Monday May 30, 2016
RUNNINGS AND RUNNINGS AND MORE RUNNINGS AT GGMC DEAR EDITOR; It is public knowledge that several Ministers have business interests, which were successful ventures before they joined this administration. It therefore begs the question, why it is that only Minister Broomes is being accused of Conflict of Interest? It is my opinion that the President in his wisdom appointed Minister Broomes as the Minister within the Ministry of Natural resources because he knows that Minister Broomes is uniquely qualified to address the “RUNNINGS” which is GGMC. This “Cash Cow” handles Billions of Dollars yearly, and many persons in this society, especially those in the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) feed off the GGMC. The Americans have a saying, “follow the money.” Well money is the source of this controversy. Every Guyanese who lives in Georgetown and every gold miner in Guyana know that GGMC is full of “runnings.” But who can unravel it? Who can clean it up? The Government has changed, the Minister has changed, the Commissioner has changed, the board has changed, but the workers and management at GGMC have not changed and so the “runnings” continue. Minister Broomes is now tackling it head on. Many officials at GGMC are accustomed to running circles around Government Ministers to manipulate
the processes at the GGMC for their own personal gains. This has been their modus operandi for many years because of the technicalities and nuances of the Gold Mining sector and the many loopholes in the mining regulations. This state of affairs has benefitted the many bigwigs at the GGDMA while placing a tremendous burden on the small claim holders and the small miners who do not have the resources to defend their claims neither can they afford the lawyers to fight for their rights. At GGMC, the corrupt officials sell every decision. They use technology to switch locations of properties on file. They create mineral maps to suit their benefactors. They issue cease work orders to the highest bidder and they collect bribes to decide which miner gets which piece of land. While it is commonly believed that the mines officers are the corrupt officials, it is the Land Management Department that is the master of this corruption. Every Wednesday Minister Broomes meets with John Public to hear their grievances, then she investigates the allegations and dispense with Justice without favoritism or prejudice. Her extensive experience in this industry gives her the insight to see through the fog of lies and deception that are used by some corrupt GGMC officials to sabotage small miners. Her twenty-eight years in the industry has given her numerous contacts in every mining district in Guyana, which she
often calls to get the facts on the ground as it relates to any particular mining matter. Many injustices that have been lingering at GGMC for years while the corrupt officials sabotaged the process for their own personal gain are now being resolved. No longer is it easy for wealthy and well-connected miners at the GGDMA to overpower the small miners in matters at the GGMC nor for the rich miners to buy away the rights of the poor miners. Though sadly, the atrocities continue, as is reported on a weekly basis when the oppressed comes to Minister Broomes with their complaints. So now her adversaries are the rich and the well connected at the GGDMA combined with many corrupt employees of GGMC whose “runnings” have been severely curtailed by her actions. They are joined by the political oligarchs of the previous administration who fostered and benefitted from the corruption for most of the last twentythree years. They are trying to force her from this office so they can continue their “runnings.” So my fellow Guyanese, are we going to sit back and let this happen? Small miners and small claim holders are you going to sit back and let the person who is leading the fight for your rights at the GGMC walk away and leave you to the whims of the GGMC and the GGDMA? Is it not time for you to let your voices be heard? Concerned Small Miner.
Brutus is an invention of Patrick Yard DEAR EDITOR; It seems that my advocacy in the “Voice of the Liberal Democrats” column in the Kaieteur News on May 11, 2016, on behalf of the 800 plus nurses across Guyana finally woke up a voice, supposedly inside the GPSU, from its decade long slumber. Well good for someone calling themselves - A. Brutus in SN and workers representative in the KN. We would now expect some timelier advocacy on behalf of all 800 plus nurses from A. Brutus and the leadership of the GPSU. If that is achieved, then my task is at an end. I will leave aside the personal ranting from the alleged writer call themselves - A. Brutus. But before I leave this issue, I want to make one thing clear to this writer who claims to speak on behalf of the GPSU and 5 percent (44 alleged persons) of the nursing population. The GPSU, Patrick Yarde or even his creature parading as one A. Brutus, neither singularly or collective have the power to deny me my constitutional right to associate with, agitate on behalf of and advocate for the 800 plus nurses. Once these 800 plus nurses continue to suffer under a broken healthcare system in part, because the GPSU failed terribly at its job over the last decade, then my pen will always have ink. If we are to follow Brutus logic, then because the “Jagdeo / Ramotar government ignored all the ILO conventions” and all their cases referred to the then Ministry of Labour under the PPP, were literally ignored, then the GPSU is absolved of its
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responsibilities to the nurses. What about the next steps? What about industrial action? What about going on a nurse’s strike until their needs as are met; even half way? So listing all those achievements as massive victories for the nurses is most deceptive since none of them achieved the core milestones identified by the nurses in a PAHO study that I was privy – a living wage and better working conditions. One just has to look at the video from Francis Bailey’s on social media highlighting the condition of work for the nurses at the West Demerara Hospital (called the DEATH ZONE) and you will understand that the GPSU is trying to pull wool over the people’s eyes on this issue. All they are interested in is the union dues, the union salaries and perks and the connections with the politicians. The issues affecting the nurses appear to be at the bottom of their list of priorities. Even the untrained garbage collectors in the Caribbean Islands work under better conditions and for better salaries than our trained nurses in Guyana. Shame on A. Brutus for trying to pass off such substandard union-led advocacy as acceptable; it is not. The GPSU has failed the nurses of Guyana and pathetically. PAHO did a study on this crisis and found that an estimated 26 percent of our nurses are migrating. For emphasis, statistically, every 4 years the entire nursing population that is trained becomes unavailable to the Guyanese system because they have all migrated.
Why would 26 percent of trained nurses leave a system that pays a living wage? Why would nurses leave this land of many waters for hurricane-infested islands in the Caribbean to work as second class employees? The answers lie in that PAHO report which outlined these reasons as to why nurses say they wanted to reluctantly leave Guyana: 1. The poor condition of work. 2. The poor condition of service. 3. Lack of opportunities for professional development. 4. The desire for a better quality of life for themselves and family. 5. Better salary ( a living wage). Only a “po-po” anemic union will allow a government to violate the ILO convention for a decade and allow the above weaknesses (1-5) to persist and not call a mass general strike to make sure the minimum demands of the nurses are met. That is why I called on the nurses to form their own Association and petition the Minister since they will make more progress talking directly to the Minister than depending on the GPSU to advocate for them. One that note I leave the GPSU advocate called A. Brutus a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., which states that: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” The plight of the nurses of Guyana in the public healthcare system matters to me. Once the workers, farmers and the masses of Guyana are stuck in such a horrible conditions, we must never stop agitating and “who vex, let them stay vex”, that is not my business. Sase Singh
The AFC and WPA have failed to tame the PNC DEAR EDITOR, It dismays me to write this letter as I had hoped that we had put the era of institutional racism behind us. But I am deeply perturbed by it and I have decided that it has to be talked about. Prior to the coalition being elected I was a vociferous opponent of the autocratic PPP regime. I recognized that the PPP echelon made filling their pockets their primary goal and a change from them was necessary. I wanted to believe that the AFC and WPA elements of the coalition were going to provide the necessary check to rein in the PNC’ites thus providing a government for all the people of Guyana. Thus far my hopes have been dashed. The PNC seems to be dealing all the cards in the government. The AFC and WPA segments seem content to play a subservient role. Maybe power has gone to their collective heads and they do not see or do want to see that the government is morphing into one akin to the Burnham led PNC government. After all, senior members of that government play prominent roles in this government. I lived under the Burnham regime and am going to draw one parallel in hiring practices between that regime and this one. That government promoted junior INEXPERIENCED and UNQUALIFIED individuals to senior positions everywhere. To this day my brother-in-law holds deep
rooted anger towards this practice when he worked at Albion sugar estate. He and I would have arguments when he defended the excesses of the recent PPP regime. The results of this hiring practice were decadence and mass migration of the brains of this country. The current regime is doing the same thing. Someone that I know very well had a senior position for years in the Finance Ministry. Two inexperienced Afro Guyanese were hired at salaries greater than hers to eventually fill her position. To top it all she was told to train them. In the Forestry Ministry, a very junior Afro Guyanese was promoted to a senior position that he was not up to. Let me be clear, I hold no ill-feelings towards the hired individuals but to the authorities that hired them. This practice seems to be systemic and this government has been in power for only one year. It is not my intent to stir up racial sentiments and I debated with myself whether I should write this letter or not. But I decided that the hiring practices themselves promote racial discord and someone has to speak up about it. We must hold the politicians accountable for their actions. If this continues I see us going down the same path of the Burnham regime and, having lived through that period of our history, I do not want to see a recurrence of that era. Ali Hussain
In strong support of the GFC management DEAR EDITOR; As a stakeholder in the Logging Timber Industry allows me to add my voice against this clear attempt to distort the fact and malign the G.F.C Management. After reading about the big hullabboo concerning the Joint Venture involving the “Chinese Logger’s” I find it fitting to comment on some facts which in my opinion is being hidden from “Public Domain”. Firstly, these “Joint Ventures” came in being as a result of requests made by stakeholders for intervention. These companies were called upon as a result of routine checks with regard to non-compliance and non¬performance etc to ensure compliance with benchmark established. Subsequently, a few complained about financial constraints, marketing outlet etc. It was on this basis that “Joint Venture” was created. The Continued on page 23
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Monday May 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Hijacked fishing boat Valmiki Singh carried out recovered, but still no Ministerial tasks at NFMU sign of missing fishermen
Forensic audit report reveals…
It appears as though Valmiki Singh thought that he had more power than was actually allocated to him as Head of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU). And perhaps, the organizational structure of the entity contributed to him acting outside of his authority in various instances. This is according to findings documented in a report that was prepared by forensic auditors from Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants. In that detailed report, the auditors noted that while the Minister who has oversight for the NFMU, is the person designated to determine the remuneration of persons employed, after consultation with the relevant union, Singh who was only the Managing Director, arbitrarily determined the salaries of his workers. The auditors revealed that NFMU was established as a “corporation sole”. This means that the entity does not have a Board like other companies would. It meant that the Managing Director operates as the Board. Ram and McRae auditors also commented that such an organizational form is subject to minimal accountability and is precluded from benefitting from the range of skills typical of a Corporation with a Board of Directors. Given the nature and
NFMU Head, Valmiki Singh
Forensic Auditor, Chris Ram
scope of the work required to be done by the NFMU, the auditors emphasized that this type of organizational structure is completely inappropriate. As such, they recommended that it be governed by a Board of Directors with a range of skills and qualifications and offering some insulation of the management from the political functionaries. They said that the entity’s only reporting obligation is to a Minister of the Government, who, for much of the NFMU’s existence, has been the President, which, even with delegation does not offer sufficient opportunities for oversight and consultations. The auditors revealed too, that while such a Corporation may employ a Secretary, and other officers and employees it considers necessary, their remuneration
and terms and conditions of employment are to be determined or varied by the Minister. They said that the Minister is required to consult with the trade union, which represents the majority of officers or class of employees, and the Corporation in setting the terms and conditions of employment. The forensic auditing team noted however that except for the position of the Managing Director, this requirement has not been complied with. In this regard, the auditors highlighted that Singh took it upon himself to establish the remuneration packages for other levels of employees. The auditors said in no uncertain terms that Singh acted ultra vires, that is, outside of his legal power.
