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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210

Editorial

The economy and the predicted growth The economy performed unreliably over 2015 and this situation is not expected to improve for the people in 2016. That is why we asked the question, economic growth for whom? The IMF has just completed its Article IV consultation with Guyana, and their preliminary press release paints a mixed picture. The government in the 2016 Budget stated that the economy is expected to grow by 4.4 percent and just two months after that announcement, the IMF checked the books and the growth rate has been revised downwards, reflecting an economic situation that is going in the wrong direction. All is hedged on the performance of two new larger gold mines that were brought to Guyana by the PPP. If one looks at the Global Futures Markets the highest settlement price for gold in February 2017 is US$1,288, while the current spot price for gold is US$1,268. The prognosis is that the Ministry of Business and GOINVEST have failed to facilitate any major deals in the last 12 months. The evidence is clear, according to the IMF; the Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) dropped some 54 percent in 2015 to 3.8 percent of GDP. This is the lowest level of FDI in 11 consecutive years. And we do not expect marked improvement in this area in 2016. We expect this four percent growth predicted by the IMF is touch and go as a result of the news coming out of the rice and sugar industry after their first crop performance. It has been publicly reported that Guysuco failed to meet its first crop target by 29 percent. The rice industry should be off by some 20 percent in the same period. This weak performance from two of the major contributors to economic growth is not great news. If this IMF report has not clearly staked out the core issues and communicated to the rulers the urgency of this economic situation, then who will? It is time to bring in new talent to turn this economy around. If one reads most of the press releases from the government on this first 12-months economic performance, it is all coming across as triumphalist on issues that some people have a very different opinion. So it is clear that different people are seeing different things. Before May 11, 2015 the ruling class lived in a bubble behind locked gates, political handlers, and sirens since their opinions were clearly not grounded in reality. Surely this cannot be the case at this time. There are big problems facing the people of Guyana – jobs, personal safety, economic opportunities, access to proper healthcare, improving the education system and a public service system that is not functioning. Who would have thought that 12 months after promising the people the Public Procurement Commission, the Granger administration would have failed to deliver on this promise? But then again, the creation of this body is not up to the government. The PPP which was opposed to it continues to be opposed to it, hence the stalemate. Nothing has changed in these operations from the PPP days. Cabinet remains integrally involved in voicing no objections to contracts. The accusation of corruption that flowed during the tenure of the PPP continues today under the Coalition government. The IMF said the 2016 revenue is expected to remain broadly flat. We would not be surprised if the 2017 budget has many new forms of taxation.

Sunday May 29, 2016

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

The missing link in the Golden Jubilee celebration

DEAR EDITOR; I had reason to disagree with my friend Freddie Kissoon because of what he said in one of his daily articles on May 27, 2016, titled The Morning After. He was partially biased. He said, “So we enjoyed our bacchanalian festivities on May 26, but in the morning after there are still people waiting for over six or eight hours to see a doctor at A&E at the Georgetown Hospital.” Freddie missed what I made sure I did not miss. He gave the impression that “we” the Guyanese people were all a part of the bacchanal. He wrote with a narrow view of the Guyanese populace and what transpired over the Jubilee

celebrations. Brother Kissoon, “we” did not all enjoy the bacchanal. In fact, I was saddened by the attendance at the two major events of the anniversary celebrations – the flag raising and the float parade. Where were our Indian brothers and sisters? I walked the route of the parade on Thursday. Additionally, some of the floats passed by my front gate. The night before, I traversed the Jubilee Stadium, way into the wee hours of the morning, looking for any collection or any gathering of my Indian brothers and sisters. I looked to see if maybe they were under the stands eating

and drinking. I strolled desperately all around the nicely built stands and well paved asphalt, looking for some semblance of a cohesive reflection of our six races. I was disappointed. Guyana looked like the festivities were being held in Barbados, or Dominica, or St, Vincent. It looked like Guyana is made up of 90% Blacks. I saw many of my church members and overseas friends. They are all Black. I saw many Muslim women with their Hijabs. But they were all Black. I saw some of my Muslim friends, who were also Black. I was haunted. I could not believe for the life of me, (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

The Minister’s press release was awful DEAR EDITOR; The recent seating controversy at the just concluded flag raising ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Guyana’s independence, presented an interesting view of where we are as a nation 50 years later. It is not just that the organizers and particularly the Minister within the Ministry of culture admittedly created this controversy. It is also the reaction to this clear breach of protocol that some continue to excuse. It seems that some Guyanese have lost all understanding of what constitutes nationhood and nation building. A society is foremost about its people, disagreeable or not. It is also about symbols, protocols, traditions and history. These are the fundamental organizing principles of a society. It therefore means that on occasions the society places much emphasis on these things. For example, Guyana honors outstanding Guyanese with national awards. We stand at attention when playing the national anthem. We are expected to place our right hands over our chest when saying the pledge. We demand loyally to country and show patriotism by prominently displaying the flag. We proclaim with pride that we are Guyanese. Guyanese vote to uphold their democracy and elect representatives. These representatives are seated in the nation’s highest institution of government, The Parliament, which consists of sixty-five members in the national assembly. They are expected, however rancorous, to scrutiny the government, make and change laws, debate impor-

tant issues and check and approve budgets. So these are some very important people in our society. Therefore, when Guyana celebrates national events, it is expected that these sixty members of parliament are treated with the outmost dignity and respect. In the case of Guyana, the 32 opposition MPs represent half of Guyana’s population. When they are treated with disregard, half of Guyana’s population who used their democratic choice to elect them is treated with disregard. This is the importance that has been placed on members of parliament. As such, when I read Junior Minister in the Education Ministry, Nicolette Henry’s press statement, it was the poorest excuse of a press release that I have read, the qualifying apology notwithstanding. When planning

this event, Minister Henry and her planners should have reserved in excess of 65 seats for MPs that should have been marked “reserved MPs and spouses, based on acknowledgement of invites, which was no doubt given. The ushers should have met these MPs upon arrival and escorted them to these reserved seats. No other unauthorized persons should have access to that area. So whether MPs turn up 10 minutes late or not those seats are reserved. This was not done by the admission of the Minister. “Upon my arriving in the Presidential Section the Opposition Leader indicated they were concerns with the seating. I assured him I will address this immediately, so I proceeded by personally asking other invited persons to give up their seats to ensure the Opposition members were

all seated together. As soon as the persons began to give up their seats. The Opposition walked out.” There were no accommodates for the MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. In all fairness, I would have expected her side to do the same had they been in the opposition and treated with such scant regard, at such a momentous occasion. The minister must acknowledge that she and her ministry created this controversy by not following protocol. The Ministry of Culture

should understand and place emphasis on protocol. They messed up. An un-qualifying apology is warranted. I understand the animosity towards the opposition by certain sections of the populace. It is not without merit. The PPP/C administration led by Jagdeo and his successor Ramotar governed Guyana in terrible ways. They did some very bad things. I have argued that some of the members should be properly investigated for serious crimes. However, that occasion

was not the time for animosity. We have to continue as a nation forging a national unity, however daunting. The current administration promised a different type of politics and even though that seating issue may not have been about politics, it was, I believe to be a breakdown of the importance of symbols and protocols in our society, the appearance of political disregard tarnishes opportunity for unity. We must move on promising to do better. Dennis Wiggins

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Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Region 3 Chambers of Very bad and sad incident Commerce is Worried at the Flag Raising DEAR EDITOR; We are daunted by the many ills presently pervading our region and in particular the people as a whole.lt is incumbent upon every citizen to work and to be supportive to the government. The nation expects government will establish policies to augment health, safety, security and economic protection to keep the engine of growth at a persistent level parallel to other countries. We have received political change from betterment that was with the passing of time to date we expect to achieve best practice. However the present pattern indicates the future to be dull. Today the security of this nation is threatened by the in ability of the police to get above the criminals plaguing our society. The prevalence of crime if not arrested quickly, it will be inimical to economic development and stimulate migration. Many businesses will close because of fear as to who will be the next victim. We demand maximum effort to end this episode of the nation as it eats away at the base of national development and society as a whole. One of our main foreign currency earners suffered blows with the loss of lucrative markets and prices which create financial burden

to the rice industry, reduce growth of the nation, and impact on people’s lives. Mammoth effort is needed to replace what is lost by the relevant ministry. The announcement of the imminent closure of Wales’s sugar estate is yet another blow to this nation economic well being and will impact sternly upon lives of people living in Region 3. We are sure by prudent management this estate can turn out to be profitable and adds to the nation’s coffer. We intend to engage government and co-ordinate efforts to stop this un- realistic announcement. We need government to establish agro-processing plant to facilitate the preservation of excessive un- marketed and perishable farm produce. In short REGION 3 request the following:A-Stamp out illegal trade. B-Encumbrance of roads and reserves. C - By pass roads in congested areas. D - Develop new roads E - Provide farm land to youth as alternate to unemployment and training. F - Establish industrial site to create employment. G - Utilise market tarmac for vending. The chamber is eager to enter into dialoged with all stake holders for national development. Romel Singh, President, Region 3 Chamber of Commerce

DEAR EDITOR; With the Golden Jubilee being such a is a pivotal milestone for this dear land of ours, and with hundreds of thousands joining each other celebrate the Guyanese culture, and to rejoice in our shared experiences and values as we move forward to a brighter future, it was extremely sad to see the City’s workers who worked so hard to prepare the capital city being prevented from enjoying the fruits of their labour. Of all the times that the Georgetown City Council chose to delay the payment of wages and salaries was the month of May 2016, our Golden Jubilee month. It is most unpatriotic, it is cruel in fact I would consider it sacrilege. The pockets of the big boys in the Council’s administration are filled with ‘perks’ so they could have celebrated in fine

style, but it was the small man that suffered, and was prevented from attending the shows and other events. How could Royston King and his administrators look into the eyes of the butchers, policemen, street orderlies, construction workers day care attendants, drivers and cleaners and wish them a Happy Independence?. During the administration of the previous Town Clerk, never one month were salaries were paid late, because there was never such squander mania. The President or the Minister of Communities should have intervened and saved those poor workers. Where is the Union? Somebody has to save the city and its workers from this new Pharaoh, this new ‘King’, For these workers I quote from the bible: Psalm 13:1 How long will you forget me, LORD? Forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Jermain Johnson

The cruel paymasters at City Hall

Ceremony

DEAR EDITOR; I long planned to attend the Flag raising Ceremony on the night of 25th May 2016. On that same day, late in the afternoon my wife told me she doesn’t think she will be able to make it. I prayed, and so God answered my prayer almost immediately; we took off as a family to witness an historical occasion, befitting of a Nation that has gone through many storms and against all odds are still standing strong. I have long known that there are hits and misses along a nation’s path to progress and maturity. We, as a Nation have had many hits [successes] over the last fifty years. Simultaneously, we have had missed opportunities that has the potential of setting us back for decades. Nevertheless, I have learned that regardless of the setbacks, a nation or individual can make a comeback, and create an impact so great and so strong that the failures of the past would be seen as stepping stones to the future for phenomenal growth. Someone said that it takes thirty years to build a reputation, but it takes just five minutes to ruin it. As a Spiritual Leader, I understand such quote. This present administration has had some glaring success mixed with missed opportunities, which speaks of human failures and successes that comes in the same package of life experiences. One of the war tactics that is taught in some spheres of life is to allow your enemies to make colossal mistakes then go in for the kill. This tactics has worked since Bible days. Now, there were many lost opportunities at the Flag raising ceremony last evening, as I sat in the stand , there were many instances where I would have graded this administration with a [D].Permit me dear Editor to point out just three [3] areas that were glaring and unacceptable in modern Democracies — First, the security system was atrocious. I was thoroughly checked for any weapons on my part as I enter the Hadfield street stands. Soon after I located seats for my family and self, glass bottles upon bottles inundated the Jubilee Park, thus creating an easy task for criminally minded persons. Added to this scenario police presence around the park and within the tarmac was sparse. Secondly, the seating facility for the general public was designed with no consider-

The missing link in the Golden Jubilee... From page 4 that we were celebrating 50 years of collective independence and with 40% of our country being Indians, I couldn’t count 100 among the crowds. I was pained to the stomach. What did we do wrong? Why could we not attract some acceptable semblance of our Indian community to come celebrate with us? I saw our Prime Minister there. He is Indian. Could he not have persuaded some from his hometown to come on down? How about those thousands of Indians who voted for the Coalition? Have they abandoned the government? I was troubled. I asked myself, did the organizers do enough to make sure the ethnic balance of the country was reflected in the planning and execution of the events? Or was it that the Indians promised to come, knowing full well that they would never show up? Where is the Social Cohesion Ministry in all this? Could Minister Ali not have secured a fair representation of Indians to come and enjoy the planned events? The Opposition members were there. Their

supporters could not have known that there would be a seating problem and that Mr. Jagdeo would have walked out with his delegation. Where were the opposition, Indian, supporters? Is it that none of them cared that their leaders did agree to attend the celebration? Did the Indians boycott the Opposition too? Pastor Edghil was there. I am sure there were folks from his church. But they too are Black. Maybe I am making a mountain out of a mole hill. If so you must forgive me. However, I have lived in Trinidad and their national functions are satisfactorily represented by a cross section of their ethnicity. I frequently visit Suriname and the same is true there. Even in the US, national events bring out all the mixtures of the races. Why are we so divided here in Guyana? I would like to think that careful study needs to be given to this blatant lack of national participation in symbolic events. The Coalition has a sufficient ethnic representation within their ranks to bring some

kind of informative balance to the planning of these national occasions. Our Motto is One People. One Nation, One Destiny. No longer should we look so ethnically top-heavy as the world gazes at us. Maybe there was some legitimate reason for the visible absence of our Indian brothers and sisters. Maybe there is nothing to it. If so, I apologize. However, if it is that their absence is because they feel alienated or slighted; if perchance they do not come to our national events because they think that scant regard is paid to their customs and traditions, then those realities need to be addressed. So that the next time my friend Freddie says “we”, he will actually be speaking about all Guyanese. Editor, please also allow me to thank Minister Nicolette Henry on her unequivocal apologies to the members of the Opposition for the seating debacle. In this politically offensive atmosphere, the Minister needs to be commended for breaking away from the pact. Pastor W. P. Jeffrey Practical Christianity Ministries

ation for the Elderly or children. The stands had no passage way to enter or exit. This lack created a lot of discomfort for children and the elderly. From my position I find myself within a box, that others and I found it extremely difficult to access the Gent’s washroom. Thirdly, the most gravely incident occurred that resulted in my conviction to Apologize on behalf of all Guyana. The stand I was in was either the fourth or fifth stand after entering, then before 7.00Pm. I noticed a group of tourists [supposedly Americans] surveying the area in the hope of sitting together as a group. They decided to access the area right in front of me, then, as soon as they were settled they began taking pictures of themselves with flags raised. I asked one of them a question. Are you enjoying Guyana? With a glee and a glowing smile the answer came back emphatically, ‘Yes its great’. Now, there is a distinct feature in our flag that creates an interest for those that are aesthetically inclined especially foreigners. I just felt that these young students fell in love with the Golden Arrowhead. At the hour of 11.15pm, there was uproar in all the stands, people were standing and hailing up the Guyana Defense Force as they were in preparation of raising the Golden Arrowhead. At that point seventy percent [70%] of persons in the stands was standing up to get a good view of what was about to happen, when suddenly those at the back including a particular man with a loud voice said, ‘everybody sit down!’ There was this angry crowd of Guyanese young people without flags shouting to the students with flags to sit down. I raised my voice and said to some of them to stand up, but they were not interested in my pleas. Then a young man seated next to me stood up and started to hurdle remarks to the standing students. I told him that these people are visitors from another country who came to enjoy themselves with their Guyanese friends and to celebrate our Independence. Suddenly the craziest thing happened in my very presence.This man made a sudden leap and lunged forward knocking down three women [all white Americans]. Pandemonium and fierce fighting broke loose, traumatizing the foreigners, some being hurt in the process. People nearby were getting hurt, as I and my family tried to navigate around the crowded and nosiest people I have every encountered in all my seventy years on the face of the earth. In all this time the main event was taking place. Having withdrawn to safer grounds I was deprived of observing such a sacred and historic occasion. I left abruptly. This is an experience that has taught me many lessons in life, which I cannot expound here and now. But one thing is certain; I was embarrassed in that moment, because I had planned to ask the student this question — What was the single most event that would have inspired you to come back, to this beautiful country again? I dread the answer. I could not sleep, when I came home after 1.00Am this morning, this incident rested upon my mind to apologize to the students, especially to the American Ambassador Mr. Perry Holloway. There are several other observations that I have made, but I will allow some astute and thoughtful Guyanese attending to raise those other issues. I trust that this present administration may take note, and in closing, I believe that amidst all the setbacks, God loves Guyana and we will prosper in the end. God bless Guyana! Apostle Vanrick Beresford

Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

Iraqi Sunni politicians reject visit by Iran's Soleimani to Falluja Reuters - Sunni politicians in Iraq condemned yesterday a visit by Iranian General Qassem Soleimani to Shi'ite paramilitary forces fighting alongside the Iraqi army to drive Islamic State militants out of the Sunni city of Falluja. Three lawmakers from the province of Anbar told Reuters the visit by Iran's al-Quds brigade commander could fuel sectarian tension and cast doubt on Baghdad's assertions that the offensive is an Iraqi-led effort to defeat Islamic State, and not to settle scores with the Sunnis. Falluja, which lies about 50 kilometers (32 miles) west of Baghdad, is a bastion of the insurgency that fought the U.S. occupation of Iraq and the Shi'ite-led authorities that replaced former Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein, a Sunni. In recent days, Iranian media published pictures of what they said was a visit by Soleimani to Falluja and a meeting he held with the leaders of the Iraqi coalition of Shi'ite militias known as Popular Mobilization, or Hashid Shaabi. It is the second time Soleimani has appeared in Iraqi conflict zones.

About a year ago, witnesses said he was present when Popular Mobilization fighters ousted Islamic State militants from cities north of the capital. An Iraqi government spokesman did not confirm Soleimani's visit and stressed that Iranian advisors are present in Iraq in order to assist in the war on Islamic State (IS) in the same capacity as those of the U.S.-led anti-IS coalition. Member of parliament (MP) Hamid al-Mutlaq rejected that, however. "We are Iraqis and not Iranians," he said. "Would Turkish or Saudi advisers be welcomed to assist in the battle?" he added, drawing a parallel between the three regional powers bordering Iraq -- mainly-Sunni Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and Shi'ite Iran. "Soleimani's presence is suspicious and a cause for concern; he is absolutely not welcome in the area," said Falluja parliamentarian Salim Muttar al-Issawi. "I believe that the presence of such an official from the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guard could have sectarian implications," said another MP from the city, Liqaa Wardi.

German economy minister blasts Merkel on EU-US trade treaty

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German Vice Chancellor, Economy and Energy Minister Sigmar Gabriel gives a news conference following the weekly cabinet meeting in Meseberg near Gransee, northeastern Germany (AFP Photo/Wolfgang Kumm) Frankfurt (AFP) - Germany's economy minister lashed out at Chancellor Angela Merkel for her "wrong" stance on a huge EUUS free trade pact in an interview to be published tomorrow, signalling a deepening rift within the government over the controversial accord. Sigmar Gabriel, also the vice chancellor, told the RND group of regional papers that his Social Democratic Party "doesn't wish to be part of a bad deal", as he warned against a hastily negotiated agreement on the so-called Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). He said Merkel "was wrong to say, in the euphoria of (US President Barack) Obama's visit to Germany, that we will be able under all scenarios to conclude negotiations this year". Washington and Brussels want the TTIP completed this year before Obama leaves office, but it has faced mounting opposition on both sides of the Atlantic. Gabriel, whose party is the junior partner in Merkel's coalition government, already said

earlier this month that the deal "will fail" if the United States refuses to make concessions. Opinion polls show that people in the eurozone's biggest economy are growing increasingly wary of the proposed pact despite Merkel's continued support. Some 70 percent of Germans polled this month said they believed the TTIP would bring "mostly disadvantages". Tens of thousands of Germans have so far taken to the streets in protest against the treaty, including during last month's visit by Obama. Meeting in Japan this week, leaders of the G7 nations -- the US, Germany, Japan, Britain, Italy, France and Canada -- expressed their support for a TTIP agreement this year, as long as it is "ambitious, comprehensive, high standard and mutually beneficial". The next round of TTIP talks is set to take place in June. The wide-ranging pact would create a free-trade zone covering 850 million people. Critics say it would come at the expense of jobs, consumers and the environment.

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Chinese spare parts trader awarded US$42M transmission line contract Consultants hired to supervise an $8.4B (US$42M) project to build new power transmission lines and seven sub-stations have written a scathing report on a Chinese contractor that was awarded the contract. The project was commissioned in December 2014 by the previous Government. There are questions about the quality of work. It was touted as a project to increase the efficiency of the inter-connected power system on the coastlands in Demerara and Berbice. However, there have been questions about costs and quality of the work. According to the final report by Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants, Inc. (CEMCO) which was teaming up with Canadian firm, SMP Engineering, to

overlook the project, China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CMC) was awarded an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) package. However, that firm is not a construction company. Rather, it is mainly a trading company for the export of Chinese engineering products. The final report said that it appears that prequalification or postqualification assessments were either not performed or inadequately performed during the tender and selection phase of the project. The evidence was clear that CMC was ill-prepared for what it takes to run a project of this magnitude. “The contractor engaged other Chinese firms to perform all aspects of the contract save for purchasing of goods for the contract and even this

CEMCO Director, Raymond Latchmansingh aspect was not adequately performed, evidenced by shortages of materials and factory defects.” The report, which was seen by Kaieteur News, would come to light at a time when CMC has submitted bids for a major US$18M

CMC officials at the December 2014, commissioning of the US$42M new transmission line and seven new power sub-stations across Demerara and Berbice.

project with the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), the same state company worked with to build the substations and new transmission lines. According to the report of the consultants, GPL benefitted from a US$39.6M loan to the Government of Guyana (GOG) from the Export-Import Bank of China, for an Infrastructure Development Project (IDP). This entailed the development and expansion of GPL’s high voltage 69 kV transmission lines and associated 69/13.8 kV substations; the interconnection of the Berbice Interconnected System (BIS) and the Demerara Interconnected System (DIS), and the installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to help control the network. CMC was contracted for US$33.9M together with a provisional sum of US$5.1M to cater for anticipated increases in quantities; the contract duration was set at 912 days. The contract was signed on October 28, 2009. The consultants said that they found that the work contract with CMC was signed approximately nine months before funds became available. “…It appeared both the contracting parties had anticipated an extended day in this event but had catered for a period of only five months (150 days) as is noted in the contract agreement.” However, delays resulted in a claim for an increase of the contract price by US$3.2M. The report disclosed that there were several delays during the initial and preliminary and final design Continued on page 14

Dem boys seh...

Chinese Spare parts dealer get big contract Dem boys never know that Guyana had so many thieves. Dem thought that de thieves was only dem who de police use to ketch and lock up. Dem didn’t know that most of de thieves use to drive around in Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, BMW and Prado. Most of dem live in Pradoville. Some live in Pradoville2. Dem behave like de military. De more bright you get you get promote in de military. In de case of Pradoville, de bigger de thief de bigger de property. Don’t ask who got de biggest property in Pradoville2. And is not dem boys seh suh. De Ministry of Land and Survey seh suh, not dem boys. Shaik Baksh was one who was driving a fancy Prado but he nah live in Pradoville. Dem boys remember he was de Minister who approve a computer contract fuh he Ministry. When dem boys check who de contract was awarded to, de address tun out to be a barber shop in Brooklyn, New York. He lef that Ministry and go to GWI he tender fuh a house to rent and he win he own tender. It tun out to be he own house that he rent to heself, collecting tax free dollar. How much more corrupt can an official get in this country? Shaik Baksh is only a li’l one. Dem boys did expose de US$42M transmission line. At first all of dem seh was a sweetheart deal. It now turn out that de contractor who supply and run de transmission line is a Chinee spare parts dealer. And dem boys hear that another big contract is in de making fuh him. De One Laptop Per Family project tun a half laptop per family. Poulourie Joe had two sons holding de key position. De audit find out that one of dem wasn’t even qualified. That is why de project didn’t even meet half way. Talk half and wait to see wha action Soulja Bai gun tek.

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Police Force gets 50 new inspectors In keeping with a policy to ensure that vacancies in the Guyana Police Force are filled, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the appointments of 50 sergeants and one corporal to the rank of inspectors. The promotion comes almost six months after the release of the force’s annual list of promotions for both senior and junior ranks. Kaieteur News understands that the staggered promotion was as a result of the late submission of recommendations by the Police Force administration to the Police Service Commission. While there has been the usual grumblings, this newspaper was told that all of the persons promoted have satisfied the requirements of the PSC. “All the applicants were interviewed and the commission is satisfied that they will be successful inspectors,” the source said. “What we found is that some sergeants did not pass the required examination and that is why they have not qualified,” he added.

