Kaieteur News
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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial
EARTH DAY SHOULD BE EVERYDAY As Guyana and the world celebrated Earth Day on Friday, April 22, 2016, President David Granger joined world leaders from 160 countries to officially sign the Paris Climate Agreement. The aim of Earth Day is to promote awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s ecosystem and the environment. The agreement originated from the Paris Conference held last December and was agreed upon by the world leaders in order to stem global warming and protect the environment from further destruction. It was the world’s greatest diplomatic and political success. During the Paris conference, the world leaders agreed to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius and the developed countries have pledged US$100 billion to help the developing countries by 2020. The Paris Accord makes this year’s Earth Day one of the most important and the most recognizable face of the environmental movement. Activities associated with Earth Day often include the planting of trees, raising awareness about recycling, promoting green projects, and reducing the amount of energy consumed by nations. The goal of the organizers of Earth Day is to encourage billions of people around the world to reduce the use of fossil fuels and to plant 7.8 billion trees which is this year’s theme “Trees for the Earth.” Earth Day 2016 marks its 46th Anniversary. It began in 1970 by Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Earth Day 1970 gave voice to that emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the antiwar protest movement and putting environmental concerns on the front page. It is a day in which everyone focuses on the environment, celebrate the planet and encourage others to be more environmentally friendly. It is also a day of action that has changed human behaviour and has provoked policy changes. Earth Day has led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts. Earth Day has achieved a rare political and social alignment around the world with support from governments, political parties, labour unions, tycoons, University, college and high school students and many others who have not only opposed the destruction of the environment but also believe that the world should move towards greener and more sustainable economies. The Internet which is its principal organizing tool has proved invaluable in spreading the message. Earth Day has attained the esteemed status as the largest secular observance in the world. Guyanese from all across the country have joined more than one billion people in 193 countries in promoting a clean and greener environment. They believe that the environment should be protected for future generations and many have joined this year’s Earth Day activities which include garbage and litter pick-up, the unclogging of drains, canals, trenches and culverts, the planting of trees and educating the general population on the importance of the environment. Earth Day has sent the world leaders, especially those in the developed countries, a clear message that citizens around the world wanted quick and decisive action on global warming, clean energy, an end to pollution, oil spills and unsafe nuclear power plants, better control of raw sewage, toxic dumps and pesticides, and an end to the destruction of the forests and the extinction of wildlife. Earth Day transcends all national borders, yet it preserves all geographical integrities, it spans mountains, oceans, races and religion, yet it brings people of all lineages from all over the world into one common accord. It is devoted to the preservation of nature, yet it draws upon the successes of technology, the measurement of time, and instantaneous communication to deal with the threats that the planet faces, the protection of the environment and humanity’s values.
Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Licence plate attitude of the police DEAR EDITOR; Please permit me space in your widely read news paper. Sir the only thing that is continuous in this world is change. Before computers came to Guyana we had vehicles coming to our country and still are with emblems bearing their names and make, and also” caution,” “danger” and “advisory” signs in the case of farming, mining, and industrial machines. These emblems (stickers) are made of VINYL, which in some cases hold onto the machine throughout its life, although these machines are exposed to the elements. Today computer technology is here
and we have the opportunity to have our number plate digits made from the same materials as those foreign emblems which not only look perfect but also last much longer than the ones that are painted on with a brush on the metal plates. I wonder if the police are aware that paint is liquid plastic? I doubt it, and after painting and the paint dries and becomes hard, it will crack and peel off while the white vinyl have a life span of 6-12 years without fading. But what is strange is that these very police that are forcing us to remove our numbers that are pasted onto our plates on vehicles which are used for
production of food etc. are allowing some vehicles with the number plates with the BUBBLE plastic DIGITS which is also PASTED onto the plates and which are easier to fall off on impact with a fowl cock or a dog. I think the person that made the decision to discontinue the vinyl digits needs to have his head examined by a psychiatrist, because it is counter productive and a retrograde step. And while this is only one case of man hours lost and backwardness, we can see our country dying or reversing at a fast rate, because I have already lost (Continued on page 6)
Sunday May 08, 2016
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Christopher Ram accuses Justice Patterson of personal attacks DEAR EDITOR; Two days after my withdrawal on Wednesday April 20, 2016 as representative of the Guyana Bar Association from the Commission of Inquiry into the events at the Georgetown Prisons, Mr. James Patterson, Chairman of the Commission issued a Press Statement. The statement was not merely critical of the conduct of Mr. Selwyn Pieters, attorney for the Prison Service, the Police and the Fire Service and of me but was replete with personal attacks and invectives. Since I only read about the statement in the press, I
wrote to the Chairman on April 26 asking for a copy of the statement and for him to indicate to me from the detailed transcripts of the proceedings the instances where my conduct fell short of professional standards. So far, Mr. Patterson has failed to respond to my request. Without engaging in any ad hominem accusations, I wish to clarify the position of the Guyana Bar Association on the decision to cease participation in the Commission. After observing a number of weaknesses in the proceedings of the Commission days after it began taking evi-
dence, the Bar Association on March 11, 2016, applied for and received standing from the Commission to appear before it. Some of the weaknesses were commencing public hearings without any adequate preparation, including placement of advertisements inviting witnesses; the absence of basic information gathering; the absence of Rules of Conduct; the nonappointment of a Commission Counsel; the selection of witnesses and the conflicts of interest among Commissioners. In an effort to assist the Commission, the Bar Association soon thereafter provided
the Commission with a copy of the Rules of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry and other literature and authorities on Commissions of Inquiry, including the role and authority of the Chairman in a Commission of Inquiry. A feature of these hearings is that while Counsel for the state authorities and state individuals were allowed unrestricted time to lead their witnesses, the Commissioners unilaterally applied a twenty-minute limit for crossexamination by other Counsel. This unreasonable restriction was aggravated by continual and specious interventions during cross examination. The Counsel for the Bar Association and inmates expressed their dissatisfaction
Gerry Gouveia wants to know what E. F. Correia did for Guyana DEAR EDITOR; Mr. Jerome Khan asked the question “Where was the good old Captain, when the Timehri Airport was Renamed “ I was sitting in Parliament , as a witness and listening to the raging debate for and against the proposal to change the international airport’s name. The rightful place to debate such an important action as renaming an international airport. I am a mere pilot so I would not dare enter into a debate with an eminent lawyer and successful business executive like Mr Jerome Khan. All I would venture to say is that branding in business is extremely invaluable. If your family owns an airline , an aviation maintenance company , and is the major shareholder in the airport in which you operate and by a stroke of coincidence the airport is being renamed in your family name, and Mr Khan with his high qualifications and business sense is saying there is no economic branding benefit what more could I say ? By the way, I am not an easy believer in “COINCIDENCE”. The coincidence of the Correias being a major shareholder in the airport and
the airport being renamed “CORREIA” baffles my mind. As far as I am aware and as far as I was told this idea to rename the airport is purely the initiative of the President and I do not think the President would deny that fact. Even Mike Correia is publicly “claiming” that he was just as surprised like everyone else when the President publicly pronounced on it for the first time. Might I remind Mr.Khan that the ogle airport lease was also executed during the same period that as he slanderously claim “ that the acquisition of state properties was done at below market price”. What I would like though is the evidence, not just hearsay. Evi-
dence that this man, E.F.Correia is worthy of this esteem honor. The honor to have this airport named after him and by extension to further brand Guyana. Show me the evidence that he was a professional aviator. Show me the evidence that he contributed in a significant manner to aviation development in Guyana. Show me the evidence that he contributed in any significant manner to our national development. Show me the records of his distinguished service to Guyana that warrants naming our country’ s second international airport after him. Convince me that he is distinguished enough and his
contributions to our country are of such magnitude that warrants this honor. Show me the evidence, convince me and I will publicly bow before the sign at the airport. Until then, I say this is the most outrageous , undemocratic and low blow to the majority of the aviation stakeholders . There was no consultation. In fact as of now there is wide spread disagreement with our airport being named after the major shareholder who is already exercising anti competitive and dominance behaviors at the airport. Mr. Khan, This is business not politics Captain Gerry Gouveia.AA. CEO Roraima Airways.
repeatedly but out of a public duty and an obligation to contribute to the search for the truth, continued their participation in the Inquiry. The situation became entirely intolerable while key witness Senior Superintendent of Prisons was being examined by opposing Counsel. While a further ten minutes was allowed by the Commissioners, this proved wholly inadequate and seriously prejudiced the fairness and impartiality of the Inquiry. As a result, following consultations with Mr. Glenn Hanoman who regularly appeared at the hearings on behalf of the Bar Association, and with other attorneys at the Commission, it was agreed that the Association’s continuing participation in the Inquiry only served to give legitimacy to a seriously flawed process. Attorneys were particularly struck by the repeated and ill-informed comment of one Commissioner that the Commission was not a court of law and the insistence for procedural proprieties was time consuming, unproductive and unnecessary. On the other hand, it was becoming increasingly apparent that the Commission was more concerned about an artificially imposed deadline rather than a genuine pursuit of its Terms of Reference.
It is my contention that any Commission of Inquiry, and certainly one investigating the worst prison deaths in the history of any Commonwealth country, cannot be fettered in its search for the truth. Truth is often hidden and its discovery takes painstaking examination. Unless there is clear evidence of irrelevance, obstructionism or time wasting, Commissioners ought to carry out their duties diligently and fairly to all the parties with not even a semblance of injudiciousness, arbitrariness, capriciousness or ignorance of the relevant rules. The attorneys representing the Bar Association did not take the decision to withdraw lightly and we remain committed to the cause of justice in this matter. We could not however allow the Bar Association to be perceived as compromised or complicit in an exercise that paid little regard to basic standards of procedure and fairness in this matter. The Chairman, the only legal person on the Commission, cannot escape responsibility for these shortcomings that do a disservice to those who died, or were injured or otherwise affected by the events of March 3. Christopher Ram President, Guyana Bar Association
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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox GTT stands ready to “Do New Insurance Bill welcomed by Raj Singh Even More” for Guyana Insurance Brokers DEAR EDITOR; I note with great interest and alacrity the Attorney General’s intention to table new legislation to repeal and replace the current Insurance Act of 1998. This is a welcome piece of legislation for which initial consultations commenced during the last administration and is now being introduced by the current Attorney General. This Bill had the benefit of widespread consultations within the insurance industry. This Bill is intended to strengthen some deficiencies in the current Act and require some more rigorous compliance requirements from the industry in keeping with international standards. It is also intended to enhance significant aspects of consumer protection. A Canadian consultant guided the industry during the consultative process. Even though we welcome the Bill, we wish to implore our legislators to ensure that there are no loopholes within this important piece of legislation and to ensure that it is corrected prior to its passage. There are some glaring deficiencies in Sections 161 and 162 of the new proposed legislation regarding consumer protection. These 2 clauses deal with the purpose and function of the Arbitration Board regarding individuals and small businesses not registered under the Companies Act. These clauses allow the
Arbitration Board to deliberate upon claims regarding quantum ranging from $200,000 and a maximum of $5,000,000. Firstly, it is our considered opinion that there should be no differentiation between the classes of insureds that can reach out to the Arbitration Board regarding the subject to quantum disputes. Individuals and small businesses as well as incorporated entities can all have quantum disputes, so why exclude one class of insureds from consumer protection laws? They are all consumers. My contention is that all classes of insureds should be allowed to revert to the Arbitration Board for quantum disputes. The way the Bill is currently drafted compels a Corporation with a quantum dispute claim under $5m to approach the Courts directly if they are dissatisfied with the decision of a carrier. Why should a Corporation have to revert to our court system to have a small or any quantum dispute resolved? Our legal system has been known to be very lethargic in its efficiency which can only redound to the ultimate detriment of our insureds. The Courts should only have to be utilized when there is a dispute regarding legal liability. Secondly, there should be no maximum cap for quantum disputes. It is a known fact that several individuals and small businesses possess huge amounts of assets that are insured that can become the subject of quantum disputes. This situation is similar for incorporated entities. We propose that this maximum cap be removed alto-
gether. In fact, the minimum cap should be raised to at least $500,000 or even $1,000,000 since the Arbitration Board may be overwhelmed with a huge amount of quantum disputes regarding motor insurance claims. Surely that was not the intention of these sections of the new Bill and has the ability to continuously frustrate consumers with valid claims. I urge that this matter be corrected prior to the passage of this important piece of legislation. Raj Singh CEO- RAJ SINGH INSURANCE BROKERS
DEAR EDITOR; We live in exciting times. In just the past week, the Government of Guyana has granted spectrum for Guyana’s Jubilee celebrations, allowing us to provide long-awaited 4G to Guyana. It’s a visionary move by the Government and a giant step that signals the impending formalisation of liberalisation. We couldn’t be happier. Liberalisation will allow GTT to provide faster speeds, more competitive rates, and a wider array of services to our customers. It will allow us to continue to “Do More” for our customers; and ultimately, Guyana wins. GTT is supportive of liberalisation and sees it as an essential aspect of modernising and growing Guyana’s economy and has proactively sought to reach an agreement with the Government of Guyana. With all of the unlicensed competitors, the telecommunications sector in Guyana is already somewhat liberalised; it just needs to be formalised. Customers can already get several services from other players in the market. There are existing
DEAR EDITOR; It is with shock and horror I witnessed the unacceptable conduct of (Retired) Lt. Colonel George Gomes, now President of the Guyana Veterans Legion on May 1st, 2016 at the Guyana Veterans Legion Hall on Carifesta Avenue in front of 149 attendees. This former officer was arrogant, he could not give deference to the 92 year old Gladwin Winston Rudolph Nestor, World War II Veteran, a World War II Military Medal recipient, his superior in any sphere. He would not give him an ear. He sought to berate and tarnish this man’s name, his shoes he cannot fill. He called him a “fraud” in my presence. This word is in no way synonymous with the name Nestor. His service to the British Constabulary and Guyana Police force was distinguished and unbroken. British Guiana gained its independence in 1966. He retired in 1979 at a substantive rank of Acting Assistant Superintendant, having served 33 1/3 years. He was honourably discharged on the 31/3/79 Mr. GWR Nestor, WWII Veteran, is the same man who made it possible by seconding the motion, cementing the merger of the Guyana legion and all exjoint service associations, he is now disparaging. He was a Veteran then, but when it comes to the distribution of Veterans grants funds, Gomes erroneously think you have to be from the Guyana Defence Force, Car-
ibbean Forces or senior overseas service to be a benefactor! This is the falsehood Retired Lt. George Gomes have tried to insert into the minds of younger Veterans In Mr. Gomes, inaugural address to the seniors of Legion he promised to be honest and forthright. He was convincing! What can be summed up now is this old Guyanese saying, “motion rice gat a pat, he nah gat a plate,” meaning he was so nice at the inaugural meeting, he was like a lamb. Since he has been at the helm, he has transformed into something that is the opposite. He has forgotten the motto; “Lest We Forget” Gladwin Winston Rudolph Nestor is not a fraud and I will not allow anyone to defame him. He would not apply for anything he knowingly did not qualify for. He fought for what was his. He did not lay down for anyone; a man I am proud to defend, much more against someone like (Retired) Lt. Colonel George Gomes. A wise old saying, says “a certain amount opposition is great help to man; kites rise against and not with the wind, even ahead of wind is better than none, therefore let no man’s wax cold because of opposition. ” On Sunday May 1st, 2016 Mr. Nestor, World War II Veteran sought audience with Retired Lt. Colonel George Gomes, at the Legion’s meeting, held the first Sunday of each month, to find out, why he had refused to sign his cheque and deliver money
companies that offer e-internet, landline, international inbound and outbound calling and mobile services. Internet access is also available from cafes. So the sector has long been a liberalised one; just not formally so. There is no real monopoly. With the rollout of 4G, Minister of Public Communications, Cathy Hughes, stated that, “We are happy to announce that in close cooperation with GTT we are able to provide high-speed, broadband services. This is the way for our country and it underlines that GTT is ready to “Do More” for Guyana and for their customers.” Since 1991, GTT has been in your homes and supported the country’s development; now we get to help with modernisation and the introduction of cutting edge technology! GTT embraces the benefits liberalisation will bring to the sector, our customers, and Guyana. No matter what you’ve heard otherwise, we say, “BRING IT ON!” Justin Nedd CEO, GTT
My father as a war veteran should not be treated this way due to him? This money being a yearly grant by the Royal Canadian Legion (RCEL) Canada, Dominion Command to named veterans and legal widows and common-law widows of World War II, issued in care of the Guyana Legion, the now Guyana Veterans Legion. This means the Legion or its principals, (Retired) Lt. Colonel George Gomes et al, have no authority to withhold, rescind or alter a dime from these Veterans and Widows grants, once approved by Dominion Command. He and his ignorant followers who laughed at my father cannot redefine his or his colleagues Veteran status. My father’s Military service is older than the Guyana Defence Force! If you do not know ask, read, listen and pay attention to your elders. What (Retired) Lt. Colonel George Gomes is ignorant of, is my father’s status as a World War II Veteran and that of those who served in the British Guiana Constabulary. In 1960, My father received the QEII Medal of service after 18 years of service. In 1966 the Medal of Indepen-
dence. The grants for Veterans and Widows cannot be tampered with. I urge Retired Lt. Colonel George Gomes to release all funds owing to the Veterans and Widows forthwith. If you think the blind who follow you, my father is not one of them! I urge all those who have relatives who served in this capacity as my father and were approved for this 2016 grant and prior to go to the finance office of the Guyana Veterans Legion and demand the release of their funds. If you do not get a favourable response, do not be intimidated by the empty, bellicose utterances of Retired Lt Colonel George Gomes, He does not know his Military History, contact The Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command, 86 Aird Place, Ottawa Ontario K2L 0A1 or the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, UK, 199 Borough High Street, London SEI IAA to report any variance or any such irregularity as my father has experienced. Louis Nestor Son of a true Veteran
Licence plate... From page 4 two days for my vehicle GDD 4100 to be examined and just to be told after examination that (Sir you cannot get fitness for this vehicle with the numbers pasted on the plates). As far as I know the purpose of a number plate is for
the purpose of identifying the vehicle and it must be clearly written according to specification and I have complied , it’s now two years since it have been this way and was accepted , what happen now ? A Change for the Worse? MAY GOD HELP GUYANA! Harri Persaud Beharry
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Kaieteur News
Islamic Bank South South cooperation to improve rice production in Suriname PARAMARIBO, Suriname — The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), through its “reverse linkage” initiative to enhance South/ South cooperation among its 57 members, is matching the challenge of Suriname with the experience of Malaysia so that the two countries can collaborate to maintain self-sufficiency in rice production in Suriname, according to an Islamic Bank press release last week. One of the mandates of the Islamic Bank is to promote cooperation among member countries of the OIC in an effort to “strengthen collaboration, to utilize and foster their talents, skills and technological capacities”. As a result, the bank responded and launched its Technical Cooperation Programme in 1983. According to the Islamic Bank, “The structured skills swap under Reverse Linkage helps the recipient country diagnose and analyze a problem while the provider country shares its proven knowledge and expertise to find a solution. The idea that all partners have something to gain from cooperation lies at the heart of Reverse Linkage. The learning process is reciprocal, knowledge transfer is in both directions, and benefits are mutual.” The Jeddah based bank, which Suriname joined in 1997, said the project will bring about the “necessary improvements of varieties, breeding and production methodologies, infrastructure and human resource development to achieve and maintain Suriname’s long-term self-sufficiency in rice production.” The Islamic Bank study concluded that Suriname has the potential to achieve selfsufficiency in rice production and develop better rice-based products that can be marketed domestically and internationally.
To achieve such, the Anne van Dijk Rijst Onderzoekscentrum Nickerie (ADRON), a research centre under the supervision of ministry of agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries of Suriname, was established for research and development (R&D) of rice and to assist farmers. However, the Islamic Bank study found that farmers in Suriname are faced with “limited area-specific rice varieties for the different soil types in the country. This problem is compounded by an acute lack of qualified rice breeders. Suriname’s rice breeders need to improve their knowledge in four essential areas: monitoring soil fertility and degradation, integrated water management for rice cultivation, documentation of the rates and requirements of fertilizer usage, and systematic landlevelling management in the rice growing areas.” The Islamic Bank has matched MARDI, a Malaysia based company, to share its technologies with Suriname’s ministry of agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries to “maintain a sustainable and competitive rice industry, directly benefiting at least 1,500 farmers and indirectly benefiting 5,000 people.” From the IsDB’s perspective, the project is an efficient and effective way of improving South-South cooperation among its member countries, helping the Bank to realise its vision and ten-year strategic framework. This project will showcase the technologies and expertise of Malaysia. In addition, participating in the project enables Malaysia to share its knowledge and expertise with other IsDB countries – a key part of its member country partnership strategy which Suriname signed in 2013.
Shanique Myrie not guilty
Shanique Myrie HARTFORD, Connecticut – Shanique Myrie was found not guilty of beating her now estranged husband, Troy Pusey, by a court in Harford, Maryland, in the United States on Thursday. However, Pusey claimed that she used obeah to win the case. Myrie, 28, became a household name after winning a high-profile case against Barbados in 2011. She faced the court in Hartford, Maryland, after she was
charged with assaulting her husband earlier this year. “He said I chased him down with knife, and I kicked him in his groin. That I punched him on his hand and that he did surgery on, and stuff like that,” Myrie told the STAR. “He went on the stand and told a bag of lies, contradicting himself, and the judge saw him for the liar that he is.” However, Pusey claimed that he presented substantial evidence in court and was baffled by the outcome. “I had several [pieces of] evidence – the doctor evidence, the testimonial, and the therapy that showed that there was bruises from somebody who hit me. There was all that evidence and none of that evidence prevailed in court,” Pusey lamented. “I guess the voodoo man said rest the case.” When the STAR put those allegations to Myrie, she denounced them as ridiculous, saying her husband is “a special kind of stupid”. “What him a talk ’bout, obeah? I don’t deal with that. I’m blessed, so tell him don’t get it twisted. Nothing to me like my father God. I pray that God has mercy on him,” Myrie said. Myrie and Pusey got married in 2013, after meeting on the popular social media site Facebook. However, the marriage went sour and Myrie walked out. Since then, the 28-year-old Myrie said her estranged husband has been trying to wreak havoc in her life by defaming her. Myrie said she initially considered suing her husband, but has now decided against it, saying she just wanted to move on with her life. A divorce is in order for the two and Myrie is relieved at the prospects. (Daily Nation)
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Dem boys seh... Nandlall blames ignorance Some mothers for owing NIS millions
crying to see wha dem mek
Former AG, Anil Nandlall BYABENA ROCKCLIFFECAMPBELL The ignorance of Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall has landed him into a $4.4M debt. Nandlall took it for granted that the government was making contributions for him to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). He told Kaieteur News that he belatedly learnt that this was not the case and that he was expected to make his contributions personally. The recent release of a report of the forensic audit into the operations of NIS has revealed much. The report was prepared by auditor Ramesh Seebaran. Seebaran said that over $2.5B remains outstanding by
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman
contributors who have not paid their dues but have been submitting monthly returns. The report stated that several companies and businesses, many of which are no longer in existence, have not been making the payments. The report also revealed that several public figures have over a lengthy period, remained indebted to the scheme. Among those highlighted are Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Nandlall, former Minister Pauline Sukhai and another former Attorney General, Charles Ramson. Trotman owed $554,850 but has since settled his payments. Trotman said that he was not aware of the debt. Kaieteur News
Former Minister, Pauline Sukhai
understands that Trotman, on Friday morning, met with a representative of NIS and was advised that the matter does not relate to remitting NIS contributions for any staff member of his, but rather, pertain to his personal contributions whilst he was in law practice. Sukhai has a debt of $1.6 million and Ramson owes just over $1M. Kaieteur News was unable to contact Sukhai. Nandlall said that he will be making moves to settle his debt. The former Attorney General and Legal Affairs said that the outstanding sum was accumulated over the period of time he was a minister. He explained that Ministers are “strangely” considered, for the purpose
of NIS payments, to be self employed. “So you are to make NIS contributions personally; it is not deducted from your salary even thought PAYE (Pay As You Earn) is but I did not know this. I belatedly found out.” Nandlall said that he will pay the money but not before he is satisfied that is his true indebtedness. The former Minister said that he reflected on the sum on the figure and it does not sound remotely correct. “So I will have to query. It seems like an inflated amount.” In this regard, Nandlall said that he will write NIS and request a breakdown. “Once satisfied that that is my true indebtedness I will make arrangements for the sum to be paid.”
NAREI helps farmers tackle caterpillar infestation
NAREI Extension Staff interact with farmers. Extension officers of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) are on the ground assisting farmers of Wakapoa, Curimaru, Myrie and Yarrashirima affected by the caterpillar infestation. On Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Extension Officers operating in Region Two were informed about the infestation in the riverine communities. An assessment was subsequently done and it was observed that over 200 acres of cassava farms were infested. NAREI will be assisting the farmers with chemicals (besttac, fast-tac, or alpha-cypermethrin) to combat the pest. It is
important to note that these chemicals are available on the local market. Extension Officers will be conducting informal training sessions to educate farmers about the safe and effective usage of the chemicals for optimal result. In addition, NAREI will be working closely with the Toshao and Village Council to ensure all affected farms are treated. NAREI is cognizant of the devastating effects the caterpillar infestation would have on crops and by extension the communities. As such, farmers are asked to be watchful and report any abnormalities to Extension Officers immediately.
Power is not an easy thing to handle. Just look wha it do to Jagdeo. He had a meeting in New York Friday night, he tell the nine people during he speech, nine times that he is still president of Guyana. Power mek de man stick in time. If wasn’t fuh dem guard at Ohh Pee dem man woulda walk in and sit down in Soulja Bai chair. Dem boys seh that he got a room in he mansion design just like de presidential office in Ohh Pee. He even got he security standing outside de door like when he use to got dem at Ohh Pee. This is de same man who as Opposition Leader got he own office but because is only he and Gail does be there he got to go to Freedom House because dem have nuff people there. And when he enter de place people got to stand up just like when de use to stand for him at Ohh Pee. Joe ShanLin was another one who had power. He use to call a lot of shots. Moses is de Prime Minister but Joe ShanLin was de power behind de throne. That is why he pick up heself and go to China. But he didn’t bargain fuh de licks that been behind de visit. Dem boys did done plan that de things that Jagdeo get away wid, nobody else would. That is how Joe get stop in he tracks. Soulja Bai pull out de whip. And since then dem boys ain’t even hearing bout BK. Is like if he disappear or fall off de map. And since BK disappear de other Babbie disappear too. He was one big organiser. He organise down to de rain that fall when Soulja Bai get inaugurated. Dem boys seh that de people organise him just like how some people organise demself fuh torment dem mother pun Mother’s Day. Some of dem don’t know de mother whole year but as soon as today come round, because dem hear people talk dem suddenly know that dem got mother. That is why some people ain’t got mother. Dem mother rather dead than see dem. Some mothers crying when dem see wha dem mek fuh pickney. No name no warrant. Talk half and wish all de love fuh dem mothers who struggle wid some of dem boys just to mek dem tun somebody.
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Acquisition of ‘special flooring material’ delays opening of GPHC Maternity wing
The New Wing at the Maternity Unit
The opening of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Maternity Unit’s new wing has been delayed by another month. This is mainly because there were some hiccups in acquiring flooring materials for the Operating Theatre which is currently under construction in the new wing. Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton revealed this during an interview with this newspaper recently. He said that unlike the other parts of the building, the theatre has to get “special flooring material.” “The contractor had to import the materials so we need more time,” the Minister
stated. According to Dr. Norton, the building should be opened next month. In the 2016 National Budget, $89M was set aside for the development of the facility’s maternity unit. The new facility will have 50 beds and a 17-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), an Operating Theatre and birthing rooms that are sound proof. The Minister said that the upper floor of the existing unit will be completely converted into a ward while the bottom floor will house the administrative offices. The upgrade, according to the Minister, will see mothers and their newborns benefitting from better
Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton patient care while being cared for at the facility. Apart from the new wing, the unit will benefit from
table-top foetal heart rate monitors, handheld foetal heart monitors and portable ultrasound machines. Overcrowding at the Maternity Unit has been a regular thing but the Public Health Minister said that when the new wing is completed, it will be a thing of the past. Up to two months ago, four persons were made to share one bed at the unit— two mothers and their newborn babies. A few weeks ago, a mother was photographed nursing her newborn under a bed at the hospital—mainly because there were no available beds. This newspaper was told
that since the opening of the maternity unit in 1988, adequate spacing has always been a challenge. However, the new wing is expected to add some relief to the problem. “We have different seasons. Sometimes we have a lot of pregnant mothers and then there are times when we don’t have that many and all the beds are free then. So no matter how many more beds
we get, the situation will still be the same,” a source at the hospital explained. The hospital delivers about 400 babies per month from February to May, then 300-plus in June and July, and it climbs back up to 400-plus in August. This continues to fluctuate for the rest of the year. This total amounts to 60 percent of the babies born in Guyana.
