholders to arrive at a favourable position on the parking meter issue for all Guyanese. Councillor Noelle ChowChee was elected ViceChairwoman. The other members of the committee are Councillors Carlyle Goring, Tricia Richards, Ivelaw Henry, Roopnarine Persaud and Heston Bostwick.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
Friday May 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Friday May 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Hopetown grows onions
A number of farmers from Hopetown Village and the West Berbice environs, were on hand last week Friday to witness the harvesting of onions grown in the village under the PROPEL initiative. PROPEL, The Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages, is a Canadian funded project connecting fresh produce buyers in the region and beyond with Caribbean farmers, processors and related businesses. And, the project is implemented by WUSC, World University Services of Canada, with the financial support of donors, and the Government of Canada. The WUSC Caribbean works with a range of market actors including buyers, producers, input suppliers, research institutes, extension service providers, and Governments, as the project seeks to promote the absorption of fresh Caribbean produce into highvalue national, regional and i n t e r n a t i o n a l markets. And, as part of the project, individuals in various parts of Guyana have been receiving relevant
support in the production of onions and other crops. While PROPEL has been in operation in Guyana since 2012, the onion initiative was launched just a b o u t two years ago with projects in Regions Three, Five, Six, and Ten, seeking to encourage gender equality and youth participation, as well as environmental sustainability and good governance. A number of volunteers were identified to produce seedlings,
and farmers identified were provided with seedlings, chemicals, and technical support for the production of onions, and last Friday, officials from WUSC together with other farmers descended on a farm in Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, to witness the harvesting of onions produced by a female participant. According to the farmer, she received about 600 plants as a start. She also received chemicals from the project
coordinators, and there were regular visits from technical staff who offered advice where necessary. Comparing the harvest with a few crops harvested earlier, one officer said that the yield was better, attributing it to the nature of the soil, noting that onions require loose soil which allows larger bulbs. The officer also pointed out that onion which matures in about ninety days, should be planted at a time which would allow for most of the maturing stage to be during the d r y s e a s o n . Too much moisture could lead to bulbs developing soft rot. Onion is best grown in the open rather than in shady areas. The PROPEL initiative is seeking to have other farmers become involved as time goes by, and with the close monitoring of the project, those getting onboard stand to benefit from the lessons learnt from the experiences of the other farmers. Trained personnel from the National Agricultural Research Institute, NARI, are also available to provide
The reaped onion farmers with technical support. Given the framework of PROPEL, farmers can be seen as being assured of relevant support through the various stages of cultivation, and farmers are even assured of market for their produce. Of the plots harvested so far, the outcome has been very encouraging. Farmers from Region Five had previously witnessed h a r v e s t i n g o f onions in Region Six. As part of the project, farmers are encouraged to visit other producers which should allow them to learn from each other. With the encouraging results seen so far in the production of onions, it is now up to farmers to maximize their potential and to make the best of the facilities available
through PROPEL, for as long as production is of satisfactory quality, market can be found locally as well as overseas. It also means that there are opportunities awaiting anyone who wants to get involved in the production of onion on a very large scale. The PROPEL onion iniative so far has shown that onion can be successfully grown in Guyana, and since most, if not all the onions consumed in Guyana is imported, there may be wonderful opportunities for those who choose to go into large scale production of onions. The Country Coordinator of PROPEL, Guyana is Malisa Lowden, while Leslie Lewis is one of the extension officers operating between Regions Five and Six. (Bertie Peters)
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Friday May 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Video analyst testifies as Debra Haags Bosch recyclers receive Blackman’s murder PI continues safety gear from Puran Brothers Police Sergeant Junior Blair, a detective stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, testified Wednesday when the preliminary inquiry into the murder of Debra Blackman continued before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Shelton George, 22, of Lot 146 South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara is currently on remand for the indictable offence. George has been confined to a wheelchair for the past few years as a result of a gunshot wound he received to the back while in Suriname. Blackman, 48, of Critchlow Circle, Tucville, Georgetown was performing duties as a waitress at the Delicious Restaurant on D’Urban Street, Wortmanville when she was shot dead by an unmasked gunman on April 23, 2014. The ordeal was captured on Close Circuit Television (CCTV). During his testimony, Sergeant Blair said that he is attached to the Forensic Video Analysis Unit. According to the police witness, some of his responsibilities include the extraction and analyzing videos from Digital Video Recorder and cell phones.
MURDERED: Debra Blackman
Shelton George
The murder accused is also charged with attempted murder over shooting former Magistrate Fazil Azeez on April 25, 2015 at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. According to reports, Azeez was shot during a robbery by a man who fled leaving a bag of money behind. Kaieteur News understands that the shooter went to a construction site where Azeez was building a house, under the pretext that he was looking for a job. The shooter reportedly approached Azeez to inquire about work, during which time he shot him. During George’s initial court appearance, his lawyer Melvin Duke, had argued that there is no eyewitness to
the alleged murder and that his client was charged based on video surveillance, which he said, is of very poor quality. George had pending matters for robbery underarms before the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Courts. Based on reports, George is still under investigation by police for the murder of Bernadette Campbell, 40, who was shot in a minibus at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara in August 2014. Campbell was sitting in the front seat of a minibus when she was shot to the stomach by a bandit who stopped the minibus and demanded that its occupants exit the vehicle, after which two rounds were discharged hitting the woman.
Several recyclers (pickers) at the Haags Bosch dumpsite yesterday received safety gear from Puran Brothers, the contractor that is managing the facility. The company yesterday disclosed that the aim is to create a safer environment and foster the development of the Haags Bosch Recycling Movement. The over-60 persons have been playing a critical role in helping the operations of the facility at Eccles. Puran Brothers Inc. explained that they rummage through the waste that are deposited by haulers and trucks and sort the metals for export; plastics for recycling; wood for low cost housing; glass bottles for sale to local
beverage companies with old clothing processed and sanitized for cleaning the hands of mechanics in engineering firms. Also sorted are fans with even motors being rewound and repaired. “Some recyclers possess enormous skills. They search for components of high priced items such as fridges, stoves, microwaves and electronic devices such as TVs and computers and other mechanisms which can be returned to the environment,” the contractor explained. The company said that recyclers operate under very harsh conditions. “They are engaged at the latter end of the recycling process. These items should
have been sorted at the source-— homes, industries and commercial houses.” Puran Brothers said that it has recognized the importance of safety and health at the landfill and decided to procure personal protection equipment for all the recyclers. These include safety helmets, reflector vests, safety gloves and boots. Recently, Puran Brothers received a workplace award for promoting safety and health standards from the National Advisory Council on Occupations Safety and Health. The Haags Bosch site was built a few years ago after the Le Repentir landfill became a health hazard and had reached its maximum.
The recyclers with their safety gears yesterday.
Friday May 05, 2017
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Kaieteur News
PPP goes through Parliament for details on drug procurement
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Opposition is “seriously” concerned about public procurement in the health sector, Member of Parliament (MP), Juan Edghill said recently. “We are very concerned about procurement in the health sector. In fact we are concerned about public procurement in all sectors. It is something that we were flagged for and beaten up on even by Kaieteur News,” said Edghill. Such concern has forced Edghill to seek information from Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, in the National Assembly. Edghill has put forward four questions for written replies. Edghill told Kaieteur News that “the $605M procurement by the GPHC which the Minister of Public Health engineered has caused concern. That is the reason we have gone to find out details of what is really taking place with procurement as it relates to the heath sector.” Edghill noted that the PPP/C learnt, through the Public Accounts Committee, that money voted for the health Budget of the 10 Administrative Regions were not expended and that led to significant shortages of drugs at the various health facilities “even though the government was denying the shortage.” The first question appearing on the National Assembly’s order paper is to
PPP/C MP, Juan Edghill be answered in writing by the Minister of Communities. That question is titled “Procurement of drugs and medical supplies from the 10 regional health budgets.” Under that heading, Edghill wants to know, among other things, “what percentage of the total budgeted regional health allocations was expended on purchases of drugs and medical supplies for each of the 10 Administrative Regions (in disaggregated manner) between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017?” Edghill also wants to know the name of each supplier, the value of each contract and date of award. Further, he is seeking information about the name of the supplier/s who may have failed to deliver within the stipulated contractual period and by what amount as well as the name of the supplier/s which may have delivered inferior/substandard drugs and medical supplies. Edghill is inquiring whether the tenders for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies were publicly advertised and, if so, when and where as well as whether these awardees were pre-qualified. The second question in Edghill’s name is directed to Minister Lawrence. It is titled, “Delivery of drugs and medical supplies for the public system.” Under this heading, Edghill is seeking to find out the number and names of any contracted suppliers which may have delivered expired drugs and medical supplies or supplies that were close to the
expiry date and/or, of an inferior quality, between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017. Further, among other things, Edghill wants the Minister to provide the specific drug, and, or medical supply, and the dollar value in each case which was procured and found to be expired, and or, of inferior quality. “Could the Hon. Minister state if she has information that any employee/s of the
Ministry of Public Health, and, in particular the Materials Management Unit, and/or the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, has/have been complicit with contractors/ suppliers of pharmaceutical and medical supplies in defrauding the State” is another question put forward by Edghill. The Member is asking, “If so, state what actions have been taken to investigate these allegations” and “State whether the Office of the
Auditor General and/or the Guyana Police Force has been called in to investigate these allegations”. Other questions were submitted under the heading, “Procurement of drugs and medical supplies for the ministry of public health.” These were also directed to Lawrence. Edghill wants Lawrence to inform this National Assembly what was the total sum expanded for drugs and medical supplies for the
Ministry of Public Health between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017. Finally, he asked, “What percentage of the 2016 budgetary allocations for drugs and medical supplies was expended by December 31, 2016? If any monies were returned to the Consolidated Fund, how much and what were the reasons for the underperformance in the procurement of drugs and medical supplies for the public health system?”