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President’s immunities to lawsuits should be removed …In this way, he is likely to be less forthwith - WPA Executive Member cavalier in the exercise of power By: Kiana A. Wilburg The power of the Executive has been a sore point in most countries. It is argued that this is the case because that branch of government which runs the day to day affairs of the country is in most cases, dominated by a single individual. With so much scope, Dr. David Hinds opines that there exists much room for the abuse of Executive power. Dr. Hinds said that in 1980, Guyana transitioned away from a ceremonial presidency to an executive presidency and this resulted in the fusion of the powers of the old Head of State (the President) and the old Prime Ministership in the same office and by extension the same person. “So we now have a very powerful Chief Executive. All executive power is vested in the President. He is in charge of the Presidency and the Cabinet, which are separate organs in the Executive. And on top of that, the President is part of the Parliament. He has certain powers over another branch of government that is not reciprocated.” He said, too, that there are very weak checks on the presidency by the legislature. In this regard, he noted that

WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds the legislature can indicate a loss of confidence in the President, but he can dismiss the legislature before it acts. Dr. Hinds said that this is exactly what former President Donald Ramotar did in 2014 when he was faced with a No- Confidence Motion brought by the Alliance For Change (AFC). But more than that, Dr. Hinds said that the

C onstitution gives the President immunity from civil and criminal prosecution for acts committed while in office. The WPA Executive Member said that this means that the President is not checked by the judiciary—the courts. He believes that this is a further erosion of the doctrine of Separation of Powers. The political activist said that the traditional checks and balances which make the branches co-equals are in effect absent, given this state of affairs. He said, “What we have in Guyana is at best, Executive Supremacy which is the basis for Executive Tyranny. For me, then, the most urgent reform has to be the removal of the immunities from prosecution. You cannot talk about democracy and have a Chief Executive with such immunities. That is more like a monarchy. We have seen the abuse of the powers of the Presidency. Those immunities should be removed forthwith.” Dr. Hinds added, “If the president knows that he is

not protected by such immunities, he is likely to be less cavalier in the exercise of power.” Ultimately, the WPA Executive Member would like to see stricter separation of powers which removes the almost absolute domination of other branches by the President. He emphasized that there should be Checks and Balances, but these should be reciprocal among the branches. In relation to Executive Power, Dr. Hinds said that he would opt for a more democratic distribution of powers between the President and the Prime Minister. He said that there should be a split Executive. The WPA Executive Member said that the President should not be vested will all executive powers. “I believe that Power Sharing in the Executive is the best system. In that regard, I think the President and Prime Minister should not be from the same party. That would ensure that Executive Power is not

concentrated in the hands of one party or coalition of parties or one ethnic group.” Members of the AFC have also spoken on the need to address the powers allotted to the Executive. During the 2015 election campaign trail, AFC Executive Member, Nigel Hughes, had outlined that one of the important things the Constitution speaks to is the distribution of power and how it should be exercised. Hughes had said, “What you have is the President being a part of the parliament and then when you go to Cabinet, you have him there, where he has supreme executive

power. So in effect, he has power of all three organs of the state.” But Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that amending the powers of the Executive is not an issue that stands alone. He said that the Coalition government would have to see how is it that the Constitution could be reworked and amended or reformed to bring about greater comity between the powers of the Executive and the Legislature and particularly how one could be able to diffuse some of the powers of the Executive to bring some of those powers within the purview of the Prime Minister.

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Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

Addicted to armed robberies: The story of Mike Tyson and Nico Layne People can become addicted to crimes in the same way they can develop a dependency on alcohol or drugs. Such is the case of Nico Layne and Mike Tysonas it appears as if they find some level of excitement committing crimes, especially armed robberies. Mike Tyson of Lot 567 Conciliation Drive, Tucville, Georgetown, has been described as a serial carjacker. This 25-year-old young man is known for habitually boarding taxis and ‘sticking up’ the drivers with a gun before escaping with their vehicles. For the year, he has been sentenced to a total of 76 months’ imprisonment by two Magistrates sitting in the

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on two counts of robbery under-arms. Just recently, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, found him guilty of robbing taxi driver, Lawrence Singh at gunpoint of his Toyota Spacio motorcar car valued at $2M, a cell phone and $10,000 cash on August 10, 2015. The Magistrate imposed an 18month prison term on him. During the trial, Magistrate McLennan relied on a testimony given by the victim who testified that he picked up Tyson at La Grange, West Bank Demerara and dropped him off at McDoom, East Bank Demerara. Singh recalled that the

convict disembarked his vehicle at a Mc Doom gas station and another man entered his car and pointed a gun at him demanding that he drive the vehicle. The witness said that he ran out of the vehicle and begged for his life with the gunman hot in pursuit. According to Singh, persons came to his rescue and the gunman eventually made good his escape. Tyson, he said, jumped into his vehicle and sped away. The taxi driver recounted that he alerted police before boarding a taxi to chase after the carjacker. Police chased after Tyson and he eventually crashed the stolen vehicle at David Street, Kitty.

While giving evidence, Singh had told the court that the robbery had occurred around 20:45hrs. He maintained that there was adequate lighting in the area which aided him in identifying his attackers. On February 29, City Magistrate Judy Latchman jailed Tyson for 58 months after he was found guilty of robbing another taxi driver. Tyson, while armed with a gun robbed Anish Veersammy of one Toyota Premio motorcar valued at $3.8M, two speakers valued $200,000 and $10,000 cash among other items. The robbery occurred on July 3, 2015 at Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara. Tyson is also being accused of committing another armed robbery. It is alleged that on July 1, 2015 at Durban Backlands, Tyson in possession of an unlicenced firearm robbed Eson Grimes of a car valued $3.2M, one cell phone valued $20,000, one driver’s licence valued $2,000 and $34,000 cash, among other items, all totaling $3.2M. This matter is still engaging the attention of the courts. Tyson’s fellow prison inmate, Nico Layne, has been jailed twice within the past five months. The 21- year old of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown was convicted on March 22, last, for robbing Ivelaw Hartman at knife point of a cell phone and $19,000 cash on June 12, 2015. Layne was sent to prison for one year and three months for this offence. The convict had vehemently denied robbing the man and had told the court that he could not recall where he was on the day in question. But the Magistrate underlined that she disbelieved Layne’s story. Last November, Layne was found guilty of robbing Shafeik Mohamed of a Digicel cellular phone valued $39,000 and $26,000 cash. The robbery occurred on May 6, 2015. Court facts revealed that on the day in question around 17:05hrs, Mohamed was driving along Parade Street, when

JAILED: Nico Layne

JAILED: Mike Tyson he was stopped by Layne and another man. The men inquired from the taxi driver if he was working and subsequently boarded the vehicle. Layne sat in the back seat, while his accomplice sat in the front

passenger’s seat. The facts disclosed that the men requested that Mohamed take them to a certain location. On arrival at the location, Layne and his partner pointed a knife and gun at the taxi driver and demanded him to hand over his valuables. They then made good their escape. Before passing sentence on Tyson and Layne, both Magistrates considered all mitigating factors coupled with the seriousness and prevalence of the offences. They also underscored the fact that a gun and knife were used during the robberies and the need to prevent others from contemplating such crimes.

Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

BaiShanLin still does not qualify for joint ventures — says Goolsarran

BYABENA ROCKCLIFFECAMPBELL Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran has presented yet another reason why the controversial logging company, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc, should not be allowed to hold on to its joint ventures with local logging companies. “It is plain illegal,” said Goolsarran, recently. In his report of the forensic audit he conducted into the affairs of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Goolsarran noted that BaiShanLin has over the years been able to gain control of five major companies in the forestry sector. These companies are Sherwood Forrest Inc, Haimorakabra Logging Co., Wood Associated Industries Co. Ltd., Puruni Woods Inc. and Kwebanna Wood Products Inc. The Forests Act prohibits the transfer of ownership/ control of a forest concession without the specific approval of GFC. Nevertheless, the forensic auditor found no evidence that the specific approval of the GFC was granted in relation to the change of ownership/control of these companies. He argued that in the circumstances, the holders of the Timber Sales Agreements (TSAs) should have surrendered their authorizations to the Commission for reallocation to other potential concessionaires. GFC said that it had indeed given BaiShanLin permission to enter into its joint ventures. However, Goolsarran maintains that the logging companies for which shareholders/directors of BaiShanLin acquired controlling interest should still be made to surrender their permits.

BaiShanLin’s Managing Director, Chu Hongbo

GFC Boss, James Singh He again cited that there was no evidence of approval and went further to note, “the argument that BaiShanLin is involved in joint ventures with these logging companies as previously approved by the Commission is not valid because joint ventures can only be entered into with holders of concessions.” BaiShanLin was never the holder of a concession. It was the holder of two State Forest Exploratory Permits (SFEPs). The two State Forest Exploratory Permits, which were illegally granted in the first place, are however no longer in the company’s procession. All State lands that were in BaiShanLin’s name have since been reverted to the state. H o w e v e r, t h e c o m p a n y

continues to operate through its joint ventures. At present, the joint ventures, are the only known logging operations of BaiShanLin. In July 2007, Sherwood Forrest Inc. was granted a permit covering 167,066 hectares. In May 2010, Chu Hongbo of BaiShan Lin acquired 100 percent ownership of the shares in the company and became the Managing Director. The other Directors w e r e C h u We n z e a n d Zhang Li Na. The State Forest Exploratory Permit (SFEP) of the company was converted into a Timber Sales Agreement (TSA) on May 8, 2015 while the Environmental Permit was granted on the same day. This was the last business day before the May 2015 National and Regional Elections. Goolsarran also noted that the Guyana Forest Commission granted Wo o d s Association Industries Co. Ltd a TSA in January 2000 covering an area of 26,085 hectares. In April 2009, Mr. Chu Wenze, bought over the shares in the company. With effect from April 3, 2012, the new Directors were Zhang Li Na, Chu Wenze and Chu Hongbo. In August 2004, Puruni Woods was granted a SFEP covering an area of 110,253 hectares. The Commission converted the SFEP into a TSA in July 2007. In August 2013, Heilongjiang Forest Engineering and Processing Development Inc. bought 90 per cent of the shares in the company, and Mr. Chu Hongbo became Director/ Secretary as well as the Managing Director. Goolsarran also documented in his report that in April 2009, the Forestry Commission granted Kwebanna Wood Products Inc. a TSA covering 87,361

hectares. The original company was A. Mazaharally and Sons but the new company was incorporated in January 2008. In October 2010, there was a change in directorship of the company, with Mr. Chu Hongbo becoming the Managing Director while

the other directors were C h u We n z e , a n d C h u Tongwei. These companies hold TSAs covering a total of 441,119 hectares. These coupled with the SFEPs that BaiShanLin had given the company access to a total of 627,072 hectares of State forest.

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Auditor, Anand Goolsarran

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Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

All foreign investment proposals should be laid before National Assembly …to avoid repeat of BaiShanLin scenario - Goolsarran BYABENA- ROCKCLIFFECAMPBELL

Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran

The best we can do about the past is to learn from it. Former Auditor General and Anti-corruption advocate, Anand Goolsarran, strongly

believes in that philosophy. He recently said that Guyana has lots to learn from its history. As the nation continues to cry out for change, Goolsarran said that it is imperative that systems are put in place to ensure that

unfortunate events that occurred under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) government are not repeated. Goolsarran remains saddened by the fact that the former Government allowed the nation’s resources to be exploited with no returns. He pointed to the fact the Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin, was given unimaginable concessions while doing nothing for Guyana’s economy or her people. Guyana is still learning more about the magnitude of concessions granted to BaiShanLin as these were never made public during the tenure of the PPP/C. Former Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh approved extreme tax waivers. Goolsarran described this as an assault on the people of Guyana. The same power Dr. Singh had remains with the new Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. Goolsarran said that this must be corrected. The anti-corruption

advocate said that there is too much power in the hands of the Minister of Finance who decides on the grant of fiscal concessions. He noted that he had made that point back in 1992 during his tenure as Auditor General. Goolsarran told Kaieteur News that at that time, the extent of fiscal concessions granted was in the order of 80 percent of the country’s revenue. “One solution to the problem is for all foreign investment proposals to be tabled and debated in the National Assembly and sanctioned by this body before the investment agreement is signed,” said Goolsarran. Goolsarran said that the entire nation benefits that way. The opposition will be allowed to have a say, the media will be able to scrutinize the proposals and the nation will be informed. This will be a win, win for all. Some of the concessions given to BaiShanLin that the nation is now learning about, were

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

Former Minister of Finance, Ashni Singh granted since 2012. This sort of ignorance that was forced on the public can be avoided if indeed all proposals are laid before the home of democracy—the National Assembly.

Chinese spare parts trader... Inside the North Ruimveldt substation.

From page 9 phase of the contract some of which were blamed on GPL and others as a result of extended period of time for finalizing major changes in the scope of works, mainly with regards to substations. The delays during construction were due mainly to difficulties in locally procuring poles for the construction for transmission lines but also directly attributable to unsatisfactory performance of the contractor in the construction processes and misconception of the extent of time and other resources required to construct the substations as well as cash flow issues possibly due to delays by the employer to make payments on time. The report of the supervising consultants also noted that materials and equipment supplied by CMC did not confirm to the required standards. “However, there were discrepancies in the

employer’s contract documents in themselves and the CMC bid that was accepted. This has affected the strict imposition of a specific set of international standards…” Among other things, the contract affected the proper testing of materials. The consultants noted, however, that “some” of the materials supplied and tested to Chinese standards, are similar to those tested to IEC standards. The report also expressed concerns over the use of pine poles from the USA in which there was no opportunity to assess whether they were appropriate for the local environment. “Post commissioning failures of the 13.8kV breakers are a concern. In one instance the nature of the failure was equivalent to a recall. While repairs were completed by the manufacturer at their cost, CMC has not provided any information from the manufacturer requested by the consultant.”

Sunday May 29, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Troubled 90,000 laptops project…

Just over 55 percent distribution target met An ambitious project initiated in early 2011 by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration to distribute 90,000 laptops to poor families was fraught with management problems and questionable costs. The project fell short of expectations with just over 50,000 units or 55 percent distributed. According to a special investigation report by chartered accountants, Ram & McRae, into the financial operations and functioning of the One Laptop per Family (OLPF) Project, the initiative was officially launched on January 21, 2011 at the Guyana International Conference Centre by Jagdeo. The project was halted last year by the new coalition Government pending the investigation. In total, the project managed to acquire 55,145 laptops, of which only 50,009 were distributed. Initially, in 2011, the Government of Guyana signed an agreement with Haier Electrical Appliances Corp. Ltd to purchase 27,000 laptops at a cost of US$7,561,296 ($1.54B). Ram and McRae said that it found that the project was

- MP’s children held key positions the last quarter of 2013. Our rough estimate is that some 14,138 laptops were distributed without the requisite training.” While the lower level positions were advertised, political considerations may have influenced the appointment of the more senior staff, including two sons of a former Government Member of Parliament, Joseph Hamilton, the report disclosed. Only 50,000 of the 90,000 laptops earmarked under OLPF programme were distributed, according to an investigative audit report by Ram and McRae. administered and contracted by the Office of the President. “The scope of our engagement was limited by the fact that management was unable to provide a number of significant documents for our review. We also encountered the circumstance where the Project Manager, Ms. Margot Boyce, and the Deputy Project Manager, Mr. Azariah Asim, resigned during the course of our engagement. In both cases, their last day for

work was August 14, 2015.” The report concluded that financial systems and internal controls governing the project were generally weak. Another major issue that was flagged was the training for laptop recipients. It was intended that the OLPF programme would have facilitated 10 hours of training to all laptop recipients. “However, the Project Manager, Ms. Margot Boyce, decided to cease the training aspect of the project during

PARLIAMENTARIAN’S CHILDREN The two sons were Azariah Asim and Abdalla Hamilton. Asim was hired by the ICT Hub of the OLPF Initiative on April 1, 2011. “In our opinion, Mr. Asim did not have the necessary qualification(s) or relevant experience to operate within

Former OLPF head, Margot Boyce his initial designated position and even less, as Deputy Project Manager.” Hamilton was recruited as Warehouse Manager of the project.

Investigations also found that the project was grossly over staffed. “The project had as much as 16 departments and an average of 133 employees during the years 2012 to 2014. The Project Manager was unable to justify the number of departments and employees.” The report also flagged the theft of 103 laptops in 2012. “Following investigations by the police, the services of seven employees were terminated by the Office of the President on February 22, 2013. The missing laptops which cost $5,912,200 were not recovered.” The auditors conducted a 100% physical inventory count and subsequently preformed a reconciliation (continued on page 72)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 29, 2016

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Kaieteur News

A little bit of “umph” can go a long way By Sharmain Grainger

The will to succeed is often the driving force that is required to help us achieve goals that sometimes appear elusive. We can all, I am sure, confess to having a few elusive goals which, once realised and shared, can serve as inspirations to others. But some people merely see their circumstances and, without even trying, are perfectly comfortable with accepting that they will never be able to realise goals they only savour in their dreams. But according to one author “the difference between try and triumph is a little umph.” I dare say that just last week I met a young man with a whole lot of “umph,” who is on course to realising what very few locals have. It certainly wasn’t our first encounter, I’m sure it wouldn’t be our last, but our recent encounter had me captivated. My encounter was with Ceion Junior Rollox. He is a 19-year-old student of the University of Guyana (UG). And I know, this is certainly nothing to shout about. But Rollox is different. He was born with congenital cataract. Although his vision was blurred as a young boy it allowed him to do things in much the same way as seeing children. However, by the time he was a nine-year-old pupil of the Sophia Primary School his vision deteriorated even more. After being attended to by a doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, it was recommended that he travel to Cuba to undergo surgery. Rollox’s after-surgery vision was fairly okay during the day, but he could barely see at nights. But six years later he would lose his vision altogether. He remembers the

day he lost his vision all too well. “It was in 2011, the day after Easter Monday. I go to fly my kite and everything, but I couldn’t see to get back home.” Fortunate for him, he was in the company of a few of his cousins who helped to take him home. But according to Rollox, this development was something he had long prepared his mind for. According to him, while in Cuba, doctors there had informed him that the actual success of the surgery would be known about six years after its completion. It turned out his surgery was not successful. He was declared legally blind. Shadows may catch is attention every now and then, and the glare of the sunlight and other bright lights are painful to his eyes; he guards his eyes with a very dark shades. His vision loss, however, has not been a deterrent to him. Just last year, Rollox was named among the top performing students of the Guyana Society for the Blind who participated in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. He wrote five subjects and gained grade one passes in Principles of Business and Social Studies; grade two passes in Office Administration and English and grade three in Human and Social Biology. Last year, too, he was accepted at the national University to pursue studies in Communication. And one year later he claimed that although it is difficult at times, he is determined to see his studies to the very end. “University life is not easy, but once you make up your mind to work you can succeed, and I am coping. So far I only got one D out of five courses, all of the others have been As and Bs,” a

The Baccoo Speaks There is nothing better than a country showcasing its best side, and that was done. The criminals were kept at bay, largely because some of them had relatives visiting from overseas. But some of them are fidgety, and that will allow the police to confront two of them just as they target a woman in the city. ** Madness still prevails on the road. Before the weekend is over there will be another road accident that will prove fatal. A motorist will be to blame. It is not an accident that the road fatality figures are higher at this time than they were last year.

** There will be two prosecutions coming in the wake of revelations contained in a forensic audit. The perpetrator would have been working with one of the departments that were created as semi-autonomous bodies.

UG student Ceion Rollox is legally blind, but very ambitious.

smiling Rollox disclosed. He is convinced that his performance is on par with his sighted counterparts. “Everything they do I can do the same...If it’s a group assignment, for instance, I do my part and submit it, I don’t depend on group members to assist me,” Rollox asserted. When asked if his counterparts are supportive, he only chuckled, and instead informed “I don’t allow anything to get to me or

depress me. I have my goals set and I intend to achieve them.” You see Rollox has his eyes set on becoming a journalist. And the ambitious young man confided that he doesn’t simply want to be an

announcer, he wants to do it all. According to him, he will not limit himself to merely radio or television announcing, but he also hopes to someday be able to write for a newspaper. Of course I was enthused, for he spoke with such conviction. I told him I wanted to share his story – about his experience at University and his ambitious plans for the future. He, however, was not enthused by the idea of being the subject of a newspaper article. After all, he noted, “I have been in the news so many times...people wouldn’t really want to read about me again.” But I begged to differ, and was soon rattling on about how much of an inspiration he could be to other persons who may be similarly challenged, or have other issues that might cause them to think that they cannot achieve certain goals or dreams. It didn’t take too long before he concurred. Rollox is a member of an extended family that resides at a modest domicile at Sophia, Georgetown. According to him, his family has always been very supportive of him. Perhaps his endurance was fuelled by the support he got from his family,

which was complemented by the encouragement he got from his teachers at the Society for the Blind. Aside from the days when he attended the Sophia Special School and the Open Door Centre for the Differently Able, at which time he was deemed a hopeless student, Rollox recalled that throughout his life there were people who urged him to never give up on his dreams. According to the young man, when he first lost his sight he was overwhelmed with thoughts that the world had ended for him, but it was the support he was privileged to receive that nurtured his ambition. “My advice to people who have lost their vision and who might also be feeling that the world has ended for them, there is help designed just for people like us, and we can succeed if we only try. You can better your life even as a blind person,” Rollox confidently asserted. And this very ambitious young man has already made it clear that he is prepared to be featured on Graduation Day to prove that he not only tried, but triumphed, and intends to continue in that vein.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 29, 2016

THREE MURDERED WOMEN, THREE MISSING MEN By Michael Jordan I still can’t get over the fact that they’ve found Babita Sarjou’s remains…solved a case that languished for close to six years. The satisfaction so many of us feel is partly over the belief that, with some effort from the police and the public, there can be similar closure in the many other cases like this. So, let’s look back this week at three murders, in which the alleged killers are known, but their whereabouts are not. Can you help to track them down?

Najidam had converted into a shop and peeped inside. They saw Ms. Najidam lying motionless on the storeroom floor. Someone had gagged her and used strips of her clothing and a hammock rope to bind her hands and feet. And that someone had also strangled her. Detectives who arrived at the scene found the upstairs flat ransacked. One neighbour recalled seeing Najidam earlier in the day, at around noon. Another neighbour claimed to have seen three boys running from the yard some time before 15:00hrs that day. However, the neighbour assumed that the boys had been raiding ‘Auntie’s’ trees once again. Detectives who visited the scene dusted the premises for prints and checked for other clues, but made no arrests. On the surface,

THE OLD FRUIT-SELLER The man who came to kill 74-year-old Khirul Najidam seemed to know her routine well. He sneaked into her Lot 1215 Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt home after midday, when the schoolchildren who came to her little shop were back in class, and when the area was practically deserted. Najidam, known as ‘Babloo Saddick’ and ‘Auntie’ to residents, was a widow, had no children and lived alone. She made a living by selling sweets and a variety of fruits from the trees in her yard, and according to one neighbour, she got along well with everyone. The only problem she occasionally had was with youths who would steal a fruit or two from her trees. Wanted: Have you seen this When she wasn’t selling man? A photo of Charles in the little bottom-house Chapman, called ‘Frenchie,’ storeroom, neighbours Savitri taken about eight years ago would see her resting in a hammock. At around 16:00 hrs on March 4, 2011, a Najidam seemed to be the victim of a vicious group of girls who attended the South burglar. But some neighbours had their Ruimveldt Secondary School entered suspicions. According to one report, prior to his death, Najidam’s yard to make a purchase. However, they saw no sign of the elderly sweet-seller. Khirul Najidam’s husband, known as ‘Uncle After calling and getting no response, two of Saddick’, had left a property to her in his will. the girls then went to the storeroom that It was alleged that some individuals had

along Rum Shop Street, with the intention of catching a minibus that would take her to her workplace in Georgetown. The 34-year-old mother of two didn’t notice the green-and-white bus that was parked on the East Bank Demerara Public Road. Just as Savitri neared the end of Rum Shop Street, a slim, fair-complexioned, middle-aged man emerged from behind the bus. A knife gleamed in one of his hands. Before the terrified woman could flee, the man grabbed her and plunged his knife repeatedly into her body. One of the wounds pierced her heart. Mortally wounded, Savitri Arjune collapsed on the dusty roadway. Her killer then calmly boarded the parked minibus and drove to Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara, where he abandoned the vehicle. The killer had made no attempts to conceal his identity. He was 54-year-old Charles Chapman, called ‘Frenchie’. He was a former soldier and former seaman who now drove a minibus. He was also the murdered woman’s reputed husband. Their eight-yearrelationship had been a turbulent one. Arjune’s relatives claimed that ‘Frenchie’ was obsessive, and physically abusive, and repeatedly threatened to kill her. In fact, he had nearly carried out his threat just a week before when he slashed her with a knife. All reports indicated that Chapman Wanted: Roger Brandt Arjune regularly accused his spouse of being unfaithful and of Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown. squandering his money. Chapman had also Anyone with information that may lead to allegedly threatened to kill Savitri’s close Roger Brandt’s arrest is asked to contact the family members and torch their home. Chapman was charged at least once for police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 2267065, 225-8196, 227-1149, 911 or the nearest assaulting Arjune, while Arjune was charged police station. All information will be treated for damage to property after she smashed the windscreen of a minibus that Chapman had with strict confidence. owned. But the warring couple would always settle the matters out of court. ‘FRENCHIE’ THE JEALOUS SEAMAN However, matters reportedly came to a Savitri Arjune didn’t know death was literally waiting around the corner when she head when Savitri announced that she was stepped out of her home at 382 Herstelling, severing the relationship. Sarjou’s relatives gave me a number for East Bank Demerara at around six-fifteen that (continued on page 65) morning of January 27, 2008. She headed east resorted to forgery to get their hands on that property. This had led some neighbours to speculate that the dispute and ‘Auntie’s’ murder were connected. Najidam’s house remained unoccupied for several years, but has since been sold. Three years passed without police having a clue about the identity of Najidam’s killer. Then, two years ago, fingerprint experts discovered that a print that they had lifted from Khirul Najidam’s home, in March 2011, was a match to fingerprints they had taken from an individual with an alleged criminal background. Police say they are trying to locate Roger Brandt, who is wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Najidam Saddick. Brandt is of African ancestry, brown in complexion, and his last known address is 169

Sunday May 29, 2016

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Kaieteur News

== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Contempt for the masses I have studied the personality and the politics of Bharrat Jagdeo, and I say most candidly that never would I have believed that Mr. Jagdeo would have waded into the crowds at Stabroek Market Square to offer vendors support against their eviction by City Hall. If any act by a major political player over the past 50 years since Independence was obnoxiously contemptuous of the ordinary folk, it was what Jagdeo did at the Stabroek Market area. Mr. Jagdeo has been the most contemptuous governmental leader of the labouring masses in the history of this country. The most bourgeois political organization in contemporary Guyana was the United Force under businessman magnate, Peter D’Aguiar. This was a small but strategically placed entity that catered for the interests of the commercial stratum and the bourgeoisie. But

D’Aguiar was the employer of hundreds of workers, and it is doubtful he was as dismissive as them when he became Finance Minister in 1964. Jagdeo was antiGeorgetown. Jagdeo hated the bulk of Georgetown dwellers (probably South Georgetown more than other sections) whom he believed were permanent embracers of the PNC. Georgetown’s infrastructure was under threat of collapse by the time Jagdeo demitted office in 2011. Of course the feeling was mutual. Most Georgetowners (more so in South Georgetown) in turn hated Jagdeo. What could Jagdeo have told those vendors? His perambulations turned into disappointment, because they viciously heckled. One vendor shouted that they know they are suffering, but they will do so without Jagdeo’s help. But what help did Jagdeo bring to them for

the twelve years he was in power? Jagdeo probably thinks the vendors are so stupid that they do not know what kind of president he was. When he left office in 2011, he left Carol Sooba to deal with them, and she dealt with them. She did what Royston King is now doing – chasing them all over the streets. When Jagdeo left office, he left them under flood waters. When he demitted office, Georgetown, including the Stabroek Square, was fetid and diseased. There is no other politician in the entire world like Bharrat Jagdeo. You have to give him credit for his courage. Of all people, look who went to talk to vendors. It sounds surreal, and indeed it is. No one has done a financial analysis in actual money terms of how much in concessions the Jagdeo regime gave to chosen

foreign investors and his business friends, but let’s do some guessing. What was needed to clean up the Stabroek Square would have been a drop in the ocean compared to what certain investors got in concessions. People are saying that the dozens of forensic audits may never result in charges. Even if this is so, and it looks like it will be so (politicians are last on the list of people humans do not trust), the forensic audits have destroyed the credibility of Bharrat Jagdeo, because Jagdeo will not be able to survive those revelations. Those findings paint a picture of a man bent on handing Guyana’s resources to his friends and his favoured investors. They portray a leader with no concern about the social elevation of the masses. And the masses know this. They may not be educated people. They may not know how to intellectualize about

the complex issues of Guyanese politics, but the masses know their politicians. They know which ruler fooled them and which ruler is a deceptive person. Against this background, it was mind-boggling to know that Jagdeo went to the Stabroek Square. He did not succeed in his attempted proselytization, but he will not be deterred, and it has to do with the beast inside the heart of politicians. With fifteen years as the man at the helm, Jagdeo neglected the African people, rural Indians, poor Indians, the sugar workers, the labouring classes, the youths, the educational system, the health sector, the University of Guyana. But politicians believe humans are gullible and stupid; you can easily fool them. Armed with this misplaced concept, Jagdeo went to fool the Stabroek vendors. Such barefacedness is morbid.