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Indian population predisposed to diabetes, heart conditions “I think diabetes is an epidemic in Guyana right now. It is literally of epidemic proportion,” declared, Dr. Madhu Singh, the Medical Director at the privately operated Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital. The disease, according to her, is one that is particularly targeting persons of East Indian descent. But as if this was not a bad enough development, Dr. Singh disclosed that the East Indian population here is also the greater suffers of coronary artery disease. This, she said, is linked to the fact that the arteries of East Indian people are particularly small. “Ninety per cent of the patients that we see with heart disease are Indians because we have small arter-
- Medical expert ies and we also have more diabetes. So it is a double whammy for us,” informed Dr. Singh. Although she has been a medical professional for many years she only learned of East Indians predisposal to diabetes and coronary artery disease, recently. Based on published reports, coronary artery disease is currently the leading cause of death worldwide and together with diabetes, poses a serious health threat, particularly in the Indian-Asian population. But risk factor management has evolved consider-
ably with the continued emergence of new and thoughtprovoking evidence, it has been revealed. However, it has been found that the stream of laboratory and population-based research findings as well as unresolved controversies may pose dilemmas and conflicting impulses in most clinicians, and even in well-informed patients. Dr. Singh, moreover, said, “We (East Indians) have long standing diabetes and long standing hypertension...all the risk factors for heart disease.” She pointed out that diabetes has the potential of having a very damaging change to an individual’s cholesterol profile. “Your cholesterol profile will be very bad if you have diabetes. It is something called metabolic syndrome that is associated with diabetes...bad cholesterol, high risk of heart disease, hypertension are all as-
sociated with diabetes,” related Dr. Singh. But addressing this could be as simple as improving your diet, according to the Medical Director. She noted that deliberate efforts are made to raise awareness among patients. “We give lots of dietary advice. All of our nurses are trained to give diabetics advice,” said Dr. Singh. Patients, according to her, are urged to be screened for diabetes as this could help to guard against developing cardiac conditions. “A lot of people have diabetes and they are running around thinking their sugars are fine.” The diabetes condition she informed is compounded by the use of soft drinks. She emphasised that “there is a serious soft drink culture in Guyana. I don’t intent to offend the soft drink manufacturers but I have to say this...in Guyana people don’t like to drink water, they like to drink soft drink and it is just sugar water really and it is very bad for their health.” “People are walking around not knowing they are
Dr. Madhu Singh diabetics and drinking a lot of soft drinks and they don’t even know they have a problem. So people need to be screened for diabetes and they need to be screened for hypertension too,” Dr. Singh added. She insisted that it is time that people seek to take care of their health not only by eating properly but also by exercising. “People need to
keep their weight down, check their Body Mass Index, stop smoking and watch their sugar and pressure and look at all of these things and have a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Singh. But if beyond all this persons still develop worrying conditions they can still access the services of qualified physicians at the Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital, Dr. Singh assured.
Sunday May 08, 2016
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Kaieteur News
THREE YEARS LATER…
CORPORAL ROMAIN CLETO’S MURDER REMAINS ON THE UNSOLVED LIST BY DALE ANDREWS The recent successes of the Guyana Police Force in solving violent crimes are a great source of encouragement for this small nation where gunmen at one time felt immune to capture. What is even more encouraging in that some of the cases that are being solved go back as far as eight years. But amidst the encouragement, there is some despair for the relatives of some victims of crime especially murder, who are still anxious to receive some amount of justice. It is even more despairing when the victim of one of these unsolved crimes is from among those who are supposed to be solving them. They say charity begins at home and this is so applicable when it comes to the Guyana Police Force pulling out all the stops to
would have been an easy matter for the police to investigate and eventually capture the perpetrators. “Dem men just shoot up like if dey deh in a war,” one eyewitness stated at the
Corporal Romain Cleto with his daughter shortly before his death. find the killers of Corporal Romain Cleto. It’s been three years since this crime fighter was gunned down and to date his colleagues in the organization that is supposed to bring his family justice have not done so. It seems that this might be the case for many years to
come. Except for a grand memorial every year during the force’s anniversary celebrations, precious little seems to be done to truly satisfy Cleto’s grieving relatives, including his only daughter who was one year old at the time. Incidentally, in their haste to satisfy the public, the police had charged a city resident, only for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to withdraw the matter, much to their embarrassment. I have covered my fair share of policemen being killed but none of their deaths left the scar that corporal Romain Cleto’s death has left on my reporting career. APRIL 27, 2013
An image from Cleto’s Facebook page which is still active today.
GIRL’S SCREAMS SCARE THIEF An Anna Regina mother and her two young daughters panicked Saturday morning after they woke up to find an intruder in their home staring at them even as one of the woman’s daughters hollered frantically for “Thief, Thief!” Neighbors who were alerted by the screams proceeded to surround the house but the masked man jumped through a front window and escaped. But before the unknown bandit entered the woman’s house at Anna Regina, he had broken into a neighbour’s house. The police were alerted and were making checks for the man. The bandit carried away money that was secured in a bag in the woman’s house. Meanwhile, in Henrietta Village, an unoccupied house was broken into. The thief stole a television set. The police were alerted and checks were made but no suspect was held. (Yannason Duncan)
It was just after the sundown on April 27 2013; I was driving around with columnist Freddie Kissoon when we noticed a large crowd at the junction of Avenue of the Republic and Regent Street, in the vicinity of the Plaisance Minibus Park. Our inquisitive nature caused us to stop and enquire. You could imagine our anxiety when we learnt that there had just been a shootout between the police and gunmen and that there might be some casualties. I immediately asked myself, “How brazen could these people be? Right in the heart of downtown Georgetown, where so many people had gathered?” We saw several spent 7.62 rounds and nine millimeter shell casings that littered the scene. The walls of the Bank of Baroda were riddled with bullet holes; the place resembled a war zone. Everyone was talking about what they had witnessed a few minutes ago and I was certain that this
scene. It was later learnt that a policeman was killed and two others were injured. I was surprised that no mention was made of any of the gunmen or any other person
being shot. It was if the policemen were the intended targets. That night I was told that Cleto and his colleagues were on patrol when they spotted Continued on page 71
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Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
EAST BANK DEMERARA ROAD EXPANSION…
Works on the East Bank Demerara road
Min. Patterson eyes June deadline for project Back in 2011, the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration had rolled out the East Bank Demerara (EBD) four-lane extension project. Fast forward to 2016, however, and work is still being completed after construction delays and time extensions. In addition, the work has been causing extended traffic jams since resuming. According to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, however, works on the EBD road project are set to be completed by the end of June 2016, once the weather does not prove too detrimental. He added that the workers
have been given a May 26 deadline for the lane on either side of the carriageway to be completed. This, he said, was to ensure that the traffic flow is smooth for the Jubilee celebrations. Asked whether the possibility of the workers working both day and night had been explored, the Minister stated that they had their schedule to complete, by whatever means necessary. Work on the Lot One, the Providence to Covent Garden component, of the project had originally been awarded to Dipcon Engineering Services Ltd in 2011 for some US$8M. It was initially set to be completed in 18 months, but after three extensions the
work had only gone half way by March last year. The contract was terminated and granted to Gaico Construction and BK International. The 2014 Auditor General report on the then Ministry of Public Works highlighted several instances, whereby construction delays within all three lots in the controversial East Bank of Demerara highway improvement project- Providence to Covent Garden, Vreed en Ruste to Prospect and Diamond resulted in numerous time extensions and the ultimate stymieing of the endeavour. President David Granger was asked on the weekly television programme, The
Public Interest, about the delays on the EBD road and the East Coast to East Bank Demerara bypass road. In his response, he stated that the administration has had to do some reevaluation. “This administration has had to reevaluate the infrastructure plan. The plan is now national; it is not Region Four alone. We want to see highways going into the hinterland, particularly from Region Ten to Region Nine.” “We want to see roads in Region Eight and Region Seven, going into the areas that produce our gold, diamond and timber. And also this would enable law enforcement officers to
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson exercise duties. Right now the plans are under evaluation.”
“So we are working on a national plan and of course that national plan has to be financed. That perhaps is one of the drawbacks. But we want to see highways, not just creating a network on the coast but also penetrating the hinterland.” Earlier this year, Government had inked a US$50M loan with the Export-Import Bank of India to construct a 20km bypass road from Ogle, on the East Coast of Demerara to Great Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara. The new roadway is expected to be linked to several communities including Perseverance, Mocha, Providence, Eccles, Peter’s Hall and Aubrey Barker Road.
Cops nab gang trailing businessman from bank Police believe that they have smashed a gang of robbers that has been targeting businessmen, particularly after they have visited commercial banks.
The three suspects were captured around 11.30hrs yesterday while trailing a businessman who had visited the Demerara Bank Limited at Diamond, East Bank The captured suspects
The impounded car
Demerara. Kaieteur News understands that the businessman had just left the bank when he observed a white Toyota Spacio, PPP 2662, with three men inside, trailing his vehicle. The intended victim stopped at two other locations to transact business, and saw that the vehicle was still following him. The businessman immediately sought refuge at a Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara location, and contacted the police. When the ranks arrived, the suspects were still in the vicinity. One seeing the lawmen, one of the men fled from the car and tried to board a minibus. He was however, captured,
as well as his accomplices. The vehicle was also impounded. Police identified the suspects as Afzal Khan, of Lot 154 La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara and Belle West , West Bank Demerara; Rondel Seon Douglas called ‘Uncle’ of Lot 45 Palm Street, Werk-en-Rust, and Lot 1360 Diamond East Bank Demerara; and Parmanand Rampersaud, of Diamond Housing Scheme. Khan and Douglas are known ‘truckers’. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum disclosed that police have CCTV footage of the same men breaking into a car in Alberttown some three weeks ago, and making off with cash and a firearm.
Sunday May 08, 2016
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Kaieteur News
US State Department highlights deficiencies in enforcing Guyana’s minimum wage legislation The United States Government has found that there has been a deficiency in Guyana‘s enforcement of minimum wage legislation. Although specific data were unavailable, the US State Depart 2015 report on Guyana stipulated that a significant number of workers were employed in the informal economy unorganized workers, particularly women in the informal sector, were often paid less than the minimum wage. The document, which was released last month, said that based on information from local trade unions and NGOs, the Ministry of Social Protection (new name of former Ministry of Labor) did not adequately enforce occupational safety and health legislation due to insufficient resources. “In 2013, the latest year for available data, the ministry reported 486
workplace accidents, of which 10 were fatal, including five in manufacturing and three in the bauxite sector.” “The law also prohibits discrimination with respect to employment and occupation based on race, sex, gender, disability, language, social status, and national origin or citizenship but the government did not effectively enforce the law.” the US report said However, the document clearly underlined the fact that Guyana’s law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. As such the department said that there was “discrimination in employment and occupation with respect to women and to persons based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.” With respect to wages and salaries, the US noted
that for regular working hours of all full-time private sector employees wages are set nationally for hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly workers at no less than $202 (US$1) per hour; $1,616 (US$8) per day; $8,080 (US$40) per week; or $35,000 (US$175) per month. “The law prohibits compulsory overtime. Overtime work must be paid according to rates set in the law or according to any collective bargaining agreement in force where workers are unionized. The law provides for paid annual holidays and establishes workplace safety and health standards. But the law also provides that some categories of workers have the right to remove themselves from unsafe work environments without jeopardizing their employment, and authorities effectively protected
Mark Benschop refuses private testimony at Prison COI Social activist, Mark Benschop, has condemned the actions of officials attached to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into Camp Street Prison disturbance for their refusal to allow his testimony about his five years as a prisoner to be conducted in the presence of the media and members of the public. Benschop was charged for treason and was incarcerated for five years at the Camp Street facility during the tenure of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. Given his experience in the penitentiary, the social activist had submitted a statement to the Commission and was scheduled to testify before the panel headed by Justice James Patterson on Friday. However, when the social activist turned up to offer his testimony to the commission, he was informed by the Chairman,(Justice Patterson) that his testimony will be conducted in camera. The social activist became incensed and noted that he was not prepared to speak to the commission privately at a public hearing. Benschop reiterated his desire was only to tell the truth about his experience as a prisoner at Camp Street without fear or reservation. Following the incident on Friday, the social activist took to social media to express his disappointment. “So, the Commission of Inquiry (COI) has refused to
Social Activist, Mark Benschop allow members of the media and public listen to my testimony about my five years as a Political Prisoner. The fact that it’s a Public Inquiry, I’m suspicious of the decision to exclude the media, and members of the public. So, I’ve refused to testify in private and partake in a farce,” Benschop posted. The COI was ordered by President David Granger following one of the deadliest riots that took place within the prisons in recent years. Seventeen prisoners persished after a fire broke out in Capital Block A of the Camp Street jail. The President appointed Justice James Patterson, Merle Mendonca and retired Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine as Commissioners to oversee the work. The panel is expected to investigate, examine and report on the causes, circumstances and conditions
that led to the disturbances on the morning of March 3, 2016, that resulted in the death of prisoners and any other subsequent disturbances at the Camp Street Prisons; the nature of all injuries sustained by the Prisoners, and any other subsequent disturbances. According to the rules of procedure, the commission was expected to render its report, findings and recommendations to the Minister of Public Security. Stakeholders whose views will be considered by the commission may include staff of the Prisons and their representative unions, members of the judiciary, prisoners accommodated within the Camp Street facility, functionaries in the Ministries of Public Health and Social Protection and any other stakeholder whose input would be deemed appropriate. The Inquiry is being conducted in the Conference Room of the Department of Public Service, Ministry of the Presidency, 164 Waterloo Street, South Cummingsburg, and can be held in such other places as the Chairman may determine.
employees in these situations. The Ministry of Social Protection is charged with enforcement of labor law and had 10 inspectors as of 2012, the latest year for available data. Labor inspections carried out during the year identified occupational safety and health problems. Ministry’s follow-up of labor inspection findings varied, and compliance among employers was also inconsistent. Penalties for violations ranged from $15,000 (US$75) to $46,600 (US$230) and generally were not sufficient to deter violations. The US reported “as of August (2015), 18 employers were charged for unsafe and/ or unhealthy workplace practices.” Additionally, Department said the law provides for the right of association and allows workers to form and join trade unions, bargain collectively, and conduct legal
strikes. “The law bars military and paramilitary members from forming a union or associating with any established union. The law prohibits antiunion discrimination by employers but does not specifically require reinstatement of workers fired for union activity. The labour laws cover all categories of employees, including foreign migrant workers.” “Arbitration is compulsory for public employees, and such employees engaging in illegal strikes are subject to sanctions or imprisonment. The government occasionally enforced applicable laws but did not do so effectively. Penalties for violation of labor laws were small fines, ranging from $6,000 (US$30) to $46,000 (US$230).” But the US claims that such penalties were
insufficient to deter violations and frequently were not imposed. “Administrative and judicial proceedings regarding violations often were subject to lengthy delays and appeals.” The report suggested that some public sector employee unions continued to allege antiunion discrimination by the government, claiming that the government violated worker rights and did not effectively enforce its laws. “The unions were concerned that employers used hiring practices such as contract labor and temporary workers to avoid hiring workers with bargaining rights.” The Ministry of Social Protection is required to certify all collective bargaining agreements, and there were no reports it refused to certify any agreements in 2015.
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Kaieteur News
=======Dipcon cash crunch...========
Road workers crowd office to demand overdue payments Dozens of disgruntled sub-contractors, engineers, operators and labourers yesterday assembled at Dipcon’s Non Pareil Road,
Coldingen Industrial estate office, to demand money they say is owed to them for some five months. Dipcon is one of the
several road contractors who were assigned to the East Bank of Demerara four-lane highway. Dipcon also had a contract to do work on a
Workers in the office yesterday agitating for their payments section of the East Coast Demerara four-lane expansions. Dipcon reportedly encountered problems from the rising costs of materials and the delays in removing utilities from the area. The company had also admitted to owing the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). According to the workers, they have been making repeated visits to the office in order to be paid, but would always be told to come back at a later time. One sub contractor related that they would return again and again, only to be deferred. The workers called for the Government to get involved in the issue, even if it means a blacklist against the company. Another worker, identified as ‘Ricky’ Charamchulai, alleged that the company dismissed him late last month without due process or the benefit of a notice. He worked with the company for 21 years. He too assembled with the group with a view to receiving
payment. An official from the Dipcon office, Parmeshwar Ramkarran, acknowledged that the company did owe salaries and wages, a portion of which the company was seeking to disburse. He earmarked next week for payments to be made. Asked about the exact amount that is owed, he declined to give specific figures. However, he made it clear that the affected people would be paid in portions. Notwithstanding, one worker made it clear that the company ought to be paying out millions, not just the $15,000 and $30,000 they have made moves to pay. Last year June, Dipcon featured prominently when staffers went to the then Ministry of Labour to protest and lodge complaints for their benefits and severance pay. At that point, the company had its contract to conduct road works on the East Bank of Demerara taken away and handed to another company, Gaico Construction. Dipcon had been awarded phase one of the four lane extension from Providence to
Covent Garden. The 2013 Auditor General report on the Ministry of Public Works highlighted several instances, whereby construction delays within all three lots in the East Bank of Demerara highway improvement projectProvidence to Covent Garden, Vreed en Ruste to Prospect and Diamond resulted in numerous time extensions and the ultimate stymieing of the endeavor. In the case of Providence to Covent Garden, Dipcon was flagged by the report, which noted that the contract was awarded to them for some US$8M on October 3, 2011. The initial project duration was eighteen months, but this contract saw three extensions being awarded- the first from 30th April 2013 to 31st October, 2013, the second to 28 June 2014 and the third was granted up to 28th December, 2014. Dipcon Engineering Services Ltd. constructs roadways, highways, bridges, and has locations in Trinidad and Tobago, the Eastern Caribbean and Guyana.
Bartica elevated to township... From page 3 said that Bartica is also going to lead the way in solid waste management and recycling. Granger said that Bartica is poised to becoming the laboratory for Guyana's green economy. He said that efforts over the next four years must be geared towards sustainable forms of renewable energy. The President said that the nation must make vigorous efforts to rid itself of the addition to gasoline and
dieseline. “Bartica must lead the way and be a model town and show all other regions how Guyana could supply enough energy without depending on fossil energy…Bartica must become the motor to transform Guyana onto a platform of sustainable green development.” He recalled that last year, on October 3, something drew him to Bartica to launch the first National Tree Day. Granger said that soon, every
avenue will be surrounded by “green.” Apart from being a “motor”, he said that Bartica must become a magnet for investment. The President said, “We will get rid of that terrible little benab at the airstrip. And we will have a modern municipal aerodrome with solar air conditions so that investors will come from all across the Caribbean and will fly into the region with bags of money to develop the resources of this great region. So we see this region led by Bartica resting on four essential pillars…” He also congratulated the community for the clean surroundings and the clean up initiatives undertaken.
Sunday May 08, 2016
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Kaieteur News
4G spectrum release...Mobile Service
Providers finally able to play catch-up By Sharmain Grainger For a few hours on Friday, many Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) customers experienced for the first time Fourth Generation (4G) services on their mobile devices. It was electrifying, for want of a better word. In my opinion the data service fuelled by 4G was on par with the GTT Wireless Service (Wifi) Silver package (5 Mbps speed). But it was a mere taste of what is expected to be the norm in the very near future. Digicel officially introduced the service yesterday to some of its customers too. GTT has for sometime been the subject of much criticism because of what some believe was the provision of less than desirable mobile service. But according to its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Justin Nedd, things are about to change for the better. I am inclined to believe
him; after all I was pleased with my 4G experience. In an invited comment, Nedd revealed “We are tremendously excited about GTT’s launch of 4G services” and confidently added that “Our promise is to ‘Do More’ and we are doing more. We are incredibly excited about what the future holds for our customers, for our country and for GTT”. Many countries have been experiencing 4G for many years. As such it has been deduced that we are now playing catch-up. Fingers have been pointed to GTT for the delay. But while GTT has for sometime been accused of keeping back the evolution of telecommunication in Guyana, Nedd insisted that the delayed introduction of 4G was no fault of GTT. He explained that GTT has been working with the Government over an extended period to
The Baccoo Speaks
Cars are usually used for driving on roads, but there are inexperienced drivers who test their vehicles in canals. That will be the case on the roadways. One driver will find himself in serious problems because the water is high. Fortunately there would be people around al-
though the place is dark. Rumours of people being trapped in the vehicle would set off a mad search. ** The audits are discovering some interesting facts. And once more people are going to question the absence of prosecution. There is going to be an interesting column. And worse, some NIS contributors are going to find problems getting their pensions. ** The criminals are always busy. Fortunately, the way is not as clear as they would expect. A roadblock would thwart a robbery. Another group of criminals would be taken off the streets.
get spectrum released for advanced services and is very appreciative that the current administration saw the need to release the spectrum in time for the Golden Jubilee celebration. Guyana is gearing to celebrate 50 years as an independent nation on May 26. And Nedd anticipates that “the network performance for the Jubilee will be tremendous,” even as he assured that GTT can certainly deliver on its promise. “Our customers will be blown away by the difference, and will absolutely be able to Do More! We are finally bringing Guyana on par with the rest of the Caribbean,” he boasted. To ensure its readiness for the spectrum release, GTT had long invested about $1 billion to set up test networks in key locations in the country, he disclosed. And according to him, “as far as the telecommunications sector is concerned we are fortunate to have a Minister, in the form of Minister (Cathy) Hughes, who has Guyana at the forefront. And she seems to be pushing for Guyana in spite of certain challenges she is encountering”. Nedd made it clear though that “the release of spectrum has absolutely nothing to do with liberalisation. GTT - and Digicel – have long been seeking the spectrum to launch
advanced wireless services. Fortunately, we now have the spectrum and everyone in Guyana will be the beneficiaries”. In the context of the local telecommunications sector, Nedd noted that liberalisation means allowing other providers to legally enter the market, under a rule of law-based framework without preferences or loopholes. And according to him too, GTT is very supportive of liberalisation and sees it as an essential aspect of modernizing and growing Guyana’s economy. “We have long and proactively sought to reach agreement for the voluntary relinquishing of GTT’s exclusivity on international traffic, and are heartened by statements from the current administration that they will soon be ready to sit down with us and others and reach a positive outcome for all involved,” added Nedd. Such a positive outcome, according to him, will both open the possibilities for new services and service providers, while also sending the right signals to encourage investment by current and potential new investors in the Guyanese economy. This, he anticipates, will also allow for a level playing field, the rule of law to be upheld and encourage respect for contractual rights. ”We have been pushing for this for years.
Liberalisation is good. Competition is good. We want to see this happen. It is inevitable. As our neighbours in the Caribbean say, viva libre (live free)!” Nedd emphatically stated. And the CEO is convinced that GTT will be able to provide the best service. He has, however, accepted that this will be the judgment call of the customers. But even as he recognized that the two existing service providers are poised to improve their services, he stressed that “GTT has done much for Guyana since our inception and is even more proactively committed to ‘Do
GTT CEO, Mr. Justin Nedd
More’ into the future.” ‘Doing More’ is clearly the motto that has been embraced by GTT, but Nedd assured that “Doing More isn’t just a tagline for us, it’s what we live by? The numbers don’t lie.” Well what I do know for sure is that it’s ‘game on’ time for our service providers, and while customers are excited to benefit from 4G services, they are ultimately the ones who will determine who really has the better service. Customers should, however, take care to use their data wisely, since faster data service will more than likely mean that your megabytes will be used up at a much faster rate too.
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Kaieteur News
Five decades in the sugar industry...
‘Aunty Chalma’ is a ‘Special Person’ By Suraj Narine As most of the world observes Mother’s Day today, many mothers of Guyanese origin are probably in the kitchen, despite being told it’s their day off. But Guyanese mothers are like that. They are of the opinion that their sole purpose in life is to make and keep their children forever happy. One such mother is 89year-old Pongavanum Munsammy called “Aunty Chalma”. Now Aunty Chalma isn’t your typical old-timer that lives in the village whom you go to for a “noint down” (massage) when you get a sprain or a strain – no, she is much more valuable and precious – not only to her family members, but to her village, Leonora Pasture (West Coast Demerara) as well. She was recently honoured at Pushpanjali 16 as, supposedly, the oldest surviving worker of the Leonora Sugar Estate. She was also given the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon to commission the Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT)’s, Open Air Museum, which is now located in the Monument Gardens at Camp Street and North Road, Georgetown. Kaieteur News was fortunate to get an interview with
Aunty Chalma who does not like to be interrupted from her evening newscasts. On our way to locate her, we stopped and asked a little boy on a bicycle for directions. He volunteered to show us the way. We later learnt that Aunty Chalma was as popular as dhal puri at a kangan. Her daughter, 59-year-old Golin, who operates a canteen at the Leonora Secondary School, said that her mother
cutter. She remembers always competing with her two siblings to show their parents who the most hardworking child was. MEMORIES OF HARD TIMES PASSED She remembers vaguely the 1939 Leonora Strike and Riot at Plantation Leonora. At that time, the estate was one of the 27 functioning sugar estates in colonial British Guiana.
“Time hard yes, but you must get up and get...Hard or soft you gah battle fuh yuh self.” is probably the most popular person in Leonora. Her exact words were, “Who nah know Aunty Chalma, nah born yet”. That little boy leading us to her house was proof of this. Aunty Chalma was more than happy to be interviewed although she reiterated that the discussion must be finished by 18:00hrs so that she can commence her habitual two-hour-long news-watching session. She was born on February 17, 1927 to Andikan and Chinganie who she said came to Guyana on a ship. Both her mother and father worked at the sugar estate to take of her and her two siblings. Her father was a “fork-man” and her mother, a “bad fuh days” cane
The strike and riot surfaced against the backdrop of the Great Depression of the 1930s, which was particularly due to the impact of First World War By the 1920s and 1930s, workers’ wages were depressingly low in the face of an extremely high cost of living, there was acute poverty, the unemployment rate was high and diseases and malnutrition were widespread. Aunty Chalma remembers the cries made by workers for better wages as the times began to get harder and cost of living climbed to unbearable heights. She and her brothers never got the opportunity to go to school; they had no choice but to start “hustling”
Aunty Chalma and her daughter, Golin at her home in Leonora yesterday. to stay alive. She was introduced to labour at the age of seven and by the age of 12, she was officially a worker of the Leonora
89-year-old Aunty Chalma entertaining the crowd at Pushpanjali 16, which was held at the Monument Gardens, Georgetown on Arrival Day.
Sugar Estate. THE DUCK, AND THE MARRIAGE TO “TAMBIE” With the times getting harder and the strikes becoming more frequent, her parents decided that it was time for her to get married. She was just 12 years old when her parents began secretly meeting with the relatives of potential suitors. Aunty Chalma said that she was home one day when a lady (presumably her neighbour) told her that she should go to the backyard and “catch a duck” to cook for her in-laws. “Meh suck meh teeth and seh that me nah know wha she ah talk bout, because me nah got dem thing da (inlaws). Not knowing dat dem (her parents) bin and look bai fuh me,” she said. Days later, she got married to an estate worker from Leonora called Munsammy, or better known as “Tambie”. After marriage, she moved to Cane Grove on the East Coast of Demerara where she and Tambie – a man she never knew before, with nothing but the clothes on their back and a few shillings, began their marriage life in a logie. They lived happily for four years till tragedy struck – her first-born
passed away. Unable to cope with it, she and Tambie returned to Leonora, and the estate that she once left behind. Her marriage produced six children. She now has seven grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren and two greatgreat-grandchildren. ESTATE SERVICE She and Tambie immediately began working at the Leonora Estate and it was sometime after that period that her parents passed away. Even more committed to make her life and the life of her children better, Aunty Chalma immersed herself in her work. She began working harder than ever. Tambie worked in the “cut and plant” gang while she was inducted into the weeding gang. She would from time to time try her hands at cane-cutting. She eventually saved enough money and she bought several cows. Life, for the first time was beginning to get easier. Things began to go smoothly until Tambie started to go astray. He had become an alcoholic. Her daughter, Golin, said that she remembers her father pawning his fork, shovels and cutlass just to get money to (Continued on page 47)
Sunday May 08, 2016
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Kaieteur News
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
President Granger misses some essential points about copying It is simply incomprehensible how European countries devastated by war and hunger after 1945 could have developed themselves that today they send money to postcolonial countries who didn’t even suffer five percent of physical destruction that WW2 brought to Europe. Hamburg was destroyed with over 50,000 deaths and a million refugees. In the history of warfare no city has ever been more cruelly bombed as Dresden. Dresden became a complete ruin in 1945. Hamburg and Dresden are not just ordinary cities in 2016; they are post-modern places; so is the country they are part of - Germany. Germany has the soundest economy in the world after China. Germany is the centre of the European Union. Today, post-colonial leaders and intellectuals continue to frown upon the former colonial powers and other developed states, blaming them for every social and political ill that has befallen the Third World. But we don’t blame ourselves. We cannot perform, so we have to explain our primitive condition to our population. So we find the perfect excuse; not just an excuse but the perfect alibi – the Whiteman did us in. Yes the Whiteman did us in. He colonized us, took our resources and interfered with our psyche. But after 50 years, we refuse to learn life’s lessons. The Whiteman colonized us and imposed ancient laws
and regulations on us. Then the Whiteman withdrew from our lands and left us to develop our territories all by ourselves. Then time passed and the Whiteman changed with time, but we are still stuck in the past. The Whiteman’s own ancient laws he, himself, has done away with long, long ago. But though we are happy to perennially cuss him down, we love the ancient habits the Whiteman instilled in us. We worship the irrelevant customs the Whiteman brought and that the Whiteman himself now finds outdated. President Granger asserted that there is no priority on the Government’s agenda for changing the laws relating to marijuana. In justifying his position, he is quoted as saying that we should be careful what we copy from the developed world. I would like to know what the things are that we should be careful not to copy and what are the things we should copy. But just as we should be wary of copying from the developed world, should we not become fed up with the aid we have been asking for and they have been giving us since they withdrew from our lands more than fifty years
ago? Is it right for European countries that were devastated in WW2 to be sending funds to the post-colonial world year in year out since Independence? Why should German money come to the Third World when at the end of 1945, many post-colonial societies were far better off than Germany? Shouldn’t some Third World countries be sending aid to Germany? There are some points Mr. Granger missed about the changing world we live in. Which country jails people for the possession of a smoking utensil? I don’t know the answer, but I can tell you I doubt whether any European country, including the postcommunist ones in Eastern Europe, has such a law. I can tell you that Canada and the US do not jail people for possession of a smoking utensil. I haven’t done the research, but it is my belief that there is no law in the developed world in which a person can be charged for the mere possession of a smoking utensil. But let us say I am wrong, I am betting everything I have that if charged there will not be an automatic jail sentence There is another point President Granger missed when he advised us to be careful how and what we copy
from the West. President Hoyte did not only copy his anti-narcotic law from the West; it was imposed on him. Maybe we should undo our copying from the developed world by abolishing President’s Hoyte shameless copy of the drug law from the developed world. Finally, are there things we should copy from the developed world? The list is limitless. Had the Third World
done that earlier in their Independence years, maybe they would have been better countries. We should import the anger of their youths who are willing and eager to fight against wrong-doing. We should emulate their social services. In Germany, university education is free. In Scandinavia there are public swimming pools. We have four in Guyana but not one is open to the public. We should
Frederick Kissoon copy the moral obligation mentality of their leaders who resign when they commit wrong-doing. Joe Harmon is still in office. I could go on, but why waste my time.
