Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
The mail system at Pomeroon DEAR EDITOR; The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) wishes to thank Mr. Mohamed Khan for his letter published in the Stabroek Newspaper and captioned, “Irregular mail delivery in the Pomeroon.” The Corporation appreciates Mr. Khan’s feedback since there were no prior reports against our mail delivery system in the Pomeroon River. The Charity Post Office has been conveying mail to the residents via a Mail Contractor on a weekly basis. Cluster Boxes were also installed for residents of the Lower Pomeroon to
conveniently access their mail. Management will, however, launch an investigation into the writer’s allegations and convene meetings with residents of the Pomeroon River to address their concerns. Mr. Khan is kindly asked to make contact with the Deputy Postmaster General on telephone number 227-7494. Customers are encouraged to raise all inquiries with our Customer Services Department on telephone number 226-3127. Telesha Whyte Public Relations Officer Guyana Post Office Corporation
The importance and contributions of the diaspora DEAR EDITOR; Hundreds of Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals in the diaspora are travelling to Georgetown to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Guyana’s independence. Guyanese and their regional counterparts are scattered all over the planet. The US is no exception where thousands of Jamaicans, Guyanese, Trinidadians, Barbadians, Antiguans, Grenadians and other parts of the region work and live and to some extent try to transform their adopted homes to the land of their birth. They brought their culture, cuisines, music, cricket and other activities to the United States and most countries have organizations, where they celebrate their national day and other cultural activities. Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago which have large Indian populations celebrate their religious functions such as Phagwah, Deepavali by Hindus and Eid by the Muslims in which their friends from other islands participate and to a certain extent integrate the society. Of course some Florida born Caucasians and even American Indians, celebrate with their Caribbean friends. There is no doubt that the Caribbean diaspora play a very important role in United States— many of them are nurses, businessmen, clerks, teachers, and even university professors as well as medical doctors and lawyers. Of course a large number of Caribbean nationals are labourers and many of them work with the city and county councils and assist in developing their communities. It is often said that West Indians work harder overseas than their homeland. There is a reason for this because hundreds if not thousands send remittances on a regular basis to their loved less fortunate ones at home. This is said is being abused in some cases where those at home do not try to seek meaningful
employment, but rather wait on hand-outs from their relatives abroad. Many Caribbean nationals are active in community activities in the United States - some of them are volunteers with the Red Cross, Old Folks home, and voluntary organizations. Some realize funds to assist schools, and communities at home. Jamaica is leading in this regard and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that has set up a unit to handle diaspora affairs. Speaking about Jamaica that country reggae music is extremely popular in Southern Florida. Trinidad’s calypso is also a favorite and so is the chutney music, the Indian version of soca. Grenada has an active Association in the Miami/ Dade/ Broward area and cultural activities on a regular basis. I attended a function a few years ago in which Grenada born Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, the King of Calypso, entertained the large crowd and Guyana’s Dave Martin did a few shows also Jamaica’s spicy jerk pork or chicken, patties, curry goat, fried dumplings, fried plantain, jerked steam cabbage and the Guyanese roti and curry, cook-up rice, chowmein, garlic pork and pepperpot add some spice to the numerous Caribbean cuisines not to forget
Antigua’s funjie, and ducana. Caribbean restaurants are scattered in areas which have a thickly populated West Indian population which is increasing every year. Cricket is the No. 1 sport in the Caribbean and the diaspoyra has brought the game to Floriin where it is played on a competitive basis by scores of clubs. It has taken off with so much enthusiasm that a large number of non West Indians are involved including Mayor Kaplan and Commissioner Holness. Former world record holder Lance Gibbs who lives in Kendalls is actively involved in promoting the game and a stadium was built in Central Broward to accommodate the summer game. In fact New Zealand played three matches against the West Indies three years ago and four CPL matches are carded for that ground between July 28 and 31. The regional governments are well aware of the important role their nationals are playing overseas and they have representatives - consul generals, honorary consuls in South Florida to facilitate their nationals with passport renewals, permits and other administrative matters. Heads of government and ministers of government pay periodical visits to address the diaspora. Oscar Ramjeet
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The free-spending theory of Minister Jordan DEAR EDITOR; I refer to the news item widely reported in the media, that the Hon. Minister of Finance Winston Jordon regards the reduction in free spending in the Guyanese economy attributable to the curbing of illegal activities. Does the Minister firmly believe that most Guyanese consumers were engaged in illegal activities which enabled them to ‘freely’ spend? As I understand his opinion, free spending by the average Guyanese consumer was only achievable because that consumer was engaged in illegal activities and unlawful enterprises. This is the only interpretation possible. So, most public servants are money launderers and drug dealers, joined by their private sector colleagues in this underground or parallel economy in which they used to freely spend. Most, or all seemingly legitimate business transactions before the Hon. Minister of Finance had a chance to analyse the numbers, were operating in the parallel economy. If the Hon. Minister is not calling most of the citizens of this country criminals, then is there direct evidence that only a few were engaged in illegal activities to enable them to freely spend to such an extent that it had a direct bearing on Guyana’s economy? Why not commission forensic investigations of these few persons? But wait. Wasn’t the Hon. Minister part of the budget preparation teams for successive national budgets under the PPP/C regime? Did he provide the figures to back up his recent opinions? Clearly, in every economy, there are those who will operate in an unlawful manner to achieve benefits and privileges. The drug trade and money laundering activities are examples. Are all investors suspected of dealing drugs or ‘washing’ money? In my view, the Hon. Minister ought to have gone a little further and give examples of how the economy has contracted, since law enforcement has curtailed illegal activities to such an extent that most Guyanese consumers are no longer freely spending, which brings me back to the point that the Hon. Minister believes most Guyanese are engaged in drug dealing and money laundering. On another point Editor, I have noticed the fervor and national pride that the 50th Independence Anniversary has brought to our country, and I applaud the efforts of the city council and central government to get the city clean and presentable for ourselves and anticipated influx of visitors. At the end of it all, is it possible that an independent audit be done of all funds being used
from the Consolidated Fund (and all other state funds) for this event, and presented in Parliament? I ask this because I would like the people of this country to be educated on how expensive it is to clean up and beautify the environment they have destroyed by wanton dumping, littering and squatting. They will see how much it costs to clean up after them, so it might impact on their future conduct within their environment. Also Editor, whilst feelings of patriotism and national pride surge through my veins especially at this time, I am left to wonder at the intrinsic value of an injection of $500,000,000.00 into the Georgetown Public Hospital, or the Suddie Public Hospital, or the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. An upgrade of much needed equipment might save a few hundred lives, or make the provision of certain services more accessible to thousands who cannot afford to travel overseas, or pay out of pocket at a private hospital. This injection could even have been incorporated as part of the nation’s celebratory events, as a gift to its citizens. But then, I suppose instilling national pride is just as important to a nation’s well being as a whole, juxtaposed against the actual health and well being of its citizens. So Editor, when we ascend the all enveloping purpose-built wooden stands at Durban park come the 26th May, and cheer raucously as our leaders disembark their shiny black vehicles waving to us as they ascend their purpose built metal-framed VVIP facility, let us reflect on our achievements as a nation after 50 years of independence in the same breath as we project where we will be as a nation in the next 50 years. Rama Bhajan Singh
Dialogue on... From page 4 Guyanese people must come to see the nexus of development between “Me and Myself. Me and my Family, Me and my community. Me and my Country.” What is required is a transformation in thought and vision about Guyana’s development possibilities. There are indications that this is currently being fostered. The Guyanese people should cease to buy in to the fatalistic view that things will never get better in the country. Think positive. Act positive. Guyana’s development is everyone’s business. Commence the dialogue on the development of community and country. Ken Danns
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Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
COI report of questionable GuyOil fuel purchase handed over to Govt.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon receives the report into the inquiry of Guyana Oil Company Limited from Chairman of the Board of Inquiry, Winston Cosbert, in the presence of Julius Wright (at right). Minister of State Joseph Harmon yesterday received the report from the Board of Inquiry, which was established to probe allegations of wrongdoing at the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GuyOil). The report was handed over by Chairman of the Board, recently retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Winston Cosbert. President David Granger
had mandated that the Board of Inquiry investigate allegations of criminality, malpractice and mismanagement in the acquisition of fuel by GuyOil and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). The review covered the period from November 10, 2015 to March 19, 2016. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, Minister Harmon, in
accepting the report, said that it will assist the administration in determining what course of action should be taken going forward. He has committed to presenting the report to Cabinet so that the Government can be informed of its findings and determine whether corrective measures need to be taken. The Board also comprised Julius Wright and Edgar Thomas.
Questions were raised after ships that were hired to bring fuel to Guyana were also reportedly transporting for other persons In late February, more than seven months after being sent on leave, Managing Director of the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil), Badrie Persaud, was sacked. GuyOil’s Board of Directors, in a statement, had made it clear that it had no confidence in the official’s ability to execute his duties “honestly, objectively and efficiently”. According to the
statement, the board along with Nigel Hinds and Associates Financial Services, reviewed the documents and verified the findings of a forensic audit conducted by the firm for the period November 1, 2011 to May 31, 2015. The forensic audit was ordered by the Granger-led administration shortly after it took office in May last year. GuyOil’s board said that Persaud, as Managing
Director, took unauthorized decisions during the period. With gas stations stretching across the coasts, the state-owned GuyOil since established in the 70’s, is now handling between $400M to $500M weekly in sales. However, there have been allegations of corruption, with questions over the procurement and sales. Persaud was sent off on leave in early July, amidst a shakeup at that state-owned entity. Government sources, then, had confirmed that Persaud, a candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in the May 2015 General Elections, was sent on about seven months’ leave that he had accrued. At the time, GuyOil had (Continued on page 16)
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
Human rights crisis…
Victims’ cases in jeopardy as IACHR in urgent need of funds
Jamaica Observer - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) Monday said it is going through a severe financial crisis that will have serious consequences on its ability to fulfil its mandate, and appealed to member states, observer countries, and other potential donors to make urgent financial contributions before June 15. The IACHR, which is mandated to promote respect for human rights in the region and act as a consultative body to the Organisation of American States (OAS), also said that the cash crunch would result in a cut in personnel if the situation is not rectified. “The commission deeply regrets having to report that on July 31, 2016, the contracts of 40 per cent of its personnel will expire, and at this time the commission does not have the funds — or the expectation of receiving the funds — to be able to renew them,” the IACHR stated in a news release. “The commission is also
very sorry to report that it has been forced to suspend the visits it had planned for this year, as well as its 159th and 160th sessions, which had been scheduled for July and October,” the release added. This situation, it said, will result in the dismantling of areas essential to its mandate. It also said it was distressed for the victims, petitioners, and civil society organisations that had planned to participate in hearings, working meetings, and other fora scheduled for the October session. The commission also said it was deeply concerned because the suspension of sessions has a direct impact on its capacity to make progress in processing complaints of human rights violations, since it is during these sessions that the commissioners analyse, debate, and approve reports on petitions and cases. “Moreover, it is disturbing that thousands of victims of human rights violations will be left unprotected,” the IACHR added. One of the cases before
the IACHR is that of Jamaican-Panamanian Mayer Mizrachi Matalon, who has been in detention in a Colombian prison since December last year without being charged. A petition on his behalf was filed at the IACHR on April 11, 2016 by his attorneys, Lord Gifford, QC, and Caroline Hay, after Panamanian authorities failed to act on a court order instructing that a ‘freedom ticket’ be sent to Colombia for Mizrachi Matalon’s release from La Picota jail in Bogota. Last evening, Lord Gifford expressed surprise at the news coming from the IACHR. He said he had not yet received any word from the commission about his client’s case. Asked if there were any other international bodies to which he could take Mizrachi Matalon’s case, Lord Gifford said: “The only other international body is the United Nations Human Rights Committee, but you can’t do both at the same time.”