Frederick Kissoon Don’t let’s pick on Jagdeo alone. As we write, senior members of the Coalition must be addressing thousands and thousands of youths and telling them about the bright future for them under the Coalition. These APNU-AFC politicians will not be deterred, even though they know the bright future for countless youths will be the Camp Street jail for smoking a joint. The same politician that evicted the vendors in 2016 will go to them, in boldfaced fashion like Jagdeo did last week, and ask for their vote. It is called contempt for the masses.

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Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

“All hands needed to take Guyana forward” Prime Minister Moses Veerasammy Nagamootoo told Berbicians last Wednesday morning that every Guyanese, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation, should come together as a united people in order to move Guyana forward. He was at the time addressing hundreds of Berbicians gathered on the lawns of the State House of New Amsterdam for the Region Six flag raising ceremony. Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that the celebrations, from the time that the plans began to take shape, have always been about showcasing the best of Guyana, who we are, where we’ve come from, the struggles we struggled and battles we waged to keep our freedoms, and the directions in which we are headed. Guyana has had a rather colourful history under the colonial-era rule of the Dutch, French, Spanish and British. This perhaps cemented our lasting relationships, trade

and otherwise, with Europe. Even before the Golden Arrowhead was unfurled for the first time in 1966, this country found synchrony with the West Indies that later (1972) become known as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Perhaps it was our shared histories and the ties developed between the 3 Guianas and the closeby islands. Perhaps it was the similarity of ambition among the leaders - Dr. Eric Williams (T&T), Errol Barrow (B’dos) and Forbes Burnham (Guyana) - that kept Guyana closely tied to the Caribbean. But the direction of the winds changed around the turn of the century and we began to develop close economic relations with the countries that share the South American continental space. There really is much more for Guyanese to gain from interactions with our closest neighbours. One such is lingual dexterity. According to the PM, “the Guyana ship will

continue to sail on into a new 50-year cycle … and the generations to come will be speaking English, speaking Spanish, speaking French, speaking Portuguese and speaking Dutch because we have a continental destiny”. The Prime Minister insisted that it was Guyanese of every hue who contributed to the struggles for Guyana’s Independence. This was the strength of his urging for everyone to come on board and help in the development of our country. “I believe that all of our political leaders from our political parties must be commended for the roles they all played to bring us this far. If we are to move forward, we need every hand on deck of the Guyana ship. We need all hands on the paddles. It won’t do us any good to look at which paddle is red or green or yellow. We are a team - the Guyana team. We have to bat for Guyana, bowl for Guyana, run for Guyana and above all, we must win for Guyana.”

The PM was accompanied on stage by Regional Chairman, David Armogan who echoed the Prime Minister ’s call for all Guyanese to learn to live together as one, and to work towards national development as we move into the next half century. Berbicians and visitors were treated to a rich cultural programme that included dances, songs, dramatic poems and African and Tassa drumming. Also gracing the stage was the Mariachi Men, a Mexican performing troupe visiting Guyana under the auspices of the Mexican Embassy to participate in the Jubilee celebrations. After the formal programme, the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted from the lawns of State House, New Amsterdam. (GINA May 2016) ************ SOME NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 50 v The 65-mile-long Linden/Soesdyke Highway, the first of its kind in the Caribbean. This engineering masterpiece will soon undergo massive rehabilitation v The first floating bridge in the Caribbean, the

Demerara Harbour Bridge, measuring 6,074’. It was designed by Guyanese Captain John Coghlan to last only 10 years, but 38 years later it is still serving its purpose. v In the field of Education, Guyana has ALWAYS been known as the country with the most literate people. In the last 5 years or so, our students have been carving out a special niche at CXC and C-SEC. They have been winning regional awards left and right, and we are proud. v The outstanding Guyanese in the field of medicine have not forgotten their roots. Every year without exception they trek back to their home communities in Berbice, West Demerara, Essequibo and Linden, bringing medicines, skills, equipment for health centres and training for nurses, doctors and auxiliary staff. v Our children have benefitted from free education from nursery to University up to the 1990’s. Before, during and after this period, Guyana produced some outstanding people in various fields of

endeavour: * Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Sir Shridath Ramphal * Mme Desiree Bernard, First female Chief Justice in Guyana & one of the first Judges on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) * Justice Mohamed Shahabuddeen (b 1931) who occupied many judicial and governmental positions in Guyana, including Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs who served as a Judge at the International Court of Justice from 1988 to 1997 * Professor Nigel Harris, previous Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, current Chancellor of the University of Guyana. In the sporting arena, Guyana’s celebrities are boundless. The most successful era of West Indies Cricket was under the captaincy of Guyanese Clive Lloyd. The names of people such as Alvin Kallicharran, Romain Etwaroo, Carl Hooper, Lance Gibbs, Roger Harper and Farouk Bacchus will not be forgotten. Guyana has marked quite a few names in other international sporting disciplines. The field of entertainment is also rife with people whose names still evoke a broad smile. And this is just a snapshot of Guyana from whence we came, pointing to where we’re going.

Sunday May 29, 2016

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Kaieteur News

My column

The 50th independence anniversary was a show to remember I was in the United States in 1994 when the ice hockey team, the New York Rangers, won the Stanley Cup. It was the first time in 54 years. One spectator threw his head back and proclaimed, “Now I can die happy.” The year was the same when O.J. Simpson led the police on a slow speed chase, because they wanted to arrest him for the murders of Ronald Goldman and Simpson’s wife, Nicole Brown-Simpson. I felt the same way as that fan when the land of my birth celebrated its 50th independence anniversary. I saw the greatest influx of overseas-based Guyanese. They kept coming with every flight that landed at the Cheddi Jagan and Ogle International Airports. I happened to be coming home from Trinidad when some of them were arriving. The welcome was out of this world, something that none of them could have got anywhere else in the world. That set the tone. As I moved around the

city I saw how they reacted. For one, they saw an immaculately clean city; they saw a new skyline because some of them had absented themselves for more than thirty years. I learnt that James Wren Gilkes, undoubtedly the best sprinter we ever produced, came in with two of his children who had never come. Gilkes stayed away since the 1970s. There were others who wanted to see some of the places they could barely remember. I saw them taking photographs outside St George’s Cathedral, on Regent Street, outside Stabroek Market, and just about every location that those of us who stayed home took for granted. Two of my sisters came. One of them told me that she just got up one morning and decided to buy her ticket. She told the other who decided that she would not be left out. Like everyone who came, they insisted on attending the flagraising ceremony. That would

turn out to be the highpoint of their visit. I have seen many flagraising ceremonies, so I take them for granted. The visitors took this one for much more. My sisters told me when it was all over that the event was worth every cent they spent to get here. One of them, Carol, told me that she never felt so much pride and national fervour as when the flag unfurled. I did hear the screams from the crowd as I followed the event on television, but it took some of the cell phone recordings to make me realize how noisy it really was. People actually cried. This is the Guyana they all want to see, except for some things that showed how divided the country really is. I need not highlight those things now, because they would open wounds and start a conversation that I could do without. Of course, there was the political component in the form of a walk out by the opposition. It sounded bad

until I saw the Minister’s explanation. When the new government took office there was a radical change in the approach to time. Press conferences began on time as did other events. On the night of the flag-raising ceremony, President David Granger was scheduled to arrive at D’Urban Park at 22:00 hours; he did. The opposition members of Parliament were asked to arrive at a certain time; they arrived later. I would suppose that old habits die hard. They were asked to use one gate, they used another. Perhaps their seats should have been waiting for them, regardless of how many people were there. When the matter came up in the office the other day, I asked the staff if anyone would have dared to arrive in their own time if an invitation from the White House had stipulated a certain time. To a man and woman they answered in the negative. But this is Guyana, and

people believe that they can do as they please, regardless of the event. In the past at public events, the Head of State came in his own time, regardless of who was waiting. That is an insult to the people, but it had become the norm. I expect this issue will be addressed at the People’s Progressive Party tomorrow and I am going to hear a spin. I insist that it was disrespectful for anyone to arrive late for seating in the VIP stands. However, the jubilee celebrations were about the people who came from far and wide to be a part of the occasion. There was entertainment galore. People forsook sleep just to take in as much as they could. And there were many shows. Parlours made money, as did the numerous taxi services. Money came into the economy and silenced those who thought that the country had put out too much for the celebrations. Looking back, the state spent a pittance. Hotels were full to capacity, even the high-priced ones. The vendors at Bourda

Adam Harris Market are still smiling, because they had on offer some of the things that people overseas could only crave. One water coconut vendor said that he wished every day could be an independence anniversary. All in all, this is what Guyana should be, but we are not a rich country, although everything suggests that we should be. We can behave and be as hospitable as we are known to be. The crime that so many people read about was almost non-existent. I am happy, because I see what we can do in the best of times. I wish every day could be like this. And for the record, we did put on a party that would be difficult to surpass.

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(Selected quotations from President David Granger on Guyana’s Independence) Most Guyanese living today were not yet born when this country became independent on 26th May 1966. They may not have had personal experience of living in a colony such as British Guiana. European colonialism may be seen as the quest for sources of raw materials, the acquisition of markets for manufactured and other goods, and the opening of opportunities for capital investment. The colonial system included the political domination, economic exploitation and cultural subordination of the subject peoples. Guyanese sought to reverse these conditions. Independence meant that the people who lived in a colony, thereafter, would exercise sovereignty over their territory, select their own representatives

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 29, 2016

Political Independence did not come easily or cheaply

a ‘good life’ is not a wish or a dream. It requires greater equality of opportunity in order to attain economic growth. A ‘good life’ is about removing inequalities and providing opportunities for every citizen to be the best he or she can be. Our Golden Jubilee is a propitious moment for all Guyanese to put an end to hateful and unhelpful political discord, disaffection and disunity. Our Golden Jubilee is a golden opportunity for us to cement national unity at the political level and at the economic level. This Year – 2016 – must bring us closer to the goal of realising our mandate to remake Guyana as the most beautiful, most bountiful and greenest country in the Caribbean. Our mission is to enable everyone to enjoy a ‘good life’ which they deserve as citizens of an independent state. Our aim is to ensure that the ‘Independence Covenant’, conceived fifty years ago, is consummated.

to govern them and determine their own policy for economic, educational and social development. In short, independence meant that Guyana would no longer be controlled by Britain. Independence was about transformation - the changing of subjects into citizens; the preservation of the integrity of institutions such as the National Assembly, Judiciary and the Public Service; the organisation of commerce, currency, industries and taxation; the ownership and use of natural resources and arrangements for the common defence and the safety of our people. Political Independence was neither the work of one person nor one party, nor was it a sudden event. It was a process that took place over a long period of several decades.

It was the climax of a popular movement. Legislators, workers, ex-servicemen and ordinary people agitated to achieve political Independence. We are heirs of their efforts, successors to their struggles and, now, possessors of their patrimony. Changing the name of a country was a simple matter. Revolutionising the economy, indeed, was a difficult and never-ending process. This Year – 2016 – is an opportunity to hasten our economic development. Political Independence did not come easily or cheaply. It came only after decades of distress, distrust and, tragically, deaths. Let us not now dwell on the pain of the past, but look with faith to the future. Let the sacrifice of those who struggled and died inspire us today and

guide generations to come tomorrow and beyond. We became independent and made a covenant among ourselves that we would, in a free state, aspire to enjoy a better life than we had to endure in a colony. We toiled to repair a country that had been damaged by disunity and division. We strove to create a community of comity and unity. We sought to satisfy the needs of our people by expanding public education, health, communications and transportation services. The ‘Independence Covenant,’ therefore, remains unconsummated. Our task today is to complete our mission by securing, within the next decade, a ‘good life’ for all Guyanese. The necessity of economic transformation cannot be denied or delayed.

H.E. President David Granger We must act resolutely to implement the reforms that are essential to building a resilient economy — one that is adaptive to the changes and responsive to the challenges of the global economy. Our vision is for every Guyanese to be able to enjoy a ‘good life.’ Achieving

Sunday May 29, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Sexually Transmitted Infections with risky consequences By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are caused by bacteria and are two of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The large majority of people who get chlamydia and gonorrhea are under age 26. It’s difficult to know exactly how common these Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are, because lots of people who have them never have symptoms and never get tested—which means they may be more common than we think. These infections, if untreated, can have serious long term effects. We will discuss them in detail, with the hope that this knowledge is passed on to help decrease their spread. WHATARE CHLAMYDIA AND GONORRHEA? Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are two different infections that you can catch during sex. They cause similar symptoms. These infections can

affect the: * Sex organs * Urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) * Throat * Rectum or anus (especially in men who have sex with men) Infections that you can catch during sex are called “sexually transmitted infections.” WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHLAMYDIAAND GONORRHEA? Often these infections cause no symptoms. But when they do, the symptoms are different for men than for women. * In women, the symptoms of both infections include: •Vaginal discharge •Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting •Belly pain •Pain during sex •Burning or pain during urination In addition to the symptoms listed above, in women gonorrhea can also cause itching of the vagina or

anus. * In men, the symptoms of both infections include: •Burning or pain during urination •Discharge from the penis •Pain, swelling, or tenderness of the testicles ARE THERE TESTS FOR CHLAMYDIAAND GONORRHEA? Yes. Your doctor can test you for these infections using a: * Urine sample * Sample from inside the vagina, if you are a woman Your doctor might also take a sample from your throat or rectum, if those areas might be infected. SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR? Yes, you should see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above. You should also see a doctor if any of your sexual partners have been diagnosed with either infection. Even if you have no symptoms, you could be infected. Your doctor might want to test you for sexually

transmitted infections now and in the future. HOWARE CHLAMYDIA AND GONORRHEA TREATED? The main treatment for both infections is antibiotics. The antibiotics for gonorrhea come in a single shot and a pill. The antibiotic for chlamydia comes in a pill. Treatment might involve taking a single pill, or it might involve taking medicine for a whole week. No matter what, make sure you take all the pills your doctor prescribes. Otherwise the infection might come back. If you learn that you have chlamydia or gonorrhea, you should tell all the people you have had sex with recently. They might also be infected (even if they have no symptoms) and need treatment. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T GET TREATED?

Leaving chlamydia or gonorrhea untreated can cause long term problems for both men and women. In women it can lead to a problem called “pelvic inflammatory disease,” or “PID.” PID can cause pain and make it hard to get pregnant. In men and women, leaving gonorrhea untreated can lead to joint infections and arthritis and even chronic kidney disease. It can also increase the risk of becoming infected with HIV. CAN CHLAMYDIAAND GONORRHEA BE PREVENTED? You can reduce your chances of getting chlamydia or gonorrhea by: * Using a latex condom every time you have sex * Avoiding sex when you or your partner has any symptoms that could be caused by an infection (such as itching, discharge, or pain

Dr. Zulfikar Bux with urination) * Not having sex * Avoid multiple sexual partners Contracting chlamydia/ gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, especially if it’s not treated promptly. This is a case where prevention is better than cure. But if you do contract or suspect you have contracted chlamydia/ gonorrhea, do not hesitate to get appropriate treatment.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 29, 2016

SUNDAY SPECIAL BAISHANLIN ENJOYS DUTY FREE GALORE Official documents, including agreements signed by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, have come to light. It is revealing how the previous administrations doled out duty free concessions to certain foreign companies. One company, BaiShanLin specifically, was scandalously given almost unlimited permission to import vehicles and equipment, including in one case an extraordinary request for one billion tons of cement and two billion pails of paint. From indications, very little monitoring took place to assess progress and to conduct compliance to ensure commitments were adhered to with the projects. GRA NEVER SOUGHT OVER $1B IN OWED TAXES FROM NFMU Another case of gross violation of Guyana’s financial laws has been identified by forensic auditors as they combed through the accounts of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU). Auditors found that the entity has never paid taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). What is worse is that it appears that GRA never bothered to press the Unit to pay up. The forensic auditing team from Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, said that even as a body established under the Public Corporations Act, the NFMU does not enjoy any tax exemption. They noted in their report that over its existence however, the NFMU has never paid any on its net profits. For accounting purposes, the auditors said that the expenses for other agencies are treated as expenses of the NFMU which is incorrect. They said that these amounts should have been shown as advances to the Government. The auditors said that after adding back these expenses which in any case are not allowed for tax purposes, a preliminary calculation suggests that the NFMU has a liability to taxes of more than $1B, not including penalties and interest. FORENSIC AUDIT FINDS…FORMER ADMINISTRATION USED GMC FERTILIZER ACCOUNTAS SLUSH FUND A forensic audit conducted into the operations at the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) from January 2012 to May 2015 has revealed troubling findings, including the fact that millions of dollars in unauthorized payments were made from the Guyana Marketing Corporation’s (GMC) fertilizer account to other agencies. According to the auditor, Saykar A. Boodhoo, the entire fertilizer programme appeared to have been formulated to dodge financial accountability laws and to provide funding to multiple agencies, in a manner similar to how a slush fund operates. The auditor also reported that then GMC General Manager, Nizam Hassan, refused to provide the auditor with certain information, thus preventing him from properly auditing the fertilizer programme’s transactions. Hassan was hired as General Manager at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) last year. Based on a review of documents supplied by Owen Nestor, GMC’s accountant, however, it was found that millions of dollars were transferred in transactions which the auditor stated “were concluded without proper support or

authority.” MONDAY EDITION SIX YEARS AFTER DISAPPEARANCE OF BABITA SARJOU…HUSBAND LEADS COPS TO SHALLOW GRAVE IN BACKYARD For close to six years, Sharadananda Narine ate and slept in his Lot 51 Seaforth Street residence, seemingly undisturbed by the fact that his reputed wife, Babita Sarjou, lay buried in a shallow grave in his backyard. But that gruesome secret came to light just before 14.00 hrs last Sunday, when detectives unearthed Sarjou’s skeletal remains on the same property. Digging for some five hours in a waterlogged area, detectives, aided by several recruits, first located the murdered woman’s ribcage, in a three-foot-deep grave that 38-yearold Sharadananda Narine, called ‘Anand’, and his alleged accomplice, Darel Pronton, called ‘Yankee,’ had led them to after hours of interrogation. They then dug up a skull, several bones, a pair of high-heeled shoes, a brassiere, and bits of clothing from the same spot. Hours later, detectives brought a shackled Narine, with head bowed, and his alleged hit-man, Dorel Pronton, out of the yard, to separate police vehicles. The discovery, played out before several shocked neighbours, brought an end to years of agony for Babita Sarjou’s family, who had been wondering about her fate since she vanished without trace on November 4, 2010. At the scene Sunday, a clearly elated Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum commended his investigators for cracking the case. “After hours and days of painstaking investigation, they were able to solicit crucial information which would have led to this breakthrough. This is no longer a missing person (case), but it is homicide that we are investigating. AUDIT SHOWS…GMC FUNDING PERSONAL EXPENSES FOR OFFICIALS It appears that agencies were not the only recipients of funds from Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC).The forensic audit into the corporation has revealed that the corporation has been funding expenses, such as trips,

associated with former Junior Minister of Agriculture, Alli Baksh. The auditor, Saykar Boodhoo, stated that while checking vouchers, it was noted that requests for funding came from the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), George Jervis or Baksh’s Assistant. These were then sent to GMC’s General Manager, who at the time was Nizam Hassan, who approved the payment. Hassan now serves as the General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board. In one instance a cheque was made out to PS of the Agriculture Ministry for $600,000 on February 20, 2015 to pay for the Ministry’s Mash 2015 Costume and Float Parade Band. Then, the auditor noted, $512,000 was paid to Frandec Travel Service to charter an aircraft for unknown persons headed to Lethem on March 18, 2015. The payment was based on a quotation from Frandec. According to the auditor, no invoice was received or attached to the payment voucher. The auditor also documented the purchase of a cell phone costing $135,000, for former Junior Minister Baksh and a further purchase of two tyres costing $110,000 for his vehicle. PARLOUR DELIVERS WRONG CORPSE TO FAMILY A grieving family was on Sunday shocked to be presented with the wrong body in a coffin, instead of that of their loved one. Bereaved family members of a woman, who passed away sometime back, turned up at a West Coast Demerara (WCD) funeral parlour to remove her body and transport it to its final resting place only to discover that the corpse that was presented to them is not their relative. It was then revealed to them that there was a little mix-up and that the body which was handed over to them is a destitute named “Rosie,” who lived at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara (WCD). Kaieteur News understands that the body of their relative was on Saturday unwittingly given to “Rosie’s” neighbours who had pooled money to give her a proper send off. That body was buried on Saturday and no one raised any alarm. But Sunday, relatives of the other woman went to the funeral parlour and were horrified that the body that was being presented to

them was that of a total stranger who looked nothing like their deceased loved one. They soon learnt that their loved one’s remains were already interred in the Blankenburg cemetery. Angered by the mix up, the family went to the cemetery at around 07:00 hrs Sunday and after identifying the tomb, they broke it and removed their loved one’s remains. TUESDAY EDITION GMC AUDIT FINDS…REVIEW BYAG’S OFFICE WAS COMPROMISED BY FORMER FINANCE MINISTER’S WIFE The forensic audit conducted into the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) has unearthed a nest of improperly recorded basic expenses, which were sent to the Auditor General’s (AG) office. In turn, the AG office did not pick up these discrepancies. However, in circumstances similar to the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) forensic audit, the auditor red flagged the presence of the wife of then Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh-— Gitanjali Singh-— in the AG’s office as an Audit Manager and Director. The auditor, Saykar Boodhoo, stated that this can be construed as compromising the AG office’s work since GMC, a satellite agency, ultimately receives most of its funding as a budget subvention at the discretion of the Minister of Finance, who is in charge of all government expenditure. ”The Audited Financial Statements were not conducted by an independent AG office,” the auditor observed. “During the audits of the 2012, 2013 and 2014 financial statements of GMC, Mrs. G. Singh, the wife of the then Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, was one of the most senior audit management personnel within the Audit Office of Guyana.” ”In her capacity as a Senior Audit Manager/Director, Mrs. Singh would be responsible for the supervision and development of audit managers and audit staff subordinated to her (essentially everybody in the office other than the Auditor General).” The auditor stated that by virtue of her relationship to the Finance Minister, Mrs. Singh had compromised the independence of the Audit Office of Guyana. He added that since Dr. Ashni Singh’s promotion to (Continued on page 33)

Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

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(From page 32) Minister of Finance, the Auditor General should have been aware of the conflict of interest. PROSECUTIONS FROM AUDIT REPORTS…WITNESSES SCARED TO TESTIFY—RAMJATTAN The move to bring those responsible for financial transgressions discovered by audits is being slowed by fearful witnesses. This was revealed Monday by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who was asked about the apparent lack of prosecutions and sloth in prosecuting errant public officials. Addressing stakeholders at the Golden Jubilee, National Symposia Series, at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre (ACICC), Minister Ramjattan made it clear that Government is keen on bringing those responsible for impropriety to justice wherever they may be. ”Minister (Jennifer) Westford has been charged and that’s pending. The trial is going on as I understand. There is somebody with her who has been charged. The fellow from GPL, Aeshwar Deonarine, has been charged and Mr. Carvil Duncan has been charged…Prosecution is going on there. We have asked the Canadian Royal Mounted Police to find Mr. Aeshwar Deonarine (former Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of Administration), they are going to find him soon and that he is going to be sent back here. “ Minister Ramjattan stated that there are “Lots of other forensic audits that indicate they should go further on… into police investigations,” but the lack of a witness protection programme is stymieing the prosecution’s efforts. ”A lot of the witnesses that gave their evidence to the auditors are scared like hell to give their evidence to the police now, knowing that those fellows that they might bring to court know that they can suffer at their hands.” The Minister lamented that a witness protection plan was not available locally. “So they are scared.” The Minister pointed out that he was not going to push persons to testify and “When they go the Magistrate’s Court, they say, I can’t remember,” so you compel them to take the stand and there is nothing you can do”. CONTRACT SIGNED TO CORRECT IFMAS DEFICIENCIES The government has signed contracts with Free Balance, the owners of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMAS), to upgrade the Ministry of Finance’s systems, according to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. The Minister said this is part of a general effort to reorganise the treasury and the management of the public purse. “I think by December we should have the key module that has to do with the preparation of the budget, up and running….” Minister Jordan told the Government Information Agency (GINA) during an interview. A fully functional IFMAS will aid in managing the state’s financial resources through a better recording system, better accountability, faster preparation of final and accounting statements, and ultimately the reduction of the possibilities for fraud and corrupt transactions. The Minister also pointed out that it is government’s intention to have all the modules installed this time around.