The missing fishing boat in last Friday’s piracy attack has been recovered by the owner minus the three missing crewmen. Speaking to this publication, the vessel’s owner, Mohammed Hussian Arran stated that he located his boat at the No. 52 Foreshore. “Me and some other people go out fuh search for de man dem and me boat but awe only find de boat and one ah de engine.” The brutal pirate attack carried late Friday evening resulted in the death of crew member, 44 year old Hemchand Sukdeo, whose body was pulled in the seine of another fishing boat. Sukdeo’s three other colleagues were reportedly thrown overboard by the pirates and they have not been seen or heard from since. The captain Seepersaud Persaud, who was also thrown overboard during the initial stages of the attack managed to stay afloat until he was rescued by another boat. Arran, the distraught boat owner stressed that this is not the first time his crew has been attacked but this is the first time, he lost workers. He mentioned that fishermen go out to sea to make an honest living and are targeted by hapless criminals who refuse to work. “Right now me frighten fah go tell dem people wah going on. Just lil lil bit information me giving dem till we find dem man alive or dem body”, Arran said. The boat owner stated that he remains hopeful that his missing crew members are still alive. Meanwhile this publication contacted the family of the missing men. Speaking to the wife of 26-
Boat owner Mohammed Hussain Arran
Missing Munesh Churman
Munesh Churman’s wife Tajpatie Suseran and their two children
year-old Munesh Churman called “Boyo”, she stated that she is still living in hope that her husband is alive. The woman described her husband of four years as a very hardworking and loving father to his two children whose ages are two years and three months. “He is very hard working and loves his children a lot, and that makes it very difficult for me, since our daughter steady asks for her dada.” A search party has since been deployed to locate the missing men. Family members remain hopeful that the missing crewmen will return home safely. On Friday around 23:00 hours, 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 another fishing crew was 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 were 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 On Saturday, acting on information received, the police went to the No.65 Village Foreshore, Corentyne, where they saw a boat matching the description of (Continued on page 12)
Monday May 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Brazil’s Rousseff says impeachment aimed at corruption probe RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil’s suspended President Dilma Rousseff said in an interview published yesterday that leaked audio recordings of men backing her impeachment show that the effort to oust her is meant to stop a corruption probe that has implicated numerous leading politicians and businessmen. Rousseff told the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper that revelation of the recordings gives her hope of returning to office. She was suspended early this month pending a Senate impeachment trial. Her now-estranged Vice President Michel Temer is serving as interim leader. Recordings of three politicians of Temer ’s Brazilian Democratic Movement Party appear to link her ouster to attempts to limit the investigation. Those involved deny that interpretation, and there is no
Dilma Rousseff evidence so far that they have stalled the probe. “The dialogues show that the real cause for my impeachment was an attempt to obstruct the Car Wash operation,” Rousseff said, referring to the name of the corruption investigations at state-run oil giant Petrobras.
“It was all made by those who thought that, without changing the government, the bleeding (of politicians) would continue.” She said that another of the conversations noted that she had allowed the investigations to go forward. “These conversations prove what we have consistently said: We never interfered. And those that wanted my impeachment had that objective. It is not me saying, it is them.” The recordings forced new Planning Minister Romero Juca to take a leave of office, while two other heavyweights in Temer’s party, Senate chief Renan Calheiros and former President Jose Sarney, were heard making damaging comments about the acting president, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s Supreme Court, lawmakers and businessmen.
Western-backed Syrian opposition’s chief peace negotiator quits …over failure of peace talks
Mohammad Alloush
Reuters - The chief peace negotiator of Syria’s mainstream opposition said yesterday he was resigning over the failure of the UN- backed Geneva peace talks to bring a political settlement and to ease the plight of Syrians living in besieged rebel-held areas. Mohammad Alloush, who is also the representative of the powerful Jaish al Islam rebel faction in the Saudi-based High Negotiations Committee, said in a statement sent to Reuters that the peace talks had also failed to secure the release of thousands of detainees or to push Syria towards a political transition without President Bashar al Assad. The U.N.-backed parties have not set a date for the resumption of the peace talks after the High Negotiations Committee suspended their participation until the situation on the ground has radically changed.
Niger says kills 12 Boko Haram fighters in gun battle NIAMEY (Reuters) Security forces in Niger killed around 12 fighters of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram who launched an attack in the southeastern region of Bosso close to the border with Nigeria, according to an army statement on Saturday. Three members of the security forces were lightly wounded during Friday’s battle and government forces captured machine guns, rocket propelled grenade launchers and mobile telephones from the enemy, said army spokesman Colonel Moustapha Ledru. “The vigorous reaction of the Defence and Security Forces of Niger put the enemy to flight. Around a dozen terrorists were killed and several dozen others were wounded and carried away by the fleeing attackers,” he said on national radio.
It was not possible to verify the casualty figures independently. Local resident Ibrahim Chetima said townspeople sought shelter in the bush from the fighting, which began at around 5.30 p.m. (1630 GMT) and went on until 8 p.m. Bosso is part of the Diffa region, which houses many refugees and internally
displaced people who have sought to evade Boko Haram violence elsewhere. The region has been targeted numerous times in attacks blamed on the militants. Boko Haram is headquartered across the border in northeastern Nigeria and seeks to carve out an emirate and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
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Venezuelan officials, opposition meet mediators over standoff Caracas (AFP) Venezuelan officials and opposition foes have held separate secret meetings in the Dominican Republic with a group of ex-world leaders seeking a way out of political crisis, officials said, as an exmilitary reserve leader was shot dead. Representatives of both sides of Venezuela’s political standoff met former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, former Dominican president Leonel Fernandez and Panama’s expresident Martin Torrijos “in recent days” under the auspices of the Union of South American Nations, UNASUR, to seek a “framework for a national dialogue,” the organisation said in a statement. The mediating former leaders found “a desire for dialogue on both sides,” for which new meetings were proposed to “agree on an agenda that meets the requirements of each party and a method for engaging in national dialogue,” the statement said. The meetings were the initiative of President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez tweeted, saying the effort “promotes peace, respect for the rule of law and the
defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The main centre-right opposition group Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) said in a statement that its conditions for the talks were the holding of a referendum over Maduro’s recall, freeing political prisoners, allowing exiles to return and “an end to prosecutions for political persecution.” The opposition is also calling on the government to allow international relief supplies of food and medicine into the country and seek to end a crippling economic crisis “generated by official corruption and an economic model that is spreading misery.” The three former leaders also held talks with Maduro and the opposition under UNASUR auspices in Caracas two weeks ago. MUD, which blames Maduro for the economic crisis, accuses the electoral authorities of dragging their feet in processing their petition for a referendum on removing the socialist leader from office. Although a survey last month showed 68 percent of Venezuelans want Maduro to leave office and to hold new elections, he has said the referendum drive has “very
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro (left) speaks with former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero (right), next to Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez (3rd right) in Caracas, Venezuela. Miraflores Palace/Handout via REUTERS. little support.” Meanwhile, General Felix Velasquez, the former commander of the military
reserve, was shot dead on Saturday in Caracas while with his five-year-old granddaughter.
Gunmen on motorbikes targeted Velasquez in what prosecutors have called a robbery gone awry. Velasquez
was the first man to lead the militia force created by Maduro’s predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez.
Monday May 30, 2016
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DO NOT BLAME THE MINISTER The criticism that the cultural items lacked imagination is well-founded. The programme left much to be desired especially for the thousands who had to sit and wait for hours for the show to start. There were major foulups. Things did not go to script with aspects of the planning. But for Stabroek News to say that that the Minister responsible lacked the skills to organize an event of this scale was taking constructive criticism a bit too far. The attack on the Minister ’s ability by the Stabroek News is uncalled for. The Minister did her best
under the circumstances. There should have been a greater appreciation of the complicated maze in which she worked. The event would have been much better managed if from the inception a proper venue was available. The Minister was being asked to plan not just one event but a series of events to mark the 50th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence. She was being asked to arrange a major flag-raising event at which tens of thousands of Guyanese would attend without knowing the shape of form that the venue would take. When the planning began,
D’Urban Park was now being prepared for construction. D’Urban Park was being reconstructed through donations rather than government funding. How can you plan anything properly when this sort of arrangement is in place? You are planning a major activity for a major milestone in your country’s history and not knowing whether the works at D’Urban Park were going to be completed and what numbers you have to work with. There is need for some fairness to the Minister. The works at D’Urban Park were not completed until days before the event took place.
Dem boys seh...
NUFF MONEY COME FUH DE JUBILEE
De jubilee done and nuff people smiling. All who was talking got to shut dem mouth because dem and all been in de spirit. If anybody believe that Guyanese ain’t got brains dem should see how people put demself in de way to mek money. Usually when people come pun vacation dem does have to go to America Street because dem believe that all who come was reading about how people does get rob. Dem boys know that nobody didn’t get rob fuh de time dem been in de country. And dem change money. De cambio dealers set up right outside all dem hotel. People wake up and when dem come downstairs dem didn’t have to worry about wheh dem had to go to change money. And dem get de best rates. Dem boys seh that when dem big country talk bout de value of money dem does use things like trade and de money market. Guyana does talk bout cocaine. When cocaine flowing, de exchange rate does drop. That mean de foreign currency does get more cheap. When Soulja Bai come into office, all of a sudden dem had plenty busts. Nuff people find that dem things getting pull in. It happen
so often that de foreign money get more expensive. People got to spend more on foreign currency. This time people didn’t have to think bout drugs. So many people come in that de foreign currency get cheap. De only people who get vex is dem who collect a raise and went to change de money. Dem get less and dem cuss. De taxi people mek a solid raise too. Whole of last week dem refuse to pick up people who live in this country. Dem was charging de comebackees two time wah dem was charging de locals. Dem boys seh that de foreigners gone and dem taxi drivers got to come right back down. And when people talk how de whole jubilee didn’t have no crime dem got to understand that de criminals had to wuk round de clock. De police been in barracks and if some of dem did want to come pun de road fuh a hustle dem couldn’t move a muscle. That is why dem boys now saying that it might be a good thing to keep de police in lying. Robberies will go down. Talk half and hope Soulja Bai sponsor another jubilee before Christmas.
So the Minister had no way to really knowing precisely how many persons would have been housed in the main pavilion. An estimate may have been given as to the seating capacity but how do you work so close to deadline without certainty? There was no need to build that monstrosity that has now been erected at D’Urban Park. It is a stadium in the middle of a small city. There was no proper parking. It is located at a major confluence for traffic in the city and is not fenced. This means that the organizers of any event have additional security, parking and traffic control responsibilities. Any event being hosted there would
stretch the resources of the police and traffic ranks. We have a new government and they wanted to show that they could do things without the persons who did similar work for the PPP. The new government did not have the human resources available to undertake the planning of so many activities. The Minister should not be blamed. She should be congratulated. Not only did she have to plan the flagraising she also had to plan the Independence Day events for the next day. This has never been attempted before. In addition there were other events which had to be planned for Guyana’s 50th.
The Budget passed in 2016 only gave the Minister three hundred million dollars. How does anyone bring off so many activities with such limited resources? Where was the Minister going to find the people to pay to do the work needed when this was her starting Budget? There was no way you can even begin to plan around such a figure for so many events. The Minister is not to be blamed. She was given a basket to fetch water. She should be thanked for the fact that the entire celebrations did not turn out to be a disaster.
