Kaieteur News

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Page 5

Kaieteur M@ilbox

PPP Parliamentarian says Minister OPERATIONS AT OGLE Ramjattan has failed to impress INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

DEAR EDITOR, Repeatedly, the People’s Progressive Party has made calls for the PNC to return the weapons that were issued to the Ministry of Mobilisation and National Development by the Guyana Defence Force between 1976 and 1979. But so far, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan and the PNC Leader, President David Granger remain unresponsive. The much touted gun amnesty programme has ended after a 6-week nationwide campaign aimed at getting illegal weapons off the streets to reduce the soaring gun-related crime rate. It netted a total of 186 illegal firearms, but most of those were previously used by our indigenous Amerindian brothers for hunting food and protecting their families and livestock from dangerous wild animals in isolated hinterland areas, far away from police protection. When one considers that none of these weapons was used to commit a crime, it is difficult for anyone to proclaim this campaign a success. The criminals that were the real target of this

operation still have guns and continue to drive fear in our communiti e s , r u t h l e s s l y killing, beating and robbing their innocent, defenseless victims into submission. Our Amerindians brothers were tricked in believing that by handing over the rifles they use for hunting, they would be able to recover those guns by applying for firearm license. This will not happen. If a pack of wild ferocious pitt bulls were known to attack and terrorize residence of a community, and when the police are called in, they only succeed in seizing a few other stray dogs that innocently wander the streets looking for food. Would you consider the operation a success? I doubt you would too. So Minister Ramjattan can brag all he wants about the so called “success” of the gun amnesty, but all he managed to get was a few stray dogs while the pit bulls continue to roam free, attacking and killing the most vulnerable among us. At an APNU+AFC campaign rally held at Stelling Road, Rosignol on May 2 this year, the then Presidential candidate, David Granger told his supporters, “You need a warrior to destroy the monster

of criminality in this great region... We must put an end to banditry and murder in this region.” Then he gave us Khemraj Ramjattan, who now asks the nation to have patience while he gets his act together. But if Granger had really wanted to destroy the “monster of criminality”, he would have instructed the PNC to return the missing GDF weapons during the firearm amnesty. Now it seems that some criminal elements are in possession of those guns and our Public Security Minister is powerless to confront his senior collation partner for fear of wanting to go after some of the very supporters who put them in office. Minister Ramjattan has a difficult job... He must be a very frustrated man. He is the head of a ministry that is failing the people he pledged to protect... the citizens of Guyana. He is one Minister that should be ashamed to accept a salary increase from the very taxpayers he’s Continued on page 6

DEAREDITOR, We are a group of six smaller aircraft operators operating aircraft on domestic routes and based at Ogle International Airport. We have for some time, adopted an amicable approach to resolving the myriad serious and vexing issues we face on a daily basis with Ogle Airport Inc., the company running the Airport. Much to our dismay, we saw an article in Stabroek Business on November 6, 2015 which seeks to canonize the management of Ogle International Airport by the Correia Group. This in our opinion is an obscene and covert attempt by the Ogle Airport Inc. Board Chairman to monopolise public opinion in the face of an eruption of the unbearable discontent which is rife at the Airport. OgleAirport, while improving its regulatory compliance and infrastructure in the past decade, is in fact an anti-competitive and oppressive business environment. The establishment of an aviation operation requires large amounts of capital and the operating environment definitely

contributes to the success or failure of the enterprise. Ogle Airport · refuses to allow cargo transport operations using the main terminal (although foreign operators including LIAT are allowed to do so). The Airport Management actually strongly suggested that we use Cheddi Jagan Int’l Airport for our cargo operations, thereby adding cost to our operations. · is consistently reluctant to respond to our needs in a timely manner, · allows us no voice on issues affecting us, · imposes staff on us with authoritative and confrontational attitudes, often threatening, shouting, and demanding, · is sub-leasing land for facility development at prohibitive rates, · is charging astronomically high fees for airport usage, · introduced a toxic and draconian operators’ agreement which demands that we sign over liens on all of our property including our aircraft, among other odious provisions. Considering the fact that the aforementioned issues are serious, imagine how difficult the operating environment is when

compounded with anticompetitive issues by Ogle Airport Inc. management, led by the Correia Group. The Correia Group controls the airport as a creature of its business and has ·Increased the cost of fuel ·Delayed the delivery of fuel to our aircraft ·Monopolised ground handling and other services · Arbitrary terminated tenancy contracts with the aim of forcing us out. This translates to a wholly hostile, difficult, and aggressive management system set up by the Correia Group to manage the day to day operations of the airport. This system is being used to unleash an attempt to regulate and rule our daily commercial operations in a most anticompetitive and oppressive manner. We have now joined in unity. We therefore urgently call on the Government to intervene, investigate and regularise this airport for the benefit of all of its stakeholders. SMALL OPERATORS OF OGLE AIRPORT

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

The recent gun amnesty appears ineffective

PPP Parliamentarian says Minister...

DEAR EDITOR, Albert Einstein once said that politics is more difficult than physics. This is so because physics belong to that group of scientific disciplines that is referred to as the exact sciences. This means that given the right mix of variables, outcomes are predictable with a high degree of precision. The same cannot be said for politics which belongs to that generic group of behavioural sciences. Human behaviour is not only unpredictable but at times idiosyncratic which makes it difficult to

a c c u r a t e l y measure and forecast. This is why certain types of social pathologies such as crime and suicide are so difficult to manage by the relevant authorities. Crime and suicide are prevalent in all societies and despite new and modern crime fighting technologies, it still continues unabated. It must be a matter of concern to the new APNUAFC administration that crime and suicide rates continue to be alarmingly high. The recent gun amnesty appeared ineffective even though it may be too soon to

see any measurable impact. Unless brought under control, crime and perceptions of crime can have a negative impact on persons wishing to return to Guyana either as re migrants or on holidays. During a recent visit to the USA, most Guyanese I interacted with view crime as a major challenge to the country’s ability to attract foreigners to the country. My own view is that an inter-agency body should be established involving local and foreign experts to strategize on how to bring down the crime rate. Hydar Ally

Only when we must turn to God suicides will stop DEAR EDITOR, President Granger raises the question of cause with regards to suicide. The cause is spiritual. Simply put the need to find God. We find religion but not God. We are fascinated with the outer show and comforts of this life. When our fascination is given a sharp jolt we buckle. Some are lucky that their fascination with other things prove to be a good diversion while they suffer an horrendous temporal or permanent serious lost in relationship, condition or economy. However when more than

one of these losses somehow interconnected, destroys the basis of our confidence in the system that we believe in and the support we normally expect the situation become disastrous. The fact is that we were taught to believe in a system legal or traditional, in family, friends, social religion or social support. Even though such faith is justified, our mistake is placing them before our love for God. It is often said by spiritual Master in prayer “ Sweet is thy will O Lord”. Our faith in the Creator take us through difficult time if we believe. As one English poet put

it “God is in Heaven all is well with the world.” Spirituality brings a change in perspective that is healing. We need to develop more love for God. I remember an anecdote of the life of an Indian lady saint Rabia Basri. It is said that one day she was seen running through the streets with a bucket of water in one hand and a torch in the other. “What are you doing she was asked”. “I wish to out the fires of Hell and burn down the rewards of Paradise” she replied, “for the both are a hindrance to my love for God” Kenneth Daniels

From page 5 incapable of protecting. But I can truly empathize with my fellow Parliamentarian for I believe his hands may be tied. If Ramjattan dares to turn up the heat on these criminal gangs, he may very well discover the source of the missing GDF weapons. Indo-Guyanese families and businesses are the ones mostly targeted by these criminals. Previously safe communities in Regions 5 and 6 are now under constant attacks by bandits who feel it is now their God-given right to invade the sanctity of these people’s homes, take away their hard earned valuables, leaving behind pools of blood and emotional scars that would last a lifetime. Surely this must be very disturbing to Minister Khemraj Ramjattan who had given these people his assurance that his government will be the key to unlocking the nation “from the deadly crime that haunts and traumatizes” the nation. Kaieteur News editorial of November 5th, had this to say, “It has been almost six months since the new Minister of Public Security in the form of Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan was sworn in. Mr. Ramjattan portrays himself as tough on crime, but words are the wind when there are real victims involved. The results are not good enough to conclude that the job is getting done; the fact remains it is not getting done! The crime statistics from January – September 2015 show that there were 896 “reported” robberies

under arms. There were 114 murders committed for the period January – September 2015; a 100 percent increase in execution styled murders compared to the same period in 2014. Mind you, in portions of 2015, there was an extended gun surrender amnesty. So what can we expect in November and December 2015 when there is no gun amnesty?” This critical analysis comes on the heel of an article written two days earlier by Kaieteur News columnist, Peeping Tom. This is how he describes the escalating crime situation in the country: “Businesses are being robbed at gunpoint. Workers are being pistolwhipped in the course of these robberies. Customers are being deprived of their belongings during these robberies. Homes are being invaded and the occupants beaten. Businesses are being robbed. When you go into a shop these days you are tempted to make your purchase quickly because you do not know if while you are there some bandit will come in and rob the place and you in the process. Guyanese are locking their gates and their doors

and retiring before its gets dark. They are fearful. This is not the way people should be living in Guyana. The criminals are curtailing the freedom of citizens. The people who voted for change did not expect this state of affairs under the new government. Expectations were high that the new government would cause a reduction in crime. This has not happened. Tackling crime was supposed to be a major priority of the new administration. They came to power on the basis that people were living in fear because crime had got out of control. Five months since the elections, crime is still out of control and there is no sign of improvement.” With all the former top police and army professionals now employed as Presidential Advisors, this government surely have the ability and capacity to stop this senseless killings. But the question remains... Do they have the political will to do so? After all, the mantra that has now become the official slogan of the APNU+AFC is, “We running things now!” Harry Gill Member of Parliament

Why the silence on this... From page 4 Kissoon’s home. He had to use a large sum of to build that kind of house. He drives an expensive SUV. He was connected to the PPP Government. He is well connected to the APNU-AFC Government. I know Mr. Kissoon is a

supporter of the present government. His says that openly. He wrote more times than we can count that he was an energetic campaigner in the May elections for APNUAFC. Could this be the reason why he has turned a blind eye? This is not the Freddie Kissoon we know, admire and respect. I would hope Mr. Kissoon takes time from his busy schedule and read this letter and act on it. Shouldn’t the Minister of Housing offer an explanation? If the land was sold to this gentleman, could NICIL say why and how much he paid? Would the squatters next to him be allowed to purchase their land and at what cost Shakur Abbas Khan

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

Row over refugees’ status reopens divisions in German government

Migrants walk along a street after crossing Austrian-German border from Achleiten, Austria, in Passau, Germany. REUTERS/MICHAELA REHLE

Reuters - Just two days after resolving a coalition row over how to handle a record influx of refugees, Germany’s ruling parties are embroiled in another spat over whether to limit the asylum rights of refugees from Syria. The government was forced to clarify on Friday that its asylum policy for refugees from Syria remained unchanged after the interior minister said they would receive a modified refugee status and be barred from having family members join them. But the comments made by Thomas de Maiziere in a radio interview have reopened a rift between Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CSU), its Bavarian sister party (CSU) and their Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners. Yesterday, Ralf Stegner, deputy chairman of the SPD, accused the CDU of making half-baked proposals instead of implementing the decisions agreed on by the coalition.

Restricting family reunions would only mean that more women and children would undertake the dangerous journey from Syria to Europe, he said, adding that the SPD opposed the idea. “It’s off the table as far as the SPD is concerned,” Stegner told German radio. “This won’t wash with the SPD, and the CDU knows this perfectly well.” However, lawmakers from the CSU, who govern the state of Bavaria which has borne the brunt of the refugee influx, backed de Maiziere’s proposals. “Hundreds of thousands of Syrians are getting shelter here, but it must only be subsidiary protection - this means for a limited period and without having family members join them,” Andreas Scheuer, the secretary general of the Christian Social Union (CSU) told Bild am Sonntag. Subsidiary protection means migrants are not granted asylum or refugee status and their rights are

limited. The latest row comes after the coalition ended weeks of infighting on Thursday evening on how to speed up the deportation of asylum seekers who have little chance of being allowed to stay. It is not the first time de Maiziere, a reserved man who prefers to operate out of the spotlight, has come under attack over his handling of the influx of hundreds of thousands of migrants, many of whom are fleeing war in the Middle East. De Maiziere was lambasted by mass-selling daily Bild earlier this week for taking a short break in Majorca while the government struggled to manage the pace and scale of the influx, which is putting communities under strain. Last month Merkel appointed her chief of staff Peter Altmaier to oversee the government’s handling of the crisis, a move widely viewed as a rebuff to de Maiziere.

U.S. general sees air strikes against Islamic State picking up DUBAI (Reuters) - U.S. and coalition forces are likely to increase air strikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria in coming weeks after a lull in September and October, the head of U.S. Air Forces Central Command said yesterday. Lieutenant General Charles Brown told reporters at the Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference that the reduction in air strikes was due to weather and to a slowdown in activity on the ground and not due to the start of Russian air strikes in the region. He said both government forces and insurgents were

increasing their ground movements, which could create more opportunities for the United States and its allies to carry out more air strikes against Islamic State targets. “If they’re not out and about, it’s harder to strike, particularly for an adversary that may wrap themselves in the civilian population,” he said. Brown also rejected criticism that the United States was not using air strikes as much or effectively as possible, saying coalition forces were striving to avoid civilian casualties that could help recruitment for Islamic State.

He also noted that the sheer number of air strikes was less of an indicator than the targets hit and the number of weapons used. The United States and its allies targeted Islamic State in Iraq with 14 air strikes on Thursday, and also hit the militant group with nine air strikes in Syria, the U.S. military said on Friday. Brown told reporters that an agreement signed with Russia to avoid possible midair collisions was working well, and no incidents had been reported. “They don’t want a midair and neither do we,” he said.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 08, 2015

China, Taiwan leaders end historic meeting

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, left, wave during their meeting at the Shangri-la Hotel yesterday. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

SINGAPORE (AP) — The leaders of Taiwan and China have wound up a brief meeting that marked the first top-level contact between the formerly bitter Cold War foes since they split amid civil war 66 years ago. Including their historic handshake, brief opening remarks before reporters and a closed-door session, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou met for an hour on neutral ground yesterday in the Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore. They met at a hotel and joined for the handshake in front of a plain yellow

backdrop flanked by palm trees. The leaders of Taiwan and China have shaken hands at the start of a historic meeting marking the first top-level contact between the formerly bitter Cold War foes since they split amid civil war 66 years ago. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou came together yesterday on neutral ground in the S o u t h e a s t Asian city-state of Singapore, meeting at a hotel and joining for the handshake in front of a plain yellow backdrop flanked by palm trees.

Each leader hopes to seal his legacy as one who helped bring decades of division and mistrust to a mutually acceptable end, but the meeting is more about the symbolism of coming together than about substance. Both sides have said no agreements will be signed or joint statements issued. In the Taiwanese capital, about 35 people gathered in front of the parliament building to protest the meeting between the presidents of Taiwan and China because they believe it to be a precursor to Taiwan becoming part of China.

U.S. presidential hopeful Clinton to seek criminal justice reforms

Reuters - Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton will call for a slate of criminal justice reforms, including reforming mandatory minimum sentences and how they are applied. Clinton has come under increasing pressure from activists, including the influential Black Lives Matter movement, to address issues of racial justice. She has been repeatedly heckled by members of the movement at campaign events, and she has been criticized for not speaking more directly on racial justice. Issues around mass incarceration and criminal justice disproportionately affect African Americans, with black men six times as likely as white men to be incarcerated in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center. Among the changes Clinton will propose are reducing mandatory minimum

Hillary Clinton

sentences for nonviolent drug offenses, granting judges more discretion in applying those minimums and changing the so-called “strike� system that dictates when to apply certain minimum sentences. She has previously called for criminal justice reforms that include a ban on racial profiling by law enforcement and the elimination of sentencing disparities for crack and powder cocaine

offenses. The former secretary of state has faced a challenge f r o m s o c i a l i s t Ve r m o n t Senator Bernie Sanders but remains the strong frontrunner for the Democratic nomination to the November 2016 election. In a five-day rolling Reuters/IPSOS poll dated November 3, Clinton received support from 59 percent of respondents, in contrast to 26 percent for Sanders.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

PERTH WOMAN DIES IN CAR ACCIDENT

One of the damaged cars. (Travis Chase photo) Road Safety Month is continuing to chalk up more tragedies across the land. Last evening, a smashup between two cars left a number of Mahaica women badly injured and one dead. They were heading home from church. Reportedly dead is Irene Ramsay, 45, a resident of Perth. At least three others were rushed to the Mahaica hospital. By the time the news spread the hospital compound was a sea of confusion. People

were wailing because they could not enter the facility to see their relatives. The accident reportedly occurred at Harmony Hall, Mahaica, about 19:45hrs, says Traffic Chief, Dion Moore. It involved motorcar PMM3093 and PRR9383. One of the cars reportedly fled the scene. The victims had just left the Seventh Day Adventist Church in the area and were heading home.

Neighbour confesses to killing... (From page 3) victim’s house were missing also led some to suggest that someone who was familiar with the premises was the perpetrator. At the time, one of the businesswoman’s close relatives had dismissed any suggestions that robbers killed Ms. Ramnaress. Nadira Budhoo, an overseas-based sister of the slain woman, told Kaieteur News that she knows the identity of her sibling’s killer and has provided an attorney with information about the matter. “We know who it (the killer) is. They will catch the perpetrator if they work with the evidence.”

Ms. Budhoo alleged that her sister had expressed fear for her safety, but declined to go into details. Yesterday, a relieved Sergeant Bailey said that he had always felt that he would have been exonerated. “I had a feeling all the time, because I knew that I was not part of it. I knew some time it would all come to light.”

But up to yesterday, close relatives of the slain woman dismissed any suggestion that she had plotted to kill her partner. One relative suggested that the detained neighbour may not be telling the entire story, and wants police to continue their investigators to unearth the entire truth behind the businesswoman’s death.

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Dem boys seh...

People know wha gift dem can get Some strange things happening and dem boys want to know how come these things wasn’t happening all de time. Yesterday, de police hold on to a man who kill he next door neighbor. But it tek dem two years fuh ketch de man. One of dem boys seh that de best place to hide when you commit a crime is in de police station. A man get hold wid some drugs and he cousin walk into de police station and offer de officer a raise to let he family go. De policeman warn him and tell him to go home. But as dem boys know, old habits die hard. In de days of de last government nobody woulda get charge fuh giving a policeman a bribe. Even when Rohee set up he tek a bribe hotline nobody didn’t even call to report because dem know was a normal thing. That is why de man go home and come back wid even more money. When de police hold him and lock him up he beg fuh a call. He call Anil and ask him to tell him since when is a crime to bribe a policeman. Anil tell him that he got to research de topic. Anyhow dem ketch this neighbor who

seh that he kill de woman. He ain’t only kill de woman, he also tek she laptop and a diamond ring. He give he girlfriend de diamond ring and now de police got she fuh tekking stolen property. But three lawyers already tell she that she safe. But dem boys want to know if a woman don’t know when she fellow can afford something. Kwame, when he was in government, coulda promise some young boys a car but was a government car. He couldn’t walk in to an auto dealer and tell de young boy to sign. In de same way de woman should know that she man couldn’t afford a diamond ring. But that is another story. And above all dem business people who want de curfew lifted to four in de morning gun stop calling fuh a change soon. Rum Jattan seh that he gun ask dem to show how much money dem losing. That mean exposing how much taxes dem paying. Dem boys willing to bet that de business community done calling fuh an end to de curfew. Talk half and watch how quiet de business people gun become from now.

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Kaieteur News

Carpenter accused of chasing children with cutlass found hanging in lockups - Top Cop orders probe Hours after he allegedly chased two of his children with a cutlass, the body of 38-year-old Sham Harinauth was discovered hanging from a grill by police officers at the Ruimveldt Police Outpost, around 17:00hrs, yesterday. Harinauth a/k Shawn, was at the time in custody at the Outpost for the alleged attack. He reportedly hanged himself with his shirt. He fathered three children and was a carpenter by profession. He resided at Lot 41 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Commander of ‘A’Division, Clifton Hicken told Kaieteur News that Sham Harinauth was arrested after his son reported to the police that he had assaulted him. Hickens disclosed that the under-aged child was accompanied to the station by his sister, Shivani yesterday morning. Hickens added that the now dead man was arrested before for an offence of similar nature. The Commander said that the man was placed on a two year- bond by the court. Commissioner of Police,

Seelall Persaud has ordered an investigation into the prisoner’s death. The investigation will be conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). His relatives confirmed that he was an alcoholic with a history of assaulting his family when “drunk”. However, they are questioning the circumstances surrounding the man’s death since they claimed there were other prisoners in the cell at the time of his demise. At the Police Outpost yesterday evening, a large crown gathered as Harinauth’s body was being removed by undertakers. A Police source told Kaieteur News that Harinauth was arrested yesterday morning, after his 18 year-old daughter, Shivani Harinauth, reported that he had chased her and her 14 year-old brother with a cutlass. According to the source, the man was under the influence of alcohol at the time of his arrest. Kaieteur News understands that Harinauth was shouting for food and a Police Constable contacted Shivani and asked her

Dead Prisoner: Sham Harinauth to bring food for her father. The daughter arrived at the Outpost with the food around 17:00hrs. When an officer proceeded to the prisoner’s cell to give him the food the man was dead. Outside of the Police Outpost, the dead man’s father Harinauth cried inconsolably. He told this newspaper that he last saw his only son yesterday. Harinauth said that he was unaware if his son had problems with anyone. “I don’t know if he had an argument with the police or another prisoner. I don’t know why he hang himself.” “My daughter called me and tell me he dead”, a teary eyed

Harinauth recounted. The father related that his son lived alone and has no spouse. However, the dead man’s 16year-old daughter Keshini Harinauth explained that her father was an alcoholic. She said that her father would consume alcohol for weeks and would come home drunk regularly. “He does behave miserable and torment people,” Keshini said. Keshini recalled that she last saw her father alive early yesterday morning. She added that her father came home drunk and got involved in an argument with her sister, Shivani. The young girl said that her father had accused Shivani’s boyfriend and her 14 year-old brother of assaulting him. She stated that her father reported the matter to the Police Outpost. The young girl recalled that two policemen came to their home and escorted her sister and brother to the Outpost. She said that her sister and brother returned home and her father was placed in custody. She said that later that evening an overseas-based relative called and informed the household that her father had died in the lock-ups.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Mahaicony bandit confesses to Linden businesswoman’s murder, armed robberies Stayfree Alexander, one of the prime suspects in Wednesday’s robbery at a Mahaicony supermarket, has confessed to the murder of Linden businesswoman, Shevon Gordon, and to his involvement in at least two armed robberies in Berbice. Crime Chief Blanhum said that Alexander is likely to appear in court this week in connection with the offences. Alexander, known also as ‘Gun Youth,’ is one of three men who police captured after an intense, 18-hour stakeout, in the wake of the attack at Mahaicony. Police had said that Alexander had given them a fictitious name, but detectives eventually identified him. One of his alleged victims, 45-year-old businesswoman, Shevon Gordon, was shot dead nearher Block 22, Wismar, Linden home last April. Two men were subsequently charged. Soon after, police received statements from individuals who identified ‘Gun Youth’ as the person who pulled the trigger. He is also a suspect in a grocery store heist at New Amsterdam, Berbice, which occurred in January. He was wounded after allegedly shooting at police ranks, but managed to escape.