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Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
The aesthetic and sanitary transformation …for a healthier and more of D’Urban Park wholesome community (An overview by Public Infrastructure Minister, Hon. David Patterson) “The Government of Guyana feels that our 50th Anniversary Celebration affords us an opportunity to engage in introspection and serious reflection as to what has brought Guyana to this point and where we will go from here. Government looked at the short, medium and long term benefits to be derived from expending resources on the park and determined that the cost is justifiable. There have been questions in the public domain on the necessity of D’Urban Park. Persons have noted the presence of the National Stadium which, almost a year ago, hosted the inauguration of President David Granger. These questions are valid ones. However, while the May 2015 Inauguration was an overall success, the use of the National Stadium on that occasion allowed us to recognise its shortcomings. During the inauguration, the stadium was filled to its capacity of 16,000 persons. This event also caused major traffic disturbances and safety concerns, as noted by the Police and Fire departments, who cautioned against a similar activity at this venue. It is anticipated that our Jubilee celebrations will be
witnessed by more than double the number of persons who attended the Inauguration last year, thus leading to greater demand for space. D’Urban Park, when completed, is expected to hold 30,000 people. It has a greater capacity than all other comparable sites, including the National Park and the National Stadium. The National Stadium’s cricket pitch and outfield are also unavailable for use due to the regulations of the International Cricket Council. Additionally, the centrality of D’Urban Park was taken into consideration. Its central location makes it more easily accessible to a greater number of citizens who do not possess vehicles. There are also enough facilities to accommodate parking via Homestretch Avenue; Hadfield Street; the two parking lots at D’Urban Park; the National Cultural Centre tarmac; the Clifton Anderson Sports Hall; and the NCN tarmac. Additionally, the aesthetic and sanitary transformation of the D’Urban Park area compared to what existed over the past two decades – makes for a healthier and more wholesome community. The configuration of the Park will also allow it to accommodate a variety of public events beyond the Jubilee celebrations, including the
Mashramani float parade; religious ceremonies; food fairs and education exhibitions; musical concerts; medical outreaches; physical training and gymnastic displays; and other public rallies. Some of the structures being erected, such as the bleachers and pavilion, are permanent while others are temporary and would be relocated after the Jubilee to various community centres around the country. The exact locations where stands will be relocated will be determined by the appropriate ministries. The decision to make D’Urban Park a reality was not made in a vacuum. There were consultations with the residents of the surrounding community and it has been a subject of public discussions over many years preceding this administration. In fact, every government going back to the late seventies has made varying proposals to upgrade this particular area. Most of the concept designs were made available to this administration and it is from these designs that the artistic impression of the completed D’Urban Park was conceptualised. The works will be executed in a phased manner. The current works being done by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) mark the completion of Phase I.
The overall costs for the several phases have yet not been determined, but the sum of GY$150M has been allocated for the completion of this Phase I. This sum was sought and received approval upon MPI’s assumption of responsibility of D’Urban Park. The Ministry will update on final costs upon completion of the project. With regard to sources of funding prior to the Ministry’s assumption of responsibility, all donations were made to a registered company which operates under a separate head outside of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Therefore, these would be audited differently. The project has, of course, had its hiccups. When MPI assumed responsibility, there were some defects on the structures caused by shrinking timber, loose joints and poor finishing. These defects are currently being corrected. Several other measures have been implemented to ascertain people’s safety. One such measure is a decrease in the total capacity of seating per stand (the factor of safety (FS) from five to three. It must be noted that the Ministry’s responsibility over D’Urban Park will not reduce or detract its funds for other scheduled projects; in a subhead under “Agency 322 Public Works: Chart of Account 1214900 Infrastructural Development”, the sum of GY$150M has been provided from the Contingencies Fund to assist in this project. The GY$72.889M voted under this subhead by Parlia-
Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson ment will not affect the approved scheduled projects. PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE FOLLOWED FOR CONTRACTS Nine contractors are currently on board the D’Urban Park Development Project as the MPI progresses smoothly towards its deadline. Sixteen firms were shortlisted from the Ministry’s prepared list of shortlisted contractors to bid for the construction of timber framed bleachers with steel framed roofing. As per procurement regulations, interested bidders were required to respond in writing, indicating their intention to submit a bid. Further, they were required to present sealed bids to the Officer of the Coordinator of the Works Services Group, as well as visit the site. Selection criteria were based on a number
of areas, including attestation of site visit; access to a line of credit of no less than GY$4M; and commitment to provide requisite staff for 2 shifts per working day. Out of the invited contractors, Bassoo and Sons; House Designs and Engineering Associates; S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Constructing Services; and C and L Construction Inc. were selected. These firms joined TBL Engineering; Chung Global; Mc Branz (Car Care); Barnes; and McCoy, who were involved in the project before the Ministry of Public Infrastructure assumed responsibility. Some of the works were done by the Ministry with material purchased from approved suppliers in accordance with the Procurement Act of 2003.”
Sunday May 08, 2016
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Kaieteur News
My column
My Guyana: 50 years ago The fiftieth anniversary of Guyana’s independence is fast approaching. Once more I just can’t help looking back, because I was there when Guyana gained its independence from Britain. Of course, it seemed as if it were yesterday, but every day at the workplace when I talk about certain things or hum a tune I realize how old I am. It is not that I am doddering, because in the gym I am much more active than people half my age. And it is not that I am a fitness freak; it is just that I need the exercise to control my blood pressure and my sugar level. However, I must go back fifty years. Guyana is a changed country, so changed that the younger people simply cannot imagine it any other way. Last week, my friend and school mate, Neville McAndrew took me to task for failing to recognize that there were other things that are no more. There were trains back then. Guyana had the first railroad in all of South America. Travelling to Rosignol these days is a blink. Drivers take slightly over an hour. Fifty years ago that trip took as long as six hours. Cars did not drive between Mahaica and Rosignol, because the road would have caused many of them to end up in the junk pile. As I noted last week, out-
side the city were unpaved roads. On East Coast Demerara, from Liliendaal to Ogle were two concrete strips. On West Demerara, from Crane the roads were unpaved. People living on the leeward side had a daily dose of dust. Trucks drove along wetting the roads to keep the dust down. They had luggage carriages into which people would drive their cars, put their luggage and their vegetables. These days, trucks travel to the city laden with agricultural produce. Fifty years ago this was done by the trains. The trucks would assemble at the Carmichael Street terminal and collect the vegetables there. Travelling was fun. There were the first class carriages with padded seats and the third class with the wooden seats. Trains stopped at the stations and the platforms. The express trains only stopped at the stations that were at Kitty, Plaisance, Beterverwagting, Buxton and the other large villages. The station masters lived there with their families. These stations had large water tanks that provided water for the steam engines. The diesel engines did not need these tanks. Mahaica was a pleasure stop. The trains stopped there and the vendors would
come up to the carriages with fish and bread. Smart people waited until the train was about to leave before placing their order. Then the train would pull out and someone would get fleeced. The trains also ran along West Demerara from Vreeden-Hoop to Parika. Driving beyond Boeraserie was no fun. So people used the train. I remember going to Bartica the first time. My mother took me to the Transport and Harbours Department wharf in Kingston to catch the boat which departed at 5:00 in the morning. People walked at least a mile to get to the train stations, but that was not considered a feat. Early to bed, early to rise had to be the motto of the country folk. Mosquitoes were a constant companion on the trains, especially further away from the city. I did not know then, that I could catch the ferry at Georgetown at 8:00 am and ride to Parika to catch the same boat. It took close to three hours to travel from Georgetown to Parika. The ferry took twenty minutes to cross the Demerara River. The MV Makouria was introduced in 1960 to handle the growing traffic. There was no Demerara Harbour Bridge. If you were stranded in the city after six in the
evening, you had problems getting home to any location along the coast. There was no bus service. You either walked or hoped there was a bicycle to help you travel the miles you had to go. After seven you had to sleep in Georgetown. I was one of those schoolboys who had to leave home at four or five in the morning to get to school for 8:10. I could not be a part of the cricket team, because I would have been hard pressed to catch the last boat. Heading to Linden was a 14-hour trip on RH Carr. The Linden Highway was nonexistent. That did not come into being until 1968, the same year the Cheddi Jagan International Airport was moved from where the South Dakota circuit now is. People sat on that boat with cows and just about everything going to Linden. Just picture the scene— people travelling to Georgetown to be a part of the Independence flag-raising ceremony. One had to really want to be in Georgetown to suffer that trip. Linden was another country. That was why people planned boat excursions to Linden. Imagine dancing non-stop for fourteen hours. Some got drunk. On one occasion a fellow named Frank from Den Amstel fell off the boat and
drowned. He was not the only one and such incidents made news. Fifty years later, people go to Linden for fun. It takes just over an hour and they don’t need to find hotels. People should understand why Georgetown was the prize place for a location. It looked so good with its paved roads and storefront lights. When people travelled to the city they always brought fruits and vegetables. To this day people say that when you travel to the city the Georgetowners would ask, “What you bring?” When they visit they asked, “What you got?” Today we talk about communities holding their own ceremonies. Back then fifty years ago, it was the best thing, because getting to the heart of the celebrations was so difficult. A lot has changed. Some would say for the better, but back then, people in rural Guyana couldn’t be bothered with locking their homes. There have been a lot of changes in the city too. You could not drive along Sheriff Street to Lodge. To get to the newly constructed Davis Memorial Hospital you had to go to Vlissengen Road, then on to D’Urban Street. Later, some enterprising people placed a coconut tree trunk across that canal aback of the
Adam Harris Botanical Gardens for those who walked - and there were many - to get to Lodge. Homestretch Avenue was not there, nor was there a National Cultural Centre. That came six years later. Norton Street, Lodge was a track inaccessible to motor vehicles. That changed not so long ago. And in Georgetown there were the yellow buses that were so efficient that everyone used them. Such was the state when independence came in 1966.
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Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
Eugene Francis Correia - A distinguished son of the Soil Tomorrow, Monday May 9, 2016, Ogle International Airport will be renamed the Eugene Francis Correia International Airport. Eugene Francis Correia, though not familiar to the modern Guyanese society, is no less an outstanding son of the soil. He can be called one of the most distinguished national figures in Guyana, whose contributions to the local aviation sector, to politics, in the commercial sector
and in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasised. But who really was the Eugene Francis Correia? Eugene was born on August 21, 1899 to Antonio Correia and Maria Rodrigues and was one of nine children, having three brothers and five sisters. He received his education at the Buxton and Friendship Roman Catholic School. On May 19, 1926, he married Alexandrina, the daugh-
ter of Manuel Gomez, who was also a merchant at that time. That union bore five children. He is survived by two of those children; Margo and Mary Wanda. Joan, Mona, Eugene Francis, are deceased. Mr. Correia, rose from humble beginnings to be named the first Guyanese Minister, with responsibility for Communications and Aviation. He served in this position from December 31,
1964 to October 1968 and Minister of Works and Hydraulics from November 4, 1968 to December 1968. He was regarded as a pioneer in the local aviation sector, and was one of the few persons from then British Guiana, who had travelled to the United Kingdom in the 1930s to obtain their Private Pilot Licence. The Parliamentary Library records Eugene Correia as becoming actively involved in politics in the early 1950s, first as a founder and Executive Member of the United Democratic Party (U.D.P.), which was to eventually merge with the Peoples National Congress in 1961. He was elected to serve in the Legislative Council following the suspension of the Constitution of British Guiana in the year 1953 and on Monday April 27 of that same year, he was among 131 politicians who presented themselves as Candidates for Representation of the People of the Colony of British Guiana. As a Member of the Legislative Council - Member of Parliament for Bartica and Potaro, he served from May 18, 1953 to December 21, 1953. He served as a Nominated Unofficial Member from January 1954 to June 28, 1957. Correia was once the longest serving legislator in Guyana, only to be outdone by the late Dr Cheddi Jagan for time served. He served as a Member of Parliament from October 1961
to September 1964. He also served as Member of Parliament January 1969 up until his death on January 23, 1973. Eugene Francis Correia had a long and very productive legislative career and during his tenure he participated in many ground breaking pieces of legislation that were transformative. We list just a few of them here; Guianization of Public Service (Hansard of the Legislative Council of British Guiana Official Report April 25, 1956 to June 28, 1957, page 1165) – November 9th, 1956 Hydro-Electric Power Bill (Hansard of the Legislative Council of British Guiana Official Report April 25, 1956 to June 28, 1957, page 1224) – November 22, 1956 Alumina Project in British Guiana (Hansard of the Legislative Council of British Guiana Official Report April 25, 1956 to June 28, 1957, page 1371) - December 19, 1956 Agreement with BWI Airways (Hansard of the Legislative Council of British Guiana Official Report April 25, 1956 to June 28, 1957, page 1568) - January 25, 1957 Purchase of Demerara Electric Company (Hansard of the Legislative Council of British Guiana Official Report April 25, 1956 to June 28, 1957, pages 2389) – May 23, 1957 Exploration of Mazaruni Head Waters (Hansard of the Legislative Council of British Guiana Official Report
April 25, 1956- June 28, 1957 page 2567-71) - June 12, 1957. Establishment of a Chip Board Industry (Hansard of the Legislative Council of British Guiana Official Report April 25, 1956- June 28, 1957 page 2661) - June 20, 1957 Income Tax (amendment) Bill (Hansard of the Legislative Council of British Guiana Official Report October 5, 1961 to October 26, 1962 Vol 8A page 2408) – May 14, 1962 West Coast Berbice road (Hansard of the Legislative Council of British Guiana Official Report October 5, 1961 to October 26, 1962 Vol 8A page 3026) – July 20, 1962 Transport and Harbours (Amendment) Bill No. 29/1965 – October 13, 1965 Demerara River (Mackenzie) Bridge Bill No. 30/1965 – October 13, 1965 Before becoming deeply involved in the political field however, Mr. Correia, in the late 1920s and early 1930s, successfully pioneered gold and diamond mining in the hinterland and became a major trader and supplier for the industry. Eugene Correia also ventured into other businesses such as quarrying (Itabu Quarry), the Columbite Corporation, and the growth of potatoes in the Pakaraimas, Potaro Siparuni (Region Eight). He was an entrepreneur in his own right and was well known in the interior regions of the country. SOCIALAND CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS The biggest water sporting event in the CuyuniMazaruni Region - the Bartica Regatta – was the brainchild of Correia and Oscar Smartt. There exists a plaque at the Kabouri Wall in the Mazaruni River, commemorating the construction of a ‘portage’ at that point, which was spearheaded by Evan Wong and Eugene Correia. At that time, Eugene would have been in his twenties. Correia was also the proprietor of the Karia Hotel in Bartica, which he built with the aim of promoting tourism. There is also a congratulatory parchment signed by the Village Council of Buxton, Friendship in 1965, which speaks glowingly of Eugene Correia’s achievement at that time. For his contribution to Guyana, Eugene Francis Correia was awarded posthumously the Golden Arrow of Achievement, which was presented by President Arthur Chung, to a representative of his family in 1973.
Sunday May 08, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Commonly asked questions about Menopause By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine WHAT IS MENOPAUSE? I am often bombarded with questions from women who are going through menopause and are confused. Today, I hope we can address some of these questions and shed some light on this menacing phase of life for women. Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when she stops having monthly periods. At this time, her ovaries stop releasing eggs and stop making the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The average age is 51. HOW DO I KNOW IF IAM GOINGTHROUGH MENOPAUSE? Most women start to wonder about menopause when their periods start to change. If you are going through menopause, you might: . Have periods more or less often than usual (for example, every five to six weeks instead of every four) . Have bleeding that lasts for fewer days than before . Skip 1 or more periods . Have symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes (described below) If your uterus (womb) has been removed, but you still have your ovaries, it might be tough to tell when you are going through menopause. Still, women who do not have a uterus can have menopause symptoms. If your ovaries were removed before the usual age of menopause, you had what doctors call “surgical menopause.” That just means that you went through it early, because your ovaries were removed. WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE?
Dr. Zulfikar Bux Some women go through menopause without symptoms. But most have one or more of these symptoms: . Hot flashes – Hot flashes feel like a wave of heat that starts in your chest and face and then moves through your body. Hot flashes usually start happening before you stop having periods. . Night sweats – When hot flashes happen during sleep, they are called “night sweats.” They can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep. . Sleep problems - During the transition to menopause, some women have trouble falling or staying asleep. This can happen even if night sweats are not a problem.
. Vaginal dryness – Menopause can cause the vagina and tissues near the vagina to become dry and thin. This can be uncomfortable or make sex painful. . Depression – During the transition to menopause, some women start having symptoms of depression. That’s especially true for women who have been depressed before. Depression symptoms include: •Sadness •Losing interest in doing things •Sleeping too much or too little . Trouble concentrating or remembering things – This might be caused by lack of sleep that often happens at menopause, or by the lack of estrogen. Some experts suspect that estrogen is important for good brain function. SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR? If your periods start changing and you are 45 or older, you do not need to see your doctor. But you should see your doctor if you have symptoms that really bother you. For instance, you should see your doctor if you cannot sleep because of night sweats, or if you start to feel sad or blue and don’t seem to
enjoy things anymore. You should also see your doctor if you: . Have your period more often than every three weeks . Have very heavy bleeding during your period . Have spotting between your periods . Have been through menopause (have gone 12 months without a period) and start bleeding again, even if it’s just a spot of blood HOWARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE TREATED? Treatments include: . Hormones (estrogen) – The hormone estrogen is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms. Women who no longer have a uterus can take estrogen by itself. Women with a uterus must take estrogen with another hormone, called
progesterone. Experts think these hormones are effective and safe for many women in their 40s and 50s with symptoms of menopause. If you want to take hormones, ask your doctor if it is an option. You should not take hormones if you have had breast cancer, a heart attack, a stroke, or a blood clot. . Antidepressants – Antidepressants can ease hot flashes and depression. Even women who are not depressed can take them to help with hot flashes. . Anti-seizure medicine – One of the medicines used to prevent seizures seems to help some women with hot flashes – even if they do not have seizures. CAN I DO ANYTHING ON MY OWN TO REDUCE THE SYMPTOMS OF
MENOPAUSE? Yes. There are some steps you can try. But ask your doctor before you take any “natural remedies.” Some natural remedies might not be safe, especially for women who have a history of breast cancer. WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY BONES? You can: . Take calcium and vitamin D supplements . Be active (exercise helps keep bones strong) . Ask your doctor when you should start having bone density tests If needed, your doctor can prescribe medicines to help keep your bones strong. Menopause is a challenging time in a woman’s life. Just know that there are options that can help to make these challenges less menacing.
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Kaieteur News
SUNDAY SPECIAL
Magistrate at the Providence Magistrate’s Court to answer three charges related to an alleged March 2011 attack. Magistrate Leron Daly granted him bail in the sum of $275,000 after he pleaded not guilty to charges of Damage to Property, Unlawful Assault and Simple Larceny. The first charge alleged that on March 5, 2011 at Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, McCoy damaged a motor vehicle belonging to social activist Mark Benschop. It was further alleged that on March 5, 2011 at the same location, he stole an Acer laptop valued $120,000, property of Benschop. The final charge alleged that on the same day at the said location, McCoy unlawfully assaulted the social activist. With the aforementioned in mind, Dr. Hinds said, “I know Mr Ramotar knows the definition of racism; I also know that Mr Ramotar is a learned man; but the fact that he could say something like that is a racist act points to the dysfunction of our politics.” Dr. Hinds said that McCoy must face the music for what he did. He stressed as well that the act does not constitute racism. The WPA Executive Member said that Ramotar is simply playing the role of the upholder.
ATTACK ON RAMADA PRINCESS HOTEL…CASINO GUARD SET UP ROBBERY The gang behind the brazen attack at the Ramada Princess Hotel had help from a casino guard, who provided the gunmen with intricate details of the hotel’s operations, including the ideal time to strike. The security guard, who is a former national athlete, was detained last week Saturday after Wayne Griffith, the gunman who was captured at the scene, provided police with the identities of the rest of the gang. The suspects are reportedly from Onderneeming, Essequibo, Independence Boulevard and a third from Kitty and South Ruimveldt. Police had retrieved wet clothing from two homes that they searched. The detained guard reportedly told investigators that the heist was planned some two weeks ago. It was around that time that one of the gunmen asked the security guard to provide him with the details about the security operation at the casino. The guard reportedly told the gang that there were “fewer people, less security and more money” at the casino after 02.00 hrs. He also informed his associates that only two armed guards would be at the gate after midnight. Prior to carrying out the attack, Wayne Griffith, the captured gunman, did surveillance of the casino. The plan was for the robbers would split up the loot at an Albouystown residence. On Thursday night (April 28), the ‘inside man’ came off duty an hour before midnight. He then met with the rest of the gang and they rehearsed the attack. When it was close to 03.00 hrs, the guard indicated that that was the ideal time to “hit” the casino. He reportedly then went home. The heist carried out by four masked men apparently went as planned, except for the fact that the same gunman who had done the surveillance on the business place got trapped at the back of the premises. ASHNI SINGH SHOULD BE SANCTIONED FOR ‘CRASS’ INVESTMENTAGREEMENTWITH BAISHANLIN – GOOLSARRAN Forensic auditor, Anand Goolsarran, is convinced that former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, did not have Guyana’s best interest at heart when he signed various concession and investment agreementswith controversial Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin. Goolsarran said that during his audit of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), it was noted that BaiShanLin received an extreme amount of concessions on equipment and vehicles under the pretence that it was for the establishment of a state-of-the-art wood processing factory. The Chartered Accountant said, too, that the excessive amount of concessions would, beyond the shadow of a doubt, indicate that the company was using the said materials and vehicles it brought in for its interests in the mining sector. He said that the investment agreement between the former administration and the Chinese logging company should not only be made public but that Dr. Singh should be made to face some form of disciplining for “his negligence and literally signing Guyana’s resources away.”
Sunday May 08, 2016
MAY DAY RALLY 2016…MONEY SET ASIDE FOR INCREASED WAGES AND BENEFITS FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS – PM TELLS WORKERS – AS TRADE UNIONIST TAKES GOV’T TO TASK FOR UNFULFILLED PROMISES
Goolsarran said that BaiShanLin’s actions since its incorporation in 2006, clearly show that it never had any good intentions for Guyana. “I believe that the former Finance Minister should be sanctioned for the premium concession packages he approved for BaiShanLin to receive because that company only abused the country’s laws and systems and failed on several occasions to live up to its obligations. “It was a crass investment agreement and Dr. Singh cannot deny these findings. BaiShanLin promised since 2006 that it would have established a wood processing facility and to date, not a single effort has been made in this regard. BaiShanLin has been making lots of excuses while being able to benefit like a king in the forestry sector,” Goolsarran lamented. MONDAY EDITION RELATIVES BELIEVE PARIKABUSINESSMAN EXECUTED – EX-LOVER DETAINED A well-known Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) fuel dealer was shot dead around 22:00 hrs Saturday night after he was allegedly lured out of his home by an ex-lover, who resides a stone’s throw from his residence. Detectives subsequently detained the woman—a teacher, a few hours after the man was killed. The dead man has been identified as 52year-old Seeram Singh, a father of five of Lot 40 Parika Outfall, EBE. Singh was reportedly shot several times about his body and head, just a short distance from his home. He was pronounced dead at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. In a press release, the police said that Singh was walking along the roadway at Parika Outfall when a man came up from behind and shot
him to his back. After the businessman fell, the shooter reportedly stood over him and shot him to his chest and head before taking away his jewellery and escaping. A .32 live round and a bullet casing of similar caliber were found at the scene. According to information received, the killer only took Singh’s gold chains, even though the businessman had his wallet and cell phone, and was wearing gold rings when he was killed. Police believe that the businessman’s death was not just a simple robbery but it was rather a “hit” which was planned to look like a robbery. As police explore this theory, they have arrested the man’s ex-lover, who had allegedly threatened to kill him after he had dumped her and started seeing other women. Police sources have confirmed that when Singh was killed; he was speaking to the same woman on his phone. According to the source, the woman told the police that she did not hear the gunshots but heard the businessman screaming on the other end of the line. KWAME MC COY MUST FACE THE MUSIC…THE UPHOLDER IS WORSE THAN THE THIEF – WPA MEMBER TELLS RAMOTAR Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds has lashed out at former President Donald Ramotar who recently criticized the Guyana Police Force for the position they took against his former Information Liaison, Kwame McCoy Ramotar described the police action against McCoy as a racist act. McCoy, who served as the Information Liaison during the rule of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), was recently hauled before a
Just 10 days shy of the one year anniversary of the historic General and Regional Elections that ushered the coalition government into power, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo shared a podium once again with Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) as part of the May 1 Labour day rally. It was a different atmosphere last Sunday at the National Park, however, as Lewis took the Government to task over workers’ rights. For his part, Nagamootoo repeated several initiatives that government is embarking on to benefit public sector workers including $50.4B set aside for wages and salaries in the budget. ”In this 2016 budget, government has set aside $43.8B for wages and salaries,” Nagamootoo said, to thunderous cheers. “And $6.6B for benefits and allowances. The allocation is in the budget. The question is, whether you will allow the due process to take its course.” Reminding the crowd of the problems which the government inherited, Nagamootoo pointed to measures like the threshold increases as evidence of Government’s commitment to Public Servants. ”It is this government which has decided to reform the Public Service,” he said. “And part of the reformation of the Public Service is not only a college, but to evaluate what you do and then have a Commission do stratification of job responsibilities and assignments so that you can be compensated in accordance with your work.” ”After that report is received, we shall be dealing with the labour unions. This government is committed to pay salary increases for 2016, after the submission of that report. Instead of one off (increases), an arrangement that goes beyond wages and salaries.” Nagamootoo stated that Public Servants (Continued on page 33)
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(From page 32) need incentives, scholarships, land, housing, recreation and to be treated as human beings. He also promised that the government would return to merit awards. TUESDAY EDITION FORESTRY COMMISSION TRANSFERRED $$M TO VARIOUS ACCOUNTS, INCLUDING NICIL, ON CABINET ORDERS During the reign of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) transferred millions of dollars to various state agencies just because it was instructed to do so. Among these transfers was one to the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) to the tune of $300M. Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran, conducted a forensic audit into the operations of GFC. He pointed out numerous issues including the fact that the Commission has been making transfers and payments from its retained earnings to other State agencies. Goolsarran said that in accordance with Article 217(3) of the Constitution, “No moneys shall be withdrawn from any public fund other than the Consolidated Fund unless the issue of those moneys has been authorized by or under an Act of Parliament”. Goolsarran said that with such a Constitutional provision it follows that funds cannot be transferred to other State agencies to meet public expenditure. The auditor added that such a practice, apart from being a violation of the law, undermines authority of Parliament to approve such expenditure. In addition, since the expenditure was not included in the National Estimates, it was not reflected in the Public Accounts of Guyana, thereby resulting in a significant under-reporting of expenditure. In GFC’s response, the agency said that it was told to make the transfers and do so on that basis. “Transfers were done to the Consolidated Fund and other State Agencies based on Ministry of Finance instructions or Cabinet directives to the GFC. ”In the circumstance, GFC complied with the directive provided through the Ministry of Finance and Cabinet instructions.” Apart from the transfers, Goolsarran pointed out that Section 22 (1) (a) of the Act prohibits the Commission from making any loan or grant except for the purpose of carrying on the functions of the Commission. Nevertheless, on September 10, 2014, Cabinet approved of the Commission granting a loan of US$600,000 in six monthly installments of U$100,000 to the Iwokrama International Centre, commencing May 2014. Goolsarran said that “Repayment was to commence on 31 January 2016 at a rate of US$50,000 per month for the period January to December 2016, plus interest at 5%, with an additional 2% in event of default. ”However, the loan is not in conformity with the Act since the operations of Iwokrama do not relate to the functions of the Commission.” GNBAAGAINST POLITICAL PARTIES HOLDING BROADCAST LICENCES The Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is not in favour of
political parties holding Broadcasting Licences. Therefore, it is unlikely that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will be in the Radio Broadcasting business much longer. The GNBA made its stance known at a recent press conference held at its Kingston office. At that forum, the Board said that it is looking for a foolproof way of going about revoking the radio licences granted by former President Bharrat Jagdeo days before he demitted office. The Board said that after it would have successfully revoked the licences, all potential broadcasters will be made to reapply. The applications will be reevaluated and licences will be redistributed based on merit. However, other pronouncements made by the Board have led to the conclusion that the PPP would definitely not be able to recover its licence. Director, Anthony Vieira said, “We are against political parties having Broadcast Licence.” He explained the Board’s position is that it would be unsustainable to do so. ”If you are going to have PPP operating from Freedom House then APNU (A Partnership for National Unity), AFC (Alliance For Change) and WPA (Working People’s Alliance) ask for a similar facility you cannot deny them. On that basis alone we cannot allow this to stand because there would not be space to put all these other people.” The Director said that denying other parties can lead to court action. “You simply cannot do that because other parties (that are not given the same privilege) can easily carry you to court for violating their right to freedom of speech.” Vieira also reminded that the Radio Spectrum is a “limited national resource so we cannot hand it to political parties”. The former broadcaster said that he is not aware of any other country in the world where political parties are given radio frequencies. Director Vic Insanally also weighed in on the matter. He told the media that he is against political parties being given Broadcast Licences because of the potential threat of certain messages being sent out to society.