Monday May 30, 2016
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HIV cases rising again in Guyana National AIDS campaign needs to be reviewed — Dr. Shamdeo Persaud BY JEANNA PEARSON
Organization Health @50 in Guyana: Progress Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Report 1966-2016 revealed Shamdeo Persaud has that a comparison of the indicated that there is a need annual trends in the number to re-examine the National of AIDS/advanced HIV HIV/AIDS campaign, given infection versus the number that there has been a growing of persons with only HIV trend of new HIV cases. infection revealed a Persaud said that persons significant widening of the are no longer scared of gap between the two. contracting the disease Initially, AIDS cases were because of their awareness outstripping HIV infections, that treatment is available and up to 2000. However, shortly so have become complacent after 2000, the trend shifted in their sexual activities. and Guyana started to “People are not scared of witness a boom in new HIV HIV anymore; if they were, cases. they would have been more Recently, Public Health careful. They know that there Minster Dr. George Norton is treatment and that the declared that there were about treatment works so they 500 new HIV cases each year. believe that they no longer And according to the have to worry,” he stated. UNAIDS about three in every He asserted that while the five persons living with HIV campaign has held the mantle in 2015 were receiving over the decades, it has run antiretroviral therapy—that is its course. Thus, he opined 58% of the HIV population in that there is a need to review that year. its contents According and change “People are not to the PAHO some of the r e p o r t , scared of HIV G u y a n a measures used to tackle its anymore; if they recorded the pandemic. first case of “As it were, they would AIDS in 1987. stands now, Since then, the campaign have been more AIDS cases has the same h a v e old message: careful. They know progressively HIV/AIDS is a increased, that there is dangerous reaching a disease use a treatment and that peak of 435 in condom or 2 0 0 1 . the treatment T h e r e a f t e r, abstain. It can’t work number of works so they the anymore...the cases dipped figures are believe that they until last year. showing us And when that. We need no longer have the country to come up started to to worry.” with new report on all ways to reach p e r s o n s the population.” infected with HIV, there was Dr. Persaud stated that an increase in reported data. statistics explain that it is Unlike AIDS cases which mostly the younger peaked in 2001, HIV population that has been infections (combination of engaging in unprotected HIV and AIDS) peaked five sexual activities. years later in 2006 with 1,614 He affirmed that nearly cases. 60% of youths begin having An examination of the sex at an early age and most data before and after the peak of them have little to no of the epidemic in 2006, knowledge on how HIV/ demonstrated that the AIDS is contracted or knows average annual number of how to protect themselves. cases (1,036) did not vary in HIV/AIDS in Guyana the five years before and after has been affecting both the peak. genders in the population. A similar analysis In the early stage of the covering 10 years prior to and e p i d e m i c , m a l e s w e r e after the peak of the epidemic, predominantly m o r e showed an average annual affected than females with increase in cases in the later ratios as high as 4:1. 10 years of the epidemic from From the late 1990’s, 818 to 966. females started to be Dr. Persaud stated that infected at a higher rate although they have managed than their male counterparts to control the endemic, the and by 2004 HIV and AIDS elimination of new infections cases were equally distributed remains a major problem. in both sexes. The rise in new HIV“We have to move related cases has caught the beyond use a condom or attention of the United abstain,” he asserted. Nations, which has moved to The Pan American Health adopt a political declaration
on Ending Aids to speed up the progress rate and reach a set of time-bound targets. Countries will be given five years to take up a Fast Track approach to have fewer than 500,000 new HIV cases; fewer than 500,000 people dying from AIDS-related illness; and eliminating HIV related discrimination. Persaud noted that discrimination against people living with HIV/AID still remains a problem in Guyana hence more work has to be done.
Over the years, he said, there has been concentrated testing and counselling campaigns in the fight against HIV/AIDS— both on a public and private level. HIV/AIDS Counsellor Delon Braithwaite reaffirmed Persaud’s position that the campaign should be reviewed but also highlighted some critical areas that should be addressed. He stated that many times health centres would be without condoms while others would have a shortage
of equipment. “If the population does not have access to resources to protect themselves, how could we stamp out the epidemic?” Braithwaite indicated that because HIV is taken so lightly now, people engage in risky behaviour. “Some individuals would want to have six or seven sex partners,” he noted. He posited that there should be a stronger awareness campaign that teaches people to protect
Dr. Shamdeo Persaud themselves. “Believe it or not, there are some people out there that don’t know how to protect themselves.”
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Monday May 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
16 Departments, 133 employees…
OLPF had more Depts. than Govt. Ministries By: Kiana A. Wilburg There is just no way forensic auditors can fathom why the One Laptop Per Family Project (OLPF) required 16 Departments and 133 employees. Based on this newspaper’s perusal of past and current budget estimates, this project happens to be one of the few projects which had more departments than some Government Ministries. These would include the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism, which have at most six to nine Departments. Even the Ministry of Business for example, has less than 16 Departments and less than 100 staff members. The auditors from Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, said, too, that the Project Manager at the time, Margot Boyce, failed to justify why the project required such a huge staff size during the years 2012 to 2014, particularly since distributions were not carried out on a continuous basis and the procedures leading to distributions were relatively straightforward. During their investigations, the auditors found that the organizational structure for the project was one that did not allow for a
...Forensic Auditors also found it to be grossly overstaffed
Forensic Auditor, Chris Ram Board of Directors or Board of Management. Instead, it only paved the way for management by the Department Heads under the Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager. Based on an examination of the Project’s personnel records, it was found that OLPF consisted of 16 departments which included; Information Technology, Training , Registry, Public Relations, Warehouse , Human Recourse, Project Support, Administration, Quality Assurance, Accounts, Data Entry, Documentation, Customer Service, Community Liaison, Verification and Data Audit. The auditors then identified a number of gross irregularities and unjustifiable circumstances within the various OLPF Departments.
THE ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT The forensic auditors found that the Accounts Department had an average of five employees during the period April, 2012 to December 2014. They said that the principal functions of the Accounts Department were the preparation of monthly payroll, managing of petty cash and sending suppliers, trainers’ and hubs’ invoices received from the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU). The Project Manager was unable to provide satisfactory reasons to the Ram and McRae auditors for such a large Accounts Department being maintained by the Project to perform basic tasks which could have been performed by one individual. Salaries for the accounting employees amounted to$460,000 per month, being a total of $15 million for the period April, 2012 to December, 2014. THE REGISTRY DEPARTMENT In this department, auditors noted that it consisted of an average number of three individuals, who were employed from January 1, 2013 to December
Hijacked fishing boat recovered.... (From page 6) the one that the pirates were in. 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. Police have confirmed that two other fishing vessels were attacked that same night. However their crew has returned to shore with the vessels intact.
“Based on the reports we receive, they were attacked by the same set of pirates,” a source in the Corentyne told Kaieteur News. 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. Investigations are still in progress.
31, 2014. These employees were paid a total gross salary of $360,000 per month, which amounted to $8.6 million for the period of their employment. According to Ms. Boyce, the department’s only responsibility was to ensure applications, recipients’ contracts and signature sheets were filed in an orderly manner and in accordance with the department’s Standard Operational Procedures. During the auditors’ investigation of the filing system, it was noted that the specified documents for the years 2011 to 2013 were not filed in an appropriate manner. In fact, the forensic auditing team said that applications, recipients’ contracts and signature sheets for the years 2011 to 2013 were placed in boxes and stored in the warehouse located at Forshaw Street, Queenstown. They opined that the objective of the Registry
Department was not achieved since the employees were only able to accurately file 2014 documents during their two years of employment. THE QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT According to the forensic audit report, the Quality Assurance Department consisted of an average of two employees from April 2012 to December 2014. However, in January, 2015, an additional eight persons were hired as Quality Assurance Officers which raised the department’s salary expenses by over $1 million per month. The Project Manager was unable to provide any reason to the auditors for the additional appointments at that stage of the Project. It was noted, too, that Quality Assurance Officers were generally responsible for supervising distributions, checking of payrolls, ensuring the databases were updated and overlooking the de stuffing of containers. THE VERIFICATION DEPARTMENT The Auditors discovered that the Verification
Department was by far, the largest department of the OLPF Project. They said that the Verification Officers were tasked with the responsibility of confirming the information submitted by applicants, including address, identification number, total household income, etc. During the period December 2011 to December 2014, the auditors found that the Department had an average of 44 and as much as 66 Verification Officers. Each Verification Officer they said, was paid a monthly basic salary $80,000 per month, plus a non taxable travel allowance of $30,000 per month, average total salary cost being $4.8 million per month. The Project Manager informed the auditors that Verification Officers were not required to report to work on a daily basis nor provide any reports based on the work conducted. In this regard, based on the concept of value for money, the Ram and McRae auditors opined that a cost effective decision would have been to pay Verification Officers for days work or per recipient visit.
Shot waitress awaits surgery to remove bullet from throat The 16-year-old waitress, who was shot Friday night, during a botched robbery at the Chinese Restaurant where she was working, is awaiting surgery to remove a bullet that is lodged in her throat. Onika Luke of Lot 1 Vryheid Luis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) remains in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at a private hospital. She was shot when a lone gunman stormed the Better Hope restaurant and shot her when she failed to hand over the day’s sale. The teen’s left thumb was also shot off. The bullet passed through her chin and is lodged in her throat. At the hospital, she reportedly identified her shooter as a tall man of African descent. He has a tattoo on his neck. She told the cops that the shooter had threatened to kidnap her a few days ago while she was walking on the road. Yesterday, her brother, Rickford Ranjee said that his sibling is doing a little better than she was on the day she was injured. He was however upset with the hospital staff for “taking long to operate” on his teenage sister. “They keep postponing the surgery
Shot: Onika Luke and I don’t know why. She still cannot speak because of where the bullet is lodged.” On the night of the shooting, he explained, he was asleep when the owner of the Chinese Restaurant visited their home and informed relatives that Luke had been shot and that she was at the hospital. “He told me to put on clothes and let’s go to the hospital. When I go there now, I see she ain’t only get shoot to her thumb but to face and the bullet left in her throat,” Ranjee explained. The sibling revealed that he was informed that the shooter entered the restaurant and ordered half veggie fried rice.
“When my sister collected his (gunman) money and put it in the drawer, he grabbed on to her jersey and pulled her towards the grill work. He told her to give him the money in the drawer but how he was holding her, there was no way she could have reached the money,” Ranjee related. He further revealed that because his sister could not have reached the cash, the bandit fired a shot, which struck off her thumb, hit her chin and is now lodged in her throat. “She is only 16 years; that person ain’t got no heart. That money is not her own,” the devastated brother lamented. He said that at the hospital, his sister wrote on papers and informed the cops that her shooter would normally frequent the Better Hope area. “She said she doesn’t know him but she does see him around and she could identify him. The same boy, she said, had told her that he noticed she walking late and that he would kidnap her,” Ranjee said. The teen attends St. John’s College and works at the restaurant after school. Police are still trying to locate the shooter.
Monday May 30, 2016
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
BUSMAN’S HOLIDAY Today is Wednesday, May 25, 2016. Tomorrow, Thursday, is a public holiday – Corpus Christi. When I was in Elementary School we called it “Copper Christea” and nobody really sought to explain to us what it was about and how to pronounce it. Perhaps my teachers in the Anglican school I attended may not have known themselves what it was all about, but it was a welcome day off among many in a country in which there are seventeen official holidays in the year and the major “holiday” event, Carnival, to which two days are officially devoted and many more days and nights are consumed in its celebration, is not. Some people contend that nobody really works in Trinidad and Tobago (TNT) so that every day is a holiday and that Carnival is just a focus but not necessarily a locus. Others say that the term comes from the Latin “carni-vale” or “farewell to the flesh” and this makes it a “holy” day deserving of official recognition. Barnhart’s Dictionary of Etymology says that there was a compound word in Old English, “halig daeg”, which later became “holy day” and then it was “holiday” which meant not just a religious festival but also a day of recreation. In Guyana, the Hindu spring festival of Holi
is a Holiday in every sense of the word. “Corpus Christi” is a holy day. The term is Latin for “Body of Christ” and the holy day started in 1246 A.D. when acting on the visions of a nun, Juliana of Liege, the Catholic Church in Belgium and later throughout its domain, set aside a day of worship and commemoration. Interestingly, while Corpus Christi is a public holiday in all or parts of twenty-one countries, it is not recognized by the Catholic Church as a holy day of obligation when attendance at Mass is compulsory. Personally, I always saw it as an obscure but welcome event without the punch of Christmas or Easter. As one of my more cynical friends said, “You Trinis like your holidays so much that you will make any day and every day a holiday.” This is true. The good news is that Trinidad is a country of many races and religions where no event is too small for celebration, no tune is so bad that the people would not dance to it, no race exists when the party starts and the people celebrate the good, the bad, the ugly, the holy and the profane with gusto and liquour, food and fete, the more the merrier. It is also the bad news. While there are people and organisations who are very concerned about the number of holidays in some
countries like Trinidad and Tobago, and the UN Agencies operating in these countries do not officially recognize them all, the American Embassy in Trinidad seems to have gone native with a vengeance and has more public holidays than the paltry seventeen approved by the government. The US Embassy has twenty-two official holidays including one celebrating the exploits of the recently unfashionable Columbus whose reputation and recognition are now caught in a ship-storm of controversy. One waits on the outcome of the Presidential Elections later this year to discover the new world of President Trump whose knowledge of Columbus, history and foreign affairs would be too scant to fit in the back of the celebratory postage stamp with Trump’s face on it (far less the new Trump milliondollar bill). The bad news is that Trump will think that Columbus is a Godfather or Mafia Don with his own “Circle” in Trump’s native New York City and try to deport him. The good news is that he might mix up Columbus with Columbo and make him the City’s new Police Chief. In the rest of the region, Guyana has eighteen official public holidays, one more than Trinidad and Tobago.