Police have said that ‘Gun Youth’ is also wanted for the attempted murder of a taxi driver, who was shot in East La Penitence this year. Further, he is believed to have committed an armed robbery at a Popeye’s fast food establishment. Alexander was captured Wednesday night after the car in which the Mahaicony bandits were escaping crashed at Mahaica. Two other suspects were captured on Thursday after police ranks set fire to a bushy area in which the gunmen were hiding. One of the bandits, a 21year old labourer from Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, was shot in the right shoulder. His alleged accomplice, a 51year-old man from Charlestown, received several shotgun pellets to his face. He is likely to lose an eye. At least one of the bandits was positively identified by some of the victims of the robbery which took place at the J. Singh and Sons Supermarket at La Raisonable, Mahaicony. Police were able to recover some of the stolen items, including a DVR, which had recorded some of the bandits’ operation, and some jewellery. They also recovered a 9mm pistol with three matching rounds.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Govt pegs GUYSUCO debt at $82B

Government has pegged the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) debt at $82B and noting that a further bailout is anticipated for 2016, has declared that any further strike action would finally bring sugar to its knees. This is in view of the strikes that the corporation has been experiencing in recent times. The major labour unions are up in arms over Government’s delay to begin effective collective bargaining for 2015 wages and salaries. GUYSUCO has been receiving massive bailouts over the last five years- some $28B- despite its insolvent status over the years. This is coupled with the fact that an expected $5B is needed for capital investment. “The Coalition did not create the problems affecting the sugar industry. The blame ought to be placed elsewhere,” the government said in a statement. “It is government’s view that any industrial action at this time will place the industry into further jeopardy. Government is regrettably unable to increase the bailout package above the $12B for 2015 and strike action will not change this reality.”

“In the meantime Government is analyzing the interim findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry,” the statement went on to state. “Guyana Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) as an integral part of the COI ought to know that industrial agitation is not an option at this time.” ”Government once again implores all sugar workers to steadfastly remain committed to the industry and to partner with management for its recovery,” the statement said. “It is critical that sugar workers know the following pertinent facts. Production slumped from 327,000 metric tonnes in the 1960s to an average of below 250,000 tonnes between 2008 and 2014. Under the former (administration), the sugar industry never came close to realizing the promised 500,000 tonnes target.” It noted that between 2009 and 2015 GUYSUCO not only failed to make a profit but suffered estimated total losses of $67.8B. “When the previous administration left office, GUYSUCO’s debt burden stood at $82B. It is therefore irrefutable that under that

administration, GUYSUCO had lost its way.” The release went on to note that the interim report from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the sugar industry had confirmed the poor and declining state of GUYSUCO was as a result of “political interference, poor management and squander mania.” “The Government is seeking to put a Ten Year Road Map and Action Plan in place, aimed at returning the industry to viability,” the release said. “It would therefore be ill advised and indeed premature to commence wages talks before this plan is considered. Unions that seek to drag the sugar corporation to the table to do so are obviously pursuing a political agenda which unfortunately is not in the interest of sugar workers.” “The Government has, for the first time, allowed management to run GUYSUCO independently and to make it a top priority (to find) a lasting solution to secure employment and also to make the industry profitable,” the release said, ending with an appeal for sugar workers to stand committed.

Sunday November 08, 2015

City Hall Anti-Litter Unit intensifies Campaign, 50 litterbugs nabbed For the past month more than 50 people have found themselves before the municipal court having been arrested, charged and fined for littering. Kaieteur News understands that over the past two weeks the Anti-litter unit of the Mayor and City Council has apprehended over 22 persons and they will all have their day in ‘Court ten’ before Magistrate Alex Moore to answer charges for littering. Yesterday six litterbugs faced the court. That lot included Linden Adams of Lot 2 Friends’ Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, a water coconut vendor. He was charged for two counts of littering and fined $12,500 Dolphin Charles, of Perth Village, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, was placed on $10,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal dumping of rubbish and disorderly conduct. He has to return to court on November 20. Lorraine Brown of Lot 46 Norton Street, Lodge, pleaded not guilty to littering and was placed on $5000 bail to return to court on November 25. Anthony Marciano whose address is unknown, Narine Deodat of lot 1 Village West Bank Demerara and Bibi Mohamed all pleaded guilty to littering and were each fined $7500. However Mohamed a vendor was given three weeks leniency to complete her payment after negotiating with the magistrate. Those charged but did not show up for court include Sherif Mohamed, Carolyn Barrington and Franklin Wilson of Lot 147 Third Street, Craig, East Bank Demerara. According to Debra Lewis, the Public Relations Officer (Ag) said the Mayor and City Council Anti Litter Unit, is intensifying the

Litter bug: One of the many litterbugs nabbed in the Campaign

campaign in keeping with the City’s litter prevention regulation of 2013. This is being enforced even as contractors are continuing to expand their clean up of Georgetown. The fine for littering is $10,000 while the regulation prescribes an increase in penalty for persons found guilty of repeat offences which specifically state that the fines will double the maximum for any offence repeated. Persons who were arrested for littering and have not appeared in court will have warrants issued for their arrest if they fail to appear at the next court hearing. As part of the anti litter drive the town council’s Solid Waste Department has placed rubbish receptacles along Regent Street after consultation with business owners and operators. Speaking of how City Hall plans to stem the tide of wanton disposal of waste in commercial Georgetown Lewis said contractors are issuing letters for them to provide receptacles. If the businesses do not comply within 14 days of

receipt of the letters they will also be taken to court. Additionally Lewis said plans are in train for a receptacle campaign in Regent and Robb Streets. Meanwhile, the Mayor and councilors of the City of Georgetown is continuing its Environmental Awareness programme through the hosting of an Environmental Empowerment afternoon for Primary Schools Students in Georgetown. This event would be held at the Merrimans Mall today, from 16:00 hours. The activities slated for the afternoon includes music and dance. Also, the movie planet earth would be shown. The main focus of the event is to help children develop the right attitude towards contributing to a clean environment at a young age and in the end making our City a better place to live. The Council is cognizant that if environmental awareness is raised at an early age there can be a shift in the mind set. Parents with children between the ages of six and 13 are invited to bring their children to the event which is free of cost. (Mondale Smith)

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Govt. fine-tuning Code of Conduct for Ministers, MPs. Five months after taking office, the new administration seems ready to tackle corruption with its longawaited Code of Conduct that governs how Ministers behave in office. The Code has been released for finetuning. The draft document, published on the Ministry of the Presidency website on Friday, speaks to disciplinary actions or terminations for Ministers, Parliamentarians and other public office holders who are in the breach. The draft document also addresses the acceptance of gifts of more than $10,000, conflict of interests, accountability and even gambling. The code would be crucial for the David Granger administration which campaigned for the May 11, 2015 General Elections on promises that it will be making sweeping changes to improve behavior of public officials. In the past, there were little actions against public officials despite reported evidence. These actions included discharging a firearm, drunk driving and trading on insider information. The purpose of the code is to assist Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders in the

discharge of their obligations to their constituents and the public at large. “It provides guidance on the values - the moral qualities – that should govern the conduct of Ministers and Members in discharging their Parliamentary and public duties. It is also meant to reinforce public confidence in the way in which Ministers and public office holders perform those duties.” It was made clear that public office holders are duty bound by the code in all aspects of their public life. The code, however, does not seek to regulate the conduct of public office holders in their private and personal lives. The Nation’s Interests “Public office holders have a duty to uphold the law, including the general law against discrimination and sexual harassment, and to act with propriety on all occasions in accordance with the public trust and confidence placed in them. Public office holders have a general duty to act in the interest of the nation as a whole and owe a special duty of care to their constituents, and citizens.” The draft code lists the 10 principles of public life – accountability, dignity,

diligence, duty, honour, integrity, loyalty, objectivity, responsibility and transparency. Regarding accountability, the draft code proposes that public office holders are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions, and must submit themselves to scrutiny and criticism. The must also conduct themselves in a manner that is worthy of the respect of their peers and the public and be effective, efficient, courteous and reliable in the performance of their duties. With regard to duty, the draft code stated that public officials owe a duty to the country “and must consider themselves servants of the people”. Of course, the issue of integrity was dealt with. “Public office holders have a duty to declare any private interest relating to the discharge of their duties and responsibilities, and to ensure that their personal decisions and actions are not in conflict with the national interest. Public office holders should display allegiance to the state and should show concern for the well-being of the persons that they were elected to represent.” In the area of responsibility, the draft code

stated that Ministers collectively have a basic responsibility to make decisions only in the national interest void of any forms of personal gain, or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. Regarding the actions, the code said that Ministers should be open about all their public decisions and actions and be prepared to provide explanations when so demanded by the public. Accepting Gifts When it comes to accepting gifts, it is being proposed that public officials should report gifts or other forms of reward valued at more than $10,000 to the Integrity Commission. It is being recommended that public officials should consider declining such gratuities if the acceptance of same could be perceived to have an effect on their objectivity and lead to complaints of bias or impropriety. It was explained that a conflict of interest situation arises when the “private interests” of the public office holder compete or conflict with the interests of the state. Private interests can mean both the financial and personal interests of the

official and staff or those of their connections and would include family and other relations, personal friends, companies or business interests which they hold or own, and other clubs and societies to which they belong. The draft code also speaks about trading on insider knowledge. “Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders should avoid using their official position or any transmitting any information made available to them in the course of their to benefit themselves, their relations or any other individuals with whom they are associated. They should avoid compromising themselves or their office and which may lead to an actual or perceived conflict of interest.” Failure to avoid or declare any conflict of interest may give rise to criticism of favouritism, abuse of authority or even allegations of corruption. “In particular, Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders involved in the procurement process should declare conflict of interest if they are closely related to, or have, or will likely be perceived to have, beneficial interest in any

President David Granger company or transaction that would result in the award for the supplies of goods and services to the state.” Taking a Drink Public officials should also desist from accepting lavish or frequent entertainment from persons with whom the government has official dealingsincluding from suppliers or contractors, clubs and persons to which the state may allocate resources or job assignments. It is being proposed that officials who misuse their office for personal gains or to favour their relatives or friends or to benefit their business connections are liable to disciplinary action by the Government or even prosecution by the state. “Examples of misuse include an official or a staff member responsible for the selection of suppliers giving undue favour or leaking tender information to his own (continued on page 16)

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AFC says it has evidence of secret PPP bank accounts The Alliance For Change (AFC), which forms part of the coalition Government, says it has evidence of secret bank accounts and other assets held by the Opposition. The explosive claims were made yesterday by AFC in response to statements by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) over the postponement of Parliament on November 12. The Coalition Government had said that a number of important overseas fora which officials had to attend had prompted the postponement. The Opposition last week reportedly said that it believed that the postponement is as a result of the Coalition Government trying to avoid debate on a motion on a recent salary adjustment for Members of Parliament and Ministers. The AFC yesterday, however, said it finds this to be hypocritical for the simple reason that it was the PPP, when faced with a motion of ‘No Confidence’ in 2014, not

only postponed the sitting of the National Assembly but shut down the House. “The PPP was fearful of that motion to the extent that it recklessly prorogued the Parliament which was derailed for a full nine months. It was the APNU+AFC Coalition Government that rescued Parliament and re-convened the Assembly after the polls.” AFC said that the coalition is ready to debate any motion from the Opposition which seemed to be playing a game of cat-andmouse with Parliament. This was evident from its first boycotted important sittings, and then, not to lose pay for its MPs, quietly slipped into the House whilst petitioning the court to declare the Parliament illegal. “Our party is armed with cogent facts and statistics that would put the PPP to shame for giving its fat cat super salaries and perks for stashing away fabulous sums in secret bank accounts and causing the disappearance of vehicles and other (continued on page 65)

Govt. fine-tuning Code ... From page 15 or his relative’s company with a view to awarding the contract to the latter, or placing it in an advantageous position ahead of other competitive bidders.” Other examples include the unfair allocation of resources, like venues, to other parties for personal gain. Officials were also warned that the handling of classified or proprietary information is of utmost importance with adequate safeguards needed in place to prevent its abuse or misuse. “Examples of misuse include disclosure of information in return for monetary rewards, or use of information for personal interest or business benefit. It should also be noted that unauthorised disclosure of any personal data may result in a breach of the personal data.” With regard to properties and other state resources, the draft code warned that these are to be used solely for the purpose of conducting Government’s business and not for political party work. “Misappropriation or unauthorised use of such property or resources, such as for personal use or personal gain (e.g. resale or unauthorized leasing), is strictly prohibited. Facilities provided to Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders at Government expense to ensure fulfillment of their

official duties should not be used for political activities. Government property should not generally be used for constituency work or party activities.” The draft code also warned of excessive gambling and forbids any such activities on Government premises. Public office holders who wish to take up paid outside work, including those on a part-time basis, must seek the written approval of the Government before accepting the job. “Approval will not be given if the outside work is in conflict with the interest of the Government.” Regarding compliance with the code, the draft document insisted that it is the personal responsibility of every official to understand and comply with it, in particular by conscientiously avoiding any conflict of interest, and making declaration and seeking prior permission from the Government in any case of exception. Also included in the draft code is, “Any official or staff who violates any provision of the Code will be subject to disciplinary action, or termination of appointment/ employment where warranted. Members of the public may submit complaints to the Integrity Commission under Section 28 of the Integrity Commission Act with respect to perceived breaches of this Code of Conduct, or that of the Act.”

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Chronic Pains: An unnoticed disorder afflicting us By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Pain is usually associated with a wide range of injuries and diseases but can sometimes be a disease itself. When pain becomes the primary condition and is persistent then it can become debilitating for the affected person. If left untreated then loss of function can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts in some. This leads to a phenomenon called chronic pain syndrome which is becoming increasingly common and is becoming an affliction in society. Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three months. In many cases, this means that pain continues even after the injury or condition that first caused it has been treated. What causes chronic pain? The cause of chronic pain is not always clear. Sometimes it is caused by an ongoing medical problem, such as

arthritis or diabetic neuropathy (a form of nerve damage from diabetes). But doctors cannot always find the cause of chronic pain. In some cases, people with chronic pain must accept that their pain will never be explained. This does not mean that they have to accept their pain. It just means that they have to work with their doctor to address the pain, even if they don’t know its cause. What are the symptoms of chronic pain? The main symptom of chronic pain is, of course, pain. But the pain can affect the body in different ways. Some people have aches deep inside their muscle or bone. Some people have stabbing or shooting pain, often with tingling or numbness. And others have dull, throbbing pain. People who have chronic pain might have a hard time doing their usual activities, such as bathing or dressing. This can lead to depression and anxiety, and it can cause

At this time of year there are people who plan for the most attractive season of the year. Many would have squirreled away money for the big day. The sad reality is that there are those who have no intention of either working honestly or squirreling away anything. The robberies are going to continue but the perpetrators will not escape. ** There seems to be a rush to take the road fatality figures upward. Two more young men will be speeding in the eastern part of the country,

problems with sleep. Will I need tests? Your doctor may opt to do tests to figure out the cause of your pain but it’s important to understand that tests cannot always show the cause of pain. Scientists think that in some people, the pain signals in the brain stop working normally. The signals get “stuck” in the on position, even when the source of pain is gone. How is chronic pain treated? Treatments for chronic pain include both medicines and activities. No single treatment works for everyone. Your doctor will help you find the right mix of treatments for you. Treatment options include: * Medicines to relieve pain, improve sleep, or improve mood * Physical therapy to learn exercises and stretches * Relaxation therapy * Massage therapy * Injections (shots) of numbing or pain-relieving medicines into the spine or

ignoring the fact that there are other road users. The police would only pick up the pieces and the authorities will issue calls for commonsense. ** Politicians are interesting people. Those in the previous government were linked to corrupt practices, some of which were exposed. The allegation of corruption will not go away. A senior Minister in the present administration is going to be caught up in a corruption scandal that would set the whispers flying.

area with pain * Acupuncture * Surgery To find the best treatment for you: * Be open to trying new treatments and combinations of treatments. Sometimes you have to try a few different options before you find one that works best. * Set realistic goals for your treatment. Even if you can’t completely get rid of your pain, you might be able to control it enough so that you can do the things you want to do.If your doctor suggests a medicine that seems out of place, keep an open mind. Sometimes, doctors treat pain with medicines made to treat other medical problems. For example, doctors can use medicines for depression to treat pain because they work on areas of the brain that process pain. Doctors can also use medicines for seizures to treat pain, because they help with overactive nerves. Is there anything you can

do on your own to feel better? Yes. Some things to try include: * Use a heating pad or a cold pack on the painful area. Check with your doctor before trying this to make sure it is OK for your individual condition. * Practice relaxing. You can learn methods to relax your body, such as doing deep breathing exercises. Relaxing the mind can help with how the body feels pain. People can learn to quiet their pain or make it less bothersome. * Stay as active as possible. Walking, swimming, or biking can all help ease muscle and joint pain. If you are not active, your pain might get worse. If you haven’t been active for a while, start slowly. Make small increases in the intensity and amount of time you spend exercising. If exercising increases your pain, talk with your doctor. He or she might recommend a programme that can help you get more active.

Dr. Zulfikar Bux * If you feel depressed, talk to your doctor or family members about it. Chronic pain and depression often go together, and each can make the other worse. Getting treatment for your depression can make it easier to cope with your pain. Chronic pain should not prevent one from living. Finding the right treatment plan may take time and multiple visits to your doctor. Having patience, adhering to a plan and the willingness to try different treatment options is usually the least painful option.

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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==

Horrible embarrassing moments that were still funny How do people cope with embarrassing moments? Of course when you look back, you laugh because even though they may have been things you wished you never experienced, they were not of the kind that really traumatized you. I knew Marva Bancroft long before she married the then deputy Comptroller of Customs, Laurie Bankcroft. I knew Marva from my freshman days at UG. I got to know her husband when he joined the teaching staff at UG. When Marva died, I was attending the funeral of my friend and my friend’s wife St. Sidwell’s Church was packed with hundreds of mourners. They had to put chairs in the aisle. I arrived late and sat on one such chair. All I knew was my head was spinning and I heard a loud crash. The sound reverberated in the acoustic ambience of the church and made the noise louder. The chair collapsed and there I was flat on the ground with hundreds of mourners looking down at me. It was a rainy day and as I walked out of the church, I skidded on the mud and fell. The famous Clem Duncan who I believe has the wittiest sense of humour of

any human I ever met, said; “Freddie, like a spirit waan get yuh boy.” My wife cracked up with laugh. Seriously, Clem Duncan can make even the most lugubrious person laugh. My daughter’s school, St. Agnes on Church Street, had their day of sports at the Guyana Football Club (GFC). My kid was about six years then. I didn’t own a car in those days so I took her to the ground in a taxi. It was a hot tropical morning identical to the ones Guyana is having these days. I wore white denim jeans with a jersey. I sat on the grass way at the back of the ground. The grass was bleached as if it had hundreds of gallons of Marvex thrown on it. I felt a cold feeling under my backside. I jumped up to find the entire backside of my trousers had taken on the colour of feces. What happened is that the bleached grass was wet at that part of the ground so naturally one’s clothes when they come into contact with the soggy grass would leave a brown stain. This was one of the most horribly embarrassing moments in my life. My jersey was not long enough to cover

that part of my trousers. Anyone looking at my jeans would think I defecated in my underwear. There was no way I was walking out of that ground in that condition. Sometimes Lady Luck is there for us. History is always moved in invisible ways by Lady Luck. A parent had his bicycle nearby, away from the maddening crowd. I used it to ride away in front of all the parents, teachers and children without even one person knowing what happened to me. I didn’t live too far from the GFC (on Hadfield Street, Wortmanville next to the NIS). It is only now I will admit that I didn’t tell my little daughter I was leaving the ground. I wasn’t going far and I knew she was safe with a large group of kids with teachers’

supervision. I remember Yesu Persaud invited me to his 80th birthday. Wild horses couldn’t have pulled me away from attending. Yesu Persaud will always be dear to me. My wife wore a special dress for the occasion. I donned a special necktie that I kept to cherish my memories of Father Andrew Morrison, editor of the Catholic Standard, who taught me the essentials of journalism. As we were about to drive off, my wife asked if I had the invitation. I didn’t; why would I need it? She said to get the invitation since for all the decades we knew Yesu, we didn’t know where in Republic Park he lived. I went back in the house, got the envelope and gave it to my wife. I drove off only to hear my wife yelling; “stop,

stop!” The birthday was the next Saturday. I got the dates mixed up. My wife was livid. I had just arrived in Grenada (in 1983) to take up a government appointed and barely got into my hotel room when I was told that Harry Belafonte’s wife wanted to see me urgently. She sent a taxi. Why me? I didn’t know her at all. When I met her at her hotel, she was with Jacqueline Creft, Minister of Education and Culture and the wife of American professor of international law, Richard Falk. Minister Creft

Frederick Kissoon confused me with the Trinidadian playwright, Freddie Kissoon. The meeting ended right there.