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud WEDNESDAY EDITION GUYANA BENEFITS NOTHING FROM BAISHANLIN AGREEMENTS – FORMER AUDITOR GENERAL “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 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 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. ROHEE DUCKED APPLICATIONS FOR OVERSEAS TRAINING OF RANKS – SEELALL PERSAUD Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud is “extremely happy” that former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has “finally stepped out from his realm of denial” and is praising

Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

the work of the Guyana Police Force. Persaud was referring to Rohee’s pronouncements at a recent press conference hosted by the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Rohee, a former Home Affairs Minister and General Secretary of the PPP, praised the work of Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum for solving high profile crimes, but implied that the recent successes have put paid to the track record of a former Crime Chief, in what has been seen as a direct reference to the current Commissioner, Persaud. But in an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News on Tuesday, the Commissioner spared no words in suggesting that Rohee’s comments are at best, amusing. “I am extremely happy that the former Minister is coming out and praising the Police Force. He stepped out from that realm of denial that he was in,” the Top Cop stated. He said that it is no secret that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has been performing exceptionally well since the appointment of Blanhum as Crime Chief. This he attributed to the increased high level training of ranks. Persaud blamed Rohee for stymieing the training process when he was Home Affairs Minister, even suggesting that Rohee might have been vindictive. “You know how many fully-funded courses we lost because he (Rohee) didn’t like who was recommended for the course? He did not process them. We needed cabinet approval to leave the country to attend these courses, and they were all stuck at his Ministry,” Persaud told Kaieteur News. He said that in many cases he had to be following up requests for approval for overseas training with Rohee, but by the time the approval came, the courses would have already started.

rectors, 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/ determine the accuracy of the allegations.

GWI AUDIT FINDS…SHAIK BAKSH ABUSED HIS AUTHORITY, DISREGARDED COMPANY POLICIES 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 Di-

COI REPORT OF QUESTIONABLE GUYOIL FUEL PURCHASE HANDED OVER TO GOVT. Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Tuesday 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. THURSDAY EDITION NFMU COLLECTED $66M BUT KEPT IT OUT OF ITS ACCOUNTING SYSTEM Forensic auditors are concerned about the weak systems of control that exist at the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU). n its report, the forensic auditing team of Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, noted that the invoicing system at NFMU was poor. In this regard, the auditors said that the receivables ledger for the NFMU as at May 2015 showed a total of 264 credit balances with a value of $66.5M. This, they said, (Continued on page 34)

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(From page 33) reflects invoices that were never created, or were omitted from the accounting system even though the monies were received. These include payments from Pritipaul Singh Investment, E- Networks Inc., Noble House Seafood, I-Radio Inc., Wireless Connections Inc., and WRHM Inc. The auditors said that the excuse by the NFMU management was that these represent prepayments. They noted however that even such an explanation amounts to a violation of the NFMU’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the Accounts Department which require that users be billed six weeks before the anniversary date. Moreover, even if they were prepayments, the auditors said that the accounting treatment and the explanation by the NFMU, demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of accounting for prepayments. The auditors recommended that the requirement of the relevant SOP be complied with and that invoices be dispatched in compliance therewith.

foreign and/or local companies under the past regime is not state secret, said Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. Jordan said that the media and any member of the public for that matter have a right to know how the nation has benefitted in this regard. He reiterated that data on such subjects should not be treated as a “state secret.” The Finance Minister said, “I have said it before and I will say it again, the public and the media have a right to know what is going on in the country. ”It is reasonable for taxpayers to want to know what the government of the day is doing in various sectors. It is even more reasonable for them to question how members within various sectors are operating and operated during a certain period.” Jordan added, “We need a society that questions what is going on and if the taxpayers ask for information, once it does not conflict with the laws of the land then why should entities not make it known? I believe that they have a responsibility to do so. These things are not state secrets so make it known.”

THE STORY OF THREE WATER WELLS, BK AND GWI – CONTRACTOR HAD NO EXPERIENCE DRILLING

REX MCKAY, BARTON SCOTLAND HEAD LIST OF NATIONALAWARDEES

A forensic audit report on the state-owned Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) has found worrying problems with the management of several multi-million-dollar contracts by the previous Board of Directors. The report, released this week by Government, was prepared by Accountant, HLB R. Seebarran & Co, and focused on period January 2012 to May 2015. The audit was contracted by the Inter-American Development Bank. There was one particular case of three water wells that is raising eyebrows at the manner the GWI Board, headed by Ramesh Dookoo, bent over backwards to accommodate the contractor. The wells are more than four years overdue. Three contracts were awarded to BK International to drill wells at Hope, Mon Repos and Eccles. According to the minutes of the Board of Directors (BoDs) meetings seen by the auditor, the Directors discussed the progress of the well projects awarded to BK International. It was noted since December 20, 2012, that delays of the well projects were a matter of concern. As a matter of fact, it was found that the three wells were only 10 per cent complete. It was explained that materials should have arrived the next month, with contracts awarded since in 2011. The wells should have been completed by August 2012. CONCESSIONS INFORMATION IS NOT A STATE SECRET –FINANCE MINISTER Information regarding any aspect of the concessions granted to

President David Granger, on Wednesday evening announced the list of National Awards with prominent lawyer Rex McKay and House Speaker, Barton Scotland, leading the list of over 80 persons. The two along with Barbados Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart, are receiving the Order of Roraima. Below is the full list of the National Awardees: ORDER OF RORAIMA –Barbados Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart – Rex McKay –Barton Scotland CACIQUE’S CROWN OF HONOUR –Ronald Austin –Inderjeet Beharry –Paul Chan-A-Sue –Leslie Chin –Robert Corbin –Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards –Enid Lucille Denbow –Patrick Dial –Christopher Fernandes –Keith George –Dr. Carl Hanoman –Bayney Karran. –Professor Harold Lutchman –Maureen Massiah –Fr. Malcolm Rodrigues –Justice Beasraj Singh Roy –Pastor John Smith –George Talbot –Jeffrey Thomas –Audrey Waddell GOLDEN ARROW OF ACHIEVEMENT –Lawrence Anselmo. –Lancelot Baptiste –Samiran Bera –Vibert Cambridge –Bernard Carter –William Cox

–Florine Dalgety –Marilyn Dewar –Blanche Duke. –Philip Duncan. –Ivor English. –Jennifer Ferreira Dougall –Ingrid Fung –Esther Griffith –Melissa Ifill –Horace James –Tony James. –Stanley Ming –Allan Munroe –Gloria Noel –Mahendra Persaud –Vanda Radzick –Bissoondai Rayman –Doris Rogers. –Wendy Rudder –Edward Sagala

Sunday May 29, 2016

–John Seeram –Glenna Spencer –Joycelyn Wilson MEDAL OF SERVICE –Gladys Accra –Robert Allicock –Muacir Baretto –Winston Bentham –Perry Birbal –Barrington Braithwaite. –Gloria Britton –Reginald Brotherson –Aubrey Charles –Esther Charles-Elliot –Marjorie Charles –Kim Chung –Lilawtie Coonjah –Vivienne Daniel –Nancy Ferreira –Ingrid Forde

–Gerald Gittens –Leslie Jacobs –Allan Johnson –Shirley Klass –Anthony Mipal –Eric Mosley –Mohindra Persaud –Alshazi Ramlakhan –Maureen Stephenson –Allan Woolford MILITARY SERVICE MEDAL –Paul Arthur –Nazrul Hussain DISCIPLINED SERVICES MEDAL –Maxine Graham –Brian Joseph –Bernadette Adams –Trevor Small (Continued on page 35)

Sunday May 29, 2016

(From page 34) FRIDAY EDITION GPL’S US$42M TRANSMISSION LINES, SUB-STATIONS…DELAYS COST GUYANA US$9M, ENGINEERS QUESTION EQUIPMENT In late 2010, the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) launched an ambitious project to replace its aging transmissions lines along the coast. It also built seven sub-stations to better manage the energy it produces. The Infrastructure Development Project was awarded to China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC). It was touted as a major project to improve quality of service, provide greater operational flexibility, reduce technical losses, and prepare for interconnection with the Amaila Falls Hydro Power, if and when it comes on board. However, documents coming to light now indicate that the project was fraught with problems. Questions were raised over the quality of equipment supplied by CMC. Also flagged were delays in the entire project. It went over budget by more than US$9M ($1.8B). It was commissioned in December 2014, almost two years over the deadline. Reportedly, a number of those sub-stations are now troubling GPL, with customers reporting an increase in power outages, especially along the coastland in recent times. GPL is believed to have withheld monies from CMC because of the faults. The Chinese contractor, CMC, is now one of five companies vying for a project of over $3.6B to supply and install over 28,000 smart meters, transformers and build new low and medium voltage systems, to help reduce GPL losses. Under that 2010 contract, CMC was supposed to run 96 km of overhead 69 kV transmission lines, including 1.8 km of submarine cable across the Demerara River. That US$33M project in 2010 was to also connect the Demerara and Berbice grids. In addition to seven sub-stations, the con-

Kaieteur News

tractor was to build a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, with a fibre optic link connecting all sub-stations. According to GPL documents, initially CMC collected US$6.7M of the Chinese Concessional Loan from the Export/Import Bank of China as an advance. BAISHANLIN MAY HAVE DETERRED OTHER INVESTORS WITH GENUINE INTENTIONS – GOOLSARRAN The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government granted a host of concessions to a company that did no good for Guyana—BaiShanLin. The logging company was allowed to spread its tentacles reaching into most, if not all, of Guyana’s business sectors. While BaiShanLin was busy having its way, exploiting Guyana and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) was busy doing nothing about it, other companies that possibly had genuine intentions for business in Guyana—of mutual benefit—might have been deterred by BaiShanLin’s grip on Guyana. That possibility was highlighted by former Auditor General and anti-corruption advocate, Anand Goolsarran. He recently spoke to Kaieteur News about various aspects of unfair play that Guyana endured with BaiShanLin. Goolsarran recently zeroed in on that fact, as he referenced the “ridiculous” agreements that the PPP/C signed with BaiShanLin. Some of these agreements were also made public in this newspaper, and highlighted 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 project for that matter. The former Auditor General said that BaiShanLin’s presence in Guyana and the concessions it was granted, “would have likely crowded out other potential investors who may be genuinely committed to the economic activities agreed upon with the Government.” “Let us say that another logging company

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wanted to come to Guyana, where would that company have operated?”

that the law does not provide a method to calculate fees for cable TV operators.

NFMU DID NOT BILL QUARK FOR USING CABLE SPECTRUM FOR FIVE YEARS …CLAIMS LAW DOES NOT PROVIDE A METHOD TO CALCULATE SUCH FEES

GUYANESE MOM, DAUGHTER, 10, FOUND DEAD IN SURINAME HOUSE

After being cornered by forensic auditors from Ram and McRae, the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) headed by Valmiki Singh attempted to justify why it has not billed a cable television operator for five years. The entity proffered the excuse that the law does not provide a method to calculate such fees. Concerned with this state of affairs at the company, the forensic auditors recalled the genesis of this matter and made strict recommendations. The auditors highlighted that in December 2010, former President Bharrat Jagdeo granted Quark Inc. (Broadband)/ Movie Star permission to broadcast television signals on the 2.5 GHz band, which allows for cable TV operations and internet-related services. Quark Inc. is owned and managed by Brian Yong. The auditors said that they are not aware, nor were they provided with any evidence that the President had any such authority. Additionally, since 2010, the auditors said that Quark Inc. also known as Movie Star has been providing cable TV and wireless internet services. The forensic auditing team from Ram and McRae stated that since the NFMU did not have an application form tailored to cable TV operators, Quark Inc. wrote the NFMU requesting the use of frequency spectrum, but complete information was not provided to complete the application process. Also, reviews and enquiries by the auditors revealed that Quark Inc. did not pay any spectrum fees to the National Frequency Management Unit for the 2.5 GHz band used to broadcast for the period 2010 to 2015. It was explained that the reason the NFMU did not invoice Quark Inc. was due to the fact

Murder was suspected in the deaths of a 37-year-old Guyanese woman and her 10year-old daughter, whose bodies were found in a Paramaribo, Suriname house last Tuesday. A report out of Suriname identified the victims as Leelawattie Sookhoo and daughter, Tisha Ahtram. They are suspected to have been slain by a 22-yearold man, who has since disappeared. According to the report, a neighbour, Stacy Harris, said that the man, Sookhoo and her daughter had visited her home on Monday, but nothing seemed to be amiss. The man reportedly moved to the area three months ago, while Sookhoo and her daughter moved into the same house about a month ago. According to the neighbour, the killing may have stemmed from jealousy, s i n c e t h e s u s p e c t w a s u p s e t t h at Sookhoo’s ex-husband had visited her recently. The ex-husband reportedly spoke to Sookhoo on her mobile phone on Monday. THOUSANDS REVEL IN JUBILEE FLOAT PARADE’S ‘GOLDEN’EXPERIENCE Local entertainment was at its best on Thursday, as tens of thousands flocked the streets of the capital city to get a glimpse of the highly anticipated jubilee independence float parade. As early as 09:30 hours, spectators began to take their positions along the parade route which ran from Stabroek Market Square, along Brickdam, to D’Urban Park. The young, the old and even persons in wheelchairs and with crutches came from all parts of the country to be part of the celebrations. There were some 39 floats, including some from the Administrative Regions. There were (Continued on page 36)

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(From page 35) also floats from the various Government Ministries and private entities. These thrilled the spectators with dazzling displays of colour and design. Most of them paid homage to the country on its 50th anniversary of independence. The brilliantly decorated floats, displayed the amazing talent and creativity of local designers, adding to the pulsating carnival-like atmosphere. Many of the revellers that accompanied the floats were decked out in elaborate costumes, some of which were extremely revealing, definitely giving those lining the streets something to look at, and in some cases comment upon.

these payments would have been done without the board’s approval.

income tax totalling $2.9 million was deducted from the gross amount of $9.6 million.

SATURDAY EDITION

NO EVIDENCE 35,000 WATER METERS EVER INSTALLED …ENTITY’S WATER LOSSES AT ALARMING 70 PERCENT - GWI FORENSIC AUDIT

TWO WEEKS BEFORE 2015 ELECTIONS… VALMIKI SINGH TOOK $9.6M IN ANNUALLEAVE PAYMENT –FORENSIC AUDIT …AUDITORS COULD FIND NO RECORDS TO VERIFY HIS CLAIM

SHAIK BAKSH ENJOYED GRATUITY WITHOUT GWI BOARD’S APPROVAL A forensic audit into the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has revealed that former Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh, was enjoying a bi-annual 22.5 percent gratuity, despite the fact that no assessment of performance was conducted. The report considered the period 2012 to 2015, and was reviewed by the Board of Directors after some irregularities came up during an emergency meeting on May 28, 2015 between board members and Senior Management officials about Baksh’s conduct. These included misappropriation of cash advances for site visits, abuse of authority in using the company assets, and overriding company policies. During the period under review, Baksh, a former Minister under the previous administration – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – was employed by the Board of Directors on September 17, 2012. He

Sunday May 29, 2016

Former Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh resigned on June 25, 2015. His contract of employment states that he was employed for a period of three years. During these years, he enjoyed a gratuity of 22.5 percent payable at the end of every six months. However, the report showed that in accordance with clause 3.2 of the Chief Executive (CE) Employment contract, “gratuity should be paid subject to satisfactory performance”. However, the auditors could find no evidence that an evaluation was done to determine whether his service was satisfactory or not. Further, the report also indicated that

Based on its examination of the employees’ personal records at the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), forensic auditors found that there was “gross abuse” by the Managing Director, Valmiki Singh, regarding the annual leave system. In their audit report, the forensic team from Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, said that records show that Singh sought and obtained payment for leave not taken over an 11-year period. The auditors said that the NFMU Head did so less than two weeks before the May 11, 2015 elections. At that time, they said that he wrote a letter to Dr. Roger Luncheon, former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, requesting payment for what he claimed to be 326 leave days accumulated over the years between January 2004 and December 2014. They said that attached to the letter was a computation of Mr. Singh’s outstanding leave days which was prepared by the NFMU’s Finance Controller. The auditors however noted that the unavailability of documented application and approval of the leave carryover prevented any effort to verify the accuracy of the number of accumulated leave days. The forensic auditing team said that under the Public Service Rules, leave may be deferred and added to the following year’s vacation. The deferral was “required in writing”. Dr. Luncheon approved Mr. Singh’s request via letter dated April 30, 2015 and a total of $6.7 million was remitted to Mr. Singh after

A critical forensic report on the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) has called on that stateowned entity to pull out all stops to bring down its non-revenue water (NRW) losses from an alarming 70 percent to 45 percent within five years. The report, prepared by HLB R. Seebarran & Co, was released earlier last week by the Ministry of Finance. It is one of several forensic audits ordered by the coalition government last year into the operations of state entities. According to the report, losses from nonrevenue water have been an alarming 70 percent of actual production. Since 2005, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has been flagging the issue, noting that much effort must be put in place to arrest the slide. According to the report, that 70 percent loss is to be blamed on a number of reasons, including leakages in water mains and home connections; illegal connect i o n s a n d n o n - b i l l i n g o f t h e se; over 50% of customers still not metered resulting in fixed billings; mains connected to the water system not i d e n t i f i e d and therefore water not accounted for and main valves not recording water passing through them correctly. Over the last four years, the report said, GWI has been reporting significant improvements to existing transmission and distribution mains. Some 35,200 meters have been installed over the last four years yet there has been no significant change to the metered customers in the billing system. “We were unable to verify evidence that indeed 35,000 new meters have been installed,” the audit report said.

Sunday May 29, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Barriers to condom use cause women in ‘stable’ relationships to be more at risk for HIV By Jeanna Pearson

Carmen [not her real name] has been married to her husband for over a decade. She has children with him. She loved him and trusted him to the extent that she would have unprotected sex with him—besides why would she not? Although there were times she was suspicious that he had other sexual partners. But this did not bother her, after all he married her. He went home to her not the others. However, one day she became ill and had to do a blood test. The results floored her: she was HIV positive. Not only had he cheated on her; he knowingly gave her the disease. Carmen’s husband knew that he was infected, but was afraid to share his status because he believed that she would leave him if he told her. Carmen was one of the women interviewed by a group of researchers conducting a HIV study in Guyana. Her story was told at the 60th Caribbean Public Health Agency Research Conference in Grenada, when the researchers made their presentation on HIV/AIDS in Guyana. The growing trend of women infected with the disease through sexual transmission is not only alarming, but is disturbingly unnerving the fact that so many women in intimate or marital relationship are at risk. CHANGING TREND The Pan American Health Organization’s Health@50 in Guyana: Progress Health Report 1966-2016 stated that in the early stage of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Guyana, males were predominantly more affected than females with ratios as high as 4:1. However, the trend changed in the late1990s, when females started to be infected at a higher rate than their male counterparts and by 2004, HIV and AIDS cases were equally distributed in both sexes. Based on the report, statistics indicated that women were slightly more infected than males in Guyana for 2015. One of the main issues that popped out in the researchers’ study was the failure of men and women to use condoms. Upon closer perusal, it was found that condom use was not the definitive problem, instead, it was the barriers to condom use which posed the greatest threat. According to the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association Youth Coordinator, and former National Aids Programme Secretariat Assistant VCT Coordinator, Delon Brathwaite, there are two main barriers to condom use in women at risk for HIV/AIDS:

personal and socio-environmental. Brathwaite stated that the major personal barriers included lack of perceived threat, absence of protective motivation and lack of trust, while unsupportive communities and cultural norms were the common socio-environmental barriers. He stated that it is these precise barriers that need to be addressed in order for the effective implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention programmes. So far, the central thrust of HIV prevention campaigns has been the promotion of male condoms. Condom use has been promoted by the

Delon Braithwaite World Heath Organisation as a major preventive strategy— besides abstinence, which is 100% effective. It has been elevated to a point where it can be deemed as the greatest hope in reducing the spread of the virus. TRUSTAND INTIMACY However, as a strategy for women in stable or intimate relationships, such as marriage, condom promotion has ceased to be realistic. Brathwaite stated that this is the point where male control over sexual activities stands as the norm, and where women have become voiceless to protect themselves. In other cases, women would choose not to use the contraceptive, because they feel their partner would believe they are questioning their fidelity, and it would be an insult them. Braithwaite explained that gender discourses where women are unable to negotiate protection in stable or marriage relationships has a significant impact on women’s risk of contracting the virus. However, he stated that it is vital to study the underlying factors which prohibit condom use. He stated that Guyanese women live in a society where it is “acceptable” for males to

cheat. He noted that there is also heavy religious influence, where women are made to believe that it is wrong to ask

to use a condom, since it blocks procreation. “But in truth it all boils down to women living in a

man’s world. If the man says it does not feel the same way as skin to skin, then they would want to please them

and give in. What they need to understand is that women are 10 % more likely to (Continued on page 47)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 29, 2016

The truth about tequila and your bones Tequila could reverse osteoporosis! Drinking tequila is good for your bones! Have a Third Margarita - Because Tequila’s Great for Your Bones! Talk about misleading headlines! These are prime examples. It’s true that a newly published study found that a substance in tequila (called agave tequilana, or tequila agave) might help maintain bone health. And that it could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis. But consider the details: The study was performed on mice who had had their ovaries removed. This is by no means a perfect model for human osteoporosis. The mice were treated with a type of agave tequilana, not tequila, for only eight weeks. When compared with untreated mice, the treated mice were found to have larger thigh bones, and samples of their thigh bones contained more of a protein linked with bone growth (called osteocalcin). However, there was no long-term treatment with agave tequilana beyond the initial eight weeks, nor was there any assessment of whether this treatment would prevent osteoporosis. The researchers suggested that sugars in the agave tequilana interacted

with bacteria in the intestinal tracts of the mice to encourage absorption of minerals needed to build bones. So, a “healthy intestinal microbiome” may also be required for this approach to work. What’s the catch? I think this new research is intriguing. It’s entirely possible that certain types of agave (a plant that produces a honey-like nectar) could turn out to help people maintain or improve bone health. And considering the health impacts of osteoporosis — hip fractures, loss of mobility, and complications that can lead to death in some cases — such an advance can’t come too soon. But any study in animals has to be considered highly preliminary. It’s simply unknown whether the results of this study apply to humans. In addition, the animals did not drink tequila. They were treated with a chemical found in tequila. So, the suggestion that we (humans) might improve our bone health by drinking margaritas is, in my view, just a way to grab attention. Even if we could fast forward a few years and confirm that agave tequilana improves human bone health, it’s unlikely that the treatment would (Continued on page 49)

Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

Barriers to condom... From page 45 contract HIV than men,” he said. Brathwaite said that women have been placed on the front lines of the HIV pandemic, not only because of their greater biological vulnerability, but essentially because of barriers to condom use. He explained that because condoms are associated with infidelity, it emerged as a key barrier to condom use in marriages and stable relationships. Braithwaite stated that studies have revealed that higher levels of love and commitment as well as longer and serious relationships are linked with lower levels of condom use. He said people usually use condoms in casual relationships. “Condoms are used at the beginning of a sexual relationship, but the second it becomes serious, the condom is gone, while in a marriage, contraceptive is used, but only as a birth control measure. Seldom are condoms used in a marriage. Thus the introduction of condoms into long-term relationships has become extremely complicated and in most cases, is seen as an undermining factor to intimacy,” he asserted, adding that women trust easily. LACK OF PERCEIVED THREAT Meanwhile, Brathwaite explained that in most of these cases persons do not see the threat. He stated that despite the presence of high risk behaviour and unprotected sex, they for some reason are unable to perceive the risk. He asserted that misguided trust and loyalty, and bad judgment based on appearance, tend to generate a feeling of safety and an absence of sensing the risk. Braithwaite, who counsels women who have contracted the disease on a daily basis, stated that it has always been heart-rending to watch the emotional phases these women go through upon finding out their status, especially in cases where they were faithful and their partner cheated. He stated that at first they would go through denial, though the fact is before them, followed by anger, hurt and tears. “Some of these women have been in stable long-term relationships with their partners. So the reality would hit them hard,” he said.

Then, he said, it is the jobs of counselors to sit with these women and comfort them; let them see beyond the situation and think about their friends, their family, their children… anyone who is dear to them. “I would normalize it. I would tell them that they can live for many years; that they would not die because treatment is available. I would ask about their children. I would tell them that they wouldn’t want to live without their mom. But the most important part would be educating them on how not to infect anyone else and to protect themselves.” “The body you have belongs to you so it is your responsibility to care it. So if your husband or partner is reckless, you can rest easily that you have safeguarded yourself,” he said. Braithwaite opined that for condom programmes to be successful, women must be able to discuss issues of sex and protection with their partners. REVIEWING THE PROGRAMMEs According to the Health@50 in Guyana: Progress Health Report 1966-2016, PAHO highlighted that when Guyana started to report on all persons infected with HIV, there was an increase in reported data. It stated that unlike AIDS cases which peaked in 2001, HIV infections (combination of HIV and AIDS) peaked 5 years later in 2006 with 1,614 cases. An examination of the data before and after the peak of the epidemic in 2006, demonstrated that the average annual number of cases (1,036) did not vary in the five years before and after the peak. A similar study covering 10 years prior to and after the peak of the epidemic, revealed an average annual increase in cases in the latter 10 years of the epidemic, from 818 to 966. Initially, AIDS cases or advanced HIV infections were outstripping HIV infections, up to the year 2000 and after that, a divergence initiated. Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud stated that there is a need to review the National AIDS programme, since people have become complacent because they know there is treatment and that they can live with the virus.