Two honoured during Region... (From page 18) disclosed that Hinds who ironically is 50 years old first got into business at the tender age of 14 years old. He has since explored in a number of business areas in and around Guyana. Hinds stressed that his deep interest in sports will remain noting that he remains committed to boosting the Region’s sports tourism drive through a number of initiatives that he will be promoting. He thanked the people within the Region for supporting his many businesses stressing that it’s because of their loyal and diligent support that has resulted in him being able to give back to the community. “If it were not for the faithful support of the people then it would not have been impossible to give back,” he said. Meanwhile, Medex Lisa Augustus’ recognition came in the area of health care development. It was revealed that she first began working as a Community Health Worker in 1998 after which she rose through the ranks now heading the Maternal &
Child Health Department in Region 8. The mother of two who hails from Kopinang has been dubbed as a woman of compassion for the enormous and significant work that she has been doing in the Region. She noted that working beyond the call of duty in helping residents of her community is critically important to her. She pointed out that she felt honoured by the recognition adding that she feels proud that her efforts and contributions have not gone unnoticed. “Being recognized is a very special feeling as it tells you that someone is very satisfied with the service and contributions that you have made. I am very thankful and grateful that my contributions to the Region of my birth and one that I have worked in for a number of years has recognized that I am doing something positively,” Medex Augustus said. She pointed out that health care development has improved signifi-
cantly and congratulated the REO, Rafel Downes and his team for the enormous work being done in continuing to lift health care within the region. Wife of Minister Bulkan, Minister of Communities presented the award to Hinds while the Regional Chairman presented the award to Medex Augustus. REO Downes in congratulating the two recipients stressed that he is happy that they are being recognized for their contributions. He thanked the NGO for coming to the fore with the awards noting that it has provided the Region with yet another opportunity to partner with interest groups in further developing the region. The REO urged the recipients to use the awards as an avenue to motivate themselves in continuing the work in their respective fields adding that their contributions will help in continuing the holistic growth and development of the Region.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
Jamaica has twelve, Barbados thirteen. What is interesting about Barbados is not just its reserve (except for the still tightly-managed Kadooment), but that many people continue to use the term “Bank Holiday” to mean any public holiday. It is a hangover from British rule and a reflection of the continued perception of the country as “Little England.” From thirty-three holidays that the Bank of England recognized in the preceding years, in 1834 the list was cut to four and then expanded. It is said that when Prince Charles was attending (briefly) a school in Australia, the Rector of the local church was surprised one Sunday morning to see the Prince at his morning service. There were not many people around and when Prince Charles was leaving the Rector apologized for the small size of the congregation. “Being Bank Holiday weekend,” he explained, “most of the
parishioners are away.” “Not another Bank Holiday?” exclaimed the Prince (in the manner of his father the Duke). “What’s this one in aid of?” “Well,” replied the Rector, more than a trifle embarrassed, “Over here we call it the Queen’s Birthday.” Her Majesty’s birthday no longer features on the list of any of the now Independent Caribbean countries. It has been replaced by days recognizing other institutions and organisations. In Guyana, unlike the other countries, there is something called “CARICOM” (Caribbean Community) Day. When I was asked to explain its significance and how it is celebrated, I looked closely at the evidence and then said authoritatively, “It is a very special day dedicated to doing nothing at all and then waiting ten years for the
results.” The one we all have in common is Labour Day or, in Barbados, International Workers Day. It is extremely significant and the best clue to understanding the sociology of the region. What you will find is the paradox that is at the heart of our way of life. Labour Day is a public holiday and most of the people don’t work on that day but if you want them to, you must pay them triple time. What is even more significant is that since many people don’t work at work, every holiday in the Caribbean is what the British call a “Busman’s holiday.” *Tony Deyal was last seen saying that on Monday (May 30) Trinidad & Tobago will celebrate Indian Arrival Day. One of my friends quipped, “It is a national event. Everybody arrives sober but when they leave…”
PAGE 22
LAND FOR SALE
SERVICES
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
1 Live in waitress 18-25yrs with secondary education$70,000-$80,000 monthly- Call: 610-3974
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 613-9181 Guy Tech Repairs Service & Spares: treadmill, washing machine, refrigerator, dryer, stove, air condition, oven, etc. Call: 684-2119; 680-2377 Guy Tech Repairs Service & Spares: pressure pump, deep fryer, solar system, water heater, remote gate, etc. Call: 684-2119; 680-2377
Monday May 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
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
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 Corner lot transported lot 58.4’X30.89’, Garnett & Republic Streets Newtown Kitty Georgetown. Call: 6450616 Houselots @ De Grout Scheme, Uitvlugt -$2.5M, Tuschen -$1.2M, Zeelugt$1.2M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M &1.2M. Call: 642-1252
Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 General domestic with cooking experienced, age 2545yrs. Call: 629-9450
VEHICLE FOR SALE
FOR RENT
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
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 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
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1 FUSO Crane GTT 20 -$4M; 1 HINO ranger wrecker GVV1890 -$4M, 1 HIAB Canter GTT 7140 -$3.5M. (negotiable) Call: 622-6746
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Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic – Call: 223-7500 Monday –Saturday between 8:15am-4:15pm
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154
Contract cars and taxi drivers (salaries paid), also dispatchers. Call: 231-0002; 231-0316 Persons to sew. Call: 2254673; 666-3208 Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated and know to cook. Between 25-55 years. Call 1868- 6831528
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Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
1 Semi furnished studio apartment & 1 fully furnished 2 bedrooms apartment in Industry. Call: 619-2388
PROPERTY FOR SALE One roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop, ground excellent for restaurant or other business –Call: 6540779
Rotweiler pups – 622-6646/ 652-8511 XBOX one 500BG with games, (1) 24 HDTV 1080PCall: 683-8386 1 Houselot @ Crane Housing Scheme; 1 two storey house @ La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 626-4841 or 683-6674
2005 Mazda RX8 -$1.7M negotiable, excellent condition. Call: 601-8612; 2760006
I.T Network Technician, Email CV to jobs@awngy.com
Nazim- Guyana’s last Crown Jewel/ dark knight prince dreams of 25 world records is looking for a wife. Call: 2234246
One barber chair- Call: 6605043
House for rent @ Eccles, E.B.D-Call: 655-0700
Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020
PEN-PAL
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Toyota Hilux Vigo, ex cab 4WD, gas, 2700cc, 2TR Auto cc, 2006. Call: 616-5595; 6740434
Pick up GJJ Nissan. Call: 6956466; 673-1013
1 Toyota Caldina Wagon, good condition. Call Benji: 612-3706
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Commercial Public Road property located @ Eccles, Access to Harbour Bridge & East Bank Public Road. Call: 233-6517; 622-1957; 638-0595
Toyota Hilux 5L Diesel Engine, stick gear 18” mag rims. Call: 692-9577; 229-2379
2009 Allion -$2.8M, 2009 Raum -$2.2M, 2010 IST$2.6M, 2009 Fielder -$2.5M, 2011 Axela -$2.6M. Call: 6172891
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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
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Unregistered To y o t a Allion 2005: dark interior, HID lights, rose light $2.2M negotiable- Call: 617-5536 TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
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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
Handyman between 30 to 45 years old contact 223-5274 Supervisor to work at Xenon Hotel Charity Essequibo email rtilak@adamantium holdings.com
Transported property @ East Bank Public Road triple lot for sale- Call: 233-6517; 622-1957; 638-0595 1 Complete high volume 3 stage water purification system, UV light, water tanks, reasonably price, owner migrating. Call: 649-8430 Wooden pens & craft –Call: 223-0654 Snackette for sale -$120,000. Call: 638-1119 Six hole- 20” mag rims for Tundra/Tacoma, steering rock for tundra-Call: 6381829; 220-1630
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 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
Continued on page 23
Monday May 30, 2016
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
TWO ROGUE COPS IN ESSEQUIBO Police Harassment DEAR EDITOR, I am a resident on the Essequibo Coast (Reg. #2) and also a well known business person. I’m writing to you because of the injustice system we have been facing here in the county of Essequibo with TWO SPECIFIC Police Officers Constables (name supplied) who are attached to the traffic department at the G Division Police Station in Essequibo. On Friday 1st April, 2016, I was heading to the bank to make a deposit from my weekly earnings when I was stopped by these two specific officers. They told me to “drive to the station”. When I got there, they told me my car is “too tint up” and thus I was arrested and my car was impounded. I had my brother and his two year old
son in the vehicle at the same time along with my weekly earnings. I explained to constable Roberts of the situation and he started yelling on me at the top of his voice and threatened me to lock me up and frisk me as if I am some big criminal. I felt so embarrassed, as the sergeant had to come in and told him to “ease” his voice. The way constable Roberts reacted to me was not indicative of his job but of a personal attack towards me. Never the less after the ordeal, I went to the Commander in which I explained to him the situation in which he instructed the officers to release my car and as soon as I was about to drive out the compound, Constable Roberts and Paris both ran out and stop me from exiting the
compound and re arrest me and told me the tint on my car needs to be removed before I leave the compound, as they told me so, I obeyed there instructions and took off the tint from my car. I am not the holder of a license fire arm and the tint on my vehicle is the only protection I have as this time, with the crime rate up so high its rather difficult to take my money to the bank. This is not the first time I have been victimized by these two specific traffic ranks. On one occasion, they demand I “left something” or they will strip my tint and out of fright I give them $10,000. At another occasion my wife was driving my car, they stopped her and demand her phone number and threatened her with arrest and pounded on the vehicle if she
did not comply. These are the pressure we are facing with these two specific police officers. These two specific constables have left untouched their friends’ vehicles heavily tinted and also their own tint as if they are some minister or the president. These two can be seen drinking in their uniforms at bars during working hours as I cannot seem to understand why offers of the law who swore to “serve and protect” behave and threat people in this manner. In my closing remarks, I strongly suggest these TWO SPECIFIC Officers be transferred or stripped from their jobs or we will be forced to continue live as victims of act. Aggrieved businessman (name supplied)
My son, Mikoowanyah was overlooked DEAR EDITOR; About eight years ago my son Mikoowanyah Yisrael, a.k.a Monty Chester, heeded to the call of an ad in the newspapers by the local umpiring fraternity. They were calling for interested members of the public to come and learn the laws of the cricket. Being a player and a lover of the sport my son joined the classes not with the intention of being an umpire- but to improve his knowledge of the game. He went on to top his class and was encouraged to join the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association. Thus began the journey of a cricket umpire. Mikoowanyah became fully qualified West Indies
Cricket Board Umpire in 2011 and he has been making continuous strides. He has earned the respect of many of our local cricketers and is even requested by the Georgetown Cricket Association to do their tournament finals. Recently, the West Indies Cricket Board requested the Guyana Cricket Board to nominate a local umpire to join the emerging panel of WICB umpires. The criteria stated that the umpire should be under 35, active (in umpiring) and fully qualified. The GCB mischievously asked the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC) to submit not one but three eligible candidates. Mikoowanyah’s and 2 other candidates name were
In strong support of...