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Friday May 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
New Demerara River Crossing... Vagrant knifed to death Design and feasibility study submitted to Cabinet at Bourda Market Police are looking for a man who knifed a vagrant to death at Bourda Green, shortly after 16.00 hrs yesterday, during a row over money. Police said that Jerome Cumberbatch, 40, of Lot 159 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, who did o d d j o b s a t the market, became in-
volved in an argument with another man, who stabbed him multiple times before fleeing. Cumberbatch collapsed and died at the scene. A sister of the destitute said that her brother made a living picking up scrap metal. The body is at the Lyken Funeral Parlour.
Driver killed after slamming into parked truck A 49-year-old driver was killed and four passengers injured after the vehicle in which they were traveling crashed into a parked truck at Dantzig Public Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, around 12.35 hrs yesterday. Police identified the victim as Terrence Mc Donald of Lot 54 Bagots Street, Rosignol, West Coast Berbice. One of the passengers, Saulita Malikish, 25, of West Coast Berbice, has been admitted to the Georgetown
Public Hospital. According to reports, Mc Donald was driving west at a fast rate along the southern side of the wet roadway, when he crashed into the left side of the parked lorry. The driver and Malikish, were rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital in an unconscious state before being transferred to the GPHC’s Intensive Care Unit, where Mc Donald succumbed around 18.00 hrs. The other passengers were treated at the Mahaicony Hospital but were not admitted.
The highest decision making body of the Government is finally in receipt of the design and feasibility study for a new Demerara River Crossing. This was confirmed yesterday by Minister, Joseph Harmon. He explained at a press conference held at the Ministry of the Presidency that Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, has already been advised to highlight the key aspects of the study that would require immediate attention. These, Harmon said, would be discussed at the upcoming Conference of Ministers later this month. At a consultation exercise in April, seven possible locations were highlighted for the erection of the much needed structure to link the eastern and western banks of the Demerara River. But, it was the Houston-Versailles link that was deemed most economically viable. Minister Patterson emphasised that while the proposed location of the bridge is not carved in stone, it seems to be the least
The aging Demerara Harbour Bridge
problematic, “taking into consideration the environmental impact, land acquisition, and the dislocation of persons.” The eventual construction of the crossing is expected to result in encumbering properties and homes being affected. “At some point during the project there will have to be some land acquisition should we proceed with whichever option there is. It’s unfortunate, but it is something that we have to do for the greater good,” Patterson said. He explained though, that consultations would be held with those persons whose homes or properties would be affected. The feasibility study, which commenced in January, was executed by Lievense CSO Contracting BV out of the Netherlands. The document examined three different bridge types including – floating, fixed low level with a retractable span, and a fixed high level bridge.
Should the high bridge be considered, Patterson noted that it will have to be built to somewhere around 47 meters (approx. 154 feet) high since the highest vessel ever recorded entering Guyana waters was estimated to be somewhere around 41 metres. Several financial models for the new river crossing project are also being looked at. It was said that “dozens” of contractors have already signalled their intention to construct the bridge. These include companies out of China, Europe, the United States and India. Short listing of eligible companies is also being contemplated, considering the significant amount of money it costs to compile a bid document for the project. It would cost a contractor an average of US$500,000 to put together a comprehensive proposal. “And obviously no contractor wants to put that in when you have 10,15 contractors competing.
So we will be shortlisting them based on quality, experience (and) several other things based on the financing module we have,” Patterson outlined. It was explained that should the procurement process for this project begin this year, construction of the bridge will commence in 2020 and will most likely be completed in 2021, using the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) module. The decision to construct a new Demerara River Crossing was birthed from a need to alleviate traffic congestion at the existing structure. This also affects vehicular movements on both sides of the Demerara River. The aging Demerara Harbour Bridge is the main link to the Essequibo Coast from the city. The structure was commissioned in July 1978 to last for 20 years. However, some 38 years later, the 1.25mile structure is afloat across the Demerara River.
Oil tumbles amid oversupply fears, unlikelihood of deeper OPEC cuts (Reuters) Oil prices plunged to five-month lows yesterday amid record trading volume in Brent crude, as OPEC and other producers appeared to rule out deeper supply cuts to reduce the world’s persistent glut of crude. Closing prices, below $50 a barrel, were the lowest since Nov. 29, thereby erasing all the market gains that followed a late 2016 announcement by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries it would cut output. The slide steepened after the OPEC delegates downplayed the chance that their group and other producing countries would deepen their output cuts when they meet on May 25. They did say current output cuts were likely to be extended. But analysts say non-
OPEC members may struggle to extend production cuts. U.S. crude ended the session 4.81 percent lower at $45.52 per barrel after falling as much as 5.29 percent to an intraday bottom of $45.29, the lowest since Nov. 29. Brent crude settled at $48.38, or 4.75 percent lower, after tumbling as much as 5.17 percent during the session. Front-month Brent crude trading volume rose to the highest on record with nearly 525,000 lots changing hands, according to Reuters data that extends back to 1988. Front-month WTI volume rose to more than 898,000 contracts, the highest in nearly two months. Commodity Trading Advisors were among those liquidating their contracts in the day, traders said.
“While the cartel is expected to extend a self-imposed production cap by another six months, it will be a challenge to convince several non-OPEC members to follow suit,” said Abhishek Kumar, senior energy analyst at Interfax Energy’s Global Gas Analytics. “Persistent growth in US oil production ... will also make extensions of the OPEC cap beyond 2017 unlikely.” There was also a sign of slowing energy demand in China, the world’s second largest oil consumer, when a survey showed growth in that country’s services sector in April was at its slowest in almost a year. Both benchmarks tested major support levels, with U.S. crude falling well below the key price of $47.23, according to traders and analysts.
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Kaieteur News
Patrick Yarde is Chairman (ag) of Convict to pay $254.4M fine for cocaine in fish glue the Public Service Commission …as CCJ upholds Court of Appeal decision
President David Granger yesterday presenting Patrick Yarde with his Instrument of Appointment at State House. Trade Unionist, Patrick Yarde, was yesterday sworn in by President David Granger as the acting Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), a position, which automatically makes him an exofficio member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the Police Service Commission and the Guyana Defence Force Commission’s Board. According to the Presidency, the swearing-in ceremony, which accorded with Article 200 (5) of the Constitution of Guyana, was held at State House in the presence of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and members of the PSC. President Granger explained that since the removal of the previous Chairman of this important Constitutional body its work has been lagging. “It ought not to be delayed further because the function of the Public Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission has been affected… This is entirely in accordance with the requirement of an efficient Government that the work of those four boards should not be delayed or paralysed any further,” he said.
He added that his administration is confident that this new appointment is a step in the right direction, which will result in the efficient functioning of the four commissions. Further, with the appointment of the Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Acting Chief Justice, the work of the JSC in particular, is expected to move apace. Yarde said that he is pleased to have been asked to serve in this new position and assured that he will perform the duties of his office in accordance with the Constitution. “It is my view…that the public service of Guyana be a very efficient, effective and professional career service, faithfully serving the
Government of the day and the people of Guyana,” he said. Last October, acting in accordance with Article 225 (6) of the Constitution, the President ordered the suspension of Carvil Duncan pending the outcome of the proceedings of the Tribunal, which was set up to inquire, investigate and recommend whether he (Mr. Duncan) ought to be removed from office for inability to discharge the functions of his Constitutional posts. Yarde, the President of the Guyana Public Services Union this past week faced his sternest test yet in elections where he was returned but the results of the polls are being contested.