Insanally said, “We will also have to do 24-hour monitoring of these stations because almost every minute—from what I have been listening to—you are finding something that can cause a problem. WEDNESDAY EDITION DAUGHTERANDALLEGED HIT MAN REMANDED FOR 2008 RUBY BUSINESSMAN’S MURDER A daughter and the hitman she allegedly hired to kill her elderly father eight years ago appeared at the Leonora’s Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged with murder. Bibi Nazeela Habiboodeen, 50, of 111 Ruby, East Bank Essequibo, and Linden Lewis, 29, of Vergenoegen East Bank Essequibo, were arraigned for the murder of 76-year-old businessman Habiboodeen who was brutally attacked and beaten at his Ruby, East Bank Essequibo home on February 15, 2008. Bibi Habiboodeen stood side by side in the prisoners’ dock with Lewis as the indictable charge was read to them by Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool.
According to reports, the dead man’s daughter confessed just last week, along with Lewis, that they sat down in the man’s house with five individuals and plotted his death. Police Prosecutor Inspector Matthews asked for time to be allocated to prepare the reports. The accused will make their second court appearance on June 21st. Police had previously arrested and charged Bibi Habiboodeen and 38-year-old Terry Lewton, of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, but the case was discharged because of insufficient evidence. H o w e v e r, t h e l a w m e n g o t a r e a l break in the case after Lewis and four others, were detained for the murders of Mohamed Munir, 75, and his wife Bibi Jamila Munir, 69, who were burnt to death in their Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo home. It was while he was in custody that someone tipped off investigators that Lewis had vital information about Habiboodeen’s death. Police said that while being interrogated on Monday, Lewis admitted to killing Mr. Habiboodeen, while complaining that he (Continued on page 34)
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(From page 33) had never received full payment for the job. According to the suspect’s claims, it all began some time in 2008, when a female relative of the elderly businessman complained that other relatives of Habiboodeen had received properties and other assets, while she had received nothing.
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Harmon and the Chu family on a private jet
GOVT.’S HANDLING OF HARMONRELATED ISSUES UNSATISFACTORY – TOO MANY QUESTIONS REMAIN OUTSTANDING; THESE MATTERS CANNOT BE PUT TO REST – CHRIS RAM This quote has been attributed to United States President Barack Obama, and for one prominent Guyanese, certainly does not represent the current state of affairs in the “Land of many waters”. Attorney at Law, Christopher Ram, a believer in Obama’s mantra, is not satisfied with the level of accountability being delivered to the citizens of Guyana by the APNU+AFC coalition government. The administration had presented itself to the nation as a fortress of change and a believer of accountability. However, Ram’s sentiment as conveyed to Kaieteur News on Tuesday is that he remains expectant, but the level of accountability that was promised is yet to be delivered. Such sentiments were expressed as the lawyer spoke on matters surrounding the actions of the Minister of State Joseph Harmon. Harmon, the most vocal politician on corruption while in opposition, was recently embroiled in a series of controversies. The Minister’s trip to China has raised many questions. He was seen on a private jet surrounded by the Chu family—the owners of BaiShanLin. Accompanying Harmon on that trip was businessman Brian Tiwarie whom he had appointed Ministerial Advisor on Business Development. That appointment has since been rescinded by President David Granger.
Attorney at Law, Christopher Ram Harmon had also halted a seizure operation – involving a number of high end vehicles – that was being carried out on BaiShanLin. The operation was being executed by the Guyana Revenue Authority in collaboration with officials from the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). These vehicles were being seized due to the fact that the Chinese company failed to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated timeframe. But before officials from the GRA and SOCU could have carried out the seizures, they received a call from Harmon who instructed that the vehicles must not be removed. GFC OFFICIALS OFF THE HOOK…DIRECTORS WERE IN A HELPLESS SITUATION UNDER PPP–FORENSIC AUDITOR …BUT RAM MAINTAINS THAT THEY MUST BE HAULED BEFORE THE COURTS In spite of blatant violations of the laws by some companies in the forestry sector, there was no recommendation for the directors of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to face disciplinary action. It has left many questioning how those who were entrusted to po-
lice the sector could escape any sanction for their negligence. Forensic Auditor, Anand Goolsarran explained that during his audit of GFC, he did detect a whiff of corruption at the level of the board. He noted however that it was not enough to propose charges or disciplinary action of any kind. Goolsarran said that under the previous administration, GFC’s professionals were “in a very helpless situation”. He said this was observed in a number of instances. In this regard, he recalled the interactions between controversial Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin and the GFC Board. Goolsarran stressed that in a number of cases BaiShanLin bypassed the board on certain decisions and contacted the hierarchy of the PPP in order to get its way. He said, “Of course some might say that the GFC officials condoned some of the acts of corruption in the sector as they turned a blind eye, but what could they have done when BaiShanLin was going to the top people? BaiShanLin had no respect for them so what could the officials do? ”Yes, one can say that there is a whiff of corruption as they turned a blind eye to what was going on, but there is no concrete evidence to tie them to it and so it makes it difficult to actually slap them with charges of corruption or make suggestions for disciplinary action”. When reminded of the millions of dollars GFC illegally transferred to NICIL’s accounts, Goolsarran reiterated that it would be hard to charge the board in this regard. He was then reminded that in a previous interview with Kaieteur News, in 2014, he had recommended that the said officials at GFC be charged for breaking the Forest laws in this regard. PPP’S TINY CABAL…GOVT. MUST PROBE THEIR TAXES – WPAEXECUTIVE MEMBER Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds recently noted that the forensic audits which were launched by the coalition administration are revealing quite a lot about how the previous government managed
the country’s resources. He observed that there is a clear pattern. Dr. Hinds said that under the PPP, resources were intentionally steered to a “tiny cabal.” The University professor said that the “tiny cabal” also includes officials of the PPP, their friends and relatives, a few favoured “house negroes” and selected local and foreign companies. Dr. Hinds said that based on the findings of the forensic audit reports thus far, it is clear that the national patrimony has been systematically stolen. “The transfer of state assets into private hands therefore was a means to a larger end. A very important question arises from all of this—have these rich people been paying their fair share of taxes on this stolen wealth and the added wealth accrued from them?” Dr. Hinds said that this is a critical question as he rather suspects that they have not been paying their fair share of taxes. He said that should this be proven, then it means that “Guyanese have been twice shafted”. “They appropriated the wealth illegally and for next to nothing and on top of that, they do not pay the required taxes. As usual in Guyana, you informally hear stories and then they are later validated as with the government agencies which were audited.” Dr. Hinds emphasised that taxes constitute a very important part of the national revenue base. He said that the relevant authorities have always had difficulty enforcing the tax code and collecting taxes from the “big shots.” “I have heard stories of ordinary workers who pay more taxes than private businesses and top professionals. This cannot be fair. My layperson guess is that if the required taxes are collected from the big ones, there would be much more resources for education and health care.” He stated that there is a direct relationship between corruption in tax collection and socio-economic development. It is for this reason, he said, that it is imperative for the Government to investigate whether the PPP’s tiny cabal has been (Continued on page 35)
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(From page 34) paying its fair share of taxes.
tional Assembly and the Standing Orders of the House. He said that Edghill’s actions have also brought the entire National Assembly into disrepute. It is upon the aforementioned basis that Persaud recommended that Edghill be referred to the Committee of Privileges for the matter to be considered and an appropriate response recommended.
THURSDAY EDITION BOSAI FINED $1.5M FOR MARCH OIL SPILL -MENU OF MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED The bauxite mining company Bosai Mineral Group (Guyana) Inc. has agreed to pay a fine of $1.5M after accepting responsibility for an oil spill in the Demerara River two months ago. This is in addition to other measures that the company has agreed to implement. Representatives of the mining company on Wednesday met Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and a team to discuss the company’s liability for the accidental release of waste oil into the waterways from their facility in March this year. The spill made its way into the Demerara River affecting surrounding drainage waterways in Region Ten. The Minister’s team included Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representatives Kemraj Parsaram, Director of Compliance Enforcement and Aminah McPherson-Damon, Legal Advisor. The issue arose on March 29, 2016 when a report was received by the EPA through the Ministry of Natural Resources about the release of waste oil from the Bosai facility into the Demerara River. According to a press release issued last evening, on March 30, an investigation was conducted by the EPA in collaboration with the Region Ten Democratic Council, to determine the source of the spill and the remediation that was needed. Following the investigation, Bosai was found responsible and the company accepted responsibility for its negligence that led to the environment being adversely affected. The EPA set out to determine the penalties that Bosai was liable to pay. Following the outcome of the meeting, and as part of the agreed menu of measures to address the environmental impacts of the spill, and to build better community relations, Bosai’s General Manager, Robert Shang, accompanied by Maj. Gen. (Ret’d) Norman McLean committed to clean and maintain the area between Bosai’s north gate and Washer Pond Road including, clearing of verges and drainage work. The company also agreed to provide a four-year scholarship to a student from Region Ten to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Guyana. Further, the company will pay a fine of $1.5 million. EDGHILLTO FACE PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE …HE HAS BROUGHT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY INTO DISREPUTE WITH HIS ACTIONS –GOVT. MP It appears that it is too late now for Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Juan Edghill, to say he is sorry for his alleged misrepresentation of the facts. His failure to correct certain statements made last year led to a motion being brought against him to go before the Committee of Privileges. It was brought before the National Assembly Wednesday by Government MPs, Charrandas Persaud and Jermaine Figueira. It was successfully passed. Read by Persaud, the motion said that on December 17, 2015 at the 18th Sitting of the National Assembly, Edghill made statements
FRIDAY EDITION BERBICE BRIDGE FINANCIAL WOES…NIS URGED TO PLAY BIGGER ROLE TO PROTECT $2.6B INVESTMENTS – STRUCTURE BUILT WITH US$40M, VALUED AT US$30M
Member of Parliament (MP), Juan Edghill which pertained to the increases of salaries for Ministers of Government, Members of Parliament and other Constitutional Office holders. Persaud said that during Edghill’s presentation, he said, “…I would, moderately, put to the people of Guyana, that is not including other benefits. It is just adding to the salary moving it from before July 1, 2015 to what it is now. It is a minimum of an additional $18M per month which represents close to $200M per year, and in the term of office, it will represent almost $1B.” The Government MP noted that at the same sitting, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan called on Edghill to withdraw the statement after explaining that the correct and total annualized sum of salary increases would be $67.9M. Persaud said that on December 28, 2015, the Government’s Chief Whip and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, wrote to the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland raising a complaint about the words used by Edghill. He stated that despite repeated requests and demands, Edghill has failed and/or refused to recant his statements. The Parliamentarian said that the erroneous words spoken, together with Edghill’s subsequent actions violate the privilege of a Member of the Na-
A forensic audit report into the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has urged the entity to consider playing a bigger role in the running of the Berbice Bridge if it wants to ensure returns on over $2.5B it invested. The bridge, commissioned in December 2008, is in deep financial trouble now, with claims that it has racked up $1.5B in accumulated losses based on the 2014 audited financial statements. The investment in the bridge has been riling taxpayers and the former Opposition, which now forms the coalition Government, as it was believed deliberately structured to allow close friends of the former administration to take control of the structure which links Demerara to East Berbice. NIS has the largest single block of money invested but via an equity arrangement New GPC and Ramroop Group, two companies linked to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, were able to take 40 percent control of the bridge company. Two directors representing Ramroop and his companies have since resigned. NIS had little say with the bridge’s operation despite its massive investments. The forensic auditor, HLB R. Seebarran & Co ., in its report wants all that changed now with the current ‘Concession Agreement’ restructured to allow NIS to have a more dominant role in view of its shareholdings. The forensic report would partially lift the veil of secrecy that would surround the bridge’s operations and the people behind the
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scenes. The report disclosed that the previous Board of Directors (BODs) had approved Maurice Solomon, a director, as its representative on the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) Board. ”In addition, another director, Mr. Paul Cheong sat on the BBCI’s board, yet there was no report of the position they took in representing the scheme’s interest as evident from the minutes of the BODs over the last four years.” ARRIVALDAY COMMEMORATED IN STYLE The Monument Gardens, Camp Street, Georgetown, came alive Thursday evening with a mixture of music, food, dance and song, as scores turned out to commemorate Arrival Day and Pushpanjali 16. The evening’s proceedings commenced with a classic display of tassa drumming, a series of prayers and the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon to commission an Open Air Museum. According to Dr. Yesu Persaud, the museum was set up to encourage the youths to learn about culture and practices. Also it highlights the journey of indentured labours to Guyana. The commissioning of the museum was down by 89-year-old Ms. Chalma from Leonora who began working on the sugar estate at the age of seven. The event also saw various persons being honoured for their service to the country. Some of these awardees included, Rudy Insanally, Tota Mangar, Haimant Persaud, K.A Juman Yassin, Kamayadial Kirpalani, Shrimatttie Chandrawattie Maraj and Nadira Nirwani. Other persons were also given Certificates of Appreciation. Speaking at the ceremony also was former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, who related the challenges, the endurance and commitment of the indentured labourers who came to Guyana. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan agreed to speak on behalf of the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who could not make it to the ceremony. Ramjattan in his remarks made reference to Ramkarran’s ear l i e r o b s e r v a t i o n s . Ramjattan said that while it is important (Continued on page 36)
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(From page 35) to look back at history, Guyanese should not linger in the past. ”Like chauffeur in every car, you simply cannot remain watching that rear-view mirror – you’re going to crash!” He also spoke about the desire for national unity and peace as Guyana is on the verge of celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Ramjattan stated that as Guyanese, “we must watch that windscreen in front of us so that we can keep our eyes as to where we want to go”. PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE…RAMJATTAN, ROHEE TRADE SHOTS OVER CRIME SITUATION At Wednesday evening’s sitting of the National Assembly, a debate on the crime situation quickly spiraled into a war of words between Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and his immediate predecessor in that office, Clement Rohee. In detailing some of the problems the Government faces in fighting crime, Ramjattan stressed that the police force, despite filling over 400 vacancies in the ranks since he took office, was still short by over 1,000 ranks. According to Ramjattan, while Georgetown has been supplying recruits, attempts to recruit Berbicians into the force have been failing. ”The establishment strength (total police force ranks) has to be fulfilled. (It should be) 4,956. When I got in it was 3,400. Actual strength is (now) 3,862. We have managed to fill (462) ranks. We are more than 1,000 short and we need to fill this.” ”I personally pleaded, when I went to Berbice. Join the police force! They did not. They seem not to want to help. But we are getting better help (more recruits) in Georgetown,” he said, adding this was one way in which the chambers in the ancient county could help, by encouraging recruits. He acknowledged that the police are paid low salaries, but stated that this is what the Government could afford with the present economy. Ramjattan stated that though approaches were made to the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, it would have been after billions were plugged into the sugar industry, and thus could not be facilitated. Ramjattan also confronted the criticisms he had faced over his handling of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, which had lashed out at the Minister after calls for him to consult with them on the crime situation were met, with Ramjattan postponing the meeting until after the Jubilee celebrations.
The Minister read an excerpt to the assembly from the letter sent to him by the Chamber. In the letter, he stressed the part in which the Chamber asked for a meeting at a “mutually convenient time.” Rohee meanwhile stated that the statistics recently quoted by the police did not matter to the man in the street, who perceives crime as running amok. Rohee stressed that Ramjattan had to take an objective approach with the police and find out for himself what is going wrong with crime fighting, even if it meant conducting an inventory of the police’s equipment for the past ten years. “Publishing statistics will not act as a buttress to crime. That is good for international organisations,” Rohee stated. “But we are talking about lives and living in Guyana! The Minister has to have an objective position, from what is being fed to him! Public relations will not win the war on crime.” RESTRICTION ON VEHICLES OLDER THAN EIGHT YEARS GOES INTO EFFECT It’s a done deal. Persons will no longer be allowed to able import vehicles that are older than eight years. The restriction includes motor cars, vans, buses, sport utility vehicles and pickups. The restriction is effective May 1, 2016, according to a Guyana Revenue Authority notice published in Thursday’s edition of the Guyana Chronicle. The restriction would not immediately apply to trucks and other categories of heavy
vehicles. Truck owners, involved in the transportation business, have complained that any restriction would make prices totally unaffordable. The GRA notice explained that the measure was announced by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, during the presentation of the 2016 National Budget. It was subsequently presented in Parliament in February and assented to on March 14, 2016. The restrictions are all part of a larger, long term “green” strategy to ensure that Guyana does not become a dumping ground for older vehicles. However, auto dealers had been urging Government to rethink those plans and to meet with them to talk about a new tax structure that will not cause hardships for stakeholders. The Finance Minister also gave notice of the administration’s intentions to remove the Excise Tax on motor vehicles that are under four years old and lower than 1500cc. These vehicles currently attract Excise Tax at a rate of 30 percent with an effective tax rate of 118.7 percent. With this removal, Jordan explained, the effective tax rate will be reduced to 68.2 percent. Another major impact from the budget would be the reduction of excise tax from 50 percent to 10 percent on motor vehicles under four years old – that is for vehicles between 1500cc and under 2000cc. The effective tax rate of 152.3 percent for this category will be reduced to 85 percent. The Finance Minister also announced that from May 1, there will be restriction on the importation of used and/or re-conditioned vehicles older than eight years old from the date of manufacture to the date of importation. SATURDAY EDITION MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRINCESS CASINO HEIST… SECURITY GUARD, TWO OTHERS REMANDED FORARMED ROBBERY Under heavy police escort, three men accused of staging an armed robbery at the Princess Casino arrived at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Upon entry into the court compound, the men shielded their faces with clothing to shield their identity. Hurriedly, they marched into the police lock-ups where they were held until afternoon when they were placed before
Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan. Wayne Griffith, 29, of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara; Junior Stewart, 30, of Lot 141 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown; and Andre Blackman, 35, of Lot 6 Middle Street, McDoom, East Bank Demerara stood calmly in the prisoners’ dock as a charge of robbery under-arms was read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The charge alleged that on April 29, at Providence, East Bank Demerara the men while being together with others, and armed with guns robbed Daniel Roberts and Alfea Gajadhar of $8,951,000 - property of the Princess Casino. They were not required to plead to the indictable charge and were remanded to prison until May 20, for reports. According to police, four men arrived at the Ramada Hotel in a white motorcar bearing a fake number plate. They were armed with guns and entered the casino and discharged several rounds. They relieved a security guard of his shotgun and ordered patrons and staffers to lie on the ground. It was reported that the accused also held a cashier at gunpoint and made off with local and foreign currency. Three of the alleged bandits reportedly escaped on foot, while police were able to apprehend Griffith since he was allegedly left behind in the casino. Stewart was reportedly arrested in a house last Sunday with a large quantity of wet money and other valuables. Blackman, a former security guard at the Casino allegedly provided the gunmen with vital information about the gambling spot’s operations. During the ordeal, Police Lance Corporal Andrew Richardson and four hotel staffers sustained gunshot wounds. TWO YEARS AFTER 2011 COMMISSIONING… AUDIT FINDS $69.9M NIS CORRIVERTON BRANCH WORTH $37.9M -TENDER BOARD BYPASSED WHEN CONTRACT AWARDED It was commissioned at a staggering cost of $69.9M in 2011. But two years later, a 2013 report valued the newly finished branch of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) at Corriverton, Berbice property at $37.9M—a shocking $32M less. The construction of that branch was one of several instances that highlighted how things were handled under the previous NIS Board of Directors, the entity that is charged (Continued on page 49)
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Examining Guyana’s concession packages By Kiana Wilburg Guyana’s concession packages can be deemed by the average investor as a ‘sweetener’ to almost any investment agreement. And the best part about it all is that it can be accessed by both foreign and domestic companies. These incentive packages for investment opportunities are divided into several sectors designed to suit the unique nature of the relevant sectors. However, it is important to note that tax holidays are not automatic and investors must satisfy internal agency guidelines and rules before benefiting from any form of tax benefit. Once the investor has prepared and submitted a proposal, the new and improved Guyana Office for Investment, otherwise known as GO-Invest, issues a letter or sometimes a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) setting out the known tax incentive regimes that are applicable to the type of investment. GO-Invest’s recommendations on tax incentives are usually based on the level of the investment expected in the project, the level of employment to be created by the investment, the financial capability of the investor and the viability of the investor’s proposal. Where the condition precedents set out in the letter/MOU are satisfied by both the Government and the investor, an Investment Agreement (IA) is prepared with recommendations of tax incentives by Go-Invest. Meetings are set up with relevant state agencies, and if an investor chooses to continue, GO-Invest issues a letter setting out incentives and confirming general terms of the investment. Further talks leads to an MOU. State Agencies take over with requisite applications etc., and an Investment Agreement (IA) containing incentives is drafted and forwarded to Guyana’s Revenue Authority (GRA) for review. Once the IA is in order it is executed by the Ministry of Finance. An Investment Agreement also lists the machinery, equipment and other items that are usually exempted from Custom duties. The listing of these items in finite detail is paramount to the issue of transparency and acts as a check and balance in the system to prevent abuse of Investment Agreements. It also provides the GRA with the ability to properly monitor and administer its functions as it relates to tax- and non-tax payers alike. Listing items eligible for exemptions allows the GRA to compute the value of exemptions granted for which it must account to the public for by publication. The GRA then reviews the draft Investment Agreement, using pre-existing customs, policy guidelines and the law, to determine the incentives applicable to a project. It sometimes proceeds to call the investor in to negotiate the terms of the Investment Agreement. Once GRA is satisfied with the Investment Agreement it is sent to the Minister of Finance with a recommendation for signature. Below are some of the general and special concession packages and what they offer. GENERAL INCENTIVES * Exemption from Customs Duty on most plant machinery and equipment * Exemption from Customs Duty on raw materials and packaging materials used in the production of goods by manufacturers * Exemption from Customs Duty and zero rate of ValueAdded-Tax on raw materials and packaging for manufacturers who export 50 percent or more of their products * Unlimited carryover of losses from previous years * Accelerated depreciation on plant and machinery for approved activities * Full and unrestricted repatriation of capital, profits and dividends * Benefits of double taxation treaties with the United Kingdom , Canada, Kuwait and Caricom countries * Exemption from Customs Duty and zero rate of ValueAdded-Tax on items approved under an Investment
Agreement between the Government and the business * Exemption from Excise Tax on items approved under an Investment Agreement between the Government and the business * Zero rate of Value-Added-Tax on exports Tax holidays for projects that meet the requirements specified in the In-Aid of Industry Act
* Exemption from Customs Duty on raw materials and packaging materials used in the production of goods by manufacturers * Zero rate of Value-Added-Tax on sacks and bags used for packaging of goods * Exemptions from duties and taxes from items covered under an Investment Agreement
Special Incentives (provided in addition to general incentives) Government provides export allowances for non-traditional exports to markets outside Caricom. The actual amount deducted depends on the proportion of export sales to total sales. It does not include rice, lumber, timber, shrimp, rum, sugar, diamond, gold, bauxite, molasses, petroleum.
Tourism * For tourist hotels and eco-tourist hotel * Tourist hotels – a hotel having at least 15 rooms and providing accommodation, services and activities intended to attract visitor on holiday * Eco-tourist hotel – a tourist hotel in a location and having activities intended to attract persons who have an interest in
Sector Incentives (provided in addition to general incentives):
the natural environment and wildlife of Guyana and having installations and operations designed to protect and preserve the natural environment and wildlife * New tourist hotels/eco-tourist hotel – exemption from Customs Duty and zero rate of Value-Added-Tax on equipment, furnishings, building materials, appliances – to a total value of up to 50% of the total investment * Expansions of existing tourist hotels/eco-tourist hotels – fiscal concessions of up to 25% of the additional investment
Agri-business * Exemption from Customs Duty on a wide range of machinery and equipment for land preparation, cultivation, harvesting – tractors, combines, bulldozers, excavators, etc. * Exemption from Customs Duty on a wide range of agroprocessing equipment – sorting and grading of seeds, fruits presses and crushers * Zero rate of Value-Added-Tax on harrows, scarifiers, ploughs, weeders, hoes * Exemption from Customs Duty on fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, weedicides, herbicides, inoculants * Zero rate of Value-Added-Tax on fungicide, herbicide, weedicide, pesticides, fertilizers * Exemptions from duties and taxes from items covered under an Investment Agreement Manufacturing * Exemption from Customs Duty on a wide range of process machinery and equipment including packaging equipment – fruit processing, sewing machines, and poultry feed * Exemption from Customs Duty on a wide range of auxiliary equipment – boilers, forklifts, scales for continuous weighing, conveyors * Exemption from Customs Duty and zero rate of ValueAdded-Tax on raw materials and packaging for manufacturers who export 50 percent or more of their products
Fisheries * Established fishing industries with fishing licences are eligible for exemption from Customs Duty for items such as spares, packaging material, fishing nets, floats, fishing vessels and wide range of fishing equipment * Small fishing establishments that provide evidence of their operations and supporting documentation from the Fishing Co-operatives are eligible for exemptions from Customs Duty and zero rate of Value-Added-tax on fishing nets, floats, rope, twine, cordage, hooks and sheet lead * Exemption from Customs Duty and Value-Added Tax on outboard engines of up to 75 Hp * Exemptions from duties and taxes for items covered under an Investment Agreement Forestry * Exemption from Customs Duty of a wide range of forestry (Continued on page 46)
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Kaieteur News
UNASUR and CELAC must expand mitigation methods to deal with natural disasters By Odeen Ishmael The foreign ministers of Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) met at the organization’s headquarters north of Quito on April 23 to discuss plans by the continental bloc to help Ecuador deal with the catastrophic earthquake that hit the country on April 16. The disastrous earthquake killed more than 650 people and seriously injured 12,500 others. It also destroyed 7,000 buildings, damaged about 2,400 more and left homeless more than 26,000 residents in the western coastal area of the country. REGIONAL EFFORTS TO ASSIST ECUADOR
So far, over 2,000 rescue workers, mostly from UNASUR countries, arrived in Ecuador to help in rescue efforts and to remove bodies buried under the rubble. The Ecuadorian government stated that “there has been an extraordinary response from at least twenty-four countries around the world, but especially from our neighbouring South American countries and more so from the UNASUR and other nations in the Americas who expressed their solidarity through aid and rescue workers.” Countries in the regional bloc, such as Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil and Colombia, have donated tons of medical and humanitarian supplies
and sent teams of rescue workers. The first group of rescue workers arrived from Venezuela within 24 hours after the earthquake struck. Actually, even before the establishment of UNASUR almost a decade ago, South American countries have been very quick in rendering assistance to their neighbours at times of natural disasters. For instance, they responded rapidly when Chile was hit by earthquakes and when there were disastrous floods in Guyana (in 2005) and Bolivia (in 2015). At the UNASUR meeting, both the Ecuadorian foreign minister (Guillaume Long) and the secretary general (Ernesto Samper) reminded
the participants that not only Ecuador is experiencing “very tough times”, but also Uruguay and Chile, which after months of drought have suffered from torrential rains causing deaths and massive damage to infrastructure. ECONOMIC PRESSURES President Correa said that about US$3 billion will be required to reconstruct the country. This is itself a very steep challenge to the country’s economy. Mainly due to declining income from oil, Ecuador’s biggest earner, economic growth is expected to be near zero this year; and exports of bananas, flowers, cocoa beans and fish could be negatively affected by ruined roads and port delays as a result of the earthquake. Fortunately, the oil industry did not suffer any serious damage and the main refinery of Esmeraldas was due to start up again and to function at full capacity. To finance the costs of the emergency, the government announced that some $600 million in credit from multilateral lenders was immediately activated. It has also signed off on a credit line for $2 billion from the China Development Bank to finance public investment. China has been the largest financier of Ecuador since 2009 and the credit was negotiated before the earthquake. In addition, President Correa announced that sales tax would be raised from 12 percent to 14 percent. He explained that all Ecuadorians have to shoulder the burden of the earthquake and that it should not be disproportionately placed on the people in the affected areas. IMPORTANCE OFA REGIONALMITIGATION STRATEGY The disaster in Ecuador illustrates the importance of actions to mitigate problems
arising out of such tragic circumstances in the region. While UNASUR’s Mechanism of Coordination and Mutual Assistance to assist in the event of natural disasters can be effective, that process must be expanded and streamlined to effect re-development of societies and economies that suffer from widespread natural tragedies. The Argentine volunteer group known as the White Helmets (managed by the UN) is extremely useful in this regard, as evidenced by its work in Haiti over the years. Regional and hemispheric institutions just cannot wait until disasters strike before they begin to mobilize resources; thus, it is now necessary for the urgent establishment of a special regional permanent unit to quickly coordinate assistance to affected countries. This body should meet on a planned regular basis to map out strategies, thus ensuring its effectiveness as one of the best forms of disaster preparedness. NECESSITY FOR A REGIONAL CORPS OF DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEERS Back in 1994, at the first Summit of the Americas in Miami, Guyana’s late president Dr Cheddi Jagan urged Latin American and Caribbean countries to coordinate their efforts to implement initiatives to combat inequality and boost their human capital. In this respect, he proposed the establishment of a “corps of development volunteers” drawn from all the countries of the region and aimed at supplementing the work of the White Helmets (which includes medical specialists) to assist in emergency situations in various countries. Dr Jagan envisaged that the corps of development volunteers — disaster relief
Odeen Ishmael workers, health workers, engineers, teachers, social workers, scientists, etc. — would assist in regional countries affected by natural disasters and to help in special social and economic follow-up programs to help in their recovery. While this proposal won unanimous support at the summit and was included in the summit’s action plan, it was never implemented. Dr Jagan also incorporated this idea in his proposal of a New Global Human Order, which was adopted by the United Nations in November 2000 for implementation. However, much political foot-dragging has slowed down this process, but it is now imperative that either UNASUR or the larger Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) takes the lead to establish this corps of development volunteers to assist in Latin American and Caribbean countries affected by natural disasters — earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, droughts, epidemics, etc. — and also, at the same time, help to battle poverty, ignorance and disease in the region. (Dr Odeen Ishmael, Ambassador Emeritus (retired), historian and author, served as Guyana’s ambassador in the USA (1993-2003), Venezuela 2003-2011) and Kuwait and Qatar (2011-2014). He actively participated in meetings of UNASUR from 2003 to 2010 and has written extensively on South American integration issues)
Examining Guyana’s concession... (From page 45) and sawmilling equipment – skidders, band saws, gang saws, chain saws, saws blades, etc. * Exemption from Customs Duty on a wide range of woodworking equipment – lathes, sanders, routes, saws * Exemptions from duties and taxes for items covered under an Investment Agreement Mining * Exemption from Customs Duty on a wide
range of mining equipment – for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing, grinding, mixing or kneading earth, stone, ores or other mineral substances; rock drilling or earth boring tools; furnaces and ovens for roasting, melting or heat treatment of ores, pyrites or of metals * Exemptions from duties and taxes for items covered under an Investment Agreement ICT * Exemption
from
Customs Duty on a wide range of ICT equipment including computers and their hardware accessories, integrated circuits, micro assemblies and apparatus * Zero rate of ValueAdded-Tax on Computers and hardware accessories, routers, switches and hubs for networking computers, toner cartridges and ink cartridges for computer printers * Tax Holiday * Exemption from duties and taxes for items covered under an Investment Agreement.