From page 5 issue of “Joint Technical Sub-committee” was discussed by “Joint Technical Sub-committee” then by the “G.F.C’S Board”. The issue was thoroughly deliberated on. The issue which was very much out in the “Public Domain” being published on G.F.C’s website and open for Comments and criticism. Secondly, the Chinese Logging Company has roughly 600,000 thousand hectares of forest and there is a big cry about “Rate of Forest” what about Barama who has over 1 Million Hectares; we have Demerara Woods Willen Timber, A. Mazaharally and Sons, Toolsie Persaud LTD, just to name a few. Coming to look at it from a stakeholder’s point of view before the Chinese loggers came the “Timber” logging industry was struggling . The Chinese loggers actually brought along a “gainful!” revolution to the logging industry. Thirdly, another point of concern is the fact the Ministry of Finance, after receiving “The Managing Board Response Report” on the Forensic Audit, did not see it fit to reveal the “Managing Board Response Report” as presented by Mr. Goolsaran. This was subsequently published, showing a clear indication of an attempt to distort the facts and malign the G.F.C’s Administration. Making no mention of G.F.0 properly and routinely monitoring the logging Industry and its stakeholders to ensure these companies comply with benchmark standards. I would like to suggest that in future Mr. David Hinds and Kaieteur News should visit the G.F.C’s website before publishing these distorting allegations. A. Noel
submitted. A few weeks ago it was revealed that the executives at the GCB selected another applicant. Mr. Editor, my first question is why the GCB executives are making such a final decision on umpires and not the umpires themselves? Are the GCB’s executives at many games to assess which is the best umpire? No, they are not. Secondly, Mikoowanyah has been fully qualified for over 5 years while the selected umpire has been qualified for less than 2 years. Thirdly, over the past 2 years my son has been working as a stand-by umpire for the WICB in their junior tournaments held in Guyana. The selected umpire has never done same. Such stand-by work is usually given to burgeoning umpires for them to learn from senior umpires and have the experience of being on the Player Control team for a regional tournament. How can Mikoowanyah have done all this work – more than the other candidates – and still be overlooked? Mikoowanyah told me that he heard a rumour that he was snubbed because he was not physically fit. However, if this rumour is true then - 1. The GCB still selects him for senior inter-county matches. 2. The GCB has never conducted any physical examination on my son. 3. My son was given a form from the WICB which has a list of fitness goals for all umpires. It includes 12minute Cooper test, plank test, push up and sit up test, skinfold test and hip to waist ratio measurement among others. He has been working hard to exceed these goals. I
am unable to recall all the test and my son told me he discarded the form after he was not selected. I am confident that my son can pass any fitness test. While doing his morning jogs in the park he often sees and acknowledges the GCB president doing his morning walk. So at least, some official at the GCB would know of my son’s exercise habits. The lack of fitness excuse has just been rubbished Mr. Editor, the snub has really disappointed my son and as a mother I know he is really disappointed and angry. This is so because he loves both his cricket and his umpiring. Even though he is reading for an M.B.A from the University of the West Indies he is still making time in his busy schedule for his umpiring. Being a professional and progressive person he always aims to develop in his endeavors. Mr. Editor, looking at the facts of the candidates any fair person can see that my son has been unfairly treated. I am only left to my mind’s assumption that certain differences between the candidates was taken into consideration. If I am wrong maybe the GCB can contact me and show me my error. Wendy Chester
and Corruption
DEAR EDITOR; With reference to the above mentioned subject, I wish to relate to you my experiences with a traffic rank, (name supplied) at Mahaica Police Station. On July 26, 2015 the rank stopped me at the De Hoop Public Road, Mahaica and accused me of drinking alcohol and instructed me to drive to the Mahaica Police Station. I complied, and went in his office. He implied that he will conduct the breathalyzser test on me. At that time I admitted to him that I did consume 2 bottles of Guinness and I pleaded with him for a chance. I had to attend to an urgent and personal errand with a family member. He then demanded $4,000 from me which I did offer after which I was released. On 3 August 14, 2015, there was a road block at the Mahaica Public Road, among the police officer was this very rank. He stopped me and inquired if I had consumed any alcohol and he did arrest and place me in the lock up. On August 15, 2015 at 1:30 PM, I was placed on $10,000 bail and was released. At this time still no breathalyser test was done. After my release I went to Region 2 to conduct some business. I returned on August I9th and went to the Police Station to enquire the status on my matter and met with this constable again. I enquired from him about my matter. He indicated to me that I will be charged and placed before the court on 2 charges and will have to attend court on August 20th, 20 I 5. I visited the Police station on August 20th. He then demanded the bail receipt from me and $10,000 cash which I give him after which he related to me that the matter is finished. I wish to bring this matter to your attention and wish to have police officers like these removed from office. This new government vouched that they will STAMP OUT CORRUPTION! And with these simple matters things will escalate so I am hoping that my matter will be addressed urgently. Bashkaran Basdeo
From page 22
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Monday May 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
India to crack down on Between 700-900 migrants may savings scams as Modi have died at sea last week: NGOs backs banking for all
Migrants are seen on a capsizing boat before a rescue operation by Italian navy ships ‘Bettica’ and ‘Bergamini’ off the coast of Libya in this handout picture released by the Italian Marina Militare. Marina Militare/Handout via REUTERS Reuters - At least 700 migrants may have died at sea this past week in the busiest week of migrant crossings from Libya towards Italy this year, Medecins San Frontieres and the UN Refugee agency said yesterday. About 14,000 have been rescued since last Monday amid calm seas, and there have been at least three confirmed instances of boats sinking. But the number of dead can only be estimated based on survivor testimony, which is still being collected. “We will never know exact numbers,” Medecins San Frontieres said in a Tweet after estimating that 900 had died during the week. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said more than 700 had drowned. Migrants interviewed on Saturday in the Sicilian port of Pozzallo told of a large
fishing boat that overturned and sank on Thursday with many women and children on board. Initial estimates were that 400 people died, but the UN Refugee agency said yesterday there may have been about 670 passengers on board. According to testimony collected by EU border agency Frontex, when the motorless fishing boat capsized, 25 swam to the boat that had been towing it, while 79-89 others were saved by rescuers and 15 bodies were recovered. This meant more than 550 died, the UNHCR said. The migrants — fleeing wars, oppression and poverty — often do not know how to swim and do not have life jackets. They pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to make the crossing from Libya to Italy, by far the
most dangerous border passage for migrants in the world. Last week’s arrivals included Eritreans, Sudanese, Nigerians and many other West Africans, humanitarian groups say. Despite the surge last week, as of Friday 40,660 arrivals had been counted, 2 percent fewer than the same period of last year, the Interior Ministry said. Most of the boats last week appear to have left from Sabratha, Libya, where many said smugglers had beaten them and women said they had been raped, said MSF, which has three rescue boats in the area. The migrants are piled onto flimsy rubber boats or old fishing vessels which can toss their occupants into the sea in a matter of seconds. About 100 are thought to have either been trapped in the hull or to have drowned
after tumbling into the sea on Wednesday. On Friday, the Italian Navy ship Vega collected 45 bodies and rescued 135 from a “half submerged” rubber boat. It is not yet known exactly how many were on board, but the rubber boats normally carry about 300. “Some were more shaken than others because they had lost their loved ones,” Raffaele Martino, commander of the Vega, told Reuters on Sunday in the southern port of Reggio Calabria, where the Vega docked with the survivors and corpses, including those of three infants. “It’s time that Europe had the courage to offer safe alternatives that allow these people to come without putting their own lives or those of their children in danger,” Tommaso Fabri of MSF Italy said.
Reuters - Iran’s Haj and Pilgrimage Organisation said yesterday the country’s pilgrims would not attend the annual Muslim haj pilgrimage, blaming regional rival Saudi Arabia for “sabotage” and failing to guarantee the safety of pilgrims. Relations between the two countries plummeted after hundreds of Iranians died in a crush during last year’s haj and after Riyadh broke diplomatic ties when its Tehran embassy was stormed in January over the Saudi execution of a Shi’ite cleric. The dispute has provided another arena for discord between the conservative Sunni Muslim monarchy of Saudi Arabia and the revolutionary Shi’ite republic
of Iran, which back opposing sides in Syria and other conflicts across the region. “Due to ongoing sabotage by the Saudi government, it is hereby announced that ... Iran’s pilgrims have been denied the privilege to attend the haj this year, and responsibility for this rests with the government of Saudi Arabia,” the Haj and Pilgrimage Organisation said in a statement carried by Iran state media. Saudi media earlier said an Iranian delegation had left the
kingdom without an agreement over the haj, the second time the two countries have failed to reach a deal. Saudi Arabia has blamed Iran for the impasse. “The issue of ensuring the safety of the pilgrims was very important for us, considering the past actions of the Saudi government last
year and the martyrdom of many pilgrims from Iran and other countries,” Iranian Culture Minister Ali Jannati told Iran state television. Iran boycotted the haj for three years after 402 pilgrims, mostly Iranians, died in clashes with Saudi security forces at an anti-U.S. and antiIsrael rally in Mecca in 1987.
IRAN SAYS ITS PILGRIMS WILL NOT ATTEND HAJ IN SAUDI ARABIA
Reuters - India plans legislation to close a regulatory loophole that has made it possible for fraudsters to dupe millions of savers, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi strives to bring the rural poor into the mainstream banking system. Unscrupulous operators have bilked savers of billions of dollars by running pyramid schemes or promoting questionable investments in everything from tree plantations to farming emus, a flightless bird. The most notorious has been Sahara, whose founder Subrata Roy was jailed in 2014 after failing to comply with a Supreme Court order to repay money raised under deposit plans later ruled illegal. The court has asked Sahara to return $5.4 billion to investors in those banned plans. “Our aim is to take steps so that there are no more scams like Sahara in future,” said Nishikant D u b e y, a m e m b e r o f p a r l i a m e n t ’s s t a n d i n g committee on finance from Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Parliament could consider a bill in July that would replace weak rules that now govern credit cooperatives operating in more than one state. These are now overseen by just 10 staff at the Agriculture Ministry.
Narendra Modi The officials lack the resources to monitor such savings groups and, one told Reuters on condition of anonymity, have faced pressure to turn a blind eye from politicians who personally profit from them. India does not have a unified regulatory regime to counter Ponzi, or pyramid, schemes whose operators typically grab new deposits to meet their promise of guaranteed returns to existing savers. Such schemes can snowball but are doomed to eventual collapse when they run out of new savers. Federal investigators are probing cases in which 60 million savers have lost some $10 billion.
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Monday May 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Most economists say Brexit will harm economy – poll Reuters - Nine out of 10 of Britain’s top economists working in London’s City financial district, small business and academia believe the economy will be harmed if Britain leaves the European Union, a poll said yesterday. The poll, which the Observer newspaper said was the biggest of its kind drawing responses from more than 600 economists, is a boost for Prime Minister David Cameron, who is leading the campaign for Britain to stay in the 28member bloc at a referendum on June 23 despite opposition from some in his party. Carried out by pollster Ipsos-MORI, the poll found that 88 percent of those asked said an exit from the EU and the single market would most likely damage Britain’s
growth prospects over the next five years and 82 percent said there would probably be a negative impact on household incomes. The Observer said those surveyed were members of the profession’s most respected representative bodies, the Royal Economic Society and the Society of Business Economists. Campaigners on both sides of the argument have targeted the economy as one of the main battle grounds to win round voters who are split in what is becoming an increasingly bitter fight over Britain’s future. “Out” campaigners say Britain would be freed from regulation and red tape if it left the European Union, able to negotiate its own trade deals without having to please 27 other countries.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of Vote Leave, accused economists of making “the same hollow arguments” they made to support switching to the euro. “There was a cosy consensus among economists supporting Britain scrapping the pound 15 years ago ... They were wrong then and they are wrong now,” he said in a statement. But the “In” campaign has pressed its argument that Britain would suffer an economic downturn if it left, hurting the pound, jobs and wages. Cameron said in a statement: “This poll confirms the overwhelming view of economists - leaving the EU would damage our economy, costing jobs and increasing prices.”