The Caribbean Court of Justice, (CCJ) yesterday upheld a decision by the Court of Appeal for the conviction of trafficking in narcotics dating back to some 10 years ago. The matter was filed by the attorneys of convicted drug trafficker, Vishnu Bridgelall. The lawyers Bernard De Santos, S.C and Sanjeev Datadin had applied to the CCJ to set aside Brigdelall’s conviction and jail sentence which was upheld by the Appellate Court. However, during a video conference at the Appellate Court in Kingston yesterday, the CCJ announced that decision of the Court of Appeal Judges, Yonnette Cummings-Edwards, B.S Roy and Former Chancellor (Ag), Carl Singh, in regards to Bridgelall conviction was instead upheld. Bridgelall, a fish exporter from the East Coast Demerara, was found guilty of possession of over 20 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The incident took place on May 16, 2007. He was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs, who also fined him $254.4M which represented the value of the cocaine allegedly found in fish glue. The Appellate Court upheld the magistrate’s decision. But according to information received by this newspaper, despite the CCJ’s decision, the convict will not serve the jail time; he is only mandated to pay the fine
which was imposed on him by the Summary Court. When the businessman was jailed for the 2007 crime, an appeal filed in the High Court had resulted in an overturn of the conviction and sentence. A subsequent appeal was filed in the Court of Appeal by the State on behalf of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU). Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP) Sonia Joseph and Dion Mc Cammon are on record for the State in the matter. Ranks of the CANU had carried out a raid at Charlotte Street Enterprise, East Coast Demerara on May 16, 2007, and unearthed 20 kilograms of cocaine. Vishnu Bridgelall, called “Haffa, a fish exporter was said to be a tenant of the property at the said time. The businessman was present along with three other men including Chandrika Chatergoon at the time the drugs were unearthed. Bridgelall, a fish exporter and the men, Chattergoon, called Percy; Thakoor Persaud and Azad Khan were charged for the drugs which were said to be contained in fish glue. But the court found that the magistrate erred in finding the accused guilty of possession. There was another charge of having 86.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, for the purpose of trafficking. Bridgelall who normally buys and sells fish glue for export had in a statement said he heard that a man at Enterprise had some glue to sell so he hired Thakoor
and Khan and they went to Enterprise. He had explained “We arrived there about 11.30 a.m. We met the fella who selling the glue. His name is Percy. “As we were discussing price in the yard, I see two minibuses pull up and some men jump out and said that they are CANU officers and Percy asked me to open the gate for them. They said to us they come to look for drugs and I said I don’t know anything about any drugs. I told the officer I only just come a few minutes ago to buy glue.” After allegedly finding cocaine in the glue, the officer charged Bridgelall, Chandrika Chattergoon c/d Percy, Thakoor Persaud and Azad Khan with having cocaine in their possession. The Magistrate dismissed the charge against Persaud and Khan but found Bridgelall and Chattergoon guilty. Bridgelall was fined $48M on one charge and $206.4 M plus five years on each charge, with an order that the sentences should run consecutively. During a full court hearing, Chief Justice Ian Chang, S.C. and Justice Rishi Persaud agreed that the magistrate erred in finding that Bridgelall was in possession of cocaine. Bridgelall’s conviction and sentences were therefore set aside and he was awarded costs in the sum of $2,000. Mr. Bernard DeSantos had argued the appeal on behalf of Bridgelall.
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WANTED One nail technician at West Shore Plaza, 15 Public Road Ruimzeight. Call: 269-1524/ 656-3561
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. 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 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966
FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
Land to buy in: Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Zeelugt and La Pafaite Harmonie. Call: 642-1252 One female vegetarian cook in the Interior. Call: 668-6421 Contract Cars and dispatchers. Call: 219-4087 Experienced cook to work in restaurant, preferably from the West Bank, baking would be an asset. Call: 592-678-3400 Driver and porters for water truck, preferably on the E.B.D- Call/Whatsapp: 6821048/233-5255
VEHICLE FOR SALE SALE! SALE! 2011 ALLION $3.350M, 2011 BLUEBIRD $2.7M, 2010 RACTICS $2.5M,ALLVEHICLESFULLY LOADED&UNREGISTERED. CALL: 642-7295 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501
Articulated/Dump truck driver for interior location, must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 for further details. We buy land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, La Parfaite Harmonie, Zeelugt & other places. Call: 684-5822/6292881
Toyota 212 New Model, Fielder Wagon 07, Spacio, all in excellent condition. Price neg. Tel: 681-6488, 657-5839.
Two Dynamic Individual with communications & sales techniques, computer skill @ Sparkle, Meeten-Meer-Zorg & KeyFood location.
Toyota Spacio, PRR series, fully leather, press start alarm, good condition -$1.3M negotiable. Call: 689-7701
Experienced salesgirl at Christine’s Variety Store on Lombard Street. Call: 2278529
One Toyota Spacio, in excellent condition, PPP series with Rims, AC & Music, Price -$1.350M negotiable. Call: 653-0120
Experienced salesgirls apply with written application to VV&I General Store, 22 Saffon Street, Charlestown. Call: 223-9677 One female needed 35-55yrs for housekeeping & child care. Call: 676-1748/664-5503
For the best house plan prices & designs. Call: 610+4085/ Visit 37 Camp & Croal Streets Diamond Auto Spa & Cleaning services for professionally cleaned vehicles, fences, carpets, buildings (interior & exterior). Call: 646-8748
Two general workers to work shift system. Call: 231-6293 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).
Contract Cars and Drivers, Nigel’s Taxi Service @ Sheriff Street, C/Ville. Call: 219-5002/ 699-6152 Straight stitch/over edge machine operators/bond warehouse worker. Call: 2222541 8:00am-4:00pm (Mon-Fri) 1 Van/Car Driver, mechanical skills an asset. Call: 227-1830
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIALOFFERS 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. 1 Complete Sawmill at Yarrowkabra Linden Soesdyke Highway and 1 F66 – Clarke, Ranger Skidder. Call: 609-8041/ 644-1190 1 Double Stall for sale @ Bourda Market Section D. Call: 665-7896 Rottweiler pups. Call: 2202277/220-8904/629-1471 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 1 Complete 10" Dredge located in Puruni Area. Call: 664-6191 Farm land for sale and for rent @ LandofCanaan.Call:622-1957 House lot for sale @ Land of Canaan. Call: 622-1957 PEDIGREE MALE ,LONG HAIRED 1YR OLD, GERMAN SHEPHERD. SERIOUS ENQUIRIES ONLY. CALL: 609-8132 OR 672-8569
TAXI SERVICE
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
LAND FOR SALE Transported land for sale size 37X270 @ Coglan Dam, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.B.D. Call: 650-5644/677-9938 Tuschen Phase 2 - $1.4M, Uitvlugt -$2.5M with fence, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.5M. Call: 642-1252
Space for rent @ Vreed-en Hoop Junction, lessons place, church, storage bond, office, others -$20,000 monthly. Call: 603-6400 Business property to rent near Campbellville Secondary School. Call: 6276480/ 613-6815 3 Bedrooms upper flat, fully grilled with toilet, bath, kitchen, parking @ Block ‘8’ Mon Repos, E.C.D -$70,000 monthly. Call: 687-1050
GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Lodging for students and working professionals in Republic Park Area. Call:2335560 or 619-4824 for details
Dream Rides: bus and taxi for airport specials & contracts only. Safe, reliable, courteous & comfortable- 24hrs. Call: 664-0802
One bedroom apartment, troweltex, tiled toilet and bath, single person, no children- $40,000 monthly Call: 225-1418/674-6394
VACANCY Experienced cook (for canteen), porters, bond clerks, snackette attendants, drivers. Apply: Survival, Lot 10 Vlissengen Rd, Kitty. Cook/Baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced, for details call: 618-2020 Accounts Clerk for office in Eccles Industrial Site, knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, Quickbooks call 614-4358
Business Space to rent downstairs 26ftX32ft, Lime Street, Georgetown. Call: 6866866/223-8492
Welder: apply in person to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.
3 Storey building, unfurnished three bedroom top flat, Duncan Street, Newtown. Call: 225-0168, Monday, Wednesday, Friday between 9:00am to 2:30pm
Nail Technician and hairdresser who know to do everything. Contact Odessa: 688-8882/681-6338
One newly built studio apartment @ Diamond 15X12. Call: 621-1485/ 6632746 Two bedrooms, upper & lower flat @ Mc Doom Public Road, Married Couple/ Students - $50,000 each. Call: 643-8281
Office Clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics, computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call: 223-7500. Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15pm Boys for store/bond, warehouse work. Call: 2237500 between MondaySaturday, 8:15-4:15pm. Receptionist, male security guard, 30-40yrs @ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 Harmony Inn: Now hiring general workers from La Parfaite Harmonie, W.B.D. Call: 602-8769/ 218-1400
La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M & $1.6M, Farm -$3M, Uitvlugt -$2.6M, Parika $3M, Herstelling -$5M. Call: 651-1969/658-5897 TO LET 4 AC Rooms/2 large hall with 1 extra room, suitable for business/offices @ 21 Seaforth St. Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 226-1877, 624-7436, 654-9350
PEN PAL Wanted female companion for serious relationship, age 45-55yrs, interested person can call: 661-1426
Bottom flat house @ 25 North Road & Oronoque Street, fully furnished/ air condition/ residence /business.Call: 226-7012
Business space for rent next to Harbor Bridge. Call: 6221957
Furnished 1 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560
CAR RENTAL CAR RENTAL
Friday May 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 New property for sale @ ‘BB’ Eccles, 5 bedrooms, 3 Full baths -$38Million negotiable. Call: 623-7963/ 602-9574 2 Storey Building of Third and Cross Streets Alexander Village. Call: 231-3039/6615188 ACCOMMODATION Journey Inn apartments: Fully furnished with Kitchen and AC for short term. Call: 233-2300/ 7182301695/646-3011634
RA Soda Factory, Rosignol, W.C.B: Male & Female workers, persons with IT certificate for machine operators & drivers. Call:3302399/623-5920 Gas Station Hopetown: Manager, Pump attendants & Accountants; RA Soda Factory, Rosignol W.C.B. Call: 330-2399/623-5920 MASSAGE Angels Massaging Spa. Come relax and be pampered. Call: 694-9775 EDUCATIONAL Classes for slow learners in Reading, Mathematics, Composition Writing and much more, after nursery classes available too. Call: 675-4379
Friday May 05, 2017
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Arrival Day Messages GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA On the occasion of Arrival Day 2017, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana recognizes all the people of Guyana for their resilience, fortitude and unwavering dedication to nationhood and acknowledge the contributions of all our peoples towards the development of Guyana. The peoples who came to this land, many under unspeakable circum-
stances, have each toiled and sacrificed and endured hardship for us to have achieved as we have and for us to be, this year, celebrating as an independent, sovereign and free nation widely respected within the community of nations globally. We stand on the shoulders of those who have fought and struggled for the freedoms we now enjoy and which we must zealously guard. Our ancestry is di-
verse; our destiny is inextricably and irrevocably intertwined. We are, as our motto instructs, one people, one nation with one destiny. Arrival Day affords us an opportunity to reflect on our triumphs and challenges as we reaffirm the Guyanese spirit of tolerance, inclusivity and brotherhood and a unified vision for a progressive, prosperous and cohesive Guyana for all its peoples.