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Splashmins promises ‘crazy’ fun and adventure with new tour package

Staffers at Splashmins experience the day-tour By Romila Boodram Are you tired of working or being at home all the time? Do you want to get away from your everyday life for a day and relax but just don’t know where to go or what to do? Well, there is no need to worry any more or have a “semi-vacation” in your dreams at nights when you can have one in reality with Splashmin’s Resort, Eco-Adventure Park and Tours. In a matter of days, the company will be introducing its one-day tour package which is guaranteed to take you to paradise and bring you back home in just a day. All you need to do is get on the phone and start making arrangements. The day will start with tourists being briefed a little on Guyanese’s history as they journey up the East Bank Demerara (EBD) roadway to the fun park which is located up the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. It is an approximately 45 minutes drive from the city and 15 minutes from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. At the resort, tourists will

be offered a little snack before their exciting day gets started. There is no need to walk with a change of clothes since the gift shop caters for all sizes and at prices that can suit your pocket. For nature lovers, the day tour will be an unforgettable experience with lots of water activities, bird watching and hiking at the Eco-Adventure Park. Persons can also campout at the Eco-park for the night. There will be a tour through the unique and extravagant villas located at the back of the resort and surrounded by the man-made sand beach which is washed by a mystical black water lake. Also, on the agenda is lots of fun activities including cricket, volleyball, football, basketball, canoeing and jet boating. The first half of the day will be spent at the resort and after a hearty lunch, the guests will be taken over to the eco-park where they can relax in a quiet and calm environment surrounded by trees, sand and water. At the eco-resort, tourists

can enjoy fishing and they can take advantage of an opportunity to showcase their cooking expertise by opting to Barbeque at the park. The tour also caters for the “adventurous lovers” who can enjoy an evening of fine dining at the resort’s restaurant and then end the night in the honeymoon suite. Also, wine lovers will get a chance to sample a variety of different local wines at the Pandama Retreat and Winery, located just a short distance from the resort. As the day comes to an end, at least one person will get a chance to “win back” something from the company. It could be a night at the hotel or an evening at the restaurant. General Manager for Splashmins, Pamela Manasseh said in an effort to make sure people are more aware of the resort and what it has to offer, a group of managers came up with the idea of offering day-tour packages. She said that they will be looking forward to having tours daily and a total of nine persons will be catered for on each.

The gift shop

A customer looking for the right-fit

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MY COLUMN

The revolving prison door and plastic money There are some robberies that make people realize that there are those among us who are bent on making a living the violent way. Last week there were reports of a robbery at Mahaicony. When those things happen I conclude that someone in the district acts as the point guy and contacts his friends in other part of the country. So there we had this robbery during which the perpetrators not only relieved the business place of its wealth but also the video recorder that would have captured the images. For the latter to happen, someone had to brief the perpetrators. The robbery was executed, the perpetrators decided to escape but lo and behold, misery was to befall them. The car crashed and one of them was caught. The others decided to run into the backlands but when a community reacts, it is often difficult for people to escape in a community that they do not know. To their credit, the police responded. In the Kaieteur News’ newsroom we were fed a constant. We heard that the police were sending in reinforcements. We also

heard that the police, with support from the community had surrounded an area in which the people were certain that the bandits were hiding. I put myself in the position of the bandits and I felt the nervousness. That had to be the longest night. No water to drink and the insects perhaps having some fun on the bodies in the bush. Daylight came and some enterprising resident opted to go for a barb-cue. No one wants to be roasted alive, not even the suicidal person who opts for self-immolation. So the bandits came out. Two were shot. The word is that one is blinded at least in one eye and the other may lose his arm. Indeed, there have been a spate of robberies and I am left to wonder at the number of people who are prepared to live a life of crime. This brings up the situation of the criminal justice system. We are now hearing that a perennial criminal was caught in the mix. This criminal was reportedly wanted for murder and for attempted murder. He was never held but they say that he was known to the police. There are even reports that he was shot some time back.

My worry is that many of these people are arrested and passed through the courts. They then get bail and return to a life of crime even before the first case is over. I can’t say anyone is to blame because of an offence is bailable then the person should be granted bail. Where I have a problem is with granting this person bail a second time even before the first matter is disposed of. One argument is that the prisons are full therefore the courts must do something about the overcrowding. I remember when there was a public call for alternative sentencing. But when all is said and done the society must be protected. And it is here that the commercial banks have a great role to play. It is common knowledge that Guyana is a cash oriented society. We always feel that if we do not have cash in our pockets then we have no money. But in this day and age when the world is fast moving away from cash and since we are a people who follow developments in the world we should be doing the same. Some of the commercial banks are trying their utmost to limit the extent of cash

spending. For example one bank advertises banking from one’s own home. They all offer debit and credit cards which are as safe as they can be. We do know that people actually steal the credit cards of others but once the holder can prove that he did not use it his money is safe. And in any case, in Guyana, there are not too many credit card thefts. Besides, the banks actually track how one spends so that when something extraordinary happens the banks would immediately call the holder. What is certain is that one’s money is protected. Indeed, there are those who try their damnedest to avoid paying taxes so they prefer cash. Even the stores encourage tax dodging but the bottom line is that when the criminal strikes he takes much more than what the tax man would have taken. I am sure that if the criminals were not certain about cash they would not

have attacked the home. I remember going into some of the major stores in the United States and being amazed at how little cash there is in the register. People simply do not carry around a lot of cash. In fact, by habit people pay with their cards. This is what we should be doing in Guyana. Instead, we see people withdrawing piles of money from a bank. Many lose all and sometimes their lives. A few business places accept these cards. That is also the case with the major entities such as Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company and Guyana Power and Light. The supermarkets are just as accommodating. One would need a few dollars to buy small items and for the market place but that should be all. There should be a law that prohibits people from walking around with lots of cash. I noticed that a prominent businessman had a little too much cash floating around

Adam Harris and he got charged for money laundering. Another whom we call the cash jet man was fetching another set of cash and he is in hot water and probably facing jail time. I think it is time for us to learn. Until then, we will always be the target for criminals.

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Community development By David A. Granger Community development is not merely a matter of investing in beautiful buildings, hiring a huge staff, or acquiring expensive equipment. It is about changing people’s lives. Community development cannot ignore the fact that there could be great disparities between living conditions of different groups within a community. The challenge facing governments is to ensure that national growth translates into improved living conditions and well-being for citizens at the local level. Communities have been neglected for a long time. Many of our communities are run-down, decaying, unsanitary and unsafe. The roads are potholed. Parapets are unkempt. Drains and canals have not been cleaned for years; they are clogged up and stink. Playfields are overgrown with foliage or are in a state of neglect and abandonment. Recreation and entertainment facilities are scarce. Road lights are insufficient. Garbage disposal is unsafe and unsanitary; residents, in many communities, still resort to burning their garbage in the open. Others simply create dumpsites not far from residential areas. Building and zoning codes are ignored. The problems of community development are related to the over-centralised approach to local government, the exclusion of civil society and non-governmental organisations and the failure to hold elections; the neglect of local government. Guyana has not had local government elections since 1994. There has been no renewal for 21 years. Local authorities have, as a result, been denuded of elected officials owing to attrition. Local

authorities have become dysfunctional. Politicalappointed councils were imposed on other communities. An obsession with centralization and disembowelment of local authorities replaced policies of decentralization and empowerment. Many communities, consequently, are in disarray today. A huge void exists between national development and local development. Civil society Community and nongovernmental and civil society organizations play a critical role in bridging this governance gap. These organizations have a decisive role to play in animating development within communities. They are the conduits through which the benefits of growth can flow to local people. These groups have the knowledge of local conditions; they are in touch with the needs of the people; their leaders are drawn from the communities; their familiarity with local conditions and these organizations can effectively mobilize resources for community development. Community organizations are also indispensable partners in addressing social ills, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence, suicide and teenage pregnancies. The active participation of community and nongovernmental organizations is needed to address these ills. I n t e r n a t i o n a l organizations have long recognized the worth of community and nongovernmental organizations. These organizations are favoured channels for development assistance. Increasingly, donor organizations seek these organizations to boost

community development. Guyana needs effective community and civil society organizations. These organizations occupy the space that is becoming enlarged in free and open societies. These organizations represent an important constituency. They are often the voice of the common man. These voices cannot be ignored. VALUES The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has signalled a change of orientation by making a change in organisation. The former Ministry of Local Government was renamed the ‘Ministry of Communities.’ That is not a cosmetic change. It emphasises a new philosophy. We intend to develop a national policy for communities by improving collaboration with residents and organizations. We are committed to an inclusive and participatory process. We will not impose any policy upon civil society

unless there has been extensive and exhaustive consultation. Our policy will be based on a five pillars: · Education: Members must be educated in the values of community service. These values include a sense of responsibility, regional identity, reliability and integrity. These values cannot be learnt intuitively; they have to be inculcated in the uninitiated; they have to be taught in our homes, our schools, our churches, our mandirs, our masjids and NGOs. · Orientation: Guyana is going green again. Climate change is forever. Communities must be taught to adopt and implement measures to effectively address environmental issues. These include the use of renewable energy – from wind, wave, water, biogas and solar sources – the removal and recycling of waste. · Organisation: The capacity and training of NGOs and community organizations must be boosted so that they

can improve the services they provide to communities and better manage their operations. The Government will work with NGOs and community organizations to build increased capacity. · Obligation: The Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring that NGO’s are accountable for the funds they solicit and receive. We would like to ensure that there are adequate safeguards against these organizations becoming conduits for illicit funds. · Mobilisation. The government is prepared to assist in the mobilisation of support for NGOs by offering limited financial incentives. Such a system will remove the favouritism and replace it with measures aimed at supporting the work of these organizations. We do not wish, however, to make NGOs dependent on State handouts. Their value is in their independence. The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has no intention of

President David

interfering in the internal work of NGOs and community organizations. We would like to see these organizations do more to enhance the living conditions within communities. We would like to see them provide better education especially for disadvantaged young people. We would like to see them provide succour and support to the vulnerable including single parents, the elderly and the infirm. We would like to see these organizations boldly confronting the numerous social ills in our society.

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SUNDAY SPECIAL US$5M CLEANUP PROGRAMME… TENS OF MILLION$ UNACCOUNTED FOR - LITTLE EVIDENCE GUYANAGOT VALUE - AUDITOR GENERAL REPORT Last year, the Donald Ramotar Government allocated $1B when it launched a countrywide cleanup programme. The exercise – cleaning of drains and cemeteries and host of other initiatives, was heavily hyped. But State auditors, examining the expenditure, found little evidence that all the monies were spent and that Guyana received value for the tax dollars. Heading the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development at the time was Minister Norman Whittaker. The Auditor General’s report of last year’s National spending flagged the programme which is now under investigation. According to the recently tabled report of the Audit Office for 2014, the full sum was said to have been expended. However, auditors were hard-pressed to find evidence of where some of the monies went. “…Despite repeated requests, all payment vouchers together with the requisite supporting documents were not presented for audit verification,” the Audit Office noted. As a matter of fact, amounts totalling $345M were expended on the acquisition of tools and equipment including tractor and trailers, mini excavators and skid steer loader. According to the records kept at the Ministry, the tools were issued to various community groups to carry out the exercise and should have been returned at the completion. However, audit checks revealed that both used and new tools were stored in the same area with no means of distinguishing the new from used. In addition, these items were not properly stored to enable a physical verification. “Further, Goods Received Notes and Internal Stores Requisitions were not prepared for the receipt and issue of these items. In view of the foregoing, we could not have verified whether all the items were received, properly brought to account, and whether proper control was exercised over their use,” the Auditor Office said. Also included in the sum of $345M was a payment of $1M for one flatbed trailer. However, auditors discovered a cheque dated December 8, 2014, payable to Massy Industries Guyana Ltd still on hand at the Ministry in June 2015. The cheque had become staledated. According to records, another sum for $303.7M was transferred to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Collin Croal, for the clean-up exercises in various communities. However, only 46 payment vouchers amounting to $160M were submitted for audit. NO POLITICAL INTERFERENCE CREDITED TO GUYSUCO’S TURNAROUND – DR. CLIVE THOMAS

Dr. Clive Thomas

For years, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) had been performing poorly. Several sugar estates were failing to meet weekly and annual production targets and the management of the State-owned company, among other factors, was blamed for the industry’s poor health. But since the APNU+AFC coalition has taken hold of the reigns of governance, GuySuCo seems to be making some improvements; the kind which has its new Chairman, Dr. Clive Thomas elated. GuySuCo recently reported that several estates have not only been meeting weekly targets but surpassing them. Even the controversial $200M Skeldon Factory has improved in its daily production. In mid October, the corporation said that Skeldon saw its highest daily production since its commissioning in 2009. It recorded 515 tonnes of sugar, surpassing its previous highest of 501 tonnes which was achieved in September 2012. It said, too, that with just two and half months left in the year, sugar production is on course with almost 78 percent of the target completed. With regard to production, GuySuCo disclosed that it produced 10,254 tonnes of sugar for the week ending October 16, surpassing the 10,000 tonnes mark for the third time this crop. Estates at Skeldon, Albion, Blairmont, East Demerara and Uitvlugt have all surpassed their weekly targets while Rose Hall Estate achieved 97 percent. President David Granger

MONDAY EDITION GRANGER TO DECREE NOV. 1 AS DEFENCE FORCE DAY …AS GDF CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE As the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) celebrates its 50th anniversary, President David Granger has indicated his intention to declare November 1st as Defence Force Day. President Granger made the declaration during a church service held last Sunday at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) to commemorate the Force’s anniversary. Granger said that the decision was a token of gratitude to the men and women of the GDF, past, present and future. ”As a token of the gratitude of the nation to our military men and women, I intend to declare that today, the First of November – and that this day every year hereafter – shall be observed throughout the nation as Defence Force Day.” According to the retired Brigadier, it was his honour to be Guyana’s newest Commanderin-Chief during the GDF’s important milestone. He noted that the Force came into being on November 1, 1965, right at the time when Guyana was preparing to gain independence from Britain. “The nation is eternally grateful to the men and women who continue to serve with commitment, with constancy and with courage in the Guyana Defence Force,” Granger stressed.

He further highlighted that, under Guyana’s constitution, the Force’s duty is to “defend national independence, preserve the country’s sovereignty and integrity, and guarantee the normal functioning of institutions and the security of citizens against any form of armed aggression.” He said that, for 50 years, the Force has admirably upheld this constitutional obligation to the nation. He also said that the Force has been functioning in strict compliance with the Defence Act, which tasks the GDF with the duty to watch “valiantly and vigilantly” over the nation’s land and sea borders as well as protect Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. CONTINUED GAWU-LED PROTEST COULD SPELL GRIM CHRISTMAS FOR SUGAR WORKERS – GUYSUCO Sugar workers and their families may face a grim Christmas, if the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) continues its strike action. This is according to a statement issued by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) last week Sunday. The Corporation recalled sugar workers took strike action for three days over the delay in negotiations for a nine percent increase in wages and salaries. GAWU which reportedly stirred the workers to conduct the protest in the first place, subsequently brought an end to it while demanding that talks on the crucial topic commence by Saturday November 31, 2015. Seepaul Narine, GAWU’s General Secretary, had made the demands of the union known, in a letter addressed to Deodat Sukhu, GuySuCo’s Chief Industrial Relations Manager. GuySuCo has since invited GAWU for a meeting and it was welcomed by GAWU which calls it a long overdue step. GAWU has accepted the invitation. ”It is our fervent hope that this meeting is the start of negotiations in earnest on the wages issue for 2015,” GAWU had said. However, there still appears to be some lingering rumors of strike action to continue should the demands of GAWU not be met. In light of this, GuySuCo has asked workers to be patient and not proceed with such a course of action as the corporation is losing millions. TUESDAY EDITION AGREEMENT REACHED TO FAST TRACK MEXICAN RICE DEAL – PRIME MINISTER As Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo continues his discussions with Mexican officials to iron out details of a rice export agreement, Mexico has indicated its willingness to fast track the paddy deal. This is according to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), which revealed that Mexican Minister of Agriculture, Jose Calzada, has now given assurances that the paddy deal with Guyana would be fast tracked. Calzada is reported to have also committed to encouraging the private sector to enter into contracts with Guyanese millers. The Paddy imports reportedly carry a nine per cent tariff. It was first reported by the Office of the Prime Minister that Nagamootoo, while attending the Open Governance Summit in Mexico City on October 27, met with Minister Calzada. During that meeting a commitment was made to buy some of Guyana’s paddy. The Government has been stepping up efforts, by using the diplomatic processes to find alternative international markets. The statistics released by Government show that Guyana’s production in the first half of 2015 was 359,960 tonnes, 15.3 percent more than last year’s record high first-half production of 312,283 tonnes.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Back in July, Venezuela had issued a directive for Guyana to cease all paddy and rice shipments to the country with immediate effect, months before the PetroCaribe agreement/ contract was scheduled to come to an end. Venezuela’s decision regarding the rice deal came at a time when it was claiming sovereignty over Guyana’s waters since the significant oil find by American oil giant, Exxon Mobil just 100 miles off of the Stabroek Block. However subsequent reports had indicated that Venezuela had only instructed Guyana to ‘slow down’ shipments and return to the original shipping patterns. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had also provided assurances that the deal was not in jeopardy, and that shipments had actually overwhelmed the Venezuelan rice officials, necessitating the directive. Government acknowledgement that the deal was indeed off was followed by protests from rice farmers. These protests were visible as late as last week Wednesday, with farmers in Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, protesting for similar interventions and concessions as other industries were getting. TAXI DRIVER DIED FROM BLOWS TO HEAD

Dead: Sherland Adrian Dalloo Taxi driver Sherland Dalloo was clubbed in the head before being dumped in a canal in a remote section of Onverwagt, No 27, West Coast Berbice. A post mortem examination conducted by Dr. Vivikandan Brijmohan revealed that Dalloo died from shock and haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head. However, police are still to track down Dalloo’s killers or to ascertain the motive for his death. The taxi driver’s decomposing remains were found at around 06.30 hrs last week Sunday in a desolate area about three and a half miles off the West Berbice Public Road… The victim was clad in a yellow T-shirt, blue jeans and Timberland boots. A brother of Dalloo’s identified the remains from the clothing. Police suspect that Dalloo was taken to the location and slain sometime between Thursday and Friday. His corpse was then dumped into the canal and covered with weeds. According to investigators, they received an anonymous call at around 07:00 hrs last week Sunday from a farmer grazing his cows about a body floating in a trench. But the body is believed to have been first seen by some villagers who were hunting iguanas in the back lands. They became aware of the stench and upon checking saw the body under some weeds in the canal. The man’s car, a silver- grey 212 Toyota (Continued on page 33)

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Kaieteur News

(From page 32) Carina motor car with number plate HB 8729. A vehicle which was torched a few days before in the same area is being examined by detectives for any evidence. Investigators are also going over security camera footage of vehicles that would have crossed the Demerara Harbour Bridge on the day that Dalloo vanished. It was reported that Dalloo left home at around 07:30hrs on Monday, October 26, to solicit passengers at Parika. His mother, Bhanmatty Dalloo, had told Kaieteur News that at around lunchtime she called Sherland to inform him that lunch was ready. However, she said that he informed her that he had to transport a passenger to Georgetown. WEDNESDAY EDITION HEAVILYARMED GANG ROBS, TERRORISES MONEY CHANGERS About 10 men dressed in black and armed with high-powered weapons executed a daring robbery on America Street Tuesday evening that has left several money changers reeling from their losses. The bandits, who arrived on five Honda CG motorcycles and in a car, created pandemonium as they released a volley of bullets in every direction before fleeing with millions in cash and jewellery taken from money changers on America and Longden Streets. It was a scene reminiscent of the 1999 raid on the location which was carried out by the late notorious bandit Linden ‘Blackie’ London and his gang. But this time around, the men struck in the evening and were able to make a clean getaway. And despite the several shots that were fired, no one was reportedly injured. Among those robbed was money changer Ryburn Fraser, 47. “Dem bannas carry away about $1.5M and change in cash plus gold,” he said. Fraser, who has been a money changer for 25 years, said he counted about 10 heavily armed men with big machine guns and AK47s. Still in shock, he said he had mere minutes earlier called a taxi driver to take him home when the gunmen rolled up. ”All I see was five bikes roll up and dem men seh ‘pass the f%#@%&g money before we kill yah mudda S@%&#’.” The gunmen collected $300,000 cash which he had in his hand and also snatched his bag containing the rest of money. Expressing disgust at his harrowing ordeal, he said while there were surveillance cameras in the vicinity “These bannas just didn’t care, they even carry away my phone…. It was like when ‘Blackie’ de come and rob people out hey.” The father of four said the robbery brought fresh recollection of another robbery he had experienced on January 25 when he was relieved of more than $1M and shot seven times outside his lot 2688 Manatee Place, South Ruimveldt home. POLICE PROBINGALLEGED BRIBERY IN CRUM-EWING COURT CASE – ACTIVIST CLAIMS COURT POLICE RECEIVED SUSPICIOUS BLACK BAG The ongoing Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the high-profile killing of activist Courtney Crum-Ewing has hit a major snag with the police now investigating claims of bribery. Tuesday, Mark Jacobs, an activist and friend of the late Crum-Ewing, was asked to give a statement to police at the Brickdam Station after an explosive claim on his Facebook page over the weekend in which he detailed what appeared to be suspicious activities at the Georgetown Magistrates Court.