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Sunday May 29, 2016

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Kaieteur News

The truth about tequila and your bones

From page 46 be in the form of tequila. Unfortunately, many people don’t read past the headlines. This is one time when that would be hazardous. The health impact of the alcohol in tequila - and the sugar content of agave - are just two of several “downsides” that could come about if you were worried about your bone health and took the headlines too literally.

Haven’t we been here before? This new study on “tequila for osteoporosis” reminds me of past studies touting the health benefits of chocolate, wine, or coffee. The same week as the tequila story broke, other researchers reported that certain substances in red wine and coffee could improve cardiovascular health by changing the intestinal bacteria. Again, the study was in mice.

Claims that some of our favourite foods and drinks are actually good for us are not new. Some claims are better supported than others. For example, the evidence that coffee consumption may reduce the incidence of certain types of liver disease in humans is compelling. Still, it’s relatively rare that doctors actually “prescribe” these foods to prevent or treat disease. Perhaps they should.

But, enthusiasm for doing so is tempered by concerns that excessive consumption may cause other, unhealthy effects. We’ll need much more research before tequila or anything in it can be recom-

mended for bone health, or any other health concern. Until then, I hope medical writers - and readers - will be careful in how they interpret preliminary research. It’s one thing to hope that what you

like is also good for you. It’s quite another for that to be any more than wishful thinking. (Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publications)

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Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

Vaping Could Make Medical Pot Healthier A new type of smoking called “cannavaping” — using e-cigarettes for vaping cannabis — may help people use marijuana for medical reasons, according to a small, early study. Smoking conventional marijuana cigarettes may lead

a person to inhale high amounts of the toxic contaminants that are released when marijuana is burned, the researchers said. In contrast, cannavaping might provide a way to avoid inhaling high levels of these contaminants, the researchers said. Among

these contaminants are carcinogenic compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the researchers said. Vaping involves heating a liquid to its boiling point and then inhaling the vapors; conventional smoking involves burning a substance, such as

marijuana, and then inhaling the smoke. “Vaporization should lead to a lower toxic burden than combustion [burning],” lead study author Vincent Varlet, an analytical chemist at the University Centre of Legal Medicine in Lausanne, Switzerland, told Live Science. “Vaporization constitutes a safer approach of cannabis administration than cannabis smoking.” There are also devices available that can vaporize marijuana and are designed to sit on a tabletop, but e-ciga-

rettes may be more userfriendly, the researchers said. Both e-cigarettes and tabletop vaporizing devices are likely to be less harmful than marijuana joints, the investigators said. In the study, researchers looked at the plausibility and efficiency of cannabis vaping as an alternative to smoking the substance for medical reasons. The scientists extracted active compounds in marijuana called cannabinoids and made an oil that they concentrated in an e-liquid, which

A Low-Salt Diet May Be Bad for the Heart

People with high blood pressure are often told to eat a low-sodium diet. But a diet that’s too low in sodium may actually increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, a review of studies has found. Current guidelines recommend a daily maximum of 2.3 grams of sodium a day — the amount found in a teaspoon of salt — for most people, and less for the elderly or people with hypertension. Researchers reviewed four observational studies that included 133,118 people who were followed for an average of four years. The scientists took blood pressure readings, and estimated sodium consumption by urinaly-

sis. The review is in Lancet. Among 69,559 people without hypertension, consuming more than seven grams of sodium daily did not increase the risk for disease or death, but those who ate less than three grams had a 26 percent increased risk for death or for cardiovascular events like heart disease and stroke, compared with those who consumed four to five grams a day. In people with high blood pressure, consuming more than seven grams a day increased the risk by 23 percent, but consuming less than three grams increased the risk by 34 percent, compared with those who ate four to five grams a day.

is a type of liquid used in ecigarettes. However, they found that the concentration of the oil they made in the study was not sufficient. About 100 puffs on an e-cigarette would have been needed to induce the same therapeutic effects as those provided by intravenous administration of THC, one of marijuana’s most powerful compounds, the researchers said. More research on the preparation and optimization of such liquid is needed, they said. However, cannavaping might still one day provide a safer alternative to smoking cannabis, because it does not require heating the cannabis to the high temperatures reached when it is burned, the researchers found. That process leads to the inhalation of high levels of contaminants, the scientists found. “Cannavaping appears to be a gentle, efficient, userfriendly and safe alternative method for cannabis smoking for medical cannabis delivery,” they wrote in the study, published on May 25 in the journal Scientific Reports. Cannavaping may also offer an alternative to ingesting marijuana by eating products such as brownies or candies. When marijuana is consumed in this way, it is metabolized before it enters a person’s bloodstream and its therapeutic ingredients may therefore become less active, Varlet said. This diluting effect does not occur with cannavaping, which allows the inhaled therapeutic compounds to enter the bloodstream directly, he said. The researchers noted that they tested only one type of e-cigarette in the new study, and other brands that are available may produce different levels of certain impurities. http://www. livescience.com.

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Region One “Unity Dance” leaves audience in awe at Everything Guyanese concert The Region One dance troupe wowed the audience at the recently held “Everything Guyanese” concert that was held at the Providence Stadium on May 20, last. The “Unity Dance” left audiences thrilled as they unanimously agreed that the performers did an outstanding job at exhibiting the theme of their piece which was “Ending Ethnic Arithmetic in

Region One (Barima Waini)”. The dancers were beautifully dressed in ensembles that depicted Guyana’s six ethnic groups and they each danced to songs that were indigenous to each ethnic group. Undoubtedly, the performance by the Region One dancers was well received and more importantly, the audience was proud of the message they portrayed. Kaieteur Entertainment wishes the talent group all the best in their future endeavours.

The Region One Dance Group

Justin Bieber Sued for Allegedly Stealing Vocal Riffs in “SORRY”

Will Justin Bieber have to say sorry? Casey Dienel, an indie artist who goes by the stage name White Hinterland, has sued Biebs for allegedly stealing a vocal rift from her song “Ring the Bell” and using it in his hit song “Sorry”, according to NBC 24. Dienel claims Bieber and producer Skrillex used a “virtually identical” riff without permission. In addition to Bieber and Skrillex, the lawsuit, which was filed in Nashville, also names Universal Music Group as a defendant. E! News has reached out for comment. Dienel also claims the hit track uses synthesizers, samples, synth bass, drums and percussion that sound similar to those used in “Ring the Bell”. The indie songstress also says she reached out to the “Love Yourself” crooner to discuss a potential resolution but was “ignored”. Dienel is seeking unspecified damages, including profits from “Sorry,” which has been

viewed more than 1.4 million times on YouTube. Dienel’s lawsuit comes on the heels of Bieber’s lambasting of awards shows. The “What Do You Mean” crooner not only performed at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, but he also took home awards for Top Male Artist and Top Social Media Artist. Despite his victories, he didn’t feel great. “I don’t know about these award shows.. No disrespect to anybody at any of the shows or the people running it. Nothing but love for you guys and your support. But I don’t feel good when I’m there nor after,” Bieber, 22, wrote. “I try to think of it as a celebration but can’t help feeling like people are rating and grading my performance. A lot of people in the audience there to be seem worried about how much camera time they will get or who they can network with.” http://www.eonline.com

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THREE MURDERED WOMEN, THREE ... From page 26 the suspect’s mobile phone. I dialed it. A man answered. “Frenchie?” I asked. “Yes,” the man said. “What happened to you and the woman?” “Ah kill she,” he replied. The man who identified himself as ‘Frenchie’ said that he befriended Arjune in 2000. At the time, he was a seaman and was making a lot of money. He was residing in Berbice with his wife and family. But ‘Frenchie’ left his wife and began to live with Arjune at Herstelling. According to the alleged killer, he splurged large sums of cash on his lover, but claimed that he eventually discovered that she was unfaithful to him. He also claimed she was physically and verbally abusive. ‘Frenchie’ claimed that they broke up in 2004 and he decided to return to his wife’s home. “Meh wife accept me back and I carry me things to Berbice.” But then ‘Frenchie’ allegedly rekindled his relationship with Arjune after she contacted him. “Frenchie’ told his wife that he had landed a job on a ship. Instead, he rented a house in Herstelling “and put her (Arjune) in it”. But he told me that her infidelity continued and he also ran into financial trouble, to the extent that he was unable to pay his rent and his phone was disconnected. He said that three weeks before the murder, Arjune walked out on him and returned to her mother’s place. ‘Frenchie’ confessed that he had harboured thoughts of killing Arjune and her family. He said he finally “tripped out” when he looked over from his home to the house where Savitri was staying and observed that she was laughing at him. “The family laugh at me and I just trip, and I decide to do it,” he claimed. On that morning of January 27, 2008, ‘Frenchie,’ accompanied by the owner of

the bus he drove, parked the vehicle on the Herstelling road, since he knew that Arjune would pass at that time on her way to work. He was armed with his ‘blade.’ According to ‘Frenchie’, he indicated to the bus owner that he intended to make Arjune “an example.” The fugitive alleged that he eventually spotted the woman approaching and emerged from the vehicle with the intention of merely holding her. But he said that everything changed when his ex-lover began to scream. He stabbed her. “I try to hold she and she start screaming. “When I pull the ‘blade’ he (the owner and conductor) start run. When I give she de jook (stab) I tell he (the conductor) reverse and I gun put she in and carry to the hospital.” Instead, ‘Frenchie’ himself jumped in the vehicle and drove away. Afterwards, ‘Frenchie’ said that he informed his wife and other relatives that he had killed Arjune. They reportedly told him “is you life and you done f— it up.” I asked him if he would turn himself in. He said no. “I will not to go to jail and punish. I ain’t going to jail to sit down three, four years (for my case start). I too old fuh that.” Word is that ‘Frenchie’

has fled to Suriname. It’s unclear whether the local cops have tried to track him down. NIGHT OF THE BUTCHER Roshanie Sooklall and her four siblings grew up dirtpoor in a back street in Herstelling, East Bank of Demerara. By the time she was ten, both her parents had died and at the age of 14, Roshanie and her four siblings moved to a tiny shack in a squatting community at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. At around the age of 17, Roshanie started a relationship with a young man from an area at Soesdyke known as Sand Road. By the time she was 18, she had borne the young man a son, and had moved to Soesdyke to live with the man’s family. The couple would eventually have two more children. Roshanie’s spouse worked on and off as a canecutter at the Diamond sugar estate. He was also reportedly quick with his fists when he had too much to drink. Time and again, Roshanie ran away from her abusive spouse, leaving her children behind to live with her brother in the Diamond squatting area. But her brother, Hardyal

Damroo, would always urge her to return to her spouse and children. For Roshanie, the final straw came when her reputed husband chopped her on the arm. Roshanie packed her belongings and moved back to her brother’s Diamond Squatting Area home. This time, despite repeated pleas by her reputed husband, she refused to return. On Saturday, January 25, 2002, Roshanie paid a visit to a female friend, Marcie Williams, who lived about 200 yards away in the same squatters’ community. The two women spent the entire night at Williams’ home. However, at around midnight, Roshanie told her friend that she was leaving, despite suggestions by the friend that she remain until daybreak. Eventually, Marcie Williams decided to accompany Roshanie on her short journey home. Williams was walking in front of Roshanie down a dirt track leading to their destination when she heard Roshanie scream. On looking around, Williams saw Roshanie struggling with her reputed husband, who, from reports, was armed with a knife. As she watched in horror, the man threw Roshanie to the

Bandit remanded on robbery with violence charge A man who attacked his fellow villager and dealt him several lashes with a piece of wood before robbing him has been remanded to jail. The man, Bharrat Sham, called Ramjeet, 31, of Betsy Ground East Canje, Berbice, appeared on Friday, before Magistrate Marissa Mittleholzer at the Albion Magistrate’s Court on a charge of Robbery with violence. He is accused of robbing Lakeram Samaroo, a cane cutter, of $3,000 and a cell phone, in the process using personal violence against Samaroo. This occurred on May 22 at Betsy ground, Canje. Prosecutor Sergeant Orin Joseph told the court that the two men are known to each other, but are not on speaking terms. Sham had threatened the accused before and was warned.

Around 23:50 hrs on the day in question Samaroo was on his way to the shop when he was attacked by Sham who was armed with a piece of wood. He first dealt the man a lash on his foot and after he fell, continued to lash him on his head and other parts of his body. The bandit them pushed his hands in Samaroo’s pocked and relieved him of the money and phone and made good his escape. The man was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital where he was admitted for treatment. The matter was reported and the convict who is known to the authorities was arrested and charged. He was remanded to jail until June 16 when the matter will continue in the Reliance Magistrate’s Court.

ground. Squatting on the helpless woman, Roshanie’s assailant then slashed her throat from ear to ear. The man then turned his attention on Marcie Williams, who was still standing nearby. He told Marcie that she was next, since she had witnessed the act. Screaming, Marcie Williams ran in the direction of her home, with the killer in pursuit. A swipe from the killer’s knife sliced her right thumb open. Luckily, her screams had alerted a female resident, and Williams managed to scamper into the woman’s residence in the nick of time. The killer then fled from the community. Roshanie’s brother was resting at home when he heard Marcie Williams scream out his name. He rushed to the scene of the commotion and saw his sister’s mutilated body lying on the ground. He recalled that her neck was almost severed. It is alleged that after killing Roshanie Sooklall, the

suspect fled to Soesdyke. He reportedly then collected the couple’s three children. According to Roshanie’s brother, Hardyal Damroo, neither his sister’s killer nor her children have been seen since. The suspect, Multie Fernandes, of Grant Sand Road, Soesdyke, is believed to be around 41 now. Fernandes, at the time, was said to be slim in build and fair in complexion. He reportedly had a gold tooth at the time of his disappearance. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these men, please contact the police. You can also write to us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown. We can be reached on telephone numbers: 22-58458, 2258465 and 22-58491. You need not disclose your name. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s mjdragon@hotmail.com.

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TCV helping to combat scourge of suicide A number of individuals and organizations have recognized that suicide is not only a challenge but there is need for strategic measures to help combat its scourge. Among the organizations that have been focused in this regard is The Caribbean Voice (TCV). Although based in the United States, the organization has for the past few years been helping to address the challenge of suicide here. According to information from the organization, it has been almost two years since it launched its suicide prevention mission in Guyana. “When we started this campaign we had very little idea about the socio-political dynamics that obtained in Guyana. We were not quite familiar with the suicide landscape either,” officials of the organization revealed recently. However, the Caribbean Voice’s efforts have been aided by tremendous amount of research, including the commissioning of three short surveys to better understand how Guyanese think with regards to suicide, abuse and mental health in general. Although the Non Governmental Organisation started out with a five-year plan, in recognition of the

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realization that suicide prevention is not an overnight endeavour, “we have continually adapted plans to the realities, as we became aware of them, so that we have always been in sync with the needs relating to suicide prevention.” Officials of Caribbean Voice have also stated that “while our initial focus was suicide prevention, we soon had to expand that focus, firstly, to include related issues- all forms of abuse – and subsequently, mental health as a whole.” Caribbean Voice has noted, too, that “as we approach the second anniversary of our activism, we are in a position to craft a concise and realistic campaign, going forward.” Among its focus is training. It was pointed out that the first pillar of the Caribbean Voice’s campaign is training, for first responders as well as for trainers themselves. However, officials have admitted that “we are still trying to figure out exactly how this would be delivered but currently we are exploring the possibility of launching the ‘Train The Trainers’ component in collaboration with the New Jersey Arya Samaj Humanitarian Mission(NJASM) and hopefully, a number of other

stakeholders and partners.” If all goes according to plan, the launch should take place at NJASM’s centre at Port Mourant, Corentyne some time in July or August. From there it is expected that the initiative will be taken to other parts of Berbice and then, hopefully, to Demerara and Essequibo. Towards this end, the Ministry of Public Health has indicated a possibility of providing team Guyana with relevant training, Caribbean Voice has revealed. Those who will attend the trainers’ training, are expected to be drawn from the education and health care sectors, the religious community and any other sector that can be persuaded or may want to be involved. With trainers in place, “we expect that first responders training will then be easy to organize in various communities and hopefully we would be able to set up a mechanism to help plan and execute as well as track this process.” And since the highest suicide rate is exhibited by the 15 to 25 age group, another pillar of the Caribbean Voice’s campaign would be a focus on the young people, especially within the schools. “We are again exploring collaboration with NJASM, the Peace Corps and the Ministry of Education (as well as other stakeholders)

to continue the self-esteem workshops that were started by NJASM in high schools in Berbice.” The NGO will be aiming to take this workshop to Demerara and Essequibo. As the campaign gathers momentum, the Caribbean Voice will be looking to the possibility of exploring taking it to youth groups, especially those comprising young people who either have dropped out of high school or have graduated from high school and are 18 to 25 years of age or thereabouts. The NGO has however launched the programme in Demerara, at the Covent Garden High School, on May 28 in collaboration with GIUFT Foundation, one of its partners. Additionally, Caribbean Voice has expressed hope to finalize arrangements with the Ministry of Education to launch the National Secondary Schools Essay

Contest in August and have it implemented in schools in September with a timeline that would see prizegiving done in the summer of 2017 when the Diaspora group once again visits Guyana. And depending on how this contest is received and responded to “we might explore the possibility of making it an annual affair. The essay contest is cosponsored by Save Abee Foundation, Imagine Nation Foundation and the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex. Hopefully, others can be persuaded to come on board.” During October 2014 the NGO launched a community outreach at Black Bush Polder, which was then dubbed ‘The suicide capital of Guyana’. However, given its lack of experience, this project turned out to be costly without yielding the anticipated results. The organization in April

took a decision to restart its outreach at La Parfaite Harmonie. Working in collaboration with two of its partners – Orchid Foundation, which has a presence in that community, and supported by GIVE Foundation – it was able to bring off a well received, interactive outreach that focused on self esteem, suicide prevention, abuse and which also launched the two petitions via written signatures. “The crux of this campaign is communitybased organizations (CBOs) that do the organizing and mobilizing of attendees so that TCV is able to engage them. And this is going to be the approach to this endeavour. Already a number of other CBOs have contacted TCV and so we expect this activity to be rolled out on a regular basis,” The Caribbean Voice has noted.

Rapist attacks Supenaam mother A Supenaam mother of two who was raped early Friday morning by a resident who frequented her shop was taken for treatment for an injured left thumb at the Suddie Public Hospital. The young mother is now concerned about contracting a disease. Her husband was not at home when she was raped. The mother of two young children, aged seven and nine years old, related that during the course of Friday night after securing her house, she woke up and ventured outside into the yard to use her bathroom. After returning to bed some moments later she was awakened to find a man over her. The woman said that the individual had something

over his head and back but she was able to recognise him because he called out her name. The woman said that the man was armed with a knife and warned her not to scream. Frightened, the woman was helpless and couldn’t have done much to help herself. After being raped, the woman then called someone who has connections with the police, then called her mother. She was taken to the Suddie Police Station where she related the incident, then to the Suddie Public Hospital where she was treated for a cut to her thumb after she tried to remove the knife which was placed to her neck by the rapist. The home intruder is

known to residents in the Village. There were other reports of him attacking and raping two other young women in the Supenaam area. Attempts on two other young women were also made by the same intruder. It is not clear whether police have been able to apprehend the home intruder as yet. Earlier this year, a Windsor Castle, Essequibo Coast woman was raped by a young man who travelled from Richmond Village some distance away. This woman lived alone. The police were able to arrest and charge the man. He admitted to being apart of a gang who prey on women who live alone.

Two armed robbery suspects escape from Providence Station Police are trying to track down two robbery suspects who escaped from the Providence Police Station around 04.05 hrs yesterday, while only two female ranks and a male colleague were on duty. Sources identified the escapees as Kevin Rose, 19, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; and Shemar Moore, 20, of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. Rose is said to be in custody for armed robbery, discharging a firearm, and possession of an unlicenced firearm. Moore was being held for armed robbery.

Kaieteur News understands that the prisoners escaped via a hole they made in one of the walls of the lockups. At the time, a female lance corporal, a female detective constable, and one of their male colleagues were the only ranks at the station. According to reports, one of the female ranks heard a strange noise in the vicinity of the lockups at the time of the escape. On checking, she reportedly saw Rose exiting a hole in wall of the lockups. Shemar Moore, the other prisoner, reportedly then emerged and pushed the policewoman to the ground

before he and Rose fled from the compound. It is unclear whether the ranks have been placed under close arrest. In July, 2009, Health Ministry arson suspects Kurt Thierens called, ‘Bage’ or ‘Glasses’, and Colin Jones, called “Bonny”, escaped from the Providence Police Station lockups, under circumstances that are still unclear. A female police Lance Corporal was charged for negligently causing their escape. The charges were subsequently dismissed.

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STANDARDS IN FOCUS....

JUBILEE FILM...

Making local wooden furniture Film-maker Mahadeo to standard requirements Shivraj complains of

There is great potential for Guyana’s furniture industry, especially for manufacturers of wooden furniture. The widespread availability of raw materials, including the vast variety of woods, hardware and finishes can encourage growth of the industry. However, what is also necessary is the commitment of manufacturers towards improving the quality of products they produce. Adhering to the requirements of the furniture standard “Code of Practice for the Manufacture of furniture GCP 14:2005” can ensure consistency and improved furniture quality. Furniture must be of good quality, otherwise their imperfections and defects will quickly show during usage. Further, these products are very expensive and consumers expect that they will get to use them extensively. Hence, the structural integrity of furniture must be sound to withstand continuous use. The standard addresses the quality of materials used and the workmanship employed during the manufacturing process. The materials used in manufacturing furniture must be of an acceptable quality, meeting requirements such as quality, moisture content, workmanship and finish. Lumber used in manufacturing must be bright i.e. free from discolouration, square edged and thoroughly seasoned having moisture content between eight and 12 % to prevent splits, cracks, joint separations and warps. The standard also requires that lumber and other materials used in manufacturing be free from rot, insect holes, open knots cracks and

other common defects. It is often the practice of some unscrupulous manufacturers to use defective materials and use finishing materials to conceal these defects. Whenever this is done, it is the end users/ consumers who loose because they have purchased rapidly deteriorating or easily weakened pieces of furniture. Proper workmanship and finishing are also very important in furniture manufacturing. The standard requires that joints be closely fitted. Dripping glue and fillers must not be evident. Doors should swing easily, drawers should run smoothly on draw slides, and interiors should be well sanded and finished. Spaces should be even and uniform. All edges should be ‘broken’ and softened. There should be no pointed corners. The interiors of all storage furniture should be sanded smoothly and sealed against snags, to protect delicate fabrics. Good finish depends on thorough preparation of lumber. All dents and defects should be removed before final sanding and all sharp edges must be sanded and molded. Surfaces should have a three (3) coat finish. Each seal coat must be sanded. Manufacturers and dealers of furniture should take the necessary steps to acquire the available furniture standard from the GNBS and familiarize themselves with the requirements therein. Implementing the requirements will ensure that good quality furniture is manufactured for sale to consumers. For further information on this subject, please contact the Guyana National Bureau of Standards on Telephone Numbers: 2190069, 219-0066 219-0065 or 219-0064.

rejection Guyanese film-maker Mahadeo Shivraj has complained that he suffered rejection from the government for the screening of his film, which was set to be released for Guyana’s 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration. The movie, Protection Game, which commemorates Guyana’s Independence and addresses racial issues of cohesion, was allegedly rejected by various Government ministries, especially the Ministry of Culture, which main function is the promotion of Guyanese culture and arts. Shivraj told Kaieteur News that the first persons he had written to concerning the production of the film were President David Granger, Minister of Education Rupert Roopnaraine and Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes. “Unfortunately, after a 100plus emails and other attempts to contact the ministers involved and other dignitaries I am yet to get a reply. Though very disappointed that a project of this magnitude was welcomed but now not being given the chance to be screened Continued on page 71

Mahadeo Shivraj acting in his film Protection Game.

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GMC audit recommends…

Total revamp of marketing platform and regional expansion BY JARRYL BRYAN The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) is mandated to serve as the marketing arm of the Ministry of Agriculture. Specifically, it also coordinates the development and marketing of nontraditional agriculture produce. However, a forensic audit conducted into the GMC by auditor Saykar A. Boodhoo for the period of 2012 to 2015, has highlighted that GMC has not been aggressive enough in marketing local produce for years and because of this, the local agriculture sector has suffered. One hindrance to the

- says corporation has been too soft on its duties corporation’s expansion, as highlighted by the auditor, involves how it uses and disposes of its properties. The auditor stated that for years GMC, despite owning real estate in various regions in Guyana, has been selling or renting them to various non related entities. “GMC owns a property in Strand, New Amsterdam in Region six and another property in Bartica, Region seven,” the auditor stated. “Based on discussions with GMC’s General Manager, the

property in New Amsterdam has not been in use for over twenty years.” As for the property in Bartica, the auditor reported that it had been rented to a private businesswoman in 2014. In addition, Boodhoo stated that it has not been used by GMC to offer services in accordance to its mandate “for over twenty years.” The auditor also highlighted the fact that while government had embarked on an Agriculture programme,

GMC’s marketing shop. The auditor has recommended others be established. “Grow More Food” which gave the corporation a great opportunity to deliver on its mandate, little to no effort from GMC resulted in them dropping the ball on supplying marketing opportunities for local producers. “While farmers and local producers had responded to the programme, GMC has failed to advance marketing opportunities for local producers,” the auditor observed. “It appears very little or no structured advertising has been made by GMC to sensitize the Guyanese market about buying local produce.” EXPAND The auditor recommended that the GMC’s Board take a more active role in ensuring that GMC’s senior management team expands GMC’s services in Region six and Region seven. He also urged that GMC make full use of those properties available to it. “A proposal needs to be compiled by GMC’s management and approved by the Board,” he recommended. “Financial assistance should be sought from the government to enable GMC to expand its services in regions six and

seven.” He also advised that the Bartica property be renovated and perhaps be used as another Guyana Shop branch, which can ensure it would serve as a hub for local agriculture products and produce for the hinterland and mining sector in Region seven. The auditor stated that it can also provide a market for cash crop farmers etc. in that region. Boodhoo also recommended that GMC use traditional Television and radio, as well as the newer but more accessible social media, to aggressively market the services that it is being funded to perform. “A directive should be given to G M C ’s management to embark on a marketing blitz to sensitize the Guyanese market of the importance of supporting local producers and the nutritional health values of using freshly produced fruits and vegetables,” he said. Despite being known by the sobriquet ‘bread basket of the Caribbean’, Guyana has one of the highest import bills in the Caribbean for nont r a d i t i o n a l a g r i c u l t u re products. During the 2015

budget presentation, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had identified several policy changes the Government would make. To increase exports in non-sugar and nontraditional products by at least 25 percent spanning a five year period, it follows that production must also be vamped up and Jordan had addressed this imbalance, stating that with Government intervention agroprocessed food such as shrimp, fruits and vegetables would receive greater emphasis, with the aim of increasing production by at least 50 percent. The Minister pointed to some of the crops that will become the face of the diversification initiative in hinterland areas such as corn, soybean, cassava and legumes, in addition to fish and poultry. In this year’s budget, the agriculture sector got over $20B. In excess of $598M went towards the hinterland agriculture diversification initiative. Jordan had also spoken of a proposal to establish extension facilities in locations such as Ebini, Hosororo, Manari and Bina Hill.