INDIAN ACTION COMMITTEE ARRIVAL The Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes all Guyanese a Happy Arrival Day, and, especially, calls upon all citizens to remember the 179th Anniversary of the Arrival of East Indians to Guyana. The IAC, an organization which promotes and preserves Indian culture and deals with the issues and concerns of persons of Indo-Guyanese origin considers 2017 to be an important year in which there are two significant centenaries which have been commemorated in the months of March and April. The IAC wishes to remind all Guyanese that the ending of emigration of indentured labourers from India by the British Parliament took place on March 12, 1917. The IAC, also, wishes to remind the citizens that the last batch of Indian indentured labourers arrived in British Guiana aboard the Coolie Ship s.s. Ganges on April 18, 1917. The IAC, over the years has provided Guyanese with historical information regarding the arrival of just over 239,000 Indian immigrants
who came to this country aboard 245 Coolie Ships which made a total of 534 voyages across the Kaalaa Paanii between 1838 and 1917. The IAC also has clarified and corrected statistical errors pertaining to the arrival of the first two Coolie Ships, the WHITBY and the HESPERUS which, between them landed a total of 423 persons including 382indentured males, 14indentured females, 21 children and six Christian Anglo- Indian interpreter/superintendents. The IAC, as the organization has done over the years continues to recognise the endeavours by these Indian immigrants and their descendants, the persons of IndoGuyanese origin, to develop this country. The IAC, which has recognised important contributions by giving awards to persons from Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo, is aware that tens of thousands of East Indians have made valuable efforts in all fields of human activity in this country including business and commerce; banking and finance; the sugar and rice in-
dustries; coconuts and other crops; fishery and livestock; mining and quarrying; construction and engineering; forestry and sawmilling; education and academia; medicine and law; journalism and communications; accounting and insurance; private and national security; the hospitality and aviation sectors; the alcohol and beverage industries; sport and entertainment; culture and religion; and politics and governance. Today, when the IAC looks back, the organization is amazed how those groups of seemingly helpless Indians, many of whom were illiterate, speaking in different tongues, following different customs, belonging to different religions, belonging to different castes, over the generations, managed to fuse together while seamlessly merging into the wider environment to become the strong pillar of Guyana, a young nation born out of sweat and toil, along with similar endeavours of the other ethnic groups that comprise this nation. A Happy Arrival Day to all.
PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY The People’s Progressive Party wishes to extend warmest greetings on this auspicious day to all of our people who came to this land under the brutal indentured system of servitude in search of a better life, over one hundred and seventy years ago. Each of the ethnic group that came brought with them a rich and unique heritage, history, culture, religion, customs and practices, which were later not only merged among themselves but also amalgamated with those of our Amerindian and African brothers and sisters to create an extraordinary Guyanese cultural, social and economic landscape. Over one hundred and seventy years later, one can easily identify the peculiar contributions of each of our people who came in almost every facet of national life in our country, in one form or another. The Chinese cuisine
remains an irreplaceable part of our national diet. The entrepreneurial qualities of our Portuguese people continue to exhibit itself in vital areas of national commerce and industry. The contributions of the Indian immigrants, the largest group that came consists of a formidable part of so many aspects of national life, that it is impossible to imagine a Guyana without them. It is important to note, that the sugar industry that was so instrumental in bringing the Indentured Immigrants and African slaves to this land and that has been a major source of employment and contributor to the local economy for over three hundred years in our country, is now facing imminent closure within just two short years of this coalition Government. It is apt also to note, that many of the challenges which the Immigrants faced during
the indentureship system and thereafter, which they struggled along with others to overcome and which they made substantial progress in overcoming are suddenly returning to plague them. The PPP takes this opportunity to renew its commitment to all of our people who came to this land to continue to struggle with them side by side, to overcome these challenges as well as preparing them for new challenges. In particular, we pledge to continue to work, indefatigably, to remove the scourge of racism and racial discrimination from this land; to forge ethnic, religious and class unity among all our people and to build a society governed by the rule of law and where the constitutional rights and freedom of our people are not only respected but are protected and advanced. Happy Arrival Day to all!
PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER The Cooperative Republic of Guyana celebrates ‘Indian Arrival Day’ on 5th May to acknowledge the achievements of the descendants of immigrants of Indian origin and their contribution to nation-building. This year, 2017, marks also the 100th anniversary of the abolition of Indian indentured immigration, the system which was responsible for bringing almost 240,000 Indians to our shores between 1838 and 1917. Indians were recruited in response to the perceived and predicted shortages of labour on the sugar planta-
tions following African emancipation. They crossed the ocean – kala pani – from Asia to the Americas to toil as indentured immigrants on the sugar plantations. Indians, together with Portuguese indentured immigrants, who had arrived earlier, and Chinese, who arrived later, and with the free Africans, who remained on the plantations, helped to ensure the survival of the sugar industry in British Guiana. Indians transformed Guyana’s demographic, economic, political and cultural life. Indians remain the single largest ethnic group in this
country and have achieved eminence and prominence in every aspect of national life. Indian Arrival Day reminds every one of the role of persons of Indian origin in shaping the nation. T heir resistance to the abuses of plantation conditions and their struggle for a better life are legendary. Their cultural beliefs and values and respectful relations became the bases for social cohesion. Guyana pays tribute to Indian achievement. I extend best wishes to all on the occasion of Indian Arrival Day.
MINISTER OF SOCIAL COHESION, it is an opportune time DR. GEORGE NORTON arrival, for all Guyana to be reminded I wish to extend greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of Arrival day 2017. This day has been set aside to celebrate the arrival of all indentured immigrants to Guyana under a system, which has long been described as one of “struggle, sacrifice and resistance.” The East Indians, Chinese, Portuguese and Africans were brought to British Guiana to work as indentured labourers on the sugar plantations as a result of a void, which was created in the labour force due to the abolition of the dreadful system of African slavery. British Guiana was the recipient of some 238,907 East Indian immigrants between 1838 and 1917, approximately 32,216 Portuguese between 1835 and 1890, a total of 13, 541 Chinese for the entire period of 1853 to 1879 and approximately 13,970 Africans between 1840 and
1860. These four groups have all contributed to the development of Guyana in every sphere and have left behind legacies of cultural traditions, which have moulded Guyana into a multicultural and multi-ethnic society. Arrival day is an ideal time for all Guyanese to reflect on and celebrate their country’s rich diversity, which makes us truly unique. It allows us to have a greater appreciation of the struggles of our fore parents, who paved the way for us to live the lives we do today in this beautiful nation. Many of the persons who came to these wonderful shores were lured by the promise of a better life but were faced with very harsh conditions. We have come a long way as a nation and this is because of the hard work of our fore parents. It is, therefore, our duty to continue their efforts by working together for the betterment of our country. As we celebrate their
that regardless of their ethnicity, colour, class or creed, they are all equal in value. We must not let ourselves be divided but must resolve to develop greater harmony in our relations with each other. The Government of Guyana has established the Ministry of Social Cohesion for the purpose of building a more unified country. However, we cannot do this alone, and we have engaged and will continue to engage all Guyanese in order to foster and promote social cohesion. Every Guyanese has a role to play in the process and we must remember that social cohesion will not be achieved overnight. Let us all continue to work together to ensure that we build a Guyana where all Guyanese, regardless of age, gender, religious beliefs, geographic location, cultural beliefs or socio-economic backgrounds have the best life possible. Happy Arrival Day to all of Guyana!
PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS/REFORM [PNCR] On the occasion of the 179th Anniversary of the arrival of East Indians to Guyana, the PNCR salutes all Guyanese of East Indian descent and those in the Diaspora who are celebrating this milestone in the nation’s historical calendar. The Party recognises the valuable contribution that our East Indian brothers and sisters have made to the development of our country and the shaping of the cultural tapestry of this nation. The PNCR, therefore, salutes all our East Indian brothers and sisters on this special commemorative day. When the PNCR in the
1 9 8 0 ’s i n a u g u r a t e d t h e concept of celebrating the arrival of the respective ethnic groups of this nation the intention was to deepen an understanding of the culture of these groups and so promote greater understanding and racial harmony as tools for nation building. The Party held at all times that such a course of action was absolutely necessary for welding the nation
into a single whole out of the various groups which emigrated here from the various continents of the world. As we reflect on this historical milestone it is the wish of the PNCR that the occasion would be used to indulge ourselves in activities designed at forging and moulding a destiny of racial and cultural cohesion so necessary for building an economically strong and vibrant nation.