Robbed money changer, Ryburn Fraser Jacobs again Tuesday posted a full statement on the alleged bribery, sparking concerns. Crum-Ewing was gunned down in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, on March 10th, 2015 while campaigning against the then government for the May 11th General Election. His killing drew widespread anger and a call for police to bring the persons responsible to justice. On August 7th, 37-year-old Regan Rodrigues also known as ‘Grey Boy’ of Riverview, Ruimveldt, and who was well known to the police, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore and was remanded to prison, after he was charge for Crum Ewing’s murder. The court matter involving Rodrigues seemed to be progressing well in the Georgetown Magistrates Court until two Thursdays ago, October 29th, when Jacobs said things took a suspicious twist. In his statement, the activist who had joined Crum-Ewing on several of the peaceful protests in front the offices of the Attorney General on Carmichael Street earlier this year, said that he received a call on Thursday from Eustace Harcourt, stepfather of the late CrumEwing, who said that the matter was being held in Court 5. Jacobs claimed that prior to this, he was informed that the Police Prosecutor in the case had allegedly contacted the Rodrigues family requesting $3M to fix it. THURSDAY EDITION AMERICA STREET ROBBERY, TERROR ATTACK…SUSPECT IN CUSTODY, OTHERS BEING HUNTED – CRIME CHIEF One suspect has been arrested and police have received intelligence that points to the positive identification of some of the heavily armed gunmen who robbed and terrorized America Street money changers on Tuesday night. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said, Wednesday evening, that the suspect who is in custody, is known to the police for being in gun robberies. He also confirmed that the police are pursuing suspects based on intelligence that have positively revealed the identity of several suspects. “We are also pursuing all avenues to apprehend them in the fastest possible time. While noting that a quantity of spent shells representing those used in the robbery as coming from high powered weapons such as AK47 and M70 rifles, he said there were also some 9mm spent shells removed from the

scene. Based on police investigations thus far, three persons were robbed, including Ryburn Fraser, who lost $1.5M in cash and jewellery, Osafo Warde, who lost about $400,000 and another person according to police sources identified as Chief Mike who was relieved of his cellular phones. Meanwhile, Wednesday the normally busy America Street was quiet as many of the money changers were visibly absent from their usual spots following Tuesday’s brazen armed gang attack. This publication counted five small money changers who were not keen on talking about the ordeal of the night before but all agreed that life goes on. Among the lot was one who had to run for his life the night before. He informed that “most of dem bannaz stay away today (Wednesday) but I got to live. So I taking my chances, plus we got more police circling.” Another said that he couldn’t be bothered about the issue of the night before. “I wasn’t there and so I’m not bothered.” POLICE CAPTURE ONE BANDIT AFTER GETAWAY CAR CRASHES …HUNTING THREE OTHERS IN MAHAICONY BACKLANDS Up to late Wednesday night, police ranks on the East Coast Demerara were still pursuing three bandits who are believed to be cornered in the Mahaicony backlands after they carried out a brutal robbery on the J. Singh and Sons Supermarket at La Raisonable, Mahaicony Wednesday afternoon. The cops have managed to capture one of the bandits after the stolen car they were using in their getaway crashed into a trench at Fairfield, Mahaica, a few miles away, while they were trying to elude a trailing police vehicle. The men had earlier held 45-year old business woman, Lakranie Singh, and her employees at gunpoint, and after beating her savagely about her body, escaped with an undisclosed sum of cash, jewellery and other valuables. The men appeared to be well informed about the supermarket layout since they also took away a DVR, which recorded footage from surveillance cameras that are located at strategic points on the premises. A shaken Lakranie Singh, who was treated at the Mahaicony Hospital for injuries she received, told this newspaper that she was on the premises with her workers around 14:00 hours when the four bandits stormed the place. The woman said that while two of the bandits accosted her workers, one of them snatched her and dragged her into the supermarket, beating her, while demanding cash and valuables. ”They proper beat me, and pull me inside. They beat me terrible,” Singh told Kaieteur News. She said the bandit warned her not to make noise to alarm anyone. ”I had on some Indian wear and he took that,” Singh said. Meanwhile, the other bandits were busy robbing her employees and rummaging through her property, looking for valuables. According to Mrs. Singh, customers who were about to enter the supermarket, saw what was taking place and backed off and alerted other residents. The villagers responded but by the time they were fully mobilized, the bandits had made a hasty retreat, using Singh’s Toyota IST to aid in their getaway.

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FRIDAY EDITION FEDS CHARGE PROMINENT GUYANESE FOR MONEY LAUNDERING A prominent Guyanese businessman has been charged by the US Feds for money laundering. The businessman, Haresh Narine ‘Chinee’ Sugrim, who imports heavy duty mining and other equipment, was detained at the JFK Airport on Tuesday and read money laundering charges the following day. The businessman, who has operations and properties in Berbice and Demerara, is reportedly being accused of laundering US$500,000. He was placed on US$1M bail following his appearance in the New York court. According to reports, Sugrim travelled to Florida on Monday on business. On Tuesday, he took a flight to New York. It was while he was in the parking lot, outside of JFK Airport, that he was approached by officers from Nassau County. He was later handed over to the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Relatives of the well-known Government supplier of equipment parts, including excavators and road-making machines, said that the matter is all a misunderstanding that would be cleared up. They said that a few months ago, Sugrim and a close friend in New York decided to buy a property there. Monies taken from Guyana, in cash and cheques and declared at the airports, were deposited in the bank account of the friend in New York. However, the FBI was alerted to the cash deposits, which amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars and pulled the friend in for questioning. The feds wanted to know the origins of the monies. The friend reportedly said the monies belonged to the businessman. According to relatives, Sugrim is a well-known businessman who has holdings in Guyana and can substantiate where the money came from. It is expected that Sugrim’s lawyers will now move to produce evidence to support Sugrim’s arguments that the monies came from legitimate transactions. COPS CAPTURE MAHAICONY BANDITS AFTER 18-HOUR STAKEOUT —SUSPECT CAME “CRAWLING OUT LIKE AN INSECT”AFTER BUSHES SETALIGHT After a night of patience and painstaking vigilance, police, aided by residents were early Thursday morning able to capture two more bandits from a gang that had rai d e d a Mahaicony supermarket the previous day. Unable to hold out any longer after fire was set to the bushes in which they had sought refuge on Wednesday night, the bandits came crawling out and landed into the hands of the waiting police. One of the bandits who was captured Thursaday, a 21-year old labourer from Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, was shot in the right shoulder and is presently under police guard at the Georgetown Hospital. So too is one of his colleagues, a 51-year old man from Charlestown in the city, who is likely to lose an eye after he received several shotgun pellets to his face. The other bandit captured Thursday was positively identified by some of the victims of the robbery which took place at the J. Singh and Sons Supermarket at La Reasonable, Mahaicony. Police were able to recover some of the stolen items including a DVR, which had recorded some of the bandits’ operation, and (Continued on page 34)

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(From page 33) some jewellery. They also recovered a 9mm pistol with three matching rounds. BABY SUFFERS HEAD INJURYAFTER FALL IN MATERNITY WARD – NURSE SENT ON LEAVE, HEALTH MINISTER ORDERS PROBE Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton has ordered an investigation to ascertain how a baby boy ended up with head injuries on Tuesday in the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Maternity Ward. There are reports that a nurse dropped the newborn, minutes after his mother delivered him, while another report suggests that the baby fell off a warming bed. Kaieteur News understands that a CT-scan revealed bleeding in the child’s brain. The baby’s parents, Pholmattie Ramjattan and Akeem Balgobin, told Kaieteur News that hospital authorities have informed them that the newborn will have to undergo surgery to stop the bleeding. However, the parents have been warned that their child has a 50/50 chance of survival. The baby is in the hospital’s Neonatal-Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The Minister of Public Health, Dr. George

Kaieteur News

Norton Thursday said that the baby fell from the warming bed in the Maternity Ward. He explained that immediately after the incident was reported to him, he ordered an investigation which included the nurse in question, the ward supervisor, the doctors and all the nurses who were on duty. He said too that he ordered that the nurse be sent on leave to facilitate the investigation. According to the Public Health Minister, if the investigation reveals that the newborn baby fell as a result of negligence, action will be taken against the people involved. SATURDAY EDITION THOUSANDS OF GALLONS OF ILLEGAL FUEL SEIZED FROM MAHAICA PROPERTY …BUSINESSMAN, STAFF ABANDON OPERATION Thousands of gallons of illegal fuel were seized when the Guyana Energy Agency swooped down on a Mahaica property, on Monday. The operation that was carried out on Monday by the Guyana Revenue Authority anti smuggling section and marine operations unit which swooped down on the property at

Mahaica Old Road. Harrilall Motilall aka Ginga Harry owns the property. While no one can point any fingers, according to sources close to the investigation, the property owner apparently got wind of the impending operation before it happened and fled the location. His staff did likewise. The source said that efforts were made to dump the illegal fuel because when officers arrived at the location they found fuel being pumped from one of the tanks into the Mahaica Creek. The location was secured by heavily armed Law Enforcement Officers until Guyana Energy Agency technicians arrived at the location. The entire operation was based on a tipoff. According to reports from officials of the GEA, the property is fortified with concrete fencing and steel doors that are more than 20 feet high. MAHAICONY BANDIT WANTED FOR LINDEN BUSINESSWOMAN’S MURDER - SUSPECT IN SHOOTING OF TAXI DRIVER, ARMED ROBBERIES One of the prime suspects in Wednesday’s robbery at a Mahaicony supermarket appears to be a dangerous career criminal who is wanted for murder and a string of other seri-

Sunday November 08, 2015

ous crimes in four police divisions. The suspect, who is said to be a Charlestown, Georgetown resident known as ‘Gun Youth,’ is one of three men who police captured after an intense, 18-hour stakeout. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect gave police a fictitious name, but detectives eventually identified him. They have established that he is a suspect in the murder of 45-year-old businesswoman, Shevon Gordon, who was shot dead near her Block 22, Wismar, Linden home last April. Two men were subsequently charged. Soon after, police received statements from individuals who identified ‘Gun Youth’ as the person who pulled the trigger. He is also a suspect in a grocery store heist at New Amsterdam, Berbice, which occurred in January. He was wounded after allegedly shooting at police ranks, who had cornered him at a house at Stanleytown, Berbice.Police said that ‘Gun Youth’ is also wanted for the attempted murder of a taxi driver, who was shot in East La Penitence this year. Further, he is believed to have committed an armed robbery at a Popeye fast food establishment. ‘Gun Youth’ was captured on Wednesday night after the car in which the Mahaicony bandits were escaping crashed at Mahaica.

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Kaieteur News

Diabetes Awareness Month Message - Improved health and wellbeing after you are diagnosed with diabetes By Dr. Kumar Sukhraj

The month of November is designated as National Diabetes Month. During this month there are many activities to help educate people about diabetes, help those at risk to get checked and take action, and help those who have diabetes to manage it. For anyone who was diagnosed with diabetes, it is not easy to face the facts. However, acceptance is the first step toward controlling your diabetes, feeling better and living a longer and a healthier life. Here are some tips to get started on the path towards improved health and wellbeing after you are diagnosed with diabetes. There are good news and bad news for people living with diabetes. The good news is that controlling your diabetes, which means keeping your blood sugar at healthy levels and reducing your chances of diabetes complications ranging from heart disease to foot damage, is something that you can do. However, the bad news is that keeping your diabetes under control is up to you, and it’s not always easy. Many people with diabetes have found out after having a major complication

such as a heart attack, stroke, or diabetic coma, etc., or people may have experienced symptoms such as blurry vision or excessive thirst, or just happened to find out from a routine blood test during a check-up. In whatever way you are diagnosed, it’s difficult to make sudden lifestyle changes. Most people need to gather their wits, talk to the experts and get up to speed on a confusing array of medical terms. However there are a few things you need to do right way. Please Don’t let the past haunt you. Type two diabetes is partly genetic and many people may have childhood memories of grandparents or other relatives with diabetes who died after amputations, blindness, heart attacks, or strokes. In recent years a lot have changed due to the advances in technology. Our fore parents had no way to test their blood sugar at home, little or no medication options, and limited knowledge about the benefits of diet and exercise. We can count our blessings and acknowledge that there are lots of options/tools to control diabetes. Understanding what is meant by the term moderation and consistency. These are important words for diabetic patients to understand. You need to learn how to eat at consistent times, limit your total calories, and space your carbohydrate intake throughout the day. Even exercise needs to be done on a routine, because it can help to lower blood glucose. People who do not take control of their diet and do not exercise have a lot of difficulties in controlling their blood glucose. Don’t beat yourself up because you are diagnosed with diabetes. Many people may ask the question — ”What did I do?” What you

need to do is to move past this. You could feel bad or guilty, but the more quickly you move on to “What can I do about this?” the better it is for you. Please do not panic. Many people are horrified when they hear the word diabetes. It could be the idea of using insulin needles, pricking their finger to test blood sugar, or never eating a piece of cake again. There are a lot of myths floating around about diabetes (such as you can never eat cake). Seek professional help from a diabetes educator or other people living with diabetes and enquire what you can eat, whether insulin hurts, or how difficult it is to prick your own finger. You may find that these aren’t as bad as you expected. Don’t be too rigid about treatment options. Many diabetics may feel that they never want to take oral medication or insulin. Or they may think they could never control diabetes with diet and exercise. According to the American Diabetes Association patients can initially treat type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes (improved diet, more exercise, and weight loss) and the oral medication metformin. What works best will depend on your individual circumstances. Once you take control over your blood sugar levels then you are on the way to lowering your risk for diabetic complications. These are words of encouragement to help people accept their illness and make an effort to control it. (Please feel free to send an email to kumarsukhraj@yahoo.com or call 622-8032 for further enquiry and discussion on the topic. Patient education plays an important in the diagnosis and management of diabetes and any other illness.)

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Sunday November 08, 2015

Murder near a melon farm By Michael Jordan There are at least three people who know for sure what happened six years ago at Number 63 Beach, Corentyne. One of them is a girl named Susan Hernandez. The second is a mysterious killer. The third is a former New Amsterdam Multilateral School student named Vivian Singh Balrup. He’s the victim

in this story. His father, Kirpaul Singh Balrup, doesn’t believe he’s being told the entire truth about how Vivian was killed, and on the sixth anniversary of his son’s death, he is still trying to find out who murdered his boy, and why. What Mr. Balrup has been told is that on Sunday November 8, 2009, a taxi

stopped at the family’s Reliance, East Canje home. Vivian then asked his mother to allow him to accompany his cousin, Mark Persaud, to Number 63 beach. She was reluctant to let him go, but eventually relented. Mark Persaud, the cousin, confirmed that they were joined by two girls. One of them was 15-year-old Susan

Hernandez. The taxi driver then took the friends to Number 63 beach. Persaud also confirmed that they then passed near to a fenced watermelon farm, and that Vivian went into the farm and picked two watermelons. One version of this story is that Vivian was reluctant to enter the property but the taxi driver persuaded him to, and

even lifted the barbed wire to let him slip through. After eating some of the fruit, Persaud said that he and Vivian went to the waterside to wash their hands. According to Persaud, Vivian and Susan Hernandez then walked off together, while he, his girlfriend and the driver remained by the car. Mark said that he then asked the man to borrow his car. The driver consented and Persaud, accompanied by his girlfriend, drove along Number 63 Beach. But the ride ended abruptly when the vehicle got stuck. Some five minutes later the driver called Persaud on his cell phone to enquire about his whereabouts, and Persaud explained his predicament. The cousin claims that after about 30 minutes, the driver and two men in a goldcoloured AT 192 drove up. They were accompanied by Susan Hernandez, who was bleeding. There was no sign of Vivian Balrup. According to Persaud, Susan alleged that she and Vivian Balrup were sitting under a coconut tree when someone came up and struck him. She reportedly said that the same person then struck her, causing her to fall. Persaud alleged that Susan Hernandez said she managed to get up and run away, while the man continued to strike Vivian Balrup. Police reports on the incident state that Susan Hernandez said that the attacker struck her and Balrup with a length of bamboo. According to Mark Persaud, he had said they should all go to check on Balrup, but the taxi driver insisted that they would have to wait until his car was unstuck. He said that the driver and his two friends in the gold-coloured car went to a nearby residence and borrowed a tractor, which they used to pull out the stuck vehicle. They then went to the area where Vivian Balrup and Susan Hernandez had been attacked. Persaud said that Balrup was lying on the ground in a semi-conscious state. Reportedly, on the taxi driver’s suggestion, they took the unconscious youth to the New Amsterdam Hospital. Kirpaul Singh Balrup, the victim’s father, said he first learnt about his son’s injury when Mark Persaud’s sister contacted him by phone to say that Vivian had been struck on the head and was being taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital. When he arrived at the

Vivian Singh Balrup

hospital his son was bleeding profusely from injures to the head, but no doctor was present. He said that his son was being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation when he passed away. Mr. Balrup is puzzled that the driver had taken his son to the New Amsterdam Hospital rather than the Skeldon Hospital, which was much closer. He said that after his son’s demise, the police questioned the two girls and his nephew, Mark Persaud, at the New Amsterdam Police Station. According to him, Susan Hernandez, who had witnessed the attack, telephoned him and said: ‘Uncle, I will tell you everything.’ But Mr. Balrup said that he was so distraught at the time that he told her to talk to the police instead. It’s a decision he said he will forever regret. The information that investigators had collected led then to believe that Vivian Balrup and Susan Hernandez were attacked by someone on the watermelon farm that Vivian had entered. Four watermelon farmers from the Number 63 beach area were detained but then released after Hernandez failed to identify any of them as the attacker. Mr. Balrup is convinced that some persons are not telling the entire truth about the circumstances that led to his son’s death. He is puzzled as to how a bamboo stick could have caused the injuries that his son sustained. He also noted that there were no injuries on his son’s arms to indicate that he had tried to ward off the blows. Mr. Balrup is certain that the watermelon farmers did not kill his son. He also doesn’t believe that robbery was a motive, since his son still had his cell phone, gold chain, watch and $8,000 in his possession when he was Continued on page 69

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The Weathercock in the Cul-de-sac

Harold A. Bascom On the foredawn of January 1st following the year of the BP oil spill, Mr. Delon Johnson, 70 years old, jerked awake, brows furrowed, and woke his wife Elaine. She turned, saw him sitting up and gently massaged the small of his back. “Eh, Boy—you had a bad dream?” “I swear I hear a fowl-cock crowing—loud—as though it come from in the hallway…” She chuckled and yawned. “A fowl-cock in the white people subdivision? Yo think dis is West Berbice? You joking, D. That was just a dream. …Come,” she cajoled, “lie close to me—hug me up; it chilly—I feeling cold…” It was cold. The MetroAtlanta subdivision in Loganville, Georgia was experiencing a dramatic drop in temperature, and the heating systems in the suburban houses turned out to be quite inadequate for the icy chill. Mr. Johnson folded his side of the thick comforter against his wife’s back, leaned over, and kissed her cheek. “I thirsty,” he said and got out of the king-sized bed. He slipped on a thick robe and padded in warm slippers for the refrigerator. As he filled a short glass of water, he heard voices. One of them was that of his African American neighbour—a man who had never spoken to either him or Elaine in the 15 years they had lived in the cul-de-sac. It wasn’t that Mr. Johnson never tried to speak to the guy—but this was a neighbour who never seemed to hear when he said hello. One Sunday morning within the first month he and Elaine moved into the subdivision, Mr. Johnson saw the very

light skinned, white-haired man plucking weeds from his front lawn and called out a cheery ‘Good morning.’ The guy looked up, watched straight through Mr. Johnson, and then resumed plucking his weeds. “Maybe he deaf,” Mr. Johnson muttered to his wife She sucked her teeth. “Deaf my ass!—he’s probably one of them African Americans who hate Caribbean people!” “But we not Caribbean people, Elaine—we’s Guyanese…” “As if he gives a rat’s ass!—listen, D—keep your good mornings to you-self, yeh!” Now, with the sound of a rooster still echoing in his head, Mr. Johnson walked to the bank of windows that offered a grand view of the street. He opened the venetian blinds and saw his whitehaired neighbour swaddled in a light blue robe on his front lawn and speaking to the neighbour who lived in the house over the fence from his. She, unlike him, would return the time of day to both Mr. Johnson and his wife. Pleasant little woman, but Mr. Johnson often wondered what nationality she was. Elaine thought she was Korean; he vacillated between Chinese and Japanese. “My son didn’t hear it,” she was saying to her neighbour, “but I did—and you heard it too…” “I couldn’t believe my ears,” the African American man said. Mr. Johnson whispered to himself: “What are they talking about? … Could it be they heard the sound of a fowl-cock too?” He surmised that someone in the

neighbourhood coming home to the cul-de-sac from a New Year’s Eve party had probably blown mischievously hard into some sort of farmyard special-effects noisemaker. But other than his African American neighbour and the Asian woman, the only other house in the cul-de-sac was the unoccupied one with a tired ‘For Sale/Price Reduced’ sign with creeping vines was planted … the house with a weathercock on its roof. So who else could have been returning home from a New Year’s Eve party and blowing a rooster-horn in high spirits? Mr. Johnson found himself thinking of the empty house now—wondering why it hadn’t been sold as yet. Was it that prospective buyers found out that the owner died alone in it and wasn’t discovered until the mailman—laying a package below the front door—smelt decomposing flesh and dialed 911? Mr. Johnson sighed. He glanced towards the bedroom, walked to his front door, opened it carefully and went out. But now only the Asian woman was there—standing by her mailbox gazing up the silent street. She turned at his emergence and waved ‘Hi.’ He waved ‘hi’ back. “You heard the rooster too?” the woman hailed over to him. Mr. Johnson stepped onto his lawn and stood closer to his mailbox. He didn’t want to raise his voice lest he woke Elaine. “Yes,” he said. “I heard a rooster—and it woke me up. My wife told me it must have been a dream. … Did your neighbour hear it too?” “Yes—it woke him too,” she said “That makes three of us. …” “When I heard it I was in my kitchen. My son was studying—we weren’t sleeping at all—but my son didn’t hear a thing! Isn’t that strange?” “That is strange,” Mr. Johnson agreed. “I wonder what it means?” the woman said. Mr. Johnson thought there was something tremulous in the woman’s voice; then again it could have been the chill. Fleetingly his mind recalled the strange melody in the classic sci-fi movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. An easy retort to the woman could have been, “It doesn’t have to mean anything, necessarily.” But it had to: three people in a suburban group of houses all hearing one sound that others sharing the same space didn’t. Then again… maybe her son, deep into his studies, heard nothing—like Elaine his wife deep into her slumber. He

chuckled to himself and thought it was the only rational explanation. At last Mr. Johnson said jocularly: “I guess we’re all victims of someone’s late-

night spin around the cul-desac with some kind of horn that made that farmyard sound…” He stifled a yawn. “I’m going back inside— Happy New Year to you,

Neighbour.” “Same to you,” the woman said and turned for her front door too. Back in his home, Mr. Continued on page 69

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Potential entrepreneurs benefit from Self-Reliance workshop More than 30 people have benefitted from the “SelfReliance and Success in Business Workshop.” The objective of the workshop was to empower individuals to become self-reliant. It was initiated under the auspices of the First Lady’s Office. Twenty-eight women and five men successfully completed the workshop on Friday. They were handed certificates at a graduation ceremony, hosted by President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger at State House. Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally; Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; and Seeta Nagamootoo, the Prime Minister’s wife were also present at the ceremony.