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Dental Specialties By Dr. Neromini Fagu Ever wonder what is meant by endodontics, orthodontics or periodontics? Well wonder no more. This week we will talk about the various specialties in dentistry as recognized by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and American Dental Association (ADA). You may be surprised to know that some areas you might think are specialties are in fact not. Before we begin I would like to talk a bit about a General Dentist. When you go to your family dentist, chances are that you are visiting a general dentist. General dentists have a wide array of knowledge in all areas of clinical dentistry including preventative, restorative, and surgical treatments. In basic terms, a general dentist is comparable to a Family Doctor. But, if something is wrong with your heart

there is only so much your family doctor will be able to do before referring you to a heart specialist, a Cardiologist. Some general dentists choose to obtain additional training in a dental specialty. This training can take anywhere from two to six years. These specialists are focused on one specific area and often would have more knowledge in that specific area. This is not to say that your general dentist is not as capable in those specific areas but only that they might refer complicated cases to a specialist. The following are the nine areas of specialty, with the year they were recognized by the ADA in brackets. Dental Public Health (1976): This specialty focuses on preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.The concept of

public health dentistry is that communities are treated as a whole, rather than individuals as patients. Public health dentists persuade communities to adopt better oral health policies, for example water fluoridation. Endodontics (1983): This specialty is concerned with the dental pulp (nerve) and periradicular tissues. It focuses on root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth.Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if there is severe curvature of the roots of your tooth that needs a root canal or for other complicated cases. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (1991): Oral and maxillofacial pathology refers to the diseases of the mouth, jaws and related structures such as salivary glands, temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and facial muscles. This specialist investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases.

If your dentist suspects that you have a disease, he or she might send out your x-rays and a biopsy of the suspected tissue to an oral pathologist. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (2001): Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (xrays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.They are experts in viewing radiographs and interpreting them. Their eyes are trained to find the slightest discrepancies from the norm, and diagnose abnormalities in the facial structures. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1990): You might better know the oral and maxillofacial surgeons as the dentists that normally remove complicated wisdom teeth. However, oral surgeons also perform surgery on the jaw, face, and gums,surgically remove tumors in the facial area, perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the face after you’ve been in a traumatic accident, as well as do TMJ surgery. Orthodontics and

Dentofacial Orthopedics (2003): If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. They are the people who are specialized in putting in braces. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy. Pediatric Dentistry (1995): Pediatric dentists provide specialized care for infants, children and teenagers. They are trained to recognize and treat dental problems that are specific to children. Periodontics (1992): This is the specialty that deals with the health of the structures around the tooth: the gingiva (gums) and bone. If you start developing gum disease, a periodontist can help you get back to having healthy gums. They also perform gum surgery and gum grafts. Prosthodontics (2003): Prosthodontists make prosthetic (artificial) teeth. They are specialists in making crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and dentures. Many

Dr. Neromini Fagu general dentists do all of these procedures and refer the more difficult cases out to prosthodontists. Unfortunately, in Guyana there are not very many dental specialists. However, many local general dentists are constantly upgrading their skills by travelling overseas to take hands-on continuing education courses. These courses in a condensed period of time impart to the dentists the skills for various dental procedures. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu @hotmail.com.

CONSUMER CONCERNS

Don’t be robbed by foreign scammers PAT DIAL A year ago this column carried what was in effect an advisory to Guyanese not to be taken in by foreign scams. These scams seem to have had an upsurge in recent months and within the last four weeks two consumers have related to us how they were fleeced of several hundred U.S. dollars by these scams. Most sufferers are too ashamed to admit or divulge that they were robbed and tend to suffer in silence. A few others, however, seem to have fallen completely under the spell of these confidence tricksters and willingly obey their command that they should not tell anyone of their dealings with them. These victims have continued to transfer their hardearned money causing themselves and families in great deprivation. We have known one family who became victims of the West African scams, lost their house and have been investigated by t he FBI. Many of these confidence tricksters operate from West African countries, in particular Nigeria where they have schools teaching how to perfect these scams. Many of these scammers are linked with terrorist groups in the Islamic world who retain them at handsome fees as fund-raisers.

With the advances of modern technology, these terrorist groups and their financiers are kept under surveillance by the U.S. and other countries’ Intelligence Services and the unwitting Guyanese scam victim finds himself in unforeseen and unexpected danger by being in contact with such scammers. We will very briefly mention the operation of two of the most common of these scams. The first of these is the offer of tickets for the world’s richest lotteries such as the Spanish El Gordo which pays scores of millions of dollars to winners. And the other common scam is for the trickster claiming that he is, or in contact with a senior Government official or a Minister of Government or even an Oil Executive of, say Nigeria, who has got his hands on millions of dollars and wishes to put it away in a foreign bank account owned by someone else. He urgently wishes to have your bank account’s number and other data about it and for doing the service of having the money transferred to your account, you will be rewarded with a commission of 30 or 40% of the value of the deposit. There are other scams of this type where the prospective victim is on the verge of receiving large sums of money if he urgently sends on money to cover preliminary

expenses. Most of the lottery scams seem to operate from Western Europe and Australia. The trickster would have obtained your home address by some means and in their covering letter they address you by your first name telling you that you are one of a very select group in Guyana to whom they would be offering their services and tickets. Many of them also carry copies of a newspaper report that you have won millions. T here is always an assurance that you will receive your winnings of several hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions at your home three days after results. The bottom line is that you must immediately send them sums of money to get the tickets. At the next mail, you will be told that you missed the jackpot by one number and your hopes will be kept high so that you could keep on sending money. The Nigerian and other West African scams are to know of your bank accounts so that they could steal all your money. They are also designed to keep collecting money from you. Their emails are all untraceable and usually disappear from the computer monitors in a few minutes. Once one is caught in the net of these tricksters, it is difficult for the majority of victims to free themselves until they have been pauper-

ized. As an example, there is the story which was reported in the world news and in the local press a few years ago of a Brazilian banking clerk who was caught in one of these scams and transmitted many millions of the bank’s funds to these tricksters. The most effective way of protecting one’s self and dealing with these scammers is to immediately destroy any mail you may receive from them

without reading them and quickly erase any e-mails from them. Do not have any contact with them. And also be guided by the ancient and well-tried wisdom of the following two adages: “You can never have something for nothing” and “A fool and his money are soon parted”. If one desires to occasionally indulge in a game of chance, there is the local lottery. If winning on the

lottery is due to one’s luck and to pure chance without any human manipulation, then there is no need to buy more than one ticket since if it is your luck to win, then one ticket will be sufficient. Indeed, the lottery company is perfectly aware of this as is expressed in their widely disseminated slogan: ‘A ticket a day could make you rich to-day’; they never recommended five or ten tickets!

Future of ACP to come under scrutiny at 8th Heads Summit - Guyana to attend The Eighth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States will see Guyana participating in this important event from May 30 to June 1, in Papua, New Guinea. Based on the Agenda, the Summit will foremost see discussions on the future of the Group and the ACP-European Union (EU) relations. Also, a report by the group of imminent persons on the path ahead will be reviewed. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) indicated that the Summit is a big occasion that will solicit the attendance of Heads of State and Government, along with a number of technical diplomatic officers. “…It’s a fairly high-level meeting, but the main subject to which they will devote attention, apart from reports from the Secretary General, will be the future of the ACP grouping as proposed by the Heads of Imminent persons which was led by Former President of Nigeria in which the President of Guyana participated from time to time,” Minister

Greenidge said. Asked the advantage Guyana gains as a member of the grouping, Minister Greenidge explained that the group gives more leverage within the EU as it pertains to small countries having a voice in the final decisions. “That is the main mechanism of the ACPEU Agreement…whether there is a problem or it is just a need to know the Status of implementation on a programme, the European Union is obliged to meet with us, discuss matters at the highest of levels and that at the technical level…this does not happen in other forum” Minister Greenidge explained. He added that one of the greatest challenges expected is what exactly will be the role of the Caribbean; where is it heading, how integrated a region will it be, and what does the Caribbean want from the ACP. This means that Guyana will have to ensure they stress the importance of the group to this country, and their intentions with regards the EU. Guyana being one of the ACP founding members intends to lead discussions and deliver ideas for the group’s future.

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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

WANTED

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

One experienced cook, age 25yrs to 35yrs. Call between 9:00 to 5pm. Call: 611-5398

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 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 Visa! Visa! Visa! Need help filling your visa application forms? Contact: 231-9484; 602-8569 – Mon-Fri 08:00-04:00 Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!! FOR SALE/RENT American pool table - Call: 277-0578

Earn a certificate in cosmetology; enroll now at Artee’s Beauty Salon & School of cosmetology. Call: 275-0267; 680-0156

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 Porters to work at Grocery Stall @ Stabroek Market. Call: 226-9800 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 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 General domestic with cooking experienced, age 2545yrs. Call: 629-9450 One live in female housekeeper, over 35yrs old and from outside Georgetown. Call: 223-0654 2 Experienced salesgirls at Stall A and B @ Courtney’s Boutique, Bourda Market. Call: 227-3407 One able bodied clerk. Call: 231-2029; 219-4533 FAST GROWING FOOD IMPORTERS SEEKING E X P E R I E N C E D SALESPERSON CANTER DRIVERS&BONDWORKERS, BRING APPLICATION & POLICECLEARANCE.CALL: 231- 8529; 231-8344

One maid –Call: 691-7271 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic – Call: 223-7500 Monday –Saturday between 8:15am-4:15pm Contract cars and taxi drivers (salaries paid), also dispatchers. Call: 231-0002; 231-0316 Persons to sew. Call: 2254673; 666-3208

Driver to work route 42 minibus- Call: 223-6059 or 645-3619 2 Skilled carpenters to build one bungalow garage roof $7,000 per day- Call: 676-2524

VEHICLE FOR SALE

FOR RENT

FOR SALE

Golden Jubilee Sale: Reduced Prices!! 2004 Toyota IST$2.0M, 2007 Toyota Auris $2.5M. Call: 609-3650; 2268953; 226-1973

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

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: church, office, lessons place, storage bond, private school, others -$20,000- Call: 603-6400 Top Flat for rent @ Diamond New Scheme. Call: 615-5833

One barber chair- Call: 6605043

Lower 2 bedrooms apartment @ Paradise Public Road, E.C.D. Security Deposit required -$40,000 monthly. Call: 625-9939

Rotweiler pups – 622-6646/ 652-8511

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 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

LAND FOR SALE 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 Herstelling (corner lot) $3.2M, Eccles -$6M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, Bartica -$2.8M. Call: 6117223; 604-2207 Houselots @ De Grout Scheme, Uitvlugt -$2.5M, Tuschen -$1.2M, Zeelugt$1.2M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M &1.2M. Call: 642-1252

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 AT 1 9 2 , 2 1 2 , A l l i o n , Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pit-bull, Pajero J u n i o r, S p a c i o : C a s h / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall: 680-3154 Toyota Hilux 5L Diesel Engine, stick gear 18” mag rims. Call: 692-9577; 229-2379

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

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 LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

Toyota Tacoma GRR 8235. Kindly contact Mark Singh: 226-8166 or Massey Industries Ltd, R5 Ruimveldt, Georgetown. 2005 Mazda RX8 -$1.7M negotiable, excellent condition. Call: 601-8612; 2760006 TM Truck with Winch & Led light, as is -$3.5M negotiable. Call: 616-7635 2009 Allion -$2.8M, 2009 Raum -$2.2M, 2010 IST$2.6M, 2009 Fielder -$2.5M, 2011 Axela -$2.6M. Call: 6172891 1 Toyota Caldina Wagon, good condition. Call Benji: 612-3706 Unregistered To y o t a Allion 2005: dark interior, HID lights, rose light $2.2M negotiable- Call: 617-5536

Toyota Hilux Vigo, ex cab 4WD, gas, 2700cc, 2TR Auto cc, 2006. Call: 616-5595; 6740434

XBOX one 500BG with games, (1) 24 HDTV 1080PCall: 683-8386 Barrels for sale @ Diamond, 19th Street, Fourth Corner, EBD –price $8,000 & Ladies bands -$500. Call: 216-2654; 684-0064 1 Houselot @ Crane Housing Scheme; 1 two storey house @ La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 626-4841 or 683-6674

House for rent @ Eccles, E.B.D-Call: 655-0700

Transported property @ East Bank Public Road triple lot for sale- Call: 233-6517; KITTY APARTMENTS: 2 622-1957; 638-0595 BEDROOMS, 1 BATHROOM, GRILLED, 1 Complete high volume 3 BRAND NEW, NO AGENTS, stage water purification NO SHORT TERM. system, UV light, water tanks, STARTING $70,000 reasonably price, owner MONTHLY. CALL: 695- migrating. Call: 649-8430 1138 One apartment for rent at Wooden pens & craft –Call: Mon Repos, Market Street, 223-0654 E.C.D –Call: 220-7330 ROAD TO BELWASA & A DIP AT THE SANGAM. 1-one bedroom apartment & AVAILABLE @ AUSTIN’S furnished rooms to rent; also BOOK STORE- TEL: 226one 32’ flat screen TV (brand 7350/7 & AT new) for sale. Call: 227-3825 LATCHMANSINGH DRUG STORE. TEL: 226-5053 Snackette for sale -$120,000. Call: 638-1119

Pick up GJJ Nissan. Call: 6956466; 673-1013

Experienced Drivers with mini bus and hire car licence, also contract vehicles. Call: 6228350

Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated and know to cook. Between 25-55 years. Call 1868- 6831528

TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

1 Boat for sale 50’X13’X6’ steel cargo boat 671 GM engine. Call: 691-5104; 6093447 PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

Six hole- 20" mag rims for Tundra/Tacoma, steering rock for tundra-Call: 6381829; 220-1630

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; 649-1434 Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 One roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop, ground excellent for restaurant or other business –Call: 6540779 House & Land @ Uitvlugt $4.5M. Call: 642-1252

PEN-PAL Nazim- Guyana’s last Crown Jewel/ dark knight prince dreams of 25 world records is looking for a wife. Call: 2234246 TOURS J u b i l e e Vi s i t o r s : r i v e r tours, city tours, airport/ out of town trips, Suriname tour – Call:639-2663; 6655171; 692-7270; 223-0056 (Continued on page 71)

Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

PIRATES THROW GUYANESE FISHERMEN OVERBOARD

PAGE 71

- one found dead, three missing, captain survives

BOAT CAPTAIN: Seepersaud Persaud The body of a Corentyne fisherman was pulled up in a seine while his three colleagues were still missing up to late last night following a brutal piracy attack on Friday night. The body of Hemchand Sukdeo, 44 of No. 55 village Corentyne, berbice, was brought ashore in another fishing vessel, hours after the attack which occurred around 23:00 hours in Lower Shell area, Nickerie, Suriname. The captain of his ill-fated vessel survived the attack

although he was thrown into the Atlantic Ocean by the pirates and was able to provide police with a description of the pirates’ vessel. Police have detained at least five suspects and the boat believed to be the one used by the armed hijackers to carry out the attack was impounded. A press statement issued yesterday said that they are investigating a report that about 23:00 hours on Friday, boat captain Seepersaud Persaud, 43, of No.78 Village, Corentyne, and four crew members were aboard a boat in the Lower Shell area, Nickerie, when another boat with five men armed with cutlasses came up alongside. The armed men boarded

Persaud’s boat and took away two 48hp outboard motor engines, tied up the four crew members and threw Persaud overboard. Seepersaud, relating to this newspaper the dreadful ordeal, stated that the hijackers came on board his boat and drove it ashore where they proceeded to remove the engine. He said that the men then tied up his crew and demanded that he throw them over board. “One of dem start holler seh lemme throw dem overboard and me start beg and me beg dem and because me beg, them throw me overboard and go away with me crew,” Persaud said. He was subsequently rescued by the crew of another fishing vessel in the

area after drifting for some time. Later, when the rescuers were pulling up their seine they found the body of Hemchand Sukhdeo, caught in the seine. The area was searched but neither Persaud’s vessel nor the other three crew members have been located. While at sea, Persaud managed to contact persons at the No.66 Fishing Complex and informed them of the incident and gave a description of the boat that was used by the perpetrators. During the morning, acting on information received, the police went to the No.65 Village Foreshore, Corentyne, where they saw a boat matching the description given. Five men who were

aboard have been arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigations. Kaieteur news understands that the boat is linked to persons who are suspected pirates. Commander of the Police Berbice Division, Ian Amsterdam told Kaieteur News that the Suriname Police authorities have been informed of the incident. “They are willing to work with us,” Amsterdam said. He stated that the police

DEAD: Hemchand Sukdeo had received word that three vessels were attacked on Friday night, but they have not yet been able to confirm the other two attacks. Apart from the engines, the pirates escaped with over $120,000 in fish.

From page 70

The suspected pirate boat.

TO LET Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, recently renovated with free Wi-Fi, fully tiled -$70,000. Call: 227-5194 Rooms in Alberttown- Call: 225-3234 2 room apartment @ Mon Repos, E.C.D Call: 672-7431; 615-0725

VACANCY Cashiers for supermarketCall: 624-0033. 1 Cook & 1 maid. Call: 624-0033. Security In store (daytime) –Call: 680-3863.Driver for water truck. Call: 680-3863 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020

Film-maker Mahadeo Shivraj complains... From page 67 for this occasion, I am now left with the only option of trying to get it screened otherwise,” he said. He stated that he first contacted President Granger indicating his decision to make the movie to celebrate the 50th Independence Anniversary and to also make a video to precede the movie which he hopes will encourage racial unity. The president, he noted, responded three months later to say that he will pass the letter onto Minister of Culture, Nicolette Henry. Shivraj recalled meeting with the Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, with Hughes and Roopnaraine to discuss the movie and how best they could lend support. He said he asked them to endorse the project so that it

can spread throughout the Diaspora and help to create a film industry. “I indicated that it was necessary for our government to be proud of what is done its citizens,” he said, adding that it is the people of a country who are the true ambassadors. He stressed that he had also indicated that the project would serve as an excellent tool for tourism and that the video would encourage racial unity while encouraging Guyanese abroad to return home. He said the ministers promised their support and to have the film be a part of the celebrations when it is completed. But, when he returned to Guyana he was given the royal run-around. He said Hughes had not responded to any of his emails, and though he visited her office several

times he was denied a conversation with her. Roopnaraine, he said, continued to shower him with promises but never came through. He said that he had also written to him on several occasions but never received a reply. Shivraj emphasized further that he never received any response from Culture Minister Henry. “Just to clarify: I never asked for any money to make my movie. I wrote ten big companies in Guyana and I was turned down by all. I used my own money hoping that people who promised to showcase my movie would do so. Imagine, the President can reply but they can’t,” he chided. “I regret that Guyanese at home and the ones visiting from the Diaspora could not have seen a product of

Guyana made by Guyanese for the specific occasion of the 50th Jubilee Celebration and showcasing our Guyanese actors and our Guyana. What a pity. Instead the movie will be screened now in another country—what a shame,” he argued. He stated that it appears as though the “words of the people in office to the citizens who employed them have no significance”. Shivraj had tried to screen the film at the National Cultural Centre but was told that it was already booked out for the year. He said, too, that it was a challenge to get the two cinemas in Guyana to air the movie. Protection Game is his sixth film. Till I Find a Place and Brown Sugar too bitter for me are two of his best films so far.

CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery; also edible images and Wedding dresses for sale. Call: 670-0798

I.T Network Technician, E-mail CV to jobs@awngy.com 1 Sale representative with motorcycle car -$40,000 monthly + commission, 1 office assistant (male & female) 5 CXC subjects $20,000 monthly. Call: 2202878 1 Salesgirl -$20,000 weekly, 1 domestic -$25,000 weekly. Call: 220-2878 Mechanic for TM and model M trucks contact 223-5274

VACANCY Salesgirls, general domestic, babysitter. Apply @ R.Sookraj & Sons, 108 Regent Street (opposite GBTI) Nail technician, Must know to do airbrush @ Nalline’s Beauty Salon @ Vreed-enHoop Junction. Call: 2640034; 625-3899 FOR THE BEST ADVERTISING RATES – CALL US ON: 2258452 OR 226-8210

Handyman between 30 to 45 years old contact 223-5274 Supervisor to work at Xenon Hotel Charity Essequibo email rtilak@adamantium holdings.com RA Soda Factory Rosignol, Berbice: bond & billing clerks, experienced accountants, machine operator with mechanical ideas. Call: 330-2399/623-5920 Hopetown Gas Station (Guyoil): Pump attendants for night and day shifts. Call: 330-2399

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Kaieteur News

Just over 55 percent distribution ... From page 15 based on the documents provided. “Our procedures revealed that management was unable to account for an additional 1,875 laptops costing $109,168,913. We believe that this matter should be referred to the police for a full investigation.” Meanwhile, with regards to laptops in stock, auditors

found 3,158 laptops, costing $191M…but all were damaged. “We have been unable to determine whether these are beyond repair. It is likely therefore that of the total number of laptops acquired by purchase or grant of 55,145, some 5,136 were either stolen or are defective. In dollar terms, the actual loss to the Government is $306M.”

OPAQUE FUNDING According to Ram and McRae, the financing of the project was opaque and funded out of moneys received by the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) which was itself retaining funds otherwise payable into the Consolidated Fund. “The project did not maintain any proper system

of accounting and the only accounting done was by way of instructions to the NFMU to approve invoices for payment. There was no accounting for transactions executed on behalf of the project nor was there any reconciliation of the records of the OLPF and the NFMU.” Auditors conducted “substantive testing and expenditure analysis” confirmed that $1.26B was paid by the NFMU for the administrative, employment, training and distribution expenses incurred by OLPF during the period May 9, 2011 to May 31, 2015. The second largest type of expenditure was administrative expenses which amounted to $422.8M or 33% of the total costs. According to the report, the principal purpose of the project was to distribute laptops to low income families countrywide. “Total distribution cost amount to $35,291,406 or three per cent of the total cost of the project. The average cost of distribution per laptop was therefore $706. Total training cost amounted to $70,750,427 or six per cent of the total cost. The average cost of training per laptop was therefore $1,415.” The auditors believe that the general expenses of the OLPF were exorbitant and could have been curtailed by management.

Sunday May 29, 2016

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Kaieteur News

ARAB LEAGUE CHIEF DENOUNCES ISRAEL AT PEACE TALKS MEETING Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas (C-L) Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat (2-L), Arab League Secretary General Nabil alArabi (2-R) speak during a meeting of Arab foreign ministers, on May 28, 2016 (AFP Photo/STRINGER) Cairo (AFP) - Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi blasted Israel as a bastion of "fascism and racial discrimination" yesterday at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers that backed France's Middle East peace initiative. The Arab ministers at the end of the meeting adopted a resolution backing "the French initiative and all Arab and international efforts" for

peace talks between Israel and Palestinians. In his speech to the ministers, Arabi, who has been a vocal critic of Israel, said the country "has truly become today the last bastion of fascism, colonialism and racial discrimination in the world". Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas has rejected an Israeli offer for direct negotiations in-

stead of the French multilateral peace initiative, which Israel has turned down. Yesterday, he blamed Israel for stalling the talks. "We tried hard with the Israeli government to implement signed treaties and respect our and their commitments, but they refused," he said. The French initiative involves holding a meeting of foreign ministers from a range

of countries, including US Secretary of State John Kerry, on June 3, but without the Israelis and Palestinians present. An international conference would then be held in the autumn, with the Israelis and Palestinians in attendance. The goal is an eventual relaunch of negotiations that would lead to a Palestinian state. Negotiations be-

tween the Israelis and Palestinians have been at a standstill since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014. An upsurge in violence since October has killed 205 Palestinians and 28 Israelis. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say. The unrest has steadily

declined in recent weeks. Many analysts say that Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the recent unrest. Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a main cause of the violence.