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Friday May 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Process used to give Chinese lands under question (Jamaica Gleaner) Most of the 1,200 acres of prime lands that the Jamaican Government has already provided to the Chinese developers of the North-South Highway was not valuated, and that is “untidy”, a lawmaker has told the state agency representing the Government’s interest. Ivan Anderson, managing director of the indebted National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC), led a team that faced questions yesterday on the highway project from Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC). China Harbour Engineering Company, through its company Jamaica North South, in 2012, entered a 50year concession agreement with Jamaica that saw the development of the 66 kilometres roadway spanning Caymanas in St Catherine to Ocho Rios in St Ann. It was fully opened last year. The project cost more than US$720 million and under the agreement, saw the Chinese meeting the full financial cost, with Jamaica,
instead of cash, providing more than 1,200 acres land for development under strict conditions. Responding to queries from Government Member of Parliament Leslie Campbell, Anderson revealed that no valuation was done because the lands being provided were state-owned. “We have an average cost based on what we’re acquiring for the highway, and if we use the same number, we can apply it also to the 1,200 acres because at the time, we would not have known exactly where the lands would have been.” Of the 1,200 acres, approximately 850 acres have already been identified. That includes 200 acres at Mammee Bay and 650 acres at Caymanas. A hotel for the Mammee Bay property and an industrial complex at Caymanas have been proposed for the properties. LAND COULD HAVE BEEN SOLD FOR SIGNIFICANTLY MORE Government Member of Parliament Leslie Campbell is suggesting that Jamaica may have agreed to provide lands
to Chinese developers that would otherwise have attracted a significant cost if they were being sold. “I somehow get the impression that this is a little untidy arrangement. Some arrangements ought to have been put in place to factor in these very expensive lands,” he said. “We’re trying to understand how that selection has taken place, and again, what value is put on it. The value of the asset that we’re giving up, there has to be some reckoning of it. It was not spelt out in the original agreement,” the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee chairman, Dr Wykeham McNeill, said, noting his concerns. Anderson insisted that a criterion was used to select the lands, which, he said, offered “far greater” benefits to the economy than if Jamaica had helped to cover the project financially. “The developer will come, and he’ll say, ‘I want to develop property A’. But on property A, he now needs to outline a plan for the development and how quickly he will do the development.”
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Venezuela protests rage, jailed Lopez supporters stage vigil (Reuters) Supporters of jailed Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez held a vigil outside his prison demanding to see him yesterday after rumors about his health rattled the protest-hit country where the death toll from anti-government unrest rose to 36. Lopez’s wife and mother rushed to a military hospital in Caracas and then the hilltop Ramo Verde jail overnight, after a journalist tweeted Lopez had been taken to a medical center without vital signs. President Nicolas Maduro’s leftist government, facing a wave of major opposition protests since last month, later issued a short “proof of life” video in which Lopez said he was fine. Officials accused Lopez’s family of stirring up a media frenzy to get attention and further stoke the protests. “Today is May 3, it’s 9 p.m. ... I’m sending a message to my family and my children that I am well,” said Lopez, 46, standing cross-armed in front of cell bars and looking healthy in a sleeveless white T-shirt. But Lopez’s wife Lilian Tintori, who says she has not
been allowed to see him in over a month, rejected the video as “false” and spent the night outside the jail. “The only proof of life that we will accept is to see Leopoldo,” she tweeted, as she and Lopez’s mother faced a line of green-clad National Guard soldiers at the prison. They later rotated out with some supporters to get sleep. Lopez is Venezuela’s most prominent imprisoned politician, and U.S. President Donald Trump in February called for his release after a White House meeting with Tintori. Venezuelans, already on tenterhooks after the unrest that has killed protesters, government supporters, bystanders and security officials, were shaken by the rumors over Lopez, who was jailed in 2014 during the last major round of protests. The U.S.-educated economist and leader of the hardline Popular Will party is accused of inciting violence, and in 2015 was sentenced to almost 14 years behind bars. The government says he is a dangerous agitator, pointing to his involvement in a brief 2002 coup against the
Lilian Tintori (L), wife of jailed Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, stands in front of Venezuelan National Guards looking for information about her husband outside the military prison of Ramo Verde, in Los Teques, Venezuela yesterday. Prensa Lilian Tintori/Handout via REUTERS late Hugo Chavez, when Lopez even helped arrest a Cabinet minister. “They’re inventing that something or other has been done to Leopoldo to put together a big, pretty show, so that we forget the 43 deaths he caused,” said Socialist Party No. 2 Diosdado Cabello, in reference to those killed during unrest in 2014. Lopez’s supporters say he was tried in a kangaroo court because he had been viewed
as a future presidential hopeful and a threat to Maduro. Others in the opposition deem him a divisive hothead who took to the streets too early and say his supporters exaggerate incidents to get support. HUNDREDS JAILED Over 1,700 people have been arrested, with 597 of them still jailed, since the unrest began in early April, according to rights group Penal Forum. Hundreds have
been injured, often in confusing street melees between stone-throwing youths and security forces firing tear gas and water cannons. Maduro’s call on Monday to rewrite the constitution has energized the protest movement, and images of a military vehicle running over a demonstrator on Wednesday caused further outrage. The opposition is so far maintaining momentum despite fatigue, injuries, disruptions to daily life, and fears that protests will end up flopping like so many times in the past. Still, none of their demands have been met so far and Maduro has said he will not bend to them. Demonstrators are seeking early elections to remove Maduro and bring an end to a devastating recession that has food and medicine running short. The government says the opposition wants a coup and many demonstrators are simply vandals. Various groups of students took to the streets on Thursday. One group of several hundred from Venezuela’s Central University tried to reach a highway but were
blocked by National Guard soldiers firing tear gas. “We’re going to stay here until this corrupt and lying government falls,” said Ines Delgado, 22, with anti-acid indigestion medicine smeared on her face to neutralize the effects of tear gas. The death toll in violent Venezuela’s month of unrest has been creeping up, reaching at least 36 after two latest cases. A 38-year-old policeman in Carabobo state, Gerardo Barrera, died overnight after being shot during a protest, the public prosecutor’s office said on Thursday. And Juan Lopez, a 33-year old president of a student federation at a university in the western Anzoategui state, was gunned down during a student assembly on Thursday, the public prosecutor’s office added. A member of the public approached him, shot him several times, and then fled on a motorcycle. With international pressure piling on Maduro, famed Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who directs the Los Angeles Philharmonic, came out against him in a letter decrying repression.
Friday May 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
North Korea: China stomping on ‘red line’ in relations (CNN) North Korean state media warned yesterday Beijing was crossing a “red line” in its relationship with Pyongyang, in a rare criticism of its closest ally. A commentary in the state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun vowed North Korea would not give up its nuclear program. It accused China of “dancing to the tune of the US” and providing Washington excuses to deploy more military assets to the Korean Peninsula. The commentary urged two Chinese state-run newspapers, the People’s Daily and Global Times, to refrain from making reckless remarks which risked undermining relations between the two countries. It comes after increased criticism of North Korea in Chinese state media amid heightened tensions in the region. ‘WILL NEVER BEG’ Rodong Sinmun specifically criticized the Chinese media’s call for more sanctions against North Korea as a way to avert war. “We didn’t cross the ‘red line’ of the (North Korea)-China relationship,” the commentary said. “China is violently stomping on and crossing it without hesitation.” It said the two Chinese publications asserted the North Korean nuclear weapons program was a threat to China. “They even talked rubbish that (North Korea) strains the situation in northeast Asia and ‘offers the US excuses for deploy-
ing more strategic assets’ in the region,” said the commentary attributed to an author named Kim Chol. The commentary said North Korea’s nuclear program exists to protect the country from invasion and Pyongyang would not scrap it to ease tensions. “(North Korea) will never beg for the maintenance of friendship with China, risking its nuclear program which is a precious as its own life, no matter how valuable the friendship is,” it said. Analysts say North Korea appears concerned about the new threat posed by the administration of US President Donald Trump. “North Korea sees Trump as more willing to use force,” said Robert Ross, a Boston College professor and China policy expert. “Chinese policies seem to be encouraging American policy and this has aroused concern in North Korea.” Scott Snyder, senior fellow for Korea studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said North Korea statements were “indirect evidence” of the pressure Beijing is putting on the Kim Jong-Un regime. But Snyder cautions that may not bring the result Washington wants — an end to North Korea’s nuclear program. “A full break in SinoNorth Korean relations would underscore North Korea’s independence,” Snyder said. ‘HYPER-AGGRES-
SIVE’ Asked about the commentary yesterday, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing had been firm in its call for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula “to maintain the peace and stability of the region.” Global Times, a statesanctioned tabloid, slammed the Rodong Sinmun in a rebuttal Thursday. “The editorial is nothing more than a hyper-aggressive piece completely filled with nationalistic passion,” it said. “Pyongyang is obviously grappling with some form of irrational logic over its nuclear program.” But it did offer slight praise for Pyongyang for not yet conducting a sixth nuclear test and for being “comparatively restrained” in recent missile tests. The last of those was last week, when a North Korea test missile exploded over North Korean territory, before it reached the ocean. Meanwhile, the US has continued military drills that have infuriated North Korea. The latest of those was Monday, when two US B-1 bombers from Guam conducted a joint drill with South Korea and Japan’s air forces over the Korean Peninsula, according to the US Air Force. A fter that exercise, Pyongyang said the US actions were bringing the region “to a point close to nuclear war.”