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The new faces of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Board GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), the association of electric utilities, suppliers, manufactures and other stakeholders operating in the electricity industry in the region, has a new chairman and other directors. Grenada Electricity Services Ltd (GRENLEC) Chief Executive Officer, Collin Cover to serve as Chairman of the CARILEC Board for the 20162018 term, at CARILEC’s recent 28th Annual General Meeting in Grand Cayman. Cover is an accomplished energy professional with over 35 years’ industry experience. He also served as Vice Chairman of the CARILEC board from 2015-2016. During the meeting, directors whose term had expired were elected to renew their positions, and two additional directors – Bertilia Le Blanc- McKenzie, General Manager of Dominica Electricity Services Ltd (DOMLEC) and Franklin Hoevertsz, Managing Director of Utilities Aruba – were elected to serve on the board. At the previously held Associate Member Caucus, Gianni Moreno was appointed Associate Member representative on the CARILEC Board, and Edmund Phillip as Alternate Associate Member Representative. CARILEC Board of Directors:
CARILEC’S new chairman Colin Cover (seated third from right) with the rest of the new CARILEC governing board. Collin Cover, Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. – Chairman Jeffrey Locke, Belize Electricity Ltd. – Vice Chairman Peter Williams, Barbados Light and Power Company Ltd. Trevor Louisy, St. Lucia Electricity Services Ltd.
Thornley Myers, St. Vincent Electricity Services, Ltd. Walter Higgins, Bermuda Electric Light Co. Eddinton Powell, Fortis TCI Ltd. (Turks & Caicos) Leroy Abraham, BVI Electricity Corp.
Kevin Basden, Bahamas Electricity Corp. Cartwright Farrell, St. Kitts Electricity Co., Ltd. Kelly Tomlin, Jamaica Public Services Ltd. Bertilia Le Blanc-McKenzie, Dominica Electricity Services Ltd.
Courtenay Mark, Trinidad & Tobago Electricity Commission Thomas Hodge – CARILEC Executive Director Gianni Moreno, ABB Power Products and Power Systems Edmund Philips, Wartsila. (Caribbean360)
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Monday May 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
Experts warn Venezuelan food crisis could cause… T&T’ terror ‘threat’ sparks action in Jamaica The Gleaner - Taking a cue from the Jamaican police. Trinidad has started talks with owners and operators of malls, plazas, and other areas of public gathering to improve security at these facilities. Law enforcement in Trinidad responded to a possible terrorist threat last week with increased security at public facilities even as they urged Trinidadians not to panic. According to reports out of Port-of-Spain, an audio file released on social media featured a man warning citizens to stay away from the local shopping malls as he had received word of an impending terror attack. The man in the audio said: “They planning a strike to hit the malls in Trinidad, ISIS, either between Friday and Saturday, or Thursday, Friday, Saturday.” He added that the families of those involved in the terrorist plot had already been warned to stay inside. The alleged threats sparked panic among some Trinidadians, forcing the country’s security minister, Edmund Dillon, to call for calm as the country bolstered its security infrastructure, including improving the monitoring of its borders. The Trinidadian authorities said they were investigating the audio recordings and that they were not ruling out the possibility of it being a hoax. As Jamaicans viewed developments in the twinisland republic with more than passing interest, Assistant Commissioner of Police Devon Watkis told The Sunday Gleaner that while local law enforcement officials had no information on a possible terrorist plot in Jamaica, they were treating the matter seriously. Watkis, who heads the Counter-terrorism and Organised Crime
GUN TRADE TO BOOM
Devon Watkis Investigation Branch, said that his team had been liaising with the operators of certain plazas, hotels, piers, refineries, and other critical infrastructure in Jamaica to help them improve their security mechanisms. “In this instance, we have to be mindful of those. The circumstances of the environment suggest that we have to be mindful and take proactive steps,” said Watkis. “There is no need to panic, but there is need to always be aware. Most of the infrastructure of this type have their own security system. We encourage them to help as we the police take steps to increase our presence,” added Watkis. He said the threat against Trinidad has to be viewed as an issue for the entire region. “Any indication of threat to any vulnerable infrastructure such as plazas or our critical assets and facilities has to be viewed as a regional issue,” said Watkis “To the extent that it is reported that ... Trinidad and Tobago is under those threats, we must proactively, in keeping with our mantra to deny and prevent, look at how best we can evaluate our security posture to ensure that we protect ourselves.”
Trinidad Guardian - Eightfive per cent of the murders in T&T are gun-related, according to figures from the T&T Police Service (TTPS). There were 420 murders in 2015, 403 murders in 2014, 407 murders in 2013, 379 murders in 2012, and 352 murders in 2011 out of a population of approximately 1.3 million people. The detection rate for murder was 13.6 per cent for 2015, a decrease from 16.1 per cent in 2014, according to records from the TTPS. And despite the seizure of 691 firearms in 2015, the proliferation of illegal guns continues to fuel the drug trade, gang wars and killings in this country. Two members of the Protective Services were killed on Tuesday—29-year-old Special Reserve Police Constable Jason Cyril John was shot while heading to his Five Rivers, Arouca, home, and Defence Force Corporal Jerry Leacock was shot and killed by four men who entered his Jacob Hill, Wallerfield, home. On Thursday, Sgt Ricardo Morris, who works at the Belmont Police Station, was shot multiple times in Sea Lots with a high-powered AR-15 rifle. Meanwhile, security
forces were placed on a heightened state of alertness on Tuesday following alleged threats to attack malls by Isis this weekend. According to security experts, guns and ammunition smuggled from the South Western peninsula is not a recent phenomenon. T&T’s porous borders coupled with the economic crisis in neighbouring Venezuela further exacerbate the situation for arms and drug smuggling. The fear is that with the grave shortage of food and other supplies in Venezuela one could expect guns being exchanged for food and supplies on a larger scale.
When the Sunday Guardian visited the peninsula a week ago, people in the area were tight-lipped about smuggling. Critics said the US$50 million in food that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will buy from T&T was likely to last only a few weeks among a population of 30 million people, and that desperation could step in and further fuel the gun trade. Several security experts, former executive director of the National Operations Centre (NOC) Garvin Heerah, Florida International University Prof Anthony Maingot, firearms weapon specialist Paul-Daniel Nahous and President of the
Confederation of Hunters’ Associations for Conservation of T&T (Chactt), Buddie Miller, are concerned that with the current economic, political and social turmoil in Venezuela, the food for guns trade between T&T and the mainland may escalate and portions of the Guardia Nacional’s stockpile of highpowered Chinese AK-47s, Russian AK-103 assault rifles and Dragunov sniper rifles can reach T&T’s criminal elements. Heerah noted, however, that guns were not only coming from Venezuela and Latin America but also North America.
Warns of terrorist St. Lucian PM confident attacks on schools of victory in upcoming Another recording on social media...
PM says workers must keep up with changing technology ST JAMES, Jamaica - (JIS) – Prime Minister Andrew Holness, says it is incumbent on the public and private sectors to ensure that workers keep up with the changing technology in today’s competitive world. “If firms have people employed, but the technology is changing and there is no deliberate instrumental approach to ensure that they (firms) adjust to the technology quickly, so as to preserve those jobs, then the people are going to lose their jobs,” Holness said. Addressing the 34th annual Convention of the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Friday, the Prime Minister said the Government will have to assist companies to be able to spot the changes in technology, helping them to respond and also to train their existing staff to adjust. “If the education system is not responsive enough to turn out the skills that businesses need, then it is not an unemployment problem, but an unemployability problem. That is a failure of the signaling mechanisms between firms and schools,” Holness noted.
Arms and ammunition seized by police that are believed to have been brought into T&T from Venezuela.
Stuart Young Trinidad Express Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General Stuart Young says he is certain the police will treat threats of terrorist attacks with the highest level of attention. This, as another recording began circulating on social media Saturday, warning of terrorist attacks on schools. Last week a recording of a man claiming to have information of a terrorist plan to attack malls around the
country made the rounds on social media. On Thursday police arrested a man in connection with a bomb threat called in to Trincity mall. In the latest recording, a male voice claims terror group ISIS has planned to blow up schools, adding that “this is not no joke, this is not no kicks”. However, at one point in the recording, a male voice in the background can be heard prompting the speaker and seemingly giggling. Contacted Saturday, Young said he had heard of the recording but had not been able to listen to it. “I personally have not heard this latest voice note that is alleged to be circulating,” he said. “However I am certain that our law enforcement authorities will do the necessary due diligence with respect to it. All of these matters are treated with the highest level of attention.” National Security Minister Edmund Dillon could not be immediately reached for comment.
general election
Dr. Kenny Anthony CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) – Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony is confident of victory at the upcoming polls. After filing his nomination papers on Saturday, Anthony declared that his ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) is confident and ready for the June 6 general election. “The machinery is in place, we know we can and we will and we will not be intimidated. We will conduct ourselves peacefully but
what ultimately matters is the ballot box,” Anthony said. The Prime Minister, who represents the constituency of Vieux Fort South, said he believed the people will express their confidence in him. “We have had a wonderful relationship,” he asserted. Anthony said he and his team are well organised and prepared to go. At the same time he explained that he takes all of his opponents seriously, no matter who they are. Questioned on the matter of term limits for Prime Ministers, Anthony noted that it was an old issue. He recalled having said in the past that the democratic process must not be frustrated. “It is not for individuals to decide how many terms we should have.” Ahead of the June 6 general election, the advance poll that allows election day workers, police and fire personnel will take place on June 3.
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Kaieteur News
Golden State beat Oklahoma Women’s Sevens Rugby Series: Australia take first sevens crown City to force a Game 7 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS - Klay Thompson made a playoff-record 11 3pointers and scored 41 points, and the defending champion Golden State Warriors forced a seventh game in the Western Conference finals with a 108-101 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night. Stephen Curry bounced back from a slow start to finish with 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. The Warriors, who set the league’s regular-season record with 73 wins, will host Game 7 on Monday. The winner will play Cleveland in the NBA Finals. “I just so proud of everybody, man,” Thompson said. “We were down almost the whole game and we never gave up.” Oklahoma City dominated Games 3 and 4 at home, but the Warriors made 21 of 44 3pointers on Saturday, while Oklahoma City was 3 of 23.
“About time we had a stretch in this building where we imposed our will,” Curry said. Kevin Durant scored 29 points and Russell Westbrook added 28 for the Thunder. But Durant made just 10 of 31 shots and Westbrook was 10 of 27. Trying to become the 10th team to overcome a 3-1 deficit, the Warriors trailed much of the game and were behind by eight going to the fourth quarter. Thompson kept them in it with four 3-pointers in just over seven minutes to start the period. Curry then hit two 3s, the second of which tied the game at 99 with 2:47 to play. Thompson’s 3 with 1:35 to play put the Warriors up 104101. The Thunder, who blew a number of fourth-quarter leads during the regular season, fell apart in the final minutes after Golden State
had finally gone ahead for good. Westbrook lost control of the ball, and after Thompson missed a 3, Westbrook turned the ball over again. Curry’s layup with 14.3 seconds to play put the Warriors up by five, the Thunder turned it over again, and the Warriors were in the clear. The Thunder led 23-20 after one quarter, then seized momentum early in the second. Steven Adams’ powerful one-handed dunk on Draymond Green drew a roar from the crowd and gave Oklahoma City a 37-28 lead. Green, who had hit Adams in the groin area twice during the series, was a constant target for the vocal Thunder fans. Thompson opened the second half with back-toback 3-pointers to give the Warriors a 54-53 edge, but the Thunder closed the quarter strong and led 83-75 heading into the fourth.
