Thursday November 03, 2017
This RDC stood up to the Mayor DEAR EDITOR, I wish to compliment the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One (Barima- Waini) for making a sound decision to stop the mayor of Mabaruma from arbitrarily and dictatorially remove poor Amerindian residents from Khan Hill to make way for a dump site. Amerindians have been living on Khan Hill for over ten years and they all have their farms and houses. It was alleged at a recent meeting with the residents at his office the mayor told them to “get out of his town and go back where you come from.” I do not think this is the way a mayor of a town should speak to its residents. It is sad that the Mabaruma mayor lacks common courtesies. Police officer Williams of the Mabaruma police station on Sunday the 15th October,
2017 physically assaulted Patrick Gonsalves of the Barimanobo community. Gonsalves’s jaw was broken. He had to be air-lifted to the Georgetown Public Hospital. This police officer is currently at the police station as though nothing happened. He needs to be prosecuted. It is alleged by residents of the community that Patrick Gonsalves did not offend the police officer who was in the community. Can the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and Communities say if they are funding the construction of a road from Baramita village to the Venezuelan Border? The road is in its construction phase by a Brazilian. Can his Excellency the President intervene in the interest of National Security? Peter Persaud
The atrocious roads in Good Hope Phase 3 DEAR EDITOR, As the rainy season is approaching, and with the announcement from the Hydromet office that rainfall during the Christmas season is expected to be between 85 and 90 percent above average, I would like to once again raise the issue of deplorable road in Good Hope Phase 3. On dry days the road is difficult to maneuver and worse than the roads in the backdams. It has been over four years of constant back and forth to get anyone to listen or do anything. The NDC, RDC and Central Housing and Planning Authority say
they can’t do anything, since this part of the scheme is not under their jurisdiction. How can a village that was established under the Central Housing and Planning Authority cannot do anything after collecting $400,000 for a land and with an occupancy rate of over 60%, while large sums of monies are being spent to regularize squatting areas and provide paved roads. I hope the President and the Minister of Communities read this letter, because it seems like before you get action in Guyana, you have to go straight to the top of the government. N. Bacchus
THERE IS A MAJOR COVER UP GOING ON AT THE GGMC From page 4 controversial Mining Permits to areas which were already allotted to the bona fide residents of Kurupung and also against their own regulation 27(2) which clearly states that cancelled Mining Permit area shall be held in reserve for the disposal by a process of biding or lottery. The issuing of Mining Permits to a wealthy mining company that occupies areas that were already allotted to the bona fide residents of Kurupung; the seeking of resolution to the nullification of my claim which was deemed Nullified for the reason of overlapping when
it was the only claim that had been verified, even though the verification process for the second claim was alleged to have taken place five months after the pronouncement of the nullification of my claim. There have been a lot of illegal activities taking place with my claims in the recent past, and they are all pointing to a particular group of persons. I am calling on the relevant authority to launch an investigation into his conduct and work ethics of this so-call UNTOUCHABLE before irreparable damage is done to the commission. Small miner
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Kaieteur News
CONTEXTUALIZING & UPDATING JOB CATEGORIZATION, COMPENSATION SYSTEMS DEAR EDITOR, There have been many comments in the media recently about issues relating to the appropriateness of current systems of categorization, classification and compensation especially in the Public Sector (but from my experience, the Private Sector is not immune from similar misconceptions). The latest has been a focus on “transitioning some 4000 ‘contracted employees’ into the regular public service” (ref. lengthy letter in SN of 31/10/17). My own reading, research and experience in the wider general question of job and employee categorization, classification and compensation influence me to caution against whole-
sale or indiscriminate ‘transitioning’, especially if the established system is anachronistic or suffers from understandable obsolescence given the increasing availability of new technologies in the STEMS, IT, ORGANIZATIONAL and HUMAN BEHAVIORIAL arenas. For example: · The lead article in the May 2017 “PEOPLE MANAGEMENT” monthly magazine of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) carried the bold title: “Within 12 years, half the workforce will be freelance”, and warned that the biggest challenge & opportunity for Human Resource Management professionals is the shift from traditional, regular full-
time employment. The publication explained how the use of contingent workers demonstrates “the increasingly fluid boundaries between different forms of non-traditional employment, and the under-reported shifts taking place in the labor market….in short, the future is impermanent”. · ‘UPWORK’, perhaps the largest provider of non-traditional employees (more than US$ Ibn worth of assignments in the USA) says that in the US, one in three workers is now freelance……a figure it says could hit 50% by 2020. · A DELOITTE study of multi-nationals found that around a third of their workforces are contingent with many projecting in-
creases in the future. · Furthermore, “going to work” does not necessarily mean travelling from home to Office or Factory as, increasingly, people are working from home at their own pace and delivering substantively in real-time via IT. The potential privatization of the commanding heights of our economy and the advent of multi-nationals like ExxonMobil et al cannot be ignored; nor should we discount the need to update and upscale our public services. Anyone who thinks that Guyana is insulated from these winds of change must quickly shift gears out of their obsolescent, pedestrian comfort zone. NowrangPersaud
Open Appeal for High Level Political Dialogue DEAR EDITOR, This letter is an open, respectful appeal for urgent political dialogue between the President and the Leader of the Opposition to address the pressing social and political problems of Guyana in the national interest. In particular, the two political leaders are called to revisit the decision on the appointment of Chairman of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The call is for them to confer in good faith to find a mutually acceptable solution to the current controversy over the unilateral appointment in October 2017, of the Chairman of GECOM. Such an outcome, no doubt, would lower the racial and political tensions which have gripped this country, and prevent this man-made, political and social disaster from escalating into overt and open conflicts. The unilateral appointment of the Chairman of GECOM has generated much controversy on the legality, constitutionality, and suitability of the new Chairman. In the circumstances, and in the name of Almighty God, the greatest contribution to Guyana by the newly appointed Chairman of GECOM is to graciously tender his resignation. This will open the door for the high level political dialogue for the good of our country. Please Mr. Chairman of GECOM, this course of action on your part will be a blessing for all in this fair land of ours, and a lasting legacy for you in the history of the electoral life in Guyana. The political leaders are called on to promote active
national peace and harmony by practical actions in legislation and public policy. It is time to pull back from partisan political self interest, and together cultivate and build in a sustained way, a just, fair, compassionate, and inclusive country for the good of all citizens. Let us learn from the past mistakes, and take the required measures to get right our politics, race relations, governance structures, constitutional reform, electoral processes, and national development programme to achieve national confidence. Let us admit that the people of our country and its economy have been negatively affected for more than sixty years on account of the reality of race-based power politics, dominated and continues to be dominated by the People’s Progressive Party
(PPP) and the Peoples National Congress (PNC). The nation is crying out for a national peace, security, and creating and sustaining of a more just society for all its people. A heavy burden and responsibility rest with the leaders of the political parties. History will judge them harshly for continuing failure to liberate us from the scourge of the politics of race, vengeance, and vindictiveness. It is time to look to the future. The resolution of the controversy over the Chairmanship of GCOM to the mutual satisfaction of all parties would be a good start and confidence measure leading to the imperative of national trust and moving to higher trust. This calls for leadership, commitment, inclusiveness,
and fashioning a common national vision. It is in the hands of the President as the Executive Head of the Government, to take the lead in engaging individually and collectively the political opposition, the private sector, the labour movement, civil society and professional organizations to address and resolve our social, economic, development and political challenges, and forge an agreed, urgent programme for the immediate short term and medium term implementation. Such an initiative needs to be supported and sustained with the view to: · foster mutual understanding, good race relations, and to find agreed solutions to problems and controversial issues; · promote for all, Continued on page 6
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Kaieteur News
City Hall Cover Up stinks DEAR EDITOR, “For we wrestle not against flesh or blood, but against principalities and powers and wickedness that exists, in high places”. Is Sherod Duncan God-fearing, and is the individual a member of a Secretive Gay Society? The reason for asking the question is primarily because “Of all the persons who sit around the horseshoe table at City Hall Sherod Duncan in my opinion is the most articulate, transparent and professional”. But sad to say, I have lost all the respect I once had for the individual. He is a Secondary School and University graduate, former Deputy Mayor who is the Chairperson of the M&C.C: Legal Affairs& Securities Committee who breached all norms of accountability, diplomacy, social decorum and transparency. This is by virtue of Duncan’s inability to contact the Child Protection Agency and the Guyana Police Force for advice on the “dastardly act” of child molestation by a former member of the City Constabulary with a 15-yearold male. It remains totally unacceptable for a period of two months to elapse, before imposing a sanction on the
perpetrator. Then the Mayor, Town Clerk and Chief Constable all became elements of the “not me society” in refusing to accept where the “buck stops”. Is the Town Clerk, empowered to interview the victim, in accordance to the M&CC statutes? Previously it was a colossal embarrassment, leading up to the Local Government Elections, with the Winston Harding scenario. The element of “party paramountcy” ruled the roost, with Councillor Harding, eventually being elected despite allegations of “child molestation”. Finally, with numerous letters being published in the print media, denouncing the M&CC. it’s worthy of note that Vidyaratha Kissoon, has once again penned a letter in which the individual as a “Childs Activist” quite rightfully is denouncing the “dastardly acts”. But I can’t recall ever reading of the individual’s denunciation of the Islamic Tutor, at Sophia Masjid who is accused of sexual molestation of minors. With the M&CC, having Municipal Day Care Centres under its jurisdiction, isn’t prudent for a “Commission of Inquiry” to be set up, to ascertain if the day-to-day operations are above board? Lester Sealey
Open Appeal for High Level... From page 5 social justice and peace to impact positively on social, economic, and political life; · build stronger democracy and good governance in terms of inclusive participation, transparency, and public accountability; · promote public policy measures for stronger eco-
nomic growth and development; and · create a more just society for all. I invite the media, letter writers, and organizations to join in this call for high level political dialogue to save our country and move it forward. Samuel J. Goolsarran
Thursday November 03, 2017
Guysuco is breathing its last DEAR EDITOR, Guysuco is in its death throes; it has been ailing for a long time. It got worse when the PPP held the reins of power. After the 2015 elections Guyana got the news of the patient’s deteriorated health reaching the stage where it needed life support or what the economists call subsidization. A huge sum was spent on a commission of inquiry to find out perhaps how bad things had deteriorated. The only information the public got was that those who could not offer viable solution to the Guysuco crisis put themselves on a Board of Directors paying themselves $12.9 million per month. Guyana is paying nine persons that sum of money to direct how to make Guysuco a millstone around our necks, with the full agreement of all of Guyana. The Cabinet was supposed to discuss the matter of these super salaries. Did we miss the response? In diagnosing the sick agricultural corporation, there would have been found matters that incorporated corruption, squandermania, mis-use
of European Union funds to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars, failures at previous attempts at diversification, inept members of the Guysuco Board of Directors in previous Governments, high pay and other perks for overseas-based Chief Executives. At present Guysuco is on the butcher ’s chopping block. A special section has been established at NICIL to preside on the liquidation. When an inventory would be taken of what Guysuco owns, in whatever condition, we hope that among the derelict assets would be the present Board of Directors. We are sure that some Hedge-fund Managers will need them. September 19, 2016, Charles Sohan one of our respected hydraulic engineers, wrote an article published in Kaieteur News. I am taking the liberty to use sections of that article for this letter. In his opening paragraph, the respected Mr. Sohan speaks about Guysuco abandoning sugar lands to grow rice at Wales. The Chief Executive Officer claimed that Guysuco had previously ex-
perimented with rice cultivation at Blairmont, West Bank Berbice in the 1980’s. He gave no indication as to its profitability then, although its cultivation was discontinued. We add this question what became of the five-ton rice mill and rice cultivation machinery that belonged to the rice project? Now to the recent experiment at Wales. First we were told that the rice to be cultivated will be seed-line padi for sale to farmers. Next we heard the variety to be cultivated will be scented varieties liked onto the famous Indian variety, Basmattie. Then rice will be cultivated for incorporation in feed materials for fish. Editor this whole think is fishy. Some 260 acres of lands were converted to rice at Wales. The result of this process seems to be a secret. We have some information which says that twenty-six acres produced about thirty bags per acre. We take this figure with a grain of urea, a fertilizer used in rice growing. Further the remaining acres did not produce figures to crow about. Reasons given for
such poor performance ranged from the area, being riverain, is not suitable for rice, is disease prone, to top, soil was bulldozed to level the land as is necessary in water control for rice farming.. Mr. Sohan says: The Government and Guysuco seem to have lost their way as they have no clear cut policy as to what should be done to abandoned sugar lands as the Corporation continues to survive on Government subsidies while its operation contracts and its production costs escalates. The final paragraph of Mr. Sohan’s article calls for tough decision. Taking into consideration all the views expressed in the newspapers since the Minister of Agriculture made the premature disclosure of Wales, we have reached the time when there is need for a high level national discourse all over this country. From the way matters are evolving around sugar Guyana is in a creek without paddle. Others may give the creek an obscene name. Hafiz Rahman National Farmers Organization
The GECOM appointment has awakened dormant racism DEAR EDITOR, The GECOM problem continues, now sadly exacerbated by the President’s unilateral appointment of the Chairman. The truly sad thing is that the mostly dormant racism in the society is now once again fully awakened, and things are beginning to look ugly. All along it was clear that the issue was political and not legal and both sides were using their own interpretation of the Constitution as a fig leaf to cover their own secret agenda. Article 161(2) is the scapegoat and particularly two phrases therein, i.e. (a) “fit and proper person” and (b) “not unacceptable to the President”. I will look at both, mostly to see if the President should indeed give reasons for his refusal of the lists.. That article mandates the
Leader of the Opposition to prepare and submit to the President a list of six persons from four categories, i.e. (1) Judges; (2) Retired Judges; (3) Persons qualified to be appointed Judges, and (4) any OTHER fit and proper “person. The use of the word “other” in category four clearly implies that all persons in the preceding categories one two and three are deemed by the Constitution itself to be prima facie fit and proper and in straight law anyone questioning that must prove his case. : For category four it is the Leader of the Opposition who has to select people and put their names on the list, and before doing so he is the one who must decide that they are fit and proper, and by including those names on the list he as a responsible Leader of the Opposition and Parliamentarian is representing to the President and the Nation that to the best of his knowledge information and belief the provisions of the Constitution have been complied with and those persons are indeed fit and proper to be appointed to that important Constitutional position. Here, also, having complied with the Constitution if his choice is rejected it must
be for reasons given. The President’s supervisory powers come in with the next phrase, “not unacceptable to the President”. Here it must be quickly noted that the Constitution did not positively say that the list must be “acceptable” to the President.. In giving the President the power it uses the double negative “not unacceptable”, and there must be a reason for it. It is known that a double negative makes a weak positive, and I say that “acceptable” and “not unacceptable” do not mean exactly the same thing. If the Constitution had said positively the list must “be acceptable” to the President, then he would have set a standard which the list must reach and if it does not, it fails, and the President has to give no reason for its failure. But if the list is deemed “unacceptable”, which means the President is deciding it cannot be accepted, then clearly reasons must be given, for the President could find it unacceptable because of race or religion or gender, grounds clearly illegal in the Constitution itself. In this connection I think the Chief Justice (ag) was correct when she ruled that reasons must be given and when the President has so far disregarded that ruling he is placing unwanted stress on our
fledgling democracy. And speaking of fledgling democracy, in ancient Athens when democracy was young to prevent the rich and powerful from grabbing the important positions of State those positions were filled by lot. With our present almost intractable racial distrust should we not resort to lot to fill important positions of State? There is nothing shameful about it. We all know that both our leaders want someone of his own race to fill the GECOM position but because of politics they cannot admit that. Just imagine, if Mr. Granger and Mr. Jagdeo could between themselves have quietly decided upon two respectable persons, say Justice Patterson and Major-General Joe Singh, and then spin a coin to see who gets the job, would we not have been saved all the bitterness that is now polluting our country? Every Guyanese wants to see Guyana move forward in peace and harmony and we as an intelligent people should be unrestrained in our effort to use our own intelligence to solve our problems. Hope this matter comes to a satisfactory end soon. The lot could yet be drawn. Kumar D. Doobay
Friday November 03, 2017
Kaieteur News
New GECOM Chairman misled President on CV
- Finally admits was never appointed Chief Justice of Grenada UNDER PRESSURE: GECOM Chairman, Justice James Patterson, talking to reporters outside Parliament Buildings yesterday
Newly appointed Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), James Patterson, has finally admitted to the nation that he never held the substantive post of Chief Justice of Grenada in 1987 as stated in his official curriculum vitae (CV) which President David Granger presented to Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. This new information gives rise to new questions about the integrity of Patterson’s appointment, since the President would have used the CV to make his decision on the appointment. Patterson was surrounded by a throng of reporters yesterday when he made the disclosure about his tenure in Grenada, which attracted widespread condemnation and among other things, has overshadowed his appointment. Since President Granger made the appointment on October 19, Kaieteur News placed several calls to Patterson’s office at GECOM
to clarify his Grenada appointment. None of the calls were returned. Following the opening of the 71st Parliament yesterday, Patterson faced questions about his appointment. He could not recall how long he served as the “Acting Chief Justice of Grenada”. Kaieteur News spoke with several senior legal luminaries who are well known throughout the Caribbean. They confirmed that if one holds an acting position in the judiciary, that person must always include ‘acting’ either before or after the position is stated. It was further pointed out that it would be disingenuous for the person not to indicate clearly that they ‘acted’ in the post. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had said that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was digging deeper into Patterson’s claims that he served as Chief Justice. “There have been some serious concerns raised about whether Justice
Patterson was ever the Chief Justice of Grenada. Many people have called me about this matter and we are going to dig into it a bit more; we are going to try to confirm it, because that is on his CV that I have received,” Jagdeo had confirmed. Granger had told the media at Patterson’s swearingin that Patterson had served as Chief Justice in Grenada. When asked about the brewing controversy days later, President Granger did not repeat the claim, but instead said Justice Patterson was a judge of the High Court of Guyana. “His Curriculum Vitae is not a secret. You can examine it for yourself. He was a judge in Guyana; that’s important,” the President said. Prior to Patterson’s disclosure yesterday, Kaieteur News was unable to verify Justice Patterson’s Grenada claim although there were suggestions that he may have acted briefly in the post. Records shared with Kaieteur News suggested
Guiana Shield has much to offer to the world Guyana is, for the first time, hosting the 2017 Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) Traditional Knowledge Meeting. The Regional Technical Exchange, which is being held under the theme “Community Protocols and Access and Benefit-sharing related to Traditional Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples,” opened yesterday morning at the Princess Ramada Hotel at Providence. Present were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo,
- PM says at ACTO Opening Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Ministers of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams and in the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma and First Lady Sandra Granger. Prime Minister Nagamootoo, addressing the gathering of representatives
from Guyana, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia and Suriname, noted that the Guiana Shield has much to offer to the world, “with its pristine forests which harbours some of the more far-reaching medical prescriptions and cures within its biodiversity of animal and plant life.” “It is worth preserving. It is worth accessing. It is worth sharing. The benefits would (Continued on page 13)
that Justice Robert Archibald Nedd served as Chief Justice of Grenada from 1979 to 1986. He was succeeded by Sir Denis Byron who acted as Chief Justice until 1987 when Sir Samuel Horatio Graham was appointed substantive Chief Justice. “All that we are hearing from individuals who work in Grenada, who were lawyers in Grenada during that period said they don’t know about (Patterson),” Jagdeo had noted. The former President had stated that if turns out to be untrue, then Justice Patterson would immediately be disqualified, as it would prevent him from acting impartially and with integrity at GECOM.