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Wednesday May 25, 2016
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Kaieteur News
The American Dream vs. the Guyana Dream Guyana this week was graced with the presence of a young lady who is only seventeen years old, and who has gained entry so far into twenty-one universities in the United States, eight of which are considered Ivy League amongst the best in the United States. The young lady should be congratulated for her achievements. We are not as yet sure whether she has set some sort of record in terms of the successful applications she made. But it is not the first and will not be the last time that students have gained admission to all eight of the US’s Ivy League. The Daily Mail newspaper reported last year on eight students who gained admission into all eight Ivy League universities in the United States. The students were Munira Khalif of Minnesota; Stefan Stoykov of Indiana; Victor Agbape of North Carolina; Pooja Chandresheker of Virginia, Harold Ekeh of New York; Alexender Romain of Minnesota; Ronald Nelson of Tennessee and Fernando Rojas of California. Some of these students gained admission to as many as fourteen universities. One of them had a SAT score of 2270. All of them were the children of immigrants. There used to be a time when the children of
immigrants, no matter how well they did, had very little chance of getting into an Ivy League College. Things have changed. In fact today, being the child of an immigrant and doing exceptionally well at SAT, as well as having varied social pursuits, puts you in good stead in obtaining admission to one of these top universities. All of the Ivy League universities are now placing emphasis on diversity and giving more opportunities for minorities. If you are a minority and you do very well in high school, then you may stand a chance of gaining admission. It is still, however, a highly competitive system, but it is not closed to students, even from Guyana. Guyanese students have historically gained admission to such universities. It is believed that this policy of supporting diversity is an experiment that the Ivy League colleges are attempting to deflect criticism of their elitist past. But there is also evidence that having a broad mix of students from all backgrounds does contribute to the improvement in academic performance. It apparently has worked in the United States. But it has not worked in Guyana. During the era of cooperative socialism, there was a suggestion made that the top schools should be
populated by both strong and weak students. There was resistance to this, and the authorities did not pursue it within the top secondary schools. But there was an attempt within some schools to mix the better students with the poorer students in some classrooms, so that the stronger would pull the weaker students up. The experiment was never measured and the verdict was that this was not a plan that many parents were comfortable with. St Margaret’s Primary School was once considered the choice primary school in Georgetown. Parents went to all kinds of trouble to ensure that their children could gain admission to this school. And the results for many years tended to justify their faith, with the school always doing well in the Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination. Well, after Sacred Heart Primary School was destroyed by fire, the Ministry of Education began to place students from Tiger Bay, a poor community, at that school. The rich parents revolted by removing their children out of the school and placing them in other schools. This affected the performance of the school at the National Grade Six Assessment, with the result that the school is no longer
Dem boys seh...
ECONOMY SHAPE LIKE A COKE BOTTLE Since Soulja Bai authorize de forensic audits into de dealings of de previous govt a lot of dutty things, unlawful things and weird things come out. De GMC auditor fingers de GM. When dem boys read that, dem want to know if de GM bend down bad or sit down careless wid ee behind expose. Then dem boys hear Jordan seh de economy in good shape. When dem boys read bout de good shape right away dem think about Banks DIH and dem Coca Cola ad. Dem gyals shape like a coke bottle. Jordan was de one who seh Guyana economy in a good shape. Ashni Singh think he had a good shape; so did Irfaat, Brassington and now Jordan. That is why Guyana still deh de same place. Is de same shape it had all de time. But dem boys remember Ronald Reagan once said, “Govt is like a baby’s alimentary canal wid a happy appetite at one end (de mouth) and no responsibility at de other end. Then dem got Donald. He write a letter in de press yesterday saying how Cheddi Jagan was de greatest asset Guyana ever had. But he fail to include that he Donald, is de dumbest Guyana ever produce. Dem boys know a man who might challenge him. He waiting pun a court result. He want $400 million from dem boys and he ain’t even seh a word to de judges to justify asking.
Tomorrow is independence. People gun dress in clothes wid de colours of de flag. Dem boys hear Donald de Dumb, Jagdeo de Scamp and Sam de Blind plan to come out and celebrate wid everybody. De only thing is that dem clothes wouldn’t have de national colours. Dem boys plan to tattoo de colours behind de heads of de Blind and de Dumb and as for de scamp, Jagdeo dem boys plan to tattoo he forehead and he nose so he must look like Rudolph de Red Nose clown. Talk half and hope every Guyanese enjoy Guyana’s jubilee from tonight.
considered a prime choice for primary admissions. The choice primary school today is Success Elementary, a private institution. The results have been different at the University of Guyana. There, students of poor parents have excelled. So it needs to be examined whether diversity works well at the university level but not necessarily at the primary
school level. It also needs to be examined whether the attitude of parents towards diversity in education contributes to better performance. The American Ivy League system helps to perpetuate the myth of the American Dream: that with hard work anyone can make it. It takes more than just hard work to achieve the American dream.
Hard work is necessary, but it also takes a bit of good fortune, and even so, not everyone is assured of achieving the American Dream. What about the Guyana Dream? What does that take?
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Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
The Guyanese diaspora will see “tankism” and other caricatures Living in the developed West and the developed Third World (Trinidad, Singapore etc) can lead to nightmares when you touch down in Guyana. Twice I mentioned in these columns an experience I had with then student president of UG, Jason Benjamin. Benjamin paid a visit to UWI in Jamaica (Mona campus) and on his return
exclaimed to me; “Freddie yuh have to see dem people gym; we gym is like a fowl pen.” He was referring to the UWI student gym. The UG students don’t have a gym. They have an exercise room not much bigger than a middle class Guyanese dog kennel. The Golden Jubilee of Guyana’s Independence would have brought more
Guyanese diaspora members to these shores than any other event the past sixty or seventy years. The numbers are staggering. It is a good thing that they came. Loving your country is one thing, seeing its retrogression and decline may confuse and lacerate the mind. Thousands of Guyanese in the diaspora simply do not know how backward this country is
politically, socially, s o c i o l o g i c a l l y, philosophically, legally, in the realm of economics, and in the sphere of moral values and humane understanding. The diaspora visiting for the Golden Jubilee will be confronted with ubiquitous nightmares. They would have seen so many nonsensical manifestations already. Take
the sprucing up of Georgetown. The Government has no clue how to handle the dressing up of Guyana. I ask every member of the Guyana diaspora if in the countries they live, the governments behave so heartlessly and are so contemptuous of citizens. You are coming from the East Coast and as soon enter Georgetown, large areas are blocked off for the decoration and road repair process, leaving you with colossal headaches on how to get out of the traffic jungle. It is absolutely insulting to a nation. You turn into one street only to find your way is blocked. You take another main artery and the same process exists. I took Duncan Street on Monday evening to get to the fast food outlet on Sheriff Street. It was cordoned off. I went through a labyrinthine method to get to the next main street from which I could access Sheriff. It would be Lamaha Street. Golden Jubilee road repairs were on, and that too was impassible. In the ensuing scramble, bumpers were knocked up. My car missed being hit by a coat of varnish. Guyana makes its citizens depressed humans. The diaspora will see that for themselves, because untold numbers of them would be staying at domestic units - meaning friends’ houses and family dwellings. Water does not reach after ten feet from the first floor. You go to any working class two storied house in South Georgetown and water does not reach the second level, which normally is ten feet from ground level. Working class folks do not buy black tanks. When I lived in my Wortmanville two storied home, water never; I repeat never came up to the second level. My mother-in-
Frederick Kissoon law’s residence was across the road and water never came up. The diaspora members who are here must have noticed the ubiquitous black tank throughout Guyana, through which water comes up once you live from the second level up. Water comes through the taps beginning from 5 a.m. then ceases from 2 p.m., resumes at 6 p.m. then is cut off at 11 p.m. That is my experience living in Wortmanville up to 2008. I know this unacceptable situation remains the same. Diaspora members will get a rude awakening when, at the place they are staying, the electrical pole is shaking and ten days after it was first reported, the electricity crew is yet to appear. They will get a rude awakening when in their yard there is a huge water spill because of a burst yard pipe. A telephone call to GWI will tell them that the crews do not work after six in the evenings and on weekends. They will get crazy when they dial 911 and never receive a response. They will be reduced to tears when their internet service breaks down and GTT says they have to wait after three working days for the technician to look at the fault. They will hit the roof when they consult the telephone directory, searching for a number but cannot easily read the listings. The part I will enjoy is when the neatly dressed diaspora lady walks into a Ministry to see her APNUAFC Minister friend only to be stopped at the gate and told that her dress sleeves are too suggestive. Welcome to the Faustian journey.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
Possibility of de-risking worries Govt. - AG Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams says that the government is quite worried about the possibility that Guyana may suffer as a result of de-risking. De-risking refers to financial institutions exiting relationships with and closing the accounts of clients considered “high risk.” There is an observed trend toward de-risking of money service with businesses, foreign embassies, nonprofit organizations, and correspondent banks, which has resulted in account closures in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Low profit, reputational concerns, and rising AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) scrutiny contribute to derisking, which can further isolate communities from the global financial system and undermine AML/CFT
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams objectives. Guyana is still on the watch list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)— the international body that monitors countries with weak legislation and systems in place to guard against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Guyana is yet to satisfy all of the recommendations made by FATF. However, under the new government, significant
strides have been made. At a recent press conference, Attorney General Williams said that Guyana has one outstanding recommendation and does not currently stand the risk of being blacklisted. However, he noted, “This question of de-risking is so serious. It is so serious that they are proposing to hold a conference on de-risking in July”. Williams said that the conference is proposed to be held in Miami and will be for the entire hemisphere. The Attorney General said that he is trying his “best” to ensure that Guyana is guarded against de-risking. “I am trying my best to ensure that we (Guyana) are not at risk of de-risking, it is a bothersome issue, because certain countries in the Region have lost corresponding banking. The former Prime Minister of Barbados wrote an article warning of de-risking and noting what a terrible thing that can be,” said Williams.
Pensioner dies four days after beaten by son
The now dead Rickford Bourne in hospital last weekend. Seventy-one year-old Rickford Bourne died at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Monday evening, four days after being badly beaten by his 36-year-old son Kwame Bourne. According to reports, Kwame Bourne would regularly threaten to kill his father when he did not receive money to support his smoking habit. The incident is reported to have happened sometime during last Thursday, May 19, in Turkeyen. It is said that an argument broke out between the father and son. During the quarrel, the son reportedly picked up an iron bar that was used to reinforce a window and struck his father repeatedly about the body.
The now dead man’s daughter, Aisha Bourne who lives some nine houses away, told this newspaper that she received a call from neighbours urging her to check on her father as quickly as possible as they had heard the man screaming. She said that she rushed over but by the time she arrived, her brother was already gone and she found her father lying on the floor trying to bandage his head and covered in blood. She noted that her father had sustained a deep gash on his right forearm; his left eye was completely swollen shut and had at least three deep cuts in his head. The woman said that she subsequently took him to the hospital where he was admitted. She noted that her brother, a known drug addict, was in the habit of threatening the elder Bourne and would repeatedly point out the iron bar in his threats. She even indicated that on one occasion as she attempted to intervene in an argument, the suspect had “chucked” her and threatened her as well. Rickford Bourne according to reports was on life support at the hospital and eventually succumbed to his injuries at approximately 20:00 hrs on Monday. His daughter told Kaieteur News that she was going to visit her father when she received the dreadful news. Police have indicated that a post mortem will be done today. They have since arrested Kwame Bourne and have identified the iron bar as the weapon used in the attack. The suspect is due to appear in court on Friday to face a charge of murder.
He added that the government has been engaging numerous banks, including the World Bank, on measures that can be put in place to completely avoid derisking. The Minister said that a team from the World Bank recently came to Guyana and the issue was extensively discussed. The Attorney General said that he is looking to assess the risks that Guyana may have in the system and implement measures to effectively address those.
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Kaieteur News
Guyana benefits nothing from BaiShanLin agreements “How has my country benefitted?” questioned former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran, as he referenced the various investment agreements signed between BaiShanLin and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government. Goolsarran conducted the forensic audit into the affairs of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). Therefore, he knows all too well how BaiShanLin operated and he
knows about the benefits the company reaped though the various one-sided agreements. Kaieteur News recently highlighted some of these agreements signed by BaiShanLin and the PPP/C Government. The newspaper showed the magnitude of concessions requested by BaiShanLin and granted by the PPP/C government. These were extreme when matched against the proposed projects, or any
- Former Auditor General project for that matter. Among the concessions sought by BaiShanLin were requests for one billion tons of cement, one for 300-plus trucks, and another for two billion pails of paint. Those items were included in a list of 100 items that BaiShanLin submitted to former Trade Minister, Irfaan Ali, for concessions.