Australia won three of the five Sevens Series legs. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Australia have won their first Women’s Sevens Series title, ending the threeyear reign of New Zealand. Despite losing the cup final to Canada in the last round in France, Australia finished the series 14 points ahead of New Zealand. They are the first Australian team - male or female - to win a Sevens Series championship. England, who will comprise the majority of Great Britain’s team for the 2016 Olympics, finished fourth in France. They were beaten 22-5 by New Zealand in the cup third place play-off at Clermont-
Ferrand and finished fourth in the overall standings. Head coach Simon Middleton said: “We’ve got players who have played consistently well throughout the year and a really strong squad to take to Brazil. There’s a lot of competition for places, including among those still back home.” The Women’s Sevens Series was played across five countries, with Australia winning in Dubai, Brazil and the USA, and England winning in Canada. Women’s sevens will make its Olympic debut in Rio this summer.
Wawrinka and Murray into last eight, plus a Spanish lefty
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)
GSSF successfully hosts Guyana’s first... From page 36 Dealers, Mr. Harold Hopkinson. Special Stage Medals were presented by the President of the Federation, Ms. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon to the top three in each division. OPEN DIVISION PRODUCTION DIVISION LIMITED DIVISION Stage 1st - Ryan McKinnon Shawn Smith David Dharry 2nd Place - Harold Hopkinson Fabian Stuart Ray Beharry 3rd Place Azaad Hassan Peter Hugh Thanks was extended to the Match Officials for ensuring the efficiency and high safety standards with which the match was run and for this big step in sport shooting in Guyana to commemorate the nation’s 50th Independence Activities and to the Match Sponsor. The Federation also thanks Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Phillips, Colonel Doodnauth, GPF Commissioner Persaud, Asst. Commissioner Ramnarine, Commander Hicken, OC TSU Superintendent Dehnert, Corporal Dunn and the ranks of the Armory and TSU. More information on the GSSF is available on its website www.GuyanaSportShooting.com.
PA R I S ( R e u t e r s ) Perennial grand slam title contenders Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray were joined in the French Open quarter-finals by two unfamiliar faces on Sunday as the Parisian clay continued to turn up unexpected plot lines. It was no surprise to see Swiss title holder Wawrinka beat Viktor Troicki although it took a while for the third seed to subdue the Serb 7-6(5) 6-7(7) 6-3 6-2. Murray’s 7-6(9) 6-4 6-3 defeat of John Isner was entirely predictable, even if the second seed had to save three set points in the opener before extending his career record over the towering American to 6-0 in clinical fashion. Three-times semi-finalist Murray will play Richard Gasquet, the sole surviving French singles player, who had the crowd in raptures on Court Philippe Chatrier with a scintillating 6-4 6-2 4-6 6-2 win over Japanese fifth seed Kei Nishikori. Ninth-seeded Gasquet, 29, collapsed joyously on his back after sealing victory and a long-overdue place in the last eight of his home grand slam for the first time in 13 attempts. He will need them in full voice again against Murray. Two other players advanced to the second week of a grand slam for the first time.
Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland returns a shot to Viktor Troicki of Serbia during the French Open Tennis at Roland Garros. (REUTERS/Jacky Who would have thought a left-hander named Albert Ramos-Vinolas, rather than nine-times French Open champion Rafael Nadal, would be leading the Spanish men’s challenge. But that is the reality after Nadal pulled out with a damaged left wrist on Friday and Ramos-Vinolas, a firstround loser for the last four years, crushed eighth-seeded Canadian Milos Raonic 6-2 64 6-4 on a damp, murky day in the capital. Ramos-Vinola’s reward for his endeavor is a last-eight clash with Wawrinka.
TEARFUL ROGERS American Shelby Rogers, ranked so low that she only just scraped in as a direct entry, backed up her stunning win over twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova to beat Romania’s 25th seed Irina Begu 6-3 6-4, bursting into tears at the end. Whether or not she will be exercising her tear ducts on Tuesday depends how she performs against fourth seed Garbine Muguruza who maintained her impressive form on Sunday with a 6-3 6-4 defeat of 2009 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.
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WARNER LEADS Hyderabad to IPL title as Bangalore fail again
David Warner gets his hands on the IPL trophy, Royal Challengers Bangalore v Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2016, final, Bangalore, May 29, 2016. (BCCI) (Reuters) Sunrisers Hyderabad’s David Warner led them to a maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Sunday after the bowlers derailed Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) chase to fashion an eight-run victory. Australian Warner (69) led from the front, top scoring for his side to steer Hyderabad to 208-7 after opting to bat at Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Australian then returned to marshal his bowlers, who staged a stunning comeback after Chris Gayle (76) and Virat Kohli (54) had threatened to take the game away. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the highest wicket-taker in this year’s competition, conceded only nine runs in the final over to dash Bangalore’s hopes of being third time lucky in the final of the Twenty20 competition. Warner and Shikhar Dhawan (28) added 63 runs to give Hyderabad a decent start. They lost Moises Henriques cheaply but Warner joined up with Yuvraj Singh (38) to consolidate the innings. Warner fell in the 14th over and Yuvraj in the 17th but Ben Cutting’s 15-ball blitz ensured they had enough on the board for their bowlers. Cutting (39 not out) smacked fellow Australian Shane Watson for three sixes in the final over of the innings as Hyderabad plundered 52 runs off the last three overs to breach the 200-mark. Watson endured a terrible outing with the ball, conceding 61 runs in his four wicketless overs. DIFFICULTTARGET The target was difficult but not beyond a Bangalore team boasting a top order that would send shivers down the spine of any team in the world. Gayle looked ominous too as the West Indian southpaw smacked eight sixes in his two-run-a-ball blitz, dominating his 114-run opening partnership with Kohli. The match seemed to be slipping away when Cutting (235), whose all-round display earned him the man-of-the-match award, dismissed Gayle to bring much-needed relief to Hyderabad. Skipper Kohli’s form, however, meant Bangalore were still very much in the contest. Four of the seven centuries in this year’s IPL had come from Kohli’s bat and the tournament’s top scorer needed just 32 balls to race to his fifty. Barinder Sran bowled the Indian test captain to bring Hyderabad back into the match and Bipul Sharma dismissed the talismanic AB de Villiers (five) cheaply to choke Bangalore who managed 200-7 in their 20 overs. Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 208 for 7 (Warner 69, Cutting 39*, Jordan 3-45) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 200 for 7 (Gayle 76, Kohli 54, Cutting 2-35) by eight runs.
Monday May 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
McLeod sizzles, Shelly flounders in Oregon Jamaica Observer Jamaica’s in-form hurdler Omar McLeod continued his dominance of the event at the Prefontaine Classic, while double Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann FraserPryce finished eighth in her first race since returning from injury. McLeod, who was winning his fourthconsecutive race, and the only Jamaican winner on the circuit in Eugene, Oregon Saturday, won comfortably in 13.06 seconds. He finished ahead of Americans David Oliver (13.38s) and world record holder Aries Merritt (13.48s). Jamaica’s Hansle Parchment finished in eighth 13.58 seconds. McLeod, the World Indoor 60m hurdles champion, also won at the Drake Relays in 13.08s; the Doha Diamond League in 13.05s and Shanghai Diamond League with a world-leading 12.98 seconds. Jamaica’s double Olympic 100m champion Fraser-Pryce, recovering from a toe injury, finished at the back of the pack in a pedestrian 11.18 seconds. The race was won easily by American English Gardner in 10.81 seconds, pushed by a 1.5 metres per
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was eighth in the 100-metre event at the Prefontaine Classic Saturday.
second wind. Tianna Bartoletta was second in 10.94s ahead of Murielle AHoure (11.01s), with Jamaica’s Simone Facey (11.09s) and American Carmileta Jeter (11.16s)
finishing fourth and seventh respectively. National 400m record holder Rusheen McDonald once again turned in a dismal display after finishing eighth and last in the men’s 400m in
46.82 seconds. Grenada’s Kirani James finished top in 44.22 seconds, ahead of American Lashawn Merritt with 44.39 seconds. James now leads the head-to-head with his great rival Merritt 12-7. Isaac Makwala of Botswana was third in 45.37 seconds ahead of Machel Cedino of Trinidad and Tobago in 45.45 seconds. In the women’s event, Stephenie Ann McPherson and Shericka Jackson finished fourth and fifth, respectively, with times 51.07 and 51.34 seconds. The outstanding Bahamanian Shaunae Miller won from lane six in 50.15 seconds, ahead of Americans Francena McCorory (50.23s) and Natasha Hastings (50.86s). Jamaica’s rising sprint sensation Elaine Thompson gave in a creditable performance in third in the 200m in 22.16 seconds, behind in-form American Tori Bowie who clocked a world leading 21.99 seconds. Dafne Schippers (22.11s) was second in the event. Thompson came off the bend in second behind the flying Bowie, but stumbled and was passed by the fast-closing Schippers near the line.
Hundreds bid farewell to umpire Sukhdeo The late umpire Guyanand Sukhdeo being taken to the crematorium site at Good Hope.
Hundreds of people including cricket umpires, Guyana Cricket Board executives, relatives and friends bid farewell to umpire Guyanand Sukhdeo yesterday. Sukhdeo, who passed away on Wednesday after suffering from renal failure, was cremated yesterday at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara. Sukhdeo was a member of the West Indies Cricket Board B panel of umpires and served on the executive of the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council and the Demerara Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association. He officiated in several regional age group tournaments and served as fourth umpire in regional first class and Caribbean Premier League matches. Sukhdeo was also listed to officiate in the upcoming regional age group tournaments.
S u k h d e o w h o p l a y e d f o r t h e G a n d h i Yo u t h Organisation as an opening batman started his umpiring career in 2003. He went on the represent Demerara and was called to national senior trials. He served the ministry of Education in the capacity of a teacher attached to Supply Primary School. First Class umpire Nandkumar Shivsankar spoke highly of Sukhdeo, stating that he was a dedicated umpire who was always willing to assist his younger colleagues. He added that the entire umpiring fraternity in the Caribbean regretted his passing and his services will surely be missed. The West Indies Cricket Umpires Association expressed condolences on his passing stating he was an asset.