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Bosai, NAACIE ink pay deal for workers Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. (BMGGI) and National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) have inked an agreement on employees’ wages and salaries Bosai Minerals Group yesterday in a press release stated that the Management of Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. (BMGG) and the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) have amicably concluded Wages & Salary Negotiations. According to the release, NAACIE, which holds more than 65 percent representational rights of the non-management and supervisory levels employees, was able to reach an agreement with Bosai’s Management after four months of negotiations. The statement said that the parties have committed to a two-year agreement that would see employees receiving 6.5% increase in wages and salaries across the board for each period – April 01, 2017 to March 31, 2018 and April 01, 2018 to March 31, 2019. Additionally, employees who work overtime will enjoy an increase in their meal allowances. Those employees with more than twelve years of service would now benefit from 28 days vacation. This applies to all supervisory staff, who would also enjoy a similar leave. The monetary adjustments are retroactive to April 1, 2017. The negotiations proved to be very time-consuming; they took six months at the negotiation table. As such, the parties have agreed to this two-year Agreement, which will be beneficial to both sides, since it will afford them additional time to review their policies that would positively impact the employees, the Company, the Community and Guyana as a whole, Bosai said. The Company pointed out that the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen dialogue and increase cooperation with the aim of improving the workers’ welfare, thus enabling the company to improve and sustain its production and productivity. The Agreement was signed on Wednesday November 1st 2017 at the Ministry of Social Protection Conference Room, Brickdam, Georgetown. Signing on behalf of the Company were the General Manager, Acting, Mr. Kenny Peng, Accounting Superintendent, Andy Hao, Senior Personnel Officer, Mrs. Truedel Marks and Assistant Personnel Officer, Ms. Almira Millington. The General Secretary of NAACIE, Mr. Dawchan Nagasar, Vice Chairman Neptrid Hercules, Aggrey Darlington, Secretary and Committee Member, Cedric Dover signed on behalf of the Union, according to the release.
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Thursday November 03, 2017
Kaieteur News
House to consider 2018 Budget Proposals More consideration should be given of Constitutional Agencies in two weeks to the elderly in their golden years The National Assembly is expected to consider on November 17, a motion for the approval of the 2018 current and capital estimates of the nation’s Constitutional Agencies. Below is a table showing the estimates for each agency. It was in 2015 that a significant piece of legislation geared at allowing key bodies financial independence was passed in the National Assembly. That legislation was the Fiscal Management
and Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2015. It allows for lump sum payments to be made to constitutional agencies, thereby making them free from the automatic obligations and the discretionary powers exercised by the Minister of Finance. Finance Minister Winston Jordan had explained that there are checks and balances in place to ensure that abuse does not take place, as annual reports and audited financial statements will be required to
be prepared and presented. Jordan made it clear that the bodies must enjoy fiscal autonomy so that they can serve the Guyanese people. He said that it will prevent the executive from micro-managing the finances of budgetary agencies. Under previous arrangements, the bodies were at the mercy of the ministries, having to apply for simple things like monies to travel. The new arrangements serve to boost public confidence in the offices.
- Palms matron
Residents of the Palms partake in a month of the elderly activity.
Cross-dresser robs clients, to be deported A 25-year-old crossdresser is to be deported from Suriname after being accused of robbing a man. According to Loop Suriname online news, on Tuesday evening, a man reported to the police that he was robbed by the Guyanese
transvestite, Stephan B. According to the police, the two men were engaged in an arrangement, but Stephan B. subsequently robbed him of cash. The police arrested the Guyanese man, who denied the offence. However, the
stolen money was found on him and handed over to the injured victim. Further investigation shows that the accused was illegal in Suriname. He was held and is expected to be sent back to Guyana.
Old age is a sensitive phase; elderly people need care and comfort to lead a healthy life without worries and anxiety. However this, according to Matron Deborah Murphy, is not the reality of many residents of the Palms Geriatric Home. Matron Murphy is a retired nurse, who is attached to the State-owned senior citizen dwelling facility. In a recent interview with this newspaper, following an activity hosted in observance of elderly persons, Matron Murphy spoke candidly about their needs, and particularly residents of the geriatric home.
According to Murphy, the needs of the elderly became more impressed upon her after she became an employee of the Palms, a few months ago. She said that based on her observation, improvement of a person’s psychological health is crucial as he/she advances with age. In this regard, Murphy noted that the maintenance of family contact is critical to how older persons approach the continuation of the aging process. “The need for contact with relatives is almost essential to elderly persons having and maintaining a healthy old age.” “We have a situation here at the Palms, where persons have families but they don’t check on them as they should.” These people tend to believe that family does not want them and that‘s the reason they are here, and that is not necessarily the case. If the relatives would keep contact with them or visit just once in month, especially on special occasions, it would make such a difference.” The matron bemoaned the fact that many of these persons would served society one way of the other, but are not getting the attention they
need in their golden years. “Some of them are placed here after they can no longer care for themselves or they sign the documents relinquishing property and other possession to their loved ones.” She emphasized on the need for change in the manner in which society views older persons. Matron Murphy stressed, “Whether society acknowledges it or not, we are actually standing on the backs of the elderly, so in the late stages of their lives, I believe older persons deserve to be treated better. They deserve our love and respect.” As such, Murphy issued a call for the possible services to be available to the aging population. Speaking specifically about the residents of the Palms, Murphy noted, too, the need for more activities which relate to the physical well-being of residents. “I think the residents could do with exposure to more outdoor activities, exercise is good for those who still have their mobility and I think they should be able to go on tours more often.” Earlier this year, some $58 million dollars was allotted for infrastructural works to be conducted to improve the Palms. According to the Director of Social Services in the Ministry of Social Protection, Wentworth Tanner, the home was also set to benefit from improved care services. He noted also that plans are discussed to collaborate with the Night Shelter to have residents of the Shelter treated at the infirmary when it is completed. The Palms is currently home to some 200 residents.
Thursday November 03, 2017
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Kaieteur News
THE CONSTITUTION IS YOUR PROTECTOR The following extract is taken from the movie, “A Man for all Seasons” which won an Oscar. It relays the remarkable story, life and death of Sir Thomas More, the former Lord Chancellor of England. William Roper: So, now you give the Devil the benefit of law! Sir Thomas More: Yes! What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil? William Roper: Yes, I’d cut down every law in England to do that! Sir Thomas More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned ‘round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, Man’s laws, not God’s! And if you cut them down, and you’re just the man to do it, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I’d give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety’s sake! The people of Guyana must not allow themselves to be fooled into believing that what is at issue in the instance of the appointment of the
Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission is whether the person appointed is fit and proper. That is merely incidental to the real issue at stake: which is the liberty of citizens. If the highest law of the land requires a prescribed process to select a Chairperson of GECOM, the failure to have such a process represents a violation of the Constitution. If you flaunt the Constitution, you do so to your own danger, because it is the very Constitution which protects you and your rights. If politicians can trample on the Constitution, then they can trample on your rights. And one of the most important rights that citizens have is their freedom. That right can be taken away if politicians feel that there is no law to prevent them doing what they are doing. There are persons in our society who are seeing this controversy over the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM as pitting the PPPC against the government. This issue, however, is not a partisan contest. It is about whether the law is being cut down. To paraphrase Thomas More, if you cut down the law, then
Smuggled ganja at Timehri…
Charges for inmate, decision still pending for chief prison officer Charges have been recommended for a prisoner over the smuggling of a quantity of marijuana into the Timehri penitentiary two months ago. But a decision is still to be made about a chief prison officer who allegedly facilitated the act. The drug was reportedly concealed in a prisoner’s meals. Kaieteur News was told that the decision to lay charges against the inmate was made this week. As part of the ongoing investigation, police were scheduled to have a confrontation yesterday between the chief prison officer and an inmate who had implicated him. Police said that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had twice returned a report to the police while requesting further information on the case. The accused rank has been interdicted from duty, pending the outcome of the
investigation. The Chief Prison Officer (whose rank is equivalent to that of police inspector), was detained after it was alleged that he facilitated the smuggling of a quantity of marijuana into the prison. The accused rank is in his fifties and has some 20 years service. Last Friday, a warder was remanded to the Mazaruni Prison for allegedly trying to smuggle several cell phones into the penitentiary. Ken Samuels appeared in the Bartica Magistrates’ Court last Friday, after being accused of attempting to smuggle nine smart phones with chargers, a SIM and a memory card, and 403 grammes of cannabis sativa into the prison. The incident occurred on October 23. A police release stated that the items were on the warder’s bed, located in the bachelor ’s quarters. Samuels is to return to court on November 27.
what is going to be left to protect you when the devil turns on you? The Constitution is our protector and our guardian. If the Constitution is reduced to rubble, then it cannot protect citizens from tyranny. A year ago, a big quarrel broke out over a decision by the government to compulsorily acquire land. If there was not a Constitution to fall back on, then imagine what would have happened. A situation could have arisen in which some tyrant can pass by your house and like it, and decide to take it from you without compensation. It is the Constitution’s protection of property which prevents this from happening. It is the Constitution which protects your freedom of movement. If the Constitution becomes
worthless, then some tyrant can order you off the road, and can prevent your movement. Right now, there are restrictions on persons freely leaving Guyana for all manner of reasons. Persons risk being turned back at the airport if they are bonded by the government; if they owe UG and do not have permission to travel. Public servants can risk being dismissed if they spend their approved leave overseas without permission. These restrictions violate a person’s right to freedom of movement. But no one is challenging these restrictions. There is no good reason, if you are a public servant, why you should have to obtain permission to spend your leave overseas. The Constitution protects your right to free
speech. Without the protection of the Constitution, you can be silenced. The Constitution prevents you from being arbitrarily arrested or imprisoned. Without the protection of the Constitution, the government will be free to throw you in jail at their whim. Fortunately, there are laws which protect citizens. The most powerful of these laws is the Constitution. This is why the issue of the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM should not be turned into a political football or a slugging match between APNU+AFC and the PPPC.
This issue is about the Constitution, the document that ensures that the liberty of citizens is upheld. Guyana must remain a country planted thick with laws. No one man must believe that he is above the law or for that matter the Constitution. If that happens, all of us are in danger.
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Thursday November 03, 2017
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Messrs Jagdeo and Ramotar; two incredible men I hardly look at the press conferences of our politicians on television, preferring to read their utterances carried in the print media the next day. On Thursday night, I caught Jagdeo speaking at his press meeting and it was a disturbing experience for those who lived through this man’s domination of Guyana. No wonder humans become tragic victims of others who are cunning animals but can appear persuasive. I read in the media where Joe Harmon held a public meeting on West Demerara to explain the President’s procedural correctness in his appointment of the GECOM chairmanship. I hoped that someone from the audience got up and said to Minister Harmon, “but sir, wasn’t it the president himself who introduced age as a factor to consider in public service? So couldn’t he have picked someone younger than 84 years? And sir, would it not have been wise for the President to consult his coalition partners in APNU and his coalition partner in government when he made his GECOM chair decision?” It is these kinds of ques-
Frederick Kissoon tions that put leaders on the spot and when they encounter such brave souls who refuse to be cajoled by political spin, those leaders will be deterred in treating citizens as brainless animals. It is two and a half years since Jagdeo lost power, and he must have addressed countless meetings, and I doubt a courageous supporter has asked Jagdeo why he sold state lands at Pradoville 2 so cheaply to people who already had house lots and those who could have afforded prevailing market rates, like the then President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Compton Bourne. No sugar worker has ever got up at a meeting and asked
Komal Chand how he could be a parliamentarian for the ruling party yet serve the interests of sugar workers. So there was I watching Jagdeo at his press conference saying that the detractors of the PPP accuse it of being racist to African Guyanese. Yet it was under the PPP’s rule in 2012 that the most poisonous racist statement in the history of the state media – print or electronic - was made. A Chronicle editorial written by an Indian woman who worked in the government service at the time, observed that African youths have been socialized to hate East Indians and that explains why they attack Indian people all the time. This statement had to apply of course to my African nieces and nephews who never harmed a fly. The woman remained in her job and today works with the PPP, of which Jagdeo is the leader. Mr. Jagdeo has made the most virulent racist statement in the history of political campaigns in this country, when in 2015 he told his supporters that if the PNC won the 2015 poll their homes would be invaded and they would be
robbed and brutalized (he used a terrible word that I cannot repeat here). It was clear to every sane human in Guyana who heard that exclamation that Jagdeo meant Black people. As President, he never apologized for that diseased rhetoric. We come to a letter in the press yesterday written by former president, Donald Ramotar. It was this man who headed the government when that Chronicle editorial was published. Ramotar and the writer of that editorial are very close friends. What kind of substance is Ramotar made of? His letter goes back to the era of the PNC under 1964-
1992 and asserts there was no morality in public office. You would not believe it if you were from another planet and were told that it was this man who was President when that Chronicle editorial came out. Kwame McCoy was press liaison to President Donald Ramotar. Yet in 2010 before he became President and when he was the General Secretary of the ruling PPP, in a recorded interview with Mark Benschop, Ramotar said he does not read anything McCoy writes. But he found it fit and proper to retain McCoy as his press liaison. This is the same Ramotar who wrote a public letter yes-
terday with the caption; “Guyanese of all political views must join the fight to promote integrity in public life.” In that missive, Ramotar told us; “With the return of democracy, the PPP/C administration did a lot to try to clean-up public life.” Really! It was under Ramotar’s presidency that Henry Greene functioned as Commissioner of Police. This same Ramotar gave the eulogy at the funeral of Greene and extolled the virtue of a Police Commissioner who in my view was the most corrupt head of the police force in the history of the British West Indies. Ramotar is nothing but a hypocrite.