While many of the requested waivers have been approved, this publication is yet to confirm if the PPP/C granted them all. However, the waivers on the cement and paint alone would amount to just about US$60B in lost taxes. Irfaan Ali has since said that he knew nothing about any concession and that he
Wednesday May 25, 2016
never granted any. Former President Donald Ramotar later concluded that Irfaan Ali did not have the authority to grant any concession. But BaiShanLin has set up and is operating a cement plant at Providence, East Bank Demerara. AGREEMENTS ONLYBENEFITTED BAISHANLIN During a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Goolsarran said that the agreements made between BaiShanLin and the previous government only benefitted BaiShanLin. Goolsarran pointed out that fiscal concessions are usually granted to foreign companies to import muchneeded capital equipment for business ventures. The hope is that there will be job creation; contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth; increased foreign exchange earnings and contribution to the Treasury by way of taxes from both employees and the employers as a result of business activities, among others. The former Auditor General noted that it is imperative that the extent of the fiscal concessions be weighed against the benefits to be derived. However, it does not seem that this was the case with BaiShanLin. Goolsarran said that BaiShanLin was granted “generous” concessions with the objective of setting up downstream wood processing operations. However, after nine years, the company is yet to deliver. Instead, BaiShanLin has been exporting logs through a number of local logging companies in which it has controlling interest. In addition, Goolsarran pointed out that BaiShanLin is involved in other activities that are outside the scope of the investment agreement it has signed on to. He noted that there is no evidence to suggest that BaiShanLin’s revenues are returning to Guyana. In this regard, Goolsarran emphasised that BaiShanLin’s audited financial statements for 20072011 show that the company was in a state of bankruptcy. “The economy has not benefited in any significant measure compared with the fiscal concessions granted. One might argue that those
Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran
BaiShanLin’s Managing Director, Chu Hongbo responsible for approving fiscal concessions for activities that are clearly unrelated to the setting up of the wood processing, should be held liable for such a reckless act and should be sanctioned.” TIME TO LET GO Goolsarran is of the opinion that there is enough evidence available for the government to do what’s best for the nation and pull the plug on BaiShanLin. He explained that the investment agreement signed between the PPP/C government and BaiShanLin specifically states that the agreement can be terminated and all fiscal concessions become repayable, if BaiShanLin persistently fails to honour its commitment and obligation without reasonable explanation. Goolsarran said that the fact that BaiShanLin is yet to set up the downstream wood processing facility as promised is enough grounds to pull the plug. He noted that the company has been given extra time to do this and is indeed yet to offer “a reasonable explanation” as to why it has not yet set up the facility. BaiShanLin committed numerous other transgressions that violate the laws of Guyana. The government can also use these as grounds for the termination of agreements.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Rights Commission exposes students to ‘Independence workshop’ Guyana’s celebration of 50 years of Independence from British rule is well underway. It was a long journey to this auspicious achievement which materialised on May 26, 1966. To observe the milestone, many organisations and individuals have been engaged in various celebratory and reflective activities. And the Rights of the Child Commission has not exempted itself from such activities. In fact, its contribution to the celebration took on an interesting style, characterised by an interactive workshop which saw the attendance of 10 city secondary schools. The intent of the event, according to Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Amar Panday, was to examine the history and significance of Guyana’s Independence. The workshop also examined the importance of leadership and personal development, factors that are needed to make a truly independent Guyanese. Panday, moreover, stressed the importance of youths understanding the importance of leadership in the quest for independence. Yesterday the Commission sought to
Students were intrigued by the collection of publications on display. examine the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other human rights instruments which seek to protect and establish democracy and independence. “We really want to share with the students, concepts and ideas that are relevant to a country being truly independent,” said Panday, as he revealed that the Commission has been
working on a daily basis with stakeholders throughout Guyana in various Regions in the quest to protect and advocate for the rights and interests of children. According to Panday, “in 2016 a very important component of our work involves reaching out to Guyana’s hinterland, because a recent situational analysis done into women and children in Guyana,
established that Amerindian children are particularly vulnerable.” Moreover, an important part of the work of the Commission this year, Panday said, will include outreaches to indigenous communities continually embracing its message of empowerment and protection. But a particularly important aspect of yesterday’s forum, according
to Chairperson of the Commission, Ms. Aleema Nasir, is the fact that the students in attendance were given an opportunity to learn what Guyana was like, preindependence; how it attained independence and who were the persons who were instrumental in achieving this feat. Nasir yesterday shared her optimism that “you (students) will go away very enriched with Guyana’s history.” Also speaking at yesterday’s forum too was Rights Commissioner Suelle Williams, who pointed out that yesterday’s forum was intended to give the students the wherewithal to stand up for themselves, friends, family members and by extension, all of Guyana. Established at the National Commission on the
Rights of the Child in 1992, it was later rebranded the Rights of the Child Commission, to play the role of an agency tasked with advocacy and raising awareness. The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has been supporting the Commission in the implementation of the Birth Registration Campaign as well as the coordination of initiatives to raise awareness on child rights. Additionally, there are six regional committees on the rights of the child. These committees are constantly being served as monitoring bodies and advocates on child rights. At yesterday’s forum, which was held at Herdmanston Lodge, Peter Rose Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, students were also exposed to a selection of publications about Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Contractors vie to reconstruct water conservancy’s North Eastern dam During yesterday’s session at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, there was a contract out for the reconstruction of the North Eastern Dam at the East Demerara Water Conservancy. Several firms put in multi-million-dollar bids. The engineer’s estimate was $424.4M.
Meanwhile, there were several supply contracts under the Ministry of Public Health. The first one was for the supply of histoplasmosis (an infection caused by breathing in the spores of fungus) supplies.
There was also a contract for the supply of pharmaceutical, medical and laboratory consumables and field materials.
There was also a retender for attendant services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
In addition, bids were announced to construct a Cell No. 1 and leachate management system at Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill. This contract was under the Ministry of Communities.
In addition, there was a contract for the provision of laboratory supplies and general consumables for the Ministry.
The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board also had a tender out for the supply, delivery, installation and testing of liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (MS/MS System).
There was also a contract to extend the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) bond located at 41 High and Cowan Streets, Kingston, Georgetown.
There were three contracts under the Ministry of Communities which targeted works in Regions nine and three. All were retenders. The first one was for the construction of a benab, fence and sanitary block and to infill the Mayflower playground at Culvert City, Lethem, Region nine. The engineer’s estimate was $12M.
There was also a contract to construct third Cross Street Fellowship, West Coast Demerara, Region Number three.
Mahaicony drug dealer nabbed by alert cops As drug dealers continue to use their network to ply their trade, the police are stepping up their vigilance as they move to deal condignly with the situation. This alertness yesterday morning led to the capture of a drug dealer who had allegedly travelled over 50 miles to secure supplies to continue his dealings. Around 10:30 hrs, a Police mobile patrol unit was traversing the Cumberland, East Canje Public Road, when they noticed a man walking on the said thoroughfare acting in a suspicious manner. He had a bag in his
possession. He was stopped and challenged to say what he had in the bag. He initially resisted and told the cops that he would usually walk and sell, and it was his commodities that were in the bag. However, the cops did not believe his story and conducted a search of the bag that unearthed leaves, seeds and stems of what was suspected to be the marijuana plant. He was told of the offence, arrested and taken into custody. The contents were eventually weighed and tested to be 321 grams of marijuana.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
Lone bandit relieves two guards of guns, cash
The abandoned security service car outside the bank. Police are questioning a security guard attached to the RK Security Service to ascertain the real circumstances surrounding the shooting of his colleague, who was also relieved of a bag containing cash and two firearms outside the Demerara Bank’s branch at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, on Monday night. Police say that security guard Damion Pearce, 24, was shot in his left foot by a bandit who relieved him of the items just as he was about to make a night deposit at the bank. He is presently being treated at a city hospital. According to a police press release, at about 20:00 hours on Monday, Pearce and 22year-old Cleveland Pyle, who are attached to the private security service, were making a night deposit at a Bank at Le Ressouvenir, when they were attacked by a man armed with
a firearm. The perpetrator shot Pearce to his left foot and took away the night deposit bag which contained an undisclosed sum of cash that had been collected from business places, and two .32 revolvers with 10 rounds, and escaped in a motor car driven by an accomplice. Although, the guards were armed with another weapon, no one returned fire at the fleeing bandit, arousing the suspicions of investigators. The injured Pearce was assisted by his partner Pyle and taken to the hospital, abandoning the company car outside the bank. A senior police source said that while investigators are questioning Pyle, they are waiting until doctors give the go ahead for them to question the wounded Pearce as they investigate the matter.
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Kaieteur News
Professor Thomas confirmed as GuySuCo Chairman for next two years Government has approved a new Board of Directors for the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) with Professor Clive Thomas named as Chairman. Thomas will lead the 11member board for the period May 1st, 2016 to April 30th, 2018, according to the Official Gazette of May 13th. Thomas was named to head the board late last year, but the arrangement was said to be of a temporary nature. The other members of the board are Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis; Louise Bouyea; Anthony Vieira; Fritz Mc Lean; accountant Nizam Ali; John Browman; Sharon Roopchand-Edwards; Nigel Cumberbatch; a representative from the union and one from the Parliamentary Opposition. All eyes have been on the state-owned GuySuCo for a number of years now after a
Professor Clive Thomas string of poor performances. With over 16,000 workers and estates in Demerara and Berbice, the entity has been struggling to pay its loans and meet its sugar supply quota with its European customer. It is producing sugar at twice the cost it is selling for and many of its factories are in dire need of retooling. A new factory at Skeldon has been failing to deliver, and decisions have been
taken to complete merging of the LBI estate with that of Enmore, on the East Coast of Demerara and Wales with Uitvlugt, West Demerara, as part of cost-cuttin g measures. L a s t y e a r, t h e entire Board of Directors, with his Chief Executive Dr. Raj Singh, was sacked by the new administration for poor performance. GuySuCo managed to reach its original annual production target for the first time in a decade, at the end of last year. Meanwhile, the Official Gazette has also named a new Board for the Hope Coconut Industries Limited for the period of May 1st, 2016 to April 30th, 2017. The Chairman is Raymond Trotz while the members are Dwight Walrond; Ida Sealey-Adams; Holda Poonai; Aaron Ramroop; Timothy Inniss; Cecil Seepersaud, with Omadatt Chandan named Secretary.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Attorney charged for dangerous driving Attorney Gaumatie Singh was on Monday placed before the courts and charged with the offence of dangerous driving. Singh, 60, of Prashad Nagar, Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on May 1, on Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara, she drove motorcar PSS 9309 in a manner dangerous to the public. The charge was read to her by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.
The defendant, who was represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson in association with Nigel Hughes, was released on her own recognizance (self bail). Police Sergeant Ayesha Gibbons represented the prosecution and had no objections to Singh being admitted to pre-trial liberty. According to court facts, the attorney was proceeding east along the northern side of Success Access Road on the day in question. The vehicle then turned south onto the Access
Road and collided with another motorcar (PFF 3529). As a result, the driver of that vehicle ran into a motor van. All three vehicles received damage. No one was injured. Investigations were carried out and Singh was charged. During her attorneys’ petition for bail, they told the court that the woman is not a flight risk. The prosecutor indicated that investigations are complete. This matter has been adjourned until June 28, for reports.
COI report of questionable... (From page 6) been under scrutiny for several weeks, after Government reportedly unearthed a scam where persons not working with the ministries and state agencies, were collecting gas from the entity’s service stations. Harmon at the time had revealed that investigators had vehicle numbers and names of persons involved. He said that there was a window of opportunity for them to pay the bill at GuyOil or the matter would be handed over to the police for
its attention. There are also emerging indications that there was a scam where GuyOil officials were accused of selling fuel to preferred customers, and buying it back at a higher price when supplies ran low. GuyOil had that advantage as it sells the cheapest fuel in the country. The report which was handed over yesterday was supposed to examine, specifically, allegations that there were irregularities in the purchasing of fuel by GEA on behalf GuyOil.