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Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

Dana accused freed Trinidad Guardian - A blunder by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has led to the freeing of a man accused of being a member of the gang allegedly responsible for the assassination of former Independent senator Dana Seetahal, SC. David Ector walked into the arms of waiting family members outside the Port-ofSpain Magistrates’ Court, after Senior Magistrate Indrani Cedeno discharged the 14 people of the charges they faced under the Anti-Gang Act in relation to Seetahal's murder in July last year. Cedeno was left with no choice but to do so in an oral ruling in the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court, after she dismissed an application from the DPP's Office to amend the gang charges against the 13 accused in Seetahal’s murder. In its application, the DPP’s Office had admitted to laying the charges indictably (heard and determined by a High Court Judge and jury), as opposed to summarily (heard and determined by a magistrate) as prescribed by the legislation. However, Cedeno said the amendment could not be permitted as she felt the accused would be prejudiced by it, as the penalty for the offence is greater on summary conviction as opposed to conviction before a judge and jury. She also criticised the DPP’s Office for its delay in seeking the amendment, as she said it should have been noticed at a preliminary stage. The DDP's Office also cannot now re-lay the gang charges against the men as the six-month window for do-

Dana Seetahal

David Ector ing so has already expired. While her decision affected all the accused before the court, Ector, who was charged only with the gang offence and not the murder, earned his immediate release. Deon Peters, who like Ector was not indicted for the murder, was not as lucky though, as after being discharged he was led out of court and detained by police on an outstanding warrant for an unrelated criminal offence. Unlike Ector and Peters, Stacy Griffith, the third person who was charged for being a gang member and not with the

murder, will remain with her husband, Rajaee Ali, and ten others who are still before the court for Seetahal’s murder, as she has a separate charge of benefiting from the gang’s activity, which was laid correctly by the DPP’s Office. Ali, his brothers Ishmael and Hamid Ali, Devaughn Cummings, Ricardo Stewart, Earl Richards, Stephan Cummings, Kevin Parkinson, Leston Gonzales, Roget Boucher, and Gareth Wiseman remain on trial for Seetahal’s murder. In her judgment, Cedeno also called on Parliament to review the gang legislation, as she said she felt there was a mix-up in varying sentences for the two trial processes, as summary trials usually carry a lesser penalty. Ironically, Magistrate Cedeno admitted that her decision was strongly influenced by Dana Seetahal’s professional book Caribbean Criminal Practice and Procedure. “Seetahal’s book provided immense assistance and guidance on the issues raised in the application,” Cedeno said as she quoted the text several times during her ruling.

Seek Help, DPP Tells Parents The Gleaner - Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn Friday urged a group of parents to seek help and advice from professionals or experienced parents on how to tackle specific problematic behavioural issues involving their children. She was the guest speaker at the St Richards Primary School's 13th annual Principal's Golden Achievers Club awards ceremony, which was held at the St Richard of Chichester Roman Catholic Church at the institution on Red Hills Road in Kingston. Approximately 150 students were awarded for their exemplary display of disciplinary conduct and their excellent academic performance since the start of the school year in September, last year.

"When you have the care of a child, you have to have self-discipline. If you are a parent and you are not sure about how to deal with certain situations, seek help. Your child's well-being depends on it and also your sanity depends on it," Llewellyn told the gathering. "A lot of the domestic murders we have now come from a situation where the adults learned intolerance (as children). The adults did not learn how to tolerate one another when they grew up, so life is a constant fight," she said. The DPP firmly highlighted the importance of parents getting children into the habit of reading from the very early stages of their development. "Too many parents are

afraid to give tough love, and they give up parenting to the television, to the friends of their children, and now, they are giving it up to the tablet and the computer. I love vocabulary. I won a lot of cups (trophies) when I was your age for vocabulary," Llewellyn told the students. "I decided that I wouldn't have a child who could not speak articulately and critically analyse. When she was two plus (her daughter), I put subtitles on the television so when she watched her little cartoons, she would see the words scrolling. Another thing I did not allow her to (do) until age eight (was) to have any interactive toys. I would take her to the book store and I would reward her with one book," she said.

Sunday May 29, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Venezuela Govt., opposition hold talks in Dominican Republic - local media Reuters - Venezuela's opposition leaders and top government officials have held talks in the Dominican Republic to lay the groundwork for a potential dialogue to defuse a political standoff and a deepening economic crisis, local media reported yesterday. The OPEC nation is suffering a severe recession due

to low oil prices and a collapsing socialist economic model. President Nicolas Maduro is locked in a standoff with Congress after the opposition won a sweeping legislative majority last year. A government delegation including Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez has for three days met with representatives

of opposition parties including Primero Justicia and Voluntad Popular, according to opposition-linked newspaper El Nacional. Government-backed newspaper Ciudad Caracas described the encounter as an "exploratory meeting for the start of dialogue," adding that the meeting included ex-

At G7, Cameron keeps lid on press pack's 'Brexit' probing Reuters - In Japan, ostensibly to cover Prime Minister David Cameron's talks with other G7 leaders, travelling reporters had other things on their minds -- mainly next month's vote on whether Britain should ditch its membership of the European Union. With the June 23 vote looming, British "hacks" who had paid thousands of pounds to watch Cameron's every move in Japan and to try to quiz him and his team on "Brexit", were frustrated to be swept off to a Japanese dance and music show miles from the summit venue. Obsessed with one of the biggest events in modern British politics which was dominating the headlines at home, the disappointment of some in the press corps was palpable. "We usually get decent access to both the prime minister and his team," one senior political journalist at a national newspaper, who declined to be named, grumbled. "This time we've got neither, it's a bit of a joke." The situation was compounded by the fact that Cameron's media team, determined to concentrate on the official agenda of the Group

of Seven talks, lacked his head of communications, who had been seconded to the "In" Europe campaign. With his official spokeswoman also not able to be with him due to a personal commitment, Cameron was accompanied by less experienced press aides so the timing of the summit was less than ideal for both the prime minister and the journalists. Cameron, joined by close aides including Europe adviser Tom Scholar, sat in the front section of the plane for the private charter flight to Japan, separated by a curtain from the around 20 members of the national media accompanying him. Towards the end of the 14hour flight, Cameron came back to the press, setting out his aims for the summit before taking about 10 minutes of questions. In a sign of their jumpiness, Cameron's team asked in advance what topics would be asked. Wearing a long-sleeved navy polo shirt, blue jeans and smart black shoes, and with his hands in his pockets, a seemingly relaxed Cameron greeted journalists and made small talk about whether people had managed

to get much sleep. As the media gathered round, Cameron complimented a reporter from the anti-EU Express newspaper. When someone asked if he was trying to get the paper to do a Uturn on Brexit, Cameron joked: "That is the sort of high ambition I have for this summit."

leaders of Spain, Panama and the Dominican Republic. Rodriguez retweeted state-run broadcaster Telesur saying the government had met with the opposition. The head of Venezuela's MUD opposition coalition tweeted "There is no 'opposition-government' meeting in the Dominican. Representatives of the coalition are attending a meeting with (the ex-presidents)." International agencies including the United Nations and the Group of Seven industrial powers known as the G7 have pressed the two sides to hold talks amid chronic shortages of food and medicine and electricity rationing. But opposition leaders, who are seeking a referendum to recall President Maduro, have been deeply skeptical of initiating such talks.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during the 16th PetroCaribe Ministerial Council in Caracas Friday. Miraflores Palace/ Handout via REUTERS Former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, who is leading the recall push, said in an interview last week that dialogue would simply allow the government to buy time and that the only way to resolve the crisis was through a vote. A dialogue effort in 2014 brought the two sides together amid months of violent anti-government street protests that left more than 40 people dead. Both sides agree that the talks did not produce any substantive agreements. Opposition leaders accuse

the National Election Council of stalling their effort to recall Maduro, whose popularity in March dropped to 27 percent according to local pollster Datanalisis. They also say the ruling Socialist Party has used a progovernment Supreme Court to shoot down nearly every law passed by Congress since the opposition won a two-thirds majority of seats in December. Maduro insists his government is the victim of an "economic war" led by business leaders with the backing of Washington.

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Sunday May 29, 2016

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Poll finds Venezuela shortages TO EXCEED 80 PERCENT

People line up to buy food and household items outside a supermarket in Caracas, Venezuela. (AFP Photo/Ronaldo Schemidt) Caracas (AFP) - More than 80 percent of basic consumer products including food and medicine are now in short supply in Venezuela, a poll says. Stores are facing greater shortages than households, president of pollster Datanalisis Luis Vicente Leon said Friday. But the company's latest study, with data from April, saw a jump in that index as the oil-rich country grapples with political and economic crisis. "The deterioration has been exponential over the last two months," Leon said. "We

are seeing indices worsen in a really dramatic way." Datanalisis expects inflation of 450 percent, and predicts purchasing power will drop by at least 40 points compared to 2015. The latest official inflation figures from December 2015 reported a 180.9 percent increase in prices. The combination of shortages and inflation plaguing Venezuelans has forced at least two-thirds of the population to rely on the black market for basic goods. Around 86 percent of Venezuelans polled pinned blame on President Nicolas

Maduro's leftist government. Maduro claims that a conspiracy of entrepreneurs are waging "economic war" on his country, and also says the collapse of prices of oil -- a commodity that accounts for 96 percent of Venezuela's hard currency revenue -- has provoked the crisis. According to Datanalisis, 71.8 percent of Venezuelans think Maduro's "economic war" theory as "little or no credibility." The study surveyed 800 people in eight major Venezuelan cities of varying socioeconomic status. The margin of error was 3.46 percent.

IMF approves funds for Suriname WASHINGTON - CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a US$478 million loan to Suriname with President Desi Bouterse going on radio and television to announce the 24 month Stad By Agreement (SBA). But opposition parties have blamed the Bouterse administration for mismanaging the local economy and had tried in vain to get the Washington-based financial institution not to go ahead with the so-called “home grown” package. “The main objectives of the authorities’ programme are to restore macroeconomic stability and confidence, and to pave the way to economic recovery while protecting the most vulnerable during the adjustment process,” said Mitsuhiro Furusawa, Deputy IMF Managing Director. “Fiscal consolidation is a

Mitsuhiro Furusawa critical ingredient of this program to reduce imbalances. The authorities’ fiscal reforms include elimination of electricity price subsidies and the introduction of a value added tax. To soften the impact of the adjustment on the poor, the authorities’ agenda emphasizes a strengthening of the social safety net,” he added. The IMF said as a result of the approval, Suriname will be eligible to receive US$81 million immediately. It said that the homegrown programme supported by the arrangement aims to

facilitate Suriname’s adjustment to the fall in the prices of major commodity exports, restore confidence, and pave the way to economic recovery. The IMF said a critical ingredient of the programme is fiscal consolidation, to restore fiscal and external current account stability. The programme also includes reforms to the exchange rate and monetary policy framework, to enhance Suriname’s resilience to the current and to possible future shocks, and allow a steady rebuilding of foreign reserves.

Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 77

Ricciardo takes first F1 pole in Monaco Australian Daniel Ricciardo seized the first pole position of his Formula One career at the Monaco Grand Prix yesterday with world championship leader Nico Rosberg joining him on the front row for Mercedes. ”High time,” shouted the Red Bull driver over the team radio after being told the news. The pole, in a time of one minute 13.622 seconds, was the team’s first since Sebastian Vettel at the Brazil Grand Prix in November 2013. It was also the first time since 2012, when Ricciardo’s compatriot Mark Webber was on pole for Red Bull, that Mercedes did not secure the top slot in Monaco. Triple world champion

Lewis Hamilton qualified third, a remarkable recovery after his car suffered a fuel pressure problem at the start of the final session and had to be pushed back along the pitlane. Ferrari’s Vettel will join the Briton on the second row for the season’s showcase race, where the harbourside track winds through twisty metalfenced streets and overtaking is extremely difficult. Ricciardo, who won three races in 2014 and has made three starts from the front row in his career, came to Monaco with a new and more powerful Tag Heuer-branded Renault engine. ”I knew coming into the weekend we would have a shot

The Australian claimed the first pole position of his career ahead of Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix at it,” said the Australian. ”I have been driving well but haven’t quite got maximum rewards so I came into this weekend with a lot of con-

Sunday May 29, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You should visit a friend or relative who hasn't been feeling up to par. Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. Help elders get their personal papers in order. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You have been going through a period of change that no doubt caused problems with your loved ones. You can continue to make gains if you call a few people who can help you close an important deal. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. You will attract potential lovers, but be sure that they're unattached. If you keep busy you won't feel the personal pressures you are going through. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Put in some extra hours and finish those careful jobs before you move on to some fun and games. Social evenings at your place will be highly successful.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Seminars will provide you with knowledge and amusement. Losses are evident. Communication will be your best bet. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Problems with your boss could lead to unemployment. Help children with important projects. Concentrate on yourself or your work. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You need adventure and excitement in your life. Opportunities to expand your circle of friends will result in possible new romantic encounters. Be wary of those who have overly strong convictions. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your mate may want to pick a fight but if you're persistent with your affections their anger should dissipate. Watch for empty promises that may give you false hope. You may find it difficult to communicate.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Take time to talk things over. Travel for business or pleasure. Don't overspend on entertainment, on children, or make poor investments.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Make sure any presentation you have is ready. Do not confront situations unless you are sure you have a good understanding of the dilemma. You can expect sorrow to evolve from the information you discover.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Partnerships will be successful. You may overspend if you travel today; however, the trip will be one to remember. Do not let lovers cost you money or take advantage of you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Try to make arrangements with close friends or relatives to spend a few days away. If you've been really busy, try to schedule some time to spend with loved ones.

fidence and a lot of belief I could be in this position now.” While Ricciardo celebrated, there was disappointment in the other half of the garage with 18-year-old Dutch driver Max Verstappen crashing in the opening session. The teenager, whose victory on his Red Bull debut in Spain two weeks ago

m a d e h i m t h e s p o r t ’s youngest winner, will start on the back row. ”I turned in a bit too early, broke the suspension and then couldn’t recover from it. It’s a case of misjudgement,” he said after hitting the kerb and smashing into the barrier at the exit to the swimming pool section. Hamilton’s hopes of pole suffered a big blow at the start of the final 12minute session when Mercedes told him to stop at the end of the pitlane as he headed out. Mechanics ran to recover the car, which was fixed in a frantic flurry of activity in the garage. He then had to abort his first attempt at a quick lap, slowing to avoid being caught in traffic, before setting the third-best time. ”I don’t really know what to say at the moment but the good thing is I did get out to

do a lap at least,” said Hamilton, whose disappointment was plain to all. “It was as bad as some of the races I have been in, in respect of the engine problems, so I’m grateful to be up in third. Pole was there for the taking but I will do what I can in the race to salvage what I can.” Rosberg leads Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, who qualified sixth but has a five-place grid penalty due to a gearbox change, by 39 points after five races. The German has won the last three Monaco Grands Prix. Hamilton is 43 points behind his team mate, who started the season by winning four races in a row. Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg qualified fifth for Force India. Verstappen’s crash and a blown engine in Brazilian Felipe Nasr’s Sauber meant red flags were waved twice to stop the session in the opening phase. (Reuters)

Diamond League 2016

Justin Gatlin wins Oregon 100m in fastest time of the year Justin Gatlin ran his fastest time of the year to win the 100m at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting in Oregon in 9.88 seconds. Gatlin beat Jamaica’s Asafa Powell - who ran 9.94secs - with fellow American Tyson Gay third in 9.98secs. Former Olympic champion Gatlin, 34, who led from the blocks, heads the Diamond League 100m standings after also winning in Shanghai earlier this month. Femi Ogunode, fastest man in the world this year, was fifth in 10.02secs. Great Britain’s Laura Weightman came sixth in the women’s 1500m. Weightman, 24, clocked a time of four minutes 03.04 seconds in a race won by Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon in 3:56.41. Britain’s Tiffany Porter, 28, finished seventh in the women’s 100m hurdles behind winner Kendra Harrison. American Harrison finished in 12.24secs, a new American record and the sec-

ond fastest time in the history of the event. In the women’s high jump at the event in Eu-

gene, Britain’s Isobel Pooley, 23, finished eighth after clearing 1.88 metres.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 29, 2016

Moeen Ali & Chris Woakes put hosts in control Moeen Ali hit his second Test century and Chris Woakes produced his best figures with bat and ball as England seized control of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street. Resuming on 310-6, England progressed to 498-9 declared. Moeen, 28 not out overnight, compiled an unbeaten 155 and Woakes added 39. And the Warwickshire allrounder returned with the ball to destroy Sri Lanka, picking up 3-9 as the tourists slumped to 91-8, still 407 runs behind. After an even first day, for Sri Lanka this was an unwelcome return to the failings of the first Test as they lost control of the game with the ball and then produced an indisciplined performance with the bat. It now seems inevitable England will wrap up a second successive win - and with it the three-match series. Having passed 40 just once in his previous 17 Test innings, there were some question marks over Moeen’s

batting going into this match. But the all-rounder delivered a superb riposte to his critics with a magnificent innings full of his trademark flowing drives and wristy flicks. Moeen extended his partnership with Woakes to 92, then once Woakes was caught behind he cut loose, going to his century with a lofted straight drive for a one-bounce four and clouting two sixes. He also passed 1,000 Test runs during the course of his innings - becoming the fifthfastest Englishman to achieve the double of 1,000 runs and 50 wickets. Both of Moeen’s Test hundreds have come at number seven - a position where he now averages 276 - and this innings will intensify the debate over whether he should bat higher up the order for England. While one all-rounder was solidifying his place in his side, another was making his claim to be a established member of it. Woakes’s Test career so far has been

Moeen Ali hit 17 fours and two sixes thwarted - he averaged 21.50 with the bat and 63.75 with the ball before this match - but here he proved that he can be effective at the highest level of the game. First he passed his previous highest Test score of 26 with a well-paced innings in the morning session. Then he translated the bowling form that had seen him take 9-34 in a County

Novak Djokovic ends Aljaz Bedene’s run at French Open Top seed Novak Djokovic won 6-2 6-3 6-3 to end Aljaz Bedene’s hopes of joining fellow Briton Andy Murray in the fourth round of the French Open. Bedene, 26, who had never won a match at Roland Garros until this year, played well but was outclassed by Serbia’s world number one. Djokovic, seeking his first French Open title, won just before play would have been suspended because of bad light. The 29-year-old will face Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut next. With the match only starting at 19:25 in France (18:25 in UK) because of rain earlier on, Djokovic faced a race against time to finish the match yesterday. The 11-time Grand Slam singles champion won the first set in 37 minutes, and despite dropping his serve, continued to dominate in the second. British number two Bedene, bidding for his first victory over a top-10 opponent at the eighth attempt, kept plugging away, but in gloomy conditions Djokovic just managed to wrap up victory at 21:30 local time. Second seed Murray, who beat Ivo Karlovic on Friday, faces American John Isner in the fourth round today. His match is scheduled third on Court Suzanne Lenglen after a men’s singles and a women’s singles match, but

Murray and Soares have not lost a Grand Slam match since becoming a partnership. rain could delay play. Djokovic and Bedene’s match was moved to Court Suzanne Lenglen after rain delayed play for more than two hours, but was switched back to Philippe Chatrier after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga retired hurt while leading 5-2 against Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis. The Frenchman, who reached the semi-finals last year, was leading 5-2 when a problem with his left leg forced him to quit in tears. The sixth seed said: “I came on court feeling really good. The first game of the match I did a slide, and I just felt a pain. ”I continued a little bit and it was coming more and more painful. I knew it was over, because no chance I can play all match long like this.” Gulbis will play 12th seed David Goffin, who came through a five-setter against

Nicolas Almagro 6-2 4-6 6-3 46 6-2. Also through is seventh seed Tomas Berdych, who saw off Pablo Cuevas 4-6 6-3 6-2 7-5. Britain’s Jamie Murray and Brazilian partner Bruno Soares are safely through to the third round of the men’s doubles. The fourth seeds defeated French pair David Guez and Vincent Millot 6-2 7-6 (7-5) having twice recovered from a break down in the second set. Murray is currently ranked third in the world but has the chance to move back to number one with a good run at Roland Garros. Since reaching the third round in Paris last year, the Scot has made the final at every Grand Slam, winning his first title with Soares at the Australian Open in January. (BBCsport)

Championship match earlier this week to the Test arena. Bowling with pace and

control, he induced thin edges from Angelo Mathews and Milinda Siriwardana, and took the shoulder of Kusal Mendis’s bat with a vicious delivery which looped to gully. Sri Lanka were thoroughly outplayed on a dreadful day for the tourists which will likely end their competitive involvement in the series. Having caught brilliantly on the first day, Sri Lanka undid all their good work in the field - and set the tone for the day - by shelling two catches in the opening halfhour. First Dimuth Karunaratne spilt Moeen at slip when he was on 36, then wicketkeeper

Dinesh Chandimal missed the simplest of chances to reprieve Woakes on eight. Their tactics in the field were also baffling at times, as they allowed Moeen to keep strike even when he was batting in partnership with Steven Finn and James Anderson. And their woes continued with the bat, with seven batsmen falling to catches behind the wicket following the early dismissal of Karunaratne who was bowled. England 498-9 dec: Moeen 155*, Hales 83, Root 80, Pradeep 4-107; Sri Lanka 91-8: K Mendis 35, Woakes 3-9, Broad 3-35. (BBCsport)

Serena roars into fourth round, tears for Tsonga Thunderclaps, rain delays, an inspired home favourite roared on by a partisan crowd — it was all in a day’s work for reigning champion Serena Williams as the world number one roared into the second week of the French Open yesterday. The 34-year-old American needed all her experience and tenacity to fight off France’s Kristina Mladenovic 6-4 76(10) in an absorbing contest to set up a last-16 clash with Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina who beat 2008 champion Ana Ivanovic 6-4 6-4. There was further French disappointment later when popular sixth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was forced to retire against unseeded Latvian Ernests Gulbis leading 5-2. Tsonga, who has come closer than anyone to emulating Yannick Noah, the last home man to win the French Open in 1983, walked off with tears in his eyes after appearing to hurt his knee. Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro, last year’s semi-finalist Timea Bacsinszky and unseeded Kazakh Yulia Putintseva all booked their fourth-round spots before the rains came. As did rising Austrian Dominic Thiem, the 13th seed, who continued his fine claycourt season to beat German teenager Alexander Zverev 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 6-3. The 22-year-old will face Marcel Granollers next, not more illustrious Spaniard Rafael Nadal who rocked the tournament on Friday when he withdrew because of a left wrist injury. With Roger Federer back in Switzerland with a back injury and twice women’s champion Maria Sharapova provisionally

Serena Williams serves during her match against Kristina Mladenovic of France. Reuters/Jacky Naegelen banned pending the outcome of an anti-doping hearing, the tournament is already missing some of its star turns. So there was already tension in the air as 21-times grand slam champion Williams stepped on court to face the hard-hitting Mladenovic for the first time in her long career. Everything seemed to be going to plan as Williams took the opening set despite some impressive play from her opponent who used the drop shot to great effect throughout. As the sky darkened and fat rain drops began landing on the clay late in the second Williams seemed anxious to finish the contest but Mladenovic stayed strong and forced a tiebreak just at the moment the heavens opened. When the contest resumed two and a half hours later Williams made a hash of

the first few points and trailed 2-5. She recovered to lead 6-5 but made an ugly mess of an overhead on match point, then on her second chance to close it out she walloped a forehand long after pouncing on a loopy Mladenovic drop shot that sat up begging. Williams saved a set point with a swing volley before another match point came and went but she could finally produce her victory roar when her opponent sent a forehand wide at 10-11. ”It was very difficult today she played really well,” Williams, bidding for a fourth French Open title, said. “She forced me to play my best tennis today.” Spain’s ever-reliable David Ferrer reached the last 16 for the sixth consecutive year by beating compatriot Feliciano Lopez. (Reuters)

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WHO rejects call for Olympics to be moved due to Zika The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday rejected a call for the Rio Olympic Games to be moved or postponed due to the threat posed by a large outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil. Responding to a call from more than 100 leading scientists, who said it would be unethical for the Games to go ahead as scheduled, the United Nations health agency said having the Games in Rio as planned would “not significantly alter” the spread of Zika, which is linked to serious birth defects. ”Based on the current assessment of Zika virus circulating in almost 60 countries globally and 39 in the Americas, there is no public health justification for postponing or cancelling the games,” the WHO said in a statement. In a public letter posted online on Friday, around 150 leading public health experts, many of them bioethicists, said the risk of infection from the Zika virus was too high

for the Games to go ahead safely. The letter, sent to WHO director-general Margaret Chan, said the Games, due to be held in Rio de Janeiro in August, should be moved to another location or delayed. ”An unnecessary risk is posed when 500,000 foreign tourists from all countries attend the Games, potentially acquire that strain, and return home to places where it can become endemic,” the letter said. But the WHO rejected the call, saying Brazil “is one of almost 60 countries and territories” where Zika has been detected and that people continued to travel between these countries and territories for a variety of reasons. ”The best way to reduce risk of disease is to follow public health travel advice,” it said. One of the signatories of the letter, brain injury specialist Dr Ford Vox, called the WHO’s response “defeatist, depressing, and quite a bit too quick for anyone to be-

lieve they gave the letter due consideration.” The scientific community is divided over the threat of Zika due to the Rio Olympics, with many experts saying the call for postponement or relocation is unjustified. “We live in an incredibly interconnected world, global travel and trade are daily activities that offer Zika virus an opportunity to spread,” said Jonathan Ball, professor of molecular virology at the U.K.’s University of Nottingham. ”By comparison to these routine activities, the increased risk that the Olympics poses is a drop in the ocean.” The WHO’s advice is that pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika virus transmission, including Rio de Janeiro. It also advises everyone to make all efforts to protect against mosquito bites and to practice safe sex. Zika infection in pregnant women has been shown to be a cause of the birth defect

A worker from a public cleaning company wears a T-shirt that reads ‘’Out Zika’’ is pictured before the inauguration ceremony of the common areas and the Live Site at the 2016 Rio Olympics park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 11, 2016. Reuters/Ricardo Moraes

microcephaly and other serious brain abnormalities in babies. The connection between Zika and microcephaly first came to light last fall in Brazil, which has confirmed more than 1,400 cases of microcephaly. The International Olympic Committee jumped into the

LeBron James scores 33 points to book NBA Finals place

LeBron James scored 33 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 113-87 on Friday to win the Eastern Conference. It was the first game in the series won by the visiting team and the Cavaliers will play in the NBA Finals for the second year in a row. The Cavaliers led by as many as 14 points in the first half and had a 21-point lead during the third quarter. They led by 12 entering the fourth quarter. The Raptors got the lead down to 10 before the Cavaliers took over and regained their 21-point lead on Kyrie Irving’s bank shot with 4:49 to play. Irving scored again on a floating bank shot to increase the lead to 23 with 3:32 left. Irving finished with 30 points for the Cavaliers and Kevin Love added 20 and J.R. Smith scored 15. Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 35 points and DeMar DeRozan added 20. The Cavaliers led by as many as 11 points during the first quarter, a lead the Raptors cut to four before James completed the scoring with a layup to give him 14 points. Cleveland took a 31-25 lead into the second quarter. Channing Frye opened the second quarter and increased the Cavaliers’ lead to 12 points. The Raptors cut

The victory, secured thanks to LeBron James, saw the Cavaliers win the Eastern Conference that lead in half on DeRozan’s short jumper with 5:48 left in the half. James answered with a 3-pointer and a dunk. James finished the first half with 21 points and the Cavaliers led 55-41. Lowry led Toronto with 12 first-half points. Tristan Thompson opened the scoring in the second half and Cleveland’s lead was up to 16. Love bumped the lead to 18 before two minutes had elapsed.