147 pounds cocaine in rice…
Shipper hipper rented office from Customs broker both in custody The police have arrested Andre Poonai, the shipper of five containers of rice in which 147 pounds of suspected cocaine was found in one of the containers destined for Belgium, Western Europe. The discovery was made last Saturday. Poonai was arrested early this week. The bags in which the rice was packed bore the label of Golden Grains Investment—a company owned by Poonai. Kaieteur News has learnt that the company is operated out of a property located at Lot 111 Barr Street, Kitty. That building is partly owned by
the broker who has also been arrested. The police are now trying to determine whether the broker has any linkage to the cocaine that was unearthed. This newspaper has been informed that Poonai had made a similar shipment in 2012 and has since been under the radar. The discovery of the illegal substance was made at the John Fernandes Wharf by ranks from the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU). They were assisted by operatives from the Container Control Programme (CCP). According to information received, the substance was
discovered hidden in sealed 45-kilogram bags of rice destined for export to Belgium. Kaieteur News was informed that the raid commenced at the wharf since Friday last, and the cocaine was uncovered just before noon the following day. The bags of rice were in five containers but the substance was found in one of the containers. CANU said that the exercise saw the offloading and searching of five 20-foot containers filled with rice. The containers were scheduled to leave Guyana the same evening that the raid started. Both men are said to be assisting in the investigation.
Dem boys seh...
Exxon sending shiploads of oil fuh sample Honesty is a very expensive gift. Don’t expect it from cheap people. That is a saying by a great man. Cheap people does set out to rob you even when you going to you grave or you in you grave. ExxonMobil come to Guyana after dem send plenty people to dem grave in Africa. After couple morning dem announce how dem find oil. Dem announce a small figure and is not till others come and question de amount dem change dem mouth. De oil company also announce dem gun start bring up oil in 2020. Guyanese of all colour, race, religion anxious; dem can’t wait fuh 2020 come fuh dem tun rich. But, is de but. Y’all ain’t know wha dem boys hear bout wha de oil company doing already. Dem boys hear oil coming up already. Exxon tell Soulja Bai is samples wha dem gun send to de States fuh test. Everybody know that fuh testing purposes you don’t need plenty. You go to de hospital to test urine de dactahs don’t tek five test tube of you pee. When dem test you blood dem don’t tek five gallon; dem don’t carry five truck load of soil when dem doing soil tests. Dem don’t tek five pound gold to de lab fuh testing.
Is de same thing when dem testing bauxite; dem don’t carry five ship load. Dem boys hear Exxon done ship out five shiploads, each load is about two million gallon. Dem boys hear dem loading one more right now and this is only sample. By de time 2020 come round and dem start operation dem might send Guyana as a sample because all de oil done fetch out already. That is thiefing. Dem boys seh Soulja Bai better wake up and smell de coffee. He should send Trotty to watch over what is going on at de oil rig out in de ocean. 2020 is not only fuh de oil; is also election year. Soulja Bai select old Patto fuh watch over de election results. Patto con Soulja Bai wid ee CV and get de job. When dem boys question him he keep quiet and tuck away heself in a room in de office. If wasn’t fuh Parliament, yesterday, dem boys woulda never see him to ask him bout that same CV. He tell dem boys a story that resemble de Trini kidnapping story. Dem boys seh ee tek almost a month to remember he was an actor in Grenada. Talk half and watch if he gun forget he is GECOM chairman.
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Thursday November 03, 2017
Kaieteur News
Quality testing critical to improved patient care Accurate testing and precise data can lead to the correct diagnosis and improved patient care. This was the assertion of Ministry of Public Health Officials, who attended the recently concluded Biennial General Meeting at the delegates of the Caribbean Association of Medical Technologists (CASMET). The meeting, held in Guyana for the first time, was hosted by the Government in association with CASMET. The conference provided a unique opportunity for interfacing and benefitting from the expertise of this distinguished body of Medical Laboratory Professionals coming from all over the world. Addressing participants at the opening of the Conference, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence noted that the Health Sector acknowledged the invaluable contribution that Guyana’s medical technologists have and continue to make to the health sector and more particularly to the delivery of quality health care in the Region and further afield. She noted that chairperson of the event, Mr. Nolan Hawke, revealed that
–Local health officials highlight at scientific conference
Fifth from left in Front Row: Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence is flanked by attendees of the recently held CASMET conference 70% of clinical laboratory results are used to guide physicians in patient management. “So, it is therefore fitting and in our interest as a Region, to give full support to promoting the field of Medical Technology, whose objectives focus on discovering new methods
and updated technology to provide faster and more accurate testing. “It is my contention that this will not only impact on emergency situations, but will ultimately enhance patient care, and assist our respective Ministries in fulfilling the mandate of the health-related Sustainable
Development Goals,” the Minister had outlined. She noted too that the theme of the meeting ‘championing quality health care behind the scenes in the 21st century’ was extremely apt, “for it is only through your input that quality results can be had”.
“And so I encourage you to continue broadening the scope of your educational outreach so that our Regional Medical Technologists can benefit from current evidencebased data that will enhance responses to emerging and re-emerging medical issues and thereby assist in the
provision of quality health care. “ Lawrence said that it is important for associations such as CASMET to continue to expand, utilizing the experiences and expertise of its members to create a sustainable health environment for future generations.
Tucville man shot in row over payment for motorbike A 25-year-old man is lucky to have escaped with his life after being shot three times during a quarrel with another man over a motorcycle. Colin Rodney, of Big Yard, Tucville, Georgetown, was shot in the stomach and legs during the confrontation, which occurred at around 09.00 hrs yesterday in E Field, Cummings Park, East Coast Demerara. The shooter, who is still at large, is said to be a 25-year-old known as ‘Gaza,’ who has had previous encounters with the police. Kaieteur News understands that
Rodney and ‘Gaza’ had a prolonged dispute over money that the suspect owed for a motorcycle that Rodney had sold him. Yesterday, Rodney reportedly again confronted “Gaza’ about the money. This time, the suspect allegedly drew a firearm and discharged several rounds, wounding Rodney in the process. The wounded man was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is reportedly listed as stable. Police are still to apprehend the alleged shooter.
Man who purchased ganja for asthmatic nephew jailed A 39-year-old man who told the court that he had 38 grams of marijuana in his possession, which he had purchased and was on his way to give his nephew who is sick, was yesterday sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined $57,000. Kenneth Bovell of Lot 2 Block E Sophia, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and pleaded guilty to the charge, which stated that on November 1 a t L a m a h a Gardens, Georgetown, he had in his possession 38 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore stated that on the day in ques-
Kenneth Bovell tion, at about 18:05 hrs, Police, while on an exercise, conducted a search on the ac-
cused in the vicinity of Lamaha Gardens. The court heard that the accused had a black bag with a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems of cannabis. The accused was then cautioned and he admitted that the marijuana belonged to him. The accused when given a chance to address the court said “My nephew does trouble from asthma and his mother does give me money to buy the marijuana to give him, because that’s the only thing that does work for him. It’s for medical purposes.” The magistrate sentenced the defendant to three years based on the fact that he pleaded guilty on his first appearance and did not waste the court’s time.
Friday November 03, 2017
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
Coalition Govt. spends almost $700M from Emergency Fund to meet routine expenses By Kiana Wilburg The guardian of the national purse, Auditor General Deodat Sharma, has flagged the APNU+AFC Administration for spending almost $700M from the Contingencies Fund to meet routine expenditure. Money from the Contingencies Fund is only supposed to be used to meet emergencies. In his latest report which was laid in the National Assembly yesterday, the Auditor General stressed that the Constitution states that “Parliament may make provision for the establishment of a Contingencies Fund and for authorising the Minister responsible for Finance to make provisions from that Fund if he is satisfied that there is an urgent need for expenditure for which no other provision exists.” The Auditor General further stated that the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, clearly outlines the criteria that govern the use of the Contingencies Fund. The Act says that the Minister can carry through with an advance from the Fund, when satisfied that “an urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen need for the expenditure has arisen; a) for which no moneys have been appropriated or for which the sun appropriated is insufficient; b) for which moneys cannot be reallocated as provided for under this Act or c) which cannot be deferred without injury
- AG General expresses concern, disappointment over continued abuse
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan to the public interest...” With that in mind, Sharma pointed out that according to the Statement of Receipts and Payments of the Contingencies Fund, amounts totalling $931M were drawn from the Fund by way of ten advances. The advances were for the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Guyana Defence Force, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Agriculture and the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six. Sharma said, “For the period under review, it is disappointing to note that nine advances totalling $696.3M were granted from the Contingencies fund to meet routine expenditure. Previous reports highlighted instances where the criteria were not fully met for the granting of some advances.” In view of the foregoing, Sharma said that the completeness, accuracy and valid-
ity of the amounts shown in the Statement of Receipts and Payments of the Contingencies Fund for the year ended December 31, 2016, could not be satisfactorily determined. The Ministry of Finance in response to the Auditor General’s concerns said that it continues to ensure that there is full compliance with the requirements of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act as it relates to granting advances from the Contingencies Fund. NO COMMON GROUND For years, the Ministry of Finance has disagreed with the office of the Auditor General when it comes to instances of abuse of the Contingencies Fund. Finance Minister Winston Jordan has said from the inception that the Constitution deems the Minister as the sole individual who will determine the emergency for which he can dip his hand into the Contingencies Fund. “In this, he does not have to consult with the Auditor General. Being a member of Cabinet, he consults with the Members of Cabinet…Whether the AG wishes to determine what I have done, whether it was an emergency or not, that is his
Guiana Shield has much... (From page 7) be enormous, not only for the region and the members of ACTO, but for the world because, as the palm tree, we are pure, we are pristine, we are sturdy, we are peoples who are destined to be immortalized …. Because of the resources within our grasp that could be a solution to many of the problems in the world, whether it is our way of life, architecture, music, dance, food and our medicine”, the Prime Minister emphasised. He noted that the indigenous knowledge is worth safeguarding, particularly at a time when the ecosystem and biodiversity are under great threat, and that “our duty becomes that greater; that we preserve and share what we have.” Guyana’s commitment to a green state and economy is unwavering, the Prime Minister added, as he called on ACTO to include climate change as an element of the ecosystem’s preservation. He urged the participants
to use the forum to develop ideas and proposals that will allow them to make an inventory of traditional knowledge, as well as prescriptions to access and share that knowledge. Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge described the meeting as appropriate, noting that it correlates with the Government’s commitment to a green economy. He said that the final outcome of the meetings should be sufficiently focused on engendering strategic discussion on common strengths and weaknesses of the Amazon countries on the norms, policies and institutions regarding the protection of traditional knowledge on access and benefit sharing. These, he added, were necessary so that the many challenges, needs and opportunities that affect the Amazon region can be effectively addressed. Meanwhile, Minister Sydney Allicock urged the participants to use the deliberation to find mechanisms through which they can pro-
mulgate, preserve and transfer to future generations, the true value of the country’s traditional knowledge. “…trust that we can capitalize on some of the opportunities that exist in these countries with respect to the agenda, challenges. ACTO is both a useful and necessary organisation for driving the many and several regional agendas which touch and concerns our people and transcends borders going to the very heart of the existence of our Indigenous community in particular”, Minister Allicock said. He proposed that regional projects be crafted with the objective of establishing a pool of human resources to document Indigenous languages; record oral tradition stories and other forms of traditional knowledge in first languages and official languages; record and publish traditional medicines and healing processes; and create comic books which tell these stories in child-friendly forms.
interpretation. It doesn’t count under the law,” the Finance Minister had said. He continued, “It is the Minister of Finance who determines that…so you can’t come six months afterwards and tell me that the motor car that I bought with money from the Contingency Fund is not an emergency.” “You don’t know the circumstances that gave rise to the situation. He never came to me and asked me. I am the only person he can ask seeking an explanation on it, but I don’t have to explain anything to the Auditor General. I have to explain to the Parliament. So going around saying that the government can’t account for $600M or $500M or $400M is just playing to the gallery as far as I am concerned.” However, in the eyes of the Auditor General, the law is very clear about what constitutes an abuse. He said, “We have our views at the Audit office and those at the Ministry of Finance have theirs. But mine is that there are clear conditions for the use of the Contingencies Fund. It must be urgent, it must be unforeseen,
cannot be postponed without jeopardizing the public interest, and no other provision has been made for it.” Sharma continued, “Those things have to be fulfilled for me. Now you cannot come later down the line and say to me that you had to buy this vehicle and so the money had to be taken from the Contingencies Fund. If you were doing proper budgeting you are supposed to know that and plan for it.” The Auditor General added, “You cannot come now to say that I don’t know what was the purpose of the vehicle and I don’t know the circumstances under which you or a ministry really needed it and so I cannot call it an abuse. If you don’t purchase the vehicle, will it jeopardize the nation’s well being? And that is the critical question.” Sharma also cited the use of the Contingencies Fund by the APNU+AFC Government for the Sussex Street bond. In this regard, the Auditor General said that he is still to see how the bond was “urgent, unforeseen and of great national importance.” He said that the bond scandal is one issue that he
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma intends to “vigourously pursue.” Sharma added, “And you see how it this whole bond scandal turned out? No urgent medical supplies were there yet they turned around and use the Fund for it. But trust me, I will query it.” The Auditor General did note that he cannot take action against the Finance Minister for the use of the Contingencies Fund. He said that under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, it is the Finance Secretary who has the power to take disciplinary action for abuse of that kind. “But I doubt that is going to happen. That is like the Finance Secretary taking action against himself,” added Sharma.
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Friday November 03, 2017
Kaieteur News
Apologetic thief jailed for snatching schoolboy phone
Charged: Michael Garraway
Jailed: Kenroy Sears
A remorseful man was yesterday sentenced to two months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to snatching a 15-year-old schoolboy’s phone. Twenty-one year-old Kenroy Sears appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on October 28 at Aubrey Barker Road, Georgetown, he robbed the schoolboy of one cellular phone valued $19,900 and at the time of, and during the robbery, used personal violence towards the teen. The accused when given a chance to address the court stated “I saw the schoolboy leaving the Royal Castle outlet and I walked up behind him and place my hand around his neck and told him ‘boy right now things hard a n d I r e a l l y n e e d this phone”. The man further told the court that after he had snatched the teen’s phone, he ran away, but later returned to the Royal Castle outlet to meet a friend. “I am very sorry for what I did. I will never do it again. Madam please give me another chance.” Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore stated that on the day in question, at about 14:30 hrs, the virtual complainant went to the Royal Castle outlet on Aubrey Barker Road to purchase a drink. The court heard that upon completion of his purchase, the teen was standing on the road waiting for transportation when he was confronted by the robber who then choked him, snatched his cellular phone, and made good his escape. The matter was reported and an investigation was carried out, and the suspect was arrested and placed on an identification parade. He was positively identified by the schoolboy. The man was then cautioned and he admitted to rob-
bing the teen. The Prosecutor further told the court that Sears was wanted at the Ruimveldt Police Station for similar offences. The Chief Magistrate sentenced the accused to two months imprisonment, based on the fact that he pleaded guilty on his first appearance and did not waste the court’s time. The magistrate, after sentencing the accused told him that she hoped that he will be rehabilitated so that when he comes out, he would not go around snatching people’s phones. Meanwhile, before the same magistrate, a teen was released on $30,000 bail after he denied a charge of receiving stolen property. Michael Garraway, 19, a security guard, of 360 East Ruimveldt, Housing Scheme, denied the charge which alleged that on November 1 at Aubrey Barker Road, Georgetown, he received from Kenroy Sears one cellular phone valued $19,900, knowing that it was stolen or unlawfully obtained. The Police Prosecutor had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant, but asked that it be a substantial amount. The man’s attorney told the court that his client went to the Police Station voluntarily and was accompanied by his supervisor to return the phone. The lawyer added that his client and Sears are known to each other, because Sears once worked at the same Royal Castle outlet. The lawyer told the court that on the day in question, Sears was at the Royal Castle outlet where his client was performing duties and his client asked to borrow his phone to make a call. The defendant was ordered to report to the East La Penitence Police Station every Friday until the completion of the trial. He will make his next court appearance on November 9.
Friday November 03, 2017
Govt. recommits to Good Offices process - Head of State Reminding of its duty to protect national sovereignty, President David Granger yesterday said the government is vigorously pursuing diplomatic initiatives towards the Good Offices Process. The Head of State was at the time addressing the 71st sitting of the National Assembly. According to President Granger, the government is currently engaged in a renewed Good Offices process and is confident that the common commitment of both the administration and the Opposition will see a strong national support for a juridical settlement of the controversy which, according to him, “has impaired the development of our nation.” The President said that over the past thirty months, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the strong support of the Opposition, has been seeking to reach a peaceful resolution to the territorial controversy which arose out of the contention by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that the arbitral award of October 1899 was null. “The controversy was placed before the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) in accordance with the Geneva Agreement of 1966. Mr. Ban Ki Moon demitted the UN secretary-generalship since my address to the National Assembly last year. He delegated responsibility for continuing the process to his successor, Mr. Antonio Guterres,” the President said, reminding that he also met the incumbent UN Secretary General late last month on the sidelines of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly and his Personal Representative on 11th April in Georgetown. Meanwhile, the Head of State reminded that Guyana’s natural resources are also part of the nation’s patrimony. “We must protect and sustainably manage these resources. The institutional capacity and the adoption of an appropriate legislative and regulatory framework for the sustainable management of the Nation’s natural resource sector, including the emergent petroleum sector, are being strengthened through the efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources,” he said. According to President Granger, the Ministry of Natural Resources will deploy a Corps of Wardens to enforce laws, regulations and codes of practice in the mining and forestry sectors. However, the capacity of the Petroleum Department, which was established this year, is to be strengthened. He said the Ministry, at the policy level, is aligning the mining sector with the national ‘green development’ agenda. It is promoting biodiversity-friendly practices, low-impact prospecting, the use efficient technologies and the phasingout of mercury use in the gold-mining sector. The Forestry Plan, according to him, has been revised in order to place greater emphasis on the management of the forests’ multiple, down-stream goods and services. The Guyana Forestry Commission, monitors deforestation and forest carbon change. It has been promoting the utilization of less-used local timber, in the construction sector.