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Kaieteur News
Separation, Facebook and a Happy Mother’s Day By Sharmain Grainger It isn’t rare for a mother and daughter to develop a bond that is strong enough for them to become best friends. It could, however, be deemed a rarity if they met each other after almost 47 years and develop that very bond. There may be quite a few cases like this, however one that gained the attention of this publication recently is that of Bernice Bobb-Carter and her mother Carmen Bobb. Bobb-Carter was born on December 5, 1967 to Randolph and Carmen Bobb. The latter mentioned is currently 71 years of old. The two were separated when Bobb-Carter was just over one-year old. It certainly wasn’t the very young Bernice’s choice to be taken away from her mother. Interestingly enough it wasn’t the older Bobb’s choosing either. However, this didn’t mean that persons weren’t told this was in fact the case. But Bobb-Carter revealed recently that she would learn many years later that it was really her father, Randolph Bobb, who caused her to be separated from her mother. He essentially left her in the care of strangers when she was just a tot. Her parents, she was told, had marital issues and could no longer stay together. It might have been a bitter separation, as reports suggest that her father had put measures in place to
Glowing mother and daughter. Bernice Bobb (left) and her mother Carmen Bobb, share a hug. separate Bobb-Carter, not only from her mother, but from her biological family altogether. ABITTERSWEET TALE A very pensive BobbCarter recounted her story during a recent interview with me. It turned out to be a bittersweet tale. She was raised by an elder couple – Margaret Barry and Joseph Griffith, who lived in Canje, Berbice. Bobb-Carter recalled that as soon as she was old enough, the couple informed her of how she happened to be in their care. “They told me all they knew. By the time I was seven or eight they told me they were not my parents. They
told me that my mom went away...that is what they said my father told them when he asked them to take care of me,” recalled Bobb-Carter. But she did get to see her father perhaps once or twice as a child, while in the care of her foster parents. Based on the little that they shared, Bobb-Carter knew that her father hailed from Essequibo, but had moved to Berbice because of his employment at Transport and Harbours. No one, however, seem to know anything about her mother. But Bobb-Carter was able to find out eventually that her mother was from Leguan and it was perhaps there that her father had met her. Her father
‘Aunty Chalma’ is a special... From page 26 buy alcohol. “So when he go on his drinking spree, Ma (Aunty Chalma) had to go work in he place,” Golin said. Life continued on like that for many decades until Aunty Chalma left the estate. She was 60 years old when she left, chalking up 48 years of service to the sugar industry. She is now a beneficiary of the Old Age Pension, National Insurance Scheme Pension and also, estate pension. She cooks, clean and washes for herself and is a dedicated Hindu that attends the Mandirs regularly. She would also, from time to time, visit the Lenora Market to sell fruits and vegetables. She enjoys hanging out with her best friend, 92yer-old Aunty Doris who lives two houses away from her. The duo, along with another 89-year-old woman, would sit for hours on a bench in front of Aunty Doris’ yard where they discuss the news, politics and recipes. “THIS TIME NAH LIKE LANG TIME”
Aunty Chalma can speak a little Hindi and is an expert masseuse – something she inherited from the elders back in the days at the Estate. Villagers regard her as the go-to person when they experience post and prenatal complications. She is also an expert dancer and “nowah” (organiser of religious functions). Asked what she remembers the most but does not see around anymore, Aunty Chalma said that she remembers the mud roads, the trains, the earthen lamps, the firesides and the large pails of “cow-dung” mixed with trench-mud that people use to “dab” under their bottomhouse and on the ground that surrounds their dwelling place. “This time nah like lang time. Now ah days people ah guh run a dem neighbour house with plate fuh some rice. Dem a sit down lang lang and ah talk. Dem nah want get up and get. Lang time yuh nah bin a see dat. Everybody bin ah hustle. Time hard yes, but you must get up and get.
Nobody bin a know yuh story. If yo eat salt and rice and lock up in yo house– not one soul nah know. Hard or soft you gah battle fuh yuh self. When yuh wuk yuh guh eat. Yuh nah wuk – mouth guh white” Asked what advice she would offer to the youths, Aunty Chalma said that the youths of today need to listen and have respect for their parents and elders. Also, youths should work hard and “care themselves” so that in time, they can surpass her. She believes that we are now in a better time and should do all we can to have a good life for our families and to take advantage of all the positive opportunities that comes along. As she continued to praise this “modern” time, she was asked whether she would have preferred to be born in this era instead of the early 1900’s, and she replied “Nah! Lang time bin mo nice. It bin hard but it bin really sweet.” We are certainly grateful for the likes of Aunty Chalma on Mother’s Day.
was reportedly over two decades older than her mother and might have been forced to tie the knot. Soon after marriage they reportedly moved to Sheet Anchor, Berbice where BobbCarter was reportedly conceived. Reports suggest that Randolph Bobb was rather a ‘ladies man’ and soon lost the trust of his young wife, who simply could bear hearing about his constant infidelity. The way Bobb-Carter heard the story, though, is that her parents separated and soon after her father was ‘shacking up’ with another woman who was very pregnant with his child. But still no one was able to say what became of her mother. “What I heard is that my stepmother couldn’t handle taking care of me and her newborn child and so my father decided to just give me away to this old couple,” Bobb-Carter disclosed. The couple had about eight adult children and some
of their grandchildren were around the same age with Bobb-Carter. While her father stayed in Berbice for a while, he later moved away and left without his young daughter. One of the few times he visited her, Bobb-Carter recalled that “he took me to spend a weekend with his (new) family and kept me for a week instead. At the time he was living at West Dem (Region Three) and I was so accustomed to the old couple that I started to cry for him to take me back home (Berbice),” recounted BobbCarter. He took her back to the couple in Berbice. That was however the last time she would see him. His disappearance, however, did not make raising the young Bobb-Carter a very easy task as, according to her, her father left no official documents; not even a birth certificate. Although she was allowed to attend primary school with a baptism
certificate, she was not permitted to write Common Entrance and therefore was not placed at a secondary level school. She did, however, have a love for cooking and was enrolled in cooking classes by her foster parents so that she could improve her skills. Every now and then she was plagued by thoughts about her mother. But her loving foster parents were always enough to appease her desire to find out more. However, by the time she was of age and ready to tie the knot, the woes of not having a birth certificate would again surface. Her foster parents certainly did their best to help. The only information that her father had left behind was a note stating that her parents were Randolph Bobb, her mother was Lorain Bobb and that her name was Bernice Bobb. Attempts to seek the support of the General Post Office were not helpful. In fact
New energy needed in the... From page 24 meeting was held, under the Chairmanship of US Vice President Joe Biden. The meeting was beneficial because it exposed Caribbean countries to US companies with which they might partner in transitioning the energy sector from total reliance on fossil fuels to a mix with renewable energy sources. The most significant event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, the United States Department of Energy, and the CARICOM Secretariat. Importantly, one of the goals of the MOU is to establish an “Energy co-financing Facil-
ity for Caribbean Sustainability”, particularly focused on efforts to attract international investors. It is on access to funding that greater emphasis and effort have to be devoted to attract investment on terms that benefit both the investor and the countries in which they invest, and to give the Caribbean region the energy it needs. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, London University and Massey College, Toronto University. The views expressed are his own) Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com
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Separation, Facebook and a Happy... (From page 47) there they were informed that the child Bernice Bobb, born to parents Randolph and Lorain Bobb, might have never been registered. She eventually got married and assumed the name Bernice Bobb-Carter and started to accept that her mother was probably dead by then. But after her foster parents and then her husband passed away, BobbCarter recalled that she had an earnest desire to find her own mother. Her efforts would however help her to find out that she had at least three brothers (sons of her father). But yet there was no information forthcoming about her mother. She would eventually make contact with a woman who claimed she was her father’s wife. It was then that she learned that her father had passed since 1983 – the same year she conceived her first child. She was, however, no closer to finding her mother. Bobb-Carter found comfort in her children and again tried to come to terms with the fact that she probably would never be able to find out what became of her mother. But little did she know that things were about to change. SISTERS WITH THE SAME MOTHER With the growing advent of social media, even BobbCarter wanted to get involved. Moreover, her daughter decided to create a profile for Bobb-Carter. This would turn out to be the needed link to reunite her with her mother. As fate would have it,
Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
Bobb-Carter didn’t find her mother. It was in fact her sister (her mother’s daughter) who located her on Facebook. What Bobb-Carter didn’t know is that her mother had migrated to the United States and had a daughter by the name of Helen Taylor. The profile name is in fact what caught the attention of Taylor, who started to send several messages her way. Bobb-Carter’s children also saw the messages and started to enquire. Several questions later, Taylor was able to confirm to Bobb-Carter that they were sisters and shared the same mother. In fact Bobb-Carter related that when her mother introduced herself for the first time as Carmen Bobb she was despondent. “I started thinking that this was the wrong person...my mother’s name was supposed to be Lorain.” But according to BobbCarter, it was her mother who revealed that her father deliberately didn’t give her caregivers her correct name. Bobb-Carter would only then learn that she was actually born Carol Bobb, but her father had given her name as Bernice and her mother’s name as Lorain. “I freeze when I realised that my mother was really alive and well and living in Georgia. I couldn’t believe it, but I was praying all the time to find my mother...I was excited to know that after all these years I could meet my mother,” said Bobb-Carter as she recalled speaking on the telephone with her sister and mother for the first time. “It wasn’t so much about my sister...I was happy to know I had a sister, but was anxious to know I could
finally get to meet my mom. I had so many questions because I couldn’t understand what kind of a mother would leave her child and never look back. I needed answers but I was very happy too,” admitted Bobb-Carter. They had many telephone conversations before meeting for the first time on February 16, 2016. “When I saw my mother for the first time when she got off the airplane, I just knew it was her right away, and she knew it was me. We hugged each other; we cried for nearly an hour at the airport,” she recalled. The two have been learning a great deal about each other since they met in February. Bobb-Carter has since met many relatives she didn’t know she had all along. Although she is a woman of few words Carmen Bobb confirmed that she too is extremely happy to be reunited with her daughter. She recalled that after she and her husband separated, she travelled to Linden where she stayed with her grandmother. Her estranged husband visited a few times, but would only tell her that their daughter was sent abroad to be with relatives. “He didn’t tell me that she was right here in Guyana the whole time...I was sad for many years but now I am very happy,” said a smiling Carmen Bobb, as she and her daughter shared a hug. And the plans to celebrate Mother ’s Day today will be “big” according to Bobb-Carter. The two happily embraced each other and smiled unreservedly as they speculated that sharing the celebration this year will likely be the best they’ve ever had.
Guyana’s ambassador to Venezuela presents credentials to President Maduro
Ambassador Cheryl Miles presents her credentials to Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro More than seven months after being announced as Ambassador of Guyana to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles on Wednesday finally had an opportunity to present her credentials to President Nicolás Maduro. According to the Foreign Ministry of that neighbouring country, Mrs. Miles was among four other ambassadors who presented their official documents. Following the presentation ceremony, the ambassador later met Maduro in the Hall Sol del Peru, located in the Miraflores Palace in Caracas. According to the Foreign Ministry, the President acknowledged the readiness and willingness of the
ambassadors to work together with the Venezuelan Government to strengthen relations of cooperation and friendship. Ambassador Miles had been waiting for accreditation since her appointment was announced in November. In February, she formally presented her documents to Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez. Tensions with Venezuela escalated last year after ExxonMobil, a US exploration company, announced it found significant evidence of oil in a well it drilled in waters offshore Guyana. Venezuela, immediately, through decrees and its maps, claimed the waters and lands in Essequibo.
An oil-for-rice deal under the PetroCaribe arrangement with countries in the region fell through for Guyana, leaving the new administration scrambling for new markets. Venezuela subsequently pulled its ambassador, with a key meeting in October in New York between the leaders of the two countries seeing an agreement for a team from the United Nations to examine possible solutions to the border controversy. Guyana is insisting on a juridical settlement in the World Court. Venezuela had promised to send back its ambassador and also accredit a new representative from Guyana when one is sent.
Motherhood awesomeness, from a dad's... From page 38 gurgly, messy, joyously-alive bundles of humanity are theirs. We men may not even be absolutely sure we are their fathers. What does it really feel like to have a tiny living, growing, moving human being inside of you, we ask, as if ever there
was a rhetorical question? A billion multiplying cells budded from the union of egg and sperm, heart pulsing, blood cycling, neurons firing, lungs filling and deflating to the reflexive motion of the diaphragm. Small wonder that the female of the species, considered by many to be deadlier than the male, may fight to the death to protect her offspring. Yes, some of us overtly or subliminally envy the sacred and secret gift of motherhood bequeathed to women by nature. The psychic, unbreakable bond established in the womb and cemented at birth is practically outside our scope of experience. Incidentally one of the most heartbreaking of human illnesses is that post-natal psychological disorder that causes a mother to reject her newborn and her own maternal instinct to protect and preserve that which was once a physical part of her. Love is considered the most powerful of human expressions and yearnings, yet, I believe, the most abused, misunderstood, and misdirected. Nevertheless it seems to find its deepest expression in the devotion of mother to child, and comes closest to the biblical definition found in 1 Corinthians which declares that love (Or charity) is long-suffering; isn't envious, does not boast, seek its own, or is easily provoked. It bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things; above all it never fails. And if charity begins at home, then in all creation, a mother's love comes clos-
est to this ideal. It's a pity that this noble expression has become so commercialized, with all the media platitudes and pandering that tend to cheapen its significance. Although there's nothing wrong with gift-sending or having Mom pampered with a makeover or a special dinner, many of these gestures too often tend to be dutiful and cosmetic rather than heartfelt; in any case there are 364 other Mother's Days in the year. Hugs and kisses are free, and quality time still trumps texting and Facebook greetings. The world is filled with stories about the devotion and depth of a mother's love, and I don't need to rehash any of them. What I will do instead is share with readers this short poetic tribute I have written for mothers everywhere. The name of it is 'Umbilicus'. Hope you like it. The blood-cord connection severs at birth shrivels or is buried; reclaimed by the earth yet remains - invisible, illuminating as light when an infant first mirrored its mother's sight. Unseen, unbidden, as they fly with the years weathering storms of apprehension and tears The cord may stretch thin; may fray at the edge but the core stays firm, inured by the hedge which providence plants in the heart of a mother that can never, ever be replaced by another. Have a great Mother's Day everyone!
Sunday May 08, 2016
(From page 36) with administering social insurance for thousands of Guyanese. A forensic audit report released this week by the Ministry of Finance on NIS, covering the period December 2011 to May 31, 2015, red-flagged several instances of direct interference by the Office of the President, into the affairs of the entity. Many times, it seems, the decisions by Cabinet were handed down and the board accepted them without question. Chairing the NIS Board of Directors for years until his party, the PPP/C, lost the early general elections in May last year, was Dr. Roger Luncheon. That official was also the Cabinet Secretary. The Corriverton branch had made the news in a very bad way for the previous administration after documents relating to the construction revealed what appeared to be high costs for the building. It was an embarrassment for NIS which is also facing tough financial times as it expenses are outstripping income. According to the report, prepared by auditor HLB R. Seebarran & Co., the branch was reconstructed in 2010/2011 and commissioned in 2011 at a whopping cost of $69.9M. The report said that NIS board appointed a sub-committee called the Tender Evaluation Committee headed by a director and including three independent parties - among them Samuel Goolsarran from the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries. A Consulting Engineer who was appointed provided an estimate of $50.6M to construct the building. Auditors found that an advertisement was then published in the press in April 2010. It is here that things got strange. The NIS board decided to take it upon itself not to have the contract handled by the National Board for Procurement and Tender Administration. Rather, the bids were handled by the Tender Evaluation Committee. The reasons given were because of delays in the procurement at the national tender board. According to the forensic audit report, in 2013, a valuation of the property pegged the value of the Corriverton property at $37.9M
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understand. But the magistrate informed him about the court system “first there are the charges then a preliminary inquiry and then a trial and if you are found guilty you will be committed to the High Court. That’s just how it works.” LAWYERS WANT HIGH COURT TO HALT RETRENCHMENT OF SUGAR WORKERS
compared to the cost of $69.9M, an impairment of $32M. ‘DEPORTEE’ CHARGED FOR PARIKA FUELDEALERMURDER Kurt Thomas, who claimed he never held a gun in his life, was charged on Friday for the fatal shooting and stabbing to death of Parika fuel dealer Seeram Singh. “I’m innocent, I never hold a gun in my life, I never shot nobody!” Thomas shouted in protest as the officers led him from the Leonora Police Station to the court compound. Once in the compound, Thomas of Hyde Park, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, called “Deportee” proclaimed his innocence loudly, stating that he was wrongfully accused. It is alleged that he on April 30 at Essequibo Thomas murdered Seeram Singh during the course or furtherance of a robbery. He was
not required to plead to the capital offence of murder. The prosecution indicated that more time needs to be given for the completion of the file. Thomas told Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool that he was in the lockups for 72 hours and “the police never told me what they picked me up for. He complained he did not
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees, (NAACIE) on Friday secured an order from the Full Court of the Georgetown Supreme Court against Guyana Sugar Corporation, (GuySuCo) to bring a halt to the sending home and reassignment of more than 100 workers of the Wales Estate. The applications were filed on April 11, last, on behalf of Seepaul Narine, General Secretary of GAWU, and Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary of NAACIE. The parties, through their attorneys, Anil Nandlall, Euclin Gomes, Sase Gunraj, Manoj Narayan and Sasha Mahadeo, are also seeking damages of more than $1 million for breach of statutory duty under the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, Cap.99:08, Laws of Guyana. The interim order was granted by Justice William Ramlal and Justice Diana Insanally. The judges outlined that if the respondent/ defendant, by your officers, servants and/or agents, neglect to obey the order they will be liable to process of execution for the purpose of compelling them to obey.
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Sunday May 08, 2016
Protein Bars: Do Avoid Drinking Soda! They Really Work?
Protein bars were once something only found in health food stores and at the gym. Today, however, it’s not uncommon to see plenty of protein bars on display at your local supermarket or grocery store. Many protein bar makers claim that these bars can help you lose weight, pack on muscle mass and give you a much-needed energy boost. However, it’s important to distinguish protein bars from the protein you receive in a balanced diet. Furthermore, not all protein bars are created equal, so some are certainly better for you than others. For the real truth about protein bars and what they can do for you, our article will cover everything from the nutritional content to potential side effects of protein bars. What’s in a Protein Bar? As their name suggests, protein bars contain a significant amount of protein. In general, these bars usually contain about 20 to 25 grams of it. Considering that most adults only need about 46 to 56 grams of protein per day, this amount of protein content is very significant. In addition to protein, these bars typically contain carbohydrates, as well. Make sure you pay attention to the sugar content that is listed under carbohydrates on the bar’s packaging; while some bars only have a few grams of sugars, others content as many as 15 or 20 grams of sugar, making them a less healthy option. Most protein bars have low fat levels. In addition to carbs, protein and fats, protein bars are typically fortified with a mix of vitamins and minerals. In comparison to protein shakes, which contain little or no vitamins and minerals, this makes protein bars a superior option. Some protein bars will even have 100% of the recommended daily value for certain nutrients, such as vitamins B6, B12, C and E. Other nutrients found in many protein bars include iron, calcium, copper, chromium, phosphorous and magnesium. Pay attention to the caloric content of your protein bars, as well. Some have double the calories of comparable bars, even though they are the same size. In general, it’s important to always take time reading the labels of protein bars before making a purchase. Look for high vitamin and mineral content with low fats, sugars and calories. Also avoid too many unnatural or unhealthy additives, like high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oils and artificial flavorings. Unfortunately, though they do contain more vitamins and minerals, protein bars are more likely to have these unhealthy additives
than protein shakes. BENEFITS OF PROTEIN BARS You might notice people at the gym eating a protein bar during a break or right after their workouts. In fact, protein bars can be a good way to give you a little energy and nutrition after exercising. The extra protein helps you to recover after a workout, and for serious weight-lifters, it may also help them add a little muscle mass. Just be careful that your bar doesn’t contain too many sugars or artificial ingredients, because these may counteract the effects of eating a protein bar after a workout. Remember that they are adding extra calories to your diet, so you should only use protein bars as a post-workout snack if you have been exercising vigorously. Protein bars may also be a good substitute for breakfast on some occasions. Though they aren’t recommended for an everyday meal replacement, they can be a good option when you are running short on time one day and need something to eat on your way to work. Another one of the benefits of protein bars is how convenient they are. They are portioncontrolled and pre-packaged, so you can eat one on the run or easily throw one in your purse on the way out the door in the morning. In addition to their convenience, protein bars can also help people to lose weight in some cases. Because proteins are digested more slowly, these bars can help you feel full longer and provide you with energy for several hours after eating one. However, protein bars are not recommended for meal replacement. Rather, use them as a snack to tide you over between meals if necessary. CONS OF PROTEIN BARS The biggest drawback to protein bars is that they add unnecessary protein, calories and unhealthy additives like artificial sweeteners and hydrogenated vegetable oils into your diet. Most healthy adults who eat a balanced diet get a sufficient amount of protein each day. Proteins are readily available in common foods like vegetables, beans, meats, fish, poultry, dairy and grains, so adding protein bars to your diet may be an unnecessary expense. Furthermore, getting excessive protein in your diet may lead to certain side effects, such as dehydration, diarrhea and nausea. In general, stick to protein bars only when you are really crunched for time and unable to get in a healthy meal, or when you need a pick-me-up during or just after a heavy workout. However, protein bars are not recommended for regular meal replacement or for a consistent, day-to-day source of protein in your diet. ( http://www.symptomfind.com. )
Your health will thank you When consumed in excess, added sugar can have disastrous effects on your health. However, some sources of sugar are worse than others… and sugary drinks are the worst, by far. This primarily applies to sugary soda, but also to fruit juices, highly sweetened coffees and other sources of liquid sugar. Here are 10 reasons to avoid soda (and other sugary drinks) like the plague. 1. The Sugar! - A single can of soda contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar. This amount of sugar, especially in liquid form, skyrockets the blood sugar and causes an insulin reaction in the body. Over time, this can lead to diabetes or insulin resistance, not to mention weight gain and other health problems. Soft drink companies are the largest user of sugar in the country. 2. Phosphoric Acid - Soda contains phosphoric acid, which interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can lead to osteoporosis, cavities and bone softening. Phosphoric Acid also interacts with stomach acid, slowing digestion and blocking nutrient absorption. 3. Artificial Sweeteners - In diet sodas, aspartame is used as a substitute for sugar, and can actually be more harmful. It has been linked to almost a hundred different health problems including seizures, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, diabetes, and emotional disorders. It converts to methanol at warm temperatures and methanol breaks down to formaldehyde and formic acid. Diet sodas also increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, which causes belly fat, high blood sugar and raised cholesterol. 4. Caffeine - Most sodas contain caffeine, which has been linked to certain cancers, breast lumps, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, and other problems. 5. The Water - The water used in soda is just simple tap water and can contain chemicals like chlorine, fluoride and traces of heavy metals. 6. Obesity - Harvard researchers have recently positively linked soft drinks to obesity. The study found that 12 year olds who drank soda were more likely to be obese than those who didn’t, and for each serving of soda consumed daily, the risk of obesity increased 1.6 times. 7. Extra Fructose - Sodas contain High Fructose Corn Syrup, which obviously comes from corn. Most of this corn has been genetically modified, and there are no long term stud-
ies showing the safety of genetically modified crops, as genetic modification of crops has only been around since the 1990s. Also, the process of making High Fructose Corn Syrup involves traces of mercury, which causes a variety of long term health problems. 8. Lack of Nutrients - There is absolutely no nutritional value in soda whatsoever. Not only are there many harmful effects of soda, but there are not even any positive benefits to outweigh them. Soda is an unnatural substance that harms the body. 9. Dehydration - Because of the high sugar, sodium and caffeine content in soda, it dehydrates the body and over a long period of time can cause chronic dehydration. 10. Bad for the teeth - Drinking soda regularly causes plaque to build up on the teeth and can lead to cavities and gum disease. Healthy Alternatives to Soda I’ve heard that it can be really difficult for those who consume soda daily to just stop drinking it. This actually makes sense when you think about how soda affects the body and creates positive feedback loops thanks to its sugar content. If you’re a soda drinker and are looking for some healthy alternatives, here are a few suggestions: · Club soda flavored with a squeeze of fresh fruit juice or some fresh ginger root · Homemade water kefir– this has the same fizz and sweetness but with a boost of probiotics! · Kombucha - Like kefir, you can make this at home and it is naturally fizzy and packed with vitamins Bottom Line Soda may taste good and it certainly seem to have some addictive properties (ask any self-proclaimed Diet Coke addict!) but the bottom line is that soda isn’t healthy in any amount and there is absolutely no reason or justification for consuming it. Sure, some will argue that anything in moderation is ok, and in most cases, I’d agree. When it comes to soda, the amount of sugar and additives is so high that I don’t think “moderation” even exists, and it certainly doesn’t exist in the 20 ounce or larger bottles that are so common. We are talking about a substance that is often consumed in place of water (which most of us don’t drink enough of), contains no nutrients or beneficial properties whatsoever, and is packed with sugar and artificial additives that make it harmful.
Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
Jay Z is responding to Beyonce’s Lemonade with new album
Looks like Jay Z sipped haterade instead of lemonade. The rapper is reportedly back in the studio working on a response album to Beyonce’s critical record that just dropped. If you’re itching for music you can hear right now, stick around. The Blues Brothers are making an animated return, McDonalds now serves up beats, Radiohead finally released music, Alicia Keys has a new single, Mutual Benefit shared a slice of mournful folk, and Run the Jewels made a dark 360-degree video that will
give you the spins. Beyonce used her new album, Lemonade, to show the world who’s boss… again. It looks like Jay Z wants to reclaim the title instead. The rapper returned to the studio and is “working on an album telling his side of things,” or so an anonymous source told US Weekly. Speculation is further proved possible with a photo of Jay Z in the studio floating around the web, too. Let’s hope he fixes what looks like a rocky relationship and puts their love on. (tophttp://nerdist.com. )
Janet Jackson Pregnant At 49
Janet Jackson is reportedly pregnant with her first child - two weeks before her 50th birthday. The claim on American TV show Entertainment Tonight appears to confirm rumours that began when Jackson postponed her forthcoming tour last month. In a video statement published on her website on 6 April, the singer said: “My husband and I are planning our family, so I’m going to have to delay the tour. “Please, if you can try and understand that
it’s important that I do this now. “I have to rest up - doctor’s orders - but I have not forgotten about you. I will continue the tour as soon as I possibly can.” Jackson has yet to confirm the pregnancy as she promotes her new song, the aptly named Dammn Baby. The 49-year-old secretly wed Wissam Al Mana in 2012 - her third marriage. She has made no secret of her desire to have a child and admitted in 2008 that she might have to adopt. (http://news.sky.com. )
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Company has tentacles in almost... From page 61 it had become involved. Government has since announced that another Chinese company, Long Jiang Forest Industries Group, has acquired 55 percent of the shares in BaiShanLin and intends to fully take it over this year. SO WHAT EXACTLY HAS BAISHANLIN BEEN DOING IN GUYANA? The company apparently came here in the mid-2000's, becoming initially involved in logging. As a matter of fact, according to official records, the investor in 2006 registered two companies- BaiShanLin International Wood Group Inc. and BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. Since then, the principals of the company have registered at least 17 others. It appears that the companies were intent on a range of activities. The companies include BaiShanLin Housing and Construction Inc.; BaiShanLin Mining Development Inc.; BaiShanLin International Shipbuilding and Heavy Industry Inc.; Heilongjiang Forest Engineering and Processing Development Inc.; C-G Economic and Trade Cooperation Park Inc.; New Life International Inc.; BaiShanLin International Investment Group Inc.; BaiShanLin China Shareholding Group Inc.; H7P International Inc.; Quick Auto Service Centre Inc.; Yongli Investment Inc.; BaiSheng International Investment Inc.; New East International Inc.; East International (South Americ) Inc.; H&P Quarry Inc. and Fun Time Family Park Inc. In addition to the lands in the Berbice River area, BaiShanLin was granted a waterfront piece in the Linden area for ship building activities and another one not far away for the construction of its wood processing factory. At Providence, BaiShanLin was able to acquire an unfinished hotel, Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall. The Government had held onto it after the initial developer ran into trouble. The Chinese investor only paid US$1.5M of the US$4.5M. It appears the previous Government, under the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), made little efforts to collect the outstanding US$3M ($600M). That property is used as a base of operations for the investor, with not much improvement made on it since it was handed over between 2012-2013. Right at Providence, BaiShanLin also managed to acquire two more pieces of
BaiShanLin still owes the Government of Guyana US$3M for this property behind the Princess Casino, at Providence.
land. One of them was to build a mall that would have showcased products from China. That mall remains half-finished. The Chinese investor also was interested in housing. In early 2014, it purchased 100 acres of housing lands from Sunset Lakes, a company owned by businessman Brian Tiwarie. The company paid US$4M of the US$8M asking price. Tiwarie has since taken BaiShanLin to court for the outstanding US$4M. Tiwarie wants back his lands as well as the outstanding monies. Long Tentacles But the tentacles of BaiShanLin and its local principal, Chu HongBo, in the country's business sectors does not stop there. Through Chu Hongbo, H&P International Inc., New East International Inc. and New Life International Inc, at least 220 gold mining concessions have been acquired. Indeed, Chu Hongbo has even acquired a Guyanese passport. One of the companies associated with BaiShanLin‌H&P Quarry‌ appears to be involved in the stone business too. BaiShanLin has been using its trucks and equipment it received via duty free concessions to compete with local businesses. These include its trucks at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion. The trucks were brought in for logging purposes and by using it at the airport, it breached the investment agreement that it would have signed. It has been using its barges to fetch stones for businesses along the East Bank Demerara, also competing with local operators. BaiShanLin has also been using its vehicles and trucks
in its mining operations. Locals have been forced to pay taxes on their trucks and other equipments. They are not given that many breaks. It is unclear where the investor has been selling its gold that it has mined as there are no official records at the
beginning of the year of any being declared. BaiShanLin has also been allowed, using loopholes in its tax concessions to bring in containers of hardware, including steel. Some of the steel has reportedly been making it to local worksites. It even established it own
cement mixing plant at Providence where the unfinished mall stands. Scores of work permits for Chinese nationals have been issued overtime. It is unclear what exactly BaiShanLin, during the last decade, contributed to the economy as not only were its
taxes waived and it failed to build the wood processing facility, but it was allowed with its equipment to compete unfairly against locals. It remains unclear how many local workers are employed. The company has now announced new owners from this year.