The first workshop was launched at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara with a batch of 12 women. It was later taken to Blueberry Hill, Linden where 21 persons benefitted. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, First Lady Sandra Granger said that the response to these workshops has been overwhelmingly positive and that many persons and organisations have indicated their willingness to collaborate with her Office to extend the programme to communities in the hinterland, Berbice and Essequibo. Minister Gaskin, who delivered the feature address, said that programmes such as this one, contribute significantly to the national effort in the fight against poverty and the hopelessness and misery that results from the inequality of opportunity that has plagued our society for many years. He explained that the

Government inherited an economy that simply could not provide jobs for every able-bodied citizen. He said that in order for Guyana to develop, those who cannot find jobs should not shy away from learning new skills and venturing into businesses of their own. The Minister told the participants that while entrepreneurship is encouraged, they must not be oblivious to the risks that come with owning a business. He said that many people have lost their life savings because not every business guarantees a profit and this is why focus must be placed on careful planning, a skill that was taught during the workshop. “This programme aligns itself well with one of the five main goals of the Ministry of Business, which is to increase the economic opportunities and capabilities

AFC says it has evidence of secret ... From page 16 state assets, all of which is coming to the public’s attention now with a series of revelations and disclosures.” The party said that it supports action to follow through the revelations with recovery of state assets which have been misappropriated and for prosecution where necessary. “The AFC sees the hullabaloo over salary adjustments as a red-herring to divert attention from the PPP’s destruction of the Guyana economy, bankrupting the sugar industry and failure to find alternative markets for rice when it became aware of the collapse, under its rule, of the

Venezuela deal.” As a coalition partner, the AFC made it clear that it is fully committed to Parliamentary democracy and a functioning House but recognizes that important strategic Government business must be given attention in the national interest. “This is particularly at this time when, as a nation, we are organizing to secure our national petroleum assets and defend threats to our national sovereignty.” The claims by the AFC of secret bank accounts would come at a time when a former senior Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford, and her personal assistant are facing criminal

charges for the transfer of several state vehicles to themselves and others shortly before elections. Several audits into state agencies are underway. But there has been growing impatience at the pace of investigations and whether charges are likely for some of the accusations that have been levied by the coalition while they were in oppositionprior to the May 11 General Elections that they won. Recently, a lawyer wrote a local commercial bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, complaining that account details of Dr. Westford and her personal assistant, Margaret Cummings, have been leaked.

of vulnerable groups and individuals,” Minister Gaskin said. This is achieved through the work of the Small Business Bureau, a semiautonomous body, which falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Business. The Minister urged the participants to seize the opportunities that are available to qualifying businesses. These opportunities include: a collateral guarantee facility, which guarantees 40 percent of the loan amount that allows for a reduction in the amount of collateral that businesses have to put up; an interest subsidy scheme, which would reduce the amount of interest; and a grant scheme to assist vulnerable persons to access financing for existing business ventures. Facilitator of the Workshop, Wayne Barrow, from Interweave Solutions, told the participants that they will be a great influence to members of their communities. He said that businesses, communities and the home are all interwoven and once individuals become self-reliant, all are positively affected. Interweave Solutions is a non-governmental organisation that helps local

organisations and congregations in developing countries to create selfreliance by providing them with the necessary training to implement and promote their own business plans.

A few of the participants outlined their business strategies in accordance with the six ‘Ps’ that they have been taught— planning, paperwork, products, promotion, price and process.

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“Push for amendment and I will close the clubs at midnight” - says Ramjattan By Kiana Wilburg “Amend what? I am not going to move the 2: 00 am curfew to 4: 00pm. Push for amendment and I will close the clubs at midnight. That’s the only amendment they will get,” said Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan. He was responding to the calls made recently by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to revise the 2:00 am curfew for night clubs and bars. The Commission had said that it has observed and received reports from its membership that the enforcement of the 2:00 am curfew is having a significant negative impact to such an extent that some are faced with the threat of closure and downsizing as a result of this decision. The PSC had said that it is also concerned that this could have a long term negative impact on the country’s developing Tourism Industry. The Commission emphasized that there has been no definitive study on the social impact of the later closure on crime and

accidents. The PSC said, “We are strongly recommending that consideration be given for bars and night clubs to be open until 4:00 am on Fridays, Saturdays and Public Holidays for those night clubs located in commercial districts and zones and those which comply with building codes that limit noise nuisance.” With the upcoming Christmas holidays, the Commission said that it is recommending the extension and relaxation of the 2:00 am edict to facilitate visitors during the Christmas season and those who usually come during the New Year. They said that this is especially pertinent since the country is gearing to celebrate in grand style, its 50th Independence anniversary in 2016. On Thursday, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, said that in spite of the calls made by the Commission, he unequivocally supports his fellow minister in his decision to observe the law and as such will not encourage him to break it. Trotman said, “I wouldn’t

second guess my brother…the law is that these entities must close at 2: 00 am and the minute you start consultations about breaking break the law then you are in trouble.” The Governance Minister said that if any consultation should take place then it should be premised on whether the law should be amended or not. But it appears that the Public Security Minister is the least interested in encouraging such discussion at all. In an interview yesterday, Ramjattan said, “I have the support of the church leaders, the housewives and the professional women out there. They agree with this. We need to root out this drunken culture. And my understanding is that it is only a few businessmen in the entertainment industry who are crying about this.” He added, “But more importantly I am surprised that the Private Sector Commission could allow itself to be influenced by those businessmen and go so far as to ask for the curfew to be

revised and extended to 4:00am.” Ramjattan said, “They say that they don’t have evidence about the link between the clubs going so late and crime. Well let them bring me some evidence that the businessmen are losing so much business between 2 and 4 am. I am surprised at the PSC. We need to bring an end to this lawlessness and respect what is supposed to happen.” The 2:00 am curfew saw Ramjattan becoming a sweepingly unpopular figure within various quarters, earning himself names like, ‘The Grinch,’ ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Dr. Evil.’ But to others who have lived for years near to noisy bars with music, Ramjattan’s decision remains a blessing in disguise. Every Friday and Saturday night, hundreds of revelers who believe that a good time involves partying the night away until sunrise, are usually ushered out of the popular clubs and bars by 1:50 am. They either go home or ‘lime’ on the streets for several minutes as they ponder the next possible place to finish the night off.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Man arrested after police rank rejects $30,000 bribe A 34-year-old man of La Bonne Intention (LBI) got a rude awakening when his attempts to bribe a police officer at the Sparendaam Police Station resulted in him being arrested and placed in the lock ups. Even more, he will face the courts for his costly mistake on Monday. This incident will be a stark reminder that while bribery and corruption are issues that must be at the forefront of reforms, there are still honest and upstanding police officers determined to remain true to their duty of upholding justice. The attempted bribery occurred on Friday last and was prompted by the man trying to secure the release of his relative, who had been earlier arrested for possession of cocaine. According to reports, the relative was arrested after a stop and search conducted on his person, unearthed four grams of cocaine. After being taken to the Sparendaam lockups, the

man came to the station to negotiate for his release. Employing cloak and dagger tactics, the man approached a Police Corporal and asked what he could do to secure his relative’s release, to which the Corporal reversed the question and asked him what he could do. Heedless of the trap he was approaching, the m a n ’s r e s p o n s e w a s t o offer the rank $10,000. He was placed on the bench, warned and sent away. However, he returned to the Corporal with the $30,000 which the Corporal received in the presence of other ranks. Upon the Corporal enquiring what the money was for, the man indicated that it was to free his relative. Here is where the man got the shock of his life. The police officer calmly c o u n t e d t h e m o n e y, informed him that it is an offence to bribe an officer of the law and placed him under arrest.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

Woman wins stove in ‘Keep the pot bubbling’ promo

Latoya Wilson (right) and Ricks and Sari representative, Ronald Seepersaud. Winner of the final Ricks and Sari Agro company promotion, “Keep the pot bubbling” Latoya Wilson, of Diamond Housing Scheme, on Thursday received a six burner gas stove valued at an estimated $100,000, and a hamper of the Company’s products. Handing over of the prizes was Ronald Seepersaud of Ricks and Sari. Thomas who has been a supporter of the company’s products for several years related how happy and grateful she was for the prizes.

This promotion was the last of the three drawings held for the ‘Keep the pot bubbling’ promotion. Ricks and Sari company representatives explained that the rationale behind the promotion was to give back to the customers who have been supporting them. Customers interested in the competition were advised to drop three empty 85 gram or 200 gram Sari curry powder packets along with contact information into collection boxes nationwide to get a chance to win one of three six burner gas stoves.

In the face of ‘tax haven’... (From page 24) Federal Government from setting tax rates for every state of the US. Competition in tax rates is as legitimate as competition in other areas of international trade and investment. It is also one of the few tools left to small countries that have been overwhelmed by strictures, rules and regulations that take no account of their size and vulnerabilities. All CARICOM countries have to be alert to the new per-

ils that are posed to their financial services sector. Unity and resolve to engage the European Commission and the US at the highest levels is now vitally needed. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US. He is also a Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto and the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London. The views expressed are his own.) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

The deadly roads and... (From page 42) in vain as half of the voting population has decided that they wanted the PPP Opposition in power. Let us begin there. Let us start showing evidence that our intentions to make Guyana a better place is sincere. Again, it is not because partisan politics was practiced before that we are bound to continue the same path. A classical example of what partisan politics does could be found in the current quarrel between the Hindu organisations when Diwali will be celebrated. This week we have two days. So yeah, we can talk about all the good things we are doing but it will all be in vain unless we reach across the table.

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Berbician drives off with DDL’s “Win a Tacoma” grand prize Chetram Harry of #70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice was able to drive away with a Tacoma when the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) held its final drawing in the Ivanoff “Win a Tacoma” under the crown promotion. The drawing was held on Friday October 30, 2015 at the DSL Cash and Carry location in Berbice in the presence of DDL’s Chief Internal Auditor. Harry with only one entry in the promotion was surprised and overwhelmed when he learnt that his name was drawn. According to the winner he was not even planning to enter the promotion but was encouraged by his sister-inlaw to do so. A preliminary drawing was done to select 10 finalists from among 5,000 entries. Due to the overwhelming participation from Berbice, the finalists attended the grand

drawing in that County. Demerara Distillers Limited under its brand, Ivanoff, launched its countrywide promotion dubbed “Win a Tacoma.” This promotion commenced on September 7 and concluded on October 23. Consumers who purchased any 750ml Ivanoff Vodka and revealed a prize from under the crown were eligible to enter to win the grand prize of a Toyota Tacoma. Instant prizes included drinking glasses, playing cards and drawstring bags just to name a few. The aged distillery company is urging its customers to be very responsible drivers. It has extended its heartfelt appreciation to all participants for their support and asks that they continue to enjoy its product responsibly.

Winner Chetram Harry (left) receives the key to his new Tacoma from a DDL Representative, Maria Munroe.

GEOFFROY’S CAT (From page 57) found that, in habitat modified by cattle grazing and ranches, Geoffroy’s Cats were more active, travelled greater distances and had larger home ranges than those in protected areas. This behaviour likely indicates a small number of prey species available than in the protected area which has a large portion of natural vegetation. Larger home ranges may also indicate a lower population density of the cats. Geoffroy’s Cats in both study areas showed lower activity levels in winter, during which time hares were found to be an important food item. These animals are much larger than prey consumed throughout the year, thus the cats don’t need to hunt as often.

Cats in the modified area were also active at dawn and dusk, as well as during the night. Resting areas included trees, small patches of tall grass, vizcacha burrows, and a car tire in a garbage pile. During night sightings Geoffroy’s Cats were seen rapidly crossing agricultural fields; in semi-natural grassland patches close to a stream; along the railroad and in small patches of introduced trees next to a small lake. Five areas where the cats repeatedly deposited feces were found, all associated with trees, in the roots or among large fallen branches. REPRODUCTION Gestation is approximately 72 – 78 days, with one to four young being born annually in a well protected den between rocks, or in dense shrub. Birth

weight is 60 – 100 grams. The kittens are weaned in about eight to ten weeks. Females are sexually mature around 18 months and males about 24 months. In comparison with the domestic cat, young Geoffroy’s develop quite slowly. Longevity is up to 18 years. CONSERVATION The fur trade has taken a heavy toll on the Geoffroy’s Cat, as theirs is the second most commonly sold cat pelt in the international market. Only bobcat pelts are more numerous. European Union restrictions and some protective measures may have limited recent trade, but lack of standardization in managing and reporting harvest numbers in their various range countries make it difficult to assess the

current effect of ongoing hunting. In central Argentina, human related mortality made up 62 percent of the known deaths, including poaching, killing by domestic dogs and vehicle collisions. The cats are also shot for meat and for preying on domestic poultry. An overwhelming demand on the species comes from the exotic pet trade, where Geoffroy’s cats are captured illegally and bred with domestic cats to produce hybrid animals for pets known as ‘safari cats.’ Crucial habitat is being rapidly lost over the range of this cat due to deforestation. Recent studies in Argentina however, indicate this species may utilize the resulting open areas as well. (Source: www.wildcatconservation.org)

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Sunday November 08, 2015

GRPA continues efforts to reduce teen pregnancy

A section of the audience at the GRPA Annual General Meeting. Under a new logo and a revamped mission statement, the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) continued its focus on teenage pregnancy during its 42nd Annual General

Meeting (AGM). The AGM, which was held on Friday at Cara Lodge, Georgetown, saw participation from both the GRPA executive body and its youth arm. Also present were

representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, including Minister George Norton and UNICEF Country Representative, Marianne Flach. According to GRPA

Executive Director, Reverend Patricia Sheeratan-Bisnauth, the latest AGM is the second year in a row where reducing teenage pregnancy was the thematic focus. Declaring that the meeting was “a time of celebration”, SheeratanBisnauth shared that the GRPA works under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) framework to reduce teenage pregnancy. Furthermore, GRPA President, Dr. Karen Boyle, explained that the body had achieved a lot in a year when it came to educating youths about teenage pregnancy. Dr. Boyle noted that Guyana has the second highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the Western Hemisphere and attributed this phenomenon to socio-economic factors in Guyana. Such factors, she said, include the culture of early marriage and rampant poverty. “The long and short of it is that we all recognise that there are consequences and the consequences are usually negative for young persons to become pregnant. Therefore, it is imperative that all of us become aware and knowledgeable of the facts and the information,” she said. She said that all members of the family must understand the consequences of teenage pregnancy. She said, too, that GRPA works to help those who desperately need a helping hand. However, GRPA also needs a helping hand, she added. According to Dr. Boyle, the organisation cannot do it alone. It requires support on all levels, from the

government right down. GRPA has been bolstering the public healthcare system through advocacy, training of personnel, treatment of vulnerable populations, youth empowerment and, of course, its sexual reproductive health services. Dr. Boyle also noted that sex is a taboo subject in Guyana. Too often adults believe that teaching children about sex will make them want to engage in the activity, she said. However, she deemed this belief a myth and emphasised the need for “friendly spaces” where youths can speak openly about sex and its implications. She said that GRPA also understood the importance of youth empowerment and has a number of young people working along with it to educate other youths through a peer education programme. She shared that GRPA’s vision is that “all people in Guyana live in an environment where they are free to make healthy choices about their sexuality and wellbeing and to access quality sexual reproductive health services.” She said that the body has a new logo and a new mission statement, which states that GRPA is the leading provider and enabler of sexual and reproductive health services and an advocate of sexual and reproductive rights. Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton, emphasised the need for teenage pregnancy to be urgently addressed. The Minister said that strategies are to be undertaken by the Ministry to tackle the issue. Among the strategies

Dr. George Norton outlined were ageappropriate education, improved access to contraceptives, and partnership with mass media. The Minister further noted the case of 17-year-old Nikacia Allen, who recently died after a third caesarean section delivery. Allen would have had her first child at 13. Norton said that cases such as these personally affected him. He shared that he had witnessed the teen’s postmortem. He said that Guyana’s maternity mortality rate is too high. “When we hear things like this, we have no one else to blame,” Norton stressed. He said too that the school system must play an integral role in educating youths on sex. “This situation has become a national crisis...We all have a role to play,” he emphasised. The recent AGM was held under the tagline “Be Proud! Be Responsible! Be Protective!” and saw the GRPA’s youth arm, Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) presenting their #BodyBoss Campaign. This campaign is aimed at empowering youths to make informed choices when it comes to sex.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

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The Weathercock in the Cul-de-sac From page 45 Johnson entered the master bedroom where Elaine looked as though she was fast asleep. Gently he lay next to her. “I hear your voice outside, D… what you did doing out there, Boy?” “The neighbours—they hear a fowl-cock too… I guess they come out to see what or who it was,” he murmured. “They saw nothing— nobody…” “So you wasn’t dreaming—somebody actually drive into the cul-desac blowing some blasted New Year’s Eve blow-blow. … I guess I really does sleep deep.” She chuckled. “That is all it could have been in truth, you know,” he agreed. “Them crazy white teenagers, no doubt,” Elaine mumbled, yawned, and drew the covers over her head. Mr. Johnson settled in

after his wife—spooning his lanky body onto her warmth. He soon fell into troubled sleep and dreamt of the empty house with the weathercock in the cul-de-sac. In the dream the dead man stood transfixed in his yard as he gazed with white-marble eyes to the roof of his house—while on the street running by, the residents of the street, including Mr. Johnson and his wife, all stood transfixed— and every one of them was as a filmic zombie, with rotting, maggot-filled, putrefying flesh. Collectively they too gazed at the weathercock on the dead man’s house: a tin rooster painted red with elaborate black tail feathers. Mr. Johnson awoke once again. The sound he had heard—that the others had heard: the sound of a cock crowing—a rooster … Had it anything to do with the man who died alone in that empty

house with the weathercock? Was it the spirit of the dead guy manifesting itself through the weathercock on the roof? — “No!” he whispered to himself. “No!—absolute nonsense!—what wrong with you, Delon?—you getting senile or what?” But he couldn’t go back to sleep. He found himself thinking of the recluse of a man who died alone in the house with the weathercock— and it wasn’t that it was an old, crotchety guy. He must have been no more than thirty—thirty-five—in the prime of his life. Mr. Johnson never saw the beet red, cleanshaven bespectacled young man return home with a woman nor had he seen a woman leaving—never saw anyone like beer-friends visiting the house with the weathercock. On week days he would emerge from his twocar garage in his yellow

Murder near a melon farm From page 36 found. And the still distraught man has a few theories of his own. One of these is that someone who might have been jealous about his son’s popularity with females inflicted the fatal blows. He believes that there are persons other than the killer and Susan Hernandez who witnessed the attack.

“The beach is always packed with people, and from what I understand, on that day in question, a lot of people were on the beach. I think that people see, but they afraid to come forward and talk to the police. I am pleading with anyone who knows what happened to come to me. It would be confidential.” If you have any

information about any unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown offices. Our numbers are 2258465, 22-58473 and 2258458. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address mjdragon@hotmail.com

Mustang and sweep by, eyes ahead, past Mr. Johnson’s house, and on weekends he’d either mow his lawn or sit before his garage door with a laptop. Mr. Johnson sighed and remembered the first day he didn’t see the garage open and the yellow car emerge. He remembered that for that week he didn’t see the car emerge— and for one month after. He thus presumed that the guy had left for a vacation. But what about his lawn? Bit by bit it was growing unkempt. In the aftermath of the decomposing body being found by Loganville police, Mr. Johnson took to wondering if the man wouldn’t have been alive if he, Mr. Johnson, had gone over to see if something was amiss. It didn’t enter his head to go ring on the guy’s doorbell to see if he had fallen and couldn’t get up. No one did that in the cul-de-sac. Delon and Elaine learned this very quickly after moving from Far Rockaway, New York to Metro-Atlanta, Georgia, and soon he and his wife became reluctant American suburbanites living, too, behind their shutters. ***** New sunlight streamed through the drawn curtains of the bedroom window onto his side of the bed. Elaine stirred. “Morning D. … What you thinking about so, Boy? You okay?”

“I’m good…” Elaine asked, yawning: “Did you sleep at all, D?” He yawned and sat up in bed. “Yes … I sleep.” “So why you yawning?— why you don’t lie down back?—is Sunday. …” “I going for a little walk…” “Ok… but make sure you bundle up…” “I will. …” But Delon Johnson didn’t go far. He soon stood over from the dead man’s house and gazed at the weathercock as the harsh, cold, wintry wind raked his lungs. He heard footsteps, turned his head, and saw his rude African American neighbour approaching. “Good morning,” the man said cheerily. “How ya doing?” Mr. Johnson was taken aback but he responded: “I’m fine.” His over-the-street neighbour stuck out his hand. “I’m Martin Wright…” Mr. Johnson took his hand. “Johnson—Delon Johnson—pleased to meet you…” “Same here…” Mr. Johnson was curious—wanted to ask

Martin Wright if he too had dreamt of the dead guy in his yard and the rest of them silent zombies gazing up at the weathercock, but he decided not to. “Do you remember the young man who lived there?” Wright said. “I do…” “It was around this time, two years ago, they found him, you know. … My wife reminded me.” “To think of it—that’s true!” “Dreamt about the guy last night,” Wright said. Mr. Johnson’s head grew and was tempted to say that he too dreamt of the dead man, but chose not to. It would seem too weird. “I was thinking,” Martin Wright said. “My wife and I are having a few old friends over later—you know—to celebrate the New Year…” He looked at Delon Johnson. “We’d sure appreciate you and your wife coming over.” “We wouldn’t mind at all, Mr. Wright—what time?” “Call me Martin—around six this evening?” “That we’ll do,” said Delon Johnson as they both gazed at the weathercock.

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Kaieteur News

SALON

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.–CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. PARTY DECORATING: balloon creation, back drops etc. for weddings, birthdays, anniversary etc. Make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, A/C, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS CALL: 629-4946 OR 225-4822 Floor sanding & Lacquering House plans, Estimate & painting, Boat for Santa Mission - Call: 650-4362 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468

WANTED Girls to work in bar as waitress. Call: 256-4096 Pump attendants and Cashiers- Call: 627-2550; 6706005 Lumber Concession to work. All Species of Hardwood and Greenhart. Contact: Sunil 6255995/698-6245 One live in maid, assistant salesgirl @ E.C.D. Call: 6035416; 644-9802 Office clerk: senior/junior. With CXC Maths/English, Computer Knowledge is an asset. Call: 219-5354

-Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline. -Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257

VACANCY Experienced agent required for preparing procurement bid document, mozatart@yahoo.com or 6637504

Affordable salon services: pedi, mani, wash & blowout, facials, etc $2,500 each. Vogue @ Kalyan Mall, Lamaha Street. Tel: 647-1773/660-5257

Popular East Coast Gas Station Day/Night: pump attendants, sales & office assistant. Contact: 658-2013; 695-9880, Strathspey E.C.D.