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Kaieteur News
Importer loses warehouse licences after vehicles, equipment disappear There appeared to be major breaches with the operations of private warehouses where vehicles and heavy equipment were supposed to be held pending a sale. The issue, which is indicating that over time the country lost millions of dollars in taxes due to wrongdoing, has caused the Audit Office to call on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to be tougher in their monitoring. Private warehouses are supposed to be strictly monitored by the Customs arm of GRA. Vehicles and equipment coming off the wharves for which no taxes and duties are paid, are supposed to be held under strict conditions until permission is granted for it to be released. However, state auditors examining the registers of five warehouses of one importer, and later carrying out physical inspections at the different locations, discovered that several had disappeared. In fact, according to the Auditor General report for 2016, which was publicly released yesterday, a staggering 36 pieces of equipment as well as 17 vehicles valued at $370.859M were not found in the warehouses. Auditors could find no evidence that the units were properly released by GRA or that the payment of duties and taxes estimated at $89.691M happened. It appeared that the importer, who was not named in the report, took it upon himself to release the vehicles and equipment. The report indicated that on February 1, 2017, the Commissioner-General had written the owner of the five warehouses, indicating that if the duties and taxes of $35.308M were paid in full immediately, penalties amounting to $29.166M would be waivered
and the licences to operate the five warehouses revoked. At the time of reporting, the auditors said, taxes in respect to the 36 pieces of equipment valued at $343.227M were verified as being paid to the authority. However, evidence to support the payment of duties and taxes estimated at $33.214M in respect of the 17 vehicles valued at $17.879M, was not presented for audit. Auditors said that 16 vehicles were found to be already registered to various individuals during the years 2002-2007 with no traces for one vehicle. GRA’s explained in the report that permission to operate the warehouses was revoked and approvals to cancel the related warehouse bonds were issued to the commercial bank via letter dated 21 June 2017. GRA was also investigating the missing vehicle. The Audit Office recommended that GRA present the documents verifying that the payment of duties and taxes, estimated at $33.214 for 17 vehicles, were made. There were other problems at the private warehouses, auditors said. For example, physical inspection conducted on the April 11, 2016 at one warehouse revealed that the approved area for warehousing was converted to a storefront and the warehouse stock of 15 vehicles valued at $28.996M were re-located to the compound. There was no written permission was granted by the Commissioner-General of
GRA to remove the stock and to alter the warehouse as required by the Customs Act. In a follow-up response to the finding, management indicated that the warehouse owner paid a fine in settlement of the issue and was granted permission for the temporary storage of the stock pending completion of the modifications of the warehouse. Last year, there were 38 private warehouses in operation of which four were subsequently closed and six were temporarily restricted from warehousing units due to ongoing matters with the authority. The audit report said that an examination of the warehouse registers and physical inspections conducted in April 2017 of 13 warehouses revealed that at one warehouse, body repairs and spray painting works were currently ongoing on one vehicle with a value of $0.951M, and estimated duties and taxes of $1.745M. However, checks with the Customs Warehouse Unit revealed that the importer was not given approval to access the warehouse and undertake the repairs as required, a clear breach of the Customs Act. That matter is being handled by GRA’s Legal Division. GRA earlier this year had issued a Notice of Seizure. Meanwhile on the issue of bonds, the Audit Office report explained that bonds are required to be established in accordance with the Customs Act, by the owners of private warehouses for the purpose of warehousing of goods without the payment of duty and
taxes on their first entry. However, even this seemed to have problems. Auditors saw evidence where a total of 96 bonds valued at $3.289 billion were established with five commercial banks, three insurance companies and the Trust Corporation, by the owners of the warehouses. However, four banks and two insurance companies confirmed the existence of only 86 bonds valued at $2.462 billion. Auditors said that in the absence of the other confirmations, the existence of the remaining ten bonds valued at $827M could not be ascertained. GRA later explained that letters requesting confirmation to be sent directly to the Auditor General were dispatched to the financial institutions holding the bonds. Two of the warehouses on the list, with bonds valuing $37M, were closed during the year 2016. The Audit Office recommended that GRA take the necessary steps to verify that all warehouse owners have valid bonds in place and a report of same should be submitted to the Audit Office. “Follow-up action should also be taken with the commercial bank, insurance company and the trust corporation to have the confirmations submitted promptly.”
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 03, 2017
Ministry creating guidelines to detect social determinants of health In order to be more efficient in its delivery of health care, the Ministry of Public Health has plans to introduce guidelines that will help its health workers recognise the social determinants of health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age in, including the health system. These circumstances, according to WHO, are shaped by the distribution of money, power and re-
sources at global, national and local levels, which are themselves influenced by policy choices. As she deliberated on the need to pay close attention to the social determinants of health recently, Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence, pointed out that “where people live, learn and work can affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes.” In light of this, she said that the Ministry will be creating guidelines which will be
followed by health workers in recognising the social determinants of health. “We are now thinking that within the Ministry we should have a component which deals with the social determinants of health and violence, to be able to access and analyse what is coming to us from the various levels. This will be able to allow us to see what changes to make at the primary health care level,” Lawrence said. It was discussions in this regard that the Minister recently engaged
Canada-based Vascular Specialist, Dr. Sonia Anand. Dr. Anand is a Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the McMaster University in Canada. Lawrence during the discussion stated, that Non Communicable Diseases [NCDs] has been one of the Ministry’s big ticket items linked to behavioural lifestyle in people. While stressing the importance of public awareness and education, the Minister noted that the Ministry will be heightening its public awareness campaigns and expanding its community-based medical outreach programmes. “We are looking at 2018, where we would have monies allocated for the public awareness department, so we can be able to bring a lot of information to the people to educate them,” she said. According to the Minister, the Ministry’s policies are geared towards ensuring that there is universal health coverage, starting from the primary health care level to the tertiary level of care. On this note, she highlighted the importance of continued collaborations with faith-based organisations and the establishment of school health clubs which, she said, will enhance public education and enable an opportunity for simple medical screening. The Minister further asserted that through collaborations with organisations and individuals like Dr. Anand, the Ministry will be able to train ‘non-medical’ persons who will be equipped to test blood
Minister Volda Lawrence [left] and Dr. Sonia Anand pressure, while being able to recognise when a person should be referred to a medical institution for further care and treatment. “Technology today has made it so easy. The machines are so easy to use, making reading and monitoring of one’s blood pressure and blood sugar so easy,” said Minister Lawrence, as she considered how “that particular skill can be handled by anyone, at any time.” As such the Minister is convinced that if “somebody goes to church or goes to the mosque, there is a group of persons who will be trained to look for vital signs. You can [go to church] and get your pressure tested or test your sugar, or they can refer you
onward...this is what we are hoping for at a community level.” Meanwhile, Dr. Anand disclosed that plans are apace to conduct research aimed at finding a model that is most appropriate for training of non-physician health workers to expand community-based medical outreach programmes in Guyana. “When we think of chronic disease management, we think of the future to prevent people from getting to a point where they need dialysis or heart attack, to really identify who has high blood pressure, who has diabetes, and try and treat them early,” Dr. Anand explained. In this regard, she noted, that training of persons must be done in a standardised way, whereby persons measure blood pressure and blood sugar in an easy and simple method. “I think that’s the way to the future. Other countries have found that it’s just too expensive to rely on doctors and say it’s only a ‘doctor issue’,” Dr. Anand noted. For this reason, she noted that persons ought to be aware of their dietary intake of salt, sugars and processed packaged foods. She also considered that the lack of exercise is a main contributor factor to chronic diseases. But according to Dr. Anand, risk factors can be screened either in community group or by non-physician health workers. Either of the two methods, she said, will aid in early detection of chronic non communicable diseases.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Kaieteur News
RDCs, municipalities meet Govt. on spending Mayors and Town Clerks across Guyana, on Wednesday, met with members of the Communities and Finance Ministries, at the Tower Suites Hotel to discuss issues surroundings local government in Guyana. The all-day meeting saw deliberations which were held under the theme “Strengthening financial management for sustainable municipal development”. The meeting would come in the backdrop of complaints that some town councils and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), as well as the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), have been deliberately sabotaging state spending on projects. Some of the entities are openly backing the Opposition and accused of sabotaging the spending. With the year almost done, a significant portion of the budget allocated for capital projects remain unspent. Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green, who was present at the meeting, said the morning discussion was very thought-provoking, especially since it drew attention to policies and processes that should be implemented as it relates to financial management. “We have recognised that auditing has not been done for all of the municipalities over a number of years…we talked about expenditure, pro-
Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities (centre, front row) and Mayors at the workshop curement and the policies that more or less are supposed to be in place,” Mayor ChaseGreen said. She alluded to the session as a learning experience as she was able to gain clarity on several matters. “I hope the Ministry will have more of these sessions to bring mayors, town clerks and finance chairmen all up to date on the policies we ought to have in place…especially those places with internal auditing,” she said. Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, commended the
Communities Ministry for organising what he described as an instructive session for all municipalities. “Financial management remains a major concern for all of the municipalities. And being one of the new municipalities, (Bartica), it’s an area in which we need capacity building and training,” Marshall
stated. He added, “Meeting the relevant persons from the Ministry of Finance and Communities would have impacted us, and we look forward to more meaningful sessions like this.” Also, Mayor of Rose Hall, Vijay Ramoo explained that he has been advocating for gath-
erings like these for some time now, and is more than elated to have attended this consultation. “This session is very informative for me. I think it is the way forward for municipalities. Last year I told the minister, these are people who do not know about local government and if you do not
educate them you will not get the services, they won’t be able to deliver…but today dealing with finance is important and that, I am proud of,” the Rose Hall mayor explained. The Municipalities are expected to enhance their financial management from the discussions at the all-day meeting.
Traffic backed up by Parliament sitting A section of Lombard Street that was lined with traffic
During and before yesterday’s Parliamentary session, traffic was stalled for hours in several key areas, including the main entrance to the city for East Bank transportation. Ve-
hicle users were forced to use other routes due to the closure of roads. The entire Lombard Street, Georgetown, for example, was lined with traffic that moved at a snail’s pace.
Preparations already underway for Guyana... From page 25 such as all-inclusive parties, concerts, boat rides, day tours and a grand costume day parade, through the beautiful streets of Georgetown, known as “mas”. The all-inclusive packages will include hotel accommodation, admission tickets, costume, food, drinks and day tours to the country's most fascinating tourist sites. The Committee is excited about the band launch, which will be nothing short of amazing featuring a cast of locally and internationally renowned fashion designers. This will take place on December 2, 2017
(more details on venue and list of attractions will follow soon). After the band launch, customers will have the opportunity to register for a section online, through a committee member. Registering in the band means you will be a masquerader in Guyana's first ever Carnival and will be enjoying the benefits of an allinclusive, international standard road experience. Patrons will receive a costume, goodie bag, lunch, snacks, free premium drinks and security all day while masquerading through the streets to some of the most versatile and renowned DJs.
A frequently asked question the Committee wishes to address is: what is the difference between Mashramani and Carnival? Mashramani is our local cultural festival “celebration after hard work” as defined by the Amerindians and celebrates Guyana becoming a republic. It is a cultural festival and parade to be enjoyed by all ages. Ministries and local companies participate in a float parade, which is then judged by a panel based on cultural themes. Carnival is a series of events leading up to a one or in some cases 2 day “mas” or
masquerade where revelers can frolic in an all-inclusive experience on the streets. A carnival is basically a “big private party” for adult revelers to enjoy events and then one day carefree masquerading. We do not intend to cast a shadow or forget about our auspicious cultural festival in Guyana, we aim to expand tourism and show Guyana's beauty, uniqueness and unity through our private international event. C o n t a c t guyanacarnival@gmail.com for further inquiries. Stay tuned for more updates coming soon.
Friday November 03, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Overcrowding, other issues continue to affect efficiency of GPHC’s A&E Unit Overcrowding continues to be one of the major challenges at the Accident and Emergency [A&E] Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC]. In fact, because of this state of affairs “there were occasions when selective surgeries had to be cancelled due to overcrowding,” according to Head of A&E, Dr. Zulfikar Bux. Dr. Bux revealed that the shortage of nurses in the Department resulted in a deliberate move to introduce a Residency Nursing programme. “The shortage of nurses in the department has led to the development of the Residency Nursing Programme, since support from the nursing service has not been forthcoming,” he related. Dr. Bux’s disclosure in this regard was forthcoming when the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social
Head of the Accident and Emergency Unit, Dr. Zulfikar Bux Services visited the premier public health institution in May of this year. A report on the visit to the hospital was tabled in Parliament which came out of a twomonth recess yesterday. The Committee in its report outlined that in response to the nurse shortage situa-
tion, the supervisor of the [Georgetown] nursing school revealed that there is a shortage of nurses across the country and that advertisements were sent out in an effort to employ more nurses. But there hasn’t only been a shortage of nurses in the department but that of doctors too. Dr. Bux told the Committee members that “in addressing the issue of shortage of doctors and nurses in the unit...the department has been striving to meet its full staff complement.” Other doctors in the department also amplified the need for an enhanced staff complement in the A&E department, noting that “staffers are overworked and burnt out after long hours of work.” It has therefore been recommended by staffers of the unit that referral of patients from other facilities should be
AFC disputes report of Canada branch severing ties The Alliance for Change (AFC) is disputing a report that its Canada branch has severed ties with the locals. The political party, in a statement reported that Party Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan has since spoken to a number of members, including some founding members of the Chapter. “They are wholly surprised at this development and are unaware of that meeting in which the decision was made to divorce the chapter from the local executive,” the AFC said. “They were not invited. They have pledged to keep the Chapter going,” it added. Explaining the current situation, AFC Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, said that Tamesh Lilmohan and Laurence Williams, two members of the Canada branch, along with others in Canada AFC, played huge roles in fundraising activities in the 2015 Elections. “It has to be said that Tamesh always hesitated to join forces with APNU. The AFC leadership respected that position being the liberal democratic party it is.” However, when the argument was put as to how else change could be brought about without a change in the PPP Government, Tamesh Lilmohan did indicate that once the decision is supported at a National Conference, he would support the majority position. “This National Conference was held in 2014 and the decision was unanimous that
we negotiate an Accord. We successfully did so and myself and Granger signed same on 14th February 2015.” “Tamesh was a willing partner thereafter and as President of the Chapter, raised with the rest of the Chapter members, a substantial sum for the AFC. So it hardly can be said he neither supported the decision to negotiate with APNU nor the Cummingsburg Accord. “If he did not, why then raise in Canada and send to Guyana those funds? Was he unwillingly doing so? Maybe! But that was never indicated to us here in Guyana. And we were always in communication. The Cummingsburg Accord was sent to him for circulation to other members whom we understood were in support.” Ramjattan said that after winning the elections as a coalition, his party communicated constantly with the Chapter. “He was for good reasons granted the Diaspora Award after the 2015 Elections, which he gracefully accepted in a ceremony in Canada. He was very supportive of the Investor Summit we had in Canada in 2015. He even wanted to work with this APNU/AFC Government as its Commissioner-General in the GRA.”
Ramjattan said that quite noticeably, communication deteriorated when Lilmohan failed to get that appointment as Commissioner-General, having narrowly lost out on meritorious grounds to another top competitor. “He hardly, thereafter, participated in our AFC NEC meetings which we previously did with him through Skype. He did not turn up or send a representative, although invited to, to our National Conference earlier this year in Vreed en Hoop. After a very long time, the only communication received was this ultimatum a couple of days ago sent by him and Laurence Williams.” Ramjattan said that the leadership will be going over to Canada early in the New Year, to speak to the membership and get clarifications as to their position on matters. “We will clarify for them why we did what we did, if further clarifications are needed.” “Guyanese politics ain't easy. Fallouts there will be. And issues will come up where even close friends and colleagues will disagree. The journey just has to continue. That is exactly what we in the AFC will do. Pick ourselves up, dust off and move on."
attended to at regional facilities once these are not too critical. They have also expressed safety concerns, since there have been incidents where persons have meted out verbal and physical abuse. In addition to the aforementioned challenges, the emergency unit has been faced with several other issues which affect the delivery of quality health care services to the public, Dr. Bux told the visiting Committee. Among the other challenges are shortages of drugs, poor maintenance of equipment and inadequate space. In fact, the Head of Department revealed that “the issue of maintenance of equipment has been challenging to the department, since there is a lack of qualified persons in the country to maintain those equipment, hence maintenance could take some time.” But according to Dr. Bux “some of the machines and equipment are vital to the department.” Among these, he named the electrocardiography [ECG] machine. He also spoke of lengthy waits for lab results
which can range from six to eight hours. The unavailability of a portable x-ray machine in the department which affects the efficiency in patient care was also highlighted by Dr. Bux, who noted that “a portable x-ray machine would assist patients who are unstable and cannot be wheeled out of the department.” A suggestion made by the Committee during its visit was that there should be more than one of each requisite machine/equipment in the department to avoid disruption and long waiting hours for patients. But Dr. Bux in response informed the members of the Committee that the Hospital’s Board of Directors has implemented a plan with
the hope of eliminating the shortage of machines, equipment, drugs and other medical supplies. Chairperson of the Board, Ms. Kesaundra Alves, in substantiating Dr. Bux’s disclosure, revealed that the GPHC had implemented a plan to perfect four departments within the hospital. She disclosed that these departments are the A&E, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, and Maternity. As such, those departments were each tasked with preparing a document outlining their respective needs in terms of drugs, machines, equipment and medical supplies which will help them to provide optimal services.