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FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Gori sets up semi with Brazil; Third time’s a charm for Iran Tournament top scorer Gabriele Gori scored a hattrick as Italy defeated Senegal 5-1 in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017. Current top scorer Gabriele Gori led the Azzurra in one of the most dominant performances in all of the quarter-finals at Bahamas 2017. Coach Massimo Agostini’s side kept compact in the back, limiting Senegal to a minimum amount of clearcut goalscoring chances. Italy will face Brazil in tomorrow’s semi-final, with the winner going up against either Iran or Tahiti in Sunday’s final. Iran advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup for the first time in their history with a thrilling 4-3 win after extra time against Switzerland. Iran captain Mohammad Ahmadzadeh scored the opening goal of the match with an
Friday May 05, 2017
Kaieteur News
Basketball: Rule change allows players to wear religious headgear Basketball players will be allowed to wear headgear for religious reasons after world governing body FIBA yesterday approved a new rule to come into effect from October 1. “The new rule comes as a result of the fact that traditional dress codes in some countries, which called for the head and/or entire body being covered, were incompatible with FIBA’s previous headgear rule,” FIBA said in a statement. Qatar’s women’s team withdrew from the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea after being denied permission to wear the hijab on court. The decision, which overturns a 20-year ban on religious
head coverings that was originally imposed for safety reasons, was ratified b y S w i s s - b a s e d F I B A’s M i d - Te r m C o n g r e s s i n Hong Kong. FIBA began a two-year revision and testing period in September 2014, granting exceptions at national level. It’s central board approved a modification to the rule after receiving a report in January. The Mid-Term Congress singled out, as an historical moment, a test game in Iran on April 13 that featured women wearing hijabs and “marked the first time men witnessed a women’s sporting event in person.” FIBA said the new rule,
which would also allow turbans and yarmulkes, would minimize the risk of injury while ensuring uniform was of a consistent color. The headgear must be black or white, or of the same dominant color as that of the uniform, and the same color for all players on a team. It must not cover any part of the player’s face entirely or partially, can have no opening or closing elements around the face and neck or pose a danger to any player. Other sports, including soccer, already allow players to wear headgear during matches. (Reuters)
Gabriele Gori overhead kick. He then put Iran two goals in front with a superb, one-time volley straight out of the air directly from a throw-in. Switzerland then sprung to life and came all the way back from two goals down to
take a 3-2 lead in the second period. The country’s all-time top scorer in the tournament Dejan Stankovic started their resurgence with a flicked finish. Glenn Hodel then scored a pair of goals to give the Swiss a one-goal lead. With less than a minute on the clock, Ali Nazem scored a clutch goal for Iran to force the match into extra time. Iran then made history when Mohammed Mokhtari redirected Amir Akbari’s shot into the net to score the winning goal. Iran will now face Tahiti in the semi-finals tomorrow. (FIFA)
Alvarez and Chavez Jr face... (From page 34) he didn’t want to fight for the belt,’ Chavez said. ‘But I don’t think he did it the right way because people misinterpreted what he’s done.’ Alvarez declined another invitation Wednesday to further attack Chavez, who has also been disciplined for taking a banned diuretic amid weight issues that left him fighting at light heavyweight. But Alvarez had praise for Chavez’s father. He smiled when asked if he wished he could fight the elder Chavez instead. ‘Imagine that?’ Alvarez said. ‘It would be a great honour. But it’s different times and different generations.’ (MailOnline)
Friday May 05,2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't let others put unreasonable demands on you. Use your charm, but don't sign or agree to anything. Don't count on getting any help from those you live with.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Change will be required to make your life more harmonious. Trouble could be brewing at home. You should put in some extra hours developing that creative idea you have.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You need time to rejuvenate. You are best to keep hard feelings to yourself. Be careful when dealing with female members of your family.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't overspend on entertainment, on children, or make poor investments. Romantic encounters will develop through group activity. To avoid any minor health problems, don't get too stressed.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You could find yourself caught in a one sided relationship. Keep calm. Someone around you is bouncing off the walls. You can make a difference if you offer your help at functions that involve children. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Look into career choices and courses being offered. Don't play on your partner's emotions. You will be ready to jump on anyone who gets in the way of your progress today. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Children could cost you more than you can afford. You will be quite excitable today. Pay attention to small but important details. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You will have problems with coworkers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly. You will meet some interesting people if you attend promotional functions. Don't overextend yourself in the process.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You will enjoy events that lean toward theater, art, or music today. Finish those changes you've been talking about making to your residence. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You can receive recognition for the work you've done. Problems with appliances or electrical gadgets will drive you crazy. You will be tempted to shop till you drop. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous. Hard work will payoff if you refrain from expressing your opinion to superiors. Someone may try to damage your reputation. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It's time to let loose. Your mind will be on matters that deal with secret affairs. You are best to look into investments that will grow in value over an extended period of time.
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 05, 2017
Floyd Mayweather reveals he wants to buy NBA franchise
Here Mayweather is pictured talking to Isaiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics in January
Having already conquered the world of boxing during his perfect 49fight career to date, Floyd Mayweather has now set his sights on the NBA. The four-division world champion is retired having last fought in 2015, though the prospect of a bout with UFC star Conor McGregor looms large, and has been a regular courtside attendee at NBA games across the country in recent months.
Mayweather has posted an image of him meeting with NBA legend Magic Johnson, now the president of basketball operations at the Los Angeles Lakers, and has stated his desire to purchase a franchise. He wrote: ‘Just had a great m e e t i n g w i t h @magicjohnson. ’It’s about time for me to buy an NBA team, if you’re ready to sell your NBA team, please get in touch with me.’
That may well be easier said than done, given there are only 30 teams in the NBA which are largely owned by some of the world’s richest people. Mayweather is a regular at Staples Center to watch the LA Clippers, owned by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, while Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov owns the Brooklyn Nets and the
Floyd Mayweather has met with Magic Johnson and wants to own an NBA franchise. Kroenke family head up the Denver Nuggets. In addition, Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan is owner and chairman of Charlotte Hornets and Usher is a minority owner of the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers. He clearly knows a
thing or two about the NBA, though, having posted an image of himself with more than $300,000 on his lap during a flight which he says he won by betting on Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics to win in the play-offs. While Mayweather has
set his sights on the NBA, he still has the potential clash with McGregor very much on his mind. There are concerns negotiations regarding the contest may have stalled, though, with the UFC worried they may be set to lose their biggest star for good.
GAPF/Fitness Express Intermediates/Masters Championships switched to Gymnasium
Farouk Abdool The Guyana Amateur P o w e r l i f t i n g Federation (GAPF) Intermediate and Masters championships which were scheduled to be staged at the Banks DIH Sports Club on Sunday has now been
switched to the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue due to unforeseen circumstances. Internationally renowned athletes in the form of Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby and ‘Big’ John Edwards as well as
‘Big’ John Edwards Farouk Abdool are expected to be flexing their power muscles as they aim to set new standards. Gyms from around Guyana are expected to throw down the gauntlet to each other in their quest to be known as the best.
We i g h - i n w i l l commence at 07:00hrs and last until 08:30hrs for female participants and the lighter weight classes. The main sponsor is Fitness Express, a sports supplements and
Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby exercise equipment supplier which has once again showed its support for powerlifting development in Guyana. Athletes are reminded that the current IPF Rules regarding their attire will be in full effect including
the Singlet 4" Belt and R o u n d N e c k T- S h i r t (Plain). Lifters are also being urged to see the 2016 IPF Rules for further details on requirements for both Equipped and Classic Lifting.