Earn a certificate in cosmetology. Enroll now at Artee’s School of Cosmetology and Beauty Salon-Call: 680-0156; 2750267

One Merchandiser. Call: 6101111

Introductory male Brazilian waxing; guys don’t be shy!! .Call: 696-7337 for details

Experienced general domestic pastry maker/ cake decorator, roti, puri cook, apply Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street. Two wash bay attendant from West Coast. Contact: 2275169 Waitress to live in and work at Bar & Hotel- Call: 604-6606 Popular band needs keyboard player, guitarist, dolack /tabla player- Indian Music-Call: 680-4024; 6151350 Attractive live in waitress. Call: 228-5129; 604-8277 Minibus and hire car drivers with dispatching experience. Call: 645-0025

LAND FOR SALE 1500 Acres Transported land near Bartica, Forestry, Agriculture, loam, sand rock quarry, price to sell. Cal Mark: 603-1266; 625-9788; 704-4652222 Formerly Globe Cinema, corner lot @ Church & Waterloo Street, size 126ftX133ft. Call: 610-2234 2369.664 Sq/ft of land @ Victoria village, E.C.D$750,000 Call:255-3437; 6983678

Eagle’s fridge re-gas @ 99100 New Market Street $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 223-5818

One plot of land for sale situated at 3167 Spurwing Drive, South Ruimveldt (corner lot), (size of land: 59’X90')-Call: 625-0356

Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@yahoo.com. Call: 225-6496, 662-6045

Parfaite Harmonie - $1.5M & $3.2M (100ftX50ft fenced), low lands (East Coast) $18M, Tuschen -$1.3M. Call: 604-2207; 611-7223

REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES – CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 Professional Pressure washing & water tank cleaning services, for all your home & business exterior cleaning call: 696-5424 LCD-Plasma-LED TV repairs etc. Contact Abdul Electronics. Call: 225-0391 Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 687-9709. HOUSE PLAN DRAFTING AND ESTIMATES FOR ONLY $15,000- CALL: 6949843/227-2766

SERVICES Building/Renovating: for quality series from foundation to fine finishes. Contact Trini: 682-9935

Land at Parfaite Harmonie $1.1M, $1.4M, $1.6M, Tuschen 2nd Street -$5.5M, Phase 2, $1.4M- Call:604-6724 CAR RENTAL

ACCOMODATION Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor / Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting – Phone: 260-4504; 685-6934 Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parika: Bar-B-Que & games: pools, darts, table tennis etc – Phone: 260-4504. FOR SALE/RENT American Pools table-Call: 277-0578

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 656-0087 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494 Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807

1 Experienced canter drivers/ sales apply at Humprey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd, 38 Ketley & Sussex Street Charlestown. Call: 225-7864; 227-8607 One receptionist – apply at Rainbow Villa & Car Rental with application in person. Call: 225-5509 Water truck drivers. Call: 6803863 1-Experienced payroll Clerk, must know to make up NIS & PAYE, 1-Experienced office staff. Call: 231-0363 (9am4pm) Exist for bartender, waitress, security guard –Contact Sheik or Donald on Tel: 2271131 Supervisor, Handyman, room attendants- Call: 225-0198 or 233 South Road Lacytown.. Security officers wanted by security company-Contact: 672-1920, between 8:00am5:00pm Urgently needed 8 bar girls to work in Mahdia, preferably with working experience, attractive salary- Call: 6011479

EDUCATION Obtain a guaranteed distinction in CSEC Principles of Accounts. Call: 654-1723 for more information

Sunday November 08, 2015

PROPERTY FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Property at Diamond New Scheme: 1-Three bedroom flat concrete house, price $9.5M negotiable. Call: 2663962; 667-1240 2 Storied transported concrete property upstairs 2 bedrooms, downstairs 2 bedrooms; fully grilled, block ‘8’ Mon Repos, E.C.D -$18M. Call: 625-1514, 231-7255 3 Bedroom; 2 flat house for sale, Enterprise, Lincolin Street, Lot 135 -$14M negotiable. Contact: 597-858-4554 (Suriname), Guyana: 602-3643

SALE! SALE! SALE One TOYOTA RZ MINIBUS GJJ series -$1.5Million. One Econoline FORD 2005 GSSSeries-$1.5M.Call:604-6108

Transported property at Tuschen Housing Scheme, located around School -$7M negotiable. Contact: 2641050; 683-7045; 669-3553 Property at Tuschen-Call: 669-9055; 674-1291 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Popular business place at temple Street, WindsorForest, W.C.D, $35M price negotiable. Call: 642-6664 Property at Craig E.B.D, land size 91X50 feet, house 40X28 feet. Call US: 718-213-6496 Zeena & Local: 617-7691 Shameer. 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue,E.B.D- Call: 664-5052 One 3 bedrooms building in Diamond E.B.D. Call: 2270243; 677-3472 (owner) between 8am-5pm One 2 storey 5 bedroom concrete and wooden house with two large self contained rooms, well secured –Tel: 692-8923 Property for sale by owner: front lot, 30 Ketley St, Charlestown -$9M negotiable. Call: 625-1031

Home tutoring, grades 4-6, Secondary Grade 7-11 English Language/Literature. Contact Ms Stacy. Cell: 6704435, Home: 265-3637

One Church & 1-2 Storey house at 180 Charlotte Street Bourda. Call: 227-6817; 6247341

PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 236 Buzz –A-Bee Dam Craig Village E.B.D, Size 6X120 rods with house and chicken pens. Call: 639-8376

One Roadside, 2 storey house @ V/Hoop, ground floor, in excellent condition for restaurant or other businesses. Call: 692-8923; 614-0107

Haslington, E.C.D: Building ‘A’, concrete/ timber modern 2 storeys, 7 bedrooms, grilled & fenced. Building ‘B’, 3 apartments, fenced- $18M negotiable - Call:255-3437; 698-3678 Property @ Mon Repos & Providence- Call:672-7431, 615-0725

Transported land, 2 storey building; four bedrooms fully grilled @ Tuschen, New Housing Scheme-Call: 6953983; 685-5747 Lot 67 First Street Garden of Eden E.B.D – 7 (seven) acres of land with two buildings. Call: 639-8376

One Honda CRV, immaculate condition, 17" mags, AC, CD, price -$1.750,000 negotiable. Call: 626-2884 Hilux pickup, 4 wheel drive, double cab, crash bars, clean and excellent condition. Call: 685-0942; 645-0240 First Class Auto: 08 Premio, Rush, Bluebird, 06 Premio, Spacio IST, Runx. Call: 6098188; 638-3045 Smart Choice Auto Sales, in stock, Premio, Allion, Fielder, Bluebird, Carina 212, Spacio, Call: 652-3820/ 665-4529 Mercedes Benz GLK 350 Sports SUV , 4 matic, 30,000 miles , 20" rim, sunroff, leather seat, DVD &18 sound system. call 624 5000. Lexus LX 470, low milage , must see like new, leather interior, chrome rims & much more call 628 4000 Pearl white reconditioned, Prado Jeep. Call: 624-6702; 624-5838 Honda CRV PSS 2018 -$3M negotiable, Toyota Rush and Premio – New Model unregistered$3.2M negotiable. Call: 655-3400 2RZ Minibus long base, BPP series, 1st owners (work as airport taxi) – Call: 684-7965; 684-3794; 2612923 Mazda Axela PRR, mag rims, good for bank purchases, excellent condition-$1.6M. Call: 639-2490 2013 Mercedes C250 turbo AMG coupe, retractable glass top, mileage 15K, alcantara leather interior, brush aluminum acc- Call: 650-5136 Bidding- 1 Hilux double cab, starting $3.2M, end date: November, 22, 2015. Call Orin Moses: 603-0535 Toyota Vios- Call: 644-6346 1 Toyota VIOS, fully loaded, PLL series, in excellent condition- Call: 658-2776 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 2 Ford F350 Pickup, lift kit, 35inches rims and tyres, also 1 Chevy Van 2007 –Call: 6105370 Continued on page 71

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

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STANDARDS IN FOCUS

Consumer tips for shopping this Christmas season Officially, the Christmas shopping season is here again. It is usually a time when consumers buy all sorts of items for themselves, gifts for love ones or to improve their home decor. It is also a fact that at this time of the year more than any other time, businesses increase their advertising and sales promotion to encourage customers to buy what they are offering for sale. Likewise, consumers must be very vigilant in their choices. From this week to the end of the Christmas season this column will focus extensively on providing tips that will guide consumers towards making informed purchases during the season, especially relating to products monitored by the GNBS. As consumers, spending money in a very smart manner this Christmas season is definitely possible! Shopping for products that are of quality and making comparisons to find the most reasonable prices offered by different business establishments are the ways to go. Products that are produced according to or are conforming to the requirements of National or International Standards are usually of good quality. Most of these products are tested to ensure conformance to specified requirements and carry one or many standards marks, such as: UL, CE, CSA, NOM, and CCC. For example, on our locally manufactured PVC Pipes and gold jewellery manufactured by the certified jewellers, you can find the Guyana’s National Standards Mark – GNBS in a double wall circle. Don’t shop in a rush and become confused. Take a

moment to carefully understand your expectations of the product you intend to buy. Aspects to be considered should include quality, durability, performance, usefulness, alternatives and price. “Sales” are generally enticing and consumers tend to buy products for which they have no need. Shopping smart takes time, skill and practice. Each of us needs to practice smart shopping to get “A Fair Share in the Market Place”. To get your fair share in the market place try these shopping reminders: · Think before you buy! Ask yourself . . . do I need this item? Will it fit into my budget? Spending only $3000 a week on things you don’t need will cost you $156,000 in a year. · Check it out! Find out all you can about a product before you buy it. Read about the product. Talk to people who own or know about the product. Ask the salesperson to show you how the product works. See if the product really does what the commercials say it does. Check products for standards marks. · Consider the facts! Think about the facts you read or are told about the product. Which facts are the most important to you and your family? Remember that companies may not consistently produce the same quality of products so the product you bought last year might have a better quality than the one you intend to buy this year. Smart shoppers consider the facts before they buy. · Compare! Smart shoppers shop around. Visit or call at least three reputable stores to compare the prices of the item, the different models of the item and the

Newborn with head... (From page 63) try to find out what could have happened to her baby, but only got conflicting responses. “One time I heard that the baby slipped out of the nurse’s hand while she was bathing him and another time I heard that the baby fell from the cot; then I am hearing, instead of putting the baby on the cot, the nurse dropped him,” the devastated mother said. According to Mrs. Ramjattan, the nurse also told her that she had put the newborn on the cot and the child rolled off but the mother questioned how can the newborn baby move from one spot to another just minutes after birth. The probe is still ongo-

ing. try to find out what could have happened to her baby, but only got conflicting responses. “One time I heard that the baby slipped out of the nurse’s hand while she was bathing him and another time I heard that the baby fell from the cot; then I am hearing, instead of putting the baby on the cot, the nurse dropped him,” the devastated mother said. According to Mrs. Ramjattan, the nurse also told her that she had put the newborn on the cot and the child rolled off but the mother questioned how can the newborn baby move from one spot to another just minutes after birth. The probe is still ongoing.

return rules of each store. Buy from the store that gives you the most for the money you s p e n d . Yo u m u s t a l s o compare quantity with quality. Ensure that you are given a warranty on item you have selected. · Choose! Be picky! It’s your money. Think about what you are getting for your money. Remember if a product or a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is! · Check expiry dates and bar codes! By doing this you will avoid using products that are unsafe to you and your family. Some businesses may be unscrupulous enough to put items on sale which are about to expire. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards encourages all consumers to always plan your purchases and buy quality products to get the best value for your money. For further information please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190069, 219-0065, 2190062 or visit the GNBS website www.gnbsgy.org.

LAND FOR SALE Double lot, one corner land & one adjoining located at Buddy’s Gated Community (Providence) $10.5mil each. Neg. Contact # 681-1377, 625-2317 TO LET 4 Bedroom house furnished, self contained, master bedroom. Call: 603-6351 Four storey business place located on Robb Street, next to Bourda Market. Call: 6237731; 629-0636 One bedroom apartment Mon –Repos E.B.D- No ChildrenCall: 662-9043 2 Bedroom (house) toilet & bath ready, UG Student or working couple. Call: 6549807 One bedroom apartment in Ogle E.C.D -$30,000 .Call: 6288667; 222-4272 FULLY FURNISHED 2 BEDROOMS APARTMENT, ECCLES, SUITABLE FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS – ONLY US $30 DAILY – CALL MAX: 609-8132; 6728569 Two bedrooms apartment, parking & other conveniences, Christian working couples, no children -$35,000 –Call: 218-3463; 6238759; 672-1586 One two bedroom detached house – Joy: 218-1285; 6499059

From page 70

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 1-15 Yamaha Outboard engine, long foot-$250,000 negotiable. Call: 685-1233 House in Tuschen Main Road -$27M, 46ft fishing boat & 500lbs Nylon Seine -$2.3M. Call: 696-6074 Plants: Foxtails Palms, Christmas Palms, Ixora, Ficus, Christmas Trees, Petunia, Pentas, Gerbera, Marigold, Periwinkle @ AK PlantShop. Call: 610-7363 Plants: Chrysanthemums 5 for $2000, Hibiscus 5 for $3,000, Bougainvilla 5 for $2000 @ AK Plant Shop. Call: 610-7363 House Lots for sale at Parika, Blankenburg and Schoonord, also Financing Available. Call: 650-0402 / 260-4988 MILL CUT AND DRESSED GREENHEART FROM $160BM AND KABUKALLI FROM, $180BM- TEL: 6886579/653-9752 Frigidaire 15 Cubic foot chest freezer, like new, great for shops -$100,000. Call: 6222899, 666-6592 1-CAT320 BL excavator, 1CAT930 Front End Loader, 1CAT428 Back-Hoe, 1-55 Leyland Daf Truck. Call: 2750538, 660-4021 XBOX 360- $2500, PS3 $35,000, PS2 -$15,000, PS VITA -$60,000, Plastic Barrel -$5,000- Call: 621-7497; 6493277; 603-8643 Rotweiler pups. Tel: 6196086, 622-6646, 699-7077. One mining block along 6Km Road Aroura- Call Mr. Williams: 671-0057 250 Rebel Motorcycle, one 250 nighthawk motorcycle, for more information contact: 662-8715; 680-1198; 7715388-87 Used roofing sheets industrial profile, brick red 26 gauge length 13ft -$3,000 each, metal gate $10,000. Call: 270-4286 Newly built furnished 2 storey executive style home, located at La Jalousie W.C.D -$33M negotiable. Call: 6756426 2 New post lights -$10,000, 2 Sony speakers, 1 Sony stereo in parts -$25,000. Call: 270-4286 PS3 VIDEO –GAME CONTROLLERS, FOR USE WITH PS2 SYSTEMS AS WELL ONLY - $9,000. LIMITED STOCK. CALL MAX: 609-8132/672-8569 One complete 8 inches, River Dredge- Call: 661-9431

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

VEHICLE FOR SALE Damein’s Auto Sales: 20022004 Toyota Premio Cars, prices: $2.3M-$2.4M negotiable. Call: 692-1522 or 614-1333 Bottom flat Liquor Restaurant @ Lot 9 North Section Canal One LN172 Toyota Hilux manual, 3RZ Engine, one 125 #2. Call: 653-1003 Honda CG motorcycle. Call: One self contained room; 682-6111 preferably bachelor. Call: 223One 4X4 Toyota Tacoma 4545 (2009) just registered, for Apartments for rent at Nandy sale. Contact: 225-4413; 225Park. Call: 227-5194 0283; 669-6320 Business spot for rent: hair 212 Carina, excellent salon or barbershop, food, condition- Call: 617-2370 etc. Call: 673-0373; 675-3838 Star Cars Auto Sales: Premio, Commercial Space for rent at Spacio, Runx, IS, Fielder, Lot 12 North Road, salon & Bluebird, Axela, Pit-bull, barber stations – Call: 662- Raum, Benz -Tel: 268-3509; 8715, 680-1198 679-3140 2 Bedrooms apartment Brand new 2015 KIA located @ Mon Repos E.C.D, Sportage -$12M –Call: 645price -$60,000 –Contact: 692- 6498 9295 or 688-6005 Christmas Sale on all GT TOOL RENTALS: vehicles in stock: Tacoma, COMPACTOR; CHIPPING Bluebird, Premio, Etc. We HAMMER RANSOM & beat any price. Call: 611FLOOR SANDER, JACK 7999; 621-4190 HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 667- Buy Cars Online & Save Big! Pay the same online price & 2535, 627-5098 we do the rest. Call: 611Mall and office to rent at 7999; 621-4190 Sharon’s Building/Mall @ King & Charlotte Street Areostan VAN, perfect Georgetown. Contact: 225- condition, magrims etc, 22R Toyota Engine, great 4413; 225-0283; 669-6320 consumption. Call: 618-4257 Three Storey 75ftX30ft or 644-5959 building, open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, 1 New model Raum AC, TV, driveway, 25B Princess St, mags, PMM series, never Charlestown. Call: 223-0654; worked hire, excellent condition -$1.350M. Call: 225-0605 Self-contained rooms in 619-1047 Prashad Nagar. Tel:659-3865; PRR 2005 Mazda Axela, in 629-2424, 227-2993 excellent condition -$1.5M. Furnished office space Call: 617-7113 situated at 57 Robb St. Fielder Bourda Georgetown. Tel: 684- Unregistered Wagon, fully loaded, rims, 2003 after 4:00Ppm for camera, bodykit, HID, dark enquiries. interior-Call: 617-5536 2 Flat 3 bedrooms lot 61 FOR SALE Atlantic Ville-Call: 227-3407; Nissan Cefiro Engine with 233-0326; 233-0524 transmission in powerful TOURS condition. Contact: 676-6784 Suriname Tour, Shopping, Tours, site seeing November One white Bridal Gown. 26th -29th Old years into New Please Call: 625-2306; 655Years December 30th – 6847 January 3rd –Call: 639-2663; Self play easy Karaoke En’t for clubs and homes. 665-5171 Contact: 687-3896 FOR SALE Mixed German shepherd Double lot & 2-storey house at puppies. Call: 612-3400 or Chateau Margot. Tel:661-9431 685-5845 Duckling & broiler chicks for PROPERTY FOR SALE sale- Call: 622-7026 or 6702-storied transported 5222 concrete property, fully AC, semi-furnished Somerset 14 Heads of cows, heavy with calves, including bulls Court E.B.D $31mil Neg. Contact # 681-1377, 625- @ Enmore North –Call: 2706026 2317

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Sunday November 08, 2015

===== CONSUMER CONCERNS =====

SUCCESSFUL ACHIEVEMENT OF FOOD SECURITY by PAT DIAL Consumer advocates worldwide, and in Guyana in particular, the Guyana Consumers Association, have always promoted food security as well as drug security. Both Food and Drug Security are important to the well-being and even survival of any community and two periods in our recent history have sharply reminded us of this truth: During the years of World War II, food imports almost disappeared because of the successful German campaign of destroying merchant shipping. And in the 1980s there was a general nonimportation of food from abroad. The food shortages in these periods brought terrible suffering to the population, especially the poor and incapacitated, and underlined how important it was to be as self-sufficient as possible. Accordingly, in this month of November, this Agriculture Month, Food Security has been promoted. In the Minister of Agriculture’s message inaugurating the month, he pledged his Government’s support for national Food Security. Most Guyanese have a very vague understanding of food security. Indeed, on

questioning several people at this time on what is food security, they answered that since rice is a staple and one of the main elements in the Guyanese diet, promoting a successful rice industry is one of the main activities of achieving and sustaining food security and it is incumbent on all stakeholders - Government and the populace- to ensure the rice industry’s prosperity to avoid the pangs of future privation. Actually, food security is a much wider concept. At the World Food Security summit held in 1996 and at which most of the world’s nations were represented, Food Security was defined as “When all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.” This definition is a very general one. It was further refined by pointing out that inclusive in it are food availability which is having sufficient quantities of food available on a consistent basis; food access meaning having a nutritious diet available at easily affordable rates; food use- having knowledge of basic nutrition and easy availability of adequate and clean drinking water and sanitation; availability of marine products such as fish and animal products such as meat derived from livestock. In Guyana we mostly think

of food security from the supply side, that is food production, and this indeed is the most important aspect of it. But the concept of Food Security has many ramifications which need to be addressed if full success could be assured in any programe of food security. Other ramifications would include, for example, the use of modern agricultural methods and technology, scientific research and continuous programmes of education for farmers and those engaged in fishing and aquaculture, and animal husbandry. Improvement in livestock strains and the production of adequate stock feeds must always be at the fore of activity. Even the dissemination of recipes for the varied uses of locally produced foods should be continuously done. Questions such as the liberalization of food imports in relation to the survival of local production will have to be resolved. Environmental issues will always have to be considered in all agricultural endeavours, and probably most important, those who produce food should be ensured a decent living wage. In achieving any successful programme of National Food Security, therefore, various governmental and private agencies and organizations will have to work in close cooperation and amity.