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Friday November 03, 2017
BVI concerned about welfare CDB, Mexico announce fund of prisoners in St. Lucia to boost regional infrastructure
CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados based Caribbean Development Bank(CDB) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Mexico’s development bank, Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior (Bancomext), acting as the Trustee of the Infrastructure Fund for the Countries of Mesoamerica and the Caribbean (FIMCA) to support regional infrastructure development. As part of the agreement, CDB will act as a financial intermediary for the Fund. FIMCA will assist governments of CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) with reducing infrastructure deficits that remain a major impediment to economic growth. Resources of approximately US$70 million are available from the Fund, and accessible through various financial intermediaries, to Caribbean
as well as to Central American countries. “Substantial investment in upgrading and expanding the infrastructure is vital for job creation, and provides a solid pillar for sustained economic growth and poverty reduction in our Region. The Mexican infrastructure Fund will make a much-needed contribution to closing the huge infrastructure deficit that exists in CDB’s BMCs. It marks yet another milestone in Mexico’s ongoing commitment to assisting our Region to meet its development objectives,” said CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith. “Mexico and the Caribbean are friends and allies in working towards the development and prosperity of our societies. “FIMCA provides financial support for the development of infrastructure projects in Central America and the Caribbean, through financial
intermediaries. CDB’s role in the Caribbean region is critical, therefore we are very pleased to have the collaboration of CDB as financial intermediary to the Fund, to continue working to support the development of relevant infrastructure projects that have economic and social benefits for the Caribbean countries and people,” said Vanessa Rubio, Mexico’s Deputy Secretary of Finance and Public Credit. Deficiencies resulting from aging, non-climate resilient, inefficient, inadequate or missing infrastructure continue to adversely affect economic and social conditions in this Region. The CDB says these deficiencies have been exacerbated by the 2008 global recession, as well as the increasing incidence and severity of natural hazards, brought about by climate change. Catastrophic losses s u ff e r e d b y A n g u i l l a , Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands during the passage of Hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria in September 2017 have further highlighted this issue and the need for urgent action to close the Region’s infrastructure gaps. Bancomext is the trustee of the Fund, which provides financial assistance through intermediaries. These institutions support the beneficiary countries throughout the preparation, design and execution of projects, overseeing the adequate use of the Fund’s resources.
Medical doctor sentenced to six months in prison KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – A well known medical practitioner, Dr. Jephthah Ford, who was found guilty of corruption earlier this year, was sentenced to six months in prison when he appeared in a Corporate Area court on Thursday. In August, Ford was charged with trying to bribe a policeman who had arrested two men from Suriname who were found with J$60million (One Jamaica dollar =US$0.008 cents) in 2014.
The police report that Ford offered the policeman 40 percent of the money if the men were released. During the trial in August, the prosecutor, Joel Brown, led evidence that Ford was caught on camera as he tried to bribe the policeman. The Surinamese nationals – Roshen Daniels and Murvin Reingoul,were later charged with possession of criminal property and conspiracy to possess criminal property,
but they were freed of the charges when they appeared in court. In court on Thursday, Ford’s attorney begged the judge not to send his client to prison and to consider his years of service in the medical field. Ford has been offered bail in the sum of J$1 million, pending his appeal. Meanwhile, the medical doctor was told to report to the Constant Spring police station in the Corporate Area, every Wednesday.
TORTOLA, British Virgin Island, CMC – The Government of the British Virgin Islands has expressed concern about the treatment being meted out to the 21 inmates who were transferred to St. Lucia in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. According to Myron Walwyn, the Minister responsible for Prisons, during a recent visit to St. Lucia, he met with prisoners who complained about matters related to healthcare and food. Walwyn said the issues were addressed when he met with St. Lucian officials. “Even though they are in St Lucia, they are still prisoners who are serving at Her Majesty’s pleasure and so those things are in our constitution and we need to
Myron Walwyn make sure that those things are taken care of.” However, he said he was satisfied that the rights of BVI inmates were not violated and the issues raised would be addressed. Walwyn also said that
the BVI does not intend to ‘impose’ on St Lucia for long, adding that the prisoners will return to the BVI once repairs at Her M a j e s t y ’s P r i s o n a r e completed. “We are trying to get the prison back in order as quickly as possible. Just before the hurricane, we had some contracts signed to have the roof repaired there. We are going to reactivate those in a little while. It should have happened this week. Perhaps it may happen next week and we’ll try our best to have those situations sorted out.” Shortly after hurricane Irma battered the British Overseas territory, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet of St. Lucia agreed to temporarily house prisoners from the BVI.
WHO says approximately three million people have access to hepatitis C cure SÃO PAULO, CMC – On the eve of the World Hepatitis Summit in Brazil, t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization (WHO) reports increasing global momentum in the response to viral hepatitis, with close to three million people, including many in the Caribbean, having access to the hepatitis C cure. WHO said 2.8 million more people embarked on lifelong treatment for hepatitis B in 2016. “We have seen a nearly five-fold increase in the number of countries developing national plans to eliminate life-threatening viral hepatitis over the last f i v e y e a r s , ” s a i d D r. Gottfried Hirnschall, D i r e c t o r o f W H O ’s Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme on Wednesday. “These results bring hope that the elimination of hepatitis can and will become a reality.” Hosted by the Government of Brazil, the World Hepatitis Summit 2017 is being co-organized by WHO and the World Hepatitis Alliance. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), said the Summit aims to encourage more countries to take decisive action to tackle hepatitis, which still causes more than
1.3 million deaths every year and affects more than 325 million people. In the Americas, including the Caribbean, PAHO said an estimated 2.8 million people have chronic hepatitis B infection and an estimated 7.2 million have chronic hepatitis C infection. Of the latter, three out of every four people do not know that they are infected by the virus, PAHO said. It is estimated that hepatitis B and C cause around 125,000 deaths each year – more deaths than are caused by tu b er cu lo s is an d H I V infection combined. “We cannot lose sight of the fact that last year 194 governments committed to eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. For sure we are still a long way from this goal but that doesn’t mean it’s some unattainable dream. It’s eminently achievable. It just requires immediate action,” said Charles Gore, P r e s i d e n t o f Wo r l d Hepatitis Alliance. “The World Hepatitis Summit 2017 is all about how to turn WHO’s global strategy into concrete actions and inspire people to leave with a ‘can do’ attitude.” PA H O s a i d m a n y countries are demonstrating “strong political leadership, facilitating dramatic price
reductions in hepatitis medicines, including through the use of generic medicines—which allow better access for more people within a short time.” In 2016, 1.76 million people were newly treated for hepatitis C, a significant increase on the 1.1 million people who were treated in 2015. The 2.8 million additional people starting lifelong treatment for hepatitis B in 2016 was a marked increase from the 1.7 million people starting it in 2015, PAHO said, adding that the milestones represent only initial steps, and access to treatment must be increased globally if the 80 percent treatment target is to be reached by 2030. However, PAHO said funding remains a major constraint, stating that most countries lack adequate financial resources to fund key hepatitis services. To achieve rapid scaleup of treatment, PAHO urged Caribbean countries to urgently to increase uptake of testing and diagnosis for hepatitis B and C. As of 2015, PAHO said an estimated 1 in 10 people living with hepatitis B, and 1 in 5 people living with hepatitis C, were aware of their infection.
Kaieteur News
Friday November 03, 2017
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Man kills 3 in Colorado North Korea says China’s Xi wants to boost ties Walmart shooting CNN)The man suspected of killing three people at random inside a Colorado Walmart has been arrested, Thornton police said. Scott Ostrem, 47, was taken into custody Thursday morning. But it’s still not clear why he may have opened fire near a cash register at the Walmart Supercenter Wednesday night, killing two men and a woman. “We believe as of right now that the shooting was random,” Thornton Police Officer Victor Avila said. “There’s nothing on motive as of yet.” The gunman left the store in the same calm demeanor with which he entered, Avila told CNN affiliate KMGH.
Police said the suspect fled the scene in a red Mitsubishi Mirage, and authorities worked through the night trying to find him. Shoppers inside the Wa l m a r t d e s c r i b e d pandemonium after the gunfire started. “You just hear people running right to the exit yelling, ‘He’s got a gun. He’s got a gun,’” Marcus Smith told CNN affiliate KDVR. “For some reason these doors weren’t opening. I was pushing on them, pushing on them. ... Finally we just keeping pushing the door and it opens up. I have my daughter in my arms and we run out of the door.” Virginia Samora, whose 15-year-old son was inside
the Walmart, told KDVR her son texted her while his phone was on low battery. “He said, ‘I’m at 1% Mom, my battery is ready to die, but there’s a shooter here at Walmart. If anything happens to me, I love you guys’ “ Samora said. She said her son was able to get out and he also pulled his friend out through a side entrance. As of midday Thursday, the victims’ identities have not been released. Walmart spokesman Ragan Dickens said none of the employees at the store were injured. He said counselors will be available to help employees, and it’s not clear when the store will reopen.
Women won’t have equality for 100 years - World Economic Forum
Yemen ranks the worst in the world for female equality, with low representation in politics and education (BBC) The equality gap between men and women would take 100 years to close at its current rate, an economic monitoring group has suggested. It is the first time that data from the World Economic Forum (WEF) has shown a year-on-year worsening of the gender gap since it began charting it in 2006. The report ranks 144 countries by economic opportunities, education, political participation and health. Women are measured as having 68% of the chances and outcomes that men have. This is slightly down from the 68.3% measured last year.
The group predicts that it would a century to close all areas of equality it monitors globally, well up from the 83 years predicted in 2016. Gender parity is closest in areas of health and education, it says, but significant gaps in economic participation and political empowerment continue to endure across the world. Women will have to wait 217 years before they earn as much as men and are equally represented in the workplace, the figures suggest. Nordic countries remain among some of the world’s best for overall equality. Iceland tops the list with a
12% gender gap across all t h e W E F ’s m e a s u r e s . Norway, Finland ands Sweden are all in the top five. Rwanda came fourth in the list for overall gender equality with a gap of 18%. The country has the highest share of women in parliament in the world - they occupy three in every five seats. Nicaragua, Slovenia, Ireland, New Zealand and the Philippines also made the top 10 on the Global Gender Gap rankings. Women in the Middle East and North Africa fared the worst, with war-torn Yemen coming last on the list with a gender equality score of just 52%.
(CNN)The leaders of China and North Korea have exchanged personal messages, according to North Korean state media, a rare move that could signal a thaw in strained top-level diplomatic relations. In a statement which was published by state news agency KCNA Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping replied to a message sent by Kim Jong Un, who last week congratulated Xi on his reelection as Chinese Communist Party General Secretary. According to KCNA, Xi said he wanted to help promote “more wonderful happiness” in both countries while “defending regional peace.” “I wish that under the new situation the Chinese side would make efforts with the (North Korean) side to promote the relations between the two parties,” Xi’s message said, according
to KCNA. The apparent efforts by Xi to repair diplomatic relations on the Korean Peninsula come just days before US President Donald Trump embarks on his first visit to Asia as president, which will include a trip to South Korea. John Delury, associate professor of Chinese studies at Yonsei University in Seoul, told CNN under normal circumstances the message would be little more than a diplomatic nicety. “But comparatively speaking, the channel between Xi and Kim has been restricted for years. This message shouldn’t be news, but we pay attention to it because the channels got so bad,” he said. On paper, China is North Korea’s closest and most powerful ally but it’s no secret that relations between Beijing and Pyongyang have been at a low point in recent
years. Xi and Kim have never met in person, but last year a high-level North Korea delegation met the Chinese leader in Beijing. North Korea has also conducted provocative missile tests during highprofile and politically sensitive Chinese events, such as the One Belt One Road international forum held in Beijing in May. ‘Baby steps’ Neither China nor North Korea sent the standard congratulatory message on their respective national days in 2017, according to Delury, a sign relations had deteriorated between the formerly close allies. “This is not fulsome, it’s not a love fest ... (but) I do think Xi Jinping is working on repairing ties to Kim Jong Un and we’re seeing Kim r ecip r o cate s o mew h at. These are baby steps, it’s not a breakthrough,” he said.
New York truck attack: Trump urges death penalty for Sayfullo Saipov (BBC) US President Donald Trump has repeated calls for the suspect in the New York truck attack to get the death penalty. But Mr Trump backed away from his call a day earlier to send Sayfullo Saipov to Guantanamo Bay, saying “that process takes much longer”. The suspect told police he “felt good” about Tuesday’s Halloween attack and wanted to kill as many as possible. The 29-year-old allegedly drove a rented pick-up along a Manhattan bike path, killing eight people. The victims were five Argentines who had travelled to New York to celebrate 30 years since their
high school graduation, a young mother from Belgium and two Americans. Mr Saipov, an Uzbek immigrant, was shot at the scene by police, according to officials. Investigators say he told them he was inspired by the Islamic State militant group (IS). Could Trump’s remarks jeopardise a fair trial? Mr Saipov, who appeared in court on Wednesday in a wheelchair, faces federal terrorism charges, which means the government could override New York state’s ban on capital punishment. “There is also something appropriate about keeping him in the home of the horrible crime he committed,” tweeted the Republican president, a
native New Yorker, on Thursday morning. Repeating his initial call tweeted overnight for Mr Saipov to be executed, Mr Trump added: “Should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!” However, some legal commentators suggest that Mr Trump’s comments could be seen as prejudicial to a trial. Earlier this week, a military judge said he would consider a lighter sentence for Bowe Bergdahl, a US soldier who deserted his Afghan base, because of Mr Trump’s previous urging for that defendant to face the death penalty. Is there a precedent for this? It is unusual for US presidents to hold forth on pending criminal cases, but not unheard of.
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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Security to work in the interior. Must have Military/ Police background. Age range 35-50. Contact # 2269768
Meadow Bank, long term rental. Fully furnished 3 bedrooms apartment, parking, cameras etc- Call: 671-4221 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 Two Bedroom apartment at Stewartville West Coast Demerara. Tel# 613-5261 1 2-Bedroom self- contained apartment. Plantation Providence, E.B.Dem. Contact: 618-6207/673-1617 1 Bedroom apartment fully furnished, grill, tile floor. Price negotiable $ 50,000 month. 25 Craig Street/ delph AvenueCampbelville. Contact :613-7542/223-1332 Space in Charlotte Street, central Georgetown .Ground floor. Call #608-5303
Female babysitter age 35-50 in Georgetown, 6 days per week Call 614-5711 to apply.
Rent Business. Contact :6722580/223-7771 Two bedroom bottom flat, fully grilled. $50,000 per month. Call# 687-3017
Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501
1 Twin-steer, double axle Leyland DAF & 4 Flatbed Leyland DAF all in excellent condition. Owner migratingCall: 649-8449, 228-5655 1-Caterpillar skid steer loader 236B $3.8M. Contact # 6500-402 Mitsubishi Pajero. Best offer accepted- Call: 219-5354 Monday to Friday 8:15am4:15pm, Saturday 8:15am4:15pm
Experienced Curry cook, Roti/ Puri cook, Cleaners. Apply Hack Halaal. 5 Commerce St.
Chef and assistant chef. Please call 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St.
American Variety Store. 140 Regent & Light street Georgetown. Experience Cashier & Sales girl apply with application.