Guyana has been buying fuel from Trinidad for GuyOil after an arrangement with Venezuela fell through amidst a diplomatic border controversy. It was reported that questions were raised after ships that were hired to bring fuel to Guyana were also transporting for other persons. It was also alleged that GuyOil picked up the entire tab. Fuel smuggling has been a major problem for authorities in recent years.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Colombian charged for fake stamps in passport, fined for illegal entry Colombian Luis Eugenio Terres entered Guyana illegally, but having being granted a Guyana tourist and business visa, police say he forged an arrival and departure stamp on his passport to show that it was issued from the Central Immigration and Passport Office. As a result of the allegation he was brought before the City Court yesterday for allegedly uttering the forged document. Terres denied that on April 20th of this year at Moleson Creek in Springlands Corentyne, Berbice, with intent to defraud, he uttered to police constable Yasir Augrim, a Colombian passport with the number AR 678850, in favour of himself, with a forged arrival and departure stamp inserted on the Guyana tourist visa and Business visa section of the passport, knowing it was false. Prosecutor Inspector Neville Jeffers told Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan that there was no record at the Central Immigration officer to show that the accused ever presented himself to the immigration
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Kaieteur News
Colombian Luis Eugenio Terres officer. He told the court that he was caught by immigration officers who made checks upon his passport while he was an outgoing passenger to visit Suriname. Prosecutor said further investigations were carried out and the defendant was charged and later arrested. Defence lawyer, Paul Fung-a-Fat, who said his client is a father of five, succeeded in securing bail on his behalf while refuting the police’s claims. He said his client presented himself to the immigration officers at the checkpoint, but he was unaware that the stamp was false. The lawyer strongly
claimed that there are persons who are misleading foreigners. “I believe it’s a wide set of them fleecing these foreigners,” the lawyer said. Terres was also charged with illegally entering in Guyana by sea at Charity, Essequibo. He admitted that he committed the offence and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer on April 14. His attorney explained on behalf of his client that he came to Guyana for a vacation on the said date, however he admitted that his client committed the offence. In view of the man’s admission of guilt, the court found him guilty and fined him $20,000 or he will have to serve a four-month prison sentence, if he defaults. The defendant is scheduled to reappear in court again for statements on June 1st.
Rohee ducked applications for... (From page 3) issue. To take him would have been a waste of time,” Persaud stated. “How is it you’re blaming the force for not being trusted by the public when the masters of the Force appear in the newspaper almost every day for unprofessional behaviour?” he asked. Meanwhile, Rohee had warned that amidst all the successes that the Force is enjoying now, it must at all times refuse instructions and directives of a non-professional and political nature. Political interference however was a criticism leveled against Rohee when he was Minister of Home Affairs, up to a little over a year ago. But Persaud shied away from commenting on this issue. “All I’m prepared to say now is that he (Rohee) knows exactly why he made that statement, and maybe you can
ask him.” With regards to Rohee’s assertion that “the Guyana Police Force now appears to be listening finally to civilians and not believing that they know it all, the Commissioner told this newspaper that that was a direct attack on him. He stated that in his career as a policeman, he did not find it practical to operate in isolation. Persaud pointed to his successes in eliminating “trunking” by engaging civilian help while he was head of CID at Brickdam, in addition to establishing links with helpful organizations like the “Zara Group”. “I have a long history of working with people. I know the value of civilians….I don’t know what he’s speaking to…without public trust, we’re handicapped, there’s nothing we can achieve. We need information to fuel our operations. We need cooperation to
get statements for people to go to court in order to successfully prosecute anybody….the things that push them to come on board with us is some trust that they will get justice,” the Commissioner declared. He acknowledged that there is some amount of animosity between himself and the former Home Affairs Minister. “He has been critical of me before. Since I was crime chief, I was opposed to some of the things that were happening at the time, the engagement between himself (Rohee) and the Force. He was actually saying that I would not support the government….it had to do with my appointment. He worked as my minister for a year and there were some good things and there were some not so good things,” the country’s leading lawman told Kaieteur News.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Man charged with ganja trafficking A mechanic was yesterday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court after he denied trafficking marijuana. Thirty-three year-old Desmond Rigby of Sophia pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on May 23 at Seven Kilometres Police Outpost in the Cuyuni River district, he had in his possession 173 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Prosecutor Inspector Neville Jeffers stated that policemen conducted a search on the defendant’s haversack where they discovered the illegal substance concealed in a plastic bag with leaves, seeds and stems. The prosecutor said the man declared ownership of the substance when police officers questioned him and he told them he was going to drop the bag off somewhere. Rigby, in his defence, stood in the prisoner’s docks and shouted “you mad!”, while declaring that he had nothing to do with the bag. He explained that he was at a bus shed waiting on a bus and he placed his bag on a seat provided. He added that there were many persons in the bus shed because it was raining. Rigby, who gesticulated whilst relating his version of events, told the court that policemen asked to
Desmond Rigby search him and he agreed. “I tell them it’s okay, they can search me... me ain’t got no problem.” He recounted that when he went to his bag, he observed a strange plastic bag under his belongings. “Dey ask me if is me own and I said no, I never see that thing in me life...and these men lash me in me head and carry me to the station and book me.” The man emphatically declared his innocence as he broke down in tears. He later expressed that he did not want to be punished for something he did not know about. According to the prosecutor the analyst report was still outstanding, nevertheless, Rigby was denied bail. The magistrate later transferred the matter to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court where it will be called again on June 19th.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
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‘Give Another Chance Foundation’ continues to support Wakenaam The ‘Give Another Chance Foundation’ (GACF) has over the years been assisting residents on the Essequibo island of Wakenaam and is now looking to expand throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. The non-governmental organization has been in operation for the past seven years and boasts a track record of under the radar benevolent activities. The goals include improving children’s lives by creating a social movement that delivers effective health, education, nutritional programmes, in addition, to giving children an opportunity to realize their own personal achievement, whether academically, artistically or within the realms of sports. The group also aims to promote peace, justice, understanding and friendly relations in the society. GACF was founded by Miranda Thakur-Deen and her family. In an interview with Kaieteur News, Deen pointed out that she always had an interest in helping others, because she grew up underprivileged. She added that it has always been her family’s intention to give back to the community. “It was always our intention to give back. We started in our resident church that we grew up in… so we started taking charge of the Christmas donations for the kids. And that is where we grew… we saw that once we gave back to the community and society we would have been blessed in abundance…then we started with our schools.” Ameena Hinds, a Regional Official, told Kaieteur News that the foundation was started to help the less fortunate. “It was to basically help the less fortunate taking into consideration us, the members,
The Maypole-plaiting girls from Wakenaam. We knew what it was like growing up with the little, but then we realized that we would have moved and the opportunities that are available in the city and its environs, the kids from Wakenaam are not exposed to that…so most of our programmes and activities are centered on having them share these experiences, as other persons share in developed areas.” At a recently concluded May Fair, many of the island’s young designers were given a chance to showcase their talent. Hinds said that the event is aimed at motivating school dropouts to bring out their full potential. “We have decided to motivate these young ladies on another level to assist them
with showcasing their fashion or designs. The foundation would have bought all the materials that they need. All they needed was to bring out their designs. We didn’t want to have it in a secluded form…so we decided to have this May fair. Long ago on the island they used to have a May fair, but not anything big….just somebody plaiting a pole. We wanted them to have this experience to help
them realize their worth.” The foundation is gearing up to host its fund- raising Caricom Day (July 4) boat cruise. Proceeds from this activity will be used to supply back to school hampers for children in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Last Christmas, the residents of Wakenaam experienced the community’s first Christmas tree light-up, compliments of the foundation. A striking 20-foot tree thrilled children and elders who were the recipients of presents. Thousands of gifts were handed out to children in the communities of Sophia, Hopetown Village, Berbice and Baramita during last year’s Christmas season. An $800,000 “Adolph Thakur Tertiary Education Scholarship Award” was given to Terrence Williams for being the top CSEC student for the Essequibo Islands. He is now pursuing studies in Computer Science at the University of Guyana. The top National Grade Six Assessment student for the island was also recognized, while many of the students benefited from free lessons this year. According to Thakur, the foundation is looking forward for endorsement from local and international partners to continue this venture. The charitable organization was able to accomplish many of its goals in 2015 and is optimistic that this year will be a fulfilling one for them.
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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& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: 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 Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 613-9181 Guy Tech Repairs Service & Spares: treadmill, washing machine, refrigerator, dryer, stove, air condition, oven, etc. Call: 684-2119; 680-2377 Guy Tech Repairs Service & Spares: pressure pump, deep fryer, solar system, water heater, remote gate, etc. Call: 684-2119; 680-2377
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
WANTED Experienced cashiers, counter servers, waiters, roti/puri cook, pastry maker/.Apply at Hack’s Halaal Restaurant, 5 Commerce St. One experienced cook, age 25yrs to 35yrs. Call between 9:00 to 5pm. Call: 611-5398 1 Live in waitress 18-25yrs with secondary education$70,000-$80,000 monthly- Call: 610-3974 Live in waitress to work in a bar @ Berbice- Call: 6046606;692-4649 1 General Domestic –Call: 614-4358 Porters apply in person @ Alabama Trading. Georgetown Ferry Stelling. General Manager, jet-man, m a r a c k M e n , b a h e i r, operator, service men. Call: 685-9028 Waitress & Cleaner (male). Apply in person @ Chilly’s Bar. Call: 694-7266 Land to buy in La Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt and Tuschen, Best Price offer. Call: 642-1252 Experienced general domestic to work in G/town. Must know to prepare Indian dishes, honest & pleasant. Call: 656-6388 Welder, must know to weld and fabricate- Call: 222-3844 Driver/Salesman: experienced is an asset - i n t e r e s t e d persons call: 226-9800 1 Driver @ Technical Services 18-23 Industrial Site Eccles. Call: 233-2745 One able bodied clerk. Call: 231-2029; 219-4533
LAND FOR SALE Tuschen -$1.2M, Zeelugt $1.2M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.2M, Herstelling –$5M. (All prices negotiable). Call: 642-1252 1 Land for sale @ Yarrowkabra -$10M- Call: 6219759 Land @ Gated Community (front). Call: 644-8174 Houselots, gated community, West Bank of Harbour Bridge, concrete road, concrete pave & drain, light & water. Tel: 650-0402/2604988 House lots, Blankenburg, Concrete road, concrete drain, light & water, also 3bedroom houses -$16M. Tel: 650-0402/260-4988 57 Acres Land @ Soesdyke Junction. Ideal for W/S, R/T Shopping mall, farmers market, truck stop, houselot. Call: 265-4180; 615-3054 High value transported land, Greater Diamond, E.B.D $5.8M. Call: 684-7234
VEHICLE FOR SALE
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Golden Jubilee Sale: Reduced Prices!! 2004 Toyota IST$2.0M, 2007 Toyota Auris $2.5M. Call: 609-3650; 2268953; 226-1973
Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities -$41M –Call: 6629335; 612-3244
Golden Jubilee Sale: Reduced Prices!! 2007 Nissan BlueBird -$2.4M, 2007 Toyota Rush $2.9M, 2003 Toyota Verossa -$3.3M. Call: 609-3650; 2268953; 226-1973
Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
Golden Jubilee Sale: Reduced Prices!! 2005 Toyota Raum $2.3M, 2006 Mazda Axela $2.3M, 2008 Toyota Hiace $3.3M. Call: 609-3650; 2268953; 226-1973 Golden Jubilee Sale: Reduced Prices!! 2005 Toyota Premio $2.5M, 2005 Toyota Allion $2.4M, 2007 Toyota Rav4 $6M. Call: 609-3650; 2268953; 226-1973 1 Leyland DAF LF HIAB truck 5 ton HIAB new, hardly used GTT 2960 -$4M. Call: 622-6746 1 FUSO Crane GTT 20 -$4M; 1 HINO ranger wrecker GVV1890 -$4M, 1 HIAB Canter GTT 7140 -$3.5M.(negotiable)Call:622-6746 1 Toyota Allion ( black) year 2003, reversed camera, alarm, PPP series, excellent condition. Call: 691-0592 Hatch Back Axela, fully loaded, low mileage, PS series -$1.850M. Call: 648-4994 AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Toyota Hilux 5L Diesel Engine, stick gear 18” mag rims. Call: 6929577; 229-2379 TM Truck with Winch & Led light, as is -$3.5M negotiable. Call: 616-7635 Pick up GJJ Nissan. Call: 6956466; 673-1013
Captain to ply from Georgetown to BarticaContact 650-0402 \ 260-4124
Vreed-en-Hoop -$45M, Anna Catherina -$9.5M, $12.5, Boreseree -$6.5M, Uitvlugt $4.5M, Tuschen -$4.5M. Call: 642-1252 Property @ Cummings Street; 4 storey building, club, 8 self contain rooms. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 Property @ Enmore – Hope West: building overlooking Foulis. Call: 602-2818; 6491434
TOURS Jubilee Visitors: river tours, city tours, airport/ out of town trips, Suriname tour – Call:639-2663; 665-5171; 6927270; 223-0056
Pump Attendants. Call/Text/ Whatsapp: 627-2550
Santa Misssion, Capoey Lake, Marshall Rapids. Call Joy: 218-1285; 649-9059
Experienced Drivers with mini bus and hire car licence, also contract vehicles. Call: 6228350
FOR SALE/RENT American pool table - Call: 277-0578
Porters to work at Grocery Stall @ Stabroek Market. Call: 226-9800
WANTED FAST GROWING FOOD IMPORTERS SEEKING E X P E R I E N C E D SALESPERSON CANTER DRIVERS & BOND WORKERS, BRING APPLICATION & POLICE CLEARANCE. CALL: 2318529; 231-8344 One maid –Call: 691-7271 TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: church, office, lessons place, storage bond, private school, others -$20,000- Call: 603-6400 Shop for rent in Lethem 2850sqft front line- Call: 6257171 1 Exclusive Three bedrooms apartment @ First Bridge Diamond -$70,000. Call: 2255533; 225-5258; 615-2622 1-2 Bedroom apartment for rent at MonRepos North, E.C.D -$60,000 Call: 688-6005; 692-9295
Tuschen: 2 storey concrete building; Tain: 2 Storey wooden & concrete building, price negotiable. Call: 2319690; 231-9693 between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs, Mon-Fri.