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Kaieteur News
2014 taxi driver murder remains unsolved Two years after the murder of taxi driver Roopchand Darshan, his family has said that the police have been dragging their feet in finding his killer. Darshan, of Enmore, was
shot and killed in March 2014. The 24-year-old was found slumped over the steering wheel of his car at the Strathspey Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara.
Despite the recent breakthroughs in unsolved murder cases, family members of Roopchan Darshan are saying they have never been contacted by the police on any
information in the case. Although many efforts have been made to inquire into the matter in the past, Darshan’s mother still anxiously awaits her answer. “It is stressful; nothing up to now…nothing,” she said. Police had previously believed that the man was a victim of a carjacking but nothing was taken from his car. His money and cell phone were handed over to his family. The police were also informed that Darshan was involved in an argument with a man a few days before he was killed. The man had apparently lashed him across the head and told him he was not finished with him. Mrs. Latchmie Darshan told Kaieteur News yesterday that even though her son was killed two years ago it is still a
fresh wound in her life. “It has been two years now and I’m still hurting…” Sobbing, she continued, “And the police ain’t calling and we ain’t hearing nothing about what really happen to our son.” She said that the incident had taken a toll on her emotionally and physically. She said she recently had undergone surgery and was told not to stress herself. “I can’t take it on but I can’t forget it,” she added, breaking down in tears. Darshan was her only son, and the youngest of her children. Kaieteur News was told that the young man had bought the vehicle a short while before he was killed. Darshan was found in his vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head around 10.50 pm on March 29. He was reportedly shot from behind.
A taxi driver, who asked not to be named, told this publication that he was traversing the neighbourhood during that time and he had seen the young man working late. He noted that he had seen two young men exiting a minibus and soliciting Darshan to drop them into the Enmore New Scheme. The man indicated that another taxi driver had told them that he had seen Darshan driving out of the scheme a while after he picked up the two men but he could not say if anyone else was in the car because the scheme did not have street lights. Several efforts were made to contact ‘C’ Division, Commander, Marlon Chapman, but he could not be reached to giv e a n y comment.
Barry Dataram cocaine trial…
Magistrate still to rule on summons of News anchor An application by Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, to summon News anchor, Travis Chase, and Station manager Nyjel Fraser to attend court to testify in Barry Dataram’s drug trial is yet to be decided on by Magistrate Judy Latchman. At a previous court hearing, CANU Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford-Thompson made an application for Chase and Fraser to be summoned to bring material evidence in relation to the matter. On Wednesday, the Magistrate informed the court that she will make a decision on issuing the
Barry Dataram summons on an adjourned date. She also permitted CANU officer Andrew Yarde to give further evidence in the matter.
Yarde testified that on June 23, 2015, he went to the police analyst at Eve Leary and uplifted a multi-coloured box from Mr. Azore. The box containing utensils, Yarde said, was taken from Dataram’s house and lodged and CANU headquarters for safe keeping. Sandiford-Thompson further made an application to have 692 envelopes containing samples of cocaine to be tendered to the court. The application was granted by the Magistrate and the cocaine samples were admitted into evidence. This matter has been adjourned until May 20.
A freak accident A family traveling to Moruca early yesterday morning is lucky to be alive after the car in which they were traveling turned turtle at Better Hope, Essequibo Coast, leaving them with minor injuries. According to reports, the driver of the vehicle HC 841, was transporting a family traveling to Moruca when he lost control of the vehicle at Better Hope. The driver apparently applied brakes before he reached a hump and t o p p l e d o v e r. I t w a s raining heavily at the time. The occupants of the car were transported to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity where they received medical attention.
The vehicle that was involved in the accident
Sunday May 08, 2016
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Kaieteur News
STANDARDS IN FOCUS....
Teen struck by biker Improving restaurant services for continues to battle for life Guyana’s Jubilee and beyond Throughout Guyana, restaurants, creole shops, and other fast food services prepare on a daily basis, a wide variety of dishes to satisfy the appetite of their customers. However, as we prepare to celebrate Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary and beyond, providing such services should be to more than fulfill appetites. Customers, including locals and visitors from abroad, will expect food service providers to demonstrate a very high level of service. Restaurants and fast food service providers can consult the requirements of the Code of Practice for Quality management in the restaurant service (GCP 17:2003) to ensure that the foods prepared and services provided to consumers are wholesome, safe and reliable. The implementation of this Code of Practice can be a major step towards the efficiency and a commitment to satisfying the needs, wants
and expectations of customers. Over time, this would widen the gamut of reputable restaurants and fast food establishments available. This code of practice specifies the managerial requirements necessary to ensure the efficient running of any restaurant establishment which seeks to ensure quality in the sight of its customers. As such, restaurants implementing this standard will consistently satisfy their customers, have high productivity and their service will become more competitive at the local and international levels. As a requirement in the standard, businesses must establish a quality system which mainly focuses on marketing to understand the wants and expectations of customers, and the design and preparation of the food and service delivery to customers. The Code of Practice also addresses many other
requirements which can prevent service inefficiency and unreliability, and foods that are undesirable and unsafe for consumption. These requirements include personnel, material resources, internal and external communication, system of checking, contractual arrangements, advertising, design and development of new products, quality control, documentation and data control, purchasing, process control, corrective and preventive actions and handling, storage, packaging and delivery. Restaurants and other food establishments are encouraged to acquire a copy of this Code of Practice from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and implement the requirements therein to ensure that they have viable and sustainable businesses. For further information on this subject, please contact the GNBS on Telephone Numbers: 219-0065, 2190066 or website: www.gnbsgy.org
CAUSING DEATH DRIVER GRANTED BAIL
A 28-year-old man was yesterday released on $500,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Zafar Khan allegedly drove motor pickup GSS 9553 in a manner dangerous to the public and caused the death of 82-year-old Keturah Dalgetty on May 3, at Fifth Street, Second Avenue Block ‘Y’ Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD). He pleaded not guilty to the charge and had his driver’s license suspended. As a condition of bail, Khan was ordered to report to the Golden Grove Police Station weekly. An attorney for the defendant told the
court that his client is a single parent of a four-year-old girl. He will make his next court appearance on May 24. According to reports, the elderly woman who resided at Lot 215 Samatta Point, Grove EBD was struck down after the defendant was reportedly reversing on the access road. It was reported that Dalgetty fell to the ground and was run over by the vehicle. According to reports, the driver, after realizing he had hit something, came out of the vehicle and found the woman lying on the road in an unconscious state. Dalgetty was rushed to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
Jonathan Ashby, the teen who was struck down by a biker on Friday continues to battle for his life in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). His mother, Coleen Johnson, said that the doctors at the hospital have informed her that the teen’s condition is stable but that he is relying on a life support machine. The Friendship Secondary School student was struck down around 11:45 hrs on Friday, a short distance from his school on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road. Reports are that the 12-year-old boy was standing on the Public Road when he was struck down by the biker. The biker, according to information received, claimed that the teenager and his friends were playing on the roadway when one of the teen’s friends suddenly pushed him out on the road. This caused the accident. The man is now in custody assisting with the investigation. The teen’s uncle, Derrick Spencer, said that when Ashby arrived at the GPHC, doctors informed family members that Ashby’s condition was critical. “We heard that he was with some friends and someone on a bike hit him down,” the man said. He claimed that the teen was first rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre then transferred to the GPHC.
Jonathan Ashby Kaieteur News was told that when an unconscious Ashby arrived at the GPHC on a stretcher, he had to wait some two hours before he was taken into the Accident and Emergency unit to be seen by a doctor. “It was only after my aunt started to behave bad on them then they took him into the room. The people at the triage area said that he has to wait his turn. He is now breathing from a machine,” a female relative said. Investigations are ongoing.
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Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
Businessman East La Penitence police under charged with fire for perceived inaction gun possession, threatening rival
Corneil Isaacs
A construction worker and father of two was ordered to post bail in the sum of $220,000 after he denied charges of illegal firearm and ammunition possession, when he appeared yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Appearing before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, was Corneil Isaacs of Lot 62-63 Charlestown, Georgetown. He is accused of having a .38 revolver and five rounds of matching ammunition in his tenure on May 3, at Melongie Landing, Cuyuni. It was further alleged that on the same day, while brandishing a gun he threatened Phillip Roopchan. Attorney, Glenn Hanoman made a bail application on behalf of the shop owner. During his petition he told the court that the allegations against his client stemmed from a vendetta he is having with the complainant. Roopchan, the lawyer stated, is a businessman whom was previously charged with murder. This matter was adjourned until May 18, and transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
A Lodge resident is alleging that police officers from the East La Penitence Police Station refused to arrest the assailant of a battered man. The victim, Richard Washington, who was assaulted about his body, is currently in the Georgetown Public Hospital with an injured arm and lacerations to his face and neck. According to Ingrid Baird, of Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown, Washington is a close family friend who often visits her son, much to the plight of neighbours in the area. She told Kaieteur News that she was home when she saw a man called “Miggy” push Washington into a nearby drain not far from her house. She said as she drew closer she saw some other men in the area rush to get involved in a brawl. “And if you see how they tackling him and stabbing he up,” the woman said. She said that when she came upon the scene, the men had already left Washington, covered in blood—unable to make a sound. The woman who expressed concern for the young man said that she believes that they were trying to kill him. He was subsequently rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital by family members. She recounted that she returned home from the hospital to find all of her windows shattered in her house and broken glass bottles littering the kitchen floor, the living room and bedroom. She also observed broken bottles in her yard. Baird told this newspaper that some men in her neighbourhood have been relentlessly harassing her and her working son, Jermaine Pollard, since they moved in two years ago. “They keep saying how they gonna murder me and my son; they threatening we telling we got to move out cause we are not Lodge people.” Baird, 45, said that she had reported instances where these accused attackers barged into her yard and pushed her down. She said as recent as three weeks ago, a man called “Roger” stabbed her son’s girlfriend in her shoulder on her way to the shop to buy groceries for breakfast. Both of these incidents she had reported at the East La Penitence Police Station but no one has been held responsible for the offences. The woman, who said that she is a peaceful resident in her community, claims the police officers at the station only took statements but no thorough investigations were
Richard’s arm
Shattered windows carried out. “And I fed up; I have no peace in my house cause I keep believing someone gonna come in and kill me and my son.” The woman said that only one person among the many
of Washington’s attackers has been picked up by the police since the incident. Despite these comments, Kaieteur News was reliably informed that police ranks are making strides into investigating the matter.
Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
WOMEN’S ORAL HEALTH
By Dr. Neromini Fagu Today we celebrate mothers. We all know that most women are the nurturers of the family and the caregivers, but when it comes to our own health, sometimes we women are not as attentive as we should be. Women’s healthneeds are unique. We need to take extra care of ourselves so we can continue to provide care to those around us. As we go through various stages in life, our oral health care needs also changes during those stages. Hormonal fluctuations throughout our lives can affect our oral health. These changes are directly related to surges in sex-hormone levels,
such as in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with TMJ, myofascial pain, eating disorders and dry mouth syndromes. PUBERTY During puberty, increased levels of sex hormones such as progesterone and possibly estrogen cause increased blood circulation to the gums. This may lead to an increase in the gum’s sensitivity and thus to a greater reaction to any irritants, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender. As a young woman progresses through puberty,
the tendency for her gums to swell in response to irritants will lessen. However, during puberty it is important to follow a good at-home oral hygiene regimen, including regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental care. In some cases, periodontal therapy may be recommended to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. MENSTRUATION Occasionally, some women experience menstruation gingivitis. Women with this condition may experience bleeding gums, bright red and swollen gums, and sores on the inside of the cheek. Menstruation gingivitis typically occurs right before a woman’s period and clears up once her period has started. Some women also have a tendency to develop canker sores and cold sores and this may become a pattern that
recurs during every menstrual cycle. PREGNANCY Women may experience increased gingivitis or pregnancy gingivitis beginning in the second or third month of pregnancy that increases in severity throughout the eighth month. During this time, some women may notice swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness and even lumps in the gum tissue. Women who experience morning sickness and vomiting may have teeth erosion due to the constant exposure to stomach acids. The chemical composition of saliva also changes during pregnancy and this tends to reduce the effectiveness of saliva’s antimicrobial capacity. Some women may experience dry mouth while pregnant, making them more prone to dental caries. Sometimes,
CONSUMER CONCERNS
Making the 50th anniversary celebrations safer and richer PAT DIAL In this offering, we will revisit two issues related to the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The first is the elimination or at least containing the resurgence of high-profile crime countrywide and the other is securing the gains which were made during the Georgetown and countrywide clean-up campaign. In robberies today, the criminals are armed with firearms which they have no hesitation in using in a reckless manner, almost always shooting to kill. Some victims have been Guyanese visiting from the Diaspora while other victims tend to have very close relatives in the Diaspora. These murders are embellished and elaborated in the West Indian and Guyanese communities abroad. Business places are more and more feeling a growing sense of insecurity resulting in their curtailing their stocks, opening for less hours and factories cutting their shifts. The economy is beginning to suffer a creeping contraction. Local entrepreneurs are ceasing to invest. Foreign entrepreneurs are beginning to regard Guyana as an unsafe and unstable country and are removing Guyana from their investment sights. The Tourism Industry which was beginning to develop and which showed great promise seems to be on
the retreat. Even short visits by the sun-and-sand tourists of the West Indies and cruise ships coming here have almost ceased. There is no doubt that the quality of life of Guyanese people is beginning to deteriorate and the economic life of the country is being damaged. And just as important, confidence and security of compatriots from the Diaspora and other visitors who are expected to come during the 50th Anniversary celebrations must be cultivated and restored. Quick action needs to be taken. The Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) has suggested to the Private Sector that its executive urgently ask Government, Opposition and the Police to a meeting to address the issue and work out a Plan of Action in both short and long term. For the short term, the GCA, among other things, feels that for the next ten weeks we should have intense Police patrols and presence when visitors come in. The Police do this exercise quite successfully during the Christmas holiday season. Then the newly-elected Local Government bodies countrywide should be involved in the anti-crime drive. Our political leaders have to play an essential role in this effort. The Community Police and Vigilante groups have to be resuscitated or organized countrywide and crash training should be carried out.
The Police have to be prepared and resolute in using firearms according to their Regulations, especially against armed bandits and criminals, and should be able to do so without fear of political or other sanctions. The public must be disabused of the growing assumption that the Authorities are more concerned with the welfare of the criminals than of the victims or the public. An intense and concerted educational campaign has to be carried out to cultivate the belief in the public that harbouring or in any other way succoring criminals is against their interest. This column has complimented the Authorities on the achievements so far of the clean-up campaign. The drainage has improved in many parts of Georgetown and much of the accumulated garbage has been removed. A great deal of excess grass and vegetation has been cleared. The drainage of the City and the countryside has to be maintained. Many of the drains and canals have been cleared but the culverts are still clogged up. In Bel Air Gardens and contiguous Subryanville area, for example, though great relief was provided when the drains were cleaned, flooding will still re-occur since the culverts are all choked. Government and the M & TC could well use this area as a pilot project for culvert-cleaning since it is comparatively simple to do so, and
it is strategic in that it would provide immediate relief to the populous Kitty-Campbellville district as well. There are one or two areas of downtown Georgetown that still needs to be immediately addressed: Around the Plaisance and UG bus terminals at Regent and Avenue of the Republic and the northern drain outside the Guyana and Trinidad Insurance Company still flood at the lightest of showers inconveniencing thousands of people every day. The problem seemed to be caused by some small blockage of the drain and if the City Engineer uses any of his old experienced workers they would be likely to solve the problem. Another improvement which could easily be done is to use the excess earth cleared from the canals to build up the road shoulders and the very low parapets. This would save the roads from deterioration and make them safer for motorists and pedestrians. The clean-up campaign was largely done by private contractors. The City Engineer must now deploy his staff to do the maintenance, especially cleaning the drains and weeding the parapets which are well within their remit. Except the gains are maintained, the City could quickly revert to its sorry state. If these two issues are successfully addressed in the short term, the 50th anniversary celebrations would be a greater success providing a happy experience to all visitors.
women will avoid dental checkups for fear that treatment might harm the developing baby, when in fact untreated decayed teeth can put a mother and her baby at risk for infection. Women who use oral contraceptives may be susceptible to the same oral health conditions that affect pregnant women including red, bleeding and swollen gums. Sometimes the medications, such as antibiotics, used to help treat gum disease may lessen the effect of an oral contraceptive. MENOPAUSEAND POST-MENOPAUSE Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their oral health. They may notice discomfort in the mouth, including dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour. In addition, menopausal gingivostomatitis affects a small percentage of women. Gums that look dry or shiny, bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red are marks of this condition. Most women find that estrogen supplements help to relieve these symptoms. As we age, one of the concerns
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Dr. Neromini Fagu is bone loss and this is associated with both periodontal disease and osteoporosis. Women considering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help fight osteoporosis should note that this may help protect their teeth as well as other parts of the body. I would like to encourage all women to take care of their oral health. Many oral diseases are preventable and the time you dedicate to protecting yourself from them will time be well spent. If you have not had a dental checkup recently, please have one. You may be surprised by what you learn. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu @hotmail.com.
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SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Stunning designs with largest variety of plants by experienced landscapers! Call: 219-0468 / 648-1821 Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING OF “ANY PLAN” $15,000- CALL: 694-9843/225-1972 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045
WANTED Experienced bartender, chef, live in/live out waitress & bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge (East Bank). Call for appointment: 652-0074 General DomesticRequirements: ages 2545years with cooking experienced. Call: 629-9450 Cashiers @ Nimbus Purified Drinking Water, 73 New Road V/Hoop WCD- Tel 254 1700 2317023- 685-7659- 6220445 One live in domestic must know to cook Indian Dishes ages 25-45yrs -$80,000 monthly –Call: 610-3974 Two experienced salesgirls, come in with application @ 158 Regent Street. Call: 6703107; 227-8614 One domestic must be able to prepare vegetarian mealapply Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. OFFICE CLERK, CLEANING LADY AND BOND WORKER FOR A COMPANY IN RUIMVELDT. POLICE CLEARANCE & REFERENCES NEEDED – TEL: 231-8519 Cashiers/salesperson to work in general store on East Coast. Call Nalinie: 625-8662; 699-0143 Two lands at Mocho, two lands at Farm, two lands at Herstelling. Call:266-0693; 611-3398 Taxi driver with mini bus license living in G/Town-Call: 664-0802 Driver with minibus license living in G/town; to work relief on weekends. Call: 664-0802 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 1 Qualified electrician to wire a house-Call: 676-2524
TAXI SERVICES G R TA X I S E RV I C E . CALL: 219-5000; 2271982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) FOR RENT Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park 1 &2 bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi -$70,000. Preferably working individuals. Call: 641-3318 2 Storey concrete house, 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths & garage located @ Atlanticville E.C.D- Serious inquiries –Call: 227-3407; 233-0326 during business hrs.
Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Earn certificate in: cosmetology, nails, wig designs or hair cutting, etc. Register Now! Call Abby: 666-5241; 619-7603 Earn a certificate in cosmetology; enroll now at Artee’s Beauty Salon & School of cosmetology. Call: 275-0267; 680-0156
VACANCY Driver & porter to deliver water- apply @ Nimbus Water 79 Albert & Lamaha Street. Call: 231-7002; 6220445; 685-7659 Popular East Coast Gas Station Day/Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 6719570; 695-9880,Non-Pareil Exist at Confidential Cabs for one dispatcher. Call: 231-5784 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Cashier 6am-3pm & 3pm12pm. Submit application to Shell Station Providence EBD, s h e l l r a m s b u r g @ gmail.com Salesgirls please apply to Dian’s Deli, 164 Barr Street, opposite Kitty Market. Tel: 621-7862 Late Edition Snackette Now Hiring! One experienced cook/chef. Call: 233-5365; 662-3837; 613-4227; 686-5979. Opening Hours- 9:00am4:30pm Office clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics & computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500 Need a job? Call JFWW (local & international) earn -$5,000$20,000 daily –#233-6517; 638-0595; 622-1957 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
PROPERTY FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Flat house in Grove, (corner property) 1 Block from main road, price negotiable. Call: 1905-6262572
Very low prices on unregistered cars: Allions, Bluebird, Mazda, Fielder, used Rav4. Call: 626-7478; 676-8876 New model vehicles unregistered Spacio & Allion. Call: 681-7117; 2275950
Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Newly built @ Craig E.B.Dland size 91X50 feet; house 40X28 – 3 rooms- 1 self contained. Call: 718-2136496; 617-7691 2-13 Soesdyke, E.B.D – Call Debbie: 917-474-5434; 6412661 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property @ Block 8 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara -$16M. Call: 654-4312; 657-5330 Property @ Cummings Street; 4 storey building, club, 8 self contain rooms. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 2 Storey house, bedrooms, toilet & bath (both floors), grilled, concrete building @ Q 68 Guyhoc Gardens, Ruimveldt. Call: 231-9174 Transported property in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp. Call: 6251514 4 Bedroom property @ Enterprise, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage, pressurized system, overhead tanker, generator, etc. Call: 600-6195 Republic Park Ph1: 2 flats 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, well maintained, including yard $51M-Call: 609-6516; 6170758; 645-2580 Property @ Yarrowkabra: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 storey, concrete fence, 1 Acre lots of fruit trees. Call: 682-5212 or 0011- 305-232-5843 Property @ Eccles -$27M, Enterprise- $20M, South Ruimveldt PK -$20M, Broad Street -$80M, MonRepos $30M (all prices negotiable) . Call: 691-1521 Property @ Charlotte St. between Camp & Alexander $55M neg, Providence (land) $6.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie (land) -$4M neg. Call: 6911521 TO LET
Female secretary must be 2535yrs, computer literate & at least Grade 2 in English. Call: 643-4049
One bedroom semi- furnished apartment in La Parfaite Harmonie -$22,000. Call: 6947817; 668-0306
FOR SALE/RENT
One bedroom semifurnished/un-furnished @ Blygezight Gardens. Call: 691-2244
Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
A complete hair dressing salon located in Alexander Street Kitty (Opposite Seepaul’s Bar). Call: 623-5960
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
American pool table – Call: 277-0578
Two bedrooms apartment in Eccles short & long term-Call: 225-3234; 698-7807
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. ROAD TO BELWASA & A DIP AT THE SANGAM. AVAILABLE @ AUSTIN’S BOOK STORE- TEL: 2267350/7 & AT LATCHMANSINGH DRUG STORE. TEL: 226-5053
Toyota Fun Cargo, AT212, AT192, AT170, Tundra, LTouring, Wagon, VVTZ, 4X4 Solid DEF pick up & Nissan Pickup unregistered. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 Toyota 212; working good One fuel tanker (new), 1 steel $400,000 –Call: 622-6527 vessel with documents, in working condition. Call: 665-3664 Nissan X-Trail 2013 model, fully loaded, 2500 cc cut 1 Cargo Boat – steel haul with 31000KM -$8.9M negotiable, 1-671 GM engine 50’X13’X6’- serious enquiries only. Call: 691-5104; 609-3447 Call:685-3069; 644-9141 1 Three months old male We buy & sell vehicles for Rottweiler –Call: 609-0314; cash, also parts available & 668-3246; 227-3760 30 seater buses; Extra Cab 1 Week Sale! Dell/HP pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: computers with 19" flat 680-3154 screens -$49,000, lap tops - AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, $55,000 - (6 months warranty) Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pit@ Future Tech. Call: 231- bull,Pajero Junior: Cash / 2206; 644-6760 terms- Call:680-3154 One 125CC XR for sale $270,000–Call:699-7870;698-8503 Toyota Hilux Surf 3Y fuel injected automatic Complete range of household transmission. Call: 600-6195 items, owner migrating, items available immediately & 1 Nissan Titan for sale; fully Toyota Voxy 4WD mid-PTT. powered, 4 wheel drive- price Call: 609-8640 negotiable- Call: 643-7195; 220-9883 Whole sale pork for sale-Call: Unregistered Toyota Allion 644-8396 2005: dark interior, HID lights, Dachshund puppies (de- rose light - $2.2M negotiablewormed) -$15,000-Call: 216- Call: 617-5536 0521/ 694-3567 XBOX one (newest model), XBOX 360E, 250GB with games and controller. Call: 683-8386 One Isuzu trooper diesel engine and transmission 4JG2 turbo intercooler, foreign used. Call: 669-2290 Nice puppies for sale- Call: 693-6444 1- Bedford Model M Truck with Winch GRR series; 1-330 BL Excavator; 1-3306 fuel pump; 1-3306 Turbo; 1-3306 Starter. Call: 655-2385 1 Fishing boat 46ft in length with ice box, 550lb seine and 1-40 HP Yamaha -$1.5M negotiable- Call: 690-6327 Husky Pup. Tel: 699-7077, 619-6086
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 Bedrooms apartment to rent in Diamond for more information. Call: 676-0037 1 Business to rent, 1-2 bedrooms new houses to rent immediately @ W.C.D. Call: 276-0818 Two bedrooms apartment @ Diamond Housing Scheme. Call: 602-7135 Kitty Apartments: 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Grilled, Brand New, No Agents, No Short Term. Starting $70,000 Monthly. Call: 695-1138
PEN-PAL Couple seeking friendshipfrom both male & female- Call: 659-4900
3 Bedrooms upper flat @ Belfield Housing Scheme, E.C.D-Call: 676-8218 (Continued on page 71)
Sunday May 08, 2016
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Kaieteur News
GBTI staffers embrace jubilee spirit
GBTI staff in their Jubilee attire
In observance of the 50th Jubilee of Independence Anniversary, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI Ltd) has taken the initiative to adorn its staff in golden yellow T-shirts for this month.. According to a statement it issued yesterday it was
noted that “the Bank takes great pride in joining the country in celebrating Guyana’s 50th year as an independent nation.” Already, the various branches have been decorating their buildings by draping them with the Guyana flag as well as hoisting the
50th logo unto their buildings. GBTI has been serving the Guyanese public since 1836 with exceptional customer service while exemplifying its tag line “Your Friend, Your Bank”. Going above and beyond, the Bank has risen to
furthering its corporate social responsibility by giving back to the communities in hosting Community Business Workshops in the various Regions, partnering with various governmental and non-governmental entities, annual donations and other such community based
activities. GBTI has 13 branches stretching across Guyana namely; Anna Regina, Parika, Vreed-en-Hoop, Providence, Diamond, Water Street, Regent Street, Kingston (Corporate Office), Port Mourant, Corriverton, Lethem, Bartica and Port Kaituma.