DO YOU HAVE BAD BREATH? Do you have bad breath? Would you know if you did? Everyone has it from time to time, especially first thing in the morning. About one in four people are thought to have it on a regular basis.However, most of them are usually not aware of it. The medical term for bad breath is halitosis. Halitosis is a common problem that can affect anyone at any age.It can be caused by many things including: Odour causing foods, Poor oral hygiene, Gum disease, Tooth decay and impacted wisdom teeth, Poorly fitted dental appliances, Dry mouth, Smoking and alcohol consumption, Dieting, dehydration, hunger, and missed meals and certain medical conditions and illnesses About 90% of bad breath cases are due to dental issues rather than medical ones. Of these cases the main cause is poor oral hygiene. Any food trapped in your teeth and not cleaned out will be broken down by bacteria, causing a foul odour. The most common location for bacteria for mouth-related bad breath is the back part of the tongue because it is fairly dry and usually not cleaned properly. The back of the mouth usually contains food deposits, dead skin cells and post nasal drip and these encourage bacteria. The odours that the bacteria produce smell like “rotten eggs” and these are results of what are called volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs). Bad breath can have a personal and social impact on

those who suffer from it, as well as those on the receiving end. There’s even a term for people who believe or fear they have bad breath, “halitophobia.” It’s not always easy to tell if you have bad breath. Other people may notice it first, but could feel uncomfortable telling you. You CANNOTcheck your breath by blowing into your hand! This doesn’t work - your senses become used to the smell of your own bad breath. Your body is designed through a process called acclimation so that you cannot detect your own odour. Blow all day and you may not smell a thing even as people are backing away from you slowly when you speak. The following are some do it yourself tests to help you figure out if you have bad breath: The Cotton Test: Wipe the top surface of the back of your tongue with a piece of cotton gauze and smell it. Also, if you notice a yellowish stain on the cotton, it’s likely that you have an elevated sulfide production level. The Lick Test: Lick the back of your hand. Let that dry for about 10 seconds and then smell. If you notice an odour, you may have a breath disorder because the sulfur salts from your tongue have been transferred to your hand. The Dental Floss Test: Run a piece of dental floss between your back teeth (the mostly likely place for stuck food) and then smell the floss. The Mirror Test: Stand in front of the mirror and stick

Dr. Neromini Fagu your tongue out as far as possible. If you notice that the very back of your tongue is whitish, it may be a sign that you have bad breath. The Observation Test: Judge the reaction of others when you interact with them. The Ask Test: Ask the opinion of someone you can trust - a good friend, a spouse, even your children. Let them check your breath several times daily because breath changes throughout the day. Treatment for bad breath will depend on its cause. As part of your daily routine, you should brush your teeth and gums, floss between your teeth and clean your tongue. Change your toothbrush regularly, about every three to four months. If your bad breath is due to gum disease then you will need to have a professional cleaning of your teeth to remove the plaque and bacteria. Any tooth decay, poorly fitting dental appliances and dry mouth would also have to be addressed. If you wear removable dentures, you should take them out at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. You should also clean them thoroughly to prevent plaque build-up. Avoid using alcohol-based mouthwashes as the alcohol will make the problem worse by drying out the mouth.Look instead for mouthwashes that contain ingredients such as chlorine dioxide which is supposed to reduce the sulphur compounds that cause bad breath. If you still have bad breath after making changes to your dental health, then see your doctor. There may be a medical cause that needs investigating.Bad breath is an embarrassing problem to have, but it’s not a problem you have to live with. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL on Tel: 227-0025, 260-3133 or send comments to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Russian plane black boxes point to ‘attack’

An armed security worker talks on his phone in front of the luggage screening section at the airport of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, yesterday. (AP Photo/Vinciane Jacquet)

Paris (AFP) - Black box data from the Russian plane that crashed in Egypt last week indicate it was bombed, sources said, ahead of a first update yesterday from the Egyptian-led probe into the disaster. Both the flight data and voice recorders failed 24 minutes after the plane took off from Egypt’s Sharm elSheikh resort en route to Saint

Petersburg on October 31, when it plummeted from the sky into the Sinai Peninsula killing all 224 people on board. Cairo and Moscow initially dismissed a claim Islamic State (IS) jihadists downed the plane, but mounting evidence that the Airbus A321 was attacked has prompted a growing list of governments to warn against travel to Sharm el-Sheikh.

On Friday, President Vladimir Putin ordered all Russian flights to Egypt halted, in a fresh blow to the country’s already struggling tourism industry. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told news agencies the measure did not mean Moscow believed the crash — the worst aviation disaster in Russia’s history — was due to an attack, and the

investigation continued. The head of Russia’s emergencies ministry said Russian experts had taken samples from the crashed jet and were testing it for any traces of explosives. But a source close to the investigation told AFP the black box data “strongly favours” the theory a bomb on board brought down the plane. Another person close to the case in Paris said the plane had suffered “a violent, sudden” end, saying: “Everything was normal during the flight, absolutely normal, and suddenly there was nothing.” Egypt’s Civil Aviation Minister Hossam Kamal and the head of the Egyptian-led investigation into the disaster held a news conference at 1500 GMT yesterday, the ministry confirmed. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s office said he called Putin and they agreed to bolster coordination to “strengthen security measures for Russian planes”. Nearly 80,000 Russian tourists are estimated have been stranded in Egypt by their government’s decision to halt flights.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Myanmar prepares for first free vote in 25 years Reuters - Myanmar goes to the polls today, taking its biggest stride yet in a journey to democracy from dictatorship, but the legacy of military rule means opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi cannot become president even if her party wins a landslide. The sense of excitement in the Southeast Asian nation was palpable on the eve of the election as around 30 million people prepared to vote in the first free nationwide poll in a quarter of a century. “I really want change,” said Zobai, a Muslim jade trader in the second-largest city of Mandalay who goes by one name. “I’ve been alive for 53 years and all I’ve seen is dictatorship.” Religious tensions marred the run-up to the election, fanned by Buddhist nationalists whose actions have intimidated Myanmar’s Muslim minority. Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi won the last free vote in 1990, but the military ignored the result. She spent most of the next 20 years under house arrest

before her release in 2010. Her National League for Democr a c y ( N L D ) i s expected to win again, but she is barred from taking the presidency herself under a constitution written by the junta to preserve its power. If she wins a majority and is able to form Myanmar’s first democratically elected government since the 1960s, Suu Kyi says she will be the power behind the new president regardless of a constitution she has derided as “very silly”. Suu Kyi starts the contest with a sizeable handicap in parliament: even if the vote is deemed free and f a i r, o n e - q u a r t e r o f parliament’s seats will still be held by unelected military officers. To form a government and choose its own president, the NLD on its own or with allies must win more than two-thirds of all seats up for grabs. By contrast, the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) would need far fewer seats if it secured the backing of the military bloc in parliament.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Sunday November 08, 2015

Bandit shot dead during mining camp attack One man is dead after bandits yesterday attempted to storm a gold mining camp in Cuyuni, Region Seven. According to information coming out from Blackwater, a popular mining area, shortly after midday yesterday, a group of armed men attempted to attack the camp. Workers were reportedly in the midst of “washing down” the gold. However, alert security personnel started to exchange gunfire with the bandits. The gunmen fled, leaving one of their own behind. According to an official familiar with the incident, the police at Bartica, Region Seven, have been alerted. The body was still at the camp last evening and a team of police is expected to travel to the remote area to investigate.

The dead bandit at the Blackwater camp

Trinidad minister calls on US firms to work together with government PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Trinidad and Tobago’s trade and industry minister, Senator Paula GopeeScoon, called on US firms to “let us work together to forge new paths” while speaking at the American Business Outreach Reception hosted by Margaret Diop, US charge d’affaires, last week. “The government of Trinidad and Tobago is seeking not only to expand domestic exports, but also to invite US firms to exploit the numerous advantages, incentives and opportunities available here,” GopeeScoon noted.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

After video on Trinis as ISIS fighters, Muslims want Govt. action

ISIS has released a new video featuring four men, who all claim to be from T&T. The video, entitled “Those who Believe and Made the Hijra”, was posted on Twitter and PRO IS Telegram channels today. In the video, one of the men (Abu Zayd al-Muhajir) said he moved to Syria with his wife and three young children.

Trinidad Guardian - Calls are being made for the Government to liaise with all Muslim organisations to stop the recruitment of terrorist fighters by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This follows the posting of an 11-minute, 20-second video, titled Those who Believe and Made the Hijra, which featured Trinidadian parents and their young children training to become ISIS fighters. In the video posted by the Ar-Raqqah Province of the Islamic State (IS), the fighters said they left T&T to fight for Islam as practising their faith in T&T was “limited.” One of them was positively identified as former Richplain Road, Diego Martin, resident Chris Lewis by his friends and family Friday. Family members said Lewis left Trinidad over a year ago with his children, saying he was going to live and work in England. They were stunned, therefore, when they saw him

appearing in the ISIS video and were said to be still struggling to come to terms with his decision to join the terrorist group Friday. But in an interview Friday, founder and chairman of the Caribbean Hajj, Zabar Mohammed Baksh, said the video was not an accurate representation of Islam in T&T. “They have to be mad. We are the best place in the world to practise Islam,” Baksh said, adding he hoped the terrorist fighters never returned to T&T. He added: “I have travelled all over the world and we are not restrictive when it comes to the practice of Islam. I was a founding member of the IRO and that is a blessing in this country. “Islam is one of the most tolerant religions of the world. We always fear Allah. Every life on this earth must be protected and cherished.” Asked why locals were being enticed to go to fight for ISIS, Baksh said: “Ask them that. I don’t know what prompts them.” He added that the Government must deal with the situation by holding

talks with Muslim groups. Meanwhile, president of the Trinidad Muslim League, Dr Nasser Mustapha, said he did not recognise any of the fighters. He said it was not true that Islam was being restricted in T&T. “Over the years we have enjoyed religious freedom and freedom to worship. We have established schools and we teach children from other religions. We have more rights and freedoms than many of the Muslim countries where people cannot speak out,” he said. He also said when he first heard people were going to ISIS he was skeptical. Now that he had seen proof of the fighters in the Middle East, Mustapha said it was time for Government to intervene. He said children must be taught not to accept ISIS ideology. TML’s secretary Azid Ali had a message for his Muslim family. “My message to Muslim community is think hard about what you are doing. Search your conscience and do research and reading.

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CPDC condemns blacklisting of Caribbean countries as tax havens BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) says it is in “full agreement” with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders who have called for a review of the policies relating to the labeling of countries as tax havens leading to them being blacklisted. The CPDC said it believes that governments throughout the region are having to divert critical resources, to implement standards and regulations in order to become compliant with the overlydemanding requirements of international tax regulation.

CPDC executive director, Shantal Munro- Knight said “governments in this region are bending over backwards to comply with the applicable standards. “Yet, still after all the invested resources and having implemented the stipulated regulations, they cannot avoid being labeled tax havens. If one were a conspiracy theorist, one could suggest that the system is set up to ensure that developing countries remain continually on the periphery of the world economy.” The CPDC said it was adding its voice in condemning the European

Union over the recent publication of a list containing 30 countries, including Caribbean countries as, noncooperative and tax havens. It said that the move by the European countries is particularly disturbing given the different levels of cooperation between the region and the EU. “The CPDC is also firmly behind Barbados and other countries in their continued fight against this unfair labeling of countries in the region and encourages leaders to take a joint global approach to lobbying against such practices. “The CPDC also notes that very often due to the huge imbalance in power, countries in the region have little recourse to fight against such labeling when it comes from countries like the EU and the United States.”. The Barbados-based organization that groups several regional nongovernment bodies said that “often times there is “consultation or transparency in the determination of countries as tax havens, the labeling is arbitrary and inconsistent.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Venezuela withdraws $460M from IMF Washington (AFP) - With its cash reserves in sharp decline, Venezuela withdrew $460 million from the International Monetary Fund last month in its third such operation this year. The IMF website showed weekend that Venezuela exchanged part of its Special Drawing Rights — an international reserve asset created by the IMF — account at the Fund for greenbacks. Some countries often buy SDRs to comply with their obligations at the IMF, and in other cases sell them for hard

currency to raise their reserve level at home, the Fund said. Venezuela depends almost exclusively on oil exports and has taken a big hit from a drop in crude prices. Its hard currency reserves have fallen 25 percent over the past year to $15.4 billion. Venezuela’s three SDRselling transactions this year at the IMF have netted it more than $2.3 billion. Until this year, Venezuela had not withdrawn assets from the IMF since 2006. The value of the SDR is determined by a basket of four

currencies: the yen, the dollar, the pound sterling and the euro. The IMF does not have access to complete data on the Venezuelan economy since 2006, as Caracas rejects assessment visits by the IMF. The fall in oil prices is the latest headache for Venezuela, and worsens an economy hit by recession, shortages of basic goods and high inflation. This has taken a huge toll on the approval rating of President Nicolas Maduro as legislative elections approach on December 6.

The Gleaner - “Merely shielding” her minister and shifting account-ability and responsibility away from him” is how Opposition Leader Andrew Holness describes the move by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to reshuffle embattled Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson to another ministry. “The prime minister’s actions show a very high tolerance and patience with failure and underperformance, which places the health and security of the

people of Jamaica at risk,” Holness said.Friday, the prime minister heeded to pressure and reassigned Ferguson to the labour and social security ministry, with Horace Dalley now in charge of the health ministry.Several calls have come in for Ferguson’s resignation after the latest crisis in the health sector, which resulted in the deaths of 19 premature babies. “The minister should have been removed a long time ago. The fact is that Minister Ferguson’s performance and

execution of his duties as the minister of health does not recommend him to continue to hold any ministerial office in any Cabinet,” the opposition leader said. “We expect that having released the report, the prime minister should hold to account other chief personnel and political appointees responsible for the shortcomings in policy and administration. This will set an example of accountability not just in the Ministry of Health, but throughout the entire Government.”

Shifting Ferguson Not Enough – Holness

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

Non-stop action anticipated at Jumbo Jet, Bush Lot United horserace meet today Hungry for action after the more than over two months lapse in horseracing, the day has finally arrived and horseracing fans are expected to throng to the Bush Lot United Turf Club in their thousands for the long awaited “Keeping Bush Lot Alive” horserace meet organized by the Jumbo Jet Business businesses and the much improved Bush Lot United Turf Club at Sea View Park, West Coast, Berbice. With the Jumbo Jet proven track record in auto dealership and horseracing and the BLUTC having the accolade of the most improve entity over the past few years, fans can expect a race meet of quality and substance with eight action pack events slated for the day. As is famous with the Jumbo Jet connections and events associated with the

entity, big pay days are guaranteed. As such entries have risen to over 70 up to press time. The eight race meet has over $7 million dollars in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs. All eyes will once again be on the feature event sponsored by Banks DIH Limited which will feature horses classified E and lower and those 4 yrs old West Indian bred. With Spit Fire, jack In My Style and Swing Easy back to full fitness, a ding down battle is once again anticipated for the $600,000 first prize and trophy over a distance of 1-mile. However, an upset could be in the making with the likes of Unsettled, Giants Time, Red and Lovely, Dulahan and Good Will Boy all looking good at gallops during the week. The Co-feature three year old West Indies bred event as

usual will have its share of excitement as the best horses in that category have all entered to race in the one mile race with Storm Bird, Settling Star, It’s My Choice and Keep on Swing set to renew their rivalry for a winning take of $400,000 and trophy. Witchy Poo is expected to start as favourite in the race for two year old West Indies bred animals over 6F for a winning pocket of $300,000 and trophy. The others in Red Rocket, Firing Line and Isn’t She Charming will be looking to break that winning spell. Release the Beast, Sent From Above, Rosetta, Fresh Again and Compare are expected to lead the way among the G1 and lower horses in the 6 ½F event for a $300,000 winning pocket and trophy. The rest of the races are all over 6 ½F. Goldikova, Bird Man, She’s So Special, Lova

Sunday November 08, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some bad experiences regarding career, family, travel, or education could have a friend, colleague, or love partner in an explosive mood today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're in a great mood, and you're raring to go at just about anything. Your physical energy is high, so some exercise is indicated, possibly sports.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Job stress might be getting to you. Drinking a lot of water would be a good idea. Moderate amounts of exercise and rest are also indicated.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you might feel a strong psychic link with a friend who lives far away that you haven't seen for a long time.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you should feel romantic and passionate and want to get together with your love partner. You'll probably do that, but it may be difficult and only arranged at the last minute. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A woman, perhaps a colleague who's very bright and sometimes annoying, could visit you today. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Some involve people who live far away, some are from friends with heavy emotional difficulties, and one could come from a romantic partner with whom you're very anxious to get together. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Money matters may need attention today. Bills need to be paid, checks deposited, or contracts executed.The relief you get from handling this should lift your spirits considerably.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Group activities or meetings could prove fraught today as those around you get pulled into discussions about which they feel strongly and on which they don't all agree! CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The possibility of impending changes in your personal or professional life could have you feeling worried and insecure. Don't be. If anything, you'll benefit from these changes. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may have been making plans to take a long trip or return to school for an advanced degree. Until now you may have put it off. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Legal papers regarding money that you may have been working on for a while should finally be done today. This should lift your spirits if for no other reason than to have it all out of the way!

Lova, Fresh Again, Sent From Above, Honest Penny, Royal Empire, Miss Doubt Fire and Mary Ann are among those entered in the H1 and lower race for the first prize of $250,000 and trophy. The I1 and lower horses will be looking to take home the $200,000 top money and trophy available for the winner. A number of horses entered in the H and J class event are also slated to participate in the “I” class race. The J1 and lower race for the $150,000 and trophy has among the line up Golden Kiss, De Gump, Miss Regina, Blue Lightning, Party Time, Amazon Warrior, Red Jet, Plain Land, Another Storm and Affinity. The final race is for animals classified K and lower will see Massa Piqua way, De Gump, Ranch Boy, Grey Boy, Brown Girl, Amazon , Amigo, Another Storm, Plain,Upfront, Silent Warrior, Blue, Progesse Kid and Quincy competing for the winning take of $100,000 and trophy. Apart from the fascinating horseracing action expected to unfold on the track there will also be added attractions for both adults’ and kids. Incentives will be available for the top Jockey and runner up, the top stable and champion trainer among others compliments of the organizers. Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed Junior is the coordinator and last minute details can be had by contacting Chandu Ramkissoon on 6249063/ 232-0633 or Junior on 654-4060. (Samuel Whyte)

Enterprise, St. Angela’s... (From page 75) Game-2 South Ruimveldt-1 vs Stella Maris-0 Zacharia Pemberton-30th 9-12 Division Game-1 St. Agnes-1 vs Smith Memorial-0 Daniel Pollard-16th Game-2 North Georgetown-1 vs St. Stephens-1 North Georgetown won 2-0 via penalty shoot-out North Georgetown Scorer K. King-35th St. Stephen Scorer Ronaldo Forde-12th 13-16 Division Game-1 Winfer Garden-2 vs F.E. Pollard-1 Winfer Scorers Jeremiah Harris-5th and 13th F.E. Pollard Scorer Jamal December-31st Game-2 St. Ambrose vs Comenius Primary, St. Ambrose won via walkover

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Spirited matches anticipated as Region one hosts Guinness 5-a-side street football Footballers of Region One, Barima/Waini, will throw down the gauntlet when I Movements Promotion presents the inaugural Guinness 5-a-side street football at the Fitzburg Community Centre Ground from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November next. The organizer, has indicated that the teams are already in training and the event will provide a chockfull of fun and entertainment. Additionally, the substantial prize money should also be the catalyst for keen competition since the champion team will cart off $100,000 and a trophy. The runner-up team will receives half that amount, while the third place team goes home with $25,000. Activities are sponsored by several corporate entities including Chinee and Daughters General Store, Banks DIH Ltd and Rawlo & Gailann’s Variety Store. An enterprising citizen, also a member of the community, Conrad St Romain, has also contributed significantly towards the success of

the event. Interested teams can contact the organizer, Patrick Adams, on telephone # 6737777. Registration of teams will be done at the business place of one of the sponsors, Gailann’s Variety Store at the Waterfront. Teams are not required to pay a registration fee and patrons will also be able to view the matches free of cost. Music will be provided by Bullet Soundz and the first whistle will be blown at 18:00hrs sharp. Meanwhile, popular promoter I’Salaam, who is part of the organizing team, wished to congratulate the recently elected President of the Bartica Football Association, Nigel Caesar on his election to the top post. He further said that football in the region is currently taking a turn for the better. He said that administrators should take the opportunity to nurture the talent emerging out of these rural communities in their quest to develop the sport.

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Sunday November 08, 2015

Douglas, Stephenson hit half centuries as UG take first day honours Darnell Douglas and Melroy Stephenson stroked half centuries as University of Guyana (UG) took first day honours against Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) in their semi final encounter of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Noble House Sea Foods second division twoday tournament which commenced yesterday. Douglas struck 82 and Stephenson 52 as UG posted 283 all out in 60 overs, batting first at Bourda. Following the demise of Stephenson, UG lost their way somewhat, but Douglas steadied the innings, adding 93 for the seven-wicket with Devon George who made 23. Martin Pestano Belle grabbed 4-54 and left arm spinner Devon Lord 3-92. The home team were 35-2 at sumps with Kennard Moonsammy on three. Belle went for nine while Manny Forde was dismissed on the stroke of time for 22. Play continues today.