Fully furnished 2 storey house with 3 AC bedrooms, security & sensor lights, etc at Gated Community. Call: 685-5845; 668-8714; 612-3400
Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572
Lower 2 bedrooms apartment @ Paradise Public Road, E.C.D. Security Deposit required -$40,000 monthly. Call: 625-9939
1-3 Storey wooden concrete building @ Mc Doom Public Road, next to Gas Station serious offers only. No Agents: 699-4486
1 Semi furnished studio apartment & 1 fully furnished 2 bedrooms apartment in Industry. Call: 619-2388 Commercial Public Road property located @ Eccles, Access to Harbour Bridge & East Bank Public Road. Call: 233-6517; 622-1957; 638-0595
TO LET Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, recently renovated with free Wi-Fi, fully tiled -$70,000. Call: 227-5194 Semi furnished top flat in Wortmanville, single person or couple. Call: 616-2445 between 9:00am-6:00pm Newly constructed 2 bedrooms apartment and 3 bedrooms house in safe & healthy environment- Call: 698-6496; 622-6512
1 Nail technician preferably from East Bank –Call: 265-3586 Republic Park family needs an experienced caregiver between ages 45-55, live in, 1 week on 1 week off-$13,000. Call: 667-2535
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
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 Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
EDUCATIONAL $20,000 Discount For CXC 2016 Student, 9 Course Diploma in Computers @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-EnHoop/Parika. Call: 264-3057 Computerized Accounting 4 Courses $35,000.00, PCRepairs $35,000, Graphics Courses $35,000@ MicroGraphics, Vreed-EnHoop/Parika. Call: 264-3057
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (Continued on page 29)
Wednesday May 25, 2016
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Kaieteur News
BOSAI launches centenary observance of bauxite mining in Linden
Rehabilitated scooters that were used to deliver workers’ lunch in the early days.
Two locomotives that were used to transport bauxite.
A simple ceremony at the old railroad yard opposite the Watooka House heralded the centenary of bauxite operations in Linden. And the centenary coincided with the 50th anniversary of Guyana’s independence. Several presentations highlighted the role of bauxite in the community. There were presentations highlighting the impact of bauxite on the country and outer world by special invitees, including former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, former IMC chairman Orrin Gordon, former CEO of the Linmine Secretariat Horace James, and officials from Bosai, among others Invitees were reminded that because the Bauxite industry paid the highest wages, persons flocked to the mining town for employment, with the result that the company became the biggest employer in the earlier days. Tracing the history of bauxite mining over the years, senior Executive of Bosai, Orrin Barnwell, in presenting his “history in a nutshell”, told of a company that changed hands several times, beginning with ALCOA, then Alcan, Demba, Guybau, Guymine, Linmine, OMAI and finally Bosai, which manages the company. Orrin Gordon, looking at the social aspect of life during the early days of Bauxite mining, reflected on the division that existed between the Management of the company and the ordinary workers. Those workers, and other residents of the mining Town, could not venture into the residential areas that housed the expatriates, Gordon reflected. Gordon spoke of an incident where two former Presidents of Guyana, Cheddi and Janet Jagan, were forced to be guests of the Mackenzie Hospital, because the management of the Watooka Club refused to accept Mr. Jagan. Only Mrs Jagan was welcome because she was white. Horace James, who worked with the company for many years, told of how several acres of land, rich with the precious ore was bought
for the incredibly low price of one dollar. James expressed the hope that the history of bauxite would be passed on to the younger generation. General Manager (ag) of Bosai, Eric Hue, in his congratulatory message said that over the years, bauxite has contributed significantly to Guyana’s development and has become an integral part of the country’s economy. Hue acknowledged that bauxite emerged as one of Guyana’s most profitable sectors and that Bosai is honored to experience this period, when it celebrates 100 years of mining. Hue disclosed that BOSAI will be constructing a commemorative arch in the vicinity of the Linden Hospital Complex to mark this very significant milestone. According to Hue in the 10 years that Bosai been operating, one of its greatest accomplishments is the installation of the US$8 million dust collector. Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was once employed in the Bauxite Company, reflected on the privatization of the sector several years ago, while exhorting, that leaders look at diversification. ”Looking back, one might put the beginning of the road to re-privatization of bauxite as far back as 1976. Five years after nationalization, to the astonishment of many, the nationalized bauxite industry could no longer hold out the possibility of steadily growing prosperity, and contributions to the National Treasury Consolidated Fund. “Indeed the operation soon split into a period of about 15 years of losses, while receiving subsidies from the Treasury,” he pointed out. Mayor Carwyn Holland in his reflections noted that bauxite mining has come a long way from the days of shovels and pick axe to water blasting, backhoes and other modern equipment used today. He posited that because
of the significant contributions of bauxite to not only Guyana but to countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom, some sort of repatriation should be made to Guyana on this hundredth anniversary. Those very sentiments were echoed by Regional Chairman Renis Morian, who promised to work with the Mayor towards the achievement of that goal. Morian further turned the audience’s attention to the employees of the bauxite industry that would have contributed to its success over the years. He also alluded to the harsh working conditions that many were forced to endure, and in recognition of many of those that have passed on, a minute of silence was observed. Some of the activities planned for the centennial
observances, include the launch of a magazine, oral history series, the erection of the arch at Linden Hospital and the establishment of a Centennial Park and industrial museum featuring life-sized relics and replicas of the early days of bauxite mining, among other things. Among those present at the event were acting General Manager of BOSAI Eric Hue, head of the privatization unit and secretary of BOSAI Norman McLean, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, head of NICIL Horace James, Regional Chairman Renis Morian, Mayor Carwyn Holland, deputy Mayor Wanika Arrindale, Assistant Director of the community development council Sandra Adams, Chairman of the Linden Fund USA Paula Quintin, along with other regional officials and members of the local tourism body. (Enid Joaquin)
From page 28
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Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
THE VOICE OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS...
Our approach to economic growth is not working? By Sase Singh INTRODUCTION There is no doubt that the economy started to slow down towards the end of 2014 under the Ramotar government. However, no one can rationally dispute the fact that the economic policy formation and implementation rate has been nothing better than mediocre over the last 12 months under the coalition government. Such an environment of consistent policy paralysis actively contributes to a sluggish economy. The new normal in Georgetown is economic malaise, with very little on “The How!” In 2015, the economy grew at its slowest pace in seven years. Luckily for Guyana, our
main imports (oil) saw a persistent decline in its price, which brought great relief to the balance of payments situation in that year. However, these lower oil prices are not holding in 2016 as it marches towards US$50 per barrel by mid-year. The direct impact on our foreign reserves will be adverse. In such a situation, project executives with solid track records should have been promoted to focus on the income-generating opportunities as a means to a positive end. Instead, we have chosen to recycle many people from the 1980s with fixed-mindsets and records of executive failure. There are situations in several instances in the Agriculture and Housing portfolios where this is occurring, and the outcome will be much economic pain for the Guyanese nation. These executive failures continue to
do everything under the sun but contribute actively towards implementing any creative solutions that will advance the economy.