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Friday May 05, 2017
Pant and Samson bring brutal end to Lions campaign Only once had a team chased more than 209 to win an IPL match and yet Delhi Daredevils made such short work of the target that by the last five overs, the required rate was less than a run a ball. This incredible situation was the result of local boy Rishabh Pant (97 off 43) and Sanju Samson’s (61 off 31) blitzkriegs. At one stage, the two batsmen together struck four successive deliveries for sixes. In all, there were 31 hits over the boundary line - a record for this tournament and 20 of them came off the bat of the Daredevils as they raced to their target with 15 balls to spare and forced the Gujarat Lions out of the playoffs. Earlier, impressive spells from Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins had turned the momentum after Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik struck rapid fifties, restricting Lions despite
their having raced to 158 in their first 14 overs. The Daredevils have a new tradition: they’d dropped at least one catch in each of their last two games. Today, they dropped three. Each of the reprieved batsman - Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa - had gone on to score 70 or more and Raina followed suit tonight. He was on 2 when Shreyas Iyer spilled a dolly at first slip off Rabada’s bowling. He was on 40 when Marlon Samuels couldn’t hold on to a flick aimed straight at him at midwicket. Eventually, the latest beneficiary of the Daredevils Goodwill List finished with 77 off 43 balls. At the other end, Karthik had not given Daredevils the slightest chance. He struck at a quicker rate than Raina as the pair counterpunched in response to being 10 for 2 by the second over to put on the
Lions’ highest partnership (133) in the IPL. It was around this time, though, that Daredevils began learning an important lesson: when the batsman gives you a chance, convert it. Rabada caught Raina short at the non-strikers with a direct hit from backward point. Next over, Karthik fell to one of the catches of the season - Corey Anderson leaping backwards with an outstretched left hand at midoff, before executing the perfect tumble to hold on. For good measure, Pant pouched a skier to dismiss Aaron Finch in the penultimate over. After their successful chase in the last game, Nair revealed the plan had been to play like a young side - hit hard and have fun. And it was the youngest of them all who masterminded this chase. Pant’s first scoring shot
Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant celebrate their mammoth partnership ©BCCI was a six on the up over cover, a sign that dew was making its presence felt, and of a batsman enforcing home advantage. So when Raina decided that Pant’s Delhi team-mate Pradeep Sangwan would
bowl the next over, he was asking for trouble. Pant welcomed Sangwan with 16 off the first three balls and the Daredevils had breached 50 inside the fifth over. James Faulkner
conceding five runs to end the Powerplay would be the last instance of the Lions being in the game. The next six overs went for 90 runs; each over contained at least one six, the 11th went for three. When Samson - who hit seven sixes and no fours was dismissed by Jadeja in t h e 1 4 t h o v e r, P a n t responded with a six and a four to bring the asking rate below run-a-ball. It was perhaps the perfect T20 innings. The only way it could have been better was if he had scored the three runs required to become IPL’s youngest centurion. When Pant was caught behind for 97, Raina, knowing he will not play an IPL playoff match for the first time in 10 years, still came up and hugged the young man. It seemed like the handing of a baton, the IPL’s pre-eminent batsman heralding a new hero. (ESPNcricinfo)
Alvarez and Chavez Jr face off ahead of all-Mexican fight which has captivated country As Saul ‘Canelo’Alvarez was called to the stage Wednesday for the final press conference before a fight that has captivated his native Mexico, his opponent was slumped in a chair and staring at his phone. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr later kept yawning, fuelling critics that claim the son of one of the greatest boxers remains unmotivated. Chavez insists this time is different. Five years after testing positive for marijuana after a loss and following numerous instances of struggling to make weight, the 31-yearold former middleweight champion knows the significance of tomorrow’s bout with his rival countryman on Cinco de Mayo weekend. ’Yes,’ Chavez said through a translator, ‘this is an opportunity to show people.’ Wearing a white tracksuit and sporting large, square sunglasses, Chavez (50-2-1, 32 KOs) said he weighed 168 pounds. He needs to get to 164 1/2 by today to reach the catchweight limit for the pay-per-view bout at soldout T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip. His new strength and
The fighters squared off and will have to cut weight before Friday’s weigh ins conditioning coach, Memo Heredia, insists that won’t be a problem. His new trainer, the renowned Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Beristain, said Chavez ‘trained hard’ at altitude in the mountains near Mexico City. His biggest critic, though, might be his six-
time world champion father who once had a 90-fight unbeaten streak. When asked what he has wanted from his son, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. paused, then chuckled. ’I asked him to be in shape, the best shape he can, because I know about his capacity and what he can do,’
he said. The elder Chavez then expressed satisfaction in watching his son get fit for what could be quite a bout if Chavez is at his best. Alvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) knocked out littleknown Liam Smith in September for the 154pound title, but has never
fought above 155 pounds. The 5-foot-9 Alvarez, whose lone loss was to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013, will give up four inches in height and three inches in reach tomorrow. ‘The person who loses is going to lose a lot,’ said Chavez, who has won two straight bouts. ‘Both of us
have a lot of pressure.’ The soft-spoken, 27-yearold Alvarez dislikes Chavez. He’s criticized Chavez’s past transgressions and clearly believes he’s a better fit to be the face of boxing in his home country. ’A lot of people are used to me being quiet and just focusing on the fight,’ said Alvarez, sporting a thin red beard. ‘But this is a bit p e r s o n a l . T h a t ’s t h e difference.’ Chavez has returned the barbs, needling Alvarez about ‘avoiding the Russian.’ In a feud with the WBC, Alvarez vacated the middleweight belt after promoter Oscar De La Hoya declined to agree to a matchup with Gennady Golovkin. That fight could happen in September, but Alvarez has no interest in having the WBC involved. The WBC created a championship belt for this fight made by a Huichol artist. Alvarez refused to fight for the belt even though he knew he would receive criticism since the Huichol are indigenous Mexicans. ’Everybody has their own choice and he decided (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
Friday May 05, 2017
PAGE 39
Gabriel five-for suckerpunches Pakistan
Alzarri Joseph sent back Babar Azam for a two-ball duck ©AFP Twenty years ago, a West Indies side, led by Brian Lara, set India 120 for victory at the Kensington Oval. They had never lost a Test in Bridgetown to a subcontinental side, but that
record looked in serious threat against the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav G a n g u l y, M o h a m m a d Azharuddin, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. West Indies took just 35.5 overs to
skittle the visitors out for 81 to extend a glorious run at their stronghold. Fast forward to 2017 and a completely different West Indies side, both in personnel and prestige, took
GDF, Monedderlust, Topp XX and... (From page 37) support from Delroy Fraser who has five goals to his name, Olvis Mitchell (4), Jeffrey Pereira (3), Eusi Phillips and Delwin Fraser with a pair each. This combo of players have been in no nonsense mood under the guidance of Head Coach, Bilall Nantambu. Monedderlust will hope that Kenston Lindely and Akeema Watts who have scored a brace of goals each along with Kevin Cottoy and Dexter Frank with one apiece can replicate this form in guiding their team to an upset win tonight at Tucville. The main clash pits the
Victoria Kings FC
new kinds on the Elite League circuit, Topp XX and Victoria Kings in what is anticipated to be a fierce battle between the fourth and fifth placed teams. Terrance Aaron who has blasted the nets on three occasions and elder statesman Travis Waterton who has two goals will be the pillars on which Topp XX will hope to pull off their second win of the league. This would however be a tough task as the Kings have already tucked away two wins in their eight matches, four losses and two draws. Seon Robinson would be leading their quest for win #3 backed up by the likes of
Marlis Johnson, Calvin DeSouza, Kemroy Alfred and Alden Lawrence. Kick off time is 18:30hrs and fans can look forward to the usual giveaways from sponsors, Ansa McAl, Church’s Chicken and Automobile Power Products / Jailing. Meanwhile, another double header is set for Sunday at the same venue. GDF will again be in action this time against Topp XX which will make the trek back to the City for the first match at 18:30hrs. The main attraction will be between Fruta Conquerors and Buxton United.
on another subcontinental powerhouse, Pakistan, at the same venue. West Indies were dominated for most parts of four days, but Shai Hope’s 90 that set a 188-run target helped script a remarkable turnaround. O n t h e f i n a l d a y, Shannon Gabriel took five wickets in a hostile spell as a Pakistan were skittled for that cursed score of 81. This Barbadian fortress might have creaked, but it certainly did not tumble as the hosts put in an inspired bowling performance to level the series. Pakistan found their legs turning to jelly in a chase of 188 on a pitch that had shown signs of deterioration from very early in the Test. They played for the fear of demons on the pitch, and paid the price. Azhar Ali and Ahmed Shehzad’s conservative approach - they scored six in the first six overs of the chase - set the tone. Azhar was the first to fall, attempting to pull a short delivery from Gabriel over midwicket, unwisely trusting the bounce. He mistimed the shot horribly, sending it straight down midwicket’s throat. Babar nicked down leg two deliveries later to record his first pair in Tests. That one of Pakistan’s brightest prospect was undone by an innocuous delivery could arguably be seen as the wicket that opened the floodgates. More misery awaited Pakistan as Younis was consumed shortly after. Jason Holder banged one in slightly short of a good length, well outside off stump. As Younis shaped up, it darted back in, kept low and made a beeline for his
pads. The hapless Younis could only watch as it struck him dead in front of middle. Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq both came and went within minutes of each other, their wickets brought about by Gabriels’ brilliance. Misbah got a thick inside edge that lobbed to gully, but West Indies may have not had the wicket if they didn’t review, for the original appeal was for lbw. Two balls later, Asad Shafiq’s poke was taken on the third attempt by Kieran Powell, who earlier reprieved Ahmed Shehzad, at first slip. The procession continued after lunch as Shehzad and debutant Shadab Khan fell within three overs of the resumption. Shehzad was unfortunate, falling to a delivery from Joseph that was almost a replica of the ball that accounted for Younis, but Shadab - whose introduction to Test cricket has been less spectacular than his limited overs debuts - was removed by a delivery that held its classical off stump line. Shadab could only nick to the
wicketkeeper. Sarfraz and Mohammad Amir then counter-attacked to take Pakistan past their lowest ever score of 49. But even an optimist couldn’t have been so blind to notice that the pair were riding their luck, and when Amir sliced a drive into the hands of point, it was a wicket that had been coming all along. There was still time for Shannon Gabriel to clinch a richly deserved five wicket haul with the perfect fast bowler’s delivery. It pitched on off stump and clipped the top of off, and batsmen better than Yasir Shah would have done well to keep that out. The knockout blow came next over as Sarfraz lofted the opposition skipper Holder to wide long-on, with Roston Chase stationed there for precisely that shot. The man who had got West Indies’ fightback started with a first innings century made no mistake, but Pakistan, dazed and shell-shocked after a r e m a r k a b l e m o r n i n g ’s cricket from the hosts, had plenty of theirs to rue. (ESPNcricinfo)
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Friday May 05, 2017
Dr. Rupert Roopnarine pledges support for school chess programme National Library Kiddies Championship starts today
Dr. Roopnaraine engages the GCF executive, while the recently qualified players show off their certificates Officials of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) are moving steadily apace with developmental strategies and a high level team recently paid a courtesy call on Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnarine and were assured of support for their schools’ introductory chess programme. The visiting delegation consisted of President, J a m e s A . B o n d , Vi c e
President, Frankie Farley, National Coach, Wendell Meusa and Honorary Member, Errol Tiwari. Those officials are targeting ten schools for the first phase of the pilot programme. Dr. Roopnaraine was extremely supportive of the initiative and indicated that his Ministry is delighted to be a part of the pilot p r o g r a m m e . Mr. Bond informed the
Minister that the initiative envisages Chess being taught in ten schools, at least twice a week, by coaches affiliated to the GCF. The Ministry has been tasked with the selection of the pilot schools and will share the expenditure with the GCF. Mr. Bond was indeed gratified and expressed such sentiments to the Minister, “My executive wish to place
on record the overwhelming support we have received in realizing our vision and goals for the resuscitation of Chess in Guyana” he said. He also singled out (Junior) Minister Nicolette Henry and Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, for their unswerving support. National Chess Coach, Wendell Meusa, was also very busy when he tutored three 13 year-old students of
St. Stanislaus College in the intricacies of the sport. They included Ghansham Allijohn, Jaden Taylor and Jessica Calendar. Subsequently, Minister Roopnaraine presented certificates to those players while wishing them the best in their future endeavors. Meanwhile, the planning committee will commence its programme with the two days National Library
Annual Kiddies Chess Championship commencing today and concluding on the 12th at National Library. Further, the concentration of the sport across the regions will see officials staging a Junior Open Chess championship in the Ancient County, New Amsterdam, on May 19. Several other tournaments have also been planned for the months ahead.