Largest sporting invasion in years... (From page 79) plus not just for boxing but the spill off includes tourism. Many countries involved will be walking with media teams and Guyana will be highlighted in a big way. GBA has been working assiduously to have all systems in place for a successful staging of the event. Guyana has registered a 38-member team will go into training shortly as they gear to really represent at home. Guyana has registered a 38-member team, who has gone into training at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Camp Seweyo base as they gear to really represent at home. One face missing is that of Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis who injured his hand (fracture) and cannot compete. Lewis is the nephew of former World Champ Andrew Lewis, and was a standout in recent events including best boxer at the just concluded Terrence Alli championship among others.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Enterprise, St. Angela’s survive gripping semifinals to set up final clash St. Pius, West Ruimveldt to play for third place Just as was promised, the semi-finals of this year’s Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition produced two sizzling encounters that went right down to the wire with Enterprise and St. Angela’s the two teams standing to contest the final on Tuesday, at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park. Over at the No.1 pitch, last year’s beaten finalist St. Pius, who lost in a penalty shootout to Stella Maris saw their hopes of meeting the final dissipate in similar fashion after going down to Enterprise 3-1 on penalty kicks folowing a nil-all conclusion after regular and extra times. In the other game, St. Angela’s who’re yet to concede a goal in this year’s competition squeezed past a luckless West Ruimveldt by a 1-0 margin courtesy of a defence error. Played before a fair-sized audience that iincluded Courts Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings, parents and fans, the young ballweavers produces a fine exhibition of football as they battled each other for a place in the final. The Enterprise and St. Pius encounter though it failed to produce any goals saw end to end action with many chances create, but stout defending and magnificent goalkeeping kept the contest on a knife’s edge. No team was able to score in open play and it took spot kicks to determine the winner. The West Ruimveldt versus St. Angela’s game was a match of pure quality and it took a thunderbolt from long range by Keyon Douglas that foorced an attempted clearance which skimmed off the head of the defender to beat a surprised goalkeeper in the 38th minute of play. St. Angela’s held on grimly to book their place in the final against Enterprise. In the day’s full results: Semi-Final Game-1 St. Pius-0 vs Enterprise-0 Enterprise won 3-1 on penalty kicks Game-2 St. Angela’s-1 vs West Ruimveldt-0 Keyon Douglas-38th Game-1 5-8 Division St. Margaret’s-1 vs Tucville-0 Josiah King-18th (Continued on page 73)

Kaieteur News

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Sunday November 08, 2015

“Present for cricket All-Star games in NYC, Houston and LA!” Colin E. H. Croft God is “De Boss”! As the older people always suggest; “God does not come, but he sends!” Last week, He certainly sent me a tremendous blessing, for, out of the blue, I was contacted to be one of the Presenters/Commentators for the inaugural Cricket All-Stars 20-20 series in USA, featuring games in New York City; Houston, Texas; and Los Angeles, California. Indeed, I was at Miami International airport, enroute to Trinidad & Tobago, then Guyana, when that call came. Yes, I did complete that quick visit, a good one too, to be featured later, but, oh, what great fortune, as I had tried so very hard to be one of those Presenters/Commen-

tators now in Sri Lanka covering West Indies ongoing tour there, but to no avail. My opportunities were coming from elsewhere! So, by yesterday (Saturday), game No. 1 will have been completed at Citi-Field, Flushing Meadows, new home of USA baseball’s World Series 2015 beaten finalists, New York Mets, a stadium that normally holds 45,000, and which, in 2008, replaced the revered Shea Stadium where the Mets had played for 45 years. Citi-Field even hosted that last game in World Series 2015! Next will be a game at Minute-Maid Park, Houston, capacity 42,000, home of major league baseball’s Houston Astros next Wednesday, and the final game at a really iconic building, Dodger Sta-

Samuels’ ton in vain as Sri Lanka sweep ODI series (Reuters) Marlon Samuels’ unbeaten century proved in vain as Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 19 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method to complete a 3-0 oneday series whitewash on Saturday. Beaten in the two-test series and defeated in the previous two one-dayers, West Indies continued to struggle after being asked to bat first in a third and final match interrupted by rain at the Pallekele International Stadium. Samuels (110 not out) struck his ninth ODI century and contributed more than half of the total as West Indies posted 206 for nine after the game was reduced to 36 overs per side. Opener Kusal Perera then top-scored with a breezy 50 and captain Angelo Mathews made 27 not out as Sri Lanka reached 180 for five in the 33rd over when bad weather intervened for the last time. Earlier, Samuels rescued

West Indies after they had slumped to 18 for four inside six overs. Lasith Malinga struck twice to dismiss opener Johnson Charles and Jermaine Blackwood and the visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Samuels hit 15 fours and a six in his 95-ball blitz and the second highest contribution in the innings came in the form of 22 extras. With wickets tumbling at the other end, Samuels decided to counter-attack, hitting Suranga Lakmal for three successive boundaries in an over. He meted out the same treatment to Malinga after a second rain intervention but ultimately it was a below-par total for West Indies. Scores: Sri Lanka 180 for 5 in 32.5 overs (Perera 50, Holder 2-44) beat West Indies 206 for 9 in 36 overs (Samuels 110*, Chameera 239, Lakmal 2-40) by 19 runs (D/L method).

Stag Elite League

Slingerz ease into top spot with 3-0 whipping of Pele; Conquerors edged GDF Bakewell Slingerz Football Club took over the pole position with a better goal average in the Stag Elite (SEL) organized by the Guyana Football Federation after they whipped Pele 3-0; the two clubs are tied on 24 points each. Facing off at the GDF ground on Friday night last the West Side based Slingerz got their goals in the first half from Vurlon Mills (13th), Captain Tichard Joseph (29th) and Dwain Jacobs in the 32nd minute to take away full points as the race for the top spot intensifies. In the other match, the Guyana Defence Force squandered the early lead to lose to Fruta Conquerors 2-1 in an exciting duel. Delwin Fraser handed the GDF the lead in the 33rd minute and held on to that advantage until the 67th minute when Conquerors clawed their way back. Jermaine Junor banged in the equalizer with the winning goal coming off the boot of Eon Alleyne three minutes later. Stag Elite League action will continue this evening with another double header at the GFC ground. Buxton will take on Monedderlust at 18:00hrs with Alpha United matching skills with Georgetown Football Club in the main attraction at 20:30hrs.

dium in Los Angeles, home of Los Angeles Dodgers, capacity 56,000, next Saturday. I certainly feel as if I am with angels in heaven now, as I am riding on a cricket cloud. Oh, what a feeling, for these games feature some of the best known names of the cricket world over the last twenty-five years, names that would fill lexicons of cricket anywhere. Forget that I had played good cricket for WI in my time. Just to be near these guys, as a cricket fan, has been fantastic! The names roll off cricketing tongues like very juicy honey, with India’s Sachin Tendulkar and Australia’s Shane Warne as captains. But what a great supporting cast for these two super-stars! Tendulkar’s squad – “Sachin’s Blasters” – is made up of: Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan), Sir Curtly Ambrose (WI), Sourav Ganguly (India), Carl Hooper (WI), Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka), Moin Khan (Pakistan), Lance Klusener (South Africa), Brian Lara (WI), VVS Laxman (India), Glenn Mc Grath (Australia), Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka), Shaun Pollock (South Africa), Graeme Swann (England) and Virender Sehwag (India).

Warne’s squad – “Shane’s Warriors” – consists of: Ajit Agarkar (India), Wasim Akram (Pakistan), Allan Donald (South Africa), Matthew Hayden (Australia), Jacques Kallis (South Africa), Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan), Ricky Ponting (Australia), Jonty Rhodes (South Africa), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Andrew Syminds (Australia), Michael Vaughn (England), Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) and Courtney Walsh (West Indies). Abacuses, smart phones and computers would probably explode trying to calculate how many runs and wickets those guys have made and taken over their careers for their respective countries. Kerry Packer, instrumental in discovering white balls, colored clothing and night cricket, must be turning in his grave, for even he would not have envisaged such a collection of stars to be turning out in such style and grandeur in America. Okay, most of these guys have not played much lately, even if some of them, such as Sangakkara, who has just retired, Swann, Pollock and Rhodes, not to mention the always slim “Ambi”, still look to be in fighting form. Their state of body does not mat-

ter. They are playing in USA! The series’ press conference at Marriott’s Marquis Hotel in Times Square attracted media from all over the world, including, impressively, CNMG TV from Trinidad & Tobago, with proceedings handled expertly and efficiently, especially when superstars like Lara, Warne, Murali and Sachin were being sought. One had to sit back and admire realworld security and professionalism. But, as Warne, who has not lost any of his charm or aggression put it, “America is ready for T-20 cricket. This is like bringing the Harlem GlobeTrotters of cricket back to America, as these are some of the most iconic cricketers the world has seen in the last several years. If we could provide that spark, entertainment and conviction that this sport can indeed continue to crack the American psyche, then there is no telling as to how high this thing could go. I cannot wait!” Sachin was somewhat more philosophical, espousing the roll of cricket’s global ambassador, as he is, to the hilt: “One of my main reasons for coming out of retirement for this series is to continue

to make the sport of cricket global. We are not in the USA to compete with any other sport. We are here to make cricket more popular. We want to win hearts, and we really think that Americans, who obviously love sports, will eventually want to fully embrace cricket too.” Way before I migrated to USA in 1981, cricket has been trying desperately to find some niche in America’s sporting life. With this set of events next two weeks in New York, Texas and California, that catalyst will have been set, awaiting the rest of that cricketing equation, the American players. Now, we wait for the hoped-for eruptions. Enjoy! E-mail address c.e.h.croft@gmail.com

SUN BURST / EBFA U-17 League

Herstelling maul Diamond; Agricola flay KK Warriors The second edition of the Continental Agencies Limited (CAL) sponsored SUN BURST / East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-17 league kicked off yesterday following a colorful march past of the seven participating clubs at the Grove Playfield. The traditional kickoff was done by CAL’s Marketing and Sales Manager Mr. Avalon Jagnandan following official opening remarks. This was followed by two matches which saw a total of 14 goals being scored. Herstelling Raiders hammered Diamond United 8-0 in the feature match with Agricola Red Triangle taking care of Kuru Kururu Warriors 6-1 in the opening clash. Group B action set the tone for the competition which would be played on a roundrobin and knock-out format. Agricola Red Triangle, just off winning the Lens Craft / EBFA Under-13 league, wasted little time in asserting control of proceedings. Captain Brian Price netted the opening goal and the first of his double, a well-directed curling shot that beat goalkeeper Sherven Henry in the

V at the far post in the 4th minute. The Linden Soesdyke based Kuru Kururu Warriors bounced back by keeping the Agricola boys at bay for the remainder of the opening 35 minutes. It was not until the second half, in the 50th minute to be exact that Agricola was able to break down the Warriors again. Andre Henry it was who found the back of the nets for Agricola and that sparked a flurry of goals. Reuben Stanford then took over to hammer in two goals of his own in the 52nd and 54th minute before Price completed his double in the 60th minute. The Warriors who did enjoy a few good moments of their own was finally able to pull one back in the 63rd minute thanks to Ishmael James. Shamar Hinds sealed the deal for Agricola by converting the final goal in the 67th minute to formalize their 6-1 triumph which ensured full points and a a jump ahead in group B which also include Grove and Soesdyke Falcons, the top two advancing to the semis. Group A play got underway with Herstelling Raiders romping to a comprehensive 8-0 win over Diamond United.

Agricola’s Captain Brian Price nets the first goal of the league against KK Warriors’ goalkeeper, Sherven Henry. Daniel Nedd led the winners with the first hat-trick of the league he hit the network in the 7th, 33rd and 67th minute in a match that was dominated by the winners. Seon Alfred who was a prominent feature for Herstelling last year at the U17 and senior levels along with National Under-17 goalkeeper Quazim Yussuf, blasted the nets twice in the 28th and 30th minute while James Walcott was on target in the 46th minute. The final goal was an own goal by Diamond. The other team in Group A is Mo-

cha Champs. Jagnandan, in official opening remarks before declaring the league open, expressed his company’s delight in supporting the development of youths, reminding that they have also been sponsoring others sports including motor-racing, badminton and karate among others. He wished the team’s every success in the opening and ensuing matches challenging them to be disciplined on and off the field of play. Matches will continue this Saturday.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

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Shillingford’s 6-107 leads Volcanoes fight back Dominican off-spinner Shane Shillingford grabbed 6-107 on the second day of the first round of the WICB PCL four-day First-Class Franchise between the Windwards Volcanoes and defending Champions Guyana Jaguars at Providence yesterday. The Jaguars, from their overnight 287-4, lost six wickets for 61 runs after Rajendra Chandrika was dismissed at 301-5, to be all out for 362 just after

Lunch. By the close the Volcanoes had reached 1272 and although the visitors are still 235 adrift of the Jaguars’ total they enjoyed the better of the exchanges on a rain affected day which was prematurely ended by bad light with 16 minutes remaining. Chandrika who began the day on 140 added just six runs before he was LBW to Mervin Matthews after batting for 425 minutes, 333

Shane Shillingford took his 30th 5-wkt haul yesterday at Providence and it included the wicket of Steven Jacobs.

balls with 21 fours to trigger a collapse which was briefly halted Chris Barnwell’s 28 as Shillingford’s 30th fivewicket haul did the damage for Volcanoes. Raymon Reifer, who hit two sixes and a four in 17 and Steven Jacobs, who was taken at short leg off Shillingford, reached double figures yesterday in overcast conditions. Miles Bascombe (11) and Tyrone Theophile (46) put on 29 for the first wicket

before Jacobs produced a perfect off-break which was given some air to drag Bascombe forward before pitching just outside off stump and turned between bat and pad as the Vincentian was bowled. Theophile, who played some delightful shots on the fast outfield, reached the boundary seven times and cleared it once before he played across the line and was LBW to Barnwell at 782.

Devon Smith, the 34 year-old Grenadian with 25 First-Class hundreds including one at Test level, was forced to bat at three since he was off the field for more than 15 minutes during the Jaguars’ innings. Smith (35*) in his 99th First-Class game and St Lucian Keddy Lesporis (26*) put together 49 for the third wicket by the close against some disciplined bowling on a flat pitch with

Smith, who has the second most Regional First-Class centuries, one less than the Region’s leading centurion (Stuart Williams 20), will resume today when the match is scheduled to commence at 09:16hrs. (Sean Devers).

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Kaieteur News

Sunday November 08, 2015

Giftland Mall amplifying its commitment to the development of local sports The immaculately laid out and packed Giftland Mall, which hosted the Caribbean Knockdown Boxing Card October month end.

By Edison Jefford Giftland Mall continues to amplify its commitment to the development of local sport, hosting an exceptional occasion, ‘Caribbean Knockdown’ Boxing Card that transformed the space between its Mall and Administrative Building to a haven for sport enthusiasts. Giftland has always pioneered support for local sport, which is the primary reason local athletes, form the core of marketing and branding the SportsMaxx Store, for instance; but amplification of its support came when it went further to actually hosting a sport event. “Giftland is moving towards increasing its support in the development of sports in Guyana, the recently concluded success of the boxing event ‘Caribbean Knockdown’ held at Giftland Mall is the start in exhibiting its commitment in the community and with local athletes,’ Chief Executive Officer, Ian Ramdeo told Kaieteur Sport recently. “The response was overwhelming and the company is considering hosting more sports activities monthly to become the launching pad of the up and coming athletes, not only in boxing, but in other sports as well,” Ramdeo informed. No doubt encouraged from the reactions it received from the accommodation it

provided at the Lot 1 Plantation Pattensen, Turkeyen location on October 24, the company is looking at hosting other sports activities such as Cross Fit Games, Body Building Competitions, Hockey and even Cricket, among others. In short, Giftland Mall is very keen on becoming the Mecca for local sport, if it is not already, in both competition and retail sale of sport apparel. “Over the years, Giftland has demonstrated a strong commitment to sports and local athletes’ development, being an avid sponsor of all sports disciplines at all levels in Guyana,” Ramdeo rightly boasted. He believes that the opening of the new Giftland Mall provides additional scope for building on the company’s commitment to sports, and for partnering with other companies operating within the mall to provide much-needed support for talented local athletes. “Giftland will soon introduce a new culture in Guyana, being the go-toplace and principal venue for sports activities and home of the Guyanese athletes. We are committed to not only improving sports in the country, but also enhancing the physical development and personal advancement of local athletes as well,” the CEO of Giftland Mall reiterated.

Port Mourant Training Centre stages volleyball extravaganza today The Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) volleyball club will be holding a grand one day volleyball extravaganza, fun day and Bar B Que today at the Port Mourant Community Centre ground. All the top volley ball teams are expected to be in attendance as they compete for lucrative prizes. Apart from the volleyball competitions there will be a host of other games on the day’s card including Football and softball cricket. There will also be a number of novelty events including ring throwing, fishing, penalty shootout, hit the stumps, among other events. There are also a number of athletic events including the 100M, 200M, 400M and the 3000M. There is also the 4x100M relay, the 200M relay and the medley relays events. Starting time is 10:00 hrs. Admission is easy and there will be a well stock bar and Music by Chromatic Sounds.

Sunday November 08, 2015

Kaieteur News

Magic Stars maul Redline on opening night of NEE Stag/Cell Smart Futsal Tournament -Show Stoppers, Silver Bullets also win Round Robin encounters Magic Stars easily set up itself as the team to beat in the New Era Entertainment (NEE) Stag/Cell Smart Futsal Tournament Friday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Hard Court, Linden when it mauled Redline in the opening game. Magic Stars, backed by the sheer skill of Clarence Huggins and Richard Allicock inflicted a sound 93 beating on Redline. The official score sheet had Jermaine Grandison as scoring eight of the nine goals, but both Huggins and Allicock scored in the game after clinically taking their defenders apart. The other goal scorer was Joel McKinnon. For Redline, Haldeem Frondline scored their three goals. The tournament began with the Ghetto Warriors securing a walkover Plantain and Cheese. The event was the second annual staging for the NEE group. In the technically the third game of the night, Show Stoppers edged High Rollers 5-4 with Devon Francis scoring a helmet

Magic Stars forward, Clarence Huggins (right) puts the moves on his defender Friday night at the MSC Hard Court in Linden in the NEE Second Annual Stag/Cell Smart Futsal Tournament. trick for Show Stoppers. Jesse Waldron was the other goal scorer for the winners. Omar Brewley netted a double while Benny Nebblit and Jamaal Almond score one apiece for High Rollers. The curtains came down with Silver Bullets defeating Mike Stars 5-3. Colwin Drakes and Rawle Gittens both scored twice, while Damian Williams had the other goal. Julian Smith had two goals and Kevin Crawford one for Mike

Stars. The winners will pocket $250,000 as the second place team takes home $150,000. The third and fourth place teams in the 13-team contest get $75,000 and $50,000 respectively. Trophies will accompany all cash prizes. In addition, prizes will be awarded to the Best Goal Keeper and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, which continues tomorrow night in the Mining Town of Linden.

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Seaboard Marine CMRC

T&T’s Boodoosingh coming for showdown with Jeffrey Despite trailing Guyana and defending regional champion Kristian Jeffrey in the points standing, Trinidad and Tobago’s Kristian Boodoosingh should be a formidable opponent at next Sunday’s final leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean M o t o r R a c i n g Championship (CMRC). Set to be staged at Guyana’s South Dakota Circuit, the Trinidadian speedster has been amongst the outstanding drivers in this year’s championship and lies second in the overall standings on 101 points, 82 points adrift of Jeffrey, who is in pole on 183. Another Trinidadian Gerald Carrington occupies third on 58 points thereby setting the stage for a riveting conclusion to this year’s Series. Boodoosingh, who like Jeffrey drives a Mitsubishi Evo, has proven that he is a class act and is not intimidated by the other guys on the grid and will no doubt be aiming to upstage Jeffrey on home turf, a task that been difficult for other competitors to do since the Guyanese made his debut

Trinidad and Tobago’s Kristian Boodoosigh displays the chequered flag following one of his victories in this year’s CMRC. . last year. Kevin, the experienced The T&T Boodoosingh is Andrew King, Barbados’ no stranger to circuit racing Mark Maloney and a host of and reports have it that he has other local drivers been a consistent and Wi t h Tr i n i d a d a n d accomplished performer in Tobago enjoying a handy SCCA competitions in North lead in the country standings America over the years. on 658, Boodoosingh and He has already shown his company will be determined skill and dexterity in all to protect that advantage conditions, but who could come Sunday. forget his awesome display In second spot is in wet conditions earlier this Barbados on 533 followed by year at Bushy Park in host Guyana on 511, while Barbados when he and Jamaica 369 and Cayman J e f f r e y e n g a g e d i n a Islands 138 rounds out the smashing rivalry that had the standing. fans on their feet. Whatever the eventual However, Boodoosingh o u t c o m e , f ans can be s h o u l d e x p e c t f i e r c e assured that the Group 4 competition from drivers c a t e g o r y w i l l b e a s such as the older Jeffrey, competitive as usual.

Largest sporting invasion in years to hit Guyana for Caribbean Boxing tourney Genuine gold medals up for grabs Guyana is about to be hit packed four days of top class by the largest sporting invasion of teams in a long time later this month when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) hosts the Inter-Caribbean Goodwill Development Boxing tournament, dubbed ‘Back to the Future,’ and scheduled for November 26-29 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). GBA President Steven Ninvalle speaking to Kaieteur Sport noted that they have 14 countries registered to date including hosts Guyana. Among the territories down to travel here are Antigua, Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Grenada, St Vincent, St

Colin Lewis Marten, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. Close to 100 boxers alone are down to be here for the activity with Barbados and Trinidad registering over 20 boxers apiece. Some 30 officials will also join the boxers for what is promising to be a memorable and action

amateur boxing. Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica and Grenada are among those providing referee/ judges to officiate at the tournament. AIBA referee/Judge James Beckles of T&T will arrive in Guyana on November 21 and will headline the elite Caribbean panel. Beckles will hold a workshop for referees and judges during his stay. Ninvalle noted that this four days of boxing will do the sport good not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean. He stated that it has been a long time that an event of this nature has been held and the fact that it is being staged here is a major (Continued on page 74)

at South American 10k today -Forde faces toughest challenge against Kenyans

Genuine gold medals will be up for grabs today in the 13th Annual South American 10km Road Race, which starts today from the Earth Station on CARIFESTA Avenue from 3pm; 72 athletes will vie for genuine eighth pennyweight gold medals along with a first place prize of US$1000 in the second leg of the three-leg race today. This is according to a press release from the Public Relations Officer for the event, Treiston Joseph. The race features athletes from Peru, one of which is a born Kenyan as well as athletes from Suriname, Grenada

and Trinidad. A Trinidadbased Kenyan is also expected to be a part of the Trinidadian contingent. Local athletes had cried fowl in another section of the print media over the inclusion of Kenyan athletes in the race today. “All systems are in place as the route has already been demarcated,” President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson said at a simple press briefing Saturday. Technical Delegate from Trinidad, Allan Babolall highlighted that he was pleased with the route and expects brilliant competition

come race day. Some of the foreign athletes also expressed their confidence to win the event. Those foreign athletes include Ilsida Tomere of Suriname and Boaz Lorupe of Peru. USA-based Guyanese, Euleen JosiahTanner has also arrived for the event and pledged her best performance for the Guyanese population. The event will conclude in the National Park at the Children’s Monument as Guyana’s Cleveland Forde will aim to win the event for a 10th time. Forde will be hard-pressed once the Kenyans arrive.

t r o Sp Samuels’ ton in vain as Sri Lanka sweep ODI series

Marlon Samuels plays a cut shot during his counterattacking century, Sri Lanka v West Indies, 3rd ODI, Pallekele, November 7, 2015 ©AFP

Lahiru Thirimanne and Kusal Perera complete a run during their 55-run partnership, Sri Lanka v West Indies, 3rd ODI, Pallekele, November 7, 2015 ©AFP

Enterprise, St. Angela’s survive gripping semi-finals to set up final clash St. Pius, West Ruimveldt to play for third place

Players from St. Angela’s and West Ruimveldt battle for possession of the ball in their clash yesterday.

Genuine gold medals up for grabs at South American 10k today -Forde faces toughest challenge against Kenyans

Part of the action in the semi-final clash that featured St. Pius and Enterprise which the latter won on penalty kicks.

Shillingford’s 6-107 leads Volcanoes fight back

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