From page 70
Corporal Romain Cleto’s murder remains... From page 13 a suspicious looking silvercoloured car and trailed it with a view to engaging the occupants. “The car had paper over the licence plate,” an eyewitness had told Kaieteur News. The eyewitness said when the car stopped at the traffic light at the junction of Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, the police decided to approach the occupants. Cleto, who was in charge of the patrol, came out of the police vehicle and approached the car not realizing the danger that was waiting for him. Within seconds one of the occupants of the car began shooting, mortally wounding Cleto while spraying the police vehicle with bullets. “While de corporal going to de car, de driver come out and start spraying bullets like he head ain’t good,” one source informed this newspaper. There are reports that the driver of the police vehicle managed to return fire with his Beretta submachine, possibly wounding the gunman. The car then sped away north along Avenue of the Republic. Two other policemen Anil Raj Persaud, 28, of Claybrick Road, Number Two Canal, was cut by flying glass, and Randy Haley, 20, of Mahaicony sustained gunshot injuries to his left hand. What is interesting about this case being unsolved is the fact that Cleto was killed
in full public view, where surveillance cameras abound yet to date the investigators are seemingly unable to identify the cop killers. This is despite the fact that they received descriptions of at least one of the killers as well as the car that was used in the commission of the act. Shortly after the shooting, the then head of operations of the Guyana police force had vowed that all stops would have been pulled out to bring Cleto’s killer to justice. It was a premature consolation to the dead cop’s relatives and colleagues. Think about it, if this had happened in any other country, what do you think the response would have been? The entire police force would have been hunting down the killers like vultures. WRONG SUSPECT A few days later, under mounting public pressure the police arrested Shaka Chase and later charged him with Cleto’s murder. This was despite not seeking the advice of the DPP. During custody Chase passionately proclaimed his innocence, which was supported by his convincing alibi. Investigators had claimed that CCTV cameras along with an eyewitness had placed the suspect at the scene. Ironically, there were reports that the suspect had given the police a confession
about the shooting. They also relied heavily on a ‘confession’ purportedly obtained from a woman who subsequently revealed that she was tortured to sign a statement in which she identified Shaka Chase as one of the persons in the car that the killers were using at the time of the shooting. The police had claimed in a statement that a laboratory report also indicated that the swab taken from Shaka Chase’s hands was positive for gunpowder residue. Chase’s relatives had maintained that he was being targeted by the police. According to one relative, the suspect is normally “picked up” by the police and held for 72 hours without charge. The relative maintains that when the shooting happened, the suspect was at a bar drinking. The relative explained that it was the suspect who first went to the police station after his name was called. “He went to the station to clear his name and ended up being charged.” The dead cop’s relatives were not amused when a Magistrate discharged the murder charge against Chase following the advice of the DPP. The DPP had found several discrepancies in the police investigations, especially when it came to the identity of the killer. An alleged eyewitness had described the shooter as a fair-skinned mixed race individual as against a dark-
skinned man with dreadlocks. There was also some concern over the swabbing of the suspects’ hands as reported by the police, who claimed that they found gunpowder residue. “With all the discrepancies, the police cannot readily say for sure if the man they brought to court was at the scene of the shooting,” a source had informed. Cleto’s father, David Kendall, was convinced that Cleto’s colleagues who were with him the night he was killed, still hold the key to the real identity of the killer(s). He had voiced this opinion hours after Chase was set free. “Well, as far as I concern, the colleagues who was with him, his fellow policemen, they have something to say because they are alive. The driver is alive, the other guy who get hit, they have something to say,” Kendall had said. “There are all sorts of reports. They finding, they beating, they picking up and they loosing, but I ain’t saying nothing,” the dead cop’s father said. I recalled Kendall, who was present in court when Shaka Chase was set free, telling me that he was at a loss when the former murder accused walked out of the courtroom. “What I observed going on there this morning at the court, I just break out… like I didn’t know which part of Georgetown I was walking but I walking, heading home,” he explained.
Lillian Cleto, the late cop’s mother, had shared the same view as her husband with regards to her late son’s colleagues. “Yes, the people who were with him, they supposed to say is which person or they supposed to see something…somebody, but nobody ain’t saying anything. We want justice,” she declared. The couple said that they have not been able to speak to any of Cleto’s colleagues to find out what happened during the last minutes of their son’s life. For Lillian Cleto, she wants the police to find the real killers; but she would not like to see an innocent man pay for the murder of her son. “I would like to know that they get the right person, the right killer,” she had said. Of course today, the police could only give the usual update, “The matter is still under investigation”. For the past week I tried contacting Cleto’s relatives but was unsuccessful. However, I could not help noticing the memorials on his facebook page which is still active to this day. The anniversary of his death was greeted with many RIPs from his friends and former colleagues, who I’m sure would all like to see there is some form of justice even “three years later…” At the time of his death, Romain Cleto was 25 years old. He hailed from the North West District, and was assured of a great career in the Guyana Police Force.
TO LET Bottom flat for rent in Diamond. Call: 615-5833 2 Bedroom apartments for vacation rental- Call: 6786690 Large 6 bedrooms house with toilet and bath, fully furnished @ Soesdyke Linden Highway. Call: 6000036/223-1273 Rooms in guesthouse, selfcontained -$35USD per night @ Kuru Kururu- Call:2616456/600-0036
LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie from $1.3M-$3M, Eccles -$4M$5.5M, Herstelling -$3M-$5, Bartica-$3M-$4M. Call: 6818897; 651-1969 Land @ La Grange Public Road to Sea Dam 4 Acres for commercial or Housing Scheme-Call: 625-1514 Commercial & agricultural transported land at Brickery E.B.D; size: 7acres. Call: 6870607; 216-1795 Land @ Enmore E.C.D. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536
FOR OUR ADVERTISING RATES - CALL US ON TEL: 226-8210
Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
CARICOM to launch human resource development commission BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - (CMC) – A Commission, charged with creating a human resource development strategy for the Caribbean Community (Caricom), will be launched on May 12 in Barbados. A Caricom statement said that regional leaders at their 2014 Intersessional summit had taken the decision to establish the commission that comprises 17 specialists and other stakeholders in education and human resource development. Its work is supported by the Caricom Secretariat, as coordinator, and the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which is financing the establishment of a gender-responsive and socially inclusive Caricom strategy for harmonised education reform.”The Regional Education and Human Resource Development 2030 Strategy and Action Plan (the Regional HRD Strategy), which the Commission will shape, is intended to form the basis for converged action by
member States. It is expected that the commission will also develop policy recommendations for education reform in Caricom member states,” the statement added. It said that the commission will also engage shortterm expertise to collect and analyse data to inform the development of the strategy. It will also host two four-day
Regional Education Sector Monitoring and Evaluation Meetings to promote ownership for, and build capacity in, monitoring and evaluation at the national level. “Following the development of the strategy and action plan, the commission will be expected to operationalise the structure for coordinating, monitoring and reporting.”
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Kaieteur News
Egyptian court recommends death penalty for journalists, Mursi verdict postponed CAIRO (Reuters) - An Egyptian court yesterday recommended the death penalty for three journalists and three others charged with endangering national security by leaking state secrets to Qatar, in a ruling condemned by the Dohabased Al Jazeera channel as shocking. Jordanian national Alaa Omar Sablan and Ibrahim Mohammed Helal, who both work for Al Jazeera, and Asmaa Al Khateeb, a reporter for Rassd, a pro-Muslim Brotherhood news network, were sentenced in absentia. They can appeal. The sentence is the latest since a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood after an army takeover stripped former president Mohammed Mursi of power in 2013 following mass protests against his rule. Al Jazeera said the ruling provoked “shock and anger” and called for international action to safeguard journalists’ rights to report news freely. “The death sentence
Mohammed Mursi against journalists is unprecedented in the history of world media and amounts to a real stab against freedom of expression around the world,” the satellite channel said in a statement posted on its website. Mursi and other Brotherhood leaders, as well as leading figures from the 2011 popular uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak, many of them secular activists
and journalists, are now in jail. Following yesterday’s ruling, a final decision is expected on June 18, after the sentence has been referred to the top religious authority, the Grand Mufti, for a nonbinding opinion. Judge Mohammed Shireen Fahmy, who announced the verdict, also said that a ruling against Mursi and several others charged in the same case, would be postponed to the same date. Prosecutors in yesterday’s case argued that Mursi’s aides were involved in leaking sensitive documents to Qatari intelligence that exposed the location of weapons held by the Egyptian armed forces. Defence lawyers said that documents were moved out of the presidential palace to protect them during growing protests against Mursi’s rule, but this process was not the responsibility of the president and the documents presented in the case show no signs of spying.
‘This is not a reality show,’ Obama tells Trump Reuters U.S. President Barack Obama warned on Friday that occupying the Oval Office “is not a reality show,” in a swipe at outspoken Republican candidate Donald Trump who is vying to replace him in the White House. Fighting with Obama is a battle Trump would likely relish as he tries to rally support within his own party. During hard-fought Republican primary campaigns, the billionaire delighted in responding to attacks from rivals and found that his support grew when he lashed out at his opponents. Asked about Trump at a media briefing in the White House, Obama c a l l e d o n t h e press and public to weigh past statements by the Republican but did not point to any specific issues or remarks. “This is not entertainment,” Obama said, a reference to Trump’s television background. “This is not a reality show. This is a contest for the presidency of the United States,” he said. Some top Republican leaders - U.S. House Speaker
Paul Ryan among them - are still expressing wariness about Trump, who became the party’s presumptive nominee this week when two Republican rivals dropped out of the White House race. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination, posted on Facebook that he will not vote for Trump - one of the sharpest slights yet against the New York real estate mogul by a senior Republican. “Donald Trump has not demonstrated that temperament or strength of character. He has not displayed a respect for the Constitution. And, he is not a consistent conservative. These are all reasons why I cannot support his candidacy,” Bush wrote, adding that he would not vote for likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton either. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, who made an unsuccessful bid for president, joined a growing list of Republicans who are refusing to support Trump and he announced on Friday he will also skip the Republican convention in July. Mitt Romney, who won
Barack Obama
Donald Trump the Republican nomination in 2012, is also refusing to support Trump.
Sunday May 08, 2016
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Kaieteur News
AML/CFT Bill 2016…
Former AG insists Bill will not be reviewed
Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall
Attorney General, Basil Williams
Sparks and strong language were traded at last Wednesday’s parliamentary sitting, as the opposition’s efforts to get the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering of Financial Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill 2016 sent to a special select committee failed and the amended bill passed. People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall, however made it clear that Guyana cannot become compliant without a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Moreover, he added that as the deadline for the submission of the Act for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) review later this month had already passed- the Bill
ought to have been put eight weeks prior. “There is no great urgency to push this Bill through (now)! (Attorney General Basil Williams) knew of this Bill since November. As my honourable colleague Gail Teixeira said, (they) made a collective decision to adjourn parliament.” “And the deadline, sir, has long gone. If it is going to the May summit, it ought to have been submitted at least eight weeks before, in March. He thinks that he is speaking to novices. We have been through this process!” Nandlall, Williams’s predecessor as Attorney General, emphasized that the Bill is reviewed through a peer mutual evaluation basis,
London (AFP) - Sadiq Khan was sworn in as London mayor yesterday after being elected the first Muslim leader of a major Western capital, as the Conservatives defended attempts to link him to extremism during the campaign. The opposition Labour lawmaker, the son of a Pakistani bus driver who grew up in social housing in the city, broke from convention by taking his oath of office in a multi-faith ceremony at Southwark Cathedral. “My name is Sadiq Khan and I’m the mayor of London,” the 45-year-old said to cheers from supporters, who had earlier given him a standing ovation as he walked in. He added: “I’m determined to lead the most transparent, engaged and accessible administration London has ever seen, and to represent every single c o m m u n i t y, a n d e v e r y single part of our city, as mayor for all Londoners.”
Khan won 57 percent of the vote in Thursday’s mayoral election, securing 1.3 million votes to see off multimillionaire Conservative Zac Goldsmith and make history as the city’s first Muslim mayor. In his victory speech in the early hours yesterday morning, Khan referenced the negative campaign against him by saying London had chosen “unity over division”. Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron had led the attacks against Khan for sharing platforms with radical Muslims at public events. There was criticism from across the political spectrum yesterday at the tone of the Tory campaign, but Defence Secretary Michael Fallon insisted it was legitimate. “Both candidates were asked questions about their backgrounds, their personalities, their judgment, the people they associate with,” he told BBC radio.
Khan sworn in as London’s first Muslim mayor
whereby a copy of the Bill is sent to each country to be evaluated by the governments there. “Nobody is going to read this,” Nandlall argued. “We are only violating our parliamentary norms, suspending standing orders and going through this ordeal (in) a time wasting exercise. The agenda for that meeting is already fixed!” “This Bill will be sent to countries who will be evaluating Guyana. Which Attorney General will put his (or her) schedule on hold to read some Bill that comes three days before the summit? Nobody!” “So the whole argument which we have been confronted with about urgency, don’t fall for it,’ he added. “It is a fictional argument, misleading the Cabinet.” Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Texieira had objected to the government suspending the Standing Orders of the House in order to pass AML/ CFT Bill. Teixeira had emphasized that it is the ninth time the Leader of the House, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, had sought to suspend the Standing Orders for the said purpose. “We have spoken against this practice by the government,” Teixeira had said. “The Standing Orders indeed allow for one to go through the first, second and third reading of a Bill but it is not for the Government to (rush) through the process.” She stated that since the Prime Minister failed to
justify the suspension of the Standing Orders this time around, then she is left to speculate that the government is rushing because Guyana is up for review later this month by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). “But if Guyana was
coming up for such a review then why did we not have a meeting in eight weeks? Aside from all the travelling that had to be done by Members of the House, there were 17 free days during our break that we could have met…Everything now is a rush, rush, rush.”
She had insisted that such a complex Bill ought to have gone through a Special Select Committee. Though Williams acknowledged that the select committee was there for complex bills, he disputed that the amendments were actually complex.
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Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
Caribbean foreign ministers UN launches trust fund for to meet tomorrow C’bean Zika virus response
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent - (CMC) – Caribbean Community (Caricom) foreign ministers will meet here tomorrow amid the unfolding of a number of major geopolitical issues, the Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat has announced. It said that the two-day 19th meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), will provide the ministers the op-
portunity for a periodic review of a range of diplomatic matters involving Caricom’s relations with Third Countries and International organisations. “COFCOR will examine the implications for the Caribbean Community of several emerging issues including the reshaping of the United States relations with Cuba and the pending British referendum on European Union
membership. “As the Community seeks to reinforce relations with multilateral organisations, COFCOR will discuss matters regarding the United Nations, the Organisation of American States, The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS,” the statement said. It added that the ministers will also seek to forge and strengthen ties with third states including Brazil, Sweden, Japan, and The Netherlands on issues of mutual interests. “Following on the heels of last week’s Ninth UK-Caribbean Forum in The Bahamas, Caricom foreign ministers will devote part of their meeting to discussing the critical elements emanating from that engagement. “The meeting will also discuss border issues, and a range of bilateral topics involving Mexico, Cuba and the Nordic States, and the Unites States,” the statement added.
Human rights groups urge Caricom countries to abolish death penalty
GENEVA, Switzerland - (CMC) – The UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group is calling on two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to implement a number of recommendations that will improve their human rights records in the future. According to the draft report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname are being urged to implement measures including acceding to or ratifying the Second Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil a and Political Rights (ICCPR), which promotes international commitment in abolishing the death penalty. In addition, the Caribbean countries are being urged to sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) as well as sign or ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). The human rights record of several CARICOM countries are being examined by the UN body. In the case of St Vincent and the
Grenadines it is also being asked to implement comprehensive guidelines under the Domestic Violence Act to ensure a coordinated response for victims of violence by police, courts, health and social welfare agencies and undertake a public advocacy campaign to combat gender-based violence, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Kingstown is also being urged to implement targeted training for law enforcement officials on responding to cases of domestic violence, and ensure that all allegations are fully investigated and to take steps to ensure the provision of adequate shelter, including staffing and durable resources, for victims of domestic violence. The CARICOM countries are also asked to continue strengthening programmes to combat domestic violence, including an awareness-raising plan and to continue the actions taken to reduce domestic violence and violence against women in all its forms. The Caribbean countries are urged to reinforce measures to combat violence against women, including legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and the Domestic Violence Act and by awareness raising campaigns.
UNITED NATIONS (CMC) – The United Nations has established a Zika Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) to finance critical unfunded priorities in the response to the outbreak of the mosquito borne virus in Latin America and the Caribbean. The UN said the Fund, which aims to provide a rapid, flexible and accountable platform to support a coordinated response from the UN system and partners, will directly support the Zika Strategic Response Framework, developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in consultation with UN agencies, partners and international epidemiological experts. Donors will contribute to a central point, and an Advisory Committee will direct funds to the highest-priority activities in the affected countries, the UN said. Since January 2015, the UN said 61 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean have reported local transmission of Zika, which is caused by a virus
The Aedes aegypti mosquito transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. The UN said the recent rise in the spread of the virus in some countries has been accompanied by an unprecedented rise in the number of children being born with unusually small heads – identified as microcephaly. Several countries have also reported an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome – a neurological disorder that can lead to paralysis and death, the UN said. “There is now scientific
consensus that the Zika virus is linked to severe fetal malformations and serious disorders of the central nervous system and is a cause of microcephaly and GuillainBarré syndrome,” the UN said. It said the Zika Strategic Response Framework aims to investigate and respond to the cluster of microcephaly and other neurological complications linked to Zika virus, increase preventive measures, communicate risks, and provide care and support to those affected.
Cuba to host Association of C’bean States summit next month HAVANA, Cuba (ACN) — Representatives of all 25 nations making up the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) will attend the seventh summit of the regional organisation from June 2-4 at Havana’s Conventions Centre in Cuba. According to the Cuban foreign ministry, seven associated nations and eight observer organisations, along with guests will also attend
the summit. The forum will adopt a declaration and a plan of action to consolidate the bloc´s renovation process that kicked off in 2013, the announcement explained. ACS general secretary Alfonso Munera met with first deputy foreign minister Marcelino Medina in Havana last April 13 to discuss preparations for the summit. They also considered the
preparation of the documents to be considered at the event as well as the performance of the organisation and Cuba’s role while chairing its Council of Ministers until 2017. The founding documents of the ACS were signed on July 24, 1994, in Cartagenas de Indias, Colombia, with the aim of promoting consultation, cooperation and joint actions by all Caribbean countries.
Church groups say darkness of evil over Jamaica Daily Observer - The Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches (JUGC) Friday condemned the recent murders of several businessmen and two missionaries here saying that the darkness of evil has again overshadowed the country. In a statement, the JUGC said that this has manifested itself in the upsurge of violence in some communities. “The JUGC extends deepest sympathy and condolences to their families and friends, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the people of Albion Mountain, St Mary, and the people
of the United States. The Groups of Churches pray that God’s presence and comfort will undergird these loved ones in this difficult time.” In recent weeks, Jamaica has witnessed the gruesome murders of businessman Trevor Meikle, Corporal Judith Williams and United States missionaries Harold Nichols and Randy Hentzel. The JUGC said that it has taken note of how life has become very cheap to some people and that contract killing speaks to the depth of depravity and moral bankruptcy that are being experi-
enced in our midst. “The JUGC calls all people of good will to be determined to find ways of ridding our beloved country from this scourge. The Church Groups are calling persons to discretely share with the police whatever information they may have on crimes that have been committed, including informing the police where illegal firearms are present. “The Groups also call upon all Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica to act in ways to prevent persons from turning to a life of crime,” the statement added.
Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
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All Star capture Alex Chung Sports could transform lives says... Dominoes title-Wakenaam All Star chalked up 84 games to win the final of the Alex Chung dominoes tournament which was contested recently at Amit Ramnarine Sports bar in Good Success, Wakenaam. Seawall Boys took the
runner up spot with 69 games while Bomb Squad finished third on 57. All Star clearly dominated the proceedings with Satnarine Singh and Mohamed Kalam Zafrull marking 17 games each.
Vijay Persaud got 16 and Mohamed Azam 14. Mohamed Sheriffudeen made 15 for Seawall Boys while Alex Chung and Mahasewar Ramnarine scored 16 apiece for Bomb Squad.
Scotia Bank supports RHTYSC... (From page 79) contributions to the hampers project. The bank, Foster stated has been very supportive of the RHTYSC, MS and sponsors at least six programmes annually. The RHTYSC, MS f o r M o t h e r ’s D a y 2 0 1 6
would also be hosting its annual Berbice Mother of t h e Ye a r P r o g r a m m e , a joint venture with DTV8. Three outstanding and role model mothers would be honoured by the cricket teams. The teams
organising the programmes are the Rose H a l l To w n F a r f a n a n d Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Division, Metro Female and Gizmos and Gadgets Under 21 and First Division.
Sunday May 08, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Avoid friends or acquaintances who drink too much. You could be cornered, so be prepared to tell the truth. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Accept the inevitable. Sudden changes regarding work and colleagues are apparent. You can find out interesting information if you get a chance to talk to people you respect. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Help an older member with a problem that faces them. Catch up on overdue paperwork. Don't overspend or give too freely to others. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may be able to get some good advice about your personal problems. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you go out with friends. Travel should open doors that lead to exciting new adventures. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Avoid conflicts with in-laws or other family members. You will find your personal partner taxing today. Don't reveal anything about your personal life that could be used adversely. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Creative educational pursuits will payoff. You need to get out and challenge yourself. New methods and innovative technology will make your job
far easier than you anticipated. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Make arrangements to meet friends at your local dance club. You're best to avoid disputes. You will drive your emotional partner crazy today. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) They won't get away with it. Be prepared to make compensations and adjustments. Avoid scandals of any sort. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You're eager to learn. Good friends will give you honest answers. A day at the beach may satisfy the whole family. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You can easily impress others with your generous nature. Finish projects that have been hanging over your head. Added knowledge will give you the edge when dealing with peers. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Hassles with in-laws could put a damper on your day. Be primed to use your intellect in order to get what you want. Work diligently and you will get ahead today. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Art investment will pay big dividends in the long term. Be aware that joint financial ventures could fall apart. Get back into the swing of things.
(From page 77) Test team. Sam was also Coach and Manager of Hornets Rugby Football Club from 1985-88 and a founder member of the Guyana PE Teachers’ Association. In 2001 Sam was Manager of a senior Guyana Football team which toured Suriname and in 2009 began Sports Programme for 60 children from the Sophia Care Centre and youth from the Love and Faith Church enlarged the group to 100. This training Sam said will discover and develop the abilities in Teachers to be Coaches, Referees, Umpires, Physiotherapists and Administrators. “This will enable Teachers to better interact with all students, especially when more than two thirds of the student population are not academic front runners but are otherwise gifted,” Sam said. He believes that the lack of attention to these other gifts and abilities of this majority has been disastrous. Sam also feels with school not being as exciting as it should be, other destructive activities have attracted the students’ attention. “Our Education system is seriously challenged with dropouts, overall poor academic performances, absenteeism, gang, drugs and sexual activities, suicide and violent behavior. Teachers work under stressful conditions and can use all the help they could get. A good sports programme offers real help,” Sam stressed. Sam believes that God’s love (for self, parents, teachers, Students and Country) is the answer to these challenges. “These newly trained teachers will make a big difference, reaching and rescuing previously unreachable students, changing their lives through mentoring and the transforming power of God’s love,” says Sam. Sam informed that the desire is to conduct a similar programme with Churches. The Church is walking in the love of God and to this love we want to add sports training, discipline, and ultimately, transformation of the sports world. “We can begin the process of establishing sports training as a forte of Religious bodies of all faiths, by coming to the rescue of the students, parents and teachers involved in the annual schools’ athletic and other sports programmes.” Sam noted that by the first week of school in September, dates for Inter-House
sports are announced for immediate competition, with no prior training for the students. “This of course is foolishness, dangerous and destructive,” he lamented. “It means that we in the church and other religious organizations must first submit ourselves to be trained and accredited by the various National Associations to achieve the necessary competence. You will be informed of sports training courses available to you and you should encourage your membership to attend,” Sam informed. Sports has been used to bridge destructive divides such as racial, religious, ethnic, class, financial, political, educational among other social ills. Sam says that most if not all education experts agree on one thing which is that the golden age of leaning is from birth to about 13. He believes that during that period, the foundation of all learning must be laid. “After that age, building on that foundation takes place but when improper foundations are laid, it is extremely difficult or impossible to attain expected heights in any sphere of endeavor, including sports,” Sam pointed out.
Only local Churches, Temples and Mosques whose members attend the courses can be involved in the proposed July/August sports training sessions. “By the end of June, before schools are closed we will inform the schools of which religious bodies will be involved in this project,” Sam added. Sam emphasized the importance of trying to make a difference with a quote from the Bible with Apostle Paul saying he’d be willing by all things to all men that he may perhaps win some. “Let the Church, Teachers and other Religious institutions be relevant, important and necessary to the sports world as Coaches, Referees, Umpires, Managers, Administrators or Journalists that we may win many. Lets wake up, it revival time!” Sam added. Sam said for 40 years he had one great passion which is improving the quality of sports and the lives of its participants. Teachers, Churches and other religious and civic organizations desirous of being involved in this programme can make contact with Sam on telephone numbers 231-3080, 226-3389 or 618-6137.
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Kaieteur News
Letter to the Sports Editor
West Indies cricket civil war comes to Guyana – time to Boycott Tri Series Dear Sports Editor, Cricket fever is about to take over Guyana! Firstly on the field with the tri-nation series and Caribbean Premier League. Off the field WICB & CARICOM are in town for board meetings and the CARICOM cricket sub-committee will make a cataclysmic decision on whether they can or won’t disband the WICB, as many observant fans, media and former legendary players want. Are Guyanese cricket fans ready to stand up for players who won’t be selected for tri-series? Is the Guyana cricket media ready to call out WICB President Dave Cameron for failing to solve the GCB cricket crisis? Are the Guyana government and sports ministry ready to stand with CARICOM? After many local fans would have obviously celebrated greatly after the men won the T20 world cup title by now it should have dawned that half of that squad won’t be in Guyana next month. For anyone still unaware according to intransigent and ridiculous WICB selection policies, players such Darren Sammy, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Bravo are definitely ineligible - possibly too also Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine. This is so because they didn’t play in January’s regional one-day competition – but were instead playing in the Australian Big Bash and Pakistan T20 leagues perfecting their skills in that format. Yet some in the WICB is taking credit for the men’s win, when the team went into the world cup playing the least amount of T20 internationals of any test playing nation since the 2014 T20 World
Cup. If Guyanese are really upset they won’t get a chance to see these world champions live, they have a perfect opportunity to vent their frustration by boycotting the triseries, similar to how Barbados fans did in 1992 when South Africa toured and local fast bowler Anderson Cummins wasn’t picked. Hopefully then, Barbados & St. Kitts will follow suit and WICB will get clear idea of fans anger. However, I’m realistic and note this won’t happen in either territory thus Guyanese could also boycott for the disrespect handed out Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Last year when Chanderpaul was denied a farewell test series versus Australia by the selectors, there was a lot of noise made by the WICB, WIPA and GCB. “We are very disappointed in the manner which Chanderpaul was treated,” WIPA president Wavell Hinds said. “WIPA believes the process of omitting Chanderpaul was untidy and distasteful.” “Let me make it clear that the president, vice-president and I tried our best to get Shiv retained. In the end the selectors have the final say,” GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie said. “We trust that our selectors can find it within themselves to revisit this crucial matter of gross disrespect now being meted out to one of the greatest cricketers to have graced the field of play with this most ungrateful display to Chanderpaul. Shiv’s record speaks for itself and we are shocked at the manner that this panel is seeking to destroy him.” While it was also proven that WICB’s own international investigation regarding Coach Phil Simmons accusation of “outside inference” that President Dave Cameron
GDA host 18-team Mother’s... (From page 76) desire to have a world class facility to call home as a National priority. There are other issues to address and those can be done in the fullness of time, the areas outlined above are the ones that will have immediate impact on our quality of life, sport can be back in schools by September 2016 in a meaningful way, the NGB’s can meet under the auspices of the GoA a n d t a rget at least two
schools in every region for development programmes each. With careful planning and cooperation we can do much more, we owe it to our youth to try new ways as the old have failed. Let us heed the advice of His Excellency President David A. Granger, let us cooperate and make Guyana great. Faithfully, Robin Singh President Guyana Baseball league Inc.
intervene to try and get Chanderpaul picked. WICB has humorous new brand initiative called “trust the process” citing their delusional belief that all is well with West Indies cricket. Yet one year later they can’t figure out a way to give Chanderpaul a proper farewell. In 2011 South Africa organized a special one-off T20 international during their home series against India to farewell Makhaya Ntini, two years after his last game in 2009, given his standing as South Africa’s greatest black cricketer post readmission. Something similar could have clearly been done for Shiv ahead of tri-series given what he done for West Indies in our period of decline – yet nobody at the GCB, WICB or WIPA thought of it. As a supporter of the APNU/AFC I have to call them out for their approach to cricket and by extension general sports, after giving them the benefit of the doubt long enough. It was equally humorous to see the Guyana Cricket Board & Anand Sanasie bestowed sports association and male sports official at the recent National Sports Commission Award ceremony. On simple performance criteria, they deserved that award. But for the sports ministry to not make a single attempt at investigating the real administrative issues that has been affecting the GCB since coming into office before giving those awards, while also wasting time trying to bring the CPL finals to Guyana is appalling. When the overall sporting industry in Guyana is struggling – these lack of decisions shows very disconcerting signs that Minister Roopnarine and Director of Sports Chris Jones are out of touch with modern sporting realities. It pains me to admit that the former tyrannical PPP government did a far better job putting pressure on the WICB & GCB. However, considering how equally useless WICB & ICC are as sporting governing bodies – just like a potential boycott of tri-series isn’t going to happen, neither would change have come to Guyana cricket if the APNU/ AFC had done anything significant. Let the madness continue… Colin Benjamin
Sunday May 08, 2016
Lorenzo on pole at Le Mans
Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo of Spain races his bike during the third qualifying session ahead of the Valencia Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Ricardo Tormo racetrack in Cheste, near Valencia, Spain, November 7, 2015. (REUTERS/HEINO KALIS) (Reuters) MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo took pole position for the French Grand Prix at Le Mans on Saturday while Yamaha team mate Valentino Rossi struggled and could manage only the third row of the grid. Lorenzo was 0.441 faster
than fellow-Spaniard and championship leader Marc Marquez, on the Honda, with the quickest lap yet on the short Bugatti circuit. Italian Andrea Iannone qualified third for Ducati despite a fall towards the end of the session.
Rossi, winner of the previous race in Spain, will start seventh and was outqualified by both the non-works Tech3 Yamahas. Marquez leads Lorenzo by 17 points overall with Rossi a further seven points behind after four races.