The Raptors got back to within 13 points with 6:57 to play in the third but Smith made a 3-pointer and Irving followed with a pullup jumper with 4:58 to go and Cleve l a n d l e d b y 2 0 . T h e C a v s ’ l e a d got up to 21 before Lowry hit a 3-pointer with 2:57 left in the quarter. Lowry completed an 18point third quarter when he converted three free throws in the final second and Cleve-

land led 86-74 entering the fourth quarter. DeRozan opened the fourth-quarter scoring to cut the lead to 10 points. But James put Cleveland ahead by 16 points on a tip in with 8:38 to play. Irving made successive bank shots and Cleveland led by 23 with 3:32 to play. James got the lead to 25 points with two free throws with 2:38 left. (MailOnline)

debate by saying the WHO’s response was not made in consultation with the Olympic body. It also denied there was a “secret” memorandum of understanding between the WHO and IOC. ”The IOC does not currently have a Memorandum of Understanding with the

World Health Organisation,” a spokesman said. The IOC has said it was monitoring the development of Zika through the WHO for up-to-date information and guidance but has repeatedly said the virus would not pose a threat to the Games. (Reuters)

Russia says eight athletes positive in London 2012 re-tests Reuters - Russia’s Olympic Committee (ROC) said yesterday eight of its athletes from three different sports had tested positive for banned substances in a re-examination of samples taken during the 2012 London Olympics. The news came a day after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that 23 athletes in total had tested positive in re-tests of 265 samples from the London Olympics. Russia’s track and field athletes have already been suspended since November due to suspicions of a systematic doping program and the latest positive tests are a further blow to the country’s hopes of sending a full team to the Rio Olympics in August. The ROC said it would not name the athletes until the results of their B-sample tests and following the start of official disciplinary proceedings. That is expected to be next month. Earlier this week, the ROC said 14 of its athletes from the 2008 Beijing Olympics had tested positive for banned substances. The IOC, which stores samples for a decade in order to re-test using newer methods or to look for new drugs, is re-testing samples from past Games in a bid to ban cheats

from competing at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Russia is under investigation following a report by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that suggested a widespread doping program involving not just track and field athletes. In a bid to improve its chances of returning to competition in time for Rio, Russia’s athletics federation has said it will not include any athletes on its Olympic team who had been banned for doping in the past. The IAAF, the world governing body of athletics, will decide on June 17 whether Moscow has done enough to clean up its act in order to be readmitted to competition though calls to ban Russian athletes from the Rio Games are growing. The targeted re-testing of samples from past Games by the IOC has focused mainly on athletes who could potentially compete in Rio and anyone found to have been doping will be banned from those Games. Several Russian medallists are reportedly among those positive Beijing 2008 Games re-tests, including high jumper Anna Chicherova who won a bronze medal in China and went on to claim gold in London.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 29, 2016

What cricket means to West Indians (part 14)

Chanderpaul quits as Skipper Sarwan sparking speculation that there was a rift between the skipper and his deputy which transcended beyond the boundary. Mohamed Yusuff mauled the West Indies bowlers throughout the series to continue his magnificent form in 2006. Just missing double centuries in the first two tests, the ‘bearded assassin’ scored his third ton of the series in the first innings of the third test and overhauled the 47 required in the second innings to break Richard’s 30-year-old record for most runs (1,710 runs from 11 matches) in a calendar year. Yusuff, who broke the record in his 11th test of the year, celebrated with a second innings hundred and the West Indies soon slipped to a 2-0 defeat in the series by losing the final test.

By Sean Devers After another series defeat in New Zealand and the loss of form, Shiv Chanderpaul quit as West Indies skipper on April 11th 2006. “I would like to take this opportunity to tender my resignation as captain with immediate effect. This would give me an opportunity to focus on my batting and other areas of my cricket….where I would be able to make a more significant contribution to the team by being more focused on my batting. I have served my time as the captain and would like to pass the mantl e o n t o another person. I would fully support my replacement, and work towards the good of the team. I would like to thank all who worked with me during my tenure as captain and I am looking forward to continuing my hard work for West Indies cricket.” The 31-year-old Guyanese said in his resignation letter to the WICB. LARA IS BACK AS CAPTAIN …FOR 3RDTIME The 2006 home series against India saw Lara; now 37, take over the captaincy for the third time in his illustrious career. Lara took over for the oneday series against the weak Zimbabwe side and the much tougher Indians and almost immediately the Caribbean team showed signs of rejuvenation. They won all of the five ODIs against Zimbabwe and then beat India 4-1 in the oneday series; Lara’s leadership proved inspirational and the team looked united and

Brian Lara gets his point across to Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Nagpur, January 19, 2007 ©Getty Images committed to the cause of r e v i v i n g We s t I n d i e s cricket. India had only beaten the West Indies once in a series in the Caribbean and that was 35 years before. Without an injured Sachin Tendulkar and the West Indies showing renewed spirit, their fans were very optimistic as they hunted their first series win since beating Bangladesh in 2004. Lara was now in the twilight of his career and seemed fully matured and determined to be remembered as not only a sublime batsman who will rank among the greats of all time, but more importantly a great leader who helped West Indies cricket move forward. He seemed no longer preoccupied with individual batting records and genuinely wanted to help the younger players in the team

and see West Indies improve. Lara said prior to the start of the test series that he was not interested in records on a ground where he had twice scored world record scores of 375 and 400 adding that the team wanted to see more wins instead of more records. The fielding in the oneday series was brilliant and the body language of the players on and off the field was superb. So good was Lara’s captaincy that even two of his most vocal critics (Viv Richards and Richie Richardson) stated publicly that Lara was doing a wonderful job. Expectations were high as the four- t e s t s e r i e s g o t under way in Antigua and a very good first day in which Lara held three catches to become the first West Indian to hold 150 test c a t c h e s , c o n f i r m e d that although there was still a long way to go, the home team was steadily improving in all departments of the game. A brilliant second innings double century by Wasim Jaffer ‘took the game way’ from the West Indies as the pitch improved as the match progressed; leaving West Indies to get 392 to win from eight overs and the entire the final day. The match went down to the wire after Lara fell for duck and Sarwan failed to reach double figures. West Indies drew the match in mounting pressure as Collymore survived the last of the

mandatory overs with the last pair (actually three) at the wicket. Edwards, who survived 37 balls for his important unbeaten one, had Ganga with him as his runner. Only rain which washed out the entire fourth day and a brilliant 32nd test century from Lara in the second innings saved the West Indies from an innings defeat in the second test in St Lucia. Lara publicly called for faster pitches and another genuine fast bowler in either Jermaine Lawson or Tino Best for the historic third test, the first to be hosted in St Kitts. The selectors instead picked spinner Dave Mohamed and Chairman, Joey Carew explained that his panel was afraid that Lawson would be ‘called for throwing’ if he was selected. The start of the St. Kitts test was put in jeopardy just days before its scheduled commencement when WIPA issued a press statement claiming that the players were playing without contracts and would take industrial action if the issue was not addressed by the WICB before the start of the third test. WICB President Trinidadian Ken Gordon was at the time in Germany watching Trinidad and Tobago play in the FIFA World Cup. The matter was subsequently resolved and the impressive Warner Park Stadium had its debut test. Centuries from Ganga and

Sarwan and an unbeaten 97 from Chanderpaul were the highlights of another drawn test but skipper Lara said after the game he believed his team had shown signs of improvement. ”We might not have performed at a 100 percent as we would have liked to but I am definitely seeing an improvement in the performances. The fact of the matter is we are still in a series against India who is highly ranked than us, with one test to go”. Lara added. The West Indies lost the final test in Jamaica and India had won their first series in the Ca r i b b e a n since 1971. We s t Indies continued to play well in the one-day version of the game and reached the final of the Tri-nation series in Malaysia; losing to Australia. They again reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in India; again losing to world champions Australia in the final. Playing their first test series in Pakistan since their 3-nil drubbing in the three-test series in 1997, West Indies lost the first test despite a brilliant s e c o n d i n n i n g s century from Lara who scored his 34th test ton in the second test when he made a double century to help earn a draw for his team. Chanderpaul’s 100th test appearance in the 2nd test was overshadowed by the dropping of Vice-Captain

A GENIUS QUITSAFTER 17 YEARS; LARA’S RETIRESAFTER CWC2007 The unexpected retirement from Test cricket by Lara during West Indies’ penultimate match in the 2007 Cricket World Cup in Barbados sparked wild speculation and his farewell International match against England was watched by a capacity ground at the Kensington Oval. His controversial run out; batting with Marlon Samuels, was a sad way to end an illustrious International career which lasted 17 years and entertained million of fans. Repor t e d l y not recommended as captain by the selectors for the 2007 tour to England, Lara, who announced that he was retiring from ODIs after the CWC, called it a day during West Indies’ CWC game against Bangladesh after saying only a few weeks earlier that he wanted to continue at the Test level until he was 40. Lara’s Test career began in Pakistan in 1990 and lasted for 17 years. During an interview at Lords during the 2007 tour to England by the West Indies, Lara, in London to open a cricket museum honoring him, lamented that the lack of support he got from the WICB and insularity among the West Indian fans, affected his role as West Indies captain.

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 29, 2016

PAGE 81

Real Madrid crowned kings of Europe for record 11th time Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 5-3 on penalties in the 2016 UEFA Champions League final, thus booking their place at the 2016 FIFA Club Wo r l d C u p J a p a n i n December. In Milan’s San Siro where the atmosphere was electric, Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos opened the scoring on 15 minutes, before half-time substitute Yannick Carrasco grabbed the leveller for Atleti on 79 minutes, bringing the game to extra time. After a stalemate, the game went to a shoot-out where Cristiano Ronaldo netted the winner, seeing Los Merengues crowned kings of Europe for a record 11th time. The second all-Madrid final in three years saw Atletico’s Koke enjoy the first opportunity on five minutes but goalkeeper Keylor Navas was able to hold onto his effort with ease. Moments later at the other end, Jan Oblak pulled off a stunning save to deny Casemiro from close range, who had latched onto the end of Gareth Bale’s free-kick. Los Merengues took the

The winning penalty from Ronaldo © Getty Images. lead on the 15-minute mark when a Toni Kroos free-kick was flicked on cleverly by B a l e ’s h e a d i n t o t h e direction of skipper Ramos, who turned the ball past Oblak. The 20 1 4 w i n n e r s continued to look confident going forward, but Atleti were not without

their chances as Antoine Griezmann tried to catch Navas off-guard with a couple of long range efforts, but the shotstopper was quick to react each time. There was drama shortly after the break when Los Rojiblancos were awarded a penalty after Fernando

Torres was brought down by Pepe inside the area. France international Griezmann stepped up to take the spot-kick, but he was unable to grab his side an equaliser, with his effort smashing the crossbar. Atleti continued to press for a leveller, going close on 54 minutes when Stefan

Stadium will be ready for first International game in 3 years International cricket returns to Guyana for the first time in over three years since West Indies beat Pakistan by 37 runs at Providence in the second ODI of a five-match series and Head Curator Wazim Habib says the ground should in top shape by the time the series starts. On Friday June 3 West Indies face number three ranked South Africa, before taking on five-time World Cup Champions and number one ranked Australia on Sunday June 5. Australia battle South Africa on Tuesday June 7. All the games are Day/Night encounters and commence at 13:00hrs. Gates open at 11:00hrs. The Stadium at Providence was constructed for the 2007 Cricket World

Cup and has hosted two Tests and 13 ODIs. Australia, South Africa and host West Indies have all included three spinners in their teams in anticipation of the slow nature of not only the Providence pitch but also those throughout the region. Although South Africa have played three ODIs in Guyana including the very first one at Providence in the 2007 World Cup when they beat Sri Lanka, they have never played West Indies in an ODI in Guyana. Australia’s last ODI in Guyana was 17 years ago in 1999 when Steve Waugh made an unbeaten 72 in a game which ended in controversial tie when the crowd invaded the ground. The anticipation and

Tri-nation tickets going fast excitement levels are expected to rise during the final week leading up to what should be pulsating matches and capacity crowds. Work is being done to repair seats in the Green Stands and replace the seats in a section of the Orange Stands at the venue which can accommodate 15000 persons. According to a GCB release, it has been a week since tickets for the matches have gone on sale at their office at Bourda and the Guyana National Stadium on the East Bank and tickets are going fast. Tickets cost $2,000 for the Party Stand which will

take over the entire Grass Mound with music and bars. The Orange stand cost $3,000 while the Red & Green Stands cost $4,000. Car passes cost $1,000 and there are no reserve t i c k e t s . Ticket holders will be seated on a ‘first come first served’ basics. The International cricket games are a Jubilee bonus and visitors here for Guyana’s 50th Anniversary celebrations can extend their stay to see the matches. Tickets are also being sold on-line those who buy tickets overseas will be given a bar code and the tickets presented to them in Guyana.

Savic hit the side-netting, while Saul Niguez fired narrowly wide shortly before the hour mark. At the other end, Karim Benzema nearly doubled Real’s advantage after charging into the box on 70 minutes, but Slovenian shotstopper Oblak pulled off another strong save. Cristiano Ronaldo tested Oblak on 78 minutes and Savic made a last-ditch clearance to deny Bale soon after, but just as it looked like Los Merengues were piling on the pressure, substitute Carrasco grabbed the equaliser for Atletico, turning home Juanfran’s cross and becoming the first Belgian to score in a Champions League final. In extra time, Casemiro tried his luck from way out, while Oblak again proved

reliable for his team by holding onto Ronaldo’s 95th-minute header. Five minutes after, Bale, in a dangerous position, launched an effort towards goal, only to be denied by an heroic block from Diego Godin. A tense battle ensued in extra time and while Lucas Vazquez went close late on, seeing his effort blocked by Lucas Hernandez, the tie went to penalties. After all spot-kicks were converted in the shootout with the score poised a t 4 - 3 , A t l e t i c o ’s Juanfran saw his penalty hit the post - and afterwards, Ronaldo made no mistake from the spot, sending the ball past Oblak and sealing the trophy for Zinedine. (FIFA)

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Sunday May 29, 2016

Kaieteur News

Persaud, Noel set new records on day two - NSC/GASA Independence Swim Meet

Amy Grant

Goodwill Games gold medalist Aleka Persaud underlined he status as one of the most talented young swimmers locally with an outstanding performance that saw her achieving a new record, claiming gold in the process when the National Sports Commission/Guyana

Raekwon Noel (center) stands on the podium with second placed Paul Mahaica (right) and Ethan Gonsalves. Amateur Swimming Association Independence Meet continued yesterday. Persaud of the Orca Swim Speed Club overcame Patrice Mahaica of Dolphin Swim Club and Nia Fraiser of the USA to win the Girls 9-10 50m Butterfly in a time of 34.89 seconds bettering

her old record of 36.00. Persaud maintained her winning streak winning the 9-10 100m Breaststroke in I:40.31 seconds. Mahaica placed second in 1:46.52 while Antonia Dey finished third in 1:47.56. Persaud also captured the 50m freestyle to

crown off an outstanding day. Raekwon Noel of Silver Sharks Swim Club bettered his old time of 35.52 to win the boys 9-10 50m Butterfly in 33.28. Paul Mahaica of Dolphin Swim Club took the runner-up spot while Lajuan Munroe claimed third.

GSCL/NSC Inc Independence Cup

Kingston guides Regal to victory, De Franca claims 5 for Samuel Kingston struck a fine half century while Greg De Franca grabbed a five-wicket haul as Regal a n d M i k e ’s We l l m a n recorded victories when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc./National Sports Commission Independence T20 tournament commenced yesterday at the Everest. Kingston struck 72 and got support from Eric Thomas 64 as Regal posted 216-6 taking first strike. Dubraj Singh had 3-25 for the Parika Defenders who were bowled out for 132 in 17 overs in reply, handing Regal victory 84 runs. Singh made 32 and Asif Ahmad 20; David Harper and Tyrone Sanasie claimed three wickets each. M i k e ’s We l l m a n thumped Choke Success by 10 wickets. Success were sent packing for 37, taking first knock. Hackim Mangal got 20 as De Franca bagged 5-15

Samuel Kingston

Greg De Franca

and Hardat Herdatnandan 31 7 . M i k e ’s We l l m a n responded with 38 without loss. Ramesh Narine made 21 and Latchman Mangal 16. Ariel beat Fishermen XI b y 3 3 r u n s . Ariel rattled up 178-9, batting first. Raghundan Narine and Barlow Lakeram made 31 each and Mohamed Rafeek 25; Lionel Persaud took 3-24 and Ganeshram Ali 2-15. Fishermen XI were

bowled out for 145 in 19.2 overs in reply. S e e m a n g a l Ya d r a m made 31 and Ali 25; Darmendra Mohabir snared 3-22 and Michael Ifill 2-3. Mike’s Wellman defeated Fishermen XI by three wickets. Fishermen XI got to 159 all out in 18 overs, taking first knock. Jagdesh Persaud stroked 61; Ramesh Narine c l a i m e d 3 - 2 8 . M i k e ’s

Wellman responded with 160-8 in 18 overs. Lloyd Rooplall slammed 52 and Latchman Kallicharran 30. Regal trounced Success by eight wickets. Success was sent packing for 126 in 19.5 overs, batting first. Mangal made 38; Troy Kippins snared 4-12, Ricky Persaud 3-28 and Sanasie 2-20. Regal replied with 127-2 in 10.4 overs. Eon Abel cracked 59 and Mahase Chunilall 40. Ariel went down to Parika Defenders by 13 runs in a contest which had to be decided by a super over. Ariel batted first and made 132 all out. Peter Persaud scored 41 and Rafeek 28. S. Ali took 328 and F. Baksh 2-25. Parika reached 132 in response, Asif Ahmad made 46. Parika managed 20 before restricting Ariel for seven in the super over. The competition continues today.

Aleka Persaud (centre) with Patrice Mahaica (right) and Nia Fraiser display their accolades. Noel was in winners’ row once again when he carted off the 9-10 100m Breaststroke in 1:37.72 ahead of Mahaica and Ethan Gonslaves of Dorado Swim Speed Club. Noel then won the 100m Freestyle in the said division. Amy Grant won the girls 13-14 800m Freestyle while Kenita Mahaica captured gold in the girls 13-14 50 butterfly; Grant placed second. Ariel Rodrigues of Orca Swim Speed Club took the top podium spot in the Girls 8 & Under 50m Butterfly in 45.88 while Sarah Ramsammy of Dolphin finished second. The boys’ equivalent was taken by Emmanuel Primus of Dorado ahead of Jeron Sokram of Dolphin and his team mate Jeremy Sookram. Lian Winter of Dorado claimed the girls 11-12 50m Butterfly in a time of 33.86; Silver Sharks (SSK) duo of Jadyn George Silver Shark and Danielle George captured second and third respectively. The Boys 15-17 50m Butterfly was taken by Phillip De Nobrega of Orca in 28.12, his teammate Antonio Rodrigues claimed silver and Jamaal Skeete of Dorado bronze. Jadyn George (SSK) grabbed gold in the Girls 11-12 100m Breaststroke in 1:33.91; Danielle George occupied the runner up spot while Donna Carter of Dorado

finished third. Leon Seaton (SSK) overcame Sion Jeffers (Dolphin) to win the Boys 11-12 100m Breaststroke in a time of 1:34.50 while Nikita Feditkou (Dolphin) claimed the girls’ 15-17 Breaststroke in 1:43.41. Antonio Rodrigues took gold in the 15-17 Boys 100m Backstroke while Eve Harry of the Guyana Police Force won the Girls 18 & Over 100m Breaststroke. Lindon Barkoye gave the GPF its second gold by winning the Boys 18 & Over 100m Breaststroke in 1:34.28; his teammates, Trevon Gillins and Troy Benn ended in second and third position respectively. Ariel Rodrigues and Jaden Dey landed gold in the Girls and Boys 8 & Under 50m Freestyle events, respectively. The day’s activities started with the official opening ceremony which was attended by Cuban Ambassador Julio Caesar, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Dr. Joseph Haynes and host association President Ivan Persaud. Caesar commended GASA for their efforts adding that his country will continue to support the sport here. Jones who declared the day’s proceedings opened thanked Ambassador Caesar while lauding the parents for supporting the young athletes. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 29, 2016

PAGE 83

D.C Jammers complete series sweep The Washington D.C Jammers wrapped up their 2016 Guyana tour Friday night with another emphatic victory against Colts combined at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Colts used its allowance of five guest players for the first time in the series, but still went down 70-80 to the Jammers that completed a clean sweep of a four-game series. Colts brought in Ravens centre, Jermaine Slater; Ravens forward, Ryan Gullen; Guardians guard, Nikkoloi Smith; Sonics guard, Jason Squires; and Pacesetters guard, Ruel Ritch to help them overcome the D.C Jammers. However, the additional talent could not help the

inevitable, as three key players for Jammers continued their dominance throughout the series that began last Friday. High-flying forward, Winston Robinson and seasoned guard, Glen Stokes had yet another outstanding showing with 15 points apiece. Steffan Farley pitched in with 10 points to help the Jammers cruise through the series. For Colts combined, Nikkoloi Smith had 21 points while Gullen scored 11 points and Slater nine points and nine rebounds. Colts had also loss to Jammers in a blowout last Sunday with its original squad. In the preceding game,

Winston Robinson

Glen Stokes

Georgetown Masters defeated Diplomatic Corp 61-47. The D.C Jammers had opened its tour with a win against National Basketball Championships fourth place finisher, Dyna’s Ravens last

F r i d a y n i g h t . It was expected to play Linden’s Retrieve Raiders last Sunday but Raiders declared its unavailability owed to the Linden Town Week Celebrations. One of the key members

Steffan Farley of Raiders, Abdulla Hamid was named National Coach for Guyana’s Girls Under-16 team. Colts filled in after Raiders pulled out and was blown away in Jammers’ second game.

Pacesetters, which placed third in the National Championships, tested them on Tuesday, but the United States-based Guyanese affiliate prevailed. Usually, Jammers play Guyana’s national team, but the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) indicated that with its focus on the Caribbean Basketball Confederation ( C B C ) U - 1 6 Championships in Guyana in July, there was little time to prepare the national senior men’s team. It was then decided that the D.C Jammers will play the top four clubs from the N a t i o n a l C l u b Championships where they have emphatically won all four games.

Guyana National Rifle Association to host 2017 WIFBSC To coincide with 150th Anniversary of association Following the successful hosting of the 2016 edition of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Short Range championships at the Crabbs Rifle Range, Antigua and Barbuda from May 16-22, the Caribbean body’s flag was passed on to Guyana which will host the 2017 edition. President of the Antigua and Barbuda Shooting Club which hosted this year’s West Indies championships, Thomas Greenaway handed over the WIFBSC Flag to GuyanaNRA Fullbore Captain, Mahendra Persaud at the awards ceremony for this year ’s competition which took a t t h e S i r Vi v i a n Richards Stadium on Saturday last. In accepting the flag, Persaud told the gathering of fellow shooters and special invitees that it is a distinct pleasure for the GuyanaNRA to be hosting again from October 15-22, 2017 having last hosted in 2012. ”Host i n g t h i s t i m e around however would be extra special as it coincides with our 150th anniversary as an association. We are the o l d e s t n a t i o n a l r i f le

edition and they will leave no stone unturned in making 150th truly memorable on and off the range. ”We will be working assiduously towards running an efficient competition next year with eth over 100 shooters we are anticipating that will be here along with their families in some instances. This will be a good opportunity to further showcase Guyana and we will be making approaches to the Government and private sector to get on board and partner with us for this special occasion.”

John Lewis Styles 3 Stage Timed Shoot on today

association in the world behind and successful next year. and Barbuda Shooting outside that of Great Britain. President defense of of the theAntigua WIFBSC Competitors nextClub, year Greenaway (right) hands the at WIFBSC We look forward to seeing Thomas Short Range Championship will beover battling both the Flag toinformed GuyanaNRA Captain Mahendra Persaud. all of you in Guyana next further that they short (300, 500, 600 yards) year for what will be, I can are expecting well over and long range (900, 1000 assure you, an unforgettable 100 shooters from the y a r d s ) i n w h a t i s time.” Caribbean and further anticipated to be fierce Persaud, who guided afield including England competition. Guyana to a come from and Canada to be in Guyana Guyana will be putting

both the short and long range championships on the line and will be looking to recapture the Individual title which was taken by Jamaica this year in Antigua. Persaud said that preparations have already commenced for the 2017

The Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Small Bore Section will today host the Johns Lewis Styles sponsored 3 Stage Timed Shoot at the Timehri Rifle Range from 0 9 : 0 0 h r s . Shooters placing 1st to 5th in both the senior and junior categories will be rewarded.

t r o Sp

Real Madrid crowned kings of Europe for record 11th time

Ramos lifts the Champions League trophy after Real Madrid came out on top in the penalty shootout against Atletico Madrid.

Persaud, Noel set new records on day two - NSC/GASA Independence Swim Meet

Director of Sport Christopher Jones (right), Dr. Joseph Haynes, Cuban Ambassador Julio Caesar and GASAâ€™s Ivan Persaud taking the March Past during the opening ceremony. 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