over the last 12 months. THE NARCO ECONOMY IS OVER-EXAGGERATED
OUR PRODUCTIVITY Using the lame excuse of the slowdown in Our productivity since 2014 is clearly the narcotics trade as the reason why the fruits stultified and in the first three months of 2016, of the economy are not filtering down to the people at the bottom is it has been actually regressive. extremely misleading. Before Productivity is the most drafting this column, I had a important driver of overall conversation with Dr. Tarron economic welfare in a nation; Khemraj. His opinion on this the ”sine qua non” for matter goes as follows and I increasing people’s incomes quote: and improving their standards 1. It is obvious narcotics of living. trading exists, but the dollar This is the first step. But level of narcotics is nowhere with such a lack of focus, we near the levels in other have already started to reap the countries (e.g. Suriname). fruits of “scatter brain” 2. As a percentage of GDP, attitudes toward national gold smuggling is higher than development (production in the narco-trade. Among some the rice and sugar industry other illegal activities, they declined by 29 percent and 20 collectively are part of the percent respectively in the first underground economy crop of 2016). Sase Singh because they are not reported. What is clearly lacking in 3. Gold smuggling robs Guyana is sound numbers to benchmark our progress. Unfortunately, the the economy because the “drug guys” will Guyana National Bureau of Statistics has for bring back money to Guyana, but the gold over a decade, been like a “fifth wheel to the smugglers are doing so to evade paying taxes; coach” as it continues to underperform at the hence, those incomes stay overseas. I fully concur with the above comments timely delivery of its mandate of ”…publishing socio-economic and other from Dr. Khemraj. In my opinion, the key politicians, both statistical data”. Ministers are now making policy decisions on the “fluke” because they past, and present, have always had a major do not have enough sound data to drives stake in the gold industry. There is enough sound analysis. This crisis in statistics in empirical evidence to prove that both the past and present governments have done too little Guyana has to be fixed. With a great dataset, we can more to stem gold smuggling. As technical people, effectively take policy measures to boost it is no fun observing how our policymakers business confidence and aggregate demand are continually mixing up concepts and across the business and consuming sectors. terminology as they try to apply political As we continue to guess-estimate policy in sound bites to serious life-defining economic Guyana (as clearly illustrated by the 2016 and financial issues. This state of executive Budget), it is a hit-and-miss situation rather confusion does contribute directly to the than a well coordinated economic declining levels of private sector confidence. If one studied the 2016 Budget properly, development framework. Such a situation is will find that private more suited for a cake shop operation rather one than the management of a national economy. consumption dropped from 94.3% of the GDP in 2014 to 78.1% in 2015 and is estimated to further decline to 73.6% in 2016. If one AGGREGATE DEMAND = observed private investments between 2014 CONSUMPTION + INVESTMENT + and 2015, it was rather flat, and estimated to GOVT. SPENDING + NET EXPORTS decline in 2016. When one observes the In the 2016 Budget debate, the Leader of performance of the export sectors in 2015, it the Opposition and former President Mr. increased by a measly 0.2%. The actual Jagdeo shrewdly referred to the captioned performances in the main productive sectors equation. I am convinced the majority in the to date paint a dismal picture. For example, Parliament did not have a clue what he was sugar exports were estimated to increase by talking about and thus the lack of appreciation 13% in the 2016 budget, but actually declined of “why we are where we are”. But this by 29% in the first crop. The numbers just do equation goes to the crux of the economic not add up, and this exposes a fundamental challenge in Guyana and offers deep insights weakness in the 2016 Budget. into how to fix this economy. CONCLUSION Spending taxpayers’ resources on fêtes, festivities, parades, jump-up and “Jubilee” We cannot talk down reality and talk up can only drive marginal and temporary bumps in aggregate demand. The missing link remains an economic bubble - that is tantamount to subdued investments, consumption, and net talking up a “Ponzi” scheme. We have to formulate, communicate, implement, monitor exports. Even if we spend all G$230 billion assigned and evaluate a series of new progressive in the 2016 budget, such a situation will not economic policy actions that will turn around set up the desired growth trajectory for the productive sectors, especially those that aggregate demand for 2017 and beyond. are export focused. It is “The How” that Unless we coordinate the implementation of matters, if we are really going to deliver on the the National Budget with policy measures to “good life”. “Ceteris paribus”, the year 2016 is grow private consumption, private investments, and net exports, we will continue shaping up to be a “hard guava season” year to run on the spot, which is clearly the case for the Guyanese people. The Stabroek Market vendors are not benefiting from the crumbs of the “good life” and it is certainly not because of the weather or the cleanup campaign. In broad strokes, it is the quality of strategy as we manage the Guyanese economy. Please feel free to share your feedback at sasesin1@yahoo.com.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 25, 2016
GWI audit finds… Shaik Baksh abused his authority, A forensic audit into the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) from the period of October 2012 to May 2015, found that former Minister of Government under the former regime, Shaik Baksh – during his tenure as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - in several instances, breached established company policies and procedures and abused his authority while executing his functions at the agency. During an emergency meeting held on May 28, 2015 by the Chairman, Board of Directors, other board members and Senior Management officials, several reports of irregularities regarding Baksh’s conduct were made. These included the alleged procurement of billboards for the May 11, 2015 elections campaign; the misuse of cash advances for site visits, abuse of authority in using the company assets, overriding company policies etc. An investigation was launched to establish/deter-
mine the accuracy of the allegations. According to the “Investigation Report”, the scope of the examination was conducted with standard fraud examination techniques, which included the examination of records; interviews with relevant personnel, and “any other such evidencegathering procedures as necessary under the circumstances”. ALLEGED PROCUREMENT OF BILLBOARDS Leading up to the May 11, 2015 General Elections, many billboards were erected throughout the country to inform the populace about the advancements being made by the entity to improve its water distribution process. However, these billboards carried an additional feature – “Vote PPP/C” was seen attached to some. This, leading up to the elections, resulted in a few raised eyebrows. Neil Sukhlal, Managing Director of Impressions Ad-
disregarded company policies vertising – the company that designed, printed and erected billboards for GWI had stated there were monies that were still owed to him by GWI for his services. He also claimed that his original works for the billboards did not include the PPP/C logo and it might have been placed there by unknown individuals from the party. However, Officials from GWI, who initiated the project, claimed that the billboards were erected to enable residents across the country to be reminded of the progress that was being made in the various constructions undertaken by GWI, the report stated. Impressions constructed the billboards at a unit cost of G$300,000 each (a total of G$6,000,000) with the original design of the billboards set to be affixed with Guyana’s Coat of Arms and the GWI logo. However, upon verification of the billboards located at Covent Garden and Eccles, it was revealed that they were instead originally created with the VOTE PPP/C logo, the report indicated. On May 8th 2015, Baksh stated on the justification for the billboards location and designs that “the designs were reviewed by me and PR (Public Relations) Unit and
Former GWI CEO, Shaik Baksh are in conformity with GWI’s Water Infrastructural Projects and Community Awareness Programme, Proceed early”. The report stated that this was contrary to statements given by the DF and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) on designs/specifications and funding source. The auditors came to several conclusions, with one being that the billboards were not done in accordance to original designs and specifications - that there was no evidence to substantiate that the supplier – Impressions - was instructed to affix the PPP/C party logo on billboards, however, it was possible that this could have been done unofficially. RECOMMENDATIONS
The auditors recommended that disciplinary action should be taken against Baksh and other officers where applicable, in accordance to GWI policy and procedures. Further, the supplier – Impressions, should not be paid since he was found to be dishonest and works were not to the standard requirements. There were also allegations leveled against Baksh about the misappropriation of cash advance for site visits and unauthorized cash refunds. The auditors also found that for the period January 2014 to May 2015, a total of $3.9M was issued to Baksh and his employees “performing duties as his Executive Assistant to facilitate official field trips.” On March 28, 2012 a contract was entered into between GWI and S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Constructing Services and Nabi Construction Inc. , J o i n t Venture/Consortium for the Georgetown Sanitation Program – Priority Works for the Installation of Force Mains. Under the contract’s Special Conditions of Contract, the Contractor was required to provide a specific list of facilities for the Engineer’s location which included one Double Cab Pickup (new or
reconditioned). The Contractor tendered a quoted price of $4,700,000 from Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM) for a Nissan Frontier 4x4 Double Cab Pickup – ‘DX’ – Diesel. The pickup was to be utilised for the sole purpose of site visits and verification of works to be done by GWI’s Project Manager and Engineer on the contract. The Internal Audit Department reported that the Vehicle PPP 9050 was never used on the contract under which it was acquired. The Project Manager and Engineer had to resort to the use of assigned vehicles from GWI’s vehicles pool, which is shared throughout the company on a first come, first serve basis. This significantly hampered the work of the Project Manager and Engineer throughout the duration of the contract.’ The persons authorized to operate vehicle PPP 9050 were an assigned driver and Baksh. The vehicle was involved in an accident on the 3rd May, 2015. At the time of the accident, the vehicle was being driven by Baksh’s son who was not authorized to do so. After the accident, the vehicle was a complete write off. Baksh resigned on June 18, 2015 and the Board acknowledged his resignation letter on June 24, 2015.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Officials stood by as contractor defaulted on construction contract
GMC audit shows… The forensic audit conducted into the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) has unearthed what is being described as collusion between a foreign building contractor and the Board of Directors, in connection with a construction contract for the corporation’s head office and Guyana shop. And the result of this alleged collusion? According to forensic auditor Saykar Boodhoo, GMC’s head office, which Trinidad firm Constantine Engineering and Construction Services was contracted to build in 2011, was replete with defects and sub-standard construction materials, while the contractor recused himself from the project and went along his way. The auditor stated that throughout the building, located at Robb and Alexander Streets, substandard work was evident. For instance, the auditor stated that the wood used to construct the internal walls was poorly manufactured and the concrete walls are chipping, with paint peeling and falling off the walls. “Within a few months after the building was handed over to GMC, there were leaks throughout the building via the roof,” the auditor stated. “A contractor (had to be) hired by GMC to repair
the roof.” The auditor detailed that old lumber and old zinc sheets with euroband were in fact used to construct the roof of the building. This is despite the bill of quantities for the contract stipulating greenheart lumber be used for the building’s roof. The auditor made it clear that from his investigations, GMC’s board and senior management, who he described as unprofessional and grossly negligent, are just as culpable as the contractor for the poor quality of work. “Based on discussion with the general manager and the Accountant, the (then) directors made several visits to the building during con-
struction.” “However, the directors failed to highlight the blatant poor quality of work performed by the contractor. There is no documentation to show that the board acted to prevent the fraud that was perpetuated against GMC by the contractor.” Back in 2011 the contract had been awarded, through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), to Constantine Engineering and Construction Services of Trinidad and Tobago. It is understood that Hanniel Madramootoo, an engineer from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), was also assigned to oversee the construction of the building The audit report detailed
that subsequent to the awarding of the contract, “an amendment in the amount of seven million, six hundred and twenty thousand, nine hundred and eighty four dollars ($7,620,984) on February 10, 2012 was done to increase the contract amount without going out to tender.” The auditor observed that the amendment also extended the contract duration to March 16, 2012. Shortly after the contract amendment, Constantine Engineering announced to GMC that they would be unable to complete the construction of the GMC office building. As such another contractor was called in to complete the electrical wiring and relevant works to the GMC of-
fice building. The auditor stated that what is unclear, however, is exactly how much funds were given to Constantine Engineering. RECOMMENDATIONS The auditor was pellucid in declaring that Constantine Engineering and its owner should be barred from ever providing services to the Government of Guyana. He also recommended criminal proceedings. “Efforts should be made to bring charges against M r. Nizam Ramkissoon, the owner and managing director of Constantine Engineering and Construction Services Ltd of, 55 Calcutta Road #2 Freeport, Carapichaima, Trinidad.”
In addition, the auditor called for the termination of the engineer, Hanniel Madramootoo, if he was still employed by the Ministry. He also stated that the engineer should be blacklisted from providing services to the Government. And since the auditor found that the payments for the construction vouchers were certified by the engineer, Hanniel Madramootoo, he went on to recommend criminal charges. With regards to the Board of Directors who were serving at the time, the auditor recommended that they be reprimanded by the government and barred from future engagements with the Government of Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 25, 2016
T&T Govt. urges calm after alleged ISIS bomb threat PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Law enforcement officials are trying to verify the authenticity of a reported threat by ISIS to attack shopping malls in Trinidad and Tobago in coming days. But National Security Minister Edmund Dillon is urging citizens not to panic. His comments come on the heels of two audio recordings which have been circulating on social media, in which two men talk about getting word that the terrorist attacks would take place between tomorrow and Sunday. In a statement issued yesterday morning, in which he also condemned the early morning killings of a police officer and a soldier, Dillon urged citizens not to be guided by rumours, and to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious activity. He gave the assurance that the country’s intelligence agencies are working to authenticate the origin of the threats and the findings would be generated in a timely and accurate manner. “Minister Dillon wishes to assure citizens that the Ministry of National Security and its agencies will continue to work together to do all that is necessary to ensure the safety and security of all,” the statement said.