Porters, Wood mizer, Re-saw and Ripsaw operator, Moulder operator. Eccles Industrial Site E.B.Dem. Call Richard 609-7675/ 674-1705/ 233-2614
1 Female Cleaner for office in eccles. Contact # 614-4358
1 Driver/ Purchaser. Must give valid driver’s license&( Mc, Mv, Ml) &over 15 years’ experience. Call 2277528/226-9768
EDUCATION Study and work in Canada or US. Acceptance Guaranteed Micrographics Technology. Vreed-En- Hoop. Contact: 264-3057 Earn a Diploma in Computers 9 Courses $ 40,000. Computerized Accounting $40,000 4 Courses Micrographics. Vreed-En-Hoop. Contact: 264-3057 Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922
Land for Sale in gated community at land of Canaan 50 x 100. Contact # 694-7817/ 612-1351 ParfaiteHarmonie Business spot $3.5m, $1.3m, $2.5m. ParfaiteHarmonieten year up $3.5m, Tuschen $2.5m, Herstelling $3.3m, $2.8m. Call:666-2326
SERVICES Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Apartment to Rent.ParfaiteHarmonie Tel# 673-2484
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6560 0 8 7 , 6 4 3 - 5 1 2 2 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Virgin Gold and Diamond mining,claim in Cuyuni. Seeking joint Venture, Lease purchase or sale. Contact # 671-9478
DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
WANTED Want Land & House. ParfaiteHarmonie, Tuschen, Herstelling, Province, West Coast, East Bank. Call:6046724/ 686-9608
PROPERTY FOR SALE One(1) three(3) Bedroom concrete house located in a gated community at Schoonord, W.B.D. All rooms self- contained. Contact:6602233 TOLET Camp ST. Area Middle & Upper floor, for Offices, School and other type of Business. Call Richard 6097675/ 674-1705/233-2614
LAND FOR SALE ParfaiteHarmonie $1.4m,$3.5m,$2.5m,$1.6m, Tuschen $2.7m, Hersteling $3.5m,$3m, Province $3.5m, V-Hoop $45m. Call: 6046724/ 686-9608. Eccles (Corner Lot) $5M Herstelling (100ft X 50ft) ParfaiteHarmonie (High Income Area) 100ft X 50ft $2M Tel# 656-0701/ 611-7223 Block X Section A Diamond Housing Scheme. Contact: 611-5273/ 601-4217, 2330159/216-3093
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am-4:15pm
FOR SALE/RENT
Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, Spelling, etc. Call: 675-4379
FOR RENT
Male Security Guards. Age 27-50. Must be fit & able bodied. Attractive salary & benefits. Call 625-3301 for appointment. General maintenance man. Age 25-50 Tel: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd,Lacytown.
Upper flatPhone:670-6997. 26 Hill Street Albouystown VEHICLE FOR SALE Mercedes Benz 2009 C200. Immaculate Condition- Call 616-5933
VACANCY Deskstaff Age 25-40. Tel #225-0198 or visit 233 South roadLacytown
One live-in female housekeeper for Georgetown. Tel# 223-0654, 225-0605
Two bedroom bottom flat, fully grilled, fenced, concrete yard @ Tuschen Housing Scheme. Call: 692-5525/ 266-3973/660-0483
Fielder Wagon in excellent condition. Call: 664-0802
LAND FOR SALE 15 Acre transport land for sale. West Bank of Demerara River. Opposite TimehriDoek.Contact : 2224708 Farm(East Bank)New Scheme $3.5m, ParfaiteHarmonie (upfront)$1.5m,Uivlugt $3.5m(high income).Tel:6511969/667-1960
Thursday November 03, 2017
Kaieteur News
SERVICES Looking for an experienced off- road driver for van and minibus. Tel# 693-5884 MASSAGE Angels Massaging Spa. Come relax and be pampered. Call: 694-9775 FOR SALE 70 head cows. 219-3384, 688-6353
Thursday November 03, 2017
Kaieteur News
Tougher regulations to monitor wildlife trade imminent Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, on Wednesday called on the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission to adopt a ‘green’, people-centred approach to the formulation of regulations for the hunting, trapping, protection, conservation, management and sustainable use of wildlife. Speaking at the opening of public consultations for the development of regulations at the Everest Cricket Club, the State Minister said that wildlife management must not only be sustainable, built on the principles of conservation and designed within the Government’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), but must also take into consideration people’s livelihoods and culture. Noting that it is also his hope that the proposals would embrace the pillars of the President’s ‘green’ state policy, Minister Harmon said that the proposals and draft regulations must also be implementable and capable of improving efficiency in the sector. The consultations, he said, represent another significant step in the enhancement of the country’s overall national institutional capacity to ensure sound and sustainable environmental management in Guyana. “The mechanisms for the proper management of our environment and eco-systems, including our wildlife, must be viewed within the context of the Green State Development Strategy, which represents our Government’s commitment to the continued protection and stewardship of our natural patrimony. “It represents our commitment to lay a firm foundation for inclusive green growth and sustainable development for the country. It addresses the protection, restoration and sustainable use of our
terrestrial and marine ecosystems and wildlife to ensure that our natural resources provide the best social, economic and environmental benefits for our people,” Minister Harmon said. The Minister also pointed out that it is within this framework that the regulations that will be adapted through these consultations must be finalised. Harmon said, too, that during the consultations, consideration must also be given to the fulfilment of the requirements of the country as a party to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species and other Wildlife Flora and Fauna Societies. “The Societies’ membership process involves certain responsibilities, including having appropriate laws and regulations to curb the illegal trade of wildlife and to provide for the safe and regulated movement and trading of wildlife with and without state parties. I hope that all issues will be ironed out during these consultations so that the conservationists as well as those persons, who have to deal with animals. I also hope that coming out of this, people can understand why it is important to protect endangered species, to change their techniques to hunting, trapping, transporting, and holding wildlife and how they can be a part of the process,” he said. Meanwhile, Head of the Department of Environment, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers noted that the consultations are meant to strategically position the Wildlife Commission to effectively manage Guyana’s resources. “This, I believe is important when consideration is given to recent wildlife research that shows that half of the earth’s biodiversity have
dropped below levels that some scientists consider safe. With the onset of climate change and human activities that affect wildlife, these consultations are not only necessary but represent a quickened step in the process for all stakeholders to take action to ensure the sustainability of our natural resources. This also fits nicely into the framework for the sustainable development of the country through the Green State Development Strategy,” she said. Head of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, Ms. Alona Sankar, in an invited comment said that the Commission is aiming to target as many persons as possible so that a holistic document can be drafted. The Consultations, she said, will be conducted countrywide. “At the end of this, we are hoping to have regulations that can govern this sector and once we have those in place then we can move towards the implementation stages of licensing and monitoring and enforcement and so on, and that is what we are ultimately aiming for,” she said. There are regulations under the Environmental Protection Act for the Commission. However, the Wildlife Management and Conservation Act of 2013 repeals those regulations with the provision that they remain enforced until there are regulations to replace them. The consultations are geared at developing the regulations to replace those in place. Once consultations would have been concluded, it will then be taken to Parliament. The consultations, which will run for a month, will be advertised in the media as the team moves around countrywide.
Unlicensed teen motorcyclist killed in collision Nineteen-year old Ronaldo Jaundoo was yesterday killed when the motor cycle he was riding collided with a motor pick-up at Barr and James Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown. The pick-up is the property of the National Insurance Scheme, Jaundoo, who was unlicensed, was riding the motor cycle owned by West Ruimveldt resident Michael Clarke, when he crashed into a motor pick-up that was being driven by a 47-year-old man who resides in Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara. The teen was killed when
the motor pickup bearing registration number GVV 8249 crashed into the motor cycle he was riding, CH 9086. The accident occurred sometime around 16:30hrs, according to police sources. According to police reports, the motor pickup was heading North along Barr Street while the motor cycle was proceeding East on the Northern side of James Street. The driver of the pick-up told ranks that as he was approaching James Street, he stopped at the stop sign, but did not see Jaundoo, and so he proceeded north until he “suddenly saw” the cyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, travelling east on the western side of James
Street. He alleged that the teen rode in front of his vehicle. Gonsalves stated that when he applied his brakes the two had already collided. The cyclist immediately fell and sustained severe head injuries and multiple scars about his body. He was in an unconscious state when he was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the vehicle was administered a breathalyzer test which detected no alcohol. Distressed relatives of Jaundoo said the boy was out for his aunt and was returning to his West Ruimveldt home when he was hit by the vehicle.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 03, 2017
Friday November 03, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Canada to take in migrants at ‘gradual’ pace amid integration concerns TORONTO (Reuters) Canada has to take a gradual approach to boosting immigration, with the government concerned about anti-immigrant sentiment and the country’s capacity to integrate newcomers, a minister said on Thursday. Canada’s new three-year immigration plan, unveiled on Wednesday, will see it increase its immigration intake by 13 percent over three years to help meet the needs of an aging population. But the increase is below that recommended by a government advisory council in 2016, which had wanted the figure to rise by 50 percent over five years. “It’s easy to bring somebody in, it’s another thing to make sure they succeed in Canada,” Immigration and Refugee Minister Ahmed Hussen said by telephone from Ottawa. Canada’s immigration system focuses on bringing in skilled workers, but has struggled to connect them with job opportunities in keeping with their skills and credentials.
The immigration minister, himself a former refugee from Somalia, said bringing newcomers to Canada was only “half of the job,” and that supports were needed to ensure they integrated well into society. Canada has resettled more than 40,000 Syrian refugees since 2015 and seen more than 15,000 asylum seekers walk across its border with the United States this year, with many saying they fear a U.S. immigration crackdown. Many of the latter group have gone to Quebec, sparking an anti-immigrant backlash in the French-speaking province. The military set up a tent encampment to house asylum seekers while they are processed. Both Hussen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau say they are wary of anti-immigrant sentiment in Canada. “Canada isn’t “some magical place that doesn’t have worries about immigration, worries about security, worries about division and intolerant minds,” Trudeau said at a Toronto conference on
Thursday. Trudeau made international headlines in January with tweets touting Canada’s welcome of refugees, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s first travel
ban. But two years after mobilizing the country to bring in Syrians, the Canadian government is dialing down its involvement. About 30 percent of resettled refugees in the
next three years will be government-sponsored, compared with 46 percent in the previous three years. Hussen said Canada offered to resettle some of the more than 600,000 Rohingya
refugees who have fled their hom e s i n M y a n m a r f o r neighboring Bangladesh, but was told by the United Nations High Commission on Refugees that was not necessary.
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Hurricanes beat Pride by an innings and four runs – 2nd day, 2nd round BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Leeward Islands Hurricanes beat Barbados Pride by an innings and four runs about 55 minutes before the scheduled close on the second day of their secondround match on Thursday at Kensington Oval. Scores: BARBADOS PRIDE 113 (Ashley Nurse 45, Justin
Greaves 20; Jeremiah Louis 14.2.3-69-6, Gavin Tonge 3-5) and 116 (Ashley Nurse 67; Gavin Tonge 12-6-21-6, Jeremiah Louis 3-43). LEEWARD ISLANDS 233 (Jeremiah Louis 62 not out, Akeem Saunders 41, Nkrumah Bonner 28, Devon Thomas 25; Kenroy Williams 20-5-50-5, Shakeem Clarke 215).
Young Warriors Under-17 Team defeat Everest Under-17 by 202 runs With cricket hardly being played at the Club level in Berbice for junior cricketers, the Management of the Young Warriors Cricket Club has embarked on a programme to arrange matches against fellow clubs. The Club’s Under-17 Te a m o n S u n d a y l a s t played their counterparts from the Everest Cricket Club from Georgetown and crushed them by 202 runs
Rutherford’s 6-32 give Jaguars... (From page 37) leaving the Jaguars to get another 34 runs for a first innings lead. Lewis had so far picked up 2-31. Earlier, Jaguars asked Volcanoes to bat on a track with a tinge of green and Skipper Tyrone Teophile drove Romario Shepherd to Rutherford at mid-on before he had scored to leave the hosts on 6-1. The 36-year-old Devon Smith, on the back of an unbeaten 185 in the last round in Grenada, stroked Keon Joseph, just back from West Indies ‘A’ team duties, majestically to the ropes at cover before he edged Paul to Johnson at first slip after mak-
Friday November 03, 2017
Kaieteur News
ing just 12 at 34-2. It was soon 38-3 when Ronald Cato (4) was caught behind by Bramble as Paul, who had a nine-wicket match haul the last time the Volcanoes played Jaguars, struck again. Edwards and Hodge tried to repair the early damage but Hodge looked uncomfortable against Shepherd’s short balls as Guyana used their fourprong pace attack for the 25 overs bowled in the opening session. Edwards looked solid and his scoring shots included a perfectly placed on-drive off Paul for four but just as the partnership was beginning to take shape Rutherford up-
rooted Edward’s off-stump and at 74-4 just before Lunch, the three-times defending Champions were in firm control. By Lunch Hodge was engaged in a gritty battle with the pacers and was undefeated on 26. With him was Benjamin on 4 and the Windwards were 81-4. After the break, the handful of fans in the stands saw Hodge hit Veerasammy Permaul back over his head for a boundary before edging a cut at the left-arm spinner for Bramble to hold one of his four consecutive catches to leave the Volcanoes on 108-5. The pint size Benjamin from Hurricane ravaged Island of Dominica, played aggressively before he was removed by Rutherford at 130-6 and none of the remaining batsmen, except Shillingford (12) reached double figures. Today is the second day and play starts at 10:00hrs. Fans can follow the live streaming on cricketwestindies.org. Scores: VOLCANOES 151 (Kavem Hodge 48, Gian Benjamin 24, Kirk Edwards 24; Sherfane Rutherford 6-32, Keemo Paul 2-28). JAGUARS 117 for four (Chanderpaul Hemraj 50, Vishaul Singh 33 not out; Sherman Lewis 2-30).
Port Mourant, Bush Lot... (From page 36) that washed out game will be split between the two teams. At # 70 Village, # 70 MYO defeated # 70 Cricket Club by 9 runs. Batting first, # 70 MYO scored 224, while in their reply # 70 CC fell short by 9 runs. At # 71 Ground, Crabwood Creek defeated # 71 by 6 wickets in their 35 over encounter. Batting first # 71 scored 160, while Crabwood Creek achieved the target in just 19 overs. The competition continues on Sunday November 5, 2017 at venues across the county.
in a highly impressive display. Playing at Cumberland Ground in Canje, the host batting first after winning the toss, amassed a massive 297 for 7 off their allotted 40-Overs. Jeron France and Ricardo Ramdehol added 28 for the 1st wicket before the latter was trapped LBW for 10. France was run out for 18 at 53 for 2 before Carl Gilgeous and Garfield Benjamin added 140 for the 3rd wicket in a high class partnership. Garfield Benjamin 64, Alex Algoo 58, Gilgeous 66
and Jevon Schultz 38 were the principal scorers as the Everest bowlers were put to the sword. Renaldo Mohamed 3 for 67 (8-Overs) and Brandon Ramnarine 2 for 12 from 5-Overs were the main bowlers for the visitors. In response, Everest Cricket Club were given a 24 runs opening stand by Aaron Beharry and Renaldo Mohamed before Romeo Retimer dismissed Beharry for 10. There was no other significant partnership as Everest was bowled out in 35Overs for a paltry 95. R. Mohamed 14, A. Tilku 13 and C. Balgit 12 were the only
batsmen along with Beharry to reach double figures. Bowling for Young Warriors Cricket Club Zeynul Ramsammy took 4 wickets for 12 runs and Joshua Bacchus 3 for 31. Romeo Retimer, Abdul Ramsammy and Leon Swamy all claimed a wicket. Secretary of the Young Warriors Cricket Club and Cricket Manager Carl Ramsammy expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Under-17 Team and disclosed that more matches would be arranged for the Young Warriors Under-13, Under-15 and Under-19 Teams.
Friday November 03 , 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Residential moves look hectic and sudden changes in your life are likely. You may need help with your financial situation. You will meet new and exciting people if you attend social activities or sporting events.
for some time now. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Travel will entice you; however, a tendency to overspend is quite possible. Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. Be sure to take care of any minor ailments.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Don't jump too quickly regarding an investment that appears to be good. You must look into your options. Changes in your home will be positive.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Overindulgence will mean poor health. Think hard before going into business with friends or family. Exercise is always a good way to relieve stress.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be sure to cover all the necessary groundwork before signing binding contracts. Take the initiative and go after your goals. Try not to be too emotional with those around you.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Be careful not to take on other people's problems. You may find yourself in a financial bind. Things will be hectic and family members will be erratic. Your ability to stand out in a crowd will bring you the recognition you desire.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You'll find it difficult to control your emotions. Listening can be more valuable than being a chatterbox. You may think gifts will win their heart, but it could add stress from lack of funds. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Dream a little today. You will have to control the way you feel. Channel your energy wisely and you can score points with the boss. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You have made an accurate assessment of the situation and have come up with ideas that will save money. Avoid joint ventures and steer clear of groups that want you to contribute financial assistance. Your ability to converse with charm will entice someone you may have had an interest in
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You will have to put those you live with in their place if they try to interfere with your work. You can enjoy social events and meet new potential mates; however, avoid being lavish. Change will be required to make your life more harmonious. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Creative pursuits should payoff. Opportunities for travel must be carefully considered. Don't get depressed, get busy. You can accomplish a lot if you're willing to put in a little extra time. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You must try to help. You should be doing something special with children. Don't overspend on friends or children.