STAG ELITE LEAGUE – FINALE
Wade, Garnett & Bobb blitz sink Conquerors; Alpha arrest GDF Slingerz FC remained on course to win the inaugural Stag Elite League – FINALE having already taken the GENESIS with an emphatic and dismissive 8-1 win over second placed Fruta Conquerors when league action continued on Friday evening last at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora. Dominican National player and consistent scorer Julian Wade was in ripping form as he blasted the nets on four occasions with a brace each from Trayon Bobb and Domini Garnet. Friday’s opening match saw Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United erasing a one goal first half deficit to brush aside the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) 3-1. Conquerors held strong for the first half hour of the match but when Slingerz finally cracked their op p o n e n t s ’ r e s i s t a n c e there was a steady trek back to the centre line to restart play. Skillful and nagging midfielder Trayon Bobb was the first to ink his name on the score sheets adding
another goal this season to his name in the 31st minute but Conquerors did not lay back as they drew level in the 4th minute of added on time in the first half (45+4) to leave the half in the balance. However, the second half turned out to be the Slingerz show as the West Demerara based side turned on an enormous amount pressure on their Tucville based counterparts to hand them their biggest defeat of the season. Wade who has been in excellent form this past season opened proceedings in the second minute of the final half with his first of the match in the 47th minute. There was a quiet period of 23 minutes but then the flood gates opened as Slingerz displayed a high level of fitness backed up by clinical finishing. Domini Garnett fired in his first in the 70th minute to start a steady flow. Wade was back in the mix in the 76th, 85th and 86th to complete his helmet-trick, while Bobb achieved his double in the 88th and Garnett his brace one minute later to
complete a memorable and huge triumph which saw them remaining unbeaten, consolidating their position at the top of the leader board at the end of round 12. Alpha United left their victory bid for the second half after finding themselves trailing the GDF from the 13th minute when Delroy Fraser found the back of the nets for the Soldiers. Dwayne Lawrence neturalised the Army’s advantage in the 52nd minute before Alpha went on to arrest their opponents. King Solomon Austin in the 68th minute put the former National champions ahead before elder statesman Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams sealed the deal in the 79th minute. Two more matches are slated for today at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora from 18:00hrs. The GDF will seek to restore some pride in their match against Monedderlust, while Conquerors will hope to do the same when they collide with bottom of the table GFC.
Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Semenya hammers out Rio warning in Doha, Kenyans shine Doha, Qatar (AFP) — Caster Semenya sent an Olympics warning to her rivals in Doha Friday with a 2016 world best time in the 800m of 1:58.26 minutes, on a night otherwise dominated by Kenyan and American athletes. In the first Diamond League meeting of the season, Semanya powered through the final 200m and confirm her return to her very best form. In doubly bad news for her rivals in an Olympics year, the South African admitted afterwards she had held back from running at full pace during the race. “I am just quite happy with anything under two minutes,” she said. “We are just focused on the time. I had to hold back a bit as it wasn’t my pace. It’s all about running well in every race.” Friday night’s time at the Qatar Sports Club stadium would have been good
enough for her to finish sixth at the 2012 London Olympics. She seemed to labour through the first 500m and was well down the field as they approached the final bend. But then she eased past her rivals to secure first place. Ethiopia’s Habitam Alemu came second in a personal best time of 1:59.14 and Eunice Jepkoech Sum was third in 1:59.74, a season’s best for the Kenyan. Semenya said her earlyseason form was down to “hard work” and running free of a knee injury which has plagued her for some time. The 25-year-old’s impressive victory came after an astonishing performance last month back home, winning three races — the 400m, 800m and 1500m — in one afternoon. There she ran the 800m in 1:58.45. Semenya has been dogged b y c o n t r o v e r s y
since bursting onto the scene in the 2009 World Championships. Following that victory, she was subject to a gender test before going on to secure silver medals at the 2011 World Championships and 2012 Olympics. Her early-season form suggests she could become one of the major talking points in an Olympics year, with some already suggesting her resurgence may be due to a decision last year by Court of Arbitration for Sport to suspend testing on female athletes taking testosterone suppressants. It is not known, however, if Semenya has even ever been on such medication. Elsewhere, it was Kenyan middle-distance runners who impressed. In the men’s 1500m, threetime world champion Asbel Kiprop destroyed a highclass field to underline his
Outcomes from the Regular Meeting of the WICB Executive Committee BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Executive Committee of the West Indies Cricket Board recently gathered for a Regular Meeting here. The following were the key reports received and decisions taken: Cricket Schedule The ExCo noted the working schedule of tours, tournaments and cricket-related events for the remainder of the year. Members of the Committee looked forward to the International Home Series which comprises the upcoming Tri-Nation Series between West Indies, Australia and South Africa next month to be hosted in Guyana, St. Kitts and Barbados, and the muchanticipated India Tour of the West Indies scheduled to start in July. WICB will shortly release dates of the India Tour following inspection of the proposed match venues. The ExCo commended the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board for the annual hosting of a regional Under-19 tournament for girls. It was decided that the WICB would contribute financially to the tournament and it would form a part of the WICB’s calendar of events from this year onwards. The Committee also hailed the staging of a skills training camp for 15 emerging female players next month in Barbados in a bid to develop the talent base available for
selection to the West Indies Women’s team. The ExCo welcomed the staging of two key coaching courses over the next month in Barbados for a group of around 25 coaches from around the Caribbean. The first is a Level 3 coaching course to be conducted in two parts from May 1 to 6 and May 30 to June 6 in collaboration with the England & Wales Cricket Board, as well as an Illegal Bowling Action course for coaches from May 7 to 8. The Committee directed the Cricket Operations department to examine the feasibility of staging day/night Tests in the Caribbean in light of the ICC, the sport’s World governing body, having recently ruled that this was an acceptable form of the game. It also agreed that discus-
sions should be held with stakeholders about playing a number of day/night matches during the next Regional 4Day Tournament, scheduled to begin in November. Financial Update The ExCo received a report on the current financial situation of the WICB and approved a number of key disbursements including a total payment of US $3.2 million to members of the West Indies Men’s and Women’s teams following their successful participation in the ICC World Twenty20 Tournament in India. The disbursement included US $1.25 million in match and sponsorship fees, US $1.78 million in prize money, another US $100,000 in Provident Fund payments, as well as injury settlement payments.
stated intention to reclaim Olympic gold later this year. The Kenyan cruised home by a margin of around 10m and even had time to wave to the crowd as he made his way down the final 50 metres. Kiprop — also the 2008 1500m Olympic champion — won in a time of 3:32:15 minutes, more than a second-anda-half ahead of fellow countrymen Elijah Manangoi and third-placed Silas Kiplagat. The Kenyan 1-2-3 delighted thousands of East African fans among the crowd. There was another Kenyan clean sweep in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. Conseslus Kipruto, world champion silver medallist in 2013 and 2015, won in a time of 8:05.13, three seconds ahead of Jairus Kipchoge Birech and Abraham Kibiwott. In total, eight Kenyans finished in the top 10 in the steeplechase. Kenya holds its Olympics trials between June 14 and 16. It was also a good night For the USA. In the men’s 200m, American Ameer Webb won in a lifetime’s best time of 19:85 secs.
South Africa’s Caster Semenya (left) runs to win the women’s 800 metres final at the Diamond League athletics meeting at the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. (Photo: AFP) Compatriot Christian Taylor won the triple jump with a distance of 17.23m. And American Tori Bowie beat Dafne Schippers and Veronica Campbell Brown to win the women’s 100m. Jamaica’s Omar McLoed won the 110m hurdles with
Olympic champion Aries Merritt, returning from a kidney transplant last September, running a season’s best 13.37 secs. “I am fine with that. Every time I run I am setting a season’s best,” said the American afterwards.
Lima Sands Youth Club receives volleyball gear
Lima Sands Youth Club and police officers following the presentation. During a simple, small presentation ceremony, Lima Sands Police Youth Group received a set of a volleyball gear, inclusive of net and a ball, which was made to pupils of the Primary School and who are also part of the Lima Sands Police Youth Group. The group extended gratitude to the police officers of the Anna Regina police station who sent one of their sergeants and Clerk to administer the presentation.
Chairperson of the two month old youth policing group, at Lima Sands, Imran Baksh reported that the Lima Sands policing youth group is two months old and the club’s current interest is centered on been committed to playing volleyball and football. Nourishing and cementing the minds of the young club members to utilize their time by focusing their energies to be utilized in meaningful recreational projects
especially in the Lima Sands area are also part of their endeavours. Baksh noted too that his team is willing to assist other youths who are willing to avail their time in a meaningful way. The pupils of Lima Sands were thrilled with the small token. Police officers attached at the Anna Regina police station work closely with members of the Lima Sands policing youth group. (Yannason Duncan)
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Leicester City: Party time as Foxes crowned Premier League champions BBC Sport - Leicester City celebrated their coronation as Premier League champions and the first title in their 132year history with victory over Everton on a day of elation at the King Power Stadium. This was the Foxes’ official homecoming after they won the Premier League on Monday when Tottenham failed to beat Chelsea - and how they celebrated before, during and after the greatest day in the club’s history. Leicester concluded the story that has captured the world’s imagination when captain Wes Morgan and manager Claudio Ranieri jointly lifted the Premier League trophy as they completed the journey from relegation battlers and 5,000-1 outsiders to champions in the space of 12 months. This 3-1 victory over Everton was simply another demonstration of the power, commitment and quality that has brought them the title but this was more than a football match, it was a carnival with teams of joy and high emotion. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, blind since the age of 12, was accompanied by fellow countryman Ranieri as he walked out 30 minutes before kick-off to fulfil a promise to perform at the King Power Stadium if Leicester became champions. And in an spinetingling moment, Ranieri looked close to tears before the stadium exploded in applause and the teams came out. This has been no ordinary title win and the moments when Ranieri stood side-byside with Bocelli demonstrated that this was no ordinary title celebration. The long and winding Aylestone Road that weaves past Leicestershire’s cricket ground at Grace Road and up to the King Power Stadium was awash with fans and festooned in colour more than three hours before kick-off. Leicester’s title party started at the stadium late on Monday and the scene suggested it had continued for a week in readiness for the day when the Premier League trophy was held aloft by Morgan and his boss. Thousands of supporters surrounded the stadium simply to take part in the carnival to mark Leicester’s achievement, a nine-month-long sustained shock to the entire world of sport’s system. A fairground was set up alongside the arena while hundreds gathered close to a big screen flashing up the greatest moments of this seismic season - and there was
Manager Claudio Ranieri won a top-flight league title for the first time in his career. (Reuters) plenty to show, each goal bringing rousing cheers from the masses waiting for the main event.Even those unable to secure highly prized tickets simply wanted to be near this outpouring of joy and a chance to celebrate an unlikely story of success that took Leicester from a brush with relegation to the Premier League title in the space of a year. This is a global story, arguably the biggest overturning of the odds and defiance of logic in sport, with the demand for media tickets far greater than supply at this welcoming club that has dealt with the weight of expectation and rising attention in exemplary fashion. Among the banners and signals of success one banner read “A Trophy Earned Not Bought”. This has not exactly been a rags-to-riches tale but it has turned the Premier League’s natural order upside down. If the scenes outside were breathtaking, they were surpassed by what took place inside. This was a day Leicester, the city and its football club, will never forget and they did it justice. Leicester’s players and their popular, charismatic manager Ranieri were always going to be the central figures - but there was one special non-footballing touch that will never be forgotten by anyone who witnessed it. It was when Ranieri led Bocelli to a raised platform in the centre circle and briefly addressed the crowd before gesturing for silence, a call they heeded, then listened in awe to a perfect rendition of Nessun Dorma. Bocelli then revealed he was wearing a Leicester shirt before his final number, Time to Say Goodbye. The party mood continued on the pitch as Leicester City overran, outfought and outclassed Everton. If their celebrations had been to excess, perhaps understand-
ably, there was no sign of it here as they simply did what they have done all season. And as the Leicester family gathered, it was a time to celebrate the club’s past as well as this glorious present. There was a parade of greats at half-time, including England’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks, former captain and manager Frank McLintock - a league and FA Cup doublewinner with Arsenal in 1971 as well as Dave Gibson and Mike Stringfellow. This thunderous atmosphere fell silent for a few seconds shortly after the final whistle in anticipation of the presentation, but not for long. There was even a rendition of We Are Staying Up - a knowingly incongruous anthem for this new, resurgent LeicesterCity. One figure has been at the hub of it all, the manager celebrated in the banner as The Godfather - Claudio Ranieri. This modest, emotional man was close to tears once more as he made his way to the presentation platform, the character they called the nearly man, ‘The Tinkerman’, who had pulled off one of the greatest feats in sport. This weekend last year the Foxes were edging away from relegation with a 2-0 win against Southampton that took them into 15th place with 37 points from 36 games, two goals from Riyad Mahrez barely hinting at what was to come. Now Mahrez is PFA Player of the Year, Jamie Vardy the Football Writers’ Association Footballer Of The Year and so much more significantly Leicester are champions with 80 points from 37 games. They have allowed sport to suspend belief - but the King Power Stadium was celebrating glorious reality as fireworks and flames went off in the moment Morgan and Rainieri lifted the Premier League trophy. Sport’s unlikeliest success story was complete.
Sunday May 08, 2016
Letter to the Sports Editor
Beginning a dialogue on sports revival Dear Editor, History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce... these words written by Karl Marx have too often been proved prophetic, Our Nation is moving towards a repetition, seemingly inexorably and on an unseen set of rails, we are in an economic recession and people are struggling to survive, the political class seem more intent on scoring imaginary points in the frivolous game they call the national assembly. Each of us has a part to play i n e f f e c t i n g r e a l change; it requires setting aside our egos and penchant for criticism without offering pragmatic solutions. In this spirit I will admit to being harshly critical of the Government’s attempt to host the Caribbean Premiere League finals event in return for a hefty payment, my writings on that issue did not offer concrete alternatives, I do so now. The President in his speech at the Guyana Olympic Awards annual dinner showed an admirable grasp of our nation’s sporting history and hinted at his vision of the way forward, I would like to build on the points made by His Excellency and suggest that the sporting fraternity become proactive in presenting a solution to the various
issues affecting sport development in Guyana. The first area of business is annual allocation of funding to the National Governing Bodies (NGB) of the various sporting disciplines, my solution to the chaotic system that was inherited by the current administration, is to allocate an equal funding amount to all member bodies of the GOA annually, NGB’s would then be able to plan events based on the known amount of funding available. The GOA would become an active adviser on events, NGB’s would present budgets for events which would be perused by experienced event managers at the GOA for possible areas of saving. The GOA would pay bills for NGB’s therefore becoming a major purchaser of event items and possibly being in the position to secure discounted prices based on volume purchases, we all use the same items, and the power of collective bargaining can be harnessed for our benefit. This is but a brief outline of how this arrangement would work, it does not replace the National Sports Commission who will continue to serve the needs of the people in sport through additional funding of NGB activities and non-affiliated community sport events and per-
sons. The second area of concern is sporting facilities, maintenance of existing ones, improvement of basic grounds and creation of new ones. In this area we are woefully behind where we should be, fifty years in as a nation and we are yet to truly acknowledge the role sport plays in nation building. In my humble opinion, it is the cornerstone upon which our nation will be built, the desired unity of our six peoples first occurs on sporting fields and then filters through to daily life, the term ‘level playing field’ is not accidental, it is factual. The Caribbean credits the West Indies cricket team with forging its identity, to have been at Bourda Cricket Ground during the Hooper/ Chanderpaul era was to witness something really special about us as a people, it is well known that Hooper feigned illness to provide opportunity for Chanderpaul, as politics divide us we count on sport to unite us, currently we are experiencing an imbalance, our sporting heroes have aged and moved out of the active arena while the older politicians are more active than ever. I urge that the GoG meet with each NGB and seek to treat each sport’s (Continued on page 74)
GDA hosts 18-team Mother’s Day Tournament today The Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) will be hosting a one-day eighteen (18)- team Mother’s Day Tournament today, at the President’s residence at Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt. According to Organising Secretary Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, who spoke to Kaieteur Sport via telephone yesterday, the event is being organized by President of the GDA Faye Joseph and the cost to enter per team is $6,000 for an all-female, while an all-male team will have to pay $9,000 with attractive prizes at stake Wiltshire said the competition is open to all interested teams and double-six time is 14:00 hrs. He added that the tournament is all part of the GDA President’s effort to continue to popularize the sport and at the same time help lift the
Faye Joseph standard locally. The Organiser also informed that once again a zero tolerance policy will be in
place for teams or individuals who attempt to flout the disciplinary statutes set up by the GDA.
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Sunday May 08, 2016
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Everest Masters begin Jamaican tour at historic Sabina Park Since the formation of its Masters team some years ago, the Everest Cricket Club would embark on a tour to play a series of cricket matches against various teams in a foreign land. This year it’s no different as the Georgetown based club has embarked on a tour in Jamaica, the largest English Speaking Island in the Caribbean. While in the ‘land of wood and water ’ the Guyanese will play two matches at historic venues. On Saturday May 7 the tour began with a 35 overs a-side match at Sabina Park in the nation’s capital, Kingston. The opponents in that opening match was the Kingston Cricket Club Masters, while on Monday May 9, the Kaiser Sports Club ground in Discovery Bay, Ocho Rios will be the venue for the final match on tour against a select XI. The 13-man squad which departed Guyana on Friday
Members of the Everest Masters team prior to their departure on Friday.
will be led by Rajesh Singh. The other members are Shadeo Hardaiow, Hafeez Ali, Hemraj Garbarran, Ravindranauth Seeram, Shaheed Mohamed, Rohan
Sarjoo, Anwar Rahaman, Sanjeev Datadin, Ronald Jaisingh, Basil Persaud, Prakash Balgobin and Johnny Azeez. The trip has been made
possible through the generosity of IMG, Dinar Trading, Trophy Stall, Professional Printing Services, Carib Food Distributors, Fly Jamaica,
Shalindra Etwaru, Robin Bharat, Anand Sanasie and staff of the Guyana Cricket Board, while WICB head Dave Cameron, Wavell Hinds and Paul
Campbell from Jamaica have also contributed in making the tour a possibility. The Team is expected home on May 12.
Sports could transform lives says Robert Sam By Sean Devers Director of the Samaritan Sports Support System and printers of School News, 60year-old Robert Sam, feels that Sports and love of God can help to transform lives and this can be done by getting sports in schools. E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, Nicholas Fraser, Head of the Physical Education Department in the Education Ministry, approved this programme after his department met with Sam. In that meeting Sam, who was a Math teacher and games master at Central High School from 1973-74, sold the idea of the Ministry supporting Primary schools with regular Physical Education, Recreation and Sports programmes. It was recommended that
Sam, a former National U-23 Rugby Captain and Coach, accompanied by PE Officer Rubens Horace be permitted to conduct meetings with Head teachers during this term to identify and recommend suitable activities in Primary schools in Georgetown. The two bodies will collaborate with the implementation of the PE programme and Sports Curriculum, train teachers in various sports activates, preparing students for Courts PEE WEE Football competition in the September term and developing recreational activities for schools caring for children with disabilities. “We are authorized by the Education Ministry to train teachers in sports among other things. More
Robert Sam (right) speaking to President of the Guyana Badminton Association Gokarn Ramdhani about his programme.
importantly they will also be taught the love of God and its power to transform lives. We will start in Georgetown,” Sam disclosed. Sam, a firm believer in God, is no stranger to sports.
He was a former Champion Athlete at Queens College in the early 1970s and the 200m record of 22.3 seconds is still a school record. In 1978, while serving as the PE Teacher at Queens College, he was Coach of the school’s
God’s love conquers all cricket team which toured Barbados. That team included the Charles brothers (Garfield & Roger) and a 15-year-old
Roger Harper who all went on to play for Guyana, with Harper graduated to represent the West Indies (Continued on page 73)
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Sunday May 08, 2016
Kaieteur News
EDFA equips Coaches with aim of achieving excellence By Franklin Wilson With the vision of embracing a structured p r o g r a m m e f o r development, Coaches attached to clubs registered under the umbrella of the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) were yesterday presented with kits compliments of the association. In remarks prior to the p r e s e n t a t i o n , E D FA President, Alfred King told the coaches and a few administrators that football is a bit more than just kicking the ball to the extent that the association has designed a programme that will see the game grow and develop. ”What that means? We want to see a wider pool of young players involved in football that can feed into the clubs. Most of the senior clubs are disintegrating because of a lack of a strategy to attract new membership and to develop a sustainable feeder programme to teach the fundamentals at the junior level.” Armed with this understanding, King said that it was recognized that investment in the area of coaching is critical, especially at the junior level. “Therefore we want to find all the possible exposure for our coaches to develop. We run the risk of teaching the youngsters the
EDFA Secretary Gidel Austin hands over one of the bags with equipment to BV Triumph United Coach Kester Garnett in the presence of EDFA President Alfred King (2nd right) and other coaches. wrong thing with untrained coaches which would be difficult to adjust when they become senior players; including the wrong attitude sometimes.” King informed that the t a rg e t i n g c o a c h e s f o r development started earlier this year when about 30 persons were exposed to a two-day programme that was facilitated by President of the Guyana National Coaches Association, Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover and Sampson ‘Boniah’ Gilbert. ”We are in the process of putting together an accredited programme to ensure that our coaches go through a B License experience and we are hopping therefore that an instructor from Trinidad
who we are engaging through Dover and Jamaal Shabazz would be here sometime soon to further work with the coaches to enhance their skills and competence.” Coaches will then be attached to junior teams and be charged with the
responsibility of implementing what they would have learnt from the course with the aim of achieving collectively, stronge r c l u b s i n t h e EDFA. King also made reference to the recently concluded Under-17 Jubilee
Locals determined to defend home turf Michael Namchand RX7.
(Flashback)- One of Guyana’s kings of Drag racing Anand Ramchand stands atop his Mitsubishi Evo with the championship trophy.
WICB CONGRATULATES THE GUYANA CRICKET BOARD ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The board of directors, management and staff of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) would like to congratulate the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) for being named the top sporting association of 2015. Equally “we are elated for Anand Sanasie who was named the top administrator.” “Guyana’s cricket has improved considerably and they continue to dominate the regional competitions in several categories. We are excited at the opportunities for the region. We consider this a positive trend that as each region’s cricket gets better, West Indies cricket will also get better,” said President, Dave Cameron. The President went on to note that “this is a good achievement to follow by the other regions.” The WICB is preparing for the upcoming Tri-Nation series which opens in Guyana on June 3. Guyana will also celebrate 50 years of independence later this month.
tournament which was won by Bachelors Adventure Paradise Sports Club over Buxton Stars and the subsequent Goodwill series against the East Bank Football Association to two U-17 Clubs, Grove Hi Tech and Soesdyke Falcons. Tw o m a t c h e s w e r e
played at the Golden Grove ground while the return visit to the East Bank is yet to come off due to the current inclement weather. Meanwhile, ten teams will vie for top honours in the NAMILCO Flour Power Thunderbolt Intra Association competition which is anticipated to k i c k o ff t h i s c o m i n g weekend. The association’s Senior League will also be unveiled shortly, King informed. Each club coach received a set of training bibs, strategy boards, ball bags, balls and coaches tops. Those receiving were BV Triumph United, Ann’s Grove United, Victoria Kings, Bachelors Adventure / Paradise Sports Club, Buxton Stars and Golden Stars. Absent from yesterday’s activity were Mahaica Determinators, Plaisance Panthers FC and Buxton Youth Developers.
As news continue to flow about Suriname’s impending assault on Guyana’s dominance in regional motor racing, the upcoming May 15 ‘Golden Jubliee’ International Drag Meet is being seen as a threat to wrest control of Guyana’s supremacy in this format of the sport. G u y a n a ’s A n a n d Ramchand and the Daby brothers Rondell and Peter along with Chet Singh and others obviously knows the importance of defending home turf, especially in front
of a turnout that is anticipated to be large, at the South Dakota Circuit. The Dutch have included the veteran Hans Ijzer whose GMC Typhoon is no stranger to Guyana and a machine that every local dragster respects and his support will come from Ashton Ceyaram, who pilots a Toyota Chaser, Ruifan Chen (Honda Integra), Prakash Lachman (Toyota Supra), Micheal Namchand (RX7), (Navin Lalbiharie (Nissan 350Z), Jean-Paul Jose (Ford Cobra Jet) Lester Choi (Nova) and
Vi d y a k o e m a r S o e k h o e (Mitsubishi Evo). They will also be represented in the Superbike category by Tom Gomperts (Suzuki GSX R) and Giovanni Slagveer astride a similar machine. The Porta Tree Timing System which is equipped
with specialized starting lights that allow quarter mile speeds to be recorded will be used during the day’s races. Races commence at 09:00 hrs and admission for adults is $1000, $500 children, while children under-12 and vehicles are free.
Kaieteur News
Sunday May 08, 2016
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GBA gets high praise from Caribbean counterparts The Guyana Amateur Boxing Association has come in for high praise for the hosting of the Caribbean’s first Schoolboys and Juniors tournament just over a week ago. T h e a s s o c i a t i o n ’s organization skill is being hailed by Jamaica and St Lucia, both of which sent teams to the tournament. “I need to thank Mr. (Steve) Ninvalle and the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association for affording us the opportunity to expose our young boxers. I think that it is the perfect platform for the resurrection of the sport of boxing which has been taking some hits recently,”
President of the St Lucia Boxing Association David `Shakes’ Christopher declared. “It was a very good venture for the Caribbean and the reports from Guyana tell of a well -organized tournament that was keenly contested. We have noted that in recent time Guyana has taken the initiative to lead boxing in the Caribbean. There was a Goodwill competition in 2014 and that was followed by a 13-nation Caribbean Development Tournament last year, all of this points to the fact that there is a serious approach to where boxing needs to be taken.” The St Lucian president pointed to the financial
Stephen Jones burden hosting of such tournaments entails but noted that that the rewards for persevering will be reaped in the future. Christopher’s sentiments were echoed by President of
National cricketers set to entertain at Region One on May 12
Shivnarine Chanderpaul The Mabaruma Settlement Recreation ground in Region One is expected to come alive on May 12 when several Guyanese International and national cricketers converge on the venue to entertain the fans in a T20 fixture. The game is being organised by Region One 50th Anniversary committee as part of their celebrations and to give the fans an opportunity to interact with their fa v o u r i t e c r i c k e t e r s , one of which is their very own Robin Bacchus. A release from the committee stated that the entire region is excited about
Leon Johnson the game which is sanctioned by the Guyana Cricket Board. According to the release, the Region has a lot of untapped potential and the committee feels that this venture will serve as a motivation for the young cricketers. The body has expressed gratitude to the Executive of the GCB who are keen to see the outcome and promised to assist with the growth of the game in the area. The GCB has also contributed towards the air fare of seven players, while Managing Director of Global Technology in C a m p S t r e e t , G e o rg e
Melville (and family) who hails from the R e g i o n h as a s s i s t e d w ith the air fares for s even players . The visitors will be divided into two teams which will also comprise of players from Region One. The players on tour are; Leon Johnson, Robin B a c c h u s , Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Steven Jacobs, Shimron Hetmyer, Vishual Singh, Rajendra Chandrika, K e e m o P a u l , Te v i n Imlach, Tremayne Smartt and Shemaine Campbelle. M i chael Hyles Franco (Coach).
David ‘Shakes’ Christopher the Jamaica association Stephen ‘Bomber’ Jones who assured that his country will continue to support the efforts of the Ninvalle-led GBA since it is prone to action, and paving the way for regional development of the sport.
The two-day tournament was held on April 29 and 30 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Guyana won two gold medals, one silver and three bronze in the inaugural International tournament. St Lucia came in second
with one gold and two silvers. Jamaica had one silver and two bronze. Guyana’s Christopher Moore and Akiel Mounter snatched gold in the lightweight and welterweight divisions r e s p e c t i v e l y, w h i l e welterweight Michael Edwards took silver. Light wel t e r w e i g h t Q u i n c y Boyce and Joshua Corbin grabbed bronze while D e s h o n E l c o c k (lightweight) also took home bronze. St Lucian Nathan Ferrari was voted Best Boxer. Meanwhile, the GBA is set to resume its weekly two-day camps for Schoolboys, Juniors and Youth boxers this weekend. Th e a s s o c i a t i o n i s preparing to send a team to French Guiana in June to participate in t h e C r e o l e Championships.
Scotia Bank supports RHTYSC, MS Cricket teams’ Mother’s Day Programme The New Amsterdam branch of Scotia Bank and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS have joined hands to make Mother ’s Day 2016 a special one for 100 less fortunate in the Lower Corentyne Area. The two organisations, which have a long and highly successful relationship over the years, would be providing hampers for mothers on their special day. The Bank along with its staff members made a financial contribution to the Club to assist in preparing the hampers. Branch Manager Vibert Jones stated that the Bank was delighted to partner with the RHTYSC, MS as it was a household name across Guyana due to its outstanding record of service over the years. It was also an honour, Jones stated, to pay tribute to Mothers on their special day and noted that the Bank of Nova Scotia is a responsible corporate entity who
Mohamed Azim, Assistant manager of Scotia Bank presents cheque to RHTYSC, M.S Executive member Mark Papannah. strongly believes in making positive contributions to society. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that since its formation in 1990 the RHTYSC, MS has mandated its different cricket teams to make a positive difference in the lives of others to honour their parents.
The teams since 1991 organised programmes to honour mothers and fathers on their special days every year and he expressed gratitude to the Bank of Nova Scotia for their support for the 2016 programme. Special mention was made of Staff members who also made personal (Continued on page 73)
t r o Sp STAG ELITE LEAGUE – FINALE
Wade, Garnett & Bobb blitz sink Conquerors; Alpha arrest GDF
Slingerz marksmen, Julian Wade (center) is flanked by Trayon Bobb (right) and Domini Garnet.
King Solomon Austin (left), Dwayne Lawrence (centre) and Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams were on target for Alpha United.
Leicester City: Party time as Foxes crowned Premier League champions
The moment Leicester players and manager Claudio Ranieri lifted the Premier League trophy. (AP)
National cricketers set to entertain at Region One on May 12 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