Edmund Dillon Meantime, the Minister has expressed condolences to the families of Constable Jason Cyril John of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and Corporal Jerry Leacock of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) who were gunned down yesterday morning. Leacock, 42, was killed when he confronted four intruders in his home. He was shot in the chest and the criminals drove off in his vehicle. John was walking home, talking on his mobile phone, when he was shot in the head. Dillon stressed that “criminal attacks will not be toler-
ated against the protectors of this country’s laws and Constitution”, and said he would do all that is necessary as he leads the fight “to annihilate the menace to society”. Early yesterday morning, he summoned all Operational Heads from the TTDF, the TTPS and the Intelligence Agencies to an emergency Operations Meeting to reinforce the execution of the Ministry of National Security’s crime fighting strategies. He said the meeting focused on deterrence, detection and prosecution. (Caribbean360)
Govt. denies granting citizenship to Chinese nationals NASSAU, Bahamas CMC – The Bahamas government has described as an “absolute lie” reports that it had agreed to sell or grant citizenship to 500 Chinese investors. Bahamian citizenship is not for sale at any time at any price to anybody. This is a non-negotiable position of my government. Moreover, it is for me personally, a matter upon which no compromise is possible,” Prime Minister Perry Christie said in a statement, after the reports surfaced that the citizenship was being granted to the Chinese nationals as a result of their connection to the multi-billion dollar Baha Mar project. “I can therefore assure the Bahamian people, without any equivocation whatsoever, that no deal offering Bahamian citizenship in return for an investment in The Bahamas will ever be entered into while I head the government of The Bahamas. “I find the very idea of citizenship-for-sale to be repugnant to all that I believe in and
to all that I stand for as a Bahamian. It will never happen on my watch,’ Christie said. Prime Minister Christie said that the grant of Bahamian citizenship is subject to strict eligibility requirements and qualifications under The Bahamas Nationality Act. “The suggestion that just because you buy Bahamian real estate or make an investment you somehow qualify for Bahamian citizenship is complete and utter nonsense. Not only is it as a complete non-starter from the standpoint of the Government’s immigration policy, it is not even legally possible.” He said he would be making a more comprehensive statement in Parliament later this week to the misleading information presently circulating on social and the electronic media concerning Baha Mar. The construction of the US$3.5 billion Baha Mar, with more than 2,000 hotel rooms,
Perry Christie has been stalled for months as the project missed December and March opening deadlines, after running out of money. Last June, Baha Mar had to file for bankruptcy protection in Delaware, blaming the Chinese contractor, China Construction America (CCA) for the delays. The CCA stated that it wasn’t responsible for the delays and put it down to poor planning by the developer. The bankruptcy filing was dismissed and provisional liquidators for the project were appointed last years. Deloitte & Touche was subsequently appointed as a receiver for the China Export-Import Bank.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
Venezuela remains committed to PetroCaribe, says Maduro KINGSTON, Jamaica — Despite facing severe economic challenges, the Venezuelan government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining its arrangements with the region under the PetroCaribe agreement. President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, along with a delegation of government officials, was in Jamaica on a working visit at the weekend and, in his remarks at a press briefing last Sunday, he allayed uncertainty about his country’s commitment to the agreement, noting that both governments discussed the need to strengthen the scheme. He said this is important, as the PetroCaribe agreement has been successful in bolstering the economic and energy exchanges of the member countries. “We are fully convinced that in the last ten years, PetroCaribe has clearly demonstrated that it’s only together that we can reach development and (achieve) happiness for our peoples,” Maduro said through an in-
Nicolás Maduro terpreter. PetroCaribe, which began in 2005, is an agreement between Venezuela and some Caribbean territories to purchase oil on preferential payment conditions. It allows member nations to buy oil at market value and only
pay a percentage of the cost up front, with the balance being paid over 25 years at 1 per cent interest. Countries under the agreement are allowed to purchase 185,000 barrels of oil per day on these terms. (Caribbean News)
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Wednesday May 25, 2016
Kaieteur News
Jubilee Independence Anniversary horserace... (From page 36) of the event due to some late injuries. The horses were off to a level break with Princess She Not, Golden Blue Echo and Plum Plum setting a merry gallop early. The pace was intense and soon the horses were going at full throttle. Princess She Not was leading the charge as the animals were going at a searing pace down the back stretch. As they hit the far turn, Kings Knight was beginning to make its move to the front. It as a neck and neck duel be-
tween the two front runners until Kings Knight decided to change gear and accelerated down the home stretch for the easy win and the $1.2M and the 50th Independence Anniversary trophy which was handed over by Director of Sports Christopher Jones. Princess She Not held on for second as Jack in My Style came through for third ahead of Golden Blue Echo. Release the Beast of the Jumbo Jet stable with Colin Ross in charge was once again on the rampage as it ripped it opponents apart,
Sensei Dunbar, nine year... (From page 36) was won by Mahir Rajkumar who came out ahead of Anand Persaud and V. Naraine. Derangali Naraine won the girls 5-8 ‘A’ category ahead of Tinashe Graig and Vasanna Persaud. Cyron Nedd secured victory in the Boys 9-11 ‘A’ division with D’anfernee Cush in second spot while Abhinav Singh copped first place in the Boys 9-11 ‘B’ category ahead of D’andre Rose.
The Girls 12-14 division went to Nandanie Kuldip who won over Allicia Benjamin, while Shay Britton copped first place in the Boys 12-14 ‘A’ division beating Jayden Craig and Ricky Campbell. Darren Bobb won the Boys 12-14 ‘B’ division ahead of Chivpersaud Ragnauth and Isack Simpson.
making a meal of the competition for a gate to pole win in the D, E and F class race. The win was worth $600,000 as Campador and Because I Say So had no say. The Surinamese horse Wise Secret was soundly beaten and did not place. The G and lower event saw Its My Choice of the Jumbo Jet stable with Ross on the mount winning the West Indies Bred 3year old event and the $350,000 money and trophy from Wichie Poo and Firing Line. Red Rocket of the Jumbo Jet stable and ridden by Ally took off early and held off a fast finishing Cat Messiah in a close battle to win the H2 and lower race and $300,000 as Bird Man and Sweet Return closed out the placings. She is in Control of the Pluck stable with Ross in the saddle took control early and raced away for the win and the $250,000 money in the Three year old Guyana Bred event as Miss Kristina and Run Happy could do no better. It was another surgical
performance for Massapequa Dr of the Crawford stable as it once again dissected the field to win the I3 and lower event. Affinity, Liquid Lion and Plane land were those that had a rough touchdown. Red Region of the Baker stable with Wills, lit up the place as it carted off the J3 and K class race ahead of Amazon Warrior and Red Jet. Replace the Heat of the Gray stable with Kevin Paul was too hot to handle in the L and lower event, shutting out Blue Lightning, Quincy and Something Special. The top jockey was Colin Ross with Trinidadian Riad Ally the runner up. The Champion stable was Jumbo Jet. They received accolades from Overseas and Guyanese sponsors including Ghansham Singh of G Singh Engineering of West Berbice. The police led by Deputy Superintendent Marlon Taylor were commended for doing a splendid job in maintaining order at the venue. (Samuel Whyte)
Wednesday May 25, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Take the time to close deals that have been up in the air. You will have to control the way you feel. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may find yourself caught in the middle of an argument that has nothing to do with you. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can accomplish a lot if you work out of your home today. Your emotions will be touched off concerning recent encounters with your lover. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Invite friends over rather than spending money on lavish entertainment. Travel and educational pursuits may help alleviate the stress you have been feeling. Avoid any over indulgences. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Short trips may be tiring but rewarding. Avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with. You can pick up some overtime today. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Be careful when dealing with investments. Do things for
them but don't allow them to make unreasonable requests. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Get busy doing all those things at home that you have been putting off for so long. You can raise your standard of living if you pick up some freelance work on the side. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Try to be as mellow as possible. Be discreet about any information you uncover. Nagging has never been something that you could tolerate, and it's once again driving you into a lonely state of affairs. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. Residential moves will be favorable, and larger quarters the most probable direction. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You can enhance your reputation by making contributions to worthwhile causes. Be careful when dealing with investments. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Do not get involved with individuals who are already committed to others. Try not to make waves. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may find that family members may not be too easy to get along with.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
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Royal Challengers in final after de Villiers’ rescue act ESPNcricinfo - Tumbling wickets. A high but not outof-reach asking rate. One specialist batsman at the crease, with only the lower order for company. An atypically dry and grippy pitch provided the conditions for such a situation - usually more common in 50-overs cricket than in T20 - to arise in the first Qualifier of IPL 2016. AB de Villiers was the specialist batsman, and when Iqbal Abdulla joined him in the 10th over of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s chase of 159, they needed 91 to win off 62 balls with four wickets in hand. The Chinnaswamy surface - still good to bat on, but slower than usual - had torn up the script that the match had been expected to follow. There was no uncontrollable torrent of run scoring from either set of top-order batsmen. Gujarat Lions were 9 for 3 after being sent in. Then in the chase, Royal C h a l l e n g e r s l o s t Vi r a t Kohli for a duck and slipped to 29 for 5. Then, when Ravindra Jadeja had Stuart Binny lbw sweeping though replays showed ball hitting pad marginally outside
off stump - they were 68 for 6. It began drizzling soon after Abdulla’s entrance, with Royal Challengers needing 63 from 36 balls. De Villiers was at the non-striker ’s end. Abdulla, on 8 off 14, slashed at a gentle, back-ofa-length ball from Dwayne Smith, and missed. Kohli - who had struggled to contain his temper right through the game - gestured angrily from the dugout, telling Abdulla to take a single and give de Villiers the strike. Abdulla steered the next ball to deep point. De Villiers, on 47, faced Smith now. He stepped down the pitch, Smith shortened his length, and a tennis-style flat-bat hit flew to the straight boundary. The next ball was fuller, and de Villiers miscued his lofted hit, skewing it high, with the outside half of his bat. It was a rare mis-hit in an innings of surface-defying fluency. It may have been caught at long-off in a bigger ground, but it cleared the leaping Aaron Finch in Bangalore. It seemed like a sign. This would be de Villiers’ day. On strike to the first ball of the next over, he shuffled across
to off stump even before Shadab Jakati released his left-arm dart. Having covered the line, he quickly sunk to one knee and swung the ball away over the square leg boundary. When Abdulla swatted a mis-hit six of his own later in the over, Royal Challengers had the final in their sights, needing only 35 off 25. They got home with 10 balls left to play, with de Villiers having just enough time to unfurl a couple more spectacular shots, the pick of
them a reverse-sweep off a Praveen Kumar delivery pitching outside leg stump. The win took Royal Challengers into the final, while Gujarat Lions will have another crack at it when they take on the winner of Wednesday’s Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. Abdulla played a key role with the ball too, dismissing Brendon McCullum and Aaron Finch in the second over of Lions’ innings after Kohli had sent them in. Kohli
may h a v e u s e d h i s l e f t arm spinner that early simply because two right-handers were opening for Lions, and two lefthanders were waiting in the middle order, but he may also have observed that the pitch was unusually dry. Whatever the case, he had extra cover on the rope and mid-off in the circle for McCullum, and the charging New Zealander failed to reach the pitch of the ball, and sharp turn forced him to slice wider than intended, into
the hands of the fielder at long-off. Finch closed his bat-face too early three balls later, and the ball popped up to slip. When Shane Watson bounced Raina out in the fourth over, Lions were 9 for 3, sinking even before the contest had really begun. Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 159 for 6 (de Villiers 79*, Abdulla 33*, Kulkarni 4-14, Jadeja 2-21) beat Gujarat L i o n s 1 5 8 ( S m i t h 7 3, Watson 4-29, Abdulla 2-38) by four wickets.
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BFA presents footballs to teams in GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour U-17 tourney
Wednesday May 25, 2016
GTC Independence Race Meet on May 29 at Mocha -lucky turfite to win return trip compliments of Fly Jamaica Winner Red Region (front) races past the horse on the rails en route to victory in the previous Meet at Mocha.
(From right) Mr. Sherwin Forde (Berbice Football Association VP) presents the footballs to several club reps. The Berbice Football Association (BFA) presented 40 footballs to the ten (10) member clubs that will be participating in the GFF/ NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 Tournament. The presentation was made on May 3, 2016 and four balls were given per
club including: Canefield Diamond Strikers, Corriverton Links, Cougars, East Bank Sports Club, Hopetown United Rangers, Mahaicony Sports Club, Monedderlust, New Amsterdam United, Paradise Invaders and Rosignol United. The much needed balls will assist in the teams’ prepa-
ration for the upcoming GFF/ NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 Tournament scheduled to begin shortly. The footballs were donated to the BFA by Mr. Ken Vincent on behalf of Food for the Poor. The BFA is grateful to Mr. Vincent and Food for the Poor for their help in Youth Football Development in Berbice.