Kaieteur News
Friday November 03, 2017
EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League
Four matches slated for tomorrow at Grove Following the nonplaying of matches last week due to the Grove Village Day celebrations, football action will resume at the Grove Playfield this weekend starting with the Ralph Green sponsored Under-11 league. Set to meet in the feature match of the day will be points leaders Grove Hi Tech with 13 from six matches will take on new kids on the block Diamond Upsetters from 11:00hrs. Grove will be led by the leading goal scorer Jamal Cordis who has 9 to his credit from six matches and he would surely be seeking to increase his tally. Dwayne Cliffe, Jeremiah Henry and Jevon Pluck among others will lend support to Grove’s quest as they further cement their final four bid. Diamond Upsetters will be looking to upset the home team and will look to the likes of Ronaldo Adams and Shafeek Russell to deliver a win for them. Defending champions
Agricola Red Triangle have not been showing the form they displayed at the inaugural tournament last year which landed them the title but will hope to come up with a positive result against Diamond United in the main supporting match. Jonathan Andries and Seon Grant, both with four goals each will have to come up big for their team tomorrow as they seek their third win from six encounters. Jadan Paul and Terry Moore will hope to add energy to the Agricola cause. Diamond United have been holding down joint second place on the points table with 9 along with Herstelling Raiders but will be aiming to pull into the clear against the Agricola boys. Ronaldo Adams and Jarrell George will be at the helm of the Diamond United charge. The second match of the day from 09:30hrs will bring together the red hot Herstelling Raiders and Friendship All Stars in what is anticipated to be a keen clash.
Herstelling Captain Solomon Austin is second on the leading goal scorer list so far with 8 and the busy player will be fancying his chances of adding more goals against the equally determined Friendship side. He would look for support from Lucas Fontenelles the other goal scorer for Herstelling to date. While Herstelling will be going after their fourth win in six matches, Friendship are yet to register victory in four encounters. Opening action pits Mocha Champs, which would be led by the lone female of the league, Kerry Boyce who has three goals so far, along with Daniel Bradford (6-goals), Neil Garraway and Jamal Harry in their quest for a win over another new team, Samatta Point / Kaneville which will look to Devon Parris, Akeem Francois and Shamar Lyken among others to secure win number three for them. The top four teams following group play will advance to the semi-finals.
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Turbo Knockout Football Tourney
Mahaica Determinators and Camptown secure last two quarterfinal spots
Mahaica Determinators goal scoring trio from left Eon Abel, Ozese Hally, and Curt Adams East Coast boys Mahaica Determinators made circles around an ordinary looking Winners’ Connection team that lost 3-0 on Wednesday night in the first of the last two round-of-16 matches that were played in the Turbo Knockout tournament at the Ministry of Education ground on CARIFESTA Avenue.
Banks DIH CCT triumph
By half time, Mahaica were cruising with the score at 2-0 courtesy of strikes from Eon Abel in the 23rd minute and Ozese Hally in the 44th. In the second half, the Determinators only managed to triple their lead through a successful strike from Curt Adams but that half could’ve easily produced more goals. Wi n n e r s C o n n e c t i o n defended poorly throughout the match with their diminutive last backs making no case for themselves as they got away with a couple two-footed tackles and a clear foul within the box during the second half. The feature match of the evening resulted in mixed fortunes for the East Coast teams competing for the final
quarterfinal places as Buxton Stars were knocked out of the tournament after ran over by a top performance from Camptown’s Ozeal Small who smashed in two goals during both halves of the game. Small’s first came in the 14th minute, while he completed his brace six minutes before full-time to fire his team into the quarterfinals of the competition that has a top prize of $500,000. The tournament continues o next Wednesday with the first two quarterfinal matches at the Ministry of Education ground. The first game at 18:30hrs will see Police FC hunt a win against Kuru Kururu Warriors and the second match at 21:00hrs will be contested between Pele FC and Grove Hi-Tech.
International softball CUP 1 commences today Members of the participating teams at the presentation ceremony. Banks DIH Sports Club Circle Tennis (BCTT) made a clean sweep recently at the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Pink Ball circle tennis competition played at the NSC Ground Woolford Avenue. On a day which saw the sport returning to that venue after ten years Banks CTT all female won the toss and invited Victory Chasers
C i r c l e Te n n i s C l u b (VCCTC) to the middle, they made 171 – 10 with Shevon Headly scoring 40 and Shevaun Henry 38. BCTT replied with 17210; Roomma Charles got 52, Rhonda Richards 26 and Aneka Wills 15. Mixed team - BCTT won the toss and batted first scoring 182 – 5 off their 50 deliveries, Orane Paul made
40, Eon Cossiah 28 and Simone Williams 19. VCCTC were restricted to 147 – 7 in reply. Michael Trotman got 39. The following players received a medal for their outstanding performance. Simone Williams won the Best Bowler prize BCTT, Orane Paul Player of the Finals (Mixed Team) BCTT, Theklia Douglas catch of the
day VCCTC, R. Charles Player of the Finals (All female) BCTT, Aneka Wills Most improve player BCTT, Sh e v o n H e a d l y M o s t improve player VCCTC and Banks CTT also won the Best Uniformed Team. The programme was organized by Sport Officer A. Munroe and sponsored by NSC.
Softball fans on the East Bank of Essequibo will be in for a treat this weekend when the Suren Shaw organised ‘International Softball Cup1’ tournament commences today at Parika Cricket Ground. The tournament which will be played in the Open category will continue tomorrow and concluded on Sunday at the said venue. The teams set to participate are SVC All stars of New York, Hillfoot, Regal All stars, Success, Dutch 4, Omesh XI, Queen’s Softball Cricket League and Essequibo. The winning team will take home $700,000, runner’s up $100,000, MVP $100,000, man-of-the-match in the final $50,000; trophies are also up for the taking. No entrance fee is required and admission to the venue is free; gates will be opened at 11:00hrs for the final will start at 13:00hrs on Sunday. Live DJ, tassa dance troop, bouncy castle and free food will be available.
Kaieteur News
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Friday November 03, 2017
Windies frustrated as Zimbabwe avoid sweep B U L A W A Y O , Zimbabwe, CMC – West Indies’ bid for a clean sweep ended in frustration as wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva struck a defiant half-century to earn Zimbabwe a precious draw on the final day of the second Test here yesterday. Starting the day confident of victory at Queens Sports Club, West Indies managed to take just three Zimbabwe wickets as the hosts produced a gritty performance to end on 301 for seven in their second innings, when the match was abandoned mid-way through the final session. Chakabva was at the heart of the effort with an unbeaten 71 while Sikandar Raza, unbeaten on 58 overnight, missed out on three figures for the second time in the contest with 89, following his first innings 80. Peter Moor stroked 42 while captain Graeme Cremer chipped in with 28 to help frustrate West Indies, especially in the final session. It was a 91-run, unbroken
eighth wicket stand between Chakabva and Cremer which steered the hosts safely through the final session and left the visitors out of options. West Indies bowler toiled on an unresponsive track and fast bowlers Shannon Gabriel (2-34) and Kemar Roach (2-37), along with with leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo (2-74) all only managed to take two wickets each. Resuming the day on 140 for four but more importantly, only 18 runs ahead, Zimbabwe suffered a major setback in the day’s second over when Moor perished after adding just three runs to his overnight 39 – wafting at one from Gabriel and providing Shai Hope with a catch at gully. Raza, unbeaten on 58 overnight, then combined with Malcolm Waller, who made just 15, to keep West Indies at bay for the remainder of the hour. Waller batted nearly an hour and escaped with several near misses before falling in the first over following the first drinks
break, edging Bishoo to Jermaine Blackwood at slip at 172 for six. West Indies had the upper hand at this stage with Zimbabwe only 50 runs ahead but Raza and Chakabva then came together in a 38-run, seventh wicket stand which steered Zimbabwe safely through the remainder of the session to be 199 without further loss at the interval. All told, Raza faced 203 deliveries in exactly five hours and counted six fours and a six while Chakabva stroked five fours in a knock spanning 192 balls and 3-3/4 hours. Raza, reprieved by DRS after he was adjudged lbw to Roach on 72, seemed set for three figures before his marathon innings ended in the third over after the break when he was bowled by captain and seamer Jason Holder by one that jagged back to claim off-stump. However, any hopes We s t I n d i e s h a d o f steamrolling the Zimbabwe lower order then evaporated as Chakabva remained solid, and found an ally in Cremer
Koozy Nook backs Stage of Champions
A representative of Knoozy Nook (left) presents the cheque to Videsh Sookram. Koozy Nook, a restaurant and bar of Soesdyke Linden Highway has thrown its support behind the hosting of Stage of Champions 2 which is set for November 18 at Theatre Guild, Kingston. O r g a n i s e r Vi d e s h
Sookram received a cheque from manager of Koozy Nook manager Aema Webster who said she is looking forward to a successful competition and wished the athletes well. Athletes from Guyana, St. Maarten (French and
D u t c h ) , Tr i n i d a d a n d Tobago, Anguilla, Suriname, Barbados and Curacao will vie for supremacy in the U143 lbs, U154lbs, U164lbs, U176lbs and over 177 lbs categories. The competition also entails Men’s Physique and Bikini segments.
to deny the visitors any further success. Dropped on 28 by wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich off Bishoo, Chakabva rallied to 48 not out at tea with Zimbabwe on 259 for seven, and he raised his fourth Test half-century in the fourth over following the break with a single square on the on-side off Bishoo. Both he and Cremer, whose innings lasted just over 2-1/2 hours, then wore the West Indies bowlers down, and the introduction of Blackwood and Kieran Powell into the attack was more a sign of resignation, with Zimbabwe ahead by well over 150 runs. West Indies took the series 1-0 after winning the first Test nine days ago by 117 runs at the same venue. Scores: ZIMBABWE 326 (Hamilton Masakadza 147, Sikander Raza 80, Peter Moors 52; Kemar Roach 344, Shannon Gabriel 2-64, Devendra Bishoo 2-82) and 301 for seven (Sikandar Raza 89, Regis Chakabva 71 not out, Peter Moor 45, Graeme Cremer 28, Craig
Captain Jason Holder … grabbed the key wicket of Sikandar Raza on a day when success was rare. Ervine 22; Shannon Gabriel 2-34, Kemar Roach 2-37, Devendra Bishoo 2-74). WEST INDIES 448 (Jason Holder 110, Shane
Dowrich 103, Kieran Powell 90, Shai Hope 40, Kraigg Brathwaite 32, Roston Chase 32; Sikandar Raza 599, Tendai Chisoro 3-113).
Berbice Cricket Bard Inter Zone Under-15 competition
Central/Upper Corentyne & West Berbice dominate in opening rounds The Berbice Cricket Board’s Under-15 Inter Zone 50 overs tournament commenced last Sunday at two venues across the county and the young aspiring cricketers showed true grit, as they sought to impress the selectors that they were capable of representing their county in the GCB’s much anticipated Inter County Under-15 games set to commence in February 2017. At the Young Warriors Cricket Club in Cumberland, Central/Upper Corentyne convincingly defeated their peers from the New Amsterdam/Canje Zone in their 50-over affair. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, NA/Canje’s bowlers had their work cut out, as the Corentyne lads rallied to 159 for 9. Batting for the Upper Corentyne Zone J. Rampersaud top scored with 38, while B. Downer and R. Rampersaud contributed 18 and 14 respectively. Bowling for New Amsterdam/Canje, C. Arokium took 4 for 59, N. Samuels 2-39, while Isaiah
Thorne and T. Caesar took one each. In their reply, New Amsterdam Canje were dismissed for 100 as the Upper Corentyne bowlers continued to make light work of the NA/Canje batsmen. Avishkar Persaud top scored with 24, while T. Caesar scored 10. All the other batsmen failed to reach double figures for their zone. B o w l i n g f o r Central/Upper Corentyne, Rampertab Ramnauth was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 17 runs in his 8 overs spell. J. Rampersaud, N. Singh, A. Munroe and J. Sandia each took one wicket as Central/Upper Corentyne cruised to a comfortable 59 run victory in this their first match. At the Bush Lot Ground in West Berbice, West Berbice defeated Lower Corentyne by 75 runs in their encounter. Batting first, West Berbice scored 128; S. Safie 16, A. Balman 20 and D. Joseph 18 were the main run getters. Bowling for Lower Corentyne, K. Cecil
took 4 wickets for 10 runs and A. Maniram 2-7. In Lower Corentyne’s reply, only P. Ganesh managed to reach double figures as he scored 11. All the other batsmen fell below the double figure mark, as they were all bowled out for a paltry 53 runs. The Competition continues tomorrow and will see Central/Upper Corentyne taking on West Berbice at Port Mourant Community Center, while Lower Corentyne will do battle with the lads of new Amsterdam/ Canje at the Albion Community Center. President of the Berbice C r i c k e t B o a r d , M r. Dhieranidranauth Somwaru, expressed his satisfaction at the conduct of the competition and is of the firm belief that these lads will do well at the inter county level. He explained that the Berbice Cricket Board will select a 30-man squad after the competition is over, to be trained to represent the county at the GCB’s inter county scheduled for February 2018.
Friday November 03, 2017
GTM Guyana Fitness Games Health and Fitness Expo set for Nov. 11 and 12 at CASH Some of Guyana’s top cross fit athletes along with their Surinamese counterparts will match their skills when the Guyana Fitness Games hosts their Health and Fitness Expo on November 11 and 12 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The event, which will test athletes’ strength and endurance in various activities, was launched last night at Giftland Mall, East Coast Demerara. Speaking at the launching, Director of Sports Christopher Jones lauded Guyana Fitness Games and encouraged Guyanese to support the event. Jones said that a fit and healthy nation is of paramount importance and advise Guyanese to live a healthy lifestyle. Roger Yee of Insurance
Company GTM, which is one of the sponsors, indicated that they are happy to be associated with the games once again, while Errol Nelson of Banks DIH, another sponsor, said that it is part of their corporate responsibility to promote healthy lifestyle which is evident in this event. Anita Rampersaud of MACORP added that she is looking forward to a successful event and wished the competitors well, while Jamie Mc Donald expressed gratitude to the sponsors. Cross Fit games involve Powerlifting, weightlifting, endurance running etc; among the local athletes set to take part are Dillon Mahadeo and Semonika Duke. (Zaheer Mohamed)
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United All stars overcome Everest Masters
The victorious United All stars team. United All stars of Florida defeated host Everest Masters by 38 runs when the teams collided in a 25-over cricket fixture recently. United All stars batted first and scored 226-6. Vivian Gooniah stroked, 76 while Devin Baldeo made 57 and Munesh Lalu 49; Rakesh Gangaram claimed 2-35 and
Imtiaz Sadik 2-51. Everest were limited to 188-8 in reply. Saheed Mohamed struck 52 as Nandkishore Phanisnarine captured 3-38. Gooniah was named-manof-the-match. Everest Masters presented the visitors with a plaque in recognition of their visit with compliments of Trophy Stall.
Everest Masters will entertain a team from the UK Guyana CC on November 10 in their next fixture. The UK Guyana CC team reads; Pooran Singh (Capt.), Maurice Sakul, Nav Sukul, Rabi Sukul, Ramesh Pershad, Isaac Chung, Nash Babulall, Ron Zahur, Navin Persaud, Saeed Gopie and Devon Lord. Roop Sharma
(Manager). Everest Masters; Rajesh Singh (Capt.), Sahadeo Hardaiow, Basil Persaud, Hemraj Garbarran, Saheed Mohamed, Imtiaz Sadik, Rohan Sarjoo, David Harper, Rakesh Gangaram, Ronald Jaisingh, Johnny Azeez, Satyendra Khemraj, Ramesh Narine and Anil Beharry.
BCUA OAGM set for November 26 Brusche Basketball Foundation The Berbice Cricket Umpires Association will be hosting its Ordinary Annual General Meeting on Sunday November 26 at 8:30hrs at the Former Berbice Cricket Board Office 7-1 Cheddi Jagan St. New Amsterdam, Berbice. MEETING AGENDA;
Call to Order, Prayers, Minutes of BGM in between OGM , Matters arising from t h e M i n u t e s , Correspondences, S e c r e t a r y ’s R e p o r t , Treasurer’s Monthly & Annual Financial Reports, P r e s i d e n t ’s R e m a r k s , Motions & Resolutions and Any other Business.