2nd Boyce & Jefford Relay & Family Fun Day
Unavoidable postponement allowed better preparations - players; Kanaimas of East Coast latest to confirm The unavoidable postponement of last Sunday’s 2nd Boyce & Jefford Relay & Family Fun Day has allowed the teams confirmed to participate in the 5-a-side Football Competition to increase their preparations ahead of Sunday’s big showdown, at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary. The postponement which came as a result of heavy rains has worked in favour of some of the teams who were short of practice leading up to the competition and the extra week has proven beneficial to those teams that lacked adequate field time. According to some players, the extra time has allowed them to organise meaningful practice sessions and fans will be able to witness a high quality of football entertainment
throughout the day. More and more teams from communities throughout the country are gravitating to the exciting format and its growth has become something of a phenomenon and widely received by football fans. Its embrace has been such that the more traditional format is not enjoying the same level of support, while the lure of cash incentives makes it a compelling draw for teams. Add to that the growing popularity of teams such as Sparta Boss, Back Circle, Agricola Champion Boys, Bent Street West Front Road and Sophia and their loyal band of supporters and you see immediately why the format has enjoyed unrivalled success. Despite the staging of other disciplines such as track & field, cycling and
dominoes on the day’s list of activities, it is anticipated that the football segment will be the real pull. With the addition of newcomers Police and the GDF and their eagerness to be reckoned among the top teams in the shorter version, fans are in for a real treat with exciting matchups in abundance. The competition will feature a number of the top teams in the shorter version of the sport and among those listed to compete are current national Guinness and Petra Organisation / GT Beer champions Sparta Boss, Bent Street, Sophia, Camp Street All Stars, Back Circle, West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’, Agricola Champion Boys, Broad Street Bullies, GDF and Police. Up for grabs is $50,000 for the winners and $25,000
The most recent team to confirm Kanaimas of East Coast Demerara poses for a photo op. for the beaten finalist. Meanwhile, the latest team to confirm participation is
Kanaimas of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, another testimony to the
format’s rapidly increasing attractiveness. Starting time is 10:00hrs.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 05, 2017
STAG Elite League
GDF, Monedderlust, Topp XX and Victoria Kings shindig switched to Tucville today
Olvis Mitchell- GDF FC Competitions Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Rev. Ian Alves has informed that the Stag Elite League double header which was originally fixed for the Mackenzie Sports Club ground today has now been switched to the Tucville ground in the City. This is as a result of a recent activity at the venue which has rendered it unplayable. Down to meet are the unbeaten Guyana Defense Force and West Berbice’ Monedderlust in the curtain raiser with the main event bringing together Linden’s To p p X X a n d E a s t Demerara’s Victoria Kings. GDF, the only unbeaten team in the 2016/2017 League will be going after win number 8 and in the process will hope to hand Monedderlust their 7th loss in eight matches. Averaging just over
Delroy Fraser - GDF FC
Kelvin Sullivan -GDF FC three goals per match this season, the Army will be unleashing their leading joint top scorer, Sherwyn Caesar who has 6 goals along with Fruta Conquerors’ Eon Alleyne on the Berbice side tonight. Caesar will find able (Continued on page 35)
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Friday May 05, 2017
Auto Laundry joins list of sponsors for Boyce/Jefford Relay Festival
Manager of the Auto Laundry, Triston Hall (right) hands over the contribution to Edison Jefford at the upper Croal Street location of the Drive-In Wash Bay.
More support rolled in yesterday for Sunday’s Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival and Family Fun Day at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary when the Auto Laundry made a contribution to the event. Manager of the Wash Bay located at upper Croal Street, Triston Hall made the contribution to the organisers to help them with
additional expenses incurred f r o m l a s t S u n d a y ’s rescheduling of the event, which was owed to inclement weather. The organisers remained committed to hosting the event this Sunday and have kept all the prize monies for the varying activities intact. The programme for Sunday has not changed and that is one of the admirable features that prompted the contribution. The relays this year include the 4x100 (Male and Female); 4x400 (Male and Female); 4x200m Mixed Relay; 4x400m Mixed Relay; Sprint Medley Females (100m,100m,
200m, 400m); Sprint Medley Males (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m); Distance Medley Females (2400m) (400m, 600m, 600m, 800m) and the Distance Medley Males (2800m) (400m, 600m, 600m, 1200m). Cash Prizes of $25,000; $15,000 and $10,000 will be awarded to teams finishing first to third in the relay events for total prize money of $500,000 to be handed out in 10 races. In addition, the event this year will include football, softball cricket, cycling and dominoes competitions, which will all carry cash prizes.
Wiltshire, Phantom DC team up to hold tournament GNDF AGM set for Sunday
Flashback! Players seen in action during a tournament that was held previously. Senior Organising Secretary of the Georgetown Domino Association (GDA) Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire in collaboration with Phantom Domino Club has organised a two-day Competition which commences today and ends tomorrow, at R&R Sports Club, 76 Meadow Brook Gardens, starting from 14:30hrs. According to Wiltshire, all the top clubs have been invited to participate in the competition and entrance fee is $12,000 per team which must be paid before the start of play. Wiltshire added that Raymond Ali of All Seasons Racing Service has
consented to hand over $75,000 if the tournament starts promptly at the specified time. Failing which, the welcoming gesture will not be honoured. All Guyana National Domino Federation (GNDF) rules will be in effect and interested teams could c o n t a c t Wi l t s h i r e o n tele#665-5855. Prizes will be announced shortly before play begins. Meanwhile, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the GNDF will be held on Sunday, at 1223 Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt Park, starting at 15:00hrs.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 05, 2017
Barbados IslandFit Games 2017
Mahadeo, McDonald and McRae to represent Golden Arrowhead The king of fitness in Guyana, Dillon Mahadeo, back to back (2016/2017) of E-Networks Fitness Challenge and a bronze medalist at the inaugural at the inaugural CrossFit 1212-12 Throw Down in Trinidad and Tobago in 2016, Dillon Mahadeo will spearhead Guyana’s 4member team to this weekend’s 4 annual Barbados IslandFit Games 2017. Mahadeo along with Christian McRae, Jamie M c D o n a l d a n d Te a m th
Manager Ms. Angelina DeAbreu will be aiming to shine for the Golden Arrowhead at the two day event which will take place at Divi SouthWinds Beach Resort in the land of the Flying Fish where 2017 has been dubbed the ‘Year of Sports’. This will be the first time Guyana will be fielding a team at this competition and the second time this nation will be competing at a regional event following last year’s successful showing in
BCB to host 2-day Scorers Workshop The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will host a Scorers Workshop for persons interested in becoming scorers and this is as a result of the unavailability of scorers at matches. The workshop will be conducted today from 13:00hrs and tomorrow 13:30hrs at the Port
Mourant Community Centre, Port Mourant. Potential scorers will be taught scoring in books and electronically and persons who have laptops can walk with same as they will receive the requisite software. F a c i l i t a t o r i s M r. Godwyn Allicock.
MYO/Trophy Stall tapeball continues on Sunday The Muslim Youth Organisation/Trophy Stall Tapeball competition will continue on Sunday with several matches at Woolford Avenue. At 09:00hrs Grove will play Queenstown A followed by Grove against Queenstown B at 09:30hrs, Queenstown A versus Grove B at 10:00hrs, Grove A playing Grove B at 10:30hrs, Queenstown A facing Diamond at 11:00hrs, Cardinals doing battle with Diamond at 11:30hrs, Cardinals matching skills with Farnum B at 12:00hrs and Farnum B challenging Farnum A at 12:30hrs.
the Twin Island Republic. Fitness Express has been supporting the athletes with supplements during their preparations for this weekend’s event which will attract the best athletes in this segment of the sport to Barbados. Kaieteur Sports understands that there will be a total of six (6) workouts in total with the top ten (10) competitors making it into the final day where two more events will decide the winner.
Jamie Mc Donald flanked by Dillon Mahadeo (right) and Christian McRae
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Gabriel five-for suckerpunches Pakistan
Jason Holder dismissed Sarfraz Ahmed to seal the win ŠWICB
Shannon Gabriel poses with the match ball inside the dressing room Š WICB 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