Fly Jamaica / Guyana has now added its support to the May 29 Georgetown Turf Club (GTC) Horse Race Meet when the entity pledged a return trip for a lucky patron that attends the upcoming event at Mocha Arcadia. According to President of the GTC Michael Sims, the Company has agreed to give a lucky turfite a return trip for one to the USA, Canada, Jamaica or Barbados. Sims, who recently held a Race Meet at the same venue is returning after a prolonged hiatus from the sport, told this newspaper that judging from the previous Meet success
this Sunday’s Independence Meet should enjoy similar support from racing fans. He disclosed that the feature event will be the H & Lower Class which will be run over a distance of one mile with the winner set to receive $200,000, 2nd place $100,000, 3rd place $50,000 and 4th plcae $25,000. The remaining races on the card include the J & Lower over a distance of six furlongs with the winner collecting $150,000, 2nd place $75,000, 3rd place $37,000 and 4th place $18,000.then there is the K & Lower Class over six furlongs that carries a first prize
of $140,000, 2nd prize $70,000, 3rd $35,000 and 4th $17,000; the L & Lower over a distance of five furlongs with a first prize of $100,000, 2nd $50,000, 3rd $25,000 and 4th $12,000; the Unclassified with a first prize of $80,000, 2nd $40,000, 3rd $20,000 and 4th $10,000. The Cart horse race over five furlongs will see the winner receive $60,000, 2nd $30,000, 3rd $15,000 and 4th $8,000. Among the top horses that will be on show are Liquid Lion, Happy Landing, Red Jet, Quancy, Red Regent, Blue Lightening, Champ and Royal Stallion among others. Starting time is 13:00hrs.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
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Shooters commended for awesome comeback to retain WIFBSC Short Range Trophy Fullbore Captain of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Mahendra Persaud is high in praise for the awesome performance of his countrymen that propelled them to victory which ensured they remained Short Range champions of the Caribbean when the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships 2016 ended on Saturday last at the Crabbs Rifle Range in Antigua and Barbuda. The Guyanese shooters found themselves trailing Jamaica and Barbados at the end of the first range (300 yards) of the competition which is the fiercest of all among the top marksmen and women in the Caribbean. Persaud noted that after they found themselves trailing Jamaica by 4 points (368/ 372) after the 300 yards, something which is not the norm, they regrouped ahead of the 500 yards shoot. ”At that point I was almost thinking that it was all gone, subsequently we went
to 500 and we improved a bit. Myself and Head Wind Coach Paul Slowe had a chat with the team, we shot a little better at 500 having regrouped but not as good as we can shoot.” At the 500 yards range the Guyanese team which had won the 4-man Wadadli Team Shoot on Friday, shot their way back into the lead with a total of 378 to Jamaica’s 367 and Barbados’ 365, the closest nations to the champs. ”Like everyone would say, we were all under the same conditions so if we were having a bad time other teams are probably also having a tough time; so we took courage from that. When we got to the 600 yards and Slowe came back and said that we were ahead by about 7 points I said that if they couldn’t beat us the way we shot at 300 and 500, they would not beat us here at 600. When myself and Braithwaite came off with scores of 49, Peter had a 49 and the other guys were
shooting well, the wheels started to turn and it all came together and I knew that when we came off with four 49s at 600 there was no way they could beat us, not in the conditions that we shot in. We fought hard at 600 yards, the coaches dug deep, we worked as a team and the rest is now history.” Along with Head Wind Coach Slowe, the others assisting were Captain Persaud, Lennox Braithwaite, Ransford Goodluck and Vice Captain Dylan Fields. Slowe was also high in praise for the way the defending champions stood up to the challenge in carving a successful path to victory. ”Well, victories are always nice, what is even more satisfying is that we were able to dig deep and come back. We had a disastrous, by our standards, 300 yards; we’ve always said that you can’t win the shoot at 300 yards but you can definitely lose the competition there.” After the 300 yards,
Slowe said that during the team huddle, it was laid bare to the members that they had to step it up to bring home the bacon. ”I must say that the shooters dug very deep at 500 yards. But what was very surprising is that, notwithstanding the way we shot at 300 and 500 we were able to deliver. At 500 we turned on the
heat, pulled it back and took the lead and was extremely confident that going to the 600 with a 7 point lead over Jamaica that we going to deliver and that we did.” Both Captain and Head Coach said, “This is our Jubilee gift to the nation.” Lennox Braithwaite emerged as the winner of the WOGART Cup being the top
Individual Shot in the Short Range Championship; he won ahead of Barbados’ Shelly-Ann Hinds on Vs 16 to 14 after both accumulated 147 points over the three ranges. The Guyanese shooters swept almost all the awards when the presentation took place on Saturday night at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Jack Warner Sued By CONCACAF MIAMI, May, CMC): Trinidad and Tobago’s Jack Warner, the former vice-president of football’s world governing body (FIFA), is being sued for more than $50 million by the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association (CONCACAF). The new suit centers around a lavish soccer facility built in Trinidad with millions of dollars in funding from FIFA. The suit accuses Warner, who served as CONCACAF
president for 20 years before resigning in 2011, of fraudulently securing FIFA and CONCACAF funding to develop the property. The site now includes a hotel and banqueting facilities and is said to be built on lands belonging to Warner. His wife, his accountant and two companies linked to the 73-year-old are also named as defendants. Warner, who has in the past denied wrongdoing, is also facing corruption
charges in the US and remains in Trinidad where he is fighting extradition. Warner, who was banned from soccer by FIFA in September is one of four presidents who have been forced from office amid claims of wrongdoing, with three charged by the US Department of Justice. CONCACAF last week elected Canada’s Victor Montagliani as its latest leader and is on the verge of naming a new general secretary as soon as next week.
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Sensei Dunbar, nine year old Britton honoured by Wado Ryu Association
Sensei Winston Dunbar and Sadella Britton holding trophies, with some of the participants after the event. Chief Instructor Sensei Winston Dunbar and nineyear-old black belt Sadella Britton were honoured by the Guyana Wado Ryu Karate Association at the Association’s Annual Junior championships which coincided with Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. Sensei Dunbar and Britton were both presented with trophies, with Dunbar receiving the honour for
achieving 50 years as a martial arts practitioner, while Britton was declared the leading junior karateka over the past year. The junior competition sponsored by Banks DIH limited was held at the Sports Club at Thirst Park recently and medals were presented to the top performers. Britton won the girls 6-9 year category with Zuri Waldron finishing in second
position. In other results, Eric Yang won the boys 5-8 years ‘A’ division with second place being captured by Emmanuel Campbell, while Kahalfani McAlister finishing third. The Boys 5-8 year ‘B’ division winner was Rajkumar Khunder with Justin Oriffield placing second and Allan Lam third. The Boys 5-8 ‘C’ division (Continued on page 32)
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Jubilee Independence Anniversary horserace meet a success as Kings Knight crowned king Watched by a sizable Jubilee Independence Crowd that included Guyana’s Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Suriname Ambassador to Guyana, Nisa Kurban-Baboe, the Four Horse Men promotion 50th Anniversary Independence Horserace meet held on Sunday last at the Port Mourant Turf Club came off successfully despite the inclement weather. At the end of the day it was the Jumbo Jet stable that stood out as it won five of the eight races held on the day with new sensation Kings Knight leading the way with another telling victory in the feature C and lower event. The win for the American bred horse was its second in as many starts since coming to Guyana a few months ago. If turfites thought the win in its first race, though convincing, was a fluke the victory this time was even more telling as it took charge from the half way mark to win by about eight lengths. The sun was out in all its glory; however the track in parts was soggy due to heavy
Aubrey Elcock presents the beautiful trophy in the D, E and F class race for Release the Beast’s win to Mrs Nazrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohammed Jr. overnight rain. But despite the hindrance Kings Knight ridden by Trinidadian jockey Ryad Alli was convincing in winning the event as it trotted home all by itself. The race was changed from its original
1900M distance to 1400M due to the track which, according to the organizers was communicated to the horse owners. Before the race got underway, CP Got Even, pulled out (Continued on page 32)
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Linden Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition
Hercules leads Team 25 to final -Wisroc get second chance at redemption Team 25 talisman Collie Hercules led from the front, opening the scoring after fourteen minutes to engineer a comfortable 3-0 triumph for his team over upstarted High Rollers in their semi-final clash in this year’s Linden segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition which continued on Monday night, at the Amelia’s Ward Tarmac. The win set up a clash a g a i n s t Wi s r o c l a s t evening’s final which was scheduled to be played at the Mackenzie Market Tarmac. Playing in the first semifinal in front of a large crowd, Hercules, a former national mid-field maestro expertly pulled the strings for Team 25 and he gave them the lead when he dummied a pass, before firing in from close range. They held that slim advantage until the break. Coming out of the break, both teams came close to scoring, but near misses kept the scoreline at 1-0 in favour of Team 25. However, Team 25’s Ryan Noel made it 2-0 in the 26th minute with a first
time strike from the right side after racing on to a pinpoint pass from Hercules, before exquisitely slicing the ball into the roof of the net. Four minutes later, Romain Adams showed some deft skills when he back-heeled a pass delivered on the right side past a pedestrian attempt by an opposing defender to intercept the ball. In the second semifinal, last year’s beaten finalist Wisroc needed just the solitary strike from Orandy Wills in the 3rd minute to erase the ambitions of Classic 6 to make it to the championship round. In a cat and mouse affair, Wills collected a pass from the back and in one sweeping motion, swiveled and hammered a fierce shot past the last stop for the only goal of the game. High Rollers is set to take on Classic-6 in the third place playoff. The winning team was guaranteed $400,000 and the Championship trophy, while the second, third and fourth placed teams received $150,000, $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.
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Wednesday May 25, 2016
Heineken gears for UEFA Champions League Final Viewing Party on Saturday
Heineken Brand Assistant, Keiron Brathwaite (third, right) hands over the UEFA Champions League-branded gym bag and tickets to the Finals viewing party to Marlon Da Silva Sunday night at the Stripe Bar at Giftland Mall. Heineken wrapped up its Union of European Football A s s o c i a t i o n s ( U E FA ) Champions League nationwide Foosball Promotion at The Stripe Bar at the Giftland Mall and 704
Sports Bar ahead of the grand Final Viewing Party on Saturday. At The Stripe Bar Sunday night, Marlon Da Silva prevailed in a Foosball Competition where he got a
chance to view the Finals of t h e U E FA C h a m p i o n s League between Athletico Madrid and Real Madrid at 704 Bar and Lounge on Saturday. Meanwhile, on Friday night during a warm-up session at 704 Bar, Kwame McCrae won limited edition Heineken UEFA-branded Gym Bag in a foosball competition; hundreds of patrons across Guyana had participated for several weeks in the promotion. Foosball is a table assimilation of football and was part of Heineken’s UEFA Series Promotion at selected bars across Guyana. The Promotion attracted many curious fans, and participants, at the locations with even women winning several prizes. The prizes ranged from miniature foosball tables, Heineken-branded wrist watches, UEFA gym bags to other paraphernalia. Heineken Brand Manager, Robert Hiscock confirmed yesterday that all systems are in place for Saturday’s UEFA Finals at 704 Entertainment Complex. Heineken is a longstanding sponsor of the Champions League. This year’s promotion will end in a massive Finals Viewing Party, which will present three different levels at the facility with three international DJs to entertain football and other patrons. It promises to be biggest Finals Viewing Party to-date given the special significance of Guyana’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations; the purchase of buckets of Heineken a selected bars gives patrons the chance to win tickets to the Final Viewing Party.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Junior Pan American Hockey Championships
National Junior Men lose to Canada in final pool match
Aroydy Branford takes on a Canadian defender. The Guyana National Junior Men’s Hockey Team went down to a Canada side 8-0 in their final pool B match on Monday at the Junior Pan American Championships in Toronto, Canada. Having both lost their first two matches against Mexico and Chile, the bottom of the table clash was dominated by a Canadian side desperate to avoid playing Argentina in the quarter finals. The first three Canadian goals came from penalty corners and after a defensive mistake led to a fourth, which caused the Guyanese to lose their composure. Guyana had a better second half, with some Aroydy Branford breakaways leading to penalty corners and several close calls. However, Canada would add another four to seal the emphatic win and book their quarter final spot against pool A runnersup Trinidad & Tobago. In his assessment of the match, head coach Robert Fernandes stated, “We did not play well today, we didn’t execute our game plan with the level of intensity that was required and we lost our composure when the goals started to go in. We need to learn from these experiences and build on them to be more competitive in the future.” Guyana’s next match will be its toughest challenge to date, when they face perennial powerhouses Argentina in their quarterfinal today at 10:00am. In other results from day three: A rg e n t i n a d e f e a t e d Puerto Rico 21-0 Trinidad & Tobago defeated USA 5-1 Chile defeated Mexico
3-2 Local fans will be able to stream the matches live on the www.panamhockey.org website.
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t r o Sp Linden Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition
Classic 6 Shane Luckie (yellow bib) being pressed on the sideline by a Wisroc defender.
Hercules leads Team 25 to final -Wisroc get second chance at redemption
Shooters commended for awesome comeback to retain WIFBSC Short Range Trophy WIFBSC Short Range champions Guyana display the trophies and medals won form winning the WIFB Short Range and Wadadli Cups as well as other Individual trophies and medals. Seated from right are Paul Slowe, Dylan Fileds, Mahendra Persaud, Lennox Braithwaite and Ransford Goodluck. Standing from left are Peter Persaud, John Fraser, Terrance Stuart, Sherwin Felicien, Leo Romalho and Ryan Sampson. 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