Monday May 30, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Tri Nation series Latest distance sensation Messinger crushes ‘Golden Mile’ field West Indies to practice - CLAUDRICE MCKOY WINS WOMEN’S RACE
Race winner Winston Messinger (centre) flanked by Cleveland Thomas (right), Quacy Morian (2nd left0 and Devon Barrington (left) on the podium. Winston Messinger continued his imperious form after crushing the field in the Professional Key Shop ‘Golden Mile’ which was run yesterday in the Capital Georgetown. The lanky Messinger, who has now become the face of distance running in the country cruised to victory in a time of 4 minutes 33 seconds to relegate Cleveland Thomas, who came home 4 seconds later, into second place, while Quancy Morian and Devoi Barrington ended third and fourth respectively. In the Women’s Open, Claudrice McKoy was also in dominant form winning in a time of 5 minutes, 39 seconds to beat into second place Kezra Murray, while Ashanti Scott and Tabita Bowman closed out the top four in that order. The race which started outside of the 704 Sports Bar on Lamaha and Albert Streets saw a group of six runners separate themselves from the pack immediately and they proceeded west along Lamaha Street, before turning south into Carmichael Street with four of the runners were left in Messinger and Thomas’ wake,
leaving the two to battle to the finish line. Messinger, who was always lurking in the shadows of distance king Cleveland Forde and Thomas for sometime, planned his attack perfectly following a furious pace that the two initiated and just before they approached Middle Street some 200 metres from the finish line he produced a sudden burst of speed that Thomas could not respond to and had to settle for second place. It was another mesmerising performance by the new face of distance running that has obviously evoked the conversation of whether Forde is suddenly afraid to match strides with the latest sensation. In the Open category (male) the winner took away $50,000, runner-up $30,000, 3rd and 4th placed finishers $15,000 and $10,000 respectively. In the female version, the winner received $30,000, runner-up $20,000 and 3rd and 4th placed finishers $15,000 and $10,000 respectively. All the winners collected trophies and medals.
tomorrow at Providence By Sean Devers The first ODI series in the West Indies since West Indies beat Bangladesh 3-0 in a three match series in Grenada and St Kitts in 2014 bowls off on Friday at the Guyana National Stadium when number three ranked South Africa face West Indies in the opening game of the Tri Nation series which also involves number one ranked ODI team and five times World C up 50-over Champions Australia. The first three ODIs will be played in Guyana as International cricket returns to this country for the first time since West Indies defeated Pakistan by 37 runs on July 16, 2013. This is the first time that ODIs will be played under lights at Providence and the first that every game in a home series which culminates with the final on June 26 in Barbados will be played under lights. Although South Africa played three matches in the 2007 World Cup at Providence, Friday will be the first that they face-off with West Indies on South American soil. The home team will have their first practice session at Providence between 14:00hrs and 17:00 hrs tomorrow the South Africans will have their first training session on Wednesday from 09:00hrs to noon, while West Indies will at Providence from 14:00hrs to 17:00hrs. All matches start at 13:00hrs while the gates at the Stadium will be opened from 11:00hrs. Tickets which cost $2,000 for the Party Stand, $3,000 for the Orange Stand and $4,000 for the Green and Red stands are already on sale in Guyana and on-line for those overseas who are desirous of traveling for the first three ODIs.
British Guiana Combined Clubs win Soft Shoe Football Series against Suriname Rio 1959 British Guiana Combined Clubs selection led by Victoria’s Maurice Moore defeated Suriname Rio Soft Shoe football team in 1959. Rio opened their 1959 campaign with an emphatic 4-nil victory against Juventus Soft Shoe team at GFC. Rudy Ramdhanie scored a double in the 20th and 35th minute. The other goal scorers were Bruns Strok in the 15th minute and Viggelland in the 52nd minute. First international match vs Combined Clubs at GFC Combined Clubs led by Maurice Moore won 2-1. George Ferguson sent the locals ahead in the 15th minute. The tourist equalized in the 2nd half when star player Rudy Ramdhanie give Wyntuin a through pass that he converted with a bullet like shot that give the brilliant Ted Nurse no chance. Alvin Steel sealed victory for the locals 5 minutes from full time. Wolves beat Rio 2-nil at GFC. Goal scorers for Wolves was
Frankie Ford midway in the first half, in the second half Ken Halley scored in the 47th minute to give Wolves victory. Rio Leveled International Series with Combined Clubs at GFC Goal scorers for Rio were star player Rudy Ramdhanie and Buckhove, Lance Dyal scored a lone goal for Combined Clubs. Red Banners beat Rio at GF Bourda 1-nil. The nippy center forward Eddie Caetano was the goal scorer who from an acute right side angle saw goalkeeper Belfor get his hands to the shot but failed to hold it properly. International Series Decider at GFC Combined Clubs won 2-nil. The heroes were George Ferguson and George ‘Amigo’ Dyal. Combined Clubs’ skipper Maurice Moore was presented with the championship trophy by Mayor Forbes Burnham.
Australia have not played in an ODI here in 17 years since their last ODI ended in a controversial tie at Bourda in 1999. Steve Waugh was unbeaten on 72 when the crowd invaded the ground with the Aussies on 173-7 off 30 overs replying the 173-5 off 30 overs in the rain affected contest. The team from down under will have their first practice session on Thursday June 2 when they train from 14:00hrs to 17:00hrs at Bourda where tickets for Guyana leg of the series are being sold. Fans will be able to see the likes of Australia Captain Steve Smith, IPL’s run machine David Warner and the best off-spinner in world Nathan Lyon, South Africa’s Morne Morkel, AB deVillers and Haslim Amla in addition to West Indians Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard at practice. The full practice and match schedule for the Guyana leg read: Tuesday 31 May, 2016 West Indies 2:00pm 5:00pm National Stadium Wednesday 1st June 2016 South Africa 9: am 12:00pm National Stadium West Indies 2:00pm 5:00pm National Stadium Thursday 2nd June 2016
West Indies 9:00am 12:00pm National Stadium South Africa 2:00pm 5:00pm National Stadium Australia 2:00pm 5:00pm GCC Friday 3rd June 2016 Australia 9:00am 12:00pm GCC Friday 3rd June 2016 West Indies vs South Africa (match 1) N a t i o n a l Stadium Saturday 4th June 2016 West Indies 9:00am 12:00pm National Stadium Australia 2:00pm 5:00pm National Stadium South Africa 2:00pm 5:00pm GCC Sunday 5th June 2016 South Africa 9:00am 12:00pm GCC Sunday 5th June 2016 West Indies vs Australia (match 2) National Stadium Monday 6th June 2016 South Africa 9:00am 12:00pm National Stadium Australia 2:00pm 5:00pm National Stadium Tuesday 7th June 2016 West Indies 9:00am 12:00pm GCC Tuesday 7th June 2016 Australia vs South Africa (Match 3) National Stadium Wednesday 8th June 2016 Teams Depart Guyana
MoH Soft Shoe football tournament commences tonight The second edition of the Annual Petra Organisationorganised Soft Shoe Football Competition which is being sponsored by the Ministry of Health (MoH) under the ‘Stop Gender-based Violence’ theme will open tonight with six matches, at the Ministry of Health ground on Brickdam & Vlissingen Road. The tournament’s start has had to be pushed back on several occasions due to the inclement weather, but the Organisers have determined that unless there is significant rainfall overnight and today, teams should make themselves present for a prompt start tonight. Among the teams expected to appear this evenig is defending champion Sparta Boss who is expected to take on California Square in the final encounter. The full fixtures are seen below: 19:00 hrs Old School Ballers versus Cross Street of Werken-Rust 19:45 hrs Queen Street OF Tiger Bay tackles Broad Street 20:30 hrs Sophia go up against Hope Street of Tiger Bay Break Break Break Break Break 21:00 hrs Channel 9 battles Globe Yard 21:45 hrs Bent Street engages Stevedore Housing Scheme 22:30 hrs Sparta Boss square off against California Square Meanwhile, the other sponsors on board include: Busta, GTT, Lucky Dollar, Juniors Jewellery (Highest Goal Scorer), 2J’s General Store (MVP), Star Party Rentals and Nigel Super Market. The winning team will receive $300,000, runner-up $200,000, 3rd place $100,000 and 4th place $50,000.
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Monday May 30, 2016
Kaieteur News
NSC / GASA Independence Swim Meet
Cole staves off valiant Primus to take 18 & Over 100m Free in exciting climax to day 3
14-year-old Kenita Mahaica Dolphin Speed Swim Club.
19-year-old Soroya Simmons Dorado Speed Swim Club.
By Franklin Wilson The third day of action, which will now be 5-days due to unforeseen circumstances, ended in breathtaking fashion as first-timer, Guyana Police Force (GPF) swimmer Deon Primus almost upset seasoned campaigner, Trumaine Cole of Silver Sharks Speed Swim Club. It was the final race of the day, the 100M Freestyle as competition in the National Sports Commission (NSC), Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Independence Meet continued at the National Aquatic Centre. Competing in heat two of two of the Boys 18 & Over 100M Free, it was always going to be a keen fight between the two 19-year-old athletes; Primus, not used to this level of competition as Cole improves with every race. At the halfway point, Cole held a slight lead coming into the final 50m after the turn. With about 25m to the line it was almost a neck and neck battle between the two as they were urged on by their respective supporters and other fans at the pool. In the end, Cole had to dig deep into his reserve to stave off a valiant and commendable effort from Primus to take the gold in 1:04.96. Primus, who was timed at 1:07.29 was visibly exhausted after finishing the race but no doubt would feel proud of his performance on the day; a few more dedicated training days with the right guidance can see him {Primus} not only turning the tables on Cole but going on to do well for Guyana. Primus was in gold medal mood in the 200M Individual Medley (IM) which he won (3:06.38) from fellow cop Lindon Barkoye (3:30.47). The usual top performers continued their dominance of their respective events, Soroya Simmons (Dorado) building on her successes of day 1 and 2 with three more gold medals in the Girls 18 & Over category. Simmons completed the 100M Free ahead of GPF’s Kitica Pillew in 1:09.43 to Pellew’s 1:46.16; was the lone competitor in the 200m IM clocking 2:51.58 while she also took the 400M Free from Pellew and her teammate Eva Harry in 5:15.62. Orca’s Aleka Persaud continued her impressive form adding another three gold medals; she dominated the Girls 9-10 200M IM winning in 3:05.30 apart from the 100M
Trumaine Cole (left) of Silver Sharks powers to the finish line ahead of GPF’s Deon Primus in the 100M Free. (Franklin Wilson photo) Butterfly (1:30.38) as the lone swimmer and 100M Free from a field of five other swimmers in two heats of 3 each, she clocked 1:15.93 to win comfortably. Equally dominant was Raekwon Noel (Silver Sharks) in the Boys 9-10 category; he won the 100M Butterfly (1:19.28) 200M IM (2:55.94) and 100M Free (1:08.24). Leon Seaton (Silver Sharks) was just as impacting in dominating the same events as Persaud and Noel but in the Boys 11-12 class. Seaton was the loner in the 100M Butterfly (1:16.99) and 200M IM (2:55.97) while dominating the 100M Free from a field of six to win in 1:07.79. Lian Winter (Dorado) competing on the distaff side in Seaton’s age group, was also the lone swimmer in the 100M Butterfly clocking 1:18.98; was better than her peers in the 200M IM (3:01.62), while she had to settle for the bronze (1:11.20) in the 100M Free which was won by Silver Sharks’ Danielle George in 1:07.32. Dorado’s Antonio Hussein maintained rich form with a gold medal swim in the Boys 13-14 100M Butterfly (1:09.30) swimming against himself; toped the field in the 200M (2:40.22) and was equally imposing in the 100M Free which he took in 1:02.96.
Amy Grant (Silver Sharks) won the Girls 13-14 400M Free gold in (5:47.76) as the lone competitor. Kenita Mahaica of Dolphin Speed Swim Club competing in the same category as Grant took the top podium spots in the 200M IM (3:03.02) and the 100M Free (1:11.46). Orca’s Antonio Rodrigues (Boys 15-17) was golden in the 100M Butterfly which he took in 1:12.44; 200M IM (2:37.81) as well as the 100M Free where he was challenged by two other swimmers but still took the top spot in 1:01.12. Reyon Usher (GPF) took the Boys 18 & Over 100M Butterfly in 1:34.18. Jadyn George competing under the Silver Sharks banner defeated club mate Danielle George to win the Girls 11-12 4500M Free in 5:21.19. Ariel Rodrigues (Orca) was unstoppable in the Girls 8 & Under 100M Free clocking 1:30.61, while the gold for Boys in the same category and event went to Dorado’s Emmanuel Primus in 1:36.85. Kayth Godette took the Girls 15-17 100M Free in the all Orca quartet in 1:16.65. Today will see the 200M Free races that were put off due to blackout on day 2 being contested from 06:30hrs while the 50M Free races will be contested on Friday afternoon from 17:00hrs.
Competitors of the NSC, GASA Independence Meet pose for a photo at the end of day 3 yesterday.