Winners Connection, Ward Panthers record wins in UDFA/ GTT senior football league - Double header set for tonight Tonight another two games are set for the Mackenzie Sports Club ground when the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) / Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) Senior League football championship continues as Blueberry Hill take on Hi Stars in one game at 19.00hrs and the other between Silver S h a t t a s a n d Wi n n e r s Connection. When the tournament s p o n s o r e d b y telecommunication giants Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) began last Friday there were wins by
Winners Connection and Amelia’s Ward Panthers. The Winners Connection opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Hi Stars behind a lone strike from forward Marmalaque Davidson, which came one minute before the first half ended. That 44th minute strike would be the decider of the game when the final whistle was blown. The other game last Friday was also a 1-0 result as the only goal of the game was sent in by John LaFleur who netted in the 76th minute as Amelia’s Ward Panthers beat Blueberry Hill 1-0.
youth clinic concludes
Former national coach Michael Brusche watches Darion Pereira of Mae’s primary closely as he goes through some fundamental basketball drills. The Brusche Basketball Foundation, which has been in existence for the past 10 years, concluded their second youth clinic yesterday at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. The foundation was created by former national player James Brusche and it gained prominence from its signature biennial Brusche’s Basketball Classic that features the top ten clubs in Guyana battling for supremacy. According to the man himself, James
Brusche, the youth clinic which now runs simultaneously with the B’ball classic, began three years ago and yesterday was the last day for its second edition. The youth clinic caters for a total of 50 primary school students and is conducted in Linden, Georgetown, East Coast, Bartica and Berbice, while there are plans to take it to the Essequibo coast in two years time. Georgetown was the final leg and it was a collaboration between the
Mayur Kirpalani Mae’s school being taught a drill by referee Dennis Clare foundation and Pepsi Sonics basketball club. The clinic at the National Gymnasium was conducted by former national coach Michael Brusche, the brother of James, with assistance from Pepsi Sonics youth coach, Julian “Pumpkin” Haynes and referee Dennis Clarke. According to the Brusche’s, the clinic teaches the pee wees the fundamentals of basketball inclusive of passing, dribbling and layups which is very important since there is
nothing being done at this level for the game in Guyana besides this biennial clinic. Sonics coach, “Pumpkin” Haynes, explained that the clinic is very important because, “It is tedious when players are at a certain level where they supposed to know the basics and instead of going over tactics, you have to go and teach them the fundamentals of the sport which are supposed to be already engraved as early as the grassroots level.” (Calvin Chapman)
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Friday November 03, 2017
Large and colourful crowd witness Rising Sun Rodeo Once again a large and colourful crowd was on hand to witness the annual Rising Sun Rodeo which was held last Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast, Berbice. It was a day filled with fun and action as the Va q u e r o s f r o m b o t h Guyana and overseas displayed their skills in some daring and breathtaking sequences on a fun filled day of action of wild Rodeo on the Coast. The competition once again was intense as the foreigners, pitted their skills against those from the hinterland and the coast as they competed for top positions in their risky game of fun. Some of the riders were thrown off the respective animals in their quest for victory. Among the event contested were the Bare back bronco, Bull riding and Saddle bronco which are similar. The vaqueros had to wear a pair of spurs, and stay
Part of the action in last weekend’s Rodeo at the Rising Sun venue which provided entertaining encounters. on the animal for 10 seconds. With one hand holding the animal the other hand must be free away from the animal at shoulder level all the times. The Vaqueros would then throw their hats in the air as a sign of triumph. Wild
Berbice Cricket Board Second Division 40 overs Competition
Port Mourant, Bush Lot United, Cut & Load, CWC & # 70 MYO record wins The Berbice Cricket Board’s Second Division competition continued in full swing over the last weekend at various grounds across the county as second division teams battled for supremacy in this 40-over round robin competition. At the Block 4 Cricket Club ground in Tain, Port Mourant Cricket Club defeated Block 4 by 7 wickets in their 40-over encounter. Batting first, Block 4 scored 134 all out as J. Nunes and K. Balgobin top scored with 23 runs each. M. Mangal and G. Budhu were the only other batsmen to reach double figures with 19 and 12 respectively. Bowling for Port Mourant, Joel Sietaram took 4 for 27, Dorasammi Mahadeo took 3 for 18, and George Hughes 2 for 12. In their batting, Port Mourant reached 135 in 24 overs as Emmanuel Seecharran top scored with an unbeaten 40, M. Hemraj 32, Joel Sietaram 20 and Daniel Samaroo was not out on 12. Over at Bush Lot, Bush Lot United defeated Bush
Lot Rising Stars by 186 runs in their match. Bush Lot United batted first and scored a massive 297 but restricted their opponents Bush Lot Rising Stars for 111. Batting for Bush Lot United, Asgar Matabeek top scored with 64, Joel Dilchand 45, Christopher Bissoon 45 and Ryan Thakurram 41. Bowling for Bush Lot United Joel Dilchand took 4 for 135 and Navindra Persaud 2 for 17. In their innings, Bush Lot Rising Stars only managed 111 as the Bush Lot United bowlers proved too much for them to deal with. J. Saywack scored 29, K. Fordyce 21, N. Shivrattan 12 and Z. Khan 12. In the Upper Corentyne Area, at the # 72 Ground, Cut & Load defeated Bomb Squad by 8 wickets. Batting first, Bomb Squad scored 90 runs all out. Cut & Load replied by scoring 91 for 2. At Skeldon Community Center, rain affected play between Skeldon Titans and # 77 Cricket Club. Points for (Continued on page 32)
Cow milking, where the participants (a pair) had to rope, restrained and milk the animal within a period of two minutes. The participant with the most milk won. In the Calf roping, the
Va q u e r o o n horseback was required, to rope a calf around the neck dismount the horse, secure three feet of the calf by tying it, stand and raise their hand in the air to indicate that they are done,
the persons with the fastest time won. Vaqueros as well as their animals ended on their heads, shoulders and back with some getting awkward tumbles, but managed to continue to perform.
The prizes which included cash incentives and trophies were presented to the outstanding performers immediately after the completion of the final events. (Samuel Whyte)
Lions Club of Bel Air / Clear Waters host big Dominoes event
This weekend’s competition promises to be keenly contested. The Lions Club of Bel Air Den located at Enachu Street, Bel Air will be a hive of activity when the club in collaboration with Clear Waters hosts a big Dominoes Competition this weekend (Saturday & Sunday).
According to a source from the club, teams from all across the country are invited to compete for prize monies worth in excess of $500,000. The source added that the winning team will receive $250,000 and
trophy, while the second and third placed finishers will take home $140,000 and $60,000 along with trophies respectively. The Most Valuable Player will be awarded $10,000. Registration is $15,000
per team and it closes at 13:00hrs. All the Guyana National Domino Federation rules will be in e ff e c t a n d t e a m s a r e reminded that no form of indiscipline will be tolerated.
Kaieteur News
Friday November 03, 2017
PAGE 39
CWI Digicel Regional four-day cricket
Rutherford’s 6-32 gives Jaguars slim advantage as 14 wickets tumble on opening day By Sean Devers in St Lucia A maiden five-wicket haul by 19-year-old pacer Sherfane Rutherford was undone by senseless batting by the Guyana Jaguars top order on the opening day of their CWI Digicel Regional four-day cricket game against the Windwards Volcanoes at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground yesterday. Rutherford, in only his third First-Class match, grabbed 6-32 and got support from fellow teenager Kemo Paul (2-28) as the Volcanoes fell for 151 despite a fighting 48 with five fours and a six from 61 balls from Kaveem Hodge, while 24 each from Bajan Kirk Edwards and wicketkeeper Gain Benjamin offered token resistance on a track with good pace and carry for the pacers.
The Jaguars top-order undid the good job of their bowlers as poor and irresponsible shot selection orchestrated their demise as Rajendra Chandrika (0), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (1) and Skipper Leon Johnson (7) all fell to injudicious shots. Chandrika’s poor form continued when he hooked at one that got ‘big’ on him and spooned a catch to short backward square, while Chanderpaul impetuously pulled a quick bouncer to long-leg as the lively Sherman Lewis struck twice in the space of five runs to leave the Jaguars on 6-1. Things got progressively worse for the South American Franchise when Johnson attempted to cut at one too close to him from left-arm pacer Obed McCoy and was caught behind. At 22-3 a partnership was badly needed as the batmen seemed very
Top scorer Kaveem Hodge gives Bramble one of his four catches yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) uncomfortable against the short pitched bowling. Chanderpaul Hemraj counterattacked with some good shots but tried to pull balls that got to him quicker than he anticipated and was drooped at cover as the ball came off the slice and fell just out of the reach of short
mid-wicket running back off Lewis as he lived dangerously. However, he and Vishaul Singh got a decent partnership going on the slow outfield in hot conditions. Hemraj stroked pacer Ray Jordon for four and lofted off-spinner Shane
Shillingford for six and reached the ropes five times and cleared it once as he raced to back-to-back fifties this season before he pushed at Shillingford and was caught behind to end the 64run stand and leave his team on 88-4. Singh looked very
compact and was willing to use his feet to the spinners and by the close was still there on 34 from 74 balls with three fours. With him was Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble on 13 from 33 balls. Their fifth wicket stand is already worth 29 and (Continued on page 32)
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Friday November 03, 2017
Junior Caribbean Cycling Road Race Championships – Barbados
Team Guyana departs today confident of medalling
Briton John A c o n f i d e n t Te a m Guyana inclusive of five riders will leave these shores today for the Land of the Flying Fish, Barbados where they will be seeking to bring home the bacon at the Junior Caribbean Cycling Road Race Championships tomorrow and Sunday. Twenty-six nations are slated to attend these championships including the host which stepped in at very late notice to host. The Guyanese team
Nigel Duguid
David Hicks
comprises of Briton John (United We Stand Cycle Club) who recently returned from the World Junior Championships in Norway, N i g e l D u g u i d ( Te a m Evolution) and Curtis Dey (Trojan Cycle Club) and they will be seeking glory in the junior category. The two Juvenile riders are Jonathan Ramshuchit of Trojan Cycle Club of Berbice and David Hicks of United We Stand Cycle Club.
The young Guyanese will be seeking to emulate their fellow peers who have won medals at this level in the Caribbean. Back in 2007 in Barbados, Geron Williams and Christopher Holder had won Junior gold and silver medals in the road race, while in 2012, in the Dominican Republic; Michael Anthony had won the Juvenile road race gold medal with Raul Leal coming in fourth. That same year, Paul De
Nobrega took the Junior gold medal with Raynauth Jeffrey claiming the bronze. Manager of the team is Steve Ramshuchit. Guyana Cycling Federation President Horace Burrowes has informed that he is confident that this current crop of talented riders will do their country proud in Barbados noting that they would be able to hold their own against their peers from the region. Dey and John will be the
Curtis Dey representatives for the junior Time Trials tomorrow, while they will all be battling it out on Sunday in the respective road races in both categories. The Junior Road Race circuit is 12.7kilometers long and includes a challenging climb and rapid decent which must be negotiated seven times. This represents 1300meters of climbing over 88.9Kilometers and will take approximately three hours for the men to complete.
There is also 1100meters of high speed descending with a caloric burn of about 300 calories per lap. T h e Wo m e n a n d Juveniles will compete over a time trial course of 10.1kilometers and will complete five and six laps respectively. This totals 50.5Kms for the women and 60.6Kms for the Juveniles. The ITT route is10.1Kms, Two laps for the juniors and one lap for all others.
Kaieteur News
Friday November 03, 2017
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WJ Enterprise seals partnership with GFSCA as Guyana Softball Cup 7 bowls off today Survival Group of Business also fully onboard
Teresa Naraine hands over the WJ sponsorship to Ramchand Ragbeer, while other officials look on. Organisers of the Guyana Softball Cup 7, The Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) yesterday received corporate backing from Regent Street store, WJ Enterprise, to ensure the three-day tournament is a success. The company made its contribution during a simple handing over ceremony yesterday, with
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e Te r e s a Naraine expressing how delighted the establishment was in supporting the premier softball cricket event in Guyana. President of the GFSCA, Ramchand Ragbeer, said the organising body is extremely grateful for the support of companies like WJ Enterprise, noting that corporate support is crucial in helping to run off a
tournament of the magnitude of the Guyana Softball Cup. GFSCA Vice-president Reyaz Hussain echoed similar sentiments, adding that all systems are in place for another successful competition. Hussain said the Floodlights Association is always looking at ways and means of making the tournament attractive and this year is no different. In
Mark DeFreitas (2nd left) presents Survival Group’s contribution to Ramchand Ragbeer in the presence of other officials. addition to the final of the Under-13 hardball competition between Blairmont and GCC being part of ‘Finals Day’, lighted bails will be used for the softball games for the first time in the tournament’s history. The tournament, which will feature teams from Guyana, Canada, Florida and New York, will take place today to Sunday. It
GPF’s TSU receives sport equipment donation from Guyana Sport Shooting Federation
From left, Asst. Commissioner, Operations, Mr. Hicken, GSSF Directors Dr. Harry, Mr. Bassoo and OC Deputy Superintendent Nurse. Directors of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (G.S.S.F.) paid a courtesy call to Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations, Mr. Clifton Hicken at his Eve Leary office recently. Present at the meeting were Mr. Hicken Assistant Commissioner, Officer-in-Charge of the Tactical Services Unit ( T. S . U . ) , D e p u t y
Superintendent Mr. Guy Nurse and GSSF Directors Dr. Pravesh Harry and Mr. Trevor Bassoo. G . S . S . F. , s i n c e i t s incorporation in 2014, has shared a cordial relationship with the Guyana Police Force and more specifically the Tactical Services Unit. The donation of sports equipment in the form of basketballs and footballs, is
merely a gesture of the G.S.S.F.’s intent to continue lending support to the GPF. G.S.S.F.’s Director Dr. Pravesh Harry indicated that the donation is a response to an earlier conversation between representatives of both entities and that GSSF will continue to be a friend of Guyana Police Force and contribute to its initiatives. Director Mr.
Bassoo also commended the force for its initiative to use sports to build camaraderie amongst its officers. OC Nurse, speaking on behalf of Tactical Services Unit, expressed gratitude for the sports equipment and wished GSSF the best in its endeavours as he looks forward to strengthening relationship.
will involve teams competing in the Open and Masters Categories. On the final day, Sunday, three lucky patrons and a partner each will have an opportunity to win trips to local resorts Arrowpoint, Aruwai and Baganara. The trips have been made possible by Survival Group of Business and its representative Mark DeFreitas was pleased to a n n o u n c e t h e e n t i t y ’s continued partnership with the organisers. On Sunday, action will bowl off at 10:00hrs with the female 10/10 final, followed by the final of the Under-13 20/20 hardball competition between Blairmont and GCC at 11:45hrs. The Masters final will start at 15:00hrs and the Open final at 18:00hrs. The champion team in the Open category will receive $800,000, while winner of the Masters division is assured of $600,000. Player-of-theSeries in both categories will each receive a gold bat pendant, sponsored by Steve’s Jewellery. Matches will be played at the Police, Guyana Defence Force, Demerara Cricket Club, Malteenoes and Georgetown Cricket Club grounds. The tournament has received corporate support from Stag Beer, Rubis Guyana, Trophy Stall, Steve’s Jewellery, Clear Waters, Busta, Rohan Auto Spares, A&R Jewanram Printery, WJ Enterprise, M i k e ’s P h a r m a c y, Ramchand Auto Spares and Survival Group of Business.
In 2016, Speedboat XI pulled off a massive upset by dethroning defending champions Regal All-Stars to win the Open segment, while Floodlights XI outplayed Fishermen XI to win the Masters category. Itinery for finals of GFSCA Guyana Cup 7 on Sunday 10:00hrs: Female Softball finals 10/10. 11:45hrs: Well-Teen, Trophy Stall, Tropical Springs and Nauth Motor Spares under 13 final 20/20 Hardball- between Blairmont and GCC. 15:00hrs: Guyana Softball Cup 7 Masters Final T20 18:00hrs: Guyana Softball Cup 7 Open Finals T20. 21:15hrs: Presentation Ceremony. 22:00hrs: Conclusion of Guyana Softball Cup 7. U13 teams; Blairmont; S h a ff i e S h a k i r, A l t a v Balman, Zaynul R a m s a m m y, A n t o w n e A l e x a n d e r, H e m c h a n d Ragbir, Shreedath Roopnarine, Inderjeet Lalsa, Mahendra Ramcharitar, Veer Farhad, Zaid Baksh, Tamanmi Casar, Darius Joseph and Vickendra Singh. GCC; Sanjay Persaud, Tallius Lovell, Rivaldo Phillips (V/Capt), Zachary Jodah (Capt), Rahul Singh (WK), Mitra Dhanraj, Yohance Angoy, Aryan Persaud, Akash Tiwari, Darius Andrews, Menelik Halley, Joshua Thomas, Afzal Koolande and Johash Charles. Richard Jodah (Manager) Neil Dhanraj (Coach), Peter Persaud (Coach).
t r o Sp GTM Guyana Fitness Games Health and Fitness Expo set for Nov. 11 and 12 at CASH
Director of Sports Christopher Jones (left) with representatives of the sponsors and Guyana Fitness Games. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)
Brusche Basketball Foundation youth clinic concludes
A group photo of the participants along with the foundation’s official and coaches at the conclusion of the clinic yesterday.
CWI Digicel Regional four-day cricket
Rutherford’s 6-32 gives Jaguars slim advantage as 14 wickets tumble on opening day Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210